Knowledge and Practice, Dedication 2
TO THE INHABITANTS OF NORTH-CADBƲRY in SOMERSETSHIRE.
My loving Neighbours and Friends,
OUR Bleſſed Saviour intending to give Peter a charge of his Lambs and Sheep, enquires firſt concerning his ſincere love to him, John 21.15, 16, 17. Simon ſon of Jonas, loveſt thou me more than theſe? he ſaith unto him, yea Lord, thou knoweſt that I love thee: He ſaith unto him, feed my Lambs. V. 16. He ſaith to him again the ſecond time, Simon ſonne of Jonas, loveſt thou me? he ſaith unto him, yea Lord, thou knoweſt that I love thee, he ſaith unto him, feed my Sheep. V. 17. He ſaid unto him the third time, Simon ſonne of Jonas, loveſt thou me? Peter was grieved, becauſe he ſaid unto him the third time, loveſt thou me? And he ſaid unto him, Lord, thou knoweſt all things, thou knoweſt that I love thee. Jeſus ſaith unto him, feed my Sheep. Which words plainly intimate thus much unto us, that Miniſters who are called to take charge of Chriſts Flock, had need of much love unto him; no ſervice about them being approved, if it flow not from this fountain (but be undertaken for by-reſpects) and there being no poſſibility without this love well to endure the many blaſts and ſtorms they will meet with (from without) in the diſcharge of their calling, nor the much toil they will have, even from the flocks themſelves. The truth is, the paines and labour and ſufferings of the Miniſterial Function are ſo great (where 'tis conſcientiouſly diſcharged) and there are ſo many other waies wherein we might make our lives more comfortable (as to worldly contentments) that he muſt needs be a man of great ignorance and inexperience (or intends not to be over-diligent and faithful in his Miniſtry) that takes on him that ſacred Calling, meerly for temporal advantages. But whoever lifts up his heart to think how much our dear Lord and Saviour hath done for him (who endured the Croſſe, and deſpiſed the ſhame to redeem mankind) and ſhall conſider what glorious rewards he propounds to thoſe who turn many to righteouſneſſe, ſurely cannot grudge to be employed in the work of ſo gracious a Redeemer, or to ſpend and be ſpent in his ſervice. This conſideration hath drawn me often to think with my ſelf by what means I might beſt promote your everlaſting welfare. And after many ſerious thoughts, I have judged it exceeding expedient for your benefit, to draw up a diſcourſe of this nature, and to give to every Family among you, one of them. And I bleſſe God that hath put it into my heart to ſet about it, and hath enabled me to perform it. 'Twas your benefit, and the winning of your ſouls to Chriſt that was the grand motive to this undertaking. And if that great buſineſſe (through the bleſſing of God) may be any way advanced thereby, I ſhall never repent of my pains, but ſhall very much rejoyce that the Lord hath enabled me (in any meaſure) to be ſerviceable to you in the furthering of your ſalvation. And that you may the better know how to make uſe of this Treatiſe, I ſhall acquaint you in brief with the whole deſigne thereof.
In the firſt part, I have couched together in three Chapters the chief and neceſſary things that are to be known and believed concerning God, our ſelves, and the Mediator between God and man. That ſo thoſe that have a mind to know, may (in ſhort) be informed of the main things they are ſo deeply concern'd to be acquainted with. And becauſe 'tis of exceeding great conſequence, that people ſhould well underſtand how the things they profeſs to believe are grounded on Gods Word, I have collected together moſt of thoſe Scriptures that are ſcattered up and down in the Book of God (upon which the Articles of our Faith are founded) and have reduced them to ſeveral heads, and printed them at large, that ſo they may be as ſeveral conſtellations, or cluſters of Stars, giving you the more light, and clearer aſsurance of the things they are brought to prove. This courſe I have taken alſo in the ſecond Part, in reference to the things that are to be practiſed. My intent herein being, that my Book ſhould fully inform you what is Gods mind and revealed will concerning thoſe particulars I treat of, which may be of ſingular uſe to you in ſeveral reſpects.
1. To ſtrengthen and confirm your own belief of the Articles of the Chriſtian Faith; to awe your Conſciences with the authority of Gods Word, and to engage your hearts to the practiſe of thoſe things that ſhall appear to be your duty.
2. To enable you to inſtruct your children and ſervants in the Principles of Faith and obedience from the Scriptures here ſet down to your hands; which every one is not able readily to find out that has not ſome ſuch help.
3. To ſecure you againſt Errors now ſo riſe among us. Seeing you may hereby defend the Faith once delivered to the Saints, and confute the enemies of truth, as our Saviour did the Devil, by alledging the Sacred Scriptures for the things you believe and practiſe.
In the Second Part I treat of the things that concern your practiſe. And becauſe conſideration of our waies, and examining the ſtate of our ſouls to God-ward is a matter of ſo exceeding great uſe, that ſcarce any thing undoes Mankind more than the neglect of it, I begin with that. And oh that I may prevail with you to a conſcientious Practiſe of it. I have heard of a Gentleman that uPon his Death-bed laid this one command upon his wild Son, and engag'd him to the performance of it by a ſolemn promiſe, that he ſhould every day of his life be half an hour alone: Which this young man conſtantly obſerving, and ſpending▪ his half hours retirement (at first) in any kind of vain thoughts, at laſt he began to ponder with himſelf, why his Father ſhould enjoyn him this penance; and the Spirit of God ſuggesting to him, that his intent therein could be no other but to bring him to conſider of his evil waies, and whither they tended, and what would become of him hereafter if he went on; it pleaſed the Lord ſo to ſet thoſe thoughts home upon his heart, that he became a new man: Of ſo much advantage is conſideration, and frequent taking our ſelves in private to think of the ſtate of our ſouls.
In the three next Chapters I handle the Doctrines of Repentance, Faith, and a new nature and reformed life, being indeed the main things wherein the power and life of Godlineſſe conſiſts. And therefore I intreat you give the more heed unto them.
In the Fifth Chapter I treat of maintaining a daily, cloſe communion with God, and ſhew,
1. How we ſhould awake with God in the morning, and ſo begin the day well.
2. How we ſhould pour forth our ſouls in ſecret prayer and thankſgiving unto him; private prayer being every ones duty, and a great help to Holineſs. And that people may not be ſlight and formal in theſe duties, and ſo offend in the manner of doing them, I give ſome Directions for the right performance of them.
3. I ſhew how we ſhould diligently read the Scriptures, the Oracles of God, which are able (through the operation of the Spirit) to make us wiſe unto ſalvation.
4. How we ſhould live continually as in the ſight and view of God.
5. How we ſhould live by Faith, in ten particulars.
6. How we ſhould be diligent obſervers of the Providence of God, that ſo we may order our ſervices of prayer and praiſe accordingly.
7. How we ſhould practiſe the great duty of daily watchfulneſſe, continually watching;
1. Over our thoughts, that we lodge not ſinful thoughts in our minds.
2. Over our Affections, that we allow not any ſinful motions, and stirrings in our hearts, but labour ſpeedily to ſuppreſs them.
3. Over our words, that we offend not (as we are exceeding apt) with our tongues.
4. Over our actions, that they may be ſuch as proceed from a right Principle, are conform'd to a right Rule, and are directed to a right end. Theſe are the things we muſt watch over.
Next I ſet down what are the things we must watch againſt. In the general, all ſin whatever. But in particular,
1. Thoſe ſins we are moſt inclin'd unto by our own temper and naturall conſtitution.
2. The ſins we are moſt expoſed to by reaſon of our calling, condition, ſtate and courſe of life.
3. The ſins of the times and places where we live.
4. Againſt all occaſions and temptations, that we foreſee are like to endanger our ſouls.
5. Againſt diſhonouring God by the immoderate and undue uſe of lawful things.
6. Againſt Errour; where the danger of it is ſhewed, and ſome preſervatives are given against it.
In the next place is ſhewed, how we ſhould watch for opportunities of doing and receiving good: And ſome Motives to watchfulneſs are propounded, and the Chapter ſhut up with theſe two Directions.
1. That we ſhould beſides our ſolemn prayers, ſend up frequent, mental, ejaculatory prayers unto the Lord for his Grace, help, and aſſiſtance.
2. That every night we ſhould retire, and reflect upon all our actions, and whole behaviour in the day paſt, and ſo ſet all at rights between God and our ſouls before we go to ſleep.
And becauſe, whoever deſires to grow in Knowledge and Grace, muſt conſcientiouſly make uſe of, and improve the means of Grace that God affords him, therefore in the Sixth Chapter I treat.
1. Of the careful obſervation of the Lords day. Shewing why we ſhould obſerve it, and how. For my part I never ſaw true Religion and the power of Godlineſſe thrive in any perſon, family, or Pariſh, where the religious and conſcientious obſervance of that day was neglected.
2. Concerning hea…ing the Word; where directions are given;
1. How we are to prepare our ſelves before we go to hear.
2. How we are to behave our ſelves in time of hearing.
3. What we are to do after we have heard. And oh that I might prevail with you to read theſe Directions often (eſpecially on Saturday-nights) that ſo you might come prepared. The great reaſon of the unprofitableneſſe of preaching, and that Sermons do no more good, is, becauſe people come without preparation.
3. Seeing that Heavenly duty of ſinging Pſalms and lifting up the praiſes of the moſt High, is now by ſome queſtion'd (as indeed what is not that tends to Gods Glory and mans good?) I purpoſely handle that ſubject, and prove it to be a duty under the Goſpel, anſwer the Objections againſt it, and give ſome Directions for the right performing of it.
4. Foraſmuch as Chriſtians might exceedingly benefit one another by Religious conference; thereby warming and enlivening one another, and provoking one another to love and to good works,
In the next place I ſpeak of that duty, and ſet down ſome Rules concerning it.
Laſtly, Becauſe without meditation 'tis not to be expected the Word ſhould do much good, nor that the ſoul ſhould ever thrive in Knowledge and Grace, I ſhew the excellency and benefit thereof, and give ſome Directions for the practiſe of it.
The Seventh Chapter treats of the danger of frequenting, and unneceſſarily converſing with bad company, whereby many have been everlaſtingly undone. A man that prayes to be delivered from temptations, muſt not wilfully run himſelf into them. And becauſe 'tis the duty of all true Chriſtians both for their own peace ſake, and that they may adorn the Goſpel of Chriſt, to ſerve their generation in ſome honeſt and commendable way (avoiding Idleneſſe, that great ſnare of the Devil.)
In the eighth Chapter I diſcourſe of diligence and conſcientiouſneſſe in our particular places and callings.
And that the Name of God may not be blaſphemed by the ill lives and practiſes of ſuch as profeſſe themſelves Chriſtians;
In the Ninth Chapter I treat of juſt and upright dealing in Trading and Commerce, giving ſome Rules both to buyers and ſellers, and ſhew the neceſſity of making reſtitution of, or ſatisfaction for ill gotten goods.
The Tenth Chapter contains the duties of Governours of Families, which I deſire all that are in that relation often to read over, and ſeriouſly to meditate upon. There is a great duty lies upon them, and greater than they uſually are aware of. They may be exceeding inſtrumental of the ſalvation of thoſe under their care, if they diſcharge their duties as they ought. But through their neglect of the Worſhip of God in their houſes, and their ill lives and examples they prove too often an occaſion of the ruine of many in their Families. And becauſe very much of the life of Godlineſſe conſiſts in a faithful diſcharge of relative duties,
The Eleventh Chapter ſhews the duties of Husband and Wife.
The Twelfth of M…ſters and Servants.
The Thirteenth of Parents and Children.
The Fourteenth of ſuch as are in office and of Inferiours.
The Fifteenth of People towards their Paſtors and ſpiritual Guides. O what an honour would it be to Chriſtian Religion, if all they that call themſelves Chriſtians, would endeavour to walk uprightly and faithfully in their reſpective places.
And ſeeing it is a real kindneſſe, and an excellent expreſſion of true Chriſtian friendſhip, to keep one another off from the pit of deſtruction, and to help one another on towards Heaven,
In the Sixteenth Chapter I treat of that great and hard duty of Chriſtian reproof and admonition, which if it were prudently and faithfully diſcharged, would (by the bleſſing of God) much abate ſin in the world, and exceedingly advance Piety.
The Seventeenth Chapter contains the duties of rich and poor. Many duties belong to them both; and both have great temptations, therefore they had need be careful to diſcharge the one, and avoid the other.
The Eighteenth Chapter ſpeaks of the duties of Young and Old. Miniſters find by experience that the Word hath the greateſt operation on thoſe that are young, who have not contracted ſuch ſtrong habits of ſin, nor ſo long reſiſted the Grace of God, nor ſo much provoked him to give them up to their own hearts luſts, as many ancient people have done, who have liv'd a great while in an unconverted ſtate, under the light of the Goſpel. I have therefore ſhewed young perſons the danger of delaies, the advantages of turning to God betimes, and anſwered the Objections that many are apt to make againſt it. And becauſe a Miniſter is alſo to have a care of the ſouls of the Ancient, and (to his utmost skill) to endeavour their ſalvation, I have laid down ſeveral awakening conſiderations for them to think upon, I have ſhewed them the danger of vain preſumptions and groundleſſe hopes of Heaven. I have ſet down ſome of thoſe falſe grounds and ſandy foundations whereon many ancient people build their hopes of happineſſe, that ſo they may be undeceived, and may look better about them to ſecure their ſouls, while there is time.
In the Nineteenth Chapter there are Directions given for the healthy and the ſick. To deal wiſely and faithfully with ſick perſons in order to their ſouls welfare, is one of the hardeſt pieces of the Miniſterial work, and requires much skill to perform it aright. And ſeeing a Miniſter is not ever at hand to viſit ſuch ſick perſons as may need his help (and many times they ſtand in need of much help and inſtruction) I have drawn up ſuch directions as I judged needful for them; which they may m…ke uſe of, when they cannot have the help and aſſiſtance of a Miniſter. I have ſhewed how they ſhould examine themſelves: And that they may not ſlubber over that great buſineſſe, but may come (in ſome meaſure) to diſcern the multitude of their ſins, and the manifold waies, whereby they have offended God: I have ſet down a Catalogue of the duties commanded and ſinnes forbidden in the ten Commandments, as alſo the ſins againſt the Goſpel: That ſo people may not only in general ſay they are ſinners, (and yet when they come and profeſſe to humble their ſouls, and to confeſſe their ſins unto God, can find few they are guilty of) but may ſee themſelves to be exceeding vile and ſinful: I know 'tis very unpleaſing to people to ſearch their own Conſciences, and find themſelves great ſinners: They had rather ſit down with a falſe peace, than arraign and terrifie themſelves in this manner. But who that is in his right wits, would content himſelf with a ſhadow of repentance, or a ſhadow of Faith, without finding the ſubſtance and truth of theſe Graces in his ſoul, when his everlaſting welfare depends upon it. Thoſe Directions there mentioned may be of uſe alſo to all perſons, who deſire at any time more ſolemnly to humble themſelves before the Lord for the ſins of their life paſt, and more eſpecially before the receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.
The Twentieth Chapter contains a diſcourſe of the four laſt things, Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven. There I ſhew the neceſſity of Learning (even in time of health) that great art and skill, how to die well. Next, what the Scripture declares concerning the day of judgment, and the everlaſting ſtate both of the righteous and the wicked: And methinks the ſerious conſideration of theſe weighty matters, ſhould hugely affect us. O did people oftener think and conſider of thoſe things, they would live at another rate than uſually they do. All the buſineſſes of this life would ſeem ſmall and little (even like childrens play) in compariſon of ſecuring the ſoul to all eternity.
Thus (My Loving Neighbours and Friends) I have given you a ſhort draught and ſcheme (as it were) of my whole Book. What entertainment it will find with you, I know not. I can in ſome meaſure of ſincerity ſay, that an hearty deſire of your eternal happineſs first ſet me upon this work. And now (throw the aſſiſtance of God) it is finiſhed, my prayers ſhall not be wanting that it may do you good, yea, much good. If any of you will not afford leiſure to read it, nor time to conſider of the things therein contained, but after you have had it a little while, ſhall throw it aſide, then I deſire you ſeriouſly to think before hand, what account you will be able to give to God of this your wilful neglect, when you ſhall ſtand at his dreadful Tribunal. For my part, I have no other deſign upon any of you, but that you may attain eternal life. My great deſire is that true Plety and Godlineſſe, that that Religion that ſaves ſouls may flouriſh among you. My deſire and endeavour is that where the ſaving work of Grace is begun upon any of your hearts; it may be carried on daily, and that you may encreaſe and abound more and more in the fruits of holineſſe and righteouſneſſe, to the praiſe and glory of God. And where this bleſſed work of converſion is not yet begun, my hearts deſire and prayer to God is that it may be wrought, if it be his holy will. You ſee the plot and deſign I have upon you is of ſo innocent a nature, that you have no reaſon in the world to go about to defeat me in it. 'Tis my duty to ſhew ſinners the evil and danger of ignorance and ungodlineſſe. 'Tis my duty to perſwade, intreat, and be earneſt with them to leave the tents of ſin and Satan, and to come in to Chriſt, that by him they may have pardon and life, And O that I could even compel them to come in, Luke 14.23. Were it in my power, not a ſoul among you ſhould refuſe or ſtand out. But if (notwithſtanding all my prayers, intreaties, and endeavours) many among you will ſtill prefer a life of bruitiſh ſenſuality, before the life that conſiſts in righteouſneſſe, peace, and joy in the holy Ghoſt: If Satan that curſed murderer (who you know labours to ruine you ſoul and body for ever) must ſtill be preferr'd before that bleſſed Saviour, who ſuffered and endur'd ſo much to redeem mankind, and offers you ſalvation on ſo fair terms: If neither the joyes of Heaven, nor the torments of Hell can affect you, but the pleaſures and profits of this world muſt ſtill ingroſſe your minds and hearts; remember what I ſay unto you, it will one day cut you to the very ſoul to conſider that you were ſhewed the way to eternal life, and invited, perſwaded and intreated to walk in it, but you would not. O Neighbours, think with your ſelves (I beſeech you) that 'tis but a ſhort time, and your ſouls muſt be either among Saints or Devils. Does it not concern me therefore to be earneſt with you, and in all ſeriouſneſſe to call upon you, to work out your ſalvation, now while you have time? For the Lords ſake, as ever you intend to ſee Gods face with comfort, remember theſe few following directiōs.
1. Take heed of a looſe converſation, of living to the fleſh, to fulfill the luſts thereof. If ye live after the fleſh ye ſhall die, Rom. 8.13. Now the works of the fleſh are manifeſt, Gal. 5.19. Which are theſe, Adultery, fornication, uncleanneſſe, lalciviouſneſſe, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, ſtrife, ſeditions, hereſies, envyings, murders, drunkenneſſe, and ſuch like: Of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time paſt, that they which do ſuch things ſhall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Never comfort your ſelves with the hopes of Gods mercy in Chriſt, if ye live in known and wilful ſins. The holy nature of God will never be reconciled to ſinners, while they go on in their ſins. And Christ came to deſtroy the works of the Devil. He came not to ſave men, by bringing them to Heaven in their ungodlineſſe, or to Glory in their ſins, but to deſtroy their ſins, that would keep them out of Glory. If he ſave us, his Grace muſt have dominion in our hearts. Without holineſſe no man ſhall ſee the Lord, Heb. 12.14.
2. Take heed of worldly-mindedneſſe. I do not go about to perſwade you to idleneſſe or negligence, in your Callings, but to take you off from the eager and inordinate love of this world, which duls and deads the heart to Heavenly things. Beware leſt ye be the thorny ground. Look to it, that the cares of this life do not choak the good ſeed that is weekly ſown among you. Some people give up themſelves wholly to the world, and thruſt God out of their hearts and houſes; Take you heed of that. Believe it, that man that hath the main bent of his heart ſet upon pleaſing God, and whoſe great end is to be happy with him for ever, will be careful only ſo to converſe with this world, and only ſo to mind things temporal, as he may not loſe things eternall. He will firſt and chiefly ſeek the Kingdom of God, and his righteouſneſſe. He will look upon all outwartd things as accomodations only in his paſſage, but at Heaven as his home and happineſſe. He will cordially deſire and endeavour ſo to walk in his particular Calling, as he may be faithful alſo in his general, and may ſecure his ſoul to eternal life.
3. Be careful to get a diſtinct and clear knowledge of the things that concern your ſalvation. Ignorance will not excuſe any man when 'tis cauſed by his own negligence. The main things that concern ſalvation, you may know, if you will give your minds to it. God hath not left you in darkneſſe, take heed of ſhutting your eyes.
4. Take heed of neglecting or ſlighting the publick Ordinances, and means of Grace. To have no appetite to the Word, to apprehend no great need of it, and to find no profit by it, is a mark of a dead and graceleſſe heart.
5. Take heed of formality and reſting in a meer outward performance of religious ſervices. Learn to diſtinguiſh between Religion the end, and Religion the means. Religion the end is, To attain a gracious frame of Spirit, to enjoy God, to fear him, love him, and have our natures conform'd unto him. Religion the means is, to perform ſuch religions duties and ſervices as God hath appointed for the attaining this end. Now if we reſt in the means, i. e. in a bare performance of religious duties, without deſiring to enjoy God in them, or labouring to get our hearts into a better frame by them, and aiming at thoſe higher ends to which they were appointed, our ſervices are rather a mocking of God, than a true and ſincere worſhipping of him. It will do us no good to be of the right Religion as to external profeſſion, if we be ſlight, and formal, and perfunctory in the duties of that Religion. Take heed therefore of having only a form of Godlineſſe, and denying, or ſecretly hating the power thereof. What will it profit any man to be thought godly and religious, if God know him to be ungodly? Our Saviour hath told us that except our righteouſneſs exceed the righteouſneſs of the Scribes and Phariſees (and yet theirs was outwardly a very ſtrict religiouſneſs) we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God, Mat. 5.20.
6. Take heed of contenting your ſelves with meer civil honeſty, and a fair, juſt outward converſation. This is very commendable, yea and neceſſary, but this is not ſufficient to ſalvation. Without regeneration and true converſion there is no ſalvation to be expected. Not only looſe livers, but meer civil perſons need a further change. There are many people that applaud themſelves in their own righteouſneſſe; they give every one their own; they defraud no man; they pay what they owe to all men. Do they ſo? I am glad of it. But let us a little examine whether they be ſo juſt as they pretend. Poſſibly they give every man his due, and would not defraud any man willingly or knowingly of any thing. I commend them for it, But do they give God his due? They owe their hearts to him: They owe ſincere obedience and ſpiritual worſhip to him: They are bound to love him above all, and delight in communion with him, and to make Conſcience of the duties and ſervices he requires. They ought to fear and reverence his holy Name, to delight in his Word, to ſanctifie his day, to attend upon his Ordinances, to be tender of his honour, to decline all waies of ſinning againſt him, either by wicked thoughts, irregular affections, ſinful words, evil actions. Their whole life ought to be a living unto God, and his Glory ought to be their end and aim in all their undertakings. They ought to renounce the devil, the world and the fleſh, and to ſerve him faithfully all their daies. Now then come, and let us conſider, Do they do thus? Do they indeed give every one his own? Do they give unto God, what of right is due unto him? They make Conſcience of being juſt towards men (and they do well in it) but are they careful alſo of paying God what they owe to him? And what kind of righteouſneſſe call you this, to be righteous towards men, and unrighteous and unjuſt toward God? Is this a righteouſneſſe any man dare ſtand upon, and plead for his juſtification before Gods Tribunal? You ſee then there is more required than an honeſt, outward, fair converſation to ſave the ſoul.
7. Take heed of deceiving and ill-grounded hopes of Heaven. Secure your ſtate in Grace, and then your title to Glory is unqueſtionable. Look to your evidences for Heaven. Take heed of miſtakes about the great work of repenting and believing in Chriſt. Many think they have thoſe Graces, when indeed they have only a ſhadow of them. Examine your ſelves whether ye be in the Faith: Prove your ſelves. Whoever is in Chriſt is a new Creature; old things are paſſed away, old carnal principles, old ſinful inclinations, old wicked practiſes, old ungodly company are paſſed away and left by them that are true converts. Ask your ſelves whether your repentance be a repentance unto life? whether your Faith be a ſaving Faith? What the true characters of Repentance and Faith are, you may find in the 2d and 3d Chapters of the ſecond Part of this Treatiſe.
'Tis carnal hopes that deceive the world, and hinder people from looking after a ſaving converſion. Content not your ſelves therefore to ſay, you hope you ſhall be ſaved, but prove and try whether you are ſuch perſons as God hath promiſed ſalvation to. Prove by marks of Grace in your ſouls that you are true converts, and then hope for ſalvation, and ſpare not, and the Lord confirm your hopes. Great things and of everlaſting conſequence, ſhould be made as ſure as is poſsible. Ask your ſelves what evidences you have you are converted. 'Tis proof muſt carry it, and not confident preſumption. Take God in Chriſt for your only happineſſe and end: And Chriſt as Mediatour, for your only Lord and Saviour. Accept him for your Sovereign, as well as for your Saviour. Be ſenſible of your continual need of his Bloud, Spirit and interceſſion, and give up your ſelves ſincerely to him, to be juſtified, ſanctified, guided, directed and everlaſtingly ſaved by him. Let his Intereſt be uppermoſt in your ſouls, and you are bleſſed for ever.
8. Pray earneſtly unto the Lord to be eſtabliſhed in the truth, and to be preſerved from Errour, giddineſſe, and apoſtacy, which is the ſin and ſhame of theſe times. Let not the different Opinions that are now going, be an offence unto you. Remember that though men are mutable, and change from one opinion to another, and grow wanton and wild-headed, yet God and Chriſt, and the Scripture, and Heaven, and the way thither, are ſtill the ſame: Theſe change not: Mind you theſe things. Take heed of that threefold Apoſtacy that this age is too guilty of. Namely,
1. Of Judgment, from the Truths of God.
2. Of Affection, from the Ordinances of God.
3. Of Converſation, from that ſober, humble, and circumſpect walking, which all true Chriſtians ſhould make Conſcience of. Let not the treachery of falſe brethren diſhearten you: He is the right Souldier that is not diſcouraged by thoſe that run away, but ſtill preſſeth on to victory. In a word, lay not out your zeal on externals, or opinions and the ſmaller matters of Religion. Look to it, that there be in you an unfeigned and fervent love to God, his Truth and children: Let moſt of your daily care be about the right ordering and governing of your hearts and affections: Labour to mortifie luſts, and advance Grace. To conclude this, ſeparate ſpeedily from the ſins of Chriſtians, but never from the Ordinances of Chriſt.
9. Count thoſe your beſt friends that lovingly and faithfully admoniſh you of any ſin or evil they ſee you going on in. If you were going ignorantly into a houſe infected with the plague, you would think that man your friend that pluckt you back, and acquainted you with your danger. What a madneſſe then is it for any man to be offended and angry with him, that out of true good will and charity to his ſoul, deſires to preſerve him from everlaſting perdition. Can it be thought by any ſober man a malicious thing to endeavour to ſave a ſoul from ſin and Hell?
10. Take heed of prejudices againſt a ſtrict and holy walking with God, The Lord deliver you from that mad opinion of the world, that like not ſerving God ſo much, nor making ſo much ado to be ſaved. Conſider is there any thing in the world doth better deſerve your care and diligence, and will better pay you for it? I know carnal people think the way of Religion a melancholick and ſad way; But I must not ſpare to tell them the truth; They will never live a truly ſafe, peaceable and comfortable life, till they are converted, and have engaged their hearts in an humble, holy walking with God. They ignorantly flee from Godlineſſe as from ſorrow and trouble, but the truth is, they flee from joy and peace. What ſhould trouble that man that is a member of Chriſt, and has eſcaped out of the power of Satan, and is freed from the wrath of God, and the danger of everlaſting miſery?
O Neighbours! let not the ignorant ſcorns and ſenſeleſſe reproaches of wicked men diſcourage you. He that hath good grounds to believe that he ſhall live for ever in Glory With God and his holy Angels as ſoon as his ſoul parts from his body, I think is a happy man, and ſo will be acknowledged by every one that has not loſt his reaſon and underſtanding. There is a time coming when the proudeſt and moſt ſtubborn ſinner will be glad to change condition with the meaneſt Saint. Let me therefore intreat all thoſe that have entertain'd any hard thoughts of the waies of Godlineſſe, but to make triall what a holy life is; and if they do not find more comfort in a ſerious turning unto God, and in a ſincere endeavour to approve their hearts unto him, then in the waies of ſin, let them take their courſe, let Heaven go.
11. Nouriſh and maintain a tenderneſſe of Conſcience: Be very circumſpect in your daily walking. Look upon ſin as the greateſt evil. Make up every breach between God and your ſouls betimes. Pray earneſtly for the guidance of the Spirit of God, and to be kept from Temptations.
12. Have a care of your Families, that true Piety and Godlineſſe may be countenanced, encouraged and promoted in them. Let your houſes be Bethels, houſes of God, and not Bethavens, houſes of iniquity. If you neglect family-duties, and the religious obſervation of the Lords day, and private inſtruction, and ſo let thoſe under your care be nuzled up in ignorance, prophaneneſſe and ungodlineſſe, provide to anſwer it to God when he ſhall call for you. Remember, I faithfully warned you of the ſin and danger of ſuch neglects. I cannot expect Religion ſhould ever much thrive among us, till Governours of Families be careful to train up thoſe under their Government in the Principles of true Piety, and in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord.
Lastly, Labour to maintain peace and love among your ſelves, Mark 9.50. — Have ſalt in your ſelves, and peace one with another. Labour to get your hearts ſeaſoned with the graces of humility, ſelf-denial, and true Charity, and this will keep you in peace among your ſelves. Let there be no heart-burnings, contentions, brawlings, backbitings or defamings heard of among you. Help one another on towards heaven. Imitate that which is good wherever you find it, but learn evil of no man. Encourage one another in the waies of Godlineſſe. Abhor to draw or intice one another to any ſinfull courſe or practiſe. Do all offices of kindneſſe and humanity one for another. As you have opportunity, let it be your deſire and endeavour to do good to every body, hurt to no body. Learn that hard leſſon of forgiving wrongs and injuries, and praying for, and wiſhing well to thoſe that are your enemies. 'Tis a hard leſſon, but Gods Spirit can teach it you. Remember our Saviours Words in Matth. 6.14, 15. For if ye forgive men their treſpaſſes, your heavenly Father will alſo forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their treſpaſſes, neither will your Father forgive your treſpaſſes. And the words of the Apoſtle, Col. 3.12. Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercy, kindneſſe, humbleneſſe of mind, meekneſſe, long-ſuffering. V. 13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel againſt any, even as Chriſt forgave you, ſo alſo do ye. V. 14. And above all theſe things put on Charity, which is the bond of perfectneſſe. V. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which alſo ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful. I ſhall conclude with that divine and affectionate exhortation of the ſame Apoſtle, Phil. 4.8. F…nally 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.
And now O Lord, thou who haſt put into the heart of thy unworthy ſervant to write theſe things for the good of this people, be thou pleaſed by the gracious and effectuall working of thy holy Spirit, to make them uſeful to them, (and to all others into whoſe hands they ſhall come) for the promoting knowledge, Faith, and obedience among them, and the furthering of their ſalvation. What is here agreeable to thy holy Will, write upon their hearts. O let it not be in vain that this help is afforded them. Grant ſucceſſe (I humbly beſeech thee) to this poor endeavour, and take thou all the Glory. Good Lord give this people a right underſtanding in all things. Guide them in the way wherein they ſhould go, to attain eternal life. Open the eyes of the ignorant among them, turn the hearts of the prophane, reduce the erroneous, and encreaſe thy Graces daily more and more in the hearts of thoſe whom thou haſt ſavingly wrought upon. O let thy bleſſing be on this people: God Almighty bleſſe them. Let Truth and Holineſſe, reall Piety and the power of Godlineſſe, Let ſoundneſſe of mind, and uprightneſſe of heart and life; let true Faith and fervent love; let charity and good works (through the operation of thy holy Spirit) abound among them. That ſo living here in thy fear, and ſerving their generation according to the Will of God, they may at laſt (through thy infinite mercy, and the merits of our bleſſed Lord and Saviour) be received into thy Heavenly Kingdom. This is the earneſt and hearty Prayer of,
Your very affectionate, though unworthy Pastor, Samuel Cradock.