The Middle Things, Chapter 10
CHAP. X.
SECT. 1. Of Preparatives to Chriſtian-Society.
HItherto of ſecret Duties, and private Duties, ſo far as they concern every man in his own particular, and in his own family: Now as of many particulars conſiſts a family, ſo of many families may conſiſt this Chriſtian-Society we are ready to treat of; and the rather do we fall upon it, becauſe we hold it a Duty, to keep a conſtant, indeared and loving correſpondence with the Saints, to communicate with experimental Chriſtians, in their Experiences of Chriſt working and dwelling in them, To exhort one another, Heb. 10.24, 25.and ſo much the more, as we ſee the day approaching.
Now that we may joyntly and comfortably carry on this Duty, obſerve we,
1. Our entrance into it.
2. Our proceedings in it.
1. For entrance, we muſt
1. Renounce all ſinful and wicked Society.
2. Entertain ſuch Graces as will fitly prepare us for this Society.
1. We muſt renounce and diſcharge all wicked ſociety:2 Cor. 6.14.15.16. For what fellowſhip hath righteouſneſs with unrighteouſneſs? And what communion hath light with darkneſs? And what concord hath Chriſt with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? as melted gold will unite it ſelf with the ſubſtance of gold, but not incorporate it ſelf with droſs; ſo if God by his Spirit melts the heart, and fits it for union with Believers, then he ſeperates it from that which is Hetrogeneous and diſagreeing to it: Lord, who ſhall dwell in thy holy hill? ſaith David; the anſwer is given, Pſal. 15.4. In whoſe eyes a vile perſon is contemned, Pſal. 15 4.but he honoreth them that fear the Lord: Underſtand the Text ſoberly concerning Contempt of a vile perſon. David would not have us to deny him courteſies and civil behavior: We may eat, and drink, and buy, and ſell, and ſhew kindeneſs, and pity him, and pray for him, and carry our ſelves with all wiſdom towards him, though he be without; but as for holy communion, we muſt ſay to him as Peter to Simon, Acts 8.21.Thou haſt neither part nor fellowſhip in this body; or as Nehemiah to Sanballat, Tobiah and Geſhem, You have no portion, Neh. 2.20.nor right, nor memorial in Jeruſalem.
2. We muſt entertain ſuch Graces as will fitly prepare us for this Chriſtian Society, and they are ſuch as theſe:—
1. Humility: Humble men contend not, cenſure not, quarrel not, diſdain not: They can meet with unequal reſpects of age, ſex, ſtate and parts; they can diſcern even in women what is to be honored, and if there be not always ſo profound a judgement, yet many times there is more holy, and more ſweet affections: They have not the faith of Chriſt in reſpect of perſons, but can ſay to the poor man (if he be of the poor whom God hath choſen, rich in Grace, and heir of the Kingdom) Sit thou here in a good place; they can prefer Grace before parts, and delight in the ſweet ſcent of creeping Violets: They can make uſe of, and improve all other mens gifts,Rom. 12.10. For in honor they prefer one another, and ſo they come to be kindely affectioned one to another in brotherly love; they can ſpy out Graces of all ſorts, in all ſorts and ranks of people: They obſerve the ſweet affability and courteſie of ſome great ones, the honeſt diligence and patience of ſome poor ones, the bluſhing modeſty and humility of ſome ſolidly learned, the chearful activity of Gods worſhip of ſome illiterate, that love Chriſt in ſincerity, though they cannot diſpute for him: Several ſorts of men, have ſeveral luſtres: now the humble learn of all, and ſo receive much benefit in communion from all: This Grace then gives him a fitneſs for this Society.
2. Acknowledgement, and the priſing of others gifts: It is ſaid of Apollos, Acts. 18.24.25.That though he were an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, yet he ſo far acknowledged and honored the Graces of God, and the gifts that were in Aquila and Priſcilla, (a plain couple, an handy-crafts man and his wife) that he was content to learn of them: O let not Brethren envy and grudge at one another, but acknowledge and prize the gifts of others as their own gifts.
Phil. 2 4.3. Self-denial: Let nothing be done through ſtrife or vain-glory, but in lowlineſs of minde, let each eſteem other better then themſelves: Look not every man on his own things, but every man alſo on the things of others: How goodly is it to ſee a man who hath parts, and gifts, and graces, to deny himſelf, and all for the edifying of the body? Paul could endeavor to pleaſe all men in all things, Not ſeeking his own profit, 1 Cor. 10.33.but the profit of many: He hath a true publique ſpirit, that prefers the body of Chriſt, before his own private; that can deny himſelf, ſo that God may be glorified.
4. Love: A grace of ſuch uſe and influence, that without love there can be no Christian Society; it is love that joyns hands and hearts: So the ſoul of Jonathan was knit to the ſoul of David, For Jonathan loved him as his own ſoul. 1 Sam. 18.1.Love diſpoſeth men to all ſpiritual Offices, to pray together, ſing together, talk or confer together; on the contrary, all the gifts in the world, how excellent ſoever, are nothing worth without love: Though I ſpake with the tongues of men and Angels; 1 Cor. 13.1, 2.Though I had the gifts of all propheſie, and underſtood all myſteries, and all knowledge, and have not love, I am nothing.
5. Amiableneſs, Facility or Condeſcention: Rugged ſtones unhewn and unſquared, cannot fitly lie and joyn together in one building; ſowre, harſh and ſullen ſpirits, are not fit for ſociety: If there be a Nabal, who is ſuch a ſon of Belial, that no man can ſpeak to him, he may not be entertained: I know there are ſome good men of an harſh and ridgid diſpoſition, who make many a poor Chriſtian to ſtartle back, though he came with a reſolution to conſult and learn ſomething of them: But there is in ſome others (whom I always prefer) an alluring facility, that doth call in the modeſt and bluſhing, who would otherwiſe ſtep back: Now this ſweet diſpoſition for gaining of ſouls into the liking and reliſhing of the good ways of God, is a commendable Grace.
6. Sobriety of ſpirit, in the ſuſpending of all raſhneſs of cenſures, and a patient bearing with ſome errors and offences, which unavoidably wil ſometimes fall out: The Apoſtle had reſpect unto this, when he admoniſhed the Coloſſians, To forbear one another, Coloſſ. 3.13.& to forgive one another, if any man have a quarrel againſt any, or a matter of complaint (as the word ſignifieth) even as Chriſt forgave you: How quarrellous are ſome men? How loud and ſhrill, and thunder-ſtormy in their complaints? on the contrary, heavenly ſouls reſolve to do good, and to ſuffer evil: Such was Davids carriage towards Shimei, 2 Sam. 16.7, 10.and Shimei curſed him: Come out thou bloody man, thou man of Belial: David ſaid no more, but Let him curſe, becauſe the Lord had ſaid unto him, Curſe David.
7. Innocency, harmleſneſs, or inoffenſiveneſs of converſation: Nothing more deſtroys Christian-Society, then frequent lyes, flatteries, whiſpering, ſcoffs, calumnies, and invented ſlanders:Iames 3.8.—1.26. Hence James calls the tongue, An unruly evil, full of deadly poiſon;— And if this member be not tamed, all Religion is in vain; and conſequently all Religious Society.
8. An holy coveting of excellent gifts: Emulation ordinarily engenders ſtrife, and overthrows Chriſtian-Society; But this holy contention, this ſpiritual emulation, this zeal after more perfection of gifts and graces,1 Cor. 12.31. the Apoſtle enjoyneth, Covet earneſtly the beſt gifts; q.d. affect, emulate, be zealous after a further growth or improvement.
9. Wiſdom: Both to diſcern where the rich treaſure lies, and to be able to draw it forth: There lies many times a great deal of ſpiritual wealth, in ſome obſcure and neglected Chriſtians, which many ſupercilious and conceited profeſſors do paſs by and neglect: One would not think what dexterity in Scriptures, what judgement in Controverſies, what fervency and expreſſions in Prayer, what acquaintance with God and his Providence, what ſtrength of Faith, what Patience, Meekneſs, Moderation, Contentedneſs, Heavenly-mindedneſs, may be now and then found out and diſcovered in plain people, that have plain carriage and plain ſpeech: Here then is the neceſſary uſe of wiſdom, to diſcover thoſe gifts and graces; and when we finde ſuch a vein, to dig it, and draw it forth: Do you obſerve one of great dexterity in Scriptures? propound to him ſome difficult place where you were fain to make a ſtand: Do you obſerve one well ſtudied in controverſies? deſire him to untie a knot, where you have been a great while looking for an end: Do you obſerve one acquainted with caſes of deſertion and ſoul-clouds? learn of him what experiments he hath collected, and which was his way out of the miſt: Do you obſerve one powerful in Prayer? get him to commend your ſuits with you unto God: All men would be dealt with in the proper way wherein they are verſed, and wherein they excel.
SECT. 2. Of a mutual exchange of gifts and graces.
AFter the Preparatives, we come to the Duties themſelves; which conſiſt,
1. In a mutual exchange and imparting of Gifts and Graces.
2. In a mutual ſerviceableneſs to the bodies and ſouls of one another.
3. In a mutual walking together, and holding of hands in the Ordinances of Chriſt.
1. There muſt be in Chriſtian-Society, a mutual exchange and imparting of Gifts and Graces: God hath diſpenſed variety of gifts unto his people; as Job was exemplary for patience and uprightneſs; Moſes for faithfulneſs and meekneſs; Joſiah for tenderneſs and activity in the cauſe of Reformation; Timothy for Miniſterial diligence and care of the flock: The gift of Chriſt is Grace, according to meaſure: He meaſures to one ſuch gifts, to another ſuch, to another ſuch and ſuch, as he pleaſeth: Ʋnto every one of us is given grace, Epheſ 4.7.according to the meaſure of the gift of Chriſt: God gave the Spirit without meaſure unto Chriſt, but we have it according to our ſcantling, and as he pleaſeth to honor and entruſt us: To one is given the word of knowledge, to another faith, to another propheſie, 1 Cor. 12.8, 9, 10.to another the diſcerning of ſpirits, to another divers kindes of tongues: Thus every man hath his proper gift of God, One after this maner, 1 Cor. 7.7.and another after that: One hath quickneſs of parts, but not ſo ſolid a judgement; another is ſolid, but not ſo ready and preſential; one hath a good wit, another a good memory, a third a good utterance; one is zealous, but ungrounded; another well principled, but timerous: One is wary and prudent, another open and plain hearted; one is trembling and melting, another chearful and full of joy: Now thus God freely gives, and moſt wiſely diſpoſeth, that we may be engaged to uſe his bounty to each others help: The knowing Chriſtian is to impart to him that is weak in gifts, and the zealous Chriſtian that hath fewer notions, is to impart his warmth and heat to his knowing friend: The Chriſtian that hath collected experiences, or found out methods, for the advancement of holineſs, muſt not deny ſuch knowledge to the body; Chriſtians muſt drive an open and free trade, they muſt teach one another the myſtery of godlineſs: Tell your experiences, and tell your conflicts, and tell your comforts, make all that you have the bodies, and all the body hath, yours: Some ſay, The art of Medicine was thus perfected, as any one met with an herb, and diſcovered the vertue of it by any accident, he would poſt it up in ſome publique place, and ſo the Phyſitians skill was perfected, by a collection of thoſe experiments and receipts: We muſt one day account how we have laid out our Knowledge, our Utterance, our ſpirit of Prayer, our Ability of diſcerning, our experience of God, our taſte of the Promiſes, our enlargements after Prayer, our improvements by Conference, our comforts after private Humiliation, our ſtrengthening by Sacraments, or what elſe may be inſtanc'd in for the uſe of others; how we got rid of ſuch a luſt, how we maſtred ſuch a temptation, how we attained to ſuch a facility in this or that duty, and there muſt be this commerce among them that are in this heavenly partnerſhip.
SECT. 3. Of a mutual ſerviceableneſs to the bodies and ſouls of one another.
THere muſt be in this Chriſtian-Society, a mutual ſerviceableneſs:
1. To the bodies.
2. To the ſouls one of another.
1. To the bodies of one another: The primitive Chriſtians excelled in this care, they put their eſtates (by reaſon of the perſecution) into a common ſtock, Acts 4.32. & 34.35.that all, even the pooreſt ſort, that in thoſe hard and uncertain times, gave their names to Chriſtianity, might be tended and looked on with equal care and reſpect: I know ſome have ſtretched this too far, to make it a leading caſe and binding example; but thus far it holds, that if the neceſſity of the faithful call for it, even all that we have muſt be ſerviceable in order and in due reſpects: The Catalogue runs thus; 1. The publike ſtate wherein we live, we muſt provide for. 2. Our ſelves. 3. Our wives. 4. Our parents. 5. Our children and family. 6. The houſhold of faith. 7. Our kindred. 8. Our neareſt neighbors and common friends. 9. Our countreymen. 10. Strangers. 11. Enemies. It is truly an acceptable ſervice to God, and a glorious Miniſtery, to tend the Lords poor and ſick; therefore Paul ſometimes took upon him the fellowſhip of the miniſtring to the Saints, 2 Cor. 8.4, 7.as he was deſired by the Churches of Mecedonia, whom he commends for their charity, and whoſe example he wills the Corinthians to follow.
2. To the ſouls of one another, and this ſeveral ways:
1. In watching over one another: I know we have Enemies that maliciouſly watch over us for our haltings, but it is the part of a friend, to watch over his companion for good; we are apt enough to neglect our own watch, we had need to have either prying enemies, or faithful friends, to make us know our ſelves.
2. In admoniſhing and reproving thoſe that fall: This is a great Duty, but much neglected. Reverend Mr. Bolton, ſpeaking of that grave and religious Judge Nichols (who deſired him ſometimes to deal plainly with him) confeſſed after the Judges death,Boltons quartior noviſſima, pag. 163. that he was grieved at his heart that he had done no more in that kinde: O count not admonition an unneceſſary medling, we may through a fooliſh humor to be eſteemed peaceable and quiet, ſuffer many to miſcarry and be loſt.
3. In recovering thoſe that are fallen, through a ſpirit of meekneſs: Brethren, if any man be overtaken with a fault, ye which are spiritual, reſtore ſuch a one in the spirit of meekneſs, Gal. 6.1, 2.conſidering thy ſelf, leſt thou alſo be tempted. Chriſtians ſhould not triumph over them that are on the ground, and thrown down by a temptation, but rather they ſhould ſit by them on the ſame flat, and mourn with them and for them, and feel ſome of their weight.
4. In inſtructing the ignorant, dull, and leſs capable: To this purpoſe we ſhould rather keep a ſlow pace, then willingly out-go the yong and tender Lambs: O deſpiſe them not here, with whom we ſhall have eternal company in heaven; it may be they can reach no higher then the very Principles of Religion, without which they could not be ſafe: yet if they know and can ſay any thing of God in Chriſt Jeſus, or if they would fain hear of him, be not too high for their Society; neglect not the rear of the Chriſtian army, but ſtrive with their infirmity or unfitneſs, whatſoever it be.
5. In encouraging weak beginners: bid them welcom that ſtand upon the threſhold, that linger in the porch of this Society, and would be glad to ſit down among the Diſciples of Chriſt. It was propheſied of Chriſt,Iſa. 42 3. A brui…ed reed ſhall he not break, and the ſmoking flax ſhall he not quench: It ſhould be thus with Chriſtians, they ſhould not quench, but rather encourage the ſmoking fl…x into a flame: Do you perceive a poor ſoul to liſten after Chriſt, and to hearken if ſome word of comfort may be let fall? open your ſelves to him, and let him in to the pleaſures and raviſhments of the Kings chambers: Take heed of making any one go back, or grow out of love with the order and government of Chriſts family.
6. In ſtirring up the Spirits and gifts of one another: Conſider one another (ſaith the Apoſtle) to provoke unto love and to good works; Heb. 10.24, 25.not forſaking the aſſembling of our ſelves together, but exhorting one another. A mean perſon by asking a queſtion, may lay the firſt ſtone, whereupon a goodly frame of excellent and rich diſcourſe may be reared: Chriſtians muſt quicken one another in the ways of godlineſs; as the iron ſharpeneth iron, as rubbing of the hands makes both warm, and as live coals makes the reſt to burn, ſo let the fruit of Society be mutual, ſharpning, warming and inflaming.
7. In raiſing, chearing, comforting the dejected and diſmaid Spirit: How did the Martyrs in their Priſons ſet one another at liberty from the bondage of fears? how did holy Bradford's ſweet and chearful company, make the very dungeons lightſom, and Pallace-like to his fellow-priſoners? An unbelieving heart, oppreſſed many times with fooliſh cares and fears, doth ſometimes (by a word duly ſpoken, or by a Promiſe applyed in the ſeaſon of it) feel the load quite taken away.
SECT. 4. Of a mutual walking together, and holding hands in the Ordinances of Chriſt.
THere muſt be in Chriſtian Society. A mutual walking together in the Ordinances of Chriſt: as—
1. In hearing the Word, by quickning one another unto it, by helping the negligent to apply it, by taking forth the ſeveral portions belonging to the ſeveral conditions and neceſſities of each, by praying for one another, that it might be uſeful and ſeaſonable to all.
2. In the Sacraments,Col. 2.5. joyning in one another, beholding their order and ſtedfaſtneſs of faith in Chriſt: How ſhould they but rejoyce together in the love of God, feeding at the ſame Table as thoſe that ſhall meet and ſit down with Chriſt in his Kingdom of Glory? How ſhould they but behold their order and ſtedfaſtneſs of faith, now renewing their Covenant of love among themſelves, and laying down all grudges, rancour, prejudice, uncharitableneſs, ſurmiſes for Chriſts ſake, and giving the right hand of fellowſhip, cordially and unfainedly to one another, as thoſe that finde themſelves to be all retainers to the ſame Maſter, and provided for with the ſame care, and purchaſed by the price of the ſame blood.
3. In Prayer for and with each other: In Primitive times, they uſed to tranſa…t one anothers affairs in the Court of Heaven by Prayer:Eph. 6.18, 19, Pray always (ſaid Paul) with all prayer and ſupplication, for all Saints, and for me:— and, Pray one for another (ſaid James) that ye may be healed; Iames 5.16.q. d. if the heart rankles, or if there be any fallings out, any differences and jarrings among Chriſtians, let them meet together, and humbly acknowledge where the fault lies, and make up the matter before God, who is both a witneſs of their mutual ſincerity, and is onelyonly able to ſearch the bottom of the wound, and to cure it: Sometimes Chriſtians have known bleſſed experiments of this, and can tell when a Prob-tum eſt was written upon it.
4 In faſting for the afflicting, and humbling of the ſoul; ſo Ezra and his men, and Eſther and her maids, maintained communion together: Such Faſting-days, are ſoul-feeding-days, and ſoul-curing-days; ſome diſeaſes, ſome luſts will go out no other ways.
5. In mutual bemoanings, confeſſions, and opening of our ſores and wounds; it may be, when the Apoſtle ſaith, Confeſs your faults one to another, he means more then acknowledgement of offences, whereby a man hath ſinned againſt his brother; viz. that Chriſtians ſhould alſo bewail their failings, infirmities, deadneſs, unſavorineſs, coldneſs, narrowneſs, unfruitfulneſs to one another, to ſee whether others have been in the ſame caſe, and what courſe they took, and what remedy they procured: many ſouls may periſh through too much reſervedneſs and modeſty.
6. In holy Conference: This indeed is it that might much improve the meeting of Chriſtians. In the Prophets time, when proud ſcorners, and prophane ſpirited men talked vainly, and did even what they liſt,Mal. 3 16. then they that feared the Lord met, and ſpake often one to another; no doubt they ſpake of God, and his councels, of his works and ways, of his providence and goodneſs, of the baſeneſs of Atheiſtical thoughts concerning God: would Chriſtians thus meet and exchange words and notions,1 Theſſ. 5.11. Luke 24.32. Acts 28.15. they might build up one another, they might heat and inflame one another, they might ſtrengthen and encourage one another, as the brethren did Paul: and have we not an expreſs Command for this Duty of Conference?Ier. 23 35. Thus ſhall ye ſay every one to his brother, and every one to his neighbor, What hath the Lord anſwered? and what hath he ſpoken?
And now I am fallen on this Duty, give me leave to lay down ſome experiments and proceedings of ſome Chriſtians as willingly joyned themſelves in a Chriſtian Society, and by Gods bleſſing thereby ſweetly improved themſelves.
SECT. 5. Of ſome Orders to which ſome Chriſtians ſubſcribed before Conference.
IN this Conference of Chriſtians,
1. Some Orders were made, to which all ſubſcribed.
2. Some Queſtions were propounded, to which all anſwered.
1. The Orders were theſe:—
1. That every Wedneſday (eſpecially during winter) we will meet for Conference about ſoul-affairs.
2. That if any difference in opinion ſhall ariſe amongſt us, we will fully debate, and then ſubmit to the judgement of the Society, as it ſhall be made good out of the Word.
3. If we obſerve any of the Society to fall into any ſin or ſcandal, he that obſerves it ſhall firſt warn the party thereof; and if he offend again in the ſame kinde, the obſerver ſhall then joyn with himſelf one or two more to warn the ſame party; and if he will not hear them, the obſerver or any other ſhall then acquaint the Society at our next meeting; and if he will not hear them, that then he be excluded till he repent, and be voted for his admiſſion again.
4. That whatſoever is ſpoken amongſt us (the telling whereof may tend to the prejudice of any one of us) ſhall be kept ſecret, upon pain of undergoing ſuch Cenſure as the major part of the company ſhall think fit.
5. That for admiſſion of any into our Society, we will not be too ſtrict nor too large; not too ſtrict in excluding any, in whom we have any good hopes of ſincerity, and real de…ire to increaſe their knowledge, and mutual love, though they may be but weak in gifts; nor too large in admitting ſuch,Rom. 14.1. 2 Theſſ. 3 6.14. Tit. 3 10. who may be either heretical in opinion, or immoderate in life: And by this Rule, thoſe that are to be admitted ſhall be voted by the major part of us.
6. That for better regulating of this Society, we will have a Moderator. And what further Orders we or any of us ſhall hereafter think upon, we ſhall propound the ſame to the Society at our next meeting; and the ſame ſhall be confirmed or adnulled, as it ſhall be agreed by the major vote of our Society.
7. That the Moderator ſhall propound the Queſtion and matter of our Diſcourſe the week before it be diſcuſſed; and at every meeting begin with Prayer, and end with Thankſgiving.
SECT. 6. Of ſome Queſtions of Practical Divinity, which at the Conference were propounded and anſwered.
THe Queſtions propounded were of ſeveral ſorts:
1. Choyce Heads of Practical Divinity.
2. Wholeſom Caſes of Conſcience.
3. Some Contraverted Points.
The Queſtions of the firſt ſort, were theſe and the like:
§. 1. What was the happineſs of Mans condition in the ſtate of Innocency?
1. GOd made man in his own Image, Gen. 1.26, 27. and 9.6. Eccles. 7.29. Eph. 4.24.
2. Man was wonderfully and fearfully made, Pſal. 139.14.
3. Man was made Lord of all the creatures, Gen. 1.26, 28. Pſal. 8.6.
4. Man had a perfect knowledge of
God, Rom. 1.19, 20.
the Creatures, Gen. 2.19.
5. Man had ſweet and immediate communion and conference with God, Gen. 1.28, 29, 30. and 3.8.
6. Man was placed in Paradice, Gen. 2.15.
7. Man was made little lower then the Angels, Pſal. 8.5.
8. Man labored without pain, Gen. 3.17.
9. Man lived without ſin or ſhame, Gen. 1.31. and 2.25.
10. Man was crowned with glory and dignity, Pſal. 8.5. 1 Cor. 11.7.
11. Man was Gods delight, Prov. 8.31.
12. Man had a poſſibility not to dye, Gen. 2.17. and 3.19.
13. Man had free choyce of good and evil, not neceſſitated to either, Gen. 2.16.
§. 2. What are the Miſeries of Man in ſtate of Nature?
1. HE is impure in his conception, Pſal. 51.5.
2. He is born in iniquity, Pſal. 51.5.
3. He is defiled with ſin in the whole nature, Iſa. 64.6. Ezek. 16.6. Rom. 7.24.
4. His thoughts are corrupted with ſin, Gen. 6.5. Eph. 4.17, 18.
5. All the members of his body and powers of his ſoul are defiled with ſin, 2 Pet. 2.14.
6. His members are ſervants to unrighteouſneſs and to iniquity, Rom. 3.13, 14, 15, 16. and 6.19.
7. He is Spiritually blinde, Rev. 3.17. Jer. 10.14. 1 Cor. 2.14. Eph. 5.8.
8. His minde is ſet in evil works, Eph. 4.18. Col. 1.21.
9. His will luſteth after evil, Rom. 8.7.
10. His heart is deceitful and deſperately wicked, Jer. 17.9.
11. His affections are inordinate, Iſa. 59.7.
12. He hath a defiled conſcience, Tit. 1.15.
13. He hath an unſatiable deſire after ſin, Job 14.4.—15.16.
14. He is full of ſin, Prov. 22.15. Rom. 1.24.—7.5, 14. 2 Pet. 2.19.
15. He is dead in ſin, Eph. 2.1, 2.
16. His civil actions are ſin, Prov. 21.4.
17. His beſt ſervices are ſin, Prov. 15.8, 9, 28, 29.
18. He is unable to any good, Rom. 3.12.—7.19.—8.8. 2 Cor. 3.5. Rev. 3.17.
19. He is hated of God, Pſal. 5.5.
20. He is ſeperated from all fellowſhip with God, Iſa. 59.2. Eph. 2.12.
21. He is under Gods curſe, Gal. 3.10. Deut. 28.16, 17, 18.
22. He is without Chriſt, Eph. 2.12. and out of the communion of Saints, Eph. 2.12.
23. He is a bondſlave of Satan, John 8.34, 44. 2 Cor. 4.4. Eph. 2.2. Heb. 2.15.
24. He is a childe of wrath, Eph. 2.3.
25. He is ſubject to all the calamities and curſes of this life, Deut. 28.15, 16, 17, &c.
26. His life is ſhort, and vain, and full of toil and care, Gen. 3.19. Eccleſ. 5.14. Pſal. 103.14, 15.
27. He is liable to death, Rom. 5.12.—6.23. Gen. 3.19. Deut. 30.18. Pſal. 89.48.
28. He is guilty of damnation, Rom. 5.17, 18.— 8.6. 2 Theſſ. 2.11, 12.
29. He ſhall not (as ſuch) inherit the Kingdom of heaven, 1 Cor. 15.50. 2 Theſſ. 1.9.
30. He is an enemy to his children, Deut. 28.18.
§. 3. What means hath God appointed to come out of this miſerable eſtate?
1. VVE muſt enquire after the means of ſalvation, Luke 3.10, 12. Acts 2.37.—16.29, 30.
2. We muſt lay hold on ſeaſons and opportunities of grace offered, John 12.35.
3. We muſt hearken to, and entertain the motions of Gods Spirit, Rev. 3.18, 20.
4. We muſt ſeriouſly conſider of our own ways, Haggai 1.5. Luke 15.20.
5. We muſt go to God by Chriſt, John 14.6. and 10.9.
6. We muſt ſearch the Scriptures, Deut. 17.19. Iſa. 55.1, 2, 3. John 5.39.
7. We muſt wait on the word preached, John 5.24. Acts 26.18. Rom. 10.14, 17. 1 Cor 1.18, 21. 1 Pet. 1.23. 1 John 4.6.
8. We muſt ſee our ſin, Rom. 2.20. Gal. 2.10. have a ſenſe and feeling of ſin, Mat. 11.28. Acts 2.37.
9. We muſt confeſs our ſins, Prov. 28.13. 1 John 1.9.
10. We muſt be grieved for ſin, Iſa. 57.15. Mat. 5.4. James 4.9, 10. Zech. 12.10. 2 Cor. 7.10.
11. We muſt be inſtant in prayer, Acts 8.22. Rom. 10.13. 2 Theſſ. 1.11.12. Heb. 4.16.
12. We muſt endeavor after regeneration, John 3.3, 5. and mortification, Mat. 7.13. Rom. 8.13.
13. We muſt conſider the curſe due to us for ſin, Ezek. 18.28. Gal. 3.10. Col. 3.6.
14. We muſt remove all lets or impediments that hinder converſion, Deut. 12.8. Eph. 4.17.
15. We muſt conſider that by ſin we had an hand in crucifying Chriſt, Zech. 12.10. Acts 2.36, 37.
16. We muſt judge our ſelves, that we be not judged, 1 Cor. 11.31.
17. We muſt forſake our ways and thoughts, and turn to the Lord, Iſa. 55.7. Joel 2.13. Acts 2.38.
18. We muſt avoid evil ſociety, 2 Cor. 6.17, 18.
19. We muſt deſire after Chriſt and his righteouſneſs, Mat. 5.6. Rev. 3.18.—21.6.
20. We muſt believe on the Lord Jeſus, John 3.15.—6.35, 65. Acts 16.31. Gal. 3.22. Eph. 2.8.
21. We muſt reſt on Gods Promiſes in Chriſt for converſion, Iſa. 43.25.—44.21, 22. Ezek. 36.26, 27.
22. We muſt deny our ſelves, Mat. 15.24. Luke 14.26.
23. We muſt be doers of the word, and not hearers onelyonly, James 1.22.
§. 4. What are the ſigns of a ſound and ſincere Humiliation?
1. A Sorrow for ſin, becauſe God hates it, Pſal. 51.4.
2. A breaking of the heart out of pure love to God, Rom. 2.4.
3. A ſorrow for ſin, becauſe it crucified Chriſt, Zech. 12.10.
4. A free acknowledgement of our unworthineſs, in greateſt fulneſs of our worldly felicity, Gen. 32.10.
5. A ſuffering of ſorrow to abide on the ſoul, and not putting it off by worldly comforts, Iſa. 58.5, 6. Joel 2.13.
6. A mourning for leſſer ſins, as well as for greater; for the evil that cleaves to a mans beſt works, as for his other evil actions, James 2.10.
7. A ſubmiſſion to Gods will, let him do what he pleaſeth, Joſh. 10.15. 2 Kings 20.19. Jer. 10.19.
8. A throwing of the ſoul (being affrighted with the threats of the Law, and accuſations of his own conſcience) wholly upon Chriſt and his Promiſes, Luke 13.12. Acts 16.31.
9. A hatred againſt, and ſhunning of all ſin, Job 42.6. Pſal. 119.113. 2 Cor. 7.11.
10. A leaving of all ſin, and doing the contrary good things, Iſaiah 58.6, 7, 8. Micah 6.8.
11. The ſeven marks of godly ſorrow, laid down in 2 Cor. 7.11.
§. 5. What are the ſigns of an hard heart?
1. IMpetitence, Rom. 2.5.
2. An evil heart of unbelief, Heb. 3.12, 13.
3. Inflexibleneſs under the means of grace, Exod. 7.14. Mat. 23.37. Jer. 6.16.—44.16.
4. Spiritual blindeneſs, and obſtinacy in error, Iſa. 44.18. John 12.40. Eph. 4.18.
5. A contemning of God and of Chriſt, 1 Sam. 6.6. Mark 3.5.
6. A ſlighting of divine miracles, Mark 6.52.
7. A diſtruſting of the Almighty, Pſal. 78.17, 18, 19, 20.
8. A ſlighting of the mercies of God, Deut. 32.15.
9. A ſlighting of Gods threats and judgements, Jer. 5.3.-44.16
10. Abuſe of Gods lenity, bountifulneſs, patience, and long-ſuffering, Rom. 2.4, 5.
11. A deſire of Gods departure from us, Job 21.14.
12. A greedy affection to ſin, Eph. 4.18, 19.
13. A deſpiſing of the bleſſed means of ſalvation, Pſal. 81.11, 12. Jer. 32.33. Zech. 7.9, 10, 11, 12. Acts 2.51.
14. A not being bettered by the means, but rather the contrary, Iſa. 6.9, 10.
15. A growing worſe and worſe after judgements, Exod. 8.15.—9.34. Pſal. 106.43.
16. A wilful provocation, Num. 14.11. Pſal. 95.8.
17. Pride againſt God, and cruelty againſt the people of God, Exod. 5.2.
18. Wilful and deſperate ſpeeches, Jer. 18.12.
19. Oppoſition of Gods people in their ſervice to him, Exod. 13.15. Deut. 2.30.
20. War againſt the people of God, Joſh. 11.20.
§. 6. What means hath God appointed for brokenneſs of heart?
1. THe word powerfully preached, Jer. 23.29.
2. Attendance unto, and hearing of the word preached, 2 Kings 22.19.
3. A ſight and ſenſe of our own ſins, Ezra 9.6. Pſal. 31.9, 10,— 38.3, 4, 17, 18. Jer. 23.9, 10.
4. A conſideration of the ſins of our Prophets, Jer. 23.9.
5. A conſideration of Chriſt crucified for and by our ſins, Zech. 12.10. Acts 2.37.
6. A conſideration of the hardneſs of others hearts, much more of our own, Mark 3.5.
7. Prayer for contrite ſpirits, Pſal. 51.10. Ezek. 36.26. Luke 18.15.
8. A remembrance of our affliction and miſery, Joſh. 7.5. Lam. 3.19, 20.
9. A conſideration of Gods withdrawing his comfortable preſence for us, Lam. 1.16.
10. A conſideration of Gods infinite love and grace to our ſouls, Joel 2.13. Rom. 2.4.
11. A conſideration of the death of Gods Saints, who are as the pillars of the places where they live and abide, Iſa. 38.2.— 57.1.
12. A conſideration of Gods judgements on others, who have been hardened in ſin, Heb. 3.8.9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
13. An actuating of our faith in reſpect of the precious promiſes of ſoftning hearts, Ezek. 11.19.—36.26.
§. 7. What are the means both for the obtaining and increaſing of Faith?
1. THe preaching of the word John 4.42-5.24. Acts 13.48.— 14.22.—16.14.32, 34. Acts 18.8. Rom. 1.16, 17.—10.8, 14, 17. Eph. 1.13.
2. The influence and aſſiſtance of the Spirit concurring with the word, 1 Cor. 2.4, 5.
3. A forſaking of our own legal righteouſneſs, Rom. 3.27.—9.30, 31. Phil. 3.8, 9.
4. Godly conference with others, John 4.7, 29, 39. Acts 17.2.4.
5. Due adminiſtration of the Sacraments of
Baptiſm, Rom. 4.11. Heb. 10.22, 23.
The Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 10.4, 16. Gal. 3.1.
6. Fervent prayer and wreſtling with God, Luke 17.5.— 22.32. Eph. 3.16, 17. 1 Theſſ. 3.10.
7. A complaining of our own unbelief, Mark 9.23, 24.
8. Experiences of Gods former dealings, 1 Sam. 17.37. 2 Cor. 1.10.
9. A conſideration of the faithfulneſs of God in his Promiſes, Heb. 11.11.
10. A drawing nigh to God with an heart ſprinkled from an evil conſcience, Heb. 10.22, 23.
§. 8. What are the ſigns of a true juſtifying Faith?
1. THe bleſſed fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22, 23. 1 Tim. 2.15.— 6.11.
2. All the graces linked together in that golden chain, 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7.
3. A love of Chriſt, John 16.17. 2 Tim. 1.13. Philem. 5. 1 Pet. 1.8. 1 John 5.1.
4. A love of the Saints, Eph. 1.15. Col. 1.4.
5. Love and peace with the brethren, Eph. 6.23.
6. Love and hope of ſalvation, 1 Theſſ. 5.8.
7. A joy unſpeakable, and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.8. Rom. 5.1, 2.
8. Patience in waiting for the Promiſes, Iſa. 28.16. Heb. 6.12, 15.
9. Patience in enduring affliction, 2 Theſſ. 1.4. James 1.3. Rev. 3.10.
10. Hope in God, 1 Cor. 13.13. 1 Pet. 1.21.
11. Repentance from dead works, Heb. 6.1.
12. Righteouſneſs, peace and charity out of a pure heart, 1 Tim. 2.15. 2 Tim. 2.22.
13. A heart weaned from the world, 1 John 5.4, 5.
14. A reſiſtance of Satan, and his fiery darts of temptation, Eph. 6.16. 1 Pet. 5.9.
15. A confidence in Chriſt, without being aſhamed, Rom. 10.12. 2 Tim. 1.12.
16. A firm reſolution to cling to Chriſt, maugre all diſcouragements, Mat 15.28. Rom. 8.35, 36.
17. A relying upon Gods power, when all worldly means fail, Rom. 4.18, 19, 20.
18. A relying on mercy, not upon merit, Rom. 4.5. Phil. 3.9.
19. A throwing our ſelves on God, though he frown on us, Job 13.15.
20. A pure heart, and a good conſcience, Rom. 5.1. 1 Tim. 1.5, 19. Heb. 10.22.
21. A ſanctified life, or pure converſation, Acts 15.9.—26.18. Heb. 11.7. James 2.17, 18.
22. Obedience to God in things contrary to, or above humane Reaſon, Rom. 11.7, 8, 11.
23. Fervent and hearty prayer, Rom. 5.1, 2. Eph. 3.12. Jam. 1.6. Mark 9.24.
24. A contempt of the world in reſpect of the heavenly inheritance, Heb. 11.24, 25, 26.
25. The ſeal of Gods Spirit, which is the earneſt of our inheritance, Eph. 1.13, 14. 1 Iohn 5.6.
26. A glorifying of God, Rom. 4.20.
27. Thankfulneſs for the promiſes, as for the performance, Heb. 11.13.
28. A diſregard, and defiance of the tyranny of man, Pſal. 56.4, 11.
29. A ſence of our own infidelity, and an earneſt deſire of the increaſe of our faith, Mark 9.24.
30. A true, real and cordial confeſſion of faith, Iohn 20.28. Acts 19.18. Rom. 10.10.
31. A conſtancy in our holy profeſſion, 2 Cor. 1.24.
32. An earneſt longing after the coming of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 5.7, 8.
§. 9. What motives to Evangelical Repentance?
1. SIn laid open before us, to the conviction of conſcience, Acts 2.37, 38.
2. A conſideration of Gods Judgements threatned, Ezek. 18.30. Jonah 3.4, 5. Jer. 4.3, 4.—6.26.—26.4. Amos 4.12. Luke 13.3, 5. Rev. 2.4, 5, 16.
3. A conſideration of the Lords chaſtiſements and corrections on us, Lam. 3.19, 20. Rev. 3.19.
4. A fear of the enemy prevailing againſt us and over us, Judges 10.9, 10, 15, 16. 2 Chron. 12.5, 6. Jer. 6.26.
5. A fear of Gods removing the Candleſtick from us, Rev. 2.5.
6. A conſideration of the great Judgement-day, Acts 17.30, 31.
7. A conſideration of Gods mercies and grace, Hoſea 6.1. Jer. 18.8. Joel 2.13. Zech. 1.3.
8. A conſideration of Gods patience and goodneſs, Rom. 2.4. 2 Pet. 3.9.
9. A conſideration of Gods travellings after our ſouls ſalvation, Ezek. 33.11.
10. The approaching of Gods Kingdom, or of the beauty of Religion, Mat. 3.2, 4. Mark 1.15. Acts 17.30. Ezek. 43.10, 11.
11. A conſideration of the Promiſes of Remiſſion upon our Repentance, Iſa. 55.6, 7. Ezek. 18.21, 22. Acts 3.19.
12. A conſideration of the Promiſe of Life upon Repentance, Ezek. 18.32, 38.
13. A conſideration of the Promiſe of Gods communion and fellowſhip with us, Iſa. 57.15.
14. A conſideration of Chriſt crucified for us, Zech. 12.10, 11.
15. A conſideration of Gods former dealings with us in mercy, Hoſea 12.3, 4, 5, 6.
16. A hope and belief of Gods acceptance when we come to him, Jer. 3.22.
17. The publication of Chriſts marriage with our poor ſouls, Jer. 3.14.
18. A conſideration of thoſe comforts that await Repentance, Mat. 5.4. Luke 15.7, 17, 18.
§. 10. What are the ſigns of true and Evangelical Repentance?
1. AN abhorring of ſin, and of our ſelves for ſin, Job 42.6. Amos 5.15.
2. A godly ſhame for ſin, Ezra 9.6. Jer. 3.24, 25.—31.19. Ezek. 16.61, 63.
3. A mourning for ſin, becauſe God is offended, 1 Sam. 7.2. Pſal. 51.4. Zech. 12.10, 11.
4. Sorrowing mingled with hope, Ezra 10.1, 2.
5. Serious carefulneſs, 2 Cor. 7.11.
6. Judicious clearing, 2 Cor. 7.11.
7. Holy indignation, 2 Cor. 7.11.
8. Filial fear, 2 Cor. 7.11.
9. Eager deſire, 2 Cor. 7.11.
10. Godly zeal, 2 Cor. 7.11.
11. Impartial revenge on our ſelves for ſin, 2 Cor. 7.11.
12. Works meet for Repentance, Mat. 3.8. Acts 26.20. Iſa. 1.16, 17. Hoſea 12.6.
13. A forſaking of ſin, Ezek. 14.6.— 18.28, 33. Rom. 6.6. Heb. 6.1. Iſa. 30.22.
14. Self-denyal, Luke 15.19.
15. A juſtifying of God, or giving him the glory, Hoſ. 14.1, 2. Luke 7.29.
16. A diſeſteem of all worldly helps, Jer. 3.23.
17. A ſubmiſſion to all offices of humility upon ſence of ſin, Luke 7.37, 38.
18. A dear love to Gods Miniſters, whom God hath made inſtruments of our Repentance, Acts 16.14, 15.
19. An endeavor after this work on our ſelves, to work it on others, Pſal. 51.13. Ezek. 18.30.
20. An earneſt longing after Chriſts coming to Judgement, 1 Theſſ. 1.9, 10.
§. 11. How may a Believer Redeemed by Chriſt, acknowledge his thankfulneſs to Chriſt?
1. BY a continual remembrance of Gods goodneſs to us, Pſal. 103.1, 2, 3, 4.
2. By telling others what Chriſt hath done for our ſouls, Pſal. 34.3, 4. Eph. 1.3.
3. By walking holily, and without blame before Chriſt in love, Pſal. 116.8, 9. Eph. 1.4. Phil. 1.11. Col. 2.6, 7.
4. By rejoycing in God through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, Pſal. 34.2.—63.7. Eph. 5.11.
5. By calling on God, and paying our vows, Pſal. 116.12, 13, 14.
6. By endeavoring the converſion of others, Pſal. 51.12, 13.
7. By adminiſtring to the neceſſity of the Saints, Heb. 13.16.
8. By ſinging of Pſalms, making melody in our hearts unto the Lord, Eph. 5.19, 20.
9. By worthily receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11.24, 25.
10. By loving the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, Cant. 1.3. Luke 7.47. 1 John 4.19.
11. By denying our ſelves and higheſt excellencies in reſpect of Chriſt, Rev. 4.10.
12. By a publike profeſſion of Chriſts ſoveraignty, Phil. 2.11.
13. By ſuffering willingly for the Name of the Lord Jeſus, 1 Pet. 4.14, 16.
§. 12. What are the ſigns of a ſincere love to Chriſt?
1. UPright walking with God, Cant. 1.3. John 14.15, 21, 23. Eph. 1.4. 1 Iohn 2.5,—15.
2. A fainting and languiſhing deſire after Chriſt, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4.—5.8.
3. A love to the members of Chriſt, 1 Iohn 4.12, 20.
4. A hating of evil, Pſal. 97.10.
5. A relieving of the poor members of Chriſt, Mat. 25.45. 1 Iohn 3.17.
6. A full aſſurance of faith, Cant. 6.3. Rom. 8.38, 39.
7. A diſeſteem of all things in compariſon of Chriſt, Mat. 10.27. Phil. 3.8.
8. A conquering of all difficulties and diſcouragements for Chriſt, Cant. 8.6, 7. Rom. 8.35. 2 Cor. 5.14.
9. A heart and tongue inlarged in the praiſes of Chriſt, Cant. 5.10. to the end.
10. All the fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22.
11. A contemplation of Chriſts love, and deſires after further ſence of it, Eph. 3.17, 18, 19.
12. A reſtleſneſs of the ſoul in the non-enjoyment of Chriſt, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4.
13. A contentedneſs to ſuffer cenſures, diſgraces, and death for Chriſt, Cant. 5.6, 7, 8. Acts 21.13.
14. A rejoycing in Chriſt, whom we love, Pſal. 5.11. Iohn 14.28.
15. A patient waiting for Chriſts appearing, 2 Theſſ. 3.5.
§. 13. What are the cauſes in us of Chriſt withdrawing from us?
1. COvenant-breaking, Deut. 31.16, 17.
2. Idolatry, or Spiritual whoredom, Deut. 31.16, 17, 18. Pſal. 78.58, 60. Hoſea 5.3, 4, 6.
3. The pride of our hearts, Hoſea 5.5, 6.
4. Hypocriſie in Gods ſervice, Hoſea 5.6.
5. Infidelity, and frowardneſs of hearts, Deut. 32.20.
6. Leaving our firſt love, Rev. 2.4, 5.
7. Carnal ſecurity, Pſal. 30.6, 7. Cant. 5.3.
8. Careleſneſs of accepting the ſeaſons of grace, whether Chriſt draw near in Ordinances, or in inward diſpoſitions, Cant. 5.3, 6.
9. A preferring of the creature before Chriſt, Iſa. 57.17.
10. A wearineſs of Gods Ordinances, Ier. 33.38, 39. Mal. 3.7.
11. A withdrawing from God in the duties of our obedience, Deut. 32.20. 2 Chron. 15.2. Hoſea 5.4, 6.
§. 14. What are the cauſes for which Chriſt on his part withdraws himſelf from us?
1. TO try us what is in our hearts, Deut. 32.20. 2 Chron. 32.31.
2. To bring us to an humble acknowledgement of our ſins, Iob 13.23. to the end. Hoſea 5.15. Deut. 31.17. Pſal. 30.7.
3. To prevent Spiritual pride in us, 2 Cor. 12.7, 8.
4. To make us pray earneſtly to him, Pſal. 3.7, 8.—13.1.— 77.1, 2, 3.—88.1, 2, 3, &c.
5. To exerciſe our faith in his Name, Iſa. 50.10.
6. To make us ſeek him in the uſe of all means, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4.—5.6, 8.
7. To make us prize him, and highly to eſteem of him, Cant. 5.8.—8.1.
8. To make us hold him more ſurely when once we have found him, Cant. 3.4.
9. To ſtir up and exerciſe in us all our Spiritual graces, Cant. 5.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
§. 15. What means for the recovery of Chriſts comfortable preſence?
1. A Search after, and an acknowledgement of thoſe ſins which cauſed his withdrawings, Pſal. 32.4, 5. Lam. 3.40, 50.
2. An hearty bemoaning, ſhame and repenting for ſin, Ier. 31.18, 19, 20. Pſal. 34.18. Iſa. 57.15.
3. A waiting upon God in the uſe of his Ordinances, Pſa. 27.13, 14. Cant. 1.8. Iſa. 8.17. Luke 24.32. 1 Iohn 1.3, 4.
4. A diligent enquiry after Chriſt, Cant. 3.3, 4.
5. A moaning and weeping for his loſs till he be found, Iohn 20.11, 13, 14, 15, 16.
6. A drawing nigh to God in the duty of prayer, Lam. 3.57. Pſal. 51.12.—145.18. Iames 4.8.
7. A preſſing of God in prayer with his word and promiſes, Pſal. 119.49, 50.
8. A due receiving of Chriſt in the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 10.16.
9. A feeding upon Chriſt Spiritually, by a true and lively faith, Iohn 6.56. Iſa. 50.10.
10. A recourſe to our former experiences, Pſal. 77.7, 8, 9, 10.
11. An hope that for all this we ſhall enjoy Chriſt, Pſa. 43.5.
12. A liſtening and ſubmitting to the voyce of his Spirit, Rev. 3.20.
13. A walking in his ſtatutes, and keeping his commandments, Lev. 26.3, 11, 12.
§. 16. Of what uſe is Chriſt to a Believer already juſtified?
1. CHriſt is wiſdom and ſanctification unto us, 1 Cor. 1.30.
2. Chriſt is the ſatisfaction of all our deſires, John 6.35.
3. Chriſt is our example in forgiving of others, Eph. 4.32. Col. 3.12, 13.
4. Chriſt is our example in ſuffering injuries with patience, Heb. 12.3. 1 Pet. 2.21.
5. Chriſt is our example in holineſs, 1 Pet. 1.15, 16.
6. Chriſt is our example in love, Eph. 5.1, 2.
7. Chriſt is our example in meekneſs, lowlineſs, humility, Mat. 11.29. John 13.14, 15. Phil. 2.5.
8. Chriſt is the way and means for our acceſs to God the Father, Rom. 5.2. Heb. 10.19, 20.
9. Chriſt is both the repreſenter and the granter of our requeſts, doing for us whatſoever we deſire in his Name, John 14.13, 14. Rev. 8.3.
10. Chriſt is our conſolation in ſufferings, 2 Cor. 1.5.
11. Chriſt is our continual joy, Rom. 5.11.
12. Chriſt is the death of ſin in us, Rom. 8.10. 1 Cor. 15.57. Heb. 9.14.
13. Chriſt crucifies the world in us, Gal. 6.14.
14. Chriſt is our freedom, the end of the law for righteouſneſs, Rom. 8.2.—10.4. Gal. 5.1.
15. Chriſt is our life, the very life of grace in us, John 14.6. Rom. 8.11. Gal. 2.20. Eph. 3.17.
16. Chriſt makes interceſſion for us, Rom. 8.34. Heb. 7.25. 1 John 2.1.
17. Chriſt is our upholder in temptations, Heb. 2.18.
18. Chriſt is our harbinger for heaven, John 14.2, 3.
19. Chriſt is our Maſter, Mat 23.8, 10. our Lord, Rom. 14.9. our Head, Eph. 4.15. our Maſter and Lord, John 13.13.
20. Chriſt is our inabler to do all things, Phil. 4.13.
21. Chriſt is both the Author and finiſher of our faith, Heb. 12.2.
22. Chriſt is our Savior, yea ſalvation it ſelf to us, Rom. 5.9, 10. 1 Theſſ. 5.9. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12.
23. Chriſt is our very being, the food, and ſoul of our ſouls, John 6.55. Acts 17.28.
24. Chriſt is our all in all, Col. 3.11.
SECT. 7. Of ſome Queſtions or Caſes of Conſcience, which at the Conference were propounded and anſwered.
THe Queſtions concerning Caſes of Conſcience, were theſe and the like:
§ 1. Whether a Believer may profit more, or be more intent in publike, or in ſecret Prayer.
IT was anſwered, That this Caſe might better be reſolved by experience then Scripture; and accordingly ſome preferred publike Prayer for theſe Reaſons:—
1. Becauſe in publike they are ſtirred up by others; but in private or ſecret Prayer, they had none others to joyn with them.
2. Becauſe in publike they that exerciſed had more excellent gifts, which exceedingly tend to their edification; but in ſecret they found themſelves weak, and dull, and dead-hearted ordinarily.
Others anſwered otherwiſe, and preferred ſecret Prayer on theſe grounds:—
1. Becauſe in ſecret they could confeſs more inlargedly and feelingly their own ſins, then others could do it for them in publike, to whom they were not particularly known.
2. Becauſe in ſecret they had fewer occaſions of diſtraction, then in publike, and conſequently they kept cloſer to God in the Duty.
3. Becauſe they found by experience, that in ſecret their hearts were more up; and when they themſelves were to perform in publike, the Society whom they joyned with, did ordinarily more ſtraiten them.
4. Becauſe in ſecret they could take more pains with their heart; as in midſt of Prayer to proſtrate, or by breaking off to meditate, &c. which conveniently they could not do in publike.
In concluſion this Caſe was reſolved, That ſome Believers may profit more, or be more intent in publike, others in private: And the reaſon rendred was, Becauſe the Spirit that helps us to pray, is a free agent, and works diverſly in the hearts of his people, to ſhew the diverſity of his gifts, and his diverſe maner of working.
§. 2. Whether a Chriſtian in his own apprehenſion decaying in Grace, may not yet grow in Grace? and if ſo, What are the reaſons of his wrong apprehenſions?
TO the firſt Queſtion it was anſwered Affirmatively; as in caſe of temptation, Pſal. 73.21, 22, 23. or in a Spiritual deſertion, Pſal. 51.12. Pſal. 88. Iſa. 49.14.
To the ſecond Queſtion theſe reaſons were given in:—
1. The neglect of Self-examination.
2. The want of Gods lively Ordinances.
3. A too much eying of our afflictions.
4. A too much poring upon ſin, without any thoughts of Chriſt or Free-grace.
5. The want of the light of Gods amiable countenance.
6. The inſenſibleneſs of grace, which is of a Spiritual nature, and not ſo eaſily to be perceived.
7. A preſent deadneſs or dulneſs of Spirit.
8. A miſapplying of ſome one or more places of Scripture, as Heb. 6.6, &c.
9. Weakneſs of knowledge, or want of judgement in ſuch experimental paſſages, eſpecially in the beginning of Chriſtianity.
10. The diſtemper of the ſoul (eſpecially in deſertion) when as in the diſtemper of the body, a man thinking or ſpeaking idly, we ſay it is not he, but his ſickneſs; ſo it is in this caſe.
In concluſion, theſe reaſons were approved; but we agreed, That all the ſucceeding Anſwers or Reſolutions ſhould be proved out of Gods holy word.
§. 3. What ſigns of true grace, though for the preſent but ſmall or weak grace?
1. A Willingneſs to be admoniſhed, and to have our ſins diſcovered, Job 13.23. Pſal. 141.5.
2. A conſideration of our ſins, with endeavors to turn to our God, Pſal. 119.59. Lam. 3.40.
3. A feeling ſin to be a burthen, Mat. 11.28. and a ſorrow for ſin, Zech. 12.10.
4. A loathing of our ſins, Ezek. 36.31. 2 Cor. 7.11.
5. An hatred of the occaſions of evil, Jude 23.
6. A reſolution to relinquiſh ſin, Pſal. 17.3. Prov. 28.13. Luke 15.17, 18. 1 John 1.9.
7. A weak apprehenſion of the promiſes of God concerning forgiveneſs, Pſal. 31.22.
8. An importunate enquiry after Chriſt and ſalvation, upon ſenſe of ſin, Acts 2.37.—13.12.—16.30.
9. An hunger and deſire after Chriſt, Pſal. 42.1, 2.—107.9.— 145.19. Mat. 5.6.
10. A precious eſteem of Chriſt, John 8.42. Phil. 3.7, 8. 1 Pet. 2.6, 7.
11. A love of the word, Pſa. 119.103. John 10.4, 27. 1 Pet. 2.2.
12. A Spiritual joy in the word, Pſal. 119.77.
13. A receiving of the word with all readineſs, Acts 16.14.— 17.11.
14. A longing deſire to keep Gods Commandments, Pſal. 119.5.
15. A ſorrow that others keep not Gods Law, Pſal. 119.136. 2 Pet. 2.8.
16. A love of the brethren, Pſal. 16.3.— 137.6. 1 John 3.14.
17. A Spiritual joy in the Churches deliverance, Pſal. 68.3.— 106.5. Iſa. 66.10.—61.10.
18. A reverence and fear of God, Heb. 12.28. and truſting in God, Prov. 30.5.
19. A delight in doing well, Prov. 21.15.
20. An hatred of evil Aſſemblies and wicked Society, Pſal. 26.4, 5.—129.21, 22.
21. A holy deſpair in our ſelves, through our own abilities to attain heaven, Ezra 9.6. Luke 15.17.
22. A poverty of Spirit, and purity in heart, Mat. 5.3, 8. Mark 9.24.
23. An holy endeavor after growth in grace, Phil. 3.13. 2 Pet. 3.18.
24. A continual conflict betwixt Fleſh and Spirit, Rom. 7.22, 23, 24.
25. A competent meaſure of Spiritual knowledge, Acts 26.18. Col. 3.10.
26. A careful endeavor after perſeverance, Pſal. 119.111, 112. John 8.31. Gal. 3.3.
27. The unutterable ſighs and groans of the Spirit in prayer, Rom. 8.26.
28. A ſenſe and bewailing of the hardneſs of our hearts, Iſa. 63.17.
29. A pure love of God, and deſire to fear his Name, Neh. 1.11. Pſal. 18.1. Iſa. 26.8, 9. Rom. 8.28.
30. A godly converſation, Pſal. 16.8-50.23. Acts 2.25.
§. 4. Whether is a Chriſtian always bound to reprehend an offender? or in what Caſes may he forbear?
IT is anſwered, That a Chriſtian is not bound ever to reprove, but he may forbear in ſuch caſes as theſe:—
1. When the party offending is a ſcorner, and we perceive he will but ſcoff at it, Prov. 9.8.—23.9. Mat. 7.6.
2. When the offender ſins of infirmity, Gal. 6.12.
3. When the offended is not able to convince the offender that it is a ſin, Job 6.25. Tit. 1.9.
4. When there is no hopes to prevail in reſpect of the evil times, Amos 5.13.
5. When the offences are ſmall, and but little, Prov. 19.11.— 20.3.
6. When we know not certainly whether the ſuppoſed offence be a ſin, or not, Joſh. 20.16, &c.
7. When the reprehender is faulty in the ſame thing, Mat. 7.3, 4, 5.
8. When the party offending is not capable of reproof, as in caſe a man be an idiot, or drunk, or in the height of his paſſion, 1 Sam. 25.36, 37.
9. When our reproof may breed ſome diſſention, or imminent and dangerous diſturbance; as in caſe it be amongſt rude, boiſterous and deſperate company, Mat. 7.6.
10. When the offender is obſtinately and wilfully bent to go on in his ſin, Mark 14.60, 61.—15.4, 5.
§. 5. How may we know whether we profit by afflictions?
VVE may know by theſe ſigns:
1. If by affliction we come to be ſenſible of Gods heavy diſpleaſure, Deut. 31.17. Ruth 1.13. Mic. 6.9 1 Cor. 11.37.
2. If by affliction we are drawn to ſearch our ways, 1 Kings 8.38. Ezra 9.14. Pſa. 32.4, 5. Lam. 1.5.—3.39, 40.
3. If by afflictions we are ſoundly and ſincerely humbled, 2 Kings 22.19, 20. Job 1.20. 1 Pet. 5.6.
4. If our afflictions work on us to make our peace with our God, Iſa. 27.5. Hoſea 5.15.
5. If by afflictions we be drawn to make and pay vows of better obedience, Pſal. 66.13, 14.
6. If in our greateſt afflictions we reſt upon God, 2 Chro. 14.11. and wait on God, Pſal. 37.7, 34. Micah 7.9.
7. If in our afflictions we minde the promiſes, and rowl our ſelves on them, 1 Sam. 30.6. Pſal. 119.49, 50, 92.
8. If in our afflictions we clear God when he is judged, Pſal. 119.75.
9. If for afflictions we bleſs God, and his afflicting hand, Job. 1.21.
10. If by afflictions our graces are ſtirred up and exerciſed, Job. 13.15. Pſal. 42.5. Jer. 31.18. Rom. 5.3. 2 Cor. 1.10. Heb. 10.34. James 1.3.
11. If by our afflictions our prayers are more fervent, Neh. 1.3, 4. Pſal. 77.2.—116.3.—142.4, 5.
12. If in our affliction we gather in ſome experiences of Gods love and help, Pſal. 34.46.—66.16, 17.
13. If in our afflictions we ſubmit willingly and chearfully to Gods good will and pleaſure, Levit. 26.41. 1 Sam. 3.18.
14. If in afflictions we look more at the hand of God that ſtrikes, then at the inſtrument, 1 Sam. 3.18. 2 Sam. 16.11.
15. If in affliction we reject all worldly ſinful hopes, and unlawful means of deliverance, and reſt onelyonly on God, 1 Cor. 1.8, 9. Heb. 11.25, 26.
16. If in preſent afflictions we gather aſſurance of deliverance from former experiences, 1 Sam. 17.37. Pſa. 77.9, 10, 11. 2 Tim. 3.11.
17. If by afflictions we finde corruptions to weaken, and to be mortified, Iſa. 27.9.
18. If our afflictions beget aſſurance of our adoption, Heb. 12.8. ſanctification, Heb. 12.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. glorification, Mat. 5.12. 2 Cor. 4.17. 2 Pet. 2.8.
§. 6. How ſhould a Chriſtian fortifie himſelf againſt the reproaches of wicked men?
1. LEt him conſider the command of God in this caſe, Mat. 5.44. Rom. 12.19. 1 Pet. 3.9.
2. Let him look on reproaches as the very hand of God, 2 Sam. 16.11.
3. Let him conſider what an honor it is to ſuffer reproaches for Chriſt, Acts 5.41.
4. Let him eye the bleſſedneſs of thoſe that are reproached for Chriſt, Mat. 5.11, 12. 2 Tim. 2.12. 1 Pet. 3.14.—4.14.
5. Let him conſider it as the lot of Gods ſervants to ſuffer reproaches, 2 Tim. 3.12.
6. Let him conſider that in his reproaches he ſuffers with and for Chriſt, John 15.20.
7. Let him conſider, that though the wicked reproach, yet God will in his time juſtifie and approve, Pſal. 37.33.—147.11.
8. Let him conſider, that the Lord in due time will both clear his ſervants, and puniſh the reproachers, Micah 7.8, 9, 10.
9. Let him ſet before him the examples of Chriſt, his Apoſtles, and Prophets, Iſa. 53.7. Mat. 5.12. John 15.18. 1 Cor. 4.13. 1 Pet. 2.21.
10. Let him pray with ferven…y and faith, Job 16.20. Pſal. 109.1, 2, 4. 1 Cor. 4.13.
11. Let him be ſure to keep a clear conſcience within, 1 Pet. 4.15.
12. Let him refer the iſſue of all unto God, 2 Sam. 3.39.
13. Let him exerciſe that heavenly duty of the life of Faith, and faſten it on theſe promiſes, Pſal. 37.6.— 68.13. Iſa. 61.7. 1 Pet. 1.7.—3.14.—4.14.
§. 7. Whether a true Believer may not ſometimes doubt? and what are the ſeveral cauſes of doubting?
IT was anſwered, That without controverſie (and as the following Texts will evince) a true Believer may doubt of his ſalvation; and the cauſes are theſe:—
1. The proſperity of the wicked, Pſal. 38.17.—73.2, 3, 12, 13.
2. His own want of neceſſary proviſions for this life, Numb. 20.3, 4, 5.
3. Suſpenſion of divine favor, Job 13.24. Pſal. 77.7, 8, 9, 10.
4. Imminent dangers and fears, Exod. 14.10, 11, 12. Mat. 8.25, 26.—14.30, 31.
5. Apprehenſions of Gods denying his prayers, Pſal. 22.1, 2.
6. The afflicting hand of God lying ſore on his ſoul, Pſa. 116.10, 11. Lam. 3.17, 18.
7. Miſtaken apprehenſions and weakneſs of judgement, Mat. 14.26. Mark 6.49, 50. Luke 24.37.
8. Relapſes, or reinſnarements into former ſins, Pſal. 51.8, 12.
9. The littleneſs or ſmalneſs of faith, Mat. 14.30. Mark 9.24.
10. A poring on, or a ſtudying too much of the life ſenſe, Luke 1.18, 20. John 20.25.
11. A want of the true underſtanding of ſome divine myſteries, John 6.60.
12. A diſtruſting of Gods promiſes, upon humane reports, Numb. 13.32, 33.—34.1, 2, 3.
§. 8. What are the cures or remedies of doubtings incident to Believers?
1. FAith in the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, Rom. 11.20.—14.23.
2. A wary and filial fear, Heb. 4.1.
3. A hope in God, Pſal. 42.11. and waiting on God, Iſa. 8.17. Jer. 14.19, 22.
4. Earneſt prayer: 1. Againſt doubting, Mat. 21.21, 22. Mark 9.24. Luke 17.5.—22.32. 2 Cor. 12.1, 8, 9. and 2. To have our doubts reſolved, Judges 6.37, 38.
5. A depending on the faithfulneſs of God and his promiſes, Heb. 10.23.—11.11.
6. A ſtriving to keep down the life of ſenſe, Mat. 6.28, 29, 30, 31.
7. A recalling to minde the Lords diſpenſations in our former afflictions, Lam. 3.18, 19, 20, 21.
8. A recalling to minde Gods former love to our ſouls, Pſal. 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Lam. 3.22, 24.
9. Diligence in the uſe of all means, Pſal. 73.17. Cant. 3.1, 2, 3.
10. A truſting in Gods Name, making him our ſtay and ſupport, Pſal. 73.26. Iſa. 50.10.
§. 9. What are thoſe Remora's that hinder the growth of Chriſtianity, or the ſpreading of the Kingdom of Chriſt?
1. VVAnt of a pious and powerful Miniſtery, Pro. 29.18. Rom. 10.14, 15.
2. Negligence of the Miniſtery in place, Jer. 1.21, 22, 23. Ezek. 34.4, 5, 6.
3. A ſcandalous and vicious Miniſtery, 1 Sam. 2.17. Jer. 23.1, 2. Mal. 2.8. Mat. 23.13.
4. The deceits and ſophiſtry of falſe Prophets, Jer. 27.14.—28.15. Ezek. 13.6, 10. 2 Pet. 2.18.
5. A preſuming to teach others without Gods call, Jer. 23.32.
6. A deſpiſing of the Miniſtery of the Goſpel, Mark 6.3. John 8.57.
7. Envy and railing againſt the Word and Miniſtery, Acts 13.45, 46.
8. Perſecution of Gods Meſſengers, Acts 12.1, 2, 3, 4.
9. Ambitious, factious, and malicious ſpirits, 3 John 10.
10. Fomentors of diviſions amongſt the people of God, Rom. 16.17, 18. 2 Pet. 2.2, 3.
11. Enemies of the truth and power of godlineſs, 2 Tim. 3.6.
12. The evil example of Superiors, 1 Sam. 2.23, 34. 1 Kings 14.16. John 7.47, 48.
13. Seducing ſpirits, 1 Kings 12.27, 28, 29, 30. Acts 14.19.— 20.30. 1 Tim. 4.1.
14. Scandalous Profeſſors, Heb. 12.14, 15.
15. Evil Society, Pſal. 18.26. Prov. 4.14, 15, 16.
16. Conſpiracy of the wicked, Acts 19.29, 34.
17. Satan and Antichriſt, Zech. 3.1. 2 Cor. 4.4. Rev. 8.10, 11, &c.
18. Broaching and fomenting of errors, and eſpecially of idolatry, 1 Kings 12.30. Acts 19.27, 28. 2 Peter 2.2. Revel. 2.20.
19. Miſtake in the matters of Salvation, Hoſea 4.6. John 6.66.
20. A prophanation of holy things, 1 Sam. 2.17.
21. A preferring carnal things before Chriſt, Mat. 8.34.—19.22. Acts 19.26.
22. Obſtinacy and unbelief, Jer. 44.16. Mat. 13.58. Heb. 3.19.—4.2.
23. Slaviſh fear, John 9.22.
24. Abuſe of Chriſtian liberty, 1 Cor. 8.9, 10, 11.
25. A giving offence in things meerly indifferent, Rom. 14.13. 1 Cor. 10.32, 33.
26. Perſecution of the Church, Acts 8.1, 3. Revel. 11.7.
§. 10. What means to prefer Unity and Amity amongſt Chriſtians.
1. FRequent and fervent prayer, Pſal. 122.6. John 17.11. Rom. 15.5, 6. James 5.16.
2. Pithy and pious Exhortations, Rom. 12.10, 16. 1 Cor. 1.10. 1 Theſſ. 5.13. 1 Pet. 1.8.—4.8.
3. The ſpirit of meekneſs and lowlineſs, of long-ſuffering and forbearing one another in love, John 13.14, 15. Rom. 12.10.— 15.1, 2. Eph. 4.2, 3. Phil. 2.3.
4. A not rendring evil for evil, 1 Pet. 3.8.9.
5. A reſtoring ſuch as are fallen with the ſpirit of meekneſs, Gal. 6.1, 2.
6. A moderate reprehenſion of ſuch as are contrary-minded, 2 Tim. 2.24, 25.
7. A ſlighting of ſlanderous reports, Prov. 25.23.
8. A quelling of the ſpirit of pride, Prov. 13.10.
9. A ſeaſonable viſit of the Brethren, with whom we have had ſpiritual commerce, Acts 15.36.
10. Meetings and Conferences about differences that have fallen out, Acts. 15.6.
11. A ready ſubmiſſion to the judgement of one another, according to the Word, Eph. 5.21.
12. An endeavor to ſpeak the ſame things, and to be of one minde, 1 Cor. 1.10. Phil. 2.2.
13. A doing of all things in charity, 1 Cor. 16.14.
14. A readineſs to forgive, as Chriſt forgave us, Mat. 18.33. Eph. 4.32.
15. A ſpirit of wiſdom and diſcretion, Proverbs 19.11. Eccles. 7.9.
16. A mortifying of luſts, and ſubduing of paſſions, 1 Cor. 3.3. James 4.1.
17. A loving carriage and deportment of the outward man, Prov. 15.1.—25.23.
18. A chearful admiſſion of the weak into Chriſtian-Society, and bearing with their infirmities, Rom. 14.1.—15.1. 1 Theſſ. 5.14.
19. An avoiding of ſuch as cauſe diviſions amongſt Chriſtians, Rom. 16.17.
20. An avoiding of ill ſpeeches one againſt another, 1 Peter 2.1.
21. A not thinking too highly of our ſelves, but ſoberly, acording to the meaſure of faith God hath given us, Rom. 12.3, 4. 1 Cor. 4.6.
22. A deſire to do to others, as we wiſh others to do to us, Mat. 7.12.
23. A ſtudy to be quiet, and not to meddle with another mans buſineſs, 1 Theſſ. 4.11.
24. A ſolemn entring into Covenant with God, and with one another, Jer. 50.5.
25. A conſideration of the command, Be of the ſame minde one towards another, Rom. 12.16.
26. A conſideration that we all know but in part, and therefore that we ſhould bear with one anothers infirmities, 1 Cor. 13.9.
27. A conſideration that a paſſionate, peeviſh and froward profeſſor is ſeldom acquainted with the truth as it is in Jeſus, Pſal. 25.9. Proverbs 11.2.—27.20. Iſaiah 28.9. Rom. 16.17. James 1.21, 26.
28. A conſideration that unity in judgement is the promiſe and bleſſing of another life, and that unity in affection is our preſent duty, Epheſ. 4.13. Phil. 3.15, 16.
SECT. 8. Of ſome Queſtions or contraverted Points, which at the Conference were propounded and anſwered.
THe Queſtions of contraverted points were theſe and the like:—
§. 1. Whether doth God ſee ſin in Believers, ſo as to be offended at it? and how may it appear?
1. IT is anſwered affirmatively, that God doth ſee ſin in his Saints, as appears by theſe Texts, Exod. 4.14. 1 Sam. 3.12, 13. 2 Sam. 12.9, 10. Pſal. 135.14. Jer. 16.17, 18. Rev. 2.4, 13, 14. though not in reference to their juſtification, yet in reference to their converſation and ſanctification, which is but in part.
2. This appeareth—
1. From the Lords complaining againſt believers for ſin, Iſa. 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Jer. 2.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
2. From his threats if they do not repent, 2 Sam. 7.14. Pſal. 89.30, 31, 32. Iſa. 1.20. Rev. 2.5, 16.—3.8.
3. From his chaſtiſements of them for ſin, 2 Sam. 12.15. Pſal. 74.1.—99.8. Amos 3.2. Jer. 30.15. Luke 1.22.
4. From Gods withdrawing the comforts of his Spirit for ſin, Pſal. 51.12.
5. From the Prayers of Believers to God, for the hiding of his face from their ſins, and removing of his anger for their ſins, Pſal. 6.16.—32.5, 6.—51.9.
6. From the Lords reproving of his people for their ſins, 2 Sam. 12.7, 8, 9. Mat. 16.23.
§. 2. Whether are Believers to repent for their ſins? and upon what grounds?
1. ANſwered, That they are to repent, as appears, Job 42.6. Jer. 31.19. Rev. 2.5.—3.3.
2. The grounds or reaſons are theſe following—
1. Becauſe God looks for repentance from them, Zech. 6.6.
2. Becauſe God commands them to repent, Rev. 2.5, 16.— 3.3, 19.
3. Becauſe it is Gods pleaſure that we ſhould feel the bitterneſs of ſin, as well as the ſweet of ſin, Jer. 2.19.
4. Becauſe believers ſin as well as others, 1 King. 8.46. 1 John 1.10.
5. Becauſe in believers there is a proclevity and diſpoſition to all ſin, Pſal. 51.5. Rom. 7.24.
6. Becauſe repentance is a means for the diverting of judgements from a Land, or a perſon, 2 Chron. 7.14. Joel 2.13.
7. Becauſe repentance is a means for obtaining mercies, Iudg. 20.26. Neh. 1.9.
8. Becauſe repentance is a means to
Pardon, 1 Chron. 7.14.
Salvation, 2 Corinth. 7.10.
9. Becauſe repentance is a neceſſary fruit of faith, Zech. 12.10. Acts 19.18.
10. Becauſe after repentance we may expect comfort, Pſal. 126.5, 6. Mat. 5.4. 2 Cor. 7.9, 13.
11. Becauſe that therein we ſhall give God the glory of his Juſtice, Pſal. 51.4. Rev. 16.9.
§. 3. Whether are Believers to pray for pardon of ſin? and what are the reaſons?
1. ANſwered, that believers are to pray for pardon, as may appear from theſe Scriptures, Num. 14.19. 2 Sam. 24.10. Dan. 9.19. Pſal. 25.11. Mat. 6.12.
2. The Reaſons are theſe and the like:
1. Becauſe Chriſt taught his Diſciples ſo to pray, Matth. 6.12.
2. Becauſe believers have renewed infirmities, Numb. 14.11, 19.
3. Becauſe God is ready to pardon them that pray for it, Pſal. 86.5.
4. Becauſe God hath promiſed to pardon the ſins of his Saints, 2 Chron. 7.14. Jer. 33.3, 8.
5. Becauſe whatſoever we read in Scripture of pardon, it is always in reference to ſins paſt, Iſa. 43.25. Jer. 33.8. Pſal. 79.8, &c.
6. Becauſe yet the Judge hath not ſolemnly pronounced the ſentence of pardon, neither will he till the laſt day, Acts 3.19.
§. 4. Whether is it the duty of Chriſtians to obſerve the Lords-day (now being the firſt day of the week) as a Chriſtian Sabbath? and what grounds for it?
1. ANſwered, That it is their duty; and proved from Mark 16.2. John 20.19, 26. Acts 1.1, 2, 3.—20.7. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. Rev. 1.10.
2. The grounds are theſe and the like:
1. Becauſe Chriſt as that day did perfect the work of Redemption for our eternal reſt, Mat. 28.1, 2.
2. Becauſe Chriſt did appear to his diſciples upon that day more eſpecially, John 20.19, 26.
3. Becauſe (as it is obſerved generally) the Holy Ghoſt as that day did fall upon the Apoſtles, being met together in one place, Acts 2.1.
4. Becauſe upon the ſame day the Apoſtles ordinarily diſpenſed the Word, Sacraments, and other Ordinances, Acts 20.7. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2.
5. Becauſe ſuch things as are named the Lords in Scripture, are ever of the Lords inſtitution; as, The Word of the Lord, 1 Tim. 6.3. The Cup of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11.27. The Supper of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11.20. and ſo The Lords day, Rev. 1.10.
6. Becauſe God doth ſeem to honor the firſt day of the week above any other day, as appears by his great works done upon that day; viz. In the creation he made that day the firſt fruits of time; and in it he created the higheſt heavens, the place of the eternal Sabbath; and in it he brought forth the light of the world, anſwerable to which is the day of Chriſts Reſurrection, wherein the Son of Righteouſneſs, the true light of the world roſe up, and became the firſt fruits of them that ſleep, and by vertue thereof will bring all his Saints into eternal reſt, Gen. 1.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. compared with Mal. 4.2. Iohn 1.9. 1 Cor. 15.20. Heb. 4.9, 10, 11.
§. 5. Whether may not Chriſtians lawfully ſing Davids or Moſes Pſalms? and how may it appear?
1. ANſwered affirmatively: Eph. 5.19. where, under thoſe three heads, of Pſalms, and Hymns, and Spiritual ſongs, Davids Pſalms are contained.
2. This is proved by Precepts, Paterns and Reaſons.
1. By Precepts, Epheſians 5.19. Coloſſians 3.16. Iames 5.13.
2. By Paterns:
1. Of Chriſt himſelf and his Apoſtles, Mat. 26.30.
2. Of Paul and Silas, Acts 16.25.
3. Of the Church, Rev. 15.3.
3. By Reaſons, as—
1. Becauſe the people of God have uſed the very ſame words of Davids Pſalms in ſinging, 2 Chron. 15.13. compared with Pſal. 136. and Ezra 3.11. compared with Pſal. 118. and Rev. 15.4. compared with Pſal. 86.9. and Exod. 15.2. compared with Pſal. 118.14.
2. Becauſe Paul directing to ſing Pſalms, gives the very ſame word or title as David gives in his Pſalms, James 5.13. compared with Pſal. 95.2.
3. Becauſe Davids Pſalms were indicted by the Spirit of God, as well as any others that confeſſedly may be ſung, 2 Sam. 23.2.
§. 6. Whether admitting of or joyning with ſcandalous perſons in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and not endeavoring to keep them back (whiles ſuch) be not ſin in the admitters and joyners? and how may it appear?
1. ANſwered Affirmatively, That it is ſin,
1. In the admitters, Mat. 7.6.
2. In the joyners, 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Theſſ. 3.6.
2. This appears to be ſin—
1. In the admitters, by theſe grounds:—
1. Becauſe it is againſt the command, of keeping unclean perſons from ſuch like holy things, Num. 9.6, 7. 2 Chron. 23.19.
2. Becauſe Chriſt caſt out the man that came without his wedding garment, Mat. 22.11.
3. Becauſe this was the practice of the Apoſtles, 1 Cor. 5.3, 4, 5. 1 Tim. 1.20.
2. In the joyners, by theſe grounds:—
1. Becauſe they are forbidden expreſly to joyn with ſuch, 2 Theſſ. 3.14.
2. Becauſe ſcandalous perſons ought to be cenſured, and ſo to be eſteemed of the joyners as Heathens and Publicans, Mat. 18.17.
3. In both admitters and joyners, by theſe grounds:—
1. Becauſe God hath forbidden us to eat with ſuch, 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Theſſ. 3.6.
2. Becauſe by this means their ſins would become ours, 1 Cor. 5.6, 7. Gal. 5.9, 10.
3. Becauſe the Ordinance of the Lords Supper is defiled thereby; which is not to be underſtood ſimply in it ſelf, but in ſome ſort (i.) to them who are ſcandalous, and to them who joyn with ſuch as they know to be ſcandalous: And this appears—
1. In that the Temple, which had a ſacramental ſignification of Chriſt, was polluted by the coming of prophane perſons into it, Ezek. 23.38, 39.
2. In that the Sacrifices of old were defiled by prophane perſons, Haggai 2.11, 12, 13, 14.
3. In that the prophane are as Swine, which trample the pearls under their feet, Mat. 7.6.
See theſe Proofs inlarged in Gelespi. Aarons Rod bloſſoming, l. 3. ch. 15.
§. 7. In ſuch a caſe, what is the duty of admitters and joyners, to keep themſelves blameleſs, and the Ordinance undefiled?
1. IT is the duty of admitters—
1. To eye and obſerve the flock, over which God hath given them charge, Acts 20.17, 28.
2. If any be obſerved, or brought in as offenders, it is their duty—
1. To admoniſh them once or twice, Tit. 3.10. 2 Theſſ. 3.15.
2. If that prevail not, to ſuſpend them, 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Theſſ. 3.6, 14, 15.
3. If that prevail not, then to Excommunicate them by the leſſer Excommunication, Matth. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. 2 Cor. 2.6.
4. If that prevail not, then (in ſome caſes) to Excommunicate them by the greater Excommunication, 1 Cor. 16.22. Gal. 1.8, 9. 1 John 5.16. This is onelyonly when a man is viſibly irrecoverable, or hath committed the ſin againſt the holy Ghoſt; the caſe of Julian the Apoſtate, whom the Church would not pray for, but prayed againſt.
2. It is the duty of joyners—
1. To eye and obſerve one anothers converſation, ſo much as they may, Heb. 10.24. and 3.12, 13.
2. If upon obſervation they finde any faulty, then—
1. The Scandal being private, it is the joyners Duty,—
1. To admoniſh privately betwixt him and the offender alone, Mat. 18.15.
2. If that be not effectual, then to take one or two more with him, Mat. 18.16.
3. If that be not effectual, then to Tell it to the Church, Mat. 18.17.
4. If the Church be corrupt, and neglect its duty, he is then to mourn for it, 1 Cor. 5.2.
2. The Scandal being publike, it is the joyners duty immediately to bring it to the Church, 1 Cor. 5.1. 2 Theſſ. 3.14.
§. 8. In what caſes is it lawful to enter into fellowſhip, aſſociation, confederacy and covenants with ſcandalous ſinners? and in what caſes is it not lawful?
1. IT is lawful in ſome civil affairs to enter into aſſociation or Covenants with them, Jer. 29.7. Rom. 12.18. as—
1. For maintaining our own outward peace and quiet with them, Gen. 31.44. 1 Kings 5.12.
2. For commerce and traffique with them, Gen. 23.16.— 47.20, 21. 1 Kings 5.10, 11, 12.
3. For maintenance of the ſeveral Orders, Liberties and Priviledges of the Towns and Cities where we live, &c. 1 Cor. 5.9, 10.
2. It is not lawful to enter into aſſociation or covenants with them:—
1. In ſome civil affairs; as—
1. In conjugal covenants, Deut. 7.3. 2 Kings 8.18. 2 Cor. 6.14.
2. In mili…ry covenants or expeditions, 2 Chron. 18.3. compared with—19.2. 1 Kings 22.49. 2 Chron. 20.35, 36, 37.— 25.7, 10.
2. In Religious affairs; as—
1. In the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 5.11.
2. In private Religious conferences, Mal. 3.2. Acts 2.42. compared with 2 Cor. 6.17. 2 Theſſ. 3.14.
3. Nor may we enter into any other Religious covenants, of what kinde ſoever with Hereticks, Blaſphemers or Idolaters, Exod. 23.32, 34.12, 13. Judges 2.2.