The Wonderful Mystery of Spiritual Growth, Chapter 6
THE CONTENTS OF THE SIXT CHAPTER.
Of the Meaſure of Spirituall Growth: where,
Firſt, of the Meaſure wee muſt propound
1. By the Law.
2. By the perfect Patterne.
3. By the end of Holineſſe.
Secondly, the Triall of this Meaſure.
1. By particular Gifts, and improuement of them.
2. By ſpeciall Experiments.
3. By ſeuerall Callings.
4. Varietie of Seaſons.
5. Increaſe of Meanes.
More particular Examination thereof by the Commandements, in
Generall,
Particular.
Of the Law,
Of the Goſpell, as
Faith,
Repentance.
CHAP. 6. Of the Meaſure of our Spirituall Growth, and the Triall thereof.
ACcordingly as is the Manner, ſo is alſo the Meaſure of our Growth. A very Myſterie, not diſcernable by Senſe alwayes, no not by Faith: ſo onelyonly comprehended, as that ſtill we ſhall be to ſeeke in the Meaſure thereof. The beſt Grounds therefore of the Meaſure of our growth, is according to the patterne and rule by which we muſt grow, and according to the ende to which wee ayme at; that ſo we may rather know what we ſhould be, to bee humbled in our preſent failing, and yet prouoked hereby to perfection, in that the grace of God is not in vaine, the meanes are effectuall to perfect the worke.
Conſidering therefore what wee ſhould be, we may hence take a ſcantling of the meaſure of grace.
Firſt, if we obſerue the rule of our Growth, which is the perfect Law of libertie, whereby wee are not onelyonly enioyned, to grow vp to the full meaſure of the age of Chriſt. Epheſ. 4.13. but alſo thereby enabled to perfection, euen that we may be made abſolute and perfect to eueryevery good worke. 2. Tim. 3.15.16. So that though wee cannot attaine to the meaſure at the firſt, yet if wee iuſtifie the law. 1. By approuing the equitie thereof. And 2. be conuinced thereby of our failings therein. 3. And ſubmit dayly thereto, that wee may grow vp thereby. 4. Not diſclaiming the rule, though we are ſhort of the extent thereof. 5. Not declining to falſe rules, to meaſure and iuſtifie our imperfect and deceitfull holineſſe, we do grow in ſome good meaſure, though yet we hauehave not attained, and ſo ſhall in the end attaine the ſame.
For our further triall and comfort herein; know wee, that wee hauehave true intereſt in the rule, and improue our ſpirituall growth hereby, and according thereunto, by theſe markes.
Firſt, if we grow more able to diſcerne the Myſterie thereof, aiming rather to adorne the hidden man in the heart, and ſubdue and rectifie the imaginations, and ſecret thoughts, then to carrie vsus ſmothely in a faire outſide of conuerſation.
2 That in this Generall Mysterie, wee be able to diſcerne the maine and principall Myſterie of Chriſt, both to know the fellowſhip of his ſufferings, Phil. 3 12.13.and alſo the power of his Reſurrection, that ſo we may attaine to the fulnes of the firſt reſurrection.
3. And that yet ſeeing all this is ſtill in a Myſterie, concealing ſomewhat, what eyther cannot at all in this life be reuealed, as not fit to be knowne, or elſe ſhall be reuealed in it time, Phil. 3.16. Therefore, as in humilitie wee moſt adore what yet is hidden, and with patience wait the opening thereof, by a wiſe fitting of our ſelues thereunto; ſo, in that which is reuealed, wee muſt walke in louelove, not reiecting ſuch as are ſhort of our meaſure, nor deiecting our ſelues concerning what wee know not, and hauehave not yet attained vntounto, but wiſely improuing what wee know according to the Rule, and ſo communicating thereof to others: that ſo, to him which hath, may be giuen; being faithfull in a little, wee may bee intruſted with more.
4. In all things renouncing our owne wiſedome in the vnderstanding of this Myſterie, and our owne abilitie in improuing the ſame.
5. And ſo plying the meanes, with all diligence and wiſedome, firſt, taking that which concernes our ſelues,Note. and ſecondly, preſent occaſions, leauing future things to their ſeuerall times, and thirdly, taking that for the preſent which is moſt plaine and familiar: as for obſcure and intricate points, referring them to more mature occaſions: Hereby ſhall wee faithfully improue the Meanes, and ſo thereby attaine to a good meaſure of Grace.
Secondly, If wee conſider the Patterne to which wee muſt grow, muſt wee not ſtill looke vntounto Christ, the Author and Finiſher of our Faith? Heb. 12.2. Muſt wee follow men any otherwiſe, then they follow Chriſt? 1. Cor. 11.1. And doe wee not then reſt on this Patterne, firſt, when wee dayly denye our owne righteouſneſſe, Phil. 3.10.and labour to bee found in him, not hauing our owne righteouſneſſe, that ſo wee may be enabled by his power to perfection: ſecondly, when wee reſt not on any Carnall or Spirituall Patterne, eyther of word or action, that is not ſutable thereunto?
Is there any other meaſure to bee aimed at, then the full meaſure of the age of Chriſt? and ought we not dayly to be emptied in our ſelues, that we may be partakers of his fulneſſe: and can wee be emptied in our ſelues, but by dayly denying our owne righteouſneſſe; and can we deny our righteouſneſſe, but by diſcerning the imperfection thereof; and can we diſcerne this but in the glaſſe of that fulneſſe which is in Chriſt? Thus by the paterne to which we muſt grow wee may diſcerne the meaſure of our growth, euen to perfection: and ſo by how much we come neerer to this paterne, by ſo much we may approue our ſpirituall growth.
And this wee ſhall yet further diſcerne, if wee conſider the end to which wee grow, namely, euerlaſting glory, and happineſſe in the life to come.
Which ſeeing it is perfect without mixture of our acry corruption, conſtant without any intermiſſion, eternall without any end, therefore the meaſure of our Growth muſt bee ſutable hereunto.
1 Wee muſt labour ſuch perfection as is without ſuch mixture, and the purer we grow, the neerer we draw to the life of glory.
2 We muſt labour to holineſſe with as little interruption as we may: and ſo the more wee are conſtant in holy dueties, the leſſe we finde our vaine hearts within, or the world without, to affect and interrupt vsus therein, the more we may be ſure that we grow in grace.
3 Seeing eternitie is our end, and goale wee ayme at, therefore as wee muſt not propound any temporarie end, in our spirituall courſe, ſo wee muſt not ſet vp our reſt in any meaſure attained in this life; neither muſt wee propound theſe outward things as motiues to prouoke vsus to wel-doing: But ſtill wee muſt bee labouring, though wee cannot attaine, and ſo reſemble eternitie in our vnwearied and renued ſtiriuing, though after many falls and interruption, that ſo hereby we may hauehave our conuerſation in Heauen, and attaine at the length the perfect meaſure.
Behold here then the true Meaſure of our Growth in generall, which is to hauehave no Meaſure in what wee hauehave attayned, to make the Law our Rule to guide vsus to perfection, to make Chriſt our Patterne, to enable vsus therein, and eternall Glorie our end, to encourage vsus thereto.
If wee deſire yet further ſome particulars to euidcnce & enable our meaſure of Growth, that though wee cannot attaine to that perfection in this life, as to be quite free from ſinne, yet we may hauehave ſome markes how farre wee may and muſt grow: Take wee in the feare of God to this purpoſe theſe rules and experiments.
1 That wee muſt encreaſe in the knowledge of the myſterie of Chriſt, ſo farre, that we may be able to be teachers of others, for ſo eueryevery one is bound to, as a King and Prieſt and Prophet in his calling; and therefore ſo we muſt labour vntounto. Heb. 5.11. And therefore neither the ignorant Chriſtian, nor hee that ſticks in the Elements of Religion, was euer taught by the ſpirit, neither doth grow in grace.
2 That we encreaſe in all ſpirituall wiſedome and vnderſtanding, that wee may be able to diſcerne of things that differ. 1. Betweene things acceſſarie and circumſtantiall, in neceſſarie things betweene what is moſt neceſſarie, ſubordinating others thereto. 2. Betweene actions of our generall and ciuill calling, ſubiecting each to other, and limiting one by the other. 3. Things preſent and to come, to meaſure theſe by the other. 4. Betweene faith and ſenſe thereof. 5. Betweene Satans tentation, and our corruptions, to reiect the one, though wee acknowlege the other. 6. Betweene the old man and the new, ſo iuſtifying the one, as that wee diſdaine the other.
7 Betweene iuſtification imputed and inherent, to approue this by the other. Theſe differences well obſerued will much further our growth in grace euidencing the truth thereof promote the spirituall part by abaſing the othe and furthering in eueryevery part by relying on Chriſt. Phil. 1.9 10.
3 That we are more wiſe in redeeming the time, by entertaining occaſions of wel-doing, and declining the contrary: yea though they bee but occaſions or appearances of euill. Epheſ 5.16.
4 And ſo may preuent many vnneceſſary troubles, and obtaine a gratious iſſue out of ſuch as neceſſarily doe befall vsus.
5 That we can watch ouer our vnruly affections of impatience, anger, diſcontent, frowardneſſe, couetouſneſſe, &c.
6 And ſo can bee free from ſcandalous and groſſe offences. Pſal. 19.12.
7 That we know no man after the fleſh, that is, vſe one fellowſhip in all ordinary recreations of good and bad conference: and firſt, to spirituall ends, and in a spirituall manner; not to the ſatisfying of the fleſh, but to the humbling and weakning of the luſts therof. Secondly, To weane vsus from the world, and prouoke vsus to hunger more earneſtly after our diſſolution. 2. Cor. 4.13.14. Gal 5.11.
8 That we can make conſcience of leaſt euils, yea of the very firſt motions and thoughts to ſinne; being wiſe to diſcerne them, and ſpeedie to ſuppreſſe them, or turne them to good; for this will preuent conſent and act of ſinne, and lying in the cuſtome thereof; nouriſh tenderneſſe of conſcience, and ſoundneſſe of iudgement; encreaſe feare, and abaſing of our ſelues; and caſt vsus vponupon the eye & boſome of our God, by whom we ſhall be kept from the great offenſe, and quickned to all power and cheerefulneſſe of wel-doing
9 That wee can keepe a conſtant courſe in the practiſe of holy duties, eſpecially in the family and more priuate, as prayer, meditation examination of the heart. For theſe will nouriſh our familiaritie with God, and ſo make vsus more confident in wel-doing and conſtant therein.
10 And ſo can be more carefull and intentiue to the conuerſion of others.Luk. 22 32.
11 That we can be more patient in bearing with the euils of the time, and yet more wiſe in auoyding contagion from them, more zealous to reforme them in our places.
12 That we can bee moſt ſeuere in our owne matters concerning ſinne, and yet moſt gentle and meek towards others: and yet
13 Can be moſt mild and indifferent in our owne cauſe, when it concernes matter of profit, or priuate good, either way, and yet more zealous in Gods affaires.
14 Maintaining peace and louelove withall, ſo farre as it is poſſible, and yet to affect moſt, where wee ſee the beſt gifts or moſt need.
15 Watching ouer our ſpeech, auoyding many words, plentifull in exhorting, ſpare in reprouing, meeke in the manner, wiſe and ſober in the carriage, and thankefull howſoeuer, referring in humilitie the iſſue to God by prayer and ſubiection to his will, and comforting our ſelues with the returne thereby into our owne boſome.
Thus far muſt we proceed and grow in grace, theſe are gratious euidences that wee hauehave attained a great meaſure therof. Hereunto ſerue theſe experiments.
1 That we are growne more ſober and exact in the vſe of our Chriſtian libertie, both in iudging rightly of the true compaſſe thereof, and alſo walking more perfectly according to the ſtrict rule thereof. For herein weake Chriſtians doe much faile, as being puffed vp with their renued eſtate, and ſo through ignorance, preſuming of their libertie in Chriſt, turne it oft times as an occaſion to the fleſh: ſo that not to bee brought in bondage thereby, not to exceed the compaſſe thereof, but rather by our wiſedome and experience to bee a law thereto, not doing all we may, but what may beſt fit vsus to the beſt ends; is a gracious marke of a great meaſure of grace.
2 That wee are growne rich in heauenly experience, both of our owne ſecret corruptions, & alſo of Gods speciall prouidence in preuenting vsus of many euils, and turning our infirmities to good, ſtoring vp wiſely ſuch experiments againſt the needfull time.
3 And ſo from this experience can more ſpeedily reſiſt tentation, and more couragiouſly encounter the malice of Satan, and put to flight the enticings of the world, more narrowly watch ouer our hearts and waies, and wiſely auoid the occaſions of euill, and entertaine the good; this is a gracious euidence of a great meaſure of grace.
4 As alſo, that out of our experience of our owne failings, we can grow more charitable in iudging of others,Gal. 6.1. and more compaſſionate of their weakeneſſe; yet ſo, as that ſtill we can mourne for the euils of the time, and ſo keepe our ſelues vndefiled of the maine pollutions thereof.
5 And ſo are growne more moderate in our zeale, being able to temper the ſame with diſcretion and meekneſſe, that ſo if we cannot benefit others, yet we may leſſe hurt our ſelues.
7 Yet ſo, as that ſtill we grow more couragious for the truth reuealed, not ſparing our deereſt life for the iuſtifying thereof.
8 Yea, can be ſo farre abaſed for the glory of our God, that in compariſon thereof, our precious ſoules are not deere vntounto vsus. Rom. 9.2. Exod. 32.
Theſe are comfortable ſignes of a great meaſure of grace.
9 As alſo, that we are growne more lowly in our owne eyes, and humble in the greateſt meaſure of grace, ſtill complaining of our wants, though wee ceaſe not to be thankefull for what wee hauehave receiued, and eſteeming others better then our ſelues, becauſe we know our ſelues beſt, and the more we hauehave receiued, the more wee hauehave abuſed: if God ſhould enter into iudgement with vsus, the more we are indebted to our Chriſt for his vnſpeakeable gifts.
10 And that in regard of the body of ſinne hanging ſo faſt vponupon vsus, wee groane ſtill vnderunder the burthen thereof, deſiring and preparing to our diſſolution. Rom. 7.24.
11 And yet ſtill while we are in the fleſh, hungring after a greater meaſure of grace, being more diligent in the meanes, as this spirituall hunger the more it is, the more grace it implies, ſo working thus in vsus, doth argue a greater meaſure thereof, becauſe to him that hath ſhall be giuen, if he ſo diſcerne, and vſe his talent. Math. 25.32.
12 And yet out of experience of Gods wonted and continuall fauours, we can grow to more conſtant aſſurance of our election. And ſo, Rom. 5.4.5.
13 As a fruit thereof can more abound with ioy in the holy Ghoſt, and cheerefulneſſe in all occaſions. Yet Rom. 15.13.
14 Liuing by faith, euen when we hauehave no feeling of comfort, as drowning all ſenſe of preſent comfort, in regard of our earneſt longing after euerlaſting ioyes, and apprehenſion therof. And ſo
15 Can be abaſed of confidence in our greateſt aboundance, that we may abound with hope in our greateſt abaſings. Rom. 15.13.
16 Labouring ſtil to hauehave our conuerſation in heauen, by ſhining light in a crooked generation.
To conclude the point of the meaſure of grace. And
As there are diuers circumſtances which doe require a greater meaſure of grace, ſo may wee alſo diſcerne and further a greater meaſure hereof by our wiſe imployment therein.
1 The firſt whereof is our callings, which as they are of more vſe, either for ourſeluas, or others; ſo doe they require a greater meaſure of grace, though all exact a publicke truth thereof. As the callings both of Magiſtrate and Miniſtrie is regard of their preheminence and more vſe, require greater gifts, and greater meaſure of the ſpirit in improuing of them. So that if wee find our gifts ſutable, Note.and improued according to theſe callings we may conclude a greater meaſure of grace. And ſeeing
2 Alſo the diuerſitie of ſeaſons may put vsus to a greater triall and exerciſe of our callings. As the time of proſperitie eſpecially trieth and exerciſeth our humilitie and diligence therein, becauſe we hauehave then beſt oportunitie and meanes to puffe vsus vp. And the time of aduerſitie calls vponupon to ſuffering for our callings, and giuing account thereof, and ſo tryeth the ſame, and therefore both requireth our greater courage and patience therein. If now then wee find our ſelues ſuited with gifts according to theſe diuers ſeaſons, and eſpecially find the improuement of ſuch gifts, as ſerue particularly for the redeeming thereof, this is an vndoubted euidence of a greater meaſure of Grace.
3 Seeing, as wee grow in Age, ſo wee grow in Grace, and yet to our ſeuer…ll Ages in grace, there are appropriated diuers and ſeuerall gifts, for the better diſcerning and managing of the occaſions thereof: As to Nouices in grace, and younglings, spirituall heat and vigour vſually appertaineth; to experienced and old ſouldiours therein, W…ſedome and Patience. If now then wee find our ſeuerall Ages in grace, expreſſing theſe ſeuerall gifts, and ſo proceeding from the one to the other, that the gifts concerning our old age in Chriſt, though they doe not extinguiſh the other, pertayning to our youth, yet they doe temper and qualifie the ſame, and ſo hauehave the predominancie ouer them. This is alſo an apparant euidence of a greater Meaſure of Grace.
4 Laſtly, ſeeing God requires accordingly as he giues, therefore if our improuement of Grace anſwere the Meanes, it is a plaine euidence of a greater Meaſure of Growth.
By theſe things wee may diſcerne the Meaſure of Grace, how farre wee may and ought to labour in this life, how wee may attaine what is competent for this life.
And ſo hereby wee may make triall, whether wee grow in Grace, and haſten to perfection.
If wee hauehave attayned to ſuch conſcience in the duties of the firſt Table, as that wee cannot onelyonly preferre the performance thereof aboue any duties of the ſecond, vnleſſe it bee in ſuch caſes of neceſſitie and charitie, whereby wee preſerue the bond of LoueLove, which is the fulfilling of the Law, though wee exchange ſome particular duties of the firſt Table, in ſuch caſes with ſome duties of the ſecond, as the occaſion requires: But alſo wee can ſo preſerue the holy Order which that Table requireth, as to doe all things out of a ſound knowledge of our God, and heartie affiance in him, ayming therein at his glory aboue all, and ſo therein at our owne and others ſaluation. 1. Com.
And that after the preſcript manner hee hath enioyned in his Word. 2. Com.
And that with an holy purpoſe and intention of the heart, to ſanctifie his Bleſſed Name. 3. Com.
And eſpecially in thoſe fit ſeaſons which hee hath commanded, and ſo can make conſcience, eſpecially of the Sabaoth, as being the Day wherein wee may trie and encreaſe our ſpirituall ſtrength. And yet ſo, that wee neglect not to keepe eueryevery day a ſpirituall Sabaoth vntounto the Lord, by conſtant performing of Priuate and Familie Duties, to build vp our ſelues and others in knowledge and grace. And,
In all theſe not ſo much to bee comforted in what wee hauehave done well, as to bee humbled both for what wee hauehave omitted, which wee ſhould hauehave done, as alſo for that euill which hath accompanied our beſt actions; that ſo ſtill wee may bee caſt vponupon the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, and giuegive our God the Glorie of all his goodneſſe. Theſe are Good Euidences, that we hauehave thriuen in grace, by examining our ſelues in generall from the ſcope and duties of the first Table.
More particularly wee may make triall of our growing in grace, by examining our ſelues ſeuerally by each particular Branch of that Table, and ſo by the Duties therein required of vsus.
As by the firſt Commandement,
1 That wee ſo louelove our God, as that our liues are not deare vntounto vsus, in regard of his Glorie; no, not our Soules, in compariſon of aduancing his great Name, Act. 20. Matth. 5. Rom. 9. and for his ſake can louelove our enemies.
2 That wee can ſo feare God, as to doe all things in his preſence: To feare to diſpleaſe him, becauſe wee louelove him; not to feare men, in compariſon of him; to endure any afflictions with ioy and patience, Rom. 5.4. and ſo can truſt in him, though hee kill vsus, Iob. 13.15.
3 Can ſo reioyce in him, as that wee can reioyce in all other things for his ſake, and for his ſake alſo can be humbled and abaſed in all other things, leſt they ſhould hinder our ſweet fellowſhip with him, and ſteale away our hearts from him. And ſo can abound in thankſgiuings and prayſes vntounto our God, giuing thankes to him for all, and in all things, euen in our greateſt croſſes: yea, reioycing in this eſpecially, that wee can grieue for ſinne; not onelyonly our owne, but the ſinnes of others.
4 And ſo can be more feruent in Prayer and Supplication, with Teares and Gronings of the Spirit, for the Generall as well as our Particular good.
5 Labouring in all things ſincerely, and in vprightneſſe of heart.
Thus of the firſt Commandement.
For the ſecond Commandement.
1 That wee are more ſpirituall in all holy duties, labouring more for the preparation of the heart, then the outward action, and yet doing all things out of knowledge and conſcience, in obedience to Gods will, and not for mans ſake.
2 That wee bee constant and zealous in Gods matters, doing all things with courage and wiſedome, redeeming the time from vnneceſſarie Pleaſur…s, yea lawfull Recreations, to imploy it in the beſt things.
3 That wee can auoid all will-worſhip and lippe-labour, all formalitie and temporiſing, all vaine-glory and ſpirituall pride in Gods matters, keeping our ſelues cloſe to the Rule of the Word, and hating all apparances of euill, yea the very garment that is ſpotted with the fleſh. And in all, vſing all outward helpes, as Faſting, Vowes, &c.
4 That wee can renounce our ſelues, and best Righteouſneſſe, and ſo labour to be found in Chriſt.
Thus of the ſecond Commandement.
For the third Commandement.
1 That in all things wee ayme at Gods glorie.
2 That wee are growne more skilfull in the Attributes of God, being able to vnderſtand the power and proper vſe of them, by particular application thereof to our speciall occaſions, Deut. 28.58. Rom. 9.5.
3 That wee take not the Name of God in our mouthes, but very ſparingly, and that not without great preparation, and reuerent intention of the heart thereon, and to moſt weightie and neceſſarie occaſions, ſpecially in an Oath.
4 That wee can auoid all Recreations, wherein lyes any let, depending on the prouidence of God, as Carding, Dicing. &c.
5 That wee can wiſh well, and pray for our enemies, becauſe they beare the Image of God.
6 That wee giuegive no libertie to idle and rotten ſpirits.
7 That wee can vſe the Creatures with all holineſſe, ſobrietie, and reuerence, ſanctifying them vntounto vsus, and be prouoked by them ſtill to ſeeke and adore the Creator.
8 And meditate with reuerence and admiration vponupon the workes of God.
9 That wee can reuerence God in his Iudgements, making ſtill ſome holy vſe of them to our ſelues and others.
10 That wee are zealous of the glorie of God, ſeeking as our places and occaſions require, to iuſtifie and auenge the ſame: The more ſpirituall and zealous wee grow in any of theſe, the more hauehave wee thriuen in grace.
Thus of the third Commandement.
The fourth Commandement.
Eſpecially our meaſure of grace may be tried by the fourth Commandement which includes all the other, and expreſſeth our conſcionable performance of them all. And here we may hauehave theſe experiments. Firſt, that we are ſtabliſhed in our iudgements touching the moralitie of the ſecond Sabaoth.
2 That we are more carefull in preparing to the Sabaoth in deeper humiliation for our ſinne, cleerer ſenſe of our wants, more earneſt hungring after ſpiſpirituall refreſhings, more intire diſburthening of our hearts of worldly thoughts and cares.
3 And ſo are more conſcionable in keeping of it.
1 By a more high eſteeme and ſerious entertainement of the publicke Meanes.
2 By a more spare and ſober vſe of outward comforts.
3 By a greater conſcience of priuateties.
4 And deeper ſenſe of, and humiliation for our failing therein.
5 With more vnfained renuing of our vowes againſt the next Lords day.
6 And more earneſt longing after the eternall Sabaoth.
7 Finding more ioy and spirituall aſſurance, in the vſe of Gods ordinances. And yet more,
8 Watching againſt spirituall pride and hypocriſie, which now will intrude vponupon vsus.
9 And ſo by our familiarity with God, can grow more tender & compaſſionate in iudging and raiſing vp others.
10 More quick-ſighted to diſcerne inward corruption, & Satans ſleights, more ready to encounter, more able to preuaile againſt them.
11 Can be more wiſe in managing worldly occaſions with retired hearts, and yet in ſinceritie and faithfulneſſe.
12 And ſo more weaned from the louelove of the world.
Thus of the fourth Commandement touching our louelove to God, and ſo of triall by the firſt Table.
For the Second, touching the louelove of our Neighbour.
Hereby trie wee our ſelues concerning our meaſure of grace:
Generally,
1. If we eſteeeme him our neighbor which is of our fleſh. Iſay. 58.7.
2 If we louelove him as our ſelues. Mat. 22.
Particularly,
To reuerence our ſuperiours. Firſt, By outward geſture, and ſpeech. Secondly, By inward affection and feare.
Gen. 31.38.Specially in obedience to the command of the Magiſtrate, though it may tend to our great loſſe, yea though they be euill that command, and that with all diligence and faithfulneſſe. Geneſ. 24.10.12.33.56. 1. Pet. 2.18.
In vndergoing puniſhments inflicted by them patiently. Gen. 16.6.9. yea though vniuſt. 1. Pet. 2.19.
In dayly thankefulneſſe for them, both by prayer for them. 1. Tim. 2.1.2. 1. Tim. 5.7. And alſo maintaining them bountifully. Geneſ. 45.9. And honouring their perſons.
So alſo to the Minister, both outwardly in all reuerence towards him, and maintenance of him.
As alſo inwardly.
1 Receiuing his Meſſage, as from God.
2 Praying, that hee may doe it faithfully.
3 Enduring his reproofe with all patience.
4 Not reſpecting the Veſſell, but the Treaſure.
5 Yet wiſely trying the Spirits.
6 And wayting the Bleſſing of God.
3 So, to ſuch as excell vsus in gifts: whoſoeuer; not to enuie them, but rather to acknowledge and applaud the ſame, 1. Cor. 8.22, 2.3.
4 To our Equals.
1 Thinking reuerently of them, Phil. 2.3.
2 Striuing rather to giuegive, then to receiue honour, Rom. 12.10.
3 Holy ſalutations and greetings in geſture & words, 1. Pet. 5.14. Exo. 18.7.
5 To our Inferiours: as,
1 Yeelding to them in good things, Deut. 17.20. Iob. 31.13.
2 Giuing good example to them, in an holy life, Tit. 2.2.
3 Guiding ſuch as are vnderunder vsus in the Lord. Col. 4.1. Deut. 17.19.
4 Prouiding neceſſarie things for them, both for body and ſoule. Rom. 13.4. Iſay 49.13.
5 And not to ſpare puniſhment, in meekeneſſe and ſinceritie, as occaſion ſerues.
6 To our ſelues, maintayning the Dignitie and Safetie of our Perſons and Callings in all things.Phil. 4.8. The more wee attaine to the conſcience and practiſe of theſe things, the more wee grow in Grace.
Thus of the fifth Commandement.
Touching the ſixt, tending to preſerue life, our Triall herein is,
1 If wee bee of like affection with our neighbour: as firſt, reioycing with him,Mark. 10.20 Rom. 12.15. ſecondly, grieuing with him, Rom. 12.15. Iſay 24.16.
2 If wee further him, in what wee may to good, and hinder him in euill, Iob. 29. 2. Cor. 8.3. Leuit. 19.17.
3 If wee endure wrongs patiently from him: If the occaſion bee ſmall, not to be angry, Prouerb. 19.10. Numb. 12.3. If great, yet not to reuenge, nay, to be ſlow to anger, Prou. 14 29. Mark. 3.5. but freely to forgiue, Epheſ. 4.32.
4 Concerning his Infirmities:
1. Not to prouoke and diſcouer them, Gen. 13.8. Gen. 27.44.
2. Yea, though wee depart with our owne right, Matth. 17.25, 26.
3. To pacifie his anger, kindled
1. By ouercomming euill with good, Rom. 12.21.
2. Seeking after Peace, 1. Pet. 3.11.
3. By courteous Anſweres, Prouerb. 15.1.
4. Paſſing by his Infirmities, Prou. 19.11.
5. Couering them with ſilence, 1. Pet. 4.8.
6. Taking eueryevery thing at the beſt, 1. Cor. 13.5.
7. To this end making Couenants for peace, not onelyonly with Beleeuers, but euen with Infidels, Gen. 21.22, 23. & 31.44.
So alſo concerning his Body: firſt, to prouide for it liuing, Matth. 25.41, 42. ſecondly, to preuent, and ſuccour in any Danger, 1. Iohn 3.16.
2 To care for it dead, by honeſt Buriall, Act. 8.2. Geneſ. 25.19. Geneſ. 58.12.
Specially concerning his Soule.
1 Aboue all, to winne him to Chriſt, 1. Cor. 10.33. Heb. 10 24.
2 To giuegive them no offence, 1. Cor. 10.32. 1. Cor. 8.13.
3 To prouoke him by our good example, Act. 24.14.
4 To reclayme him, if hee erre, 1. Theſſ. 5.14.
5 And encourage in well doing.
So for our ſelues.
1 In affording and ſeeking meanes for our Soules, as the Word, Sacraments, and
2 Alſo for our Bodies, as conuenient Food, Rayment, Recreation, Phyſicke, auoiding Iniuries by Law, lawfull defence, &c.
Thus may wee improue our spirituall Growth hereby.
So alſo by the ſeuenth Commandement, which ſerues to preſerue Chaſtitie.
This wee ſhall doe,
1 By Modeſtie, as keeping an holy comelineſſe in all things.
Both in our outward Man. As,
1 In our Eyes, Iob. 31. Geneſ. 24.65. Prou. 7.13.
2 In words, firſt, decent, Geneſ. 4. 1. Pſal. 51.1. ſecondly, ſlowe, and ſparing, Matth. 12.19. Prou. 10.19. Prou. 7.11.
3 In Apparrell, 2. Tit. 3.
4 In Diet, that it be ordinary, and ſparing, according to the Place, and Calling, Seaſon, and ſtate of Body.
5 In Recreations, that they bee of good report, vſed ſparingly and ſeaſonably.
6 In Neceſſities of Nature, Deut. 23.14. 1. Sam. 24.4.
The ſecond thing furthering our Meaſure of Grace by this Commandement, is Sobrietie, and that
1 In ſpirituall things: as,
1. In knowledge thereof, that it be according, firſt, to the Word; ſecondly, our Callings; thirdly, our Occaſions; fourthly, to Gods glory, and our ſaluation.
2. In practiſe, that it exceed not our knowledge, or bee not ſeaſonable and ſutable to our Callings, but bounded thereby.
2 In Temporall things, as before Diet, Apparrell, firſt, ſpecially ſanctifying them to our vſe, 1. Sam. 9.13. ſecondly, and ſanctifying God, in returning the ſtrength to his glory, 1. Cor. 10.31. though hauing liberty for the plentie and varietie of them, Luke 5.29. Pſal. 104.15. Thirdly, yet not affecting higheſt Places, Luke 14.7. Fourthly, nor vnſeaſonable times, Eccl. 10.16. Fiftly, nor vnneceſſary meanes, to encreaſe Appetite, and ſatisfie Gluttonie, and breed Securitie, as Sauces, Muſicke, &c. Iſay 5.9, 10. Sixtly, but furthering hereby inward and outward ſtrength, and auoiding Exceſſe, and delight herein, Prou. 23.24. Luke 21.34. Seuenthly, ſpecially at great mens Tables. Eightly, vſing speech ſuch as may edifie, Luke 14.12. Ninthly, leauing and reſeruing the remnant for the poore, Ioh. 6.12.
3 In ſingle life: firſt, watching more narrowly ouer Affections: ſecondly, abaſing the fleſh, by ſubmitting to Afflictions: thirdly, afflicting it voluntarily, by Faſting, 1. Cor. 9.27. and laſtly, by preuenting the inordinate fire of Luſt, 1. Cor. 7.9.
4 In Wedlocke, Heb. 13.4. And this,
1. By an holy Entrance, as within the Couenant with the Faithfull, and by faithfull Prayer, 1. Cor. 7.9. Malach. 2.11.
2. Abſtinence from the Marriage Rites in the time of Purgings, and ſet Humiliations, Ezech. 18.6. 1. Cor. 7.5.
3. Vſe of this libertie ſparingly, rather to preuent, then encreaſe ſinne, Rom. 13.14.
4. And not without Prayer and Thankefulneſſe, 1. Tim. 4.3, 4.
Thus of the ſeuenth Commandement.
Concerning the eight Commandement, requiring the preſeruation and encreaſe of our Neighbours goods, and ſo our owne.
Hereunto are required,
1 A Calling, to imploy the gifts of God, 1. Cor. 7.24. Eph. 4.28. 1. Pet. 4.10. Gal. 5.13.
2 Contentation with the eſtate the Lord hath placed vsus in, 1. Tim. 6.6, 7. Phil. 4.11. Heb. 13.5.
3 Thriftineſſe or frugalitie, in preſeruing and husbanding what the Lord hath giuen vsus, to the right Ends, Prou. 5.15. Reu. 21 5. & 12.27. Ioh. 6.12.
4 Sinceritie of ſpeech, and harmeleſſe ſimplicitie, in all our wayes, Pſal. 15.2. Geneſ. 23.15. 1. Theſſ. 4.6.
5 Iust dealing, firſt, in Buying and ſelling, ſetting, &c. and to keepe a iuſt price in equalitie, both to Buyer and Seller.
1. As well to the profit of the Buyer, as charge of the Seller, Leuit. 25.14.
2. Doing that to others, which wee would hauehave done to our ſelues.
3. Making recompence of our gaine aboue the principall, if God hath bleſſed vsus extraordinarily.
4. And yet ſo eaſing others, that wee doe not grieue our ſelues, 2. Cor. 8.9.vnleſſe it bee in a caſe of inuincible neceſſitie, on their part, and glorious triall of our Faith, on our owne part, Luke 18.
The ſecond point in iuſt dealing, is, that the thing wee ſell, bee ſubſtantiall and profitable, Amos 8.3, 4.
3 The meanes whereby wee ſell, muſt bee iuſt, as Weights and Meaſures, Deut. 25.13. Ezech. 45.10. Exod. 22.14, 15.
4 To make good what wee hire, as well as pay the price for it, Exod. 22.14, 15.
5 To redeeme the Pledge: or, if it bee of important neceſſitie, to reſtore it, Exod. 22.16. and yet take what is offered, De…teron. 24.10.
6 To be ſuretie onelyonly for honeſt men, and that with much deliberation, Prou. 11.15. & 22.26. and to ſeeke releaſe, Prou. 61.
7 To keepe all iuſt promiſes, though it bee to our hinderance, Pſal. 15.4. Iudg. 1.24, 25.
8 To lend freely, Luke 6.35.
9 To reſtore what wee borrow, though with the ſale of our goods, 2. King. 4.2, 3, 4.
10 To reſtore what wee are intruſted withall, Matth. 21.41. vnleſſe it bee loſt by caſualtie, or ſome violence, not by our default, Exod. 22.7.
11 To keepe what wee finde, if it bee not demanded, or the true Owner cannot bee heard of, Deut. 22.1, 2, 3.
12 To recouer our owne, if not otherwiſe, by Law, ſo it preiudice not our profeſſion, 1. Cor. 6.1.and bee vſed as the laſt Remedie, 1. Corinth. 6.7. and tending rather to the good of our Brother, then our owne Satisfaction.
Thus of the eight Commandement, concerning the goods of our Neighbour.
The ninth followes, concerning his good Name.
Whereby wee ſhall approoue the meaſure of our spirituall growth, if wee ſtudie by all meanes to preſerue the ſame, in our ſelues, and others, Eccl. 7.3.
This wee ſhall doe,
1 If wee reioyce at his credit, Gal. 5.22. Rom. 1.6.
2 And willingly acknowledge what wee ſee in him, and onelyonly to speake thereof, Tit. 3.2.
3 Delighting to heare all good reports hereof, Act. 16.1. yet not allowing the vices of men, 2. Chron. 25.2.
4 Interpreting doubtfull things to the better part, 1. Cor. 13.5. verſ. 7. Geneſ. 37.21.
5 Not to beleeue euill reports, Pſalm. 15.3. Ierem. 40.14. but to bee angrie with them, Prouerb. 25.23.
6 Keeping ſecret his offence, vnleſſe it neceſſarily muſt be reuealed, eyther to preuent publike danger, or further priuate good, Prou. 10.12. Matth. 1.19. and yet now, if it may be, rather with admonition to himſelfe in priuate, then reproaching publikely, Geneſ. 37. 1. Cor. 1.11. Matth. 18.16.
7 To procure a good Name among men, and keepe it, Phil. 4.8. And this,
Firſt, by ſeeking Gods Glorie, though with our diſgrace, 2. Sam. 6.26, 27.
Secondly, by ſhaming our ſelues, by repentance for our ſinnes.
Thirdly, by following after righteouſneſſe, Prou. 10.7. Mark. 14.9.
Fourthly, to iudge and ſpeake well of others, Matth. 7.2. Eccleſ. 7.23, 24
Fiftly, abſtaining from all groſſe euils, Eccl. 1.10.
Sixtly, Yea, from ſecret wickedneſſe, leſt God purge out the ſame with open ſcandals.
Seuenthly, Reioycing in the Teſtimonie, redounding vntounto vsus from others, for well-doing, as being from the Lord, and for his ſake, 1. Cor. 1.31. 2. Cor. 1.12. & 10.13.
Eightly, Yea, glorying in any ill Report befalls vsus for well-doing; as hauing hereby the true Reputation with God and good men, howſoeuer the wicked doe blaſpheme, 1. Pet. 4.14.
Thus of the ninth Commandement.
Laſtly, concerning the tenth Commandement, ayming at the higheſt perfection, and meeting with the deepeſt couſenage, and deceit of our hearts; yea, caſting downe our higheſt Imaginations, and vtterly abaſing the pride and confidence of the Fleſh.
This alſo will further mainely the triall of our spirituall Growth.
1 As meeting not onelyonly with the Maſſe of corruption, as being infectious to others, Iam. 1.14. as our ſelues.
2 But alſo with the very first thoughts and ſudden corrupt paſſions of the heart, as beeing actuall tranſgreſſions of the Righteous Law, Rom. 7.9.
3 And whatſoeuer ſuggestions of Satan, beeing neuer ſo little dallyed with, or entertayned in the heart.
4 Much more, if the heart delight, and bee tickled therewith; as fooliſh wiſhes, dreames, &c.
But alſo inioyning both a ſincere heart to our neighbour, 1. Tim. 1.5. as alſo holy thoughts and motions of the Spirit in our ſelues, 1. Theſſ. 5.23. Epheſ. 4.23.
And ſtill commanding vsus to ſtriue againſt all Luſts and euill Motions, Rom. 7.22. 2. Cor. 12.7, 8, 9.
And ſo approuing ſinceritie in the Inward man, and thereby graciouſly furthering perfection.
Thus may wee trie, and further increaſe in grace, by the ſtrict Rule of the Law.
Laſtly, becauſe the Gospell both commands, and enables to perfection; therefore ſpecially by the Law thereof, wee may trie and further the Meaſure of our Growth.
Now the Law of the Gospell is two-fold:
Firſt, Faith, 1. Ioh. 3.23. And
Secondly, Repentance, Matth. 3.14.
So that as wee beleeue, ſo wee encreaſe in Grace, Rom. 15.13.
As wee encreaſe in the power of repentance, ſo wee encreaſe in the practice of well-doing.
But of theſe, more fully afterward in the Rules.
Thus wee hauehave diſcerned, what Meaſure of Grace wee may attayne vntounto in this life; that ſo wee may bee emptied in our ſelues, to giuegive the Lord the onelyonly Glorie of his Mercies, and dayly hold of our Head Chriſt Ieſus, and not of our ſelues; and ſo bee ſtill ſtriuing and haſtening forward to perfection. Which that wee may the rather doe, conſider wee in the next place, ſome ſpeciall Rules and Directions, for our further Triall and Comfort herein.