The Power of Godliness, Book 2 · Chapter 6
CHAP. VI. Of the third sort of evil Thoughts, viz. such as proceed from original corruption, which are of divers kindes, respecting God, his worship, Word and Works, our neighbour, or our selves. Rules for the triall of our selves touching our Thoughts. How these evil Thoughts are to be reformed.
Question. VVHat are the third sort of evil Thoughts that must be shunned?
A. They are evil in themselves, which proceed from original corruption, that poysoned fountain of impiety and unrighteousness.
Q. What Thoughts proceed from Corruption?
A. They are of divers kindes, respecting God, our neighbours, or our selves. Natural imaginations concerning God, respect his Glory and Majesty, his Worship, his Word or Works.Psal. …4.1. Exod. 5.2. Gal. 4.8. Eph. 2.12. Rom. 1.22, 23. Psal. 106.28. Psal. 96.…. Hab. 2.18, 19. Job 22.13. Psal. 10.11. Esa. 29.15. Psal. 94.7. Deut. …9.19. Psal. 50.21. Amos 6.3. & 9.10. Psa. 78.19, 20. Esa. 37.10. Psal. 30.6. Eze. 12.27. Esa. 28.…5. Obad. v. 3. Esa. 10.11. Esa. 14 13. Rev. 18.7. Esa 47.7. Psal. 12.4. Psal. 3….22. Numb. 20.12. Matth. 14.30. Psal. 116.11. Luk. 1.20. Judg. 6.13. Gen. 1….12. 2 King. 7.2 2 Pet. 3.3. The corrupt Thoughts of men concerning God himself, are 1. Atheisticall; as the fool saith in his heart, There is no God; Pharaoh, Who is the Lord that I should obey him? 2. Idolatrous; when men give that to Idols, things that are no Gods, which is proper to the Lord alone. 3. Hereticall; when men deny the distinction of Persons, question the Divinity of the Sonne or holy Spirit, or conceive of God according to their own fansies, not as he hath revealed himself. 4. Impious and prophane; as that he doth not see, behold or take notice of the doings of men; that he will not punish or call to reckoning or account for our misdeeds; that he is not omnipotent to save or destroy; nor good and gracious to help or succour in due season. And from hence arise Thoughts of security, that evil shall not come nigh unto us: of pride, that we can never be moved, that no man can withstand our power; that we shall fit as Queens, and never see any sorrow or calamity; that we shall not be subject to any commands: of distrust; that God doth not regard, will not make good what he hath promised:Exod. 5.21. & 14.10, 11. & 6.2, 3. Psal. 106.7, 8. Matt…. 8.26. I…h. 3.9 Hab. 1.16. Esa. 22.10, 11. & 30.2. Iob …1.15. Psal 73.13. Mal 3.14. Ier. 44 19, 20. Ma… 1.3. Amos 8 5, 6. Ma…. 1.8. Esa. 58.3. Esa 29.13. Mark 7. . Iudg. 17.13. Ioh. 18.38. 1 Cor. 1.21. & 2.14. Iob 21.14. Esa. 5.19. Ier 6.16. & 43.2. Luk. 19.14. Ezek. 8.12. Zeph. 1.12. Ier. 12.1. Ezek 18.2. Rom 9.…9, 20. 2 Chro. 28.23. Rom. 6.1. Rom. 3.7. of derision and scorn; that what he promiseth or threatneth shall never come to pass: of murmuring and impatience, fainting and unquietness: of contempt and disregard; as if the help, assistance and favour of God were not to be esteemed: of carnall confidence; as if we were able to provide for or help our selves, by wit, wealth, friends, or wicked devices. Touching the Worship of God, the corrupt thoughts of men are, that it is a vain thing to serve the Lord, or pray unto him; that the true worshipping of God, is the cause of famine, war, pestilence, unseasonable weather, sickness and death; that it is tedious and burdensome, a great loss and hinderance; that the vile and base is good enough to be offered unto the Lord; that he should be pleased with lip-service and good intents; that vain inventions and Traditions of the Elders are to be observed, above whatsoever the Lord commandeth; that we shall prosper when we commit Idolatry.
Concerning the Word of God, the corrupt imaginations of man are, that Religion is but a matter of policy to keep men in awe, and that it is indifferent of what Religion we be, whether of any or none, true or false; that it is most vain and foolish to suffer any thing for the truth of God, or to be scrupulous of lesser sinnes that are not forbidden by the Laws of men; that the wisdome of God is foolishness: and from this followeth, that we desire not the knowledg of the Almighty, that we set light by and deride his threatnings, and resolve that we will not deny our pleasures to yeeld obedience to his Commandements.
As for the Works of God, the Thoughts of men are, that the Lord will neither do good nor evil; that he hath forsaken the earth; that his works are unequall, in that the wicked prosper, and the godly are afflicted every morning; that his Decrees are unjust; that they please God best that finde good success in the things of this life. And these blinde, crooked imaginations, bring forth many other perverse conclusions; as, that we may sinne freely, because God is mercifull; that we may do evil to save our selves from danger, to please our friends, or that good may come thereof; that of two evils of sinne, the least is to be chosen.
Q. Some natural men never found any such Thoughts in their hearts, how then may it appear, that these be their Thoughts?
Prov. 14.12. 2 King. 8.13.A. The heart is fraudulent and deceitfull: Hazael knew not the cruelty, nor the Disciples that fearfullness and timidity that was in them But the better to try our selves touching our Thoughts, we must observe these Rules. First, These Thoughts are not alwayes in the heart, but as occasion is offered: The rich man thinks that he would not steal; the poor man that he would deal liberally: but the present state and occasion manifesteth what we are. In peace our Thoughts are presumptuous,Psal. 30.6. Psa. 77.10.11. Iob 16 13. distrustfull in danger, repining in affliction, wearisome in the service of God when we would follow any other delight, impatient when we are reproved, admonished, urged to any duties that cross our wills, loose in secret, &c. Secondly, Our prophane ungodly Thoughts may be discerned, by certain signes and tokens which appear in our life and conversation;Iob 21.14. as, Contempt of true knowledg: for did men fear the Lord, they would receive the Law at his mouth, and enquire how they might serve and please him in uprightness and integrity.Psal. 14.4. & 91.14, 15. Neglect of holy prayer; for they that know the power and goodness of the Lord, will certainly have recourse unto him. Senselesness in hearing the Word of God: Ier. 36.24. Psal. 53.4. …sa… 14.5. Matth. 24.37, 38, 39. Jer. 5.3. Amos 6.5. Esa. 22.13, 14.for if the Lyon roar the beasts tremble; the Tenant is dismayed if the Landlord threaten: and if men believe the soveraignty of the Lord, will they not be moved when he speaketh? Careless seeking the face of God and his favour in private, by faith, repentance, sincere worship, and true-hearted obedience: Scorning the poor that putteth his trust in the Lord. Voluptuousness; when men eat and drink, and sport and play, never minding the judgments of God, nor the miseries of their brethren. Partiall outward reformation; no further then custom driveth or fear compelleth: Prophaneness; when our wayes are corrupt,Psal. 14.1. Psal. 53.…. and our works abhominable in the sight of God. These things be undoubted evidences of evil Thoughts, that possess the mindes of all naturall men.
Q. What are the evil thoughts of naturall men concerning their neighbours?
A. These also are divers. First, Thoughts of dishonour and abasement; as,Luk. 18.11. Isa. 65.5. Matth. 20.20. Prov 30.17. 1 Cor. ….2. Gen. 58.24, 26. that others are base in respect of our selves; that we are too good to be counselled, guided, advised by our parents; that the offences of other men are great and hainous, ours light and small. Secondly, Of Injustice; That we envy, repine, disdain that others be preferred before us; that we will not lend or give to our brother in distress, because we shall not gain by it; nor help him, because he is our enemy: that we will do this or that wrong unto him,G n. 4.6. Deu…. 15.9. Job 31.2…. Exod. 23.5. Psal. 8 .4. & 4.8. Ma th 24.9. 1 …e…. 4.4. Prov. ….29. Prov. 24.29. Prov. 20.22. 1 King. 22 8. Luk. 3.19. Luk. 11.53, 54. Gen. 20.15, 16. Psal. …0.18. 2 Sam. 13.2. Hos. 7.1. Amos 8.5, 6. Mich. 2.2. Amos 4 1. Hab. 2.9. 1 Sam. 1.13, 14. & 17.28. Matth. 9.3. Act. 2.13. Psal. 70.2. Obad. v. 12. because he feareth God, or dwelleth securely by us; that we will do to others as they have done to us; that we will be avenged of them that urge or provoke us; that if we be rebuked, it is in spite and malice, and not to be endured. To this head may be referred, Thoughts of filthiness and uncleanness; of fraud, consenage, circumvention, and oppression; of slander, suspicion and misconstruction of mens sayings and doings; of covetousness, fretting, and rejoycing in the hurt of our brethren.
Q. What are the Thoughts of naturall men in respect of themselves?
A. Naturally we are marvellously conceited of our selves, greatly in love with our own shadow, and accordingly do our imaginations runne. First,Zep. 2.15. Isa. 14.13. Rev. 18.7. Joh. 4.8. We lift up our selves as the only excellent in wit, wealth, strength, beauty, courage, sufficiencie, friendliness, &c. And hence proceeds discontentment, boasting, contention, desire of vaine glory, obstinacy, affectation of novelties, presumptuous adventuring upon callings and actions too high for us, inconsiderate rashness, frowardness, and what not? Secondly,Mat. 9.12, 1…. Luk. 15.2. Jer. 2.35. Rev. 3.17. Hos. 12.8. Deut. 9.4. Psal. 10.6. Esa. 28.15. We fancy that we are righteous and holy by nature, pure, innocent and just in conversation, and that whatsoever God giveth it is for our own righteousness and good deeds. Thirdly, We flatter our selves that God is pleased with us, because we prosper; that we shall never be called to reckoning, because we have so long escaped; that if we be afflicted we have our punishment here; that it is repentance sufficient, to say, God forgive me, I am sorry for it; that it is well with us, so long as we have a good meaning, though our deeds be evil. Fourthly, In distress we are ready to faint,Psal. 13.1. and to think that our wound is uncurable, our case forlorn, worse then any bodies. Thus we are apt to run from one extream to another, but never to abide in the right way.
Q. Are all Thoughts that proceed from corruption evil and sinfull, even those whereunto no consent of will is given?
A. That all such imaginations are evil, appeares; First, Because the root from whence the least Thought doth spring is naught, our own inborn corruption, whereby the heart is set open to conceive such wicked Thoughts, yea, apt to give some room unto them, without detestation, at the first rising. Secondly, Lust conceiving bringeth forth sinne: But lust cannot conceive and be with child of sinne, and be any other thing then sinne. Are fishes bred of Serpents? Or is it possible, that the Fruit and the Tree should be not of one nature? Thirdly, The Law condemneth all such motions: for Philosophers and other Heathen men, that never heard of the Law of God, have condemned settled purposes to do evil. Therefore this must needs be more close and secret, which Paul himself, so great a Doctor of the Law, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, was altogether ignorant of, till he was taught a better lesson in the School of Christ: I know not sinne, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, Rom. 7.7.except the Law had said, Thou shalt not lust?
Q. How are these Evil Thoughts to be reformed?
2 Cor. 10.5. Phil. 4 8. Prov. 12 5. Eph. 4.23, 24.A. The reformation of our Thoughts is to be laboured, that every high imagination be brought into the obedience of faith. For the soul is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, in which he dwelleth by his speciall presence. But the Temple of God is holy, and should be kept undefiled. We love outward neatness in feature, favour, apparell, rooms and places of habitation. And shall we suffer the soul, which is the habitation of God, to be polluted? Pureness of heart hath the Promise both of this life,Prov. 22.11. and that which is to come. For the preventing of evil Thoughts, the first care must be to get, preserve and encrease a sound and lively Faith, Act. 15 9.which is a wonderfull help to redress the evils of our minds. For it clenseth the heart, and infuseth new principles of motion; it discovereth the misery of our naturall estate, abaseth man in his own conceit, representeth the majesty, power, wisdom, goodness and mercy of the Lord; it discovereth the excellency of spirituall things, warmeth the cold and frozen heart, raiseth it in admiration of Gods favour, and refresheth it with sweet delight of heavenly things: by all which acts it calleth the heart from vanity to a serious consideration of that which is good, and loosing the hold it had of sinne, it fasteneth it to the Commandement of God.1 Cor. 14.1. Isa. 26.8. Psal. 42.6. Psal. 63.1, 6. Mat. 6.20. Secondly, We must stirre up our selves to covet spirituall things: for that which is eagerly desired, is seriously thought upon. With my soul have I desired thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early. Thirdly, We must make God our love: for if he be our treasure, our hearts will be set upon him. Love maketh us one with the thing beloved,Psal. 119.14, 15. Psal. 119.48. rejoyceth in its presence, and being absent, is still with it in cogitation and desire. My hands also will I lift up unto thy Commandements, which I have loved: and I will meditate in thy Statutes. Fourthly, To be deeply affected with the Word of God, and care of our own salvation, is a speciall meanes to procure the entertainment of good meditations, and detestation of evil Thoughts: for matters of great joy or grief carry the mind after them, and cause indignation against whatsoever doth cross the enjoying of the chief good desired.Psal. 16.7. Psal. 77.6, 11. Psal. 1, 9.16, 17. How precious are thy Thoughts unto me, O God? when I awake I am still with thee. Fifthly, If we exercise our selves in the Word of God with care, diligence, and delight; if we treasure it up safe in the heart, and bind it about our necks, Psal. 119 17. Prov. 6.21, 22.as men do their Chaines and Jewels: then it will lead us when we go, and talk with us when we awake. Sixthly, Watchfulness is necessary for the preventing or keeping under of evil motions. For the heart is deceitfull, and will beguile if it be not observed. Again, of all things it is most difficult to keep and preserve the mind pure, there be so many occasions to pervert and draw it aside: that there can be no hope to prosper, if the watch be neglected. It stands in recalling the thought as soon as it beginneth to wander;Prov. 4 23. in checking evil at the first beginning; and in cherishing, blowing up and stirring the good motions of the Spirit,1 Thes. 5.19. 2 Tim. 1.6. Act. 8.22. Psal. 51.10, 11 Psal. 25.1. & 8.4. good counsell and admonition. Seventhly, We must pray continually, and lift up the soul to God, for pardon of sinne, and purity of heart, not forbearing, because we finde our selves dull, dead, hard-hearted, but rather rousing up our selves to wrastle so much the more: for these our necessities minister matter of prayer. Such as keep Clocks or Watches do every day wind up the weights or springs. Eighthly, It is good to take occasion from our present barrenness and rovings to meditate of our misery, vanity, loosness, earthly-mindedness, folly, prophaneness, want of love to God, &c. that we might be humbled thereby,Psal. 119.25.28. and seriously turned unto the Lord. Ninthly, The better to keep out evil imaginations, it is good to be exercised in the meditation of Gods power, mercy, long suffering, exceeding love in giving Christ to die for us; of the particular favours which he vouchsafeth unto us, of the temptations that we are subject unto in our place and calling; of the houre of death, and day of judgment, &c. If the heart fasten upon these things, and take them into consideration, it will earnestly turn from such motions as spring from corruption. Tenthly, Though we have laboured long and prevailed but little, yet we must not faint, but strive the faster, as earthly men do in things of this world, if it fly from them. For it profiteth not to wax weary; it is impossible we should not overcome, if we hold out. Whatever we find, we can never lose or miscary, if we pray unfeignedly.