The Middle Things, Chapter 3
CHAP. III.
SECT. 1. Of Duties in particular: And firſt, of the Nature of Watchfulneſs.
VVAtchfulneſs is the firſt and principal help to all exerciſes of Religion; it is the eye to ſee them all well done and uſed, and therefore we ſet it in the front of all Duties: We are to watch unto prayer, Eph. 6.18.Eph. 6.18. and we are to watch unto hearing, Luke 8.18.Luke 8.18. and we are to watch unto faſting, Mat. 6.18.Mat 6.18. we are to watch to almſgiving, Mat. 6.1.Mat. 6.1. and we are to watch in all things, 2 Tim. 4.5.2 Tim. 4.5.
Now for our better direction in the exerciſe of this Duty, obſerve we the
Nature.
Objects.
Maner of it.
For the Nature of it: Watchfulneſs is a continual, careful obſerving of our ways, in all the paſſages and turnings of our life, that we ſtill keep cloſe to the written Word of God. Keep thy heart in all diligence: Prov 4.23. Pſa. 39.1. Pſa. 119.9.I ſaid, I will take heed to my ways, that I ſin not with my tongue: Wherewith ſhall a yong man cleanſe his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
SECT. 2. Of the objects of Watchfulneſs.
THe object of our Watch is either
Evil works, or ſin.
Good works, or Duties, or any thing in its own being, good.
1. Watch we muſt over ſin,
More general
Original ſin, or corrupt Nature.
Actual ſin.
More ſpecial, as ſins of our
Calling.
Conſtitution.
2. Watch we muſt over any thing (in its own being) good: And herein if we look for the adequate object, including every thing that ought to be watched, it is either
Hearts,
Tongues,
Actions,
which howſoever good in themſelves, yet if we watch not, they will ſoon contract evil.
SECT. 3. Of the maner of Watchfulneſs over ſin Original.
THat we may watch over ſin Original, or that inward corruption we carry about us, obſerve we theſe Rules:
1. Let us take matter and motives to humble our ſouls under the ſight and ſence of this inherent pollution. And to that purpoſe, conſider we the rueful complaints of the holieſt Saints againſt it:Rom. 7.24. O wretched man that I am (ſaith Paul) who ſhall deliver me from the body of this death? Behold, I was ſhapen in iniquity (ſaid David) and in ſin did my mother conceive me: Pſal 51.5.Did not God in Chriſt accept of our complaining, ſtriving, grieving, and hating this, how could we finde any comfort?
2. Let us pray againſt it, that though it be in us, yet it may not hurt us, nor be imputed to us; That God would give us his Spirit to bridle our corruption, and eſpecially that he would give us the Spirit of Sanctification, that he would cleanſe us from this filth more and more, that he would ſeaſon the fountain, and at laſt dry it up.
3. Let us ſtrive after contrary holineſs, and endeavor the reformation of our natures and lives: Put we off the old man, Eph. 4.22.23.which is corrupt according to the deceitful luſts, and be we renewed in the Spirit of our minde.
4. Let us conſider the Promiſes of Remiſſion, and thoſe Priviledges which the Saints have in the blood of Chriſt; and let us actuate and exerciſe our Faith in reſpect of ſuch Promiſes: I knew that thou wouldst deal treacherouſly (ſaith God) and that thou waſt called a tranſgreſſor from the womb; Iſa. 48.8, 9.yet for my Names ſake I will defer mine anger, and for my praiſe I will refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
SECT. 4. Of the maner of Watchfulneſs over ſins Actual.
THat we may watch over Actual ſins, obſerve we theſe Directions: —
1. Avoid we all occaſions of evil: Be afraid, not onelyonly of the fire and flame, but of the very ſmoke of ſin; it is dangerous to approach near the Whirl-pit, or to play about the hole of the Asp, or the den of the Cockatrice; and therefore prayed David, Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; Pſa. 119.37.not my heart onelyonly from affecting it, but mine eyes alſo from beholding it: There is a ſhutting of the eyes from beholding evil, Iſa. 33.15.brought in amongſt other Duties by the Prophet Iſaiah, to which is affixed this promiſe,16. that ſuch a one ſhall dwell on high, his place of defence ſhall be the munition of Rocks.
2. Reſiſt we the temptations of ſin: It may be (notwithſtanding all our care) temptations will offer themſelves, and urge us to evil, but then we muſt conſtantly reſiſt, and this is praiſe worthy: If a man keep himſelf ſober, when he cannot come to wine or ſtrong drink, it is nothing; but for a man to be careful not to break the bounds of ſobriety, when he ſhall be in place where wine is plenty, and no reſtraint of it, and where company will be urging him to take more then is meet, this is true temperance indeed: If a man live chaſtely when he wants his lewd company, it is nothing; but for a Joſeph (ſued and ſought to by his Miſtris, yea, urged and ſolicited day after day to condeſcend to her adulterous deſires) to refuſe then, and to chooſe rather loſs of preſent liberty by not ſinning,Suadere & ſolicitare poteſt cogere omnino non poteſt. Aug. Hom. 12. Habet aſtutiam ſuadendi, non poteſtatem cogendi, Idem in Pſal. 91. & in Ioh. 12. Prov. 8.13. then to gain further preferment by conſenting to ſin, this is true chaſtity indeed. Away then with thoſe idle apologies, I was urged to ſin, I was provoked to lewdneſs, &c. Neither man nor Devil can compel you to ſin, unleſs you will your own ſelf: * The Devil may perſwade, intice, ſuggeſt, and provoke, but he cannot inforce nor conſtrain; nor (unleſs your own hearts give conſent) can he cauſe you to ſin.
3. Confeſs we our ſins, mourn we for ſin, and eſpecially labor we for hatred of ſin: The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, Prov. 8.13. not onelyonly to forbear it, but (as the Apoſtle ſpeaks) to abhor it, Rom. 12.9.Rom. 12.9. as the meat that ſometimes we have ſurfeted of, our ſtomack nouriſheth and goeth againſt it; ſo ſhould our hearts riſe againſt ſin: And to this purpoſe conſider we 1. The foulneſs of ſin; it is fouler then the fouleſt Fiend in hell. 2. The illneſs of ſin; it is a greater ill then the damnation of a mans ſoul, or then the deſtruction of all the creatures in the world. 3. The infectiouſneſs of ſin; it is of that peſtilential property, that it pollutes every thing it comes near. 4. The perniciouſneſs of ſin; it deprives us of Gods favor, of our part and portion of the blood of Chriſt, of the Providence of that bleſſed Trinity, of the guard of Angels, of the Communion of Saints, of heavens joys; and it brings upon us infinite ſorrows, as blindeneſs of minde, hardneſs of heart, deadneſs of Spirit, deſperate thoughts, horror of Conſcience, vexation of Spirit, and (without Repentance) all the terrors of Hell. 5. Chriſts ſufferings for ſin; ſhal we not hate him that kils our Friend, Brother, Father? how much more ſin, that put to death the Lord of life, who is indeed our deareſt Friend, Brother, Father, Savior? Look on Chriſt crucified, and ſee if this will not make us hate ſin.
4. Believe, and by Faith expect victory over our ſin; yea, by that Faith in which we have confeſſed, mourned, prayed, let us reſt perſwaded, That ſuch means ſhall not be uſed of us in vain: O lift we up the hand of Faith towards heaven, and lay hold on the promiſes of pardon, on the mercy of God in Chriſt Jeſus.
SECT. 5. Of the maner of Watchfulneſs over ſpecial ſins.
THat we may watch over our ſpecial ſins, our Dalilah ſins, our darling-delights, obſerve we theſe Rules:
1. Endeavor we the mortifying of this ſin: Some one ſin there is in every ſoul of us that is moſt predominant. Now it is the main work of a Chriſtian, as to fall out for ever with all ſin, ſo eſpecially to improve all his Spiritual forces and ayd from heaven, utterly to demoliſh, and to beat down to the ground this hold, this boſom-ſin.
2. Lay we load of deepeſt groans, and ſtrongeſt cryes for mortifying grace againſt this dominiering ſin; eſpecially every Morning and Evening ſtrive with God in our Prayers for a comfortable conqueſt over it, inforce and inlarge that paſſage with an extraordinary pang of fervency, cry we mightily to God for power and ſtrength againſt this luſt, that continually wars againſt the ſoul.
3. Bend we our ſelves againſt the ſpecial acts, occaſions, and opportunities of this ſin; as ſuppoſe raſh anger, the ſin which a man ſifteth, and purſueth to the extirpation of it; in this caſe, he ſhould reſolve with himſelf, not to ſpeak harſhly, nor to look fiercely, nor to uſe any churliſh behavior, whether his Servant diſpleaſe him with negligence, or his Friend offend him with unfaithfulneſs, or his enemy provoke him with ill language, or ſome malicious dealing.
4. As oft as we finde any motion of this ſin to ſtir, and ſhew it ſelf in us, it will be convenient, not onelyonly to with-hold our conſent, but withal to exerciſe ſome act of contrary holineſs: As ſuppoſe Deſire of revenge be the ſin, which ſtirreth up our blood, and boileth within us, we muſt not onelyonly forbear to avenge our ſelves, but alſo bend our ſelves to pray for him that hath offended us; and if he hunger, to feed him, if he thirſt, to give him drink.
5. Settle we in our ſelves a purpoſe of heart to forbear it for time to come: In undertaking of which purpoſe, it will be expedient to ſet our ſelves ſome ſhort ſpace of time, in which we may force our ſelves to the forbearance of it, as for a day, or a monethmonth, or the like; and when the prefixed time is come, we ſhould then queſtion our ſelves, How well we have performed? or how, or wherein we have failed? and then begin a new purpoſe, and preſcribe our ſelves a like time, for ſhunning of the ſame ſin; and ſo on from time to time, till we have gotten a full victory.
6. If in our daily or monethly review, we finde that we have been defective in performing of what we had purpoſed, then with an holy revenge we ſhould correct our former errors, beg pardon for our defects, and puniſh our ſelves for ſuch ſlothfulneſs, or wilfulneſs, by abſtinence from meat, eaſe, recreation; Keeping under our bodies, 1 Cor. 9.27.and bringing them into ſubjection, by mulct, or forfeiture of ſome portion to the poor, whereby we may feel ſmart: This holy revenge is commended by the Apoſtle, 2 Cor. 7.11. as a worthy fruit of ſerious Repentance.
7. Above all, without which all the reſt are as nothing, Believe the Promiſes of pardon in the blood of Chriſt: It is Faith in the Promiſes which will be able to cleanſe, and purge the heart from this ſin;Heb. 9 13, 14. If the blood of Bulls and of Goats (ſaith the Apoſtle) and the aſhes of an Heifer, sprinkling the unclean, ſanctifieth to the purifying of the fleſh; how much more ſhall the blood of Chriſt, who through the eternal Spirit offered himſelf without spot to God, purge your Conſciences from dead works, to ſerve the living God? the ſence is, When a man hath once applyed the blood of Chriſt for his Juſtification, this effect will follow it, That there will accompany it a certain vigour, vertue, power, and …rength, which will alſo purge his conſcience from dead works; there will go a power of the Spirit together with this blood, that ſhall not onelyonly forbid him, and ſhew him that he ought not to do ſuch and ſuch evil things, but it ſhall cleanſe his conſcience from thoſe roots of dead works, thoſe corrupt luſts, and ſinful affections that are in him, and that diſpoſe him to that evil: Now this power is gotten by applying the blood (i.) by applying the Promiſe of pardon and forgiveneſs by the blood of Jeſus Chriſt: Let no man think by his own ſtrength to prevail againſt any luſt; it is not our endeavoring, praying, bending our ſelves againſt the ſpecial acts and occaſions, exerciſing ſome acts of contrary holineſs, purpoſing to forbear it, puniſhing our ſelves for it (if gone about by our own might, and power, and ſtrength) will ever kill this ſin; no, no, we muſt do all theſe at the feet of Chriſt, and draw vertue from Chriſt; we muſt Believe the Promiſes, get aſſurance of pardon, get aſſurance of Gods love to us in Chriſt; we muſt labor to delight in God, to get communion with Chriſt, and then our hearts will grow to an application of the Commandment; and whereas before they reſiſted it, rebelled againſt it, they will then cleave to it, and love it, and delight in it, and receive an impreſſion from it. This I take it is the meaning of that Text,2 Pet. 1.4. Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promiſes, that by theſe we might be partakers of the divine nature, having eſcaped the corruption that is in the world through luſt; q.d. by believing the Promiſes we are made partakers of the godly nature, and we overcome our corruptions and luſts: Conſonant to which, is that of the Apoſtle,Rom. 6.3. Know ye not, that as many as are baptized into Chriſt, are baptized into his death? q.d. as many as are baptized into Chriſt, for reconciliation with God, muſt needs be baptized into his death; they muſt be dead to ſin, as he was dead: We cannot be baptized into him for Reconciliation or Juſtification, but we muſt be baptized likewiſe for Mortification of the fleſh, and for Reſurrection to newneſs of life. To winde up all in a word, He that hath the ſtrongeſt Faith, that believes in the greateſt degree, the Promiſes of pardon and remiſſion, he hath the holieſt heart, the moſt mortified life: Sanctification and Mortification ariſe from that root of Juſtification. The blood of Chriſt hath not onelyonly a power to waſh us from the guilt of ſin, but alſo to cleanſe us, and purge us from the power and ſtain of ſin▪ And therefore I ſay, the beſt way to get a great degree of Sanctification, the beſt way to get a greater meaſure of the graces of the Spirit, the beſt way to mortifie our ſinful luſts, the beſt way to watch over our ſpecial ſins, is to labor to grow in Faith, in the belief of thoſe Promiſes of the Goſpel of Chriſt; and this would be well obſerved by thoſe that are a little legally byaſſed, or carryed to mortifie ſin onelyonly by Vows, Promiſes, ſhunning occaſions, removing temptations, ſtrictneſs and ſeverity in Duties, fear of Hell and Judgements, ſcarce riſing ſo high for their Mortification, as Chriſt. Now theſe in themſelves are but empty, weak means of prevailing againſt ſin, like the mighty Sails of a Ship, without wind and tide; no queſtion but ſhunning occaſions, ſtrictneſs and ſeverity in Duties, watchfulneſs, &c. dwell in their place and order,Saltmarſh Free-grac…, page 68. who though a perfect adverſary, y t here brings truth abed. like Oars in a Boat (See Saltmarſh, Free-grace, page 68.) which though it be carryed with the Tide, if well managed, yet they may help it to go the faſter: Howſoever, it is Chriſt crucified which is the power of all in all; it is Chriſt lifted up, as Moſes lifted up the Serpent, which ſtrikes more ſoundneſs into the wounded beholder, then any other way; wherein ſome have toiled all their time for power over corruptions, and like Peter, have caught little or nothing, becauſe Jeſus Chriſt was not in the company.
SECT. 6. Of the maner of watchfulneſs over our Hearts.
THat we may watch over our hearts, obſerve we theſe directions:
1. Guard we the windows of our ſoul, the Senſes: I made a Covenant with mine eyes (ſaid Job) why then ſhould I think upon a maid? Iob 31.1. Pſal. 119.37.Turn mine eyes from beholding vanities (ſaid David) and quicken thou me in thy way. It is incredible, what a deal of pollution and ill the Devil conveys inſenſibly into the heart, through theſe floodgates of ſin, and therefore we had need to watch over the Senſes.
2. Go we down into our hearts, and conſider well all our thoughts; theſe, if good, will bring forth good fruit; and if evil, they are the parents and begetters of all ſins, the firſt plotters and contrivers of all Treaſons and Rebellions of our life, the bellows and incendiaries of all inordinate affections, the Panders to all other luſts, that take thought to provide for the ſatisfying of them, the diſturbers in all good Duties, that interrupt, and ſoil, and fly-blow all our Prayers, that they ſtink in the noſtrils of God; and therefore conſider and weigh well all our thoughts, for as our thoughts are, ſo be our affections, prayers, ſpeeches, actions.
3. Let us make Conſcience of our thoughts: By them eſpecially do we ſanctifie, or ſin againſt God; by them eſpecially do we evidence our ſelves, to be ſincere-hearted Chriſtians, or diſſembling hypycrites; by them eſpecially will the Lord judge us at the laſt day, when he will make manifeſt the counſels of our hearts; 1 Cor 4.5.by them eſpecially (if we will not make Conſcience of them) will God laſh us in Hell to all eternity, even by thoughts accuſing; Iſa. 33.8,there ſhalt thou meditate terrors, and ſtudy Gods wrath, together with thy own ſins and miſeries, for ever and ever.
4. Reſiſt and cruſh we every exorbitant thought which draws to ſin, at the very firſt riſing: Is the temptation ſtrong? encounter it with this dreadful Dilemma, If I commit this ſin, either I muſt repent, or not repent; if I repent, it will coſt me more heart-break and spiritual ſmart, before I can purchaſe aſſurance of pardon and peace of Conſcience, then the ſenſual pleaſure can be worth; if I never repent, it will be the death and damnation of my ſoul.
5. Lodge we not ſo much as light thoughts, unprofitable or vain thoughts in our hearts; they will ſtill be entring in, whileſt we are in theſe houſes of clay, yet lodge they muſt not. Hence the Apoſtle,Eph. 4.26. Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath; q. d. if thoughts of anger come in, in the morning or day time, they muſt be turned out ere night; or if idle thoughts offer to come to bed to thee, let them not lodge with thee. I deny not but many good thoughts and motions may paſs, as ſtrangers through a bad mans heart, and multitudes of vain thoughts and motions may make a through-fare of a Believers heart, and diſturb him in good Duties, by knockings, and interruptions, and breakings in upon his heart, but ſtill they lodge not there, they are not there foſtered and harbored.
6. Forget and ſtifle we all thoughts of ſinful actions already paſſed: The minde is very apt to run over the paſſages and circumſtances of the ſame ſins, long ſince committed, with a new and freſh delight; this argues wickedneſs of heart, and ſuch as when it is ordinary with the heart to do ſo, is not compatible with grace:Rom. 6.12. What fruit had you of thoſe things whereof ye are now aſhamed? All that the Saints reap out of ſuch fruits, is ſhame and ſorrow, and many a ſad ſigh: When Ephraim remembred his ſins, he was aſhamed and repented; a truly ſanctified ſoul will hate the appearance of his former ſins, and will have his heart inflamed with a zeal and revenge againſt it. What, do you repeat to your ſelves your old ſins with delight? this provokes God exceedingly, you thereby ſtand to, and make good your former act; you ſhew a delight to rake in thoſe wounds you have given Chriſt already, and therefore in hell it will prove the greateſt gall, to remember your old ſins; every circumſtance in every ſin then, will be as a dagger in your hearts. O ſtudy not theſe thoughts, forget them, ſtifle them!
7. Entertain all good motions put into your heart by the bleſſed Spirit, howſoever occaſioned; whether by the Miniſtery of the Word, mindefulneſs of Death, Chriſtian admonition, reading ſome good Book, ſome ſpecial Croſs, or extraordinary Mercy; feed, enlarge, and improve them to the utmoſt, ſo ſhall we preſerve our hearts in a ſoft, comfortable temper, and heaven-ward, which is a ſingular happineſs.
8. Endeavor we to preſerve and keep up lively, holy, and Spiritual affections, and ſuffer them not to cool; or if we have grown remiſs, endeavor to recover thoſe affections again: Thoughts and affections are mutual cauſes of each other; Whileſt I muſed, the fire burned, ſaid David: and again,Pſal. 39.3. How love I thy Law? It is my meditation day and night. Firſt,Pſal. 119 97. his thoughts were the bellows that kindled and inflamed his affections: And ſecondly, his affections inflamed, made his thoughts to boyl, and to meditate on Gods Law day and night. Hence it is that men newly converted to God, having new and ſtrong affections, can with more pleaſure think of God then any elſe can.
9. Let us captivate and conform all the thoughts and imaginations of our heart, to the Rules and Soveraignty of grace; Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chriſt: 2 Cor. 10 5.If thy change in words, actions, and all outward carriages were Angelical, yet if thy thoughts be ſinful and unſanctified, thou art a limb of Satan ſtill: Purity in the inward parts, is the moſt ſound evidence of our portion in the purity and power of Chriſt. O Jeruſalem, waſh thine heart from wickedneſs, Ier. 4.14.that thou mayeſt be ſaved: How long ſhall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? God ſeeth (ſaith the Pſalmiſt) and underſtandeth our thoughts afar off: And hence it is that many humble ſouls,Pſal. 139.2. ſenſible of their ſecret ſins, in the preſence of Gods pure eye, are more grieved (ſetting aſide ill example and ſcandals) for the rebelliouſneſs of their thoughts, then the exorbitancy of their actions, for of theſe the world ſees the worſt; but concerning the other, it cuts them to the heart, that they are not ſo well able to preſerve their inward parts in purity, towards the all ſearching eye of God, as their words and actions in plauſibleneſs towards man.
10. Get we our hearts poſſeſt with deep, ſtrong, and powerful apprehenſions and impreſſions of Gods Holineſs, Majeſty, Omnipreſence, and Omniſcience: If any thoughts be of power to ſettle, fix, and draw in the minde of man, they are thoughts of him. What is the reaſon that Saints and Angels in Heaven have not a vain thought to eternity, but that their eye is never off him? we finde it by experience, a bleſſed means to avoid diſtractions in Prayers, to inlarge a mans thoughts in his preparations before, or at the beginning, if with a conſideration of Gods Attributes and Relations to us, he ſets on the Duty.
11. Let us elevate, and often lift up our hearts towards heaven: Conſider the bliſsful depths of Gods boundleſs Mercies in Chriſt; Conſider the glory, the everlaſtingneſs, the unutterable excellencies of that immortal ſhining Crown above, which after this life (and this life is but a bubble, a ſmoke, a ſhadow, a thought) ſhall be ſet on our heads by the hand of God; a very glimpſe whereof is able to ſweeten the bittereſt griefs that can be, and to diſpel thoſe miſts of fading vanities, which the world (heated by the fire of inordinate luſts) is wont to evaporate, and interpoſe betwixt the ſight of mens ſouls, and the bliſs of heaven.
12. Let us ſpend ſome thoughts, yea many thoughts, about the ſaving excellencies of Jeſus Chriſt: Conſider the wonder of our Redemption, the moſt admirable, and moſt aſtoniſhing plot of the bleſſed Trinity, ſitting in Councel about the ſaving of our ſouls; a Myſtery which the Angels ſtoop down to pry into, an Orient Pearl, that will out-ſhine all the ſparkling Jewels of the whole Creation; Conſider the Love-letters of Chriſt in his glorious Goſpel; the Love-tokens he hath ſent to our dear ſouls: And ah! what flames of divine affection? what raptures of zeal? what raviſhments of delights? what briniſh ſorrows, and great indignation againſt ſin? what extaſies of obedience can be enough for our bleſſed Lord, and deareſt Redeemer?
SECT. 7. Of the maner of watchfulneſs over our Tongues.
THat we may watch over the tongue, two things muſt be heeded:
1. That it be not unſeaſonably idle.
2. That it be not ſinfully exerciſed.
1. That it be not unſeaſonably idle; and herein obſerve thoſe generally, and much neglected Duties of
Chriſtian Reproof.
Heavenly Diſcourſe.
1. For Chriſtian Reproof, obſerve theſe Directions: —
1. If a Brother be overtaken with a fault, or ſome leſs offence, admoniſh him in the spirit of meekneſs, conſidering thy ſelf, Gal 6.1.leſt thou alſo be tempted.
2. If he offend more grievouſly, then reprove him freely, and ſuffer not ſin to reſt upon his ſoul.Lev. 19.17.
Obj. But in this caſe, when, or how muſt we reprove?
Sol. This caſe is clothed with ſuch variety of circumſtances, and conſtancy of alterations, that we cannot give any particular directions; onelyonly the Chriſtian that is perplex'd what to do, let him conſult with theſe boſom-Councellors:
1. With his Spiritual wiſdom; it is that muſt ſuggeſt to him, when, and how to reprove, whether preſently upon it, or ſometimes afterwards; whether directly and downright, or indirectly and by intimation; whether perſonally, or in the general; whether in a fair and milder maner, or with a more bold and reſolute ſpirit; whether onelyonly by diſcountenance, or by diſcourſe, &c.
2. With his heart: A reproof muſt not ſpring from any imperious humor, of cenſuring, and medling with his brethren; from any ſecret ambitious deſire, to purchaſe an opinion and reputation of holineſs to himſelf, or from any other by-end, but from an heart truly humbled with ſight and ſence of its own infirmities, graciouſly reſolved into compaſſion, and commiſeration of the offender, and lifted up in a ſecret ſupplication for the ſucceſs of the Reproof, and ſalvation of the party, all at once to Gods Throne of Grace.
2. For Spiritual and Heavenly diſcourſe, obſerve theſe Directions: —
1. Apprehend all opportunities and occurrences which may miniſter matter of digreſſion from worldly talk, into Divine diſcourſe. It is pity that Profeſſors ſhould ever meet, without ſome talk of their meeting in heaven, or of the bleſſed ways and means that lead thereunto; and therefore by ſome wiſe tranſciſion, turn thou the current of the diſcourſe towards ſome heavenly good: It was the practice of our Savior, upon mention of bread, he preſt upon his Diſciples a diſſwaſion from the Leaven of the Phariſees: Mat. 16.5, 6.And upon occaſion of Drink being denyed him by the Samaritan woman,Iohn 4.10. he (forgetting his wearineſs, hunger and thirſt) labors to allure her to the well-head of everlaſting happineſs.
2. Have ever in a readineſs ſome common heads of more ſtirring and quickning motives to minde heavenly things; as the curſed condition of our natural ſtate, the dear purchaſe of Chriſt to Redeem our ſouls, the incomparable ſweetneſs of Chriſtian ways, the vanity and vexation of earthly things, the uncertainty and miſery of this ſhort life, the everlaſtingneſs of our ſtate in another world, the terrors of death, the dreadfulneſs of that great and laſt day drawing on now apace, the horrors of damned ſouls, &c. Mention of theſe things many times may ſtrike full cold to the heart of the moſt ſenſual Belſhazzar, and drive him into his dumps; and by Gods bleſſing may ſometimes prepare the hardeſt hearts, for ſome thoughts of remorſe, and more heavenly impreſſions.
3. Get we into our hearts an habit of more heavenly-mindedneſs, by much exerciſe, and intercourſe, and acquaintance with God, by often contemplation, and forecaſt of the ſweetneſs, glory, and eternity of thoſe Manſions above, by reflectings on time paſt, how long thy ſoul was detained in the ſtate of darkneſs, what bitterneſs and terrors it paſſed through in the pangs of its new birth, what relapſes and deſertions it hath been incident to, ever ſince that time to this; and being thus buſied at home in our own hearts, we ſhall finde our ſelves much more pregnant and plentiful in holy talk when we come abroad: Men for the moſt part ſpeak moſt, and moſt willingly of thoſe things they minde moſt; ſuch proviſions within, will make the tongue ſo ready, that it cannot be unſeaſonably idle.
2. Watch we muſt over the tongue, that it be not ſinfully exerciſed: And herein obſerve theſe Directions: —
1. Be dumb to all unſavory communication; as, Lying, Swearing, Curſing, &c. O how do theſe ſins wound the heart of Chriſt, and crucifie again the Lord of glory?
2. Be ſilent from Slandering, Backbiting, Falſe accuſing, Cenſuring: A true heart is ever moſt angry and diſpleaſed with, moſt Eagle-eyed, and watchful over, moſt ſtrict and ſevere againſt its own ſins; which homebred imployment haply hinders, and moderates a man from too much medling abroad.
Mat. 7 6.3. Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither caſt your pearls before ſwine, leſt they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rent you: By Dogs are meant obſtinate enemies, that maliciouſly revile the Miniſters of the Word, and the Meſſengers thereof: By Swine are meant thoſe ſottiſh, ſcurrile wretches, who ſcornfully and contemptuouſly trample under foot all holy Inſtructions, Reproofs, Admonitions, tendred unto them by any Chriſtian out of the word of truth. Now if accidentally ſuch a ſon of Belial, or ſcoffing Iſhmael, be in our company, we are commanded by Chriſt to ſay nothing, at leaſt of the conſolations of Chriſt, of the ſpecial promiſes of Chriſt, of the gentle entreaties of the Goſpel of Chriſt: Conſider this, and tremble, all ye that are ſcornful, and furious oppoſites to the purity and power of the Word; it is the Lords will that you ſhould run furiouſly towards the pit of hell, and that no body ſhould ſtay you; not a man muſt call and cry unto you, to tell you of ſuch things as are peculiar to the Saints, in way of application to you: But he that is filthy, let him be filthy ſtill; let him drink, be drunk, Rev. 22.11.despair, dye, and be damned: All this while not a word of comfort belongs to you.
SECT. 8. Of the maner of Watchfulneſs over our actions.
OUr actions are either
Natural,
Civil,
Religious,
In all which obſerve theſe Directions:
1. Concerning Natural actions, as Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, Viſitations, Recreations, &c. no conſtant Rule can be preſcribed, becauſe it is much diverſified by health, ſickneſs, age, conſtitution; and every one hath either learned by his own experience, what ſeaſons, and proportions of ſuch natural helps are fitteſt for his temperament, or he is moſt unworthy of that precious thing (an Underſtanding ſoul) which he bears in his boſom; onelyonly let me inform Chriſtians, that they may ſin in any of theſe actions, and therefore let them beware and watch over themſelves in the uſe and enjoyment of theſe things; which howſoever lawful in their own nature, yet by our corruption are capable of inordinateneſs and exceſs. Some are of opinion, That Chriſtians are in more danger of being Spiritually undone, by a ſlie inſinuation and inſnarement of licentiouſneſs and immoderation in ſuch lawful things, then by the groſs aſſaults of foul ſins and temptations; their hearts may riſe againſt any work of darkneſs, as Adultery, Murther, Swearing, Prophaning the Lords day, Speculative wantonneſs, &c. which yet may too often be inſenſibly ſeized upon, by an exceſſive ſinful delight, in things unſinful in themſelves; and therefore we had need to watch over our Natural actions.
2. Concerning Civil actions, as Bargains, Contracts, Covenants, Dealings, Negotiations, &c. obſerve theſe Directions:
1. Think we ſeriouſly and ſolemnly of that Principle, Do as thou wouldst be done by: In a fellow-feeling real conceit, put thy ſelf into the place, and impartially put on the perſon of the party with whom thou art to deal, and then returning to thy ſelf, deal out and proportion unto him that meaſure in every particular, which thou wouldſt be willing to receive at anothers hand,Mat 7.22. if thou wer't in his caſe: Whatſoever (ſaith our Savior) ye would that men ſhould do to you, do ye even ſo to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
2. Abhor with an infinite diſdain, to get any thing by any wicked means, wrong doing, or unconſcionable dealing; we may aſſure our ſelves in ſuch caſes, That beſides the ſecret grumblings of our ſelf-accuſing Conſciences, the angry eye of God ſees ſecretly our doings, and will ſhortly, and moſt certainly revenge.
3. Let our deſire and delight never faſten it ſelf immoderately upon any earthly thing, though never ſo excellent: Exorbitancy and error this way, brings many times with it either a loſs of the thing ſo doted on, or it may be a croſs, or howſoever a curſe. O conſider we the vanity of theſe earthly things! Conſider we the glories above! Methinks this one preſervative would be powerful enough to keep the heart of every Chriſtian from doting upon the world, or ſuffering it to be poſſeſſed thereof, it is this, Every Chriſtian by a fruitful Faith, may be aſſured of a Crown of life, either by aſſurance of adherence, or evidence, or both: Now if that once a day he ſhould take a ſerious ſurvey of the glory, everlaſtingneſs, and unutterable excellencies of that immortal Crown, which our dear Redeemer holds for him in his hand, ready to ſet upon his head, when he ſhall be diſſolved from this vale of tears; Methinks it were able ſo to dull the edge, and diſſolve the droſſineſs of all earthly deſires, that they ſhould never be able to heat or harden his heart any more.
3. Concerning Religious actions, as Meditating, Hearing, Reading, Faſting, Praying, Almſgiving, &c. obſerve theſe Directions:
1. In general.
2. In ſpecial.
1. In general, obſerve, That we draw and derive from Chriſt by the attractive force of Faith, Special abilities, 1. To perform all Duties. 2. To exerciſe all Graces. 3. To reſiſt and overcome all Temptations and Corruptions which ſhall be befal us: To this purpoſe are thoſe Promiſes of Grace and Strength, Iſa. 44.3. Ezek. 36.27. Zech. 10.12. Joh. 1.16. And theſe are Securities given us from God, that we ſhall receive grace through Duties, which are the Conduit-pipes or inſtruments of conveying the ſame into the ſoul from Chriſt. This is to do all in the ſtrength of Chriſt, and to take forth a great deal of Chriſt into the ſoul, ſo that not I, but Chriſt may live in me.Gal. 2.20.
2. In ſpecial, obſerve theſe Directions:
1. That before the doing of Duties, we remove all lets and impediments which may hinder, and improve all occaſions which may forward us thereunto.
2. That in doing of them, we behave our ſelves well and wiſely, performing them rightly and religiouſly.
3. After all is done, that we be careful all be not loſt through our own vileneſs, and viciouſneſs, privy pride, or ſecret hypocriſie.
For inſtance, Would we watch unto Prayer, Eph. 6.18.as the Apoſtle injoyns us?
1. Then, before we fall on our knees, let us ſhake off three impoyſoning and heavy hindrances, which otherwiſe will clog and clip the wings of our Prayers, that they will never be able to aſcend up into heaven; as, Sin, Anger, and Diſtruſt: and let us poſſeſs our ſelves of three excellent helps and inflaming furtherances; the firſt is a right apprehenſion of Gods Dreadfulneſs, Purity, Power, &c. The ſecond is, a true ſence of our own Vileneſs, Abominableneſs, Nothingneſs, &c. The third is, an hearty ſurvey of the Infiniteneſs, and unexpreſſibleneſs of Gods Bounty, Bleſſings, and compaſſionate forbearance towards us.
2. After we are down on our knees, firſt repel with an undaunted Spirit, Satans Blaſphemous injections: Secondly, watch over the world with care and timely oppoſition, that if it be poſſible) not an earthly thought may creep into our heart all the while: Thirdly, ſtrive to hold our hearts in heat, as well in Confeſſion as Deprecation, in Deprecation as Petition; as well for purity of heart, as for pardon of ſin throughout: Prayer is the creature of the holy Ghoſt, every part whereof we ſhould heartily wiſh, and earneſtly wreſtle, That he would proportionally animate and enliven, even as the ſoul doth the body.
3. After we are riſen off our knees, firſt, take heed of reſting in the Duty, take heed of privy pride, and ſecret hypocriſie, take heed of returning with the dog to his vomit: Secondly, purſue and preſs after the things prayed for, by a timely apprehenſion, fruitful exerciſe, and utmoſt improvement of all occaſions, and heavenly offers, which may any ways concur to the compaſſing of them: But of this I ſhall ſpeak more largely, when I come to the Duty of Prayer. Thus much of Watchfulneſs.