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THE SAINTS

jelft'^ennching examinatiom

iCoR. 11.^8.

Let a man therefore examine himfelfey andfo let him eat of this ^read, and drinke of this (^up.

•a:

He blefled Apoftle Saiftt i»rf»/ ha-ving in the former part of this Chapter unto the 17. verfe, ad-vifed and admoniihed the Co* rinthians of a convenient and comely carriage in their outward habits, at their holy meetings and pub-Uke aflTemblies, the whole and fumme whereof confifts in thefe twopropofitions:

1. A man pray ing or prophecy ing ought not to cover his head^ verfj*

2. It is uncomely for a woman to pray unto God uncovcredj^er/Ti 3.And after added reafons

The Saints

promif^uouliy tor [hem bucii^ buc more i-or the latter part. He proceeds from the 17. verfxmto the end to areproofcand reformation of fome abufes, difordersand incongruities which were growne upon them, and crept in amongft: them in the celebration of the holy Sacrament of the body and bloud of Chrift.

In verf. 17. there is a tranfi tion or pafTage unto the reprehenfion and corredlion of the abufes about the Lords Supper, by a correftion of the Preface to the former part. Hee commended them in the beginning of the Chapter for re-membring and keeping the ordinances hee had. delivered unto them 5 hmmverf 17. hee denies ihcm their former praife, beeaufe their publikc meetings were hurtful! ando^enfive^ not peaceable and profitable.

In verfiS, He reproves them mbr^ generally for their diflentions and divifions at their meetings, for (chifme and fingufarity is the fountaine androotofalldiforders, enormities andconfii-(10ns in the Church. He proves this reproofe by areafbnfrom th^greatertoriielefle, mmrf i^. The/emffphe here^fjafrhii^amoK^ym. No mar-veil then though'there beichifraes and diirenti-' iOns. 'And in the fartie verifehe (hewes the end of herefies, that the profeffion of true €hrifHans|| nav be more manifeftandigi^tious. ^

Hee dtffeends in^^ierf 20* to a more fpeciall cenlure and reprehenfiort of their pro&nation :6f •Ihe'Doirds Supper: Of which tLicywereguilty

-irsyr. ' S i. Tliey *

felfe4nrkbing examination.

5

1. They (brtedthemfelvesintofadions, and I companies as they favoured and friended each other 5 and every man tooke his owne (upper before,

2. Someweredrunken,asappeares5e;^^'yr21. lnverf.22. he addes reaibns of his reproofe, j

I, FromtheindecencU. It were farremoreconve- j nient they (hould have their fealts and banqaets | privately at home, than publikely in their holy \ aflemblies. -/t] ,r \

2. Prom the deformity : By this meanes they ] made it plaine, that they defpifed the Church of God, which is a foule and hatefull thing.

3. From theimquHy : They brought fliame and ^riefenpon their poore brethren.

Thefe difbrders thus ript up, and reproved for reformation and amendment, he recals them to the firftinfVitution, that (b they may follow the Lords example in this (aacd bufincfie. He teach-eth them fourc things, mrfi 3.24.2 5.2^.2 7.

Firft, them.wnerand0)io» of Chrifts inftitu-tion: He tooke the bread, gave thanks, brake it, and gave it them ^ and fb proportionabiy of the Cup.

Secondly, the mifleiy fignified by this holy rite: This Bread and Wine, thus broken and powred out, fignified and fealed thebruifingof hisbo«i dy, and fheddingof hisbloudforrheremiffion; offinnes. I

Thirdly^l^^/'f^s^^of this inftitution and cele-| bration of the Lords Supper, e'er/24,2 5,2^. that j is, the remembrance of the Lords death untUlhe com- j

B 2 Fourthly,'

J

The Saints

Fourthl/j The fearful! danger, and certaine damnation which theyincurre who receive this holy Sacrament unworthily: thejf areguiltj of the My andblouiof thhord.

Now in this 2 8. v^f, which I have read unto yoUj he teaches and tels them how they may receive it worthily, by a particular and pcrlbnall examination of themfelves. .

In verf,!^. He labours to perfivade and enforce this holy duty of examination, by the miferies and mifthiefes which enlue upon an irreverent, unpreparedjandunworthy receiving • even tem-porall plagues, and everlaftingdamnation^with-out repentance and amendment. r-^'^

That much ill followes upon unworthy receiving, hee proves by the event and experience amongft themfelves, verf^o, Heeconfirmcsthe ftme by the equity of divine juftice,?;^^/^ i. It is juft with God that thefe fhould be judged with (everity and rigour,whodoe not examine,juc^e, and reforme themfelves.

But in 'verf,'^ 2. there fbllowes a mitigation and confblation, from Gods endiind purpofe in in-fliding temporal! judgements to all fuch as have grace to make a right and fandifiedufe of them. They are fent upon them that they fhould not be condemned with the world. He concludes the Chapter with charge to amend both abufes, and tels them how.

I. They muft tarryand flay one for another, that they may comfortably communicate iogz-ther,e?er/33.

2. They

/elfe4nriching examination,

2 . They muft make their fcafts at home, and not mix them with the LordsSupper3^^/34. where he alfo refume s the motive and reafon ufedj verf 2 p» taken from the fearfull and dangerous effedt. And promifeth the reftifying of other things at hiscomming.

You fee with what coherence and connexion theTifAr^rtandsinthe chapter. Examination before we come to receive the Communion, is the meancs to make us worthy receivers ^ whereby wee e(cape guiltinefle of the bloud of Chrift, plagues and judgements, both temporall and eternalljand blefledly partake of all the comforts of grace, ^nd tafte of heavenly glory. -'- .But 'before I come to the do&rine rifing hence, 'I will acquaint you with the cuftome , . of the Church at that time in receiving the Lords Supper, out of fbme of the ancient Fathers, which report the fame to us, elpecially ^ ■ oiit o^Itifike Martyr:> and tertnUiaft,

In thofe times, and this infancie of the Churchy fay thofe ancient fathers, Chriftians upon the Lords day, were wont to meet in feme place(for at that time they had not yet Churches) for the publike exercife of holy duties and fervices.

Andfirftof allthey offered up (upplications and prayers for the ftate, profperity and enlargement of the Church, for Kings, Magiftrates, and Ministers of State and Juftice • for thegenerall goodof the^.vo^ld, and peace upon their times, andf)eciall> forGcds graces and bleffings upon thofe who were then bap tized.

B ? Praters

IChe Saints

3

4

5

6

8

Prayers being ended, they (aimed one another with an holy kifle 3 which Paul mentions.

Then the commentaries of the Apoftlesand Prophets were readjaccordingas the time would permit. ?'•;;

After the Minifter made a Sermon to the people, and did exhort them to godlineffe and grace.

That being done, they all rife^indpowreout their prayers agairiej io 'j;tji:i3iifi^: t) : jl-' 3.)

Thele being fini'fliefdv bread and wine was brought forth, which the minifter taking, hee broke out with interition of voice,, into the, praifes of God and thankfgiving, and thepeoplej with cheerful! acclamations did anfwer, AmeTU

Prefently upon this, the Deacons miniftred the Communion to thofc that were prcfent^ and it was brought to thofe who were abfent.

And thus ferre it was much after the inftituti-on and ordination of Chrifl:,excepting fbme few" things.

After all this was a colleftion of almes for the releefe of the poore, the ficke, for widowes and Orphans, Prifoners and ftrangers.

Thus hxxGlujim Martyr^ which lived at Rom 5 and it is like this was the manner of the Chrifti-ans at Rome.

But it leemes out of this place of Vaul^ and by Tertullians Apologetically in the Churches of Ajia znd Africa^ there was fome addition to the U-turgk.

For

"■WPe^WWSHBBWSiSSSBaS^^SBS?

felfe-inncbing examination.

For thcfe iacred bufinefles being ended 5 both th€ rich and poore, comfortably and cheerfully together, fate downeto a fealt (fuch refediom were called Love fiafts (^^yiirtu) frugally and mo-derately prepared, anl providej out of theii coiledions, and there they refrefhed thenifelves with Chriftian conference, and godly Pfalmes and So»f^s,

It may be they had refpe^t herein to the example and imitation of GhriJJ5,,wijJ<^a4:iSu^pjSJ inftituted this Sacrament. ;:-r • v-j o-.'! s. ,

It may be they laboured hereby to be like the Jewes and Gentiles. The Jewes ended their ^-critices with feafts., The Genciies were wont to ,hav€ riotous bancfuets in their Idpll iGhiirches. Chriftians perhaps of tho(e times thought fitto follow the fafliioajj bi^t to avoid the (inj abufes, andexcefle... *'. ■-yjiri-M ■■ - /■'vo!:! .-''.'(y-i

But S4ta» quicjcly broke in ambngft tlicm'^ empoyfoned their holy exerci(es with rior, ailcr exxeflej and turned their feafts of Charity ioco Fadions, Schtfmes, and lealoufieis. For Xome held uponFaulyibme upon Petety ipmt upon

•X.

And thefe feverall fadions laboured lip.prevent one another upon the Lordsday... * .\0 <\ » ; -, ..^ ^yhofeth^ccamefirftnot flaying for the fed*, received by them{tlv€5. And after they fell ^; .their feiifts 5 VVhich they provided too riotouf-, ly and luKurioufly ^ fo that foroe anwDngft them •weredrunke apfi theiebeingfpeciel^^of the ti-l^dierfori^ theipopifcl were: exc^luided, and hungry. I 1^ :r Thar

JDo£f,

*ThePa(reover was a type of thisSacramcnc.

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That Vaul might root out and remove thefe wretched abufesand difordersj he prefcribes unto them this Iioly duty of examination, asafpe-ciail and foveraigne prefervative againft unworthy receiving.

Let A man iherefore examine kimfelfi^ faith he, 8cc. Out of which words I would (pecially teach you this leflbn.

Examination and triall of our fel ves is a need-full dnty to be performed and praftifed of every one before hee receive the holy Gommunion. Examination is neceflary before we come to the Lords Table.

The triall of ourselves before we eat of this bread, anddrinkeof this cup, is by expreile com-mandement, every mans precife duty.

The Scripture is plentifulland pregnant in this point. Before the entring and undertaking the exercife and performance of any holy duty or* religious (ervicejWe ought to prepare and addrefle our lelves, by narrowly fifting and examining our (elves, our foules and conftiences, that we may bee profitable and fruitful! partakers of Gods bleflings in all facred bufinefles. So to thispurpofe, 2 Ghro»,^$,6.^Erckf,$.lam,'^,^o, pfaL/{, Ppil, I ip.5^. ihaieconfideredmyvpayes^and turnedmf feet u»io thy tefltmonv^ (?<//. ^.4. Let every man prove his owne worke.

Now as in all other holy excrcifesfome preparative is neceflary for the more fiicceflefull working of Gods (pirit upon our foules hy them ; fo efpecially In this high and holy myftery of the

Lords

Ielje4nrkhwg examination.

Lords Supper, a more (peciall and particular ex-ijmination is required, as appeares by t his place of the Apoftle. For by it we make our felves either guilty of the bloud of Chrift, or have our ioules vvafht from all guiltinefle by that precious bloud. There we either drinkeourfalvation ordamna-don. Itisthefeaft, at which whofoever wanteth his wedding garment (hall becaft inroutter dark-neflfe. It is a feale which confirmes and conveyes unto every man either a curfe or ableffing, either a crofTe or a comfort.

Reafbns of this dodrine, and to ftirre and excite us to theperformance of this ncceflary duty, for this time may be thcfe.

Firft, (uch !s the dulnefle and deadnefle of heart (bmetimesj even in the befl*, that exce^ t it be ftirred up, and furrowed as it were with a (harp iand feverc excu/Iion and inquifition into the irmoft (errets, and moft hidden and lurking thoughts, with an exad and impartiall examination of the ftate of theibule: It will be very unfit to receive with comfort and bleffing cither the immort^ll feed of the Word, or the immediate feale of the Spirit. The heart mufl: bee wrought atrefh, new moulded, (bftncd and mollified by a thorow in-fight and fearch,and with the renuing of repentance and faith, if wee looke it fhould receive fweetly and comfortably the divine im-preffion of that heavenly Scale, and holy Sacrament. It mult be tried by the pure Word of God, I if we would have it fitted to be the (eat for the 1 facrcd Diamond of (andifying grace. For this \ C blefled

Mac. M. IV)*

KeaQi,

SUUti fiqal! I'lr

quefa^tt etra alUtn ctramin-' fudtrity alteram cwn dieraper tetim eommi-fuaiy ntctfjeefi fiquis tamgn & fangnmem DO' miuirecipitjCuvi iffiilaconjun-gatur, utChri" iiu«f'/iipfo,& ipfein Chrifio

ItiVi^lAtltt.

Cyril, in loan.

* communicatio enm^inUiapn-mum In cbrifto fuiiy & ab eo in n9sp^netravity cum homo faiiM ipfe templum [u-um preprio (pl^ rituperunxity atquefanQlifita-vit. Orijoigitwt &vi<iyqHa^ifi

^he Saints

bleiied focxiof the Lords Supper upon an Unprepared hearCjis as a (eale prcft upon a ftone or W7,-ter, it leaves behind it no print nor ftep, no ^^af-(age or imprcflion of grace or holinefTc.

Secondly, the bleilings and comforts which we receive and enjoy, by rightly examining our felves, (the ppoyto vportky receiving) are unfpeak-able and glorious.

For he that after a found and fanftified preparation, pertakes the myfteries of the Lords Supper v/orthily, receives into his fouleChrift, a;nd his holy fpirit, * with all their blefled effefts^ extraordinary motions andftirringsot heavenly delight, and fpirituall ^oy, farre palling the capacity and conceit c^ all riaturall men • the very Well-fpringof endleflelife, and well-fare both of foule and body. Hee (hall ftde by the body and bloud facramentally prefented the ve y fafte of eternal! life, and vital] power of fiving grace, fweecly feeding and filling every veine^ power and paflage < f the (bule unto immortality. His fbule is as certainly pardoned and purged from the guilt of finne, as if the precious bloud of his gored fide were diftilling even now afrefh upon it. In the wounds of his Redeemer all his ritnfanau parti- ^^^^^^^^^ and infirmities arc for ever buried from l'ipmu^y"&Deo i thefight of God, and (earch of Satan ; So that

uniiifamus. (

Chtifii myficritimt^ : Omnes mm inipfo fan^ificamwfiul igitur inttrnoi &Deum^HgU' let unirtty qi<a. .jvis co/porc fimul & an'ma di^amus,medt(in tamm adivvenityCMfi'id patruyt^ patmtutfute congriitnttm : Sn9 tnm corpore credentei per Cowmumnem Ptyfiicambemdi-censy &fecHmy & inter mi ummnos corpus efficit. i^a cmmetSy qui unius fanUi cwpcr'ii umntinuf2» ChtifioHain.funt, ab bac uaturali unmc^iienos^aiabit ? CyiUmlvb.bb.ii, c»p.i6.^od convenit (wn iUo Jpfiol/^ i C«r.i 2.T3,

though

felfe4nrichwg examination.

though there bee diftradtions, tremblings and feares on his owne fide j and for all Satans envies and oppofitions contrary to this happineflej hee ftandsas free from the guikinefle and curfe of finne in Gods account and divine imputation, as Adamht£oxt his fall, as any Saint or Angell in Heaven, nay, as Chrift Jefiis himfelfe, blefled for ever^inanholyandfoberfenfe, for he is a lively member of his my fticall body ^ hee is wafiit as cleane from finne, as his bloudcandoe it 3 he is as juft as his righteoulbefle can make him. j

If thou come then to this holy Table, vsrith a' true, broken, penitent5humblejrepenting& prepared heart, thoumaift be as fully and certainly aflured of the enjoyment and pofle/Iion of Chrift* and all the glorious benefits of his meritorious paflion, asif hispretiousblouddideven nowgufta out afreih upon thy polluted fbule5 and that now with his glorious hand hecfhould reach unto thee through thectouds,'thecom-, forts of heaven, and a crowne of immortality.

Thirdly, the omiffion and negled of this duty by which we might become worthy receivers, brings upon us lamentable and wofuU danger and damnation, as appeares by this place. For he that rafhly and rudely rufhes upon this holy my-fterie, and fb receives, unworthily, is guilty of j the body and bloud of the Lord, a horrible guilt, a fearfiill impiety. To be guilty of wicked and finfiill bloud, is able for ever after to make the ftouteft heart to quake and tremble, and to melt awayivith feares and faintings, like the leaves of

C 2 the

I "

Keaf,^.

Note.

The Sam f

the forreft which arc jfhaken with the wind. But to (hed innocent bloud,addes yet further weight to the burden of conlcience, and to the wrath of God,- what height of horror then, and depth of hell may he expeft, which hath this hand in fpil-ling the guiltlefle and precious b'oud of Chrift the Sonne of God. The burden of his bloud lay heavie upon the heart of inJaf ^ It preft him downe from the Gallowes to the bottome of hell, Mattk 27. 3,455. It lies full heavie untill this day upon the whole Nation of the lewes, according to their owne curfed wiib. Mat, 2725. There is no man 1 afTure my felfe, but both with mouth and heart will deteft andabhorre the barbarous crueltyj and unfpeakable malice of thofe wretched villaines, the murcherersof th^ Lordjefus 5 who with mercileffe fury fcourged him, fpat in face, crowned him with thornes, nailed him to the crofTe, and thruft him to the heart with a fpcare. Af d yet if a man deceive not hib owne heart, hee may clearly fee, if hee come to the holy Sacrament irreverently, unpreparedly, and unworthily, hee is in fbme fort and (t'n(ea (hedderof Chri:1sbloud:^ heeisbro* ther in iniquity to thofe hatefull and abhorred mifcreants, and partakers of their bfoudfhed. A^(/it if not ignorancz^ good meanings company^ fi^ lemmtyofthetime^ or eommomeffeofthefinnt^ that mil excursus in this cafe^ or free Hspom this horrible guilt. Many of che lewes did in their ignorance crucifierhe Lord of life, i:»i^2^.^4.uf5f.3.i7. And the Corinthians in this place, had no

doubt

JelfeAnrish'mg examination.

doubt, very good meaning when they received moft unworthily, yett ey were not hereby di(^ charged from the guilt of Chrifts bloud. Neither will acuftomiry, formalij or perfundory preparation fcrve the turne in this point, or free us from accc fTarinefTe to the death of Chrift, and obnoxioufhclTe to the plague of that bloudy fin. .A Pharilaicall wafhingof the out fide of the cup and of the platter,will not make way for the wa-(hing of our (bules from the guilt and polutions of fin, by that favingand fanSifying bloud (acra-mentally offered unto us in this holy myfterie. As for example ^ Many thinkethey have well and worthily quitted themfelves, and made a

foodly and glorious preparation, if for (bme rawles, grudges, Jealoufies and diflentions ri-fen betwixt them, they feeke/or a fruitleffe and formal! reconciliation with their neighbour, thoug^inthe meane time they make no (earch, examine or take any notice of the great difference and fearfull breach betwixt God' and theirowneconfciences, or feekeby repentance and humiliation to be reconciled unto him, who is able to caft both body and foule into hell fire.

It is I confefTe a neceflary duty to be at charity with all men, and to feeke for reconcilement where there hath beene falling out, and ftrange-neflfe, before we prefiame to come to the Lords Table ^; but except there be befide a narrow and fincere (earch into the ftate of the ibule^a cafting up of our accounts betwixt our owne confciences and the Tribunall of Heaven i a true hearted

An ordinary deccic among many ignorant ones.

Hahenimad' hueveluntatm pcenndi gravari magii dico Eu^ cbarifiU penep-tmequiittpu-rificari. Idem dt Ecclefdegm

I

c%

purpofe

* Mutet vitivt qui vultaeciftrt vitam. Ndmji nonmiiietvitam, ad judicium ac-cipmvUam^ & magh eJi ipfa corTtimpiturj & magiiocciditur, quamvivifica-tur^ A'sgSerm. Dom.i .Advent.

tOffJ.lO.

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purpofe not to continue in any one knowne (in, * an inward, humble and impartiaJI trialJ and preparation of our (elves, to the worthy receiving of thofe (acred fealcs of our (alvation, the former is butformall, fruitlcde and Phariiaicall. It is (aid moreover in the Text, that ffe that eateth(i»ddrmketh unvponhily^ eat el h anddrink^thi'is mne damnation* As foone as he hath received the Sacrament, he is prefently guilty of high treafbn to the Majeftie of Heaven, for murthering the Sonne of God. With the wretched (bnne of perdition hee (wallowes downe the bread and the deviU together 5 and may (ay to hell, thou art my p6rtion, and to the kingdome of darkne(re, this day have I taken poflTefJion of thee, becaufe I have had my hand in the death of my Saviour, and in (pilling and trampling under foot that precious blond which (hould have laved my (bule. As a man that drinks downe ranke and deadly poy(on, without a pre(entcounterpoy(bn todrive it from the heart, and expell it out of the body, cannot poflTibly e(cape temporall death : So certaine it is,a man that receives this heavenly food unworthily^ turning it into a (pirituall poy-(bn imto his (bule, by the diftemper of his pro-phane and unprepared heart, cannot poflibly efcape damnation and death, except by the (b-vcraigne antidote of repentance, reformation, and amendment of life, hee flee unto the Lord upon the knees of his (bule for compa(iion and pardon, and by his after (incerity and obedience, labour to make amends for (b horrible and hateful! rebellion. Thirdly, ^

15

Th&dlyjbefides acceflarinefTe to the death^and guiltinefTe of the bloud of Chrift, and drinking ofcertaine damnatioHj as is plaine in the Text"; the haft nil. g and heaping upon them all outward croflesj and temporal! plagues, both upon bod v and conlciencej goods and good name, and even dccjth it fclfe, are the juftlotand payment of unworthy receivers, and prophaners of this holy Sacrament. For thiscaule, faith ?<«»/, many are weakeand fickeam.ong you, and many fleepe, verf.^o. Every finne makes us juftly liable to any f>lague or puniQiment ^ burunpreparednefle and! unworthineffe in comming to the holy Communion, hath a fpeciall and particular power to pull I downe upon us, violently and fearfully, worldly croflesj temporall plagues, and untimely death.

Even the beleever and true Chriftian, if for want of a right and reverent eftimationanddi-fpofition towards the Sacrament of reconcilement towards God and men 5 of due examination and preparation of his owne (bule, come unworthily (for ibhe may) may (though by faith in Chrtft he be freed from eternall condemnation) yet bring upon himfelfe many corporall outward plagues J as weaknelle, ficknefle, and death. But the unregenerate and unbeleever, which withan evill and impenitent heart rufhes unto this holy banquet, who is ever an unworthy receiver, while he fb continues, maybefide's thefe lookc for eternal! condemnation both of foule and bod V. For inhimprophanationof this holy Sacrament begets hardnefle of heart, dead-1 miHei

n'laeo pcior-ejl (iui pecoat'i fibi confciui atctdh, Chrjfoft.inMat.

^he Saints

' ' ■ H I II I I ■■

neffeof (piric, unablenefle to repent, fotha: after he hath received, he becomes twofold more the childe of hell than he was before.

This may ferve then in the firft place to terrifie and affright all ignorant, prophane, and unworthy commers to the Lords Table. Let them in the name of God tremble and ftep backe, and not prefume to * approach or prefle unto this heavenly banquet.

I. If they doe, they defperately throw their ownepoore foules upon the (harpeft points, and keene edges of Gods fearfoU plagues and judgements.

2 .Looke to it whofbever thou art^Ifthou come unworthily, unpreparedly, irreverently, and unfandifiedly, thou openeft the gates of hell a-gainfl: thee, thou makeft way, and giveft the raines, to all the powers of darknefie, with all their rage and fury to rufh headlong upon thee, and to take further and full pofleflion both of (bulc and body.

3. Thou wilfully fearefl* thine ownecon(ci-ence with an hot iron •, thou hardnefl: thine heart like the nether Milftone 5 thou recciveft Gods curfe under feale.

4. When thou talrefl: with thine unhallowed hands thofe holy figces, thou renteft againe, and riveft afunder thy Redeemers clofed wounds, with a (pearc againe thou pierced his facred fide,

indtgnef rati j

et^it corpatis & faagumis DiOunl, iws vtbemtnum ac urribiSus iftdtcaum per rt'/ctUio-

nem cx^rmturdimduitf ^ui mnducat indigne^ judicium fbi nranducat, Bafil.ferm.i.de

btipiif.iap.i.

and

Ffc. 1,

* si In lege vetc-ri lates msf!t$

M-'tt'TpM (OS pO'

ftlie fu?itt qui iemere ad eaftt-en accedunty qu€ tsb komim-ins Jennifcan-lur^fjuid dicen-dvmdse',quiaJ tantum ac tale fjiyijeiiitm te-

Qui'iQ ini>n mijiti e(t aliquid U^fiplii fecutidun Oofsinivoccffit tanio graviiu 9C tcrribiliuf e(i IH anifxa impu-rltiiteceKpcu' turn csYpiM Christ Utfterecon-tingtre, quam fit accedere ad aricttsveliaw ros daenie Apo-^eloy itaque qui editpantm^vtl bibitpQCukrn

aiid wringeft againe with Icwiih cruelfjj both fbiile and life, from the Lord of Life.*

5, When thou letft dovvne the Bread and Wihe, thou fwalloweft therewith SaraOj bloud guilcinefle, and thine owne damnation.

6. And thou departed this holy placej liable and open to all flich evils and miichiefes upon the face of the earth, asa mandefticuceeitherof grace div'ine may commit^ or unproteded from above endure.

7,. And fc) by thine unworthy receiving many times more thechilde of hell than before, o; • b

Afecondufemaybeforadmonirion^ andad-vertifement to all 5 that they would carefully and confcionably try and examine therafelves, according to thecounfefljof thie Apoftle, whether they be fitguefts or no> and worthy recei-ver^3 before they prcfume to come & fit down e at the Lords Table. Which that you may doe with comfortand profit, I will acquaint and in-rtruft; you. what you ought to doe, and what, (hould be your carriage beforeyoucome to bee partakers of the holy Sacrament of the body and bloud of Chrifh

r. An examination and tri-

alJof ourfelvcs. 2. Premeditation. ^.Prayer.

Examination which fitteth.and prepareth a rpan to receive worthilyjis an holy worke of the foule, ^whereby it cafteth its eye, and reflefteth ' upon k felfcjand fb looks through it felfe, makes

D an

For a fit preparation! hereto, three things. dre fpecially confi-derabie.

lapvof-nuiit in-

fiii prodiorcfn indignarii,& CQstra cos qui crucifxctim

ftdcn Ks tit ^'toque fis reus corporis c^ fofim nii Cbrijii j ]Ui faniiifjlirutnctr-puiUgfil.nunfy tuvtr^t'oUuia. fufcipU anrrKa poll tot btnefida. Chryfof}. Horn. 60. ad pff.Aii' tioib.mprixd^. 2

What tKjs cx-amuuiion is.

Wherein ic confiAs.

Z 2

3

4

5 6

nrhe Saint i

an cxaft forvey and fearch into every comer, and takes a true fcantling andeftimateof ks fpi-, rituall eftate.

Firftj by this godly exercife of examination,; a man by the touch ftone of Gods Word, which is as pure as the filver tried in a furnace of earth, fined feven fold, doth try whether his converfi-on be (bund and faving, or copper and counterfeit ^ for none can worthily receive this Sacrament, or have any intereft in the bleffings thereof^ but a true Chriftian 5 buthee that is con verted from nature to grace, from prophanenelfc to piety, from his finne toa (anftificd courfe 5 but he that of a prophane and camall maoais made an holy andanew creature. ioi; coo 1.

Secondly, inthisworke'of examination, hee muft finde in himfelfe thofe (pirituall endowments, and Chriftian vertues, the individuall companions of a found converfion, which are onely able to fit and enable him with worthi-neffe, profit, and comfort, cocome tothe Lordi Table. They arc thefe ?< f'*

Firft, Knowledge.

Secondly, Faith.

Thirdly, Repentance.

Fourthly, New Obedience.

Fifthly, Love.

Sixthly, Sincerity, apurpofe of notljlngin, or giving liking or allowance to any finne.

Seventhly, An hunger and thirft after this eavenlyfooi and unfained eameft defire unto it. ^

-.►r - A f

-10>. Viii.j

j felfeEnriching examination. .

Thirdly, hemuft revifethefefavinggiks and 1 Chriftian graces, and confidcr how they waxor waine, fadeorflouriOi, languilh, or are in life, that fbhe may proportionably prepare and apply ipirituallprefervativcscwreftoratives. Butcfpe-, daily that he may (b compofc and addrefle them towards this holy and heavenly banquet, that every one of them may receive addition, en-CTeafinent, and particular vigour thereby.

Fourthly5in this glafle of examination he doth di(coverand defcry what ipots and ftaines have light upon hislbule, what wounds or breaches have beene made upon hisconfcience, what infirmities or frailties, what omiflionsor relapfes, or new fals, have growne upon him fince his laft receiving.

Upon which difcovery he pre(ently proftrates and powres out his Ibule before the throne of grace and mercy, with groanes and (ighs, for reconciliation with God, for ref^itution into his favour and protcftioUj for his former peace and comfort of coniacnee,he renues his faith and repentance for them ^ for every new finne requires anewadbothoffaich and repentance ; Andfb prepares his truly humbled (bule to receive the alTurance of the remifiion of findes, fealed unto him by the bloud of Chrift in the Sacrament.

Firft, for converfion. It is that holy and happy change wrought upon us, by the effefhaall concurrence of the outward miniflery of the Word,and inward working of the fpirit 5 where-by5of naturalljCarnalljandprophane men,we arc

D % made

>9

Gonverfien, whacitls.

Notes of true convet/Ioii. Att.a(J.z8. l^a J5.7. fzcch.iS II. -^ Joh 3^.

2 PfaLitfS.

Mich.6.8.

I JqImi.4,

4 1 Pct.i.x.

irheSaintf

made fpirituall, holy, and new creatures 5 and from the dominion and darknelTe of fin and Satan, are tranflated into the Kingdome of grace, and into the light and liberty of Gods children.

Now a man may by fiich marks as thefe trie and confider whether hee bee truly and fonndly converted, or no.

If he hath turned fnam Satan in all finnes,and turned untoGodin all duties. J raeane it thus ^! If he hath left all grofle finnes, as Lying,Swca-ring,U (ur7,Drunkennefie5Uncleanne(re,& (uch like, inpraclifeandaftion 3 and all frailties and infirmities,at leafi: in allowance and affedion, fb that with watchful! refiftance, andeameftgpoa-nings of fpirir, he ftrive and pray againft them, and be humbled & kept in awe by rhem^ and that he performe obedience to all Gods Commande-|menc?j though not inperfeftion and height of ■dea;rce5 yet in truth and fincerity of heart.

if he be willing in all his ptirpofcs, defires, en-devours, andadions, to (et himfeife in the pre-fence of God, and in them to be wholly, unre« fcrvedly, and entirely guided by his Word.

If he can without (ervile trembling, Or pro-phane (enflefhefle, fee the flavifbmiferyof the wicked in this point 5 with an holy comfort and humble triumph thinkeupon death, the Law, that great judgement hell, and thofe cndkfle torments.

If he lovingly hunger and thirfVafterfpirituall nourifliment, and growth in grace by the Word, Sacraments, Chriftianconference, by a profita-

bJe

I

.11

5

iJohn|.i4.

Mat,io.4T.

Phil f.

jelfe'-inricbing examination.

bleand fincere fantStifying the Sabbath, and allo-ther godly cxercifes, both publike and private,

If he love truly, and heartily long after thecom-' ming of Chrift,and love fuch as are true GhrifVians, and that becaufe they make conlcience of (inne, and ferve God with iinglenelTe and fincerity of heart. If choudcfiieft thar thy love of the brethren fiiould bee unto thee an infallible marke of (piritu-. all life: Firft, let the principall objed of thy love be, his Chriftianity andgraces,notgiiine,pleaiurej roorall or naturall parts, or any by-re fped.

Love all the Saints^ He that lores notajl, loves none aright, yet this takes not away degrees of love.

1. Either for excellenqr of grace.

2. Or eminency of refpeds. Love them at all times; as well in adverEtyjdii-

grace^temptation^ficknefle^c. J P10.17.17.

If his chiefe delight and btft comfort be in ho-' ^ ly dutiesjind heavenly things^and that he infinitely preferre them before gold, hor.ours, pleafures, yea, the wtole world.

^If hee would not exdiange bis prefent ftation, though never fb bafe^poore, andneglededinthe world, yet accompanied with the ftate of grace^, and Chriftianity, for the moftrich, and glorious eftateof thegreateftraan upon the earth, where there is nothingbiar prophanenelTea and unregene-ration.If this whole great world about us were tur-led all into gold.honour, and pleafures,yet in ref-ped of the comfort of grace, it were dung, vanity, nothing, D3 If

-• 1

Pfal.i2. Self.10,,

Hcb.u.ijjZ^,

8 Phil.38,9.

Jer3i.i8,T9.

ao

10

Kott\6 II.

11

12 E2cch.l8.30.

3»'

The parts of convcrfion.

T^he Saints

If he would not be in the ftate and cafe hee was before, (though hee then thought that good e-nough ) for any worldly good, for tenne thoufind worlds.

If hee bee truly humbled with confideration of the long time of his prophanenefTc and impeni-tency, and very fbrry hee began no (boner, nor made greater hafte into the royall and glorious ftate of Chriftianity.

If thofe finfull pleafiires and vanities bee moft tedious, irkefbme^ and diftaftefull unto him^ which formerly hepurfuedvvith greedinefTej and delight. As for example, if as before hee had much delight and contentment in good fellowfliip, and in fuch company as paft the time in idle mirth, and prophane (potts 5 (b now hee cannot endure and abide fuch (infull Io(Ie of time, and prophane companions; but if hee fall amongft them, he is our of his owne element, ftd anddif-content, and after humbled with repentance for fuchrelapfes. . ihit.

If hee mourne for the abhoaiinations of the times, grieve 3t the wicked cour(es of others, and be very glad and heartily joy full; when godline(re and finceritygets the npper hand, and when any one IS converted.

If to the pov/er of hisgifrs.atall occadons^he be ftill plotting, working, and labouring theconver-fion of others with zeale and (incerity 5 efpecially thofe that are neareft about him, any way depend upon him, and belong to his charge.

The parts of converfion are two s

Morti-

*?

Ccl.5.f. RomJS.ij,

Eph.a X, 1 Fee. 2.24*

felfe-inrichwg examination.

Mortification ordying unto finnc, which is the continuall Jeflening and weakning of thepnftice and power of finne.and hboureth all it can to dead the very root J and dry the fountaine of originall corruption.

Vivification, or living to righteoufnefTCj which is a continuall renewing and quickning to all holy duties, and appeares in a conftant, fincere, andfruitfulldefireand endevour to doe well, recovering it felfe againe, after flips, fals^ and re-lapfes. "^r hus in the firft place we are to examine and try whether a converfion be wrought upon^ and whether it be true ^ found and (aving or no.

For no man but a (bund convert, and true Chri-ftian, can be a worthy receiver. For as that body is onely fit to receive nourifhmentiwhich hath in it, life, naturall heat, and power of digeftion, that it may therewith be filled, fed and refrefhed. (ono man ought to eateat the Lords Table, but hee alone which is already infpired with fuper-naturall life, withfpirituall heate, and the power of grace, that fo that divine food may finke into the foule,' to..chcere, ftrengthen, and enlarge it with comfort, confidence, and delight in heavenly things. If the daintieft and wholfomeft meat fhould bee put into the mouth of a dead man, it would putrifie and rot ^ (b if this heavenly food bee received into a prophane heatrt^it! b/blpciS m-brings forth nothingbut hardneffe, deadnefTe.and j ^oene body,

damnation. . , ^ . ^ ^ . incoonefpiric

* Baptiune indeed is the Sacrament of our in- iCor.u.15. 'corporation]

Fuftvremvift by one fpirit

\

Examinacion o: other graces.

l^he Saints

II I I ■ ■

corporation iiicoChriftj of our initiation andin-vefting into the glorious ftate of Chriftianity. But the Lords Supper was ordained to maintaine^con-tinue, andconfirme fpirirualiJife, and the power oFgrace already planted in the heart. By the great work<e of regeneration fignified by baptifme, wee arewaftied, wearcfanftified.wearejuftifiedinthe name of the Lord jefus, and by the Spirit of our God. Bur by the Lords Supper we.grow in (piritu-all ftrength, we lay better hold by the hand of faith, upon the merits and mercies of ChriO, wee fcele more fbundly and fenfibJy the power and verjje of hisbloud, wee fee moreclerely, and are more fully and feelingly afcertained of the forgivenelTe of finnes^ our confcience difquieted with (ome frailties and infirmities fince our laH- receiving, are fweetly appeafed by thebloudoftheLambe, our inward peace, and f^.iricuall joy is the greater. We gather hold, and winne ground againfl our corruptions, and the power of finne, and become more chcerefull, fincere, and univerfall in ouro-bedience,

Thefc bledings may be expe^ed, where there isfpirituall life, and due preparation before, but plagues and judgements arc the portion of unrege-nerate and prophane receivers.

Secondly, in this holy bufinefle of examination in preparation, wee muft enquire within our (elves for thefe graces, the infeparable and in-dividuall companions of a found converfion : r. Knowledge. 2. Faith. 3. Repentance. 4. New obedience. 5. Love. .6. Sincerity. 7. A right

and

/elfe-inriching exam'manon,

and loRgirig defire of that heavenly food. If wc® finde not theft holy graces in our felves, wee are not fbuodly coaverted, nor fit gaefls for the Lords Table. Let ns- therefore never refluntili v/ee feelethefe divine and favingven tues fpring. up incur hearts, and flDurifli in our life andadions. Lecus v/ith fincerity-,con(Gience ands^eale, ufe and exerciie a'l thofc good and gi'jcious meanes and motives which God hath ordained and appointed, for begetting and beginning them in us, as prayer, importunity with groanesand fighs, the Word read and preaehed, conference and meditation, godly company, often remembring our death, that dreadful! day of | doome, even at hand ^ and the eafeleflfe, en Jlefle,. I andremedilefle painesof hell, and fuch like. Bur if we doe find them in usj though mixed with muchweaknefle and infirmity, with many frails ties, wants and imperfeftions -yet if they bee-ther^ in fincerity and truth, if they bee joyned with a full purpofe, and conn:anc refolution to abacdon the allowance of every infirmity, and urterly to cafhier the pra(ffife of every grode finne, we may by the grace of God, with comfort, profit, and certaine expedation of a bleP fingi come to the Lords Table, that there wee may flrengthen our faith, confirms our gracesjin-flameour zeale^increafe theafluranceof thefor-giveneile of our finnes, and of Gods favour 5 s:row neater and neerer into fellowfhip with Chrift, an 1 communion with the Saints.

If our graces be true, though weake and full

of

Mat.xtiS.

Mat.i£.xo.

The Saints

of wants 5 wee are not to feare, or forbeare to come to the Lords Table, but rather make the greater haOe to that (pirituall refedion. He that feeleshimfelfe wcake, diftempered, fickly, hath moft need of a Phyfitian. The Lords Supper is principally intended and provided for the hungry fbule, the broken heart, the bleeding corifci-ence, the man that is weary and heavie hearted for his finnes, and moft fcnfible of his frailties and imperfedions. Chrift calsuntoiall them to come unto him, which are wearie and (ore la-' den, and men moft capable and fir ro receive fpirituall refireftiing and comforts of filvation.; Heetelsus, lJfl{,^*iS, thatheewas(entthathee might heale the broken hearted, and that hee might fet at liberty them that are bruifed. It was foretold of him, that hee ftiouldnot breakethe bruifedreed, nor quench the fmoking flax, till he bring forth judgement unto viftory.

Jfa man bee truly converted, duly prepared and J3ofleft of thofe graces I now named, though not in that height and perfedion as hee de-fires, but with adherence of wants and infirmities; yetif4ice finde them in hirafelfe in truth and fincerity, if hee heartily defire, and undif-femblingly endevour and labour after increafe in goodnefle and obedience, neither waxing worfe, nor ftanding at a ftay, but daily getting ground of his corruptions, hee may and ought to come unto the Lords Table, that he may receive fpirituall ftrength and fecurity, for his crowne of immortality.

The

Jelfe'inriebing examination.

17

Thcfirft of thefe graces, which every worth) and fit receiver mutt neceflarily finde in him-felfe,is:

Knowledge. Of the neceflity, difference, parts, and mea/ure of which I have fpoken generally in another^Sermon.

This knowledge is arightunderftanding, and (bund apprehenfion of fupernaturall principles, heavenly rayfteries, and divine truth necelTiT) tofalvation. And this atlcaft muft bee a knowledge of the fuiidamentall, princJpall, moft material!, and neceflary points and principles of the Chriftian faith.

Such as are:

I. Of Gods Majeftie. 2. Our owne mifery. 5, The mcanes of remedy and recovery. 4.The nature, ule, and end of the Sacrament.

Of Gods Majefties we muft conceive, as the facred and faving light of his pure and holy Word, (hall guide and informe us:

Thatheisone, infinite,invifible, andindivi-fible eiTence, and three truly diftind perfbns the Father begetting, the Sonne begotten, the holy Ghoft proceeding from the Father and the Sonne.

That he is the omnipotentCreator andcon-ferver of the whole world, and all things therein ^ the fearcher andfeer of all hearts and fecrets. Moftholy^ moft mercifull, moftjuft, almighty^ everlafting, without beginning or end ^ prefent" in all places 5 the (peciall protedor and portion ofhischildren^&c. Knowledge of this point

may

Triallof our Knowledge.

5 1

.u

Eph,i.3,

t>ik«pag, loi, 30J.

The Saints

may ceacw us 5 1. Reverence and av/tuiiKhc lu io dreadfull a^Majeftie. 2. Adoration and admiration of fo infinite excellencic. 3,Love of (bgreat and immeafurable goodnelTe. 4. Securefull reliance and repofe upon his almighty power.

Secondly, wee muft have a cleare fight and knowledge, a right fenfe andfeelingof ourinoft miferable, finfull and accurfed ef tare by nature 5 and that thus:

Firfl, wee mufl: know and aknowledge, tliat every man and woman, by nature, and in them-^Ives, and without ChrifV, is a very ftranger and enemy to God, the childe of wrath, heirc of everlaftingperdition 5 enwrapped anJ incorporated into the accurfed communion with theDe-vill and uncleane rpirits,c^/^^.i.!! i.

Every one naturally hath his underflanding full of blindnefTe, finfulnefle, vanity, pride, fol-Jy^conceitednefle, errours, curiofity, and many fuchlike diftempers. His will full of wiltulnefJe, frowardne(re,rebellion,and inconformity to the holy will of God. His affeftions full oi wilde-neffe, fory, and corifufion. His thoughts full of earthJinefle, filthinefle, and fenfuality. His memory ftored with polluted notions,and the men-ftruous reliquesof foule abominations.His heart ful! of deadneile,deceitfulne(le,and iron finewes. Hisconfciencefullof bitings and ftingings, defiled, and uncomfortable. And befides, every member of the body is inflavcd to (inne and Satan, Kom,i. 13. His eyesare full of luflfull wan-drings. His eares full of obfcenc. liftnings, &c.

Thus

JelfeAnricbing examinaUon.

Thus every one naturally lives the lifecf hell in all the powers of his fbule^ and parts of his body. And he hath a root and fbuntaineof originall (m fticking faft in his bowels, which Aill feeds & fijs his body of death, or rather life of finjwith continual] iupply of new poyfbn, and heJlifli vigour.

Out of this made of ipiritiiall miferieipring naturally all plagues, judgements, and curfes, both in (ouleandbody^bothiniliislife^indeath, and in the other world, i^i'f r^.r-crr-or^n;-:!" '

In this life hereby we are fubjed and liable to inadnefle, tcrrours, and ftrange aftonilhments in mindc^ To all infirmities, difeales, and tortures in bddy. To lolle, wrongs, andoppreffion in goods, and our temporall eftate. To (landers, difgraces, and reproaches in our good name. To difcontentments and difcomfort in wives,neighbours, friends, children land pofterity. So with what an armic of curfes every wicked man is dogg'd, Z>«#. 2 8. In death they are to have their poorcandhopeleflc (bules torne and rent wirh much anguirii, and painfull horror, from their finfull bodies, with a delpairfull, comfortlefle, or {enflefie divorce. They are upon their deathbeds to lie like wilde Buls in anet* as Efay (peaks, foil of the wrath of the Lord. And in tise Morning thoHJljaltCau xfould Oodit wete Evettj and at the E'venthonJhanjajyWmddGcditvpere Morning^ df*c. \

But in the world to come come the height and complement of all wofolnelTe : Not onelyan eternal! fcparation and cafting away from the

_ prefence i

The Saints

prefcnce of God, and the fruitibn of thofe glorious and unutterable joyes, but alfb endlefle vexation and torment with the devill and his angels: With infinite horror and anguifh arifii^ from the full feeling of the whole and unquenchable wrath of God, which like a bottomlclTe Sea, will (wallow up the bodies andfbulesof all impenitent finners.

Befides this knowledge oi mansmifcry, and natarall corruption in generally we muft take notice 6f thofe (peciall particular finnes which have found any haunt and harbour in our fbules t and foundly, ferioufly> and fenfibly conceive of and confidcr thfeiatolierable curie of God due unto usfbrthefame. :> :;:>':'' ^^rj?.

Laftly, we muft know how this great mafle of mi(erablc mankind was plunged into this accur-fed ftate of damnation and dczth.Adam and Eve, our firft parents, created in the beginning of the world, planted in Paradife by the hand of God, -and placed in fullpoffeffion of allholinelfe, and true happineflfej did unhappily by the breach and tranlgreffionof Gods commandcment aboUt the forbidden fruit, diProbe anddif-inveft all their potterityof that glorious eftate, and caft us all into this gulfc of linnc, and guiltinefle of darh-nation.

We were all h^y inMaf» while he {lo6dup<s rfght in obedience to Gods commandements in Paradife, andftiould have beeue inhcritoursof hisperfedions and felicities. And he was a glorious creature before his fail. The Fathers call '■.q ')]"/:■ him

felfe^mriehmg eocamination.

himashe\ra$ in that eftate, the Cedar of Para-di(e, the Pifture of Heaven, the glory of the Earthj the Governour of the world ^ and the Lords owne Darling and delight. But he being I the father of all men, and fbuntainc of all generations following, did fiiftaine the publike per-(on of mankinde, both in his innocencie, and al-(b in his miferie, in his telicity,and in his fall^and therefore we being all in the very moment of his fall in Adam loynes, did both ftand and fall witli him 5 we were both happy with him in his per-feftion, and helplefle with him in his perdition.

Neither (hould this fccme ftrange and une-quail that we Ihould finne, and finke into mifery in Adams loynes, being yet unborne. For the congruity and equity of it appearcs many wayes:

By the example of Ahrsham^ in whom Levi is (aid t® have paid tithes to MeHffedecke^ which was not borne fomc hundred yeares after^

Of fielecca^ who having two (brines in her wombe, is (aid to have two Nations, Cm-i 5.25.

Out of the fifth to the Rom4m^(ox even as the righteoufheflcof Chrifl is r€ckoned to tho(e that bcleeye in him^ althongh they never did it, be-caufe they arc one with Chrift^ (bthefinneof Adam is reckoned to all his pofterity, becailfe th^y j^^ye.ifi Iiiip^;apd qf;hip8>- Jind one, with

' t By the congruity of nature, for cbmmonly the iLeproufie, Stone, Gout, and other di(ea(es, are

derived

Rom.5.i73i8>

Vfi/

.\..ia>:

ConrtTfiing ihc msancs of ,our4cUvc-

T^he Saints

—in "

derived out of di(caled bodies of the parents upon the children. The flaviih and viilanous edatc oi the father is conveyed unco the pofterity.

By tlie courfe of humane juftice and equity of

ftate. If Ibmc great Perfbnage or Noble man

(hould offend by the hatefull aftof treafon, a-

gainft the Majeftie of an earthfy King, it is

thouglit juftj that his poflrerky be both d^ifinve-

fted of all titles of honour and nobilityj and dif^

inherlred of his lands, and temporall happineffe.

j Hqvv> much more ihould thi^-curfent of ju(lice

I hoId>; and haVe his icoarfe/ivhen high tre^fbn

I is contrived and committcfd^ by a #6rrne and

wretch, in rdpe^b, againft the infinite Majeftie

\ of Heavenjandthe goodnefle Q>fGod Alrnighty.

fMay mtAda^s fihrte be^^ )\\^\% nay-infinite-

ly more juftly imputed unto us^ as our UnhQs un-

' Knowledge of thi^ pamefbould beget in us 5

[ li.Aienfeof'ourmiftry. ^M\imt\vtf, 3^. Hea-

' viheartedneffe for ourfinfull andaccHf(ed efVate.

4. Reftleffegroanes and loggings for relecfe and

reco\'eryv> .•^rioijs '1 ov^i ^vafloji 1) iil d ,pit > v

Nowinal!hffdplace\^ehTurf bee aVfjiainted witih the rnfi^anes of remedy arid recot^ery, out of that (ifnfulkftd ^Gcurffed cftil^ wherfeln^vir^ Tie by nature.-i j-hSi i.v\v\^^ iluw orio D^i^vorii '■][:.:>

In this pdirif we muft ^Ad# vvhb ?s abl^ to fe-dtemeusfrom liiine^Saran, hell^^nd cvefHfling

'confciencej and i fart*e mc)te glorious happih^e

. ..,.thaa.

felfe4nriching examination.

than wee loft in Adam, And alio the way and

meanestopurchafeintereft in this blefled Redeemer, and to partake of thole comfortable benefits and bleffings which belong to eternall life.

Firft for the former point, our redemption and recovery from oar finfulnefle and curfednefle, depends wholly upon, and isonely performed by the fecond perfbn in the Trinity, Chriftjefiis the one-\y fonne of God*

In whom we muft rightly conceive and confi-der his perfbn, his office, his benefits.

In hisperfon ^ His Godhead that makcth the Perfbn, and his man-hood, which hathlubfiftence in the perfbn of the God-head, are confidf rable.

As touching hisGod'head,he is the only na^urall Son of the moft high and eternall God his Father, his Word, Chsrader, and Iraage,Godcoefrentiall> and coequall with the Father and the hoi v Ghoft.

As concerning his Manhood 5 Hce aflumcd into the fellowfhip of perfon, mans nature ; Hee tooketohimfelfeabody, and reafbnable foule, by the incredible operation and infinite vertue of the Holy Ghoft, Lnki 1.3 5. fo that he is God and man in one perfbn 5 and that was necefiary for the ac-, complifhment of our redemption.

Hee was man, that hee might be fiibjed to the j Law, fulfill itj and beare the punifhments of our i tranfgreffions of it ; He was God, that he might i make the obedience of his life^ and miferies at his death, meritoriousfor our falvation.

He was man, that he might fuffer, die, and (bed hisbloud. He wasGod^ that mi^t breake op(m

E the

l_ii

Aft. 4.1 J.

Joh.1.14. Hcb.i.|.

Z

;Gal.4.4»

. I Joh.1,7.

Ad.t.i4<

2 Hcb.t.l7»

3

Pfal 1.(5.

Matt.i.»i.

the barres of the earthy and conquer death, and rife againe.

Had he becne God alone, {atisfadion could not have beene made to divine juftice, which muft bee performed in the fame nature which oflFended : And if he had beeneonely man, he could not have applied unto us the power of his pallion, or made his fufFerings effeftuall for us, for this is the worke of the fpiritj which he gives unro us, as he is God. Secondly, there muft bee aright underftandlng of the office of our Redeemer, in which reQ)eft he is called Chrift, that is Gods annointed, becaufe theFather did confecrate him to the office of a Me-diatour, and did furnifh him with all meet gifts for that purpofe, loh. <^. 2 7. ^<^. i o. 3 8.

There are three parts of his Mediatourfliip:

Firft, the propheticall part, whereby hee revea-lethandpubliQieth the whole will and counfell of j God his Father, as concerning mans (alvation. I His Prieftly ftinftion, whereby he works the full, I compleat, and through fiifficienr meafure and merit of our Redemption ^ in his holy conception; righteous life, and bloudy.fuffering upon the Croile.

Laftly, his royall and Kingly part^ whereby he mightily efFe6i:sallthisinus,by the in ward operation of his fpirit, powerfully applies it unto us,and by an outward divine politie^ whereby heeaileth his Church till the laft and great Judgement.

In a third place we ought to take fpeciall notice of thofe benefits which l{)ring up unto us out of a bottomleflb fountaine of Grace ; In which re-fpcdheiscalledjefus 5 they are infinite, unfpeak-

able.

(Clfi

e'lnriching examination.

55

able, and glorious, every one of them worth a world of gold, yea, ten thoufand worlds.

They are thele;

Participation and union with Chrift^ whereby we are ingratfed into him, and become one with him. Or it is that mutuall inward hold, which Chrift hath of us, and we of him, in fuch fort, that each pollefleth other by way of fpeciall intereft^ propriety, and inherent copulation.

Reconciliation, whereby we are delivered from the wrath of God, the enmitie of creatures, and flavery to Sacan^ and happily reftored into Gods favour and proteftion, and fo certainly preserved in fafety, from the hurtful! fury of creatures, the rage of Satan^and powers of helljthe^ftones of the field (hall bee at league with thee, and the beads, d<c,Iob 5.21922,25,24. We (hall fleepe, and none (hall make us afraid, tevit.16,6. lob.11,19. Wee (hall not be afraid of evill tidings, PfaL 112.7.

Remidionof finnes, whereby our polluted and wofull (bules are freely and fairly wafhed for ever, difcharged and enlarged from thcftaine, guilt, punishment, and raigne of finne, by the bloud-fuffe-rings and foveraignty of our blelfed Saviour.

Imputation of righteoufnefle, whereby our fins are laid upon him 3 and his obedience counted ours.

Interceflion, which comprifeth in it three things.Prefentation of himfelfebefore his Father, as Mediatour and facrificer of himfelfe, fbra full fatisfadion for our finnes. An engaging of him-Telfe to his eternal] Father, that by his grace wee I E 2 being

iCor,6i7,

5

Wc are hereby freed from the filthjguilcjdam-nation,anddo-rainion of fin.

^ 4

iCor.j.io,

5

Heb.7.ij.

l^

7

iX J©h.|.i.

s

Ephtf.

10

being partakers, and fcnfible of fb great mercies and merits, will with care and confcicnce avoid finnCj and labour to keepe our felves unfporred and blamelefle amidft a naughty and crooked generation, that (b we be not grievous andburden-fome to fb gracious a God. Laftly, an effufion of hisintcrceflbry fpirit upon ourfbulcs andconfci-ences, which kindles in our hearts^ godly defires, and good purpofes^ for the avoiding of finne, and keeping a good conlcience, and many bitter fighs and heavie-heartednefle, for the bewailing our re-lapfcSj frailties, and infirmities.

Acceptation to eternall life, whereby wee are deemed worthy an immortall crowne^ and end-leflTe joyes, for Chrifts worthinefle.

Adoption, whereby of velTels of wrath by nature, and firebrands of hell, we are become children of God by grace, and heires of Heaven.

Sanftification, whereby wee die to finnCj and live torighteoufnefTe; Which though it be unper-fedinthislifej and therefore accompanied with a combate berweene the flefh and the fpirit • yet we have fpiritui^ll armour provided, and after death it (hall be perfected with height of purity, and fuf-nefie of all holinefTe.

Corroboration, whereby w€ are preferved from falling from that eftate wherein God hath placed, and dotli uphold us , and the comforts of godli-nefle ^ and by the power of his might are confirmed, rtrengthened, and ftablilhedin the way to Heaven.

Glorification-j whereby we are made partakers, __^ of I

felfe4nrich'mg examination.

of thofe endlefle and urtutcerable joyes^ which neither eye hath feene^ eare hath heard, nor the heart oF any man conceived, and which none bnitGod knowethj and hee who doth enjoy tkem. This knowledge we muft have of our Redeemerj of his Perfbn^ office, and benefits.

Now furthermore it is required, that we be acquainted with themeanes how we may gaine and get right and intereft in this our blelTed Redeemer, and unfearchable riches of his grace. Efj?ecially fich Chrift with his merits doe not belong to all men, but to afittk flocke, and that thcgreateft part of the world, and even of thofe that live in the profelTion of true Religion (halltecei ve no benefit by him.

The fpirit of the Lord Ie(u$ by his infinite power doth knit us wixh a reall conjunftion unto ChriO, by the meanesof a true and fruitfbll faith, whereby wee are infpired and endewed with ipirituall life, and all the bleffings of Heaven ^ God the Father is as it were the fountaine of this life, Chrill is the Conduit,the Word the Pipe, Faith the hand that opens and tumes the Cocke, the beleeving heart the Cifterne which receives and enjoyes this water of life, wherein it is a Well of water (prin-ging up into everlafting life, M.4.14.

The Spirit of God by the power of the Word preached, creates in our hearts this faith, which is an holy gifrof God, whereby the fbule is enabled to apprehend and apply Chrift particularly, as hee is (et forth and offered in the Word and Sa-

I

craments.

57

Ho\yCIirlftI' ans come <o havemtcreftin Chrift.

Mat,7,2X,»|.

iCor.^.T}.

This^

F/f.

4 * The Sacrament of the Lords Supper Is not ordained td be a bare and naked figne, or asapidurcthat puts Us in mind of one that is abfcnt, but to beafeaieaKOj Rom-4, J I.

wherebythc Lord doth verU lybeftowChrift upon us, and confirmc and make furc to us the benefit of his paflion.

T'he Saints

This )uftifying faith ever brings forth a zealous and unfained love to God, his (ervice, people^ Word and Sacraments 5 and an univerlall & fincere repentance and amendment of life prefent, and a willingneffe and longing to die, in hope of a better life : But of faith and repentance more largely hereafer.

The knowledge of this point (hould bring forth in us:

Firft, Thankfulnefle for the great worke of our Redemption.

Sorrow for our (innes, the true caufe of Chrifts fuffering.

Comfort in his Paflion and Obedience.

A cheerfiill obedience to the precepts of the Gofpell, faith and repcfitancc. ^

Thus farre of the knowledge of Gods Majeftie, our owne mifery, and the meanes of recovery.

Now in a fourth place wee muft be acquainted with the natures ufe, and end of the Sacraments.

The two Sacraments, Baptifine and the Lords Supper: The firft of incorporation and ingraffing into ChrifV, whereby wee are enrolled into the number of the houftold of God, and of the Citizens of the heaven ly lerufalem.

The other of our further growing into Chrift, and ftronger confirmation of the covenant of fal-vation, and grace towards us, whereby our fpiritU" aM life is revived, quickned, and increafed in us.

* Thefe Sacraments I fay are fignes to repre-fent, feales to confirme, and inftruments to convey Chrift, with all the benefits of his pa/Son^ and)

felfe-inriching examination.

and bleflings of Heaven unto every bcleeving Chriftian.

They ferve as bonds of obedience to God, ftrid obligations to the mutualiexercife of Chriftian charity^ provocations to godlinefle, preler-vations from finnc, memorials of the principall benefits of Chrift.

This latter, the Lords Supper, is the fecond Sacrament of the Gofpell, wherein, by afacramen-tallufe of Bread and Wine, thofe that are already ingraffed into Chrift,are nourifhed,and grow with (pirituall life, and in the (late of grace.

The fignes and outward matter of this Sacrament are. Bread and Wine : The things fignified, areChrifts body crucified, and his bloud powred out. Aboutwhich conceive this Analogic:

The bread pafleth thorow many injuries, much alteration, cutting downe, threffing, grinding, the parching heat of the Oven, before it can bee fit food : Sotheblefledbody of Chrift was pitifully bruifedand rent with drops of bloudy (weat, with fcourges, with nailes, with thornes, with a ipeare, before it could be a fit facrifice for our finnes.

As bread hods the body, fo Chrift in the Sacrament ftrengthens the fbule.

Asbread drives away tiaturall hunger, fb Chrift fpirituall.

As bread is given to the hungry andpoore, (6 Chrift effeftually to the broken heart, to the contrite (pirit, and to the hungry (bule.

AndfointheWine.

As the wine is prefled out of the grape when it is . E 4 moft

?9

2

3

2 PfaLto4.iJ«

3 4

The Saints

moft-faireand flourifhing :; (b was Chrifts bloud out of the veines and heart of his moI\ (acred bo-dy^ iti the ftrength and flower of his age.

As wine quencheth natiirall thirft, chccreth and maketh glad the heart of man ^ lb Chrifts bloud quencheth fpirituall thirft, refrefheth and comfor-teth the fbule.

As wine is to l)e given to them that have griefe of heart, Trov. 7,1.6, So Chrifts bloud onely to thcmvvho are heavie hearted for their finnes.

As wine begets good bloud, boldnefle, and

ftrength of body^fb dothChrifts bloud in thefbule.

Furthermore, in this Sacrament foure a(Stions ia

theMinifter, and two in the receiver are confide-

rable, and fpccially to be taken notice of :

The vifibleand outward aftions of the Mini-fterdoereprcfentjthefpirituall, eternall, andin-vilible adions of ©odtheFather^ for the good of ourfbule.

Firft, his taking the bread and wine into his hands,doth fignifie and reprefent God? fealing and fettjng a part of Chrift for the great worke oir Mediation betwcene God and Man. Secondiy,hisbleffingofthe elements, whereby he doth defignc and fanftiHethem to be a Sacrament of the body and bloud of Chrift, doth fignifie and reprefent the fending of his Sonne in the fiilneffe of time to performs and execute the office of a Mediatpr, unto which he was before ordained.

Thirdly, the-breaking of the bread, and the powring out of the wine, doth fignifie and repre-lent the bitter pallion and (uflFering of our Saviour,

/elfe4nricbin^ examination.

ouFj and the trickling and ftrcaming downe of his bloud from all parts of his body to the ground.

Fourthiyj the giving of bread and wine to the communicants, doth fignifie and reprefenc the offering of Qirift to all, even hypocrites, but the giving him onely to true Chriftians.

The tsvo aiftionsin the receiver hath-the/eflg-nifications:

Firft,. his taking of bread and wine into his hands, doth fignifie and reprefent his apprehenfi^ on of lefiis Chriff by faithj but more generally. ' Secondly, his eating the one, and drinking the other^andibdigeftingandconcodling them, that cheygrov^r into the bod>% doth fignifie and represent the effeduall, particular, and (peciall application of Chrifl:unto our fbules^ that our true fpi-rituall, rcallunion and participation with hini^may become more neare and fcnfible,.

LafHy5we muft know the end of the Sacrament, which is manifold;

"Firfi:, the principal] end is, the remembrance of the death of Chrift, which he commanded unto us athrslaft parting from us; and therefore that ought to ftrcke fafi: in our n?.inds,and to renue continually in our hearts, frefh and feeling ftirrings and motions of compallion & rendernefie. For the lad words of a departing or dying friaid, doe beget and ftirre updeepeftimpreffions, and dearefi: affedions^iH lovingandtenderhearts. If we read of hisdeathaiidpaflion, that will ftirre and firike ourhearf s wi th fome feeling and fympathy of nity and eoHjpaflioa ^ but if wee have it powerfully

and

The Saints

and paiijonatdy preached^, it will affett us more fenfiblyjbut if we lay it yet nearer to our hearts and let it immediately worke upon our minds by meditation, it will yet more forcibly prevaile upon, andpoflefleouraffedions. But to have, asitvyere rcprefentedbeforeour eyes a vifible crucifying of Chrift ^ the bruifing of hisbody, and (bedding of hisbloud, dothfarre above all breed moft tender and companionate melting and bleeding, in a (bule (enfible of finne, the truc^caufe of all thefe fufFerings.

This laftreprefentationj divine wifciome made choice of as a (trongeft means and motive to continue and keep frefli the remembrance of his death.

God the Father after that great deluge and fear-full drowning of the whole world, left the Raine-bow as a remembrance to mankinde of their falva-tion and deliverance from water. And whcii he had extraordinarily and fiipernaturally fed his people with Manna from heaven, he commanded and cau-Ced a pot full of it to be prcferved in the Arke, as a memoriallof fb great mercy. Wee being happily freed from the devouring floud of fin by the bloud of Chrift, are put in minde thereof by Baptifme. And being nourifhed with the heavenly Manna of Chriftsbody^ have this high and holy myftery of the Lords Supper left unto us, to continue the re* membrance oi his death and paffion.

By our participation in the grace, fruit, and effi-cacie of his body and bloud, we grow into a neerer and ftronger union with Chrift, and partake my-ftically, yet traly^ invifibly, ycareallyof amore

inward

I Cor 10.

fetfe-tnricbing examination. [ 4;

inward fellowftiip with the perfbn of lefus Chrilt. as well in that he is man as God. ' Befides the ftrengthning and knitting fafter our blefled union with Chrift, this holy Sacrament i apowerfull meanes to maintaine and increafe an holy Communion of Chriftian deareft and ever -laftinglove amongft the Saints^ the true and living members of Chrifts body.

Hereby wee lay furer hold by the hand of faith upon the merits and (ulferings of Chrift, we feek more foundly and fenfibly the power and vertue of his paffion, and are more fully and feelingly afcertained of the favour of QqA^ and the forgive-nefle of our finnes.

Fifthly, at this holy banquet, our confciences difquieted with fbme frailties, infirmitiesj andre-lapfes, fince our laft receiving, (a renovation of our repentance and faith preceding) are (weetly appealed by the bloud of the Lambe. Our inward peace and Ipirituall joy is increased. Wee gather hold and winne ground againft otir corruptions, and the power of finne, and become more cheer-full, fincere, and univerfall in our obedience.

Knowledge of this point (bould ftirre us op ^ With reverence, preparation, and thirfting, to come unto this high and holy myftery, where (b many glorious blellingS' are offered, and to bee enioyed.

Ever ro be guefts at this holy banquet, when, or how often foe ver it fliallbe prepared for us.

Thus farre have I pafled thorow the foure .points, I. Of the Majeftieof God* 2 Ourownc I . mifery

Vfe,

Mark^ of raving and fan-ctifying know-

job.'; <» Col 3.J.

ijoh.5.14.

Job4r$,<.

T~he Saints

mifcry. 3^ The meanes of rem.^dyand recovery. 4. The nature, ufe and end of the Sacrament. A right knowledge of the fubftance of which, is at leafl nee elTarily required of whomfoever comes to the Lords Table.

I will end all about this firft grace of knowledge with fome marks and norcsof a faving and fanfti-fying knowledge^that a man may be able to try the ftateof his foule in this point. For though knowledge bee the ground-v/orke of all (pirituall building, and neceflary to (alvation^ yet if itbenot (anctified toa man, it ferves but to increafe his condemnation. And you may know it to be (aving and fandifying, by thefe marks: A glorious Lampe of faving light J and quickning power of fpirituall life, is planted in every mans heart that profits by the miniftery of the Word, and in the myftery of the Gofpell,/^(5?.2^.i8.E;?^e/5.8. iVet.i.p.

Firft, if it beget humility and lowlincfle of minde • for the more the true Chriftian knowes in the Wofdof tiuthj and the deeper heewades in tho(e heavenly and facred my Aeries, the more clecrly hee fees his owne blindenefle, vanity, inward filthineilc, and naturall corruption : As the n;ore light is let into a fluttifti and filthy houfe, the more the foulnefle and lothfbmnefle of it isdilco-vered, and appearcs to the eyes ^ fo the further he p;rowe3 into divine knowledge, he knowes better his owne mifery, Godsdreadfull Majeftie, divine indignation, and juft vengeance againft fin, more largely 8c fully how many waies he offends againft fo raercifulk Father 5 how farre fiiort he comes in

holy

felfe^-inricbing examwatton.

holy duties, and in obedience to his pure and un-defiled law. All which where there is grace, are pregnant and notable matter of humiliationj dc-jeftion, and of taking downeour proud hearts. It is in this cafe as it is in humane knowledge of nature and Philofaphy, of Arts and Sciences, the deeper skill, the profounder learning, if there bee an addition of that gracefulland bafhfull vertue, the morallifts call modefty, the lower and humbler opinion of a mans felfe, and a more diltruftflill conceit of his owne worth an J fufficiencie. The reafoHj the more he kaowes, the more doubts, dif-ficultieSj fcrupleSj and perplexities are dilcricd unto him, aod arife in his minde, which make him more timorous and fearfull in his profeffion^and to thinke Ehafc becomes farre fliortof thathe (honld be, though hee goe farre before thofe that thinke themfelves already excellent. Hence it isthatgrea-teftSchollers are notalvvayes of mo{\ words, be-caufe they ktiow how many wayes they are (ubjed to erronrSj miftakings, and juft cenfure, and therefore chufe rather to lofe the reputation of dif^ Gourfe, than to difpleafe and enforce their owne humble conceit and diOruftfulnelFeof fufficiencie. Itislbinfbme Ibrt in divine knowledge of fu-pernaturall principles, and heavenly myfleries, where there is grac: amext. The further we looke into the booke of G d and the higher Scho'lers in Chrifts SchoolCj the more lowly minded, and the more humbly conceited we are of our felves. The rcafbniSj theftrongerand cleererfighted weareto looke into the cleare Chryftall of Gads Booke, the ,

more

45

The more hee knowes, the moreheknowps to dffitbc.

\-

46

A fccond mark offaving know* ledge.

lJoh.i.5,+

of Lcar.p.i6,

The Saints

more fyots and ftaines we (ee in our fbules, more purity in his Majeftie, more milery in our owne nature • and therefore by the power of grace being fbrrowftill for the pollutions of our (bules, feare-flillof his Majefty, and fenfible of our owne mi-iery, we willingly entertaine hurailitv^ and a lowly conceit of our (elves. Oneccrtaine markethenof favingknowledgefhallbethis ^ If moreskilfullin Scripture, the more humble in our owne conceit. A fccondmarke of iaving knowledge flialj bee this 5 If it be drawne into pradifl, and joyned with converfion of the heart from finne unto God, and with reformation of life from evill to good^ for a found changeof the heart and life ever accompanies laving knowledge. Knowledge without obedience and (incerity, is fo farre from being (aving and available to (alvation^that it haftneth and doubles our damnation. Small reafon have men to be proud of their knowledge without pradife 5 for though for a time they make it ferve their turne for a fhew and a flourifli, yet in the end it will end inforrow and curfes, for they increafe the hard-nefle of their heart, the guiltinefTe of their con-(cience, and the number of their ftripesand damnation in hell, according to the meafure of their formall and fruftlefJe knowledge. There are many bafe baftardand degenerate ends of knowledge, which prophane men propofe to thcmfelves, and finally red upon : As pleafure of curiosity ^ quiet of refolution 5 refining andr^ifirig of the fpirit^ victory of wit ^ faculty of difcourle ^ gaine of pro-feflion 5 ambition of honour and fame 5 inable-

ment

felfeAnriching examination.

ment for bufinefle and imployment. But the Chri-ftian muftmakethcendof his divine knowledge, pfadifeof holinefle in his owne lifcj andconver- , fation and inftruftion of others in the wayes of j God, if he would make it profitable and faving to ' himf^lfe. Kftawledgevpithdutthfe enisis but aflritm-pet or Curtifan^keptomlyfirfeftfuaUpkafyre^affdJiK'' fttUlufl^ not for fruit and children. It puffes up our proud nature with more pride and felfe-conceit^ but neither begets life in (bules, holinelTe in our lives, nor found hereof immortality hereafter. '

If we know out of the Word of God (and wee ought (b to doe) that every man who will bee in Chrift, muftbeanew creature, but notwithftan-ding lie in the common courfe and corruptions of nature^ follow thecuftomes of the world, and the current of the time : Why then our knowledge in this point is not (aving, but ferves to incrcafe our condemnation. ^^3ni..)j:j

If we know out of the lad ofthe Ke^eUtion^ that all that either love or makes lies, (hall bee barred everlaftingly out of Heaven ^ and yet continue to cozen, deceive, and circumvent with fmooth talke, and lying tongues : why then our knowledge is not faving, but ferves to increafe our condemnation.

If we learne out of He^.13.4. that whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. And yet wee foake our felves in luftfull pleafuresi, and fbule un-cleanncfife. Why then our knowledge isnotla-^ vine;, but ferves to incrcafe our condemnation.

If any man know, (as every man ought) that no '\ covetous

47

2 Cor.j.17.

Revd.ij.Tj.

The Saints

coYccuUS man Ihail inherit iheKingdv me of God iCor.6.io. and yet greedily and inHiciably root in earth, and the fading and tranfitory pelfe thereof, as though heefhould never die, as though there were no joyes, no immortality in another world to be looked for, and fought after ^ no happinefle but in vanilhing riches^, which fliall not profit in the day of revenge, biit will take them ro their wings like an Eaglejand flie into the heavens,were a man able to heape his gold to th^Aarres, to en-clofe the whole face of the earth from one end of heaven unto the other, to purchafe a Mono, oly of all the wealth in the world 5 yet upoa his death bed all connot profit him ; they cannot procure one drop of mercie, orone jot of comfort ; why then let him know, that his knowledge is notfa-ving, but (erves to increafe his condemnation.

If any man know out of 2ech, 5.3. that the curfeof God will cut off thefwearer^ as well on this fide as on that, and yet retainc ftill one oath or other ; let him know that his knowledge is not laving, but (erves to increale his condemnation.

If any man heare and leameoutof 7/4; 5. 22. a fearfull woe denounced again ft them that are mighty to drinke wine, and ftrong to powre in ftrong drinke ^ and yet be exceffive and riotaus that way:, Let him know, that his knowledge is not (aving, but ferves to increafe his condemnation.

If a man heare and learne, ler, 17.3 7. That a fire (hall be kindled in the houfe of the Sabbarh-brea-ker, and fiiall devour it, and fhall not be quenched, and yet continue to prophanc it at his plcafure, for

pleafures,

felfe4nriclmg examinauon.

pleafures^ profit, or worldly bufinefle ^ Let him know that his knowledge is not faving, but ferves to increa(e his condemnation.

If a man know out of Makch- 3.8.9. That the fa-crllegious perfbn fhall be cnrfed wi. h a curfe 5 that is, with a horrible curfe, with a double curfe, and yet detaine Gods portion either forcibly, or fraudulently ^ Let him know that his knowledge is not faving,but ferves to increafe his condemnation.

If a man know out of Pp/.*i5. Thit thofe fhall not dwell in the Lords Tabernacle, or reft in hi& holy Mountaine, who hate not vile perfbns, who give their money to Ufiiry, and yet is guihy of both ,5 Let him know hisknowlcdge is not faving; bwrierves ro increafe his condemnacioa .. :

If men knew the worthy praftife of the Saints , of oldj In teaching then* children and families, fe e Ge».iS*i9' Iofu.24,1'^, PfaLioi. and yet have no praying, nocatechifing, no holy government in their houfes ^ Let them know that this knowledge is not laving, but ferves to increafe their condemnation.

Thus let. 3 man examine his knowledge of Gods Word thorowout, and account it fo farre faving as it is working, and drawne into pradife.

Thirdly, it is edg'd and eneao red with a longing defire, and infatiable thirfl after more. For the true Ghriftian not refting in the hifloricall, for-mallj and artificial! knowledge of nnregenerate men, and hypocrites, wherein there isnoiweet-nefle, notaOe, no comfort, butdivinginto the my-(ticall knowledge of the myfleries of falvation,

F which

49

A third matke offavingknow-lcdge,chethiift afccrmerc.

T'he Saints

which the {piric of God doth reveale to faithfull Chriftians, doth there finde and feed upon fiich heavenly fwectneflej fuch rich and glorious comforts thatheeis never well but whenhee is dig-2;ingdeeper into this celelViall Mine, and wading further into thefe holy (ecrets of faving know-ledge.If a childe but once fpie any part of thcjew-ellinthe fathers hand, or but have a glance at it, J hee will never reft and be at quiet untill he (ee it wholly, and have it in his owne hand. It is (b with I babe in Chrifl** after the {ant^ifying^irit of God hath once opened his eyes, and but (hewed him a glimfpe of thofe heavenly jewels of divine knowledge, he is foravilhed with the unvaluable beauty thereof, that he will never be at reft, untill hc-fce made further, and fiilly partaker of thofe rich and (aving treafures. The reafbn why (^ndiified men ; fo zealoufly and ferioufly feeke and labour after ejrowth in knowledge, is becaufe they are perfwa-dedof theneceflity of it, and arc fenfibleof what danger they are in, and how wide they lie open to the deadly blowes of fearfull temptations, and Sa-tans fiery darts, without this fword of the fpirit, knowledge in Gods Word.

If a man had a cruell and implacable cnemie, that had defperately and refblutely (worne his deathj and to this end fliould ftill dogge him at the heeles, at any advantage to runne him thor6w,and to imbrew his hands in his bloud, how careful! and watchful! woukl hee bee to furnifh himfelfe compleatly with weapons, and skill to defend his naturall life, and to repeli the fury and rage of fb I

• bloudy I

bloudy a foe. Why Satan that mortall and immor-tall enemy to mankinde, hath vowed the cverla-fting death of every fbule, and therefore to this endfollowes every one at the heeles, with all his fiery darts and policies of hell, at every turne to wound their poore naked and ignorant fbules to death 5 how earneftly and eagerly then ought every one tofurnifti and fit themfelves with skill and knowledge in God Word, which is the fword of the Spirit, that they may both ward his blowes, anrf wound his head, by the faving power of this weapon, and lanftified ufe of this fling, every true Chriftian is enabled to cut off the head,and knocke our the brainesof that huge Holofernes^ and great GoUah of Hell. But every man or woman that wants this faving knowledge oi.t of GodsBooke, ftands a; the devils mercy and devotion ^ even as a poore helplefle Lambcin the bloudy paw of a Lion; or a filly Wren in the ravenous paw of a Kite. And the mcrciehishellifti malice will ihew, is condemnation mcrcilciTe, even flames of etemall fire, and endlefle woe in the bottomlefle pit. Pitifull then and fearcfull is the cafe and condition of many ignorant people, who bleffe and content themfelves in their ignorance,and if they be told that they be wholly in the power and pofleflion of Satan, by reafon of the ignorance that is in them, they will (ay prefently, they defie the devill and all his works, and they will fpit at him in figne of defiance ^ and yet poore fbules while they lb conti nue,they are the devils flaves,whom he leads blindfolded and hoodwinked thorowhis kingdomeof I iCor.4.4.

F 2 darkneffe'

fi

Luk.ii,ji,

TTbe Saints

darkneUe here on earth, towards thepitof ever-lafting deftru<^ion. Little weighs hee luch weake defiance, Wjhen their owne ignorance gives chein the lie 5 he Jittle regards fuchvaine pro reflations, and'die words, folong as he wounds their foules at his pleafurCjand (ticks them thicke with his fiery dv^rts; What is.a man better^ which being-naked in the field flgainft a fierce'andcompleatly armed ad-verfary, gives him bigge words, and tels him hee defies him, and the worft hee can doe 5 while in the nxeane time his enemie works his will upon bijm, and takes away hh life ? Satan is the ftrong armed m^Dj all ignorant perfons are ftarke hakcd^and quitebaroofallfpifituall armour, they fet him at light, arid give him ^oule woriSv but in the meaue tiiiae the devillwoilnds their foules ro death* • ylh 'J .'.Yea, but will theyfay.v^cTeeleno fucb wburids^ neither doe mad men and drunkards, though they be daft]t and wounded mortally, in their fits and fury fteleany ilich hurt -^ but when they come to ithem(elves it may coft them their life. Soigno-i rant wretches being befotted with ungrounded good meanings, and befide themfelves in fpirituall matters, and fenflefle by their Lethargic of ignorance, feele not thbfe feariy impoyfonedblowes^ and deadly wounds, that come thkke and three* fold upon their foules ^ but when upon their death beds they fhall come to themfel ves, and have their cbdlciencesopenedj and their wretched efi:ate revealed iinto them, they;(hall feeje the fmarc, and bieed Unto everlafting death. A' holy greedinefie after^ahd acontinuall growth in knowledge, is one .,;.).. ,4.: ) :■ fpeciall,

felfe-'inriching examinamn.

fpeciall markethen that our knowledge is faving. " For it is an undoubted charafter of all graces^ " where they are in foundnefle there they are " growing. If we have once tafted how fweet the "Lord isj there will be adefireto increase more '^ and more. There iflues from out the Sanduary waters^ even waters of life, EzecL^y. fee their in crea(e: Firft to the ankles, then to the knees, then to the loynes, afterwards a River that no man could pafTe. The trees growing by this Riverjbring forth new fruit, according to their moneth.

Fourthly, Saving knowledge is difFulive & com municative of it felfe.It is in the (bule of a Chrifti-an, as the Sunne in his fpheare: It is firft glorioufly illuminated within itfelfe. Secondlyahedothnot confine &,keepe his light within his owne (aire body jbut he hurlesiton every fide,round about every way, he cafts his light upward, and fo makes all the heavens bright & beautifull about him.Thirdly,H€ throwes his beames downward upon the earthjand there begets herbs, grade and flowers, fruit-trees, and all the beauty and glory of the earth.Fourthly, Nay yet he pierces further, and with his heat hee Aides and infinuates into the bowels of the earth, where there is any the leaft creeke and paflage,and there engenders all manner of metals, filvcr, gold, and precious ftones. Fifthly, Nay yet fijrther, he glides by the fides of the earth w^th his unrefleded beames, and makes all thofe golden fpots, the ftarres, in the oppofitepart of the skie. Sixthly, It is (b greedy of doing good, that it ftrikes thorow the firmament in the traniparcnt parts, and feeks 1 F 5 as

n

1 Pct.j.j,::

A fourth triall of our know-lcdge,itisjc©m-municacion.

H

T^heSaims

as it were to beftow its brightnefle and beauty beyond the heavens, and never reftraincs the free communication of his influence and glory, until! it determine by naturall and neceflary expiratioB: So that he makes as much of his light, and doth as much good with it as may be. Even ib the (acred light of divine knowledge in the fanftifiedfbule of a true Chriftian ^ he doth not inclofe and monopolize his knowledge^ he doth improve indeedj but not cnclofe ^ he doth make much o£, but not monopolize his knowledge.

It labours after it owne particular illumination: Firft, to inlighten thofe that are round aboHt him; to teach and inftrudi: his family, if hee be mafter of a family, his wife, his fervanrs, his children, in the wayes of godlinelTe, and doftrine of falvation.

Secondly, hee defires, and delights to acquaint his kindred^ his friends, his acquaintance and familiars, with thofe comfortable leflbnsandwholfbme inftruftions, which hee himfelfe hath learned out of the Booke of God.

Thirdly, even amongftftrangcrs hee watchetfa opportunity, and takes occafion toinfinuatefbme good talke of heavenly matters, that (b his knowledge may be fraitfuH, and workingfor his mafters advantage in all places»in all companies 5 nay h©is Willing, if (b they will, that the very oppofire and overthwart, and thofe that oppole themfelves againft goodneffe, and Gods truth, may bee bettered and reclaimed by his admonition and reproofcs out of the Book of life.Nay,and bcfidesall thisjit is edged with an endlcfle defirc of doing more good

ftiU,l

felfeAnriching examination. i 55

ftilL For it is a true principle in Chriftianity : " Ths peformances of Gods children by the grace "of God are many, their endevours more, their " defircs endiefle.

Thus iaving knowledge is ever (preading, moft liberall and prodigall of it felfe, (hining round about where it is^ and working all the good it can in all places.

Knowledge in unfandified men, as it isunfaving to themfelves, (b it is many times unprolitable to others, either becaufe it is unexercifed through idlenefle or humour^or becaufe it is not (cafbnably, wifely, and powerfully applied to theeonfcience, for want of fpirituall experience,' or becauft through nicenefle and curiofity, and that they would not make themfelves cheape, it is kept and concealed, like Ibme rare and precious Jewell in a casket, tobcefhewedonelyatcertaine times, to fome (peciall perfbns, vainglorioufly to purchafe credit,and breed admiration^but every godly man holding the converfion of others thecrowne of his credit, and the comfort of his knowledge, is ever free-hearted, open and liberall that way: When a necefEty is laid upon him by reafon of his charge, or where there is hope or opportunity of doing any good, or when he finds himfelfe to have a calling to fpeake ; heavenly treafurcs of laving knowledge in the heart of godly man, have a quite contrary power and property to earthly riches hoarded up in the coffer of a covetous man. Thefe commonly beget in a worldly man niggardlinefle, greedineffe of grafping more^ robbing others, and engroffing F4 allJ

Note,

Ifa f.J.

Micj.tjJ.

•^ The Saints

all. An earthly minded man if he onceenrer upon the violent torrent of oppreffion, presently with a fv^/ift and headlong courfe hee is carried with full/aik, even over a Seaof bloud of the poore, thefatherleffeandopprcfled, (b that at length hee may finde an habitation without neighbours, and dwell by himfelfe upon the earth. If he once bee flelht with cruelty in this kindefor gathering of riches, hee is as holdfaft in keeping, asunconfcio* nably in getting. If he once beginne to grindc the faces of the poore, hee'le never ceafe untill hee pluckeoff their skinnes, teare their flefh, breakc their bones^ chop them in peeees for the chaldron, and eat the very fleOi of Gods people, as the Prophet (peaks. A covetous griping of this tranfitory I pelfe, doth bring forth feich a thirfting dropfie of engrollingall, that the owners would rather loie their (buleSj than part with their riches. Butcon-trarily ,the lafting riches of (avir^ knowledge,doe ever bring with them a longing and readinefle to beftow them ortall commers, and to open their fountainestoaH drawers, and to enlarge their (pi-rituallpaftures for the food of fbules, and for the (heepc of Gods pafture. A heavenly minded man ever keeps open houfe forinftru6lion in heavenly things fpirituall banquets. The lips of the righteous feed many, fiith sdomon^ Vrefo. 10.21. &15.7. The lips of the wife fpread abroad knowledge 5 " , herefbever knowledge is faving, and in (bund-nefle, itisas new Winein veflels, defifousto vent, . and that not vainglorioufly to purchafe the idle flime, and infc(^ious breath of prophane praifes,

but

felfeAnriching cxammMion.

but to workefpirimall good, and for the conver-fion of others.

A fifth marke of favingknowledge is, if ft beget reverence oF that great Majeftie, and love to that holy truth it kno\ves&: apprehends in the V\'ord. Except with an vnfained and zealous affeftionwe love God, his Word and truth, his Sacraments^ his Sabbaths, his fervants, all the knowledge in the world will doe us no good. Knov/ledg^ of it felfe puffeth up the heart, and make it fwell with contempt of his brethren^but with love it buildeth up, anJhelpethto convert our brethren. Theblefled Apoftle S* P^^/z/vilifies 6c difallowes all knowledge, power, or prerogatives whatlbever, which are not aduated and (anftified with love,, i Cor. i ^ i ,2. If a man were (eene into the depths, (ecrets, [and my-(lerics of all knowledge, if hee were able to convert whoIcNations^ if he were fb mighry in miracles, that he could remove the ftony rocks, and flurdy mountaines, there is a(Sive power. If he were not only able to endure difgrace^lolTe of goods.banilh-ment, imprifbnment, but al(b duri-t facrifice his bloud in the flames,, and render up his body to be burnt, for the profeffion of the truth ^ There is power pafJive. Jf he had not onely the eloquence of all theOratourson earth, but even the tongue of an Angell 5 all were nothing, if the divine flame of love were not kindled in the heart, to feafon andiaiiftifie them all, which onely makes us pre-ferre the glory and (ervice of God, before all riches, and the whole world ; and to love and efleeme a true Chriftian farre more dearly than

all

57

A fifth faving Icdgc, love.

5

tiiall of know-itbcgcts

i Cor.8.1.

n^he Saints

2

Trialloffa-vingfaiih.

Hcb.ll/.

Dcfinitionof juftifyingfairh.

allunrcgenerace men^ chough never lo neere unto, us in kindredj or great in the world. And it is both ■ reafbn and Religion we fliould (b doe • for one Larkc is worth a choufand Kites ^ one true Chrifti-anj though never fopoore and trampled upon in the world, isfarrc more worth than all thepro-phaneGallants.and unfandified ones in the world, though they revell it never (brichlyj in their lands^ wealthj and large revenewes 5 or raffle it in their honours, titles^ and worldly reputation ^ This vaft difference betweene neglected finccricy, and honoured prophanenefle 5 we may clearly fee in the Bookeof God ; and therefore if our knowledge befandlifiedj it will beget proportionable affcfti-on and love.

A (econd grace which every worthy and fit receiver muft find in himfelfe, is;

Faith. I meanetrue and juftifyingfairh, afpiri-tuall lewell, of unvaluable price, the very ftaiFe andlifeof ourfbules, the root and foundation of all true comfort, both in life and death, without which it is impoffiblc that cither our receiving the Sacrament, our offering up our Prayers, Almes-deeds, hearing the Word, or any other fervice, though in it owne nature, and by it felfe never fo good or necellary, (hould either be acceptable and pleafing unto God, or comfortable or profitable or to our felves.

This favingand juflifying faith I thus define 5 It is a (upernaturall gift or grace of God, infpired by the holy GhofV, whereby the humble fbule being inlightned with the knowledge of the doftrine of falvation,

felfe'inricbing examination.

5?

' falvation andaflenting thereunto, is enabled to lay ' hold or to rely on the meritorious juftice cfChrift and all the glorious benefits of hispaffion^ as belonging particularly to it felfe.

This wondcrfull and holy grace is thus wrought and engraven in the heart.

Firft, there is a mollif) ingand manuring of the heart, that it may be as it were furrowed and fitted for this pretious (ttd of life and divine impreiTi Ion. And that thus:

' I. Firft.by the miniftery of the Wordjthere muft knowledge be planted in the underftanding both bf the Law J the powerfull application whereof begets legal! repentance.a necellary preparative to t!ie infufion of faith, andoftheGofpell, afeafb-nable apprehenfion of the gracious promifes and comforts, which drawes on evangelicall repentance, whereof beginncs the life of faith 5 what meafore of divine knowledge is at leaft neceflary in this ea{e, I have heretofore figniticd. It is the very firft ftep and foundation ftoneof all fpirituall builtiing,andof the way to heaven. Wofull then and fearftill is their ftat^ that live in ignorance, without the miniftery of the Word, or that profit not by it: they take the very ready anddirei^way to deftroy their ownefbules. • •

♦ 2. Secondly, The heart muft give full alTcnt, and be cffedhially perfwaded, that thofe divine principles were revealedfor the falvation of man-kinde, and that they are moft true.thc very fecrets of heavcDi and divinely infphred. This a(fent and perfwafion is called Hifloficall faith, or faith of knowledge. 5 ►Thirdly

Fide J quid al'md eft quam vd'A Dei copiiiio ? fide enm cogni' liofiiy teftatur idEfaiasd'cesSy pnoH credit it noH imcUiguU. Cyrl'mleh.i.

..

Credere eft (um (fentiofje cogi-

dre.Aug.Ub, 'ie Precltft. San-ilorur»^eap,i, \idpdtmdu9 fiqiiirumuT^p}. ^•^, ut bommi credibilia prcpe^ nantur tfecundoy Ifenfui crcdtntii odea qua prtipO'

ia.iie,qu(fi,0^

Gal.j.M'

^he Saints

3. Third!/, The law beginnes ro workc upon the confcience, and wound the f ule by a cleare dKcoveryjand wide opening of our many ulcerous and ugly fecrer corruptions^ all the vanities of our life, and particular finnes/and by afFeding and preUing the heart with a thorow fenfeand feeling of the fierce wrath ofGod, ready to breake out in unquenchable flames of vengeance and heavie againfi: every finne we have committed.

4. Fourthly, The heart is ftrickcn thorow with fearc and trembling, it is broken and bruifed quite into peeceswith terrour and rcmorfe, it is pregnant of griefe and fbrrow, and mournful] beyond the mourning of a Dove. For a man in this cafe finds and feeles himfelfe to bee a moft hatefull and accurfed creature, embondaged and enthralled to the flavery and endlefTe conFufions of Satan and KelI,of damnation and death.

Thus farre the heart hath beene in preparing and fitting for that rootof all graces, that flower of Paradicej and plantof Heaven, an holy and (aving faith.

In the fecond place, marke howitfpringsupin the mournfull and humbled heart.

The (bule of amah being thus bruifed and broken, and rightly prepared with the terrours and dejeftionsof theLaw, is now truly and fealbna-bly fitted to receive the (weet and precious oyJe of the promifes of the Golpell, and con^rts pf ia-vinggrace* '•-'! ■:rri i-^. t "* v :*;-t:^!tr-c /'^h--

1 i Firft then, the poore foule, as you heard be-> fore^ Jbeing quite overwhelmed with waters of

anguifh

felfeAnriching examination.

anguifh and fbiTow, and flicking fait in the deepe my re of feares and terrours, beginnes to looke about for comfort and fiiccour ^ none is to be found ! in any creature, no gold nor filver, nofriendsnt^r \ Phyjiicke will doe him any good ^ no man or An- i gelJ,oranycreature,canadmini(leranyreleefe.For I Angels,in refpectof thofepure eyes which cannot j behold iniquitiejand are now faftned upon irsfoule j pollutions, are chargeable with folly and vanity ^ | the heavens are impure, and the ftarres'uncleanc in Gods fight. No man can deliver his brother, nor make agreement unto God for hira/or it coft more to redeeme a fbule i;\\t mull: let that alone for ever. At laft it happily cafts its eye upon that infini te Sea of Gods mercy,which glorioufly ftreames through the bleeding wounds of Chrift Jedis, upon every truly broken and contrite hea,it • it fettles andfa-(tens it.iight ftedfaftly upon our bleifed Redeemers as he is hanging upon the CroiTe^ftrugling with his Fathers wrath for our finSjand cry ing at laftjt is fi • nifhed.It greedily catches hold on in a ferious con • fideration, and comprehends the wholegracious dodrineof the covenant of life and falvation. It confidersallrhe proclamations of mercy and pardon in the Booke of God 5 as that in 7/^.55.1. //^j everyone that thiyfleth^ comeyee to the vpaUrs^andyse that have nofilver come buy and eat: Come Ifay^ hu v mneand milh^withoutfiher^mdwHJ^oHt mofiey*knd that out of Chrifls owne mouth, Mattk 11.28. Come nntome all yeeihat are imary^ and 1 r»UleajeyoH^ &c» ^ ^,. ? ;

2. Secondly, after a full and thorow fight and confideration of the great worke of our redemption, .'

61

Pral49.r,8,9.

^l , The Saints

tion, andot ail the gracious promiies of life, che diftrefled foule beginnes ro thinke this with it felfe ^ that though my cafe be vvofull and accurfed by reafbn of finne, yet by the mercies of God it is recoverable ; though my finncshemanyandhai-nouSjyet in Chrift lefus they are pardonable.Only itnowcafts about how it may have part in thefe mercies, andintereftin his paflion. In thcfe cafes it receives great comfort from fuch places as thefe, LhJ{,^» 18. Mat, 12.2 o.

3. Hereupon in a third place it beginnes to hunger and thirft after the precious bloud of Chrift, farre more greedily and infatiably, than ever the panting Hart after the Rivers of water, the gapirg ground for drops of raine, or any condemned man for the pardon of his life. It would give ten ihou-fand worlds, ten thoufand lives, for one gu(h of his bloud^ to wafh away its guilt and flaine, Ipots and pollutions 5 for one drop of mercy to qtiench its thirft^andrefrefh its agonies.

4. Hence in a fourth place ftrong cries.and pray-ers,and fupplicationSjgroanes Sc fighs unutterable, with fuch importunity and panting, that at lafl it cafls it ftlfe upon Gods tender mercies in Chrifl lefus, it throwes it felfe with (bme comfort and confidence into the bleeding 8c blefTed bofbme of its Redeemer, as he is hanging and holding downe the head upon the Crofle: It hides it felfe fweetly and deeply in his (acred wounds, and gored fide, from the eager purfuit of the wounding Law, the rage of Satan, and the ftingings of itsowne con-(cience. And now by tins time the bowels of Gods

tenderefl

felfe-inricbing examination.

6\

tendered compadions beginne to yearne within him r He who never knew how to brcake the brai-fed reed^ or quench the fmoking flax, takes the panting and weary foule by the hand, receives it into mercy, grace, and favour, takesofF the burthen of its finnes^ knocks off the bolts of terrour and remorfe, bathes it in the (bveraigne and faving bloud of his owne deare Sonne, and accounts it pure, juft, and anfpotted, for lefus fake.

Thus faith hath beene breeding, and is brought forth.

3. Now in a third place behold it flourifhing and growing in the heart.

After that faving faith with unexpreflable groans and fighs, and ftrong cries, hath laid faft hold upon the bitter and victorious pa/Iion of Chrifl:, and all his meritorious juftice, and lb purcha(ed favour^ acceptation, and remiffioniaf fins ^ i.It pre-lently rcturnes this bleiTed mcflage, and comfortable n ewes unto the foule ^ that it is certainly pardoned, juftificdj and mofl: undoubtedly entitled by the everlafting covenant of grace^ even frefhly (ealed with the bloud of Chrift, unto a crowne of immortality, and endlefle joyes of heaven. This being done, it is filled with joy unfpeakable and glorious^ and with peace that pafieth all underftan-dinty : But after it come to it felfe out of thefc ftrangecxtafies, and excefleof (pirituall pleaftres, itfoberlyconfiders what great things havebeene done for it, what extraordinary love, and infinite mercy hath bcene (hewed unto it 5 2. And thereupon prefently addrefleth it felfe to Evangelicall

repentance 3

<s^

HdUauJ.follii

T^he Saints

repentance^tobewaile heartily allhisfinnes, and former wrecchednefle of life, not fb much for feare of Gods vengeance, and the punifhment of iinne, as he did in legall repentance, but efpecially grieving with godly (brrow, for having fo vilely and rebellioufly grieved and otfended to gracious and loving a Father ^ and Co doth refblutely abandon the pradice of every grofTe finne, and at leaft throw out of his heart and affeftions, the liking and allowance of every the leaft infirmitie: 3. And for ever after (etdes himfelfe toholineffeof life, fincerity of hearty a good conlciencej and an uni-verfall and true hearted obedience to all Gods Commandements : By growth in which, and by fenfe, obfervation, and experience of Godsipeci-all favour and love unro him in the courfeof his Chriftian life, and new obedience : His feith receives continuall life and ftrength, untill it come in fbme good meafure towards that height of aflu-rance, and fulnefle of perfwafion with the bkC-fed Saints of old ^ that he is able to (ay with holy David^ IvpUlnetfearethoHih the earth be mffvtd^ and thongh themountams becaft ifnto the mfddeft of the Sea: though the vpaters thereof rage and be troubled^ and the f^ioHntaimsJJjake at thefnrges fthef me^ Pfal. 4 ^. 2,3. Though Ijhould walk§ thdrotf the valley of thejhadovoof deaths IwHlfeare m evilly for thou art mth me^ thy rod andtl^y flajfe they comfort me^ pfaLi'^.^. And with lob '^ oh that my words mrenovp written ! Oh that they }»erevpritteneven'tnahooke ! And graven with an iron fen in tead^or infton for everFor-iamfure that my Re-XdeemerJ^vethy and that hejhallkthelaflupontheearth. '.;■ 'V :, . And

felfeAnriching examination. ] 6^

A»d though after mpklnr^^x)Porj;iesdeftrC}thh body ^yct

Jhall I fie God in wyflrf^ : WhomlwyfelfefijaU fee, and

0twe€ifesjhul'lbeldold^ a*^d erne other for me^ though my

rdnts ar9 confumed mthin me^ lob 19.21^ &c. And

chap, 13 ,verf 15. Loe^tldough hejlay me.^et mill trufl in

/^^/». Andwich blefled Saint P^^/, K^w^.S.^S. lam \

'perfr>padedthat mlther deaths e^c. Thefe hig'h refolu-

tions of heaven, and noble elevation of fpirit, are

the very natural! iflue 8c prodnccments of a ftrong

faith. Which if we wouldattaine or prcferve^ wee

muft watchfully looke unto our hearts, lives, and

confciences, that they bee pure, unfpotted, and

tender, we muft cake heed of relapfes, and warily

prevent fals into finne. For we (ha J findcour faith

td ebbe ind flow, much after the decay or in-

creafe-df our holincfle of life, and finceri ty of

heart.

Thus I have briefly opened to you thenature, breeding, birth, and growth of faith. And the rather^ left you deceive your owne hearts with falfe Faiths 5 Imcanefaithsunfufficientto (alvation, or wander in the by-paths of excefle or defects of faith.

I. For firft there bee many kinds of faith, of which none will ferve the turne for falvation.

T. There isanhiftoricallfaith, whereby a man is endued with knowledge of the Word, and is 1 certainly perfwaded in his heart that it is moft true, \ and divinely infpired ^ this isfb farre from being' ftith. faving faith, that the Devill and his Angjels cxcell | many men herein: For wheras many men are quite | ignorant of the Word, and many have but little

G ' know-'

SttHnauWi.

The kinds of

iBfufficicnt

faith.

1 Hiftoricall

Fabh of miracles.

Imaginaty faith.

T^he Saints

knowledge, and give bur wcake aflcnc to the truth thereof 5 the devils know much, certainly beleeve it, and yet they doe more, tkj fiare a/fd trembU^

2, SecondlyjThere is a faith of miracles ^ which is an inward perlwafion of the heart, wrought by Ibme fpeciall inftinftof the HolyGhofl:, in fomc men^ whereby they arc truly perfwaded, that God will ufe them as inftruments to bring to pafle fbme ftrange and extraordinary thiags. This hach no power forfalvatron, it is common, and communicated both to the eledt and reprobate indilFereot-ly : Iifiof was endued with this po^er, and had Ws part herein as well as the reft of the Apoftles. Aad we (kQ^Manh.j,ii .Many worker^ of miracjes ihallbe reje&ed atthe laftday. Many ^itbChrift, will fay unto me in that day. Lord, Lord^havewc not by thy name prophefied? and by thy name caft out devils ? and by thy name done many great works > Andthenwililprofefle to them, I never knew yoUj depart from me yc that worke iniquity. 5. Thirdly, there is an imaginary faith^ which deceives and damnes thoufand: And that is a ftrong and bold perfwafion, withoutall truths ground, or warrant, that Chrift is their Saviour, that they have part in his paflion, and (hall undoubtedly be favedj when indeed and truth there is no fiich matter : And therefore it is no true perfwafion, no true faith, but a vaine prefumption, a ftrong delu-fion, a trae counterfeit of a true faith. And this is threefold : Fifft, when men and women living in ignorance,

with-

j felfeAnriching examination.

without all faving knowledge, upon fuch principles as thefe 5 that they meane well 5 that they doe no man harme 5 that they pray morning and evening^ build a bold and blinde perfwafion, that they have as good part and right in Chrift, as the beft of them all 5 whereas indeed they lie enthralled in the invifibJe chaines of damnation, and are meere Grangers to the life of Godj by reafon of the ignorance which is in them. For knowledge in the Word of God, is the ground-worke and foundation of all fpirituall building 5 without it there can no true faith be had, no repentance, no new obe-diencCj no faving graces at all in thislife, or falvati-on in the world to come.

Secondly;, when men entertaine and fettle in their heart a flrong and bold conceit, that Chrlft belongs to them with all his benefits, and ytt nufleand harbour in the fame hearts a liking and allowanceof fbme finnesin themfelves 5 at leafl a purpofe to continue in one f\veet finne or other, wherupon depends their honour, wealthjpleafureSj and worldly happinefles 5 and will not be fiibdued by the power of the Word, to t thorow change of heart, and a found amendment of life. Thefe men thinke they have a reach beyond the Moone, and are wifer than all the Chriflians that ever were, which could never finde.fbfmoothandea-fie a way to heaven : For they fiicke ftill at the brefts of pleafure, and feed upon voluptuoafnefle, vanity, and worldlinefle, as the Hoiileech upon corrupt bloud ^ they ruffk it in the vanity and glory of the world 5 they joyne houfe tohoufe, and

G 2 land

^7

Imaginary faith tf three forts.

Efhcn4.i8.

<JS

A5..IJ

Rora 10.14.

The. Saint i

land CO land, by oppreilion and violence -or con-rinue in one open finne or other, and yet vainly nourifti hope of ialvation in themfeive&5 thinke they are in the ftate of grace, and have asibunda crult in Chrift Jefus, as the pureft and precifefl: amongftthem all 5 but they ^very foulyandfeare-fully deceive their owne poore fbwles, and llrive for impoffibilities, to bring two ends together which will never meetjfinfull pleafores upon earth, and endlefTe peace in the world to comeJ The faith of" chefe men is but imaginaryand countcfeit^ fbrit is everthe property of true and laving faith, tho-rowiy to purge the hearc; and to refbrrae the life wholly; to exprefle it feife, and toappeare fruitful! aridlively^iathclexiercifes of invocatbn and true repentance,of lincericy and obedience.

Thirdly, when men conceive a bold and ftrong perfwafion, chat Ghrift is their Saviour, and yet fee light by the miniflrery of the Word & SacrameAts^ embracing the ufe and following the ^xereiie of them onely at their leifure and pleafure, fbfarre as their worldly commodities, and camall contentment will give.them leave 5 bur not with hungry fpiritiia 11: appetites, ?and humble fubriiifliofl to the power thereof. The faith of the^ meii is but i' vaine prefumption, and counterfeit conceit. For juftifying faith is ever conceived, cheriihed and conftrmedy by a* right religittusy conftantj and' powerfoli'uieiand exercife (^ihe,W^fdandSadr3»' ments.The Ccedi of b wcake faith,(if it be true'>and jufliifying) fbwen in the heart by che Holy GhoiK doth grow by little aiidiitrie to aiixong faith and^ I

^h-:d--- ••-D""^ "": fullf

felfe4nriching examination.

full afliirance ^ but ever by a zealous and profitable purfuit of the meanes of grace and knowledge, preaching, reading, prayer, meditation, conference, ufe of the Sacraments, finging of Pialmes, confcience and faithfulnelTe in our calling, merci-fulnefle to the poore, &c. He that hath true faith, will ever have both an eye and heart to thefe holy meanes, thefe godly exercifes. , 4. There is alio adead faith^which is to be found in many profeflbrs^and thofe that make great (hew of forwardnelTe in Chriftianity: When men have good ftorc of knowledge, follow the Word and Sacraments with diligence, are able to difcourfe with underftanding, and dexrerity of points of religion, have goodrefpeft to the Commandements of the firft Table : But in dealings with their brethren they (hame their profeilion, deny the powder of Ghriftianfty, and plainly fliew that their faith is without life, and their life without the fruit of a juftifying faith ^ their fecret and clofe conveyances for enriching themfelves unlawfully, and en-largingtheir eftates by extortion ard oppreffion, doe cleerlydi(cover the deadneife of their faith, and death of their foules in finne.

5. Fifthly, there is a temporary faith, which I may thus defiue:

It is a generall grace of God'wrought in the hearts of fbme formall profelTors, by the minifte-rie of the Word founding in their eares, and by an inferiour operation of his fpirit, whereby their minds are in fbme meafure iulightned and delighted with the Word^ whereupon may follow (bme _____ G g kinde

6y

Temporary faith.

The Saints

kindc of converfion, a fhadow of true regeneration, feme outward reformation of life, fb that they may be in their owne conceit well perfwaded ofj and fecured about their fpirituall eflate, and thatthe beft difcerning fpirits can hardly without very neere converling with them, and long triall, difcerne and diftinguidi them from found Chriftians.

This faith deceives thoufands, becaufe they thinke it fufEcient for (alvatiqu, when as it will never ferve the turne^or hold out in the day of triall, in the day of vifitation, when the confcience will ftand upon ftrid tearmes^ it will melt away into feares, howling, and end in horror anddefpaire.

And that men may more (ecurely reft and repofe themlelves & their foules in this temporary feith, as on a fpirituall Bulwarke^ and fore foundation, though indeed it be but grounded in fand^Satan he cunningly gilds 8c burnilhes it over with his ange-licallglory^and makes it as faire incolour,and ftiew,, and outwardnefle of (bme fruits^ as is that other Ipcciall, (aving, and juftifying grace of true faith 5 fothat theyappeare to be as like, ascorneonthe houfe top, or amongft ftones, and that which fpringsup in a rich and fruitfull foile, they agree for the time in colour and frefhnefle. But marke the difference which time and triall brings upon them ^ the one fprouts up fuddenly, flourilhes faire andgreenefora while, but after the heat of the Sunne beating upon it, it dries away^ dies, and comes to nothing: But the other being feft rooted in a good ground, and watred feafonably with the

dewi

felfe4nrichmg examination.

7»

dcvf of heaven, growes in ftrength and beauty, { rich and frwtfull, ripe for the harveft, ready for the ) barne. It is juft fo in temporary^ and (aving faith 5 1 the former (eated fuperficially in the braine, flou-1 rifhes a while in piety and zeale ^ but if once the heat of perfccution come, and rife uponic, vexation, difgrace, difcountenance^ lofle of goods^ fome maine hazard of temporal! happinefle • why then it beginnes to languifh and decay^ to draw backe from former forwardnefTe, to pull in the head for feare of precifcnelTe, and to fall backe to the common fafliions of the world, and formal] profeffion of the time: But this other being rooted in a good and honeft heart, by the fpeciall and ef-feftuall operation of Gods (anftifying ^irit, and watered by the plentifull and powerfiill fhowers of aconftantandconfcionablc miniftery, and cheri-fhed continually with the holy food of the Lords Supper, with fervent and feeling prayer, Chriftian conference, meditation, and a good conftience in all things,doth grow and gather (pirituall ftrength, and in def{)ight of wicked and flanderous tongues, Cwhich fcorch farre more fiercely than coales of Juniper) of all ftormesand tempefts, either rifing out of naturall corruption, or railed by Satan, or ftirred up by the world, and (corafuU prophane-nefife, it ftands upright, and brings forth much blelled and glorious fruit, with patience and con-ftancie.

Left you deceive your owne hearts and fbules in this point, I will tell you how farre this temporary faith hath power, and may prevaile in working ^ G 4 Firft,

The Saints

Firft, fome mcafurc of inward illumination. Secondly, fbmekindeof converfion. Thirdly, fome degrees of regeneration. Fourthly, fome outward reformation and obedience, or outward holinefie^ and it is utterly infufficient for (alvation.

Firit, By the power of temporary faith a man may be thus farre inwardly inlightned.

1. Hee may be inftrudted by the Holy (jhoft in the underftanding and knowledge of the Word preached to him. And whereas naturally men know not the things of God, walke in the blindnefle and vanity of their minds, embracing errour fcr truth, darknefle for light ; he may hereby be fo farre inlightned, that hee may fee and acknowledge the truth of Religion, diftafte errout s, difcerne (uper-naturall principles, and bee acquainted in fome good meafore with the revealed will of God, 2 Peif .2.2 o. Mmh.'j. 12. Matth. i o.i,

2. Secondly, Hee may approve and afTentnnto the divinity and truth of the Law, in the revelation of the finfull ftate of naturall corruption, and theaccurfed ftate of plagues and judgements due unto finners. And unto the truth and certainty of the promifes of ftlvation revealed in the Golpell, and (hining in the face of Chrift Jefos.

5. Thirdly, He may have a kinde of perfwafion, a confufed truft, a glimmering hope, that he hath part in the promifes of grace, and that Chrift is his Redeemer.

4. Hee may bee endued with ability in expoun^

ding, and with formal I wifdome and skill in apply-

. ing the Word of God to the converfion and falva-

felfe^inrichmg examination.

7?

5. He may have inward delight and content ment in the miniftery of the Word^and fome love and affedion to Gods meflengers.

6. He may fblace himfelfe with the (weet and comfortable confideration of Gods rich mercies towards his children, in Chriftlefiis. Such as are thole which I have heretofore reckoned unto you.

I. Incorporation into Chrift. 2. Reconciliation. 3.RemilIion of finncs. 4. Imputation of righteoufnefle. 5. Interceflion. 6. Acceptation to eternall life. 7. Adoption. 8. Sanftification. ^. Corroboration, 10. Glorification.

7. He may tafte of the powers of the world to come, He^. 5. That is, by a meditation of the laft judgement, the future refurredion, the en^llefle joyes of heaven, the unconceiveable torments of thedamned, may drive him to fome good motions and purpoles for throughnefJe and conftancy in fincerity ^ but they laft but fo long as untill his tcmporall happ'nefle and worldly contentments be croiTedj interrupted^ or mainly hazarded. Or thus, he may tafte of the powers of the world to come ^ hee may have a delightfull glimpfe and glance at eternall life, and the glory of another world; but it is but a tafte, he is not fed and filled with it. For his once looking at a crowne of*glory above, he hath many thoufand delightfull glances, and longgazings, upon his gold and filver, lands and riches, plea(ures,profits, and earthly comforts. But upon whofe heart foever a found juftifying faith hath feized, hee hath his converfation and whole comfort there, with great gladnefle and

fonging^

As Uerei.

Phll.j.ao.

Pfal. Ii^tioj-

TZ'^ Saints

longing ^ he looks from thence for a Saviour ^ (b that this prelent life is not (b deare unto him ^ but he holds it out in his hands to all perfecutions, to finifh the (hort courfe he hath here, with joy and clearnefle of confcience.

Now in a (ccond place you are to conceive that this temporary faith hath power to worke fome degrees, and fome kinde of change and converfi-on. For degrees of converfion, lee my Sermons on this Text 5 ThyWardisali^^t to mjifiet^ andalau-thometomypaihs.

Be fides, a morall change from notorioufhefle to civilitie 5 and a fbrmall change from civill honefty^ to an outward profeffion of Chriftianity and performance of cxternall duties: And an inward fpc-culative change, in refpeft of generall graces; as inlightning by divine knowledge^ and a rejoycing in the underftanding, for thofe heavenly myfteries revealed : I (ay, befides thefe there may by the power of a temporary faith fuch a change bee wrought, as is called in Scripture, the uncleane Ipi-rits going out of a min.MauL 12.43. A flying from the pollutions of the world,2?e/. 2.20. A wafhing^ 2 Vet, 2.22. A fandification by thebloud of the Teftament, Heb a 0,29, And a participation of the HG!yGhoft,Hf^.^.4.

Thirdly, a man furniflied with this temporary faith,may attaine (bme progreiTe and degrees 5 may (cramble at in fome meafore, and have fome fhiat-tering in that great worke of regeneration 5 as I confider it,and have heretofore propofcd it to con-fill: of thefe five parts ^ Knowledge, Legall contri-

tion

3.

felfe^inmhing examination.

tionsFaithjSanftificationjEvangelicaHrepenfancc*

1. Fir ft for Knowlegde. He may attaine a great and large undcrftanding in the Scriptures, and Word of truth, as I told you before ^ hee may approve and acknowledge it 5 confeffeit, and make profefiionof it 5 ftand out for it for a time, and defend it 5 asdid J»</<^xtheTraitour, and IffIrOff the Apoftata, and yet both reprobates.

2. Hee may have the Ipirit of bondage, Ro^f. 8.15. which is a certaine gift of God, whereby a man doth difcerne the right meaning, and judicial! ufe of the Law in himfelfe, concerning his fearefiillfinfullcftate by nature, and Gods jufi indignation and certaine vengeance due vnto him for his iinnes. Hence fprings legall repentance and contrition, fearesandterroursof confcience, pric-kingSj andhorrours, at the confideration and feeling of Gods wrath and vengeance for finne. Falix trembled^A&a/^. 2 6, from hence may proceed many good thing?.

I. He may confefle and acknowledge his finnes, and the Lords righteoufnefle. So did Vharaoh^Exod. ^.27. AndIud4S:>Matth,2y»^^j^.

Hee may bee grieved and forty for his iinnes, I Sam.24'17 Matth,2y,7, He3.12.17.

3. With humiliation,fafting,teares and prayers, he may fue and feeke for reconciliation, remiilion, and bieffing. When Eliah reproved Ahal^ for his idolatry, and threatned him from the Lord^ it is faid 'j Whe» he heard tliefevpordf^ he rent hh clothefj and put (mfac^ckth upon Um^ andfafied^ atfdwefftfoftljiy in toksn of m^urmtfgy i King. 21.'2 7, 2^. Efanfonght

the

75

Hcb.Id.i^.

AftM^,T7.

Or rather

femethingltkc the faille of bondage»

The Saintf

i

tk bkfmg mth tearef^ Heh,i2, 17.

4. He may defire the prayers of the godly, to be delivered from the wrath of God, and vengeance of finne. So did Pharaoh, and SimonMAgus^ Exod.io. 17. J^,^.2/{. Hemaywifh, being aiBi-61:ed with the terrours of hell for his finnes, to die thedeathof the righteous, and to partake of the happinefle of the Saints. So Balaam opprefled with the feare of Gods judgements, prayed thus 5 ob that I might die the death of the righteous^ and that my laft end might Belik^ his^ "Numb, 23.10.

Thefe two firft fteps, knowledge and legall repentance, which are onely preparatives, not eflen-tiall parts of regeneration. A man with temporary faith may be intirely pofleft off : Now further, he may enjoy fbme fcamblings, (hadowes, and re-femblances of the three following elTentiall parts of regeneration.

I. Firft for faith. Though that true^foand, and juftifying faith, that holy, fpeciall, and pretious grace, be peculiar and proper to Gods children on-ly^ which after a thorow bruifing and breaking of the heart, with piercing groanes and fighs doth clafpe faft about the bloudy (ufferings^ and meritorious obedience of Chrift lefus, and with a powerfull and particular application, appropriate them to the truly humbled fbule, and then afterward brings forth unfained and (bund repentance, true hatred to all iniquity, an utter cefTation from the pradife of all knowne groflc finnes, a detefta-tion, difallowance, anddifaffedion to infirmities 5 and that becaufe they grieve, offend, and difbo-

nour

nourlbmercifull a God. A thorovv fanftification ■ of all the powers of the fbule, inrefpefl: of parts, , though not to the height and excellencie of degree, and laftly, a fincere, univerfalJj and con-ftant obedience to all Gods Commandements. Though this faith I fay be onely found in men truly converted, yet a reprobate may by the power of a temporary faith, and by the generall light of the fpirit have.

Firft,an overlyapprehenfion of the excellencie of Chrift lefiis, and the bleffcd ftate of thofe that are made partakers of him by faith, hee may fee, what is the comfort of remiflion of finnes ^ of a confcienccfprinkledwith the bloud of Chrift 5 of free accefle with confidence unto the Throne of grace. Hee may have a fenfe in his heart, whereby he perceives and feelesthe excellency of Gods be-nefitSj notwirhftandinghe doth not enjoy them.

Secondly, He may have a-kinde of perfwafion that Chrift is his Redeemer. This-may be gathered out of 2 P^/.2.1, where fbme falfe Prophets are (aidtodeny Chrift that bought them, becaufe for atime (faith a worthy divine) they prbfefled them--felves tobe redeemed, and wer^ alfeperfwaded in a generall fort that he had bought them, yet herein they failed, that they did not truly apprehend the merit of Chrift, and apply it home and efFe-£hially to themfelves, with a thorowchange of heart, and fincere amendment of life*

2. A fecond evidence or fruit of regeneration, is fanftification, an holy worke of the fpirir, by wfeich the whole man, body janid ieule^ and fpirit.

77

Or rather a fruit of regc-neiaiion.

l^he Saintf

Hcb.10.t9,

4

is enlarged from the reigne and tyranny of finne iindSatanj and enabled through the fpirit of Chrift to defire and delight in godlinefTe, and good things, and therein to vvalkc aud continue to the end. This is peculiar to the true Chriftian ^ but yet by the power of temporary faith, which is in-(ufBcient to falvation, a man may atchicve (bme (camblings at (carterings of his blefled worke: He 1 may put on (bme good afFedlions, though not to ' him, becaufe they are not fanftified by fpcciall grace, yet in their kinde, and fo farre forth as we can judge. . For example:

' Love to God, as he is an excellent good^authour of his profperity and temporall happineflc, and in fuch like refpeds. Bur thisaffedionisnotlincefe and faving, becaufe it is not principally, moft dearly, and without other refpeds faflned upon God, as a mofl mercifull Father in Chrift lefus, from all eternity.

loy in the Word, preaching, prayer, and the happy ftate of the righteous. The ftonie ground receives the Word with joy, Maith. 17, 20. Herod heard lohn Baptiji gladly, Markz 6. 20. l^umb. 23.10. d" 24.4.5.

A defire of the prayer s of good Chriftians; Pharaoh defired Mofes and Aaron to pray for him, Exod. 9.^7. S^imof^ MagHs dtdxtd Peter to pray for him, that none of the things which hee had fpoken againft him fhould come to pafTe, .^5?. 8.24.

A reverence to Gods melTenger: Herodknomu^ lohnto be a juft and holy man, feared and rcvcren-ced him, Mark^ 6. 2 o. Zeale

felfe-inriching examinamn.

Zeale for the Lord of hods; Come with mcand^ee the zeak that lhav,i for the Lord-:, fzithlehuy iKwg-i^i. 16. and yet he departed not from the finnesothis fore-fathers, xior regarded to vpalk^ mthe Law ofth: tordGod of jfraelmtb all his hearty verf 31.

Many good purpofes to follow the guidance of the fpiritj and a courfe of fandlificationj but dif-grace danger, endangering temporall happinefle, orfbme fuch crolTe and temptation doth quickly da(h and blaft fuch holy motions, and good beginnings^ as it was with the ftony ground.

3. Evangdicall repentance is the third efTentiall part in the great worke of regeneration. And it is a worke of grace arifing from a true faith, and godly fbrrow, whereby aChriftianturnesfromallhis finnes, unto God and true godlineffe, with con-ftancie and delight therein. This is peculiar and proper to Godschilde, but an unlandified man by the power of temporarie faith, may make a pretty (hew herein. Forbefides morall repentance,which isdgrieving for having offended againft honefty, hemayinforae degree Theologically repent, and bee fbrrowfull and heavie hearted 5 i. for having offended again ft piety, although not fb much in zeale for the offence and difpleaiure of God, as for feare of the danger and punilhment of linne. 2. Be(ides this (brrow for finne, hee may rurne from his finnes of words and outward adions^ but the heart continues full of foule pollutions, andacageof alluncleane birds. He maybeginne toreturnein fbule with fome change of the inward powers and faculties thereof 5 from ignorance

So

Note,

. The Saints

(ranee to knowledge, from the vice to inward ha-bits/rom ftarke blindnefle in the myftery of falva-tion, fofbmegenerall lightnings of thefpirit^ He may leave the praftife of many finSjthough he cannot truly hate them, for conicience fake, and the love of God. Nay in a word, he may forbearc and forgoe all finneSjfave his fweet delightflill darling, and boibme finns. Herod reverenced loh/^ Bapt^^ heard him gladly, reformed manythings^ Markc6.» 20. onely hee would not part with his (weet finne of luftfullpleafqres. Agrippa could almofl: beper-fwaded to be a Chriftian, but not altogether, A&, 26.2S. Kaaman defireth the Lord to bemercifull to him in one point, 2 Kmg. 5.18. he could not re-(blve to leave his place of honour with his mafter 5 only he W9nldbe re/pitedandfparedinone finne. The young man in the Gofpell wanted but one thing tofave his foule^ Mark: io»2i. theabando* ning of his worldlineffe and covetou/nefle^ but that was his (weet finne, he would rather part with Chrift lefiis, than with his riches. Thus by the power of temporary faith many may be free from drujikennefle^ lying, fwearing, oppreflion^Scc. only retaining the foule and hatefu!l finne of un-cleanncfle. ^' Many may be chare jrovi all other groffe ^^ finnes^ omly fufferingtheirhearts to bee exercifid in ^^ coveteufmjje^ ^c,

4. Laftly, temporary faith hath power to worke an outward reformation of life, a forward profef^ fion of great holinelTe, fbme fruits of piety, and branches of obedience, and fometimes fbme notable undertakings for the advancement of Gods

truth.

felfe-inriching examination.

Si

truth, and furtherance of gcxxi caufes ^ favour, countenance, ^ndrciped to godly Minifters, and

good men. ! ^T? -rr,-'. ; hoor; .-:

A man hereby may doe all things outwardly which true Chriftiansdoe, and may lead fiich a life hereupon earth, that although he doe not thereby actaine heaven, yet his pajnes in hell may be lefle, as appeareth by our Saviour Chrift, Itlhall beea-^itxioxtyrus and Sjdony forsodomeand Gomorrhe, than for Capermum^^nd other Cictes unto which he came, in the day of Judgement, MattL 11. 20.1 am j perfwadedchat thofe who have utterly wanted the wanted the miniftery of the Word^ and thofe who having enjoyed it, have joyed in ity and have in fbme meafiire fubmitted thcmfelves to it, fhall have fewer ftripes, and lefie torment in hell, than thofe who having it long (hining bright upon them, have flill lien fl-arke frozen in their dregges, and utterly blinde in matters of heaven ^ and thofe who having beene often wafht with many plentiful! fliowres from heaven, have flill continued Blackmoores, fcornfull and rebellious t© grace and godlineffe.

Hemay aflemble with the Saints of God to holy exercifes with frequencie and fbrwardnelle, hee may holdcorrefpondence^and talk of good things, fweetly confiilt, and mutually communicate fccrets with them. Such falle-hearted friends it feemes j D4vtdh^, PfaL 5 5.15,14. 5»# it wasthott, faith the Prophetj my compan'on^ tnypnk^ and mm mnefa-miliarfrieni: Wttook^fneHconn^elltogtth&r^ andvpalr \ kedinthhoufeofGodasfriendf. 1

H While \

Mat.ii.io.

Sz

The Saints

4

5

Afahs heart was perfeft. 1 King. I J. 11,

See Vnct M<ir-tj/r,

6

While he enioyes, the company and conference of godly Minifters, and good Chriftians, he may doe many good things ^ favour and countenance the beft men, and for the time^ andinfomefbrt / ftand for Gods glory, and good caufes 5 as J»{^ did in the dayes of lehoiada the Prieft, iKmg. 12.2. iCbron,i^,i6. And H^oJ v^zt much better for lohff Baptiftf company ^ but when it came to the tri-all, and they were left to themfelves, they were both naught. '

He may difcourfe eloquently and pathetically of God5of his will and proriiifes^reprove the impiety, prophanenefle^ formality, and coldnefle of others ^ withallegations and proofes out of Scripture 5 he may cenfure & condemne the ignorant and dumbe Minifteryjand boaft himfelfe tobeof God,aS/#^^ didj and yet himfelfe vvas hollow hearted/2 Chroft. 1 3.4.P. 10. I King,i 5.3. Hee may be hot, refolute, and peremptory sigainft idolatry, as /^p the King was, 2 chran. 15.4. i ^. d^ 1 6, 10.12 .and yet he vext the iProphers and Minifters of God, and was mer-cilefle to theSaints, and fb not found hearted, as appeared on his deathbed, cka'ver Vr^v, ir. 20. thinks it was but a fit of frowardnefle in Afa^ to cafl the Prophets into prifbri : But BarHmeHsAn-drea^^ urgeth him as I have done. Yet i Khg,\^. It feemes he was an honeft man. but howfbevcr the thing is true. Take therefore Uhu for inflance.

Hemayhave (lirringsand flrivingsin his heart and confcience, when he is tempted by Satan^ and entifed byhisowne fenfuall corruptions, to the committing of any groffefinnc^ fo that hee goes

, .*/-^' ' . '■' ■ " about!

felfeHnrichmg examination.

' ——__^— ^

about It with (bmc feares, diftaftes, and grudg ings of heart. Pilatev/SLS troubled in minde before he paft fentence upon Chrift, And tierod was grieved when he (aw loh» Baptift was to die.

When his confcicnce checks him, or the mini-ftery of the Words frights him with judgementj afcerthccomiffionof afinne, he may repent and confefleit. So did/W^/humble himfelfe with fa-fting and iackcloth.So did ^Wjyell and cry as Efiiu did. But it is not with true feeling and hatred of finne, andbecaule they grieve God. i'j j.: lii?:

Hee may die fairely and meekly like a Lambe, without any feares, or violent temptations, with fomeformall good fpecches,tomake his departure more Chriftian-Iike, ''and yet be of the number of **= thofe5that hav e no bands in their death, P/^.73.4. but goe down fuddenly totheir grave,7(?^2 i.that is, (wectly,mildly & eafily, not tormented with long ficknefle, or aftonifhed with feares of confcicnce 5 they both meane the wicked. Thefe things a man may doe 5 thus farre a man may goe by the power of a temporary faith,and the general! graces of the fpirit. Why then beloved before I pafle out of this point, if reprobates may attainefo great and excellent things 5 as knowledge of the my fiery of Chrifl 5 apprehenfion of his cxcellencie 5 fbme worthy gifts of the holy Ghort 5 rejoycing in the Gofpell, many powerfiill effefts of the world to come 5 fume kipde of repentance andconverfion 5 (bme good affeftions to Gods glory and Mini-flers^ reformation of manyfinnes :^ and outward holinefle 5 and yet for all this have no part in the

H 2 falvation

Sf

iCor.tj.J.tf.

The Saints

ftlvation of the Saints, nor be truly regenerate to a lively hope in. Chrift Jefiis, what need have wee if we have any care to be (aved, to fift and fearch to the bottome our cozening and deceitful 1 hearts, and to examine and try thorowly whether we be in the faith, whether Chriftjefusbeinusor no? If men endued with great knowledge, fome grace oi the (pirit, and outwardly reformed in their lives,may yet have no part inthe firft rciurreftion, where (hall appearethe ignorant, the wilfully pro-phane, the ftubborne rebellious to godly courfes, andgood inftrudions ? What (hall become of the fwearer,the dmnkard,the unclean perfbn,the icor-ner, the Ufurer, the worldling ? If the formall pro-feflbr^thecivill honeft man cannot be (aved,where ihall the defperate fwaggerer,and notorious (inner appeare>If many (hall feeke to enter into the King-dome of God, andjhall not be ahk^ Luk, 13.24. what (hallbecomeof thofethat runne as fall from it as they can, that root in the earth, hunt after the world all their life longhand never fb much as once looke up to heaven^ or entertaine one thought of attaining the joyes and glory thereof? Many thou-fands of poore (bules moft fearefully deceive themfelves in this pointy about the (pirituall eftate of their foules. How many doe not with thatglad-ne(re heare, with that reverence refpe^fl, with that reformation of many things follow the Miniflers, andminifteryof the Word, as Hertfdd\dloh»Eap'-tift ^ How many have not halfe that zeale for the Lord of Hofts, as Ufm had ? How many never humbled themfelves with fafting, or mourned in j

fackclothl

felfeAnriching examination.

fackcloth for their finnes^ as Ahab did ? How many doe not with halfe that care and crying (eeke a blcfTing^as did £/^;^5(whoyet was rejeded of God.) Hee went to his father, hee fell upon his knees^ he yelled for very griefe • he was afhamed he had fbJighcIy, and at luch a low rate palTed away his birth-right_, and bleflings of heaven -^ he wept and fhed teares. I fay how many have not gone halfe fo farre in thefe points, andyetthinke all is well with them, thinke they are forward enough in the profeflion andpradife of Religion, and make no doubt of heaven hereafter ? But deceive not your felves beloved in the Lord lefus; The power of a temporary faith, though unfiifficient to falvation, may bring forth a faire fhew of Chriftianity and conuerfion 5 a very caft-away may goe farre in many things, as you have heard.

As concerning the Word, hemayheare it, un-derfland it, aflent to it, rejoycc in it, pradife fbme duties commanded by itj and yet all the while but the favour of death unto death to him.

He may goe farre fh faith, beleeve the truth and power of the Word, beleeve thepromifes, beleeve Chrifi died for finners, yea, and hope he is one of them that ChrifV died for 5 and yet have no part or trueinterellinhim.

Hee may goe farre in repentance: For hee may confefTe and acknowledge his finnes^ he may feele pricks in hisconfcience, havefbrrowinhis heart, and teares in his eyes for them 5 hee mayproroife and purpofefbr a time to amend, yea and make re-flitution and §tisfaftionfor wrongs done^he may

H:? have

«5

85 I The Saints

have great penfivenefle and terrour after fomc horrible £id, for feare of (hame, law, punifhmenr, hell fire, &c. as hadl^^/, Cainej Saul^ Efau^ aM^ and fuch like, and yet come fhort of (alvation. [ Hee may goefarre in outward fhcwof anholy and upright life ^ hee may bee a juft dealer 5 an ordinary goer to Church 5 a good pay-mafter ^ areleever of the poorc ^ abountifullhoufe-kce-per li and yet at lall: be turned into helL Why then beloved brethren, it very deeply and neerely ftands every man upon, to inquire and try whether his converfation bee counterfeit orcurrant 5 whether his converfation bee but formally and faireinfhewonly, oriincercand truly Chriftian. And never (uffer his eyes to fleepe, nor his eyelids to {lumber ^ never to reft and be at quiet, or topleafe himfelfe in any grace or fervices 5 until! comparing them with thofe attainable by the reprobate, hee finde himfelfe to goe beyond them^ aid to afcend to the pitch of truth, and finceri-tyin all his wayes, which no caft-away canpof^ blycomprehend, or ever attaiueunto. Elle undoubtedly in the day of our vifitation, when our conlciences ftiall ftand upon ftrifttcarmes with us, whether we have beene formall profef-fbrs, or trae Chriftians 5 we (ball fhrinke in the wetting. And then when it is too late^ discouragements and feares will ceafe upon us in an unfeafo-nable time 5 and our fiire foundation will bee to lay when the rainc falleth.and the flouds come,and the winds blow, MattL 7.2 <?, 27. A great many men when they fall downc upon their bed of laft

fickncfle^i

felfeAnriching examination. j 8 7

fickneffe, are like them which commit thcmfelves to the raging and tempeftuous Seas in a rivcn^fhip. There converfion is not founds and the ftrong operation of the Lords fanftifying (pirit but hollow and by halves : Their faith is not true and (a-ving, but only a bold prefumption^ and bare conceit, thatthey have a true and (avingfaith.

Many in their lifetime are contented togoca good way with godly men toward heaven, asOr-p./A went with her filter K»M 5 (heewent farrein fhew^ihe leaves her Country5{he travels alongjfhe weeps as well as Ruth ^ but in the end a few words and realbns perfwade Sc prevaile with her to turne backe.So there are many walke on prettily in (bme meafures and degrees of faith, repentance^conver-fion and converfation for a while with good company^ but when they meet with fomecrofles^when they are utterly to forfake their merry company all their finfblf pleafiires, and their fweet finne, and to be abridged and fcanted of their temporary hapt neile, a few camall reafons^ irreligious friends or familiars^ a confideration of the cuftome of the times, and example of the greater part, doe cafily coole their forwardneUe, and hale them backe to their former plodding courfe of formality and good fellowfhip. But all true 'Naihmeh:, all right Ifraelites, all thorow Chriftians, are like relblute Ruth^ after they have once given their names to God, andtafted of the glorious comforts of true Chriftianity, and a good confcience, come what come can, they ftandfaft, andftickeby it; though thebloudy fangs of cruelty bee faftned upon the H 4 very

Ruth. 1.7.14,

Ruth 1.1 ^.

Ob,

The Saints

very face ot their innoccncie j and they be trod and trampled upon with the feet of pride and malice, even unto duft 3 nay, though the Lord himfelfe fhould kill them, yet would they truft in him, and ftand faft in the truth and grace they have received. They will none of their former pleafUrcs, and finfull courses, they are diftaftefull, irkfbme, and tedious unto them 5 you cannot hire them or hale them to lie, to fweare, to be drunken^ to commit filthineflcj to prophane the Sabbath, torunne to their fportsandpaftimes on that holy and blef-ledday, which we ought to conlecrate wholly, as glorious to the Lord: Or the like in the whichper-haps formerly thev have lien, and taken delight. They will forward with godly men, and a good conlcience, whatfoeverbetheiiTue : And (peakc to them, as Rffth to Naomicy Whithey yon goe ImU goe^ aniwherzyou lodge I mil lodgej c^c .

if ea, but carnall realbn and prophane men have bv this time fome grumblings and repiningsrifein their hearts, and they iay within themfelves, here is a tart, harfh, and auftere point indeed ^ here is fowre, defperace, and uncomfortable dodrine 5 a man may goe fo and fofarre, have fiich and fuch graces, and yet be a caft-away, and yet be damned. God forbid. Let us have mercy, comfort and lal-vation preached unto us ^ Let usheare how Lot^ Davidy sahmjf^yPeter:,*ndothevSd\nts of God, for all their fearefull falswerereftored to mercy, and vcffels of (alvation. Let us heare of the theefes convcrfion upon the erode, and how his repentance, though at laft caftj ferved his turne.for hea-l

ven.

veDj and not fuch cutting^tart and terrible doctrine as this, &c.

I anfwer. Nothing hathbeene delivered in this point, but that which hath fiire and everlafting warrant and foundation out of the Word of trurhj and binfecondedby the (bund judgement;sof the beft divines. It may, and (liould be uncomfortable to prophane men, to fuch as are drunke with pre-fumption, profperity and Security ^ to thofe that are defirous to fave their Ibules, and yet are refbl-ved to continue in finne ^ to fuch as will needs have a paradiie of pleafiires here, and a heaven of joyes hereafter^ toaltformallprofeflbrSj carnallGofpel-lers, and halfe Ghriftians. But it is farre better for (tich to hearethe vov'ce of terrour and judgement out of the Law of God, to terrifie and rcforme them in the meane time, than hereafter to be turned into hell with that voyce of vengeance - Coe yee cur fed hto everlafting fire* It is farre better for them to heare of damnation tor their humbling here upon earth, than to endure it everlaftingly to their horribleconfufion in the world to come. As for the true Chriftian, this makes his heart dance, leape for joy within him 5 when he finds himfelfe by thefandifying grace of Gods fpirit, pofTeft of thofe fpirituall graces of which no reprobate can poflibly be partaker 5 when he fees chat true hearted (incerity is in hii^ inward parts, that impartiall hatred of all finne that carefull refped: and univer-(all obedience to all Gods Commandements^which are infallible marks and charadters which diftin-guifh him from formallChriftians, and all Hrates of -. unrc?ge-

SjI.

^\

po

SdcAtterfiU Numb,ti.pag.

The Saints

unregeneration. And further, outof coniideraci-onof this point, his holy and happy (bule cannot chufe but melt, and relolve into praifcs and thank-fjlnefle 5 that the great bounty of his gracious God, and the power of hisfanftifying (pirithath carried him beyond the reach and pitch of all reprobates and unregenerate men ; though thou-(andsof* them being gulled by Satan, and beguiled by their owne cozening and deceitfull hearts, thinke they are farre enough in goodnefTe and grace forlRilvation, and need no more for the attainment of heaven.

Laftly, when he duly and ferioufly weighes how farre a reprobate may goe^ what graces and per-feftionshemayattainCj howneare he comes unto him ^ it makes him more zealous, carefull and diligent to make his eledion (urc by fincerity and ho-linefle ^ to hie fafter towards the marke, for the price of the high calling of God in Chrift Jefus^ to prefle on more eagerly to the ftreight gz re, and and with greater violence to lay hold on the Kint?;-dome of Heaven. My doftrine then is fuch as it ftiouldbe 5 If it be a cutting corrafive tothepro-phane, and comfortable cordiall to the Chriftian. Many wickedly prefume to finne with the Saints of God, but they never repent and rife againe with them. The fals and infirmites of the Saints are mentioned in Scripture, not to encourage us with confidence and prefumption ro finne, but to make us walke warily, and to workc out our falvation with fcare and trembling.

ti?/fell of infirmitie, and no doubt it coft him ^ many I

felfe^inricbing examination.

many a grievous pang 5 and befides, Gods fierce judgements and fearfull plagues ftill haunted that inceftuous feed. Looke upon David^ crying in his ftrong agoniesa and anguifh of fpirit^ pfal. 3 8. his finne was as fire in his bones^ that made him goe crooked : He had not a good day for a long time, but the gricfe and horror of his finfiill pleafiires made him cry out. You may (ee in that Pialme.that he bought his finne full deare. Veter wept bitterly^ •nd no doubt with zeale in his calling afterward made a glorious mends for his fall of infirmity, according to Chrifts threefold charge, but thou, &c.

Salomons retraftation and repentance may bee feene in Ecclefaftes, As for the example of the theefe; firfl:, the Lord knokt but once by one Scr-mon, and he repented 5 thou haft heard many^and art yet hard hearted.

Secondly, this is an extraordinary, and but one example in all Scripture. A King (bmetimes pardo* ncth a malefador at the place of execution, wilt thou therefore, 8cg.

Thirdly, this example is onely for true penitents, &c.

Fourthly, the other theefe, though he (aw with his eyes Chrifts precious bloud (bed upon the Crofle for the finncs of men, 8cc.

Fifthly, It was a miraole, with the glory whereof our Saviour would honour the ignominie of the Crofle, We may almoft as well expeft a (econd crucifying of Chrift, as fiich a fecond theefe.

There may another objedion bee made, and a doubt arife out of the point formerly delivered ^

for

9'

This theefe confefled Chrift, when all the world denied him«

DiliC of Rcpcn-ii;aiice,pag.i6i.

pi

Sol.

Pfalm \7»

& Pfalm.; J,

The Saints

for it mayfeeme very ftrange, that God will be-, ftow fuch excellent graces upon, reprobates, who I have no true intereft in the everlafting covenant of mercy and peace, no part in the Lambe, no title or right to the glory of heaven. It will bee thought, that they are jewels for the cares, and bracelets for the arraes of Gods children alone, and not to be throwneamongft fwine.

I anfwer ^ It is done efpecially for thefe caufes: Firft, that the glory of Gods goodneflemigh!^ fhine the fairer, and more brightly in the world, and among the fbnnes of men. The whole world is thicke embroydcred,and every where befet with a wonderfull variety of prints and pafJages of his goodnefle and bounty. Every creature in forae meafure or other doth tafte of his liberality. In this great volume of nature round about us, wee may run and read the deepcimpreflions and large charafters of kindnefle and love^ which his merci-full and munificent hand hath made in all places, in every leafe, page and line of it. Now as out of the bottomleiTe Sea, ^nd unexhaafted fountaine of his owne goodnefle, he caufeth his Sun to fhine as well upon theurrjuft as the righteous ^ his raine to fall as well upon weeds, thiftles and thomes, as upon herbs, flowers and ftuit trees. So many times hedeales large doles of temporal! happinefle^ and generallgraces, as well unto the reprobate as the trujeChriftian. Hisdeare, everkfling and (peciall love belongs oncly unto his eleft : But in generall graces aud temporary love, that I rray ^o call ir, he is bountifull many times, even to the reprobates^

As

I

felfe4nrichmg examinamn. i p^

As they are content tofervehiminraanythingSj (b hee is willing to conferrc fbme bieffings upon them. But as they will not part with their Aveetfinne, and their whole heart for his iiervicc, which he doth fpecially require ^ (b he will not part with falvation and eternall life unto them^ which above all things they ought moft to defire.

Secondly, thefe gifts and graces are beftowed on the reprobates, efpecially for the good comfort and benefit of the eled ; For all things in the world belides the eled, are for theeledlsfake, as the eled in a more excellent and eminent manner for Gods glory 5 and all th ings worke tog-ether for their good. The very temptations o£ Satan, the u(eor lode of the creatures, tjierage of the (corner, the cruelty of the perfecutour, the moderation of the civill honeft man, the illumination of the formall profeflbr, affliftions and croflTes,, nay their owne finnes and infirmities; all thefe^ and every thing el(e in the world makes one way or other for the good of Gods children 5 nay, the worldlt felfe ftandsonely untill the number of the Eledbe accompli(hcd; For when the laftof Gods chofenbee once called and fitted with ^raccfor heaven, it will prefently flame with fire, the trumpet will found, and we (hall all come to the judgement of that great day. God therefore many times inlightens the reprobates with many gifts of the (piritj and common graces^, that thofewhom he hath defigned to (alvation, may bee the better by them. To this purpofe in the Apoftles time in the Primitive Church J there were many common;

I Cor.t>.

Joh.S;$.

The Saints

gitcs ^ as the gitc ot knowledge, the working of miracles, the word of wildome, the power of healing, the di(cerning of fpirits, the diverfitie of tongues, the interpretation of tongues, to all which if there were not addeda juftifyingfruitfoli faith, a true love to God, his Word and (ervice, and to true Chriftians, the gifts of regeneration, a dying to finne, a rifing up to newnelle of life^the grace of hearty prayer, comfort in diftrefle, and {uchlike, which be infallible notes and marices of eleftion ^ I fay without thefe the former common graces did not (ave the owners, but onely ferveto edifie others, and to inlighten the eleft in the way to heaven. I doe not doubt but ever fince in the Church, and at this day, as God by his Almighty hand doth bridle and curbe the fierce and bloody rage of perfecutors, and cruell prophancnefle,that his children may live peaceably by them 5 and as by his reftraining fpirit he breeds a moderation,in* genioufiicfle, civill honefty, and juft dealing in others 5 that they may injoy their owne, and 1 ive comfortably in refped of worldly matter. So I doubt not but he doth furnifti fbme with many worthy and excellent gifts of his inlighming fpirit, though they want fanftifying grace ^ that thereby the Eleft maybe furthered in fpirituall matters^ and guided in the wayes of falvation.

Thirdly, their endowment with thefe graces

make them more inexcufable. For whereas the

Lord vouchfafeth them knowledge, fbme faith

and joy in his Word,many notable gifts, a glimfpe

I of the glory of heaven, and a tafle of the powers

I '■ of

•rr-iinrrr-T-i - -i~i"

felfe^inricbing examination.

of the world to come, and yet for ail this they will not be drawne on to be thorow rclblute, and true hearted for Gods fervic^, and fervants -^ but ever when their ehiefe carnall contentments are called into queftionjthey ftart afide like a broken bow ^ I fay they doe herein cleerly judge themfelves unworthy of everlaO:inglife.,/^(^. 13.45.andmakethe fentence of ecemallcondemnation more than moft juft againft them.How will they be confounded and alhamed at that great and fearfuIJ day,when it (hall appeare before men and Angels, that the Lord in this life gave knowledge and profe/Iion of his truth unto them -^ let them have feme taftes of the glorious comforts of his children, and the unfa-ditig treafores of eteraainife • and told them by the Minifters^ of his Word, if they would utterly and refblutely weane and withdraw their affefti-ons from the world arid earthly pleafores, andfet their hearts upon things above, and become notal-moft,but akogechef Ghriftians •, theyfhould moft certainly hereafter drinkedeepe and large of the Wellof life, and River of endleflepkafure : Yet for all this, wretched and wilfull men, they would not part with the pleafures of one bofbme (rnne or other, which they hadprefentlyin pofTedion, for heaven hereafterj though they had the Word and promife of Almighty God for the performance of it in due time.

Thus ferre of faith rnfofficient to falvatroHjWith which thoufands content anddeceivethem(elves.

2. Now in a fecond place I am to acquaint you

with feme by-paths about faith ^ which except

•'■'•' they

9i

Bypaths In faith to be taken heed of.

96

,^ •

^be Saintf

they be takenheed of, andcarefull/avoided, will lead us into mifery andconfufion.

I. The firfl: ftands in excefle, it is credulity. Many though they be meere worldlings, flaves unto pleafurcs, (old unto finne, and fwim downe the current of the times, laden with corruptions, and many finfiill vanities, yet they will needs threape kindneffe upon God : They would gladly bee thought to have faith in ChrifV, aud hope of lalva-tion, though they were never humbled for their finnes, their hearts never broken and bruifed with t€rrours of the Law, and remorfe of confcience 5 though they never repented, never (pent tcare for their lewdnefTe paft, never once groaned or fighed under the burden of their corruptions,yet they peremptorily perfwade themfelves that they (hall be (avedatlaft ^ and when all comes to all^ that God will be very loth tocaft away any of his creatures, and to turne them into Hell.But except we be flark AtheiftSjand beleeve not the truth of Gods threat-nings ^ or blalphemous milicreants, to thinke that God is as man,that he fhonid lie,we may allure our (elv cs that the mck^dflmll be turned into hell^ and all the people that forget God^Pfal. 9.17. As thefmokevanifieth (faith Davii)foihalt thou drive them avp4y -^ aud as wax meltetJ) bejvre thefirej f)Jballthe mcl^d perifi at theprc' fence of God^ PfaL 6^.2, Behold^ faith Malachie^ chap, 4.1. the day commeth thatpjallburne as an Oven, and all theproud^yea^^andallihettdoemck^dlyjhallbefhtbble-^a'td the day that commethjhallburne them up, faith the Lord \ efhofis, andjhall leave them neither root nor branch, i And God himfelfe thus Ipeaketh by the fame Prophet,

felfe^ inrichmg examination. i p 7

phet, chap. 3 5. Imllcomz neare toputo )udgtmtntt anilmll be afmft mimffe againflthe Sooihfajw, and againfi th adulterers^ and agatnfl faljefneearers^ and againfl thofe that wrongfully l^epe backe the hlrelwgs wagesy and vex the widow and the jathtrhjje^ and op-prejje the fl^anger^ andfearenot t/ie^ faith the Lord of\ H /?/. And how terribly the Lord will comeagainll all thofe which goe on in their wickednefle, and fecure rhemfelves in their finfull prosperity, ifaj/ tdsiis/chap.66,i$^i6. Behold faith hee^ the Lordml/ come withfire^ and his chariots like a wh:rlewindj that he may rtcompence his anger with wrath^ and his indignation with aflame of fire. For the Lord will judge wiihffre^ and with hisfword allflejh^ anitheJJaineofihe LcrdJfM/l bemUny, Addethat, iTheJf.i.^^^,

Let no man then with a groundleflejprefumptu-0US5 and tco credulous conceit, bee too bold and build too much upon the Lords mercies; Let no man threape kindnefTe upon him againfthis truth and juftice revealed in his Word. For it is a truth farre more firme, than either the pillars of t!he earth, or poles of heaven ^ (For heaven and earth ihall paflTe away, but not one tittle of Gods V\ ord, until! all be fulfilled.) That to e'veryone that difobeyes the truth, and oheyesunrighteoufmjjei there fl'all bee in-^ dignaiionand wrath, Tribulation andangmfl:)fldall hee\ upon thefoule of every one that doth eiill 5 of the lewfirfl^ } and alfo of the Grecian^ Rom, 2.8 5 p. ^ <^^ ^>'<?« blejfe ;, -himfelfe in his heart' andfay, I flail have peace though /'• waike after the flubbornneffe of mine owne heart : The Lord willnot bee merciJHil unto that ma»i &c» Deut,

P8

Mirton three • foldSc. ofaiauj

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It any (ay, I will goeon in my (inneand yec noc bee damned^ is as if hee fhould (ay, I will dfinke poy(bn and not be choked; I will goe ifito a plague houfe and not be infeded 5 I will cad my (elfe into the bottome of the River, and noc be drov/ned.

2. Another by-path ftands indefeft, and that is infidelity: Upon this extreame^ upon this rocke of ruine thoulands runne daily, and da(h their (6uIesand(alvationtopeeces. It is a (ecret diftruft of Gods promi(espropounding happinefie to man, relying himfelfe on the mercy of God in ChrHt. This diuruftfull humour, faith a worthy Divine, hath alwayes reigned in the mofl: of all the men in the world, doth at this day^ and will doe as long as the world en Jureth- The grofle hypocrite iJtain-ted with this leproiie, qKq how durft he for reputation and advantage, making glorious proteftati-onsand goodly (hew for God and godlinelTe, with his mjuth and outward profeflion ^ deny them utterly, and their holy power, in his heart, life^and the carriage of his affaires ? The Epicure hath drunk deeply of this poy(bn,eire how were it poi^ (ible that he fhould prefer a fewbitter-fweec plea-fures for an inch of time, in this Vale of teares,be-fore unmixed joyes through all eternity, in the glorious manfions of heaven. The worldling is in great meafiire polTefl of this evill heart of unbe-\cQ^Q ^ Heh.y.12. for were hee truly and thorowly perfwaded of the truth of Gods^ Word, of the certainty of endlcfle paines, and everlafting joyes, how were ic polTible that for a little earthly pelfe, which he heaps and hoards together, with much

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anxiety and anguifli of heart, keeps together with many feares and jealoulles, parts from (and perhaps he knowes not to whom) with much forrow and repining ^ liay, that for a little flich earthly pelfe he fhould fell hisimmortall (bule to damnation and hell.

But above all others the defperate & prodigious Atheidsof our times (inke dec[ jft into this hell of unbeleefe : For infidelity is their profeffionj and (corning of godlinefle the trowne of their reputation. They drinke Co deepe and fo long of renfiiall vanities 5 and del]:)erate prophanencfle ^ thejiarefoflirioLifly inflamed with heatof luftfull pleafures, that at length they become ftarke raging tuadin fpirituall matters, ib that they flie in the very face of Divine Majeflic, challenge God Al-mighty^ and bid defiance to his Word : For they (ay within themlel ves, even to God himfelfe, with them in loh 21.143! 5. Depart jrom v.s we defircKot ihe kfiiwledgeoftlyrt'a^esWhois thcAlmghiy that iprefwuld Cerjebim^ Andvphatprofit Jliionldreec have if rreeJJjould prajtmto him / Andwiththofetowhom i/^inhis fifth Chapters denounceth a fearefull woe 5 Let him ff/a^e fveed Jet him hafie/f his v(^orke that npe p/ayfeeit^ and kt the connfdlof. the Holy one ofjfracl draw nteve and come ^that j!pe/^/ayk»on) it. And whenGod tels them^as it is Malac^.i -^^Tourn^ordshavebeznfioMagaitiflr^ie ^ Theyanfaer. vphat have vpefpokenagainfl thee .<? God replies and Csyes^Tehavefaidit is invaim toferve God-^ and Tfhat profit is it, that npe have f^pthisCommande" ments & thatr^e vpalk^dhumbly before ihe LordofHofts^ Thcfe and the like^ are the hateful! blafphemies of I 2 unbelee-

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unbelcevlnghearts.That we may decline this dangerous and delperate by-pach, and happily pre-ferv^e our felves from this fearfull infidelity, and ranke poyfbn of damned Atheifme, we muft bee zealous and careful! to kecpe our undeftandings light with divine knowledge^ Our faith in life, and vigour with uprightnefle and integrity of life 5 our hearts ever guarded with watch and ward againft evill thoughts, and luftfull entifcments; ouraffe-ons fetled, and delightfully feeding upon heavenly things 5 our confciences ftill awake, tender and fenfible of the leaf): finne. For if we give way once unto finne, and let loofe our deceitful! hearts to range and rove at their pleafures 5 if once we give the raines to our corrupt affedtions^we fliail be car-jried headlong thorovv athou^nd crooked wayes of vanity and iniquities, until! we be thrownein-tp this irrecoverable dungeon of unbeleefe. Satan car\tinually fuggefteth lewd conceits ^ our owne concupifcence, that impoyfoned fountaine^ bub-leth up evill thoughts, if they finde the leaft entertainment in our hearts ^ they prefently breed delightjdelight tollethoiiconfent, confentbcger-teth adion,adion brings cuftome,cuftomegrowes as it were itlto nature and neceffity ^ thence an iron finew fprings in the heart. Hardnefie of heart is an accurfed foile, fit for feeds of Atheifme, an J the bitter root of unbeleefe ^ fuch poyfbnous weeds rake root quicklyjand grow f ankly in a hard heart. Let us then in tlienaaae of God rake heed how we liften to the lure, or play witli the baits of finne^ for Satan by tlie aid of our rebellious flefh will {6

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take occafion and advantage to heave and hoift us up into the chaire of the fcornfoll. And that by thefe degrees and afcents 5 for thus the infinuative poylbnof finne doth fteale upon us.

1. At the firftj to an honert difpofition, fear full to ofFendjand formerJy unacquainted with wicked courses, and lewd companions ^ finne feemesex-treamly hatefull, diftaftefull, and untollerable to bee borne. Such an one perhaps will be much vext andaftonifht, when by the cunning of Satan, the confpiracieof his owoe corruptions, arid thecoun-fell of bad company, he is firft overtaken with (bmefoule finne.

2. Secondly, After chat he hath beene twice or thrice againe enfnared in finnes fenfiiall pleafui es, by cafting himlelfe upon the occafions, and amongftlewd companions, itlofethfomethingof vreighr, it doth not prefle him (b importably, and intollerably as it did before. It isyethcavieunto him, kit not horrible.Hc is fbmething ftd after the commiffionof it, and melancholike ^ but he is not neare (b heavie hearted or wounded in confci-ence as he was before.

3. Thirdly, by u(e, cuftome and continuance in finne, itgrowes to be light 5 fo that he never takes< it to heart ^ hee futfers not his confciencc to checke him for it any more, but carries it away fmoorhly and eafily, like the adulterous woman, Pr<7Z^.; 0.20. u>ho eatethj and mpeth her mouthy and faithjhe hih not finned.

4. Fourthly, after hee hath banifbcd remorfe, and brawnedhisconlcience^ heegrdwespaftfee-

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ling : He is utterly deprived of judgement in di{^ cerning the fbulnefle 5 of underftanding, in acknowledging the accuriednefle ^ and of fenfe ihap-j prehending the guiltinefTe of ftnne. Though a thoufand deadly blowes light upon his fbule, and many a mortal! wound ftrike thorqw his conici-ence, yethe feeles no (mart, he is never the worfe in his owne conceit. He is like a man in a phrenfie, who though he be grievoufly tormented with his difeafe, yet he f eelesno paine, but dieth laugh ing-lyir Seaman that is gone thus ferre, though hee (eefinnemoft hainoufly, yetheisferrfleffe of his \ fpirituall mifery, and dies in finne with delights,. I 5. Fifthly;When Satan hath once putDo.§s.hot J iron, and feared his confcicnce^ hee more fully, labfblutely and entirely fwallowes downe the plea-Ifures of finne. He delights in doing evilL, as salo-, mofpipGdks;¥mf,i^ 14. and exceedingly rejpyceth ifitiK^ft VilQ perverfiiefle.. ^-: i J ;,i ix; 1' '■''^. Sixthly; This cur fed deligfirin'finnelKgets liftill frefli ddires, and unfatiable greedinefle to jlheape finne upon finne^.. When he is once paft fee-j ling i and feeds upon (enluall and finfull iweetnefle, Without any-^eckeyremorfe, or biting ofcon-ifcienGe - why then he gives himfelfe untowan-ItOHiieife "to worke all'uncleannefTej- even, with-^reediriiflei • He cm^otfieep^ except hhitth 'ct6mmlt\ f»M'B!f\Jkep^'' dep^mh'ekccpti fe caujejomstocfally

.J. Seventhly,He defends finne^ heglorie&and, ^6af^s?nh5i5^htt^fOltVeBdlions/By thistkne hee toatl*i'^(«teniiim ^ fok-head of' brafiei^.4&4.. icr I

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that he becomes one ofthe devilsProdors, to plead for the works of darknefle ^ and one of the Charn-pioHS of helljto fight in defence of prophaneneffe. Now unhappily at length deceitfuInefTe of finne hath accompliftied the meaftre of hardnefle of heart. Out of which being turned into marble or adamant, it carves a blacke and curfed throne for the (eat of unbeleefe, that there it may rage and raigne, and bid defiance to the Majeftie of God Almighty, and to his holy truth. For from this evill heart of unbeleefe, doth immediately and naturally (pring, a departrngavpayfrom the living God, Take heed brethren, (aith the authour to the HcbreweSj chap, 3.12. Lefl atanjiime there be in any of you J an evill heart ofunbekefe^ to depart avfayfrem the living God, He therefore that hath climbed up thus high upon thefe hellifti ftaires^ beginnes now to di(claime God, and all intereft in him, to deny the truth of his promifes, accounting them nothing bnt faire pretences, and of his fearefull threatnings palling by them, with fearelefle contempt, as though they were nothing but vaine Scar-crowes, terrifying and fraying none bur fome fimplefcllowes, and religious fooles 5 and (b fall quite away from Cod J and even Ipfofa&o^ as they fty, in the very ad of renouncing God, hee de-^ prives himfelfe utterly of all poilibility of blef-fings from him, and receives at the fame inftant under feale, as great a meafure of Satans curfed malice, as his corrupt heart is capable. If any fub-jed fhould notonely traiteroufly and perfidioufly difclaime and abandon his-foveraigne Liege Lord,

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but al(b devote himfelfe, and fvveare his lervice to his firli Maftcrs mortall and profefled enemie 5 you know he doth incontinently caft himlelfe from ail thole lands, offices, pofleflions and commodities, which he formerly enjoyed, while he continued in allegeance to his former Mafter. So juft is his cafe, who by infidelity fals away from the God of heaven. He then utterly deprives himfelfe of all polfibility of any manner of bleffings, belonging either to happinefle or holinefle. Hee can neither love, feare, honour or obey God from whom hee looketh, for neither good nor eviil;, neither reward nor punifhment.

I have (laid the longer in difcovering this bypath, becaufe certainly a great part of the world is fearfully tainted with a fpice of Atheifme,and pof^ (eft of a great meafure of infidelity andunbeleefe. For \i men did certainly belecve the truth of Gods Word, that he will recompence and reward every man according to his workes, as his blefled fpiric tels us by Saint Vaul, Rom, 2.^, 7,8. to themvphotjy continuance ia npeU dsmg ftek$ g^ory, and honour, and immOirtaUty, eteymUHfe : But unto them that are con-ttntioHs anddifobey the truth, and obey unrighteoufneffe^ indignation and vpratL I fay if men beleeved this, how were it pollible that they durft follow every one the vanity anddevifes of his ovyne heart, and lie in the common falhions aad corruptions oip the world } (bmt in lying, (bme in fwearing, feme in drunkcnneflc, (bme in undeannefle, fbme in Sabbath brcakinea fbme in worldline(le, j(bmeinll(u-^ ry andoppreJffion 5 in one or ocher fiich worke of

dark-

darknefle 5 fith the end of thefe without repcn- j tance and amendment^ is mod ceitainjyj if webe-leeve the Word of God, everlaftingwretchedncile and damnation both of body and fbule^ in the lake that burnes with fire and brim ftonc.

A third by-path isdifpairfulnelTe. 1 know de-{paire is properly and diredly oppofcd to hope and not to faith: But I handle it herejbecaufe when a man is humbled and caft downeby theterrours of the Law, and with a broken and bruifed heart fighing, and ibrrowfull in his legall repentance ^ if he mifle of the right path that leads to the rich mercies of God, and precious promifes of {alva-tion revcaledin theGolpell,ard (hiningin the face o{ Chrift Jefus.. he may be fearefully (wallowed up and drowned in the gulfe of defpaire. Now prefiimption, though it be a contrary courfe toward damnation, and quiteoppoiite to that which is by defpaire ^ yet it is thedire(a and hye-way that leads to defperation, when men in the day of their vifitation, and time of grace^ are called opon by the loud cries and earned: invitation of the Mi-nifters, to leave their immoderate love of the world, and (Tnfullcourfes, and to lay faft hold in time upon grace andialvation ^ and yet for all this as the deafaadder ftoppeth his eares, and will not heare the i%ice of the enchanter, though hee bee mofl: expert in charming^ 'Pp?/. 5 8. becaufe thereby he would not be reftraincd from difperfing his povfon : So they will not entertaine the powerof the Word into their hearts and affedions, though never fo often and inftantly urging unto it, left

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I thereby they Ihould be Itaid in their wicked and j worldly courfes, terrified in their confciences, and abridged of their pleafures -^ but theygoe ftillon^ flattering themfelves in their profperiryjas though ic were a certaine and infallible argument of Gods favour, whereas there is no greater plague under heaven, than toprofperintheworld, andyetbee prophane ^ then profperity without grace. They finfully and fearfully prefume upon Gods merq^, either by blefling themfelves with aconceit^ that for all the 'judgements denounced and thundered out againft themjyet they (hall have peace,though they continue in their ordinary courts, or by per-fwading themfelves, that calling upon God, or crying for mercy at the laft houre will ferve their turne^ and fatisfie for all their former rebellions. I (ay, fuch men as thefe when they have runne their race of lecurity, refufed fo many offers of grace, and reached the height of prefumptioHj they are readied to fall headlong into the pit of de-fpaire. For the time may come upon luch, that prefumption of Gods mercy having loofed the raines to outrage in finne, and continuance in impiety and impenetencie, having waUed and quite worne out the time of'grace, their minds maybe-come fo reprobate, their confciences^fb (eared, their (bules (b frozen in the dregs arfinne, and their hearts lb hardned with the deccitfulnefle thereof,that God will not be mcrcifull unto them ^ (b that though they (hould weepe and lament with Efau ^ make reftitution of ill gotten goods with ludas 5 rent their cloaths, and put on (ack-cloth

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wich Ahab ^ pull the men of God to comfort them, and pray for them with S^<nl'^ yet all will not ferve theturne ^ they refufed grace when it was oifered by the miniftery of the Word, and urged upon them by the loud cries of Godsmeflengers; and therforc they can now have no mercy, no blefling, I though they feeke it with teares, as Efan did 5 though they throw their fearfuil and piercing cries I into the avre with hideous groanes and veilings. | That this is Gods courfeholdenwithprefumptu- j ous finners, appearesplainly in his Word 5 Becaufe | lha'2^ecalkd^amiye';reffffed^ I fiave firetched out mwe j kmd^ and mmwoitUre^drd. ll^njljall they call upon \ me;hut I will not anjmir -^ thy fhaUfeel^ me early .but they ^allnotfindeme^ Prov.\.'i.(\^r%. The Lord by the Prophet /J^.calsthe people to weeping and mourning for their finnes ^ but they utterly feareleffe of Godsthreatnings, fell to (porting and feafting, !to joy and gladneffe, whereupon the finne became unexpiable^ I^ay 22. Surely this tniquity JImU ni4 bee purged fromyoH, tUlyeedie faith tlie Lord God of Hofis, But the fpeciall place i&, Ecsf^^. 2 4.13. Becaufe (fai th iGod to Jerufalem) I mould have pffrgedthee^, andthoi^ Xfiafi not pwged^thoujlmlt not be purged^fullhave cdufed 'mynpmthtolightnpontke. See to this purpose, Ljtk. 1^.41. Thus refufing to be reformed in the day of •grace,'abufing Gods loving kindnelTe, patience, 'lonsi-fuffcring, and forbearance and prefiiming upon his mercy againft the truth of his Word, and fgiory of- his juftice,-make W£ty- for utter rejeftion land defpaire in thediiy o^ rrbubie and heavinefTe. !He that in the flower of his age, and flourifhing

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\ ot his outward eftate^ doth ruffle it in his vanides, '. and runne on in his finneSjprefuming that the great j Sea of Gods mercie will at length wa(h away all ^ ! and the unvaluable price of Chrifts bloud-fhed jwill difcharge the (core of his tranfgreffions, i though never (b many.may in the day of his vifita-ition, inthedayof mine and perplexity, by Gods * ' juft judgement be wickedly perfwaded, that his

fins are greater than can be pardoncdjand that that i infinite mercy will not remit fo much as his leaft ! (infull vanity. We may fbmctimes take notice by 1 wofull and lamentable experience, that (bme ha-I ving runne along and finful! race, inadefperate i contempt of the meanes of their (alvation, in pre-i fumptuous impenitencie, making Gods mercies i a motive of rebellion againft his Majeftie, when I once God beginnes to let loofe the cordof iheir Pfal.jo.xi. j eonfciences, to (et their finnes in order before j them, to place their fecret finnes in the light of his, pfai.jog. countenance^ and to bend the brow of divine ju-ftice againft their prophane and bold prefiimpti-I ons, they prefently defpaireof Gods merry^ and j theirownefalvation, they give over their foules I as alrea-ly condemned 5 and are like that abominable Ufiirer, who having fiiftained fbme lolfe in his goods5by and by bereaveth bimfelfc of his life al(b 5 and (b (bmetimes grow to phrenfie and madneffe, or fort unto themfelvcs fearefiill and rufiill ends^ and violent death, fo wretchedly like filly fifh, leaping out of the frying pan into the fire^they throw themfelvcs f om the hell of confcience, into the hell of wicked devils. As we defire then to decline

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thefe wofull miferies, aid feare to fail into this dungeon of de(pa''re : Let us in the name of God^ in this acceptable time of repentance^ turne uato theLordjandtotrueholinciFejfrom our ignorance, prophanenefTe^ worldlinefle, coldnefTe in Heligi-on, and all other finnes. In this day of our gracious vifitation ^ letus (ubmit our (elves with humility and obedience to the power of the Miniftery of the Word, andafruitfull pradife of the fame. Beloved in the Lord lefus, this is your day, this is your Cctd. time, as you love yourowne {bules, fuf-ferthe immortall feed of the Word to finke into the furrowes of your hearts, and there tofruftifie andflourifb, that it may grow from the Herbeof Grace, to the Eare of Glory. Now lay up and flore your felves with heavenly and fpirituall trea-fures 5 you know not what want, what ftormes or tempefl-s may befall you hereafter: And rhey will be fure to holdoutagiinftthe defblations of the whole world, againft wind and weather^ want and poverty y even againft the ruines both of Heaven and Earth •, they will never faile yoUjbut laft ever-laftingly. Take heed of prefuming too much of Gods mercies :• It is thatwide and wofull fnare by which Satan tlrawes a great part of men into his Kingdome oT darkneffe. Hee that here makes God all of mercy, 'fotodifhonour him more fearefully,. and without remorfe, all his life long, fhall mof^ certainly hereafter moH: Juftly findehimtohim,-felfe all of j if^ice, that Co he may glorifie his truth, in receiving the wages of fiJch wiifull impietie. But the chiefe thing I v/ould fpecially advifeand perfwade

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periwade you to in this poinCj is this ^ When it Hiall pleafe the Lord byanefl'cduall application of the Law, to bring upon your fouks true fbrrow ) and contrition^ true reirorfc andconipunftion for all ycur finnes ^ I would then have youtobe very waricj and looke unto your fclves^ for you fball then have two wayes offered unto you ^ you may either follow////dz/ to the Gallowcs; or you may tra^t the Lord lefus, blcfTed foreverbyhisbloudy drops unt-o the Crofle : that is, you may either finkeundcrtheburdcnof your finnes, and fb de* fpiiire ^ or lay fall hold upon the Sonne of God, and fobefavcd. In the name of God take heed, when fpirituall affliftions of ibule, and terrours of the Law fhall feize upon you,to worke you to remorfe and repent ancCj be (ure to take the right way ^ be not afraid, becaufc of the Word of truth ^ ifor af-furedly in fuch cafes to the truly humbled and bro-! ken heart, Chrifl: Icfas opens hisarmesfarre wider, {for comfortable embracement ^ the bowels of I Gods merciesdoerowletogether,tofhewcompaf-' I ffion with farre more tendernefle, than ever the I deareft mother to her fweeteft childe. Oh take j heed of thathatefull andgriflygulfeof defpaire; doe not fb farre gratifie the enenik of God ard man ^ doe not fb much wrong thofe yearning bowels of Gods tendereft compailions,* which never broke any bruifed reed. Be not fb cruell unto. yourfelves, as to flop the botfomleffe and bound-lefieSeaof Gods mercies from your owne fbules. \ Oh be not fuch Lions and Tygers in your owne ! houfes 5 be not fuch butchers of your owne bowels, 1 I as

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as CO ceare, devour, and ftrangie your poore iouies wkhendlefTe and irrecoverable Ibrrowes 1 Ohiie-yerneverdefpaire of Gods mercies. Jc is thoughr that Juhs did more dilhonourGoJ indefpairin^ of his merciesj then in betraying of his Sonne ^ thatdefperate c:<?//? did more grievoufly oftend in Hiving, my finneis greater thin can be pardoned, then by murthering his brother. Doe not then fb farre violate and vex the everiading truth, and fiire promifes of our gracious God, as to deny mercy ioabr7tiftdfpnt^ andcontrUe heart-^ a facrificefarre more {\yQQi and pleaungunto him, tha^t the beafts of aihojtjavdhih, and tcfi iho/rfapul Rhersofojk. Doe not, O doe not trample underfoot that unvaluable bloudo of fuch a gracious and everlafling Saviour, by thinking it infufficient foryour falvatlon.Chrifts bloud w^ii^ied even them that ftied it, A6f,2. upon their repentance, what foule then fb (iained with (inne, which being truly humbled, and truly penitent, it w^ill not purge and pardon ? It is a nccef-faryftep towards (aivation and heaven, (as I have often told you, and itismofl-tiue) tobethrowne downe by the power and terrors of the Law, into forrow & anguiOi of hearr^ into remor/e and com-punclionofconfciencepwitii a thorow light ofyour (inneSj and fenfe of Gods jult indignation againft finners. But afcet you have beene brought upon your knees with the heavievveight of \ our (]noes, after your fbules have melted into teares of true repentance, and cloven even to the duft of loweft humiliation: Oh then take heed of liffning to the bloudy temptations of that roaring Lion, that is

then

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then molt bulic lo draw you to defpaire. Doe not by any meanes wound the wounds of your (bule, or afflid the affllftions of yourconfciences, with refufing to be comforted, and vvirb diftruft of recovery : But prefently by the hand of faith frame a plaifter of Chrifts precious bloud^ and apply it clofe to your broken and bruifed hearts: The wider woundsj fbrrow for finne hath made in your foules, the more plentiful! ftreamcs of the /oft and foveraigne oyle of the comforts of the Gof: ell, and promifes of peace fliall be fure to clofe up your fores : Sooner muft God deny himfelfe, which is impoflible 5 fooner muft he difi obe himfelfe of the brighteft beame of his glory, and of the faireft flower in his garland of Majeftyj which is h'n mercy, before he deny pardon lo the truly penitent, or refufe to give ea(e tothofe that are heavie laden with their finnes, and weary of the burden -^ or ceafe to meet on the way, and fall upon the necke of what loft childe foever, which returnes unto him with truth of repentance, fincerity of heart and found amendmentof life. If it pleafe the Lord once to touch your confciences with true reftiorfe and forrow for your (innes, and to afFed your hearts with a perfed hatred and loathing of your former vanities, and wicked courfesj bee notdif-mayed toappoach the throne of mercy and grace, for with the Lord is plentifull redemption, and with our God is ftore of endlefle compallions. Though your former lives have beene fo rebellious, wretched and accurfed, that you are able to lookebacke upon a Catologue of finnes, as bkcke

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as hellj as red as bloud, as foule as Sodowz^ yet if 1 now in this time of grace you will faithfulJy turne | unto the Lord, afllircdiy you (hall findeeafe, unto ' your panting hearts, and cverlafting peace unto i your troubled (oules. if a man be divorced from his ■ mje. andjliibzcor/tz another mms.fi^allhretnrtteagdim ufitoher,flwttldmithe land be defiled thereby .<? Put thou haft plaid tl}e rohore mtb many lovers^ and yet returftet/n-tor/;ejaiththeLordjer*i, i. Hence itappeares^that : though our pollutions be many, our abominations,; hatefullj our vowes and promifes unto him often broken 5 yet upon our unfained repentance he is ready to receive us. But above all others me thinks i there is one place in 7/^ 55»7j8,p. which is able to | put life and frefh vigour into the moft defpairing i (bule ^ and to refrelh the drooping confcience of the truly pcnicent, with farre more comfort, than I this whole great world w ere able to doe, if it were ' wholly turned into gold, honours or pleafures ^' nay, than ten thoufand worlds, if there were (b j many. Letthemckedforfah^ his wayes, (faith God by 1 the Prophet in that phce)andthe unrighteous his own imaginations^ and turne unto the Lord^ and hejf?atthave , mercj upon him-^and to our God for ht is very ready to for- \ give : Formythotfghtsare not ax your thoughts^ nor my vpayes asyourwayes^faith tlie Lord:Btft as high as the hea- ' vens are above t he earthy fo high are ttty tpayes choueyour wayes and ffjy thoughts above your thoughts, Yo« muft conceive the meaning thus^that the Lord there labours to draw his people to the fountaines of grace, and to drive them from diftruftfulnefle, by a conlideration of his oranfcendent and unlimited j

K mercies. ^

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^I he Saints

mercies. It kemeithat they reafonedthu-^j or in the like manner within themleU'es -^ Wee have beene fb wretchedly rebellious, and have (bgrie-voufly finned againft the Lord, that there is no returning Dnto him, there is no hope of pardon. What faith God, will you meafure my mercy by your raercie ? Why there is as great oddes be-twecne my vvayes and your wayes^ my thoughts and your thoughts; that is, betweene my mercy^ and your conceits of my mercy, as there is diftance betweene heaven and earth ^ they areas farredif-ferent, as the utmoft ends of the world are dlftant one from another. Men many times are fo unappealable , and implacable in their anger, that no (ubmiflion, no fatisfadion will \tinne againctheir favour and afFcftiqu ; But God almighty of another temper, though a man have traiteroufly and rebellioufly ftood out long againft him, even againft the honour of his Majeftie, and power of his Kjngdomejyet he hath ev^r a pardon ready^and mercy in (lore, if that wretched rebell hath grace tofubmit himfelfe with true humiliation, and to riie for it with tcares of unfained repentance. What a man is there, that having his fonne cruelly murthered, would be reconciled unto the party, or ever reft fatislied untill hehadhisbloud^ yet our gracious God {(b farrc is his excellent mercy above atSiumane conceit) even fought by the Miniftery of Pf/^r, /^(5f."2. CO be reconciled unto the bloudy murderersof his owneonely innocent Sonne. After they were pricked in their hearts^ and arnended their lives, hee faved them by the bloudof the ..fr{ Lord

felfe^nrkking examination.

Lord ieflis^which had fpilled his bioud.Why thcDj

if there be any droopiog and diftrefled confcience

amongft you -if there bee any fbule that is truly

humbled w* ththe fight and (enfe of his finnes, let

him (hake himfelfe from the duft, and delie de-

fpaire. Oh tiow foire a thing is mercy in the time of

anguiihand trduble! It is likeaclbud of rainc that

commeth in ch€ time of drought 5 if he will goe

onwifh the gpcait worke of regeneration, which

' the Lord hath happily begunne ittbim 5 if hee wr'W'

truly hate thofe linnes thatiHdw;(^>^Jeve bis hearty:

if he will faithfully forfake ihem, and amend his

life, my fbule for his hce fhaJl be faved. And Wefc

the finnes of his former vanity as great as the hu-^

geft mountaines 5 asmanyinritfmberaB?th§ (ktids

on the Sea (bore, g^redasfcitrkti^m the VVordof j^^^*^^^^>^'

life and truth I dare adure him, they fliall become

as vphiteas the driven ffjovp, and as though they had

never becne. Were his fbule all crimfbn red with

the bloud of men, as ManajfesVf^% 5 witb the bloud

of (bulcs, with the bloud of the Saint?, as was

Vanls 5 with the bloud of the Sonne of God, as

was theirs, AU, 2. yet it (hall bee as faire as the

brighteftSun-beame, andas the wings of a Dove,

which are covered with filver, and his feathers are

of yellow gold. lam perJRvaded by this time fbme i

mans heart doth leape and dance for joy within

him, at the difcourfc and difcovery of this immea-

(urable bounty, and thefe rich and golden Mines

of Gods infinite mercie, that hath no part in them

at all ^ whole conceit that thefe comforts belong

unto him, is buclike a poore mans drearae of gold, 1

K 2 which *

Pral.68.ii,

I'

T'he Saimi

which endethin wane and misery. For Imufttell j^oq, tha^ I dare not for my life promife fo much as one drop of this mighty Sea ol mercy to any pro-Iphaneman^ toanyimpeRkentperfbn> to anythac ^oesoniqhis finnes: Ifljould fbftrengchen the hands of the wic.edi juftifie the unrighteous, and blefc where God dqthcurfe. This halme belongs onely to broken and bruifed heart3 5 thefe fofc and precious oyles are never vouchiafed but to contrite and wpund^Jpirics 5 thefe jewels and pe^les aife the wee penitent*, peculiars and the portion of thor(e on^iy that feare the Lord, oitii tfemy^(ttkuw&ifdxi.if4^66.2, LectbemiiJ the same Qf;(5Qdtake-?h^m *ndwearecb(?Ep, let rhcm^feed. \ipm\ %MM themfclwes with the^ glori<c«^ comfort^, for they are theijE^^aod a thouland moe; yea, all the mercies of GckI, the uovaluable price of Chrifts bjoudftied, and all the joyes of Heaven af e their^&f qv^. But if there be any now. chat in; itbis tiiiie'of grace will not fubmii? themfcives to. the powejf andp radfci (e of the Word, vwII not pare vvitfi thei? worldlinefle and earthly vanittea, ^^ill not forfake their fwcetfinnes, and take part with godly Cbri£Han$i, hut will aeeds goe on In irheijf own^ wayes, and flUl wander in theby.patha of iniquity ; £ have not a word of comfort -for any (uch notonedropofall thofe merties belongs un-? jtothem ^ hut except they repent and amen-i their |liv€s^ they mav daily, and hburiv aped:^ afire U^ WndlcdiuGocktirraihyWldchJhdUburf^ w$H t>herh»^ta^/ii: lofhell andfiallc^nfumeihtearth with Urixcreafi^ md

»; , : For

J

felfeAmiching examination.

For as God is all mercy^ and meere bowels of com-palliontoeverytmepenicent^foheisaconfiiming fire to every rebellious wretch, and will certainly at length wou^d the hairie pate of km that TPalketh in hisfmms. Thus farrc of fai ths infufficient for falva-tion, and of by-paths about faith 5 which except we take heed of, may lead us to much mifery.

Now in the neict place I come to propolefbme markesandnotesof atruejuftrfying faith, whereby I would have every man to try and examine him(elfe and his (pirituall eftate in this behalfe, and by which the true Chriftian may di(cerne and diftinguilhhimielfe from all fancies, andinfuffici-encies of other faiths^ and from the power and perfedlions of temporary faith,

I. Firft, We may know our faith to be/bund andfaving, if we finde in our felves that preparation of the heart for the infufion of faith, that breeding and (pringing of faith in the heart, and that blefTed birth of faith, which I have formerly largely laid downe unto you 5 and to that end efpe-cially, that you might not be deceived v/ith falfe or infufficient faiths.

By the Miniftery of the Word (for that is the onely powerfoll, principall, and ordinary meanes of begetting the precious grace of (aving faith, I fay ordinary, becaufe (bmetimes ic pleafethGod to worke by other meanes^ as by fecret motions and infpirations, by private reading, conference, inftrudtion, exhortation, by miracles, by crofles andafBidions in our parents, friends, goods, and good name 3 by great humiliations, and want of i

K 3 worldly

'»7

PfaU8.ii.

Mstksof faying faith.

Of this fee In the beginning of this dif-courfe of faith.

The Saints

worldly comforts : Nay, perhaps fbmetimes by cemporall bleflings, extraordinarily and ftrange-ly beftowed upon men. But commonly God is never wont to worke miraculoufly and extraordinarily when the ordinary meanes may bee had 5 and moft of the(e are rather meanes and motives to humble and prepare us, or oncly tohelpe forward the worke of grace. And therefore I (ay by the publike Miniftery of Gods holy Word, which the Lord hath left and appointed, as the principall and ordinary meanes to plant faith in the hearts of mQx\^Kom. i o. 14. i Cor, i. 21 .There is ever wrough t firft in the (bule that is to be (andified with faving faith, a knowledge of that finfulnefle and curfed-neffe by nature, then upon a fad and (erious confi-deration of this point, it is broken and bruifcd, with truercmorfcjterrour and compundion. After by confeflionof its' vvretched pollutions, and condemnation of it ftrlfe ^ it is brought to an holy liefperation, whereby it whollv renouncetb, dif-cbim f s, and dilavowes it fclfe, as unworthy of life, orbreathjorbein^ \ nay, by region of its former lewdnefle and rebellions, even worthy of ten fhoufand damnations in hell fire with the devil! and his Angels. Thus when it is at the toweff, by the mercies of God, itbeginnes to lift up its eye upon the gracious promifes of (alvation, and life revealed in the Gofpell, and fhining mofl- glori-oully in the face of Chrift lefus.Then at the length out of the darknelTe of deepeffc difcomforr, and fpirituall heavinelle, begins to fbine fbmeglimpfcs-of comfort 5 (bme little hope of pardon, mercy

and

and recovery, becaule it fees that the bloudyfuf-fcririTis of ChriO, are a plainer fbveraigne enough, and fufficienc to hcale all its fores. Whence imme* | diately ari(ah in the heart, a hungry defire and I longing third: afier the mercies of God, and me- I rits of Chrift lefus. At laft with groanesand fighs j unurterablCj with prayers and ftrongcries, itcafts it felfeupon rhofc yearning bowels of companion, • rhit are ever ready tobinde np the broken heart, I and upon ourblelTed R.edeemer5all gorie-red with j fu.ferings for our finnes. i

By fach preparations and pangs as thefe, (aving , Gaij.z^. faith is fhed into the (oule : But other faiths come eafily, forrhey are either butmeere fancies, and bare conceits of faith 5 as the three kinds of imagi-! nary faich I told you off", or eife only floating in the | braine, as the hiftoricall and the dead faith : Or ' Iit;htly come, lightly gone, as temporary faith ^ (b | that ufually they enter, and are entertained, with-1 out any very (enfiblc change, or great alteration, | either before their comming, when they are con- j ceived, or afterward. j

Thus in the firft place wc may try whether our j faith be true, by confidering the degrees and fteps i by which it growesupinus. It comes not idlely j and eafily, lightly and inlenfibly, but by the power j of the Miniftcry, by a fight and fenle of our finncs, j by an apprehenfion of Gods wrath and indigna- ; tion due to us for the iame ^ by much true (brrowj j remorfe, and heavinefle of heart, for grieving and offending God, by our former vanities, lewdnefle, and rebellions, by anhnngring and thirfting after K4 the^

Thcfccond J tt iall of faving

Mar.4,3o,j3.

Aplchyexpo.. ficion of the »J, PfalniC

^he Saints

themercyandgraceof God inChnftJelus 3 farre more lovingly, than for any worldly good ; thefe are the tore-runners of a-true and fruitfull faith.

2. Secondly, Growth in ftrength, and a daily (pringing up towards height of afllirance, and ful-nefleof perfwaiion, is a found marke of a faving faith. Other faichs commonly ftand at a ftay, or. elfe flourilh falre and frefti for a while, but after decay and die ^ or elfe they grow oaely in a peremptory boldnelTe, and groundleife prefiiraption, not in a true appreheniion^and feeling perfwafion of Gods love and favour, and of the certaine pardon and reraidion, of their finnes ^ but true and juftifying faith growes from a graine unto a great j tree 5 from a little purling ftrcame-toa mighty torrent ^ from a fpaike into a flame, being blowne by thefpiric of grace^ increafed by the waters ifluing out of the Sanftuary, and cheriftied with the dew of heaven. It is weake at the fir ft God knowes/ull of many doubts and <liftradions, nay^fcares and tremblings 5 but after long experience of our owne fincerity, godly life, and good confcience, after it hath beene well exerci/cd with continuance and conftancie in the nieanesof grace and knowledge, by azealous and fruitfull hearing of the Word ^ by reading, conference, meditation, prayer, u(e of the Sacraments, finging of Pfalmes, publike and private humiliations, faichftilnefle in bothcallings> mcrcifiilnefle to the poore, &c. It growes up in time^ and by leafure, to be a ft^ong faith. Let us look^into the ?p/. 23. for theilluftrationsof his Uruth 5 Whe^ the great (hepherd of our (buLes, » our

klfe4nriching examination.

our blefled Lord and Saviour Cliriftlefus, by the call and cry of his Minifters^hath brought us home from our finfuIlwandringSjinto his fold; and after led us along into his green pafturesjand ^Qd us plentifully with the precious food of his Word, with meditation in heavenly things, with comfortable conference, and converfing with godly Chridians, atter hee hath (weetly many times refrefht us with the pleafant Rivers of waters,with peace ofcenfci-ence, with joy in his holy (pirit, with comfort in erodes and diftrefles, by telling us fbftly and ie-cretly with an inward voyce^ and (acred infpiration of hisfandtifangfpirit, that we are certainly his, and affured of his everlafting favour. After he hath often reftored and revived our fbules from dead-nefie and difcomforts, which the heavinefle and rebellions of the flefh bring upon themjand taught and trained them long in the paths of righteouf-nefle ^ why then after this long experience of Gods fpeciall love and favour, and exercife in the comfortable paflages of Chriftianicv and holinefle, fakhbeginnes with an humble triumph, and holy confidence,, thus to revive in our hearts : The Lord lefus is moft certainly my true Saviour, my ftrong Mediatour, and (hepherd of my foule. Whence fprings three right noble and vidorious conclulions ^ the iirft is this :: I ammofl: affured I (hall never want any thing whidi is good either for my body or foule: Though Lhavc but lictkofchis worlds wealth, yet that little I have I hold in ca-^ pi/e, by the right of my Redeemer 51 enjoy it with agood conscience and inward peace, and I know

it

ni

The Saints

it is that pittance and portion allotted unto me by Gods eternall providence, whereby 1 am firtcft to glorifiehim, and fave mine ovvne (bule. Thericli men of the worlds and- the opprcfling Glints of the earth, have greater abundance I conft-fTc, they revell it infblently in their revenues and large pof-feflions, they ruffle it in their riches^ row in gold and filver, and h3%-e more than heart can willi f, but they are IHll in poverty and want, bccaufe th.ey want a contented minde, they are udirpers and in ■ traders upon their goods and lands, becaufe they have no part in Chrift ^ their riches are (hares unto themj to intangle them in pride, covetoufneflc, cruelty and opprefiion^ their worldly wealth onc-ly fats them againft the day of (laughter. The fe-cond is this^ in the darkfbme and dilmall valkyesof death, IwHlfeanuofte evitt-^ that is, come what come can ^ the anchor of my hope, the rocke of my comfort ftands fure. Though the heavens (hould flame with fire, the aireroare with hideous thunder, the earth tremble with dreadfoll earthquakes, the waters of the Seas rage^ and (hake the mountaines with their (urges: Though tyrants Ihould threaten fword and fire, fcorners forae and grinde their teeth, prophaners fcoffeand raUe, friends (hrinke backe, and fall away 5 though heavie afflidions (hould light upon my body, goods or good name* yea, though the griefly face of death were before mine eyes, yet I am refblvedjW/;?? hatt h fixed •, by the grace of God I (hall paffe thorow them all.and at la(t lay hold upon that glorious Crowne, that I am (ure is mine owne, and is already paid for by the ^prccbus

felfe-inricbing examination.

precious hearts blond of my deareft Redemer.The laftconclufionisthis 5 DouhtkJJekindneJ[fe and mercy fiaUfJ.owm: for ever 5 that is, 1 am aflured of continuance and perlevcrance in grace, unto the end of my life, and of endlefl^e glory afterward through all eternity. Though I be (bmetimes troubled with doubts, and ftagger with temptations, yetlmake no doubt of deliverance outof them, but will ever reafbn with God out of many experiences of his fpeciall favour, and everlafting love to m^ (piritu-all comfort^ as David did in a temporal! conflrd. When it was objeded unto him that hee was no match for GolJah:) too little to enter the lifts with fb great a Giant ^ Tkon art mt able Qzithsanl^ fogoe ^ga'mfl this ?hilifti//:e to fight mth him : fir thou Jrt but a bo)J and hee is a man of war re from his youth. Well (ai th David, i haveflainea Lion and a Beare^ heretofore by the mercies of God, and why tknJIwuU I feare this Hvcircumci^ei Philfiim .«? the Lord hath delivered mee out of the-pan) of the Beare^ he mil deliver me cHt of the hand of this Philijfim. So though Satan, that ftrong armed nun, throw at mee his fiery dai ts of ditlradions, doubts and feares, about the certainty of my iah^ation, and continuance in the faith, even to the wounding and vexing of my (buleforthetime; yetlamafTured (andlwilldie in the place before I part with this pcr(\va(ion) that that mercifull hand which hath formerly fb many times rcftored me againc from fuch dumps, to my former comfort, and Ihewed mee againc the light of his favourable countenance, will undoubtedly fez mee apon my feet againc, and refrefli my heart againe^

iM

I Sam 17.

The Saints

againc, with a doubled aflurance, and a riidre glorious hope of evcrlafting life. Though (bmecimes I want feeling and fenfe of Gods favour^ and my faith dotIT not worke in mine heart with that quicknefle and ftirring as itwaswont, but that I am poilelled with much deadnefle of (pirit, and heavie-heartednefle, and that for the time my (bule is fore difquieted within me 5 yet as a woman that hath once certainly felt thechilde quicke and ftirring in her wombc, though after it lie quietj and without motion for a time, yet (hee is afTured by Gonfideration of ks former moving, that (heis with childe : So though my faith fometimes want 'feeling, yet by the experience of former holy workings and ftirrings in my foule, I am afliired that I am ftill the childe of Godjand that the everlafting treafures of (aving grace arc hid and lodged in mine heart. Thus it is the marke and property of a true juftifying faith, to grow in ftrength, by ma-I ny experiences of Gods mercies andfavour, and I by a zealous, faithfoU and confcionable purfuit and pra<fli(c of godly exercifcs, and good duties, and by a -long and conftant following of the holy meanesof increaiing grace and fanftification. But by the way I rauft tell you, that the moft ripe, and ftrong, and flourifliingfaith, may fometimes bee fore weakned, wounded and ecclipfed. Faith holds it height of perfwafion, and fulnefle of allurance, while we preferve andmaintaine thefervencieof ourfirft love, fincerity in our hearts, innocencie and uprightneffe in our lives. But if we grow cold in our profeffion, neglediveof holy duties/elaple

into

felfe-inriebing examination.

into fome old finne of our iinregcneration^ or bee overtaken withfbme open {candalousfall ^ we fhall ■finde onr faith alfb to faiie, and to take abruife. Nay, fometimes our gracious God^ that he may try how w€will ftick andcleavefaft anro himjthoiigh we want feeling of his favour,, and how wee will traflr in him, though he kill us: Nay, out of his (e-eret wifdome, and invifible purpofe^ (uffer our faith for awhile to draw in her beames of comfort, and to lie without fenfe or motion in the heart for a.(eaibnj but markc the difference ; The beft of the other faiths, which is the temporary, as it is but planted in the forraall profeflbr by an inferiour working of the fpiritjand is never through and entire in findlification, fb by the oppofition of the j worlds with /bme ftrong remptationsjor fbmc kind j of perfecution,ic may be totally darkned and utter- | ly quenched ^ lb that thofe who have formerly byi the force of temporary hith beene friends to the Gofpell, made a good fhew of forwardncflej brought fonhfom fruits,may utterly fal away from thofe generall graces, embrace this world wholly^ with Dimasj as the onely and beft heaven they ever looke for, and become {corners of fincerity i and godly Chriftian*!. But found and faving faith can never be either finally or totally loft, it is never quire and utterly quenched and abolifhed in any true Chriftian. It may fuifer a particular eccHpfe ; it may in fome meadire, and for a time be dimmed, as it was mDavid^ Pfal 51. Buf in due time it breaks forth againe, anc^ fti'ne«^ more cleare and bright in the truly humbled and penitent foule.

To

Thethi dmark of faring faith.

TT^i? Saintf

To conclude this point then, and property of faith; Saving and juftifying faith, as ail other (an-* dtif) ing graces, and as the whole way of the righteous, P^ov.^.ip, after i r once rife and peepe up in the heart, it (hines as the light of tfie Sunne, That fims won a^dnjon nnio the perfiB dayy It may bee overcaft with fome clouds of temptations, dark-nedfometiraes in this body of death, which wee carry aboutus, dimmed by our fi ailties and infirmities^ hid from us for a while, by an unadvifed fall into (ome/canddious fintie. But as the Sunne for all the clouds and miOrs whichobfcure his light, flicks ftill faftinhis fphere, and at length diipels them, and fhines faire againe : So fairh^ though (bmetimes (haken and overfhadowed, yet ftill ftands faft in the (bule, breaks forth at length beau-tiiull and bright, and at lafl: when the day of this life is ended, fets (wectly in the Sea ofendlefle I joyes, and light that no man can attaineunto.

3. Thirdly, it is proper and peculiar to faving faith, topurifietheheart. God purifieth our hearts by faith, AB. 15.9. Other faiths may purge the underftanding from ignorance, the tongue from railing and bitternede, the outward a(!iions from grolTe and notorious iinnes, but they all leave the I hejjrt at large, to range and rove into a world of I idle and earthly thoughts, of prophane and fruit-lefle imaginations, llnregeneratc men will aft a thoufand finnes in the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts, without anyehecke orremorleof conlcience. They fuffer their hearts to bee excr-ci'fedincovetoufnefle, in filthincfle, in ambition,

in

lelfe-inriching examination. | u 7

in malice, in world!inelTe^ a world of wickcdnefTcj ! withoutany great horror or f^ruplCj fith they are butvanifhing and invilible thoughts ; But where the working and purging grace of faving f^iich, hath feizeJ upon^ and feafoned the heart, there a zealous and watchful] care is had, there confcience is ever made of the devifes and defires of the heart. Though no eye of man, noijand of h umane juflice, noinftrument of death can difcover^ cen-(ure, or reach unto the fecret 6c llnfull motions and imaginations of the heart, yet fith they are good open tothcall-feeing eye of God^ moil: hateful] in his fight, liable tohishigh di^leafure, grieveliis fpiritj and weaken the power of grace, every truly ' fandified man^doth fet himfelfc with (peciallcarej and all good confcience, to bridle and bring them under, to reprefle a'l wicked ftirrings of the heart, and mainly tooppole againft all luftfull^proud, covetous^ ambitious, malicious, or what other irregular or exorbitant thoughts (bever, the formal! profeflbur, the halfc Chriftian, is ever more troubled and grieved with anopenfinne that doth disgrace and fhame him in the world, than with plotting much wickednefle, and acting many polluti-onSj in his lecret and invifiblethoughts. But the found Chriilian is fbmetimcsmore vexed, forha-vinggivenway to fome wicked conceits, and wan-dtingrmaginations of his heart, then for outward frailties and infirmities. For itgrieves him to the heart, that fiih God hath ranked him amongft the number pf true Chriftians, and that hee is fo accounted by the befV men, yet notwithftan^

ding

u§

The Saintt.

ding he Ihoutd be io tarre tainted with that hate-[(ulliinneof hypocrifie,, as tothe eyeofmen, to ; beunreprovablc, and yet to grieve fb goodafpi-rit, and offend lb gracious a Go.^, by the fintull wandrings and rovings of his thoiiglits, which,, though no man fee, yet the icarcher of all hearts, " and the undefiled purity of Almighty God, doth right heartily hate and abhorre. Let us then trie the truth of our faith, by the change and holinelfe of our hearts. If our inward afedions, and inmoft thoughts be purified, then it is a ccrtaine fignethe power of faving faith hath beene there. Th defire oj the.righieousisomlygood, i^ithSalomon^ VrcvA 1.23. By nature the imaginations of wans heart areomljei^iU continHally^Gen.6.'). Yet after the hear the purified by faith,his defires are onely good. But becaufe no man is fb abfolutely good and fandified in this life^ wemuftunderftandit thus. The maine ftreames of his defires, the courfe and current of his heart istogodlinelTeand goodnefle, though fometimes his corrupt nature, and Satans boyfterous temptations ^ doe unawares and violently carry his thoughts another way. His inward and fecrer plor5 andprojefts^ are commonly fpent for the letting forward grace, and Gods glorie. But if fb be, that out of the reliques and roots of in-bred corrupti^ on, which is never utterly abolifhed untill death, there pafTe him fbmetimes^ and fprout up, rafh and unruly wifhes and defires, after he comes to him-felfe, and takes notice of thcm^ he fends out ma-

Iny other zealous and fervent after them, fbr humiliation and pardon, and purging of his heart. Whereas 1

JelfeEnriching examination.

Whereas unfanftified hearts are ordinarily working for increafing wealth, and enlarging temporall happinefle^ or eJfe are worfe occupied. And they are not vext with any conceit or confcioufneUe of the idle vagaries, and prophane wandrings of thoughts, but hold it a point of too much purity and precifenefle, to bee fb ccnfbrious and fevere over the frecdome of imagination. n^^

4. Fourthly^ Wee may know our faith to bee (bund aad (aving, if it bring forth a true and tho-rovv Evangelicall repentance. LegaJI repentance, morali repentance, a hollow and balfe repentance, feare and forbearance of (bme finnes for feare of puniihment in outward things, or for the love of God onely, as he is good unto him, may befall the reprobate. But tobewaile our firmes from the bot-rome of our hearts, becaufe they are finnes, and for confcience lake to loath and hate all iniquity^ becaufe itis an eye-fore and heart-fore to our gracious God, andmoft loving father in Chrift Jefiis, to crufh the h'^ad of original! corruption, and breakethe heart of our fweetfinne ^ to part from all grolTe finnes in adion and pradife, and all frailties and infirmities, at leaft with difafFedion, prayer, humiliation, and repentance : Thcfe and the like are the fruits and ilTues of a true and jufti-fyingfaiih. For no man can truly, fincerely, and thorowly dcteft and abandon all his former lewd courfes, the fenfuall plealuresof this life, and his fweetfinne, before he beafTured by a found and lively faith of Gods marvellous mercy towards hiraj intheforgivenesofallhisfins in Chrift. For

L if

129

A fourth triall et faving faith.

frcntumcfi fa-nittmitcy fa-ter tfuam tiibil eft, quod borjum fity af^euntiatli

cmftat in fide-^ e£c fundatemy non enm fsuft dtborbofna malm fru£iuifme : ^anitentiaiiaq; qua non exftdti fnccditf Hiiiis noH eft: {Sie py$iuiJubiaMi ftdtifine^ani-temia.) Ai.g.de vera&falja

The Saints

if once his comforrable favour fhine and be ilied in-co his heartjhe eafily and immediatlymeks and re-[(blvesintotearesof fbrrowand griefe for former j rebelh'onSjand makesunfained and refblute vowes [ for ever after by Gods grace to throw one of i his heart and life thofe Toads and Scorpions, rhofe vanities and foule pollutions, which kill his. \ (oule and grieved fo good a God. That fenfe and j eeling of Gods favour is a notable and ftrong I meanes to beget thorow griefe, and unfained borrow for finne, appearcs Ezcc. ^6,26,Sic. Imllalfo kliver you from all your filthimUty and I mil call for corne^i ^^i ^^^^ incnafeit, and lay no famine uponyou. For I vpifI multiply the fruit of the trees ^ andtheincreafe of thfid is, thatyeefhidl hare no more the reproach of famine among thheathen : (You muft underftand, (that under the abundance of temporall bleffings, he concludes fpirituall comforts) And then faith j he, thenfhallyee rememhryonrovpneippich^dwayes^ and I your deeds that ivere not good^ and Uoall judge pUr felifes \ wortfy to fiave htenedeflroyedfor your iniquities^ and for : yourabotmn itionf. Bat a more fpcciall aad pregnant i place for my purpofe, is Zee. 12. io^ 11. Ipoure. faith I God, upon the houfe ofDai^id and upon the inhabitants of j leru^dem^ thfpirit of grace andcfcompapon , and they \(haUlook§ upon me vphom tlxy lyavepierced._,andthey Jhall [lament for him^ as one moufAeth for his only fon^4»d be forty for Urn, as one is for ry for his jirft borne. In that ] day fhall there be a great mourning inlerufakm^ as the ' mourning of Hadadrimmon, inthevaUey of Megiddon. When once thefpirit of grace by a livdy faith hath certified our troubled and trembling hearts of

God

jelfe4nrichirig examination. \ ni

Gods favour in forgiving our finnes, when once V7e be afluredj that that fpotlefle and (acred bioud was rpilt particularly for our pollutions 5 v^hy then onely vi^ith truly wounded (pirits, and grieved (bulefjdo we begin to looke on him whom our fins hive pierced, then doe we hartily hate our former gracelelTe rebellions^ which by the eye of faith we fee, were the whips and nailes, the thornes and (peares that vext the Sonne of Go J. When once wee fbundly beleeve that his precious bloud was Qied for our finnes in particular, then doe we fhed thofe true teares of compundion and fbrrow, which are indeed the fbules hearts bloud, and the wine of Angels (as Divines call them) right plea-fing unto God, and joyful! unto Heaven, Until! we have a true perfwafion fetled in our hearts, that wee are certainly redeemed from the powers of Htl!, by thedeachof Chrift, wee cannot for our lives truly hare all linnejasit is finne for confcience fake, and for the love of God, wee cannot before abandon both i( j praftife and allowance 5 our earth-ly mindednefle, and worldly vanities, with the conftancie and ifttegrity of theSaintsof God.But when we once have clalptour hand of faith upon that glorious Crowne in Heaven, which is fure our owne^ andfealcd unto usbythebloudof Chrift: Why then, and not before, are we content to ufe the world, as though wc ufed it not ^ then our vanities beginnetovanifh, our former pleaiure^ to beunplcafant ^ then beginne wee to difaffeftour earthly afFeftions, to dillafte the taftelelTe revel-lings of good fellowfhip 5 then the fwcetnelTc of

L 2 finne

Afifthcriall of (aving faith. Ncque enim pojjibilecftrtt baiient in (i i)li-qt4i(i inpi(iit'ue^ f^fii jufiiiia re pit(ari,0'ig.ad Rom 4.I.C.4. abiprolixetra-clatbocargum^

The Saints

finne is turned into gall, and the glory of the whole world to the eye of our faith, appeares to be nothing but dung, vanity, nothing,

5. Fifthly, Saving faith is the root and fountaine of fandification, and therefore if we finde our felves to be fandified^ we may be aflured that wee (avinglybeleevc, iCor,.6.ii» Itisraid3/4^.2<5.i7, 18. that Vaulv/SiS Cent fo open the eyes of mcn^ that they might turnefrom dark^ejje to light ^ and from the poxver of Satan untoGod^ that they might receive forgivemjje ofjinnes^ aniinheritance amo^gthem which are famli' fieiby faith. True and juftifying faith doth ever beget ia him whom it pofleflethj a fanffcification of all parts, both in (bule and body, though not of perfedion. By this holy worke of fandification, a man fhall finde himfelfe as farre differ from what he was before, as a Valley from a Mountaine, the ftrait from the crooked, the foftnefle of fle(h/rom thchardneffe of flint, the nature of water, from thefabftance of Diamond For it makes a great change and alteration in the powers and faculties both of (bule and body, in all the parts and pa(^ (ages of this life. His underftanding is iniightned with knowledge in the great myftery of godiinen&, and in the fecrets of Gods Kingdome, which are hid from the wife, and men of underftanding, and thegreateft part of the world, Af<7^ 11.2 5. His will is now bent to the beft things: His memory, which before was like a Seive, and let out the water of life as it was powred in, is now a ftore-houfe for heavenly treadires. Theftreameo: his affedions is turned from the world, and purfuit of picalures,

towards

felfeAnriching examination.

' ' ' I ' ' I ' " I •" I I r 111

towards Gods glory, and good caufes, from the 'joyes and contentments of finne, into a hatred; feare and forrow for them. His heart is weaned from all her temporary pleafing lufts, and fallen in love with eternall pleaiares^ and heavenly things. His confcience ispHrged, and become watchfoll todifcover^ andfenfiblctofeelethe approach and prickings of the leaftfinne. His hands are wafhed from corruption and bribery, from violence, and the bloud of the poore. His eyes are rcftrained from luftfull wandrings, fi*om beholding vanity, from greedy gazing upon the wedge of Gold, and his neighbour Nahoth Vineyard. His eares are ftoptagainft enticements to finnCgflanderous tales, and filthy talke. His lips are filenced from pro-phanenefle, obfcenitics, bitter speeches, and idle jefts. His feet are fettered by the power of grace, from running any more after thepompe and plea-fores of vaine-glorious worldlings, carnall enticements, earthly defires, deceitfull and unccrtaine hopes, from wandring in the crooked wayes, and accurfed by-paths of vanity and finne, from treading any longer in the eaflefleandendleffeMaie of worldlinefle, covetoufiieffe, and earthly-min-dednefTe. Such fteps and prints as thefe wee may finde in our {bules and bodies, if thefpirit of grace hath (anftified them by the power of laving faith. Every leverall part of holinefle, and f^iriruall branch of fanftification, is a figne and marke of the finCerity of onr faith, as the goodheflbof t he j Mt,andf\veetneflc of the ftreame, drivers the foundnefle of the tree, and the purity of the Wdl: L^ If

M

>?+

The Saints

It faving knowledge, love to Chriftians, feareof Gods dreadfull Majeftie, zeale for his glory, obedience to his win, refped unto all his Commande-ments, reverence to his Minifters, )oy in his pro-mifts, humility under his chafticements, a fpiri-tuall hungringafter the Sacrament, a fincere longing for his Sabbaths, an earneft wifliingand waiting for Chrifts comming in the clouds, and fuch other fpirituall graces dwell plentifully in us, and cxprelTe them(elves fruitfully in our lives and con-verAtion s 5 then afluredly the root of life, and fountaine of all other graces, a lively faith is fea-ted in our (bules. But if thefe fruits doe notap-peare, our faith is not a Jiving tree, planted by the Eli vers of Godsbleflings, but adeadftocke, onely gilt and vemifhed over with fome gliftering (hewes, like the glowing and (hining of rotten wood. If we would try then whether our faith be true andjuftifyingorno, there is no better touch-ftone, thanthefcverallfruirsand branches of fin-dification: Let us runne over fome of them briefly ..and with uprightneffe of confciene^, compare theiJiwithojirprefentdifpofition. i. Doe wee fa-crifice our whole hearts, confecrateouraffedions, devoteowr thoughts, renting them refolutely from earthly pleailitres, and<his valne world; to doe tin* to God faithfully and fincerely, the beftaddut moft fervice wee can ? 2. In refpeft of eloriy-ing God, and hoping a gjo^ c»njcknce in oil iUmt^ 2 CorA . i is. Doe we fcorne with an holy Contempt, a'I prophane fcgffes and centres, all difcoon tenancy of Bicn^ and the uttcrmoft rage ©f perfe-' cutine

r I ITT—p [—^^^—^———^——^—^—^—— , III I

felfe-inrichwg txamination. i ijy

curing tyraats, 3. Have we fb caft up our accounts with the world, and are wee at that point with all things under the Sunne^ that we iraw chearful-lyaddrefle and bend our (elves with chearfulneflc andjoy to the purltiit o^ the price of thhi^hcallifig ofGoiinChriftlefuf .<? 4. Doe wee heartily grieve Tor and bewaile our finnes paft, not for any worldly lofle, feareof punilhmeiit, orftiame they have brought upon us, but becaufe with a long and audacious provocation, they have grieved and offended our gracious God, and unhappily reftrained and elbanged us from his grace, favour and familiarity > 5. Doe we loath and hate our prefeht corruptions, efpecially thcrfe which fticke clo-feft unto our bolbmes, and with (enluall fweet-nefle cleave fafteft unto our corrupt nature ? 6, Doe wee indifferently and impanially with zeale and truth of heart, cndevour ard fet our felves tomortifie and abandon every finncj though our worldl) reputation bee never fo deeply enga- \ gcd, our temporall happinefle never fb ftronglyl enchained, our carnall aff^ftion never fb much' endeared unto it ? 7. Doe wee avoid and for- j beare with no lefTe care and confcience, thofe wic- i ked courfes, which lead unto gaine and glory in the world, than thofe which are accompanied with 1 (hame and punifhment ? 8. Doe wee not onely J performe ihofe holy duties, and embrace ihofe' fpitituall graces, which purchafe credit and com- j mendation amongft men, and in rhe world, butj alfb rhofe which are entertained with lowrirg and i difcountenance, and perfecuted with difgrace and j J L 4 fi'ight?^

phI.^l^

Ezcck.l6.«/^,

Hof.14.4.]

Heb.iJ.3{ja5.

Dan.tf.io.

P(al«i,i|.

* A fixth triall of faving faith Marsfidei cbA-ritatiifepira-tio : credn in

' Chriftutsfae opera Christ \Htvl-vatfiileituajfi-dem tHom dile-dioan'mettpro-bit a^io : n»fi in-curvet itrtcnum 9pui, qiicm fides teUftiserigit: qui dUis te in Cbrifto minere^ iiebesficMtipfe

' tmhuiavily & tuanbultrej SernSirm.14, .

T^he Saints

(J>ighc? ^. Doe wee ftiJlfobmicourlelves toihe I

will of God, as it is more and more revealed unto

us by the Miniitcry of the Word, though it crofle

our former cuftomes and worldly deiires ? and doe

we reft contented with our prefent ertate, becaufe

moft: certainly it fals unto our lot by Gods good

[ pleafore,andeverlaftingprovidence? io.Doewe

delight in hearing, meditating, and conferring of

Gods Word ? and doe we ftandto the profeffion

and pradife of it, not only when it is good cheape,

and brought home unro our doores, but alio when

ft is deare and very coftly ^ 11. Are we willing and

r^folved, faveonely that wedefiretoglorilieGod

longer, and to provide more comfort again ft that

day for any pleafure wc take in the world, to re-

(igneupour foules at any time into the hands of

God, and to meet our Saviour in the clouds ? If we

doe thefe things ? If this be our prefent difpofiti-

on? If we finde thefeand other fruits of (andifica-

tion in ourfelves, our foules are moft certainly iea*

fbnedand favedby a true andjuftifying faith,

* 6, Sixthly, Saving and fanftifying faith ever workes by love. Gal. 5.(5, 2 ?eu 1.5. i Tim. 1.5. /f pure heart, a good confcknce, faith uttfamd 5 and a true hearted ChriiHan love, ever goe hand in hand. If wee would bee afTured that our faith is found, we muft feele kindled in our hearts, an holy flame of moft deare and fpeciall love.

Fird, towards God, who of his owne firee mercy, hath fealedunto us by the blond of his Son, all the prerogatives of the Saints upon earth, and the bleiied inheritance of the mofl^lorious and ever-

lafting

lelfeAnrkh'mgexamination. \ ^7

lafting Kirigdome of Heaven. A fenle of whi:h j extraordinary goodneffe, makes us prefcrre his glory, before any worldly goodj the fweetneileof hfe_, or (alvation of foule. Untill our foules bee in-lightned with (aving faith, and the eyes of our un-derftanding unlealed to fee into, and to apply unto our (elves the myfterie of our particular re-demption, wecannot looke into the rich treadiry of GodsbottomleiTcandboundieiTegoodnefle and \ bounty unto us ^ we cannot behold the beauty and I excellency of (b great Majeftie, which are fpeciall ] occafion, matter, and motives, firftj to ftirre up and kindle in us an holy love : The branches and rifings of which facred flame are thefe:

I Fir(V, When we are certified by a liv^ely faith, of our reconciliation with God by the death of Chriftle/uSj which is the Conduit-pipe^ thorow which all comforts and graces doc fweetly flow unto us 5 we bcginnne to love God for his love and goodnefle unto us, according to that, ilok 4. i^. Therefinrpelove Cod^ kcaufilxlfyvedusfirfl. Forcer* tainlynomancaTifbundlyand fincerelylove God with true zeale, and without by-refpeds, untill he be pcrfwaded in his ovmc heart, that all his (Ins are remitted, an 1 that he is eternally beloved of God. But then every bkding of God is as itwerebel-lowes, to blow the fire of our love to a bigger flame. Then wee begihne to confider with mel tings of fpirir, and pangs of deareft affedlions ,;^ what an infinite mercy of God it wasj. that wee were not cut off before our calling and converfi-bUj in the time of our open difbbedience and rebellion.

The Saints

bellion_, ia the daves ot our lintuli vanities and fraile delights.

2. We wonder at the ftrange patience of our merciful! God, in that it hath plcaicd him to cover and conceale from the eyes of the vi^orid, many hatefull abominations donebyusinfecrer, andte keep us reputed as unfpotted and blameleflc before men^ when as we have deferved for them t0 have hem made an aflomlhmefit and hi^ing^ and bj^spord to all about us ; nay, perhaps to have beene hanged up as fpedacles of (hame and horror to the whole world, of example and terrour to all poflerity.

3. But we fpecially faftening ourconfideration u^x>n that happy and holy workeof our new creation, to the everlafting glorious admiration of his grace and goodnefle, we muR how by the mighty power of his fand^ifying (pirit, hee hath pulled us o tof themouchof that devouring Dragon^ attd fnatchedufas brands out of ikfrCy to make us (larrcs in Heaven. What a marvellous mercy, kindnefle and bounty is this 5 thinke we with our (elves that wee (hould bee fingled out by the power of the Word, and marked by the hand or Cod for/alva-tion, xyhen many hundreds ab^^ut us are never better for the Word all their life long, and at length perifli everlaftingly. That wee which heretofore have beene perhapsas miferable, blinde, and pro phane as the worft, (hould now be walhed, beian-(3:ified,bejuftified5 InthenameofthctordJe^w^ and byihtfpnt of our God 5 (hould oee now like a few cleare (ighted, amongft a throng of blinde men^ Like the portion of lacoh in Egypt, fairely inlight-

ned

felje'-tnricbmg examination.

ned, when the Gountrey round about is covered with darknefTe, Like Gideon i fl^ece^ atom npatered, with his fpeciall and faving bleflings^ pchikthe reft of i he earth is dry^^nd deftitute of his grace^that isjthat whereas true Nathamh, found Chriftians are very-feant, and thinly fcattercd, like the berries, after the (baking of an Olive tree, two or three in the top of the utmoft boweSj and foureor five in the high branches ^ here one or two in a family, there three or fbure in a Viirage ^ yet now by the mercies of God we are of their number.

4. From hence we rife in our meditation to con-fider and wonder at the WelUfpring of all our happineflc 5 our elei^ion and choice to be heires of Heaven, out of Gods free mercy, and onely deare love, befi:>re we were borne, nay before the world was made, even from all eternity : And hereupon our hearts fpring and leape within us fbr joy and comfort, to thinke, that as a woman, which loving her childe while it is yet in her wombe, br-caufe it fpranj^e out of her Ioynes,doch much more fweetly fmile upon it when it is borne, and (he em* braceth it in her armes: So if God loved us before we had ^ny being while we yet lay hid in the great lumpe, andunfafhionedMafleof man-kinde, be-caufehe had chofenus to be vefTelsof honour for hisroyall Palace of Heaven ; hee will much more dearly Screnderly handle us,and lull us inhis armes of mercy and compaflion, and hide us under his wings of proteftion and power, now when we arenew borne by the (pirit oftheLordJeftis, ard that hee hath (damped upon us hisowne image of

holineflej

77^ Sainu

holincflej andjeakdus wHh hjsjfmt.agaiHfi the daj of redempiiotf, Thelc and many other bieffings, graces andcomfortsfiovving from them, knit our hearts faft and nearly unto him, after we be aflured by a true faith, and the (pirit of adoption, that they are certainly our owne. But no unregenerate man is really and truly partaker of theft fpiiituall prerogatives, and therefore cannot truly and fincerely loveGod. This then is thefirft branch of divine love, when wcdearly andaffedionately loveGod for all thofegood things hee vouchsafes unto us through Chrift. He that hath not a (en(e andtafte of thcfe things by a found faith^ commonly loves God principally for his profit, and prolpericy in. the world, not much unlike in this point to a little childe, that (ayes his prayers onely that hee may breake his ^SiH,

2. Afecondftaireand rifing of our love, is to love him for all tho(e beauties, excellencies, and eternities ; all that incomprehenfible Ma/eftie^ purity and glory, which hee infinitely andeter-! nally poflefleth in hirafelfe ^ (bme glimpfes, (ha-1 dowes and refemblances of which, hee hath Icat-i tcred and difperfed amongft his creatures. Wee j are not to love<jod onely for the good wee have ; received from him, even in heavenly things, but alfb for his owne goodncfle. and for that great Ma-jeftie, and unapproachable light, which encompaf-feth him in the heavens. Hence it is thatfuch a zealous pang of fervencie in thiskinde, and fuchan unquenchable thirft of (anftifving Gods Name, and the advancement of his Kingdome, poflelTed

the

Ielfe''inrtchin2 examination.

the bleflcd (pintsof thole two men of God, McfjCs wdPatfl, that forgetting rhemfelves, they deliied rather to be blotted out of thebook§oflife^ and to le ac-cwfed^ than God (hould not be glorified.

3. A third branch and beame of thisfpiriruall flame, is when we fo ftrongly love God, before and above all other things ^ that we love nothing in the world but for his fake. 1. Hence it is that trueChriftiansimploy their love unto theirchil-dren,ra'.her in planting grace in their hearts, and in making them Gods fervants^ than in^purchafing for them large pofTelfions^ and making them great upon earth. 2. They love their friends and familiars, not for advantage, plealure, profit, or worldly reputation, but mofl: dearly^ becaufe they love God, and have his image of grace and fincerity fh i-ning in them. 3. They love their healthy not be-caufe they are enabled thereby with more eafe and contentment to purfihe the world, and more en^ tirely to enjoy the vanities thereof ^ but becaufe it brings them vigour unto their bodies, andliberty unto their minds, to ferve God more chearfully and comfortably, both in their generall and particular calling. 4. They love richesjhonours, know-ledt^e, the countenance of greatnefle, high places, and the like ^ not that they may ruffle ir, and do-mineerein the world, opprelfe and proudly over-looke their brethren ^ but that they may be the fVronger towirhftand ungodly oppofitions, that they niay give the more enlargement to Gods glo-rv, and furtherance to good caufes ^ that they may pcrforme moe good works, doe more good unto good

Liik.i4.i^.

% Sam.^.tx.

The Saints

I good men, and more honourable fervke to the Majeftie of Heaven. 5, They love the Word, and the free and fruitfull paflage of it, not oncly be-caufe it brings outward peace, and worldly happi-neffe, but becaufeit glorifies Gods Name, anden-largeth Chrifts Kingdome 5 fils Heaven wiih Saints, and the earth with good Chriftians. Thus in a man (andified with {aving faith, the love to creatures, and all other things^ is ferviceable and fubordinate to Gods glory.

4. A fourth ftep and ftaire of our love to God, is tohateour felves for love of him: That is, to be content to loofe our goods, our friends, our liber-tie, our lives, rather than to betrav his truth and glory, in not ftickingtoit, and ftanding for it. The fpirituali heat of this divine flame doth beget in the heart of the true Chriftian, an holy contempt of prophane (cofFs, railings, (landers, dif-graces ^ it makes the nobleft (pirit, whii^h naturally is moft impatient of contempt and contumelies, todigeft wi: h patience the fpightfull bafeneso^the prophaneft abjeds, and the railings of the proud. This love burned in the breft of David^ when hee thus anfwered his fcomful! wife Micha//^ I mil jet k more vile tha^ thus. Even Majeftie it felfe.ftooped to the moft difdainfuUcontempt for the glorifying of God ^ and fubmitted his Crowne and Scepter to the (come and cenfare of the meaneft for his (ake. This Jove was hotter in the hearts of many Martyrs, than the (corching flames about their eares: This alone fuftained them amid thtfircruell torments, and edged them on even with their dea-

reft

felfe-inriching examination. |

reft bloud tollackethe fire, and quench the thirft- | ing rage of perfecutours. Their bodies were like curs, their ftrength was not the ftrength of llones, their limbs were not oF fteele, nor flefh of brafTe, ^ they were fenfibleof paine and torment as well as we;^ but the heat of Gods love within them, did with fach a powerfuil vigour fo wholly pofTefle their fbules, that it more prevailed to comfort them^tban the flames of lire were able to confound them.

2. After that faving faith hath planted this fervent love of God in our hearts, it ipreads and imparts it felfe to the creatures, with due refpecT:, merciful] ufage, and moderate delight in them, as wherein appearefbmeprints and (liadowes of the beauty^ jwifdome, power and glory of God. But efpecially to men, becaufe they are knit unto us with a nearer bond of brotherhood by creation, and beare about them the Image of the fame Crea-tour ; but moft dearely of all to true Ghriftians, and^anftified men, becaufe they are fellow mem-bersof Chrifts body, and co-heires with us of the (elfe (ame KJngdome.Hereupon it is that Paul Gal. 6, 1 o.bids us doe^oodJiftto allmcu-hni efpeciai/jto fUm of the houfiold^ffalth. And ih^iDa'vid tel sus,Pp/. 1 6. 3. That aUhis delight m tlif holy ones vp 'ich are here on earthyavdchkfl) inthofe th^t excellinvertue. This love of the Saints and godly men, is a manifeft marke of faving faith, and aninfilible figne of true regeneration. The fptrit of God hath pointed it out as a ftrong demonflration, and propofed it as a touch-ftone for trial] in this point. We know faith

lohn^

H?

The Saints

Ttfhfy I Jr;/>.] 14. ihatvfice are tranjkted fi^om death U lije^kcaufe wclo've the brethren. If any man can heartily and (incerely vouch(afe his beft and kindefl: af-fedionsto a true Chrtftian, for thiscaule onely, he being Gtherwifeaftrangeruntohim, rhathee fees the living graces of Gods fpirit Qiiiiing in him, and manifeft iignes of true and nnfained godii-nclfe. Ic is a good argument unto him chat he him-felfe is a true ChriRian, and that thofe (ame graces are f^ated in his owne (bule, \yhich he (b much fets by^lovesand reverenceth in another.

5. Thirdly, a maniandified by faith, doth onely truly and rightly love himfelfe, but in another meafure, kinde and manner, than prophaue men : I For they make Idols of themfelves 5 their love to I God, to his Word, to their kindred and neigh-j hours, mud: ever yeeld and (iibmit to the love of ! themlelves.They cannot for their hearts love hear-\ tily a true Chriftian^only for his god!inefre:,It may I be they mayafFed him for his gifts, bccaufehee I dealesjuftly with them, becaufe of Ibme natural! i bond of kindred or alliance, or for that they en)oy I outward blellings by living with him: But ever for j his profeffion&pra&ice of fincerity,they hold him i too precife. In deed and truth, ail their loverefts j within theirowne bofomes^ and is cunningly and fecretly fpent upon themfelves ^ Gods glory, (alva-tion of (buIes,good of others, are ferved at fecond hand, and in reverfion after them{elves,and their owne finfull pleafures.In a word,the unregenerate man loves onely himfelfe, in plotting and providing earthly comforts, and temporal! IiappinelTe in

this

felfeAnriching examination.

this life 5 love of all other things, and all other loves in him^ are (wallowed up in the torrent of this felfe love, as lefler Rivers in the Sea. But it is farre otherwife with every one, which by a fruit-full and working faith is afliired of Heaven ^ for he loves himfelfefoj that he loves God infinitely more, with the deareft pang of his beftandftron-geft atFedic«i, hee Iwcetly embraces ^very true Chriftian ^ he loves all other things with relation unto God, and rcfervation of his glory. His love unto himfelfe is reftified and <iireftcd unto true happinellc 5 not mif-lpent in furnifliingand filling himfelfe with worldly wealth, and earthly plca-fiires, for the body only,^ but is fervently imploy^d in fitting his immortall fbule with grace, that it m.!^y live eternally hereafter in the glory of heaven. 4. Laftly^That (peciall and impartialllove which (prings out of nature, orfbmekinde ofneernefle, as to wife^children^kindred/riends, familiars, and where there is no grace, like a great Riv^r, many times ovcrflowes the banks of moderation, difcre-tion^ and reafbn, is happily feafbned and fandli-fied by faving faith, and made thereby more fervent, comfortable, and faithfull.

I.! No man can truly love his wife, but the true Chriftian,and(anftified man ^ he may love her body, her beauty, her wealthjher birth, her friends, the outward comfort and contentment (he brings with her, Sec. But he loves not her (bule, for hee neither made his choice principally for grace, nor being matched, doth chiefly wifh and worke her (pirituallgood, doth not grow with her in (aving \ M graces

The Saints

graces^ andholinefle of life, nor walke with her hand in hand towards the Kingdome of Heaven. He loves her not for that (he was put into his hand by Gods providence for his portion, for perhaps he had oneiy an eye and aime at her portion^ parentage, perfbn, andfome other by-re(pefts. He loves her not, as Chrift did his Spouft, and as Paul exhorts, Ephef. 5. 25, with afincere, chafte, and ipirituall love, that he may beget more and more holincfle andfincerity in her^^ prefcrve her un-(potted of the corruptions & abominations of the timejand prepare her for Heaven,that as they have f lived together in the nearefl: bond, and deareft love upon earth, Co they might raigne and rejoyce together everlaftingly in the (econd life. This is not the care and conscience of the unregenerate man towards his wife, and therefore I fty he doth not love her truly. He doth not love her becaufe {hce is all glorious within, enricht with true and lafting graces of the fbule, but becaufe (hee is outwardly deckt in body, that muftrot, and feed the wormes, and becaufe (hee (ervcs his turne for outward comforts,and is his fellow helper for thriving and flourifhing in the world. 2. Neither doth any unfandifiedman truly love his children 5 Hee may love them as they are the fruit of his loynes^ the lively images 8c representations of his perfbn, the hope of his pofteiity, the lines of hisbloudj the arches of his houfe , and pillar of his name and family, andinfuchlikerefpedts: but he doth not burne with that truly Chriftian love towards them ^ which begets a zeale and care to plant in

them

felfeHnriching examination. i i ^7

them the true fcare of God, (aving knowledge, the power of Religion, and ihat one uccejfary thiftg-^ the graces of falvation. He is Ipurrcd on by his natural I afFedion to toy le and tire oat himfelfe without meafiare or end, to heape and hoard up for them earthly treafures, but he is cold and careleffe in providing for them durable riches 5 that Pearle of high price, and a Crowne of immortality. And j therfore he loves them afFeftionately^but not con-1 (cionably, kindly, but not Chriftianly. 3.Neither } can any ungodly man love truly his friend^ he may j be linked to him in a ftrong Sc boyftcrous bond of 1 Good-fellowfhip, he may fticke unto him in fbme defpcrate attempt, even to the (hedding of his bloud; hcmayaffcdhimfor advantage, for plea-fore, for profit, for a time, for his faire conditions, for his good nature, his civill carriage, morall ver-tues, gifts of knowledge 8c wifdome, noblenefTe of (pirit, longacquainrance,and the like ^ But he cannot poffibIyfaften& knit his fbule unto his friends, as thefoule of Jonathanv/ds tied untoihcfouleof Davfd:,th3it is,in the feare ot God,in an holy league for the keeping of a good confciencc, ftandingfor Gods truth, and the advancement of his glory, in that golden knot, and noble tye of Chriftianity. The knot of thatdcareft love betwixt David and Ioaatha»y was tied by the Spirit of God 5 they were as it were (worne brothers in good things 5 they made a covenant, i Sam, 18.3. (for they loved the one the other as their ownc foules) that they would for ever fticke clofe together in the beft things, in defpight of all adverfary, rage and ma-

The Saints

Sec Burton of €^517.

lice, and the cruelty and corruptions of: the time, the vanity and abomination of Sauls Court. The Pame therefore of this affedion was a fparkc of Heaven^nev^ertobeputout orquenched^ after it was once fee on foe 5 but of that laft ing and divine temper, that it was to burne in their breft with mu-tuall zeaie and fervency upon earth, and to blaze everlaftingly with Seraphicall heat in the heavens afterward. The dearneife and ftrength of this holy lovebetweene Davfdmdl(?»at^»y^ndro ofChri-ftian afFe(5bion amongft godly men, appcares by chedeareftpangSj and pallionate meltings of D<i-z'/V/heart, for the death of loftalhaft^ 2 sam, 1,16, Wos is me for thee^ fai th he, »!^ brother lo»ath4n : Pfofl fvpeet hafi thou beem u»lo tne : thy love H»t0 me waf rvm-dsrfftlly papngthtkvtoft^omen. The loveof a woman, by realon of the tendernefle of heart, and the exceffeof paflion in that (ex, is moft longing, paffionate, and fervent^ yet nothhig to the love of lomthitt to D^md^ nothing to that flame of Ipiri» tuall affedion, kindled by the Holy Ghoft in the hearts of true Chriftians one towards another: For all other love is e?jthly, natural], finite, mixed in the meane time with many feares, diftaftes and jcaloufieSj with much unquietnefle, interruptions, and ren-IclTe longings ^ lometimcs it is furious, ibmetimes faint, (bmetimes weakncd and weary with the free and eafie enjoyment of the thing beloved 3 (bmetimes it i&afflified with defpairc, by refiftan€e and difficulty ^ {bmetimes ftrangeled with ftings of jealouHe, left it be defrauded and wronged by partnerfhip, and participation, at the

beft

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beft it is but a bi tter-fweetj and at laft ever ends either in endlefTe divorcej or in bannings and cur-fings of each other in hell for their neemelTe of un -landiified love upon earth.Or if they be both con-vertedjthey ever after hate and abhor their former wickedloveof good-fellowfhip, and enter a new holy league^and (acred bond of Ghriftian love. But fpirituall Iove,betwixt two Chriftians, is of a more fweet and loving difpofition, of a more laftingand heavenly nature. Their deare embracements in godlinefle, and many kinde offices in Chriftianity, areenterchanged andexercifed betwixt them, be-caufe they fee and know that they are both, i. children of one Father 5 2. Brethren of Chrift lefus 3 3. Begotten againe by the fime(pirit ^ 4. Borne of thelame immortall feed of the Word 5 5. Nouri-(hcd with the fame fpirituall food ^ 6, Of one houlhold of faith ^ 7. Pilgriroes and fellow-travellers towards the fame cvcrlafling home ^ S.Soul-dicrs under the fame colours, called to the felfe-famehoper 9, And co-heircs of the glorious King-dome of Heaven. And therefore if once true affc-ftion grounded upon grace, feize upon their hearts ^ if once their two flreames of fandified love, fpringingoutof the fountaine of their love towards God, meet and joyne themfclves in an holy and Chriflian fellowlhip, they grow bi^er and bigger in fincerity and ftrength, towards a \ great torrent^ untill they both fall at laft, and bee fallowed up in that bottomleiTe Sea of end-lelTc love, and higheft happinefle in the world above. The love then of the true Ghriftian, is

M z onely

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onelytrue and worthy embracemenc.

As for the love of unregeneratc men to their friend, though they be never (b wife, rich, or honourable, it is idle, vaine, and tranfitory^ not worth a points end for any found comfort the Chriftian (hall ever enjoy by it, (aveonelyin that it may be a meanes or occafion to worke good upon them, or give countenance and encouragement unto him in his calling. 4. Laftly, neither doth any un(an£i:i(ied man love truly his kindred; heemay have with them merry meetings, fet feafts, exchange of carnal 1 contentments, but to the bond of nature, there wants the linke of grace, and therefore there is wanting that faving and facrcd knot that is wont to tye together the hearts of godly men, (b laftingly and lure, that no crofie or milcrvj nomanordevillj nor time, nor yet eternity can ever untye. His affedion may bee hot towards them, becaufe of the fame bloud^ but a mu-tuall intereft in the bloud of Chrift, is that which feafbns and (an(^ifies all naturall affedions.

5. Onely faving faith is able to beget love unto our enemies, Mattk 5.44.

Thus farre I have told you what love faving faith begets in the hearts of true Ghriftians towards God, the creatures, the godly^ themfelves and to others, as fliall be led with nature, and neernefle reditiedby Religion. I have but given you a tafte, and yet I have ftayed the longer upon che point ^ becaufe there are many, when they heare of faith rporkiag by Imte ^ they prefently apprehend and conceive it to be no more butreleeving

the

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thepoore. When they are taught that they muft joyne good works to their faith, they prefently thinke^that only almcs-decds are them.Whereas if a man ihouldfeedthepoonmfhallhtfgoddsyi Cor.i^, and yet want a true hearted 8c zealous love to God^ his Word^ his Minifters, his fervants, his Sacraments, his Sabbaths^ hisKingdome, his comming, See. it would profit him nothing.If aman were never fo famous $c glorious for his almes-deeds^ and fhould not have a due refpedt, and (incere obedience to all the daties, both towards God and man, enjoyned by the Gommandements, they would ttand him in no ftead at the day of triall.

And yet the(e men harbouring fuch odde opini. ons,and idle conceits, by reafon of their ignorance, are wont to vaunt and braggc much of the times of Popery, what a world of good works^ and open houskceping were in thofe dayes^and thinke within themfelves, that they onely live worthy their profeilion, that love is onely lodged in their bo-fomes, and that they have dipt the wings of charity, to keepe her at home with them, when as flie isflowneaway from themoft places and parts of the world befides. Awd whence rile all thefe glorious conceits, becaufe they give now and then (bmething more liberally and bountifully to the poore. And that:

I. Perhaps which they give is but part of the price of the bfoud") for by indofurc they drive them both out of their houfes, and from the Mi-ni^-lerie) both of thebodies and ibules of the poore. It may be they got in byopprcflionj extortion or

M 4 ufiirya

m

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ufliry, by grinding the faces of thefatherkje^ and tearing thefiejh of the people of God, And fo wretched men thinke to appeafc God, by giving part of their robberies in almes, and goe about as it were to corrupt him with prcfents, and call him to take part of thefpoiie.

2. Or perhaps they pervert and pollute all their good works and almes with Pharifaicall hypocride and vain-glory, not freely and cheerfully parting with them, with a fincere defiretoglorifie God^ icor. r o. 31. and fo they utterly lo(e their reward^ Matth.6,1.

3. Or perhaps they give hand over head, without any difference of parties, or fpirituall dilere-tion : They doe not with an holy careconfider, where their gifts may bee beft beftowcd, what is fitteft to be given, how much is meet for them to contribute, and in what manner they fliould per-fbrmeir, being ftrangers to that precept and principal! of the Apoftle, forever to be ftridly obfer-ved in all offices of love, works of charity, and alnaes-deeds, Gal.6. Dot good imio all men, hntefpect-alljtothemofthe ho-fjhold of faith, Perb^ips they are free-hearted in upholding (bme old iiipcrllitious cuftomeSj fbmc prophane (ports and paftimes, but very cold ineontributionstogodlyufesa and good caufes. In fuch cafes a little is wrung from them, with noleflc adoe, than if a diftrefle of a fine or amercement were to; be cxaded and extorted from them.

4. Perhaps for alh the charity they bra^s;© of, they inwardly hate a true Chriftianj as a fePow

troublefbme

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troublefbme, and too preci(e And they refped onely aiideftcemc the good opinion and kindc affectation, of good-fellowes, as they call them, and merry companions, tiolding it an oncly way to winne love, to make themlelves popular in pra-difeof fbme plaufible finnes, in (landing for old corruptcuftomcs, whichever pleafethemoft part ' and common (brr, inyeelding liberty for iicetiti-ous courfes, to them that live under them^ and about them, in procuring impunity to difordercd perfbns, and taking part with Satan andprophane men, againft the courle of fincerity and good Ghriftians,which is a cruell mercy, and murdering love.

5. It may be having knowledge, found faith, fincerity of heart, a good confc ience, are wanting to their good ivorks, and then their almes-deeds are no better unto them (though in ihemfelves good and neceflary) ihe^ the cnitwg off of a dogger tmh^yand the efferingof Smnts hhnd. It is fcrre eafier for a man to part with thefuperfliiity of his abundance than to part with his (weet finnc, and the (enfiiall pJea-(tiresof this life. Hence it is thatthe hypocrite (braetimes (efpecially if he have any hope thereby to nppeafe the wrath of God,' and fitisfie for his finnes) is content to give any thing to the fervice of God, fave himfelfe, fave his heart and affedi-ons, which are the worlds^ Mich,6,6, " He would «' be at any coft, he would (pare no charges to pur-*''chafe two HeavenSj one on earth; and another in . the world to come : He woull give any thing to • redeemehisfinncsj if hemighthaveadifpenfation

to

iCor.ij.

Arsons 4. MiC'h.3.3.

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to continue in Unnc. In this point hec would not Oand upon any worldly good, though it wrre<i thnfand Kammes, or ten thonjami Riven ^ cyk: Nay, he vvou.'d give his firft borne for hii tranfgrefiien 5 even thefrmt of his bodyjor thefmne ofhisfouk. He would be exadt and unreproveable in all outward fervices, ?fal.%o. But though hefhould give thefe, and the whole world befidesj if it were his owne ^ though hefljould give all that he haih to thepoore, and his body to be burnt: Yet without love unto God, exprcit in yecldingtothe power and pradifeof his Word^ and ChriftianafFedion to godly men, becaufethcy kcepe a good Gonfcience, and labour to (ave their (bulesj all were nothing. It is the heart, and the finceriry thereof, which is a (acrificc, and (ervice well pleafing unto God.

I have interpofed this point no way to hinder thereleevingofthepoore, or toftop the current of bounty and goodneffe, in well di^fed minds, God forbid. I had more need in thefe ftony and flinty times, in this age of cruelty and oppreffion, to ftrike at with the rod of judgements, the rockie hearts of wicked worldlings,and covetoas Cormorants, tliat fbme fprings of mercy and compaflion might breake out, that they might cafi their bread upon the waters i left they periQi in the Lake of fire. I had more need to minifter a (harp potion, com-pofed and nangled all of plague* and woes, to the enclofing, ingroffing, and opprefling Cannibals of our times, that they might caft upagainc the poorc ilsat thfy havejivalloiped dotfne, and tktfltjh of Cods peo-pkwhichthey have eaten 5 left the raft of that Gold

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and Silver which they have heaped up upon the ruines and defolations of whole families, be one day afmft mtneffeagait^ them, and eat their jfejh as it Tperefire, I had more need to ftrike through their loynes v/ith terrour and trembling, v^ith that fear-fall woe, i/^.5.8. Wo^. u»to them that; )ojm houfe to houfe and lay field to field^^c, with that in the Vrov, 14.;} I. He that doth a poore man wrongs blafphe-fMethhis Mak^r ^ (b we read in the great Bibles 5 and moft terrible to this purpofe is that (though Apo-cryphallj yet moft true) Ecdttfi ^.22,2?. Tl.'e bread of the needfdlis thelife of ihepoore, he that defraude h him thereof is a nmrtnerer. He that tah^th away his neigh -hours living, Jtayeth him. It is feconded and confirmed by Smitlohn, a Canonical] writer, i loh.^A 5. Whofoefvcr hateth Ins brother is a man -flayer. And what greater meafure of hatred, what more cruel! manner of murther can there bee devifed, than to fet him upon the rackej thanby oppreflion,'^ufury or extortion i^ to plucke off his slqnne, to teare hisfleffj from his bones ^ tobreke his bones, and chop them in peecesas for the pot, Mieh.^,2,'^. A man hadfarre better be prefently knockt ith* head^ than by ki-furc and languifhingthus pineaway.There are two wayes yon know of putting out a Lampe, either by blowing it out, or by taking away the oyle which fhould nouriOi and feed the flame ; So a man may. either be (uddenly ftabbed and thruft thorow, or having his living and 11 velyhood, by little and little pluckt from him, linger for a while in a con-(umptionofhisftate, untill he quite pine away in want and mifery. This latter murthering of men

is

15?

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is craftily and cruelly prafti(ed by the enclofing and opprcffing Giants of our times, they doc not knocke them downe in the ftreec, and ftrike them dead as they meet them, that were farre moretol-lerable and merciful!, and there were law againft | them.

But by racking their rents above reafbn, or rai-fing their fines beyond mealure, or wearying them by one tricke or other, out of their ancient poffef-fions, they wring their penfivcfbules from their hunger-ftarved bodies. Kaboth died more happily and eafily than the opprefTed andenclofedof our times, which is a kinde of death^ as farre more cruell and tormenting than the former^ as hanging in chaines alive, than beheading. Who would not hate and abominate with the highefi: ftraine of indignation, that bloudy tyrant which fhould torture an innocent man, upon (bme engine of vexation, with a lingring torment, onely upon purpofe to make his paines'more painfull, and fhould onely adde life unto his death,that he might die more di-ftrefTedly ? And yet in cfFed many cruell Land-Lords deale thus with honeft men, though not for thirft of bloud, yet for greedinefTe of gold.

If the times then bee fuch, I had infinitely, andathoufand times rather be a Prodlor to plead for the poore, than once to open my mouth ae,ainfl: them. And therefore whatfoever I have delivered in the former point, was only to meet with a falfe opinion, and common errour of men, who ever when they heareof charity,faith, work-j ing by love and good workes, conceive there-

: ty_

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by nothing but almes-deeds. Which indeed in themfelves are good and neeefljr/^ and -ftiidtly .commanded of God Almighty, Ecclef. 11. i. i joh» 3«i7c molt pleafing unto him, 7/^.58.536,7. And highly rewarded by him, Prm). 19-17, Ink. i6.p. Jf they bee ourowne lawfully and confcipnably come by^ given with a heart purged by faith from an evill conlcience, and dead .works,^ withfpiritu-all di(cretion in preferring the Saints in all favours and furtherances^ with feafenableneflej compaffion and chearfulnefle; they are a precious feed fowne upon earth, tlie crop whei'eoffhall hereafter bee glorioufly reaped in the Heavens. But if an holy, ■ flame of divine love to God, his honour^, truth and fervice ^ to jJil good things, godly exercifes, and true Ghriftians, be not firft kindled in the heart, by the fanftifying fpirit 5 if there be not a refped to all Gods Commandements, a delightin all holy" duties, and hatred to all finnes ^ all our alnaes-. deeds, all our good Works arc/Unto. our fclvcs utterly unprofitable. Thele ought to be done pro-portionably to our ability, and the other graces to be polTeft in.liacerity, if welooke for faivation, A good man muftnotonely apply feis hand,Butprin-cipally his heart to the exercife of well-doirlg. There is the royall feat of divine love,and the holy olF-fpring of a fruitful! faith, which givcth life and acceptation to all good aftions, without which the largeft doles, and moftglorious hrgeflcs, are butcmleafbnedandunfanftificd (acrifices. Befides the confutation of a common errour 5 the point fcrvcs to comfort pooreGhriftians, to whom tlus

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hard world denieth wealth. For love (the faireft and lovelicft ifliie of a faving faith) is not placed with money in the purfe, but planted with love and kindnelTc in the heart.

Canft thou mourne with diftrcfled Chriftians, and unfainedly afFeft thy heart with fbrrow for their griefes > Canft thoulpcake comfortably unto an afflided confcience, and refrcfh a broken and bruifed (pirit? Canft thou pray heartily for the con-verfionof thy moft enraged and implacable cnc-mie, and grieve at their rebellions and foule-mur-thering ftubbornneflc ? Doft thou labour upon all occafionSj by inftruftions, admonitions, feafbna-ble reproofes, to draw others out of their ignorance and blindnefle, iecurity and finnes, to faving knowledge, and into the waycs of God ? Why then thou art very rich and glorious in almcf-decds, for fothou doeft good to the fbulesof thy brethren, one of which is farrc more worthy than the bodies of all men living. Thou fo cnricheft thy brother with heavenly trcaftircs, and (pirituall almes, which arc much more pretious^ and preferred before any good dced^ or comfortable re-leefejCxercifed and conferred upon the body: The very Schoolmen being witneffes, Durdndutlib.j^, dA^.q.'jXon^ule^^Cafliga.folare^remitteifer, ora ^ is better than, Viftto^poto^cibo^redimo^^Ugo^cMgo^cendO' To conclude this point, true and juftifying faith doth'ever in the firft place kindle in the heart a zealous & fervent love to God, and all godlinefle ^ then to our owne (bules, whereby wee are ftirred up to fiirnifti them with all laving graces, then I to

felfe-inriching examination. \

tochefbules of our brethren, that they may bee i brought to everJaftkig happinclTe^ then to their } bodies and lives, that we may refrefh and relceve [ them, according to their wants, as the Lord (ball j make us able j after to all creatures, as we (hall fee! and obferve, to the power, wifdomc and glory of* our gracious God to fliine in them. \ 7. Seventhly, Forfaking the world, is a fure fignc of a faving faith. For no man can poffibly rent his affeftion from the world ^ his (weet 'finne, and earthly vanities 5 untill his fbule have received by the hand of faith from the (pirit of God 5 an aurhenticall affiirance of art immoridl Crofcm in tJk.Heavem 5 fealed unr o him by the precious bloud of the fbtinc of God. Every man naturally is greedy of joy and ccntentraentj and farre more holdfaftof prefcnt comforts, though wcake andtranfitory \ then appehenfive of unfeene future happinefTes^ of which he hath no found and c^rtaine hold, though excellent and; endlefle. Hence it is, that natural! men being in prefent tafte and pofleflion of worldly plealures, and very fenfi-bJc of their fenfu all 9f^ttinQ^Q^ and wanting faith and ailurance of that everlaftingblefTedneflc abovc^ with much greedineffe, and the (Irong torrent of theifaffedions, follow and puriue the prefenf,and will not part with theworld,becaufe they know no other Heaven, they are allured of no other happi-nefle. Howfoevcr they may pretend and proteft: to the contrary, yet indeed and truth, both in af-fedionand pradii(e,they preferre the world before God, earth before heaven, time before eternity,

15P

TJiefcvemh figne of faving faith. Keb.ii,i4,&c,

\ .

ido I The Saintf

a wedge of gold, before a Crowne of Glory. The

heart of man ever forts and purchaleth to icfelfe

feme ftay or other of fbme kinde of comfort,

though it be hxxta br^k^nflaffedfreed, whereon to

reft and repofe it fclfe ^ it muft have fbme faccour

and refuge in time of ftormes, though but under i

naked tree 5 it will ever take fome ^nduary,,

though but ill fbme rotten and ruinous hold,

againft erodes and conrradiftions. The heart of

the covetous wan ueftles itfelfeupon gold, while

that glifters in his cheft, it leaps and dances ia his

breft : Thoagh he be abhorred both of God and

man, though he be reproved of the Minifter, and

curfed of the poore for his oppreffion, ufury, ex-

tortiorij hard-heartednefTe^Scc. yet when becomes

' home and finds his bagges and bondsfafe,, he bJef-

feth himfelfe in his heart againft what judgements

and curfes (bever to the contrary. With his golden

, wedge hee eafilycutsafiander all doubts^ reafbns,

; arguments and objections which can bee brought

againft him. Hee pleafeth and applauds himfelfein

■ his prefent plenty againft all cenfiures andcontra-

1 didions whatfoever. '^ The (eat of honour is the

; ^' ambitious mans Heaven. Though hee bee vext

with the indignation of good men, with thccon-

I tempt of inferiours, with thwartings of competi-

I tors, envies of compeeres, ;ealou(ies of Princes,

I and a thoufand moe ftings and diftempers; yet he

[bin Heaven.and well enough in heart, while hee

j may dominecrc, and be adored above others. The

I gracelcfle wanton canbeare away well enough the

fweakningof his body, the wafting of his goods,

{ the

the lofle of friendsj and ftaine of reputation^ Co chat hee may fwiniftily wallow in the fbule and brutiQi pleafures of uncleannefle. Thus every un-regenerate and earthly-minded man is ever wedded unto the world in one curfed vanity or other, \ untill he be even rent from it by the power of (a- j ving faith: In which if he be once mainly croft^ he isprefentlyoutof the world, at his wits end, and without all comfort. If the covetous man bee turned out of his tieafiiresjhow neare is he toa de/pe-rate phrenfie, or (bme accurfed end } If the proud a(pirer bee ftript oi his honours and officeSj and thrown from his high place, how weary is he of the world ?4iow piodigall of his life ? how impatient of the company of raeni"? Infinite are thewayes,; vanities, and crooked by-paths, in which wretched men tyre themfelves in vaine. They fweat in fin-full courfes, and are faft glued to the mire and mud of the earth, becauiethey want a found afiurance by (aving faith, of better things in the world to come. But if a man be once by faith per(v\^aded of Gods favour, and have his eyes opened to fee what great variety of holy and heavenly delights may be enjoyed in rhe ftateof Chriftianity, in compa-^ rifon of the moft glorious revelling of the richefi worldling 5 if hee be once foundly and (aviHglyj affiired, that after a fewdayes of vanitie^ and anj inch of raiferable time, he (hall live everlaftirigly with God, the holy Angels, and blefled Saints,ana in that ftate, and in thofe facrcd manfions, where nothing but light and blefled immortality, no fha-xlow for matter ofxeares5di(contentmea«$,gr^fe$j;

N and

The eighth ma kcoffavingj faith.

7he Saints

anduncomforcabie pallions to worke upon s, buc a Jl joy^tranquilky and peace, even for,ever and ever doth dwell 5 liay if he be once thns perfwaded and aflured, how willingly doth he bid the world farewell > How refolntely doth he caft out of his affections all greedy thoughts, and exceffive defires ofearth and earthly treafures^HoW" clearly doth he fee and acknowledge that all things here are tranfi-, tory, vaine, and icoie flitting away? If heonce fallen the eye of his minde, inlightnedwith the&-credbeamedf anholy and (avnigfeich, upon the unvaluable precioufheflej'and cverlafting beauty of the Crowne of glory^ it is not the glifteringof Gold, the fplendounof princely thrones, the glory of the whole world, can after give hi many true comfort, and found con tenement : For then he is as Eagle-minded, as he is Eagle-eyed, and fores alofc in his meditations towards the Sonne of righ-teoufrieffe, and feafts already uponthofeendteife pleafures at Gods right hand. HefufFers no more his hope and affedions to ftoope fo low^ as to feize upon the flies of this world ^ or the wide capacity of his foule to be filled with wind, and emptindfe of worldly vanities. Then onely are we willing to (hake hancb with the world, when by the hand of fai th we have laid hold upon the joyes of Heaven,

8. Eighth ;y,the conflict betweene the f )irit and theflefh, is a notable mairke of favingfaith. Un-fauYifiedmsn are for ch« mal: part mecre %an-s;ers to the troubles oF conicieuce.. S^can like a mighcyGi mt,and an imocrions tyra{it,keeos them Ja hisdiiWttes, without an/ great noi(eor ftirre,

' withou

/elfe4nriching examination.

without any concrolement or contradidion. But if once this Itrong man^ which hath before quietly raigaed is the heart, and fit m the conll ience, bee dikrmed^ and diipoileft of his holds and haunt by the fpirit of the Lordjefiis, and the power of faving faichj then beginnes this fore and laftiog combate betwixt the flefh and the (piric.Satan then doth not oncly faimfelfe rage like a madded and roaring Lion for re-entry, but dothalfbOirreupa civiliandi. ceftinewarreinamans owne bofome, which neverendeth untilldeathjUntill the old man be quite exlinguiftit and aboIi(ht in him. and the new man after many reftlefle oppofitions 8c fierce graplings conquer and be crowned. But left you deceive your (elves in this marke of a true&ith, you muft conceive &: know, that there may be many inward tumultuous ftirres and ftrifes, even in a prophane and unregenerarc man. In fbme the torrent of tin is fo headftrong and violent, that it carries conlcience reafbn, reputations the headJong tyde of the afFeftions along with it^ without any re-fiftanceorreludiation at all. Thefe ht^efildthem-fgive: to tvat k^ mck^dnes-jthj Ci^mmitji» wUhgne^nelJe, tkjdriff^ ypimquiiy Uk^wifttr, and feed on earthly pleafores, as the Horfe-Ieech on corrupt bloud. There may in him be a combate and contradidiom Firftabctweene reafbn and afFedion. Realbn many times may dift^afte and ftand againft that which af-feftion doth furioufly urge upon him. In this fight realbn overcame in many heathensjin Reptlus.

12. Betweene natural! confcience, and natural! pafioDS: * As mfif^t^ the light of his confcicnce N 2

Id?

Gai.j.17.

Roai,7,a_5,

Ck.o§v»6bA^ of Confciencc,

checkt '^g-'*»-

13e Saints

checkt and fnub'd him from paffing Sentence upon Chrift ^ but fcare of C<ep/* Ipurred him forward to condemne him^

3. Betweenea defire of preferring his reputation unftained in the world, and a delight in fbme open infamous finne : As when a man will needs be an Ufurer, an Oppreflor, a Drunkard, a Swea •. reror the like, and yet would gladly be accounted an honeft man amongfl: good ChriiHans^

4. Betweene the feare offome (peciall remarkable vengeance from above, and a purpofe to continue in the pleafiires of (bme (ecret; fweet, abominable finne. SccFosHx^ Ali.i^,verf,2'y,2 6.

5. Betweene purpofetolive the lifeofworld-linefle and pleafures, and a defirc todk the death of the righteous, S ee Balaam^ Numb, 23.10.

6. Befides fuch like conflids as thefe in unrege* nerate men, thebeftof them may moreover by the general!aid, and hiferiour workingof the ipi-rit, ftrive againft all outward finnes for a time^and (bme grofle finnes all their life long. BiK bccaufe they are not inwardly and throughly fanftified, because they doe not with conftancy and refoluti-on hold out in combate againft the finnes of the time, becaufethey doe commonly nuzzle in^ their boibmes, fome one pl'eafiircfull, honourable, ot gainfull finne or other, they are not Chrifts Gora-batants and Chamoions in that great and fharpe conflid betweene the flefh and the fpirir, which I make an infallible and individual! marfce of a jufti-fiedman. This in the childe of God is fierce, ani-verXall, cooftanc: It is not for a flouriih, but to the ^__ (her'ding

felfe-inmhing examination. ] 165

(bedding of bloud. It is not the playing of a prize, for reputation of vaIour,but for lifeanddeath.Jtis not for the dilplanting of one finne, or two^but for the utter dii-ceptring and dil-throning of all fin, though it cannot bee utterly bani(ht out of mor-tall bodies. The fpirit in this fight is ever fb farrc conqueror, and vidorious, that it filers not the fleih to raigne and domincere. It may fbmetimes by the auxiliarie forces of Satan be brought upon his knees, but by anewfupply of grace it is ftill re-frefht and fumiflit for a re-encounter. It will not yeeld to auy treaty of peace for all the worlds mediation. It will admit of no parly ^take no truce^ or liften to any termesofcapitulationjbut is ftill (wea-ting,and tolling, and in bloud to the knees/or the caufe of heaven, and in thequarrellof falvation. And if it cannot fb fubdue and keepe under the rebellious flefh as it fhould.and dothearneflly defire, it mournes and grieves, it wifhes to bee delivered from this body of death, and buckles fafter and neereruntoit felfe the wholecompleat Chriftian armour. When the flefh tickles and flirres, and tempts to the re-enjoyment of the fenfuall pica- j fures of fbme old finne, or goes about to enfharei the Chriflian in the bonds of iniquity, the fpirit ordinarily fuggefts (ecretly untohisheart fuch mo- i tions and meditations as thefe : Miferable man^ | what goeft thou about > what thoughts dofl: thou \ now entertaine > Doe not thofe eyes,which arc-ten thoufand times brighter than the Sunne, fee the i fecrets of thy heart ? Art thou fearlefTe and hard-' ned againfl Gods judgement ? Hafl thou not here- j N 3 tofore '

T^he Saints

tofore iek the ftings and bitingsof finne ? Forget-it[\ thou thy vocation ? Wilt thou fo deceive the opinion of good men, who thinkc that thou art a Chriftian ? Why wouldeft thou trouble the peace of thy conicience againe ? Why wouldeft thou fill againe thy faith with doubtings.and thy heart with deadnefle ? Why wilt thou grieve ike go$i jpiritof Goi^ h) which ihot* artfea W u»to the day ofredemptiofK and gratifie Satan thy mortali enemie ? Wherefore wouldeft thou bring a (candall upon thy profelfi-on, and fadnefie upon the Saints } Is this the pra-ftice of Gods people, and the way to the King-dome of Heaven ? Art thou aflared, that being fallen thou fhalt rife againe > Art thou (urc, after (b many thou(and forbearances, God will be patient ftill ?* For a little finfull pieafurCj mingled with bir-terneffe and vexation, wilt thou diflcttJe and dif-joynt, yea, turne otfthe hooks the whole frame of thy fandification > For a little bafe and bruitifli delight of fcnfe, wilt thou lofc the benefit of thy former integrity, peace of confcience, and the hearts of good men ? wilfully bereave thy (elfc of Gods favourable countenance, divine protedion and guard of Angels > Wretched man, bee not fb cruell and mcrcilefle to that unvaluable Jewell, thine owne immortall foule,&:c. By fuch (ecret andfacred eloquence as this, the (pirit doth often curbe and fnaffle the heat and headineffe of the fleOi, and ftopfiiddenly a man that is on gallop towards finne. But if fbmetimes the (pirit doth not fb thorowly prevaile, but that the Chriftian by violence of temptation, and the cunning enti(e-

ments

menrs of his owne corruptions be at unawares fur-prized and overtaken with fomc finne, yet it doth notwithftanding moredeadlily bate it afterward, with more ftrongvowes and relbJutions abjure it, and refift it with greater care, il:rength:> and watch-fulnefle ; Sothat ever at length God gives a comfortable iiTue one way or other in this Chriftian combatCj andatlaft moft certaine vidtory. If it be (b then, that thou feele the combate betwixt the fieOi and the fpirit within thee ^ and after that Gombatc, comfort by the vidory of the fpirit over the flefla; then afluredly faith hath gone before, God himfelfe is the man of warre, and the fpirit of the Lord Jefus hath deflroyed the power of dark-nefle within thee.

p. Ninthly, The Spirit of prayer doth ever ac- iThcnimhmark company faving faith. If a man feele this fer- lof^^^i^s^^i^^-vent anclflirring, and faithfully exercifed in him, with groancsand fighs, and flrong cries ^ hee may undoubtedly aflure himfelfe that heis (andified by faith. As for unregenerate men ^

1. Some pray not at all, for they are fb ftrongly and fbttifhly ignorant in all matters of Heaven, and (o fenfleflTe and unapprehcnfive of their finfull and accurfed flate, that they never conceived or utteredgroanes, or word unto God, either for the removall of any corruption, or fupply of any grace. In a cold formall faftiion their bodies may be prefent at publike prayer, but they cannot remember the day when ever they powredout their ibul^s in private, before th^throne of grace^ or | Piai.144; prayed with their families. i .. . N4 2. Others

Rotn.io.if.

The Saints

2. Ocherii there be, who arc men of gr^ac un^ derftanding for worldly bufinelTes Jolly v/i(e men, and able to diicourfe largely and readily of other matters, and can tell their tale before whomsoever,-as well and wifely asthebeft ^ and yet they have not the hearts to conceiue, the wildome to contrive^ or the tongue to deliver two or three /fen-tences in feeling and fcafbnable prayer, before the Throne of God : They cannot for their hearts, for their lives hold out a quarter of an hours m ripping up their hearts, and laying open their fpi-rituall eftate before God, in a conceived pray^n They u(e fbmetimes upon occa(ion tobreake out into fo.Tie (hort wiQies 5 as Lord have mercy upon us ^ God be thanked for all his bleflings ^ God fend u«the light of Heaven 5 the Lord fend raine, if it be his will ^ and (uch like ; Bun as for longer diP-ceurfe, or fet exercifes in prayer they thinke it onely belongs to Minifters and SchoUers, men converfantinthe Scriptures, and holy paflagesof divinity. Miferable and wretched men, it is onely the want of the feeling of your miferable ftate, and (pi? ituall wants, which makes you want words to powre out your fbules in fervent and hearty prayer unto God Almighty, and to enlarge your felves in an holy and comfortable conference with him. There is not the molt unlearned or fimple, but if the Lord once inlightenhis conlcicnce by the power of the Law, and affeft his heart with a true tafte of heavenly (vveetneffe, hee will finde words enow toexprefle the wants and grievances of hishungry and humbled (cftile: For the Spirit

of

Jislfe-inriching examinatton.

169

of God givech utterance, openeth theiipSj andun-tics the krings both of heart and tongue, to all thofewhomhe faniSifies by (aving faith, and in^ dues with a figh t and (en(e, true fbrrovv and hatred of finne. Let us fuppofe that the mo t ignorant and fimpleman, fhouldby fome mercilefle enclofing Land-lord, bee turned out of doores, fb that hce had no where in the wide worldto hide his head, either forhimfelfe, wife or children. Now in this ca(eanddi(comforta friend comes unto him, and telshim, there is an honeft religiou? Gentleman, will without all faile bcl'tow a better thing, a richer Farme upon him;,if he can fiifficiently bemoane r, is cafe, tell his tale, and lay open his mi(ery and want before him ; Doe you thinke this man, though never fb fimple and ignorant^, would lofe it for af-king > Or would he come onely bluntly and briefly thus ? I pray you fir give me this Farme ; No, undoubtedly without any helpe or learning, hce would finde plenty > both of reafbns and words, with many moving tearmes, and paflionte elo -qiience, to unfold hisdrftrefTedflate, and roflirre up compaflion: He would tell him the flory of his hard and cruell ufage by his former Land-lord-how heehactfirfb railed his fines, then reared his rents, toyled and worne out both him and his teameinhisfervices and carriages, laboured long with many hard conditions, and unchriftian ufage, I to vex and weary him out and at length had quite ! turned him out of all, and had cafl him into the wide and hard hearted world ^ fo that that little (lay thachis fither. Grand-father, and all hs pre-

deceflbrs

lyo I

The Saints

deceiTors had quietly aad peaceably enjoyed upon a reafbnable rent, time out of minde, was now qalce pulled away, and rent from him by the hand of violence and oppreflion : And therefore upon the kiices of his much vexed and broken heart, he begs and entreats that he would be good unto him, el(e he, and his wife, and his many poore children are like all to goe a begging ^ for the world was never lb hard^ the hearts of men (b flinty, and charity (b cold. If it would pleafe him to give him faccour, and a refting place, in this his grcateft di-ftrelTeandmifery, heand allhis (hould be bound to prav for him, and doe him their utmoft (ervice faithfully, fo long as they lived. Want of earthly neceflaries^and defireof temporall commodities, would enforce and furnifh the fimpleft man in the world to fpeakc thus, or in the like manner, and perhaps with many moe, and more effedhiallper-{\vafionS) fit phrafes, proverbs 8c moving fpeeches. How much more then, if he had fenle of his (piri-tuall miferies & wants, and (bund hope of the glory of Heaven,would he find words enow,with fer-vencie of fpirit, to (ue unto the Lord of Heaven > fith he may be more bold with him, and iooke for morekindnefTe and compaffion at his hands, than from the moftmercifull Land-lord upon earth, if there be any left.

3. Some others there arejpooreignoraFtfbuies, that Evening and Morning doe prophanely poft over the Lords Prayer, the Creed, and perhaps the ten Commandements, thinking that they are thereby fandified and bleft, and that that is fiifii-

cient

.

dent feruicc, fuit, andieeking unto God. Buc bc-caule they are ignorant and unexperienced in the true nature, and right pradtke of prayer, and only mumble over a few good words coldlyjcuftomar^', and {uperftitioufly, without all feeling, faith^or h-ving knowledge; It is but only lip-labour, and loft labour, nayj hatefull and abominable before God, they Hiurt therefore doe it reverently, as on their kneesin private^or with their faroilie^devoutly and pioufly with faith and repentance ^ and laflly, con-ftantly with zeale andearneftncfle, endevouring withall to lead an holy and an honefHite^ boh toward Godjand towards mtin.

4. Others there are, who if they be vexed with fbme outward croiIes,as ficknes, poverty.dilgrace^ or with inward afflidions, a? terrour of conlcience, fearfulIthoughtSjfeare of death^or when Gods publike executioners are abroad, the plague, £imine or fword 5 then they thinke of approaching unto the throne of grace. Infuch extremities they fall to their prayers anddefire more neere acquainrancc and familiarity with God. We may fee this in the Mariners with Imai^ ch.i,-^. But if once the (lorme be overblowne, and the fword of vengeance (hea-thed againe, they are as propbane and praycrlelle as they were before, and grow quite out ofac-qaaintarKC with God againe, and utter (Grangers to all holy conference with him. And while they were in the vaine and humour for prayer, they onelyaymedattemporallbleflings, and at the removal! of prefent judgements. If they glanced at heavenly things, it was onely for defire of the

Crownc

lyi

The Saints

Crowneot iifcafcertheplcafures of this life ^ but not for love and longing afcer rhofe fpirituall graces and holinefle of life, which lead thereunto. For many wi(h heartily for the goale of immortality, but they will not take painesj and to\ le them-fclvcsinthe race of ChriUianity. Ihtf defire to behappy in the world to come, but notto be holy and righteous in this world. They would gladly partake of the joyesof Heaven^ but not with condition of forfaking their earthly pleafures.

5. Others there are, a kinde of out-fide Chri-ftiansj who left of the beft (brt they fhould bee thought ftarkc Athcifts^and prayerlelfe raifcreants, they are content for themoli part to fuffer prayers to be read Evening and Morning in their houfes, efpecially upon good dayes,and when they are nor too full of worldly bufinefle.But this holy bufinefle is performed with (uch irreverence, coldnefle, and inJevotion, perhaps by fbme inferiour, not of the Mafcer of thefamily (who is ever the Prieft in his ow ne houie) that knowes not how to fpeake to the prefent and particular wants, neceflities, and oc-cafionsof the family. I lay, it is done in that formal! and fruirleflefafliion, that It may plainly ap-peare that the fpirit of prayer is not in their houfes, nor the power of grace in their hearts, but that good and holy prayers are fouly prophaned a-mongftthem, and ^turned intocurfes and judgements,fervingonely to confirmc them inoutward-nefle and formality, not with any fervcncie, to drawdownebleflings from heaven, or to fupply their poverty and wants in spiritual] things. 6, Laftly

fetfe'tnrtcbmg examinatton.

17

6, Laftiy, (bme unfandified men there are^who mightily deceive even true Chriftians in this point of prayer, i. They are fuch as either havebecne brought up amongft good Chriftians, and godly exercifes ^ and fo thereby like thofe which walkc much in the Sunne, though about their bufineiTeSj yet receive fomc fwarthinefl^ thereby, by often hearingandobfervingorhersjand being (bmetjmes put unto pradice themfelves, grow into a habit of honeft praying, though irbee but by rore, and without fech'ng and power on their owne parts.

2. Or they may be formall profeflbrs, who for the time of their temporary faith and profeflrjon3 and while their joy in the Word^ and love to the Minifters, ftirreup (bme fudden and fuperficijil flaftrintheheartj mayfbmetimesmakeafaireand goodlyfliewthisway, but in them worldly occa-fions, time, temptations, feare of bein^ reputed tooprecife,6cc. willcafily interrupt and wafte all zeale^ ability, and exercife in that holy affaire. Bm moftof allfome Minifters may much deceive in this^ point even the beft difcerning fpirits for a time, if their readinefTe and dexterity in prayer be onely taken notice of: For by reading books of feeling, fandified, and confcionable divinity, by imitating thofe who are truly zealous in prayer, and by applying themfelves to gi ve fatisfadioUjand winnc the opinion of (bme godly Chriftians, upon whom they fpecially depend for ad vantages,re-putation, and by-refpcfts, they may competently and cunningly fumi(hthem(elves, with a formal! method, and outward forme of (incereandiandi*

fied

J!^

'74-

WhatfncvcT outivard good woikchechildc of God can doe by grace, the fame maya wicked man doc th ongh pride, as concGivea p.ayer, &c. l'e'l(!us vpon cIjC SeriTKin in the Mount,

FcrvcKcie in prayer of thiec kinds.

T'he Saints

tied prayer 5 and they may give artiticuil lifb and ^ adion unto it in the delivery : As we fee Orators doe to their inventions. O the dt^pth of hypocri-fie, and the choufand windings^, turnings, and deceits of mans finfull heart ! Thefe may feeme outwardly more fervent in prayer than (bme of Gods faithful! fervants. * In which point, left wc be dc-ceivedi let us conceive three kinds of ferveiKic^ and three kinds of coldnefle. There is,

T. A natural! fervencie. Some men out of their ftirring and quicke temper and conftitution, utter and deliver things with much heat, life and paffion.

2. An artificiall fervencie, when men by art and induftry learne and hhoxxr to animate and en-live their conceits and words, with pleafing, fir, and moving adion.

. 3. Spirituall fervencie, when a /acred flame and holy zeale is kindled in the heart and affedions, by Godsfandifyingfbiritj whereby a man doth feelingly and powerfiilly, with fenfe, experience, and conlciencc, throw out the longings and fcrventap-prehenfions of his heart. This laft is peculiar to the Chriftian, the other may be fonnd in unfandi-fiedmen.

There may alio bee conceived three kinds of coldnefle:

I. or difcretion 5 out of which a man may be (oft and (bber in fpeech jbur weighty in his adions, and powerfull in his exhortations.

3. Of compledion; when a man findified and zealous in heart, arrd yet by reafon of his naturall

indiipofition,

lelfeAnricbing examination.

indifpofidonj andeoIdniTeof conftitution, cannot exprefle himfelfe outwardly, with halfe that zeale^ heat and fervency as he doth defire.

3. Of ungracioufhefle ; when a mans ibulc is (b frozen in the dregs of finne, that he is fearfully poflcft with a dulnefle and benummedncflc ot heart, with d^^adnefle and drowfinefle of fpirit. Now certaine it is, that fome unregeneratc men by the aid and power of naturall and artificial! fervencies may outwardly carry a fairer (he w of zeale in the delivery of their prayer, and other holy in-ftruftions, than fomefanftified men, who by their nacurall indifpofition and coldnefle of completion, arehindercd from exprelling outwardly all the holy gracious heat that lies hid in their hearts. Thusfarre,and in theft cafes the ftate of qnregencr ration doth commonly partake of prayer: But that holy grace and powerful! fpirit of prayer which ever followes faving faith, and doth fweetly fiiftaine the hearts of all Gods children in thegrea-teft diflrelfeSj is another kinde of matter.

True Ghriftians doe not onely makeconfcience of prayer in publike alfemblies, with the congregation of the Saints, and in their private families at home ^ (for thus/arre hypocrites and unregeneratc men may be drawwe: X but they have alfb many carneft and hearty groanings, many deare and precious conference?, much (weetand comfortable communication with their graciousGodinfe-crer. Nay, and befides their devotion at publike prayer, thetr care in praying with their famines, and their zeale in private prayer betwixt God and

them-

175

n^he Saints

chenifcives^even incorapanyj Ne/je*v.2.4.and amid the affaires of their caLing, they have many fud-deB and fervent ejaculation?, upon every ftirring of finne, and lefler aberration in their thoughts, wordsj or carriages. Theyhave many broken fighs,^ and fpirituall (alliesjdarted out fuddenlyjand borne of the prefent occafion, whereby with an inward andinvilible fervencie, thev burnc upthefudden (proutingsofmany fecret lufts.theyrcpell thebarty aflaults of many (iidden temptations and enticements, abandon and abominate many fearefull thoughts starting op in their hearts, before they be aware, which for their horriblenefle and hate-f ulnefle, they are alhamed to utter toothers. They have many feaet, fuddenjandinvifiblefpringings and liftings up of the heart.in praifes and thankful-neflTe, upon the receit and fenfe of every bJefling and mercy, even for comfortable thoughts which come into their owne hearts, for gracious fpeeches which proceed from others, for many remarkable palTagesof Gods providence, and bleflings in their ordinary bufineflesand affaires of their calKng.&c. Now to thefe two latter branches and praftifes of prayer, to wit, in iecret betwixt God and a mansfelfe, with many zealous wreftKngs, and holy importunities, for removall of corruptions, and fupplyof grace^ and within a mans owne heart, abroad in company, or amid his bufinefle, as oc-cafionandneceflityis offered, with many fodden fervent ejaculations to the throne of grace, with many earnefV deprecations, and praifeftill exultations of fpirir, extemporall, and occafioned by

outward

felfe-inrichihg examination. ] ijj

outward ocurrents, or other feafbnable objejS:?, ofoed either to the minde or eye; I fav to thofe two pradifes of prayer, in a feeling and a fruitfuJl manner, llnregenerate men are meere llranger? ; It may bethey may have now and then ar fblemne times, in fet places, perhaps upon fuperftirious oc-caffonSj certaine fhort formall wjfhes, but when they come home they areheartlefle cold, and per-fundory, the off-springs of forme arid CLflome, not of zeale and feeling. It may be now and then they may catch a prayer booke into their hands, when they have nothing el(e to doe, upon fbme droufie melancholicke day, when (bmc grievous crofleoraffiidion is upon rheiv family, when rhe Sarramenr is towards. Sec, and there they may po^ over fbme cetaine prayers with artificial! action; but to doe this with inward eeling and power of the (piritjor ef ecially to be abletopowreout rhe fbule in private beforeGo'^j with truefehfe offpi-ritu.j}| wants, and of the weight of corruptions, in that forme anci phrafe which groanings and meltings of fpirit doe in. "ite and frame, is above the ordinary reach and ftraine of the fl-are of unrege-nerarion. I)' fbbe an unregenerate man being urged and moved by the Miniftery of the Word, to this holy d»ty of private prayer^ and particular conference betwixt God and himfeife, fhould fet himfelfe to it forfome few turns,he could not pof^ fibly for his life hold out and continue. "For either ''praying will make him leave finning, or finning '* will m:'ke him leave praying. Either bee will fb turne Chriftian.andbe happily endued^acquainted

O a^d

Note^

The Saints

\ ' III

and excrciled with the precious grace of prayeijor • clfe h€ will fall backe to prayerlefhefle, a wretched ; marke of agracelefle man. For heaity prayer unto f Godinfecrct, cannot poffibly fpring from a heart thitmaintaines&nuzlesin it felfcnoyfbmclufts, grofTe hypocrifiCj hatred to bee reformed, fomc fecretfweetfinne, or a purpofe to goe on in any lewd cour(e. A fet holy conference and converfing wich God in private, and a delightfiill continuance inanyoneknownefinne, cannot confiftandftand together. They are incompatible, incapable, and impatient oi Ibciety and cohabitation. A mans prayer is to no purpofe, if he have a purpofe to lie in any finne again ft his confcience. And what heart or hope can he have to continue in prayer unto God, time after time^ which ftiil in the meanc time doth willingly and wilfully, withgreedinefle embrace and fnatch at all occafions'^ tore-infeft and pollute againe his fbule in the (enfiiall plea-lures of his (weec finne* Certainly his continuance in finne will quickly make him weary of praying, for he will be afhamed to open his mouth unto God, or to lift up his eyes unto Heave n, fith he fees cleerly, and his owne conlciencc tels him, that he but dallies and diflemblcs with that Almighty Mi/eftie, before whom he ftands. For whereas a little before in his prayer hepromifed obedience and reformation^ prcfently after performcs no-thing but rebellion and contempt ^and whereas he r defired to bee purged and pardoned by the bloud of Chrift, when he comes once into his old com-1 pany, or is by any occafion tempted to his former

vanities,

felfe^nriching examination.

vanities, plcafuresor profits, hee pre(ently treads under foot that precious bloudas a vile thing, bf hiswillfull, refolute, and delightfnll running into the fame finne. That ftvingof David doihquickly coole, and quench in him, all afFeflion to prayer, PfaLeS, 18. // J regardmckedmJle in mine karty ike Lord mil not hearetffe. So that efpeciaJIytheunrege-rateman faints and faiJes in this point of prayer, to wit, in powiingout his (bule in private before God5with groanings and fervencie. But thechilde of God, who is (andified by a found and faving faith, and by the power and verrue thereof afTu-red that God doth love him, and will grant kis requefV, is excellent, and fervept, well acquainted, and much converlant in this moft holy and comfortable exercife of priviate prayer betwixt God and hisowne fbule: He cfteemes it, and layes hold upon it as thefurcf^and fatefl Sanctuary in all hisdiftreilcs. His heart is Aveetly endeared unto it, as the worthiefl: and noblefl jewellof all his fpi-rituall endowments. His heart would even burfl j forheavinefle, amid the variety of prophane and j hcllifh vexations and cruelties, were it not dill re- •■ vived, fuftained, and refrefhed by an hearty and holy conference with God, and with committing his csofe, and caftinghimfelfe upon his providence j by prayer. There is not a Chriftian but he is now 1 and then raged againfl by the world, roared at by Satan, railed upon by prophane men 5 not onelyj; great men, andihofethatfitinthegate, doe info-i lently trample upon hisinnocency, but even drun-1 kardsand bafe companions rent and reare his good \

O 2 name '

179

name with lies and fldndcrs, and lay things to his charge many times which he never did, hee never knev7. Now in this and the like cafes recoarie unto God by prayer doth eafe his heart with joy un-{peakable and glorious. When he heares what fal(e tales and hatefiill lies are wickedly devifed and fpread abroad of him, what cruelties and di(graces are plotted againft him, he prefcntly cafts downe himfelfe before the throne of grace, as didHcze-chiah and David in like cafes, 2 King* 19,'PfaLy, and there he receive fuch a refrefhingh^at of found comfort, that the whole Sea of malice andbitter-nafle which that roaring Dragon throwes out of his mouth, or all the poylbnous fpighr of fcornfull prophanenefle can never overwhelmeor quench. He is there certified and latisfied by heavenly in-rpirations, (for heavenly inrpirations from above/ and our hearty groanes, and holy defires alcen-ding up, are as fo many Angels of cntercourfe and commerce bstweeneGod and us) I iayheisther<^ afTured rbat all hii fufTefkigs and wrongs for Chrifts fake, adde weight and glory to his crowne of life.and that at length in defpightofall contrary power and policy. His HghkoufmffePMbe brought fm'tb as the light, PfaL^y, a»d Bs^ Jttd^emeht as the^ nooneday. ■"' ' • ' • ' ■

Againe, when the true Chriftian is overtaken with any infirmity by the rebellion of theflefh or dragged by the violence of temptation, into fbme^ i (candalous finne, he would not want the ufe and' aid of the Ipirit of prayer for any worldly treafiire. For after any (uch fearfull fall or relapl^, he finds

himfelfe

'

fetfeAnrichmg examination.'

iSi

himfelfe prefently in a very wofull and hcavie cafe, for he hath thereby turned from him Gods favou- I rablecountenance,divine protedion, the guard of I Angelsj and the good will of the creatures. God I may jaftly upon it call him to a reckoning for all his former rebe.'lions, draw his fecret hatefull pollutions into the fight of the Sunne, and be re ven-8:ed upon him in the open veivvof the vvorldi for his moft hidden abominations.He feesbefides^that by this finne he hath weakned and wounded many particular graces in himlelfejinward peace, fpiritu-all joy, cheerfulnefle in godly exerci(es5Confidence in prayer, zeale in reproving others, boldnefle in his wayes: Thefe things I (ay the childe of God fees, andfeeleSj andfeares, after a relapfc orsew fall into finne : Now in this cafe the comfortable grace of prayer is more worth unto him than the whole world : Hee prefently jals inro hisgroanes andfighsj and ftrongcries, for reconcilement and reftirution into Gods favour. Hee dare not many times for his life ftirre from the place of his guilti-neflcj untill hee have throwne downe himfelfe before the Majefty of God, and by the power of j prayer laid holdupon his mercy feat, wreftledand i ftruglcd with him for anew bleffing, for remiffion j of that finne, and foby confequent for the retnrne I of his favourable countenance, re-acceptance un-j' der the wings of his protcftion^ removall of his i" judgements^ and reftitution to former peace of, confcience, inward joy, and all other comfortsof, i godiinefle. And by the grace of God his faichfuU U and fervent prayer prevailcs for theattaiflment of j!!

^3 ''-^

O

fo

ftaMHMHMH i8i

Pral'143.^.

The Saints

(6 great mcrciesj and for the viccgmplifhrnent of fo excellent things, being joyned with (bund repentance, true hatred, and a relblute purpofe a-gainft that finne for afterward.

Infinite moe are the bleflcd fruits and employments of this holy grace of prayer, in the whole courfe, ard various paflages of a Chriftian life, which no unfaithfiill man doth, or can poflibly know, feele or enjoy. The fpirit of prayer doth worke in the heart of a (bund Chriftian many fe-cret exultations, fpirituall raviihments, ftrong, though filent cries, Ex$d. 14. 15. pallionace meltings, unutterable ^roanes^zealous longings, which are riddles, and ridiculous to prophane men, but the Paradife and prerogative of Qods children. This blcffed fpirit of prayer ftirred powerfully in Hannah^ when (he fpake in her heart, moving only her lips, her voyce being not heard, i Savhu

This fpirit polIeffedH«S(?/^4/l, artd the Prophet ifaiah, the fonne o^Amot^ when they cryed to heaven in their prayersagainft satte'^herib. 2 chro»^ 3 2. 20. Such was the heat and fers^cncic of their hearts, that their (uitsand (upplications pierced the heavens, an.f pre(ented themfelvcs with an holy importunity, and humble violence in thepre(enc^ of God.

Th!s(pirlt of praverfet fuchanedejeandarden. cieupon Davids atfe^tons, that his foule opened it (elfe with an onfatiable grccdineCe after grace, asthci^rflylani. The earth wee know being fcor-ched wkhalongdrought, doth open it felfe with rifts and crannies, and greedily gapes towards

Heaven,

felfe4nriching examination.

Heaven, as though ic would dcvourc the clouds for want of moi fture., A femblable fpif iiuall thirft ri-(eth in the heart, throughly heated with the zealous ftirrings of the ipirit of prayer.

This fo meJted the hearts of the Ifraelitesj Lam. 2.1 $r. that they paoprgd out their foukt Iks ^^^f"- before the face of the Lord. To conclude the point, the gracious fpirii, and fpirituall gr^ce of prayer^ doth many times make requefts in thofe hearts which are jun^ijiedhji faiths Hof^. 8.t ^. vfiihgroams andfighs^ whkhc&nmi h txptjjed^ and is ever a cer-taine and intallible marke of a (bund and favitig faith.

I o. Tenthly, comfort in diftf efle, joy in tribulations, glorying in aftifi'ions, give norable tefti-monics and aflurance of a juftifying faith. Bdng }*« flijied by faith, faith Faul KW/.5.1.&C. befidcs peace with god,accefre unto hisgrace^ hope of his glory: H'ealfo re)oyce ta tribulation, k^Tfpwg that tribulation brin^ethforthpatience^ and patience experience^ andeoc-perience bope^ and ho'^e maketh not apamed. By the powcrof this faith the Apoftles, Aci.'y^^i, ke)of' ced that they tfierecdrmtedtporthy to fuffer rebuke for hit Name. Untiil a man hiye made God his Patron, rent his earthly and groveling affeftions from worldly pleaiures, caft himfelfe with humility, patience afld contentment upon divine providence, committed his (bule unto him, as unto afatthfuU Creator, which hee cannot doe for his lire^ until! by the hand of faith hee hdth laid hold upon the Crown e of life 5 I (av until then hce cannot finde true and found comfort in hisdiftrefles. Then only

Od IS

85

Tlie tenth naaikcof (a* ving faith.

TT)€ Samtt

IS the ibule armed againft all adverfiry power^able to erufh and countermand all erodes and contradi-dion, whenitHath fweetly and ftrongly repofed k felfe upon the comforts of Heaven ^ and the joyes of another life. If wee faften our affedions to any earthly excellencie, they will ftill be in torture, anguifhanddefpaire, as itihallvanifh, alter, or die ^ but if once we plant oar refuge above, and our comfort in a fweet fruition of God, and a feeling apprehenGon of his prefence, it will eafily overmatch any worldly fbrrow, hold out againft the mines both of Heaven.and Earth, being infinitely above all cafiialties, and utterly without all uncertainties. This happinefle cannot befall any unregenerate man, becanfe without faith hee cannot bee aflbred of any better ftace after this life than he prefcntly enjoyes, : And therefore when he is mainly crofTed in his worldly courfts, he is utterly caft downe and com-fortlede. It may bee while chiefe carnall contentment is not fliaken or hazarded 5 while hee may freely enjoy his fweetand darling finne, hee will lioldout reafbnable well againft other miferiesand

IafHidions 5 but if once he be croft in the crowne of ^ his worldly comforts, and in thatparticuiar which he makes his heaven upon earth ^ hee is presently put of the world as they fay^ and weary of his li fe. Hee i& heartlefle and hopclefle in matters of r ca-ven, and therefore when his earthly ftay is gone, heftampsandceareshishaire, hee raves and rages like a forlome and comforrlefle wretchrFor example J the CQvetous man can well enough wade^

thorow

felfe-inricbing examination.

thorow other croifes^ while he hath the wedge of go'dtogaze upon ^ but deprive him of that, and how neare is hce to madnefle, making himfclfe away, defpaire^ orfbme other hell of difcontent ? The ambitious man, while heeglifters in bravery and precedencie, can make a (hift to (catter and difperle the mifts of melancholy, and inferiour vexations, butturnc him out of his golden fetters of greatnefle in the world, and hee hath no joy in fhe world; he rather makes choice of anyconfo-fion, than difcontinuance from! honour and high place. See Haman cro(b in his expeftation of worldly refpeft.H^y?. 5.13. And LatonusX\\\i% there is no comfart in croiTes unrofaithlelfemen; Every kindeof affliftionftingshim, but if it light upon theirchkfe worldly comfort, it even ftabsthem to the heart, but if upon their minde it turnes them as it were into, hell upon earth ; For what more raging torment can there be, than the biting of a guilty confcience,without the balme of faith > Thefphitofa fpian willfitftaine his otiisr wfin/nties ^ but aTS^oimdedfpiritvfhocanbeare* Bleflcd then is the precious grace of taithj.which after it bee once planted in the heart, puis out the fting of* every crofle and affliftion that befels the true Chriftian and fweetens all their bitternefles, with the onely attention, and certaineexpedtation of future glory. It alone can turne the tremblings and terrours of confcience into triumphs ^ the fcoffes and flanders of a fpightfull tongue, into a crowne of comfort -Io(ie of friends or goods, intoalonging after ever-lafting riches.^ and. the company of the Saints ^

weaknefle

185

Theater of Gods judgc-

\S6

Rom.8,1^.

T7;^ Saintf

weaknes of bodyjand want of w ealch,into ftrcngth of foule, and plenty oFfpirituall graces. What torrent of finite 8c worldly croflcscan fwell (b high, which the hand of faich clafped about an imrnor-tdllCrowne, cannot divert or drie up } What bittern efle, what gall can fpring either out of the bot-tomeof hell, or oat of the depth of a prophane fcornfuU heart, which the fweet fruition of (piri-tuall comforts by the power of faith cannot digeft > ThisaflTures the childe of God amid his triall and temptation, that never Goldfmich did fo watch over his Gold in the fire that it wafted not, as his graciousGod tends upon him to give him a comfortable iflue and glorious deliverance induefeafbn: That he caft him into the fire of afflidi-ion, not to burne and confurae him,but to fine him,and make him more orient in his fight ^ even as the Diamond by often and much rubbing is more bright & beau-tifiill.That this is the beaten path to heaven, which all the glorious Saints have troden before him, and all the fonnes of God muft follow him in to the worlds end. That thus he is made conform ble unto his head Chrift Jcfiis, and ^tttd for thefpirtt and glory of God to refi tepo n hiffti r Vet, 4.14. That the Lordmll never lay more upon him than he l^allheM to beare 5 and howfbever that all the affli&ions of this pref efit life^ are ^^(4 nearevporthy of the ^lorj which is to be revealed. That the wholebodyof the Communion of Saints fend outprayers and groynes for his deliverance out of what calamity foever.Such con-fiderations as thefe being apprehended by the power of faitbj doe mightily and {eafbnably comfort

lelfe-inricbing examination.

forcrhe true Chriftian in all diftrefTes andafflidi-ons whatfbever. And therefore I make true and found comfort in diltrefle, a fpeciall marke of a (aving faith. But againft this point it may be objefted: Firft, If itbefbj that (uch a deale of comfort be the portion of true Chriftians, and that in troubles and diftrefles too 5 how comes it topaffethat good fellowes and prophane men arc many times more merry and pleafant in their carriage and con-verfation than Gods children } and that they can drive away their melancholy heavie-heartednefle, their dumps and dilcomforts, with merry company, pleafant fports, and the revellings of good fel-lowfliip, whereas tho(e which you call true Chri-ftian55and - odsfaithfullones, by their ftriiSnefTe and preci/enefle abridge themfelves of many worldly comforts, and doe not laugh fb heartlyj live (b merrily, or enjoy the world (o chtcrfuUy as others.'

1 anlwer ^ Thereis a rvaphat feemeth right ^nd pleafant/^ <* prophane maffj but thi- ijfues thereof arc the r»ay&s of death. Even in laughing the Ixart is ferrovpfull, i»dtheend of that mirth is heavinejffe, Frov. 14.12,13. i- llnfanftifi^d men take not finne to heart, chey put farre from them the evill day ^ they make no confcience of their company, and prophane pa-ftimes, they make a covenant with death, andan agreement mthhell ; and therefore no marreU thou h they rejoyce in the face, make a great bulling in the world, and with their boyf^erous and imperious ruffling, out-fwagger andovei>top others ^ but •_ poore

187

Ohjc[{,i.

Anfq^,

r88

Sec Syd-Jcs

/ij^oU.^. a.

See ivhiUky Rcdcmp. of

T^he Saints

povjrc iULiieSj ifoeir rejcycmgis dfjdjjff the face:, andfu>p in the heart '^ they have fmiiingcountenances^ but bleeding confciences. A comforrable heart, and coQipoled countenance, may bee Iweet companions , when inward joy and loud laughter may dwell farre enough afiinder^ amidil their pleafant (porrs, andgreateftdelighrSj they are many times twitcht and ftung with inward bitter gripings, and fearfuUflaQics of helliQi torment, e/peciallyatthe remembrance of their death, ^nd of the judgement to ceme.

It is their property and pradice indeed, becaufe they want all inward and (bund conlforts in their miferies and affliftions, to flie unto outward mirth for eafe and refrefhing, and to remove the di(com-forts of their hearts by worldly delegations. So ^^»/called for muficke when he was troubled with an evillfpirit. When CamwsiS caft into the hell of confcience, his nephew T'^W was faine to invent mufick, that he might have fbmefolace in outward things. To this purpofc carnall men when they feele terrour of confcience comming upon them, and feare defpaire ^ they u(e their times, their friendsjtheirfamiliarsjtheirmeat.theirdriiik with all thepaftime can bee devifed to rejoycethcm-(elves withal!. They caft themfelves into merry company, that they may put away their dumps, as they call them. But wretched men, for them to run to prophane playes, tafteleffe (ports, outward mirth, merrv company, to drive away melanchiv lyand heavie-heartednede for (innc ^ '' Is as if '^ for the cure and remedy of the tooth-ach, a

man

Jelfe-inrictnng examination.

'■^ man fhould knock out his braines ^ or when he is **ftungwith aWafpc, ftiouldrub the (ore with a "nettle^or as ifa fbolifh patient, when hefeeles no "eafeby Phyfickjfhoiild run ro witchcraft ^ eras if **^ a man would cure a fore finger by cutting off the " arme 5 or as if he would cure the blemifli of the ^*^ eye-fight, by pulling out the eyes 5 or as if hee ^' would quench thirft by ginng poyfon to drinke 5 *^^or astofave a man from drowning inaboyfte-«^ rous tempeft, he would caft him out of the boat "into the Sea.' Remedies farre more poylbnous 'and pedilentiill than th^ malady, for theyeithcrt plunge them deeper and more defperatcly into the dungeon of melancholy, or el(e drawonely over a skinne, that the feire may rankle and fe-fter lender more dangeroufly. ^hus though' they fteere ip the face^ and Jboke bigge in lbs World, certaine if is there is riofbimd comfort, or wvt>ard peace toihmch^d : And while they procure carnall contentments for their mournful! foules; and ia^ hour to uphold their heanswith outward m?rrK and finfull pleifitres^ they apply a Venomous plainer to their (ore, drinke ftrong'and fan''<e poyfon for a medicine, and prop up their roofe wiih butn^ng fire-brands., It isnbt fb with the Saints of God, ^d thofe that arei fanftificd by fatrh; They have indeed (and in that refped are blelTed and happy) many motions, caufes and occafions of (adneflcj which good^f^owes are not acquainted with, or take to heart. • They are man^'ti mes troubled and diftrefied in their thoughts'with their owne finnes> with the finnes of others, with the j iniquities

189

Were ic not for fisne, what (houjd make fad the heart of aChriftian? SttCbryfo^,

A

.\M^

n^be Saints

miquidesof the times^ with the afflictions of the Church) with doobts about fbrae cafe of confci-ence, which byreafon of the prefent Creadon is to be (uddenly refblved upon, with care for a right and confcionabledifchargeofthe duties of their calling: For fbme fecret temptation or enticement Suddenly fuggeftcd, for fbme wicked thoughts ari-fingln their hearts, or fome pfophane^ ofFenfive or unprofitable fpeech, which hath unadvifedlypaf^ fed him ; or other gestures or adions which may bee fcandalous. But CidnefTe ancF folemnefTe in thefe caf^s^ and for thefe caufes, begets in their heart joy unffieakablc arid glorieus, inward peace, and heavens of comfort ^ whereas prophane revt 1-Jngai.^nd finfull delights^ breeds melancholy in the-mindevheavinefTe in the heart, andihevporme l^^^W^\?r<^/eJJ, in the confeifence of wicked men. Is not that forrow a thoufand thoufand times more fweet) which is intermingled with glimpfes and in-ilifion of heav^nry light, and endlefTe joyes, than that, joy which is mixed with the gaule of guilti-neffe, and flafhes of hell fire > The unhallowed difports, and loud laughters of prophane men^ arc rruficke for hell, and the devils wakes. But every tcare of atruc Ghriftian heartily and feafbnably fhedin Gods daufe, orforhis owne corruption, is farre more worth than a Kings ranfome, for the Lord preferves that in bis owne bottle, as a Jewell of Heaven. Let noworldlingthen braggeof his mirth, or godly man complaineof his monrriing (brrow^ For hee thatfonref in tearejfiaU reapem]ey: And he that hath his heaven of worldly pleafures , ;. ______^^re,

fcJ/e-inriching examination . I i p i

here, (liall be (ure aF hisheJI of cndlefTe torments hereafter. BefideSj this is a (peciall priviledgc of Godschilde, that though all the world (hould for-fake him, and he fliould be mainly crofl: in his chie-feft eauhly contentmentSj yet this one conceit of his being an heire of heaven^ and in Gods fa- j vour, doth infinitely more comfort him, than all.| outward mirth, or the fovreraign^y of the whole | earth can refrelh a diftreflcd worldling. Let no ! man then plead for the pleadire of good-fellow- j (hipj {oithereisndpeace^[aithmy God^ to the wkJ^J* Let no man take offence at the oarward troubles of the Chndhu, fur ihs cffd of t/jat /yvaff) vvhofbever-ihchCi is peace.

It may be objeded (econdly, that many wicked men, which have not (b much as a ihadow of faying faith, no fparkeof grace, or any tafte of the true feare of God^ are fomctimes very bold/eare-lefleand confident in great diflFefles, lore afflidi-ons, and intollerable tortures, and therefore it leemes they carry comfort and cheerfulnefle in their hearts, which begets fueh ftrange patience and confidence m their countenance and cariages.

I anfwer ^ That confidence in aliiidions and vexations which appeares in the countenances and cariages of unfan^tified men,doth not fpring from any true and found comfort in the heart, or from the blefled infpiration of Gods holy ipirit, as it doth in faithflill Chriftians^ but from other odde caufes, orfalfe grounds.

I. In fome^ from an affeftion of an opinion of I undauntednefle of fpirit, and high rcfolution. It is r reported

ira.J7.ai,

OhJQ^.2,

Anfrp,

The Saints

repoiccaot an irilh iraicourj that wnenhclayin ftrange anguifhon the wheele, an engine of cruell torture^ with his body bruiled, and his bone bro-kenj he asked his friend whether he changed countenance at all or no 5 (b caring as k leemes more for an opinion of defperate maalinefle, and uncon-querablenefle of his tortures, than for the moft cruell and extreatneft rtnting and vexation of his body.'

2. In (brae, from a conceit pf the morall good-nefleof their cau(e for which theyfufFer. But this patience proceeds not from any inftind of Religion, but from the power of morall vertue, and fuch may bee called morall Martyrs. Tfiere were many of them anciently among the heathens. It is ftoried of a certaine Captaine, who had longman-fulh' and worthily withftood Dionyjtus the Tyrant in defence of a City, that he fuftained with great patience and height of fpiritj-the Tnercile(?e fury of theTyrantj ahdall his cruelties. Firft-, the Tyrant told him. that theday before he had caufed his fbnne, and all his kinsfolks to bee drowned: The Captaine looked bigly upon him', butanfwe* rednorhingbutthisj that they were more happy than himftlfe by the {pace of one day. Afterward he cauled htm to be Oripped. and by his executioners to be taken and dragged thorow the City in a mo*tharbaroiisand hateful! manner, xruelly whipping him. and belides, which is the utrnoft zv.d up-Oiotof indi8;nities, throwing at him ourragious ■ir\d difdainfiill Speeches : Notwithftanding all wbichj the Capraine as no whitdifmayed, fhewed

a conftant and refoltite heart 5 and with a cheerfull and bold countenance went on ftillJoudJy recoun-ring the honourable and glorbus caufe of his death, which was, that he would never confcnt to yeeld hisCountrey into the hands of a crueli Tyrant. Such power (bmetime had morall verc.ie, and love unto an honeft caufejto holdup the hearts of heathens, amid moft cxquifitc paincs, and bloudy tortures.

g. In ibme, this confidence in diftrefle doth arife out of a defperate hardnefle of heart. It is to bee feene in fome notorious aiyilefaftors, whoft hearts, a long continuance in prophane villanies, a | furiouspurfiaitofbloud and outrages, and the jult car(e of God upon them,hath fo enfrozen and em-marbkdjthat they arc fcnfiefle & fearlefle of what-fbevcrcan befall them. So that though they bee to pafle thorow the ftreets as (peftacles of (hame and mi(erie, as hatefull monfters, and the reproach of mankinde, to be throwne into a dungeon of dark -nefle and difcotofort, and there to be loaden with cold irons, coldnefle and want 5 from thence to bee hurried to the gallowes, that fhamefull and much abhorred place, from which, without extraordinary repentance, they are immediately to fall into the fiery Lake 5 yet I fay fci all this, out of a defperate hardneCeof heart, they feeme ftill to be1n heart, and beare them(elves very boldly and confidently in tlieir countenances and cariages., O the bottomlefle and unfathomed deceits of our rorrupt hearts, and the murthcrous furie of the malieeofhell!

P 4. In

I

1^ he Saints

4. in Ibme it may fpringe from falfe groundsj or groundlcffe per^afionsof being in Gods favour, and the ftate of grace. And this may beibmetimes informall Chriftians, inthegreateftof diftreflcs, upon their death-beds: Out of confideration of their former life, which hath not beene ftained with any great notorioufiiefTe, cw infamous (inne; Out of their inveterate prejudice, anddilftafte of fincerityj as of too much prcci(eneffi:_, and perhaps by the unleafbnable comforts of ffeine onskil-fcill,andunfincereMinifter, which miniftercomfort unfeafbnably, or the like, in that laft extremi* tie, (the Lord not revealing onto them the tin-(bundnefle of their (piritaall eftate, and the rot-tenneffe of their hopes) they may bee cheerftiH and comfortable^ but God knowes without any juft caafe, or true ground. Their counterfeit comfort in this cafe doth as farre differ from that of the true Chriftians, as an imaginary dreameof Gold, from reall pofleffion of Gold.

5. In others jafurious milgroanded and unwarranted zeale, an impudent and peremptory conceit, that rhey fuffer in the caufe of God^ and for the glory of Religion, may b^et great boldnefle, refducion atid cheerfiilnefle amid the tourouTsof death, and in theprefence of their torturers and executioners. This unhallowed filrypofreffcd many heretikes of old apon this felfe ground ; the Donatifts in the fonrth Century after Chrift, fuf-fered death mod: couragioufly. And fo likcwi(e did the Heretikes calkd Euphemtie, which for the naultitudcof their fuppoled Martyrs, would needs

be

felfe4nrkhing examination.

be called M^r/;mfflf. It appeares aifa inHiftories^ thatTurksj and Tartars, and Moores^ both fight and die moftrefohitelj, for the blafphemous op\-mon^ o^ Mabcm^U And how the AfTafins, that were a ieft erf" def perate catrthroats^ which would adventure defperately to cft^atch [whomibever their General! would command them to murther, died oftentimes moft conftantly, and with un-dauntednelTeof fpirit .^ and this they accounted a (peciall point of Religion. But ^fpeciaily at this day thePopifliPfeodomartyrs, indeed true Traitors, are ftarke mad with this foperftitious rage. ^TheyM drinkc deepeof the empoyfoned Cup of ih^ahon^atiotts of the vekon ofBahyton^ who is her (ejfe already drunk§ mth the Mond of Saints , itad mth the bloui of the Martyrs of lefm 5 and then they grow fierce and furious in greedinefle and thirft after the temfxirall bloud of Kings, and of whomsoeverwithftands their accuriedfuperftitioDj fj by plotting, and many times ading treafons, Pa-ricides, empoyfonings, mines of whole Nations, blowing up of Parliaments, barbarous maflacres, and a world of bloudy mifchiefes^ which caft a (hame and ftaine nponthe innocencieof Chrifti-an religion ^ and alfo after the fpirituall bloud of foulest by infefbing and empoyfbning them with thdixdoBrinesof devils : At laft they come toTy-burne, or fome other place of juft execution, and !then they will needs beare the world in hand, they are going towards Heaven to receive a Crowne of I • Martyrdome.They will (ecmc already to triumph^ f to contemne tortures, to trample upon the tribu-1

P 2 nals i

Epipba, Her.Zv

A Brownift told Mr. i»f. and othcrSjthat he bad more comfo; rafter his forbearing our affemblie?, and abftaining from herring the Word with usjthancverhe had before. A lightning of Satans Angeli-call glorymight

1^

flafh hcait.

his

nalsof juftice, tokiflethe inftruments of death, in-figne of bleflings prefently to be enjoyed,to throw out many refolute and rejoyciBgfpeeches among' the people, as though they had one foot in hea~ ven already, when alas poore blinded and mifgui-dedfoules, in this wilfull and deiperate abando-, ning their lives, upon a groundlelTe and gracelefle conceits that they (hall purchafc a CrovvTieof Mar-tyrdome ^ they are like a poore wretch; which lying afleepe upon the edge of an high and fteepe rocke, dreamesthat he is made a King, attended with a glorious traine of Nobility, furniflied with (umptuous Palaces, and (lately buildingj inriched with the revenewes, Soveraingty, and pleafures of a wholeKitigdome, but upon tifc (udden (t^r-' ting up, and leaping for )oy, fals irrecoverably into the mercilefle devouring Sea, and (b in lieu ofhis imaginary Heaven and happine(ie, kils him(clfe, and loo(eth that little comfort he had in this mi(e-rable life. That accurled and damned paire of incarnate devils, the Engli(h Fanpkesyand French Ra-villiac^ the one after that in the Popes cau(ehee had embrued his hands in the (acred bloud of a King (for by his murderous hand,the royall bloud of the late French King, is yet frcfh in the (beets of ?mi) the other after hee had done his be(l, or rather his worft, to blow up at once the glory power, wi(clome5 the Religion, peace and poftc^ rity of^ the moft renowned and vidorious dare under the Heavens, were both prod igioudy bold, confident and peremptory. But was this courage / thinke you, in(pired into them by them by the lio»

I of

J

felfe4nriching examination. i ip y

oftketribeofJuda^ already rriumphaat in the Heavens, or by that roaring Dragon of the bottom-lefie pit ? A man of an irapartiall underftanding anddifcerningipiric, would (carcely wifh a clearer demonftrdtion of the truth, and Orthodoxnefle of our Religion, thantomarkethe. difference of the ends of oar blefied Martyrs in Queen Maries time, and of thofe Popifli traitors which are fbmetimes executed amongfi: us. They feeme both bold and cheerfull towards their ends, but in thePieudo-Martyrs at Rome, it is (b enforced, formall and artificial!; Their prayers are (b unhearty, plodding, and perftindory, their carriage (b unlike the Saints of God, and without thole feefing elevations oi fpirit, which are wont to fill the /bules which are ready to enter into the joyes of Heaven, that aman feen into the myftery of godlineffe^ and acquainted with the power oF fandification, mjy clearly fee their comfort in thefe cafes to be of no higher ftraine than moral! relblmion, and Urong conceit of herefie can reach unto. It is othe» wife with the true Martyrs of lefus, that have their innocent bloud fpiltby the purple whore of K^as??, as we may fee and feele in that glorious Martyrio-logie of our Saints which were flaughtered in Queene Afarksvme. They had (iichanholyand humble Majefty in their carriages, fuchadcaleof Heauen, and fbberun -auntednefTe in their faces, fuch fpirituall ravifhments and joyful! fpringings inthgf hearts, luch grace and powerful! piercings in their (peeches, fuch zealc and hearty meltings in their prayers, fuch holy triumphs, and heavenly P 3 exultations

Pr«. Joh,

T4.ZQ.

T^he Saints

exultations amid the flames, that it was more than manifeft both toHeavcnand Earth, to Men and to Angels, tliat their caufewasthc caufe of God, their murtherer that fnanefjixne^ their bloudthe (eed of the Churchjtheir (bales the jewels of Heaven, and their prefentpaflage the right and ready way to that unfading and moft glorious Crowne of Marcyrdome. That which in fidion wasfathe^ red upon father Campion^ was. moft true of every one ofour Martyrs^ that every man might (ay with heavie heart that ftood by^Here fpeaks a Saintjhere dies a Lambe, hereflowes the guiltlelTe bloud.

Thus you have heard what counterfeit comforts, what falfe caufes, and (andy foundations there may be of boldnefTe, confidence and cheere-fulne(Ie in mifcrics, a69idicms and diftrefles. But the comfort which in the(e ca(es (prings from a (bund and faving faith, is ever true and fare, of a (bber and (anftified temper, enlived with the holy warmth of the light of Heaven^ mingled with a true tafte of everlafting pleafiires, fupplied conti-nnally with fre(h ftreames/rom the bottomles and boundle(re Sea of all and endlefle comforts. It is not enforced, formall, artificial!, furious, de(pe-rate, mi(ground'^d, ambitious, in the face onely, orforafpirt, (uchmay be found in reprobates. It were nothing worth if ftrangers might meddle with it ^ if men, or devils, or the whole world could take it from us: If it were fuftained onely by any created power^ or arme of fleflk This pearle, this Jewell, is of an higher price, and^more , noble ftampe, than the (tate of unregeneration

can

I <

felfe'inriebing exam'mation.

ipp

can poffible purchafe or comprehend. It hath its feat a (andified fbule 5 for its fountaine, the (pirit of comfort ^ for its foundation, the favour of God 5 for its warrant, the promifcs of AfTftn, tlMtfaiihjytt andtrnzmtrnfft ^ for its objeft, a Crowne of immortality ^ for its continuance, the prayers of all the Saints ^ for its companions, a good confeiencc, inwardpeace^joy in the Holy Ghoji ^ for its end and perfbdiioTiypt/mffe cf]oy^ andpka-fures at Gods right hand, for evermore. In a word, the Chriftianscomfort in diftrefle, rifingfrom an afTu-rance of Gods favour through Chriftjand of e verla-fting happinefle, by a true and fruitfull faith, doth as fill differ from all the vaine and,counterfeit comforts^ the unhallowed and groundlefle confidences of what unrcgenerate men fbever, as the reall poA feffion of Gold, from an imaginary dreame of Gold : As the true and natarall grape, which fils and glads the heart, from the painted grape, that onely feeds the eye : As the apples of £</?», from tho^QO^Sodomy which being faire to the fight, if touched doe turne to duft in the hand: As a flrong and mighty Oke,rooted deeply in thecarth.which no ftorme ©r tempeft can difplant or overtume, from a ftatfc or flalke fhicke lightly into the ground, which every hand may fnatch away, or blaft of wind fupplant and overthrow.

Thus farre of the marks and notes of a found andftving faith, by which if a man beedifpolcd, and fet his heart toit^he may eafily (ee,and clearlv judge, whether hee be endued and fanftified with a true and joflifying faith, or fouly deceive his

The Saints

ownc heart, about his fpirimail eftate, in conten'-tinghimfelfewichfomefalfe faith, or that which is infiiScisnt to falvacion. Yet becaufe a temporary faith may goe farre, makes a goodly fhew, and deceives thoulands, I will fingle it out, and ftt downefome markes of difference in /peciall and particular betwixt it, and faving faith, though all the former marks delivered before, diftinguilh a jufti: ying faith from all other kinds of faiih whatsoever. ■: ,;v:-v:i".

I. Firfl;amanfandHfiedby (avingfaith v^llfuffer no (in to raigne and rule in him, he will not lie, and live with delight and willing consent in any one finne whatfoever, though never fb pleafureftilJ profitable, or refpeftfull in the world. Whofoeveris ho^mofGodJtniaethfJot^ (on this faftiion) neithercaa iefinm^ becaufe he ishorr^ of God, (aith lohn^ lEpifi^ 5.9. that is^ with purpose, pleaftKc, andperfevc-rance : ^^Hee doch not walkeorlieinfinnej hec doth not ferve and obey it. The realbns are 5 ; I. TijefeedofGodreff/ameshi'ihif^,iIoL'^i^.that is the hoi V fpirit by a (acred and (andif^ing power, doth wound.the head, and breake the heart of finne, doth fo farre mafter and fubdueit, that it bcares no mare fvvay and foveraignty over him. By hishoiyfireheburnesupamans lufts^ and blowes up the holds of his-fweec-finne, aiid.wrefts the

•) cJlC. ffjfi! -^frrV-' ?l'/i ''i;f{ !

nobii cbniim ad^nflifattkneir^mciritdliustfipropter pTfcuta m^rai Sifnimhu credo,quomodt j ,Utdiinid,p> 0 quo iUffrrtHlii mertc m?Si hac tredf^qu^ IIU ad ]s^l(icatmerA minmfurrexityquo-m.d'i'iHi.ljiuk f'acitt'lHfilfi(iiiir^oe6iChr\HHi tantHmmodb, ^ui nevatn tm>>i()itinplo nfur-reCiloniiipfufufct^ftunt, &ve^tjht»]^^itjte., atque m^maiuindumentaviUitcakfammoxtu a^jiciuMiy ttc. Or/g adRbmtqu,i,(aj),^_ * ybire^nat^rofojitumpecfofulif iijifidncitiPLiflti(or-diiftxhlAtfMgif^.

Scepter

Markes of difference be f.vixt' ravi;»g and tempo, my faith.

Ezech iS-ar.

Jam J.10. Ezcch. 18.10.

Math. J.I 9. Si coHf.-rnxeri-

«/? jttliiua cjf in naiUa-evha amlukrntu ^ fecundu] ifliLam viviwu'iifur. rcxii nubuChri-(l!44 a:ljufiifi<.a-Uiin:m ;ioftri»fti (f vt 0 /rjndum de^fiiJiniuvt-tenm hominem tum aUibiii ftiii fed in ihjuliinn vivim'My audio dice} t quod n/a-dntn r if in exit

Jelfe-mricbing examination*

Scepter out of the hands of naturall corruptionj fb that there is no reigning and domineering of linne inafandifiedman.

2. H^ thathittkhrshope'^ that isj which by a lively faith groweth into aflurance and certaine expeda-tion of feeing God, purgeth himfelfe as hee ispwe. Every manmuft be a Puritan in thlsfenfe, if hee v^ill bee faved. Hee muft pull the reines out of the bands of finne, and fuffer the power of grace to wade and confiime his rebellious corruptions.

5. Hee hath refpe&toaU Gods CommandemtfiU: Alihislawesanhfonh'mj as D.^^^ifpeaks of him-fclfc, rfaL I S.verf 2 2,-* y,. And therefore heedorh not nourilh and nuzle willingly and delightfulJy any finne in his heart and life, againft the light of hisconfcience, and fight of his Commandements. Hcemay finne of Ignorance, yea, of knowledge, and with Ibme kindeof willingnfelTe too fbmtimes, j for I take the place in li^Jmnoi to bee underflood | fimply of the ad of finning, but of the tenr.ur, courfe^ and race of mans life 5 ib that he doth not Hie,continue anddelightiii anv one finne: He dorh not fuffer it to reigne and rule in him, it doth not keepe him in bondage or flavery to his lufts, for ik feed of G(fd, his fandifying (pirir, and the power of grace remaifieifihim ^ which narrowly watch over the rebellions of theflefh, and ftand at ftavesend with every corruption : And if ar any time he be overtaken with fome infirmitic, or by the furious: craftinefle of Satan, and the finfull infinuation of his owne flefh, be dragged backe to fbme old finne of hisunregeneration^ they never fuffer him to be

at'

101

tJoh.3.j.

The Saints ^

acquiec, or enjoy himfdfcj untill bygroancsand figh?5 and ftrong cries, hee hath turned the mcrci-full Sun-fliine of Gods favourable countenance towards him againe^ untill hee hath deprecated his judgements and curfes due unto that finnc 5 untill he be received againe under the wings of his pro-teftion, and refblved upon a more zealous and fanftifiedcarriageaf'-erwards. Anduntillby humi-liation,repentance,and breaking his heartjhe hath difmift thit, and all other finnes with morcfpe-ciall loathing and deteftacion. This power then and privilege then hath faving faith in every man, whole heart it hath fully pofleft, and thorowly (an-ftified, that it de-thrones, throwes downe, and difcepters finne from its former raignc and Sovc-raignty. It inspires the true Chriftianwith a gracious refolution,nevermorctogivcany quiet harbour, or delightful! entertainment to any one finne, againft any of Gods Commandements. And if he fall vpon infirmity, it pre(ently begets a thoa-fand times more griefe and (brrow, than the plea-fures and (enfiiall (weetnefleof the fin was worthy and furnifhes him with more care, watchfulneflc, zeale and forwardnefle, for the time to come afterwards.

But the former profeflbr, who contents himfclfe with a temporary faith, and bath no more fandti-fication than the power of it can conferre upon him, is many times difcernableand fcandalous by one outward groflc finne or other, as worldlineile, fweariug, uncleanreffe, ambition, Sabbath-breaking, prophanenefle, oppofition to finccrity and

true

felfe-inriching examination.

true Chriftians, or the like. Or if he be arefuUto ! remove (iich notorious and infamoas finncs, from the fight of the world, and out of the eyes of men^ yetmoft certainly heeever rctaineth, yea, maiutaineth inhimfelfe onefweetlipneororher, perhaps lefTe markable and more fecrer, (both wittingly) bccaufe heemay know and willingly, be-caufe he refuieth to obey againft (bme one Co.i> mandcmcnt.

And commonly hee makes no confcience of lef-fer finnes, and fmaller olfences, as idle jcfting, gaming, fmalleroathsa lefTer bribes, 6cc. but rather gives allowance unto them in his owne jcdgf-ment, by his owne example, and by bolftring others up in them. And howfoever he doth fbme-timcs out of his worldly wifdome conceale him-felfc, and not utter what he thinks in that point: yet hee hath at lead: a fecret diflike and diftafte of thorow fanftification, as of too much precife-neflc. To (ay all in a word, laving faith doth bani(h the uie and pradice of all grofTe finnes^ and breeds atleaft an hatred, difal owance and refiftance of whatfbever frailties -and infirmities. But temporary faith cannot poflibly bring a man out of conceit with all finne ^ it cannot breake the heart of his darling pleafures, or make him take part heartily and entirely with the beft Chriftians, in that h<jly and comfortable worke of mortifying every corruption, though never fodeare andfiveet toflefh andbloud, which troubles their inward peace, grieves the good fpitit, or wounds the confcience. Though by the power thereof he may goe farre in

outward

20J

Seac/(f.Pw 13.

lOJ^

SccP/oi^.ii.tj.

Jer-4.i4.

Alecoad diffe-r<ncebctwixc raving and tcm-

^he Saints

ouc wara reio ma; ion^and would gladly be thought to be in the right way, yet (bmewhat or other is ever behinde, which either for pleafure, or profit, oreftimationsfakehewillnot part with ; there is (bme pleafing bolbme finneor othet^ which if it were poflible^, hee would even carry with him to Heaven.

2. Secondly, A (aving faith doth cverfandtifie theinmoft, and moft lurking afFcftions, ihefecrec purpofes, dcfires and imaginations of the heart. It at firft ftirres up, and ever after raaintaines that fore and invifible fight betwixt the flefh 'and the fpirit, betwixt the fanftified part of the foule, and theunregencrare. It begets a care and conscience in the true Chriftian of keeping the laft Com-mandement, which is the ftireft touch-ftone to try the truth, and foundnefle of our converfion, whether it be copper and counterfeit^ or currant and fubftantiall ^ for it tries the reines, cenfures and bridles idle^ wandring, and irapert'nent thoughts, the evill motions, lufts and ftirringsof the heart, vvhatfoever they are. Hence it is that the fanftified man hath ever an eye to his heart, and is very much troubled about his thoughts. For he labours that his (ecret conceits and inward de-fires be as well approved before God, as hisout-wfrd converfation and carriage before men : He is as k)th and fearfullto offend God, and grieve his good fpirir, in his heart, which no morralleye can ree,s9in his word and adrions, which are open and liable to the cenfure and inrerpreration of the world. It gOc s as much againft his heart to commit

finne

fclfe-'tnricbing examination.

finneinhisfecret chamber^ as in the fight of the fight of the Sunne. Hee knowes full weW, and is perfwaded in his heart, that without vvafhing the hcartthere can be nofilvatioHjWithout the change and chart icy of the thoughts^ ani truth in the inward partt, there is no true repentance: 0 Jemfak^f, faith lenmiey Chap.^.i^. Wajh thine heart pom nick^dnejjt:, that thou fnaifl hee faved : How lo?fgJljall thy va'me thoughts rmaJm within thee .<? I f all the world befides (hould approve and applaud uSj if not a man upon earth were able to fay unro us Co much as blacks thine eye : Yet if our hearts were not upright before God, we were but-damnable creatures, hollow-hearted prpfeflbrSj and glorious hypocrites. The true Chriftian confiders thiSjand (ubmirs him^ felfe to the worke of Gods grace, in (andtifying the defires and thoughts of his heart. Hee hath much trouble and toyle^ and indeed a kinde of holy trade in governing the heart, and managing the thoughts, in which the unregenerate man hith no skill. Hee labours to keepetheir fountaine pure andcleere, to fetch their warrant our of ihe Word of God, that they may hold correfpondence and conformity to his will ^ he ever looks which way they tend, that their marke and end be Gods glory^ and the benefit of his Church and people; If ary thoughtsftartupinhis heart, which are not thus qualified and iandified^he prefently takes them to heart, drivesagainft them^ prayes againft them, repents for them, and is humbled by them - And their is a mvrtery in this refi;iment of thought?, of which it coneernes the Chriftian to take Ipecull

notice^

T^/je Saints

nocice, left he wrongfully accufe himfelfe or Sa-

tan, lel\ hee unnecelTarily afflld and torture his jowne fbule, if they bee none of his ovvne, orroo ; fleightly regard them, if they be the brood of his Ho'v to diftin- inbred concupiicence. It is to diftinguilh and di-guiiiiSatans (ceme betwixt the devils fuggeftions, and the evill frfm^^heeviii niotiotts of amansownc heart. The. grow upon motions of our US by leifure, from outward ob)efts abroad, or ownchcarts. fpring out of ourmemory ; But the other breake in^upon us abruptly, when wee are wholly full and poiTefled of other meditations, without occa^on given, either by outward occurrenrs, or former difcourle of the minde, anel when we little thinke of any fuch matter. Sinfull thoughts of ourowae come upon us enticingly, by allurements, bait?, and infinuations ^ but Satans fuggeftions rufti in violently, forcibly and furioufly, they are throwne into our imaginations like a flafli of lightning, with fuch an unavoidable impreffion, that they M. M* cannot bee prevented by any wit or ftrength of a man. I have knowne fbme which have beene fear-ftiHy vexed and aflonifhed in heart, with horrible land blafphemous thoughts, which were Satans ; owne immediate injedions, and terrours even to nature it felfe : but when tey have beene told and taught that they were none of theirs, and that if i they did hate, abhorre, and withftand them,a?thc I pure fpight and malice of that fiend of hell, they I fhouldneverbeiraputeduntothemasthcirfinnes, ! butfet upon Satans (core, who^by right is cbarge-I able with them, both for horrour and punifhment 5 ; and that even our bleffed Saviour himfelfe was I tempted

lelfe-inrivbing examnation.

tempted m the like maTraer, but was free irom finnej becaufe he withftood the temptation, and repelled the tempter : I fay, after they haye beene thusinftrtu^ted, they have received g ear cafe and comfort. Much blelTcd hearts ea(i\ and fpirituali contentment doth accrew unto a man, upon nar~ -row watch-over the heart: Much inward peace, fe-renityand joy^istobe enjoyed by fufpitioufhefle, experience and exercife, in difcovering, repreG-(ing, and preventing the mutinousand tumultuous JliiTesin the thoughts and imaginations; An holy care and wifJome for which parpofe is infpired onely, and planted in the fbule by the power of a iaving faith.

For it is farre ot^erwife with the formal I profef^ four, whichis no farther acquainted with the my-fterie of godlineffe, and fecrets of landittcarion, then temporary faith can lead and inlightenhim. He may proceed farrein outward reformatioPjand make a goodly tew of Chriftianity in his words and adions. Hee may outwardly forbeare grofle finnes, and performe religious (ervices, and bee an out-fide Chriftian without cenfure, exception^ orreproofe ; But heeverfailes in hisrefpe(a and obedience to the laft Commandement, inhispra-dice hee ftill appj:ovcs that devillilh Proverbe, thought is free. Hee is nobody in that great fight for fpirituall life ot death betwixt the flefh and the ■(pirit. He is unfeeneand upexercifed in that trou-bldbmc and invifible regiment of the commotions and imaginations of the heart. Hee will perhaps ftartle and make a ftand ata greifly prodigion,

thought

zoy

Athirddlffc-rcncebetwixt fiiving and temporary faith*

nrhe Saints

thougiit of tiealon, acneifmcj murder, adultery, blalphemiCjUfur/jOppreffionjand fuch like.but ordinarily without any great Temorle or checke, h e fufFers his heart to runne riot into a world of idle wandrings^ efpecially to fpend many frefli (ucceffi-ons of mi.lions of thoughtSjWith unwearied purfuit of pleafing errour, in the endlefle Maze of earth-ly-raindedneflTe, luftfolnefle, ambition, and allpaf-fages for the advancement of his temporall happi-nefTe, and attainment of earthly pleafures.

In a word, a manfanaified by faving f nth, hath as well an eye to fee the thoughts of his heart, as the Gutwardnefle of his carriage^ hee makes his aduall finnes his outward frailties and infirmities, as bloud-hounds to trace out his originall corruption, and the hidden root of his rebellions, and there he lirikes, and wounds, and mortifies. But where the faith is but temporary, there care may be had of words and adions, but the heart is not much medled with. It may perhaps be curious in pruning and lopping the outward luxuriant bowes and branches of finne, whicharean eye-fbretothe world, and Scorpions to the confcience ^ but it wants power to digge unto rheroot whic h lurks in the heart and will^ to take notice of invifible thoughts, which neither breed difgrace among men, nor as yet fting with (enfible remorfe.

.3. Thirdly, there is one ipeciall marke of difference betweenc (aving.and temporary faith, poin^ ted at by the fpirit of God in the parable of the

Sower, and the divers grounds, MaitLi^,Mark:^ Liik^ 8. and may be thus thence gathered.

The

felfe-inrichwg examination. j 2 op

The temporizing Chriftian, who hath no more fpirituall power, and Chriftian refolution, than temporary faith can powre and put into him, will not by any meanes pafTe thorow the pikes for his proteffiori and proceeding in grace. Me is not able to endure any hot brunt of ftrong temptation, great diigrace, worldly oppofition, or fmarting perfecutioo, for his taking part with true Chrifti-ans, and the pradifc of fincerity. While the way' is paved before him, and the Sunn efhinesfaire and bright, he will goe on merrily with Gods children, and march forward perhaps with as good (hew of courage and undaun- ednelle as thebeft • but if he once meet with fomcboyfterous florme, that beats againft his hcc ^ if the world on* c beginne ro lowrc upon him for his forwardnelle :^ if his way grow roughs crooked at id thorny -^ if he be raged and railed againfl" for his fingularity in fanci:ificati-on, and perfecuted with fpightanddifgraceforhis profeffion of grace ^ he then prefently beginncs to (linke and drawbacke, to leave his former com-panion5, true Chriftians, to finke or fwimme ^ he for(akc5 them, and flies from them, as from the ruines of a falling houfe. For it isever the property of this kinde of Profeflbr, when it comes to the rr all, to the point and pinch, topreferrehisowne p^^rricular before the glorv of God, the publikc good of the Church, and the fpirituall affaires of Heaven. His temporary happineffe, and chicfe carnall contentment is ever more dearc unto him than the comforts of holinrlTe, and thefiire pro-mifcs of a better life : Hee chufes farre rather to

Q^ fleepe'

Hce chofe ra ther lo venture his loule upon Gods judgements, with the hazard of crcr-nallhappiiieflc. then to fo! ia'<" the flafuresof hisfwtctfinn';

The Saints

lleepe in a whole skinne, than with a goodconfci-ence. Hez-tf^^ although hce reverenced lolm^ heard him gladly, and did many things after his preaching, yet when his chiefecarnall contentment was inqueOion, for the (urc feeling of his fweet linne of laftfall pleafures, he cutoff at once tohn Raptifis head, his courfe of former profeffion, his heart from grace, land his hope from Heaven, andibule from lalvation. The young man in the Gofpell went on a good while in outward unblamcable-ncffe, but when hee perceived by the words of Chrift, that hewas to (uffer his heart no longer to be exercifed in covetoufnefle, that his greedy af-: fedions which were faft glued and nailed unto die earth, were to be rent thence, and repofed in Heaven, he prefcntly turnes his backe upon Chri/V Je-fus. Heaven, and cverlafting happinelfe, Niatmn it feemes was content to goe along with the Prophet \ in many things, and to be good in aM other^ onely that hoQOurable place he held with his Ma»t«r ,farc very neare his heart : Heeis rather willing to forfeit all his other integrities, an linnocencies, and eeldings unco goodnefTe, and to venture himfelfe though without all warrant or ground, upon the mercies of God, than not to bold his height of phce and honourable refpeft with his Mafter. In thefe peaceable and flourifhing times of the Charch many thoulands fw.^rme amongft as of fitchkindeof profellbrs. The glorto^is noone-tidc oftheGo(belI fhining npon them through thefe dayesof peace, duth alirr'e war me and heat their hearts, fb that they fall in love and hking with the

truth

felfe^inriching examination.

truth and power thereof: They fort and ranke themfelvcsamongfttrueprofeflbrs, they fettleand frame themlelves to the holy bulineiles, and noble trade of Ghriftianity. But wretched men, they are not able long to hold out,they are quickly tired and weary in the waycsof God. The Word is not well rooted in them, their faith is but temporary, their converfion unfound, there is ever one grand un-mortified corruption or other, onebofome finor other, which ftill wa(ics and devours the buds of zeale, and bloflbmes of Heaven, as they (prout ■ and ipring up in their hearts or adiony. Either He-rods pleafurcjorthe young mans "pxo^t.oxJSlaamam preferment, kils and cuts the throat of all grace, \ when it fhould come to proofe in them, and confounds the power of Religion, that it can neither' thorowly (andifie, nor finally fave them. Some-; times they will goe^cU forward for a time^ and breed gooid hope, and great expedation in good; ChrifHans, of their comming on in the wayes of godlineffe : But when they finde by experience that fiich courfes as thefe finde no favour in the world, bringupon them an imputation of precilc-nelTe, caft them from the countenance of carnall fi-iends, amongfi: the number of pboreneglefted^ Chriftians, may much hazard their temporall hap-' pinefle, and ftill frcfhly vex them with one trod-' ble or persecution or other : They fufFer therli-(elvescowardly to be vanqniflied with fiich carnall fearesof flefliand bloudasthcfe : They caft their crowne from them, and the glory of their former profeffion is put outj all their time formerly (pent

The Saints

in godiineffe is loft. They hereupon bcginne to renounce that goodnelfe which before they (earned toembrare ^ to forfake thetellovvfhipofihe SaintSj with whom they were wont comfortably toconverfe ^ to negledl the duties of piety, wherein, not without fbme joy,:hey have beene formerly exercilcd ^ rogrov\rftrange unto God and good men; tocaftoffthe care of their families, which perhaps they were wont to inftruft Ihave knowne (ome, whoonelyby the power, lam perfwaded of a temporary faith, have beene very forward in •Ul religions exercifes, for a good time hath with great diligence and profit, both publikeJy and privately heard and read the Word, ere^ed a godjy order of prayer, and other family exercifes in their houfes, and yet afterward by Ikf le and little the world got (a powerfully within them, and earthly cares fb choaked tlifm that thev caft ah bchinde them tranipled thefe holy pearles and jewels whi h formerly adorned tht-mj under their feet, and turned wholly carnall, covetous and pro-phane world iingSj

VVorldlineflc, and feare of being accounted too precife now a daycs ordinarily blaft and beat batke the fruits andforwardnefleof a temporary faith.

Thus you fee the true temper and conftituti-on of a temporary faith : It hath not the heart and Dower to ftand to it, and goe thorow ftitch in the caufes of God, and the affaires^of fincerity • it dare nocaddrefle and addiftit fclfetothatftridcourfe of hglinefle, which onely fks for the ftrdghtway to heaven, for fcare of troubles, dilgracesand per*-1 Gcutions, But

felfeAnriching examination. ) 212

But faving faith is of a farre more powerfull and undaunted dilpofition, andordinariiy infpiresihe true Chriftian with a truly noble and Lion-like courage, fb that in the caufe of God he feares no colours 5 hce will forward by the grace of God, with all good confcience in his holy profeffioUjand praftice of fircerity againft all adversary power; | Slanders, difgraces, and contempt are as fewell to ^ incrcafe the flame of his zealcjas matter to enlarge 1 the joy and inwardcomfort of his hearty as meanes | to fet and (ettlc the Crowne of Chriftianity fafter, upon hib head. His faving faith is ever feated in a; good& hontft heartland therefore he brings forth fruit wirh patience. If he profper in the world, he is rich and latfen with variety of froics, of holy duty, and good deeds -^ like a dangling fruit-tree, in a fat and fertile Ibile. If he be croff in the world,} and caft into the f urai^e of affiidtions, yet he fends out at the laft the pleafing perfume of Chriftian patience^ like a fweet Pomander chaft in the hand, or frarkincenfe throwne into the fire ; heeever brings forth the fruits of piety or patience. When atthefirft heewent about his fpirituall building, he kt himdowne before, and counted the coft. When heatfirft entred the fpirituall warfare, under the colours and conduft of ChrifV Jefus,againft this world of wickedneffe,and the kingdome of Satan, heetooVecounfell, not with flefti andbloud, but with the fpiri t of truth, how he might become conqtierour, and therefore he is not onely already relblved, in peaceable times to digeft with patience lefTer and inferiour miferies and vexations,

1

vtrfS.

f

§i»'fi'

Anftv. AChriftims eftate diftin guilhed from the fecond fort of formaU piro feffbrs.

The Saints

for his profeifion and pra<!ti{eof fincerity, as lofle of goods, lofle of friends and reputation withthc world, (landers, disgraces and wrongs, nick-names of Puritane,Precifion, Hypocrite^ contempt, dif* countenance, and oppreffion, and (uch like ^ but I hee holds his (bule as it were continualiy in his I hand, as D<«'/</fpeaks ofhimielfe, pfal, 119.109* ! ready if need bee, and the times require, even to flied his bloud under the fword of the Tyrant, or I to lay downe his life in the flame?, rarfier than to ' dilhononr fb mercifuil a God, to betray histruth ^ or by his back-Hiding and falling away, to make (hipwracke of a good con/cience, and hazard that Crowne of Glory, which by the eye of Faith hee hath already in fight. Thi5 high refblution and noble courage fiving faith piits into the heartsof thofc whom it dandifies, that in rh e caiafe of God, their Oiriftian warfare, and under the coloors of Chrii>3 they may Oandtoit like mm, paiflemaT!-fully thorow the pikes, conquer andbecrowtied. How then wiHyou diftinguiflia Chrifriinseftate from the £>cond fortof formallprofeflburs,/jy/rti

Thus ^ The formal 1 profeflbr, after his falling off/ rrfumes his former profeflion, wirhout any remorfe, refolution for more forwardnefle, watch-fulnelTe, revenge upon himfelfe and thofe marks, 2 Cflr.7.11. in a cold dull manner. Sec. Whereas Gods chjldc after a relap^, upon recovery and retnrne, weepes bitterly with Peigr, and labours wkhdnuble ditigeRce, and redoubled zeale, to re-I compencc and redeeme his former failings, &c.

They

/elfe4nriching examination.

They may, I confefTe fometimes be faint-hearted and retire upon weaknefle and infirmitiejas did Peter, and other Saints of Godj but after they come j • to themfelveSj and have taken breath, they returne into the field and fight, with redoubled courage, I more eager heat, and refblute valour, to make amends for liich default and defeftion ^ they are content to undertake any extraordinary adventure, to fight in bloud to the knees, with an holy dcrperateneffc, (as prodigall of thole lives they have ftained with revolt) to flie more fiercely in the faces of the adverfarics of God, and enemies of their fbules.

Saint Ferer upon infirmity (a Fearefull fall) denied his Saviour, but how manftilly afrcr, and vido-rioufly did hce enter the lifts againft the whole ^ kingdomeof darknefle^and a world of Paganifme ? what worthy fervice did he after in the Church of God, and how glorioufly at laft did he (ealc the truth which he had taught, with the facrifice of his bloud ? BIcffed Cramnet^ that glorbus Martyr, flunkebacke a littte, and upon infirmity, being en-! chanted by Popifti Syjens^ fiiblcribed to feme points of their hatefuil herefies: But with what p^c^sof zeale and penetency was hec after revenged upon himfelfe, by thrufting that unhappy hand firft into the flame, wich was the inftrument of his ft)ule relapfc ? Thus though GodschiJde may fometimes ftumble, and take a fall in his race of Chriftianky,yet when he is got up againehe makes amends with a more liire footing, and fwifter courfe toward the Goajc of immortality. Let us 0^4 ^ lookc

zi6

xCgm.i?.

Heb.xr.

Mj

The Sainti

looke 1 pray you into the Booke of God, and wee ftiall trad his Saints in many holv paflages of this noDlenefle offpirit, unconquerablenefle ofcou-, rage, and height of refolution againfl: temptations and oppolitions implanted in their fouJes, by the (pirituall powerjand facred infpirations of a (a-ving faith. Ever when their owne carnall contentments and temporall happinefle came intoballance with Gods glory, and a good con(ciencc, theyre-fignedup themfelves,and laid weightonthe Lords fide : They did hold that their light afflidons which were but for a moment, were moft unworthy to hold (cale with that more than moft excellent and eternall weight of glory which was to be revealed. Ever when their owne particular and private welfare came into qneftion with the cau(e of God/and publike good of the Church, they were at a point to take part wirh Heaven and holi -nefle, againft the temptations of fiefh and bloud, and allcontrary infernal] powers 5 againft whatfo-ever finite and created adverlary. As a man in a trance hath all the powers of the (bule fo faftned .?pontheprefenrobje6i-, that hee is carelefTe and nnapprehenfive of all other occurrents or events: Sorheir faiiftified foulesbya (aving being pofleft of the eafneft of immortality, fb ftrongly and fweecly repofcdupon the favour and protedion of God, upon the contemplation of Heaven, and thofe endl- fle |oy ^s that worldly crofles, di(graces, Crbwnes Kinstdomes, pleafiires, vanitic?, bad no power to poflefTe them, or counrerfway them. Mo^ fis was mightily tempted with the power and '£;•>;■■ pleafure

felje-inrichmg examination, \

pkafures of a Kings Courc^ he might have ruffled j ic amongft the proudeH-, and overtop in refpedi:! and honour, themoft filken and glittering Courtiers ; He might have rowed in wealth and plenty,! and wallowed in (ofteft delicacies, and courtly da-liance : Nay, hee might have lived in the meane time ennobled and em "aradifed with the tide of young Prince, and thejonne of a Kings daisgktr ^ not without hope of being crowned at length with the Soveraignty and comrnand ofa Kingdome. Strong temptations, povverfull enticements 5 and yet blelTed man, by the power and perlwaffon o'" ia-vine;fairh, Hee chofe rather I0 {uffr aivcrfiymtbihe psopk of God ^ than to m]oy the pkafures dfjin^efora fiafofiy efieeming the rtbuk^ of Chrifi greater riches thau thetreafures of ^gypt ; forhebadrefpeSt to the recofH-pence of the revpord. k Crowne ofimmortaiicy was in light to the eye of his faith, which was more deare ' and precious to him than the power glory and j Majeftie of all the Kingdoiies of the earth, (ith they ftoodupontearmesof prccedencie, and the one muft needs carry it away. His private tempo* rallhappninelTeftoops and vailes bonnet, fubmits and yeelds to the glory of God, and publike good of the Church. Jonathan was fhrewdly aflaulred withtheauthority, Majeftie^andfrowningsof the Kinz and his father, upon the very point of JofTe, or gaine of a Kingdome, to breake off his Chrifti-an love^ and couries of grace with David : then \vpis Saul angry mthlonath^n-^ andfaid unto hm-^ thou fonne ofth'- wickedrebeltious woman', doe not iknoxfi that thoiihafi chofen the fmne ofljhaitothy c&nfujion und

fl)ame

fljame of tlyy motkr ? for aslongasihefoNne oflflmli-vethupon i'keafth, thufljaltnet keftdlifl:ed^ nor thy Kingdom:, &c. But for all chis^ chough the piercing and paffionate words of a father fhould ftrike deepe and home into the heart of his childe, though the wfoih of a Ki»g be lik^ the roaring of a Lion , and as mtffengers of death ^ Proz\ 19. i',. C^"* i6.14. Though the princely throne of a King be the top and crowncofall earthly happinefTcs ^ yet in the caufc of God fomthan is rcgardielTc, and fearelefle of them allj hee flinks not backe, nor fdrkiks a haires breadth from a good confcience, and de-fenc e of a good man ^ hee is not carried away with theglory of a KingdomCjand beauty of a Crowne, but having his eye fixed upon the goodnefle of the cauft, andinnocencicof the party, with an holy rcDlurion, iican(wers Kisf^xhtrKmgSaul^ti»dfaid unto hi m^ WjjereforeJhaU hee die ^ vphathath he done^ I Sam»2o.'^2. Hereupon the King plaid the Lion indeed, out of his rage and defperate madnefie he cafta {peare at him to hit him. So omragious is the fury of prophane malice againfl: goodnefle, and good caufes, that it devoures naturall affefti-on, common humanity, difcrction, reafbn, wif-dome, and all manlinefTe, and turnes all into gall and rage againft good men : But in loftathan, a fenfe of Gods favour by his (living faith, and of that comfort hee conceived by (landing for D^^iin-nocencie, and Gods glory, did takeaway alirafle of earthly contentments, even of the fUectnefle of dl Courtly pleafures, of the countenance of a father, the favours of a King, of a Crowne and

Kingdpme.

felfe-inriching examination.

Kmgdome. Hight Koble alfb, and Heroicallwas the courage and cmxd^o^oft Afichmh inthecaufe

j of God : He had againft him the King, the Courtiers, and the whole Clergie, foure hundred Prophets, topleale the King^ conipired in judgement againfthim. The Courtier tliat was (enc to fetch him before the two Kings, fee upon him by the^ way with powerfull infinuations, and perfumed eloquence J as ftich creatures are wont, to draw him to the Kings humour, and the bent of the fal(e Prophets : Hee told him, tkat the words of Prophets dzdared good unto the Kwgmth otm accord-^ and therefore prayed him that he alfo would fpeake good: Mkliaiah anfwcrshim with are(blution as high as Heaven, and out of a Seraphicall pang of burning zeale for Cods truth and glory: Now as tk Lordlheth^ faith he i whatfoever the Lord faith u»to we, that mlijfpeak^. In this point he was at a point, and rcfblute, hee neither cared for King nor Ke/ar, for Prince or Prophet, for preferment or puniOimenr,

I fb« frowninqjs or flatterv, for man or Devill: That me(1ap;e which the Almighty had put into his moDch muft forth, though it bring upon him a worl! of miseries, a flandcr of fingularity fordi/^ Jeniing from ill the other Prophets, o fiifpition of difloya'tie, for croffing fb peremptorily the Kings pleafure, boihfmti^fg vfith thefiftofmchpdnejfe.and fcorcUngsvptihtmcoaks of Juniper ^ that Js fcornefull tongues/rom his fellow Seers for oppofing agalnft their lying fpirit. Though it threw him into a dun-geon^tberetobefed with bread c£ afflidion, and

' water of afflidlion., until! hee had fully felt the

whole

\ Kin'.iJ.

The faints- -

whoie weigHt, of chat implacable indignation, which the fury of an enraged and prophane King was like to charge and inflid upon him.

Queene Hefter that blefTed Lady^ by the power of her holy faith, and the godly perlwafion of Mordeeai^ put on a higher courage than is ordinarily incident to her (ex, and more zeale than is commonly found in high places. Atfirft (hee itooda littleoffj as feared with the defperatencHeof the attempt, and danger of the Law, that did peremptorily upon paine of death command the contrary^ but after (hce had throughly demurred upon the point, and had her ChrilHan courage fcton edge, and her zeale thorowly heated with the feafbnable and paffionate admonitions of Mordecai^ for the good of the people of God, fhee grew atlaftto this moft noble and refblute conclnfion 5 I will (faith fhe) goe in to theKiog, which is not according to the Law, A/iJiflpeHfi Ipef/fi. I will fland to it J I will goethorow in the cauleo^ God, and throw my felfc upon his providence, andifj^enp^ 1 perffi. But not Co toperifh, is many times everla-flingly to perifh, and to perifh fb is eternally to be faved. Thus was fhe refblved in a good caufe to venture her honour in the Court, and favour vAth the King, her liberty and life, or whatfbever was deareft unto her in this world. And when the golden Scepter was holden out unto her, and fhe was admitted into the royall prefence, and might have received at the Rings hand the halfeof his King-dome, yet negleftiveof alltemporall happineffej and her owne particular, fhceonely asked the lives I of I

Jelfe-mnehtng examinatton.

zii

of the people of God. I need not dwell on this Doint, theblefledBookeof Godisthicke embroidered with variety of glorious Marcyrdomes-; hloudy fufferings, ftrange adventures, and noble acls which the Saints of God endured^ paficd tho-rowj attempted, and happily atcheived, by the power of (aving faith : A compendious regifter whereof we may read, Hek 11. When he had runne over a royall and vidtorious Catalogue.the Apoflle concludes thus; And what fhall I men jay ^ for the tmefvouldk toojljortfor me to tell ofGedeon. of Ba^al^^ anief Sampjon, and of lephte^ and alfo of David and Samnd andofxhe Prophds^whlch through faithfubdued Kingdomes, vorough righteoufnejjeyobtaified tlye prof/ii-. fes ftuppedshe mouths of Lions. quenched the violence of\ fire efcdped the edge of the fword^ of weake wen made \ ftto^g^ waxed vdiant z> batielL turned ta fiighi the \ armies of the alian^ts, &c. To conclude the point, we Tl^e properties m.^y tr:i(^ temporary faith by che/e three prints and ^fit^^'"'"'^'''^'^ properties: \

1. Irflill leaves one fweet finne, one branch of See anofhcr natural! corrup.ion, one fecretludor other in life '^'^'^'''^nce, or heart, in the affedions or aftions, unmeddled withjunmortified.

2. It cannot thorowly and inwardly purge and fan(5ifie the thoughts, imaginations, and purpo£* of the heart.

3. It commonly hath not power to goe rhorow ftrong temptations, fmarting perfecutions, and hazard of temporall happinefle, for profeffion of fin-cerirv, the qrlory of God^ and .keeping of a good conlcienee. But- I. Saving

221 , T^he Saints

1. Saving faith doth ever (b farre (ubdue all finnes.thac it fuffers none to raigne andbeare fway irt him vi^hom it fanftifies.

2. It e\'er thorowly in fincerlty, though not ab-(blutely, that is, in the height of degree, purifies | the heart, and (andifies the thoughts anddefires which (pring thence. So that the true Chriftian fcares, prayesagainft, and repents for finfull imaginations, as well as wicked aAions.

3. It commonly leads us with good comfort and courage, thorow whatfoever miferies, flan-dets, difgraces, erodes, perfecutions for the profef-fion andpraftice of fincerlty.

Thus farre of the three more particular and (pe-ciall markes of difference betwixt faving and tem-! porary faith. But yet I cannot get out of this point, the matter is of fo great weight and confequence, ; for thoufands deceive themfelves, and walke on \ fecurely in the wayes of death, becaufe they doe i not thorowly and fubftantially try and tonfider j what their (pirituall eftate isinthisbehalfe, whe-\ ther they be (bundly built upon the rocke by fi-vingfaith, and (b (hall be certainly faved 5 or elfcj by feme flafhes of temporary faith, flourifli onejy for a while in outwardnefle and formality, like come fcattered in ftonie ground, and fo when their finnes are ripe (hall be throwne into the fire of hell, except in the meanetime they come on forward from outward forme of Religion, to inward feeling, and become of almofV, altogether Chriftians. You ranil: here remember that I told you before, how temporary faith can worke:

,^ I, Some

Ielje4nriching examinatkn.

I, ^omemeafurepf inward illumination, 3. Somekindeof converfion.

3. Some degrees of regeneration.

4. Some outward reformarbn.

I will onely point at in a word, (bme differences betwixc (avingand temporary fairh^ in thefe foure points:

I. Firft, for inward illumination^ Itfliouldnot trouble us, nor(eeme rtrange, that a reprobate by the power of temporary faith, and generall grace of the fpirit, (hould be (bmetimes in great mea-fure inlightned and endued with divine knowledge and other apprehenlions of Heaven: For it is a truth deare in Divinity, and common in experience, that there mav be the ^jr't of illumination^ cjeitreriry of judgementj plentifull knowledge of ikc truth, the light of the Ipirir, as Divines call ir • where there is vv^ting to thefe, the (pirit of fan-dification, inte^ity of confcience, the life and loveof goodneffe, and ihe li,j,ht of laving fairh. God is trae and good, wee lofl his image of truth andgoodne(Iein/4^</w ^ weemuft either have the light of truth (hedagaineinto ourunderilandings by thefpiritofilluminadon, and thelifeof good-nefle re-in(pircd into our hea; ts by the fpirit offan-fiification, or we cannot be faved. We rnufl: have two wingSjthe on'^ rf Fruthjthe other ofgoodnefle, if we would/bare aloft unto theSunne, andibve-raigne Sea of all truth & goodnefle, God himfelfe ^ and bathe ourfelves in his ever lifting bliflfe. But many certainly have but the one wing, that of knowledge^and therby make only a faire fluttering

upon I

ii?

Hov farre a cerrporaryfaith may goe.

Fl'.f^, k may have a great meafiire of inward i^u.».ina-tIon« 1

Of Oivlultjf,

H'he Saints

upoiieaici), and many godly otters^ as though, if need required5and if they were on wing,wcre able CO flie high enough for cternall happineffe, whereas upon their dearh-bed^when indeed they are put unto it, they finde themfelves hdlfeunfurnifliedj and utterly unfit ^r that laft and longeft flight towards the Sunne of righteoufheflcj ar d that one wing of knowledge which they (hould then ufejs unhappily entangled in Satans Lime-bufheSjand fo they are fearfully made a prey unto the powers of^^arkncfle. That illumination onely, and generall graces, will not ferve the turne in that great day, appeare?, Matth.-j^^i, Many (faith Chrift; vpHlfaj unto me in thatdaji Lord, Lord^ havevpeenothythylslameprcpke' ckd^andbytkyNaf^e caftoutDerHs .<? andhytlyy tslame dom txany great vpurks ^ And iitn mil Jp'^'ofijfe nnio them^ Ifneverk^evpyoitjdepartyepomme yethatvpork§ imquity. The fame anlwer node ubt. will Chrift give at that day to many learned Papifts, andocher great Dodors, who will thus cryunrohim, Lord^ Lordy have wee not written many great Volumes, CommentariesonthyBooke. cafesof conlcience^ courfes of Schoole Divinity^Storiesof the Churcfi, Controverfies and dilputations ^br the defence and good of the truth ? To many formall Preachers, which will thus crv unto him, Loyd^terd^ have we not done thee fervicc by a long and diligent pcb-liOiingtheGofpell, in opening to the world the myfferiesof Hilvationj by many Sermons in great Auditories^and famous places upon wh^ch we have fpcnttheutmoOofonr wits^ thebeO* of our rea-ding.allour skill in the tongues whatfoever might bring

felfe4nriching examimtion.

1 iif

bring porape and glory to thy truth ? To many hollow-hearted profeflbnrs, and out-fide Chrifti-ahs, which will thus cry unto him, Lord.Urd, have wee not beenediligent hearers of thy Word, have not wee loved, reverenced and countenanced the minifters, havewce not read the Bible, and many j good books, becne acquainted with points and j principles of Religion, and able todi/courfe of matters of falvation ? In a word, the very fame an-fwer will be given to all ofwhat fort, degree and condition focver, whofe hearts are not feafoned with goodnefle, and (anftified with (peciall grace, though otherwife they had enclofed and empaled within their owne braines, the variety and pro-foundnefleof all learning .^ though they had pur-chafed a Monopoly of all knowledge ^ though they were able to difpute with the depths and fub- \ tilties of the Schooles, dive into all fecrcts, and\ Jpeak^ withihetongues of men andAngeh ^ If fince-1 rity and ftndification be not added to our inward \ illumination and knowledge, thefe latter will but j increale our ftripes, and double our damnation. That you may fbundly and thorowly trie and exa- j mine your foules in this point, and clearly difcerne whether your inward inlightning with knowledge be (andified by faving faith, or elfe onely the fruit-lefle flafhes, and idle glittering of a temporary faith : You muft call to minde, and confider the markes of (aving knowledge, which I have formerly delivered. At this time I will onely adde twomoe. ^

I. Knowledge in the formallprofcfTour^ which

R goes*

Two other marks of fan-ftifiedknow-kdac

<6

Sec Gcrfttt:

The Saints

goes with a temporary faith, is like lightning, it dazles perhaps the eyes with aftoniihment and ad-miratioTi oftho(eexcellencics and Majefties which it apprehends and beholds in theBookeof God: It commonly biafts the heart with pridc^ infolen-cie, and felfe-lovc ■ it flaihesout upon others buc foddenly and feidomejfor vaine-glory, andMarka-blenefle. In the night it may iniighten the way for a ftep or two, and a little (pace, but not round aboutj but with continuance^ that is, it may guide us out of the darknefle of finue^ into obedience of foms of he Commandemcnts, and for a time, j but not of all, and with conftancy. But knowledge 1 fandificdwith(aving faith, is like the light of the j Sunne ^ it cheerfully opens rheeyesof the foulc, that with comfort and reverence, with love and praisfulnelle, tliey m^y feed upon the particular fweetnefle of the great mvftery of godlinefle. It hears the heart and fiffettk>m with trae, kindly, and diicrect zeale: ft lends ouc its beames fcafona-bly and continually, for the iniightningand reforming of others: It lighrens the Chriftian out of all the darknefle of finne, and crooked by-paths, and guides hiai into the holy paflagcs of all the CommandcmenrS:, and thorow every particular ftcpof hsiife.

2. Secondly, Knowledge in the formall pro-feflbur, which goeswith a temporary faith, is like the fpeculative knowledge of a Geographer. This is purchaled without any great tfiile or travell, without feeling; or experience, onely by reading, relation and difcourfe. Hee fits ina dry chamber

and

JelfeAnriching examination.

and looks upon a faire Map and therewith a plea-(anteafe, and delightfull fafetyj doth behold the rotks ami freights, and dangerous padages, without darger or difbefie 5 he feedshiscon<:eitupon the wonders of forren Countreyes, and the new found world, with the reftleffe Pinnace of his piercmgdifcourfe 5 hee flies over the moft boiitc-rous, huge andrempcftuous Seas, with the (peedy wing of his nimble wit ^ hee runnes over the woody Mountaines, the fruitfullPiaines, the ffa-tioas Forrefis, the fpicie Gardens, the pleafant Rivers, the rich and golden MineSjOr whatfbever t'le whole earih hath besides, wonderful), markable,. and magnificent; But all this is bur onely in conceit and conremplar ion, wifhoutr tall paflage, and vifible enjoyment. Juft foch is tht knowledge of the formall profeflbur, itftandsmon-ir^difcourfe and (pecolation. It beholds afarre off the Ma/e-ftic and Glory of Heaven, the wonders of Gocfs Law, the Myftery of Salvaticjn, the troublefbme Seas of temptations, the Paradift of Chriftianity, and many other holy paiJages of Di vinity, but it is without toylefbme praftife, feeling experience, and (trong imnreffion. But knowledge in the true Chriftian, is like the experimental! knowledge of a traveller: He doth not onely bv his reading, hearing and conferring, fill his bratne with knowledge, and his tongue with dilcourfe of Heaven, and thofc endlefle joycs ^ but with the eye of faith, hee elcerly (ees them, and (enfibly ftcds upon them by the power of his hope. He doth not onely I with an idle iftonifhment, and imaginary fruition 1 R 2 gaze

2i8 i The Saints

gaze upon thewondetsofGodtljiw, and (ccrets of his Ringdomc, buc with the key of his (aving and (an-ctifying knowledge, hee unlocks and opens them wide, dives into theirdepths with fruitfull meditation, and by a full infight^ and reall enjoyment of them, makes them familiar untohim,and his coun-(ellours. He takes not onely a gencrall fiirvey of the great ray ftery of godlineflejbut by the (pirit of wif-dome and revelation given unto him by the Father of Glory, Eph. 1.17. He is able in fbme good mea-|{iiretomearure^/je^/^i&^5 thebreadth^ thekf^thaud depth of it, Hee doth not onely quietly fitting at home, or {landing fafe upon fhore, behold the furious rage, andtempeftuous Seas of temptation in other men 5 but himfelfe is tolFed and turmoiled with them, and by the grace of God paffeththo-row them. He doth not onely heare of the fwe pangs of the new birth, and of the ftreight paf-fage lo the Kingdome of Heaven ^ but himfelfe travels with that fpirituall fbrrow, and treads that narrow path. He doth not onely reade of the golden Mines, Chri-ftall Mountainesj fpicie Ilands^ the coafts of Pearles, Rocks of Diamonds 5 1 raeane the unvaluable treafures, royall prerogatives, and glorious comforts of Chriftianity ^ &at himfelfe is inriched and invefted with themj and filshisfbulc with their fpirituall fweetnefTe.

As concerning thefe degrees of illuminatioa, attainable by the power of a temporary faith, which I formerly propofcd, they may aH con fill: without the power of grace^ and be found in the reprobate. I -will give an inftance in two of the beft and the . hig heft.

Stc'C^fuA of

SpanUli cruel lies.

highcfl: 5 and difference them from the ftarc of fandifi cation.

I I have told you before, that the fbrmall pro-feflbur, by the pov/er of a temporary faith, may (bhce himfclfc with the fweet and comfortable confitieration of Gods rich mercies towards his children in Chrifl: Tefus. And wholly pof- j fefle himfelfe of them m conceit, as a man doth ; himfelfe of gold in a dreame, A^atth.y.2 2,Matth, 25.II Rtv ?.I y.lfi.6')*'^. ButthuSjandinthisfenfe,, It is as if a man looking upon another mans Or- ; chard, richly laden with all kinde of fruit, beauti- j fied with variety of faireft and (weeteft flowers, full of all pleafures and delicacies, and out of a melancholy conceit (hould fuppofc them to be his owne, and thereupon (houldplotandpiojeft with himfelfe, how to the bcfV advantage, and with the mofl fweetneffehemighr difpofeand enjoy the comforts and commodities rhereof:; fb vainly plea-fing himfelfe with an imaginary fruition of other mens happinefJe. It is otherwife with the true Chrifl:ian : His comfort in the merits of Chrift, mercies of God, androyall privileges of Heaven, is li ke that of the owners of fuch an Orchard, who is rightly entirulcd unto ir, and juftly poflefi of ir, and doth truly ^and really at his pleafare taf>eand feed upon the fruit and pleafures thereof. Or thus ^ I A man many times, when hec hcares an eloquent' andpaffronatedifcourfe of (bme nohle or worthy ftorv, full of pleafant paflages, and joyfiill accidents, doth all the rime of the nanation, put on asitwere the affedions, refolutions, triumphs-of j ^ R 3 thc^

Degrees of U-ln>) inacion attainable by a temporarjr faith.

^T he Saints

the adiorsj lees his minde riinne along, partaking and fymparhizing with theva iety of occurrents, and doth in conceit and imagination wholly pof-(cWc himfelfe oFall the happinefle, glory of fiic-cesftill acchievements: Such onely is the comf rt theformall profeflbur hath in the prerogatives of the Saints: But the true Chriftian is as it were a party and ador in fuch a ftorie 5 he truly and really iightSjConquers, and is crowned.

2. Secondly, I have told you before that the formall Profcflbur bv the power of temporary faith may tajfe of tbepower f of the worii to comz, of the heavenly gift and of the ^oodWordo^Goi : But marke the difference ^ The formall ProfefllDur doth onely tafteof the fweetnefleof Godsmercie. the comforts of godlineile, andthefiving grace of Chnft in t^e Gofpell, that is, they have fbme lirtlc glim-merinp(5 fuperficiall delights, andconfufedappre-henfion in the blellings of Heaven, in the wa' es of falvation, and of the joves of the world to come. But the true Chriftian dorh feed and fill himfelfe with them, hee doth dail\' and hourly ktd uDon them, by their ftrenajth and vigour is in fpiriniaii health fat and flourifhing in all fpirituall graces. The form 11 Profeflbnr doth tafte them, but when he (hould let them downe fordigeftion and nourifliTient, his prophane heart doth ftill (title andchoake them, and the (weetnefle of his bolnntte finne dorh «fftfiones breed a loathing and dTftifte.Bur the true Chriftian doth not onely tafte themij but with manv (w»:'cr a'd iecrct confblati-OHS receives them into the bowelsof his heart, and

bofbme

felfeAnriching examination.

bofonie of his (bale, by the power of his fpirituail lifcjand the vitallheatof hisfanftifying(piritdoth digeftthem, and ib is ftrengthned and nonrilhed by them unto eternall life. To conclude this point 5 A maine ditference betwixt the formall Pr feflbur, and true Chriftian, in the point of knowledge in Gods Word, is this 5 The childe of God dorh wholly and entirely fobmit and refigne up him(e Ife tobeguided, direded an ^ governed; both in the purpofes and defircs of his heart, and in the a(!^ions andcourfe of his life, by th.it holy a^d divine truth which is revealed, and he? apprehends out of the Booke of God, by the power and light whereof, when his confcienee is once convinced either for the leaving of any finne or thepradi/ing of my holy duty, he yeelds with hum'iity-and obedience, though itfliould abridge him ot hispleafure.^ profit or worldly re(peds, and that wirhoutany mm-cinc:orfhiftingby diffiiic^ion and reffridionjlim'-tation exception^evafion.falfe glofIe,orparti.<ll interpretation. But the formall Profeflour, howfb-ever he may yeeld in many things, yet when his (weet finne, his maine worldly contentment is cenfured and controlled by the miniftery of the Word ; when the knowledge and light thereof doth difcoverthe deceit of his heart, convince and confound his confcienee, in that refpeft he flrugles and flrivesagainfV it. Hee would ghdly forger his knowledge of thar point, hee labours to finother and put out that light; hee would have no harping of thar faring : For he is refblved, and at a point, not to leave the finne of his bofbmej hy no , R 4 meaqes i

2Jl

ZJZ

ixF. M. Di^rcflion of the unlawful-ncflccf Vfury.

The Saints

meanes to part with his darling pleaftire, and yet he would not in diredt tcarmes, and peremptory oppofition, ftand again ft the certaine and revealed truth of the Word of Life: Whereupon he beats his braines^and ftraines his wit,to find out one ftar-ting hole or other ; hee leames toniift and Ihield himleife by (bme idlediftinftion,vaine exception, falic interpretation, carnall realbn, that hee may thereby fi de (ome eafe and contentment in his owne h^art, againft the conviction of his confci-ence, and Ibme plaufiblc pretext to iatisfic the world fcM-his continuance in (bme finfull contentment, which the world doth condemne.

For example ^ If his finnc be Ufuryjto whichjby reafbnof thefweetnefic ofgaine, his greedy humour is endeared^and he therupon be prciTed with the 15.Pp^wherein the Holy Ghoft doth make it a marke and note of a found Chriftianjanda Citizen of Heaven, not to give out his money to uduie ^ and teacheth us, that we muft wholly abftaine and defift from the pradife thereof, as ever we hope to reft in the Mountaine of Gods hoIinefTc ^ he labours pre/enrly to fatlsfie the world, and to iave him(elfe by one iVifc or other ^ perhaps hee v/ill di* ftinguifh of uiiiry, and fay, that biting ufury indeed he approves not, but he fees no recfon why toothleffe ufury may not be lawfull.

But wretched man. he is to know that this is a covetous and carnall diftinction, there is none fuch tobe found in the Scripture. The words arcplaine and peremptory in that 15. pjal//je '^and Ezcchkl without diftin^ion or limitation^ fjpeaksthusj He

Jelfe-tnricbing examination.

thatpuf^eth forth 1o Vfury, ortak^thinvreafz^ fhaU htz live ^ Heefhall net live, hee pall die the deaih^ and his blQuipallheupon hini^ chap. 18. verf 13. Befides, Ne-^eki, which fignifieth biting, is the common and ordinary name whereby all lifiiry is fignified in the Hebrew congae ^ therefore this word dath not di-ftinguifh one kinde of IKuryfrom another, but ingenerall fignifieth that allTKury is biting. The money which is lent for gaine, is called Nofloek . that is, which biteth, becaufc when it is repayed it bi-tethjJindasit vveregnawethaway (bmc part of the borrowers fabftance for an over-plus or gaine to the Creditor, which is called N^^i?i^ asitwetethe bit: So that certaine it is, all llfury in it owne nature is biting, becaufe itbitethorfhreddethaway fbme of the borrowers fubftance. And although perhaps the borrower, by reafonof his wealth,fee-ieth not his biting, or elfe licketh himfelfe whole by biting of others, or by accident is not fenfibie of the fmirt of it •, yet Ufury is a gaine which is bitten and fhred away from the borrower, and that either to his lolTc, or cathe hinderance of the common ^veafth; whofe common profit in all con- j rracl> is e(f)ccially to be regarded. Let a man then ) in the Name of God take heed how heehazards his cverk'ling falvation, upon fuch a weake and 1 wrctchei.l diftindion, forbitingis individual!and eflTentiall, both tothenamsand nature of U'ury; It ever bites and ftings one or other lefle or more^ either the borrower, or the common-wealth: Either like a Wolfe, in the Evening, it fucks out the life, the bloud;> and the marrow of a poore man 5

or

i?i

onPp/.ty,

SccDown.ibid.

•:

*?4-

Compare D:«;. i3.;9,xu.ancl^

T^he Saints

or a Curre Dogge, it fiiarches out a peeceoutof his wea'th; or a Wafpe it ftings him one way or other in his eftate. Or it may be he will bring an exception outof Exod y 2.? 5. & Levlt,2 5.3 $. that Ufiiry is forbidden towards the poore,and thcrfore it is law-fuli towards the rich ^ bur this evafionis frivolous^ for Deut. 2 3.19. there is no mention of thepoore but all Ufary is forbidden towards a brother, whether he be rich or poore, meaning by brother^ any, eirher Ifjaelite or Profelite^ or z.%(^kmensAkxan-d-mi^fpGsks, ifM^vhov i ouoymiiiovA. And in the other places of Scripture ,asPp/. 15. Pro,2 ^<»Ezech 18.2 2. all llCary and increase is abfbluteiy, a d generally wichojt condition or limitation forbidden 8c condemned in the(etwopIaces,^/z;.£x«;^. 2 2. and levit. 2 5 mention is made of the poore 8c needvjbecaufe the Commandement of loane is efpecially made for their good, and becaule Ufury ^s exa-^cd from them, isafinne more grievous and hatefpll. But if we may thus conclude from hence, we may nor take Ufury of a poore man,therefore we may take it of the rich, then by the fame reafon wee may conclude wrong is not to bee done to the poore, j tothe widdow, the fatherlefiTc: or ftranger ^ there-\ fore wrong may be done to the rich, to the married wife, to the children that have their parents living, ! to thofe who be not ftrangers; Or when Salomon faith, rob not the poore, becaule he is poore, wee might inferre therefore thou raaifl: rob the rich becau(cheisrich : But the Lord oftentimes when he fpeaketh againft the fins of the fixth and eighth Commandcments.maketh exprefle mention of the poore

lelfe^inriching examination.

I poore and helplede, becaufeali wrong, violence5 j robbery and oppreflion cxercifed towards them, I are very grievous, and indeed crying llnnes. And ' notonely in that refpeift doth the Lord fbmetimes j mention the poore & needy in the prohibition of Ufury,but alfo becaufe thole onely who have need have juftoccafion to borrow : And as the needy have moft occafion to borrow, Co are they mo'f fubjeft to theoppreffions, injuries, cruelties of the wealthy ^ for as wee commonly fay, the weakefl: goestothe wals, and where the hedge is JoweO, there every one gocth ovcr.This anRver I have received from a worthy and judicious Divine,

Or perhapshee will relie himfelfe upon theopi nionof moderne Divine?, whofeeme to give allowance toLlfury : For any fhew or (hadowof defence will fervethe turneto fatisfie anunrege-nerate heart, when it is refblvedlv devoted and endeared to a finnc. But this is buta weake and poore prop to venture the weight of his lalvation upon. Why doth he not to the private judgements of tho£' few, oppole the judgements of many more worthy and learned men in this age, the te-ftimonies of all the learned in former ages, both Ghrin-ians and Heathens^ the cenfures of Coun-cels, theauthority of the Wordof God. But indeed and truth he very fearfully deceives himfelfe, even in this ftarting hole to ^ for thofe few Divines which feeme to allow it, doe by nomeanes approve thatUfury which isufually ora(f>if-d in the world. But they deale with it, as Phyfitians with poyfbn, which by mingling and compounding ity

make I

H^

of Lying.

or Siraonk;

7he Saints

make ic whulfome Phy lick5 they 16 qualifie it with conditions and limitations, that it ceafeth to be Ufury ^ and upon fuch tearmes there is not one a-, mongftathoufand but would rather flic CO any kind of lawfull negotiation and employmcnt of his me-ny, than venture upon llH-iryfo qualified and cir-cum(cribed. See their conditions D^tt-*^*;?. 2 47. who hath excellently Sc exadly dt^li in this point. Thus theunregenerateman will fhu^fle and fhifc againft the power of the V\'ordj the light of divine truth, and the checke of his owne con'cicncc, for the maintenance and defence of that finne^ whatfbe-ver it be, whereupon his chiefe catnall contentment, and temporall happinede doth depend 5 and will admit no fitisfaftion to his exceptions, be-caule he hath refolvcd to continue in it. If lying be his fin, and hee heare it cen/iired and condemned, Prov»i2.i2, c^S.i-j. Toh,S.^^. ColoJ/.-^.^Ep/j.^.i 5. Pr^.13.5. hee will prefently haveadiltittdionat hand, and tell us, that there is two kinds of lies, one malicious, whence fprings hurt and mifchiefe, and another officious, w hich may be for the g:ood, fafety and deliverance of himfelfe and his neighbour^ andtobacke hisevaGons, he will urge the infirmities and failings of the Saints, that with (bme kinde of pretext and plaufiblenefle, hee may continue inthepradifeof that abomrfiation, for fbis itftiled by thefpifit of God, Trov.ii-i2,7he lytng lips are ahomfmtii>n to the Lord ; but every lie is naught, fee my difcourfe of true happineife. If his finne be Simony, and Simon Maguf hanged up before him as a ipcdacle of terror and aftonifliment,

he

Jislfe-innebing examination. \

hee will prcfendy labour to hide hirafclfe in one j ftarting hole or other, and will have his herefie im-pjy no more but a conceit, that the Holy Ghoft j might bee bought and (bid, as though the buying and (elling the office of the charge of (bales, were a tolerable thing, and not to bee branded with the hatefull name of damned Simonie.If his lin be Bribery, and he told out of the I'y^Vfalme.ihzi ablli-nence from rewards is made by the holy Ghoft, a note of the righteous which (hall be faved. And out of P/p^'.i 7.2 3. that taking of rewards is an undoubted raarke of the wickedjwho if they continue in this (in^fhall be condemned 5 he will tellyou pre-(ently that his rewards are but gratuitieSjand (igni -fications of thankfulne(re ^ not confideration for the thing, not tainted with corruption.or the hate-full brood of curfed Bribery: But this diftinftion is not able to faveand prc(erve Gebazi .• Belidesthe woes andcur(es upon his (bule, from an everla(ting leprofie upon him(elfe and all his pofterity. If his (innebee inclodire, and hee heare that dreadfull woe, ifa.'S'S* thundered our againft him, fFoe unto thetn that \oym houft to hjHfi^ and lay fiild to fidd^ & c. And that in EccUf :? 4. He that tak^th amay his migh-hoursImng^flaytth him,W^it\\ that horrible cur(e and confu(ion upon/^^^/^ and/^y^Mj for taking away N<?^^/^/Vine-yard : He will pre(ently lay hold upon one (hift or other 5 perhaps hee will tell you that you muft conceive that there are two kinds of enclofings ^ Firft one^ when a cruell and mercilede Land-lord, without rfiercie 8c con(cience, without any juft caufe or rea(bn, tumesout his. Tenants at

the

i?7

Of Bribery.

Of Inclofare largely.

»?8

T^he Saints

the expiration of their Leales, laves land to land, lovercurnes tillage, depopulates, plants beafts where men hive been^, &c. This he will tell you he detefts, the reafbn is, hee had the poHcie to goe about it more plaufibly. Secondly5another is when a Towne by joynt confentand preccftation, that it is for the good of all poore and rich Land-lords and Tenants, whether by Leafe or Free-hold^ is enclofed, hee fees no reafbn but this is reafbnable: But by his leave, befides that by woflilland lamen-tabfe experience we finde them in conelufion and ilTue both to prove ftarke naught, even this latter feemcs unlawfiall for thefe rcaibns: Firft, though it (hould make for the good of one Towne, yet it endangers, and endamages the publike ^;ood, to which a private raufteveryeeld andfubmit. In a naturall body, a limbe is rather to be cut off than the whole body (hould be hazarded. We muft hotd a proportionable difcretion in bodies politique. And in this cafe the puWike good is much hindered and hurt, becaufe by that meanes (for if ic bee iawfull for this or that Towne fo to doe, the fame reafon will ftand good for others) Markets would be unfurnifhed of come, and what then would become of Cities and incorporate Towncs, for Merchants, Tradefmen, and others of the like ranke and fafliion of life ? And that Markets would be left naked, is toocleare ^ for after men had felt j the fweetneiTe and gainfulnelle of Pafture, and I thatityeeldedmo e commodity, with much cafe 1 and lefle charges, they would Till no more than to j finde their owne houfe, they would neither plow I nor

hlfe4nrichnig examination,

I nor ibw themfelves, nor kt their land co fu-h ab i would Till it, and fbby confequent bring a dearth j upon the land, which is one of Gods plagues, and-publike executioners of vengeance, Ezech. 14.13. They would pull Gods ownc fcourg^e out of his hand, and lafh their brethren with unnecefla-ty poverty and want, who are farre better ihan themfelves.

2. It is a meanes to cafi: unneceflarily many people out of a To wne, for with the decay of tillage theirrervlceabieneHc oeafeth -^ one ihepherd will almoftferve their turne^ hereby God is mightily diOionoured : His people are devoured which is his inheritance, asthe Pialmiftteachethus ; Aske me,faltkGod, atid IvpUlgivi iheepeoi'k for thiner-ihe-ritance^ and th uttermoflparts of the utrth for ihy pof-fepM, Pfal.i.%, But inclofures ro enlarge their owne inheritances, by the bloud and ruincs of ancient Tenants and inhabitants, they deftroy and lay wafte this the inheritance of the Lord^ where God hath beeiie prahed with many mouthes^ 2 Cor, I. u. Thtxcv^^S^hnteb-o^ks^ Ziimyandlim, and lOte, and jotheruncleane birds make thdrnefts. Or at beflr, the Minifter mav preach unto the wals, and onely a fewinclollires. Hereby alfb the glory of thcKingisleflenedand obicured : I^themulti-tudeofthpeopleisthehomurofaKing:, fiich Salomon^ and forwAnt of people CQmmtth thdtfirti&lon of the Fri«ceiPro.iJ^i2^-AndEcckf'^.$,he tels us^thatthe King confifteth by the field that is tilled, fo that decay of tillage,the curfed broodof bloudy inclofures^ and depopulation, are the very cut-throats

of

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ot Majeltiea and conhifion of ibtes Imperiall.

5. Itcurtalsthe maintenance of the Minifters, which chiefly ftands in corne. What fhall become of the Parfbn, when there comes a rot of (heepe.

4. It prepares the way to abhorred (bllitude, fo-iicarinelTe and depopulation, it opens the bloudy floud-gates of covetoufnefTe and oppreffion^which (weeps away whole Townes, whatfoever at firft maybe pretended and protefted to the coiatrary. The cruell Land-lord fpies a Clofe which lies convenient to be added to hisDemeancs 5 admit his neighbour it if he will, yethe will give double the worth but he will buy him out: (for God forbid that hce fhould ufe him as AhabSiud lezahel (X\dNa-bcfth.') And this bloudy thirft of adding land to land, being once on edge, (as we fee by wofull experience) will not bee qnenched, untill hee bee drunke with the bioudof the opprefled.

5. It doth monftroufly and unnaturally exchange men for beafts ; It turnes out men to bring in fheepc 5 whereas the image of God in one man, is farre more worth than all the ilieepe in the world. And God tels us by Ezechid^ thdihejhcefeofhis pa* fiurearewm.ELfich.'^^.'^i, Neither is the exchange" uponcquall and proportionable tearmes 5 beafts are received into ricn and fatpaft:ures5 butreaib-nable men, who beareGods image, are theirbre-thren^and better than themfelvesjare turned out to graze upon the Common ^ nay ^the Common and all is encloied^Sc they are cruelly caftinto the wide and hard-hearted world, and (b linger and languifh away in bittcrnelfe of griefe, mitery and want ^

felfe4nrichingexamination. j %a\

a death as far more mercilefle than prefent murde- ' ring, as hanging in chaines alive is than beheading. | Hence icistharftichoppreding Cannibals arefaid prai.i4.4 toeatupGodspeophas a man vpoM eat bread, to Cwd' I lovp ftp the foore.Toplftcl^offtheirsklm from thcm^ and\ iheirflepfromtheir bones '^ tohreah^iheir bones^ andclyop \ them in teeccs aspr the pot ^ and as ffejh mthin the Chal" dron^Amos. 8. /{Mick 32.3. .

6. Inclofiireisafoulename, anhatefallandodi- ( ous thing, and of ill report. The wounds are yet | frefhbleeding,vvhchinclo(iire hath made, and the j teares yet ftand in the eyes of the opprc(Ted, and 1 the dead carkafles of poore and hunger-ftarved foules, lay not long fince bleeding and groaning in thofe paftures which were inclofed with bloud and wrong: Thofe wretched Caitifes jnftly indeed pc-riOied in their rebellion, vet as Chrift faith, Luk^ 17. IVoe be unto them by whom the offence commeth.Now the Scripture teacheth us that wee fliould doe fuch things as arehon'ft, and of good report, prozid/ngfor honeft things^ not onely before God^ but alfo before me»^ abjiaimngfromaU appearance of evilL And therefore if inclofurcj were not it felfe inclofed with op- j predion, bloud and wrong ^ if there were no more in itj but onelv that it is fo odious, and of (b bad re-1 port, yet I doe not fee howanyChrifHancouldl praftifeitwithagoodconfcience. Why, but may! ^^^^ nor all thefeinconveniences,or rather michiefesjbej ^ avoidedjif before they beginne there be a refolute f and joynt proteftation, that tillage (hall notwith-j (landing bee upheld, andthe poore not hurt?

That was done, and (uchfaire. pretences were

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madcj as 1 am credibly and Chriftianly in formed^ there where thirty three ploughs,are now brought to the great difhonour of God,and the deftrudtion of his people, totheintollerableleffening of the glory of the Kingjand the inexpiable weakning of the ftrength and finewes of this famous and renowned Kingdome. Befides, I appeale unto wofull experience in this Countrey, raoft infamous for this bloudy finne, whether the(e and many more mif-chiefes have not dogged inclofure at the beeleSj and whether the Inclolbrs themfelves have nor beene ftrangely haunted by the markable curfe and vengeance of God. Andimaginefor atime they fbould hold out tillage, vet what bands or chalnes, wtnat fetters of iron would hold the greedie worldling or if him^ his fiicceeding pofteriry, from ma-■kingthe beft advantage of theirowne. Afrcr they had felt the Avectof pafture, an I private gainer little would they care for corne, or the publikj good. And chey would eafily learne (for there are enow Dodorsof this craft) that there is more private adv^antage i i grazing and breeding, than in husbindrvand rUbg?, by a great deale.

Why, but what lay you to the indofcireof La/^-cafhrredtnd chfiire. Ejjex Harijordflnre^ Devo^Jkire^ and fuch like wood-land Countreyes ?

I fiy therein the beg^inning if rhe Woods had not beene encivofed they cou'd not have beene preferved, and (b as it may f^eme, the enclosures there of necefficy have ev<?r (irvce beene continued. Befides, there every Lorddiip is charitably devi* dtd amoHgft the Tenant?, tillage alfb in moft of

their

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4?

their Clofes maintained, and Townes nothing dif-pcopied.

1. Againe, I fee not why ancient inclofures fhould be condemned, which turned bare and barren pafturesjheathy and unprofitable ground, into FruirFull tillage, and there planted Tenants, to the enlarging of the glory of the Kingdomc and Gods inheritance, as hath becne done in fome of the ihircs above named.

2. It isthegreedynewdevifed inclofiire which is hateful! unto God and man, which digges into the bowels and bloud of the poore.and when they are (wallowed up quicke, isquick-ifetwith the ru-ines and dcfolation of their families, and with rheirdead and devoured carkafles. I fay that inclo-(lire is juftly damned unto the gates of Hell, which Champion and fruitfoll (biles, being good arable ground, to pafturc, (othat where heretofore there hath beene competent living for many poore men, it is now all greedily ingroffed into the ha^nds of one man and in (Vead of one hundred or two hundred perfons that had their livings there^ n, they are no more reaf^nable creatures left but onely two or three fhepherds, fo that many poore men more righteous than themfelves, are utterly undone and overthrowne \^ their e(bte, and in their reputation,in their wife & childrenjand in all their poHierity. God al(b is thereby highly difhonouredj while his inheritance, and the people of hispa-'^ure are dealt with (bcraelly, and unchriflianly (cattered, impaired, and caft out from the f^ce of the earth. Violence is offered to his providence,

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when mankinde is wafted for the benefits of a few .in this kinde. God in the beginning hidAdamdind Eve increafe and nmlHpl^^ a»d fill the earth j that is, with men, with the image of God, with the precious feed of the divine generation-5c not to feeke (as the Prophet faith) hy joining houfe to houfe^ and land to land, tobe alone upon the earth, -ffe''5» If fome preiidcnts of depopulation fhould bee generally followed and imitated, Gods people, and his inheritance would be quite banifhed and rooted out of the earth, and onely a few Glants^^onnesofAnak^ and inclofing Zanznmmins would bee left in the world. Againe, if his finne bee fwearing, and hee threatned'out o^ Zacharie ^ that the flying-bool^e of Godscurfeh out againft him, and that every one that, fvpeartth jhall hetcnt off^ as vodl on this fide as on that. And out of the third Commandement, 'that the Lord mil not hold him guiltleffe that taketh hisNa r.eiu vai'!e. I. He will prefentiy fall to mincing the fin, and exc ufin^ him(elfe:Perhaps he will toW you that his cullome is not to fwcarc by God. or any bloudy oaths, buronelv by his faith, or t'oth, by this light, by this bread, or fiach like lighter and trifling oathsjand he hopes there is no/iich great offence in char, and that wee are not eyed to fuch ftridnelTe and precifenefTe in our words. Yes, but wcc are by the words of our blefied Saviour, and every one who hath given his Name unto Chrifl will make .confcienceof it ^ Swearenotatall^ faith he, neilher ly Heaven^ for it is the throne of God^ nor yet by the I Earth, fir it is his foot-fl'oole^ neither by leru^dem^ for it \ is theCity of the great King 5 neitherJhalt thou fr3>eiire hy I ihive

felfe4nriching examination, i z^5

ihm had^ for thou canfi not mak^ one haire ri>hite or blacl^, iW<?//^. 5.34^35. Saint James yf\th zcaleand earneftneflc doth iccond hisblefled Lord and Mart er, Um 5.12, Before alliUngs^ faith h e, my brethren^ fvpeare not^ tteitUr hyUea'veny nor iye^th, nor by any othroath^ butletpuryea beeyea^ and your nay nay, kfi yonfallinto temptatrov. 2 . Or perhaps he will excufe thatj by telling you that his are not properly oa ths, but fome kinde of odde phrafes , and harmlefle Speeches, GodfineeGodfwill, Gods bodikins^ Ber Lakins, Feiks, Ffikins, bymyFeiks, bymyFei-kins, by my truly, by Cocke, by my Fey, ber Lady, and fuch like. Bat ignorance andfuperftition are the parents of fuch bafe and blafphemous fpeeches. Men are naturally (enfible of the hor-rourof bkfphemingGods glorious Name, and yet i they have (b inured their tongues tofwearing, and ufedtofill up their {peeches with oaths, that they cannot quite leave them, and therefore they childiftily and idlcly labour to hide iheirblafphe-mies firoaa God, by curtailing and mangling the vi^ords and (yllables. But what is this but lewdly and audacioufly to jeft with holv things, and to mocke the mighty Lord who wiil not be mocked 5 as though he regarded the pronuntiation and outward found, more than the oath it felfe ^ or for^ bidding with a terrible commination, his glorious Titles and A ttibutes to be vainly named, fliould be content to have them nick-named in fiich a foolifh and ridiculous manner. 3. Or it may bee hee will plead cuftome, and fay, howfbever bee hath got a naughty cuftome of fvvcaringj which he cannot

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leave^ ycthedifallowes it inhiailelfe, and when he ov^erfhoots himfelfe that way, he prefentJy cries God mercy. Why but doth he indeed (crioufly and (bundly grieve at the heart, for (b vexing and violating Gds glorious Name ? Doth hee truly hate and detefl: that wicked cuftome ? Why then undoubtedly hee would relbluteJy and earneftly ikt himfelfe againft it ^ hee would fet a watch and ftrong barre before his lips, hee would-by little and little unwinde himfelfe out of that wicked cu(l:ome -^ and the Lord by his (aving and fandi-fying grace would give moft certaine (ucceflc to fuch holy defires, and godly endeavours; yea, but he hath no fooncr rapt out an oath, butheeaskes God forgivenefle. Hatefall bypocrifie! firft toflie with blafphemies at the very face of God Almigh-ty^and as much as in him lies, with Woudy oaths to teare the precious body of Chrift lefiis in peeces, and cruelly to crucitie him afrefli, and then hope to make amends with a fained, formall and heart-lefTewifh. Is that prayer like to plealc God, or to recurne with fruit and bleffing into his bofbme, which he makes with a purpofe ftill to offend, and and when he defires pardon as a priviledge, by ver-tue whereof hee may more fecurely goe on in (inne ? Is there like to be anyfbrgiveneflewhenit is onely coldly craved with the lips, and thofe full of blafphemies, and red with the bloud of Chrifir, the heart in the meane timebeing unfmitten with griefe and (brrow, and unrefblute to leave /b hatefall a linne > Were a man for every oath to lo(e a joynt, orforfeit a pound, he would qaickly learne

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to breake off his cuftome of fwcaring. Shall the prcfervation of a rniferablc body^ and trandtory pelfe be more deare unto us than the Majcftie of God, the glory of Heaven, and the endlefle hap-pincffe of our ownc immortall fbules: Befides, by the lame plea may not any finnc keepe polTeflion > May not thellfurer, the Drunkard, theXhccfe, the Whoremonger, the Sabbath breaker, 6<c. al-leage that they have fb long followed their finnes, that now they cannot forfake them ? But let no man deceive himfelfe, for aflurcdiy cuftome and continuance in finne doth mightily increafe the punifhmentof finne. 4. Or perhaps be will pro-tefl", that though hefweare nowandthen, ycthe thinks no harme, and all that while he hopes well. But hc.is to conceive, that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth fpeaketh, MaitLi2*-^^ii^. If a mans words be prophane, undoubtedly his heart is polluted 'j if he blafpheme God with his mouth, bee cannot bleflc him with his heart. There may Ibmctimes be faire (hewes outwardly, when the heart is corrupt, but ever when the out-fide is naught, (I meane the words and anions,there ever the in-fide is farre worfe, (I meane the heart and affeftions.) Suppofe (bme lewd companion (hould day after day raile upon the King, with many foule and traiterous termes, and beingcalled in quefiiion, {hould anlwer^that he thought none ill in his heart, what earthly Prince would (b be fatisfied ? What reafbn then is there that the Majeftie of Heaven (hould admit of fuch an excufe ? 5. Or it may bee hcwillfayheefweares nothing but truth, andhce

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hopes all that while hee may fvveare. But otir blcf-fcdSavioar faith no 5 and his holy Apoftle Saint Jams. Ordinary truths are barely to be affirmed, without addition of oath, orprophanation of his glorious Name. They tell us m the places fore cited, that in our ordinary communication tve mteji one-ly ufe yea, yea, nay^ vay^ for vphatjoever is more than tkjh commeth ofeviU^ indeed from the Devill. 6. Why but perhaps hee will fay, except I (weare I (hall not bee belecved. Admit that, it were ftrre betterhe (hould never be beleeved while the world (lands, than diredtly, and againft his knowledge to tranfgrefle the Commandement of our bleflc?d Siviour, who hath forbid him to fwcare in his ordinary communication. Weare not to lie, to fteale, to murder, to be drunken to winne credit, neither indeed in ordinary communication tofweare, t- at we may be credited. If wc forbeare in this caic, we purchaie comfort to our conlciences, byourobe-dience to Gods holy will ^ and thofe who out i ofcauflefle fLifpition miftruftour words, doedif-cover their owne lurking corruptions, and pra-c^ifes of fahhood ^ for none {o ready tofufpeft tinknowne evill in another, as he who is guilty to himfelfeof hisowne naughtinefle. But the way to be credited without fwearing, is to be true of his ♦■ongue^ unbfameable ia his converfation 5 let him be a Chriftian, and all good men will tieleeve him without an oath 5 while he continues prophane I will bee loath to truft him in any weighty affaire, whether he (wcare or no, except he be (bme one morall Puritan^ amongft an hundred unregenerate

men?

men : Amongft the faithfull then oaths need not> and amongft the prophane they profit not. 7. Yeas but yet farther, perhaps hee will alleage thathee makes noculiome of itjas (wag8;erers and fcorners doe, but only now and then in hJs choller and paffi -on J when he is Qy vexed by others, that a man cannot poffibly forbeare. Why, but what a gracelefle untowardnelTe is this ? becaufe a mortal! man rphofi breath isinhis ;??o/?/f//,angers hiai,will he fiercely fiie into the face of Almighty God, who is able, and may juftiy, while the oath is yet in his mouth, flrike him f^arke dead, and turne him into Hell amongft the bannings and curfings of wicked Devils. Becaufe another man treads upon his toe, or troubles him in (bme toy or other^ will he dit his tongue red, by his blafphemous and bloudy oaths, in that precieus bloud which (hould (ave his fbule ? Becaufe another man pricks him with a pinne, crofles him m his pleafures^ or hurts him in a trifle, will he hazard hisfalvation, and wound hisowne (buie unto everlafting death ? prodigious mad-nclTe! ienfieire ftupidity \ 8. Oritmavbehewill ftiroud himfelfe under the patronage of (bme great men, who many times foulydifgracethemfelves, aiad highly difhonc)Ur God, with fbme one or other fet and fblemneoath, and prophanation of Gods gloriousNarae ^ as now and then ungracloufly to grace their fpeech, and wickedly to give weight unto their words, without any fueh urgencie or nece^ty, they ufe to come out with ^j^^'^C?^?^, or fbme (uch like unfeafbnable and unfandtified ^eecheS) which hardens fbme^ and gives greatof^

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fenceunroothers: And hee willtejlyou befides, that it is growne now adayes the common falhion of the world, and almofl: the general! cuftome of all, and that there is (carce a man to bee found (a few {criipulous and precipe fellowes excepted, and thefe doc as ill) bnt he will at leaft now and then rap out an oath. But we muft not follow worldly wife men, the multitude Si ceiftome of the world, ! in matters of Heaven, and the affaires offalyation ^ rhouffjaltmt, faith God, fd'orp a muliiinit io dot evilly Exod 25.2. And Vaul tels us, mt man)mfemen after tkfiej}}, mr many mghtj/y nor rrfanj noble are called^ I Cor. 1.2(5. And Chrift lefus fpaice thus unto his Difciple?, /tf/j.15. Tee are notoftkvoorld, hut I have chdfeftpueHtoftkvporld. Followers of Chi ift, and fafhions of the world, are fworne enemies. We are frriftly commanded not to fafhion our felveslike unie ihisvporld, Rom, 12.2. But we muft be pure and blame-lejfe and as lights mtke world^ intbeniHfiof anaugh-ty and crooked generation, Phil, 2.15. If we would hit the right path to Heaven, we muft take Chrift lefus for our guide, Heis thenpay the truth, and the light, loL i4.^.andnot follow unfandified greatnefle^the multitude 8c fafhions of the world : NowChrifts dired and peremptory charge is, freare not at all^ A^atth.^ g-j. to wit, in our ordinary coramunica-i tion. p. Nay, yet farther, (forthefhiftsandftar-i ting holes of hollow hearts, for the defence and i maintenance of their fvveet finne, vvhatfbever it ' be, are infinite and cndlefle) perhaps he will labour i to fhield himfelfe with fbme fhew out of Scrip-ture^ a defperate and gracelelle pradife, by wre-i fling

(elfeAnriching examination^

fting Gods owne holy Word to^veaken and wound his glory .and to make way (or fin^bnt nocvvithftan-dingto thcpurpo(e,itmayhchewiIliir^e/>j^L^3. II. Allthatfaeareby himJlaUre'pjce i»hm. Dent, i o. 20, And ihoufidt fe^re the Lord thy God^thoujhdt ferve him, thoufi:ah cleave imtohim 4^dj\:alt jrveareLj h's Kawe. lanlvver^ as Satan for conqueii: over Chri/}, (b all his followers ufe many times to vvred: Scriptures to theconfufion of their (bules: In that place of the Pfalme^ by f\veanng by the Name of God, is comprized the whole worfhip of God by a figure,a part being taken for the whole. Now fvvearingj which is there meant, is indeed part of Go Js w r-(hip '^ hence it is that Icreme faith chap.^.. 7 .Thoufialt fvpeare the Lord Hvzth^ m tyuth^in ytdgefjient^ a»dm righteoHJ'neffe. i. But this is to bee done in high weighty and extraordinarv matters onelv, concerning in (peciail manner the ^lory of God, the maintenance of his fervice,Word and truth. 2. In cafes of hazard, either of our neighbourSj or of our owne lire_, livelihood, or Chriftian reputation, and the like, and then when all other lawful! meaneSj reaibns and arguments are wanting to cleare a weighty and neceflary truth. :^. And to that end, that God may be, i. glorified in the ac-knovvlcdgement of his omniprefence , omnifci-encCjtmthjJuftiee and power. 2. For the maintenance of truth and juftice, in things (ecretand un-knov/ne ^ 5, To put an end to all doubts andcon-troverfieSjHe^.^.i^. 4. For the common good of m^nkinde, both of our neighbours and of our leives. 4. And for the manner^ it muft be done in

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truhi^ in]ud'^emtni., and in rigLteoHjfjeJJey as lereme bids, and ever with a religious rcfped, and aw-Full reverence to that glorious and dreadfullMa-jeftie, the ilipreme Judge of Heaven and Earth, whom we call to witnelfe as acertaine Patron of ail truth, and fevere revenger of all falfliood : Thus, and in this fenfe an oath is a part of Gods worfhip. But that fwcaring which is ufuall in our ordinary communication, is the Devils (ervice, and to bee ranked amongft the bannings andblafphemiesof Hell: And he that opens his mouth for defence of it, is of a feared confcience^ and Pro6tour of the powers of darkneffe. Thus alio underfland that place in DeHteronomk^ with all other to that pur-pofe, as £>?;?/.^. I g. 1/^.^5.16./(?f .4.2.//i. ip. 18. c^ 48.1. But againft fWcaring in our ordinary communication, fee MattL 5.34,35. Urn, 5.12. You fee what a (huffling and fhifting there is vfhen a man is wedded to a linne, and will not fufferthe Minifl:ery r/ the Word to mafter his corruptions, nor is willing to fubmit hirafelfs with hamility and obedience to the Scepter of Ghrift, and the Soveraingty of hisfanftifyingfpirit. And if there be Inch variety of fhifts and excofes for the finne of fwcaring, wherein there is neither pleafure nor profit, what pleading, what fweating will there be for the defence of pleafiirefullj gainiull, andafpi-ring finnes. Our late and learned Soveraigne hath told us in his booke to his fbnne, that oaths are but an ufe, and a finne cloathed with no delight nor gaine, and therefore faith hee, more unexcufable, even in the fight of men 5 other finnes commonly

have

Horn 15, Howiscrer like a condemned malcfaftor goin<>cowa(d

Jetfe^inricbing examination.

have (bmepleafingbait, (bme ftrong enticement: feut an oath hath no motive from fenfe/nofenluall allnremenr, it is all Devill, ranke, entire, malicious Hell. And as concerning the curfed eftareofa (wearer, blefledc^r^j^^/ss^^, a worthy Authourjtels uSj that he is like a rheefe condemned to die 5 the oath is no fooner out of his mouth, bur thefcn-tence of eternall damnation is pafJcd upon him, for the Lordhach protefted. He mil not hvU^ theuaiiowes hmgnihle[;ethattaf{ethhisJSlaf/iemz'ame 5 and if the Lord hold him not guilrlefle, who canfavehim from eternall death ? Vengeance indeed is not prt-fenrly executed alwayes, but Jet him know, that I the longer hee is refpitedandrcprived, themore | Itripesand greater plagues are preparing for him, -j except in themcanetimeherepcntandforfakehis finne. If then there be neither pleafure nor pro-1 fit in f\vearing, and the flate of a (wearer fb de(pe-rate and forlorne, and yetfuch fhuffling and fhif-1 ting for upholding it, you may con^effure how j loth an unregencrate man^who hath no alTurance of j Heavenbyajuftifying faith, will be to part with | other both delightful! and gainful! (innes. Hence it is, that yet farther, bc(ides diftinftions, exceptions, and many other evafions and (hifts, ra'rher than the unregencrate man will yeeld to be guided by the Word of truthjagainfVthefenfuall pleafures of his heart, he will turne the point of Gods owne weapon againft him(eife, by oppofing one place of Scripture, with his owne fahc i^loiTc^ and private (enfe, 3gainft the true meaning aad natural! power of the Word in another place ; Asforexample, if . there

AKfiOt ^aU^fUVy

quod at) tmt ad fitpr{mHm&(ccn-dathfr ^uedefi exq/ifs:af>erfe'

The Sainss

there beurged againft hisformaiity.coldnefleand luke-warmnede, thatEphef. 5.15. Tal^heedtkref&re ^ lhM)'ee r^all{e precifeljj it is cranllated circumjpiiily^ ',buc the word in the originall will wellb aiethe former^ and that i ld\^.'j. Every vidn ihatha h'.'ope oi {^t'mgGod^purgeihhimjelfeasheispure ^ that is, in matter of iar.dilication and holincfie of life, mu!^ be a Puritan, .ind that of oar Saviour Chrift to his Apoftles, loh. 15.10. Tteare cleave or prrrc, btttKotall'^ asif hcfhouidhavelaid, ye arc all pure, (fo (b;»^«£)/, the word in the originall (ignifies) dircdly (I meane ftill in lincerity of heart, and holinefleof life) fave onely one, and h is a devtlly loh 6xjO' that was jW^j*. x^/^t^.^. 'Nat'pareyee chare or pur?:, C^or the word that fignifies pure isul^d th ere agajne) through the wordvpbicb I hamfpoken yn-toyoH ; whence appeares, that if the Word worke powerfully and con(cionably, and by the {an6i:ify-ingfpiritof Chrift, it makes men pure in hoi in e(ie of atfedions, and unfpottednefTe of life ^ I (ay if the fbrmall profeflbur be urged with fuch places as thefe, rightly underfVood, and in their true (enfe, they will much gall him, nettle andftinghim, and hec will ftartle at the name of Puritan and pre-cileneffe, and prefently come upon you with fiich places as thefe, with a lenfe to (erve his owne humour, and to maintaine himftlfe in a plodding courfe of formal] Chriftianity , the places be %ch as thcfe ^ T ere is a gemratiofi that are pure in- their 0BS>ne concdt^ and yet an not vpa{hedfrom thdrfilthimfle , ?/•<«>. 30.12. Here will he fay is a place for you that arc fb precifc and pure^ (b finoular and Scraphicall,

that

klfe-inriching examination.

thac an ordinary courfe of life, anda reafonable fer-vice of God will not ferve your turnc, but you muft bee perchc up Jike a proud Peacocke^ in a ftrainc and flare of holinefle above your fellowc?. And if a man but fweare now and then, and refrelb himfelfe araongft good fellowes, travell a little upon the Sabbath, dice, feaft, and dance it at times of the yeare^ as it hath beene the cuftome time out of mindcj and the like, he is preiently cenfured among!\ you to bee prophane^ as though they would have us tobee Angels upon earch, and^hat fleOi and bloud could endure luch ftriclnefTe and precifeneire. Such a paraphrafc as ihis would hce have of the place, whereas indeed the very edge of the Text doth light upon h is ovvne pate^ and cut the throat of thecarnall gofpeller : For it takes hold upon dich which yet lie polluted with their owne bloud, wallowing in the dunge, (fo the word (ignifles in the TcA't) of their owne naturall corruption , utterly without the power of inward fandificationj and yec thefe wiil needs perfwade themfclvcs, that though they be not fb forv/ard as others, yet they hope forfilvation as well as the precifeft; Oc though they com inue in fbmc groUe finne, asinSv/caring UncleannefTe, Ufury, Sab-bath-breakine - Oppreflion. Ignorance, neglect oftheMinin-eryoFcheWo'd worl ■liDe&jhatred ;^{ Godschi'dren or fome fuch like, and yet they nourifh a conceit that their ftate is good enough ^or Heaven, and that they may well enough goe *or s:ooH Chriftians. '^ For, thinke they with 'themlelvres, we have a good catkin other things

to I

i55

-.—1

The Saints

^^ ro (erve God^ ic is buc this one thing in which vve ^*^ offend, and we are bur flefh and bloud, we can -^^not be Angels upon earth, there is no man but '^heliesinonebofbmefinorother,6cc. Thus many profeflburs of Gods truth thinke themfelves to be good men, and without exception, when indeed and truth they are very prophane, and in the ftate of wretchednefTe and damnation. Ifhee be beaten from this place, hee will perhaps lay hold on that lfa.6 5.5. Stand apart, come not neare to me, for 1 am holier than thou, 8cc. See (aith he, how God himfelfe reproves and threatens fuch fellowes who will needs be more holy than other men, they mdfl: be tk Chrifiiam^ and oth^rmtngooi-fiHoms-^x.'bky muft bcthehretfuenj and allbefides prophaae ^ they onely muft be fincere and confcionable, and others formalifts, andcarnallgofpellers. They cannot be content with prayer and preaching in publike, as others are, but they muft have family exercifes, as they call them : They cannot onely bee content to forbeare grofler finnes^ as Adultery, Drunken-nefle, Ufury, and fuch like, but out of their pre-cife humours, they muft make confcience of lying in )eft, and petty oaths, when a man meanes noharme, honeft recreation of the Sabbath, dancing upon holy day es, when wehavenothmg elfe to doe, gaming for our owne money, merriments' amongft good fellowes to drive away the time, ab-; fence from a Sermon now and then, at fbme wakes' or feafts,and fuch like trifles, not to b? flood upon._ This is his corruptgloflc, and inconfequent inference upon the place^ but wretched man, hee doth;

noti

felfeAnriching examination.

noccontfder that the Text may jurtly and fitly be returned and retorted upon his owne head/or here are meant proud Pharifies, and Imperious Hypocrites, which out of a felfe-love of their owne car-nail wildome, and (uperftitious conceits^ are impatient of controlmcntandreproofe, bythemef. (cngers and Minifters of God ^ and thinke they are wiftrbytheirnaturall policie, and more holy by their will-worfhip, and civill honefty, than thofe they call Puritans, for all their knowledge in the Word of God, and with all their fincerity^ the fimpler'lbrtbf thefemcn, if rheybe reproved for finne, as theft Hypocrites were by the Prophet, as for (wearing, prophaning rheSabbathj idleneflfe, ignorance, and the like ^ their anfwer is commonly, (in fenfe and fiibftance, the fame with theirs in the Text) what have you to doe with u5, we hope we have asgoodaconlcirncetoGodasybu^ you will doe wor(e your (eJfe now and then, meddle with yourownc matters, we are better men than yourfelfe.

I omit here the Expofition which fbme learned Divines give of this place, very probably, which carrieth no fliew nor found any wayes to*^ wards their falfe glofle, that's this, when the idolatrous and rebellious Jcwes were wickedly facrifi-cingin their Gardens, and onhighhils, and under every greene tree, as their corrupt cuftome was, the Prophet would come unto f htm, andfrom the iroutbof God ccnfure and reprove their wicked and abominable (acrifices and fervites, but they being foperftitioufly and fbttiQily wedded to

T their

) ^57

T^he Saints

their will-worfhipj (as the Papiftsarc atttis day) thought themfclvcs hereby more holy than the true (ervants of God, and would endure no re-proofc and mcdiing with to the coRtrary, and therefore when the Prophet came, they would bid him i^and off, not bee too bufie^ nor meddle with them, if he did,thcy would fpetd him,they would fanftifiehimwirhawitnefle, they woulddifpatch him, even facrifiee him, as they did their bcafts,, Co bloudily and cruelly minded were they towards him.

If this place then will not fadge and fervc the

tiirne, rtmaybeebeunllturneyou to that E^ckf.

7.iS.^a»iyz^tfV*x«?*rA3bet€laithhe the wiCeman,

after ionge^emnce in rhe worki,atid paiEng tbo-

[row many courfesand wayesoflife, being now

i growne wife.and moderate,and ftaycd in maners

i of Religion, bldsvtsmftto bi)t^ ffs^rmttch 5 nottoo

I piecile, too ftrift, too imgulaaf, aot ftill to have

I one tcicke ot otfeet above, o<tes^, but to-holdithe

jhye-way, and to doe as our betters, andraoftmen

j doe, 82c* In chi&Commentafy u^niir^nraderftand

1 by the wajy, by precifenefle, CtnB^m^&, sndr fingUr

! larity, howfbevcrkce may deceive hi5^owne hcarc,

and pretend totbewocldhemeanesifincecity, ho-

i Imefe, andEndafication. Bfcitthe tr\iie meauingof

i the place as Icalceir, maybe this.- k may either be

: under ftood'in ire(pediro€ pdicicj, andesiecunon g^

i juftice;, thusbe not ovec much, in chat lenfe as ura

jfay^benotteoliberd^weniean iadeed^bc>ni» pro-

'1 digall 5 beenot too merci&il, wJien'a maa. pleads

j for imputtity of propiianneflCi, and pardon of ma<^

'^ lefadors.

•«l*«a<«WlV«HB*M

felfe4nrkhing examination.

^59

lefac^lors, or fpares idolaters, as Saul did Agdg,^ that isj bee not cruel), bee not bloudy to your owne (bules, to the good of the Church, to tne glory of God, in (paringand Speaking for them, in foolife pity, whom the Lords bids root our, {o hen not ]ufi overmuch^ that is, by (landing too ftridly ever to the liccerallfenfeof the Law, and in all cafes without putting ditference, by urging fevercly every circumftancc, be not too rigorous,too extrearae. It is a common laying; extremity of luftice, isexrre-mity of wrong, be not then foftriat laced in matter of luftice, as not (bmetimes in extraordinary cafes to moderate and qualifie extremities, with equity and confcionable difcretion. Or thus, in re-fpedof fpirjtuall maters, and the (ervices of God, be not juft over much, thatis^ fith God hath wifely and fufScicntly laid downe his will and pleafiire in his Word, and given us there gracious and (pi-ritual 1 rcles and diredions for our lives andcon-veriation, let us not of a /uperftitious conceit or j; opinion of merit, finde out and frame unto oar j (elves will-wbr(hip$, and (ervices which have no I warrant out of the Word -^ away with works of (u-) pererrogation, pilgrimages, hermitages, and all j unfandified vowes 5 and io the Text (hikes a-all j Pharifes, lufKciaries, will-worfhippers, felfc-con- j ccitedferversof God, though thev take never (bj great paines^ the wkkcd take morepainestogoe' to Hell J than the godly to goe to Heaven and that I whether they talre the extreame of ftrid foperfti-on upon the right hand, asyotj may f^ here, or } ^^^ ^^^^^ thcothcr extreameof Rotorioiis finfblncfle upon ipw 13.15.^.44

T2

the

2 (Jo \ The Saints

the left hand ^ fo though they bee never Co padeac of tortures, or exaA and exquifice in their (elfe« devifed (ervices ^fuch were thofe wretched Jewes, who mingled the rufull eyes of their deareft children with muficke and melodie^, left they fljould bemovedtocompaflion, while they were to bee CJiik inrothe fire to bee burned up in (acrifice unto 1 Sara.i y. the. Idoll Molo/:. Such an one was Saul;, when hee

fpared the beft of thefhecpeand Oxen forfacri* fiee, againft Gods Comraandement. Such were Ba^ Preifts, who lanced and cut their flefh before their IdoIU until! thcbloud gufliedout. Such were the Scribes and Pharifes, who compafle Sea and Land tomakeaProlelice. Such at this day are the blinded Papifts, who out of a fuperftitious conceit of merits whip themfelveSjWafte their goods, con-fume their bodies with wearilbme piljgrimagesj to fee (bme counterfeit relieves, and rotten boney, or to vific accurfed I<iols, and popifh Saints, Such are all filch as conceitedly ail^d, and unwarrantably purfije any kind offuppofed juftice & hoiineffe above or befidcs the faaed and fufficienc Word of truth. I doe not fee but the Text may extend tgboth (enfeSj for itcenfuresall exrefleof juftice, intharfenfeas you have heard. If he be given to the world, and earthly minded, and thereupon preiTedwith iCor6.io» where itisplaine, That no eovetous man (hall inherit iheKingdomeofCoi* And with th2.ilam, 5. ^ That tk rnftof his gold and fdver ihaUront day he a mtnejfe ugainfi him, and fhaU eat hi/ fk/h asitwerefire. He will come upon you with that iTfm*y%*lfthere beany that provideth not for hit <mne^

ftid

fetfe4nricbir)g examination.

i6i

a»i namely for them of his houjl^old^ he demeth the faith, and is voorfe tha» an Injiddh And it is true indeed, rightly underftood. But not oneiy the worldling docb, bat the true Chriftian, except hee bee very wary, and keepefrefh in his conlideration the unfading and lafting trealures above, may beare him-(elfe too bold, and build too farre on that place, to thedilgraceof his prcrfeiTion, diHiini(hinghisl()i-rituall comfort, and lelTening his joy in heavenly things. It is true, I e is worfe than an I/tjidell.rfihoprovides not forhisfamilj ^ but he muft doe it conlcio-nably, honeftly, lawfully ^ hee muft not deceive, wrong and opprefTe his neighbour 5 he muft not gather wealth together by ufury, oppreflion or cruelty ^ by ftealing, cozeningjor violence 5 by ga-ming, lying, falfhood, or by any indired mcanes, and unlawfull courfe ^ for he quite croflcs & over-throwes the meaning andpurpofe of Gods Spirit in that place 5 (b hee brings Scorpions and firebrands into hishoufe, (brrowes and miferies, and thewcrme that never dieth^ into his owne confcience 5 crofles and curf: s upon his outward ftate, plagues and woes upon his children and pofterity, for whom hee Co wickedly heaps up his unrighteous M.immon. The curfc of God doth ever one way or other follow ill gotten goods, and his vengeance doth hunt the covetous man to conftifion.It may be the worldling fees an end of his wealth even in this worldj^tbat which is ofotten wrongfully & wickedly, being to the reft like a dead flie in a box of pre-cious ointment, or a fparke of fire in the thatch, it fets on fire, waftes & confumes fonscdmcs ercn in

T 3 fliort

z6i

He gives wings tothGfegrldcn Angels which have been long cojped up in a corner.

^fhe Saints

fhoTC rpace, all a mans other wealth. As the Partridge lay th eggeswhichJJ)ehatchethnot^ (aith leremie^ he th:4 gettei h riches^ a 'id not by righ f ^ Jhall kave them in the m J deft of his dayes^ and at his end JIM be a joole , ler. 17.11. Or it may fallout, that he may toyie and tire hi mfelfe with much vcxationjand heart-eating care, in greedily hoarding up riches, kecpe them with much feareand trembling, part from them with greife and, Temporalium amor quantum afficit cum h£ret poJfep&^ lantum quum fubtrdHtur nrit dolor^ Gregor. anguifh: and,

1. Either leave them to thofe who will (et at liberty and enlarge thofe golden heaps which have formerly beene confined and imprifoned, andfafl: k:pt with iron bolts andbarres, according to that Vrov. 28.8. He that increafeth his riches by vfttry andin-!e/eft, and (b indeed by any unlawful) m?anes, ga-there th for him that will be tfiercifullto thepoore^ JPm;. 13.22. lifb ly i6^ij.

2 . Or after they may be fcattere^ and confiimed byftran9:ers, or the/ know not whom, acco'ding CO rhat, Ec. kfS.i Tl ere is an evill whiih Ifavp under theS 'nne^ and it h wuch among men : 'Afnanton>hom Go I hath given richs ^ nd teafures^ and honour, and A? want'th no'hini^ for hisfouk of all that it dejireih ^ httt God glveth him not power to eat thereof ^ hut a (irange man Jhall eat it up \ this is vanity^ and this is a*f ez'ill (tck^ejfe. And that I'falm. 59. 6, Ecclef^. 8. d^2.r8^ip.

3. Or the V may brqneat^ them to thtiir children, and the rarfe of i!I gotten good> cleavins: unro theiii, thj'fkay melt avpoy in their hands, arfnjw before

th?

jelfeAriYiching examination.

the Sume 5 according to that Ecck^. 5.4 ^,7 here is an evilljick^ejjethat ihavefeem under the Sunne, tomt^ riches rejervedfir hurt to the owners therei^f^ andthefe richesperiflo by evilltravell^ andhcbeget1etha[vnne and in his hand is nothing. But howfoever, whether ill gotten goods profper orprofper not in the hands of the owner, or his pofterity ^ atTuredly ihe plague and curfe of God doth cleave unto his fbule, and continually haunts and hunts ihatmantodertru-dion, who enrichtth himfelfe by wicked and wrongfull meanes, except betime he repent found-\y^ amend his life, and make reftitution. Heeihat hath opprejffedthepooreand reedy^ or hath (pfykd by %-io-lence^orhathnot reftored the fledge ^ or hath given jo th upon ufury^i or hath tak^n increafi^ (the fame reafon isalfoof all indirtdVardunlawfi P getting) yZtf///?e live^Hefl all not live feeing he hath dom all 1 hefe abom^ nations, he fl all diethe deaths and Us bloudfl.allbeupon him £4^^^.18.12,13. And rake this by the way, the more a man profpcrs in his outward fhre, by ill gotten goods, the greater curfe doihfiirely cleave unio his fc)ule5and more fearefull vengeance abides him for afterward. They and their pofterity may profper, Pp/. 17.14. but marke the cur(e that cleaves unto them, They are men of ihe veorld, and have thei^'portion in thit l^e„ Ard as a man is not to provide for his family by any unlawfull or indired meanes, neither is he to doe ic, though his raeanes be juft and right, with a greedy, earthly, and covetous heart. If a man take no wicked courfe to be wealthy, but that his meanes bee warrantable out of Gods Word, yet if hee goe about it with a I

T A worldlv *

The Saints

iCor.y.ji.

worldly minde, diftruftfull of Gods providtnce^ and enamoured upon earthly things, and the wedge of Goldj he cannot looke for Gods bleffing either upon hirafelfe^ or upon hib goods. Theiamc

j .4/><7^/^ that (aithj He thatprcroideth »ot for Ins family;

lisvporfethananlnfideU'^ bids us in another place »J9 this vfoMasthotigh we ufedH not:, for the faflnon of this vfiorldgoeth'avpay. If the wealth of this world come not upon us as upon other men J we are not by any meanes to labour with greedy minds, or unlawfull meanes toenrich our felves, but ftrongly to uphold our hearts, in conferring with ftich places as thefe^ Better isa llttkmth thefeare of the terd, th(m great treafnre and trouble theretfith, ?rov. i^.i6, that is, withfeare, care, fbrrow, and a guilty confcience. Afmall thing unto the righteous^ is better tha^s great riches to the melted and mighty, Pfal. 37. i^. for the wicked and mighty with their great wealth, and large Revenuesjare fatted againft the day of flaugh-ter, while the righteous with their little pittance, are fweetly Sc comfortably led along to evcrlafting happinefle. We muft not meafure and eftimatcthe comfort of riches by their heaps and hoards, but by Gods bleffing, and the comfortable ufe of them. A little gold is more worth than a great deale of Led ; A fmallpearle over-valueth a huge rockeof flint: A BarnefullofwHDodis not fo much worth as a box foil of Dlaraonds : That foiafl which the true Chriftian enjoyes, with the blef^ (ing of God and a good confcience, is infinitely more worth and precious, morcfwcct and comfortable than all the treafures of the wicked, or

the

jelfe-inricbing examination^

265

theweakhoFthe whole world. Ifhee beeaman that hath' his fweet finne ftill beat upon by the Mi-nifterie of the VVord^ but will by no meanes yeeld and fubmic to the power thereof, for ail the judgements and certaine vengeance denounced sgainft him, and be thereupon urged with thofe terrible places againft fuch men. Dent, 2p. 1^,20. Ifaman hare ihi veords of this curfi, and bkjjehm^'elfe in his heart, faying^ I Ball have peace, c^c. Tie Lord i»ill;2ot h ntercifuU unto that man^ but then the wrath of the j Lord J d^c, ler 18. i f. Speal^ thou therefore unto the ! menof ludahy^c, I prepare a plague for you ^ andpnr^ ^ pofea thing againflyoH:^ returnepit therefore every one from his evillroay^ and make your roayes andyeur wor^s good-^ but they faid defperately^ furely we will walk^ after our ovpne imaginations^ and doe every manafter the flub -bornnefje&f hismch^dheart^c^c. The judgement folio wes, v.if. Ivpillfcatter thefnmthan Baft wind before the-enemie^ ItPfllfJ)evi> thm ihe backjtnd not the face in the day of their ckjlrttUion. And Pf 5 9. '^.Standnp 0 Lord God of Hoftsy tJjou God ofjfrael, to viftt all the heathen, and be not mereifull tmto 11: em that offend of malicious wick^dmffe. If he be urged I fay with fuch places as tkefe, whereby it appeares, that God doth in (pe-ciall manner, with particular wrath and indignation, i^thimfelfeagainft theraj whodoe wittingly and willingly goeon in (bmeopen/infamousjand lewd CGurie, though their ftate be many times laid open totheirfaces by the Miniftery of the Word, he will prefently fhieldhimfelfe with that much abufed sindv^reftedplace which isufually readbe-fore confeffions At'a>kattimeCoe^er, &c. taken our

z66

SecPiife«/',I9?.

Kom.8,13.

Ptrliirti Graine ofrauftardfecd.

T^he Saints

01 Ezech. 18.21,23. But if wee Itrioufly confider rheccnditi nsnecedarily required andexad^edby God on the finners parCj they are well able to cook che courage, and ftop the current of any obftinate prefumptuous wretch, that therefore in the meane time goes on in his finne, becaufe God ibmercifull at any time:, The place runs thus in the Text, and requires this condition ^ iftk wicked vriU retnrm frot^ allhiijim that bee hath committed andl^epeaHmj Ratifies, and doe that vohich is Lvpfull and right \ hefiall furely live a»dfiall not die : All his tranjgre^iens^d^c. Hence it appeares plainly, that il: a man will challenge any right part or interelt in this preciou? pro-mi ft of grace and mercy, hee muft leave all his finnes, andkeepe all Gods ft-atutes, for thefeare principles laid downe in the bwfl: Divines in the dodtrine of mortification.

1. Firftj a man can have no peace in his con(ci-ence, that favoureth andretaincthanyonefinnc inhimfelfeagainfthis confcience. 2. A man is in a damnable eftate, whatfoever good deeds feeme to be in him, if heyeeld not to the worke of the holy Ghofl-, for the leaving but of one knowne (inne, which ti^hteth againfi the peace of confcience.

^. So long as the power of mortification de-ftroyeth thy finfull affeftions as they rife, and (b long as thouartunfainedlydifplea(ed witha'l fin, and dofi mortifie the deeds of the body b^ the fpirit^ thy cafe is the cafe of fil vation. -^ q , -oc} 7 i:

4. Every Chriftian (hoald carry in his heart a conftantand refolved purpofe nottofinneinany thing, for faith, and the purpofe of finning can ne-ver (land together. ^5. A

5. A good confcience ftands nbc with a purpofe '. of llnningj no not wich an irrefolurion againfl: dine^pfaLi i^.i.Thefeand the like fayin,^s which tocarnall cares tafteof too much ftridnelTe and fe-vericy^ Ipt'wg and have their ground and warrant from this pace, in the Prophet, which is fo much and feareTully abufed by a prophane and unhallowed interpretation^ to prefuniption, (ecurity, and defperate continuing in finne : For to an impartial! and fincere underftanding the fenfe is cleare, and the place pregnantly fhe\?es, that if any man would have his firmes pardoned, his heart purged 3 himfelFe poflelTed oF the ble/Iings of grace, and right to the creatures, he mull not leave fo much as hisfweet finne unmortifiedjUncruflied, and uncaft out, hee muft returne from all his fins; nay, and befides'hemuft keeue allGodsft^tutes. thtuJJjould I not bee confounded faich David^ r^heyjl hitvorejpe&unioaUthyCommander/ieKtf. Though we cannot perfeftly and exadly in the ftate of morta-litv fulfill the law of God, yet all that arefandi-fied and Gods true fervanrs, with fincerity and firr-gienefle of heart, refped, fcare and ohev all his Commandements.If thou then upon this ground, whofbeverthou^rr deferrethy turning m to Cod untill thy deaths bed. Job 2 7.8.9. i o. tell mee tht n how thou perf jrrneft the condition, and leviveft all thy finnes. for t^^en then they leave thee, ^a*^;'^/^-rurus e. .<? /fuh egifti femte^tram, eo tempore^ ntto d^ pec-care votnfli: Si mt vi vis agere posniteniUm^ ipfam tuttc qudndoHccare nonpoies pec cat a ie dimfermt) non fn ilia. And what fpace flialt thou have to purcha(c

comfort

Balone of G'l-

Kilu^,p.6,

4^g. toM.10.

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The Saints

conatorc by keeping all Gods Scacuces, whentfiou art piefently going to judgement, for thy many breaches of his Lawes^ and rebellions to his Maje-ftie ? Thus I have given you a tafte, how the for-roall Profeilbur, who hath no mortification, doth ufc to (hift by diftinftions, exceptions, excufes, carnall limitations, falfe GloflTes, oppofing one place of Scripture in his owne fenfe, againfi: the true meaning of another, and the like. And as hee doth ftillopp fe againft the power of Gods truth in one point orotherj (efpecially that which ftrikes at his fweec finne) eicher by profefTion, opinioHj or praftife, or in all, or at leaft in the laft;, fo commonly you Ihall ever finde him not (b well afFefted to that holy part of divine truth, which thunders out Gods juft judgement againft finners, and therefore his applaule and voice ever goes with thofc Prophets n>bo ctypeace, peace, and which fill the eares of fooles with fpirituall flatteries, and ftand all upon pardon, mercy and compafiion, but asforthem thatdeale faithfully with Gods Word, and feelingly with mens confcienccs, whok^epem-thing hacj^ fi^om them of all the couufell of God, bu t follow the right method of faving fbules, fanftificd by the holy fpirit, and praftifed by the Prophets, Apoftl^s, and all Gods faithfull Minifters, which is fir ft to wound and bruife by the terrours of the Law, and then feafbnably topowreinthe loft and faving oyle of grace ^ I fay his heart and affedions are not toward fuch as thefe, becanfe he is not willing to heare of plagues and judgements for finne ^ he is (etled and refblved upon a plodding forraall courfe.

felfe-ttirichmg examination.

courfe, wedded to the pleafure? of Ms fweet (inBC, TtnA therefore would not willingly be diiquieced,. and caft into melancholy, by being put in minde of tbo(e endleffe torments and vexations^which are prepared and preferved for all hollow-he>.7rced and halfe Chriftiaas.^ he fiouriilieth in hisoutvv.ird eftate, pro(pers in the world, and makes a taire griftering in outward profeffioHy and therefore it gals andftings him to the heart toheare of ftieh like places as thefe ^ lab 2 o. 5 ,^5 7. Tbe)oj'ofkj^p9Mt's is but a momenta, ilmfghbij zxcdknck motrnt up to the Hcaveft, and his had mtchtmio the clonh^ jet pall hee perijh for ever like hisdung^ d^c: Pfal,ii»6. Vfott the mck^diheLorimllrmmfnares^fireandhtimflom^ and ftorme tempefis^ this is the portion of their cup^ lobS.t u Can a-rufi) grdvf vpithoftt mire ^ or can the graffe grovf T^khoutroater} tlioughitwereyetgreenejetjlj. U it rvi^ ther before any other herhe -^fo are-fhe^pnthsof allthst for" ^tGod\ /4nd the l^ypocrices hope pjallierlflj'^ Br confi dence4lfoP)aUheeMtfifj and hhtrufiJljaHbeasikhouft of tkfpider ; befljall leane upon his houfe, but itfiall not fiand^ hefjali hold him pft by it^ y?t fljall it not endure. This vexctb him ro yhehi^artv that whereas he is richly and ftronajly clothed and encompafTrd witH wealth and worldly reputation, yetnotwirhfi-an-i din2,hemud fhortly perilli, etenlil^ hism^nedungei And whereas in the world hee goes for an honefl: and civill man, and forgone that is moderate ?,nd fober m Religion, onely none of the precifer fort ^ yet in the dav of triall, all the confidence and hope which formality and outwardnefle in Religion bath planted in his hollow heart, fhall prove unto

him

%JO

The Saints

him hi 4sa Spdersweb, '^ Tht. houle of a Spider " cannoc rtay amun by the way, which is falling ''frotnth?top)of anhoufe : N cither can civiilho-" nefty, or outwardnclTe in Religion flwe thefor-mali PfofelTour from (inking into the bottome of f* Hell, As judgements againft finnes lie in the Booke of Godjhe doth not openly grnmble againft them, for that would fecme to talte* of blafphe-pjous Athcifme, yet what (ecret repinings he harbours in his heart, Godknowes^ but when Mini-fters prefle them out of the Pulpir, and urge them upon the confcience, there hec thinks he may be mofe boIH than with the Booke of God, and therefore then he cries out of too much judgement, of too much preffing the Law, of too raochfeverity 4fldimperioufnciie over mens confcience and driving them todefpaire. But let him conceive and underftand, that never any man that belonged to God, and to his cverlaftiog covenant of grace and mercy, was driven utterly fVom God, into the Hell of de^aire, by urging the Law, and Gods juft judgement againft finne : It may bring them into feares and amazements of heart, into anguilhand horrour of confciencc for their finnes, and (b it (hould, and (oGod would have 5 that is the very blefled way which leads unto the glorious comforts of theGofpell, and the Paradife of true Chr iftia-nitv ^ but it never did, it never can caft anyone that belongs to God, either into Cah^ cafe, orlu-</>#^ his Hell. Befides, Ifpeakeenlyformineowne experience ^ I have knowne many good Chriftians who have much complained of thofe who preach

fo

fe Ife^inriching examination.

io mercifullj^and ccmfortably (as fome call it) y?/// crjwgpeace.peacey&s of mea that do tio good ifi their Miniitery 5 but much encourage prophanenefie; aadaddeflresgih ftnte the hand of imquHy ^ but I fie-ver heard anV true Chriftian rightly inforrned^ finde fault wkhfcafofableurgmg the hm, fuch find-faults are commonly ever obnoxious them-felves^ and galled upon the fore, and tlierefore they kicke and fpurne at the pun and nndefikd Idtfi efOod, and bis faithful! raerfengers, when as indeed it is their ownecormptkjn5 sfnd hatred to b^ reformed, which breeds all tfeelr n&i(€?fy andirti* paticncie of reproofe. I ipeake not this to Jcrftifie a«d ^ve allowance unto affy iifffealbnal>l^ teri^ify* ing o(my creft±'Uflgcon(cieQGe,poWf ifigth^ V«^^e of Gods wrath into any bTutfed heart jOfa^plyifig i bking corira)6ve toa bleeding ibule. As I dare- not fpcakc peace or promife pardon to any pro-phane man, or ittipeiwCenc (Inner, (b I iriiMce-fy deiirc to poure tih^ fofteflroyky ^riddearieft'prCH mifes of grace and mercy, vmo e^ery broken asd wounded heart, fo as^promifes^of falv^ttion toa worldling-y are like /wiW;* toa^frnk ^ fo^erfburs of the Law to a/man tiuly humbled, are ^sfik^mi*^ Summdf^mdmiKPi^ar&t^, botti unfeemlyandun-feijfenabic. But untillaffiifiibee co-founded and caflrdowneirrhimielfe^ mA truly humbled^ ;jf/!^«f Godsmi^nyha&d, with %h^of hisf firtnes, ind fenfe of Go(fi wfatliv by a powerSlll aipplicatidn of the Law;;: GJUtr dfwkac ccsflfeiettce ^ €6ifimttndement can a Manb^er of rfrefiffol^ holy im& fuft God, mi-nIftciniO'MriiiComfortaf falvadon, or any hopeof i Heaven?

t1\

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The Saints

Hcuvcii.'' whac gfOLiiid, what warrant is there tor (hch daubiag-i mth fucb untemf^redmorter .<? or what good comes therby to the party ? or comfort to the Preacher ? Oh! could wehearenowthofewofull cries and yellings which many fbrlorne and damned foules willcaft upon the^ces of their faichkfle Teachers, at that laft \nS dreadfull day, telling them that their picafing preaching hath beene the occafion to bring them into the pit of Hell, that their daubing hath beene the caufeof their damning ;&c. then would we change onr minds, and bebeft plcaled with the moft (earching Sermons. Suppofe a man in danger and doubt about the ftate of his Lands, fhould come to a Lawyer to receive information and inftruftion thereabouts, and he perufifig andfearchingthorowly his writings and evidences, and finding them very unfound, and his t'ltle and claime unto them very infufficient, yet notwithftanding tcls.him, becaufe hce will notcaft him downe for the prefent, and difconrage him, or rather becaufe he hopes to^aine by him, that his caufe is good enough, his title (bund, his right unto them without exceptions, and fbdif-miileth him with much joy, hope, and comfort ^ hereupon he foUowes a long and tedious fuit, with good confidence, and hopefull expedation ybat when all comes to all, and the matter to the triall, his titles prove ftarke naught, and fb he doth not oT^ely lo(e his lands, but alfo his whole fVocke, and all his other goods are quite and unneccflarily fpenr upon arotten caufe : Doeyouthirtkefuchdealine as this would make any thing, either fox the credit

of the Lawyer, or the comfort of the Client? Had it not beene better ibr both fiJes there hadbeene faithfull and plainc dealing at firft > Or imagine one ficke of a confumption (hould come unto a Phyfitian, and defire him ro tell him truly what he thought of his difeale, whether it weic recivcrable or iucurable, if there were no hope that he might prepare himfelfe for another world and compofe j hisfoulereligioully forHeaven^If it were curable that he might fet himfelf toa rourfecfPhyfi k:,and hope for his former health ; and he knowing from infallible grounds and rules of art, that there were no poffibility of recovery, yet to pleafc him for the prefent. and to make way for his owne advantage, tels him there is no doubt to be made, but he may recover if He will be at the charge 5 whereupon he fpends all that hee hath upon the Phyfitiar, and goes thf »row much anguifh and painc^and at length when all is gone, both body and fubftance fucked dry, hee is uncomfortably It ft to the pangs of death, and rhecertaine period of his long and un-neceflary Iangui(hing. Had it not beene better thinke you for the conscience and Chriftian reputation of the Phyfitian , and both for fbnie , body and goods of the patient, that the truth had beene told at the beginning ? It is fb in the prefent cafe about fpirituall matters ^-mens fpiriruall cftates are to be discovered by theMinifteryof the Word, the (bundnefle or (ardinef?e of their hopes for Heaven iruft there appcare. It is the part and officcof theMinifler, out of the Law and Booke of God, to refolvcmen of the right or rottennefTe

V ot

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The Saints

oftheir tide and intcreftj to thaccveriaftinginhe-' ricance above. Now whether is better thinke you,

both for the eonfcience and comfort of the Mini-; fter, and the endlefle good of the hearersj that he I (hould deale faithfuliy in this weighty and impor-I tant point; that he ihould tell the forraall Profef-llbur, and luke-warrae Chrifiian/that except hee I come on to the forwardnelieof the Saints of God, {and embrace their fineerity, the Lord will raoft^

certainly j^ea? him mi ofhU moitih: Thecivillhof-. Ijijen:mais- thatif heoncly confienthim(elfe there*' ■; with j there are many of the Heathens m^re hone ft? ;'.tha4i.hiaifelfe already in the fiery Lake ^ the Anm" likardj, the coverous, and (b othei? notorious fin^ ■

\. that (b by the mercies of God y if they bdong

|Unro Q-^d, they may iii^er the Word of Life to

•iinke into their inward fbules, to-fotren their

j hearts, tofandifie and fave both their bodies and

jifcules. I fay, whether ia it better for a Miniflcr

I thus to deaie faithfully in tke holy bufinelFes of

! Godj and plainly with men in fb high and weighty

!'point, asths endlelTe damnation and falvation of

! thfiirfonles, tfrh^ fomf^pilis'infes wtderthelrelbov^zs-^

5 hif cryingpact, peace^ ami fn^hiHg^pkafiffga-ndfime^

rixgthmgf^ put them into afoolrsParadife, and

^oundJefl^ perfwafionof ihe fbundnefle of theic

fpfrituall eftate, whentndeed and"truth thereisna

fuch matreF: So that whca the day of trial!comes^

Com€%alfitfp§n4hemfiid4c»de^n*iii«ii^ at irav^^knp^ '

^fhawomanvfikhMdn, a»iihey-fhallmtefcape ^ and

thcathcylofe»0£onely tkekfoules, and an ever- ]

I^lfe-vmchmg examination .

laiting inheritance in Heaven, but alio much vaine hope and expeftatJon, which by reafon of thcun-faichfulnelTe and tinfincericy of their Miniilers, they entertained and feed upon all their life long.

The Preacher is the Phyfitian of the foules of men, is it cither confcience or honefty thinke you for him to tell a man that his (bule is in (piriruall health, when it is certainly bleeding ro everhfiing death ; Were it not farre better truly and plainly to acquaint him with his difeaie and danger, that (b (b he might ieeke for remedy and be (aved, than either by didembling or filenee, tolethiraperidi in his finnes, and (6 himielfe incurre the horrible guilt of fpirituall bloud-(hed ? The Surgeon who onely drawes over a skinne^ while the wound in the meane time doth dangeroafly rankle and fefter inwardly, either wants skill, or honerty., or both. Where is the confcience and (piricuall wifdome o^ that Prophetj IVhocriespeace^peace^ volje/t there is nd fedce^ lerem 8.11. Jf^hopaSni over mth th tmiempered mortero^ {pirituali'flatteries,the already pai^^tedse-pulcher^ the glorious hypocrite, vphen as vpithin there Is nothing but rottemejfe and confnfion ? Yea, bur howfoever are judgements fealbnable flill ? muft ftill the law be urged ? muft we heare continually of our finnes ? In every Sermon muft the fwearer, the drunkard, theufurer, thc^wanton, theworld-ing, the ignorant, be damned into the pit of Hell > Ts there no timefor peace ? What peace? faidlehu to lehoram^ in another cafe, vphik ifte xphoredcmes of thy mother lezebell, a»d hertvUchcnffts, are yet ia great nnmher ? So may liay.in this point, what peace " V 2 would

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The Saints

would you have when there is no peace towards bi4t»oif<' and tHmbl'mf^ of garments in blond^ a»i bur-mng.anidevounngof fire ^ What peace ? while many crying abominacions, as gr'mding ths faces of the poa/e, tl&ry, DrunkennefTc, Swearing, llnclean-nefTe, IgnorancCjand the like,with brazen browes, and whoriQi fore-heads, even out-face theSunne^ and rebeliiouily band chemfelves againflrtheMa-j'^ftie of Heaven. If you would not heare of your finnes continually, continue not in your (Tnnes^ in worldiineffe, uncleanncflejluke-warmncflejpro-phaneneflc, and prophaning Gods Sabbaths, 8cc. untillthedeadflcQibe confumed, corrafives muft bee applied ^ while finne reignes it muft bee reprove-'*

If the Law bee dillafirefull unto you, rent and breakeyour ftony hearts, that they may be fitted for the precious oyle of grace, and comfortable promifesoftheGo(pell. Was knotunfeaibnable fori/^/^Ainhistime tocry^ woe againft Inclofers, I fVoe unto the^pt tb it joyne houfeto houfe^ and lay fiddto \field, &c. chap, 5.8. Againft carrowfers, Woe unto them that an mighty to drinkg whCj and to them that anftrongtopovpreinftrongdrink^^chap 5.32 Againft the proud and the drunkard, }Voe to thi cmvne of pride^ the d/*unl^arh of Ephraim^ for hisglorioHs beauty fhaU be a fading flomre^^ d^c. chap. 28.1. Theyfhall ke trodden Hffderfooty even the crowneandtheprrdeof the drunkardsofEphraim^ '^^'^fl Was ic notunieafona-blefor£2i<r<r^/ff/totell his people, that if any defiled his neighbours wife opprejfed thepoore and needy^ ga^e forth upon ufury^ ortookeincreafe^ hejhonldnotlrve, hut • fiould

———*——^ ■- 1 -I 11,1

felfe4nriehingexamination. i ^JJ

fhoulddk the deathy and his blond(houldbee upon him^ chap. 18. Was it not unleafbnable for leremy ro threaten Jerufakm immediately from Gods owne mouth, that ifth^woddnotjan&ifie the Sabbath day^ the Lord vponld handle afire in. the gates tliereof^ and*H /hould devoure the Taloces oflerufak w^ anditjlwuld not be quenched, cbap,i7,2'j. Was it not unfeafbnable for Zephanie to pronounce a woe againft the pollutions of his time, the contempt of the Word, the cruelty of great men, the lewdnefie of the Prophets ^ ^t^e^J^i/M^e, to her that is filthy to that cruell Citie, /he heard not the voice, Jhe receivednot corre&ion, fhe trufted not itt the Lord^ fje drevp not mare to her God» Her Princes within her areasroaringtions^ her Judges areas Wohesin theevening^which leave net the bones iill the morrot»*Her Prophets are light and wicked perfons.^her Priefls have foUutedthe San^uary^ they have wrejled the tavp^Zeph.'^* Was it not unfeafonablc for/l/<?/<;J;/> to bring the words of God to his people ^ / r^ill comenearet0youto]ndgewent^ and Iwillbeafaiftmt-neje againft the Sooth'fayersj and againft iheadjilterers^ and againft falfefta^rarerSy and againft thofe that wrongfully keepe back^ the hirelings wages^ and vex tloe widdew andthefatherlejfe, and the ft ranger, andfearenot wee^ faiththeLordofHofls^y Malach.'},K. Was it not un-(eafbnable for Saint lan/es to tell hard hearted men, i that iherefiaUbe condemnation wercileffe toUm that^ Jheweth not mercy^chap. 2.13. To bid rich men weepe and howle^ for their miferies thatJlMcome upon them^ chap* 5.1. For Saint ? anl to tell wantons, thai whoremongers and adulterers God will )udge^ TJeh, 13.4. To tell thofe that doc the works of the flefli, fuch as are j

• V 3 mckmnejfe^

lyS

^be Saints

j^WT— ■ — " ■ I II ^-^ ^_^—.^___^_^

uncleamejje dr»nh^nmjje^ hamd^ andptcblfk^^ that they fiall mt itiimit the KingdgmtofGod, Oal.'^. Totejj th e i gnoran t that the Lord Jefus willjkepp himfilft from Heaven mth his mightj Angds^ in^arfnngjire^ ^e, 2 Theff,i,S, To tell ill prophanemen to their faces, that u»to them that are contention^ and difobey the truth, and obey unrighteoufKeffe fhaUbe iftdignatimattd wrath, trfbffl tion andaxguifhjha/lbe upon thefmk of e'very watt that doth eviU, oftkelewfirfti andaljooftJje Grecian. Kom,2,'^^9» Was ir not I fay unfeafonable for thefe bklTed men of God in their times to deale thus faithfally with Gods people, with whom rheyhadto doe, or publifhing unto them f^npA^^ connjell of Gedy and his juft decrees againft-their hatefall finucs, that fothey might doe their befl: to drive them untoGod, and bee fure to free their owne (bules from the guilt of the bloud of fbules> And (hallnot the (ame holy pradife of Gods Mi-nifters be (ea^nable now in thefe times, efpecial-ly when finne is a thoufand times more finfall ? For our time^ave received all the pollations and abominations which the courle and current of all fbnner ages hav^e carriedinto the (mke of fin,which is now a thoufand times more full and filthy than ever it was before. There was never roor« and more cm^W Indofing never more and more hateful! Caroling never more and more abommable Pride, Opprelfion, corruption in all Eftates, Ufii-ry, Druokennefle, Uncleancicfle, Mercilefheflcto the poore. Ignorance in the common people, contempt of the Mi oi rtcryjn a word, there was ne-• ver more HeU upon Earth, never (b large a harvef^

for

Jelfe4nriching examination.

for Satan 5 And yet weenmtt crypeace^ weemuU preach no judgement, as if it were fit toproclaime pardon to open and profefled rebels, as though that fword of Gods Judgements, which couid hardly wound finne m the Cradle, were too (harp and (trong to encounter it being growne a Gyant : As though they were lit Trumpeters for the Lords warre, which would not or durft noryZ-ejy ihpeopl their tran[gre([\otis^ andihe kojtfe of Jacob ihrnjinms. As though thcMinifters of che(c times were not the Embafladors of the (ame moft holy and ;uft God/had not taken xht fame oath of everlafting enmitie againft the Prince of this vcorld-^ had not the Qmc faordffftlie Spirit^ to vpouud tie hJrie ^calpe^f everfouethat gBesoninhis tvick^dne^e ;, were nor fijr-nifliedwith the fame mighty hammer ofhis Word, to brcake in peeccs ftony hearts ^ and the (ame fymtxxdMvfe^^mtocaft dijwfte firoftg holdt-^ had not the lame crying finne and hatefull corruptions to cry againft and confound x^ and were not as it were to ftand at the ftavcscnd with the whole world, as well as the Prophets of old, and all Gods faithfoll raeflcngers in ages paft. Wretched men who con-troll, prefcribe unto, and limit Gods wifdome, a* bout the manner and method of working upon their corruptions, croffe the course of all thofe that ever fet rhemfelves confcionably totheconverfion of fbulcs, and will needs be carried to Heaven on beds of Downc. Thefe men would have have a fu-garandidlken Gofpell, a Church of Velvet, they would feed.onely upon manchpt .and Masna, and tread upon Violecs and E-ofesImcanCathey would

V 4 be

279

They wcuM arrive at Heaven, withoHt falling by the gates of Hell: mat is, harcpartintbe bloudofChrift and joycs of Life, witheuta broken fpjrir, andrciHorfcfer Hnnc

nrhe^Saims

be new bomesWkhout the pan gs of the new birth 8cc. And wretched Minifters, who either for want oFskillj of courage or conicicnce, that they may pleafe, be plauQble, or for preferment, (both men up in their finnes, either byfilence, or preaching pleafing things, whereby they futfer them to pe-rilh in their finnes, and thcmfclvcs are guilty of the bloud of their foules, Ezech. 3 3,

Some faid, a Divine call thofe that open the Law, and denounce judgement, Englifh Dodors^ and the mofl infufficient agents Chrift employes in hisMiniftery : But they are indccdthemoft glorious and magnificent workmen that God exerci-fethin his Harveft ^ for by affrighting and aftoni-fhingthe confcicnces, they may recall men from their evillcourfes, and from the jawes of the Devil I, by begetting in them remorfe and true for-row for finne, and-prepare them for falvation, and the glory which is to be revealed.

Thus have I largely hid downe the humour and pradifc of the formall Profeflbr, when his deceit-full heart is difcovcred by the light of divine truths and hee is prcfTed with the power of the Word, againft his fweet finne, or that maine worldly contentment, upon which h€e hath inordinately rc-pofed his heart, aifedions and chiefe delight: He is refbl ved not to part with it; (neither indeed can, untill it pleafe the Lord (bundly to convert him, and thorowly to fanftifie him) andyetbe-caufe hee makes confcience of fbme of his wayes, I goes for an honeft man, is good in many things, he / would net willingly for one default forfeit all his I other

[elfe-inricbing ^^mination^

ocher.integricies • he is both to loferhe benefirand rewarclof the reft of his goodnefle, and therefore he ftraines the utmofl: veine of his wit, to devife (bme fliift by diftindion, limitation, exception^ falfegloffej private and partiilHnterpretation, op-pofing in a wrefted fenie one place of Scripture againrt another, or the like, thatfo he may blunt the point of the (vvord of the Spiric, left by wounding and vexing hiscon(ciencetoomachj heebe difturbed and difquieted in the enjoyment of that (endiall contentment, in which his chiefe worldly happineifedothconfift ; He (hatcheth greedily at every (hadow and colour of excule, that hee may fbme way comfort his heart againft thcchecksof his confcience, and with more hearts-eafe waike on in a fooles Paradifc, towards the pit of deftru-dion, and endleffe woes of another world. But if he can finde no ftarting hole from the light of the Word, nor furnifh himfelfe with any plaufible iliift or excafe (for this cunning befals but few, and thofe of better underftanding, and more policie) why then this is his courfe, he (brfets fb immoderately, and drinks (b deepeof thefenfiiall pleafures ofchatbofbmefinne, to which hee is lb wedded, that he cafts his confcience afleep,and /o goes on at all adventures, and throwes himfelfe upon Gods mercies, without all ground or warrant, with fuch conceits as thefe, that he hopes he fliall doe as well as others, who are farreworle than himfelfe; that God no dbubt win be mercifuH to one firine ^ that alibis other good parts and good deeds will coun-tcrvailc and make amends for one infitmity, (fbr fa

he.

281

.Jl.

28i I TThe^Sainu

he will call it and conceive of it, chough it bee a grofle and grievous finne) that one finne will not require lb great repentance, but chat it may be well enough done upon his dcach-bed, and iuch like. To conclude the whole poinc 5 cheformall Profef-for wich his temporary faith^ doth ever ling N</4-;5i!?^;??/note ^ But therein the Lord ktnercipUunto thy fervafit'j that is, in this or that (weet finne, in one camall contentment or other, which hee cannot leavCj he will not forgoe : Perhaps he is no Swearer, no Lyer, no Adulterer, no Drunkard ^ he is a frequenter of Seruions, a favourer of the Mini-, ftery, and doth many things thereafter^ hut as for jUfury, his eftate doth much depend upon it, hee I knowes not otherwaycs how to provide for his ! children, the Lord moft be mercifiill r nto him in i that point. Perhaps he is no llJurer^no Opprc{!?)r5 : nor outwardly infamous with any notorious finne, but as for the fenfuall pleafures of uncleannefle, I and luftftiU fweetneflc of whoredome and fomi-I cation, and adulteries of the heart, they hurt no bodybuthimfelfe, and are fo inbred and naturall, j the Lord muft bee mercifull to him in that point. I Or it may bee hee is not (b haunted with noy(bme \ luftSj or much given toany outward grofle finne, i but as for a ftrid courfe of holinefle which Precifi-onstake, that hee cannot digeft, he muft now and then fpend h's time amongft good fellowes, bee knowes not otherwife how to pafTe the time, nor to pafle away his dumos and melancholy, the Lord J muft be mercifull to him in that point.

Thus, though outwardly hee make feire (hew, yet

Ictfe-innching (ixamination.

yet there is ever ooe thing of och er behinde, which forpleafure of profir^orelHmationsfake, heewilJ not pare ^ there isone unmonified corruption or other, which, if ic were podible, hee would even carry with him to Heaven. But the man that is fan-ftifi-'d by fiith, doth whally relignc uphimfelfe to bee reformed and ruled by that holy Word, which hath a'ready powerfully converted him, and wherein Go.;J hath given hisWordj that if he erklwttethtendheP:di he-^aved ^ hee hath refie& t&aU Cods Commafiikments , aU bi4 L,avces are before him ^ as bee (hall receive light and inftrudtion from the V\'ord of truth • he is willing ro leave any finne, of whieh his conlcience is convinced rather than to fall into the rerrours of a feareflill heart, or cisfa-VGur of God^nddanger of damnation, he isready-to perforrae obedience to all, or any one of Gods Commanderaenrs, though not in perfe(^ion of degree, yet ever with truth of Ifeart ^ hee is affe-ftcd to the Word of God, and cgmes to the Mini-ftery thereofwith the fame mindjfubmiilion 8c re-16Iution,as did Cormliw with his friends & family, A^' io«?3. Nonotherefore are vpeall herepreftnt before God, toheare all things tfsat are commanded the of God, As did the I(raeIires,E;c(?.]^.8. All that ik Lord hath commandedHs^ x»e vptU doe. Efra chap. 7.10. Though while his flefh is upon him, and hee remaines in his Tabernacle of clav. hee cannot bee freed from frailties and infirmicks yet by the grace of God he doth not lie and continue delightfully and wil-linglv in any one grofle finne, which is difcovered to his confcience by the light of Gods holy Word,

the

i8j

-Matth. 54.^3 PIal.;i9.p,l. ITaLlS.JJ.

C»»^er Amt.

^}

T^he Saints

the favour otGod, and peace ot conicience, are farre more (vrcet and deare unto him, than any earthly pleafure or profit. Thus farre of the difference betwixt faving and temporary faith, in the point of inward illuminarionj and about knowledge in the Word of God.

2. Secondly, For converfion by the power of temporary faith, forae kinde of change may bee wrought upon a man. Thefe alterations may bee found in the ftate of unregeneration. i. A change from notorious finfulnefle, to civill honefty. 2. From thence he may proceed to a formall pro-fe(fion and outward performance of religious ex-erciles. % . Yet farther, he may be in fome meafure inwardly inlighrned and endued with generall graces ^ there may bee thefe converlions and no falvation:

1. Amorall change from notorious converfation, to a (bber and civil! cariage.

2. A formall change, which is an addition of an outward profef^ fionof Chriftianity, tomorallho-

Theremaybe nefty.

thefe conver- 3. A mentall change, whereby

fions and no^^thenaturalldarknelTeoftheunder-

falvation^

ftanding is in fome meafure difpel-led by a generall light of the Spirit, fo that infbmething more than an ordinary manner,for the flate of unregeneration there is a tafie of the Imvsnlj light of the good Word of God;,

md

felfe-mricbtng examination.

and of the powers of the world to cor/je^

4. A. temporary change^ Rich an one as in Scripture is called the«??-cka&e fyirits going ffitt of a man^ Matth. 12.43. Avvalhing, iPeti^iz, But where there is juftifying faith, and the faying power of the fplric, there is a Hipernaturall, full, univerfall, thorow converfion of the whole man, fpirit, fbule, and body, from Satan, finne, and earthly delights , to Gods (ervice , holi-nelle of life^andloveof heavenly things. There is a turning from grofTe finnes in aftionand pra-ftife, and at leafl: from infirmities in allowance and affedion, to oSedience to all Gods Commande- j ments, though not in fulnelTe and pcrfedion, that cannot be while we are covered with flefli, and in I Tabernacles of clay ^ but with truth and upright- j nedeof heart, which is the infallibleinward marke I of true Ghriftianity. There is an abolifhing by little and little, of t'e accurfed imageof Satan in finne, prophanenelTe, and corruption, and a re-nuing of the image of God, in faving knowledge, righteoufnede, and true holineiTe, both in heart and life. This true (bund Chriftian converfion^ which is the worke of Gods ran<fi:ifyingfpirir, and cveracompanionof juftifying faith isdifcernable and differenced from ail partiall, insufficient;, hol-llow5halfecofiverfions, by ics integrity, fincerity, 1 growth and corhftancie.

Firft, this change is ever with integriry of all parts and powers both of (bule and body, though

no

z84. I J he Saints

no power or pare hach it full power and abfbiuts perfedion of ran6;ification, nor can have in this Kfe 5 yet every power and part in every true Chri-(iian hath its part and meafure of lanftification, by this happy and holy change : He is changed wholly^ univerfallyjin hisfpirit.fbuleand body. J. In his fpirit; that is, in his 5 I. Underftanding : This before being ar the beft but gilded over, and guided with fomc glimmerings, and general! light of Divine notions and apprehenflons 6f Heaven, but fluffed with much pride, prephaneneffe, vaine-glory and vanity, is now inlighrned with acleare in-fight into the ray-ftery of godlinefTe, and with that particular faving

I knowledge which is attended with humility and

I holinefTe.

i 2. Judgement: This which before being wholly pofleft with errour, crookedneffe and perverf-nefle, wa^ wont to put daykyejjefor light, and light for darl^effe, (anftification for fingularity, zeale for precifenefle, andholinefJeforhypocricy, to yiflifie thevricJ^d, andcondemnt the jufi-^ is nowfurnifhed with (pirituall difcretion, to guide himfelfe in the right path, amid infinite crooked wayes of vanity and iniquity, and with the fpirit of difcerning, that he can discover the power of grace in other men ; fbthat no longer he accounts fan^bification preci(enefTe, or that which they call good-feliow-(hip fit for a Chriftian.

7, Memory : This which before was water^ to receive, p.n "1 entertaine^and marble, roretaine and

I keepethefrnitlefle imprefliions of vanity and folly,

^ but

JelfC'-inmhing examination.

I but as a Sieve ro the water of iife, and all godly lep fbns, is now greedy of (avirrg knowledge, and de-firous to forget thofe monftrous finfiili notions which he treasured up in the dayes of vanity.

4. Confcience : This which before was full of fearfiilnsfreorbenammednefle, and hearclefle to i all holy things, is nov; awaked and refrefhed with fenfe and feeling of Gods mercy pardoning its finneSj endued with a gracious difpofitionrolpi-rituall exercifeSj and tendernefej fenfible oFthe leaft iniquitv.

2. Inhi6SouIe:thatis,inhis

1. Will ; This is, which before was weddled to I the liberty of the Hefh, to the lufls of men, a»d the Ipruie &f Iffe, is now weaned from all her temporary ipleafingvanities, and fallen in love with eternall pleaftires, and with things of Heaven,

2. Affections : Thefe which before were carri" ed wichaahveadlong torrent upon theworldj and-purfiiitof pkafures,. doe now turnc their ed^Q and-eagernefl^ towards Gods glory, good caufes, and a crowne of life. They were the mod fierce and furious agents for the (bveraingty of the flefhjbucnow theirluftfulne^eiscrucified, their inordinateneffe and evilneffe mortified.

g. The Defires ind Imaginations of the heart ; Thefe which before were without bridle^ checke, feare or limit, are now turned bv the laftCom-mandetneht, controlled by a tender confcience^ kept! HI awe by a ajn/ideration. of Gods all-feeing •eye, and confined within art holy compaSe 5 from their idle, impertinent, and prophane wandrings and vagaries. 2. In

1%

C0I3.5.

I ■—

7. InhisBody : Ihat is, hiseyes, his cares, his tongue, his feer, his hands, and all the parts thereof ^ As before they have becne windowes to let in whole troopsof vanitie"^ andnoyfbme luffsjin-ftruments of iniquity, and executioners of many covetous 5 cruell itmbitious, and luftfull defignc-ments of the foule, (b now they arc become as Centinels to difcry the approach of finne 5 well appointed addreft to doe the wi II of God ^ fet a^ art and fandified for the fervice of the New Man. The whole bodvjwhich before was a cage ofaUnnckdnt hhds^ andafpih^oj fttmc^ is now become a (pirituall TempkforthelivwgGodj and an hahitaitonjor ihholy Ghdfi,

2. As a (bund and faving coverfion is ever with integrity of all the powers both of (bale and body 5 (b it is al(b with fincerity a(wellinthe inmoftatfe-dions^as in the outmoft conver(ation 5 in the heart as in the life ^ in thcfecret purpo(eSj defires, and conceits, as in open carriage 5 in the thoughts and imaginations, as in the words and anions, j^e dejire of the righteorfs , faith Salomon^ is ondy good Pro. 111.2 3. 0 lerufalem^ (aith leremie^ "Dpajl} tkiftehdirtfrom vpkkedfiejJe^ilsitthoHmaipbefaved'^ bono long fl:allthj mck§d thoughts nmaim wh bin thee .<? c bap 4*4. fVbe» their hearts, faith Paul of the Ifradkes^Jhall bee turned to the Lord ^ thtintbevailefl.allbetak^navpay^ 2 Cor, 3.15,1^. The heart muft be fandtfied, before we can (avingly fearch iniothewonhrsofGodstaw, and (ecretsof his Kingdom,though the mind be as full, 3S the Moone with variety and depth of know-iedge^yet except the heart be thorowly heated and . (bftned

felfe-inricbing examination.

287

fofrned with the fanftifying beamcs of the Sunneof righteoufnejfc:, fhere can be no falvation. Our con-verfion is never current and compleat, until! truth be planted in the invpardparts^ vrLich is athwgmth Godmttchfit by.

3. A found conyerfion is fcene by growth in grace and godlinffe, which is ever an unfeparable companion of fpirituall life. Unregenerate men either grow from worfe to worfCjOr Rand at a ftay, or at beft grow in a fhew of godlincfle, or fbrmall Chriftianity, which is like the growth of cornc: It hath not root inanhonefi and good heart,^ndthcre-fore can never attaine ripenefle for the Lords Barne. Butif once the Firregrowin theplaceof the Thome, and the Myrrh tree in the place of the Nettle, (for fo as I take it, Isaiah (hadowes the powerfoll and plentifull worke of grace, under the Kingdome of Ghrift) that is, after that by an holy and happy chan^ein fpirit, (bule and body, wee be tranjUttd from dark^ejfe to lig^-i, and that the (eed of grace Ipring up in that heart, where the root cf Mtternejffehsithnotgcowne : There and then is an increajingmththeincreafmgs ofGod^ CoLi.ip.agorng on from firmgth toflrength^ tiUnre appeare hefire God in Siony TfaUZ^y, Agrcmngup unto full holineffe in the fare of Gody 2 C^r.-j. i. This growth in grace and godlinefle, after albundandfavingconverfion, is compared in Scripture 5

I. Tothc growth of a nevp borne haheffntoaperfeli man. i CorAi^.Epb,^.!^. i Cor»i,i2, i ?et,2,2, 2 Fet^ g.i8. If a childe fucice the mothers brealh, and prolpersnoc thereby, itnever comes roproofe, but

X weares \

cap^V^'

z88

The Saints

weares away srs they fay. If a man grorp mt ingrace^ afidin the k^dvpkdge of our Lord and Savhxrlefuf ChHJi, by thefincere milk^ of theWord^ he is but a changling, none of the noble and naturall brood of that immor^ tali feed. If wee fhould fee a man of many yeares, and yet in ftature, ftrength, and wit, no bigger than a childe, we (hould account him a Monfter in nature : Hec that growes not in knowledge and godlinefle, is a Monfter in grace, and indeed no gracious man.

•* 2. To thehying faft in a race, wherein a man gets continual I ground J and if he fall by the way, he takes (urer footing, and runnes fader afterward. P</»/ forall his extraordinary perfeiftionsaand fpiri-tu.dl excellencieSjtels us, ihiX he forgot that tphichvpas hehlnde^ anden^evonredInmfelfeunto that vphichtoas before^ andfoU(ra>edhardtoippard the market for theprkeof the high calling ofOodin Chrifl lefus^ Phil. 3.13,14.

3. To the growth of corne in a good and fruit-, full follej M-irl^ 4. which Hrft peeps above the ground, then growes unto a blade^afcer to an care, at length is ripe, and ready for the Barney fo doth the immort all feed of the Word profper, and come to perfedion in the good and honefi Ixart of the tnte c-hripan.

4. To the rifing of the Snnne, which after Hap-peare in the Eaji, (hines more and more, mih more beauty^ md^rength, unto the Nome tide ofthdt^^ Prov,^.iS. So-after the facred li^hr:oF!B;race, and day-ffarre of (avino; knowledge, fprungnpin the hearty they ftill fpread brighter and farther untillthey reach the height of Heaven, aini full gbry of the Saints of God. :_ ^ 5. To

felfe-inmhing examination. j \%q

5. To theprofpcring of a tree, v^hichis fafieted by the Rivers of water, P/ir/.i. where there being con^ J tinuall (upply of fap and moiftureait faireiy growes, and never failes oFfrunmduefeafo^. So after a man be tranfplanted out of the Ki gdome of darknefle, f»ty the hmftofGod^ then is4 Paver^vphofeftreimes mil glad his heart, and feed him ftill with the fap of grace, a«d ipirituall life, untill at length hee bee happily brought to taftc that tree of life, and immortality, which is planted fy the pure River of wa- -terffUfiy whichproceedeth out of the throne ofGod^ and oftkeLantke the righteous^ USih David, fhallflourijh like 4 BJmetree^ audjJ^allgrew Uk$ a Cedar in LebanoH^ Pfal.91* SuehasbefUntedinthekmfeoftke Lerd^fhall flouri/h in the Courts ofmr God^ thefJf:>aU ftill bring forth fruit in their 4ge, the^flallbefat andflouriflmg. But by thewayyoumoftonderftand, chat for all this the ch^ldeof God, and die true convert, hath hisin-firmitiesand faintings, he may tumble, and fbme-times take a fall in his race of Chriftianity, hee I may now and then be flirewdly ihaken withfbme ftormc of temptation, and have his light Sometime darkned with the frailties of his owne flefh, but conceive a!(b, (chough it bee aMyftery to the ftranger, and Parable to the prophane) that even thefe things further the growth, and increaie (pi-i rituall ftrcngthinafandified man. That God ^^^ "briMgsJigk mt of dar^ffe, winncs him glory out of hell, and honour from Satan ^ tprnes^lfo thefrail-tiesand infirmities of the Saints to the comfort of their foules, and their increafment in grace, by working thereby in them a greater hatred of their

X 2 finfall

ipo 1

The Saints

finfull corruptions^ more earncft longings for the comforts of godlinefTejmorc refbhite zealc in {landing for Gods glory, to make amends for their former fall 5 more narrow watchfiilnefle over their way es for afterwards. A ftrong man may fall into fits of an Ague, but after he hath thorowly recovered, he (hall findc himfelte ftrongcr, and in better health. He that runncs in a race may take a fali^ but he looks better to his footing, and runnes fafter afterward ^ theSunncmayfomctimesbeovercaft with a cloud, but it Chines more pleafantly and brightly, after it hath recovered a cleare Skie ac;aine. A tree hath its Winter, but it then gathers ffrength and life, that it may fpreadandfprout out more fiiirly and fruitfully in the Spring time : It is even (b by accident, and bv that grace of God, which turmsdl things to the heft 4$ them thatfean Hffty in the fils and infirmities of the Saints. For they are thereby more feared and frayed fromthe Lures and baits of finne, lay furer and ftronger hold upon the cpowne of life, and convert the poyibnof their natural! corrupctoa, into a prefervative to keepe them in the waycs of God. Satan intends to foile him by the fall, but it fares with him in this cafej as if fome defperate wretch (hould furioufly runne at another man with his fword and difpatch him quite, but quite againft his purpofCjheemif-(erh the vitall parts, and hitsonely fome Impo-fturae, fo letting out that foule and poyfonous matter, which would otherwifc have beene his death.^^ At th? throw of every fiery dart, Satan defires CO wound the foule ta death, but Gods

chiide

childe cither takes it upon xhtjljiddoffaith^ and fb defeats his fury, and declines the hurt^ or if by the treachery of his owneflefti it faften upon him, and vex him forawhile, yet being pulled cut by the hand of true repentance, it drawes after it fbme j foule corruption ^ which otherwife would have 1 dangeroufly rankled andfeftercd inwardly. This^ ipo'mtis^i peark mtfirfiipm, or any prophane man, for fb it mil be trampled in fk mire^ and pe rhaps mi -nifter occafion and encouragement to bee more filthyflill'^ but onely for him that knowes the wayes of God, and is learned in the great myftery of godiineCe, hee knowes the worth and right ufe of it, and is not wont to abufe the rich mercy and grace of God, to a graceleffe prefumption and boldnelTe in finne- But certaine it is, the fals of the Chriftian even furthers their growth in godli-neffe by accident, and by the grace of God, and growth in grace, after a manbe converted, is a fure (igneof a found converfion.

4. Fourthly, the fbundnefie of converfion ag-peares by the confl-ancy of the true convert, in the courfes of graces and holinefle. Other Converts, who are led by no fboner and higher guide, than the power of a temporary faith, are in and out, off and on, to and fro, in matters of Religion: Sometimes they will bee forward and hot, feme-times cold and fbrmall 5 they will come on for a while haflily and fiiddenly ^ for come in ftony ground will come up fboner, and grow fafler for the time, than that in a good fbile, and they will as quickly be gone againe 5 as fbone as they fhall finde

X 3 their

Fals, infi-ral-" cics,andfiail-^ ties, a ceo the Chriitian as a growing Ague to a young man.

TbeSain$s

their forwardnefTc mainly crofled, difgraccd, and perfecuted, then prefently fall away^ for if once the Stinne beat hot upon fuch corne, it dies and withers, and comes to nothing 5 there is no hold to be taken of fcch.by true Chriftians they will fecme to be on their fide, and beare outwardly the badge of Chrifi", but when they eome into the field to fight in the caufc of God, or are put unto any hot (ervice for the maintenance of the faith, and the Crowne of Chriftianity^ and with the faithlefle clnUrea of Ephuimi turna thelt backs iff the day of hat^ tell: TheiRr^r;!r/«g/rfr/'ffisoneIypromi(ed n/ftohtm that overcomes ^ but thefe many times quaile the heart at the very firft on-fet, to the great difho-nourof God, the (hams of their Chriftian profef-fion, and the difcovery of their formality and faint-heartednefle. Their courage in good caufts, and their con verfion from ill, is as their faith, tem-Hofj?.^. j V^^^'^y h fheirgoodnejjeisas a mornhg ehudy and as the morning devf that goeth awaj. And of thefe unwind converts we may conceive two forts 5

I. Some there are, out of whom the unckane fpirit departs for a tme, Matth. r 2.45. Andhphek^orp* ledge oftkLordy and of tfx Saviour lefus Cbrifl, efcape from thefihhrnejeofthenporldy 2 Pet.2»2o,Andare wa-ffjed, verfi 2. that is, by the power of temporary faith, they become temporary converts, and jolly profeffours for a feafbn 5 bat their foundation not being (ure and (mtidly laid, the Word not faft and deeply rooted in their hearts, their converfion not (bund and entire, the world by little andlittic doth vfopowcrfiilly get within them, and imputation of ;, [ precifenefle

felfeAnriching examination. \ xpr

preciftnefle laid upon them by the prophane world, fb nettles them 5 their lothnefle to forgoc their former finfiill pleaftires (o vexes them, that they firft begin blaif^hetnoufly to grumble within themfcIveSjWith thofe, Malacb.^, i/^.T^ wkatpnrpofe u it t^ferve God ^\»hatprofit is it that rpee have kept his Commandemmts, and thattve vpalksdhtmblj Before the LordofHofts / Hereupon the usclea/fe fpirit hovers about for re-entry, and finding way made by their owne rebellious flefli, tak^tfi'veft ether fpirits fporfe than Bmfelfe, a»d repojfejfeth them 5 fo they tpiththe Dogge, returfteto their ffffffe vomit ^ theyvpallovp vptththe Sawagaineinthemrej andagainearetangledinthepot-lutio»s of the world J and overcome^ and then the latter tndisvporfemth them tJMn the beginning. And that 5

I. Firftj In re/ped of God, whofe goodneffe and mercy, with horrible contempt, and hatefull ingratitude, they have fhameftilly abu(ed. If a Phyfititn with great care and diligence fhould mi-' nifter Phyiicke, pre(cribe diet, and ufe all mcanes j for the recovery of his Patient, and he for a little bitterneflc of the Pils or Potions which hce is to take, ftiould be peevifli and impatient, caft allbe-hinde him, and unthankfully contemne and abufe the paines and patience which is taken and endured for his good ; how refblnte would (uch a Phy-fitianbc, nevermore to meddle with fiichan im-, patient Patient, where hee fhould lofe both his labour and reputation. It is juft foin the cafe of a re-lapfed aeature. For if a man by the mercy of God bee brought to a tape of theheavenlygift 4f the good Wordo^Ood^andoftkpoTPcrs oftk world to fme^zs it is X4 Heh.6.

l^he Saints

Heb,6. If hee be pointed and put into the way ro Heavenjtofee the glorious com forts of the Saints^ and have fpirituall medicines put into his hand to preferve his fbuk from everlafting death, and yet for i little bitternefle of temporary troubles, for love of pleafuresj feare of mortall man, or the momentany fmarting of (bme light affliftions, throw away from him thofe holy receits, which {hould keepe his foule in fpirituall healrh, trample underfoot in (bme mealure even the Sonne of God, by fbrfaking his fervice, and taking part with the woxld^ai^ddefpght^m fbme meafurejf^e Spirit ef gra^e. by fmothering and contemning his fecret checksj and holy motions. I (ay it isjuit with God that fuch a man fhould be given over to a reprobate fenfc, and wallowing in the mud and mire of his former fenfuall vanities, without all remorfe or r€COvery, Ezech» 5.20.

2. In refped of Satan. If aprilbner youknow, having broken prifbn, bee regained againe by hue and cry, he is clapt up prefcntly in the Dungeon loaden with bolts and irons, and of all others he is ever a ter the narrowlieft watched, and ftronglieit guarded. It is fb witha relapfed wretch, if having wrefted him(elfe out of Satans clutches, and efea-ped out of his Kingdome of darkncfic hee bee broughtagaine to his old bent, and haled backe to his former courfes, by the cry of his old compani-'ons, and cor ruptibns of his owne fleflj;, then Satan furely, who isjaylcr to every unregeneratc man, keeps him ever after clofeprifbner, and commits him tofeven otherfpirits noOffi tha» himfilfe^ (b that n

thou(and

felfe^inricbin^ examination.

fclioufand to one that man lives and dies in the De~ vils Dungeon

3.Thirdly, i.In refpCLl oFthemfeives -^ for Apo-flates from good beginnings, revolters from pro-feffion area kinde of Moniiersamongft Chrifti-ans.hatefull both to Heaven and Earthjto God and ^; Man, even very breathing Devils ; they cannot offer a greater viilany to the Hvmg Godx^m to tafte of thepkafurcs of Heaven^ and tike part with his children, and after to tume Turks and Traitors to God and good men, and therefore they are many limes polieft with ftrangeamazements, and feare-ifulnede of heart, extraordinary evijnefleof con-fcience, depravation of inward peace andfpiritu-alljoy, witbdef)erate thoughtsof fomemarkable vengeance, and other foule (pirits, which make their cafe farre more wofull than it was at firft. For mofl: certaine is it and true, fuch doe finde in them-felveslcfle p>ower to doe well, andare carried with more racing affeftions to doe wickedly, than ever they felt be fore.

2. Befides, in the difeafes of the body a relapfe is held moft dangerotis, and rhe recovery more de-fperate, tbanfrom the prime difcale. Areciduati-on is more dangerous than the root of adifeafe* he that fals away from goodnefle and good beginning's, is in firre greater danger of everlaf^ing death, than he that nev er knew the wayes of God, though the cafe of both be certainly damnable, if they fb rontinue. To conclude this poiiit, thefc men make many times for a time, a very goodly fheWj but after fall away, and grow notorioufly

naughty

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naught, and commonly prove atter more tercc oppofitcs to grace and fincerity, than thole that never made any (hewof goodncfle.

2. Some others there are of unbound converts, who after they have once put on an outward forme of Religion, and fbme other good things, by the power of temporary faith, hold on in its plodding courfeofformallChrifVianityj all their life long, and after die that forraall death I have heretofore defcribed unto you, but for all this their feith is ftill temporary, their converfion temporary 5 Be-cau(e rather than they will hazard their temporary happincfle, thef ftill yeeld to the current of the times, and their owne fenfuall corruptions, thongh they never fall quite tway to their formall notori-oufncfle, as doe the former, but eftfbones recover themfelves untill the next time of triall, of their chiefe carnallcontentment, and fmarting pcrfecu-tion 5 thus they are in and out, off and on, to and fro in matters of Rel igion, never very farre out for any long fealbn, and yet never forward enough to (ave their (bules : The inconftant conftancic of (uch converts as thefe, is worth nothing, becaufe it followes and is fafhioned by the meafure of the times: That conftancie which is a note and companion of a (band converfioujis fquared and proportioned by the line and rule of the Word of life. See what this latter conftancie is, in the third (peciall difference betwecne temporary and faving faith. Tfeus farre of the difference bctweene (aving and temporary faich in point and converfion. Seethe twelve marks of a found converfion laid downc before. 5. As

felfe-mricbing examination.

3. Asconcerning the degrees of regeneration attainable by the power of the temporarie faiths and in the ftate of lukewarmnefle, you muft conceive that I make five points confiderableinthe great worke of regeneration. The t%vo firft.to wit-knowledge, and legall repentance, preparatives, and necelfary fore-runners^ the three laft, to wit, iaith, fanftification, and Evangelical! repentance, the eflentiall parts thereof;

1. Asconcerning knowledge, itmaybcplentr-full, as well to the reprobate, as in the Chriftian. For difference in this cafe, fee the feven marks of fiving knowledge, I have formerly propofed.

2. And as concerning legall repentance, it may alfo be found in both ^ fordifference wherein,con-fider with me foure kinds of paflagcs out of pangs of confcience, in legall repentance and horrour for Oane.

I. Some, when by the power of the Law their confcicnccs are prefled with the weight of their finnes, 4ftd the xferme tliat mvtr dies, which hath beene long dead drunke with fenfimll plca/ures, by rfie hand of divine juftice is awaked, and beginnes to (ling, they prefcntly fall into the moft abhorred and irrrecoverable Dungeon of defpaire ^ the flaraingof eternall fire feizes upon them, even in this life, they are in hell trpon earth, and damned above ground ^ they are fuch commonly, who all their life long have beene contemners of the Mi-niflery of the Word, /corners of the power of godlinelTe, quenchers of Gods good fpirit, revol-rers from good beginnings and profeffion of grace,

thefe

TheSawis

the(e who have harboured (omcgrofle fihne, that hive beene clo(e agents for the powers ot dark-nefle, orpiaufible tyrants againft Gods childrenj and their fincericy, or fuch like notorious inftru-hientsof Satan, and infamous rebels to the Maje-ftieof Heaven, which, firh they were fuch, God in his ;nft judgement futfers their confcience to lie along time inadead fleepe, like a mighty Giant, or a fierce and crueil Lion, gathering puiffance^ power and vigour, V might torture, rent and teare in peeces their .ccurfed (bules when there is none to h€l pe. the wormc that never dies which natural \y breeds in prophane confciences bv their rnfatiable fiirfet in finne, anitheif greed} drinking htqHityliks vpaterj growes to fuch ftrange ft length and big-nefTe , that taking efpecially advantage of their weakneffe upon their deaths-bed, and their great aftoniftiment and fearfulnefle in that laft extremi-tie5it (uddenly furprizes them with the very flafties of hell fire, and ftingsof everlaftinghorrour, and (b cafts them into d^fpaire, conquers them, and utterly confounds tnem. Then would they give ten thousand worlds for onemorhentof that time of grace, which they have wretchedly long abu-(ed, for rhe benefit of the Miniftery which they have infblently (corned, for a drop of that precious bloud^ which by their defperatevillanies, and wilfull rebellions, they have trampled under foot 5 but no mercy, no bleffing:, no comfort then will be had, though with prophane EfaUy they (eeke it with teares; and throug;h their rufull and piercing cries into thv^ aire, with hideous groancsaBdyel- . lings,

felfe-inriching examinanon.

lingSj buc they lie tumbling upon their beds of licknefle, and in the morning thy jay, ttouldGodit uera 6Vzning^andaiihtvening^ TOOuldGodittftre mornings f>r thefeares of their hear is which ihey doe fear e^ and for the fights of their e)es pchich thtydot^fee. In their life time they were Lions againli: Godschildrcnj and YikcWohefofihe Evenings, in vexing, perlecutingj anddif^racing the innoccncy andfincericyof the Saints ^ and therefore now upon their beds of deaths they lie in a wofull plight, even iike mlde Bulsinaneti as the Prophet Ipeaks^ ifa.^i.io.fuUDJ thefuryoftheLord : Then they cry out with thofe finfiiil hypocrites J 7/^.3^.14. with unspeakable honour of heart. Who amosgusflyaU dwell with the devouring 'fire / vfho among, tfs^ e^c. And there for a while (as an carnelt of hell fire) they are feareful-ly bated, torne and renCj with defpair^ and hor-rour, by the furies of conlclence, and fiends of Hell, as by fb many fierce and bloudy Maftives, and. at lafl: hurried and dragged by them, when there is none to helpe, into the everlafting Lake of brlmftone, fire, and Dungeon of endleile, eaflelTe, and remedilefle mifery. Thus the one paflage out of the pangs of confcience, is into de-fpaire, that Hell upon Earth, and fo forward inlo^ their ovpne place, as is faid o^luias^ which is the Hell of wicked Devils in the world to come. Some arelialfe devils in this life, by their-doggednefle againft Gods children, and are never touched with remorfe, but even turned as it were in the turning of an hand, from railing againft good men upoa^ earth, to rage againft God for ever in Hell.

2. Secondly,

iCor.jai.

The Saints

" ~' I' Ilia I. ' II' ' '

2. Secondiyj Some triereare, who whtii incy feele their fbujcs wounded, their hearts pnckedj and confcienees aftonifhed with theapprehenfion of (in, and with the Urrmrofibe Lord, by ihaxfapord of the Spirity which, when the Lord will, (trikes thorowthe loynes of themoft rebellious wretch, and makes his prophane andprond courage, lepielt arvayliks miter, and his ftubborne heart to tremble like the leaves 0ft he forreji, fphich areflj^hfin mth the TPhd. I fay then they labour might and maine, to drive away and difpell their inward terrours and afBidlionsof (bule,withoutward mirth, and carnall contentments. They take thefe fpirituall pang?, v^hich if they were well managed, would prove the very right palT^ge to peace of conlcience, and a preparative t > the great worke of regeneration, to be nothing but fits of melancholy, and temptation to precifeneffe, and therefore they make haftc outof themy and flie unto worldly pleafures, as phycs, paftimes, mulicke. gatoirg iBerry com{:5a-ny, good-fellowftiip, the contentments of their (v^'eet (innCj and fuch YAa^ mifer^bk comforters and PhjifkiaKsdf fSfovalf^e^ that thereby for a time they may allay the heat of their hotrour^ and coole the rage of their guilty confciences ^ but in this cafe Chyrurgions ufe todeale about deepe and dangerous wounds, which they know not well how to heale^ they d6e not (bitch the bottomc, they doe not put in cents, and apply corrafives, whidhwer« the likelieft way to a found and thorow cure, but j onely make a fairc (hew outwardly, by drawing a skinneoB the out-fideyor pleating theirPiatients, -- -i.-_.:.-,^ -,- by

felfe-mncbing examination.

by allaying the paine for a while, and bringing it afleepc ^ or they doe as did thofe bloudy Ifraelites, who while they burnt up their children in facrifice to the Idoll Molochy provided niuficke to feed and fill their eares, left by the rufull cries of their little babes, they (hould be moved to compaffion, and fo (layed in the cruell (ervice of that bloud-fucking Idoll. Juft fo thefe wretched men finfully feeke by outward mirth Sc worldly pleafuresgto ftop the cries of their conlciences, while their foules are (acrifi-cing to Saran;,& making fit fuell for the fire of Hell, left by liftning to the cries and controlments there-of.they fliould be ftirred up to take pitv upon their poore immortall foules, and ftopt in the purfuit of their fenfuall vanitiesrBut aflurcdly,while they goc about by the entertainment and exercife of carnall comforts, to draw a skinne onely over their wounded and aftoniflied confciences, they fiifFer them moft fearfully to fefter and rankle underneath,and then there inwardly breeds that devouring and in-fitiable Wolfe, which after it want the fupply of carnall plealures upon that confcience which breed it^ it there gnawcs, and bites, and teares, with everlafting rury5dclpairfull horrour, anv^ the ftings of Hell, while they labour to refrefh with worldly delights, the fpirituall forrowes of their mourn full and amazed hearts. They are like the man, who in aburning Ague lets downe cold drinke eagerly and merrilfj becaufe for the prefenr, while its going downe, it doth marveUoufly coole him in his extremity, but after it be dovvne,the heat, th^ paine, atid the danger are doubled upon him* So earthly

pleafur.es.

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pleafures may for ajitde while ftill the noife&rage of an accu fi ng confcience^and coolc the heat of fpi-ricuall anguiflb, but undoubtedly afterward9 they kindle (uch a fire in the bowels of thofe mi(erable men, that will burne even tothebottomeof Hell, and is the very beginning of everlafting flames. But checourfewhich thefe men takepleafeth Satan right well, he will helpe forward with might and maine this accurfed bufineflcj of abandoning and banifhing the pangs of confcience with outward pleafiiresj for this is his craft and cunning in thcfe cafes.

I. .In thefirft place, before all things, if itmay be, he defiresto keepe them unmoved by the Mi-niftery of the Word, and utterly unpierced with the powcrfulnefle thereof, and then like aftrong man armed, he keeps his Palace, which is the heart of a prophane man, at his plealure, and pofiefleth both body and foule with much peace and qaiet-neffe. By this firft endevour he prevailes with the greater part of the hearers of the Word, they heare Sermon after Sermon, and judgement upon juc^gement, and yet in re/peft of any fpirituall good,oraftoniQiment of confcience for their fins, they Are no more moved than the feats whereupon they fit.

2. If it fo fallout that the Word beginne to get within a man, ^ndthe fn>oed^edfipord o£ the Law to wound his foule withremorfe and terrour, fo that he fees him cafl: downe with fl^iriiuall fearss^, and with much heavinefle take finne to heart, then doth he narrovyly watch and attend which way a

man

lelfer-inriching examination.

man inclines," that thereafter hee may proportion hismalitious policy, and heJlifh pradtifes.

1. If he finde him to tavebeene an horrible (inner, or of a melancholy difpofition, or much vexed with outward erodes and afflidions. hee laycs load wpon his affrighted and diflreflcd fbule. that thereby, ^f it bepoflible, he may drive him to de-fpaire. To this i urpofeheefbarpenstheiHngof a mans owne confcience, and with much f})ightfull rage ftrikes deepe and d^d^diy and impoyfoned Oingof hisowne 5 he addes more horrour to the already fearefull and terrible judgements of the Law, an 1 more grieflinefle to his many hatcfull tranfgreflions, that it God fo permit, hee may be fure to finke him deepe enough into the Dungeon ofdefpaire.

2. But if he perceive him net to have becne very infamous for any notorious finne, by naturall conOttution to bee merrily difpofed, impatient of heavie-heartedncffe, and formerly much addi-di^d to good-fellowftiip : If hefpiehimtoftrive and ftrugglc that he may be out of theie uncouth pangs, andfpiriti.all ibrrow forfinne, and labour to re-enjoy his form^-rworldly delights^ and earthly contentments ^ why then he is willing and forward to follow and h^d his humour, that fo hee may marreard ftifJein the beginning that happy worke vfgo 'ly forrvw^ mickcafffethrepetfta^ce to [il-vatio^j vot to he repef^iedof 2 (or 7.10, A nd to this end he duls and blunts, with all the cunning he can, the fting o^a man? owne confcierce, and quite removes hi^ owne. He procures and offers all oceafi-

Y ons

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ons of ouLward mirth ^ hec furnifties his former good fellow-companions with pernitious eloquence, and ftore of enticements, to bring him backe againe to their bent and humour 5 hee minifters his owne delitious potions of pleafures and(en(ua!ity5tocafthiscon(cicnceafleep againe ^ In briefe, hee leaves no plot^ no policy or pradife unattempted to make the power of the Law unpro-fitableunto him, utterly to fmother and confound the firft ftirrings of grace, and todrowneforrow jfor finne in drunkennefle with finfull vanities. I This then I make the fecond palTage out of the pangs of confciencc, when a man tempted by the policy of Satan.and perverfhefle of his owne flefh applies a plaifter of wordly pleafures, tohiscon-(cience wounded with (pirituall anguilh, and when it beginnes to be loud and clamorous againft him luls it afleepe with the merriments of good-fe!-lowlhip, or ftilsitfor a while b> dandling it (ofdy in the bofomeof his darling finne. Fa^lix was ftruc-ken with trembling and amazement by the power of Pauls miniftery/or con fideration <?/ tkejuigemeftt /tf r<?«7e,wasa very cuttingcorrafive to his galled and guilty conlcience, and lemembranee of death is a death and hell to every worldling and carnallifl", 0 death, faith the (om\t of Syrach hw bitter is t lie remembrance of thee to a man that liveihin reflrvHh hif poffelpo s unto t eman that hath notlmg to vex him^ ani'that hathprofperity in all things I Hee therefore con^d not endure lueh difhirbance of his fenfiiall pcacr, and his agreement with Hell Hee was impatient of fach uncouth and e^straordinary pangs, and

would I

would none of luch (evcre Divinity, (b full of judgement, tending to defpaire : He bids p/^;^/begone, he was not then at leifurc to have his confci- j enceunript, and his corruptions laid open before I him^ h vpiUmre hmofthat amtUr time ^ and the | conceit of a bribe, a branch of his bofbme (inne, | did preiently drive out and drowne thofe helJifh • flafhes, which were throwne into his heart by Vauls \ thundering out of judgements againft them. I have \ knowne fome, who lying in fearefull horrourof| conscience for their finnes, were diverfly adviled j and fet upon by contrary Counfellours 5 upon the ' right hand and better fide'was the good fpirit of God, and their Chriftian friends, and their coun-fellandadvife was, thatthis (pirituall affliftion of j (bule, if it were rightly managed, might prove an happy preparative to the great worke of regeneration, and therefore would have them by no meanes looke for any comfort but from Heaven, to admit of no plaifter but the precious bloud of ChrifV, to chufe no other by-path^ but to flrike direftjy thorow theftrait paffage, to the (hte of grace, and with patience to pafle thorow the pangs of the new birth, that fb they might be planted in the Pa-radife of ChrilHanity, fiourip inihe houfeofGod^^ni grow up in godlineflfe like a Cedar i» Lebanon. Upon the left hand and worft part was Satan, and (bme good fellowes, (as they call them) with whom there had beene former familiarity and fellowfhip in the wayes of vanity, and thus pleaded they for | Baal^ and maintenance of their prophane anddif-i folutefed^ you muft, fay they, put your felfeont j

Y 2 oV

T'he Saints

of chefe needlefle dumpSj&c plunge againe into the current ofchepleafures 8c paftimes of the times, if you meane to enjoy your felfe and the world with any comfort ^ take heedin the name of God,(for (b they fpeake, though they be the Devils Oratours, andProdlours for rhe power ofdarknefTe) how you entertaineany thought of a new courfc of life, or change of your former wayeSj for (b you (hall fail into the hands of PuritanSp and intotlie ftriei: tortures and hypocriticall miferies of precifeneflc, and then farewell all good-fellowfliip, all merry company 5 no more meetings at paftimes. Ale-houfeSj Tavernes, Chambers of good-fcllowlhtp 5 no more fct revellings, vying of j e(b, pleafant (indeed prophane) paflages of wit, which are the very life of an ingenuous mans life. Then nothing but a fbwre countenance,un(bciable carriage, con -fcience of little trifling finnes, Apoftacie from all oldcuftomes, dumps of melancholy, and indeed a ftacenotpafl:a ftepfrom madneflfe and diftfaction. This was their infedtious language; though not in lb many words^ yetT am fure in the fame fen(e, not farre diiFeringfrom thefe two places,E<rr//^/. 30. ^rf 2 r, &c. and fVifd, 2.5, &c. put together, the former being perhaps abu(^d from the true meaning of the Aurhor,(forprophaneneGre doth greedily fnatch at any (lie w for patronage of their plea-(ures, out of any fhadow of holy Writ) Givemt ovtr thy mink HKtoheavmeJJe, afd vex/toP thy felfem thlmowm coHfifeU. the joy of the heart if the life of a mm aniamansghimjfetsthz "prolonging of hisda^es. Lovethmeownefouk^ and cowfort tUm hsart, drive forrovp I

felfe-inrichmg examination.

jbrrovp farre from thee^ for fort ovp hathjlaim many^ ami thercis m profit therein. And enr time is as afljadvvp thai pajjtthavfaj, andajteronr end htreis no returning^ for itisfaft fekd:, fo that no mancomwethagaine : Cowii therefore and let ns tn]oyth pkafures that are prefect and lei ns cheerfnllj ufe the creatHrts^ as in youth -^ let us fiUourfehes mth co^iy voine and owtmentS:, and let noi theflen^erof lifepajjebym •, kiuscriwrnenrfehesmth Roje bttds afore i hey be mthered ^ let us all bee partaken of our wanton'e[je t, let us lea^efme token of our plea-jureine'Deryplace^ jor this is our portion^ and this is our lot. The party affliftcdin con(cience, liftningand yeelding unto luch accurfed and peftiient eloquence as this, (forfuggcftionsof flefli and bloud, a idfenfuall enticements iinke (bonerand deeplier into a mans heart,than godly admonitions and mo ■ tionsof thegood (pirit) caftshimfelfedefperately againe into the current of good-felIow(hip, ftifled the flirtings of ^odly forroro, quenched the firft flafhesof thefpirit, and (b corny certainc knowiede became a rotcriou? yfXttc\\.anitwcemore thechilae hell than hvp.f^ before- And Satan no doubt, feeing him take that way, would doe his befi: to (Hllthe criesofhisconfcience, and to bring itafleepe, by makinghim drunke with fin-ne: So that afterwards I am perfwaded hee was not troubled with any I checkc or remorfe. So it ufually fares with others in ] the like kinde. I

3. Another paflae^e out of fpirituall terrours and aftonifliments for finne, is into a kinde of artifici-all, un(bund, enforced, and counterfeit peace of conlcience. And it is thus; Some there are, who

Y 3 when

Tie Saints

when they firft bcginne to taflc the terroursof the Lordj and feele their (bules aflfrighted wkh un* couch fearesj Springing partly from the gaftly and griefly vifageoftlieir former foule pollutions, partly from a drcadfull apprehcnfion of that flaming vengeancCj^and damnod horrour, which the wrath of God is inkindltng and preparing for all impenitent (ihners, doe prefently ftop the naturall courfe and current of their converfion, and dead the firft motions of mortifying grace, with fomt imaginary and violent comfort, which before it doth truly and {ealbnably belong unto them, they wreft before their time, from fomeabuicd and mifapplied places of Scripture, (uch as thcfe, Matth.iu 28. SfatfL i2.ao,8cc. by a fpeculative, prepofterous, and formal! application whereof, they doCc up the wounds of their fbules, before their hearts be ript and ran/acked to the quicke, their confcienccs (ear-ched and {bunded to the bottome, and their fpirits bruifed and truly humbled, by the powerftill hammer of the Law, H»det the migky kdndof Ged.ThtC^ men, as well as the fecond fort, arc refblvcdly impatient of fpirituallheavie^heartednefle, and (br-row for (innej of the holy and (bule-faving feverities of the (choolcof repentance, and trade of mortification, and therefore poft out of the pangs of confcience with as great irapaticncie and precipitation as the former, onely more plaufible, and with fairer, though falfe iatisfaftion to their owne foules.

2. Some there are who pafie outof the pangs of €on(cience, inco fome more tolkrable couries, but

not

not thorowly into the ftite of grace, and communion of Chriftianity. When Satan fees that (brrow for finne lies fo heavie upon a mans hearty and that bitternefle otfpirit, and legall remorfe, the im-preflionsof the fpirit of bondage doe (b unceflant-ly (Hng him with refthfle vexations, that they will needsat length draw and drive him to Come alteration at Icaft, and worke out at length (bme mea-(bre of amendment, then doth he bend andim-ploy all his power and policy to make him reft and repofe finally in (bme partiall, infiifficient, and halfe convcrfion, and to content himfelfe with (bme outward reformatioH, and civill amendment, &c.

5. The fifth paflage outof pangs of conscience, and horrours of legall repentance, is into the Pa-radife of grace, and fpirituall pleafuresof Chriftia-' nity. This'pdi^digQXScdLWtd^The pangs of the nm>hirth, I This doth happily convey and tranfj^orr a man ! quite thorow the kingdome of darknefle, without j diverfion, by-path, or any longer detainment in any pleaiure or vanity thereof. By this he utterly unwinds himfelfe out of hellifh flaveryand bon- i dage, and failing thorow the red Sea of Chrifts i bloud, is fafely fet on (horcin the land that flowes j with fpirituall milke and honey. In a word, this| doth neither plunge a man into the pit of defpaire,' nor miflead him into the (infull delights of out-' ward mirth, or leave him in the deceitfull maze of an unfbund converfion, but doth work upon him a thorow,univerfalI,faving,andrupernaturallchange. Th€ mar'-5 of which I have delivered in two feve-raij_ p[aces before. Y 4 To

See the enlargement of theft two lalt paflagcs, inin-ftrudions f©r comforting af-fliiSedconrci-encesj/iii^.jog. tojij.

You niay fee thcdcgiecsand fteps of this paflage before, inmydircourfe of b; ceding of faith.

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To applpsiie point to my prefentpurpofe: Marke hence the difference betweene the for-mall Profeflbur with his temporary faith, and hira I that the Lord will fandifie and fave by the holy grace of juftifying faith ; In the point of legall re- \ pentance^ commonly other kinde of men, if they fall into any fpirituall afflidion of foule for their fiimeSj either (inke thence intodefpaire^ or drive it away with worldly pleafures, or flop the cry of confciencewith anhalfeand iinfound converfion. Amongft this third (brt we may ranke the formall Profeflbur^ if at any time he be furprized with legall forrowforhisfinnes : But in him whom the Lord will beget againe by the immortall feed of the Word, and the power of his fandifying fpirit, legall fbrrow and remorfe for finne doe therefore breake and bruife the heart, that it may be fbftncd and fitted for the precious oyle o^ the^promifes of grace 5 and his pangs of confcience are a preparative for the infufion of faving faith, and a pafTage thorow fandification and Evangelical! repentance^ into the glorious flare of new obedience, and new-nclTeof iifejfvherein after heeever walks, untill hee happily arrive at his endlefle refl in the new Jerufalcm.

Before I pafie to the next, let the true Chrifliaji take this Icflbn about this point,

If it fo fall out, that after hee hath pafled the pangs of the new birth, and bee made partakers of the firfl refiirredion, there come upon him fbme-times new feares and terrours of confcience, let him not therefore prefeptly with needleUe torture

felfe'inrkhing examination.

^n

turesvexhis foule, by Tufpefting the ftuth of his regeneration^ or ftand aindzedandafrouiihed as chough feme (irange thing were come unto him.

For he muft conceive, and no doubt he finds by. his owneexperience, th^t after a man hath utterly renounced Satan and his fervice, and given his name unto Chrift, he rauft upon necellity with patience (ubmit to variety of vexations^, as the common lot of all the Saints of God • he muft relblve upon the truth and triall of that well knowne and praftifed principle in the arc of falv'ation, and fchooleof Chrift^ T/jr^;^^/>;//^<^ afftiCfmis rree mufl enUrifHotheKwgdome ofGocL There is, God bee thanked, fhed into the heart of true Chriftians, together with faving gracesjthat fbveraigne power ftill held in heart, by a lively feeling of Godsfa-vour, which fwallowes up all their (brrowes, and refrefheth their fbules mih]oyH»fpeakableandglori-Qvs , and that fbmetimes amid their greateft di» ftrefles. Yet fo it is, fbfiercely doe Satans fury, arid the malice of prophannelTe hold them totugge it, thatthey have fcarce a breathing while from cxei-cifeinfbme trouble, orwreftling with fometemp* tation. They are commonly continually in chafe, and hunted even Ith^ a V-rtrUge in ihe mamtaims 5 cither bv Wolves m ihe evening.hloxxd'j perfecutours -^ or cruel] and currifh dogges, prophane fcorners. Either by fuchas fit in the gate, or Drunkards that^ raile in the ftreets. Either byprofefled enemies, or falle brethren. Either by fightings without,, or terrours within, ontwardcrofles, or inward temp-^ tation. If they tafte butTeldome of fpirituall af-

fiiftions

Afl.i4a2.

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tlictiuus ui w^yiiUience, the> otcen drinke the deeper of worldly croffe?. If they efcape ihofe outward calamities which others fcele, they feele thofe inward gripings which others efcape : So truly a continuall warfare is the Chri-ftianslifc. Now fith itisfo, lecnochildecf God thirke it a flrange thing, or therefore unfeafona-I bly afflid his (bule with a cauflefle fufpition of the' truth of his regeneration, becaufc he is fometimes revifitcd with fpeciall horrour of confciencc for finne, or "have the feare of his former tranfgrfffi-ons renued, and charged upon him afrefh: For it is neceiTary many times that Chriftians, elpeciallyif they profper outwardly, and flourifli in the wor'd, be humbled and kept in awe by inward temptations, and fpirituall feares.

Thus the deareft and befl: children that ever God h. d, ever have bcene dealt with, and that lon^ aftc r their new birth.

Ezechkf) upon his death bed complaines, that the L0rd brok^ all his boms like a Lion Even as the weake and trembling limbs of fbme lefler and inferiour bead are rentand crulht by the unrefiflable paw of an angry and unconquerable Lion, (o was the poorc (bule broken and bruifcd withterrours and angry countenance of the Almighty. He could not fpeaiceforthebitterBefJeofgricfe, and anguiChof heart ^ but chattered lik^ a Crane or a Srcalloxip^ md mourned like a Dove»

lob (aith of himfelfe, that the Lord had fit hmup as 4tpjark^ tofjoot aty and had discharge dupo^ himeJ^^oj^ fofted arrftres, the vemmevphereofdrank^ up hisfpmt,

David

Jclje-inricbing examination.

David begins th us, Pfal. i^oOut of the deepeplaces hofve I called H»iothe^OLor^. He cries ojc as though feme gaping of the earth, orgulfe of the Sea had fwallowed him upquicke, (for fo the word figni-fies in the originall) where there were no fcaping but by a miracle. So cries he, and cals out of the depths of unexpreflabie ferrow unto his God, in the higheft Heavens, that hee would lend him his merciful] hand, to pull him up out of the mouth of Hell, left he utterly and irrecoverably finke into the pit of deftrudbion.

This rcvifitation with terrours of confcience in the Chriftian^ is commonly in thefe cafes:

I. If the pangs of a mans confcience in his new birth, be not in fbme good proportion anfwerable to the hainoufhefTc of his former tranfgreflionsand rebellions 5 If he hath bin an extraordinary finner^ and but an ordinary forrower for finne • If he hath becne very hot in Satans fervice before his calling, and not very zealous for Gods glory after it 5 If he marched furiouflyin thepurfuic of earthly plea-fures in the dayes of his vanity, and creeps but onwardilowly in the wayes of godlinefTe after his Gonverfion, why then God out of his juftice and wifdome, upon occafion, may charge upon him greater terrours than at fir ft, and doubled horrour to that he fuftained before, that thereby hee may be througly humbled, that, as it were, by this fe-cond travel!, Chrift may more perfedily k formzd in him, that his heart may bee for ever after more ftronglypofTelTed with loathing and deteftationof his former hateful! life^ and the abominations of

his

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thisunrtgcneracion^ and that his zeale may now be as hot in the caufes of God , as formerly his fury was headlong in the ferv ices ot Satan.

2. Sexrondly, If the Chriftian by the violence of temptation, iind the powerfull infmuations of hisowneflefh, be entangled againe, and re-infe-fted with fbmeformer fenfuall pleafurc of hisun-regener.-tion ^ orby reafbnof thcremidionof his care, and watchfulneife over his way es, be (udden-ly fiirprized with fome new notorious finne ; then may God juftly, befidcs the particular fting of the prejfent, yjrite even many xnoQ bitter thiugs agawfl htm, and mah^ him poffejfi the imquities of his youth. So that thoft (innes, which in the daycs of his inward peace he looked in the face without feare, refume their former ugly vifages, and fright him with ftrange amazements, and new perplexities. And to this end dorh God fodeale with his deareft children, that hee may more and more weane them from the world , weaken in them the power of finne and winne them nearer and nearer unto him-{elfej'and thep'eadiresof HeavcH. David, a man uncomparably exercited, and excellent in (piritu-all experiments, and all thefacred pafTages of the great m> fiery of godlinefle, was full well acquainted with this point ofrevifitation with terrours of confcience, as appeareth, Pp/. 51. & 2 5. & 5 8. & ^o.'verfii* Hee having committed that hi^hoffence, and fallen into the grievous finne of adul tfry^ at the (c^mnd and fealbnable reproofeof N<«-than, was ftrucke by the hand of God with fpeciall remorfe and terrour : Whereupon, befides the

particular

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particular ftingand horrour of thac finne,,whole , armies of his former trAnigreiTions, all the finnes | of his youth, even to his cradiej nay, his original! i corruption, at his conception before he was borne, i ranke themfelves againfl: him with great rage and \ fary, and with as infolent cruelty, as if they hid neverbeene pardoned, k is in this cafe wirh the ' Chriftian^ relapfcd into fomeoJd, or overtaken withibmenew finne, as vvithaBankroutarrefted for debt, and throvvne into priibn, for if once, one man hath hold on him by the backe, then prefendy all the reft of his Creditors come thieke and threefold upon him. How watchful! then (houldeverychildeof Godbe over l^is wayes, left byhisfall, befides offence unto otliers, and the highdifhonourof Godj he. bring upon hisowne backeaffefh the weight, the Rings and ^uikineffc of all his former rebeliionSjthe (innes of his youth, the pollutions of his conception,, nay, the vt:ry tranfgre(lions of his parents.

3. Upon fbme fudden vififation with fbme grievous finnes, or at the firft falling upon the bed of' death, the Chriftian may have the weight of his (innes lie more heavily upon him, and appeare more griefly to the eye of his confcience than they were wont. For there is a kinde of narurall power j in (icknefTc, forrov/, darknelie, meJancholyj the 1 night, extraordinary crolTeSj the bed of death, to >, reprefent the true number and hainoufne(re of our I finnes, with greater horrour, and more unto the life ^whereas profperity, ea(efulnel!e, dayes of peace,doe rather delude the eye of the conlcience,

and

15

SceP/:!/. l?-! & 51. See the Iscoryof J^/. ^■ in mybockefor afflided confck

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and like talle and flattering glalTes, make thole foule fiends fceme fairer than they are indeed. Wherefore theChriftian outwardly diRreffed, or extraordinarily vilited by Gods hand, feeing his finncs upon the fudden marfhalled and marching againft him, moe in number, more fierce, and with more fury than heretofore, may for the while be fiirprized and exercifed with unexpefted terrour, until! by meditation upon Gods former fpeciall mercy unto him in fpirituall things, upon the marks and efFeds of his converfion, upon the truth and fincerity of his heart toward God, in the daycs of his health ^ upon thofe eftimations and aflTu-rances which his Chriftian friend can give him of being in the ftate of grace^and fuch like holy helps, hee bee railed againe from the dejeftions oSf fpirit, and recovered to his former comfort^ and aflurance of his intercft in Chrift, and falvation of his fbule. Thus God dealeth (bmetimes with his deareft children, that the horrourof their finnesmiy become more hateful! to their afflided conlcicnces, and the dearnefTe of Gods mercy more taflfull to their di-ftrefled hearts. Vavii, Pp/.3 8. being put in minde by his ficknefTe, of Gods wrath againft finne, was fall forely afflided in (bule, fo that hee cries out in a rufull manner ^ ihn is mthmg foundm my fiefl) hecjufcof thimaKger -^ neitherHs there reft i» my bones hecauje of myfinne. For mine tniquiites are gone aver my heaij mdas ^weighty burden they are too heavy forme* lambowed^mdcrooh^d'veryfore : Igoe mourning allth day. For my reines are full of burnings and there u nothing found in f^yfleflj, I amweak»ed and fore broken.

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I nare fof the 'very gmfe of mi/,e heart*

4. Fourthly, the true Chriftian may bere-yifi-ted wicKextraordinarytJiTOurofconfcience: For hisowne rrialij that it may appeare even nnto God himlelfe to the lingular gljritying ofhis g^odn^fTe^ Tl al though he ki}l htm^ yet vptll he trufl i/^ him, as hb ipcaks. For this end, as it may feemc Ub was fee as a marke for thearrowes of the Almighcy, and for the terroursof God to fight againft. Or it maybe for the terrour of others, that the world may take thorow and timely notice, and the rebellious wretch tremble and be confounde < at the con federation o^ that terrible place in P^/<?^ 1 Ep/fi.chap.^. 17,»8 If] uigement heginne At the honfe of God^ what j fljol-beiheendofthemvphich obeymtthe GofpeUo Godl If the righteous[ca/cely bet javed^ if Gods children have their confeiences fcorched, as it were with the flam-es of Hell. Tfhere fhdl theungodly audfinner appeare.^hur even in the bott me ofrhat fierv Lake, and amid the unquenchable rage of tho(e endlefle flames. Or (bmerimes for the juft hardning of others ; as when a godly man hath lived Jong amongrt rebels,, thornes and Scorpions^ as it is faid EzechkldidyCk^p.2.6. Imf^ane, amid amughtyand €reoh^d genzru^ion, of prophane llorners, profeft enemies, plaufible tyrant^ and open railers a^ainfl: his gracious courses .' W ho although hee fhine a-mongft them a^ a light, yet they are fbfarre from being thereby inlightned, informed or bettered by fuch example, that like (b ma^y hatefull Bats an.-f Owles, imnatieat of allfpirituall light, they either flie from it as farreas they can^ both in afFe-

dion

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dtion biii..i pradtile or ellefHluponit fiercely with their envenomed clavves of fpight and n-ialice^quite topiiroutfuihhol) light, and to dai ken the place where they Jive. Thc-y interi ret his lincerity to be hy pocrihej his holinefTc to be hi.rrour his for-wardntflephanradicalncdej his fandification fin-gularity, and indeed refoive ard combineaga'nft him with the ungodi ones, Wrjd. 2.12. Letmde-' fraud the rrgbieeus.jor he is rot for our profit^ andU con^-trary to eur doings^ hecLecl{€thffsforoffefiding dgaif^ft thelarv, and hlameih us as tranjgrejjours ofdijciplhe^ £<c. I fav God mayfutfer lueh a man upon his death-bed to fall into fome more extraordinary andmaikabledifcomfort of conCience, of which thrfe gracelefTe wretches among whom he lives, taking notice, are thereby defperately obfVinated, and hardned in their lewd and carnall courfes. For they v/anting the fpirit ofdifcerningj and feeing Gods hand upon him in that fearefull manner doe then moft peremprorily conclude, as thokmfe-rablecomforters upon lob:, that before times he was certainly an hypocrite, and rherupon they become twice more deadly advcilaries to fincerity than were before, they are luielier barred, and (Irong-lier locked in their ftate of good-fellowfhip a' d formality ;, they merriiy blefle themfelves in their hearts rayinguntorheircompanions^thcfearethe tnen which make fu. h fhew ol forwardneCej thefe are the feliowrs which arelb Scrupulous and pre-cife • you may fee now the defperate er d of ilich hypocriticall Puritans. Thus the glory of Gods jufticeisjuftly magnified, by making themflarke

blinde.

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blindCj who wilfully (hut their eyes agairift the light of grace/ by giving them over to a reprobate fenfCj who would not lufFer their crooked waves, to be reproved and re(fiified by the good example of a godly Chriftian. Thofe prophane wretches by Gods juft judgment are for ever confirmed intheir obftinacie and rebellions, and vvalke on with confidence inaperpetuall prejudice againft the power of ianftification, towards the pit of horrour and endlefle defolation. That blefled Saint of God by thofe terroursand aiflidionsof confciencc^ beCdes glorifying God in hardning others, is more tho« rowly fitted and refined for that glory which is to bee revealed.

5. Fifthly, the Chriftian maybetheoftnerex-ercifed with feares of heart, and agonies of fbule forfinne.

1. That thereby he may grow into greater conformity with Chrift in fpirituall (ufferings.

2. That rafting (bmetime of the bitternefleof the wrath to come, he may feare it the more, and flie the further from it.

?. That thereby the incomprehenfible love of Chrift Jefus unto his foule, may finke deeplier into his heart, who for its fake and falvation, dranke dcepe and largejand the very dregs of that cup,the leaft drop wherof is to him fo,bitter,deadly,and in-tollerable. 4. That by fore-times fcnfe of the con-trary,his joy in the favour & light of Gods countenance may be more joyfull,his fpirituall peace more pleafant, the pleafure of grace more precious, the comforts of godlines morecomfortable,&c.Or for

Z fbme

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fome other fecretand invifible end, known onely \ to the all-feeing eye^ and managed by the glorious providence of rhe moft wife God. Amongft other ends whyMafter/l.G/<?^^r was Jeft a little before his end, of the feeling of Gods favour, biic ftrange-ly revived and recomforted with excefTe of joy, when hee was going to the ftake^ was, thathee might paffe thorow the flames with lefle fence of bodily paine, his (bule being frefhly filled with fpiriiuall plcafiire. Out of this point may fpringa refblution of that doubtjand an anfwer to that ob-jeftion which is fomctimes made by (bme good Chriftians. It is this 5 how {hallthatChriftian/a-tisfie, aflbre, and (ecure himfelfe of the truth and fbundnelle of his converfion, who having becne formerlv a very horrible and abominable finner. yet palTeth thorow the pangs of his new birth with farre more eafc^ and lefle terrour, than fbme which have not beene halfe (b rebelliotis ^ neitheris neare (b zealous in the wayesof goJlinelTe, as many who have beene farre lefle finners in the day of their vanity > fb that remorfe'for linne, and horrour of confcience, inhisconverflon, was not (b proportionable to rhe rebellions of his. youth, and hai-noiifhelle of his former life 5 nor his prefent zeale for Gods glory, anfwerable to his formf tfu-rie in the purfuit of finfuU pleafures -^ what may be thought of iuch a man ? or what is he* to thinke ofhirafelfe.

I anfvs?er, it may be moe and more fearefull ter-rours arebehinde, and owing him for afterward. The Lord may cake occafion upon his relapfe into

fbme

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fome oldjor fall into Ibmc new finjor in the time of f >me outward affliftion, to renew and charge upon him afrefh all his feares, and ipirituall diftrafti-ons of minde^ all his horrours and anguiflses of heart for finne, upon a review or his dayesof vanity and former lewdnefle^ and that with deeper bitingSj and more ghaftly horrour than at the firft 5 that thereby his humbledneffe under Gods mighty hand, may bee perfeded, the defeds and imperfedions of his former forrowes for firine fupplied, the great workeof mortification happily furthered '^ adeteftation of his old rebellions in-1 creafed, (pirituall hunger after more holinefle redoubled, and his zeale in good caufes, and for the glory of God, thorowly heated, and more enflamed.

That relapfe or fals into finne doeoccafionally breed gnd bring upon the Chriftian new horrour for.oldfinnes appearesby David, pfaL^i. and ordinary experience of Gods children. It is the property of the childe of God, when hisconfcience is notoriouflv ftung with any one finne, to make a further and moreJFull fearch and enquiry into the whole f>ate of his confcience ^ and to afFed his heart with a fenfibleapprehenfionof the finnes of this whole life, and of the finfulnefle of his nature : To which if the Lord adde his angry Countenance and jufV indignation, it is able to throw him into a new hell of confcience, for thofe finnes which he hath formerly in feme gcod meafure fbr-rowedfor, and rep< nred of, when upon occafion of fbme markable tranfgreffion, he looks himfelff

l*i_l

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intheChryftal! glafleof theLaw of God, for the difcrying and wafhing away of that particular ftaines and (pots, it dilcovers alfb againe unto him the foulnefle and deformities of all his formerabo-minable rebellions.

And fbme great outward crofle and trouble may alfo bee an occafion that the weight of his finnes may prelTe him more heavily and fenfibly, than when they firft bruifed and broke his heart. For it is the property -and praftife of the Chriftianjwhen lie is deepeft in worldly diftrefles, and vexed moft 1 with the miferies of this life, then moft curioufly and impartially to looke into, fearch, and try the truth of his (pirituall evidences, and foundnefle of his tide to the Kin^dome of Heaveiij that yet there at leaft and laft hee may bee (ure of reft and peace, and cndleffe happinefle, which Satan obfer-ving and taking the advantage and opportunity of his dejection of minde^ and heavie-heartediiefle, for his prelTures in the world doth labour might and maine to wrong his title, and weaken his hope of Heaven, by a malitious reprcfentation of the abominations of his youth to the eye of his con-(cience^ which though both fbrfaken and forgiven, yet perhaps are not loathed with that meafiire of deteftation, whirh fuch ugly monfters and foule fiends deferve. And therefore for his greater humiliation Godm^y faffer Satan to fift m ^rethorow-ly, and to ranfacke his confcience more deeply^ that pa^ng againe thorowche flames of (pirituall inward affliction, he may be the better purged and purified from earthly drofle^ and encroaching cor-'-_ corruptions

felfe4nriching examination.

ruptions ^ and more refined and fitted for Gods glorious fervice here, and the glory of Heaven hereafter.

2. Or it may be fiicha man for Ibme divine fe-cret, invifible purpofe, may bee as it were repri -ved and re (pi ted unto his deaths-bed, from any more fpecial! and markable remorfe and tcrrour for his finnes ^ but then he may be paid home with pangs of confcience, and a fierce frefii aflault of all his fins muftered 8c mar (hailed together with fuch new (tingings and afi:oni(hmentS5which will breed in him feares and doubts, about the truth of his former converfion, and in refped of which all Oirituall (ufferings for finne before, were but le(^ (er frightings and flea-bitings ; They may for a fea(bn (bOrangely blunder and confound in him all his former com forts of holine(re3 fincerity, and a good con(cience ^ his faith, in Chrifi:, hope of Heaven, and adurance of Gods favour, that hee feeles him(elfe already almoft in Hell, he doubt much of his ekdion. He fu(pefts his converfion to have beene counterfeit, his former life ro have beene hypocrifie, his company with Chriftians to have beene for bv-re(peds:, (b that he is uncom-parabiy more afflided in con(cience, then at firft when he W3scalled, and lies in unexprelTable Agonies, untill that God^ whofe propertie is to (hew his mercies then greateft, when they are nearefi: to bedefpairedof, doth in the depth ofdifcomrorc and darkne(re (bine glorioufly upon his heart againe with the light of his favourable countenance, and everlafting compafiion : And then

Z -? when

?i?

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vvijcii tilt; iioraic ib once ovtr-biowne, and the cloudsdilppried. he fees clearly that he was therefore caft intothi^ furnace of fpiriraall.affiiftions, that the reliques of his hateful! corruptions might bee thorowly wrought out of him. that hee might finally difmifTe his finnes .which hang (b h{\ on, with more fpeciall indignation and hatred, his departing (bule might clafpe about Chrifts precious wounds J with a fvveer and ftrong embracement_, and become more (enfible and taftefuil of tho(e endlefle joyes, upon which it is happily entring.

3. Or if (uch a one be (brry, and iincerelv grieved that heels not more fbrrowfull for his finnes, and more zealous in holy (ervices, whv may not his (brro w that he is no more IbrrowfuJl, and his zeale after more zeafe,be a xepted, lerve the turne, and latisfie that divine mercih:ill goodnefle, which is wont ever to interpret, and take holy defires -tor the things done, goodly affed:ions for the anions themfelves, longings for grace, to bee very grace longed for, i^ they be fincere, fandrified, and un-dilTembled ? But this I now tell you is a pearle which doth ferveonely to comfort and uphold the fainting hearts of Gods children, in fbmeextraor^ dinary cafs, and extremity of temptations. Let no flranp.er take it up, let nofwine trampleupon it, thele have no part in ir,they know not the price and precioufnelTe of it. Hee doth not loath finful-neffe with (b great deteftation as Pauldid, nor follow holinelTe with that ferventy of fpir it as did £)<^-^U : What then > doth he hate evill truly, though not fo vehemently ? Doth he ferve God faithfully, though

jelfe-inricbing examinatton^

though not fb fervently } why then u-ndoubted- j Iv hee hath faving grace in the fame nature and ! kinde that thefe holy men had, tliough not in the I fame degree and mcafure.

To conclude the rciblution of this cafe of con-fcience • I would advife a man in fuch a cafe, to labour ferioufly with his owne heart, to bring it to that depth of fbrrow^ which may in fbme fort bee proportionable to the height of his former fins^ and to afFed his confcience with that meaiure of remor(e, which may in fbme degree anfwer the out-rage of his former rebellions ; And the more earneflly and eifeftually, becaufe a man is very apt to flatter and deceive his owne heart with thofe hollow, halfe, and infufiicient conve' fions, of which I have forewarned you. And Satan is ever ready, as you heard before^ to rranfportus by his traines and temptations, out of the pangs of, confcience into outward mirth, counterfeit peace | of confcience, or an unfbund change. Lethimalfb continually ^kive with prayer and watchfalnefle asainft the dulnelTe of his zeale, and deadnedecP his heart, and be fare to mike his eleftion fure, and conver(ionf<')und, by diily growth and increafe jn an holy fervency and forwardnefTe, for the enlarging of Gods elory, Chrifts Kingdome and the true com orrs of his owne foule : In a word, let Kimvpo k'out hisfahaii>nmthf'a>'eandtremhling.

Thu>>farreof ihediff rence betwixt the formal] Profcffour and true Chriftianin the point of legal I repentance, of which and knowledge, two necefiary fore-runners and preparatives to the

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T^he Saints

great worke of regenerationjan unregenerate man may be wholly polTcfl: and partaker ^ but (b in that fenfe, and with that diiference as I have formerly (aid.

Now as concerning the three efTentiall parts of regener ation, to wir, laving faithjfpeciall fenctifi-cationja nd Evangelicall repentance 5 they are three fpeciall jewels peculiar to the Eleft, and worne onely by Gods children. Onely the formal! Profeflbur, by the power of temporary faith, may marke a faire flourifli, and formall (hew of them ^ he may put on (bme (hadowes and rcfem-blances, (bme (matterings and outward glimmerings, of the(e faving and (bveraigne pearles, as appeares in my former di(cour(e. But to their inward power and vertue, to their Heaven-borne beauty, invifible and invaluable fairnelTej the be(t unregenerate man is a meere(tranger. For full di-ftindion aud cleare difference in (b high 8c weighty a point, looke 5

1. Firftjas concerning faithjthe marks differencing faving falthjfromall other kinds^whetherfaKe or infiifEcient, &c. and the three (peciall notes of difference betwixt (aving temporary faith, and in my former booke.

2. Secondlyj as concerning fpeciall fanfti(icati-on. fee before in my former booke.

3. As concerning Evangelicall repentance, fee the marks of it, which (by the grace of God) (hall follow in a large Treati(e of repentance afterward.

In the(e places named you may (ee clearly (God

willing)

felfeAnrkbing examination.

' _L J ..--■ ^i^ .. ' ' 1

willing) the difference in thelc three points, betwixt the formall Profeflbur and true Chriftian^ temporary faith, and that which is (bund and faving.

4. Nowlaftly, as touching outsvard reformation, and thofe degrees of it formerly laid dov/ne, I yeeld and grant they may proceed from a temporary faith, and befall the formall Profeflbur. But whatisa man better^ though he be outwardly clothed with Chriftianity, and to the eyes of men put on the glory of an Angell, if he be inwardly lined with luftfull corruptions, and retaines flill a devillilh difpofition in his inward parts.

That outward reformation, though never ^o exiifiand out-fide Chriftianity, though never /b gliftering, will not ferve the turne or fuffice to fal-vation.

Thusfarre of that weighty and important point concerning the differences be twixt the powers and perfeftions of tempoi ary faith, incident to repro-bates^ and attainable in the (late of unregenerati- I on, and thofe faving impreffions, and holy infpi- ! rations of (anftifying faith, that fjuntaineof life, j and Jewell of Heaven, which purs us into pre- j fent poflefliOH e>f the Kingdomeof ^race, and by' found evidences of the promifes of falvarion, fea-j \^& with the precious bloud of Chrift lefus, enti- j \\q^ us to everlading joycs in another world. S

Xhis may fuffice for the triall of our/aith, be-il fore the receiving of the Sacrament. jl

As for the trial! of the reft of the graces former-ly mentioned, pr7g.24.as necellarily required to a [ ^ _ . right!

v-n

Sec nv/ three Reafons In the Difccuifc of 1 lUcHappi-

righc aad omforcablc receiving, viz,, Repeatance, ne v/ Ooediea:e,Lo/e,8incericy,anci a lo.iging de-firc after that heivenly food : The Aathour being iprevented by ficknefT: and death, was hindered in his profecution and trials of them according to his intention. For helpe to Chriftians in the exami-na.ioiiof thefe, they are to u(e the helpe of other worthy Divines in this fubje*^. That which hath beene written, I commend to Godsbleding, and the good of his Church,

^~"T ^ . ' i.t "

-liilOj Jiiu-

Fi:Niis.

*«ri

The Table.

am heavenly, 1^9.

Caupj of^admjjk ■' 0 the goil). \ 89. changes nn javwg and foHftd,

74,282.

Thdttfjavwg, 2S5.

Chrifl^ what he //. 35.

why man. 33.

/^/^j' God. 34,

Combate in unregencrate , jy/^^*.'-.

i.i ' 163.

In the regenerate. 165. Coldmffe in Vrajerythreefold. 174,

Cof^i^ hetvpeene theflejh (tndfpi-rit^afigneoffaith, 162.

Conditio^ of carnall men vohen their hopes faile^ 184.

Conftderations tovteane us from ihevfiorld 161.

Courage in Gods children, 215.

Converjion^vfibat. 19.

Hor»knovpne. 283.

Conftancy^afigneofit^ 293.

Jnconji4nt Converts^ of two forts.

l/^ *•'• '■'••^< -292,296.

' Covttoufnefe. 261.

Credulity. 96.

Cr^eZ/y of Land-lords taxed, i $6. Ct^eme^ nopleaforfinne. 1^6'^

250.

Cufiomet cf the Vrimitpve chrch

in receiving the Ssrrament* $.

D

DAngir'of ^nmorthy receiving. '■ ii,t45&c. Daubing condef!ined. 272. Degrees of Jinnr^g. ico,igi,

102.

Dejpaire. i o 5,11 o, 1^11.297.

Cenjsderations to cure it.

12,13.

Difference hettpeene trro Sacra-

mms, 24525.38,39.

Differences hetweene fazii/sg and

temp fraryfaith, 200.221,

E

Elaculations, lyS,

Endiof the Sacrament, 41. Enclofure cenjured. 15 5,2 3 7jScc. Exawinaiion before receiving, a dutj. 8^Scc,

Wkititis. \j,

IVhereinit conjifls, 18. Excuses for fmaring^ anfwered,

244. Expofition <?f Pfal.2 3.121 ,&c.

F

Aitk ^^at. 37-

The T able.

H9VPit}iM)indgr^vfies. 59.

to 6 5.

How it is k»oi»»e* 117>^c. HifforicallFiiitlh . 6%,

Faith of miracles, 66.

Imasimry faith of three forts,

66,Sic. Dead Faith. ^9.

Tep^pQrary Faith defimd, 6^. H{mit differs jromfa'ving^jo. 2 00 HoTpfarrc it goes in iUHmifsation, 72,73.203. Horf> it differrfrom faving Faith

intUs, 22^5229.

How far it goes in cotrverfion, 74. Mow it differs fromfavingi'H this,

283. Ho^farreimregeneration, 74. Uowfarre in k^ovpkdge, ibid. Jn legall contrition^ andthefrnitt

irfit. 74.

Infaith, 77.

Infan^ification. 78.

TnEvangdicall repentance y^. In reformation, BOj&c.

In ajherf of a hot) life, 86.

Faith may he ecclipfed 124.

How it differs then from otJxr

Faith, 125.

FalhfAd2im. 30.

Fals op he Saints, r^h^ mntioued

90.

^h Saints grove bj tU'^, . 2 80. Forfaki.vg th i^rld a figne of

faUh. , \ 159,.

Fervency in prayer threefold. 174. Fruits of a true faith. ^67^

Fruits of San&ifaation. 134. Fundaimntallpoints of our Chri-

jiian faith. . 27.

1

GOd^whatlkis, 27.

Grace if^, commumcative. 18.24. Goodly mencannotfnm. . 200. Glorification, ^61

Grovfith^affgne of grace, \ 53." Afigneoffaith. 12 a*

Afigneof cenverjton. 2 2y^

Gron>th ingodlineffe compared to divers things., 2 871.

H

H

Vmlitya companion of fazing knotFledgc. 47;

IGnorance. 5J»59*

III'gotten gocds. 262.

Illumination J har^farre^ yet un-fonnd. 72^23.229.

ImpHtation of Chrijis righteoufr neffe. 35!

IheTable.

It^Mitj 98.

lmercejSio» of rfjf^lfi:,n?haf, 55. loyintribHlaim, a KUffeaf fafth, ' 183.

B)ivhat C0»f(deratrm itheaufid l<i0.toi5>9.

K

KNowkdge itjmii atii fried,

what to dee k^^ewhe 'MczMng cod, ibid.

What this mA^ te4ch us, 28.

IVhat to tee k^ovpne concerning man, 28j&c.

what thisvporksinns, 32.

what wee mnji l^i» concerning Chrifi, 33.

What difpofitions this f{mdedge

tfiorki* 3 ^'

what to bee 1\not»ne concerning

the Sacraments, ibid.

what this W0rl{siniis. 43.

Saving k^v^ledge i^ pra&ic4L

Dejtrous of mere, 4958CC.

Commumcative:, as the Sunne,

ItBegdsJovi. 57.SCC.

It is miverfalL i66»

Experiment all* 2270

mm»mmt^l^^ililiSmmi,^Sifti

LTing, 226-

Love to Cods children^ hoi»

qualifiel, 2i.

Love afi^neoffiitk 13^.

Love to God^ tkegrmnddMran-

chesofit. i^S.'kc.

Lofve to the creatures^ ^f^^(i^ll) to

the go.U), 143.1

Lov^ of a mansfdfe. 1 44%

Loi)e of friends afiial'idfice. 145. None but Ctheir wives, 145,146. fan&i^djtheir children* 1 47. men can jtheirjriends. ibid* l<me^ titheir kindred, 150. The ground of true love* 149. Lote to our enemies a jmt of faith.

150.

M

\M/insmiferybfmure» 28,

Meanes of deliverance, 32.

Martyrs, 197.

Good meanings not mak^^s good Communicants, 12.

Mearns to beget grace* 2 5.

Meants to get fart in Chriji* 3 7.

Meanes

The Table,

Mtafs^s of gract 4»i k^mpkdire.

120.

Themeinwg of the Sacramntall

tIk Uedia^wrfliip of chfffi is of threepafts 34.

The mercies of God difplajed,

O

OBf^ihnsagttinftptacUftg^ firiU trnths anfvpend. 88. Ob]eWoftsoftk merry Irf: of the vptck^d^ a/ffn>ered. 187.

iilfi of their courage and hold-neffe. 191.

Tkoffices ofchrijf. 34.

PEace mth onr neighbours^ not sufficient preparation to the Sacrament. 13,

Poppers of thvforld tocome^ how tafedlythetenfporaries, 73. Places of Script uretfirefiedagainfl Precifenejfe. 24.

For covet Oftfnejje, 1 54.

Forproerafiimtion, 266,

Prnjersofthe nnrtgenentte. 167.

to 174.

Private Prayer. iy%ij()'

Hotviteajethtlekart, 179 180. Prefumpticn. 105 io6«

BoK> God deaks vithfuch. i c^ -

icj.

Preparation of th heart jorfaith,

59 ^c ii7,&c.

Principles in tk doUrine of mor-

tijkatloH. 266.

Pfeudo-martyrs. 191 8cc.

PmiHcativn of the karta ftgw gf

faith. 126^200.

Per fever Offce 4 companion of it.

213. Prying of judgements in preach -j

hg necejfaty. 270.ro 2 80. Pa^ingout of theptsngsGfcBnfci-

tncefoiitevcayes. 297.

R

REconciliation 35.

Rejoycing cf the Vfiicktd ^ what. ' 188.

Rehpfcs to ftnne^ and tk effe&s,

181. Remiponofjtnnes. 35.

RegemrAiion,mihitsparts, §4.

75. Repentance E'^angelicall. j<^. It is a figne of faith. 129.

ReviJ/ta ionty with feares after

con J

The Table.

cojffitrpn^ tokn it happew.

313.

t0vph4te»d, 319. to 329.

tiepr«bat€t may have common

graces^ andwhj* . 9 2,9 3,

T

251.

SAcramvii ofib Lords Snpftr^ fortfhom 26.

Sacrammu^ thenHmher^ natnrt^ u^ea»dends^ 38,8cc.

SanStijicMion. ^^"71-

Jfit^be thoroppjl if aJigfteoffaiiL 132.&204. S4Uffs fuggeftfo»s s andmeiiotfs of our mne hearts differettced,

206. SAtanscrAjtfpUhmen. 302. Sjmony, 236.

Spirit iffhndage defcribed, 7 5. Sprit of prayer accompametfaith.

167. Svaariftg. ' 244. \v{ufy.

nTHeefes coftverjtott on the

X Crojfe no ground of pre-

fumption^ 91.

tmgs rtquifite to right receiving.

17* Thughts ntyflbe hokt to, 205.

trials of coffverjion, 7 o.&c.

Ofl^kdge. 275 &c.

4458CC.226. Of faving faith. 117, &c»

Of temporary, 2003&:c.

VNionmthChriJl.what, 35. Vnmercifulnejfetaxed. 1.54^

Vmverfall change argnes conver-jion.. 284.

p

Faults, in theTreatifeoftheSacrflment, efcaped at the Prcflfej and (brae in the Goppy,

Age 11.line 18. ioxfpst'm fictirctdipMinkufaei. p.8tf.I.i 2 for anverfttm r»coit-Vfrfie7i.]p,\t7Jl. II. IciycoutipeiLf I4J.I !5.»Iefcoutp.i J1.I.3X fotinr.it,p.\6f, — l.ii (oTfjfigntex,p^^«vate.p.i77Li6.foTCitaiHec certaine*f\f6.l.$%.lcire9iatby tbcnt. p.ioi 116.for ftrmt r. ftrmaU. p 116.1. xf. for by a [awni being i.kya favmg fattb betng.f.xx9, 1.11 AorpfotittfProfbeur wtra's eftbe Frefbtts, ^tii.l.\6.iorwhichCbam-f'wn. x.wljt(bconvextt cbimfiott. ^.iSo.foityrtr.cryes. p. 180.i.^. for Some faidjV.Some^faitL P.X87.I, II. for bathnetfftfvfne r. lHtbntrircvpne.f,^9 1 .l>i4. iotfwner r^urtr. p.iyS. 131« (oTth'fugbT.tbr«t»,

PAgi4<> 1 i2.(oradmitbisneigbbMr it r. admitbuweighbturtnaj l^eefeit. p.iSj.Idi* at (»} nt pur in this, m the Up »f the bMfe. p.t^xXio. at Cbriftunity put in this, Theythrvw awiy tbtir md/ont likf (tjvards^ {(c, p.198. Lio> ac vfgmr put in this, that btini awilffntd ly tbt band of dium jn^ufi &c.

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