Several Works, Outline
The firſt Table contains the General and Particular Heads (as they follow in their order) in the preceding Subject, Circumſpect Walking, A Chriſtians Wiſdom.
THe Text opened, Page 55. out of which this firſt doctrine is raiſed.
That it is a duty Chriſtians are ſtrictly charged with to walk circumſpectly, ibid.
But firſt there is enquired, what it is to walk circumſpectly,
Here you have firſt the Matter of a Chriſtians converſation expreſſed by walking, which includes all a mans actions.
1. Spiritual. 2. Civil. 3. Natural. 55, 56
This Latiude appears,
1. In that walking is a motion.
1. From other Principles. 2. By other Rules then the men of the world walk by, ibid.
2. There is a Terminus a quo, from whence they walk, and that is from ſin. ibid.
3. A Terminus ad quem, and that is to God in Chriſt. 57
4. This Motion is a progreſſive motion.
5. It is a conſtant
Motion,
6. It it a pleaſant
ibid.
Secondly, Here you have the manner of this walking Circumſpectly, foreign.
Now to this exact walking,
1. There muſt go a Rule, 57
2. Knowledge to underſtand, and wiſdom rightly to apply the rule. 58
3. Keeping cloſe to the rule.
1. In not following a multitude as moſt do. 59
2. In not following the Examples of the Saints further then they follow Chriſt. 60
4. There muſt be a mending not only the external part, but the inſide and the Spirit of the rule. 61
5. Carrying an even courſe towards heaven. ibid.
6. Making it a mans work to walk exactly with,
1. A watchful eye.
2. A trembling heart.
The ſecond thing in the words of the Text,
That it is a duty ſo ſtrictly charged upon the Saints, proved 63
The Reaſons of the third thing in the words of the Text.
Why this duty is charged upon the Saints, (viz.) to walk circumſpectly.
1. Becauſe they are the children of the light. ibid.
2. Becauſe their ſteps are more eyed then other mens. 64
1. In regard of God himſelf.
2. In regard of men.
1. Many men watch for their Halting.
2. Some men are ſcandalized by their uneven walking.
Either good or evil Men. 65
3. Becauſe all have erring hearts, and naturally love to wander. ibid.
4. Becauſe there are many by-paths whereinto they may ſtep awry. 66.
The firſt Uſe ſhews, that among the much profeſſion of Chriſt there is little power. ibid.
The ſecond uſe reproves,
1. The People of God that come ſhort of this exact Walking.
2. Thoſe that inſtead of following God fully, have their hearts divided. 67
1. Some that content themſelves only with the ſhews of religion.
2. Some that are all for morality and honeſty of converſation. 68
3. Some that neither fear God, nor reverence Man. ibid.
Thirdly, Thoſe are reproved that make exact walking the object of their ſcorn.
The third Uſe is for Exhortation, to buckle to this duty of exact walking. 69
From whence follows the Motives,
As 1. The way wherein to walk, is all overſpread with ſnares. 70
1. To tempt into ſin.
2. To Tempt for ſin. ibid.
2. The neceſsity of it unto the end. 71
3. The difficulty of it. 72
4. The love of many waxes cold. ibid.
5. God hath much honour by it. 73
6 Others may be drawn to a liking of it. ibid.
The Directions herein how to walk exactly, are.
1. Labouring to get an heart ſenſible of wandrings. 74
2. Setting the heart always as in Gods preſence. ibid.
3. Letting the Word of God dwell richly in the heart. 75
1. In all wiſdom.
2. In all underſtanding.
4. Applying the rule to a mans ways. ibid.
5. Enquiring of God in every ſerious undertaking. 77
6. Looking to Humility. ibid.
7. Taking heed of ſquint-eyed ends. ibid.
8. Taking heed of halting between two. 78
9. Fore-caſting what temptations to meet with in the ways of God. ibid.
10. Labouring to Arm with a ſtrong perſwaſion of Gods Al-ſufficiency. ibid.
Now then Plead not againſt the difficulty of this circumſpect walking 79
For firſt, by how much the more difficult, by ſo much the more exexcellent it is. ibid.
2. There is nothing ſo hard, but diligence will overcome, if the ſoul be in Chriſt.
For, 1. Then it hath a fulneſs of ſtrength. 80
2. It hath in Chriſt all the Promiſes. ibid.
The ſecond Doctrine,
That it is a proof of Chriſtian Wiſdom to walk circumſpectly, Proved. ibid.
1. From Places of Scripture. 81
It is further confirmed,
1. In that it is wiſdom to propound a right end. ibid.
2. To provide and make uſe of the right means. ibid.
3. To take the neareſt and eaſieſt way. 83
4. To ſuit and ſhape a mans courſe according to the exigence of his condition. 84
5. To do it in its ſeaſon or time. 85
6. To go through ſ…itch with the work. ibid.
7. To take a Courſe for the fulleſt enjoyment of the laſt end. 86
8. To make ſure the title of inheritance. 87
The Application ſerves,
1. To wipe off that ſlandering imputation of foreign, The falſe accuſer of the Brethren, &c. Caſts upon Religion. 89
2. To retort folly upon the wiſdom of the world. 90
1. In Pitching upon a wrong end, ibid.
Conſidering, 1. That all theſe things here will not run parallel with the ſouls to eternity. 91
2. That theſe things while they are kept here do not ſatisfie the ſoul ibid.
2. In miſcarrying in the right means. 92
1. In being wiſe to do evil.
2. In being ſatisfied with the bare name of Chriſtianity.
3. In being wiſe in their own conceits.
Now then, Let the ſons of true wiſdom juſtifie her by a circumſpectual walking. 93
1. Labouring to ceaſe from their own wiſdom. 94
2. Begging the Spirit of wiſdom more earneſtly. 95
And it will be found that he will guide them by his Counſell; And afterwards receive them to Glory.