A Preservative of Piety, To the reader
The EPISTLE TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.
Dear Christians,
ALbeit, the ensuing Instructions were purposely framed for my own Charge, yet finding them to grow under my hand to a more full Treatise then was at first in my thoughts, and that now they are like to come into many hands, I conceive it needful to say something by way of Preface, that what I have written may be more useful to any that shall think fit to read it.
That which I have to say, concerneth the matter handled, and the manner of writing.
The matter is wholly practical, save that necessity hath compelled me for the establishing of practical Truths, to mixe here and there that which is something controversal.
All (as you may see) is referred unto two heads, that is, Christian, and Family-duties; Of each sort there are four. I shall, before-hand, give you a tast of them all.
The first, of the first sort, is the reading of the Scriptures, which may well be put in the first place, because the written Word, is not only the Foundation of our Faith (a)Eph. 2.20., and the well-spring of saving wisdom (b)2 Tim. 3.15., but also the ground of Godliness (c)Tit. 1.1., the guide of Practise (d)Prov. 1.10, 11., and a divine Directory for the performance of every good duty, whereby not only the Minister and Man of God, but the People of God, the Sons and Daughters of the Lord God Almighty, are educated unto, and throughly furnished for, every good work (e)2 Tim. 3.17.. For the Scriptures are composed, not as the writings of Heathens, for vain-glory, but for mens Salvation; and the Spirit of God hath written them in a plain language, that all may easily see what is said (at least, as far as sufficeth for the guiding of their faith and carriage, and the safety of their souls,) and that no simple men (as Chrysostom speaks (f)Concione 3. De Lazaro.,) might make this excuse that the Scriptures are hard: for though there be difficulties therein, to take down mens pride; yet there is enough so plain, that not only Gods workman (g)2 Ttm. 2.15., (that is, the Minister) but any workman may see the way to Heaven, if he have eyes to see it; for, to see, requires sight as well as light.
In the next place, there is more particular Instructions given concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and that not without need; For where Salvation lies at the one end, and Damnation at the other, there's great need of Direction; that where we seek for the better of these, we may not find the worse.
In the handling of this Subject, I have been constrained unto a little further search, both to give an account of my own sollici…ousness about that Sacrament; and withall, by reason of the different perswasions of some learned and godly men, who I hope, will candidly interpret my Discourse, because I have endeavoured to speak according to the sense of Scripture, the consentient judgement of the Church of God, and with declaration of due respect to those from whom I somewhat dissent.
This Sacrament-doctrine I have, in the close, digested into Questions and Answers; not only because that way of teaching is most easie and familiar, but also to lend some assistance unto godly Christians for the better preparing of those belonging to their charge for that great Ordinance, by the instructing and catechising of them before-hand in those things which it concerns such as would be worthy Communicants to be acquainted with; what I have now published for this end, I have long since framed, and have still used in the visiting of the Families of those committed to my care, that they might come to the Sacrament with more knowledge and conscience: But that which I conceived fit for them, will not be, (I shall hope), unprofitable to others. How many wayes have painful Pastors used to acquaint the People of this Nation, with God and his Ordinances, and to work in them a reverent respect thereunto, some one way, and some another? But whether it be I or they (h)1 Cor. 15.11., it's the same thing for substance, and (perhaps) some may think so well of this way as to receive some benefit by it, and then I have what I aim at in it.
The third Chapter concerneth the Ministry, and may serve also as an help and incitement to a religious and profitable hearing of the Word, albeit I make not a distinct Head of that Argument; for neglect of serious hearing of Sermons ariseth from a low or no account of those that preach them: As the preaching of the Word by men formed out of the clay (i)Job 33.6., and called to that high office is Gods Ordinance for mans Salvation (k)1 Cor. 1.21. 2 Cor. 4.6, 7.; so the holding of such in reputation is mans assistance for the receiving of the benefit of it, it being very unlikely that men should be guided and ruled by those whom they do not regard. As long as there was any hope of the Jews, the Preface to their profiting was this, They will reverence my Son (l)Mat. 21.37.; and a base opinion of him, or his being without any honour among them, made him useless to them (m)Ma…k. 6.3, 4, 5..
The thing much thought of in this part of the Treatise, was, and is, to help to reduce (if God please so far to bless poor endeavours) those many Christians, who, by reason of the distemper of the times (for I am more willing to fix it upon that, then to think that so dismal a thing as their departure is, should arise out of their own hearts), I say, who by reason of the distemper and tentation of the late times, have so dangerously forsaken a duely called Ministry, whi…h God hath in singular mercy and compassion to mankinde (n)2 Chron. 36.15.appointed, and, to the worlds end (o)Mat…h. 28.20.constituted in his Church, for the perfecting of the Saints, by their work, and for the edification of the body of Christ, and in particular, for the preventing of their being tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive (p)Ephes. 4.12, 13, 14.. Into which evil of being wafted away from God and his wayes, they have sadly fal'n, who have fal'n away from an Ordained Ministry, and therewithall from all Gods Ordinances; but if God love them, and they love God, he will certainly bring their hearts back again, (q)1 King. 18.37.. If they be Children they cannot alwayes want bread, nor refuse to receive it from those Officers and Stewards, whom the Lord hath made Rulers of his Houshold, to give them their portion of meat in due season (r)Luk. 12.42.. But howsoever it fall out with some of them, who under a pretence of being more perfect Saints, disdain that Ministry, whereby (if God speak true) Saints are to be perfected, and that till they come to a perfect man (s)Ephes. 4.13.or to a perfect manly knowledge, which will never be till they come to heaven (t)1 Cor. 13.11.; I say, however it be with some such (as namely, those that have forsaken the written Word of God, of whom there is least hope) Yet, the things here laid down will serve (I trust) to confirm those who through the great goodness of God have been upheld, and held in a right and regular way, notwithstanding all solicitations and tentations to the contrary. As for others, all I shall say, is this, that perhaps some right Church-government, or some grievous Church-chastisement, will at length, bring those Professors of Religion, and godliness together, whom a vast and too-unlimited a liberty, (good both for doing and undoing, as men were right or light) hath set so far and fearfully asunder.
It's more then time for me to hasten to the fourth general head, wherein I have treated of the Christian or Lords-day Sabbath purposely, but in order thereunto have spoken something of the Sabbath in generall.
The great difficulty that there is in this Argument, I do with all humility, and deep sense of my own weakness, acknowledge, and therefore desire not that any thing here affirmed should be received but according as by Scripture, and Scripture-reason, it shall be found confirmed. But withal, I must crave leave to put the Reader in mind, that to judge rightly of, to reverence, rellish and receive, this, and divers other practical Truths, (namely those mentioned in this Treatise), two things are very needful,
1. A due respect to the General Rules of Holiness laid down in the Word of God. And
2. A Principle of Grace in the Heart (for the natural man receiveth not spiritual things (u)1 Cor. 2.14.,) that so there may be a consenting and closing with the Reason of Scripture, and the wisdom of God in the generalities thereof. Let all Christians therefore in the fear of God, and setting the Word of God before their eyes, indifferently and conscientiously consider those four things which I shall now propound, and present unto them.
1. Whether it be not more for Gods glory, the preserving and perpetuating of Religion, and the interest and commodity of the Souls of men, to have a set and intire day wherein to meet together in publike Worship for the knowing, acknowledging, serving and enjoying of God, then it is to have no such day?
2. If such a day be granted, Whether it be not needful and best, that it should be within that proportion of time, which God himself hath described and prescribed in the fourth Commandement, that is; Whether it must not be a weekly day, or whether it will serve as well (for the aforenamed ends) to have it left to men to lay out for their God, a day of their own devising, and within such a circuit of time as they think fit? If any will rest a matter of so great a moment upon Ecclesiastical constitution, I wonder what company of men may or will assume so much to themselves as to appoint a day in their own devised distance, and impose it to be observed on the whole Community of Christians▪ And if there be not in all the Christian world the same set day, how will the honour of God be diminished, which by the meeting of all the people of God together, to do homage to him, at one and the same time, is so remarkably heightened?
3. If there must be a weekly day of Gods own Institution, whether there be any other day of the week that can lay so good a claim to that sacred Institution, and that hath such a divine Character put upon it, as the first day of the week, on which our Saviour rested from all his work; and compleated the Redemption of Man-kind in his glorious Resurrection, on which our great Lord hath set his own Name, and that recorded in Scripture (x)Rev. 1.10., wherein also the holy Observation thereof is presented in Christian meetings, and such acts and exercises as suit with the solemn time of Christians assembling themselves together (y)Act. 20.7. & 1 Cor. 16.1,, And which is generally confest to be an Apostolical Ptescription, and so amounts to a divine Institution (z)1 Cor. 14.37.?
4. This day being divinely instituted, whether God will not be, that day, better served, and the spiritual profit of Christians better provided for, by making it an intire day of Rest holy to the Lord and to spiritual uses; or by mixing our work with Gods, and Play with Piety.
Such things as these, (and more weighty communications of better Writers) being seriously considered, will, I doubt not, work on those who desire to walk with God, willingly and thankfully to sequester themselves from all other things to enjoy a blessed communion with their Lord every Lords-day, and one day in seaven to be (as it were) in Heaven.
Thus of the first part of this little Tractate, and of the Christian duties therein contained.
The Second part treateth of Family-duties.
I begin with Family-Catechising, an exercise exceeding needful & useful, that they that are young may be acquainted with God betimes, and thereby, if they die sooner, may be fitter for his Kingdom, and fitter for his service, if they live longer. God would have all to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the Truth (a)1 Tim. 2.4.; but, as blind Pastors and People, so blind Housholders and Housholds, fill hell (b)Mat. 15.14.; And mean-while make the World much worse then else it would be; For, Families are the original of all other greater Societies; and want of Religious Education there, is the cause why there are so few good servants; for how shal an ignorant Son or Daughter that hath no knowledge or conscience, be a good Servant? And why there are so few good Wives and Husbands; for how shall they be good together, that were never bred up to be good asunder? Yea, is it not from hence, that there are so many less sound, or less godly Ministers, namely, because they have not been so trained up as young Timothy was, who from a child had known the holy Scriptures(c)2 Tim. 3.15.? Its true, that sometimes Religion is in the house, and yet not in the heart (at least, of most in the House) but, if it be in the heart, I am sure it will be in the house (d)Deut. 6.6, 7. Josh. 24 15. Act. 10.1, 2.: Yea, (as there shall be occasion) in every house (e)Act. 20.20.; for, the grace that is in a sincere and right heart, is like the oyntment of ones right hand, which bewrayeth it self (f)Prov. 27.16., being ever un-satisfied, unless it disperse and send abroad the sweet savour of the knowledge of Christ in every place (g)2 Cor. 2.14., especially, the Vicinity, but most of all the Family.
I proceed from this, to the thing I principally aimed at, and indeed, only intended when I first set upon this work, namely, to set forward the Duty of Family-Prayer; For, though God will do much for the house of Israel, and for every house in Israel, yet his Will is, to be sought that he may do it for them (h)Ezek. 36.37.. Heaven is a rich storehouse, and we have a Joseph there that is willing to nourish us, lest we and our houshold, and all that we have come to poverty (i)Gen. 47.11.; yet its necessary for us to go thither with our suits and supplications (as the sons of Jacob went into Egypt with their sacks) that so opening our mouths wide, the Lord Jesus may fill them (k)Psal. 81.10.. Ther's treasure enough in God's House for us and for our houses; but when God hath put a Key into our hand (that is, Prayer) to open the door, we must either turn the Key, or not expect the Treasure; men lust, and have not; labour, and have not; fight and scramble for the world, and yet they have not (or have not in mercy, Hos. 13.11.) because they ask not (l)Jam. 4.2.. Now because some weak Christians may say with Jeremy, Behold, I cannot speak (I cannot pray) for I am a child (m)Jer. 1.6., therefore I thought it would be profitable for their help, and education (as it were) to the duty of Prayer, to put some Prayers into their hands (though it be God only that must put a spirit of Prayer into their hearts(n)Zech. 12.10..) This is a course that heretofore hath found acceptance, but now it needs an Apology, considering that in late times, Forms have been so much out of request, that God's external Ordinances and holy Institutions, of one kind and another, have passed and suffered reproach, and that with divers of better report heretofore (but None but God knows who are his (o)2 Tim. 2.19.,) under the contemptible name of Forms of Religion, too low for Christians of the upper Form. Now, if any yet there be, that count themselves above Ordinances, I must leave them, as far above my persuasions. But as for modest Christians, who, howsoever they may be somewhat doubtful about the use of Forms of Prayer, yet are teachable and capable of satisfaction, I shall endevour to give it them; And therefore I willingly acknowledg▪ (and would have both those of my own Charge, and other Christians to know) that such Forms are not so properly intended for grown and exercised Christians (albeit (they being humble) will know they may receive help, and improvement from them) but they are composed for young Beginners; and for them also, not to tie them up, but to train them up (as they use to do little Children) to go first by a Form, that leaving the form, which was a great help at first, they may go, at length, on their own legs, without leaning on such Supports.
Blessed Bradford, that high and humble Martyr, when he was in Prison, wrote a prayer for his Mother that she might learn how to pray for him, and desired her to get it by heart, and to say it dayly; and he wrote another for all her house, to make use of in their Evening Prayer (p)Acts and Mon. Vol. 3. p. 351. so p. 594. A Prayer to be said at the stake by those that God shall account Worthy to suffer..
Unto which I add, that although poor and low, yea, the lowest, Christians may and should take more liberty in private between God and themselves, and not be afraid o… backward to groan out their desires before the Lord; yet the assistance and supplies of Prayers made to their hands, is, for such, needful to enable them to appear before others, and to be their mouth in the duty of Prayer: I say, needful, that neither the service may be contemptible to those that be bad, nor unprofitable and tedious to those that be better. Briefly, Formes of Prayer (whereof there are many in Scripture(q)Numb. 6.23. Hos. 14 2, 1 Chron. 16.7. Luke 11.2. Mat. 26.44.,) being framed according to Scripture, cannot be justly condemned; but I must add one thing more, and that is, that formal praying which idle Christians, by the abuse of forms, may soon fall into, can never be justified.
The third Family-duty is Repetition of Sermons, which, being carefully done, is the preservative of a right Religion; for why are people ever learning▪ and never come to the knowledge of the truth, or are easily carryed from it but because they take Ministers words, without Ministers grounds? and so, when other Teachers bring them a new Doctrine, they like the last and the new Teacher, and sell the former and the old truth; whereas, if they did review what they hear, and (as the noble Bereans (r)Act. 17.11.,) search the Scriptures, quoted by Ministers, and so find by examination, that what they have heard, is founded on the Word of God, and upon the credit of a divine Testimony, they would not change their mindes (having grace in them) because it is impossible for God to change His; nor can any word come from Him that is not perfect, and of perpetual verity. This recalling and repeating of Sermons, and endevouring that the Houshold may see how they agree with Scripture, hath ever been the character of more Religious Families, and a great means to make all in it (especially if they be called to give account of what they have heard, and heard again) to profit in Religion; For, as he that repeateth a matter separateth very Friends (s)Prov. 17.9., to wit, because the repetition makes it fresh in memory, causeth a greater observation, and leaveth a greater impression; so he that repeateth profitable matters, edifieth very Weaklings, and helpeth much the hearers, to understand, mark, and mind what hath been formerly delivered.
But whilest I thus persuade you to repetition, the saying of an excellent Servant of God (t)Dr. Preston.comes to my remembrance, which is this in effect, that as Kine and Sheep return not to their owners, grass and hay, but, milk, and fleece, and flesh; so Sermons are not to be returned and represented only by reading notes, but Christians are to repeat them in their lives, by being sound in opinion, growing in grace, and godly in all their cariage.
The last duty is, Singing of Psalms, to be used principally on our Lords Sabbath day (u)Psal. 92. title., but every other day, needful; because every day hath its mercy, for which God is to be praised; or if it hath its affliction, in that also God is to be blessed (x)Job 1.21., and there are Psalms sutable to every affliction — to sanctifie it unto us by ministring matter of Instruction — and to bear up our spirits in it, by affording matter of Consolation. It is every day likewise, a profitable Exercise, because the Book of Psalms containeth in it abundant matter of heavenly meditation, and spiritual edification. And as it is both needful and profitable; so it is an exercise very pleasant, for it awakeneth the soul, quickneth the spirits, cheareth up the heart, and generally reviveth both the inward and the outward man Other duties are a Christians work, This is his holy recreation, begun here, and to be compleated in heaven. I cannot leave this, without reciting what Mr. Beza (that hath done such eminent service to the Church of God) relateth of himself; it's this, When by the goodness of God, I hnd willingly forsaken my Countrey, and all that I had that I might freely serve Christ, it came to pass at my first entry into the publick assembly of the Christians, that the company did sing this (that is, the 91) Psalm; by the singing whereof, as though I had heard God himself calling me particularly, I felt my self so comforted that I have kept it since that time most dearly-graven in my heart: and I may truly witness this before God, that I have received marvellous comfort by it, both in sickness and in sorrow, not only by meditating it when I was smitten with the Pestilence, and the same plague had infected my Family, even four times, but also in other most grievous tentations (y)See this and more in Beza his argument of the 91 Psalm prefixed before his Paraphrase upon it.. Let all profit by his experience, and observe their own.
Thus have I given▪ Summary account of the matters handled in this Treatise: Concerning each of which, I earnestly desire the Reader to cast his eye upon the Margent, to search the Scriptures alleaged, and weigh the Reasons annexed: for I shall easily grant that a mans constitution is apt to insinuate it self into his meditation and discourse, perhaps too much (for in every constitution, as there is a vertue, or an help to vertue; so a danger also) and divers other things may lead a man aside before he is aware; Albeit therefore, I am not conscious to my self of offering any thing, but that which (as far as my understanding reacheth) is right, and do abhor to impose upon the consciences of men, which God alone can bind; yet, let the Reader, in the reading of mine, or any mans words else, set still before him the Word of God.
The manner of Writing (which is the other thing I mentioned) I have spoken somewhat to in the former Epistle. It is not so plain and perspicuous as (in regard of the common sort of Christians) I intended, but the Babes of Christ will here find milk; that is, many things fitted to their capacity, and if there be any stronger meat, it will suit better with more mature Christians. All men know, or may know, that Ministers are necessitated to extend such abilities as God hath given them, to the utmost (which is hardly done without some obscurity) for the pleading of the causes of God: And that because, as flesh and bloud riseth up in arms, & mustereth all its forces against the truth of God; so doth it also against the way of godliness; whereby, tho the adversaries thereof, cannot destroy it, yet they prevail so far as to darken it, and to cast so many mists before mens eyes, that it is not easie for the ordinary Traveller to discern the right way, nor for their Guides to clear it up unto them.
However, I hope they that have good and honest hearts, will hereby receive some good; and from others, that write of the same things, they may receive more; and by humble and faithful Prayer to God, with diligent studying of his Word, most of all.
I crave pardon for being so tedious in this Epistle, which because it may serve, not only for an introduction, but as a Supplement also to that whi…h followeth; the Reader may please the rather to bear with it.
I have nothing now to do, but to leave with Christians this one necessary Admonition; that is, not to content themselves with those outward exercises of Religion that they shall here find urged, but to study, and by these helps, to strive after the power of Godliness. For though a man cannot be Pious and Religious, without observing the external means of Godliness, the p…in…ipal whereof, was the Sanctification of the Sabbath (as one that was not so good a friend to the Sabbath as he should have been notes well(t)Prim….) yet all outward duties lose their end and their estimation, yea, they serve as sad witnesses against them that use them most, if the reality of Religion, and the power and exercise of grace, doth not appear in their conversation; for, The exercises of Religion, are for the exercise, and are not to be performed (much less to be rested on) in stead of Godliness (u)Sicut hodiè concionum au litum, cujus finis est pietas, multi pro ipsa pietate habent, &c. Scult. & Bockstad. in Epist. ad Rom. cap. 10. v. 5., but to nourish Godliness, and to stead us in the way of Holiness.
When Paul plants, and Apollo waters, the Lord give the increase! And so sanctifie unto you these poor labours, that thereby one cubit may be added to your spiritual stature.
May I attain that end, and obtain your earnest prayers for the passing of the little remainder of my pilgrimage here in fear, and faith, and faithfulness; you will abundantly recompence him, who is, and shall remain,
Yours sincerely, in the service of the Gospel, as long as God shall think fit to imploy so unworthy a servant, William Thomas.