Knowledge and Practice, Part 2 · Chapter 5 · Section

Knowledge and Practice · Part 2 · Chapter 5 · Section

p. 178Thanksgiving.

Col. 3.17. And whatſoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jeſus, giving thanks to God, and the Father by him.

Heb. 13.15. By him therefore let us offer the ſacrifice of praiſe to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his Name.

Pſal. 67.2. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy ſaving health among all Nations.

V. 3. Let the People praiſe thee O God, let all the People praiſe thee.

Pſal. 86.12. I will praiſe thee O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorifie thy Name for evermore.

V. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me, and thou hast delivered my ſoul from the lowest Hell.

Pſal. 103.1. Bleſſe the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me bleſs his holy Name.

V. 2. Bleſſe the Lord O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Pſal. 47.7. For God is the King of all the Earth, Sing ye praiſes with underſtanding.

Col. 4.2. Continue in praier, and watch in the p. 179ſame with Thanksgiving.

Pſal. 116.12. What ſhall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?

V. 13. I will take the Cup of ſalvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord.

Pſal. 115.1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory: for thy mercy, and for thy Truths ſake.

Pſal. 106.21. They forgat God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt.

Pſal. 66.16. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my Soul.

Pſal. 105.2. Sing unto him, Sing Pſalmes unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Pſal. 22.10. I was caſt upon thee from the womb, thou art my God from my mothers belly.

Luke 17.17. And Jeſus anſwered and ſaid, were there not ten cleanſed, but where are the nine?

V. 18. There are not found that returned to give Glory to God, ſave this ſtranger.

Pſal. 69.30. I will praiſe the Name of God with a Song, and will magnifie him with Thanksgiving.

V. 31. This alſo ſhall pleaſe the Lord better than an Oxe, or Bullock, that hath hornes and hoofes.

Pſal. 50.13. Will I eat the fleſh of Buls, or drink the blood of Goats?

p. 180V. 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the moſt High.

Eph. 5.20. Giving thanks alwaies for all things unto God, and the Father, in the Name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

1 Theſ. 5.17. Pray without ceaſing.

V. 18. In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Chriſt Jeſus concerning you.

Eph. 1.3. Bleſſed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who hath bleſſed us with all ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places in Chriſt.

Pſal. 57.7. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will ſing and give praiſe.

Pſal. 146.2. While I live I will praiſe the Lord, I will ſing praiſes to my God while I have my being.

Iſa. 1.3. The Oxe knoweth his owner, and the Aſs his maſters Crib; but Iſrael doth not know, my people doth not Conſider.

Pſal. 147.19. He ſheweth his word unto Jacob; his ſtatutes and his Judgments unto Iſrael.

V. 20 He hath not dealt ſo with any Nation: and as for his Judgments they have not known them: Praiſe ye the Lord.

Gen. 32.10. I am not worthy of the leaſt of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou haſt ſhewed unto thy Servant: for with my ſtaffe I paſſed over this Jordan, and now am become two bands.

1 Chron. 29.14. But who am I? and what is my p. 181people, that we ſhould be able to offer ſo willingly after this ſort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Rev. 7.9. After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all Nations, and Kindreds, and People, and Tongues ſtood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, cloathed with white robes, and palmes in their hands.

V. 10. And Cried with a loud voice, ſaying, Salvation to our God, which ſitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.

V. 11. And all the Angels ſtood round about the Throne, and about the Elders, and four beaſts; and fell before the Throne on their faces, and worſhipped God.

V. 12. Saying, Amen, Bleſſing, and Glory, and Wiſdome, and Thanksgiving, and Honour, and Power, and Might be unto our God for ever, and ever, Amen.

Rev. 19.1. And after theſe things, I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven, ſaying, Alleluja, Salvation, and Glory, and Honour, and Power unto the Lord our God.

V. 3. And again they ſaid Alleluja —

V. 4. And the four and twenty Elders and the four beaſts fell down, and worſhipped God that ſate on the Throne, ſaying, Amen, Alleluja.

V. 5. And a voice came out of the Throne, ſaying, Praiſe our God all ye his Servants, and ye p. 182that fear him both ſmall and great.

Thirdly, Be frequent, and diligent in reading the holy Scriptures.

When thou readeſt the Commands, the Promiſes, the Threatnings therein contained, think God ſpeaks to thee in them; And God muſt needs be true, he cannot lie, nor deceive.

Now there is ſufficient evidence that the Scripture is his Word, and written by the eſpecial inſpiration of his holy Spirit; and that will appear if we conſider theſe three things.

1. The internal Light of its own perfection. The holineſſe and heavenlineſſe of the matter; the Majeſty of the Stile; the Conſent of all the Parts; the Scope of the whole (which is to give all Glory to God) and the full diſcovery therein made of the only way of mans ſalvation and reconciliation with God. Which is a ſuitable way both to Gods Glory, and mans Neceſſity.

2. The many providential atteſtations and confirmations of the Truth of the things therein contained, by real and undeniable miracles, ſuch as could not be wrought but by the power of God. And ſurely, if the Scripture had been only the device of men, God would ſome way or other have diſowned it ere this, as a notorious p. 183abuſe put upon him, and not ſo conſtantly have preſerved it in ſpight of the Devil, and all his inſtruments, who have laboured to baniſh it out of the world, and to weaken the authority of it.

3. The great and wonderful efficacy of the doctrine therein delivered, to enlighten, convince, and humble ſinners; to drive them out of themſelves, and to draw them to Chriſt, to conform them to the Image of God, to ſubdue them to his will, to ſtrengthen them againſt temptations and corruptions, to build them up in Grace, to eſtabliſh their hearts in holineſſe; and laſtly, to comfort them through Faith unto ſalvation.

As therefore the holy Ghoſt by ſpecial inſpiration, was the author of the Scripture, and by extraordinary endowments was the author of the miracles wrought for its confirmation; ſo alſo he is the author of the Faith of him that truly and unfeignedly believes it. Yet he doth not cauſe us to believe by Enthuſiaſm without any reaſon or evidence, but he enlightens the underſtanding (removing the blindneſſe and depravedneſſe thereof,) and ſhews us the credibility of the thing, and the evidence of the truth that is to be believed, and ſo perſwades the heart to a belief thereof. Indeed, an hiſtorical belief of the Scripture (which is true in its kind) we may come to, by rational perſwaſions, without p. 184the ſpecial Grace, or illumination of the Spirit of God; but not that deep and firm belief, which ſhall carry over the will effectually to God in Chriſt; and captivate the whole man to the obedience of the Truth. And when ſuch a Faith, and belief of the Scripture as this, (attended with ſanctification) is wrought in the ſoul; the effect is, a good argument, to confirm the truth, and excellency of ſuch a Faith, and belief.

1. Labour therefore to work thy heart to a high and reverent eſteem of the Word, when thou goeſt to read it. We ſhould read it as a Letter written by the hand of God from Heaven unto us. If an Angel ſhould bring us a letter from Heaven, we ſhould highly value it and regard it. The Bible is a meſſage ſent from Heaven, to acquaint us with the mind of God. If we own the divine authority thereof, let us read it with reverence, and due regard.

2. Beg the Spirit of God (that endited the Scripture, that inſpired, and infallibly guided and aſſiſted the pen-men thereof) to open thy eies, to illuminate thy mind, and to encline thy heart to a full belief and perſwaſion that it is the very Word of God, and to bring over thy will to a ſincere obedience, and compliance with the will of God therein revealed.

3. Remember that all things neceſſary to mans ſalvation, are either expreſly ſet down in p. 185the Scripture, or by good and neceſſary conſequence may be deduced there-from: Unto which nothing is at any time to be added, either by new revelations, or traditions of men; it being a perfect Canon, a perfect rule of Faith and life. St. John, who outlived the reſt of the Apoſtles, ſealed up the Canon, Rev. 22.18, 19. which was a great mercy to the world; For God ſaw what a liberty man enclin'd to in divine things, and therefore needed to be tyed up to a rule, which here is given us. There is enough delivered in the Scripture to make us wiſe unto ſalvation, 2 Tim. 3.15. What ſhould a Chriſtian deſire more? and the Apoſtle tels us, we ought to give heed thereto till the day-ſtar ariſe in our hearts, that is, till we have full communion with Chriſt.Mr. Manton on Jude. For our reward in Heaven is expreſſed by the morning-ſtar, Rev. 2.28. To him that over-cometh, I will give the morning-ſtar.

4. Take notice, that thoſe things that are neceſſary to be known, believed, and obſerved for ſalvation, are ſo clearly propounded, and opened in ſome place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned alſo, in a due uſe of the ordinary means God hath appointed, may attain unto a ſufficient underſtanding of them. If there ariſe any queſtion about the true and full ſenſe and meaning of any Scripture, it muſt be ſearched and known by other p. 186places that ſpeak more clearly. The certain rule of interpreting the Scripture, is the Scripture it ſelf. The Scripture, ſaies Camero, is ſo penn'd, that they that have a mind to know, may know. They that have a mind to wrangle, may take occaſion enough of offence, and juſtly periſh by the rebellion of their own reaſon, for God never intended (ſaith he,) to ſatisfie men of a ſtubborn and perverſe wit. And Tertullian long before him, hath told us, that God hath ſo diſpoſed the Scripture that they that will not be ſatisfied might be hardened.

5. And laſtly, Remember, that the ſupream Judge, by which all con…rove…ſies of Religion are to be …ried, all decrees of Councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private ſpirits are to be examined, in whoſe ſentence we are to reſt, can be no other than the Holy Spirit of God ſpeaking in and by the Scriptures; for what the Scripture ſaies, God ſpeaks by it.

Iſa. 8 20. To the Law, and to the Teſtimony, if they ſpeak not according to this word, it is becauſe there is no light in them.

John 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which teſtifie of me.

V. 4…. For had ye believed Moſes, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

p. 187Acts 17.11. Theſe were more noble than thoſe in Theſſalonica, in that they received the word with all readineſs of mind, and ſearched the Scriptures daily, whether thoſe things were ſo.

V. 12. Therefore many of them believed: alſo of the honourable women, which were Greeks, and of men not a few.

Luke 16.29. Abraham ſaith unto him, they have Moſes and the Prophets, let them hear them.

V. 31. And he ſaid unto him, if they hear not Moſes and the Prophets, neither will they be perſwaded though one roſe from the dead.

2 Pet. 1.19. We have alſo a more ſure word of Propheſie, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that ſhineth in a dark place, untill the day dawn, and the day-ſtar ariſe in your hearts.

V. 20. Knowing this firſt, that no propheſie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.

V. 21. For the Propheſie came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God ſpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoſt.

2 Tim. 3.15. And that from a child thou haſt known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wiſe unto ſalvation, through Faith which is in Chriſt Jeſus.

V. 16. All Scripture is given by inſpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſſe.

V. 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good works.

p. 188Luke 10.26. What is written in the Law? how readest thou?

Rom. 15.4. For whatſoever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Deut. 17.18. And it ſhall be, when he ſitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdome, that he ſhall write him a Copy of this Law in a book, out of that which is before the Prieſts the Levites.

V. 19. And it ſhall be with him, and he ſhall read therein all the daies of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord, his God, to keep all the words of this Law, and theſe ſtatutes to do them.

Pſal. 19.7. The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the ſoul; the Teſtimony of the Lord is ſure making wiſe the ſimple.

Pſal. 119.9. Wherewithall ſhall a young man cleanſe his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

V. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my paths.

V. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth underſtanding unto the ſimple.

Pſal. 147.19. He ſheweth his word unto Jacob, his ſtatutes and his Judgments unto Iſrael.

V. 20. He hath not dealt ſo with any Nation, and as for his Judgments they have not known them. Praiſe ye the Lord.

p. 189Mat. 4.4. But he anſwered and ſaid, it is written, man ſhall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

V. 7. Jeſus ſaid unto him, it is written again, thou ſhalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

V. 10. Then he ſaith unto him, get thee hence Satan: for it is written, thou ſhalt worſhip the Lord thy God, and him only ſhalt thou ſerve.

Eph. 2.20. And are built upon the foundation of Apoſtles and Prophets, Jeſus Chriſt himſelf being the chief corner-ſtone.

Luke 24.27. And beginning at Moſes, and all the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himſelf.

V. 44. And he ſaid unto them, theſe are the words which I ſpake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things muſt be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moſes, and in the Prophets, and in the Pſalmes concerning me.

Rom. 3.2. Much every way, chiefly becauſe unto them were committed the Oracles of God.

Gal. 1.8. But though we, or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Goſpel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accurſed.

V. 9. As we ſaid before, ſo ſay I now again, if any man preach any other Goſpel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accurſed.

2 Pet. 3.15. And account that the long ſuffering of the Lord is ſalvation, even as our beloved p. 190Brother Paul alſo, according to the wiſdom given unto him, hath written unto you.

V. 16. As alſo in all his Epiſtles, ſpeaking in them of theſe things: in which are ſome things hard to be underſtood, which they that are unlearned, and unſtable, wreſt, as they do alſo the other Scriptures, unto their own deſtruction.

Mat. 22.29. Jeſus anſwered, and ſaid unto them, ye do erre not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

V. 31. But as touching the reſurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was ſpoken to you by God, ſaying.

Col. 3.16. Let the word of Chriſt dwell in you richly, in all wiſdom, teaching, and admoniſhing one another in pſalmes, and hymnes, and ſpiritual ſongs, ſinging with Grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Fourthly, Live continually as in the view of God, as in his ſight, and preſence, being careful to approve thy heart, and all thy waies unto him. Remember there is a broad, and a pure eye of Glory alwaies fixed upon thee God ſees hearts, as we ſee faces. There are three things in the heart of man to be eſpecially heeded, and obſerved. Principles, Projects, and Ends. God ſees what Principles thou acteſt from. Hee ſees all the projects and contrivances that are forging in thy p. 191breaſt; and he ſees what are the ends thou aimeſt at in all thy undertakings. That is pure Religion, that eies God rather than man. In all thy actions therefore, whether natural, moral, or ſpiritual, be carefull ſtill to deſigne the Glory of God.

1. In naturall Acts, labour to have ſupernatural aimes, 1 Cor. 10.31. Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatſoever ye do, do all the Glory of God.

2. In civill Acts, ſuch as the diſcharge of the duties of thy relations, be careful ſo to walk as deſigning that God may have Glory by thy Faithfulneſſe. For ſo the Apoſtle adviſeth, Eph. 6.1. Children obey your Parents in the Lord, for this is right. V. 5. Servants be obedient to them that are your Maſters, according to the fleſh, with fear and trembling, in ſingleneſs of heart as unto Chriſt. V. 6. Not with eie-ſervice as men pleaſers, but as the ſervants of Chriſt, doing the will of God from the heart. And Titus 2.9, 10. Exhort Servants to be obedient to their own Maſters, and to pleaſe them well in all things, not anſwering again. V. 10. Not purloyning, but ſhewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

3. In ſpiritual Acts, ſuch as praying, praiſing God, and worſhipping of him, be eſpecially careful that thy aimes be ſpiritual. Do ye faſt to me, even to me? ſaies God, by the Prophet, p. 192Zach. 7.5. He makes no account of any of our Acts of Piety, except we aim at his Glory in them.

What an excellent frame of Spirit was there in holy David, who profeſſeth, Pſal. 16.8. I have ſet the Lord alwaies before me. Did we but keep this one common Principle warm upon our hearts, that God ſees; how would it keep us ſincere and upright? How would it deter us from heart ſins, and the cloſeſt hypocriſie, and from warping into any ſinful practiſe? This was that which kept Joſeph ſo upright, Gen. 39.9. How can I do this great wickedneſſe, and ſin againſt God? Ask thy ſelf therefore often this queſtion, Will this be pleaſing to God that I am now going about? If credit or ſhame will reſtrain thee from ſin, how much more ſhould Gods eie? Nothing more feeds, maintains, and preſerves Piety, than a conſtant awe of God. David gives the reaſon the wicked are ſo bad, They have not ſet God before them, Pſal. 86.14. Abraham was afraid of himſelf in Gerar, Gen. 20.11. And what was the reaſon? why ſaies he, the fear of God is not in this place. Men durſt as well run their heads into a hot flaming Oven, as ſin againſt God, ſo impudently as they do, if they thought he ſaw them, and would call them to an account.

The fear of God is a Grace of continual uſe; If that be not before our eies, we are exceeding apt to grow careleſſe and ſecure. We cannot be alwaies praying unto God, nor praiſing of him, p. 193nor worſhipping of him, nor emploied in Acts of ſpecial communion with him. Yet we ought to be alwaies in his fear, and to remember, that we are alwaies under his eie. Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long; 'tis Solomons advice, Prov. 23.17. Right thoughts of God are the fewel that maintaines the life of Religion, which otherwiſe would be ſoon extinguiſhed. Remember therefore Gods Omnipreſence, and that will make thee upright, and careful to approve thy heart unto him. Sincerity, 'tis the life of all our Graces, and puts life into all our duties. Faith unfeigned, Love without diſſimulation, a plain Spirit in which there is no guile, theſe are Gods delight.

The clearer therefore thou ſtandeſt in thy own thoughts, concerning the uprightneſs of thy heart, in the tenure of thy Chriſtian courſe, incomparably the more joy and comfort thou wilt have. Let integrity and uprightneſs preſerve me, was Davids praier, Pſal. 25.21. Keep thy integrity; and thy integrity will keep thee: A good man, next to his care that he give not God any occaſion againſt him, will take care that he give not his Conſcience any occaſion againſt him. Be afraid therefore of giving thy Conſcience any juſt occaſion to reproach, and rebuke thee; Conſcience, 'tis Gods Magiſtrate within, that is appointed to be a terrour not to good works, but to the evil. Wouldſt thou then not be afraid of this p. 194power? do that which is good, and thou ſhalt have praiſe of the ſame; to allude to that in Rom. 13. O! it is exceeding ſweet, (no man knowes how ſweet but he that has it) to have the teſtimony of a good Conſcience, upon good grounds. A good Conſcience, 'tis the beſt pillow to ſleep upon, the beſt diſh to feed upon; a diſh ſaid I? nay, 'tis a feaſt, a continual feaſt, Prov. 15.15. Wouldſt thou fare deliciouſly every day, keep a good Conſcience.

Heb. 4.13. Neither is there any Creature that is not manifeſt in his ſight, but all things are naked, and opened unto the eies of him with whom we have to do.

Pſal. 119.168. I have kept thy precepts and thy teſtimonies, for all my waies are before thee.

Pſ…l. 139.3. Thou compaſſeſt my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my waies.

Pſal. 16.8. I have ſet the Lord alwaies before me, becauſe he is at my right hand I ſhall not be moved.

Gen. 5.24. And Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

Heb. 11.5. By Faith Enoch was tranſlated that he ſhould not ſee death, and was not found, becauſe God had tranſlated him, for before his tranſlation he had this teſtimony that he pleaſed God.

Gen. 6.9. Noah was a juſt man, and upright in his generation, and Noah walked with God.

p. 195Prov. 5.20. And why wilt thou my Son be raviſhed with a ſtrange woman, and embrace the boſome of a ſtranger?

V 21. For the waies of a man are before the eies of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.

Gen. 39.9. There is none greater in this houſe than I, neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, becauſe thou art his wife, how then can I do this great wickedneſs, and ſin againſt God?

Gen. 42 18. And Joſeph ſaid unto them the third day, this do and live, for I fear God.

Job 34.21. For his eies are upon the waies of man, and he ſees all his goings.

V. 22. There is no darkneſſe, nor ſhadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themſelves.

Job 27.6. My righteouſneſſe I hold faſt, and will not let it go, my heart ſhall not reproach me ſo long as I live.

Iſa. 38.3. And Hezekiah ſaid, remember now O Lord I beſeech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy ſight, and Hezekiah wept ſore.

1 John 3.20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

V. 21. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God.

2 Cor. 1.12. For our rejoycing is this, the teſtimony p. 196of our Conſcience, that in ſimplicity, and Godly ſincerity, not with fleſhly wiſdome, but by the Grace of God, we have had our converſation in the world, but more abundantly to you-wards.

Pſal. 32.2. Bleſſed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whoſe ſpirit there is no guile.

Pſal. 78.34. When he ſlew them, then they ſought him, and they returned, and enquired early after God.

V. 35. And they remembred that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.

V. 36. Nevertheleſs they flattered him with their mouth, and they lied to him with their tongues.

V. 37. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they ſtedfaſt in his Covenant.

Gen. 17.1. And when Abraham was ninety yeares old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and ſaid unto him, I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect.

Eph. 6.24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jeſus Chriſt in ſincerity. Amen.

Fifthly, Labour daily to live by Faith.

Having given up and committed thy penitent Soule into the hands of Chriſt, to have thy pardon and peace procur'd by his merits and interceſſion; learn alſo daily to truſt, and depend p. 197on the goodneſſe of God, and his gracious promiſes, for a ſupply of all ſuch bleſſings both ſpiritual and temporal as thou ſtandeſt in need of.

I ſhall ſhew thee what it is to live the life of Faith in theſe ten particulars.

1. Seek unto the Lord, and daily truſt and depend on him for the aſſiſtance of his holy Spirit, for Grace and ſtrength effectually to enable thee, to ſubdue thy corruptions, and to mortifie all ſinful vile affections in thee.

Luke 11.9. And I ſay unto you, ask, and it ſhall be given you: ſeek, and ye ſhall find: knock, and it ſhall be opened unto you.

V. 10. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that ſeeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it ſhall be opened.

V. 11. If a Son ſhall ask bread of any of you that is a Father, will he give him a ſtone? or if he ask a fiſh, will he for a fiſh give him a Serpent?

V. 12. Or if he ask an egge, will he offer him a Scorpion?

V. 13. If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more ſhall your Heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Jam. 4.5. Do ye think the Scripture ſaith in vain, the Spirit that dwelleth in us luſteth to envy.

p. 198V. 6. But he giveth more Grace: wherefore he ſaith, God reſiſteth the proud, but giveth Grace to the humble.

2 Cor. 12 9. And he ſaid unto me, my Grace is ſufficient for thee; for my ſtrength is made perfect in weakneſs, moſt gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Chriſt may reſt upon me.

Rom. 6.14. For ſin ſhall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace.

2. Truſt in him to enable thee to reſiſt and overcome the temptations wherewith thou ſhalt be aſſaulted from the Devil or the world.

Mat. 6.13. Lead us not into temptation.

2 Chron. 32.31. Howbeit in the buſineſſe of the Ambaſsadours of the Princes of Babylon, who ſent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the Land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

1 Pet. 5.8. Be ſober, be vigilant, becauſe your adverſary the Devil as a roaring lion walketh about ſeeking whom he may devour.

V. 9. Whom reſiſt, ſtedfaſt in the Faith.

Jam. 4.7. — Reſiſt the Devil, and he will flee from you.

1 John 2.15. Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world; if any man love the p. 199world, the love of the Father is not in him.

V. 16. For all that is in the world, the luſt of the fleſh, the luſt of the eies, and the pride of life, is not of the Father.

1 John 5.4. Whatſoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith.

John 17.15. I pray not that thou ſhouldſt take them out of the world, but that thou ſhouldſt keep them from the evil.

V. 20 Neither pray I for theſe alone, but for them alſo which ſhall believe on me through their word.

3. Humbly depend on him to aſſiſt and enable thee to perform all the duties both of thy general and particular calling, with ſincerity, diligence, and delight.

2 Cor. 3.5. Not that we are ſufficient of our ſelves to think any thing as of our ſelves, but our ſufficiency is of God.

Phil. 4 13. I can do all things through Chriſt that ſtrengthens me.

Pſal. 87.7. All my Springs are in thee.

4. Truſt in him to enable thee to bear all the afflictions he ſhall pleaſe to lay upon thee, with patience, affiance in his mercy, and ſubmiſſion to his will.

p. 200Col. 1.11. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-ſuffering, with joyfulneſſe.

1 Cor. 10.13. There hath no temptation taken you but ſuch as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not ſuffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but with the temptation will alſo make a way to eſcape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Rom. 5.3. But we glory in tribulations alſo, knowing that tribulation worketh patience,

Rev. 13 10. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints.

5. As thou muſt continually depend on God for a ſupply of all thoſe Graces, and comforts thy ſoul ſtands in need of; ſo likewiſe thou muſt depend daily on his Fatherly care to be furniſhed and ſupplied with all ſuch outward mercies as thou ſtandeſt in need of for this life.

Mat. 6 11. Give us this day our daily bread.

Pſal. 84.11. For the Lord is a Sun and a ſhield, the Lord will give Grace and Glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly

1 Tim. 4.8. For bodily exerciſe profiteth little; but Godlineſs is profitable to all things, having the promiſe of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

p. 2012 Pet. 1.3. According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto Life and Godlineſſe, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to knowledge and vertue.

6. Humbly depend on him for direction and guidance in all thy lawful waies, and to be counſell'd in difficult caſes, and matters of great concernment to thee.

Prov. 3.5. Truſt in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own underſtanding.

V. 6. In all thy waies acknowledge him, and he ſhall direct thy paths.

Pſal. 55.22. Caſt thy burden upon the Lord, and he ſhall ſuſtain thee, he ſhall never ſuffer the righteous to be moved.

Jer. 10.23. O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himſelf, it is not in man that walketh to direct his ſteps.

Prov. 16.9. A mans heart deviſeth his way, but the Lord directeth his ſteps.

Pſal 32.8. I will inſtruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou ſhalt go: I will guide thee with mine eie.

Pſal. 17.5. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footſteps ſlip not.

Pſal 73.24. Thou ſhalt guide me with thy counſel, and afterwards receive me to Glory.

Jam. 1.5. If any of you lack wiſdome, let him ask p. 202of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it ſhall be given him.

V. 6. But let him ask in Faith, nothing wavering, &c.

7. Daily truſt in him to be protected, and preſerved from dangers, evils, and miſchiefes (as far forth as he ſhall ſee it good for thee) and that his holy Angels may have charge over thee, and may perform all thoſe good offices for thee, which he hath appointed them to do for thoſe who ſhall be heirs of Salvation.

Heb. 1.14. Are they not all miniſtring Spirits, ſent forth to miniſter for them who ſhall be heirs of Salvation?

Pſal. 34.7. The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Mat. 18.10. Take heed that ye deſpiſe not one of theſe little ones, for I ſay unto you, that in Heaven their Angels do alwaies behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven.

Pſal. 91.1. He that dwelleth in the ſecret place of the moſt high, ſhall abide under the ſhadow of the Almighty.

V. 4. He ſhall cover thee with his Feathers, and under his Wings ſhalt thou truſt.

V. 10. There ſhall no evil befall thee, neither ſhall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

p. 203V. 11. For he ſhall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy waies.

V. 12. They ſhall bear thee up in their hands, leſt thou daſh thy foot againſt a ſtone.

8. Truſt in him to be bleſſed and made ſucceſſeful in all thy lawful endeavours. For though man do his endeavour, yet ſucceſſe is only his to give.

Pſal. 37.5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, truſt alſo in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſſe.

Pſal. 62.5. My Soul wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him.

Pſal. 127.1. Except the Lord build the houſe, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain.

V. 2. It is in vain for you to riſe up early, and to ſit up late, to eat the bread of ſorrowes; for ſo he giveth his beloved ſleep.

9. Look up to him, and humbly depend on him, to have all lawful enjoyments and poſſeſſions ſanctified to thee; that they may be ſweetned to thee, with a ſenſe of his love and favour in Chriſt, and then they will be bleſſings indeed.

Prov. 10.22. The bleſſing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no ſorrow with it.

p. 204Pſal 37.16. A little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked.

Prov. 15.16. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treaſure and trouble therewith.

Heb. 13.5. Let your converſation be without covetouſneſſe, and be content with ſuch things as ye have; for he hath ſaid, I will never leave thee, nor forſake thee.

10. Humbly truſt in him for the aſſiſtance of his holy Spirit, to enable thee daily to grow in Grace, and to perſevere and hold out in the waies of truth, and holineſſe, till thou attaineſt the end of thy Faith, even the ſalvation of thy ſoul.

2 Pet. 1.5. And beſides this, giving all diligence, adde to your Faith, vertue; and to vertue, knowledge.

V. 6. And to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience, and to patience, Godlineſſe.

V. 7. And to Godlineſſe, brotherly kindneſſe, and to brotherly kindneſſe charity.

2 Pet. 3. ult. But grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, to him be Glory both now and for ever, Amen.

1 Cor. 10.12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he ſtandeth take heed leſt he fall.

Rom. 14.4. Who art thou that judgeſt another p. 205mans ſervant, to his own Maſter he ſtandeth or falleth: yea, he ſhall be holden up, for God is able to make him ſtand.

Jude 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and preſent you faultleſſe before the preſence of his Glory, with exceeding joy.

V. 25. To the only wiſe God, our Saviour, be glory, and majeſty, dominion, and power, now and ever, Amen.

1 Cor. 1.8. Who ſhall alſo confirm you, unto the end, that ye may be blameleſſe in the day of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

V. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowſhip of his Son, Jeſus Chriſt our Lord.

1 Pet. 1.5. Who are kept by the power of God, through Faith unto Salvation.

Luke 22.32. But I have praied for thee, that thy Faith fail not, and when thou art converted, ſtrengthen thy Brethren.

Jer. 32.40. And I will make an everlaſting Covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me.

Heb. 12.2. Looking unto Jeſus the authour, and finiſher of our Faith, &c.

John 17.24. Father, I will, that they alſo whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory which thou haſt given me: for thou lovedſt me before the p. 206foundation of the world.

And that thou maiſt the better practiſe this excellent leſſon of living by Faith, take theſe further Directions.

Direction 1. Labour to ſtrengthen thy aſſent to the truth of the word of God. Unbelief it is a mother ſin. There was a faultring of aſſent in our firſt parents to the truth of Gods commination concerning eating of the forbidden tree, elſe they had not fallen ſo ſadly: and ſtill 'tis the ground of all miſcarriages, of hardneſs of heart, and apoſtacy, Heb. 3.12, 13, Take heed, Brethren, leſt there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day, leſt any of you be hardened through the deceitfulneſſe of ſin.

He that beleeveth not the judgments, and threatnings of the Word will not ſtick to do any evil: and he that doth not believe the promiſes, will not be forward to any good: All neglect, and coldneſſe in holy duties, cometh from the weakneſſe of our Faith: there is a decay at the root. Did we firmly believe the Glory of Heaven, and the happineſſe of the life to come, we would be earneſt and zealous for the obtaining of it.

Direction 2. Labour to be well acquainted with the promiſes of God, and learn to ſtay thy ſoul upon them: If an able potent friend promiſe p. 207help in troubles, how are we cheared with it? Ought not the promiſes of God then to be a ſtrong conſolation to us? The proper life of a Chriſtian is to take his comforts, and ſupports from the promiſes of God, and not only from his outward providences. God many times alters the diſpenſations of his Providence, but does not alter his promiſes. The promiſes are the Saints inheritance, Iſa. 54.17. No weapon that is formed againſt thee ſhall proſper; and every tongue that ſhall riſe againſt thee in judgment, thou ſhalt condemn; this is the heritage of the Servants of the Lord, Whilſt Chriſt is at Gods right hand, and the Bible in the hand of gracious perſons, they need not be dejected in any condition, Why art thou caſt down O my ſoul! and why art thou diſquieted within me! So David chides his ſoul, and rebukes his feares, Pſal. 42.5. and Pſal 77.10. This is my infirmitie, He bewailes his unbelief, and chides his heart for dejection and diſtruſt of Gods Providence.

Direction 3. Live upon God, and account him all in all, even in thy higheſt and fulleſt enjoyment of the creature. Let not the creature be the object of thy truſt at any time. Truſt and dependance is the greateſt homage and reſpect we can yeeld to the Creatour. Therefore Job Chap. 31.24. ſaies, If I have made Gold my hope, or have ſaid to the fine Gold, thou art my confidence. V. 25. If I have rejoyced becauſe my p. 208wealth was great, and becauſe my hand had gotten much, &c. V. 28. I ſhould have denied the God that is above. Men are very apt to make riches the ſtaffe of their lives, and the ſtay of their poſterity; and ſo their hearts leaning on them, are taken off from God. The great danger of riches is the truſting in them, Mark 10.23. Jeſus ſaith unto his Diſciples, how hardly ſhall thoſe that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God. V. 24. And the Diſciples were aſtoniſhed at his word, But Jeſus anſwereth again, and ſaith unto them, children, how hard is it for them that truſt in riches to enter into the Kingdome of God?

How many rich men are there, that look upon themſelves as it were intrenched within their eſtates, and ſo promiſe themſelves ſecurity againſt all dangers. Thus God is not regarded, but their wealth, and worldly greatneſſe is made their rock and fortreſs: therefore covetouſneſs is called Idolatry, Col 3.5. And the covetous man an Idolater, not ſo much for his love to riches, as his truſt in riches. Take heed therefore of making an Idol of the creature, do not build thy happineſſe, or felicity, on any thing thou doſt here enjoy. When God affords thee creature comforts, truſt not in them. Live upon God in the uſe, and live upon God in the abſence of the creature.

Direction 4. Uſe lawful and fair means, for accompliſhing and bringing about thy lawful p. 209deſignes, but let thy main trust be on God. Do thy duty, and commit thy ſelf and thy affairs to him in quietneſſe of heart. For a man to ſay, he truſts in God, and yet neglects to do his duty, this is but to mock God; a moderate care in the management of our aff…irs is very commendable, which puts a man upon praier, and an humble diligence in the uſe of lawful means; that once done, a Chriſtian ſhould labour after a holy moderation and compoſedneſſe of Spirit: and ſhould take heed his heart be not fixed too much on any thing here below to his diſturbance. He ſhould put all his waies and affairs into Gods hands. He ſhould wait patiently, how God will caſt his affairs; and then ſubmit, and acquieſſe in the iſſues of Providence. O how ſweet a life leads that Chriſtian, who lives in continual dependance on God! This kind of life diſcharges the creature of all that is burdenſom; of all carking cares, and tormenting fears; It leaves nothing upon him, but a conſcionable uſe of the means, no life makes us ſo humble, ſo lowly, ſo nothing in our own eies, as this life of Faith, which fetcheth all from God. Faith uſeth means, but truſteth in God alone.

In all thy affairs therefore ſtill ſeek to the Lord, and apply thy ſelf unto him, and truſt in him. We are dark creatures, and eaſily overſhoot our ſelves; we have not wiſdome enough to manage our own affairs. God can counſell us, p. 210when we know not how to give counſell to our ſelves: And God takes it well to be adviſed with by us. Hereby we acknowledge our ſubjection to him, when we will nor ſtir a foot without adviſing with him, when we deſire not to be ordered by our own wiſdome, but truſt in the Lord with all our hearts, and do not lean to our own underſtanding; as Solomon adviſes, Prov. 3.5. Take heed therefore of inordinate carefulneſſe, and diſtruſting God. Conſider the evil of rhis ſin in theſe four particulars.

1. No ſin more diſhonours God, and robs him of his Glory, than this ſin doth. It cannot indeed rob God of his eſſentiall, but it does of his declarative Glory. We glorifie God declaratively when we truſt in him, and thereby declare to the world, that we own and acknowledge thoſe his excellencies of wiſdome, power, mercy, faithfulneſſe, which his Word aſcribes unto him: And therefore 'tis ſaid of Abraham, Rom. 4.20. That he ſtaggered not at the promiſe of God through unbelief; but was ſtrong in Faith, giving Glory to God. V. 21. As being fully perſwaded, that what he had promiſed, he was able alſo to perform, ver. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteouſneſs. Unbelief doth blemiſh all thoſe four attributes of God, before mentioned, his Wiſdom, his Power, his Goodneſſe, his Faithfulneſſe; 'tis an interpretative blaſphemy, p. 211and calling all theſe into queſtion, and ſo an high injury and diſhonour unto God: Whereas faith is ſaid to juſtifie God, Luk. 7.29. that is, to profeſſe and acknowledge him to be ſuch a God as his Word reveals him to be.

2. Nothing doth more debar, and ſhut out Gods operation, in order to our relief and help than this ſin. If by taking only moderate and due care, we would reſigne up our ſelves, and our concernments into the hands of God, he would charge himſelf with us. But if we will immoderatly cark and care, and be ſo peremptory in our deſignes, and will not ſubmit them unto him; then God is diſcharged, we muſt look to our ſelves. Therefore 'tis not only our duty, but our intereſt, to reſigne up our ſelves to God, and to ſubmit our concernments to his will.

3. Unbelief 'tis a ſin, againſt which God hath exceedingly declar'd his diſpleaſure: The Apoſtle tels us, the children of Iſrael were deſtroied in the wilderneſſe for unbelief; Many were their ſins there, Murmurings, luſtings, Idolatry, but the main reaſon of their puniſhment was, they believed not. Look to their finall exciſion, and cutting off, why what was it for? for unbelief were they broken off, Rom. 11.20. That noble man in 2 Kings 8.2. was troden to death for diſtruſting Gods power, and could only ſee the plenty, did not taſt of it. p. 212Moſes and Aaron could not enter into the land of promiſe becauſe of their unbelief, Num. 20.12. And the Lord ſpake unto Moſes and Aaron, becauſe ye believe me not, to Sanctifie me in the eies of the children of Iſrael, therefore ye ſhall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. Zachary was ſtruck dumb for not believing what God had revealed. Chriſt did never chide his Diſciples for any thing ſo much as their unbelief, Luke 24.25. O ye fooles, and ſlow of heart to believe. And, why doubt ye O ye of little Faith, Mat. 8.26.

4. 'Tis a Paganiſh ſin, as our Saviour intimates, Mat. 6. For Heathens to be full of carking and caring, is not ſo much to be wondred at, but for us that profeſſe to believe in God, that do acknowledge a particular Providence, and believe the happineſſe of another world, to be under the tyranny of diſtracting cares, anxiety of mind, and thoughtfulneſſe, (as if God had no care of us) this is an exceeding unworthy carriage towards God. Take heed therefore of diſtruſting God, and overcharging thy ſelf with the cares of this life. Let not thy heart be too much fixed on any thing here below. Lay not theſe outward things too much to heart. And remember that then cares are inordinate, when they cauſe ſuch a tumultuouſneſs, p. 213and unquietneſſe in our thoughts, and affections, that reaſon is diſturbed, and cannot allay or compoſe them: or when they exceedingly hinder, or quite put us by the duties we ought to perform to God; or laſtly, when they cauſe a ſinking, or dying in the heart, (as Nabals heart is ſaid to die within him) when we are diſappointed in that we were ſo eagerly ſolicitous about. And therefore our Saviour in Mat. 6. bids us take no thought, and repeats it three ſeveral times, as v. 25. Therefore I ſay unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye ſhall eat, or what ye ſhall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye ſhall put on. V. 31. Therefore take no thought, ſaying, What ſhall we eat? or what ſhall we drink; or wherewithall ſhall we be cloathed? V. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow ſhall take thought for the things of it ſelf, ſufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Direction 5. Take heed of limiting God. 1. Either to the time of fulfilling his promiſes. Or 2. To the way; Faith doth not limit the holy One of Iſrael, to any ſet time, or any ſet means. Do thy duty therefore, and reſigne thy ſelf to God; Commit thy ſelf, and all concernments to his Fatherly care: and be not over-ſolicitous or perplexed about events. What ſtrange diſtruſtful language do the children of Iſrael uſe p. 214in Pſal. 78.20. Can the Lord prepare a table in the wilderneſs, can he give bread alſo? Can he provide fleſh for his people? And therefore at v. 41. What a black character is given of them, They turned back, and tempted God, and limited the holy One of Iſrael. We muſt not preſcribe to God, we muſt not go about to ſubject his Providence to our direction, and preſcribe what he ſhall do for our ſatisfaction.

Direction 6. Reflect upon the Lords paſt kindneſſe, and gracious dealings with thee. Conſider how much God hath done for thee, and for others, that have truſted in him: and that will tend very much to encourage thee ſtill to truſt in him. The more experience and manifeſtation of Gods power and preſence thou haſt had, the greater reaſon thou haſt, to caſt away all unbelief from thee. It exceedingly provoked God againſt Iſrael, that notwithſtanding ſo many experiences of his power, yet ſtill they diſtruſted him, Num. 14.11. And the Lord ſaid, unto Moſes, how long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere they believe me? for all the ſignes I have ſhewed among them. By every experience we ſhould grow up into a greater courage, and ſtrength of Faith, as David drew inferences of hope againſt the preſent danger, from the lion and the bear, 1 Sam. 17.36. Thy ſervant ſlew both the lion and the bear, and this uncircumciſed Philiſtine ſhall be as one of them, p. 215ſeeing he hath defied the Armies of the living God. Or as Paul ſaid, 2 Cor. 1.10. He hath, and doth, and therefore will deliver. Who delivered us from ſo great a death; and doth deliver; in whom we truſt that he will yet deliver us. Chriſt was angry with his Diſciples for not remembring the miracle of the loaves, when they were in a like ſtrait again, Mat 16.9. Do ye not yet underſtand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thouſand, and how many baskets ye took up? God is more angry with the unbelief of his children than of others, becauſe they have more experience of his love and care, and therefore that they ſhould diſtruſt him that never fail'd them, is very ungratefull.

2 Cor. 5.7. For we walk by Faith, not by ſight.

Hab. 2.4. Behold his ſoul which is lifted up is not upright in him, but the juſt ſhall live by his Faith.

Gal 2.20 I am crucified with Chriſt, nevertheleſſe I live, yet not I, but Chriſt liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the fleſh, I live by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himſelf for me.

Job. 13.15. Though he ſlay me yet will I truſt in him.

Pſal. 55.22. Caſt thy burden upon the Lord, and he ſhall ſuſtain thee, he ſhall never ſuffer the righteous to be moved.

p. 2161 Cor. 7.32. But I would have you without carefulneſs, &c.

Phil. 4.6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by praier and ſupplication, with thanksgiving let your requeſts be made known unto God.

1 Pet. 5.7. Caſting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.

1 Cor. 7.35. This I ſpeak for your own profit—that you may attend upon the Lord without diſtraction.

Pſal. 119.49. Remember the word unto thy ſervant, upon which thou haſt cauſed me to hope.

Pſal. 25.10. All the paths of the …ord are mercy and truth to ſuch as keep his Covenant and his Teſtimonies.

Pſal. 112.7. He ſhall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed truſting in the Lord.

Pſal. 89.33. Nevertheleſſe my loving kindneſs will I not utterly take from him nor ſuffer my faithfulneſs to fail.

Pſal. 62.9. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie, to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanity

2 Chron. 14.8. And Aſa had an army of men, that bare targets, and ſpeares, out of Judah three hundred thouſand, and out of Benjamin that bare ſhields, and drew bowes, two hundred and fourſcore thouſand, all theſe were mighty men of valour.

p. 217V. 11. And Aſa cried unto the Lord his God, and ſaid, Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us O Lord our God, for we reſt on thee, and in thy Name we go againſt this multitude: O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail againſt thee.

2 Chron. 20.12. O our God! wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might againſt this great company that cometh againſt us, neither know we what to do, but our eies are upon thee.

Rom. 4.19. And being not weak in Faith he conſidered not his own body now dead, when he was about one hundred years old, neither yet the deadneſs of Sarahs womb.

Pſal. 73.28. But it is good for me to draw near to God, I have put my truſt in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Iſa. 26.3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whoſe mind is ſtaied on thee, becauſe he truſteth in thee.

Iſa. 50.10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeieth the voice of his ſervant, that walketh in darkneſs, and hath no light? let him truſt in the Name of the Lord, and ſtay upon his God.

Pſal. 1….14. The poor committeth himſelf unto thee, thou art the helper of the Fatherleſſe.

Pſal. 62.5. My ſoul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him.

p. 218V. 6. He only is my rock, and my ſalvation, he is my defence, I ſhall not be moved.

2 Cor. 1.20. For all the promiſes of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the Glory of God by us.

Joſh. 21.45. There fail'd not ought of any good thing which the Lord had ſpoken unto the houſe of Iſrael, all came to paſſe.

Heb. 13.5. Let your converſation be without covetouſneſſe, and be content with ſuch things as ye have, for he hath ſaid, I will never leave thee, nor forſake thee.

Rom. 8.28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpoſe.

Mat. 6 30. Wherefore if God ſo cloath the graſſe of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is caſt into the Oven, ſhall he not much more cloath you, O ye of little Faith!

Pſal. 34.9. O fear the Lord ye his Saints, for there is no want to them that fear him.

V. 10. The young lions do lack, and ſuffer hunger, but they that ſeek the Lord ſhall not want any good thing.

Pſal. 84.11. For the Lord is a Sun and a ſhield, the Lord will give Grace and Glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Iſa. 54.17. No weapon that is formed againſt thee ſhall proſper, and every tongue that ſhall riſe againſt p. 219thee in judgment thou ſhalt condemn, this is the heritage of the ſervants of the Lord, and their righteouſneſſe is of me, ſaith the Lord.

2 Chron. 16.9. For the eies of the Lord run to and fro, throughout the whole earth, to ſhew himſelf ſtrong in the behalf of them, whoſe heart is perfect towards him.

John 11.40. Jeſus ſaith unto her, ſaid I not unto thee, that if thou wouldſt believe, thou ſhouldſt ſee the Glory of God.

Sixthly, Obſerve all the paſſages of his Providence towards thee, whether of juſtice, or mercy, Take notice of every frown, and every ſmile from God, and that will much direct thee, how to order thy ſervices of praier, and praiſe, and teach thee ſubmiſſion to his holy will. Many duties depend on the conſideration and taking notice of Gods Providential diſpenſations. How blame worthy then are they, that do not care to obſerve or regard the works of God? Certainly, it is our duty, to obſerve and acknowledge Gods ſoveraignty and dominion in the world, and over all events here below, (not a ſparrow, not a hair fals to the ground without our Heavenly Father) And where we cannot underſtand the waies of God, let us with an humble reverence believe, and admire the wiſdome of them. The deep and unſearcheable p. 220waies of God are not to be judged before the Tribunal of mans reaſon. Labour therefore to get a firm belief of this great truth, ſetled in thy ſoul, that God governs all humane affairs, and thou wilt find it of great efficacy againſt thoſe damps and dejections of mind, that in afflictions we are too prone unto; and it will be a ſingular antidote againſt all murmurings, and repinings. How did this conſideration quiet and compoſe the heart of old Eli, 1 Sam. 3.18. It is the Lord. And David on the ſame account ſaies, I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, becauſe thou didſt it, Pſal. 39.9. So when a ſore and terrible affliction fell upon Aaron, (his two ſons Nadab and Abihu being conſumed by fire from Heaven) all that the Scripture reports of his carriage and demeanour is this, And Aaron held his peace, Lev. 10.3. As therefore thou art dilgently to obſerve and mind Gods Providential diſpenſations towards thee, ſo remember it is thy duty, and ought to be the poſture of thy Spirit, that whatever he takes from thee, or whatever he does unto thee, perfectly and abſolutely to ſubmit to his will. Remember there is no reſiſting the Almighty, Shall a Graſhopper contend with an Eagle? Shall we that are wormes contend with our maker? If we conſider our ſinfulneſſe and guilt, we have reaſon to admire he afflicts us no more; If as the unjuſt ſteward in the Goſpel for one hundred, ſet down but fifty; ſo if God for an p. 221hundred ſtripes due to us, inflicts but fifty, nay but ten, have we not reaſon to be patient, and to ſay, He puniſheth leſſe than our iniquities deſerve? Labour therefore to be patient under his hand. Murmuring and repining does but increaſe our guilt, and provoke God to double our puniſhment. The Parent takes up the child for whimpering and crying, as well as for any other fault; not patiently to let God have his will, is the way to beg another whipping from him. In patience therefore poſſeſſe thy ſoul. Solomon ſaies, If the Iron be blunt, put the more ſtrength to it, Eccleſ. 10.10. So ſay I, if the affliction be ſtrong, put the more patience to it. Let patience have its perfect work (not only its half work) in thee. Patience meets God in ſuch an humble way, as diſcreet Abigail met David, let not my Lord be angry, Impatience, and fretting againſt the Almighty, is juſt as if a man ſhould beat his ſhinnes againſt an iron bar; or as if he ſhould throw a ſtone againſt Heaven, that will be ſure to fall on his owne head. And further conſider the way to have what thou deſireſt, is to ſubmit to God, and lay thy ſelf at his feet: When thy ſoul is wrought to that perfect ſubmiſſion, that thou canſt truly ſay, here I am, let the Lord do with me, what ſeemeth him good; Let the Lord pleaſe himſelf, and he ſhall pleaſe me, thou haſt conquered the difficulty of living in this world: Thou haſt got p. 222that precious art of chimiſtry, that will extract gold out of any thing. Thou wilt be able in ſome meaſure with bleſſed Paul to ſay, I have learned in all eſtates to be content. O labour and pray for this happy poſture of Spirit; and that thou maiſt attain unto it, be eſpecially careful to ſecure thy intereſt in his favour, who is the great Governour of the world, and diſpoſer of all events; What a ſtrong conſolation will it be to thee, if this God be thy God, thy reconciled Father in Chriſt? thou maiſt then be aſſured all things ſhall work together for thy good. Let the wind blow from what point of the compaſſe it will, it ſhall blow thee on towards thy haven. Thou needſt not fear the bittereſt potion, if it come from the hand of a loving Father. The Cup that my Father hath given me, ſhall I not drink it? ſaies our Saviour, John 18.11. What my Father preſcribes, I have no reaſon to fear any hurt from. If God be thy Father, and thou his adopted child, th u maiſt comfort thy ſelf with this, that whatever he takes from thee, or deprives thee of, he will ſupply to thee again (as one ſaies) either in kind, or in kindneſſe; ſome way or other, he will make it up to thee. Kindneſſe is Gods ſure pay to his children: if he takes all and gives himſelf to thee, he makes thee an abundant amends. 'Tis want of Faith that we cannot find all in God.

And as this conſideration will exceedingly becalm p. 223thy mind in afflictions, ſo when God diſpenſes himſelf in a way of mercy to thee, it will exceedingly raiſe and quicken thy heart to thankfulneſs. Thou wilt give God the Glory of all his mercies. Thou wilt not ſacrifice to thine own net, to thine own wit, wiſdom, induſtry, friends, or any ſecond cauſe, (much leſſe to chance, fortune, or good luck, as ignorant people ſpeak) but thou wilt caſt the Crown of all thy mercies at his feet, humbly aſcribing all Honour and Glory unto him. He will be owned and acknowledged by thee as thy chief Lord. Thou wilt look upon thy ſelf, as holding all from him, and to be but his tenant at will, and therefore obliged to pay him his rent duly and faithfully. And what is the rent he requires of thee? but only to give him the Glory of all his mercies, and to honour him, and magnifie him, in the uſe of them. In a word, to love him, and thank him, to ſerve him, and obey him, and to walk humbly before him all thy daies.

Pſal. 135.6. Whatſoever the Lord pleaſed, that did he in Heaven, and in Earth, in the Seas, and in all deep places.

Iſa. 5.12. And the harp, and the viol, the tabret and the pipe, and wine are in their feaſts, but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither conſider the operation of his hands.

Pſal. 10.4. The wicked through the pride of his p. 224countenance will not ſeek after God, God is not in all his thoughts.

Mat. 10.29. Are not two Sparrowes ſold for a farthing? and one of them ſhall not fall on the ground without your Father.

V. 30. But the very haires of your head are all numbred.

V. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many Sparrowes.

Prov. 16.33. The lot is caſt into the lap, but the whole diſpoſing thereof is of the Lord.

Prov. 21.1. The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water, he turneth it whitherſoever he will.

Jer. 10.23. O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himſelf, it is not in man that walketh to direct his ſteps.

Hab 1.16. Therefore they ſacrifice unto their net, and burn incenſe unto their drag; becauſe by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.

Lam. 3.37. Who is he that ſaith, and it cometh to paſs, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Iſa. 45.7. I form light, and create darkneſſe, I make peace, and create evil, I the Lord do all theſe things.

Amos 3.6. Shall a Trumpet be blown in the City, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in the City, and the Lord hath not done it?

Pſal. 46.11. The Lord of Hoſts is with us, the God p. 225of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Pſal. 39.9. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth becauſe thou didſt it.

Micah 7.9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, becauſe I have ſinned againſt him: untill he plead my cauſe, and execute judgment for me, he will bring me forth to the light, and I ſhall behold his righteouſneſſe.

1 Sam. 3.18. And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him, and he ſaid it is the Lord, let him do what ſeemeth him good.

Job 1.21. And Job ſaid, naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked ſhall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, bleſſed be the Name of the Lord.

2 Sam. 16.10. And the King ſaid, what have I to do with you, ye ſons of Zerviah? ſo let him curſe, becauſe the Lord hath ſaid unto him, curſe David, who ſhall then ſay, wherefore haſt thou done ſo?

2 Sam. 15.25. And the King ſaid unto Zadok, carry back the Ark of God into the City: if I ſhall find favour in the eies of the Lord, he will bring me again, and ſhew me both it, and his habitation.

V. 26. But if he thus ſay, I have no delight in thee, behold here am I, let him do to me as ſeemeth good unto him.

Deut. 8.10. When thou haſt eaten, and art full, then thou ſhalt bleſſe the Lord thy God for the p. 226good land which he hath given thee.

V. 11. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his Commandements, and his Judgments, and his Statutes, which I command thee this day.

V. 12. Leſt when thou haſt eaten, and art full, and haſt built goodly houſes, and haſt dwelt therein,

V. 13. And when thy heards and thy flocks multiply, and thy ſilver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou haſt is multiplied,

V. 14. Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, (which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the houſe of bondage.

V. 15. Who led thee through that great & terrible wilderneſſe, wherein were fiery Serpents, and Scorpions, and drought, where there was no water, who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint.

V. 16. Who fed thee in the wilderneſs with Manna, which thy Fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end,)

V. 17. And thou ſay in thine heart, my power, and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

V. 18. But thou ſhalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may eſtabliſh his Covenant p. 227which he ſware unto thy Fathers, as it is this day.

Prov. 10.22. The bleſſing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no ſorrow with it.

Pſal. 75.5. Lift not up your horn on high, ſpeak not with a ſtiff neck.

V. 6. For promotion cometh neither from the Eaſt, nor from the Weſt, nor from the South.

V. 7. But God is the Judge, he putteth down one, and ſetteth up another.

Deut. 8.3. And he humbled thee, and ſuffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with Manna, which thou kneweſt not, neither did thy Fathers know: that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread onelyonly, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

Prov. 16.9. A mans heart deviſeth his way, but the Lord directeth his ſteps.

Jam. 4.13. Go to now, ye that ſay, to day, or to morrow we will go into ſuch a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and ſell, and get gain.

V. 14. Whereas ye know not what ſhall be on the morrow.

1 Cor. 4.19. But I will come to you ſhortly if the Lord will, &c.

Pſal. 127.1. Except the Lord build the houſe, they labour in vain that build it, except the Lord keep the City the watchman waketh but in vain.

p. 228V. 2. It is in vain for you to riſe up early, to ſit up late, to eat the bread of ſorrowes, for ſo he giveth his beloved ſleep.

Pſal. 37.5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust alſo in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſſe.

V. 6. And he ſhall bring forth thy righteouſneſſe as the light, and thy judgment as the noon day.

V. 7. Reſt in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, fret not thy ſelf becauſe of him who proſpereth in his way, becauſe of the man who bringeth wicked devices to paſſe.

V. 16. A little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked.

V. 23. The ſteps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.

V. 24. Though he fall, he ſhall not be utterly caſt down, for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

V. 25. I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not ſeen the righteous forſaken, nor his ſeed begging bread.

V. 35. I have ſeen the wicked in great power, and ſpreading himſelf like a green bay-tree.

V. 36. Yet he paſſed away, and Lo, he was not, yea I ſought him but he could not be found.

V. 37. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.

1 Sam. 2.6. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive, he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

p. 229V. 7. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich, he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

V. 8. He raiſeth up the poor out of the duſt, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to ſet them among Princes, and to make them inherit the Throne of Glory, for the pillars of the earth are the Lords, and he hath ſet the world upon them.

V. 9. He will keep the feet of his Saints, and the wicked ſhall be ſilent in darkneſs, for by ſtrength ſhall no man prevail.

Phil 4.11. Not that I ſpeak in reſpect of want, for I have learned in whatſoever ſtate I am, therewith to be content.

V. 12. I know both how to be abaſed, and I know how to abound: every where, and in all things I am inſtructed, both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound, and to ſuffer need.

Seventhly, Charge upon thy ſelf with all ſeriouſneſſe, that great and neceſſary duty of daily watchfulneſſe.

Be not like thoſe whoſe manner is to ſpend a little time in praier in the morning, and then to take their leave (as it were) of God, for all the day after; but unto earneſt and fervent praier, adde ſerious watchfulneſſe.

And for thy better direction herein, I ſhall here firſt give thee a ſhort draught; or ſcheme p. 230of the ſeveral particulars I treat of under this head.

Firſt, There are foure things thou muſt watch over; Namely,

1. Thy Thoughts.

2. Thy Affections.

3. Thy Words.

4. Thy Actions.

Secondly, Six things thou muſt watch againſt; Namely,

1. Againſt thoſe ſins thou art moſt inclined to by temper, and natural conſtitution.

2. Againſt the ſins thou art moſt obnoxious to, by reaſon of thy particular calling, condition, ſtate, and courſe of life.

3. Againſt the ſins of the times and places wherein thou liveſt.

4. Againſt all occaſions and temptations that thou foreſeeſt are likely to endanger thy ſoule.

5. Againſt diſhonouring God in the uſe of lawful things.

6. Againſt Errour and ſeduction of mind.

Thirdly, One thing thou must watch for; Namely,

For opportunities to glorifie God; to do good to others; and to receive good to thy owne ſoule.

The Motives to quicken thee to this duty are theſe three.

p. 2311. Moſt of the ſins we commit, we fall into through careleſneſſe, and want of watchfulneſſe.

2. The Devil the tempter is alwaies watchfull to betray us.

3. The neceſſity of perſeverance, whereunto a concurrence of our care and diligence is required.

Firſt, The firſt thing I would adviſe thee carefully to watch over is thy thoughts. Be very careful, not to lodge, or entertain any ſinfull thoughts in thy mind: Sinful thoughts are the Reubens, the firſt-born of originall ſin, and the beginning of its ſtrength. They exceedingly defile the ſoul, and are the firſt movers to evil, and very abominable in the ſight of God. Oh what reaſon have we to be humbled for the vain, wanton, fooliſh, proud, wrathful, covetous, blaſphemous, idle, uſeleſs, unconcerning thoughts that do many times annoy us.

Let us therefore conſider of ſome remedies againſt ſinfull thoughts.

1. Settle in thy mind a ſtrong and deep apprehenſion of Gods Omni-preſence, and Omniſcience; and over-awe thy thoughts with this, that they are all ſeen, and obſerved, and taken notice of by him.

2. Remember, that though in the worlds wicked proverb, thoughts are free; becauſe man cannot diſcern them, nor puniſh them, yet they are not free from Gods obſervation, nor from his Law, which being ſpiritual, blndes p. 232the thoughts of the heart, as well as the outward man; nor from his Juſtice, which will call us to account for our ſinful thoughts, nor from the rebukes and ſcourgings of an awakened Conſcience; which are no ſmall puniſhments.

3. Let it be thy care to ſuppreſſe, and cruſh bad thoughts at the very firſt riſing: Do not at all conſent, or comply with them; but abhor, and abandon them preſently, and cry out unto the Lord for help againſt them: Take heed of repreſenting, or acting ſin in thy thoughts. If thou wouldſt keep thy ſoul pure, beware of ſpeculative ſinfulneſs.

4. Be carefull to have a ſtock of good materials alwaies in readineſſe for thy thoughts to work upon. Have ſome good ſubjects ready to preſent and offer to thy mind, to entertain thy thoughts with. A good man hath a good treaſure in his heart, out of which he bringeth forth good things, Mat. 12.35. Let thy mind therefore have alwaies ſome good heads to meditate on: As the evil and danger of ſin, the neceſſity of converſion; thy abſolute need of Chriſt; the vanity of the creature; the ſhortneſſe and uncertainty of this life; the everlaſtingneſs of thy future ſtate, &c.

5. Avoid Idleneſſe, and allow not thy ſelf in melancholy. If thou doſt not employ thy mind about that which is good, it will buſie it ſelf about evil: The mind of man if it be not well emploied, will be ranging, and roving all over p. 233the world, and will be intent on things it ſhould not. The ſpirit of man is active, and reſtleſſe; 'Tis like a mill; it will be either grinding of that which is put into it, or elſe working upon it ſelf, wearing, and wearying it ſelf in fooliſh, fruitleſs, and unconcerning thoughts. Idleneſſe is a grand occaſion of impure and impertinent thoughts: 'Tis the devils hour, in which he takes advantage to fill and defile mans mind with wicked ſuggeſtions; and melancholy diſpoſeth the mind to ſtrange, abſurd, incoherent, unreaſonable imaginations; to many ſad, perplexing, afflicting thoughts. Man diſquieteth himſelf in vain, ſaith the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 39.6. framing many imaginary evils and grievances to himſelf, which God hath not really laid upon him.

Let it be thy care therefore to keep thy mind well employed, either in the duties of Piety, or the works of thy particular calling. When thou doſt relax thy mind at any time, from being intent on ſerious things, for thy neceſſary refreſhment, be careful to allow thy ſelf onelyonly in innocent cheerfulneſſe; When the loines of thy mind are ungirt, and thy thoughts let looſe to run at random, and have not Conſcience ſet over them as a Governour, thou art in great danger of ſinning againſt God.

6. Do not cumber thy ſelf with too much worldly buſineſſe, that will overcharge thy mind with ſolicitude, and force too many earthly p. 234thoughts upon it: it will fill thee with diſtracting, diſturbing thoughts, and torturing cares. When Martha was careful, and troubled about many things, ſhe neglected the one thing neceſſary, Luke 10.41, 42.

7. Le…rn to ſpiritualize earthly obj…cts, and to raiſe holy meditations from them. This will be an excellent and advantageous employment for thy mind. This was our bleſſed Saviours practiſe, and canſt thou follow a better example?

8. Learn to divert and put by bad thoughts, by introducing and bringing in ſome good thoughts that are contrary to them into their roomes: Thus overcome evil thoughts by good thoughts. If ſelf magnifying thoughts come in; bring in ſelf abaſing: If diſtruſtful; put thy ſoul upon thinking of Gods Faithfulneſs: If revengefull; think how much thou needeſt forgiveneſſe from God: Thus let one wedge drive out another.

9. Beg of God to new mould thy mind, and to put it into ſuch an holy and heavenly frame, that it may be fit to produce good thoughts, as a good tree doth bring forth good fruit. Beg that Grace may be the Law of thy mind▪ Rom. 7.23. Pray earneſtly, act Faith, and put thy truſt in the power, and promiſe of God, for the caſting down of all ſinful imaginations in thy ſoul, and ſubduing thy thoughts to the obedience of Chriſt.

p. 23510. If thou wouldſt keep bad thoughts out of thy mind, be ready to entertain the gracious motions of the bleſſed Spirit of God, Rev. 3.20. Behold I ſtand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will ſup with him, and he with me. O do not grieve this holy Spirit; do not repell ſo bleſſed a gueſt, who knocks at thy heart in many a ſermon, and by many a providence, and ſues for entrance that he may make thee happy. What! ſhall the devil, with his wicked ſuggeſtions be let in, and ſhall the King of glory with his train of Graces, be ſhut out? O let it not be.

11. Remember that if thou willingly entertaineſt, and lodgeſt in thy mind wicked thoughts now, (and dieſt in an impenitent and unconverted ſtate) thy thoughts will be thy executioners and tormenters in Hell. As light as thou makeſt of evil thoughts now, they will then prey upon thy ſoul as ſo many vultures, and be a never-dying worm in thy Conſcience.

And the more to quicken thee to practiſe theſe directions; Conſider,

This will be a great argument of thy ſincerity, and of the truth of Grace in thee, if thou art conſcientiouſly watchfull over thy thoughts. Many reſtraints lie upon the outward man to over-awe it and keep it from evil; but the power of Grace does then much appear, when it commands p. 236the inward man, and laies reſtraints upon our thinking faculty, that we dare not allow our ſelves in any ſinful thoughts.

Pſal. 119.97. Oh how love I thy Law! it is my meditation all the day.

V. 113. I hate vain thoughts, but thy Law do I love.

Mat. 12.35. A good man out of the good treaſure of his heart bringeth forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treaſure, bringeth forth evil things.

Mat. 15.19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, falſe witneſs, blaſphemies.

V. 20. Theſe are the things that defile a man.

Iſa. 55.7. Let the wicked forſake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Pſal. 63.5. My ſoul ſhall be ſatisfied as with marrow and fatneſſe; and my mouth ſhall praiſe thee with joyful lips.

V. 6. When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Pſal. 94.11. The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

Jer. 4.14. O Jeruſalem, waſh thine heart from wickedneſſe, that thou maist be ſaved; how p. 237long ſhall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Pſal. 49.11. Their inward thought is, that their houſes ſhall continue for ever, & their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

Pſal. 119.59. I thought on my waies, and turned my feet unto thy teſtimonies.

Prov. 16.3. Commit thy workes unto the Lord, and thy thoughts ſhall be eſtabliſhed.

Prov. 4.23. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the iſſues of life.

Secondly, Watch over thy Affections, the motions and ſtirrings of thy will, the out-goings of thy heart.

Rightly to order our Affections, is one of our principall buſineſſes, in this life. When they are rightly ordered, and governed, they do much further & help on our courſe in Godlineſſe. Whereas diſordered paſſions blind the judgment, hurry away the will, fill the heart and mind with diſquiet, and interrupt prayer, and other holy duties. Keep an eſpecial watch the…efore over thy Affections: Be careful they be not ſet on wrong objects, nor ſuffered to grow unruly, and exorbitant. Grace doth not extinguiſh, but rectifie affections. Chriſt (who was free from all ſin) was not without affections: He was angry, did grieve, rejoyce. Let it be thy care therefore to look to the right regulating of p. 238theſe powers, and theſe affections that God hath placed in thee.

And to help thee in this work, obſerve theſe Directions.

1. Beg of God, a ſound mind, a right underſtanding, a clear judgment, that thou maiſt be able rightly to diſcern between good and evil; and maiſt not take ſhews and appearances for realities. There is great danger in miſapprehenſions; for as the apprehenſions of the mind are weaker or ſtronger, ſo the affections are hotter or cooler.

2. Labour to bring thy will, ſenſe, and appetite under ſubjection to right reaſon. If ſin do ſeem pleaſant to thee, (as the forbidden fruit to Eve) let reaſon tell thee 'tis forbidden fruit; and therefore thou muſt not touch it. A man is Lord of himſelf, when reaſon rules him: but his own ſlave, when wilfulneſſe, appetite, or paſſion bear ſway in him. When the Coachman cannot rule the horſes, but is hurried violently away with them, there is nothing but confuſion to be expected; ſo it is with a man whoſe reaſon is overborn, or hurried away by his headſtrong paſſions. Affections are like fire and water; good ſervants, but very bad Maſters: Fire does well while 'tis kept in the chimney; & water is uſeful, while 'tis kept within its banks; if they break out, they are ve…y miſchievous Elements: Affections (while they are moderated, p. 239& kept within their due bounds) they are very ſerviceable; but if they overflow thoſe banks and bounds, what a world of miſchief follows?

3. Labour to foreſee ſuch things before they come, which may prove great provocations to thee, and are like to kindle and excite thy paſſions. Uſe precaution, and wiſely avoid ſuch occaſions as much as thou canſt. Paſſions are far mo…e eaſily prevented, than moderated: And here premeditation is of ſingular uſe, whereby the mind may fortifie & ſtrengthen it ſelf againſt the exorbitancy of p…ſſion, before it ariſe; by conſidering the unreaſonableneſſe of it, and the bitter fruits and effects of it.

4. Reſiſt evil affections at the beginning, before they grow high and headſtrong; Daſh Babylons brats againſt the wall: If they once get ſtrength, they may be too hard for thee. Luſts, and vile affections let alone, do often end in groſſe ſins. There are works of the fleſh, that follow luſts of the fleſh, Gal. 5.19. Love of pleaſure, if uncontro…l'd, may end in drunkenneſſe, or uncleanneſſe. Envy, and malice, if uncheck'd, may end in mu…der, or violence. Judas allowing himſelfe in Covetouſneſſe, that brought him to deny his Maſter.

5. Temperance, and keeping under the body is an excellent means to mortifie luſts, paſſions, and vile affections. He that pampers his fleſh, feeds his enemy. And how much better p. 240is it to endure the pains of mortification here, than the horrours of everlaſting darkneſſe hereafter?

6. Remember, that when thy blood and Spirits are moved, and thy paſſions are up, whatever is preſented to thy imagination, tends to the deluſion of thy ſoul. Paſſions like ſome kind of glaſſes, repreſent things falſely: ſomtimes of a mountain, they make a mole-hill; and ſomtimes a mole-hill, they magnifie into a mountain. Therefore if it be poſſible in paſſion make no reſolutions. Let it be one of thy main cares, then to ſuffer thy ſpirit and blood to cool, and thy paſſions to ſink, and melt away, and then thou wilt come to right apprehenſions. Many have grievouſly overſhot themſelves in paſſion, and repented of it at leiſure.

7. Conſider the root of all inordinate paſſion is ſelf-love. The larger the branches of paſſion, the deeper the root of ſelf-love. Therefore labour to dig up the root, and do not only lop off the branches. Inordinate ſelf-love ought to be ſubdued, and mortified.

8. Meditate often on the abaſings, ſufferings, death, and paſſion of our Lord, and Saviour. Chriſt ſuffered for us, leaving us an example, ſaith the Apoſtle, 1 Pet. 2.21. that we ſhould follow his ſteps. Was he crucified for us? and ſhall not we crucifie our vile affections for him? p. 241Did he renounce his own will, to accompliſh our ſalvation? and ſhall not we deny our wills for him? our corrupt wills? The wills of the fleſh and of the mind, as the Apoſtle calleth them, Eph. 2.3. The luſtings of the lower and the upper ſoul. Was he made of no reputation for us? and ſhall we be proud? Did he lay down his very life for us his enemies? and ſhall not we forgive an enemy for his ſake? O labour from the conſideration of Chriſts ſufferings to mortifie thy luſts and vile affections.

9. By earneſt Prayer, even the prayer of Faith, ſeek for ſuccour from Heaven, againſt all thine inordinate affections. Humbly plead that promiſe before the Lord, Rom. 6.14. Sin ſhall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace.

10. Take the ſword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, Eph. 6.17. and therewith labour to ſlay thy inordinate affections. Apply the Commands and Threatnings of Gods Word to thy ſelf, when thou findeſt any ſtrong paſſion or luſt ſtirring in thee: As ſuppoſe Anger be up in thee; take that ſword of the Spirit thou wilt find Eph. 4.26, 27. Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath; …ther give place to the devil. If hatred againſt thy Brother be working in thee, take that ſword, 1 John 3.15. Whoever hateth his Brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. If thy p. 242heart be peſtered with revengeful thoughts: take that ſword in Mat. 6.14, 15. If ye forgive men their treſpaſſes, your Heavenly Father will forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their treſpaſſes, neither will your Father forgive your treſpaſſes. If luſt be ſtirring in thee, take that ſword in Mat. 5.28. But I ſay unto you, whoſoever looketh on a woman to luſt after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. If pride, take that ſword, 1 Pet. 5.5. God reſiſts the proud, and gives Grace to the humble. If Covetouſneſſe, take that ſword, Luke 12.15. Take heed and beware of covetouſneſs, for a mans life conſiſteth not in the abundance of the things which he poſſeſſeth. And 1 Tim. 6.10. The love of money is the root of all evil. Thus if thou art well acquainted with the word of God, thou maiſt find a ſword to ſlay any inordinate affection, any rebellious luſt that riſes up in thee.

Prov. 4.23. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the iſſues of life.

Gal. 5.24. And they that are Chriſts have crucified the fleſh, with the affections and luſts.

Tit. 2.12. Teaching us that denying ungodlineſs, and worldly luſts, we ſhould live ſoberly, righteouſly, and Godly in this preſent world.

Rom. 8.6. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be ſpiritually minded is life and peace.

V. 13. For if ye live after the fleſh ye ſhall die, p. 243but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye ſhall live.

1 Pet. 2.11. Dearly beloved, I beſeech you as ſtrangers and pilgrims abſtain from fleſhly luſts which war againſt the ſoul.

Eph. 2.3. Among whom alſo, we all had our converſation in times paſt, in the luſts of our fleſh, fulfilling the deſires of the fleſh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.

Prov. 25.28. He that hath no rule over his owne ſpirit, is like a City that is broken down, and without wals.

Prov. 16.32. He that is ſlow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his ſpirit than he that taketh a City.

Eph. 4.26. Be ye angry, and ſin not; let not the Sun go down upon your wrath.

V. 27. Neither give place to the devil.

V. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are ſealed to the day of redemption.

V. 31. Let all bitterneſſe, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil ſpeaking be put away from you, with all malice.

V. 32. And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Chriſts ſake hath forgiven you.

1 Cor. 14.20. Brethren be not children in underſtanding; howbeit, in malice be ye children, but in underſtanding be men.

p. 244Eccleſ. 7 9. Be not haſly in thy ſpirit to be angry: for anger reſteth in the boſom of fools.

1 John 3.15. Whoſoever hateth his Brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

2 Cor. 12.20. For I fear, leſt when I come, I ſhall not find you ſuch as I would, and that I ſhall be found unto you ſuch as ye would not; leſt there be debates, envyings, wraths, ſtrifes, backbitings, whiſperings, ſwellings, tumults.

Jam. 4.5. Do ye think that the Scripture ſaith in vain, the Spirit that dwelleth in us luſteth to envy?

Jam. 1.20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteouſneſſe of God.

Luke 9.55. But he turned and rebuked them, and ſaid, ye know not what manner of ſpirit ye are of.

John 13.35. By this ſhall all men know that ye are my Diſciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Pet. 3.4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which is in the ſight of God of great price.

Thirdly, Watch over thy words.

Gods ſervants in all ages, have ſeen a great deal of reaſon, to reſolve within themſelves, to take heed of offending with their tongues, and to pray earneſtly to the Lord, that he would pleaſe p. 245to ſet a watch before their mouths, and to keep the door of their lips. 'Tis a great part of Religion, rightly to govern and bridle the tongue. If any man ſeemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, this mans religion is vain, Jam. 1.26. And the tranſgreſſion of the tongue is the rather to be watched againſt, becauſe of the natural proneneſſe that is in us to offend in that kind. We are exceedingly apt to fall into this ſin; partly, becauſe of that quick intercourſe that is between the tongue, and the heart, ſo that we ſin in an inſtant; partly, becauſe ſpeech is an Act we perform without labour, and ſo we the more eaſily offend this way: And laſtly, becauſe the ſins of the tongue are very pleaſing, and compliant with corrupt nature. Therefore S^t James ſaith, Jam. 3. v. 2. If any man offend not in word, the ſame is a perfect man. i. e. Not only a beginner, but one that is come to ſome ripeneſſe, and growth in Chriſtianity; his care and watchfulneſſe over his words, argues him to be a ſound, ſincere, and upright Chriſtian. Oh how much reaſon have we to be ſeriouſly humbled for the errours and miſcarriages of our tongues! Divide the ſins of man into two parts, ſaies Nazianzen, and one half of them are the ſins of the tongue. One reckons up twenty four ſins of the tongue, and yet poſſibly he hath not reckoned all.

p. 2461. Taking Gods Name in vain, in ordinary communication.

2. Unlawful ſwearing.

3. Lying.

4. Curſing.

5. Perju…y.

6. Blaſphemy.

7. Raſh and unlawful vowes.

8. Heartleſſe and hypocritical praying.

9. Falſe accuſing.

10. Open railing, reviling and reproaching.

11. Secret defaming, backbiting, and whiſpering.

12. Scoffing, jeering, ſcorning, giving biting quips and girds.

13. Ribaldry, filthy ſpeaking, ſcurrulous jeſting, rotten communication.

14. Menacing and threatning revenge.

15. Deceiving and cheating.

16. Proud boaſting, and ſelf magnifying.

17. Raſh judging and cenſuring.

18. Vain and idle tatling.

19. Flattering and ſoothing in evil.

20. Enticing and alluring to ſin and wickedneſs.

21. Seducing into errour.

22. Murmuring and repining.

23. Diſcloſing ſecrets contrary to promiſe.

To all which may be added,

24. Sinful ſilence. Of which more afterward.

p. 247Oh how vile are we, if one member be guilty of ſo much ſin! Not without reaſon therefore hath St. James in his third Chap. v. 6. deſcribed an evil Tongue, to be a fire, a world of iniquity, and ſet on fire of Hell, i. e. from the Devil the Father of lies, malice, and virulency. They that nouriſh an evil tongue, nouriſh that which comes from Hell, and which will carry them thither, without ſerious, and timely repentance. The tongue can no man tame, as he goes on, v. 8. that is, of himſelf without the concurrence of Divine Grace. Pray therefore for this Grace, that thou maiſt take heed to thy words, that thou offend not with thy tongue. And for the better regulating and governing of it, obſerve theſe Directions.

1. Begin at thy heart, if thou wouldſt rightly govern thy tongue. Pray as David did, Pſal. 51.10. Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth ſpeaketh, ſaith our Saviour, Mat. 12.34. The diſorders of the tongue, uſually proceed from the diſtempers of the heart. Idleneſſe of words, from vanity of thoughts; Raſhneſſe of ſpeech, from haſtineſſe of Spirit: Boaſting, and proud brags, from pride of heart; Reviling, and open reproaching, from inward malice. The foul ſtomack betraies it ſelfe, in a ſtinking breath. The naughtineſſe of the heart vents it ſelf by the tongue. A heart ſtor'd with p. 248wiſdom and grace will diſcover it ſelf in ſavoury diſcourſe.

2. Let thy end and aim in ſpeaking be, to glorifie God, and to do good to others. That word is an idle word, and utterly loſt, which tends to no good purpoſe. Either ſpeak ſomthing better than ſilence, or keep ſilence, ſaies the Heathen Poet. Chooſe either to ſpeak that which is (ſome way or other) profitable; or to be ſilent. Now there may be a ſinfull ſilence, as in theſe caſes.

1. When God is diſhonoured, and we expreſs no diſlike of it.

2. When 'tis our duty to reprove an offending Brother, and we neglect it.

3. When our ſilence proceeds from want of delight in Spiritual things; when we are free enough to any worldly diſcourſe, but cannot abide to ſpeak of matters that concern our ſoules.

4. When we are aſhamed to own the waies of God, for fear of reproach.

5. When we neglect to give good counſell where we ought.

3. Conſider before thou ſpeakeſt, and be not raſh with thy mouth; Be ſlow to ſpeak, ſaith St. Jam. Chap. 1. v. 19. i. e. deliberate, and adviſed: Let thy mind be thy tongues guide. When thy words are once out of thy mouth, they are paſt recal. And therefore one ſet a pretty moral picture over his table (a place uſually of too much licentious p. 249diſcourſe) of a man out of whoſe mouth many little birds flew (which were his words) which he with both his hands ſtrove to catch again, but could not: Conſider therefore before thou ſpeakeſt, and ere thy words be gone out of thy reach and power; eſpecially conſider before thou promiſeſt any thing: Conſider whether the thing be good, fit, convenient, and in thy power, and whether thy mind will ſuffer thee to do it or no: He that does not this, will be apt to erre, and to enſnare himſelf by his owne words.

4. Whatever thou haſt covenanted, agreed, or promiſed, be carefull to perform, though to thy loſſe and damage. If thou findeſt thy ſelf unable to perform, give notice betimes, and crave either forbearance, or a releaſe. 'Tis a good caution that one gives, that we ſhould be exceeding careful what vowes we make to God, or what promiſes to man.

5. Be ſure, that whatever thou ſpeakeſt, be morally true; (i. e. that there be an ag…eement between thy heart and tongue) though thou art not obliged to ſpeak all that thou knoweſt to be true, at all times. There may be ſomtimes malice in reporting the truth: An eager deſire to ſpread a fault wants not ſin.

6. Speak with a great deal of caution and warineſſe, where thou art aggrieved, and doſt think thou ſuffereſt: Truſt not thy ſelf, if there p. 250be any the leaſt touch of ill will, or envy in thee, towards the perſon ſpoken of. Ill will never ſpeaks well. Under ſenſe of wrong, our mindes are apt to run into very uncharitable imaginations.

7. Forbear altogether to ſpeak when thou art in paſſion. He that is in a high fit of paſſion, is as truly drunk, as he whoſe head is full of wine. Paſſion is a bad counſellour, and as ill a ſpeaker: Moſes when in paſſion ſpake unadviſedly with his lips, Pſal. 106.33. Job curſed the day of his Nativity, Job. 3.2.3. Jonah ſpake pettiſhly againſt God himſelf, Jonah 4.9.

8. Deal with anothers good name as thou wouldſt be willing thine own ſhould be dealt with; be very wary of ſpeaking of the credit of others on bare reports. A good name is better than riches, Prov. 22.1. Poſſibly thou abhorreſt to ſteal from thy neighbour, or be thought a thief; do not then rob him of his good name, which is more percious than worldly ſubſtance. By a good name many have done good after their death: by the loſſe of it many have been rendred uſeleſs while they lived.

9. Be not ſevere-ſpirited, and apt to interpret every thing in the worſt ſenſe. Let charity have its perfect work. 'Tis better to erre ten times in a way of charity, than once in a way of cruelty. Goodneſs is leaſt ſuſpitious: Gracious hearts reflect moſt upon themſelves; they do not ſeek p. 251ſo much what to reprove in others, as what to amend in themſelves; they love to look inwards, and being ſenſible of their own failings, are tender in reflecting on the weakneſſes of others: whereas thoſe that are moſt inquiſitive into the lives of others, are uſually moſt careleſſe in reforming their owne. Sharp cenſurers, and reprovers, had need be very exact in their own lives; elſe in judging others they pronounce their own doom. Be not apt therefore to judge or cenſure the actions of others. Conſider how often thou thy ſelfe haſt offended; uſe another with the ſame mercy thou wouldſt have ſhewed to thy ſelf, Gal. 6.1. Brethren, if any man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are ſpiritual, reſtore ſuch a one in the Spirit of meekneſs, conſidering thy ſelf, leſt thou alſo be tempted. They that are moſt ſpiritual, are moſt tender to ſet a fallen Chriſtian in joynt again. Conſider well therefore, before thou pronounce too hard a cenſure upon thy brother: If thou canſt not excuſe the action, yet conſider poſſibly the intent was good; or it might proceed from ignorance, or ſome violent temptation, and that thou thy ſelf maiſt ſo fall, if ſo tempted, and God do not ſuſtain thee. Bernard tels of a man, that hearing of a fallen brother, fell into a bitter weeping, and ſaid, he is fallen to day, and I may fall to morrow: Therefore cheriſh an humble ſenſe of thine own frailty, and that will make thee charitable p. 252towards others. And be eſpecially careful thou doſt not make the failings, and miſcarriages of others, (which ſhould be matter of grief to thee, and ſet thee upon praying for them, 1 John 5.16.) to ſerve thee for mirth and ſport: And yet this is the uſual entertainment of this corrupt world. But the Apoſtle tels us, 1 Cor. 13.6. Charity rejoyceth not in iniquity; and therefore it cannot make the ſins and failings of others, its recreation.

10. Do not recite jeſts made upon Scripture, or contrived out of Scripture phraſe, which can hardly be told, or heard, without leaving in the mind ſome diminution of the Majeſty, and Authority of Gods Word; the Dignity whereof all ought to maintain. Therefore 'tis ill truſting our corruptions with the bare reporting of ſuch jeſts made by wicked wits, on Scripture abuſed, for fear of the bad effects that may enſue thereupon. Our tongue is our glory, Pſal. 57.8. With that we ſhould bleſſe the Lord at all times, his praiſe ſhould be continually in our mouthes, Pſal. 34 1. With that we ſhould labour to do good to others with whom we converſe. Let us not then pervert it from the right uſe. Moral infection ſpreads abroad by words, as the peſtilential doth by a corrupt breath.

11. Speak with great modeſty, when the matter any way relates to thine own commendation. A mans praiſe ſmels ſweet out of anothers p. 253mouth, but ſtinks out of his own

12. Speak not ill of any, except it be upon juſt occaſion, and in order to ſome good, that God may have Glory thereby, and the perſons whom thou ſpeakeſt, may be warned and admoniſhed.

13. In ſtead of ſpeaking ill, or cenſuring thy brother, privatly admoniſh him; but do it not in a maſterly way, but in the Spirit of meekneſſe, Let love ſweeten thy words. When love rules in the heart, the law of kindneſſe is in the tongue.

14. Laſtly, Conſider what Solomon ſaies, Prov. 10.19. In the multitude of words, there wanteth not ſin, and he that refraineth his lips is wiſe. Due and befitting ſilence is many times a great preſe…ver of innocency; but when the tongue runs very faſt, and ſpeaks more than comes to its ſhare, 'tis ordinarily a ſervant either to pride or paſſion.

Pſal. 39.1. I ſaid, I will take heed to my waies, that I ſin not with my tongue, I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Pſal. 17.3. I am purpoſed that my mouth ſhall not tranſgreſſe.

Pſal. 141.3. Set a watch (O Lord) before my mouth, keep the door of my lips.

Mat. 12.34. O generation of vipers, how can ye being evil ſpeak good things? for out of the abundance p. 254of the heart the mouth ſpeaketh.

V. 35. A good man out of the good treaſure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treaſure, bringeth forth evil things.

V. 36. But I ſay unto you, that every idle word that men ſhall ſpeak, they ſhall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Prov. 13.3. He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips ſhall have deſtruction.

Jam. 1.26. If any man among you ſeem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain.

Jam. 3.2. For in many things we offend all; if any man offend not in word, the ſame is a perfect man, and able alſo to bridle the whole body.

V. 3. Behold, we put bits in the horſes mouthes, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body.

V. 4. Behold alſo the ſhips, which though they be ſo great, and are driven of fierce windes, yet are they turned about with a very ſmall helm, whitherſoever the Governour liſteth.

V. 5. Even ſo the tongue is a little member, and boaſteth great things, behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

V. 6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, ſo is the tongue amongst our members, p. 255that it defileth the whole body, and ſetteth on fire the courſe of nature, and is ſet on fire of Hell.

Col. 4.6. Let your ſpeech be alway with Grace, ſeaſoned with ſalt, that ye may know how ye ought to anſwer every man.

Eph. 4.29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the uſe of edifying, that it may miniſter Grace unto the hearers.

Eph. 5.3. But fornication, and all uncleanneſſe, or covetouſneſs, let it not be once named amongſt you, as becometh Saints.

V. 4. Neither filthineſſe, nor fooliſh talking, nor jeſting, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks.

1 Cor. 15.33. Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners.

Pſal. 106.33. They provoked his ſpirit, ſo that he (i. e. Moſes) ſpake unadviſedly with his lips.

Prov. 15.28. The heart of the righteous ſtudieth to anſwer, but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

1 Sam. 2.3. Talk no more ſo exceeding proudly, let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

Prov. 10.11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

p. 256V. 19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not ſin, but he that refraineth his lips is wiſe.

V. 20. The tongue of the juſt is as choice ſilver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

V 21. The lips of the righteous feed many; but fooles die for want of wiſdome.

Prov. 17.27. He that hath knowledge, ſpareth his words, and a man of underſtanding is of an excellent ſpirit.

Pſal. 37.30. The mouth of the righteous ſpeaketh wiſdome, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Pſal. 34.12. What man is he that deſireth life, and loveth many daies, that he may ſee good?

V. 13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from ſpeaking guile.

Pſal. 12 4 Who have ſaid, with our tongue will we prevail, our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?

Pſal. 140.3. They have ſharpned their tongues like a Serpent, adders poiſon is under their lips. Selah.

Rom. 3.13. Their throat is an open ſepulchre, with their tongues they have uſed deceit; the poiſon of aſpes is under their lips.

V. 14. Whoſe mouth is full of curſing and bitterneſſe.

Prov. 16.27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is a burning fire.

Prov. 15.4. A wholeſom tongue is a tree of life: but perverſeneſs therein, is a breach in the ſpirit.

p. 257V. 7. The lips of the wiſe diſperſe knowledge: but the heart of the fooliſh doth not ſo.

Prov. 14.3. In the mouth of the fooliſh is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wiſe ſhall preſerve them.

Prov. 12.18. There is that ſpeaketh like the piercings of a ſword: but the tongue of the wiſe is health.

Prov. 17.5. Whoſo mocketh the poor, reproacheth his maker: and he that is glad at calamities, ſhall not be unpuniſhed.

Prov. 31.26. She openeth her mouth with wiſdom, and in her tongue is the Law of kindneſſe.

Tit. 3.1, 2. Put them in mind, &c. To ſpeak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, ſhewing all meekneſſe unto all men.

Mat. 5.22. But I ſay unto you that whoſ…ever is angry with his brother without a cauſe, ſhall be in danger of the judgment: and whoſoever ſhall ſay unto his brother, Racha, ſhall be in danger of the councel, but whoſoever ſhall ſay, thou fool, ſhall be in danger of hell-fire.

Levit. 19.16. Thou ſhalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people.

Prov. 11.13. A tale bearer revealeth ſecrets, but he that is of a faithful ſpirit concealeth the matter.

Prov. 25.18. A man that beareth falſe witneſſe againſt his neighbour, is a maul, and a ſword, and a ſharp arrow.

p. 258Prov. 20.19. He that goeth about as a talebearer, revealeth ſecrets, therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Pſal. 15.1. Lord who ſhall abide in thy Tabernacle?

V. 2. He that ſpeaketh the truth in his heart.

V. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach againſt his neighbour.

Jer. 18.18. And they ſaid, come, let us deviſe devices againſt Jeremiah, — come let us ſmite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Job. 5.21. Thou ſhalt be hid from the ſcourge of the tongue, neither ſhalt thou be afraid of deſtruction when it cometh.

Pſal. 31.20. Thou ſhalt hide them in the ſecret of thy preſence from the pride of man; thou ſhalt keep them ſecretly in a pavilion, from the ſtrife of tongues.

Prov. 6.1. My ſon, if thou be ſurety for thy friend if thou haſt ſtricken thy hand with a ſtranger,

V. 2. Thou art ſnared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Prov. 12.13. The wicked is ſnared by the tranſgreſſion of his lips: but the juſt ſhall come out of trouble.

Iſa. 63.8. For he ſaid, ſurely they are my people, children that will not lie, ſo he was their Saviour.

p. 259Prov. 6.16. Theſe ſix things doth the Lord hate, yea, ſeaven are an abomination unto him.

V. 17. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that ſhed innocent blood, &c.

Zeph. 3.13. The remnant of Iſrael ſhall not do iniquity, nor ſpeak lies; neither ſhall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they ſhall feed, and lie down, and none ſhall make them afraid.

Levit. 19.12. And ye ſhall not ſwear by my Name falſely, neither ſhalt thou profane the Name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Prov. 21.6. The getting of treaſures by a lying tongue, is a vanity toſſed to and fro of them that ſeek death.

Prov. 17.14. The beginning of ſtrife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before it is medled with.

Prov. 18.6. A fooles lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for ſtroakes.

Eccleſ. 5.6. Suffer not thy mouth to cauſe thy fleſh to ſin; neither ſay thou before the Angel that it was an errour, wherefore ſhould God be angry at thy voice, and deſtroy the work of thine hands.

Numb. 12.8. With him will I ſpeak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark ſpeeches, and the ſimilitude of the Lord ſhall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to ſpeak againſt my ſervant Moſes?

1 Tim. 5.19. Againſt an Elder receive not an accuſation, p. 260but before two or three witneſses.

Prov. 27.2. A ſtone is heavy, and the ſand weighty, but a fooles wrath is heavier than them both.

Levit. 19.17. Thou ſhalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou ſhalt in any wiſe rebuke thy neighbour, and not ſuffer ſin upon him.

Eph. 5.11. And have no fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of darkneſs, but rather reprove them.

Pſal. 141.5. Let the righteous ſmite me, it ſhall be a kindneſſe, and let him reprove me, it ſhall be an excellent oile, which ſhall not break my head.

Prov. 15.5. A fool deſpiſeth his Fathers inſtruction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

1 Pet. 3.8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compaſſion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.

V. 9. Not rendring evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwiſe bleſſing, knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye ſhould inherit a bleſſing.

Fourthly, Watch over thy Actions.

The Apoſtle gives us an excellent exhortation in the 5^th to the Epheſ. v. 15. See that ye walk circumſpectly, not as fo…ls, but as wiſe. And in 1 Pet. 1.15. We are commanded to be holy in all manner of converſation. True and real Chriſtianity is a careful buſineſſe. There is a great deal p. 261of watchfulneſſe and circumſpection required to keep our Conſciences void of offence towards God, and towards men. O how ſad a ſight is it to ſee men in words profeſſing Christ, and yet in works denying him! Shew me thy Faith by thy works, ſaies St. James. And our Saviour in Mat. 5.16. Let your light ſo ſhine before men, that they may ſee your good workes, and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven. The men of the world have their eies on the lives and converſations of Profeſſors, they know not what they do in their cloſets, they care not much what they do in the congregation; they look what the tenour and courſe of their lives is. O therefore let thoſe that name the Name of Chriſt depart from all iniquity! Let ſuch as profeſs themſelves real Ch…iſtians, and true converts, take heed of being taken tardy in ſuch things, which meer moral men (that are ſtrangers to the life of Grace) cannot be juſtly charged with.

Be very careful therefore of, and watchfull over all thy actions. Take heed the Name of God be not blaſphemed, nor his honour wounded by any ungodly action of thine: Take heed of bringing a ſcandal on Religion, and a reproach on the Goſpel. If ever thou wouldſt win others to Religion, thou muſt be exemplary in holineſſe and righteouſneſſe thy ſelf; it is a woful thing to be an offence, and ſtumbling block to others, and to be an occaſion of keeping them off from embracing the waies of God. O therefore take p. 262heed of doing any ſuch things as may make Religion ſtink in the noſtrils of profane men: Take heed of doing any thing that is not juſtifiable or warrantable, and which may be an active ſcandal unto others. Indeed there are paſſive ſcandals and offences, ſuch as wicked men take through their own corrupt and malicious hearts, as the Phariſees did at Chriſt; But ſuch people deſtroy themſelves, and like Serpents, turn every thing they eat into poiſon: But the true Chriſtian is tender of Gods Glory, and the repute of Religion; and therefore dares not do ſuch things as are unwarrantable. If Auguſtus could ſay, an Emperor ſhould not only be free from crimes, but the very ſuſpition of them: How much more ſhould true Chriſtians labour to be ſuch, who are commanded to abſtain from all appearance of evil? 1 Theſ. 5, 22. Do nothing therefore that is misbecomming a real Chriſtian. As Nehemiah once ſaid, ſhall ſuch a man as I flee? Nehem. 6.11. So do thou reflect upon thy ſelf, when tempted to any evil action: Shall ſuch an one as I, lie, ſwear, deal deceitfully; be proud, be covetous, be earthly minded, &c? O! if ever thou ſhouldſt be overcome with ſuch things, thou maiſt ſay to thy ſelf truly, what Michal ſaid falſely to David, Thou haſt made thy ſelf like one of the vile and baſe ones of the earth.

That therefore thou maiſt be the more ſeriouſly watchful over all thy actions take theſe three directions.

p. 2631. Look carefully to the principle, the ſpring, the riſe of them. Obſerve from whence all thy external obedience flowes: Does it come from an inward principle of Grace, from a ſanctified heart, from a new Nature, from a principle of Faith, and Love? or from external motives, and outward reſpects and conſiderations? 'Tis not the matter that makes the work good, but the principle: Some things may be done (for the matter good) and ſome external obedience performed by meer natural men, and that either for credit, or upon the impulſes of natural Conſcience, out of bondage, and a ſervile frame of ſpirit; like fruits that are ripened by art and force, not naturally and kindly; but 'tis not enough to do actions good and juſt as to the matter, but we muſt do them out of love to God, and obedience to his will, and in Faith expecting our reward from him.

2. Look to thy rule. Is the Word of God the rule and ſquare of thy actions? Thy Word is a light to my feet, and a lanthorn to my paths, ſaies David, Pſal. 119.105. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Iſrael of God, ſaies Paul, Gal. 6.16. Many people watch in a diſorderly way; They have no Law or Rule, but their own luſts and corrupt wills; no guide, but their own blind paſſions and humours. But if thou wouldſt order thy actions aright, take the Word of God for thy Rule.

p. 2643. Look to thy aim and end. Thy main and ultimate end muſt be Gods Glory. A Chriſtians whole life ſhould be a living unto God, Gal. 2.19. All that is done, be it an act of Piety, Juſtice, Temperance, or Charity, it ſhould be done with this aim, that God might be glorified thereby. In all thy actions therefore, whether natural, civil, or ſpiritual, thou muſt ſtill deſigne the Glory of God: But of this we have ſpoken more under the fourth particular of this Chapter.

Jam. 2.12. So ſpeak ye, and ſo do as they that ſhall be judged by the Law of Liberty.

1 Pet. 1.15. But as he which hath called you is holy, ſo be ye holy in all manner of converſation.

2 Pet. 3.11. Seeing then that all theſe things ſhall be diſsolved, what manner of perſons ought ye to be, in all holy converſation and Godlineſſe?

Mat. 7.22. Many will ſay to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not propheſied in thy Name? and in thy Name have caſt out Devils? and in thy Name done many wonderful works?

V. 23. And then will I profeſſe unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Heb. 12.14. Follow peace with all men, and holineſſe, without which no man ſhall ſee the Lord.

Tit. 2.14. Who gave himſelf for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himſelf a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

p. 2651 John 3.3. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himſelf even as he is pure.

Eph. 5.15. See then that ye walk circumſpectly, not as fooles, but as wiſe.

V. 16. Redeeming the time, becauſe the daies are evil.

Col. 4.5. Walk in wiſdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

2 Cor. 1.12. For our rejoycing is this, the teſtimony of our Conſcience, that in ſimplicity, and Godly ſincerity, not with fleſhly wiſdome, but by the Grace of God, we had our converſation in the world, and more abundantly to you wards.

Iſa. 38.3. And Hezekiah ſaid, remember now. O Lord, I beſeech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy ſight, and Hezekiah wept ſore.

Acts 24.16. And herein do I exerciſe my ſelf, to have alwaies a Conſcience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Jam. 1. ult. Pure Religion, and undefiled before God, and the Father, is this, to viſit the fatherleſſe, and widowes, in their affliction, and to keep himſelf unſpotted from the world.

Jam. 2. ult. For as the body without the ſpirit is dead, ſo Faith without workes is dead alſo.

Mat. 5.16. Let your light ſo ſhine before men, that they may ſee your good works, and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven.

p. 266Prov. 16.17. The high way of the upright is to depart from evil, he that keepeth his way preſerveth his ſoul.

Ezek. 36.27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes, and ye ſhall keep my Judgments, and do them.

1 Cor 6.20. For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorifie God in your body, and in your ſpirit, which are Gods.

1 Tim. 1.5. Now the end of the Commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good Conſcience, and of Faith unfeigned.

2 Tim. 2.19. Nevertheleſſe, the foundation of God ſtandeth ſure, having this ſeal, the Lord knoweth them that are his, and let every one that nameth the Name of Chriſt depart from iniquity.

Eph 4.1. I therefore, the Priſoner of the Lord beſeech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

Luke 3.8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance —

2 Cor. 5.10. For we muſt all appear before the judgment ſeat of Chriſt, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Rom. 12.2. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, that acceptable and perfect will of God.

p. 267Phil. 2.15. That ye may be blameleſſe, and harmleſſe, the ſons of God without rebuke, in the midſt of a crooked and perverſe nation, among whom ye ſhine as Lights in the world.

Phil. 4 8. Finally Brethren, whatſoever things are true, whatſoever things are honeſt, whatſoever things are just, whatſoever things are pure, whatſoever things are lovely, whatſoever things are of good report, if there be any vertue, and if there be any praiſe, think on theſe things.

Having now diſpatched thoſe four things thou muſt watch over, namely, thy Thoughts, thy Affections, thy Words, and thy Actions. I come now in the ſecond place to ſpeak of thoſe ſix things thou muſt eſpecially watch againſt.

1. Againſt thoſe ſins thou art moſt enclined to, by temper and natural conſtitution. The weakeſt part of the City muſt have the ſtrongeſt guard. Some Affections are predominant in one Age, ſome in another: There are youthful luſts, 2 Tim. 2.22. as well as infirmities proper to old Age. 'Twas a great Argument of Davids ſincerity that he could truly ſay, Pſal. 18 23. I was upright before thee, and kept my ſelf from mine iniquity.

Study therefore thy heart, and conſider what ſins thou art moſt prone unto. All ſins fight againſt the ſoul, but thy Maſter ſin is the Goliah; endeavour (through the aids of Grace) to ſlay p. 268that, and the whole Army of the Philiſtines will be eaſily vanquiſhed.

2. Againſt the ſins thou art moſt obnoxious to, by reaſon of thy particular Calling, Condition, State, and Courſe of life. A man by reaſon of his calling, or condition of life may have more frequent, and ſtronger inducements to ſome ſins, than to others; which he is therefore the more eſpecially to keep watch againſt, 2 King. 5.18. In this thing the Lord pardon thy ſervant, that when my Maſter goeth into the houſe of Rimmon, to worſhip there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow my ſelf in the houſe of Rimmon; when I bow down my ſelf in the houſe of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy ſervant in this thing.

3. Againſt the ſins of the times, and places wherein thou liveſt We muſt be careful of being carried away with the evil of the times. 'Tis a deſcription of wicked men, Eph. 2.2. that they walked according to the courſe of this world, i. e. according to the Age, as the manner of the times went. But of righteous Noah, we have another kind of Character, Gen. 6.9. Noah was a juſt man & upright in his generation, & Noah walked wtih God. And ſo in 2 Chron. 17.3.4. We read, that the Lord was with Jehoſaphat, becauſe he walked in the firſt waies of his Father David, and ſought not unto Baalim, but ſought to the Lord God of his Father, and walked in his Commandments, and not after the doings of Iſrael. And the Apoſtle exhorts p. 269the Philippians, Chap. 2. v. 15. that they ſhould be blameleſſe, and harmleſſe, the ſons of God without rebuke in the midſt of a crooked and a perverſe nation, among whom (ſaies he) ye ſhine as Lights in the world. 'Tis a high point of Grace, not to be ſnared with the evils of our own times.

4. Againſt all occaſions, and temptations, thou foreſeeſt are likely to endanger thy ſoul. We that pray to God, not to lead us into temptation, muſt not run our ſelves into it: A prudent man ſhould therefore forethink, and conſider in the morning, what temptations he is like to be encountred with that day, that ſo he may (if poſſible) decline them, or elſe ſet his guards the ſtronger againſt them. A weak temptation that takes us unawares, will prevail more than a ſtronger forſeen. A prudent man ſaith Solomon, Prov. 22.3. foreſeeth the evil, and hideth himſelf, but the fooliſh go on ſtill and are puniſhed. 'Tis a point of true ſpiritual wiſdom to foreſee ſin afar off, in the occaſions, and temptations that lead to it; and by avoiding the one to prevent the other. 'Tis eaſier and ſafer for the Fowl to paſſe by the ſnare, while ſhe is yet out, than it is to wind her ſelf out again, when ſhe is once in.

Watch and pray, ſaies our Saviour to his Diſciples, Mat. 26.41. that ye enter not into temptation. If ye do raſhly enter the liſts of temptation, a thouſand to one (ſuch is mans naturall weakneſſe) p. 270you will not come out without ſome foil.

5. Againſt diſhonouring God in the uſe of lawful things, ſuch as meat, drink, apparel, lawful refreſhments, &c.

Remember that 'tis in the uſe even of things indifferent, that Satan moſt uſually ſetteth his ſnares for Gods ſervants; for here the ſnare is not ſo viſible, as in groſſer ſins; and he prevaileth more often againſt thoſe that be not groſſely prophane and ungodly, by the immoderate or undue uſe of things in themſelves lawful, than by drawing them to ſuch things as are ſimply evil, and unlawful. The Devil knowes well, that he that will do all he may do, will ſoon be drawn to do ſomwhat he ought not to do. 'Tis dangerous to come near the borders and confines of ſin: Thoſe that will go to the utmoſt extent of their Chriſtian Liberty and venture themſelves ſo near the brink, do many times fall into the pit of ſin. All things (ſaith the Apoſtle) are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. 1 Cor. 6.12. and 10.23. All things. i. e. not all things abſolutely, but all things in their own nature indifferent, are lawful to me; yet all ſuch things are not alwaies expedient. 'Tis better for us many times to forbear many things we may do, (it will never be grief or offence of heart to us, as was ſaid to David, in another caſe, 1 Sam. 25.31.) than be once overtaken in what we ſhould not do.

p. 2716. Watch againſt Errour.

As thou muſt be careful to keep thy heart from ſinful luſts, and thy life from being ſpotted and ſtained with ſinful practiſes; ſo thou muſt be vigilant alſo to keep thy judgment ſound, and thy mind from being tainted and fly-blown with Errour. Thou muſt take heed of a corrupt judgment, as well as a rotten heart and a wicked life. 'Tis a great judgment to be given up either to an erroneous mind or to vile affections. Some there are that ſeem very ſtrict in their lives, and pretend as much tenderneſſe in matter of morality, as Lot did of his gueſts, Gen. 19. yet are very looſe as to their judgments, expoſing them as he his Daughters to be defiled with any corrupt Doctrine that comes to their doors. Julian the Apoſtate was a juſt, temperate, ſtrict man, but a bitter enemy to Chriſt: Some that are ſober in their lives, are yet drunk with Errour. But let ſuch conſider, that as they ſay of fiſh, they begin to ſtink at the head, ſo a corrupt judgment is very frequently a beginner and introducer of a depraved converſation. Men in this age are wanton, and play with opinions; but (believe it) 'tis not of ſmall moment, what opinions we hold, and whether we be ſound in the Faith, or no. Grace and Truth uſe to thrive together: The way of truth is the way of life, and errour tendeth to death. The Apoſtle tels us of pernicious Doctrines, and damnable Hereſies, p. 2722 Pet. 2.1. that bring ſwift deſtruction. Truth in the mind preſerveth an awe of God in the heart; But falſe Doctrines blind the mind, harden the heart, deprave the converſation, deſtroy the Churches peace, and provoke the Lord to have a controverſie with a people where they are tolerated, Rev. 2.14, 15, 20.

And we ſhould be the more watchful over our ſelves in this particular, becauſe Errours are ſo agreeable to corrupt Nature; (and Conſcience does uſually leſſe regret a man for Errour, than for unholineſſe) and many times alſo they ſute a corrupt intereſt (namely, profit and worldly advantage) and then people are in great danger to be caught by them.

To keep thee therefore from Errour take theſe few Directions.

1. Labour to be well-grounded in the truth Let the foundation be laid ſure, elſe the building with every ruffling wind, will be apt to totter. Ungrounded Chriſtians who never underſtood the true grounds of the Religion they have taken up, and how it is built on the Scriptures, when they meet with Arguments againſt it, which they never heard of before, and which they (through their unskilfulneſs) cannot anſwer; they preſently yield to errour; and think, becauſe they cannot anſwer them, therefore no body elſe can. But if thou wouldſt not be carried away with every wind of Doctrine, Labour rightly to underſtand p. 273the true grounds of Chriſtian Religion: And to this end ſtudy the Scriptures, with humility, and be much in prayer, that God would guide thee by his holy Spirit into all ſaving truth, and keep thee from falling into errour. And remember, that what has been commonly received by the people of God and embraced and practiſed by the Saints in all ages, is not lightly to be rejected and deſerted. Can any rational man think, God would leave the generality of his people to errour and ſeduction of mind? Conſider with thy ſelf therefore whether it be not ſafer to follow the footſteps of the flock of Chriſt, than to be led away by pretenders to new light; the Scripture having given ſo many cautions to beware of ſeduce…s, 2 Pet. 3.17, 18.

2. Reſt not in a bare knowledge of the truth, but reduce thy knowledge into practiſe. Be ſincere in the Religion thou profeſſeſt, and let the truths of God, like leaven, ſeaſon thy mind, will, and affections, and have a powerful influence on thy life. When men are in love with Goſpel-truths, for the goodneſſe, ſweetneſſe and benefit they taſt in them, they will labour to hold them faſt. Thoſe that have any experience in their own hearts of the comfort and efficacy of the Doctrines of Repentance, Faith in Chriſt, and daily watchfulneſs, will not eaſily throw them off, and exchange them for new opinions: But they that care not to practiſe the great and neceſsary p. 274truths of the Goſpel, no wonder if they prove Apoſtates, and fall off from them. Labour therefore to practiſe the truths thou profeſſeſt, holding the myſtery of Faith in a pure Conſcience, 1 Tim. 3.9. The more thou groweſt in Grace, the more thou ſhalt be kept from falling into the errour of the wicked, Heb. 13.9. He that doth what he knowes of the will of God, ſhall know more of it, John 7.17. If ye know theſe things, ſaith our Saviour, happy are ye if ye do them, John 13.17. Happineſſe doth not lie in the meer knowing or aſſenting to the principles of Chriſtian Religion, but in living according to them, and expreſſing the power and efficacy of them in our lives. For a man to be of an orthodox judgment, and an haeretical life; an orthodox ſwearer, an orthodox drunkard, a prophane perſon, and yet zealous againſt Hereticks; an antinomian in practiſe, and yet a declamer againſt the opinions of the Antinomians, O how ſadly do theſe things ſound! A right belief ſhould have a powerful influence on the heart and life: But they whoſe hearts are rotten and deceitfull under truth, 'tis no wonder if they be deceived by errour. Believe it, if the heart be corrupt and love ſin, it will eaſily encline a man to entertain ſuch corrupt principles as will give liberty to ſin. Men would fain have that true which is moſt accomodate to their corrupt intereſts. Take heed therefore of harbouring any ſecret luſt or ſin in p. 275thy heart. 'Tis ſin provokes God to give men up to errour; God does many times out of a ſecret judgment ſuffer thoſe to fall into errour, who held the truth in unrighteouſneſſe. They who are not ſound in the fear of God, ſoon prove unſound in the Faith of God. Hymeneus and Alexander firſt put away a good Conſcience, and then made ſhipwrack of Faith, 1 Tim. 1.19, 20. The women that were led away by ſeducers, 2 Tim. 3.6. were ſuch as were laden with divers luſts. What Solomon therefore ſaies of a ſtrange woman, may be applied to a ſtrange Doctrine; whoſo pleaſeth God, ſhall eſcape from her, but the ſinner ſhall be taken by her, Eccleſ. 7.26.

3. Take heed of pride, conceitedneſſe, confidence in thine own judgment and underſtanding. The humble God will teach, but he reſiſts the proud, 1 Pet. 5.5. Pride uſually 'tis the mother of Hereſies: 'Twas of old the condemnation of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3.6. the ruine of our first Parents; and therefore no wonder if it ruine ſo many ſoules in theſe daies. Proud perſons may carry it high for a time, but commonly God ſuffers them at laſt to fall into the ditch of errour, or prophaneneſſe. And 'tis juſt it ſhould be ſo; that when the underſtanding of theſe high-flown ones returnes unto them (if God have ſuch a mercy in ſtore for them) they may with Nebuchadnezzar, ſee their folly, and bleſs the moſt High.

p. 2764. Beware of the itch of noveltie and affecting new Doctrines. He is half gone into errour, that vainly covets after novelties, and liſtens after every new-fangled opinion. New Doctrines like new faſhions, do uſually take with unſtable minds. We read of itching eares, 2 Tim. 4.3. and following after another Goſpel, Gal. 1.6. But Chriſt tels us but of one way to Heaven, and that is by himſelf; I am the way, the truth, and the life, John 14.6. There is no new way thither. True Repentance, Faith in Chriſt, and ſincere obedience, this is the good old way that we muſt walk in, if we intend to come thither.

5. Expoſe not thy ſelf to the temptations of ſeducers. 'Tis in vain for any to pray to God to keep them from the infection of errour, if they wilfully (againſt the expreſſe Word of God) and without any juſt warrant and call, run into the company of ſeducers, and read their Books.

The Scripture bids us,

To beware of them, Matth. 7.15.

Not to go after them, Luke 21.8.

To avoid them, Rom. 16.17.

To turn away from thē, 2 Tim. 3.5.

If they come to us, not to receive them, or bid them God-ſpeed, or encourage them in their way, 2 ep. Joh. 10.

But poſſibly ſome will ſay, Are we not p. 277commanded to prove all things? 1 Theſ. 5.21.

Anſ. Will you try poiſon whether it will kill you or no? Therefore the meaning of this place muſt needs be, that we are to examine the Doctrines that are delivered unto us, by the Scripture, whether they are built thereon, or no. Like thoſe noble Bereans, Acts 17.11. who ſearched the Scriptures whether thoſe things were ſo, that were delivered to them for the Truths of God. And let that place, Rom. 14.1. be conſidered by all ſuch as are not throughly grounded in the principles of Chriſtianity, Him that is weak in Faith, receive, but not to doubtful diſputations. Every private Chriſtian is not fit to cope with hereticks, and ſuch as are skilfull to deſtroy the Faith of others. You would not allow a man to come and undermine the foundation of your houſe; This do they, and worſe, that go about to undermine your Faith, and labour to ſhake and unſettle you in the grand truths of the Goſpel. Surely they that rob and rifle ſoules of Truth, are worſe felons, than they that rob and rifle houſes.

6. Forſake not the publick Ordinances, nor faithful Miniſters of Chriſt, whoſe endeavours God hath born witneſs to, by the real converſion of many thouſand ſoules. 'Tis not ſafe to balk the known and ordinary waies, wherein God uſes to diſpenſe his ſpiritual bleſſings. Wiſdom's dole is to be expected at wiſdom's gate. Eph. 4.11. p. 278And he gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Prophets, and ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtours and Teachers, v. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Miniſtry, for the edifying the body of Chriſt. v. 14. That we henceforth be no more children toſſed to and fro, & carried about with every wind of Doctrine, by the ſlight of men & cunning craftineſſe, whereby they ly in wait to deceive.

7. Remember thou art not only to be ſtedfaſt in the truth, and to hold faſt the truth, as to thine own particular, but alſo to be valiant for the Truth, Jer. 9.3. To contend for the Faith once delivered to the Saints, Jude v. 3. Thou muſt ſhew thy ſelf a Champion for Truth, when it is oppoſed. Truth 'tis one of the choiceſt treaſures and greateſt priviledges that ever God beſtowed on any people, And ſhall we ſo eaſily and tamely part with it? Shall we ſuffer crafty perſons that are now abroad, to rob us and ſteal from us our beſt treaſure? Shall we ſuffer them to cheat us, and our poſterity of our richeſt Jewell? Not long ago, the great bickerings were about diſcipline: Now the Doctrine of the Goſpel is in danger; And ſhall we ſuffer the interest of our Lord and Maſter to be troden under foot? Indeed we are not to be bitter againſt the perſons of the erroneous, yet we are to be ſenſible how God is diſhonoured, and thouſands of ſoules endangered by their pernicious errours. And therefore it deeply concerns us to p. 279have a care of our ſelves to preſerve our owne ſoules from this infection; and not of our ſelves only, but to have a regard to our poſterity alſo; that we tranſmit truth down to them. We would be willing to leave our eſtates to our children; And ſhall we not be more careful to leave them truth? Believe it, we are to perform the part of faithful Truſtees, and to keep the Doctrine of ſalvation pure and unmix'd (as much as in us lies) and ſo to leave it to thoſe that are to come after us.

8. and Laſtly, Conſider how the Scripture has forewarned us there muſt be Hereſies, 1 Cor. 11.19. Now there is a twofold neceſſity; Abſolute, Conditional.

1. Abſolute, when a thing cannot poſſibly be otherwiſe; as God muſt needs be juſt.

2. Conditional, when a thing muſt be, ſuppoſing ſuch another thing to be before: As ſuppoſe the Sun be riſen, it muſt be day; ſo here, upon ſuppoſition of theſe two things, 1. Satans malice. 2. Mans Corruption, there muſt be Hereſies. Far be it from us ever to think that God impoſes a neceſſity on any to be Hereticks: but he permits them & ſuffers them to ſpring up in the Church; and that for theſe three reaſons.

1. That his glorious truths may be the more cleared up, and evidenced, and ſtrongly confirmed and maintained: Many parts of true Doctrine have been but ſlenderly guarded, till aſſ…ulted p. 280by Hereticks; then old evidences have been ſearched and found out. Many truths have been occaſionally moſt cleared and ſetled by the oppoſition of the Adverſary.

2. That they that are approved may hereby be made manifeſt. This is an effect the Devil never intended by raiſing Hereſies; But 'tis the Chimiſtry of Heaven to bring good out of evil: That is pure gold that endures the trial of the fire. A quick ſmart wind ſevers the ſolid grain from the chaff. They are but chaff who are blown away with every wind of Doctrine: The good wheat remaines ſtill in the floor of the Church. When you ſee an Army march, you know not who is valiant, and who not; when the enemy approaches, then is the trial.

3. That the obſtinate may be rendred inexcuſable, who wilfully ſhut their eies againſt theſe more open manifeſtations, and greater clearings up of the Truth, which (occaſionally) by the oppoſition of the adverſary, God is pleaſed to afford his Church.

Jude v. 3. Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common ſalvation; it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you, that ye ſhould earneſtly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Saints.

V. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this p. 281condemnation, ungodly men, turning the Grace of our God into laſciviouſneſſe, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

2 Pet. 2.1. But there were falſe Prophets alſo among the people, even as there ſhall be falſe Teachers among you, who privily ſhall bring in damnable Hereſies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themſelves ſwift deſtruction.

V. 2. And many ſhall follow their pernicious waies, by reaſon of whom, the way of truth ſhall be evil ſpoken of.

V. 3. And through Covetouſneſſe ſhall they with feigned words make marchandiſe of you; whoſe judgment now of a long time lingreth not, and their damnation ſlumbreth not.

1 Tim. 4.1. Now the Spirit ſpeaketh expreſly that in the latter times ſome ſhall depart from the Faith, giving heed to ſeducing ſpirits and doctrines of devils.

V. 2. Speaking lies in hypocriſie, having their Conſciences ſeared with a hot Iron.

2 Tim 2.17. And their word will eat as doth a Canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus.

V. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, ſaying the Reſurrection is paſt already; and overthrow the Faith of ſome.

2 Tim. 4.3. For the time will come when they will not endure ſound doctrine; but after their own luſts ſhall they heap to themſelves Teachers, p. 282having itching eares.

V. 4. And they ſhall turn away their eares from the truth, and ſhall be turned unto fables.

Acts 20.29. For I know this, that after my departure ſhall grievous wolves enter in among you, not ſparing the Flock.

V. 30. Alſo of your own ſelves ſhall men ariſe, ſpeaking perverſe things, to draw away diſciples after them.

2 Tim. 3.6. Of this ſort are they which creep into houſes, and lead captive ſilly women, laden with ſins, led away with divers luſts.

V. 7. Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

V. 8. Now as Jannes & Jambres withſtood Moſes, ſo do theſe alſo reſiſt the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the Faith.

V. 13. Evil men and ſeducers ſhall wax worſe and worſe, deceiving, and being deceived.

Mat. 7.15. Beware of falſe Prophets which come to you in ſheepes clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

V. 16. Ye ſhall know them by their fruits.

Mat. 24.11. Many falſe Prophets ſhall ariſe, and ſhall deceive many.

V. 24. There ſhall ariſe falſe Chriſts and falſe Prophets, and ſhall ſhew great ſignes and wonders, in ſo much that (if it were poſſible) they ſhall deceive the very elect.

1 John 4.1. Beloved believe not every ſpirit, but p. 283try the ſpirits whether they are of God; becauſe many falſe Prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 2.18. Little Children, it is the laſt time and as ye have heard that Anti-Chriſt ſhall come, even now are there many Anti Chriſts whereby we know it is the laſt time.

V. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifeſt, that they were not all of us.

Rom. 16.17. Now I beſeech you Brethren, mark them which cauſe diviſions and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.

V. 18. For they that are ſuch, ſerve not our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, but their own belly, and by good words and fair ſpeeches deceive the hearts of the ſimple.

Gal. 4.17. They zealouſly affect you, but not well; yea they would exclude us, that you might affect them.

Tit. 1.10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, eſpecially they of the circumciſion.

V. 11. Whoſe mouths muſt be ſtopped, who ſubvert whole houſes, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucres ſake.

Tit. 3.10. A man that is an Heretick, after the p. 284firſt and ſecond admonition reject.

V. 11. Knowing that he that is ſuch, is ſubverted and ſinneth, being condemned of himſelf.

2 Cor. 11.3. But I fear leſt by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his ſubtilty, ſo your minds ſhould be corrupted from the ſimplicity which is in Chriſt.

V. 4. For if he that cometh, preacheth another Jeſus whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another ſpirit, which ye have not received, or another Goſpel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

V. 13. For ſuch are falſe Prophets, deceitfull Workers, transforming themſelves into the Apoſtles of Christ.

V. 14. And no marvel, for Satan himſelf is transformed into an Angel of Light.

V. 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his Miniſters alſo be transformed as the Miniſters of righteouſneſſe, whoſe end ſhall be according to their works.

Gal. 3.1. O fooliſh Galatians who has bewitched you, that you ſhould not obey the truth, before whoſe eies Jeſus Chriſt hath been evidently ſet forth, crucified among you?

Gal 5.19. Now the works of the fleſh are manifeſt, &c.

V. 20. Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Hereſies.

p. 2851 Cor. 11.19. For there muſt be alſo Hereſies among you, that they which are approved, may be made manifeſt among you.

Heb. 13.9. Be not carried about with divers and ſtrange doctrines; for it is a good thing the heart be eſtabliſhed with Grace, &c.

Eph. 4.14. That we henceforth be no more children toſſed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the ſleight of men and cuning craftineſs, whereby they ly in wait to deceive.

Gal. 1.6. I marvel ye are ſo ſoon removed from him that called you into the Grace of Christ, unto another Goſpel.

V. 7. Which is not another; but there be ſome that trouble you, & would pervert the Goſpel of Chriſt.

V. 8. But though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Goſpel unto you, than that we have preached unto you, let him be accurſed.

1 Cor. 3.11. For other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid which is Jeſus Chriſt.

1 Cor. 16.13. Watch ye, ſtand faſt in the Faith, quit your ſelves like men; be ſtrong.

2 Tim. 1.13. Hold fast the form of ſound words, which thou haſt heard of me, in faith and love which is in Chriſt Jeſus.

Heb. 10.23. Let us hold faſt the profeſsion of our faith without wavering.

1 Tim. 1.19. Holding Faith, and a good Conſcience, which ſome having put away, concerning faith have made ſhipwrack.

p. 2861 Theſ. 5.21. Prove all things; hold faſt that which is good.

Acts 17.11. Theſe were more noble than thoſe in Theſſalonica, in that they received the word with all readineſſe of mind, and ſearched the Scriptures daily, whether thoſe things were ſo.

2 Pet. 3.15. As our beloved Brother Paul alſo according to the wiſdom given unto him, hath written unto you.

V. 16. As alſo in all his Epiſtles, ſpeaking in them of theſe things, in which are ſome things hard to be underſtood, which they that are unlearned and unſtable wreſt, as they do alſo the other Scriptures unto their own deſtruction.

M…t. 4.5. Then the Devil taketh him up into the holy City, and ſetteth him on a pinacle of the Temple.

V. 6. And ſaith unto him, if thou be the Son of God, caſt thy ſelf down; for it is written, He ſhall give his Angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they ſhall bear thee up, leſt at any time thou daſh thy foot againſt a ſtone.

Jude. v. 17. But beloved remember ye the words which were ſpoken before of the Apoſtles of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

V. 18. How that they told you, there ſhould be mockers in the laſt time, who ſhould walk after their own ungodly luſts.

V. 19. Theſe be they who ſeparate themſelves, ſenſual, having not the Spirit.

p. 2872 Theſ. 2.10. — Becauſe they received not the love of the truth, that they might be ſaved.

V. 11. For this cauſe God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſions, that they ſhould believe a lie.

V. 12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſſe.

Rev. 2.14. I have a few things againſt thee, becauſe thou haſt them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to caſt a ſtumbling block before the children of Iſrael, to eat things ſacrificed to Idols, and to commit fornication.

V. 15. So haſt thou alſo them that hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

V. 20. I have a few things againſt thee, becauſe thou ſuffereſt that woman Jezebel, which calleth her ſelf a Propheteſſe, to teach and to ſeduce my ſervants to commit fornication, and to eat things ſacrificed unto Idols.

2 Pet. 3.17. Ye therefore beloved, ſeeing ye know theſe things before, beware leſt ye alſo being led away with the errour of the wicked, fall from your omn ſtedfaſtneſſe.

V. 18. But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to preſent you faultleſs before the preſence of his Glory with exceeding joy.

V. 25. To the only wiſe God our Saviour be Glory and Majeſty, Dominion and Power, now and ever. Amen.

p. 288I have now diſpatched the ſecond Particular, The things thou art to watch againſt. I come now to the third, the thing thou muſt watch for.

Thirdly, Watch for, and take all fit opportunities to glorifie God, and to do good. This is to be like our bleſſed Lord and Saviour, who went about doing good, and made every place (where he came) the better for him. How much good may a ſeaſonable word dropt for God, do? A ſin wiſely reproved, and diſcountenanced; a good hint well improved, ſome good counſel ſeaſonably given, of how much advantage to the ſoules of others may theſe things prove? This is to be on Gods ſide, and true to his party. We ſay, A wiſe man makes more opportunities than he finds, but a fool neglecteth thoſe he has: It ſhould be our real deſign in all companies, either to do good, or to receive good; And this will turn to a comfortable account in the day of recompences.

I come now to the Motives, to quicken thee to this great and neceſſary duty of continuall watchfulneſſe.

Firſt, Conſider how naturally we are all prone to be ſecure and careleſſe; and want of watchfulneſſe betraies us to moſt of the ſins, we fall into.

Secondly, Conſider the vigilancy of the tempter. Shall he be ſo watchful to deſtroy us, and p. 289ſhall not we be watchful to keep our ſelves from his malice?

1 Pet. 5.8. Be ſober, be vigilant, becauſe your adverſary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, ſeeking whom he may devour.

Eph. 6.11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the devil.

Thirdly, Conſider the neceſſity of perſeverance, whereunto, a concurrence of our care, and diligence is required.

Whoſo endureth to the end, ſaith our Saviour, Matth. 10.22. he and he only ſhall be ſaved. Let us all run with patience, ſaies the Apoſtle, the race that is ſet before us, Heb. 12.1. Now in worldly races none gaineth the prize, but he that getteth firſt to the goal; but in the ſpiritual race, not only he that cometh firſt, but whoſo holdeth out to the laſt, he is ſure to win and obtain the prize. Be faithful to the death, and I will give thee the Crown of life, ſaies our Saviour, Rev. 2.10. 'Tis to no purpoſe therefore for a man to do well for a ſpurt, and then to give over, & break off that good courſe he was entred into; for 'tis perſeverance in well doing, that carrieth away the Crown. 'Tis true, Gods called and ſanctified people are preſerved and kept in their ſtate of Grace and Holineſs by the power of God; by their cloſe union with Jeſus Chriſt; by vertue of his merits and conſtant p. 290interceſſion for them; and alſo by a continued influence from the Spirit, maintaining the eſſence, life and ſeed of Grace in them; ſo that they ſhall neither totally nor finally fall away. Yet obſerve theſe four things. 1. Seeming Grace may be lost; Take from him that which he hath, Mat. 25.28. In Luke 'tis, Take from him, that which he ſeemeth to have, Chap. 8. v. 18. Blazing Comets, and Meteors are ſoon ſpent, and fall from Heaven, while true Stars keep their Orbe and Station. 2. The common work of the Spirit may fail: Such as is ſpoken of Heb. 6.4, 5. viz. Illumination, external reformation, temporary Faith, a ſlight taſt of the comforts of the Goſpel, a weak glance upon the Glory of Heaven, which may poſſibly ſtir up ſuch a wiſh as was in Balaam, O that I might die the death of the righteous; Nay further, there may be a partaking of the gifts of the Holy Ghoſt, i.e. of abilities for holy duties, (though not of his renewing Graces) And yet ſuch plenty of bloſſoms as here are, may ſomtimes be without fruit. 3. True Grace may ſuffer a ſhrewd decay; the leaves may fail, though there may remain ſome life in the root: We read in Scripture of a decay both of Faith, Love, and Obedience. Some left their firſt Faith, 1 Tim. 5.12. Others left their firſt Love, Rev. 2.4. And as for obedience, we read of the firſt waies of David, as diſtinguiſhed from his latter, 2 Chron. 17.3. becauſe David in his latter time fell into p. 291ſcandalous ſins. In temptations, Gods children may be ſorely ſhaken: Their heel may be bruiſed as Chriſts was, though their head be not cruſhed. The operations of Grace may be obſtructed for a time; and yet a ſeed remain, as in the caſe of David. 4. True Grace, if left to us, would ſoon be loſt. Adam ſhewed a ſad example of this in innocency: But the beſt is, our ſecurity lies in Gods power and promiſes, and our union with Chriſt (as was ſaid before) not in our own ſtrength. Chriſt hath a charge to keep the Saints ſafe, and to conduct them ſafe to everlaſting Glory, John 10.28. I give unto them eternal life, and they ſhall never periſh, &c. v. 29. My Father which gave them me is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand; I and my Father are one. God and Chriſt are engaged in the keeping of them. But obſerve it; Thoſe whom God cauſes to perſevere, he makes to perſevere in the uſe of meanes, as 'twas in their caſe. Acts 27.31. All ſhall come to land; but except ye abide in the ſhip, ye cannot be ſafe. No believer is ſo ſure of his continuance in a ſtate of Grace, as that he needeth not be very wary, and watchful, and jealous over himſelf, 1 Cor. 10.12. Let him that ſtandeth, take heed leſt he fall. There is a fear of caution, as well as a fear of diffidence and diſtruſt, 'tis good to weaken and abate the ſecurity of our fleſh, though not our confidence in Chriſt. Our p. 292Saviour had prayed that Peters Faith ſhould not fail, yet together with the other Apoſtles, he bids him watch. Luke 22.40, 46. The fear of God is a preſerving Grace, Jer. 32.40. I will put my fear into their hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me. This fear will make us watchful, not diffident of Gods power and goodneſs. And in this ſenſe, Bleſſed is the man that feareth alwaies, as Solomon ſaies, Prov. 28.14. And as our Saviour adviſeth, Luke 22.46. that watcheth and prayeth, that he enter not into temptation.

We ſee then that to perſeverance there is a concurrence of our care and diligence required, Jude v. 21. Keep your ſelves in the love of God. & Phil. 2.12, 13. Work out your ſalvation with fear and trembling for it is God that worketh in you, &c.

Indeed the main work is Gods; he is the beginner, and he is the perfecter, Phil. 1 6. He is the author, and he is the finiſher, Heb. 12.2. But may we then be idle and ſit ſtill, be careleſs and negligent? No, in no wiſe: For God worketh in us, and by us. If therefore there be no Grace working in us, nor working by us, and exciting, and quickning, and enabling us to ſincere obedience, and a careful and watchful carriage towards God, we may juſtly ſuſpect our ſtate for the preſent to be very bad. A Chriſtians life is never exempted from care. We muſt be watchful and diligent to the very laſt: Satan is alwaies buſie; we have corruptions within, and p. 293the world is full of ſnares: And many times, where there ſeems to be leaſt danger, there is moſt cauſe of fear. Lot that was chaſt in Sodom, miſcarried in the mountaines, where there were none but his own Family. David's example may warn the holieſt perſons to the worlds end, to be jealous over themſelves. Who would have thought that he (whoſe heart ſmote him for cutting off the lap of Sauls garment) ſhould after fall into uncleanneſſe and murder? Peter alſo is a ſad inſtance of confidence in a mans own ſtrength.

Upon all theſe conſiderations, let me adviſe thee to watch and pray, to pray and watch continually. Haſt thou begun to make profeſſion of Religion? O do not fall off, and bring an ill report upon the waies of Holineſſe. A houſe begun, and not finiſhed is a habitation of ſhreek owles. Hold out to the laſt, that ſo thou maiſt obtain that honourable title, that Mnaſon had, to be an old diſciple, Acts 21.16.

I ſhall conclude this Head of watchfulneſſe, and this whole Chapter of maintaining a daily cloſe communion with God, with two further Directions, which (with Gods bleſſing) will much conduce to the carrying on of the whole work.

Direction 1. Inure thy ſoul, (beſides thy daily ſolemn prayers) to ſend up frequent, mental, ejaculatory prayers unto God. Theſe holy p. 294liftings up of the heart unto the Lord, as they are very pleaſing to him, ſo they are exceedingly advantageous for the fetching ſpeedy aid from Heaven, for the quenching of a luſt, reſiſting of a temptation, the better performing any ſervice, delivering us out of any preſent ſtraits, enabling us to bear any affliction, or in caſe of any failing, to beg mercy and pardon ſpeedily, while the heart is ſmitten, and tenderly affected with a ſenſe of its miſcarriage: As when Davids heart ſmote him for numbring the people, 2 Sam. 24.10. we find him lifting up his heart unto the Lord, in this manner, I have ſinned, I beſeech thee take away the iniquity of thy ſervant.

Theſe ejaculatory prayers are (as it were) meſſengers ſent poſt to Heaven, (when time is not afforded for continued prayer) for ſome ſpeedy help. And as they hinder no buſineſſe, but (being duly performed) further it much every way, ſo no buſineſſe can hinder them. When a Miniſter is preaching, and finds his heart cold and liveleſſe in the ſervice, or when in ſolemn prayer he finds his ſpirit indiſpoſed, dry, and barren; How may he ſpeed one of theſe ſwift and ſilent meſsengers, one of theſe fervent ejaculations to Heaven, for help and aſſiſtance? When a Chriſtian is hearing the Word, of how much advantage is it, to ſend up ſuch ſilent and fervent prayers, that God would ſet home ſuch or ſuch a Doctrine upon his heart; or p. 295help him to forſake ſuch a ſin, then reproved; or enable him to believe, and embrace ſuch a Truth? When Chriſt was preaching to his Apoſtles, that hard leſson of brotherly forgiveneſs, we find in the 17^th of Luke, v. 5. They ſent up that holy ejaculation, Lord encreaſe our Faith. A man that is riding, or walking, or employed in his lawful calling, may thus converſe with Heaven, and yet no waies hinder his preſent buſineſſe.

And further to perſwade thee to the practiſe of this direction, conſider,

I. Theſe ejaculatory prayers do very much honour God; in that they acknowledge him, to be a God, that can underſtand the language of our hearts, and the leaſt movings of our deſires, towards him; and that he is a God hearing prayers, and a very preſent help in time of trouble.

II. They are a good means to keep our hearts ſpiritual, and heavenly, and in a good frame. Strangeneſſe often growes between God and our ſoules, for want of theſe. And many affecting providences looſe their kindly work upon us for want of a preſent lifting up of our hearts in ſome ſutable ejaculations.

III. They are a ſpecial means to fit us for more ſolemn prayer. We muſt begin duties with duties: God prepares the hearts of his people, to pray acceptably unto him, by theſe preparatory ejaculations.

p. 296But here obſerve theſe few cautions and directions.

1. Take heed of formality, ſlightneſs; and cuſtomarineſs in them. Let them be ſerious, and fervent, and from thy heart. Nothing more uſual with many peo…le, than God forgive me, Lord bleſſe me, God help me, when the heart is nothing affected; nor does it ſend up theſe as earneſt requeſts unto the Lord, looking for an anſwer.

2. Uſe theſe holy ejaculations, not only in a way of petition, but alſo of thankſgiving. Thus our Saviour, Father I thank thee, Mat. 11 25.26. Thus David often, as may be ſeen in his Pſalms, that are full of ſuch holy breathings and affectionate thankſgivings.

3. Take heed under this pretence of laying aſide, or neglecting ſolemn prayer in a continued way: For that many ignorant people are apt to do; thinking a few formal, ſhort ej…culations to be devotion enough; and begrutch God any more of their time.

4. Get a deep ſenſe of thy own Weakneſſe, inability, inſufficiency, and of thy continual need of help from God, and that will diſpoſe thy heart to be ready in every thing by prayer, and ſupplication, with thankſgiving, to make thy requeſts known unto God.

Direct. 2. Retire thy ſelf every night, and review and reflect upon all thy actions and whole behaviour in the day past. We read that God p. 297himſelf when he created the world, every day looked over his own works. Surely God had no need to examine his works that were ſo exact and perfect; but 'tis written for our inſtruction, that we ſhould do ſo likewiſe. Therefore for the keeping thy Conſcience clear from guilt, it will be very requiſite, thou ſhouldſt take thy ſelf in private, before thou lieſt down to ſleep, and conſider thy whole carriage and behaviour that day; that ſo thou maiſt by a ſerious humiliation, retract and undo whatever has been amiſſe, and maiſt make all ſtreight between God and thy ſoul. If thou findeſt out thy ſins, when they are but a day old, before they become cuſtomary, and have taken root, they will be more eaſily removed, by ſerious and ſpeedy repentance, and applying thy ſelf to Chriſt for pardon. But for want of this frequent ſelf-examining, and ſoul-purging, the heart becomes hardned, ſin gets root, the devil gets poſſeſſion, and the ſoul is more and more alienated from God.

To conclude this head of Watchfulneſſe.

Let it be thy ſerious and fixed purpoſe every morning (through the aſſiſtance of Grace) not willingly or knowingly to commit any ſin, or to do any thing thy Conſcience ſhall tell thee is diſpleaſing to God. But if (contrary to thy ſerious intention) through infirmity, ſudden ſurprizal, violence of temptation, incogitancy, thou p. 298doſt at any time fall; humble thy ſoul before the Lord, bewail and confeſſe thy fault with ſorrow and grief, and ſpeedily recover thy ſelf by a ſerious repentance, and flying to the blood of Chriſt for pardon. When thy peace is broken with God at any time, by ſin; reſt not, till it be made up again: And riſe from thy fall with a greater deteſtation of ſin, a ſtronger reſolution againſt it, with a greater love to Chriſt, and thankfulneſſe for his pardoning Grace. And begging help from God, be more watchful for the future.

Matth. 25.13. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matth. 26.41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation, the ſpirit indeed is willing, but the fleſh is weak.

Matth. 13.35. Watch ye therefore (for ye know not when the maſter of the houſe cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning)

V 36. Leſt coming ſuddenly, he find you ſleeping.

V. 37. And what I ſay unto you, I ſay unto all, Watch.

Luke 12.37. Bleſſed are thoſe ſervants, whom the Lord when he cometh, ſhall find watching.

Luke 21.34. Take heed to your ſelves, leſt at any p. 299time your hearts be overcharged with ſurfeting and drunkenneſſe and the cares of this life, and ſo that day come upon you unawares.

V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies, that ye may be accounted worthy to eſcape all theſe things that ſhall come to paſſe, and to ſtand before the Son of man.

1 Cor. 15.34. Awake to righteouſneſſe, and ſin not.

Rom. 13.11. And knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of ſleep, for now is our ſalvation nearer than when we believed.

2 Tim. 4.5. Watch then in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an Evangeliſt, make full proof of thy Miniſtry.

1 Pet. 4.7. The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore ſober, and watch unto prayer.

1 Pet. 5.8. Be ſober, be vigilant, becauſe your adverſary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, ſeeking whom he may devour.

V. 9. Whom reſiſt, ſtedfaſt in the Faith—

1 Cor. 16.13. Watch ye, ſtand faſt in the Faith, quit your ſelves like men, be ſtrong.

Col. 4.2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the ſame, with thankſgiving.

1 Theſ. 5 6. Let us not ſleep, as do others, but let us watch and be ſober.

Rev. 3.2. Be watchful, and ſtrengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

p. 300V. 3. Remember therefore how thou haſt received, and heard, and hold faſt, and repent; if thou ſhalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou ſhalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Rev. 16.15. Behold I come as a thief; Bleſſed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.—

Eph. 6 10. Finally my Brethren, be ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

V. 11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the devil.

V. 12. For we wreſtle not againſt fleſh and blood, but againſt principalities, againſt powers, againſt the rulers of the darkneſs of this world, againſt ſpiritual wickedneſſe in high places.

V. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withſtand in the evil day, and having done all to ſtand.

V. 14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breaſt-plate of righteouſneſſe.

V. 15. And your feet ſhod with the preparation of the Goſpel of peace.

V. 16. Above all things taking the ſhield of Faith, wherewith ye ſhall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

V. 17. And take the helmet of ſalvation, and the ſword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

V. 18. Praying alwaies with all prayer and ſupplication, p. 301in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perſeverance, &c.