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-1
BRIEFE
DIRECTIONS
UNTO
A GODLY LIFE:
Wherein every Chri-
ftian in furui&ed with moft
neceffary helps for the furthering
of him fa a godly courfe here upon
Earth, that Co he may attaine Eter-
nal! Happineflein Heaven.
Written by M T .Paul Bayne,
Minifter of Gods Word, to
M r . Nicholas Iordane his
Brother. I
LONDON,
Printed by A. G. for I. N. and are
to be fold by Samuel Enderby at the
Starre in Popes head Alley, 1^37.
i.
^w
To the
R I G H T
Worfhipfhll, M'.
Nicholas Iordane
Efquire, and one of his
Ma/efties Iuftices of the
Peace and Quorum jin the
County of Suflix,
SIR,
T batb beene
an ancient
cuflom to re-
feree (ome
liyely repre-
sentation of worthy friends
deceafedy therby to continue i
A ? t be .
I.
THE EPISTLE
I
the remembrance of their
j venues, fsrfons, and bye.
This holy Treatife enfuing s
bath ferVedyou to that pur-
pofe^and that $ery fifty ; for
herein you. have a true re-
prefentation and remem-
brance of your mo ft worthy
and lowing Brother, effect-
j ally of the mo ft noble and
worthy part of him, I meane
of his excellent under ft and-
ingin the myfierie of godli-
nejfe: his moft jealous and
earneft will and defire of aU
menspratlke ofgodlineffe j
And hisfinpere lo<ve unto
youjnparticularftnto whom
hee primarily diretled thefe
Directions
DIDICATOR.Y.
-*»
Directions unto a godly life - f
which as they do lively ex-
preffie that he bad put on the
new man y createdandrenu-
edin knowledge \ right eon f-
neffe and true holine/Je :fo
is it mofi worthy of our re-
feriPAtion.j both for the re-
membrance and imitation of
him* Tea, I may confidently
affirme, that this faithfu'J
remembrancer is mo ft wor-
dy and fit alwales to h
carried about us, and daily
to be look don by in: for it
will helpe w well to put on
that new m.m,and to be con-
formable to our Head lefiu
Chrijly arid to walke before
A 4 the
^»-v
^P""
\
THE EPISTLE
the. Lord in bolinejje and
righteoufneffe all the dates
of our life. For there u
this difference between thoje
former corporall Images of
earthly bodies and thti, that
men ypitb too much bye and
ufe of them, eafily fell into
< fuperflitious wickednejfe 9
but thy the more it it loyed
and ufed of men, the more
will aQ wickednejfe be rooted
out of their hearts, and the
more will they glory 'fie God
by a holy life and conyerfa-
tion. No'fr haying receiyed
thii holy Treatife at your
wor flips hands topubliflj it
unto the WorldJ am bold to
re-
DIDICATORY.
returns it unto you for fafe-
gard t both that the World J
may know unto whom it is
obliged for Jo excellent a mo?
nument f as alfo/or the great
benefit that /ball be reaped
thereby. So(Sir) accounting
it a wife part in him that
cannot jpeake wellfofay but
little ; / commend you and
this Treatife to Gods Grace
which is able to build us up
farther i eyen to doe won-
droufly aboye all that wee
can aske or tbinke.
Your WorfhJps humbly
at command,
N. N.
Mr ■-
As
^£S^
Briefe Directions
unto a godly Life : where.
in every Chriftian is furni-
(hed with moft neceffary Helpes
for the furthering of bins in a
godly Courfe here upon earth,
that Co hee may atuinc
eternall happinefle in
Heaven.
lire it is, that ic
was not thus with
man-kinde in the
beginning as now
ic is.
God created man
happy, yet mutable ; but Sacan by
deceit did caft him from that hap-
py condition; whereby befiiesthe
lofic of that felicicy, he was plun-
ged into extreme nufery 3 which
confifleth in two things, .
I " Fi-rft, \
m »> ■*» ■ >Wf
\
Britfi VntBiont
Firft, in finne.
Secondly, the curie following
upon it.
Firft, our finoe is not onely that
firft tranlgrcffion of -/**/«*;* wher-
by we are all guilty, but alio that
in fe&ion of foulc and body arifing
from the former. Hence it is that
the underftanding is filled with
blindneffe; the conscience woun-
ded, (eared, and defiled j the ra-
mory forgetting good things or
not remembring any thing aright.
The will eaptive, of no ftrength
to good, but onely to evill • the
affs&iocs all together disordered.
The cogitations about heavenly
matters, are errour, falsehood, and
lies.
The wifhes and defires of the
heart arc earthly, and fleihly. The
outward behavioui is nothing clfc
but a giving op of the members of
the 6ody asinftrumentsof finne.
The curfe maketh him fubfcft
in this life for his ufc of the crea-
tures tocftarths,famine,8tc.For his
body,
unto a godly life.
body , to ficknefleand other paines.
la his feafe for his friends to
the like calamities; inhisfouleto
vile affc&ions, to blindnefle, hard-
nefle of heart, defperation, mad-
nefle, &c. In both body and foule
toendlefle, and eafeleffe torture in
the world to come. Yet fomc may
objeft thar,
All are not in this cafe or eftate.
To which I anfwer :
Ail are fubkft by nature to the
fame wrath or God; they which
fecle it not, thek cafe is no better,
but rather worfe than the other.
Thconely Efficient remedy for
the laving of man, is to fithfie
Gods juftice^ which by finne is
violated His juftice is (aclsfied by
filtering the punifhiient due to
Gnne, and by the prcfent keeping
of the Law. Therefore it is not to
be fought for in our fclve^ nor in
any other creature. It being ap-
pointed by the Father, was under-
taken and wrought by Chrift, and
is fealed in rr-ens hearts by the ho-
ObjeS.
Brift Dtre&hns
ObjtB.
Anjvf.
I
ly Gfaoft : but it -may be deman-
dcd :
How did Chrift his redemption
become ours ? I anfwer :
God the Father, of his infinite
love^gave bim freely to us, with all
his whole workc of Redemption.
This Divine Myfterie is brought
toIightbytbeGoipell.
The ufe whereof is to manifeft
that righteoulhcfle in C h r ist 3
whereby the Law is fully faisfied,
and (alvation a r tained.
The remedy and the tidings of
it is received only by Faich, which
Faith is fo to give credit to Gods
Word, as he reft thereon^ that hee
will fave him ; and is wrought by
che miniftery of the Wordj<revca-
ling this mercy and truth of God :
and by thefe the holy Ghoft in-
lightening him to conceive, draw-
ing him to believe^ and fo uniting
him to Chrift.
The knowledge of the former
things is not fufficient for him
chat will come to .happiudTe :
bin
unto a godly Life.
but this knowledge workech.
Firft, he is dra wne by the fecret
worke of chc Spirit of. God, to
be perfwaded that. the D -ftcine
taught doth concerne him : hee
fu;h wifdome given him to ap-
pjygenerall things particularly to
himfclfe : CW. 1 . 9. as firft, the
Preaching of the Law, and the
threatned curfes of it ; whereby he
teeth himfelfe gailty before God
of CiCrnall puni&ment and wrath.
Secondly, the Lord direð
him to enter into further confije-,
ration with himfelfe, of and about
his prefcnt eftate, and confulceth
what to doe in this his ex remity ;
and that not lightly, butferioufly,
as a matter of life and death,
/irr.8,6. £#^7.15.
If he be not able to conntell
hirnlelfe, hce asketh counfell of
others.
Thirdly, from the former coa-
Citation, he commeth to this re-
folution, that hee will not returne
to his old waieSjbut h all humility
and
Britfc Dm&ions
I
aad meekncffi and brokenneffe of
heart, fay with ?*«/; Lord what
wiltthouthatldoe*
Fourthly, by this meanes hce
corameth to an unfained defire of
forgtvcneflfe, which alwaies pro-
ceedeth from a (bund hope chat
God will be in treated of him.
This hungring after mercy, and
long'ng after Christ, is very
earned and fervent,though in fome
with more timoroufneffe than in
other.
This miketh the Gofpell to be
glad tidings, and the feete of them
that bring it to be beautifull to
him.
Fifthly, withcameft, humble,
and particular confeflion of bis
finnes, hee poureth out prayers to
God for the pardon of them in
Chrift.
Sixtly, he having found out this
pearle,prizeth it as it is worth i and
therefore fclleth all thathee hath,
biddeth farewell to his fweeceft
delights for she attaining of it $
which
which affc&ion is not for a mo-
menr, but is written, as it were,
with the point of a Diamond,never
to be rafed out againe.
SeventhIy,Then hacomraeth to
apply the Gofpell to himfelfe, as
before he did the La w,and fealeth
up his falvation in his heart, rea-
foning from thofe gracious promi-
fes which God hath made to fuch
as he is.
Thus by often and deep weigh-
ing the truth, unchangeablencfll
and perpetuity of the promifes, he
commeth at length to be fettled in
Faith • this Faith uniteth him to
Chrift, and bringeth him to happi-
nefle. And it is wrought inward-
ly by the Spirit, while men obey
Gods Ordinance in the hearing of
the Word, the outward mcanes of
falvation.
Now the markes of Faith tobe
feenein the belecvcr by himfelfe
or others rare
i. If he (hive againft doubting,
I*dg.6. 17.
2, If
8
Briefe ~DinUions
2. If not feeling Faith, hee
t:omplaine bitterly of the want
of it.
3. If hee feeke fervently to be
fettled in beleeving.
4. If he defire to ftarch out the
finne which may poffibly hinder
him,and endeavour to expell it.
The raa?ne caufe why lb many
doe want Faith, is the Di veils be-
witching, and blinding of men, [
2 Or. 4. 3,4. Wherein mans fault
is, that hee opener h his eares, and
giveth credit to Satans deceitful!
fuggeftions.
For the preventing therefore of
this danger, the Lord hach given
watch-men to \yarnei the people
ofthsperilL
The reafon therefore why men
doe not avoyd ir, is. either in the
Minifter, that hee doth qot warne
themjslright, or <\k in the people,
that they doe not receive ic.
pi the Minijitrs :
x. Ifchey teach nq:-acall.
2.
If
untoagedlyLife.
2. If they teach feldome.
3. Ifthcy teach, but not plainc-
ly to the capacity oft he hearer.
4. If by Catechifingthey doe
not teach the grounds of Faith in
right and good order.
5. If rhcy be not ready by pri-
vate conference to (atisfie their
doubts.
1 6. If they have not a Chriftian
care of giving gnod example by a
holy and blaaielefle life.
But thcMinifters muft confi-
der their duty laid forth :
Firft, by Tides, as Watchmen,
Labourers, Mttth.g. 37. Salt and
Lighr,<&/4*. ?. 13. 14 Shephcards,
lob* 21.15. Good Scribes, AdMth.
13. Stewards, iCor. 4* 1* Nurfes,
lTbeJf2,j.
Secondly, in Commandements,
i/f£ti20. 28. iTimotb. 4. 2. For
their better incourageraents, they
rauftconfider:
Firft, the honour vouchfafed to
them, to be God. his Atnbafla-
dours.
Secondly,
10
Brief* Directions
Secondly, the comfort of this
labour*
Thirdly, the good that they
may doe*
Fourthly, the great reward pre- 1
pared for them, Van. 1 2 . 3,
The lets that are in the
People ^dre :
Firft, if they efteemc lightly of
the Gofpel,preferring other things
before it 3 Luke 24.
Secondly, if they imagine it an
impoffible thing to get aflurance of
falvation in this life.
Thirdly ,if they think iyhoogh
not impoffible^ yet not any way
neceffary.
Fourthly, if they thinke it both
poffible and neceflary, bac too
hard to come by,
Fi&hly, if they be carelefle and
ignorant.
Sixthly, if for feare of lofing
other pleaftres,. they forbeare to
fcekeafrerthis.
Seventhly, if they prefume of
their
unto a godly Ltfe*
II
their Faith, living ftill in their Cms.
Eighthly, if there were never
thorow brokenaefle of heart pre-
pared to receive the Gofpell.
Ninthly, if for feare of not con-
tinuing , they will not begin.
Tenthly, if they doe worke it
upon themfelves, but doe deale
flightly with ir.
I Eleventhly, if they content
themfelvet with fudden flafhes
that (bone are out, and doe not
(eeke to be fettled.
A naked and baredefire of fal-
vation, now and then ftlrred up in
a man, is not to beleev*.
Firft, true defire cannot bt fitif-
acd without ic,and therfore giveth
not over till itobtaheir.
Secondly, it maketh high ac-
count of it, as of a precious Faith ;
and vetoing of it according to the
worthineff: of ic : He fcekcth wil-
lingly and readily : He iectlerh his
hearc upon the proroifesof God.
Hee meditates on Gods Com-
1 mandementsj that hse fliould be-
j Iccve : I
• - — -
I
leeve: by thefemeanesheecom-
methto be fettled. Which done 4
hee muft beware of all ocafions
chat may unfctcle him. Againe,
efpcially that he doth pot give too
much place to flefhly reaibns and
caroall donbcings, nor hearken to
evillfuggcftions.
BEcaufc the children of God
after they have believed^ are
ofcen drawne from their hold,and
caufed to fnfpcfted chemfclves,and
fo fall into much feare and doub-
ting that they arc none of the
Lords, they mnft therefore learne
to ftrengthen themfelves thus :
i. They muft know that in
God there is no (hado w of change,
and therefore that it Utheir weak-
nefletoenterraine fiich thoughts,
Tfalm. 77. 13. For hee ought
not to at ft away his confidence,
Heb. 10,35.
2. Hee may perfwade himfelfe
that hee labouring after, and gro-
ning to reft his wearied heart on
the
thepromifes of God, (hall never be
wholly forfiken, chough fome-
times deftituce of feeling. Now if
any aske,
Why doth God differ hischil-
dren to fall into (uch feares? Icis
for this;
Left by a .fudden abfolure
change, they fhould become fe-
cure ox prefiimptuous.
3. They muft know that the
roote of our comfort, is not in the
ftrength of our Chriftian life, but
in the free grace of God in Chrift;
and therefore the weaknefle there-
in ought not to bring us into doub •
ting of our falvation. Ic may be
weake^ but it (hill never be ex-
tingui(hed$for he that is new borne
can never die.
4. They muft call to mind that
they be yet but children,(ub jeft to
manydifeafes, andfomeof thofe,
foch as may take away fenfe of life;
which muft move us not to difpair,
but to feek w th al diligence for the
cure of them.-wherasif any objeft,
; ': '• Many
Sg'ft-
Anfvt.
M
Briefe D'ire&ions
£a<P-
Anfw<
arc
Many of the faithfull
brought to that paflTe, that being
pcrfwaded that they are repro-
bates, are neerc unto defperacion ;
they have a feafe of God his wrath,
and are in great anguifh of consci-
ence : how ihall they ftay them-
felves in this cfhte? I anfwer
them.
i . They may be aflbred of this,,
that they are not without hope of
mercy, becaufe they hare not fin-
ned againft the holy Ghoft ; for
they have not malicionfly fit
themfelves againft the truth of
God, they have not wilfully per-
fecuted it againft their conscience,
bat doe love the fame and defire to
be partakers of ic#
2. They muft learne to know
from whom this dclufion com-
meth, even from Satan who Iabou-
reth either to wring their hope
from them, or elfe to weary their
lives with hcavinefle and difcom-
fort.This heattempteth :
Firft, by fpirituall fuggcftion,he ,
being
J
=*■
un 4 f^udly Life.
15
b<*ing a fptritjand helped al/o with
the long experience which he hath
had of this rr?<fcj and therefore fir;
he be irgalfo full of malice, and of
u fearchable fubtihy, withexcec-
dir g ftrength, and therefore ready
thus to trouble us.
Thus he inciceth as to fins, nor
onely which by nature wee love,
but even to thofe which wee have
no inclination unt^* and when be
hath thus fattened upon many a
man, then he labjureih to dimme
his knowledge and Uiiderftandkg,
that hec may lay no hold on any
truth that may comfort him , or
make benefit of any promife.
Secondly, by outward obj-fts
and occanotis forcibly per fwadir g
to finne. New becaufe thtfe thing*
proceed rather from Sathan than
fromthemklves, thereisnocaufe
why they (hould be difcouraged.
Thirdly, they mufl call to mind
that God calleth and enc :>urag< rh
us to truti and believe in him j and
therefore it muft needs difpLafe
B him
16
Briefe 'DittUitns
KJ»
ObjeB.
Anfir.
Anfi*.
him that they arc removed from
cheir faith, to give place to the fpi-
rit of error. And how if they feele
not the fwcettafte of God? grace >
i. Yet they muft not meafure
themfelvesby that they prefently
feele, when the foule hath loft her
feeling; but by the time paft, when
they were free from temptation.
2. The fruits of their faith are
often evident to the eye of others,
whenthemfelves cannot fee them.
3. They muft bee acquainted
with the waiesof God, who often
doth bide himfelf for a fcafos, that
they may with more carneft defirc
feeke for his wonted grace, and
wich more joyfulneffe of heart
praHehim whsn they have obtai-
ned it againe. And if this hinder
thcm,becaufe
They cannot live as Gods chil-
dren doe, or as he requireth ; they
are to bee encouraged herewith,
that
They are plants which take sot
tF.c r full perfeftion at once,but by
little
um 7 a godlj L fe*
17
little and little with daily watering
anddreffing : and that Patience and
conftancie with a refiktt* minde U
heart Gods triad \ mi ttririga-good
end in nB temptatienf.
THat every Chriftiai) may fee
his cftate to bee good, itfhall
be profitable to confidcr how farre
an unbcleever may got; And fo
whether hee hath gone further.
1. An unbeliever may bee terri-
fied with hisfinnes, his conference
terrified by the fpirit of bondage,
2. He may bee penfive after fin
committed, iJftwg.21.7.
3. He may findejoy and delight
intheGofpell, and in tbe exercifcs
of Religion^iWif . 1 3.20.
4. Hee may have atafteofthe
life to come with Balaam.
5. He may reverence the Mini-
ft:rs,and obey them in many things
as Herod did, and yet never be fta-
led up to etcrnall life. Many that
have made great and glorious
fhewefj and fcemed to have beene
B 2 very
Briffe DircStions
•^
very forward, havr after either in
profjrricy waxed fwamonyor in af-
fliction* wearie; nay, ma^y which
have (hi n:d as lights for a (eafon,
have fallen away even bcf re
trouble canr.Many have had grtac
griefc of minde, and fo fcemc unto
themfelves to have repented ; but
yet have deceived themielves a be-
caufe they never fur ntfh chemfclves
with true faith, a pure heart , a
good confidence, change of their
life through the love of God;
their hearts are not upright, nor
they will not deale plainely with
the Lord* B^t if wee would no f
loft all our labour, wee muft goe
further than any uarepentaat p«r-
fbn can goe ; wee muft never ceaft
till wc have more humility, fincc-
rity and truth of heart, and cerraine
roarkes and tcftimonies of our Sal-
vation.
They will heare the Gofpell
diligently : but we muft lay our e-
(Hte with it, and receive the print
of it upon our hearts and lives,and
bee
■
pgnto a g^dly Life.
be caft into the molde of ir 3 and fb
finde ic the power of Salvation.
They will refrainefrom,them»
felves, and drive out of their fami-
lies rainy finnes.
But we muft willingly be re for-
med in what parr of our life fbever
we can bee joftly challenged : and
notblemifh our profcffion in any
thing.
ALcbough the love of God &
Chrift, the worke of the Spi-
rit applying then^and faith appre-
hending them,bec the chicfe caufe
of our converfion,yet becaufe they
are not fo eahly felt of us 3 as they
are fare and infallible grounds in
themfelves of Salvation ; there-
fore it is neceffary to adde fbmeo-
rherefFefts or rather properties of
true faith, thatdoaccompaniethe
love of God, and of Chrift Jcfus
in us; and are the workes or fruits
of the Holy-Ghoft by the Go-
*fpell, which may more clearcly
bee perceived and difcerned than
B 3 faith
IP
20
Briefi DireliioHs
ObjeU*
faith ic (clfe ; and will cleaiely
tcftifie^thac where chefe bee^ there
(hall that be found aJfo.
The firft inseparable companion
of Faith, is joy and comforr, glori-
ous and unfpeakeable, Ali.% 8. 3 9.
Butitwillbefaidjthae
Some true believers are even (ad
and forro wfull*
Indeed they mourne andgroane
for a while after that which may
make them merry for ever : and
in this mourning they areblcflcd.
Mtth. 5.4. and their eftate far re to
be preferred before the laughter of
the ungodly which is but madnos.
u The childc of God being
converted cannot but admire this
change of eftate f andeven be afto-
niftied at the love and mercie of
God : What fhould move him to
beftow fuch happineffe upon fo
unworthy a creature, lob. 14.22.
Pfal. 1 1 6.8. 13934.
2. This holy and reverent ad-
miration muft not bee oncly at our
firft converfion, but ought every
dw
unto 4 godly life.
day to be rcnoed in the Lord, who
doth every day pardon our finnet %
Pfal.nS.S. and doth al(b upheld
us in our confidence and integrity.
3. The true believer feeling the
love of God to bee died abroad in
his hearty 114th alfo withjin him un-
fained love kindled towards
God, Pplm. 116. i. Luke j. 47.
Which love of God muft fhadow
1 he love of all other things what-
foever.
4 Hee cannot but have his
heart iolarged unto thankfulneffe,
andpraifeGod even in afflictions
themfelves/P/j/. 1 16.12.
5 . There is begotten a holy and
earned defire ro have more com-
munion with God ; even to cnjQy
his bhfled pretence, and to fee his
glory, 2. Corinthians 5. 1.
6. The former gracr maketh
him to forfake this World, to be-
come a firanger and a pilgrime
htere, and (oto have r.o more to
doc in frs World than hee needs
mu(t; Not that he leave the necc£
fary
21
Marie dwics or forfeke his calling)
but that hee is doc fo tied co thefe
thiog$,buc that he could willingly
leave them, and fo being ready to
die 3 ismadcficrolive-
7. Hee cannot but lament and
be afhamcd of his former uokind-
nefle to God,and is ready to be re-
tenged on himft lfe for ir.
8. Ir cannot bee, but knowing
out of what milerie hee hath efea-
ped, and unto what happincfle he
hath attained, he pittie others that
are as he was,and wi(h and Ltbour
to make them as he is.
One means whereof is edifying
conference. TV*. 10.21.
1
F any man hath taftcd of that
happincfle which comroech by a
true faith, and doth therfore ddire
tokeepethefame, and fe wet h the
loefing of it, hee muft for his con*
firraation :
I. Nourish within himfdfe dai-
ly that high eftiraaticn and account
making of his grace,he reuft think
it
unto a gaily Life.
it hischicfcft happinefle and moft
precious trcafurc ; which they
chatdoe,have their hearc ever up*
on it; they feare the forgoing of
if, they regard it moft of all other
things.
2. He muft both by prayer dai-
ly and oft beg this of God, and al-
fo (erioufly meditate on the graci-
ous proraifes ofGod, their nature,*
truth, and perpetuitie : for want
of this calling to minde of things,
many do Ic fl'pout oftheir minds
thofegrouads of faith by which
fbmetimes they have found com-
tort.
3. Hee muft helpt himfclfeby
ordinary and reverent hearing the
glad ridings ot S *1 virion preached
unto him ; as alio by the holy u fc
of the Sacraments.
4. He muft carefully retaine a
viewing of his finnes by right exa-
mination^ the fight of them will
kecpe him from taking offeree at
theCrofleof Chrili, nay the tart-
Defieatid bitter efle of hif femes,
will
/■
23
•to
H
9 "
Briefe VinUions
~WI ■'
will make Chrifts death moft
fetet and pleafan t unco him.
5. Hee rauft libour to fettle
himfelfe even by the experience
which he hiroftlfe hath found of
God his goodnefle towards him,
and his working in him.
6. Hee may cenfirme hirofelfc j
even by the examples of others,
who of weak,have become ftrong,
and of luch as bee is., have become
fuch as he defirerh to bee : by thefe
meancs Gods children come to
have a holy acquaintance with
God,and to know his will towards
them; the Lord difpofing even
their weakeneflc unto their good,
that they may by their falls bee
humbledjand God by their uphol-
ding may be glorified.
One efpeciall thing is, alwaies
to begin the day with deepecon-
fideration of God his gracious fa-
vour towards us 5 which if wc doe
nor,lhtk can bee looked for in the
day^buc either uofavory lightnefle,
and fo to be deceived; or unprofi-
table
table care, and fo to bee diftjui
eted. \
By that which bath bin (aid be-
fore,it is to bee obfcrved^ chatal-
thoughtrue faith bee in fubftance
oneard the fame; yet that there
are three degreesof it, kis plaine.
i. The firft is the weakeftand
leaft meafare., when there is a*yet
noafluranccin the beleever, and
yet infeparable fruitSjjtnd infalli-
ble tokens of if,
2. Thcfecond degree is when
(bme aflurance is wrought in the
beleever at (bme time, bur very
Wcake ; and is often to feeke and
wanting, and recovered againc by
entring into due confederation of
hiseftate, and of the truth of God
who hath prorciifsd it,
£• The third is the higheft de-
gree of itj though more ftrong
and better fetled in fome than in
other ; and this hath aflurance ac*
companying it for the moft part
ufually, unlefle the beleever doe
quench the Spirit in himlelfc : Or
•
I 26
Btiefe DirtQtom
^^
the Lord (co (hew him that hec
ftandetb by grace ) doth leave him
to himfelfc for his owne gIory,and
the better eftablifhing of him after-
wards.
It having bin (hewed hitherto
who are true beleevers* it follow-
ethtofhewbow a beleevcr is to
behave himfelfe throughout his
whole convention.
i. Wherein is to bee layed
dowa,firft, the grounds of a godly
life, ate, that it is grounded on
fairb, and proceeding from a p jre
heart.
2. The parts of ir 3 which is to
fly evil^aud doe good.
VNfained faitb,and a godly life,
are inft parable c mpanions.
I. Firft, godlmefle cannot be
without true Iziihjam* i.i&HeK
1 1 6. Gen. 6. 5.. the fountaine be-
ing evil], the rivers which runre
from it cannot be good* (o where
faith is not in the heart, there can
I no godlinefle bee kt the life • by
which i
—...
" ' mm ,
I
unto agodly Life.
which wee fee how many d^e
deceive thcmfelves, thinking they
feare,love,and ferveGod ; and yet
havcnofaiih, nor no conftanc de-
fire of it.
2. Neither can faith bee with-
out godlineflkjfor as no man liveth
godly which beleeveth not ; fo
no man which beleeveth, can live
wickedly -bui as he is new borne,
lb like a new creature followeth
newneflTe of life and obedience;
al'hoiig 1 ] thig doeth not appeare
nuhr.t at the firft beginning of
his conversion > nor in the ve-
herrency of temptation, Tin 12.
Neither doth fiuh worke a bare
wandring <iz&tz to pleafe God,
but it tomes alfo the man unro
1 if, andreAcheth him infome true
I and acceptable meafure to goe a-
bo t ir- and weenie is overmatch-
ed v%ih flr(hly corruption, yet
tc rafe'h fighings and ftrivings
in:hc h-arc, til! it beefubdued.
So that as ihey are deceived,
which pad torn a little forrow
for
27
28
Brief e "Din&ions
forfio, tojnewneffeoflife, ascbey
imagioe^without faith, the begin-
ning and worker of all new life i
fo they alio are no lcfle deluded
that pleafe tbemftlvef > thinking
they haue faith, when their lives
arc not only filled with offeofivea-
&ions,but alfb with cuftome & co-
raonneflc in the fame.For he that 13
honoured with the title of a belec-
ver, muft be knownc by the livery
o fan uncorrupt life : and the true
iervants of God dare no otherwifc
beleevc their (inncs to be forgiven
thcm 3 than they waike humbly be-
fore God and man,
W Hen faith h laid to bene-
cefifiry to a godly life, we
muft not onely underftand by faith
to be Gved:but that the godly man
muft labour to believe, that all the
promifts of this life and of the life
to come, ( whether the great and
principal!, as of the graces of the
fpirir,orthefmallcrj as of bodily
fafety and preferration from dan-
gers
unio a godly Lift.
\
gcrsfoferre as they (hall bee good
for him)doe belong unto him:And
befideshemuft beleere, that both
all the commandements which
teach obedience, and the threat-
nings ( because they reftraine the
contrary ) are fet downe for him
particularly to bind his conference
thereunto, Row. 15.4. Thashec
rauft depend upon the whole word
of God: many who have fnpeto
be (aved doe not thus : ,fome finnes
they make no conscience of: fbme
promifes they looke not at ; by
meanes whereof they are not fo
well fenced as they might be; but
hold the very promife of Glva ion
itfelfcvery weakely. This com-
mcth to pafle partly becaufe they
are not taught the(e things aright:
partly becanfe b^ing taught, they
do not digeft and work them upon
their conferences. This bringeth
doubling and unfetledn^ffe crcn
rogoodChriftians : therefore hee
chat be let yeth to be (aved 3 muft be-
leevcalfo that hee (hall befinfti-
fied,
29
3°
Brief e Viri&ions
i
fied,i CVr.i. 50. that hee (hall rc-
j ceivc grace from God to bring
forth fruits of amendment of lifc^
and that he (hall be inabled to caft
off his old conyerfttion, and alio
have grace to goe through trou-
bles,,^ deliverance from them:
for afliftance and bletfing in God,
he muft depend on God his Word ;
this is the obedience of faith^ Rom.
1*5 which if behave as a foonda-
to uphold and r courage us^ ir will
greatly availe for the furthering
of us in a godly courfc - by this we
(hall (boner rcadethrough doubts,
and grow out of fear? • whereas o-
cherwife wee faint and fcarc oft-
times^ar.d be without helpe.
Many examples wee have in
fcr\ pture of fuch as thus beleeved,
efp^ci^Hy fee dowue in the it. to
t»e ffrfcwwjHefc.i 1.16.38.0*/.
2,19. When men doe not thus
W3 ? kein theftrcngth of God his
•word, if-caufeth tedious troubles
hem, and indeed the offenfive
tvvS of many, and che ftarring a-
fidc
unto a godly Ltfe.
3*
fide of fandry, come from this
want. But it may be objeftcd,chat ^.. ^
P^Whimklfefeemcdto wancthis, J c '
j for hec found no meanes to per- •
forme that which was good, as he j
complaineth 3 R(?w.7.i8. Ianfwerj
hereunto,that
He coroplaineth not chat he had Anfa.
no promife of ftrength, or that bee
had no faich in the famc;for he faith
the contrary, Tbil. 4, 13. but hee
complaineth that for all the hope
of helpethat hehad,yet the rebel-
lion of his flcfli did mightily ftrive
andrefift thefpirit. And this rouft
every faithfull man looke for
while he live. j
NOw for the fountaine from
whence a godly life doth pro-
ceed, icisfrom the hem, which
therefore muft bee purged and
cleaned.
For this wee are to kaow,that
the heart of m w,before it be emp-
tied, is a dungeon of iniquity ; be-
ing
3 2
Briefs ~DreUions
m&
folreitbe inlighcened, a denheof
darkencffc ; before it bee clcanfed,
a puddle of filthinefife : and chat
which Saint J Amis (peaketh of the
tongue,may much more be (aid of
the heart, that before it be tamed,
icis an unruly evilJ. Nowiffuch
an heart bee the guide of our life,
how monftrous and loathfome
muft that life needs bee? ofnccef-
fiey then the heart muft be purged
and changed.
This purging of the \\tixi is a
renewingin holinefle andrightc-
oufheffe by little and little of all
true beleeuers, they being fir ft
delivered and freed from the ty-
ranny of finne and feare of damna-
tion; for then doth finne receive a
deadly wound, and the power
thereof is abated and crucified,
which is (hewed by the hatred
of fiane, and a delighting in good-
ncfle.
Although this change bee but
weakc at the firft, yet if it bee in
truth, in willand defire, it is an in-
fallible
unto a godly Lift. 33
fallible mark of Gods clcftion and
love towards him. This grace is
often dimmed and even choked ia
many, because God dorh ihength- 1
en and continue this gifc of holi-
ncflc and fanft ; ncauon, as it is
nonrifhed, cfteemed, fet by, andas
men doe ftirre ic up in themfelues,^
by asking afcer ic when they doc
miffek, and provoking theraiclvea
to pray for fiich good affe&ions
and cannot bee fatiified without
them; as David did, Pfal.+$ 5.
103,1. Thus we ought to chirifh
and blow up the fparkles within
us, which will not ordinarily faile
us, cfpecialJy for any long time
(except in time of temptation) un-
Uffk it bee through our default and
folly. As for the manner how this
is done, wee are to know it is the
proper and wonderfall worke of
God by the power of the holy
GhoG/ABs 1^.9. Tfi.i 1*2* He that
hath, with faith unfained, an heart
fanfiified,and purified from his na-
tural! corruptions and wicked dif-
pofitior;
34
ObyB.
Anfwt
Britfe DireUions
mm
difpoficion ; as he is not co account
it meane and little worrh, ic being
an euident worke of the Spiri • • Co
neither is hceco (land at a ft ay in
this, it being but the beginning of
that worke which (hall follow it :
Bat, I
How doth God purge our
heart*, when as faith is did to doe
ii>jt8s,i$.9A*Job.$.').
Faith is truely laid co doe ic :
bccaufe that men noc yec affurcd of
thehappinesof hea?en 3 not know-
ing, nor feeling any bectt-r delights
doe feekc after thole which their
blinde and deceitfull hearts doe
dreame ef here on earth.
But as (bone as they are affured
of Gods favour through faith, fo
(bone are their heartschanged, and
their ifFc&ioos (ec another way • fo
that faith may well bee (aid to pu-
rine and clcinfe the heart, iTet. x.
4, but not as the chic fc and hjgheft
caufe,for thatis cheholy Gholi;but
a the inftrument.
Thus from faich and a pure heart,
I dorb
unto 4 g$ily Lift.
35
doch arife a good confcience, a
(w*et pcace,and holy Ctc -'ricyj ha-
ving received from God a miad to
know htm, an heart to love him, a
will to pleafe him ; and ftrrngth
alio in fome mealure acceptable to
obey him.
From her ce doth proceed that
true repentance, which is a par-
pofe of the heart , ^ff/n.23.
an inclination in the will, PfM. 1 ? 9'
44.57. and a continuall endeavou-
ring in the life* Ails a 4. 1 6. to caft
off all evili,and obey God both in-
wardly and outwardly, according
to the meafure of knowledge in e-
very one.
So that this (bund purging of the
heart, is that ftrong foundation
bipon which only a good life comes
.0 be bailded. For God will have
our whole heart, not a piece of
it, for that is neither befceming hit
grearntfle, neither fit for 1 hem to
offer who receive (b great good
things at his hands; many indeed
are hardly brought to this, and
therefore
3 6
Briefe T>treft$ons
»«i i ■»
therefore all their f ire fhc wes and
colours doe vamlh away,, and
come to nothipg,for ra(b and hafty
purpofes arc no fafficient founda-
tions to beare up Co great anc
weighty buildings, as the whole
ccurfe of chcir lives to bee wholly
pafied.
But if men at their firft irobra*
cing of the Gopiell, did give their
hearts wholly to the Lord, then
(hould God have more honour,
and chcmfelves more abiding com-
fore.
NOw having (hewed the
ground and rooteof a godly
life, viz* faith and a pure heart : it
rtmaincs to fpeake of the part* of
ir, which is a renouncing of all
finne, and a care to walke in a new
life. And firft of the former.
The party beleeving is brought
to this powcrand grace, that he is
oat of love with all ungodlineffe,
and not with foroc part or kinde
oncly, but.loatheth the whole
courft
uxtoagidlyLift.
37
courfeot iniquity, which was his
onely delighcaod pleafure before:
neither doth hee this in fome good
moode onely, or when fora? Oume
or danger approach, then to (hew
fome roifl ke of it ; bat in good ad-
vifement hee is refolvcdtoc*ftoff
fuch behaviours a loathfomeand
and ragged girmt n*, H0/4. 9 Epb.
^iqMatbaS 24.
For want of this fetled denying
of oar fclves, divers never atcaine
true godlintflc : fome never con-
ceiving the Doftrine, others for-
getting, andfi mefcorningit, but
themoft receiving it coldly, and
going about ir prepofteroufly.
Whereas the fervants of God
leave not finne for a time, nor by
conftraint, for or company, and
firare 5 &c. but being at utrerdefi-
ance wirfi it,doe abiure it for ever;
l^bem* 10. 29.
But in all thefe they troft not to
their owne Hrcngth : bat daily
conlidering what caufe they have
ccdotfo; how infinitely they arc
bound
3»
ObjeB.
Anfi*.
Br'ttje VireBions
bound to God to difcharge it, be-
come firmely pcrfwaded,that God
who hath made them willing^ill
al(b make them able V ► do it, Phtl.
4.1%. Rom. 9. 31. andtherfore,al-
though they fee not that helpe pre-
fect with their eyes,yet they hope
for chat which they fee nor, and
therefore wait patiently for it, till
it can b? granted them. Thus both
both faith and hope being nouri-
fhed and ftrengthened in them from
day to day, they tfoe fiude both
will and defire,& ftrength (though
imperfeft ) to accomplifh to the
peace of their hearts, that which
they let upon and attempted. In-
deed it is not obtained without
(hiving, but it is no iuft caufe of
difcouragement tous,totake paine
for (b great a profit, when we are
fiireof it before wee goe about it :
and if,
The faithfull doe not alwaies
prcuaile therein.
As it is true that in fome parti-
culars they are overcome, yet that
doth
I
»— m
unto* godljLife<
39
doth not cut off all comfort from
them: for howfoever they doe not
account light of any fall, yet thofe
very fals turnc to their gaine af-
terwards; for thereby they come
rokoow themftlves better, their
prime pride is much afiwaged,
they have experience of God his
grace towards them, and they
cleave more nearer unto him after,
and are more circumfpeft in loo-
king to their waics : remembred
alwaies that this belongs onely to
the true belccver, who having the
Lord for his teacher*, is become
both slulfull and able to doe this ;
which to the naturall man ( in
whom is no dram of goodncfle ) is
altogether impoffible.
AS wee havefcene that finne is
to be renounced, and in what
manner- fo we muftconfider the di-
vers kinds of evils which are to be
renounced :and they V nw *
are of two forts, ^^
C Firft
4o
Briefe DireHiens
I
U Comma**
Firft by inward evils, is not
meant the native infe&ionof the
heart, but the fruits and efe&s
thereof, Umtsi. 14. Col 3.5. and
that infuch asprofeffe Religion.
Amongftthefe, the rooteof all
the reft is infidelity, Hebrews
3. 12. From hence growes out
three arraes or boughes, of the
which every one fhooteth forth
as branches., innumerable world-
ly lufts.
1. Impious againft God,
2. IniurioustoMen.
3. Moft hurtfull to our felves.
Firft, forthofeagainftGodand
his honour and woi (hip in the fill
Table.
Againft the firft Commandc.
meat ; as (touching the Maidiy of
God ; ( their hearts are &11 of
blindeneffe, covered with darke-
nefle ;(b it goeth againft them lobe
taught the true knowledge of the
true God ; ic is death to them to
bedrawneoutof their ig* oracce •
theyciHr;ot abide to hcareof his
, iudgr-
I
unto 4 godly Life.
4*
iudgemenc day , lob 13, t/ffts \
24.25.
AGd whereas heerequireth,that
confidence (hculd bee put in him,
for continuall defence,delivcrance
and (uccour in foule and body,tbey
are carried with diftruft, as with a
whirle-wind. In adverfiry they are
eichcr overcome with a fervile and
defperate feare, or boyling with
impatience,, or elfe (welling a-
gainft God inobftinacy and con-
tempt.
In profperity there is little or
no thankefulneffe yeelded to God
by them, their reioycingiscarnall,
and oftentimes they are made
drunke with pleafures,(b that they
are lovers of thera more then of
God, and become infenfiblc therby
and pall all feeling.
And as for the fecond Comman-
demenr^hey rebell againft the fpi-
rituall and true feruice of God,
and that which they yeeld him isa
will-worfhip, even that which
fantafie^ cuftome,, orflefiily wif-
C 2 dome 1
-»-
i.C^W*'/*
42
Brief* Dirtttions
cmman.
4. Cumrnvu
dome teachcth them^ Iot>.2 1 •14^15
Matthi*)?. Many are carried by
fuperftition and blinde deuotion,
into falfc worfhips ; and other
uhichretaine the truth, yet in the
ufe of religious excrcifes, their
hearts take no delight,
So alio againft the third Com-
mandement through thecourfe o£
their private converfation, their
hearts are alcogether vaine, pro-
fane and diflolute., they have no
pleafurein pleaSngGod, though
it fliould be their meat, drinke and
paftime ; his moft fearefull judge-
ments they paffe over lightly, fo
far are they offfrorn expellicg hy-
pocrifie and other finnes.
And as for the Lords Sabboth
and other good meanes appointed
on the fame, to ftafon and change
their hearts, they (enfibJy loath
them,or find no favour in thern,nei-
thcr is it any part of their thought
tofceke any confbrc by them.
Tayic 2 .
After thefe wee may confider
thofe
unto a giMy Life.
43
thofe unbridled worldly Jufts.,
which carry men after the hurt of
their neighbour.
What unreverent contempt and
obftinacy appeareth to bee ia the
hearts of many againft their bet-
ters, dirainifhing that authority,
creditiand eftimation which God
hath given to them ; (o that place,
yearcs and gifts, are had in meane
acconnt ofthera : what unthank-
f ulnefle in men to them which la^
bour for their good and welfare
enter in corporall ox fpirituall
things 5 &c.
How againft the good of their
neighbours foulcs^ many doe re-
ioyce to fee them, nay to make
them fall into fioj what unappeal-
able angcr 3 deadly hatred, and bit-
ter feeking of revenge, there is a-
mengft me^how readily occafbns
are taken to thinking evill of o-
thcrs, how lightly men efteeme of
hurting others : how none alrmft
x will with Abraham^ Cm. 13. 8.
i pafle from their right to avoid dii-
C 3 fention;
S . Common*
6'Cwmi.i*
Briefc Dlrt&ions
7. cmman*
<
*• Comwtn.
9-Commin.
\ fention ; how there is no meeknefik
or mildneffe to ferbearc others, no
burying of offences, no pacifying
of wrath, no fellow-feeling of mi-
fery.
How men let loofc their hearts
to filthy anduncleane thoughts and
defires, how they are inflamed
through every obieft that pkaftth
them 5 how they delight to blow
up thofe burning luftes, byallun*
clcanctalke, and tofeede their a-
duherouscycB by wanton fpe&a-
cles, andtorcforc tothofe places,
where they may be incenfed by all
provocations,&c.
What greedy and unfitiable de-
fire there is of gaine, nay of other
mens goods^though it be bydeceit
^ind wrong^whatyrepining at other
I mens getfings, What pilling and
flcf cingjoppreffion and ufury in all
eftates.
How rare thole are that take
well, and interpret in the becter
parr, things done or fpoken doubt-
fully, what miftakings, fufpitions,
furmifes
nnto a g^dly L$fe.
45
farmifesdoe arifeagainftour bre-
thren ; even as Saul againft David
& J$t7ath*H)i Stf.22.S.Alfb what
deriding there is both by word and
writing, what (landers, and repro-
ches 3 &c.
And laftly , how their defires
tend not to good,ncither lead them
to God; but arc for the moftpare
taken up in wifhing fomewhat of
their neighbours to their hurt.
The evils alfo that concerne
thcmfelves, are neither few nor
finall: inaboundance of outward
chings^fttting their hearts on them
aad delighting exceffivcly even in
the abufe of them, and ioyfeg be-
yond meafare in things tranfitory,
which is the very pride of life.
Gontrarily, fretting, murmu-
ring and vexing themfelves when
they fall into exrremicy, or unto
frowardneffe,orfjllenndIc, v;hen
they are crollcd or difplcafed, de-
ceiving themfclve* with defies of
things unproficable,croblingchem-
fclves wuh curious medii-ng in
C 4 things
io.Cemm*
4 6
i:
"Brief e "DirtUions
I
things impertinent, blind-folding
(tbemfelvcs with foolifh love of
themfdvfSj&c. •
The lufts wherewith the hearts
of men doe fwarrne, and are even
burdeaed and Ioden, may eafily
perfwade us, that it is divine pow-
er and grace from above that muft
purge theft and fach like unfivou-
ry draffes out of them.
And yet theft and many other
fuch like are renounced as they
come to bee knowne of Gods fer-
vants,and refifted,according to the
wifdome which God hath given
tbem ; although in others they rule
aodr&igne, and the obrainingof
grace to doe this, is a fpeciall part
of Chrifiianity, Efhefians^ 2 2. Co
that hee that exercifcth himfdfein
obferviog theft his foule and
flusmfuH lufts, when hee hath
beene led away, and deceived by
them, which of them doe mott
trouble him, and ofceft prevaile
with him, and fb by the helpes
which God hath given him, doth
refri
unto j godly Life.
rUift thcrn^ though bacwe-kelyl
zni unpcrfttt!y,he need not doubt •
b'.;t rhac he is occupied h the god-
ly life.
Thus all Gods children doe re-
nounce and overcome their wic-
ked lufts, though not all in the like
meafure, yec of the weakeft they
are hated and ihiven againftj whea
they are once feene and perceived
A'lare not fo meeke as Mofes y
Nam. ii. 13. fo faithful! as Abra-
ham y fo continent as Iofefh,Gcn. 3 9
1 j.fo zealous as Ddvid, nor fb full
of Lveasthe woman in the Gof-
pell : Luke 7.47. yet thofcthat be
behind others (fo it be in crtJth that
they indeavour ) are not to bee di£
couraged^ for all heleevers have
not their part in the dme degree of
moreificmon,f>me receive thirty-
fould, fome fixty f fonie an hun-
dred, and indeed thole who ar^
moftofall troubled for being be- .
hindeothcrs, doe declare plaincly^
that they love the grace that they !
monrne for, and bate deadly the j
C * corrnn- i
1.
47
4 8
Briefc "DmUiom
corruption which theycomplaine
and cry out of,they indeed char fuf-
fer chcmfclvcs to bee ruled and led
by their lufts, can no waxes claime
any pare in a godly life, for he chat
is fo minded, cannot be buc carnal,
eftranged from God, and a bond
man of Hell.
But the weake Chriftians that
doe flrive againft tbofr 5 and decline
them in their meafurc, may ftay
tbcmfelves for their comfort on
thefe three fpeciall grac v s.
i .That they have a clearc know-
ledge of their (alvarion*
2. That they account it as their
chiefe treafure,
3. That they be fecled forward
in fome plaine and good courfe of
life, whereby they may grow in
faiths and the obtaining of God,
though with forae (triving. But if
they walkedeftituceofanyof thefe
three, they Qiall bee faar^d much
with feare and unquiecneflir.Thefe
therefore muft beearucftiy l*bou
red for,bt ing of ail things moft ne-
ceffary
I
unto a gedly'Life*
49
Ctffiryeobclearred offuchas have j
attained already co the knowledge
of true happincflk by Iefus Chrili :
for as a nun knowech nothing pre
ficablc unco falvarion before he be-
licve:h; fo after he bclieveih, hce
knowech nothing profitably to
grow on with comfort in his Chri-
ftian courfe, without thefe three
faithfully andcarefully looked un-
to and prefer ved.
As for the greater increafe of
fiich, knowledge, ftrength agaioft
fi:me, comfort and (uch»like fruits
of the fpiric • fbmetime the Lord
doth withhold them, either be-
cause he fceth them in fame refpcQ:
not to bee good for us for the pre-
fers, as 2 Cot. 10. 9. orelfe to try
u^whether we love them fo well ,
that we willfceke afcer them ftill
or no ^ but for the moft part, if we
grow not, it is moft iuftly to bee
\ imputed to our owne fault as our
ownc ignorance, lloch, favouring
I ofoarfclvesinfia : or if thefebe
not the auks, then it is our ownc
timer ouf- I
•^-^
5<>
Qut&Qft
/Anforer*
*^ —
Briefe VireSionr
wmorouf tfl? and aobcliete, fea-
ringthatfuch grace as wee dcfire
(hall not be given unto us ; where-
as wee ought to belieue. Nuther
need we feare left bybelicuingthis
wefliouldbetooboldor prrfcmp-
ruous, for God hath promifed ir,
and commanded u> ro truft in him,
lam a. 6. And if wee faile no: iau-
fingthemeanes, flaying upon the
Lord by faith • aflur telly hee will
not faile nor difappoint us ; but
wee (hall have grace co guide our
ker,tori(twhenwearefilIcn 5 to
returnc when wee are ftepped out
of the-way* and to walke in meft
fweet (ififcy under Gods protecti-
on all r he day long, 2>**f. 33. 12.
Aad finally 3 our gaincs (hall bee
ftch, asfiiallcaufe us tomarvaile
at Gods goodnefle, in giving us
more than we would have asktd.
A Queftton here may bee mo-
ved, how che-sMndes and hearct of
the believers are taken up ufually,
feeing they renounce in ward lufts?
Th^f thoughts ase according to
fbrr
I ' »■!
untoagvdlyLifz.
5*
their divcis growthes and ages,
which are three,
i; The higheft degree is old
age, or the experienced eftue,
which yet is not the perfeft age in
Ghrift, for that (hall not befall us
till the life to come, buca firms,
! conihnt, and fettled going 03 to
that perfefiioi?.
2. The ftcond is the middle age
la Ghriftianity, in which 3S young
Tien in wreftling,we have courage
:gain(tour iiifulllufts.bac yecafcc '
' unco them who have many foiles,
i wee arc ofceatimes cookd in our j
courage, though wee fometimes
prevaile, ever growiog, though
flowly.
3. The third is childhood or in-
fancy, the bweft and thclaft, the
which is principally difcernedby
an carneft defirc of the finccre
milke of the Word, and nameIy,of
the promifes of forgirenes of fins ;
which alchough fome of thefe
deare children of God cannot with
j fullafliirance lay hold of 5 yet this
their
I
52
w_
Briefe DireUions
i ■ i «i n i -
their hungring defire after it
(which cannot be facisfied without
it) ivi^h a feufiblc feate to offend
God 3 is a true figie thereof.
The fir ft fort are fuch a s through
long experience, and much ac-
quaintance, with thepra&iceof a
godly life, have obtained grace to
guide themfelves more conftantly
than others, and to keepe within
bounds : they are much fresd
from this bondage, and ftldome lb
grolfrly holden under of corrupt
lufts as others : which efate,
chough it be to be aimed at of a]]
godly people^yet it is not obtained
but of fuch as have accuftomed
their minds to the heavenly courfe,
and to whom good meditations
and thoughts to fliunne and aroid
evill 3 are become a pleaftre ; and
are as well able to difcerne the
fame by their undcrftanding and
j jdgeaient, as to have their will jn
good fort at commandement to fol.
low the good and fhun the evilK
Now tbeie have their mindes ufu-
ally
unto agodly Life.
ally fee upon fomc one or other of
the infi lice heavenly inttniftioos,
which from time ro time they have
treafured up in their hearts: where-
by, although tbeybenot q jickaed
upas they would, ordiirecobe
yet chey are held from much evil);
they are often coifider'ng of Gods
urutcsrahle kindneffe, of mans
morcallity, the tnomencary cibte
of all things under th; San e, the
blcflcd eft ate of the E left, the end-
leile woe of the damned, and facb
like^hey areofcen behold ing,and
meditating of God, h?s \fcjefty,
P.jwcr,Wtfdornc,EccrnicyJufiice.
Patience,and ling ftiffering, and of
his care over them; but a great
pare of their daily thoughts is this,
I how chey may have a good confei-
J ence in all things pleahog God,an J
how they may be prepared for the
crofle; alfo how they may hoi J
out conftantly the profeffioa of
their hope into the cod with joy ;
how they mayrtfift all • ccafions
] of evill 5 whaw lees they {hall findc
from
53
L
54
X—.
Brtefe Directions
from without aad within. Aad
Mly^ how they may order well |
their particular aftions in their !
callingvhac they may makea good j
account at the end of the day, and ;
Co at the laft end.
This the firil fort are exercifcJ, ■
yet not wholly freed from evill !
thoughef, and vair.e defires, for I
Ttfa/wasnot, 2 Cor. 12.9. Ron.j.
24. and God will make them fee t
their weakneflc from time to tiaie, j
eipecially to fubdue pride in them 5 !
and to hold them under.
The ftcond fort compared to !
young men 3 are neither fotxpm* j
enced in Chriftianity as the father, ■
nor yet utterly unacquainted ther-
with, as the new-borne babes.
The feareefpscially occupied in
fighting againll temptations, and
refiftingunruiyIuftSjZ#/>.2.4. For
knowingby the light of the Scrip-
tures, what corruptions they have
in them^they watch their hearts
diligently, they pray againft them
ok and eamtfllv- they are alwaies
1 . J n
unto a godly Life.
55
in fcare left they fhould be over-
come, and cafling how they may
avoid the occafions of finne/o chat
fane becomes odious unco them,
yec doc ever over-come of them,
but often unfetled aaddiftempered
and as often reading the covenant
with the Lord to pleafc him better;
fometimc difcouraged, but rife
againe, glad to ufe all good helps,
both pubJike and private, and ha-
ving prevailed againft greater cof
ru prions, are earneftly let agaioft
the fm alter, and fuch as feeme leffe
dangerous; as the idle roving* of
their braine which do not dire&ly
fo much carry them after evill, as
hinder them from good, they are
holden under (bme inficmities,that
they may be more humble and
not forget what they were in times
paft, to that this fecond age and
growth inChriftianky is a ft riving
rather betwixt fcare and hope,
forrow and j jy 3 than a (uperioricy
over unruly affeftions; an eftate
ftanding in ocedeof counfell aad
help,
help, rather than ficced and expe-
rienced to connfell,dire& & fettle
others : but the more fare t \ iey be
of their falvation, the more ex-
pert they fbould be in thebattell.
The third fort compared to little
Children, who hang upon the
breft and doe ! labour for know-
ledge of their Father in Chrift, and
defire the meanes ot their fpintu-
all nourifhment, i Pet. 2. 2. their
thoughts are taken up in thefe
things^ and their keeping them-
(elves that they may not offend or
difpleafe their father- they are
cheerfull while their fmall faith is
upholden, by cleaving to the pro-
mife; and as uncheerfull when as
faith faileth, moaning, and pining
if it be long wanting : where they
rauft take heede of two perills.
The firft is, left upon pretence
of (eekiog continuanceof comfort,
they negleft their lawfall bufi-
nefle ; for Satan appeareth as an
Angcll of light.
The fecond,Ieft in want of com-
fort,
unto a godly Ltfi.
fore, they be driven co any di£
nruftfullor defperate feare ; forfo
the Divcll appeareth as a roaring
Lyon.
Thefe muft grow daily out of
their childilhnefle, making all
fuch faults as they fpy in them*
felvcs and purge therafelvcs from
them. With thefe the Lord dea-
leth moft kindly, not (hewing
them all their corruptions at once,
which were enough to difany
them- nor how many affli&ions
abide them, which wtte like to
| confound them.
Thus we may fee in thefe three
degrees, how for the moft part the
purged hearts of Gods children
are taken up^the weakeft of which
doe farre differ from the fecreui
hypocrite, which of all unifor-
med, ours come neereft tjiem.
THus having (poken of inward
lufts and finnes of the heart,
and (hewed how they are difliked
aid renounced of all the believers :
The
57
5*
Briefs VireUiens
The like is to be (hewed of out-
ward finnesof the life,that they be
abhorred and (hunned alfb : which
is the rather co be confidered 3 bc-
caufe many boa ft they have true
hearts to God, when their lives are
wicked ; but to re Joyce either a-
bout their falyation, or the good-
neffe of their heart : if their beha-
viour be fiained with outward
wickedneflr, and their holy pro-
fefflon blemiihed with open and
flumefull (ins, is vaine : for none
can be truly godly, that doth not
indeavour to walke free from of.
fenfire evills, if hee doe know
them to be fiancs, which may be
(hewed abundantly in the Scrip-
tures by Doftrine, i Samuel 7. 4.
Hof.if.p. t fir.j.u 2?et.2.2o.
/rf/H.1,25. Rom. 6.2. By example,
Iofepb, G&.ip. 10. JHofefyHei.il.
24. Zjchceu^Luksip.u of che fin-
fall woman, Luk. 7. 37. Thefe for-
(aking chofe finncs which by na-
ture they Iov~d, and bycuiiome
they had long lien in, doe plainely
unto a gtdty Lift,
»«•«■
59
(hew that they believed in Chrift,
forfeking their old finnes, though
they were never fa pleafiat unco
them.
NChwithftanding the former
Doftrine be moft plaine for
Scripture and reafbn, yet there are
many that hope for falvation, and
\ yet renounce not open finnc^and
outward offences.
Thefe are referred to fourc fort?.
The fift arc grofie offenders,
whom every vile perfbn doth
fcorne, becaufehee doth fee their
hypocrifie by open and often com-
mitted evilh, and hath ChriiVian
Religion ic felfe in meane accouat
for their caufc; for prophane men I
when they fee any walkc Gncercly
indeed 3 §c without jjftcaufeofrc-
buke,*re little moved at their ex-
ample, neither greatly reverence
them,or take any good by the.but
reproach c hem rather ; bucthatU
becaufe they fie (b many, who,
befidcsfbmc outward appearance
of
6o
Briefe Viutttms
of zeale, were little better in their
lives than themfelves,and thcrfore
they are hardncd to thinkc fo of all
the reft; which wilfull blindnefle
and hardnefle of hearr,though it be
a fearefull figne of God his venge-
asce to them, yet this in great part
maybe jnftly afcribed to the lives
of thofe who profeffing gcdlines,in
their deeds deny the fame, 2 Tim.
5, 6. for whom it had beeae better
they had never made any profefTi-
onat a!l,fuch as SauUi Sam.22, 18.
The fecond lore are fuch as be-
ing rud<i and ignorant, are altoge-
ther careleffe, flattring thcmfelves
in that groffe and brutifh eftatc,
who have many fpeaches alfo fu-
table to their lives^which lay open
their hearts to al].
A third fort are fuch, as becaufe
they kecpe within iome civill
courfe of honcfty, and are free
from grofle crimes, tbinke them-
felves to be in very good eftate,
I though their open faults be many:
f:me of thefe (as alio of the for-
raer)
HKt0 4g$dtjLifc,
61
mcr) are fometimes pricked in
conscience for fiane, or rather for^
the punifhment of it, Exod. 9. 27.
and feme kind of change, Mtrl^S.
19. Hof. 6. 4f.Micb.6.f). hey will
fometimts make vowes and cove-
nants to doe v?e\l,PfaLjS.36.thty
wil&arply reprove oc he r$>Pf. 50.
16. they have fomefuddenflifhes
of grace, & yet do want true god-
lincfl?, and therefore have their
/en cence pronounced byourSavi-
ouXjMattb.21.^1. and 5. 20.
A fourth fore of profeffers are
foch^as for their feeming zcale doe
thicks Co well of therofelves, that
they cannot brooke or abide any
other that differ from them in
judgement, they are tauncers, ray-
l.rs and fluiderers of their Bre-
thren ; yca,moft (harp and unchari-
table and proud cenfurersof their
brethren and betters; who are Co
fboneripein their owne conceit,
that none is mcetecaoughorfuffi-
ciencto teach the n, fame aifo in-
ordinate livers, lit. 3. worfe in
thr
^^
62
Briefe VinZtiws
their dealings than menwhopro-
feffc no Religion, etrthly,unquier,
andftch like.
The life thus led, is not the life
which Godrequircch, neitherarc
thofc works which faith affordeth,
fo that howfoever God gathereth
"' his Eleft out of all thefe kinds, yet
are none of them to be accounted
as his, while their hearts abide
ftaioed with fach corruptions, or
their lives defiled with fuch trea-
chery*
AGainft this that hath beece
faid, fbrae will be objefting
and asking, why fuch difference is
made of men ? have the godly no
faults? arc they without infirmi-
ties? are they not like unto other
men in finning ? if it be fo, why
fhould they be fhoalcd from the
others?
I anfwert that as for differences
of men, they are put by the Lord
himfelfe, both in naroe 3 converfati-
on, and reward, Tfal. i. 2. and 50*
1 6. 1 Tbef. 19. and the end of the
Miniftery,
unto a g
odlyLife.
Minifteryis, to fhoale GodsEleft
and b, loved ones from the World,
and ro bring them to his fbeepe-
fold. Where it is demanded, if
they be not partakers of the fame
finnes rhac other men are ? it can-
not be denied, but the godly arc
foracwhat infe&ed with common
corr nptionSjli ving where Satan is ;
and further 3 it is poffible they may
alfo lie llill in the fame loathfbme-
neffe for a feafon ; but yet fo, as it
appeareth plainly, that they were
not given over like wicked men :
for when they come tothfmftlves
againc, wefcehow ftrangcly they
are amazed zt thdr offence, how I
they tremble to thinlce what they
have done, and can have no peace
within themfelvts till they returne
home againe after they are gone
out of the way, and Co are made
more vigilant and wary againft
cue like another rime/he which of
the wicked cannot be (aid ; be-
iides the falls of the godly are but
when they are fecure and takeli-
65
D
bcrty
■-
66
Briefs Dirtttions
bercy onto themfelves, 2 Sam. 1 1 .
4. and give over to fence them-
selves as they are charged jfft£. 4.1.
and 3* 1 2. As forrcprcachfulland
flagitious falls, we muft know^that
it is poflible for us to be prefer ved
from them, aT^.i, 5. 10. fo was
Enoch, Abraham, Caleb, and Jfo-
/&* j,with many others ; but yet as
many rare and deare feivants of
God have fallen into fhamcfull
fins,fo may we : for God fuffercrh
bisfervantstofali fo dangeroufly
forthefecaufcs.
i. For the humbling of them.
2* That they lee his exceeding
faountifulneflc in pardoning fo
great finnes, and fo love him the
moic, Luke j* 47. 1 An 21.15. and
3. That others farrc weaker
than they, yet faithfully maybe
encouraged to beleeve that their
finnes (hall be pardoned, and their
weake iervice accepted of him, as
I Tim. 1. 16. which other wife
rr ight be difcouraged.Out of theft
cafes, if we hold fa ft our faith, and
fland ]
mim
$tnt$A g$dljLife.
— . — — — — — —— i «■— — %— ^
ftand upon our watch, wecneede
not feare falling, for God caketh
no pleafare to caft them downc
who dcfire to ftand, but to raifc up
them that are fallen, Pfal. 130, jt
to he! pe oar wcaknefle, tofapply
our wants, and to deliver us ftora
fuch dangers as we feare* fo farre
ask is expedient • or elfe make us
able to bcare them.
Now concerning infirmities, it
moft be granted, that becaufe they
have ftill a body of finne within
thera, they muftneedeibefu6je&
to infirmities, and this is properly
a fnne of infirmitie, when partly
of knowledge, and more through
frailcty, an offence is wrought to
the difpleafing of God : and when
of fuch a one it is committed,as be-
caufe he hath his heart fanftificd
would not doe it ; and yet becauft
the power of corruption at that
time is greater in him than the
ftrength of Grace, therefore hce
was foreed to yeejfd to if, fo that
in theft alfo the godly doe much
D 2 differ
<7 1
■
68
Briefs DireQiow
ta^«— *«
differ from all wicked : for ic is
their greateft care that they may
not fall, their greateft fbrrow
when they are overcome^nd their
greateft joy, when they doe pre*
vaileover theirfins; none of which
are to be found in the wicked.
THe heart once purged, as hach
before beene (hewed, doch re-
quire great care for the keeping of
ic Co in good plight afterward 5
Prov^ 2 3% which is done by wat-
ching, trying, and purging; wee
muft watch, ldi we fhould for the
want thereof be deceived with the
baits of finne ; wee muft examine
and try it, becaufe no man can
warch fo carefully, but that much
evill willcrecpeinj and wee muft
pui;ge out that fikhy droffe of cor-
cupiicence which wee fiade by ex-
amining, that it fee not our will on
fire, to fatisfie and pcrforme the
de fires thereof, Pfal. 1 iy. 9.
This indeed* is no idle worke .•
for he tiutgocth about it muft be
con-
mto a g*&ly Lift.
6 9
concent and glad to weanc his
heart from many unprofitable and
wandring thoughts «and dcfires:
andfoftufbn them with holy and
heavenly meditations. But wee
may (ceby Scripture^ P/«^3 2.4'y,
6, Heb. 10. 38. and by experience,
(noavithlbndingouraiFeftion^be
ftfor-g, unruly^ and molt hardly
'fubdued) wi h wbateafewemay
renounce and forfake them, and
have power over oar will and ap^
peckes,when our heart be thus re^
nued and kept mattered : Whereas,
the lictlei acquaintance and ill' go-
verning of the heart, by fctcing it
loofe to folly, waudring and need-
lefie phantafies, is that which cau-
(cth it to be furfehed with al! mar>
tier of iniquity,
Againt-jif our hearts be KD€ thus
i carefully looked u .to, wee (hall
riot hive them ready to any duty.
And from hence ic is, that many
mens hearts arj fwarviog ufualiy
wic'.vaine thoughts, even whiles
they are in hearing a id pray fog,
D 3 be
I
■J
I
Briefs DireBions
-
becaufe tbey doe noc conftantly
throughout the day watch over
them: for the onely way to curb
our lufts, is to lookc to our hearts,,
by it we (hall not onely have help
and furtherance to worfhip God
arigh t,but in our common a&ions,
affaires and buGnefle, we fhould fo
behave our felves as would be a
joy unto thofe that fhould behold
u$j and an ornament and beauty to
I the Gofpell which wee doepro-
fefle.
Thus therefore wee ought to
looke to our hearts in all that we
doe, both keeping out evill that
would enter, and purging out that
which by ftealth fliall creep io,
and not by fits oncly, when the
good mood taketh as (which as it
is too common, fo it is moft dange-
rous) but alwaies,P/*/« 1.2. lEph.
y \6. which if wecfhalldoe, al-
though our hearts being purified
and cleanled but in part,our defircs
therefore cannot be all good and
pleafing to God, but unperfeft,
that
unto a giily Ltfe.
Nr 71
that is to fay, many of them eviU,
and many which are wholly mix-
ed with cvill and corruption ; yet
to have our hearts thu$ changed
but in weake meafure^ Co as it be
in trucfys a benefit of greater value
than the who'e World: and he that
hith ic 5 isby infinite degrees happi-
er t^an theraoft glofingprofeffbr
that wanretb ic.
THas farre of the cfebewing
of evill : Now for the doing
of good.
Where firft, certaine rules muft
bee learned and obferved, which
becaufe they are not followed,
many that would gladly live well,
attain* to ic in no good fort to
bring in in credit with others,, but
mcecewith many unfetlings, di£
couragements^and cooling of their
zrale, yea oftentimes dangerous
out-ftrayingSj neither findc the go-
ing abou: it fo pleafant as toile-
fome and tedious. Now the ge-
( nerall rules are thefe.
C 4 Firft
7 2
Brief e Virc&ions
Firftjknowledge ofducie, with a
/delighting therein,
Secondly D pra£tife of that: which
we know ; which is that living by
faich,or labouring to kcepe a good
confcience, fo often commended
unto us in Scripture.
For che firft, wee muft under-
ftand by knowledge, fuch an in-
lightening of the roinde to under-
ftand the will of God about good
evill, that wee have with it
fpirituall wifdome, to apply and
and rcferre the fame to the well
ordering of our particular acti-
ons 5 that wee reft not in feeing the
truth only, but approve and allow
of it, as that which is fir to coun-
ielland guide up, but yet (b as hee
that hath moft of this, may grow,
and he that hath leaft, may not bee
difcouraged.
J This knowledge muft nor hee
weighed and cfteemed of us as a
thing common and of no va!ue 3
but loved and like J, othcrwifeno
fruit will follow.
For
,
unit j godly Life,
73
For the iecondpra£tice,isthat
feckiogto walke worthy the Lord
and pleafe him in all things, CoUf.
i.io. which muftbeeboth inward
and outward.
Inward, when as in relbhuion of
our mindes ami defire and pur-
pofeofour hearts,, we are prepa-
red and ready to bee (ec on worfcc,
and ben im ployed in any good fer-
vicetoGodor our brethren, Pfil.
1 1 9.10. Alt sir. 1 2. this mud bee
often blowne up inu«j for if this
bee loll through forgecfulneffe,
flo:h, and careleflTe negligence^
or ovcr-vpheJraed with ibrrow*
fore, or foch like paflions, or
dulled and made blunt in us
through lightneffc and vanity,then
are we unfit to honour God in any
fervice.
Outward 5 when in our lives wee
expreffe and declare the fame, by
endeavouring at Uaftro pleafe God
in one comman dement as well as
in another, Aft. 9.3.
t Thus much of the .rules. The
D 5 vertwes
74
Brief* VireEtiow
— *«
■i
. — ■»■». « linn i i
vermes which farther us herein,
follow.
Firft uprightneflTe,wben in a An-
gle, and true heart, we love,dcfire,
and doe any thing, efpecially
becau(cGodcommandech,and for
that end, Veut. i8* 1 3. Ephtf.6. 14.
/0&.i,47«Manya&ioriSothcrwife
fervent enough, for want of this
fincericy, are but froth(as were the
hoc cnterprifes of Ithn agaioft I-
dolaters)andcaufethem who have
longpleafedthemfelv?* chercin,to
cry out of their doings ( though
admirable to the eyes of others ) to
fay they were but hypecrifie, for
many are the ftarting holes in the
den of our hearts, and many waies
wee can deceive our felves and ci-
thers alfo by falfepretcrxcs in good
aftions: we ipiift therefore labour
that howfeever our beft aftions
are mixed with corruptions 9 yet
wee may have the fame reioy-
cing with the Apoftle , that in
finglenefle of heart wee ferve the
Lord,
The
I
unttagedly Life.
The fccond is diligence, where
by a man is ready to cake all occa-
sions and opportunities to the do-
ing of (boie good, and to fhunne
idlencfle and unprofitableness, i
The third is conftancy in nou*
rifhing all good defires, and holy
endeauoursj, untill his latter yeares
bee better than the former, and fo
finifh his courfe with ioy .
By thefe two, great matters are
brought copafle : and for want of
thefe two, and through the con-
trary 3 floch, and inconftant un-
fetlednefle ; euen the moft of
the godly doe not finde the fweet
fruit in their life which is to bee
found.
Fourthly in humility and meek-
nefle, all our duties muft beepra-
aiftd, if wee will follow Chriff,
Mstth.i 1.29. Thefe two are not
particular vermes, which fomc-
times onely may haue ufe,but fuch
fruits of the fpirit as necefforily
are required in all a&ions, lb that
at
:(•
75
7 6
Britfc VireQtons
at no time humblencfie of minde
and naeekencfife of fpiric may bee
wanting. And therefore they arc
oft-times in the Scripture fetdown
together,as ^£.4.2,(70.3. 2. and fo
urged,as doth (hew^thac although
there bee many goodly gifts in a
maivyet if he harhnouhefe, they
fhallloofe their credit and beauty
amongft thofe which behold them,
and withhold their commoditie
from him who wanteih them.
By all this that hath becne fold,
it is evident that the life of the be-
liever is a continuall proceeding in
the departing from evilly, and en-
devouring after duties, and a fctled
courfe in repentance, and a con-
ftant waiking with God : not an
idle and uucertaioe Rumbling up-
on fome good a&ions, whiles a
great part of his life is negle&ed
and not looked after. But fomc
may {ay here, wee have a defire to
doe thefe things , but wee want
power and ability, whercunto I
anfwer that.
The
■ II. I I ■ I » l » I l i - .I ' . *- . ;
-■' • ri
tint o a godly Lift t
11
Thcbeftdefire is invainc, ex-
cept wee have with it an aflfurance
of God his favour, and hclpc
through faith; r or it is faith that o-
vercommethail les^i J ^^ this
leuethus fee, that he which hath
fcvedus from chcgreateft danger
of hell, will much more five us
from the leffer, of being overcome
of our corrupt lufts* A<id if any
(hall Qy,that
Saint Vatil himfelfe did nor
finde power ro overcome the
bodyoffiane? Ic is evident
The holy A poftle did nor over-
come all rebellion of the old man,
to the end he might alwaies have
amarke of his unwonhineffe and
fiane remayninginhim 3 and there-
by remember, that it was of onely
mercy that he was pardoned, and
the grace of God that kept him
from falling away from him; and
that for both thefecaufts he might
bee aba fed and kept humble un-
der Co great grace as hee had re-
ceived : and laft of all, i hat bet
'; might
7»
Brief e VireUUns
might from time to time finde
jfweetnefle ftillin the forgivencfie
ofhisfinnes.
But although hee was not per-
feft here as an AngelJ, yet was not
hecarryed of his lufts into grofle
iniquities, for God his grace was
fufficient for him ; and (b (hall it
be for us, if wee doe as oft and as
earneftlydefireit- for every chri-
ftian in his meafure may looke for
the like grace that Tail had, even
ftreogth to performe in fome
good for t the dudes which fccme
fo difficult and impoflible unto
him.
Which is not (b to bee under-
ftood/as if every godly chriftian
doth fecle or obtaine this ( for
that might difcouwge many ) but
ro (hew what God his children
may confidently looke for, and
how their cftate may bee bettered,
and their fpirituall liberty increa-
ftd. For many good people doe
not know what their heavenly fa-
ther htth provided fo* them, but
onely
unto agodfy Lift.
7?
oncly receive fo much light as
whereby they fee the way to bis
kingdomcjuccordingto the know-
ledge that they have of his will;
thereafter they declare and Oicwit
forth in their lives; but nothing
as they mighr^ or as fomc others
doe.
THus of the rules and vermes
which helpe us to the pra-
ctice of a godly life. Now to friew
wherein it doth confift.
The dutiit arc theft. Fir ft that
fcrtaine to God.
Commavdcmtnt u
For we muft defire to know him
as his word doth reveale him unto
us, in his nature, properties, and
workes, wee rauft acknowledge ic
is allowed, and in heart yeeld and
confent onto the truth of thole
things which wee know of hicn,
that then we may fafdy and bold-
*+m
i 80
Briefe VireUiens
ly beleeve in him, and cleave un-
co him. Thus knowing oar fclves
to be fafe under his wings,we rauft
grow co pnc our confidence in him:
and from hence will arifcanother,
even by hope to looke for chac
helpe which in confidence we at
fare our fHues of from ths Lrd,
and through this confidence and
hope, wee muft become patient in
in afliftions, and ioy full in every
condition oflife. Further, becaufe
wee know all good things to flow
unto u$ from God, therefore unto
him wee lift up our hearts for the
obtaining ofchofe things which we
wanr; unto him, we render thanks
for all bteffings received, and are
affe&ed with all our hearts and
ftrength to love him more than all
the world bcfides, and defire to
enioy the more full fruition of
his pretence, in the meane time
walking before him in all reve-
rence and uprightnefie with a holy
and child-like feare as doth be-
come us.
Gom-
\ ** *»
unto a godly Life.
Si
" !■ ■ »»
Commandetnent 2.
■
Now bcfidss thefc duties of ho-
lincfl?, which wee owe dire&ly to
the perfen of God meerely or
fpiri.uailandinward: there are o-
ther whereby wee worflup hhn
outwardly. |
Where i9 to be kno wee that h^e
will allow of no other meanesof
worftiipping hira out W3rdly,than
he hach appointed and prescribed
himfelfciahisword: Astheprea-
[ ching of the Gofp^l], and admi li-
ft ring of Sacraments by Minifters
lawfully called, publicke prayer,
fails, and thankfgtving§j together
with the cenfuresof the Church.
Theft in publike. In private, there
are anfwerable ro thefe, as talking
& conferring oi the word of God,
in mutual inftrufting 3 adaionifhing
exhorting , or any way e!fe which
is fit for edifying ; in all which
duties, as in many other, that arc
good and godly, great care maft be
had
82
Briefe Di'tUitns
■»■
had that they bee not performed
lightly;ra(hly,falfly f hypocritical-
ly, and un profitably, for that were
abominable to Godasadead bctU
fice ; but contrarily, wee muft ufe
them with all high reverence, be-
ing prepared rightly before 5 well
aff&ed in theufiigof them, and
aiming at the moft profitable end
which he hach appointed, that fb
we may be approved and allowed
ofhira.
Commandment 3.
j Th ere is al(b a farther duty, that
1 not onely in time of his worfliip,
but alfoin our common and ufuall
fpeech and a&ions, wee declare
what a worchyand reverent efti-
mation we have of the Lord. As by
fpeaking all good of his name,
word^and workes, and in our law-
full callings, by ordering and be-
having of our (elves wifely and
gracioufly,thatall which live with
.us may (ee that oar religioa is ioy-
ne<t
unto a godly Lift.
H
ned with the power of godlineffe :
and thac this bee done of us in all
eftatesand condition* of ourlifr,
both in profperity and adveifity :
labouring alfo to perfwade others
to the fame. Now as in all things
God muft be glorified, fo more e-
fpecially in an oath, which muft be
ufcdas with high reverence, {bin
truth, in righteoufnefle, and in
the beholding of Gods workes
v**h heaven and earth, with their
furniture ; taking fweet feeling of
God his Maiefty and beauty which
(hineth in them, reioycing with
reverence that he hath given us this
cleere glafleto bshold his face in
for rather his footftoole) which
fliould move us therefore in ail
our Aftionsto beware of hypo-
crifie.
Commandetncnt 4.
Vnto all thefe is one more to
be added, viz. that upon thefea-
venth day all our workes bee laid
a fide
8 4
BriefeDiteUiens
«•*"
o!
\
f
afidc as much as b poflible, and the
whole day to bee beftowed in his
worftipandfervice, and in things
dire&ly tending to the fame.
Here for the avoyding of that
tedioufhelfcin wel!-dcing,where-
unto our nature is prone, the Lord
hath left us variety of holy exer-
cl&SyViz. all publike and private
duties, more freely to bee perfor-
med than at other times ; which
wife and mercifull regard of his o-
ver us, if it cannot move us to give
our (elves to praftife this part of
holin$fle r (whatfcever our excufes
bee ) wee plaindy (hew, that our
raiades are earnail, and that we do
j but favour our felves in worldli-
nefle or prophaneneSjidlencfTe^and
eafe when wee reafon agaisft it, as
being too precile,
AFter the duties DTholinefle '
cowards God, follow thofe
of righeouibefle to men, for thefe
two are j oyntly commanded of the
Lord, and ought not of anycobe
<iif-
untoagedlyLift.
iif-joyncd irt praftice, as they are
ctf many; Come delighting in the
Rrft^boc oegledHag the other; (bme
Following afrer ihe £cond,and de-
ftkute of the former.
Now the ground roote from
which ail chefe duties muftfpring,
is love towards all men, even our
greaceft enemies. Vnto which muft
bejoyned brotherly kindnefleto
Chriftians, which is a holy and
elpeciall love of one faichfull bro-
ther towards another, i Pet. 2.7.
Commandment 5.
The iirft of thefe are fuch as be
due betwixt inferiors &fu per iors
mutually, vtz. in generail,that ia-
feriours in their whole courfe ho-
nour their faperiours by voluntary
fubjeftion to them, as bjfGods
ordinance and appointment, and
reverence them,both inwardly and
outwardly; and likewise that fu-
periours for their parts carry them,
(elves towards them as brethren in
all
86
Briefe Vtrt&ws
all curtefie,faving their authority;
and further al(b, that they goe be-
fore them in allinnocency and ex-
ample of good life.
In particular j fbme as Superiors
bycivill authority as Piinces, o-
thersasNfagiftratcs and Minifters,
to whom inferiours both fubie&s
and fervanrs muft (ubmic thera-
felves in bearing their rebukes
and receiving their correftions
willingly and without refinance,
and in yeelding obedience to all
their la wfull commands.
And they, if they bee in higher
place, are to provide that the peo-
ple under c hem may live a godly^
honcft, and quiet life. If they bee
Minitters, they are charged to be
good and bountifulljiuft and equal
unto their fervants. Some are Su-
periors by nature, as parents, » to
whom children doc owe very
much, as forwardnes in imbracing
iheirwholefome inftru&ion^ re.
verence and obedience unto the
end, the difoofijg of their eftare
by
H*toagidty Life,
*7
yy marriage, orocherwife, thatic
pe not without their confcnr, and
readnefle to helpe their neccflicies
pec. They are al fo bound to teach
them from their youth, to kecpe
:hem from idlecefle^otraine them
up in Tome honeft and lawfull
*ade,togovemethem wifely and
kindeIy 3 to provide for their nece£
Sty of marriage, and to minifter
things need full for this prefcnt life
is they fhall bee able, and as they
may doe it rcligioufly and law-
fully.
Some by gifts, as chiefly the
Minifter, to whom double honour,
reverence, and obedience is due,
for his wcrke-fake, forheeisnot
Dnely a teacher, but a father.
Secondly the ftrong Chriftian 3
fthom God hath endued with a
liberall portion of knowledge,
wifdorec, experience, and other
heavenly graces, more than others
af their brethren : theft the wea-
ker muft not iudge rafhly, they
muftbearc with their infirmities :
fo
88
Sriefe Dittftions
fo thole that exccll in any other
gifcSj arc to bee had in honour and
account for the Cme :Some by age
of the gray bead and ancient in
yeares, who of the younger fore j
are to bee had in reverence ande-i
flecmed, neither are we to ncgleft
our equalls, but their dignirie
and worthinefle is to bee regarded
above their owne,, Rom. 12. 10.
Thcfe duties we owe unto the per-
fon of our neighbour, to which
nwft bee added a care to maintaiae
curowne reverence and credit a-
mongmen, byacourfe befecming
our holy profeffion : now follow
fomc dutks towards his life.
Cornmaidtmcnt 6.
Firft for bodily life, itisrequi-
red that our neighbour fuftaice no
hurt by us or any ofours, as farre
as we can hinder ir,neithcr hee nor
bis, foas his life might bee mad ?
unpkafant, yea though hee ftiould
provoke us, yet wemuft fiiffer for
rather
»r
r n* ***
-*-*—
uni$*godlj Life.
rather then bee angry in ourowne
caufe, fecme it never fo weighty to
us, for that is no better than folly
and rBadncfle:nayjfunher,we muft
be wife and carefull both in words
and in deeds, to cut of all occafi-
ons, and to avoyd all difcordjyea,
though it be with departing from
fome of our right, as v^hraham
did, Gen. 1 3.7. Thisinnocencicis
accompanied with meeknefle, pa,
tiencc and long fuffering. AHo, he
that is har meleffe,is gentle, tra&a-
ble,and foone intreated, peaceable,
communicable, and fit to bee lived
with : but yet befides the not hur-
ting of men, it is further required
that wee (hould dee them good ;
and indeed our whole courfe
(hould be fuch, as that wee mig x
makeeafieas many mens burthens
as wee can : to men that are in mi-
fery, we rauft be pitifull and com*
paffionate; as by (hewing mercy
unto diftreffed fcrvants and fuch
like, whom we mfeght oppreffe, as
being not able to refift us ; by vi-
E (icing
8?
; -
*-
po
Briefe DircUims
firing the ficke, and relieving all
that arcioneedc ;and finally, wee
tnuft be helpefull unto all 3 to pro-
cure and raaintaine their welfare,
fbfarreas necefficy fhall require,
and our ability can performe. This
helpfulnefle hath adioyned unto it
mercy and tender compa(fion,kiod-
heartedncfle and goodnefle, and
fuch like amiable and commenda-
ble vermes.
Secondly, fortbe fpirituall life
of our neighbour, wee muft give
good example of life, we muft take
all occafions of winning men to
God, of confirming them chat are
wonne, of peace-making , of re-
conciling fuch as bee at variance,
of obfcrviog one another, and
provoking to love and good
workes : and fnally, of inftn>
fting, exhorting j admonifhing
and comforting, and fiich like
duties.
Com-
Htito a godly Ltfg t
9*
Cemmandmtnt j%
After the life of onr neighbour
in the next place we have charge of
his honefiy, or ehartity,that by no
meanesicbe hurt or attempted by
as : for the better obtaining where-
of, it is required that both our
mindes bee kept pure from un-
cleaneluftsjdcfires, andthoughrs
tending to unchaftnefle, and our
Sx>dies in honour, free from all
rxecoting of all fuch uncleane de-
lires by any ftrange pleasure,
which God condemneth, and
therefore that all the parts of
our body bee kept continent as
well as the face, eies, cares 3
tongue, hands and feet bee carri-
ed from fuch occafious as may
kade us thereunto : And this is
commanded both to unmarried
and married.
E a .
Cm.
S>2
Briefe DireUiom
Cemmtndement S.
Another part of righteous dea-
ling with our neighbour is, that
they bee not iniured by us in their
goods : ft) that where the cafe is
plakie, [that any thing is another
mans, wee cannot Co much as lay
claimcto if^ but God is dclpifed
of us ; but if there be acontrover-
fie, then in (brae cafes we ought to
forgoe fome part of cur right for
peace fake ; but if the doubt dorh
arife by the fubtilty of either par-
the damage ought to fail on them
from whom it came, and if it be o-
thervvifefo difficult, thatitcaanot
bet wixv i herrfelves be deiermrned,
let other men of wifdonic take it
in hand, or at tbcfattfctft, iffuite
cf Law cannot bee avoided., let it
be profited in love. This mi ft
be obferved in general!: but there
are fprciall duties accord irg to
the dm rs (latcsof men; for^bme
are meerdy poore men, and by
God'
nnto a gtclly Life.
93
God his appointment, doc live by \
almesrotherg cia in forac fort pare
ly maintainc themfelves, but not
without the helps of others, by
borrowing of them. And the third
fort is able to lender to giv?, or to
doc both.
ij For the firft fort, they know-
ing that their poore eliate i s allor-
ted tbem of God, they arc to live"
ia ic with contentation ; which
contentednefle^ will flow from the
aQuranceof the favour of God in
Chrift Iefas ;they muft not gruJg-
in any (brt at the aboundance of
otber men, but ack«ow!c Jge them
as the inftrumenta and hand of
God, whereby hce mniftreth to
their nec.flirics, for the which
alfo they muft bnhankefull, and
take encouragement from thence
tolivegodly and obediently, re-
membring alfo, that as much as
they bee ab!e, and their bodily in-
firmities of age, blindneflej lame-
nefle^ and fuch other will fuffer
then?, that they (hun idleneflk,and
E 3 all
9+
I
Brief c DireEiions
^
all evill and unprofitable paffing
the time,
2 For thefecend forr> they muft
not borrow without need, as to
maintaine themfelves in play, or
idlenefle,orfimply tomakeagaine i
of it cither by Vfury, or by taking I
moredea)i:>giatotheirhands,than
their ability will fcrve unto; and
when they have lawfully borrow
ed , they muft carefully purpofe,
l and faithfully endeavour the refto*
I ring of that which they have
(borrowed at the day appointed,
and that with thanks ; the contra-
ry whereof, is both a fiane a-
gainft God, being a kinde of
tbefr, and an iniurie to tho/e chat
have neede to borrow; for a chiefe
caufc of little lending, is evill
paying,
3. As touching the third fort,
thofe that are more able,they muft
regard both thofe duties which
concerne giving and lending, and
alfb thofe rules of righteous dea-
ling, which they muft follow in
unto a g*dly Life.
getting, increafmg and ufiog
their goods, They muft give freely
and cherefully forcharicy and con-
fcieoce fake, as the necefliry of the
pocre requireth, and their ability
will give leave.
They muft lend alfo freely to
fuch a borrower as is before de-
fcribed, not onely for the appoin-
ted time ; but if nccellity urgently
rfquireth for farther fpace, nay,
(bmetimesto the forgiving either
ofaIl,or fome part of it. That men
may be Enabled to this duty, they
muft be moderate in waftefulkx
pencts upon themfelves, or o-
'hers, where they need nor, nei-
ther doth any charity binde
them.
In furet ie- (hip they muft not be
rafh, neither may wc bee fo hard s
but to know and approve Chrifti-
ans, fo f me as we are able to bcare
che burthen, wee may with good
advice bee helpefull even in this
kiftde.
Now as for our common dca-
E 4 ling*
95
9 6
Briefe Dirt&tons
\
lings, wee muft firft fee that our
calling be la wfoll, then that wee
deale lawfully in every part of it,
that righteoufoefle may be prcfer-
ycd by us, in buying and felling,
hireingand letting, and in partner-
flbip^&c.Carc mutt be had,that one
parcy alone be not regarded, but
indUferencyufed (as much as may
be) for themutuafl good of both :
and therefore VTury, wkerein the
common benefit of both is not re-
garded, is altogether mlawfull.-
Concerting Annuities, they are
of two forts, the one is a veerely
fum of money for yecrcs,wncn the
feller hath no fuch Aunuirie, but
as he hopeth to make it by his
labour and commodities. The
other is a certaine revencw, rent,
or pare of rent, which heeinpy-
' eth,and is willing to forgoe it.
The firft kindc is full of dan-
ger> much like forehand bar-
games about Hdppcs,Corne, &c.
which feldome ends without jirs
and controrerfies, neither ought
to
" V la.
■ i i .»j i' . ■' i \% \
WMi
1
unto a godly Ltfe.
97
co be made, bat of cho(e who are
both able to beare, and willing to
ftand to the utterraoftof the hurt
which may befall men ; ic is nor
therefore fafe for thofe that are
wife and peaceable, to meddle
with thisfirft kindof Annuities.
j Thcftcond kindeisnotunlaw-
1 full , hjwibever it may be often
I abufed on the fellers bchalfe, by
fraudulent and crafty Scaling on
ihe bthalfe of the buyer ,when hee
taketh advantage of theoihers ne-
ctffi.y,and Co grinding and griping
him worfe than if he had tooke tea
in the hundred; for the redreiling
whereof, bistobeknowne, that
the buyer of fuch an A wuitie, if it
be of a rich man, fo as there be
plain-dcaling } may fafely enpy the
benefit which the otfuruff:re£h;
butifitbeofapooreman, or one
that is in debt, hee muft give the
urtermoft value without feeking
advantage; a good token whereof i
hefhallfbew, if hee be willing to Lj
tclcafchinaaftcrwtrdssthisdclsr ^
E 5 Finals J
1 ■ i « ^ i i ■ i . . i i ■ ■ ■ » - ---.T L
■ j
\
9 s ?
Briefe ViftQtonr
Finally, that all may come by
and inioy their right , truth in
words, equity in deeds, and Am-
ple meaning in purpo&s and
thoughis,rouft be firmely ac d con-
ftantly retained ; ar.d where that
hath not btene praftifed, fullrefti.
tucion is to bee made.
Commaxdemett 9.
As to the perfon andgoods of our
neighbour ; Co to his name alfo,
there are many duties belon-
ging-
As that wereioyce i lour neigh-
hours credit, an#forrow for their
infirmities, to hope with pat knee
for better thing?, to cover their
faulcs through love, of whom we
have hope, yet not by fluteryor
diflembliog, but by Chrittian ad-
monition and rebuke, not to be-
wray a fecret, when it may fafc-
lyand without di/p'eafing of God
bee kept iri; for ev^ry truth isnot
alwayestobe uttered, though all
kinds
— — r
>
unto J godly Ltfts.
99
kind of lying and fl Hindering be ac .
all times to bee abhorred ; their f
fatilcs we muft not (peak of after a-
ny manner,except firft we have ufed
all meaies thacweecanto amsnd
them, and then they are with a
bi id of anwillingieffe., and loving
faith fulaelfc to be opened ; onely
to ftchasarclikeftand fi'tcrtco re-
forms them, and not to plcafeour
felyes therein ; neither to ad nit
of all reports, but ihoU onely thac
have f nne ccrtainecy. We are far- j
tber rcqaired to uphold and de-*
fend the good name of oar neigh- \
bour,cogiveccftin1oiy alfo unto;
him by word and writing. And fi-
nally, ft is our duty and upright- f
neflk of heart and idodnefle* to in» :
terprct all ftch fayingsaid doings :
as may bee well taken in theb-lt
part, rather centring our felves j
truly, than others ra(hly;yet not to
be fooltflily credulous, as to iu Jgc r
well of them which give open ce- J
ftiraony of their badde anJ pro« !
phane hear:*. 1
r
V
I. -it>o
Brief? VmEtions
ii i ■ >■ ■ » *»— ■■
!
Ctmmdr: dement 10.
The laft part of dutie towards
our neighbour, is co acquaint our
hears with tke thoughts and de-
fires of his good • or wbatibevcr
wee arc in the five former com-
roanded to performe to birr j the
fame by yertue of this we ought to
wifLdefire^and delight in ; and the
contrary Iuftings mt'ft be caft up
and avoyded of us. This- duty
(though it belittle regarded ofthe
n-cft) ought to find the more care
in us fortheperfonsanceofir, be-
ciulethatthe wel regarding of this
will make us the better able to
fcrve our neighbour in all the reft.
H therto of the d uric rof holi-
nefle and righteoufnefTt • to which
if we addc thofc of fobriety 3 which
concsrne our fclves^i*. that wee
moderate our ,aff ft ions in the ufe
of la wful libiitks s ip that we fctve
northern, but they us, that wee
may feivc G#d the better, wee
(hall
"W i l li I » «■ »
*nt o ag*dly Life.
I
(hall have all things necefHri: to
a godly life: from hence we may,
fetch light to (hew us the way,
and matter to fcafon oor hearts
and lives, when we waxc empty,
barren,and forgctfull.
Here for avoiding of errour ,
wee are to know, that this god-
ly life defcribed, the fruits of re-
pentance, and the living by faich,
are bat (b many fundry manners
of fpeeeh wherein the Scriprurcs
doe lay forth the life of the
rgbteous, or a Chriflian conver-
facion: for the bringing fonh of
the fruires of amendment, or of
repentance, is nothing elfe bat
for the perfon who Is adlircd of
Salvatioa through the forgive-
nefle of his finnes , to turne
unto the Lord, and to come un-
der his governement, from the
power of Satan, and finne^ and
in full purpofe of heart to la-
bour to be reformed irom day to
day more and more.
A godly convention is even the
fime,
ioi
)
_
102
Bricfe UireBions
|' fame^ viz,, an endeavouringcolive
after chc word of G ^d, which tea-
ch«th us 10 believe,tha? he will in-
able us thereunto D and b!e(D us
therein. So alfo living by faith., is
no other but relying upon the
word of God, wich fall purpose
to bee guided by it, either by re-
tting upon his promifts, or obey-
ing his comonandements : which
life of faith, is a rooft glorious and
rich prerogative : for by this wee
are conti Jeor, and reft quiet about
our Saltation from time to time :
by this wee walke in newncfle of
life in all the parts of ic ; by it wee
are aflurcd in our prayers to bte
preferved, to have the rage of our
ttrong lufts weakned /by this wee
arc delivered froti many fharpe
and bitter affli&ions, and have
grace co bearethe reft with great
meckenefle and patience ; by ic we
goe thorow our callings more
eafi'y. And finally, wee attaioe to
that quiet cttate and fweet peace,
which chc caraall wifdome of man
(hall
* i ■ * *- - 1
unto a godly Life.
03
Qull never finde nor enioy : with-
oat this, any life is moll mifenr
Me.
HAving after a fort declared
what the Chriftians or be-
lievers life is- it followed to fhsw
fome reafots, why th* believer
(h juld leade his life thus.
Firft, there is great canfe why
this (hould be /ought for; brcaufe
by this God is higblf glorified :
for if he bee honoured by the con-
verfionofafi^ncr,the:imi:chiHore
by his life afterwards. Itwasjfr
great part of Salomons honour^
that hcegave filver as floies 3 and
goodly Cedars as the wildc Fig-
trees : this mart *eics bee a great
honour to God, whenheegiveth
graces and pofl'effions, which nei-
ther filver nor gold can purchafc,
and an habitation that neither C*-
darnor Almond- tree caa make re*
(emblance of * 3 this honour the
Lord jjarh in all ages from the out-
ward convcr fatioa frf his fervancs;
and
J
( "
Briefe VireUions
aodyec their bsft things aie with-
in, and cannot be feene of men,
I Pet.i. \2.
2 Another reafon why men
fhould -with full refolution, ad.
dceffc them ft Ives to paflk the time
of their dwelling here with reve-
rence and feare, is, the good that
comes unto thcmfelves by it,
and the danger which they are
in without ic, Trov^* \o. for
bee that hath fethimfdfc tofeeke
the Lord, and is willingly weaned
from unlawfull liberties, and hath
made his paftime to be well oc-
cupied^hee is al waies fafe^ where-
as for want of this, many fall
where they little feared 3 for it is
not enough that wee purpofeno
wickednefle nor cvill, but we mud
be firongly armed alwaies with
full purpofe againft it, efpecially
that whereto wee are moft prone,
and wherein wee have had by wo-
full trials experience of our
weakr effe ; for while we doe cotr-
mit none,yet wc make a way for it
to
» % ■ '
unto * godly Life.
105
I
■».■■ " ■ *■
o enter into us afrefh, while wee
[become fecure aod improvident*
This is manifeftly to be fecne in'
(the example of Peter, of the Pro-
phet ofBitbeLofluda^ho did all
pnrpofe well in general!, yet not
fearing their frailety, nor arming
themfclvesagainft the lame, they
were foonc overtaken.
3 ThisaKo may move us, that
no exercife of Religion nor godly
meaacs of the beft fort can do them
any good, who will not refolve
themfelvestocometothisfaithfull
praftice of a godly Iifc 4 >This is ex-
emplified fufficiently in chelewes
pra&ice, and proved in the Pro-
phets complaints; experience alfo
dothwirneffe the fame; for wee
ftc many frequent the exercifesof
Religion, who btcaufe they pro-
pound not with themfelves, to be
caft into the mould of holy Do-
fttine, and to be fafliioned after
ic ia their lives, doe get rather
harme than good : whereas o-
thers at the fame time, ufing the
fame
io 6
Briefs VircBions
^M
fame meanes, doe receive muchp
bleffing from God thereby, (uch
woe ic is that prophaneneffe of life ( i
bringecb with ir.
This is notfpoken for thediG
couragcment of aiy, that they
ftiould give over the ufe of any
good rncanes,butto ftirre us up all
for to ficke the true fruit of them ;}
for Gods deare children when thew
( grow carelefle, loofcthe fruit of
good exercife, when they waxe
weary of reverent attending upon*
God (as all good things the flcfh
doth (bone turne to wearincfle)and
be gin after the manner of men (with
whom they live)to feeke their un-
lawful! liberty fome way, not be-
ing circumfpett enough about the
keeping of the beft things in price
and estimation ; the Lord feeing
this, takech from them the privi-
ledges which theyenioyed before,
hee dimmeth the light of their
miodcs,that they fee not fo clcere-
Iy, (hutceth up their hearts that
they delight not in the mat-
ers
unto a godly Life.
°7 I
jeers whichwere wont to beof giea-
reft account and reckoning with
them.By all whichic may appears,
that much more they that worfliip
him with tmcJeane hearty never
wjftied and purged, cannct re-
ceive into them the fweet and
wholeforoe liquour of bis grace,
by what outward exercifesfocver
they prefenc themfelves before
him : and if this be the ftare of ma-
ny who draw neere uoto God out-
wardly- how fearcfull then is their
condition^ who neither heare his
word, nor are acquainted with his
waicsatall?
NOw becaufc this ftreight
courfe isnoteafily yielded un-
to, therefore fome things areob-
ic<5ted againft ir, which muft bee
anfwered.
This life camocbee led, or at ohtU.
leaft not with any ioy >
It may fteme (b indeed, becaufe j^ n f w
that after they have begun this
courfc, many have kept at a ftay.or
elfe
i
ioS
. ■
g
Brief c Vire3i$ns
^»
clfe being driven backe/omecora
plaine of much tedioufiiefle, and
fttong difcouragemears, fearefull
doublings^ and fmall comfort in
it • divers others account ic a mo-
*pi(h life. But for the Anfwer of all
>thh, wee are to know, that this
Chriftian life, confifting not in
fome good aft ions, but in the kee-
ping of our hearts finccre,and up-;
rightly bent to walke with the
Lord in all his Commanderaent^
throughout our whole courfe, ac-
cording to our knowledge, is not
only poffibte, but required, as the
Propherfceweth,PjCi.a.&ii?.
9. 97 j 9%. where he tcachetb,that
he which is happy and godly in-
deed, endevorcch to this, that his
mind may delight in,andbe poflef
ftd of good matters, or rightly u-
fiog lawfall, or carefully refifting
thofc which arefinfull, Pbil.3.20.
The extmpleaKb ofEtoch^Abra-
ham y Lb^Mofes y David, with other
godly men,who were not without
their infirmities no more than we,
doe
uxtoagtdfyLift.
109
<k (hew chc p^ffibilicy of • his hfc$
eithrr is ic a ftate unpleafaiit
o the ^iriiuall man, whom the
oly Ghoft dir. fteth^ buc eafi?,
weete, and comfortable, though
it be a yoakc to the corrupt
lufts not yet fubdued : for as eve-
ry one excelleth another in the
graces of the fpirk, thereafter is
his mealare greater in the privi-
leges of a Chriftian than others,
and with more fomd and cooti-
nuall comfort doth hee puffe his
daies, and free his life from re-
proachfull cvills; and the more"
that any godly man incrcafeth in
goodnefle, and gocth beyond that
eftare wherein he hath fometimes
bio in knowledge & high etfiiiuti-
on of ir,8c ihe right ufe of i he fame,
the more fhal his iife b: filled with
matter of found & pure rcpycing.
Howfbever there were fane in
the tircc of thofe fore^ fcrhcr3, yet
niw wee fee none live after chat
fame manner.
Alchough the life of the moft be
in-
I
Obhtt.
Anf&.
I 10
Brie ft tytn&iom
»ndecd vary loathfome, yet their
are fo many godly lights amongft
us, ) the Lord multiply the num-
ber of them, and the graces which
heehutfi given them, athoufwd
fold, and bee highly pray fed for
them) with whom to live, is next
to heaven it felfe. Thty do not on*
ly not faint or give ovcr>but grow
from untowardncflfe to Gocsfer-
vice, to a holy cheert^ulncffcand
delight in the fame, which growth
isfeene alfo in the duties to men
as well as to Gi d. Thefe howfo-
ever they be but ft w, in refpeft of
them who fee themfelves to up-
hold the corrupt eftate that the
world hath evcrltenin* yetfbme
fuch, God hath fet amongft us, to
farre more great and lingular pur*
pofes, than many carnall eyes can
fee or difcerne : we muft therefore
be wife to difcerne them, ready to
love their per fjns,and to reverence
thofe precious things that are in
them, and by frequenting their
companies, karne to imitate their
vertues. You
Attfw.
You that urge this ftri& kind of Obiett.
ife, doegoe tof*rre, and brag of
hat which is not in you, not re-
nembringhow many have fallen
which were more like to have
food than you; itVavid, Teter,
kc. It is good for all toprofeff?
no worfcthan others doe, andio
heir fals (hall not bee fomuch
wondered at.
By the grace of God, bragging
s f arre from us, neither doe w* go
too far the word being our war-
rant ; but we are not afraid :o utter
that which we know, nay wed ire
doe no otherwife, though it bee a-
gainft our felves dS much as others,
if wee (hall fet light by it at any
time; neither are we any thing the
nigher, but much further from fal-
ling, by fpeaking the truth bold-
ly. If at any time we fall, wee looke
to feele the bitter fruit of the fame
being afiured alfo that we (hall rife
agajne. In the meane time, God
will have this holy life prattifed
of others, whatfoever become of
us*,
I 12
Briefe ViuBtons
us* his ttuthremaineth for ever:
the true worfh'ppers of God muft
depart from iniquity % 2 Tiw.2.19.
As for thetal 1 ot V*vid y Peter J &c.
They ariie from Jccuricy, and the
wane of this watchfull courfe
which i$ urged, and therefore
fhould be motives uuto us, the
more carefully to looke to our
fclvesjeft we alio be overtaken.
Men cannot now live oihcr-
wife than they have done, efpeci-
ally after this manner • fo that nei-
ther husband nor wife, nor one
neighbour with another can be
merry together.
As for change of eftate, there is
no cauft why wee fliould feare, or
be unwilling to change for the bet-
ter : as for delights, there are none
more fweet,chan thofe which have
ground in Religion : but tho/e
that cannot ftand with a godly life,
let them, in the name of God, be
broken oSfot they may as well be
fpared as the paring of our n*iles,
and therefore not fufficjenc to juftle
out
>■
unto a godly Life.
oura godly life, from the praftice
of any true Chriftian and Believer.
THe Chriftians life being thus
described; now becaufe icis
upholders by meanes, it is fit to
know what thefe mcanes are, and
how they may be ufed aright.
Thefe raeanesare fuch religious
cxercifes, whereby Chriftians may
be made fie to prafikife a godly life.
They are partly ordinary, and
partly extraordinary 5 and both of
thefc either publike, or private.
The publike, arc fuch as be ufed
in our openaflemblies : ordinarily
thefe are three.
Firft,the Miniftery ofche Word.
Secondly, thcadminiftrationof
the Sacr3menrs.
Thirdly, the exercife of prayer,
with thankefgiving and finging of
Primes.
Of private, fome are to be ufed
alone by our felves, as watchful-
neffe, medication, and the Armour
of a Chiiftian, ymh experience.
F Some
113
H4
Briefe Directions
Some are to be ufed with others,
as focicty of conference, and Fa-
mily- exercifes- fome are com-
mon to both, as prayer and
reading.
THe firft and principall is the
Word of God^ead^Preached,
and heard^as the Lord prefcribeth.
That this is a Angular helpe, wee
may fee, ifweeconfider the truth,
authority ^ ibfficicncy, and phinc-
nefle (through the Mioiftery and
tranflations) which is ia the Scrip-
ture.
To fpeake therefore nothing of
the benefit which it bringeth unco
the unregencrare, untowhomicis
of might to convert them. The
tries arc many and daily which the
regenerate people of God have
by it.
Firft,by it they are cleared from
errour and darkenefie, about Reli-
gion and manners, and are made
more fouad in the knowledge of
the truth, and fee more particular-
*y
unto a godly Lift,
,i. 5 I
ly into the way and whole courfe
ofChriftianity.
2. They grow fettled and efta-
blifhed in their knowledge from
| day to day.
3. Thry are by this quickened
in their drowfincfle, cheered in
their heavineflfe^called backe from
their wandrings, railed up when
they are fallen, and counfelled in
their doubtfull cafes of advice,
4. They are by it fettled in a god*
ly courfe, and taught to keep well
when they are well, rather than to
befickli &inconfiant in good car-
riage of th mfelves, as many are.
For by ir,as by a Sunne that giveth
light in all places, they efpy their
weaktntiP, and how they are hol-
den backe when they are fallen,
and which is the right way of pro-
ceeding: By it, as by a rule, they
are taught to frame all their
ifttons.
5. They are brought to beftow
forae time in pofuable reading.
6. They are framed fo, as they
F 2 be-
i\6
Briefe Directions
Imitm
become lights and examples to
others : fo that wee may boldly
conclude, that the ordinary prea-
ching of the Word, is a Angular
Hieanes provided for the perfefting
of Gods Ele#, and for their grow-
ing in a Chriftian life. And whom-
ever liveth where there is a good
order of teaching with diligence,
skil,love,and plainenefie;if he find
not this fruit by it, ic is becaufc he
is not attentive and reverent in
hearing, hee is not prepared be-
fore to heare, or elfc doth not ap-
ply unto himfelfe, nor willingly
digeft that which hee hath heard ;
but is forfeited of fome dangerous
qualities in his life, or corruptions
in his heart; among which, this is
a (pcciall one among the people,
that as they thinke of the perfbn
that teacheth, fo they doe of his
Do&rine,, and not othcrwile.
AS for the Sacraments, they are
helps neceffarily adjoyncd
unto the former : for they doe vifi-
bly
unto a g$ily Life.
"7
bly confirms and pacific that which
chc Word dcth teach, and the co-
venant bcewixc God and the belie-
ver made, is moft furely fealed up
and effectually on both partiesby
them,
Firft, the Lord for his pare hath
granted to every faithfull perfbn,
that he will never call his fones to
a reckoning, but will be his God,
and love him to the end through
Chrift; for the ratifying whereof,
hce hath put to his /eale : fo that
the Sacraments mufi needs remaine
efFe&uall to the faithful I, both for
the ftrengtheningofhis faith in the
promife, and alfo for removing of
allcontrary doubts which through
weaknefie might arift. So on the
other parr, every believer foi his
owne part hath covenanted, to
truftinGod alwaies, toindevour
to walke before him confeionably,
in righreoufiefle of heart andin-
nocencie of hands.
Now of the truth of his heart,
the Sacrament is a figne- which he .
F3 having 1_
n8
Brief c DireBions
having received, hath openly pro-
ftfled thereby, that he hath given
and cunfecrated himfelfc unto the
Lord, and is now no more his
owne to live as his carnall will
would defire; (o that either the
prefent receiving, or the frefh re.
membrance of this,doth fpurre him
forwards to keepe his covenant,
andincouragehim againft tempta-
tions, weariforanelTe, and allhin-
deranccB^efpecially believing, that
ftrength in meafure (hall be given
him of God to performe that
which he hath promised and fealed.
By all which we may fee f that how-
foever the Sacraments be unto the
unbelievers, even as amyfterieor
hidden thing, yet the believer ha-
ving been foundlyinftrufted there-
in^ beholdcth much, both for the
ftrcngthening of his faith, and his
incouragementin a godly life,
Firft, this may be fcer.e particu-
larly in the two Sicraments : for
thefakhfull Chriftian which hath
beene baptifed,as he by his hgraf-
fing
1 7 1*
nnto a g*diy Life.
ng intoGhrift, is onewithhim;
and therefore while Chrift liveth,
uft live alfo : fo he having there*
by prepared union and fellowfhip
with him, doth draw ftrcngth and
grace from him 3 even as the branch
from the Vhe, viz, The power of
his death for the mortifying of tin,
and the venue of his rcfurrc&ion
in railing him up to newnefle of
life. So that Baptifme throughout
.his life, muft needs be a forcible
meanes to helpe him forward in a
Chriftian courfe, as ofc as hee doth
dulyconfider it.
2* Likewife that the Lords Sup-
per is an excellent helpe, we may
fee in three fpeciakies : viz*.
i. In the preparation ro if.
2. Intheprcfentufcofit.
3. In the time which followeth
afcer.
1 . The fi-ft confifteth in the tri-
al!, thac every man ought to rake
ofhimfelfe, concerning his know-
ledge both generalland particular,
his faitiT in Gods proraifes, his di-
F 4 ligent
119
iii ■ an
120
Brief e DirtBions
..
ligent indevour for the removing
and fubduing of all time, and fot '
readincfle in any duty, his love to-
wards all men : and Iaftly, con-
cerning his hungring after this Sa-
crament, and the berefic which
God offereth by it.
Theft properties if heefindeto
be in himfelfe, hce is a tic and wel-
come gueft to the Lords Table;
but if through floch,forgetfulnefle,
darkaefle, corruption and weake-
ned, theft graces be weakned,
dimmed, and decayed, he may not
rafhly put forth himfelfe in that
caft 3 but fpeedily fteke to recover
himfelfe againe, by ftarching the
ground and ftrious renewing of
his faith and repentance. Which
things being fo; it cannot be but
that this kind of preparation muft
be a lingular helpe to thoft that in-
joy it.
So likewift at the Sapper it
felfe, where hee may, and ought
to meditate on the dainties of the
banquet, and the love of him that
ordained
■ *i
unto a godly Life.
121
ordained it ; on the CommunioQ
hefiaTFTwlfhChrift^ndhisgracc*;^
and on the outward figncs what
they affjre him of; and on the
Word preached., which fheweth
him all this. When as by the apply-
ing of thefe chiogs hecommech to
be comforted and rrudeglad 3 or
rather to be revived andejjickned
in his (bale wkh the fpirkuall
dainties which by true faith hee
feedeth upon; how can hee but
praifeand bleffe the author of this
banquet ? howan hebutbs much
heartned 8c fet forward in a Chri-
ftian courfe ? Ic is alfo of the fame
force after the receiving of ir^
( where right ufe is made of it ac-
cording to Gods appointment)
through the remembrance and due
confidcration of the kindnefle of
God therein offered and reaped,
eafily to carry on the fervant of
Godi.ia fervent defire of all well
doingjbe heartened an<iftrengthe-
ned thereunto, even as a man wcl!
ref refhed with meat is ma4$ ftrong ,
F 5 to;
«■■
122
Briefe "DinUions
I
> .
!
f
1'
I
to labour : (o that hee which is
noc made more able to conquer his
lufts, and weaken the ftrength of
fione, and is net more heartened
to the life of godlinefle bythefe
Sacraments, doch abnfe them, and
feeth not Gods purpoft in ordai-
ning them.
THe publike prayers folemnly
offered to God in the Con-
gregation, and praifing of him
withPfalmes, is another of thefe
publike helpes : for when befides
our owne private (upplicacioDs
and thankefgiving, wc hive by the
Lord himfelfc appointed thefe al-
io in publike, and that in (b fo-
lemnea manner, the whole aflem-
blyconfenting with us in the fame,
and Godprefent among us toaffift
us, as he will, becaufc the very or-
dinance of God doth promifc a
bleffing thereto, as oft as wee are
partakers of them, £b that if wee
come with reverence, feeling our
wantSj eatneftly defiriog and mi-
ffing
untoag$dlyL'tfe.
123
-|
fting to obtaine the things we pray
fcr,together with true repentance,
J wee (hall receive fruit of them ac-
cordingly, even that good refreflh-
ing, whereby in private we (hall
be more cheerefully bent to ferve
him.
So that neither any prejudicate
opinion concerning the Minifters
perfon (chough hee be dumbe, or
orberwife offenfive) nor yec any
rafh judgement of reading a fee
forme of prayer, or any thing of
the like kinde, ought to hinder us
from thefepublike duties 5 neither
ought the private helpcs to be
neglefted of us upon any pre-
tence^ without the which the pub-
like are but cold.
THe firft private help is watch-
falneffc : which is a carefull
obfer ving of our hearts, Prcv.q. 2 5 .
Diligent looking to our waies,
Pfal. 3 9. 1 . that they may be plea-
fir g and acceptable to God. The
neceffry of this help may appeare
man?
1*4
Briefe VinStonr
many waies, for without this, fo-
briery is lotf, i Pet, 5.7. and the
force of our prayers abated,
Mattb*26. 1. and for want of this
(as experience ihewerh) many
Chri Aians are not acquainted with
a well ordered and fettled courfe,
but out and in, off and on, never
ftaied;and becaufeof the contrary
carelefneffe and fecuricy, many,
not evill mco are plunged into fun-
dry noyfome temptation?, finde
many wounds in their foules, and
want many comforts in their lives ;
fo that fome are as untrufty as Cjc-
bazi,fomc as hafty, furious^ and
unlbciable as T^alal wa s *
The manner of this watchful-
neffe is fee downe by the Apoftle,
1 Tim. 4 5. to be in all things,
and at all times, and by all occafi-
ons^in all places,with all perfons^
and that constantly, fo long as
wee be in danger of temptation,
Marker^ 33.
All of us tljertfore that defire 'o
walke with God in peace, mtaft go
about
umo a godly Lift.
about this duty to purpote, and
fee our minds and delight upon it $
our evill lufts, wherewith wee be
full fraught, doe carry us head-
long into fundry iniquities, in fo
much that wee can gpe about no-
thing but we may feele (if we can
difcerne) that fome one or other
of them is in our way to hurt us,
and at band to moleft and difquiet
us : if we be occupitd in fpirituall
duties, wee have fhame and hypo-
crifie on the oac fide to hinder us 5
dulndfe, wearinefle, untoward-
nes.&c.on the other fidg to breaks
us off. In thingslawfull,we are fe-
cure & careleflc what the maner or
end be: in evilljWe have eyes open
tofeethefecming pleafurejor pro-
fit they promift, and reafbn toex«-
tenuate the danger; but we have no
eares to receive the ftrongeftdif-
fvvafions that can be brought. We
therefore muft be kilfulltoknow
thtfe difbrdered lufts diligent
to efpy, prevented avoid them ;
wee mult abftaiue and weaneour
(elves
"5
% \j
-n*
I
126 Brtefe Vire&ipns
- —
felves from that which our hearts
would naturally dciire moft 3 1 Pet.
2 10. wee muft not dally with the
baits of finnes, weemuftnotbefo
bold as to venture upon all com-
panies, to fall into any talke, or to
take liberty in any defires without
re/peft. And mto this care wee
muft adde prayer, as that which
doth quicken and put life to it, (b
that ip may be continued with
much cheerefulneffc and little te-
dioufnefle.
It is further alfo to be mar-
ked, that becaufe the firvants of
God have fomefpeciall infirmities
wherewith they findc themfelves
more troubled than with any o-
ther, they muft be moft fufpicious
of, acd vigilant againft them: and
where they fee Satan moft likely to
winde in himfelfe, there they muft
carry a more narrow and ftreight
ye, avoiding tbe leaft occafion
that tends that way,andbeftowing
more time and labour inthcroo-
iing out of thefe corruptions, from
the
!
mxoagMfyLtfi.
\
the which moft danger may be fea-
red. As in troubles we muft watch
agaii ft impatience ; in profpericy,
againft wantonncfle., becatife theft
arc Iikeft to enfue ; and when wee
have broke out of our conftant
courfc a little, and that our con-
fcience begins tochecke us, then
wee muft cremble to thinkeof it,
reeurne ipeedily againe, and wee
muft feire afcer,lcft wee (hould of-
fend.
This may feeme unto many to
be too ftrift, that our hearts may
notra ^ge where they lift, nor our
delights be fattened where wee
pleafe, but that all powers of our
minds and members of our bodies
muft be holden within compafle.
But unto thofe who are acquainted
with it, and fee what fafc peace,
andfwret joy it bringeth to their
life, it is no tedious bondage, but a
(pirkuall and heavenly liberty .On
the other fide, thofe that will not
be perfwaded to cntcrraine it^they
muft looke to live deftitute of a
chiefe
12
u8
*■—
Briefe Virettiens
i
chiefe pare of godlineflV; or if it be
but now and then in fomeefpeciill
aftions and parts of our life re-
garded and looked unto, it will
make the godly life in great part
to be bereaved of her gaine and
beauty.
The fecond private help is Mt-
ditatim 5 and that is when we doe
of purpofe ftparateour (elves from
all other things and confide* as we
are able, and chinke of fome points
of inftru&ion neceffary to leade us
forward to the kingdomc of Hea-r
ven, and the better ftrengtheniog
us againft the Divell, and this pre-
ftnt evill World ; and to the well-
ordering of our lives. This hea-
venly communion with God and
our fcl^es, is that which the Fa-
thers called their Soliloquies:
which muft bed'ftinguifhedfrom
the ordinary thinking of good
thiogs,andpondring of words and
anions, which yet in the Scripture
is called meditation, Jojb. i, 8,-
T/i/ 1 1 9. 97. for that ought never
to
unto a godly Life.
129
to be wanting, being a pare of
watchfulnefle 3 andisexercifcd to-
gether wich prayer ; bit this is
more folemne., when a man of fee
purpofe doth ieparate himfelfe
from other bufimffe, to folace
himfelfe in thefe holy and heaven-
ly thoughts.
The matter of this our medita-
tion may be on any part of Gods
Word, of God himfelfe, on his
workes of mercy and judgement,
of our owne eftate, of the vanity
andmifery of this world, and of I
the manifold privileges which wee J
withthereftof Gods children en-
joy: but cfpecially of thoft things
which wee have mod efpeciall
neede of.
The gteit and neceffary ufc of
this duty, may well appeare even
in the heart of good Chriftians^ in
which there is much naughtineffe;
fo many rebellions;, and ioathfome
filchineffrjthae k rnaketh fomc de-
fpaire of reforming it, and there-
fore they ceafe to endeavour it ;
yec
Brief e VireUicns
yet if fuch noifomc poifbns be dif-
fered to lurk and remaine in them,
they will not only as fower weeds
choakc the plants of grace within
us. but alfo grow up themfelves,
and bring forth moft noifome and
dangerous fruit, as by wofull ex-
perience men feeleand cry. Now
for the weeding ofthefe out of the
ground of our hearts, there is no
means* Co availeable,as the confi-
dering ofr^and deepe meditating :
vi*. co finde out what fwarmes of
them doe lodge in our hearts ; al-
fo to bring them into a vile ac-
count, to be weary and aftumed
of them 3 and (b to entertaine
better in their roome ; for al»
though by the Word wee know
our corruption^ by conference we
revive the remembrance of them,
and by reading we doe both* yet
all this will be but of (ball force,
except they be )oyned& fcafbned
with medication. For our hearts
are (bdcceitfull, that if once wee
can but commend that which is
good
I
unto a godly Lift,
131
I
good, and fpeakeagainft evilly we
are ready cothinkethatonrelhce
is right marvellous good ; where-
as ye^ if there be not in the heart
a hacred of the one, and love of
the other, wedoe but deceive our
felve?. Now, when wee doe of-
ten gage thefc hearts of ours, and
fift our thoughts, and deale truly
(in accufing or excufing) as wee
love our foules; though wee finde
finne to fit neere and faft glued, yet
by Gods affiftanceand blcffing we
(hall breake o AT and chafe away
theft curfed fwarraes of prophane
thoughts and defires; we fhall be-
come better armed againft them
afterwards, and our heart being
thus mollified, anirelentiig, wee
(hill furnifh them more gracioufly
with holy thought?, and heaven-
ly defire^ and draw them inco
more neere and heavenly commu-
nion with our God; taking heede
of the ftgred baius of earthly de-
lights, and tranficory pleafurcsof
this world. In (umme, the fruir and
bene-
132
Briefe "DireUions
■»•
benefit which by oar medication
and private prayer wee rcape, is fo j
great (the Spirit of God changing
our hearts thereby from their dai-
ly courfc and cuftome more and
more, and bringing the heavenly
life into more liking with us, and
making it more eafic and fweete
which wich the men of this world
isfo irkefbme and unfovoury) that
none canexprefle and conceive it,
but hee which hath felt the fame.
Therefore it is that the men of
God, who are mod commended
for their piety, both of old, as
MofesJ)avid,?aulfiLc. and in our
times alio, are moft taken up of
this exercifc; and others that are
ftrangers to it, though they be
good Chriftians, want much fruit
which by it they may reaps.
The lees which are enemies to
this duty, they are of two forts;
for either they are fuch which hin-
der men altogether from going a-
bout if, or elfe ftch as keepe them
from taking any good thereby
» - when
(
i
unto ag$dlyLift.
133
hen they enter into ic. Qf the
brmer fort there are three.
1- The firft is when a Chrifti-
n knowing this duty to be requi-
ed of him 5 gocth about ic> but
ee is fo empty and barren that he
ath no matter to beftow the time
and his cogitations about. Now
for the remedy of this, there (hall
be rules and examples fit downe
hereafter: but in generall, it (hall
be expedient for him to pro-
pound unto this his meditation
thefe foure things,
i. Firftj of his unworchineffe,
vilencfle, finnes and corruptions
2. Secondly, thegreatnefleof
Gods bounty in his deliverance,
3. Thirdly,how he may be gui-
ded throughout that prefent day,
according to the rules of dircftion,
elpecially in the hardefl points.
4. FourthIy,of the (everall parts
of the Chriftian armor which God
hath appointed for his ftrengthe-
niog.
2. The fecond impediment of
this
*34
Brieje Virt&ions
\ this fort, is an unfit mind unto
fpiritaall and heavenly duties,
through feme unfctledncffe, fl Jth-
fulneffc, or other corruptions.
Now the beft remedy for fuch
a one, is to meditace of his prcfmt
unfitneffe, loofentfie of heart, and
earthly-mindednefleto count itan
heavie burden to accufe his heart,
and Co to bring it to relenting, by
confidering howfarreoffit ispre-
(ently from tha^ mildneffe,humble-
iiefle^ heavenlinefle, andreadinfle
unto duties which have beene ia
him at fome other times : but let no
man give any liberty in any fort to
his evill heart, when it isturned
away from chceref nine fle and wil-
lingnefle in any part of Gods fer-
vice to goe forward therein, for
that were to bring him to utter
bondage.
3. The third let is, want of op-
portunity by reafon of neceffary
bufinefle taking up the time; or
for want of convenient place, as it
failed) out to fea-men, and thofe
that
unto a g$dly Life.
*35
;hat havefmall and poors houfcs :
boncerniog which, it is noc to be
ienied but chat there may fome-
:ime fall out fuch bufinefleasmay
sxcufe us in the omiffion of this
duty; and this muftberemerobrcd
rbat the ordinary duties of our cal-
lings muft noc put this dutie out of
place, for if chey doe, ic is through
unskilfulnfle, or untowardneffe cf
them who commit this fault : one
of them is appoiured of God to
e with the other, and both of
xhem ftand together in upholding
of their inward peace. If any man
b^ rich, hee hath theleffecaufe to
be holden from it by worldly care;
if they be poore, they have the
more need of it to moderate their
care, that ic exceed not, nor carry
them to unbeliefe : but if any in-
tend, or pretend extraordinary bu-
fincfle, they muft take heede that
they feeke not cloakes for their
do- h : yet if any have neceflary lets
iadecd, hereby they (hall appearc
to be fruitlcfle if at any time God
be
_ I
i S 6
Briefe Uire&ims
■«-%.
be remembred feme other way as
foall be mod convenient 1 , and thisj
duty fupplyed when the hinde-
rarce ispait.
Of the fecond fort oflets which
may be called abufes,thcre be espe-
cially two.
i. Thefirftistoufcitflcightly,
and (o to make a ceremony of it :
the remedy whereof is to hold our
mindes wich taking delight in it ;
for this, and all other good helpes
willbeunfavouryuntous, except
wee (hould fallen a love and liking
on them.
2. The fecond is when although
we be defiroustoufe meditation,
yet our heads are (b full of trifling
and wandringfantafies,or worldly
matters, that we cannot mind hea-
venly things : the cauft of this is
the letting looft of our hearts all
the day difbrderly, without wat-
ching over them, or keeping them
within an holy compifle. Fofcthe
remedying of it, wee muft there-
fore carefully fct our (elves agairft
the
unto a godly Life.
i »37
:
•
he corruptiorts of our hearts, la«
>ouringtodry ; } d thole fwimiBing
oies with the flame of heavenly
md fervent afFc£Uou$ ; wee muft
:ie up our loofc hearts throughout
he day from their deadly cu^ome
;f ranging after vaine,fond,and de-
:eicfu]l thought*, dreames andde-
ight8;this whofbeverdothornoc
t all, or feldome, or coldly, they
ofe a great part of their f wect and
)ltflcd living hcre,noi in/oying the
enthp^rt of thofe privileges and
ibertics, which God h;th provi-
ied for them in their PiIgriimg-%
The Rules of dire&ion in me-
litating bethefo
i. Hec who dtfireth to have
ifielpe by meditation, muft weigh
how flippery 3 fickle, and wande-
ring his heart is infinite waies to
his exceeding hurt; and that hce
innft of neceffity appoint fonie fet
time to check>rcclaime,and weane
: t frcjoi the fame, Unm. 17. 9.
2. Hce muft warch over r
G heart <
l$%
BritfsVircttitnt
—»—
»*"——• *•
heart (having bccne (b often de-
ceived by it through hit whole
life) and have it in fufpicion, that
fo it may be more fie to be drawnc
to iuch heavenly cxercifes, and at-
tend unto the fame.
3 • This being obfer ved,Iet him
draw matter of meditation and
prayer from bis owne wants acd
infirmities* from Gods bencfics >
from the changes and mortality of
this life, &c. cfpecially of that
which is moft availeable for this
prcfenr.
4. If hee cannot doe that, let
him reade fbme part of the Scrip-
ture, or other booke fie tofeafbn
and well afFe& bis minde, that Co
his mind may be quickened to the
performance of this duty.
Particular meditation concer-
ning duties to be praftifed.
No man (hall be fit togoverne
himfelfe aright before men, if
hee doe not ufuaily acquaint
hitnfelfe with, and feme hirafelfc
v tfter that Chriftian tour (e, firft be-
I fore
■ <W
^■■P •
unto a g§Mj Lift.
I x 3*
|Forc Gcd. Yet no man rouft reft in
Iprivare txerciks of Religion with-
out a wcl-ordered life before men.
Every part of our calling mnft be
(6 carry ed j as wee may have peace
thereby; if a man be fallen, hee
muft not lie ftill, Itr .8. 6. but re-
tume unro God, though with dif-
ficulty, Exod. 33, 8. the breach
muft be made up in our confeien-
ces ; which if wee doe, God is not
farreoff, iSam.y.y. 10.12.22.
If wee rejoyce oaely in prospe-
rity, it is x ligne that Gods bene-
fits, not his favour, makes U8 mer-
ry. It is a good thing to re pyce in
the Sabbaths, and in the communi-
on of Saints ; yet wee may not reft
therr, but in this, thstGodisour
portion alwaies, Ffalm. no c 57.
2 Or. 5. 16*
In crofles wee muft ufc great (6-
briety, other wife wee fhall be wi-
fe t. Jed by them : to this end wee
muft prep ate and looke for trouble
before it come, and ink we muft
meditate of the beft privilege that
G 2 God
140
Briefe DireUiom
God hath given unto us, 1 Sam. 30.
6. yfal.77.
Wee ftldom* keepe unlawfull
commoditics,or rt Joyce too much
inlawfull,butthe Lord doth croflfe
us in them. The moft vexations
in oar life become annoyances un-
to us through our owoe default;
in that, wee either prevent them
not when wee may, or beare them
not as we ought, or make not ufe
of them as wee might doe. Whea
matters of more importancee than
our Salvation ia come in place,
let us be occupied in them with ,
more fervency than in that : but
not before. Thepra&iceofgodli-
nefic is a rich and gainfull trade,
Prcv.$. 14, but if it be not well
followed, it will bring no great
profit. To haue a willing tuindc to
be well occupied, and matter, a.
bout which wee may, and time
to bertow therdn, andfre^deme
from lets therefrom , is ao eflate
m* f ch to be made of. gud yet for
the raoft part, c riey v. hkh havcal-
moft
■^v
nnto a g*ty Life.
I" rnort all outward incourapcments,
cannot tell what to do with them.
Whatfoever meafiire of graces
wee have gotten, yet ic is cenaine,
that God hach much more (or us
than we can thinke of> if thofe be
the matters which wee have in
greateft price ; but being fee light
by, and the raeanes neglected
which prefcrve them, ttay die.
That is a good eftate, when wee
have not o/,ely ) ;y in heaven-
ly thirgs at the tirft hearing of
them, butincreafnginjoyjasour
knowledge and experience increa-
fe h ; *nd when wee are not oncly
delighted in thefe prefan duties of
Godsfervice, but alfo as joy full to
thinke of them which are to come,
accounting that the more they be,
the better ihty are, Tfr more lure
the u art of God his favour by
far.b, the more humble thou art
alfo, Mdttb. 15.27.
They aic worthy of great pu-
nifoment who fee light by thr
plenty of that grace, the crummee
G 3 where- 1
141
>
4Mb
142
Rriifi VireQions
•^•^
.
i
whereof Gods hungry fcrvants do
ftf great ftore by. When wee are
rffl fted, and the wicked (pared,
our eftate fcemeth to them mod
vile ; when we are both in profpe-
rity , they feeme more happy ;
when they and wee bebothaffli-
£hd, then they account our eftate
happier than their owne, bate fpe-
dally when they area ffi&cd, and
' we (pared, Evod* 1425.
Wee may not affigne the Lord,
in what place, (late* condition, or
in what company wee would live,
but as Grangers wtit on him, even
as the hand-maid on her Miftrefle,
for whatfoever hee will allow us :
wee arc ready moft commonly to
be called away by death, before
we befit, or have learned how to
lire, Looke what care^onfeience,
leak, lore, and reverence, eftima-
tion of good thing?, thouhaddeft
when firft thou embraced'il the
Gofpell- the fame at leaft retaine,
and be fare thou keepeft ftill after-
wards. The more knowledge that
thou
unto a godly Lift.
thou ha ft, take heed chou beeft roc
more fecure ; for thas ic it with
many at this day, who therefore
doe fmart for ic.
Wee (hall not er py the grace
which wee had ac the firftj except
wee bz carefu<l now tokeepcic,
as wee were then to com: by ir.
Keep downe carnall liberty ,and
the fpiriruall liberty fhall be great,
and reft oa God, and ic (hall make
thee overcome the hardeft ching3.
Wee rauft remember to ferve
and walke with God by daies, not
by weekes and moneths onely,
Pfal. 92. 12.
As Husband-men wait for their
fruits, fo fhould we for that which
wee pray and hope for$ andtbit
woidd make us j)y full when wee
obtaiaeic.
If we can rejoyce at the conver-
sion of a finner, then arc we Chrift
his friends, Lukf 15.6.
Ic b a folly, yea, a madneffe, to
be heavie to the death for any
earthly thing, when yet a mm
G 4 defireth
M3
.
144
♦-I
Briefe ~DirtUtons
I
I defireth. nothing more than life
All our life ought to be a provi- .
ding for a good end,and a keeping'
away of wo which commctb by
finne.
The fLfh would faine pleafeit
felfe in fome unlawful! liberties,
when wc have pleafed God in foroe
duties ; but a wile roan will keepe
well when hee is well. The more
grace wt perceive in a iy man, and
conftancie, the more hee is like to
God,tbe better we^ ought to love
him, 7^.13.23. JP/i/. 1 5 - 4»
Where there is wilfulrufle in
finning, there is great difficulty in
relenting, and alio no power nor
boldnefll in believing. Many be-
ginning well in godlinefle have
fainted and quailed, or beene juft,
Iy reproached before their end^
that others may the more fcare
their owne weaknefle: where new
knowledge isnotfbnghr, there is
the lefls favour in the ufe of the
old- and when men make not
good uft of the old, the fee-
king
king of the new is but noveltie.
Men having experience of Sa-
I" cans malice and con ciniull dogging
of them to doe evilly it fliauld
teach them to truft better in their
armour, and Uffk to therafelves.
Where we fufpe& thac corrup-
tions grow, if wee goe net about
to pull chem out, arid plucke them
up, they will be too deeply faftned
in a fhort time.
Though man pray and medi-
tate, and keepe a better courfein
his life than fbme do?, yet if hce
doe it bucfl.ighcly, that the flefh
prevailech iruch in hindering the
well-performing of ic, all will
fuone come to nought - it may be
perceived in che fway it bearenh in
other parts of che life, and then let
it be fpeedily amended.
Ic is good (b to cafte our fclves
with duties, one or ocher,at 11
times, and in all places., chat Co do-
ing, wee may cut off occafions of
rouchiinoe.
Let no fione be flnghcly pafled
G 5 over
146 I
Briefe D'tnUims
^ **■
1 r*
; 'i
I
I over or omicced, for when it com-
racthto remembrance in trouble.,
it will fee an heavie burden r and
pinch us to the heart.
THc third' private fielpe is the
armour of a Chriftian: con-
cerning which foure points are fit
tobeknowne.
1 £irft,wbat it is, and which
be t he cbiefc pa rts of it ,
Icbthat fpirituall furdrure of
the gifts and graces of the holy
Gboft, by which God doth deli*
ver his from all adver&ry power 5
and bringjhem to the obedience of
his will^2 Cor. 10.4* the parts are
fee downe, Ef>bef>6. 1 4.
r WhcrcofJiefirttisfinceJty,
which is the general! grace^where-
by a Chriftian is made Ample, and
without fraud, or hypocrifie bea-
ring (way in him, both towards
God and hia neighbour, P/i/.ja 2.
2 The f cond is righreoufiufff;
which is that gift of the Spirit,
where-
?
MXtoagtdfyLife.
f 47
whereby our hearts are bent to all
manner of goodnefle, and righte-
ous dealing,approving of it as raoft
excellent, defiring fervently, and
delighting in it, and that becaufc it
is good, and d diking, and hating
of all naugbciaeffe and evill, Pri.
28. i, ffkiX.j.
3 The third is the (hooes of
peace, which h 5 that having re-
ceived the Gofpell, and found
the fweetneflk of it, wee are now
thereby as cney who are ready to
take a j :>urney (hod and prepared,
ready to deny our felves, and to
take up out croflfe and follow
Chrift, through this our pilgri-
mage, Rpw.5. 1. Lukt 21. 33. 57.
Phil, 4 7. lob. 16.33.
4 The fourth is the fliicld of
faith : which is to build our per-
wafionon God his faubfall pro-
mifes, that Chrift Iefas is ours :
and thit Godhathgiven him to us,
to obtaine forgivenefle of our fins,
and feWation by him, yea, and
til other good things alfo naeece
for
I
*4
8
Briefe Vire&ons
for thispretenc life, Colof. 1.33,
5 The fifth his hope, which is
a joyfull bnging, and itedfaft de-
firc and looking for the perfor-
ming and accomplifhiog of all
thofe mercies, reroporall and eter-
nail, which God hach promifed,
and wee by faith are afjiircd of,
Lu\.2.^o.Tet. 1. 13.
6 The fixth is the fword of the
Spirir, which is to be well inftru-
Ged in the (bund and living know-
ledge of the Scriptures, androdi-
geft the fame, and aUb (eafon our
uuderftanding withia us : in fuch
wife that weemaykaowthewtli
of God, and have the forae in re-
membrance in the things which
moft concerne us,(as we can:)hit
thereby wee may at ail cim*$, and
in all edes, be readily led by ic,
PfaL 1 1 9. 105. Where it ig ro be
reniOnbred, char Hee which hath
mofi knowledge, i^'hee be not gui-
ded by that he underftji,derh, hec
fenowcth nothing as hce oughr,
10.3,18- Prtfv.^6* leb^^.iy.
The
*iu«Ag*lly Lift.
M<?
TKc f cond generall point is
rhe r.ec^ ffi ie of this armour,
viz, that wee (h :>uld cloath and
furrjifhourfouk-s, with every pare
ofit: wh ; ch is fo great, that the
right Chriftian life cannot ftand
without it : for to venture upon
the manifold tribulations of this
life without the {booes of prepa-
ration, is as much as to goe bare-
foot amo gthornes, or to ranne
naked upon the pikes.
To bs deftitute of this fliield
of faith, is the undoubted way
cither to defpaire utterly, or clfe
in deadly presumption axlfecuri-
ty, to drowne our felvea in per-
dition.
To leave off the breft-plate of
righteoufneflc, is to expofe him-
(elfc into the danger of every
temptation - for hee that doth noi
from time to time afrefh indent
with his heart againft ail unrighte-
ou(oeflc,he may Luk to be carried
iaco thofe unlaw Full a&ions which
(hall
i5o
*>•-.
Briefe DireUicns
(hall bring difgace to hirafelfe,
and his holy profeffion a Wo,
i Cot % 6. 4. 5.
Hee chat hath notthefwordof
Gods Spirit, fo that hee be able to
lay in temptations, it is written
to the contrary, (hall never be
able to cut in (under thofe bonds
of finne, wherewith hee fliall be
conipafled.
He that hath not all thefe gir-
ded to him, whh finccrity and
truth, (hall bnt deceive himfclfe
and others alfo.
Hee that hath not true hope of
(alvation>to keepclife in bis foule,
how can hee be void of fainting,
irkefomnefle,heavincfle,diftrafti-
on^dumpUhncile, andfundryfoch
difcouragements? Or how can he
have any cheerefulcefleinhislife,
or contcntedncfle,, that hath not
this hope of pafiing his afflifting
daks, under the wings of God his
protc&ion?
So that wee may well affirme,
without this compleatc armour of
s God
unU *godlj Lift
iud,<hat the Gbriftian life cannot
continued.
THc third point is, how this
Armour fhould be put on. For
e anflver whereof wee are to
ow, that it is not wholly wan-
ing in any rrue Chriftian : for eve-
ry true believer at his firft conver-
fion, is made partaker (chough in
weake rreafurc) of all things ap-
pertaining to life and godlteeflfe,
iPet. 1,4.
What then raeanech the Apoftle
when he b'ddeth us put on this ar-
mour? His meaning is* char wee
fhould not have it u mea in the
time of peace have their bodily
armour hanging by them, unfit f r
ufe ; but as fouldiers have theirs in
battel! , wemnft be fare, that in all
pUceSjand upon all occasions, we
have it with us fo fane as wee are
able, werauft licdowne, and rife
up with k ; becaufe our battell
lafteth ail our life long, and our
/enemies be deadly, and all our
ftreogth
I5i
•*rv*
152
Vp.
Britfe Virettions
—
ftrcngth is by our armour.
N>w to put on, and alfo to
keepe on, and to have the feeling
of every part of this armour, (faith
againft diftruft, hope againft fain-
ting, uprightnefle againft hypo-
crific; knowledge againft thed?-
ceitfulnefle of fm ; rigfreoufnefle,
againft all kindeof iniquity, and
the preparation of the Gofpell of
peace, againft'crofl&s) to have, I
(ay, this armour in areadineflV,we
muft ufe continual] watching,
hearty prayer, ana frequent medi-
tation about them, Matth^b*^
Here is to be obferved, tha? the
fwordofthe Spirit hath two bran-
ches, viz* that knowledge which
wee get out of the leer er of the
Scrip* urc onely, and lb have it but
by rule: and tht knowledge which
wee Iearneby proofe and triall for
the bettering of us : for a* in all
trades and fciences there is great
difference bet wixc the experimen-
tall knowledge of them, and bare
or naked skill of them ; fo is
there
unt§ a godly Life.
there great diftance betwixt one
that bach onely attained fo much
knowledge as will enable him to
girc account of his faith, and him
who hath had the proofeof this
knowledge, how it hathbeene ef-
fe&aall in him. Hee confidereth,
obferveth, and applieth the things
which heheareth, fecth,and doth,
to his owne ufe : and by things
pafttfaus duly regarded, heelear-
neth and getteth widiome to ad-
vift and guide him for the pretend
and for the time to come*
This is experience, which ma-
kethuswifein all things that arc
profitable to godlineflc and eter-
nal! life.
The observation of the reward
of evill will make us avoyd it ; and
experience of the fruit of a godly
life, is the belt meane to continue
it: our owne friall how sffl ftions
may be of.lieft borne, and come
tobdtend, is our bfft rule forever
afcer. Thr. example w*c have in
T>Avid, Tftlm. 120, i. I Sjm.\j*
34-
»53
-
154
Ohjcfr
Briefe VtreOknr
34. VfMm.jj. io. Tfalm.y?. 37.
Li furoroe, as in all Trades the
beginning is hardeft, and experi-
ence bringetb facility; fo it is in
the pra&ice of Chriftianky.Woe-
full therefore it is, that in this, of
all other,, men will not labour for
experience. I
4. The fourth generall fruit is,
the benefit of this armour, which
is not fmall, for hee that putteth it
en, and goetb cloathed with id
thorow the day, though the Di-
vell, and his inftrumentg, doe a£
fault by craft and deceit, or by
force and might, hee (ball mighti- j
ly prevaile againft th m, and pre-
fcrve himfelfe ; he {hill be able to
live with comfort in all eftatesthat
God (hall fet him in, and in all
places which hee (hall bring him
to • and change by no occafions 3
but hold out until! an end be made
of all difficulties and uncertainties.
We may (erve God well enough
without putting on this armour af-
ter foftrid a manner.
n
unto a godly Life.
155
It is true indeed.,thata Chriftian | Anfr*.
trrving God may be ignorant of
ihis armour; but hte cannot then
ay, bt fcrveth God wellenougft ;
csufcthatkindoflifemuft needs,
wandriog, unfettled, and not to
ibe refted in.
' Ac icaft it is not expedient to Obittt.
impofe (b heavie a burchen upon
weakeChriftians.
The childe of Godisnofboner Afljy*.
borne, bot he defireth to continue ,
in tbat eftate of life and falvation,
to p'eafc God in all things^ and to
roaincaine peace and joy within
himfclfc; all which iJcffc&cd by
the ufe of this armour.
NOw to come to thofe helpes,
cither by our fdves alone, or
others alfo (for the other kinde
\ (hall have another place) thef: are
prayer and reading.Firii of Praier.
Prayer is a caling upon God
accordlingto his will ; it hath two
'parts, Thankefgiving and Rcqueft,
k whereunto isadded the Confcllion
i5*
Bricfe VireUions
of iinnes. Thankefgiving is t
part of Prayer, in which we bci
comforted by fame benefit, whicfc
in favour God beftowethupon us,
are drawne to love and pra fe him,
and fhew forth the fruits thereof.
In thisdire&ica,there are to be;
obferved three things and three!
motives unco them.
" i. The firft motive is kncwl
ledge and doe cenfiteraion of
feme particular benefit received
or promifed us, i Sam. 25. 32J
Gen. 24. 27. Lnkc 17. 1 5. With-
out thefe three can be no true *nd
heartie thankefgiving, howfbever
in words there be a protection
forfafhionfake.
2. The (econdis j ^y and glad-
nefTe of hearf,for the benefit which
wee thinke of, or calltorninde,
Pfalrn. 116. 1.2. Except wee finde
this fweetnefie in the mercic?, no
dutyofthankescm in good fort be
performed by them.
3, The third, is a perf ^afionj
that the benefit for which we givq
thankesj
UKtoagtdfy Life.
*57
nkes, comracch to us from God
fatherly lore.
This is a farre greater caufe of
adneffe than the benefit it felfe,
al. 116. J.
1. Ilr tirft dt'fy is a continu-
ceofourlovetoGod, P/.12& 1.
2. The (econd i$ a defir-- to fee
rthhis g'ory, anJ in w;rdsto
of (Te and confefle his good-
; forif\veelovedv:Lord,wc
nnot but be carried with this
rventdchrejtoadvsr.es an J ring-
ed hioi, PfaL 116. 12 and 1 11.
3. The third is a further prc-
:eding in obedience and walking
rorrhy his kindntfle : this one if
be wanri^gfroro the reft, maketh
lem all lame., and maimed, and as
dious to God as the mortlings
fhrch were offered to him in fi-
rifices,D/«/.6.i 0. 1 1 . P/j/. 5 o. 1 6.
If in this manner wee (hould
rame our (clyes to thankefjlnsffe,
rmuftneedes be a mighty and for-
ible meanes to mollifie the hard
ii
tfart 3 and to hold under the ftrudy
* corrup-
corruptions of it, fo that they may
be ful j tSt to God ; yea,even when
ftrong provocations doc draw co
thecoDtrary.
Thus much of Thankefgiving :
Now for Confefliot?. Conftffion is
an acknowledgement of our felves
f o be guilty, and worthily to hare
deter ved Gods v. rath for our grie*
voos offences; together with a free
and humble bewailing of them be-
I fore the Lord : fuch as are un-
kno wne to us in a gcnerall manner,
but thofe which we do know (ac-
cording to the nature of them)par-
ticularly.
To the right practice of this,
there arc fourc things reqaired.
i The firft, that wee feele our
fr.nes odious and burthenfome
tou?.
2 Secondly, that we accufe our
iclv ;S of them to @od#
3 Thirdly, that we ftand at his
mercy, having dcfeived condem-
nation.
4 Fourthly, that wee abaft our
felve^'I
***!
unt§ a godly Lift.
'59
(elves thereby, and fo are weak-
ned, and our pride abated.
All chefc are in the confeifion of
David. c Pfal.')i.oiDamil 9. of the
Prodigall foa, Lmk,. 1 5 1 7.
Now this Gonfcllion being from
time to time often made unto God,
wiilnotfufferustogoe farre, and
lie long in any finne, but hunt if
oat before it be warme and neftled
in us; and therefore it rauftnecdes
be of great force to ftrengthen us
in a godly life.
The hit part of Prayer, is Re-
queft ; it is that part of Prayer,
wherein wee carnsftly poare out
our futes unto God, in contri-
tion of hearr, according to his
will, with comfortable hope, that
through Chi ift we fhall be heard,
and therefore forfakiog the finne
which might hinder our futf .
In this du*y alfo there arc fours I
things to be oblervcd.
1 Firft, that wee fhe w this con-
trition of heart, by being preflcd
with feeling our want*; unwor-
thincfle, I
i6o
Brhfe ViTcUums
cbintffc, zniferable eftate, and ma-
nifold miferies, earneftly cfcfiring
co be pardoned ar deafed, i Sam. i.
I* this be (o (as will (bone fol-
low, upon right confdlion) wee
(hall neither pray in l.p-laboiir,
bichGodabhormh* northinkr
o;:r felves too good to wait Gods
le ifurtj if ar firft hee grant not our
requefty, but continue them as he
11 T»andech #
2 That wee asfce onely thofe
things aswsthave a word for^and
in fuch fort a? hee nathprumifed
them, 1 fob. 5. 14.
3 That wee qui' keo our felyes
to come in faich and confidence,
and eft. times to come chearefully
co this duty, Jam.6. i. fob. 16.24..
Now to the end we may come
with chearefull delight unto this
duty, let us confider thelites,
which are cfpecially three,
1 Firft, that by prayer wee are
made in a fort acquainted^ and fa- j
miliar with God, and know his
roiody
unto a g*&ly Ltfe.
161
m:r,d and will, and hew he is affo-
rd to us, being admicce:* ro fpeak
unto h'lm^lMm.^Z.Ioh. 16.26. Rev*
3 10.
2 Secondly, that it giverh life
to God his graces in us, which be-
fore lay halfe dead; as w ee may fte
in the example of Sficr.
3 Thirdly, : treachcihonttous
in our greateft neede, the good
things and ^ifes of God which our
fdvesdefire, Mtttb. j.j.
4 The fourth and laii property
of prayer, is y thit wee bring not
with us the tins which will curne
tway the eares of God from hea-
ung us ; (uch are any fanes not re-
pented ofj butlycoin, fecretlyat
the leaft,and not rcaouaccd, frov.
28.19. PfaL 7.4.
Thcfe are che puts of prayer,
which if they be reverently and
humbly adjoined together (as they
ought) accompanied wkh the
tore-mentioned properties j if we
be falko, they will raife us up ; if
: be heavie, they will comfort
H usi
I ■!■-■!. ■ ■ ■ I I II . 1 — »— — ^— — ^—
\6^
BritfcVireUhns
us; ifwe be dull,they will quicken
us; they are a prefent remedy to
the oppreflfed heart, apreferverof
the godly life, a giver of flrength
to tneweake, an efpeciall meanes
to make a man live in every eftare
wherein God hath fee him : there-
fore prayer muft needs be a ftrong
and mighcy help-to the godly life ;
for if we pray well, and keeps our
felves in caie fit to perforce this
duty, we (hall not need to feare in
our life any great annoyance.
THe next helpe is reading ; the
general! rules for if^are thefe :
i FirP^^atthebcokesotGod
be roc laid aficte and nrglcftec^
butreidon as oft of every one t%
may b? : other wife much unfivo-
linelTe, unqiiictmfle» anfruitful-
ntfft, and uncheerefuineffei will
follow even In the be(h
2 That all fikhyjkwd^and wan-
ton bookes, yea,needlcfleand tin-
prc/kib!e be avoided. ( j
I 3 That in che Scriptures there!
-I — I ■ 111,
unto a g*d!j Life. j
be a conftanc going on in order,
an d not here and there a Chapter :
and of otherAut hours, rather lee
one or two be read 'Well and of-
ten^ than many fleighcly.
Now as concerning the manner
of reading,
i It muft be with hearty good
will to learne and profit by ir, de-
firing God to prepare us with re-
verence, &c.
2 We muft fettle our (elves for
the time to be attentive, and (o
to abandon the wandring of the
heart as much as may be.
3 Wee rauft be carefull to ap-
ply that which wee reade wifely
to our fclvcs ; as perfwading our
fclvesthat all duties arc comman-
ded us 3 all fins foibidden us 3 and all
promifes to be .believed of us:
likewifc wee rauft lookc that all
exhortations, and admonitions
quicken i*;tll reprchenfions check
us; and all threats caufc us to feare.
If reading be thus ufed, it will ma-
ny waies appcafc the confeience;
H i in-
i<53
■■ ^^ ■ ^ ■
w~
164
BriefeViretttoPts
inlightcn the judgement, inlarge
. the heart, relieve the memory,
move the afft&ions^and in a word,
draw the whole man unto God j
and therefore muft needs with the
reft be a Angular hdpe and furthc-
rancc^o a godly and Chriftian life*
Hitherto of ordinary helpes,
extraordinary are efpecally
two.
1 Firft^Solemnethanlcfgiving,
2 Aid fccondly, fading with
prayer more than ufuall adjoyned .
Thcfirfti*, when infomerare
and unlooked for deliverance out
of defperate danger, we doe in
mofl fervent manner y^cld praife
tr/God for the fame, and re Joyce
heartily in the remembrance and
confideration of if, tying our
klves in a renewing of ourhcly
covenant more firm ly to the
Lord: «nd reftifyingboch fhrfc by
fignes and Qnfaincd go»>d will ro
oar brethren. AH which are to be kj
fe^Dt meft dkardy and lively in P
±*%
unt$agodljL'tfe.
i*5
|
that moft famous example of £y?*r
and M^rdccay^ Efter. 9. Ic is to be
uCcd acco; ding co the occafion :
fvheo the occafion of ic belongs to
a whole Churchy and ispublikeiy
performed : ic ought to be accom-
panied with the preaching of the
Wotd 9 for the qutekenhg of the
aflembly. If the occafion be pri-
vate, it is to be ofed privatdy,with
P/almf s praifing of his Name, and
fpeaking of his vvorkes, and rea-
ding Scriptures tending to that
end.
The fecond extraordinary help
is fading : and this is a mqQ earneft
profc (fiun of deepe humiliation in
ibfiinencc, with confelfion of fins
and fitppl cations (tor thegreatcft
pm of the Jay at the Jeift)'oGod,
'o rurnc av7ay fome fore calamity
from is, or for the obtaining of
(bmeipcchll blclfiug.
!r mi it b 'Lk I arcordingtooc-
cafio; s, asc'ieo.her; but neither
muft b: taken in hand, without
truerepenrance.
___ H 3 Now
— . f "
H»*tMMM»«M>
1 66
I
Briefe Vin&ions
\
Nowifwc weigh the force and
ufe of theft exerciieSjhowrihe one
raifeth up a pyfull recordirg of
Godhiswonderfullkindr.cffejche
other bringeth us low tor our
cwne viIencfle 9 morccfpecially rc-
membred. Both of them doe ex-
ceedingly draw our hearts to more
love snd obedience to God; wee
mu ft needs cocfefle them to bs cf-
fe&aall mcanes for thefcttirgus
forward in a godly life.
NO w that a believer is defined,
the godly life described, 2nd
the helpes thereunto ad j >yned t lc
rcmaineth in the next place, to di-
refirthe weake Chriftian in the
right ufe and applying of the
raeaaes* For thofe dudes of godli-
ncSs are not left to mca (bmetimes
to bepra&ifed, and at other times
to be negle&^dj nor generally on-
ly, but particularly in all their
a&ion*; and every day, and tho-
rowouc the day, to be looked un.
to and regarded. The meaning is [
nor. (^
unto a godly Life.
\6j
7
nor, that the felfe-fame particular
aftions and duties fhould be every
day, butyetthatallevillbeavoy-
ded every day,apd fiich good done,
as in onr calling and life (hall be
occasioned.
i Firft therefore to declare thar
the believer muft have direftion
for his life every day out of Gods
Word; it is manifcftly proved our
of chefe places of Scriptare, i Pet.
1,17. 4.2. Heh*3. 14. £04.1.75.
2 Tbc Scripture doth commend
unto us a certaine courfe to walke
in with God, and a particular di-
rection of our !i ve s ss may be £en,
T/i. ; . r 1 p. p. Prt*io.9.CjdI. 6a6.
And 60c further require the
fame to be daily kept and follow-
ed of us, Pnv. 21.14. 1 tim\ 5. 10.
Pfil. 119.97. P/J/.7 1.15. ^£2.2 4.
1 6.&c. 24. 7. P/*/. 145. 2. There-
fore Chriftian j murt be guided by
fomc daily direftions in the lea-
dingofcheir lives.
3 Furthermore^ fo many parts
of a daily dire&ionaswilliuffici-
I H_4 emly 1_
II ■ ■• I I
1 68
ftritfe VireQ ois
I
I
ently dircft a man 3 be en joyned in
the Word oi God co be daily ufed,
as in the parts of ic 5 and thchelpes
unco ir. In prolperity, Iam.%. 13.
I Tbef.^i^.Iam. 2.23. In afflicti-
ons, lam. 1.5.2 Chr. 2 0.34. Lam.,
3. 2j.Pfal $2.6.2 Sam. 15 . 26.Luki \
9. 23.Ptttf.3312. Mmh.26.^\.
Among the helpes for Prayer^
Pfal.tf.16. & X 19.164* ?r*.6,22.
For watchfulnefle, Pfil. 1 19. 97.
For reading, lofh. 1. 8. and as for
J publike hearing^ Prcv.2. 33. ^7j
I 4 B:fidcs, if wee confider the
danger that fo! ! oweth the neglett-
ingof thisdirtftion f by taking un*
lawfulJ liberty, that will be a rca-
ion to (tirre us up unco the imbra-
cingohhis cruhj for,firftweare
caught prefewly with the deceir.
fulnefleof lilt fome Way or other,
Mat. 2641. Htb.$* 13*2 Tim. 4. 5
Prov. 28. 1 3,
2 Secondly, GOD WmfdCe,
»h M}g\ he kcepe his children from I
many eyills while they defire it J
, 7£fl\
1
unto & godly Lift.
169
tm
yet if they be fecure, hce leaveth
them to themlclves, aad docb pc-
ni(h their finnc as hee doth other
mens, 2 S*m. 7. 14. 2 Chro. 1 6. 9.
prw. 10 9 *P/i/, Sp j, and we all
know that Satan wacchech all op-
portunities to hurt us, Mattb. 1 3.
Tatbtfcteafons may be add'd,
5 That this daily dire&ion is
the beft meanes co keepe us well,
while wee be well, and to rail's us
up being fallen.
6 That the very tenComman-
dcmcn r s/nj lyningdutLs towards
hi nfelfc generally on fixe daies in
three commandments, and efpe-
cially on the fevench in the fourth,
but towards men on alidads, doe
lead us to this daily dire&ion.
7 That Gad hath forbidden
fuch differences co be mad^ of
daies, as that in one wee fhould
be carefull, in others caicklie,
</<*/. 4 10. CJ.2. 16.
H % 8 And
170
BrUJe Virtilitns
8 And laftly, thac our whole
and daily converfafbn rnuft be in
Therefore as a man thac haih 2
long journey to travel^ wiHnot
count this fofficsnt dire ftion to
goeonEfttararJj or Weft w a ;d, or
fuch gcnerall rules^ but will take
a particular note of Toymes and
paifages : Co ought wee to learne
wifdome^ that, having a great pil-
grimage topafle, wee content not,
ourfelves with gcneralls a but fol-
low thofe certaine particulars^
which may helpe us for warcUnAhe
kingdorae of heaven, .
Ow it folio wes tofhew what
this daily direction is. It is
a gathering together of certaine
roles cut of Gods Word,by which
we may be ioafc>!ed every day to
live according to the Will of God
wish found pe^ce.
And therefore the foilowingof
fuch direction, is a fuithfull and
so&fi$nt enckvaar to pIeafcGod<r
umoAgidtyLift*
171
in al! things every day as long as
wee live here, co the peace of oiir
o wne conference, and co the glori-
fying of God. In the description is
co bt obferved :
1. Thatic is called an endevour
only, becaufe perfection is neither
required of God^ nor co be looked
for of the b:ft Ghriftians. Thus
ftch places.as Pfa/.\i9>i.Lul{.it.
28. which feeme co require per-
fection, are co be expounded by I
chofe that fpea Ice of endevour, as, '
Chro.2$.j 9 Hof.6.3. A&n^lb
But this endevour b 3n infeparable
fruit ofthefeare of God, andmuft
be in our hearts continually.
2. That this endevour muft be
hearty ,not coaftrained, or hollow,
but conftant, that we faint noc^ but
hold out therein.
3. Whereto ictendeth^/^. co
pleafc God in all things, Lnb^i 6.
1 3. CV/.I.IO./W.13 18.
4. Laftly, hacthismuft be daily,
and continue to the end,/^7. 2 4.16.
7^,4.26. Aft.iCj, 2 Cor. t.l J,
*****
i7i
Briefe Utrctbms
Tbevccejjarjf psrU oftbedrilj di~*
reUion atctbejt eight,
FIrft, every day wee flioulJ be
humbled f r our (Line?, as
through due cx^mi arion of our
IvesbythcLaw otGod wee (hall
fee them, Pf*lm»$. j. Epbef.q 16.
lob U 5.
2 Every day wee ought to be
railed up in allured hope of f jr-
givemff ofihtm by the promifes
ot God in CbrW ; this is n Vir fr~
para cd fir m the foTmtr,A&. 2.38.
Hof 1 4. 2.3. that word in the pe-
tition this day doth teach us io
much*
3. Every day we oug^t to pre-
pare our hean s to ft eke the Lord
ftill; and kecpe them fie and wil-
ling thereto, Hcb.$. 12. De**, 5,
a 9. Mat 1 2. 37 Pro 4. 18.
4 E vei y day wre mult itrongly
and relblu tly arme our fe vesa*
gajuift ah evill andfinne., fearing
maftaf allto ogend Gad. 1
K Ever 5 \
*****
■ ■ ■ ■ »■ I l b 1-1 M U »■ n . .
I
5 Every day wee muft nounfh
our feare and love of God, and joy
to him more than in a vf thing, and,
erdcvonr to pleafe him io all du-
ties as occifua (hall be offered,
6 Every day our thankes bee
contit u^d for benefits received.,
a.«d (till ccrraioly hoped tor, Lam.
3.23. Pfa/m. 318.7, aadic33
1 77*/ 5, 18.
7 Eevcry day wee ought to
wa f ch and pray for fteadfatln^fle,
andconftancy in ail thcfe,£/?^/r.
5.17.
8 Every day hold and keepe
our peace with God, and fo lie
downe with ic, a CW. 1. n.fbil^
4. \Tkef.<).i6.
Thefearc all neceffiry, as with-
out which we can never be fafe, we
can neve r taftc of true joy. But
here two extremities are to bea-
voidedia conceiving of thcrrn.One,
that wee chinkc it not fafficic nt to
regard rhffe duties, tome one time
in the day ; for wee rauft have this
pre-
*73
—
*74
Briefe DireUims
prcfcnc with us, and our hearts fca-
foned with them thorowouc the
day. The other is, that wee doe
not take occafion from hence to
(hakeoff our callings, or neg!e&
any pare of them ; for in our ordi-
nary and meaneft workes, we may
aad muIWerve Godjby^doing them
in takb,not for carnall refpe&s on-
ly : and avoiding the common fins
chic prophane ones joync with
them.
Concerning outward a&rons,
co certainc rules can be given
in particular, becaufe they arc va-
riable and infinite; yet fome out-
ward duties there arc 3 although
notneceffary to be done daily, yet
commonly to be obferved, \ery
profitable and hclpfull to live well «
aad happily^ by fettling us in the 1
pra&ice cf a daily direction • fechf
are thefe that follow.
i That wee walkc with God,
that is, that as fooneas wee have-
broken off our fkepe, wee let God
before our eyes*and our hearts uj -
OQj
nntotgodlj Life.
••— •
'75
w
on him, rcfolving Co walke with
him that d$y,Prcv.6 22*
This accuftoraing our fclves to
good thoughts, at our firft awa-
king, by fee ting our hearts upoi
fomeholy and heavenly things,
would te a good entrance to the
well fpeading of the day, and a
preventing of ftndryevills.
2 That infolemne manner (if
it may be) before wee enter upon
other affaires, wee ofRr up our
morning prayer to God, confefc
fing our cfpeciall fr ties, remem-
bring his particular favours; re-
queuing both pardon for things
paffed,and affirtingHS with bUfc
fings for time to come, efpecially
forihatday, Van. 6. io. For the
helpingforwardof this duty, it is
fit chat fbme holy meditation be
jjyncdwiihic : thisbeiogjoyncd
with a hearty renew* ng of our co-
venant wil fo leafon us in the mor-
ning, chat wee (hall rcraine the fa-
Vor,and hold the ftrengch of facha
graci ; us beginning, all the day af-
cer.
That
(
m ■
I7<$
1 ^^»—™ - ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■
Brsefe DiteUlom
3 That then (if itftiallbcmoft
expedient) we with our minds ftill
kept well ordered, betake our
kfvesto our calling and vocation j
wherein wee muft not Co much
minde our profir, that wee coolc
any grace thereby, or quench holy
afll&lons in us, Thac wee muit
h^ve acallirg^e Cjen.^ig.fyk 4.'
1 3. 2 T^f/3. 6. That wee muft
labour diligently therein, fee 1
Or 7 20. 1 Thrf$ &. io* Pro. j 3«
41 1. & lS.p. &24.30.
But r hat the walking in our cal-
ling diligently may pleaf; God,we
nmft fo ufe earthly dealings, that
wcenegkftnot fpirituall duties ;
wee muft avoid worldly minded-
1 eflcoo the one part,as idlenes on
the other : both of which we fhall
be encouraged unto, if wee con-
fidenhac it is the Lord who fttcerfc
11s in our callings, and hath pro-
mised to be with us,and to give us
^oodfucccflein them, and to help
us to beareall tedioufoeffe therein,,
and further, that hee willech us to
doe
K
wnt$ agodly Life.
doe all fuch duties for his fake, in
fjch manner, as if wee did them to
him- and from him to looke for a
reward, /*/&. 1.8.
4 That io all companies we be-
have our (elves as wee are taught
of God, and as it beconmeth us,
e fpecially Co as wee leave no ill fa-
vour behinde us. Wee muft not
therefore rufh unad vifecily into it,
j as moft men do, but determine be-
fore to doe good unto others, as
we be able, or to take good oj
others as nccaiio i is off red, C0/.4.
6. Iofk.iS i r im.^ i*. we muft
take heed of dirges to come by
tacmilticfc and b)r/fcS talking
apd behaviour, which in moft
companies wee lhall raecte with-
all.
Occafioos of good fpeeche*
muft net only be rake nfn it fought
andwaitedf r, sift.26 28
If the company be G ciefperate,
that the»*e is no place for God, yet
*wee muft keepe our fclvts from
liihrir unfruitful! workes of darkc-
l 77
\j
nefl\
178
Brief e VireUians
riefle 3 by giving of apparent tokens
of our diflike, leaving them al(b as
(bone as wee can, and (hunning
them afterwards as much as wee
may conveniently.
Amongft others* wee mnft be
ready feafonably to give, or Chri-
ftianly to receive reproofeycxhor-
tation^comfor^&c
1 In particular for our recrea-
tions, wee mull firft looketo the
time, when it is ncedfulL
2 The kinde, that it be honeft,
and of good report.
3 That wee forget not God* in
the ufe thereof.
4 Ti?c RSSSt*, tnat it be With
moderation of affe&ion every way
5 Our affociares, that they be
fuch as wee may have cemfort of,
6 Our end, that wee may be
fitter to the duties of our calling.
la bargaining and o*her cove-
nants, they ought to be without
hollo wneflc, deceit, undermining,
and fuch other uncontcionable dea
Hog; that fo wee may be fimpR
a
nmoagtidljLife.
and our meaning good, our words
pliine,our agreements rcafonable,
our promifes kept, our covenants
performed^ advantages not rigo-
roi-fl* r taken, &c.
Finally ,wc rauftobfcrve and re-
verence the graces of God in c-
thsrs where wee lee them, and by
that meanes labour to chafe away
from us frivolous and hurtfull fan-
tasies, faiotneflf , difcouragements,
and wsarincfie of well-doing:
That we may hold the profeihon
of our faith with joy unto the end.
That when wee be alone, wee
have the like care of our felves,
that our behaviour be unblame-
able, and that our thoughts be ei-
ther about things jawfull with mo-
deration to drfpofe them, orfpiri-
tuall with delight to enjoy thcra,or
elfeevill, with hatred and detefta-
tion to overcome thm;
i A* firft in things indifferent,
we muft take heed that we doe not
fcufic oar felves in other mens mat-
ters needkfly, 1 Tim. 3. 15. 1 Cor.
^0.24. 2 Second-
er
1 80 Briefc VireQwjf
2 Secondly, that in our ownc
we be not drowned* that our love
and delight be drawnfcaway from
better things 1 7 1*1,6.9.
1 In things holy, wee muft be-
ware, firft, left by the common
ufing of good duties, wee come
to have tbem in lefife reverence^
M4ttb.6.6.U 15.8- Maith.2^ 12.
1 S:condly,tbatwethinkcnot
over well of our fdves,for that we
doe fomew hat more in the fcr vice
of God thanothers, Pbil.$. 1 4.
3 In things unlawful!, *ve mu^
creful'y beware, that while wee
thitikei four Sanes^or other mens,
with indent to grow in ba red of
them,vsf be not even by thac occa-
fion tickled wirh fbme define, or
drawne into force fxrec liking of
them, is many are.
4 WerruO never in (olitariuefle
bz unoccupied, becaufe of thac
danger which en(uetb,as examples
doe teach a 2 Sam, 1 1. 2. Gen. 3.
Matth. 4. and our owne experi-
ence confirmetb jwho are no foonq
Moi\V
unto a godly Life.
I l8l
-%.
alone and idle, but fwarmes of
yaine, foolifli., noyforoc and peril-
ous thoughts and defires are fbli-
citing and offering themfelves un-
to us.
5 That we u(e our profperity,
and all che liberties which are la w-
full, of this life, foberly,and fo as
wee labour to be better by them.
How hard this is, itappearethby
experience, wherein it is Co found,
thasthe more a manhathofthefe
earchly commodities,the Iefle he is
ioriched with fpiriruall graces;
and as they are focreafed and mul*
tiplyed, fo this decayeth and is df-
miniftied. Few by earthly things
are drawnc on and encouraged to
the love of the heavenly; which
yet is the end that the Lord hath
in giving them; few doe as they
did, which are mentioned., Ati.y.
3 f . Moft make riches thtir ftro. g
towers,? r<7.i8,n. whtrebychey
are imbold ncri to do many things
wilfully, which otherwifc they
cur ft not.
y
Now
Brief e Uireftfns
Now that * wee may cfE ftthi^
not withftandingall diffi :Qlcies,wc
jnuftccnfidcr that inordinate love
which is in ns 5 to the liberties and
bladings of this life- and this wee
rruft by all meaoes pofliblc wea-
kt n and abate ; to which end, Firrt
we muft often and earoeft'Iy weigh
howmementraty and flectirg all
things under the Sunnc arc, and
how uncertainc hold wee have of
theii^ Ecclef. i. 2. 1 £V. 7« *9>
Luke \2.l$. c Prov 23. 4.
2 Secondly, wee mutt confider
faioufly of the danger that corn-
met h to us by them : in which re-
gard they are termed in Scripture
fnares, thornes, choakes, becaufc
ihey inrangle us, pricke, holding
and (mothering the raaine graces
of God in us, that they bud not
out and fruSifie, Maitb. 13.21.
1 Tim. 6. io»
3 Wee muft often record, that
thefe earthly thirgs arc not our
owne, bnt borrowed, and Co as
they may every day be requi-
red
- ■ ■ '
unto a gedlj rLtfe.
-**•
i8 3
red againe of us, L*kei6* 12.
4 Wee muft remember what
hurt they have done, as by caufing
diftrafticns,un(ettling$ : &c.
5 We muft often meditate up-
on examples of fcch as have en-
j jyed che like, or greater commo-
dities, and what have becne their
end.
6. It will be good tovifiteas
others/othofc alio io their ficke-
nefle, which have had thefe out.
ward things, that fo we may both
fee bow little they can helpe at
fuch times, and alfo be put in mind
of cur latter ends, which cannot
but fomething weane us from this
world.
7 That we be ready to receive
our afflictions meekdy and pati-
ently, Lam. 3. 33. 1 Cor. 11.31.
Jam.x.2. \Pct.i.6.R*m.5.<y. Af-
niftions we muft expert, 1 Pet. 4.
12. Rsrn.S.iy. 2Tiin.$.i2,
> Howfocver therefore wee be of
ourfelves ready to fhiinkebacke
it the hearing of them, loh.\ 1.8.
* Htb. 1
U' •
184
Brief? DiTt&i*n$
Heb. 12. 1 1. )ccucemaft prepare
our (elves cobeare them meekely,
and chcereFully, and that in our
youth, Lam. 2. 27. knowing that
Satan will be ready to fccke our
mifchicfeeyenbycrofTes, Ub\ % 6.
For preventing whereof, wee
muft every day armeour fdvesa-
gainft the feare of fuch troubles at
may come, and againftimpauer.cy,
by fuch as already are come upon
us, Luke 9. 23. Jam* 5. 10. 1 i«
and that not enly in great troubles,
but even in thofe which are cooi-
non.
This, if wee doe with obferva-
tion, wee (hall get e*perience,and
by experience hope, that will not
caufe(hame 3 &?»i>5. $• ffil* 102.
1. Otherwi(e,ifweenegle&thiSj
every rffliftion will unfettle and
bring us out of frame, in which
eftate vvc (hall be both utterly uq.
fit for any fervicc of God, and al-
fo unmeet for any Chriftian foci-
cty with men - and (b both adde
new troubles unto the former,
and
Hnto a g9&lj Lift.
and make them which God fendcth
upon us farre more grievousthan
other wife they fhould have beene.
8 Thatweconftantlykecpethe
exercife of prayer & thanksgiving
in our families, and ftch other
helprs (as Readings Catechifing,
Cofifirrcnce ac times convenient)
co roaintaine the knowledge and
true worfhip of God, and of true
happinefie amongft us ; to have
prayer twice in the day is lictle
enough, P/j/.5$.Z)jtf. 6. 10.
I Firft, our neccfllties doe re-
quire this daily ferving of God,
though we beofthebeft fbrr.
z Secondly 3 thy family being a
lictle Church, there (hould be a
trimming up and a fitting for the
publike worfliip, efpecially feeing
that experience tcachcth thatall is
little enough.
3 Thirdly, by this meanes wee
have communion with the Lord,
and therefore we (hould often and
checrefully performe this duty.
#4 Fourthly, wee (hould caufe
I our
— — — mm* I' ' —***————
185
i86
Brie ft VireUUnt
*-*
+<**•
our conversion to favour ot the
Lord and bis graces, whereas
ctherwifc earthly dealing; will
c&ufc earthly minds.
5 LafUy, wee have many ex-
amples, Gm. 18. 16, /fa, 24, 15,
Act. 10. 2.
9 The ninth and Iaftduty,is,
that we doe ar 3 or before our lying
downe, looke backe and view the
day palled : that where wee have
bad bkfliiigs,we may be thankfull,
and proceed in thciikecourle af-
ter : where wee have faulted and
failed, we may reconcile our fc!ves
?o God, and fo lie downe in peace^
Ephef.^26.2J*
The ufe of all thefe duties is^chat
every day we wcaneand withdraw
cur hearts from any noifome baits
or provocations, as fufEr us not to
arife in the mornicg, to walke
through the day, and to lie downc
£t night in peace and fafcty under
£3ods protection, of which wee
muft be carefiill al waies, but espe-
cially when unufuall occafioni
I ■ ^11,
unto a g$dljLife.
fall out which may uafcctlc us.
THc Rules formerly defcribed,
ifchey be well followed, will
be (iifficienc to bring a Chriftian
(chough not to perfect ion in thi*
life) yet to fuch aaeftateas he (hill
finde reft to his (bule daily, which
others (hail want. Yet b:caufi
many dangers will be in the way
that may hinder the weake, there-
fore it will be profitable to know
the letrs and hindrances which may |
hold us backe from peace with
Sod- that Co wemaylearnehow
to prevent them before they come
ind hurt us; or elfe how to rife
when by them wee arefallen; or
bow to turns into the way when
by occafion we are gone ou%
Now themaiae andchiefe letts
ire the Divell, with all his force,
libtilcy, and malice, and our cvill
learts, (o £<rre as they arcunre-
brmed ; and by meines of both,
ill things in the world,though not
n their owne nature, but by them
I a made
187
■■i n ■
1
»■■*»
88
BriefcVireUionr
made occafions to as of falling,and
offending God.
FIrft,for the properties of Satan,
and his attempts agaiuft us in
generally he is a mighty enemy ,and
c ruell ; for which caufe he is called
a great red Dragon, and theacct-
fer of ihe brethren,and al(b fabtile,
and vigilant,and maliciousras he is
ftrong, to bee befetteth all people
(chough he belittle obfcrved)and
moft of all Chriflians, whom he is
openly and refblvedlylecagaiaft.
He doth not onely kindle the con-
cDpifceoce that is within us, and
cur owne lufts, fetting them en
fire to doc the evill which wee arc
inclined unto ; butalfbbaiteththe
outward things with poifon,
which wee dealc about, that he
ir.ay dazcll our eyes, and caft us
from our hold j that is, that wee
may not kecpe ftill in theChriftian
courfe. Our hearts cannot Co fbonc
be ranging (chough it be never (b
little) but he is ready to meet withf
them,
unto a godly Life.
j
i hem, and fee them forward in]
feme evil!, fattening our afft ftionsl
upon ic before we be aware : weef
cannot be about any outward
thing, bur hte is ready to ferve us
with it, knowing howtoufe all
outward obje&stoour luarts.Yet
for all this wee ought not to be
difinaied ; for howfocver thele
things vex us, yet by Gods grace
they (hall turne to our good, to
make us ftt more ftore by Gods
proteftion, and more cirehilly
co kecpe under his wiogj. Hcc
hath not left us unarmed, for his
ownc ftrength is for our defence
and prefervatio:), Colof.i* u. So
that howfosverweemay notpre-
far>p uoi.fi/ abufe, yet wee may
wuh boldnefle (Le unto him for
helpe ; neither oughtwee to fearc
that for our infirmities wefhallbe
fhiken off,when as G jd hath made
knownchis Will to the contrary,
Luke i j, 6. Rather they muft re-
member chat they are the children
of God, and therefore (hall not be
I 3 unna-
i8p
wtt m *mm
I?0
^— •
h
Brieft Vin&ions
unnaturally forfaken, or left to
themfelves in their neede, andne-
ccflky, but may perfvade them-
G lves,that waiting on God, theft
combates fball rather turnc to their
further exerGift, than to their
deadly overthrow. Thus depe? -
dingonGodinallevilI$,thcy muft
by experience get wifilome.
In particular, the aflaults of Sa-
tan are either againft our faith, or
elfe againft godlinefle in our life;
Srft of the former..
HOw many having difcon-
ragements, he prefleth down
the wcake faith of new-borne
Chriftians, appeareth by that
which our Saviour faith to Peter y
Luke 22. 31.
Sometimes hee terrifieth them
with their owne wants, ignoran-
ce tynfirajiues,and un worth ineffes :
forae with fliasne of fearefull falls,
which it feemethto them they are
unlike co avoid : to which end he,
bringeth to their remembrance
fuch
■■'«*^
••»•*■
*>*
unto a godly Life.
■I «
fuch good (ervancs of God as have
fallen in like manner before them,
and feareththem r thac for all their
care they Hull never hold out in
their faith and holy courfe of life
unto the end; but either by afifi&i*
ons, or otber provocations, they
(hall be turned backe. Byallthefe
meanes hee Iaboureth inftantly to
deprive them of all hope and c xi-
fidence,that they may conclude re*
folvedly, that they have no faith.
For the refifting ofthefe aflaulcs,
theymuft grow better acquainted
with the nature and property of
God his promlfe?, viz. how true,
unchangeable,and perpetual! they
be, even as God himfelk is ; ihey
muft prize thera above all other
things, and (end up earnert prayers
to God daily : a id ofi^ for this faich
to be rooted in them : they mud
give daily attendance upon the
Miniftery of the Word, ready alfo
to receive helpe privately from
thofc which are experienced, me-
ditate on Gods promifes, (uch as
T 4 are
i<?£
i
■■ ■»
rtH— M»^l4*i«fti I— fc*>M»m i il»i
I?2
I
Bfiefe VmUtons
lie Matt kj.j.&L 9.20. Ltt^.22.3 i.J
Now 3 when by Gods blcflfing
upon their diligence they have
gotten feme Ihy or reft uuo their
foules, they muft beware that they
are not carried on the other fide to
prtfumption, crtooboldtrufting
in God, without a certaine ground
ofhispromifes: for by this fubtil*
cie, Satan doth pre vaile with ma-
ny, and by thatmeanes bringeth
them to dciperate and dangerous
fall?.
BVc if hee cannot prcvaile (b
farreby his fuggeftions, and
temptations, as to bring us to utter
unbeliefe,noryet to preemption:
yet hee will labour to hinder us,
that wee (hall never be rooted nor
eftabliflicd in faith; weefhallnot
fecle the fweetneffe of ic by pof
(tffii)g ic daily : b which kinde he
J doth Co farre prcvaile withmoft,
even of the faithful! themfelves,
that they are ofcen-times fo dif-
couraged, as they have fcarcely
I any
any great ufe of laich ia refpeft of
that which they might have, '
Which deceit of our adverfary we
muft wiiely efpy, and labour to
afmeourfeivesagaififtit,as, w P/i/.
12 4 5. and 27. 1. lob 13*15. We
mult cake heed that our hearts be
not ftollen away with worldly
chi igs : wee murt preferve and
cfrnifh an high eftimation of the
Gofpell : wc rauft deny all world-
ly wifedome, thit wc m;y be wife
to the Lord, and kcepeourfaichas
we would our life.
THc like malice doth Satan
(hew in hindering believers
from godlineflc of life. For as
he Iabourcth to keepe the unrege-
nerate altogether, from pratt'fiag
godlineHc,z/i*.by keeping in them
a heart Co accuftomed ro evilly that
it cannot fubmit it felfc to the will
of God in one thing, as well as an-
other, by holding them h pre-
emption, by keeping them from
fcrious confidcration of their eftacc
I 5 and
194
!■■■■■■ I I ■» ■ ■■ ■ ■— »l
Sriefe UiTefttms
and a&ions, by diflwading them
from couniing the godly lift beft ;
and finally, by fnaring them in
dangerous opinion?, fottifh ignc-*
ranee, or clfc in hollow, loo(e» and
wilfull minde*; (b dath hee pre-
vaile fo farre even with Gods peo-
ple, as to hinder them from pro-
ceeding in godlinefle, and that
chiefcly by theft mcanes.
^i By keeping them in wane of
fomegood things, without which
theycaonotconftandy proceed in
a godly life;
2 By prefllng them with foroe
evitf.
3 By unfettliog them through
occafion of things lawful!.
Of the firft kinde arc three
maine Iects.
i Firft when Chriftians arc hol-
den from a conftant courfe of god-
lined;?.
2 When thejr fall frona th:ir
firft eihte, or &cii love,
3 Whci they want a fuffictent
miaiftery, Of the firft fort, there
>to<
-* ■■■
are
-
J
unto ag$dly Life,
*95
are many which chinke ic not meet
co tic themfclvestoany dire&ton
of hading their life; buc are con-
tent with fome generallcareanl
good meaning; than whomthefe
arc not better, which forafcafon
keeps frme good order ; buc by
licdeand little they fall to doe k
fl;ighcly : even for fafhion in a
great parr ; and rather through
Cjftomc, thin with delight and
comfort; and all becauft their
hearts goe. not wirh their aftions
conftantly^eicher doe they regard
or looke to their consciences in
one thingas in another, that they
might beicept in peace.
The Remedy agaiaft this, is
faithfully to endeavour every day
to be well fettled, according co
the rules formerly mentioned. We
muft especially labour by fatch^
even to fecde upon the promifcs.
which God hath made for the pre-
(ervation and protcftion of his.
children; heartie prayer muftoft
be ufedj and watchfulnefleagaiurt
our
•
i$6
••»»— •
Briefc Dtrttttons
our c/peciall infirmities ; It muft be
contiuuall, together with oft and
due con Adoration wba* a precious
treafure this kindcof life i*. And
if through negligence we doe fid!;,
we rouft not lie (U'l in hardncfie cf
hearty butrtmrnetohiroastocur
Fatherland hee will hcale us : and
chough wee cannot prefemly hive
t-hat confidence which fometim^s
wee havehad 3 yetletusrcturne,
chough with fome fhamefaftneffe,
even ftanding afarre off, with the
Israelites, £#*<£ 3 3vS. 10.
He fccondfpeciallLetarifing
from want, is, the leaving of
oar firff love : for at our firft con-
verfion 9 when the exceeding love
of God in Chrift is (hed abroad in
our hearts, fo as it makcth our
fclves admire j this conftratneth us
to love him a gaine moft fervently
anddcarelyj his Woraaad Mi r >i~
fters, with all our brethren, moft
fenfibly and heartily: and this in
Scripture is called oar gift love,
JRev.2.4. Noy
unto a godly Life
\
Now, when this (hall wax cold
through dulnefle, (bthfulnefft,
and fcrgetfulneff%&. ic muft need
be a hainous thing in the fight of
God, who lookcth that our works
fnould be more at the lift than at
the fir ft,as our knowledge is raore,
and cxperi -nee greater, Rev 2. 21.
Yet this corameth ofc to pafle both
in Minifters and people, to their
great ftumie,, though otherwife
they kcepefbmecjurfcin fcrving
God, Rev. 2. 2. which they fhew
by wearinefle,or at leaft wife,little
pleafare taking in the publike Mi-
niftcry, negltft of private prayer,
conference, Muruall exhortati-
on, &c. untowardnefie in good
workeg, abating of their Jove to
the brethren,imbracing the world,
e.iteraining of ill-cocupanifhipj,
wi'h heart-burning againft the
Minifies that tell them the
truth. By ihefe and fach like
figrie*, ma ny doe (h:w how much
'hey h*ve 1 >il thsir firft love,
whereby they give great occafiM
of
197
(
—•—•—-
298
Briefe DiteUims
of discouragement to the w*akc,
and of lamenting to the beft.
This was fore-told by our Sa-
viour Chrift, Mittb.2^ i 2. where
al(b hec (hewed how hard it is to
keep-, and harder to recover our
firft lore. Thirdly, admonifbing
all found hearted Chriftians to
looke hccdfully^ and carefully to
nourilli and prefcrvc that holy,
pure, aad fifftfpark of grace kind--
led in them, againft all chat may
come in the way, to quench and
put out the firac And although
the worke be hard, yet wee hive
the C^mmandement of G;>d for
our warrant, and his promife for
our encouragement ; therefore
ought we not to faint or flkeke for
any imped inaent,but ft tour hearts
daily to count it our grcateft
worke, tokeepc our fif ft love.
•THHe third let of thisfcinde, if,
X the want of an ordinary and
found Miniftery of the Word of
God, whereby the way to falvati-
on and godlineQe is plainly and in
good
U.
unto *£idlj Life.
good order, with love and dili-
gence taught fo ofc in the weeke^
as the people can conveniently at-
tend upoQ the farce. This is the
light of the wosrld^nd the Sunne
J which vaarmeth all the creatures
I of she earth with his influence.; (b
that thofe which enjoy k not 5 tnoft
needes be as the foado wed places,
which either bring forth nothing,
or that which io fowie and unsavo-
ry* How the Divell hath laboured
in all ages and Nations, to hinder
the paffage. of this Gofpell, may
eafilybc perceived, if wceperufe
well the A&sof the ApofUes, and
other Hiftories of the Church:
how he doth prevaile, ourowne
eyes and eares caa wimefie : The
remedy therefore is for fuch as
want, to relieve themfelves with
it, where they may with moft con-
veniency enjoy }tg aud to foe ear-
neftly, that they may live under if,
(which (hould be more generally
granted of God, if by fervent
prayers and other Chriftian indea-
vours, j
a
«3-
l9f
i »
Br'tefe DircUiom
voursic we r: fought for.) When
they doe enjoy ir, then mud they
prize it above all chat they have,
or ever can enjoy in this world ;
for thofc which efteeme lightly of
ir, muft heare what the Scripture
(peakech of them, MAtth.%. 11,12.
AmasK.i 1.12.
Thefe arc the cMcfe lefts that
men have by wants; whereun-
co may be add:d thofe troubles
which fbme good Chriftians have
through feare of their ownewanrs^
though without caufr. For reme-
dy whereof (chat they be not fWal*
lowed up through deadly heavi-
nefle) they jmuft take unto them
godly boldnefle,co confider that
there is great caufe of repychg 9
even in that for which they are
heavie,!^*. in their feare, cate,
hungringand chiiftingjPr^S* 14.
Mattb.^ 3. and therefore they
ought rather to be thankefull for
that thsy have, than utterly to be
discouraged for that they wanr.
Of (mail beginnings come great
*»
*«
pro.
*v. i ■■
unto a godly Lift.
201
proceedings* of one little fp^rke^
a mighty flim- j ; and the tall Okes 1
were fbraeiimes but (mall Akorns:
hce bath wellbegunne, that hath
in truth begunne ; and hec hath
much, who feeleth that hee wan*
techmuchj-
THc fecoad kinde of generall
Lets are, the unmodified af-
feftions wherewith believers are
opprefled. Concerning which in
general!, ic will be profitable for
every one to marke with what hee
is moft incambred,and moft eafily
overcome of, and by whatoccafi-
ous he is readilieft drawne to them;
that hec may the more diligently
and wifely labour to prevail a-
gainft them.
In particular, onekfnde isfearc
and doubt of perfevering by means
ofaffli&ions, &c. Thisdoth eafily
take hold of weake ones; there-
fore the Scripture fore-warnech of
it, M.uth. io 28. Phil. 1. 28.
This,
-1
202
Brief* TtireUUns
This, if ic doe prevail cannot
but feeble utterly the powers of
their minds ; and 10 with-hold the
inftruments of the body from pra-
<5U(ing well any kind of duty.
The way to remedy it, rauft be
fought for in the Scripture, PJ*/. 30.
5. 2 Cer. 4.1 7. Hcb.i2. 1 1 . a Cor.
p. 10. Iam.\.$.
Another unmodified affefition,
is 3 pride, and ovcr.wcening of
themfdves : examples whereof we
have, ftraf.3.17. 1 Cor. 4.8.
This maktth men waxc weary
of learning, reroifle of their dili-
gence and care for good, to ac-
count meanly of thofc which arc
loole and irreligious ; or elfe fall
intofe&SjfchifmeSjand herefies,or
at feaft bring themlelves in an ac-
cused melancholy and folitary
life.
The rcmcc'ie is laid downe,
Rrv. 3. 17. 1C0n3.18.and 4. 1,
Pfal 119 12- We muft diligently
examine and confider our waies,
till wee have found out our finnes
unto
- 1
unto agvdly Life.
/
unto true humiliation ; wee muft
compare our (elves not with the
worft, but with the forwardeft
Ghrifttans, and holicft examples.
Another uamortified aff, ftion is
(loth j the remedy to fiade out the
roote and fountaine of this miP
chicfej and fo remove i^Trcv. u
?2%& 1 4.12. Encouragements we
havefromGod > 2<?/&.i.9 - £p£,3 19.
AMongft other unftaid aflfe&i-
ons which are inward lees of
god'hefle, tucVie or peevifh fro-
wardnefie is not the leaft; when
men are fretting againA perfbos or
things that doe croffe ns^thougb it
be but trifles. Thas many are
caught upon the fudien, which at
other times could eafily wichfhnd
greater provocations, as we may
fee of David, if wee compare
1 &W.24. 7. with 2t. 13.
This i9 a high offence to God,
a needleflc trouble to our fclvcs,
a bereaving us of godly wifiom?,
yea, and ofcommon reafon alfo.
THere-
203
"■» L I
204
Britfe VbeBUns
***•
Therefore wee muft make dili-
gent fearcb, and inquire whether
wee be prone to theic ftr vile paffi-
ons, or no, and Co if wee doe la-
boar to prevent it 5 but if wee be
at any time overtaken with it,then
wemuft (as (bone as may be) fit
our (elves apart, ferioufly tocon-
fider of the unfcemelinefleof the
thing, &c. until 1 wee can (hake it
off, and after take more care that
it returne not againe upon us.
Another troublefome affettlon
is, that men through ignorance or
unbeliefe, grow weary of procee-
ding in a Chriftian life, oratleaft
in (peciall duties thereof: the dan-
ger of this may appeare by the
contrary forewarniogs, GaL 6. 9.
1 Or. 16. 13.
This Sacan labonreth to e&ft
by reproach, &c.
Wee muft therefore get aflu-
rancc, that God his grace (halite
fuffic e it for us, Mdtth % 1 1 . 3 1 .
Many other aff^ftions there are
of the like nature, and alike to be
fliunned
unto s godly Lift t
.-■ *■ ' • >^— — — ,
ffaunncd ; as unjuft anger, hearr-
barnings 3 loofenefleand Iightnefle
of hearr 5 rafhnefle 3 haftineflV, lum-
pithneffe, and melancholy, with
divers fuch like ; the beginning
and firft rifing whereof, alchough
our o woe hearts doe bret d,y ct t he
ftrength of them is of Satan.
BEfides the f ore-iiamed evill
iffrttlonSj there are other
worldly lulls, wherby many Chri-
stians arc much difguiftd, as name-
ly carnall pleafare, and inordinate
defire of riches.
For the firl>, many are drowned
infmfualky, and the fbtttfh plca-
fureof the body 3 Co that they be-
come even blfad and impotent : for
when a man giveth his heart liber-
ty co defire ftollen waters, and to
count them fweece, not cafting
thera up, and arming bimfelfc a-
gaintt them as he ough r ;and giveth
his eye leave to feed it felfe with
vaoity, by little and little his
prayers become weake, and unable
to drive out fuch foui!hnefle,but it .
Iodgeth I
205
i
206
Briefe DireUians
lodgeth in him 3 and fo is made a
flivc unto ic. Aa example we have
of Sampfo*, J»&g* 1 5 . Nay, fome
goe fo farre, rhac they are ftnflcfle
at the fight of ir, when as they
ftiould tremble to behold in what
ftate they are : for their prayers
arc dead, their burthen of Confer-
ence importable, their lofle of
grace unfpeakeable 3 the gricfes of
the godly unutterable, andthem-
feives become as fooles in Jfrael,
and fpcftaclcs to the prophane
world to movepaftime.
i Firft, for the avoiding of
theft mifchiefes ; we muft make it
our greateft care to abide in the fa-
vour of God,, and holjfafttheat
furanceof it from d \y to day.
2 Wee rauft be willing to fub-
mk our fcivca to the yoakc of
Chrift.
3 Wee muft hold in oar lufts
and imaginations, as it were, with
'but and bridle , that they range
not after burtfull and poifoned
bakes.
4 We
i «■*■! » w % im <i w
i tmn.m
4 We mi'ft {hun and avoid all
the cccafions and objeftsof fuch
Irrrifchiefe. And efpecially, we muft
pe fufpicicus and fearefull of tbofe
.fimio which wee know our felves
to be nioft prone and inclined.
THc other worldly Iuft isnoy-
foine care about the things of
this life, which is a common evill
under the Same; for it creepeth
upon men (b fecretly and fubzly^
that hardly Hiall one perceive the
danger of it until! wee have taken
hart by it : yet the danger is dead-
ly, forwhcreworldlineflefaftneth
ujon a man, it devourethgodli-
neffe, as i i i here had been none be-
fore; it fuffireth no good thing
to grow by it, but choaketh it, and
overfliadoweth any gift of God
wharfoever, and fo changeth even
good mcn,that they are not aware
of ir 5 that they become moft unlike
themfel/es, iTim6,\o.
By this, men in worldly dea-
ling! become greedy of profic,ra(h
i at
2o8
Brief* Dire&ions
i;i nuking, aad carelcffc in per-
forming of covenants- coo much
Ioofcnefik, earthly rejoycing, and
fretting when we thrive nor; over-
laying our frlves with worldly
dealing?, (b that no time is fie for
better ufes.
For the redreffingof this* fbure
things are required:
i Let every man looke careful-
ly that no man be hurt, or fuftaine
any lofle or danger by hint, i
Tbefa. 6. by this he (hall be freed
from all the fins againft our neigh-
bour, commanded in the eighth
Commandemenr.
2 His care muft be not only to
doe no hurt, but al(b to doe good
to thofc whom wee have to doe
whb, Rom. 13. 8. as to the Mi-
nifter in maintenance, to our fami-
ly in provifion, to the pocre in
reliefer &c*
3 Hkede muft be taken, thar
riches hurt us not 5 that they be
not meanes to draw us unto fin,
Eccltf. $. 12 .
4 We
unto a g$ilj Lift.
'+*>*'
I 2*9
4 Wee muft provide that wee
be bettered by our wealeh cowards
God his fervice. DeHt.i% 47.
As for the poore,they (hall beft !
teflifie tha' they are noc tainted
with this finne, if chey hold faft in-
nocencie s contentatioD,andthank£
giving . Reafbns to move us to the
avoiding of covctoufhefle,are,
1. Firft , becaufe wee camot
enjoy them long, but either they
fhal bee taken from as, or we from
them ; 3nd yet this fhort lime is al-
fo uncertaine,!,*^. 1 6.2.
2. Bee mfe they are not our own
but borrowed,/^. 16.1 2.
3 If wee bee not faichfull in the
fmaller.it is an argument, Jthat wee
will be much leffe in the greater,
4 B?caufe wee (hall give an ac-
counts of all other thing*, fbe£
pecullyof our getting, uSng, and
forgoing of cue goods and com-
modities, Matib.2^ 14. Lu 1^6.2.
THcrc is a third kinde of lets, .
whereby many beleevers are
K hindred 1
I
■^^
I 210
BricfeViteUhnf
hindrcdfrom going on in a godly
courfe^is. All kindcs of outward
I things which of themfelvcs arc not
cvilljbnt are made by Satan,occafi-
ons to hart and wound our foules.
i Affli&ions thongh fent of
God for our great good, as is to
becfeene, jy^.12.7.1 \3tfaU 119.
ji.& 1C0r.11. 13. Iam.1.2. Yet
are by Satan and our owne corrup-
tions, made occafions of impati-
ence/rettingjpenfivenefle^and ma-
ny other evils • againft which we
rouft arme ourfelves before they
come,that then our unruly pafltons
may not break out Co impatiently,
John 16.33.
2 So in prosperity hefubtilly
maketh drunken our hearts with
loveofourgood, puffes them up
with pride and high mindedneffe,
&c
To thele dangerous evils (hall
the godly [hcmfelves taedrawne,
except xhey carefully prevent
them.
It is therefore a fpeciall point of
u f >
1
mme a g$dly Life.
2lt
wifedome, in time of peace that
we beware chat wee leanc not up-
on outward things, for then wee
(hall cafily beecaft downc with e-
very blaft of adverfity.
3 Another occafion of nnfetling
our hearts are houfhold affaires,
and things that conccrne our main-
tenance, by the unwarie ufe wber-
of, men become unquiet, way-
ward, diftrafted, and unlike Chri-
ftiang.
A wife man therefore will un-
burden hirafelfe of theft multitude
of worldly dcalings,which wil not
fuffer the raindc to bee freed, and
will fo fubdue his affe&ions,that
he may have them in order as well
in one thing as in another.
4 By change of company ,d wel-
ling, and acquaintance, men re*
ceive much hurt fien. 19.30.
5 The fight of godlincfle to be
contemned, and licentious courfes
to be maintained,isa great fcandal 1
Pfal. 73 .
6 Familiarity with the wic-
K2
ked!
I .
ked is of great force.
Many other occafions there are
byourfenfcsconveieduntous, a-
gainft which wee mutt daily ftrjve
by keeping on our Armour, Han-
ding on our watch, following that
direction which Gqd hath given,
and depending on that grace
which hec hath promifcd; cverre-
membring that we doe not cafl off
feare of danger, for occafions of
finne (hall never bee wanting, no,
not in things lawfull and good ;
nor Satan waiting upon them, wji h
fecret extenuations oi finne, and
hiding the punilhtucnt.
NOW becaufe there being Co
many lets in the waies of god-
lirefie, and thofefo hardly psftd,
and difficult enrerprifes are al waies
commended by the good that fol-
ioweththem; ic is neceflary that
the great priviledges \shich be-
long to a godly life (hould bee ex-
plained • that fo the godly may
know their owne happincfT', and
ihivc
unto a godly Life.
21 J
ftrive to enjoy ic ; the wicked may
ftc what great good things they
deprive themfelves of; and to all
men the Chriliian liferafcybeein
better account, which now of all
forts is too much underprifed, and
fonegle&ed, and of forne contem-
ned and fcorned.
To omit therefore all thofc be-
nefits which are common to them
with the wicked (although thefe
ajfo are farremore fweeceand Sa-
vory to the godly than to others)
and thofe alfo which are proper
to fome of the faithfull jia refpect
of their callings, thofe onely (hall
bee nanacd in which the wicked
have no part nor portion, and yet '
all the faithful! may polfefle, one
as well (chough not fo much) as 1
another,
Thefc are either fuchas are gi-
ven us in this life to be er> J )yed tor
our encouragement, or elfe thofe
which God hath in ftore for us in
the life to come.
K 3
The
»eamt
214
\
Briefe VirtUtons
THe firft and chicfcftof them
which are given us in thislifr,
i% that all true Chriftians may
know thcmfelves to bee beloved
of God, and that they (hall bee fa-
fved. 1 J^.3.1.^5.13. Iob.1.12.
and that by better evidence than
any man can have of the things hee
holdeth in this life. This is not fo
well knowne at the firft, but after
experience gathered of the un-
changeable love of God towards
U5,our confidence is increafed; yea
the longer wee enjoy this privi-
!cdge,the better wee know it; nei-
ther can it be loft wholly or finally.
Ok Some of ©ads Children af-
ter they have beene thus perfwa-
ded, hare fallen to doubting a-
gaine.
tdnfiv. True C Wftians are re-
newed but in part # and therefore
fom t ace by the fubtilty and malice
of Sathin brought to thenegleft
or carelefie ufi )g of the meanes
whereby faith is confirmed) and
Co to doubting; and many not (6
offending^
unto a godly Life.
ai5 |
offending, doe too coo eailly giv<
place untodiflruft, thereby depri-
ving thcmfelves of this great pri-
viledgc.
This priviledge is the greater
becaufe of the unfpeakeable glory
and cverlafting joy which it brim
gech with it, whereas other de-
lights are but fleecing and momen-
tarie.
Which greatnefle will eafily ap-
peare if wee well confider the un-
fpeakeable woe and horror offuch
defperate perfons as fecle the want
of this happinefle either here., or
in hell.
AFter God hath vouchfafedthe
fairhfull this honour, that
they may know themfclycs to bee
beloved of him hcre,and that they
ftnllbefived hereafter; heedoth
not then leave them,but is al waies
with them,and ha'hafpeciallcare
of them above others, nay, when
he is angry with others. Rom. 5. 5.
K 4 1 Tim.
»am
mtmimmii* *"" t^h— *■»■
■ il mi
-*»■■ »
216
#r*>/* Vinftions
$.&2$*K &I0.8,3 1.0" 23. iStf.j
He eftceroeth them not oncly as
his houfhofd fervants, but as his
friends, leh>i<$. i5.his Sonnesand
heires. Rcrn.S. 17; his precious
jcreafare, EaW.i^.yca^he hon~-
jreththemfo farre, as hec calleth
them and makcththem kings 5 E.*v.
1 p. 5. AH which is both cercainc
aid conftati? unco the fiithfal^but
ic is not fo with the wicked* fo
chat by this ic appeareth, that the
ftate ofthe pooreft child of God,
is farre better than the bed of the
ungodly, yea, better than them-
felves fom^cimes would have as-
kedpr thought of. I
TH^fe who are thus cared for
of God, receive grace from
him to live according to his Will,
that at death they miy enter into
hisglory • for he teachetbehem to
be fruitful I in good Iife,and alfo to
avoide the foulc offences*
As
■ ■ ■ ■
unto a godly Life.
Aiforthefirft,s>i£;. a holy life
whereunco God enable :h his by
his owee power, ic is a great pre-
rogatiue, in chat they need not ac-
count the Cfariftiati life comber-
fome, uafavory, heavie, and tedi-
ous, as many d j;bac an eafie yoake
light burthen, and plcafant race :
this is in the Scripture called ble£
fednefle, as c Pfalm.i 2. & 84.2.
Many indeed there are, even
good peopIe,w cl1 in great part goc
without this privilege; but the
caufe is,?hat they draw not by faith
daily ftrengthfrom lefus Chrift to
fubdue their lufts, buctruft either
to their owne ftrengeh or in other
meanes, until! being ftuftraredof
their defire, they either fall into
great vexation, or elfeplaiue f.cu-
rhyand loofeucffe. F,>f the reme-
dy whereof,thcy muitlabourtobe
fledfiftin fairh, not yeelding unco \
diftruft, but learne to know that
God who hath taken care or his,
will not leave them in their infir-
maries.
2I 7
■• I
^^
"*«» ^1
1
2l8
Bfiefe "DtreUtmt
mitics,but according to his all-fat-
ficicn: power will fuccour and de-
liver them, which \i zkey once be-
lievers God rcquircth vvc ihould)
then (hall they fee themfclves
mightily ftaidahd upholden until
they b:c {ctzt great liberty, and
that it was the divell who before
held them in feare and bondage.
Ch. We dare not believe that
G od wil I give us foch grace,cxcept
firft wee could overcome our fpe-
ciall corruptions.
Anfwi Wee have no ftrength of
ourownetoanyfuch worke, but
wee muft obcaine it by Emh which
is alfo commanded us. IW&3. 23.
and rill we doe fo 5 we fliallbehol-
dca from our right by the craft cf
$atan.
AS for the fecond , viz. that
the faithfull are taught and
enabled ofGodco avoid great falls
and reprochfu 11 evils; chat is plain
Pro 19.23. Pf.i 1 9. 10 11. A id the
tX4\\\ k At% jt Enoch, Abra^arn^M*-
H*to*g9dty Ly*.
■*■-*.*
219 t
[esjofbud^amael and Da'iiel 3 Job^
with others who for the time of
:heirneeracquaintancewith God,
rommictcd not any fuch hainous
Jcrefpafles^s were common ftaines
[and blots in the livesof others.
By this Co excellent and invalu-
able a priviledge, the doing of
good becommeth meat anddriake
unto the faithfull, ft that they can
(ervcGod even in a good and ioy-
full heart in all things, Vettt.i**
18. & 28. 47. minde heavenly
things without that eedioufnefle
which is fcene in others* performe
earthly bufineffes with heavenly
minds, andalwaics rejoyce before
the Lord.
Not that they have no rebellion
in them; for they fi id a ftrife al way
& are in part led captive o^ic, that
theymight no: triumph before the
viftory 5 partly that feeling their
owne weakneffe, they rmy mere
wholly depend on God; md partly
chat their future vift >ry mjy ap-
peare more glorious : but all this
while
—ir*
*M
* iffii
220
I 1
Briefe TtirtUions
\
while, though many wounds be
received, the Chriftian is never fo
vanqui/hed, but chat recovering
againe by the power of God, hee
gocth on with ftedfafi j ^y.
A Further Liberty i*, that if
the godly doe by any occafi- .j j
on fall from their foled courfeinto |
any offence, whereby their con-
fcienccs are wounded and accufe
themfelves ; they may returne a-
gaiae onto God, with ccrtiine at
iurance of being received of him,
lohn 2. a. Without thispriviledge,
there were bat fmall encourage-
ments for any Chriftian 3 becaufc of
oar ofcen falls.
Therefore the Lord doth not
onely permit us to doe thus, but
calleth and waiteth for ir, yea,he is
highly offended, if wee doe not,
ler.%,^ and for the effc&ing of ic
hath given charge to the Paftours,
asEs^f^aadtoocherSjG*/ 6. i.
how grca; a priviledg this is, they
kacw full well who have experi-
ence
7-^^~— "3*=^S -
unto a godly Life*
-=*=
221
enceof an afRi&ed confeience, to
whom no tiding? can be-flnre
glad fome than this, ifit be rightly
applyed. It draweth from fuch
many thanks and praifes, and (o
bringeth muchhonoar to God.
Bat this rr.uft be warily and
wifely received, that wee neither
take occafion hence to imbolden
our felvesto fiine, or content our
felvcs wtthfMght repentance : for
Gods mercies rouft be inftaotly
(ought for,and then his favour may
not be doubted of, as appeareth by
thatexampIejE^.io. i.
So that here two extremes are
to beavoided/e/isr. that neither we.
prefame upon fleight and jhollow
repentance, norlanguifhindefpe-
| rate ard unfruitfull forrow, but ia
found humiliation hope ftedfaftly
for pardon, and dy to our fouleg,
as Vavid doth, Pfal. 43. 5.
The fame that is Ipoken of aSu-
allfinnes, muft al fobs under flood
of dulnefli, id leocfle, unprofitable
.iarrenncifeofche heart 3 and iiich
1 other
^ -a= — :
' ■ ' I I 1 H
222
Briefe DireStims
4 ' * ■ ■>!
other corruptions which arc wont
co quench the workc of God his
Spirir, and to be the feed of maay
curfcd evills. The Lords will is,
that from he^ce we fhould expeft
in faith as well ftrength to weaken
them, as mercy to forgite them.
T He very helpes themfetves
which Gad hath given to us,
to farther our faWatioD^ are great
priviledger, & fo to be accounted.
As that by Prayer we may have
acceffe onto God to breake our
miade, lay open eur griefr, and
that with confidence : and that by
watchfuloeffe, wee may efcape
thole dangerous (hares of Satan,
wherein fo many are bungled , a id
chat wee may in the end of every
day make up our accounts with
J :>y,and kecpeall ftreighc. For un-
co thefe, and (uch like helpes^ God
hath proraifed a bleffing, and
we muft by faith lookc cooftantly
for the fame 5 for there is do
fruitc of the beft help:s if wee
ufe
!
**»
I !■ ■
unto a godly Life.
»• - ™ *— — — — i- ■■ ——»»—' ■ ■
ufe them not in faith, lam \. 6.
Thefeare great privilcdgcs^nd
howfoever ofmany through eanh-
linefle,fbth,and way-wardr.efk of
their hearts they be not fo eftee-
med; and therefore either not ufed>
or elft formally or fl:ight]y, yet
wee (hould account the more of
them; albeingfo glorious^hat the
dim eyes of prophanc peribns can-
not behold them : and praife God
the more^ who maketh them Co
fweet and gainful! unto us, which
unto fb many are ?ery gall aod
wormewood.
22$
ANother great proiledge ig 3
that the Lord tcache:h hi$ 3
how to carry themfelves, and
keepe their integrity in all eftates
of life.
As firft^ in peace and profperity ,
when a man hath riches^ Honour,
health, friends, delights, and plca-
fures, &c. This is a flippery cftate
in which no man of himfelfccan
ftand, and therefore isanoccafion
of
m r § ■ — •
m~m0
r
■ i 1 1 f '
224
Brsefe Dirctlions
of falling to wioft men, bucGod
ceacheth his to ftandin this flp-
pery way.-
For, firft, whenhecaufeththe
Dcftiinc of coccntation, fobriety,
and the contempt of this world to
be taught unto them, then hee
dnweth their hearts inwardly to
attend unco ic, believe it, love and
pra&ifeir, Bsfides this, God cau-
feth them oft to fet before their
eyes the daily changes of all things
under the Sunne$ and by the oft
and deepe consideration of thefe
things as they obferve them, their
lufts are appalled, and th* pride cf
life is greatly abated in them,p/*/.
102, 22.
So thatby thefe means the Lord
fo frameth his, that they defire no
more, nor no longer than their j
heavenly Father feeth expedient j
toufe thefe outward things, as if
they u&d them not* and yet fo to
ufe them as that they may be helps
to themfclves and others in the
way of godliucfle.
All
AH which is not Co to be vander-
flood, as if every believer had this
grace, but that God hath bequea-
thed, and doth offer this to all,
though oncly they have if, which
doe efteeme ofitandfeekeforir,
in faith at Gods hands.
SO Iikewife in regard of af-
flictions, the prerogative of
God his children is great ; firft,he
holdeth many tribulations from
them, which otherwife by their
fianes they doe plucke upon them-
selves, P/S/.52. 10, 1 1 . which muft
need 2 s be Co, becaufe affli&ions
fpring from finne, aad therefore
where lii is greater or leffer, the
affl'.&ioas will bz proportionable.
The truth of it,i/i*. that they
miy be freed from many troubles,
is plaine, becaufe Co many doe fill
thtmfelves with in ward troubles
of mhde and conference, by
giving place to their unbridled af-
feftiais, which br^rde many per-
turbations! and by caking licenfe
to
226
Briefe VireUuns
co themfelvcs in things which are
not ftcmely. They bring alfo ma-
ny outward troubles upon them-
felves by their fins, as flhame, po-
verty, difeafcs,evill children, &c.
All which may often be avoided
by the grace of God, iffinne were
taken heed of and refitted, and if
by labour and watchfulncfle the
unruly heart wsre fubdued.
Whereby the way^we may ob*
ferve how un wifely they doe,who
(hun the fincere pra&icc of religi-
on, that they may be freed from
troubles, when as Religion doth
f re^a maa from fo many ♦
AS the faithfull are freed whol-
ly from troubles • fo when
they are in, God delivereth them
out of many, when asthe wicked
reraaine in theirs, ?r*. 1 i, 8. Ex-
amples both of the Church in ge-
nerall, and of the faithfull in parti-
cular, are fufficiently knowne to
all that know any thing in the
jScripturcs : all which are recor-
ded,
nntoagodlyLift.
cd, not to (hew onely that the
ithfull have beene delivered out
f trouble (for that were no fingu-
ar thing, but commoa for the
picked) but that they are delive-
red in the fatherly love of God, is
%ppcareth by the meanes which
they ufed ; as prayer, faftlng,&c.
~~his the wicked have never, nor
always the godly.
Oh The Fathers had particu-
lar promife for their deliverance,
but Co have not we.
Ah. In 'he maine andchiefeft
thiogs,God hath fpoken as plainly
and fully to us 3 as to them ': wee
may al waiesafftre oar (elves, that
God hath a mod tender and father-
ly care over us, and that hec will
fie w the fame in the time of our
need, either by delivering us ifhe
fee it good and expedient* or elfe
by giving us that grace which
(hall be fufficient for us. The not
teaching or not believing of this
do&rincjCiufcth much nncheerful-
neflc & di&ontent in our troubles,
as
217
228
Brief e VireBi&u
as grudging againft God, unlaw-
ful! (hifcing, carnall feares, &c.
wheras,if it wereotherwife, much i
hcaycnly » comfort might be rea-
ped in our lives, which now is
wanting. j
When it pleafcththe Lord to
lay anyaffliftions uponhi> 3 they
may allure themfelves it is for their
exceedinggoodj which peifw* fi-
onifitibfefetled, and the contrary
power of carnall reafbn, checked
and fuppreffed^ we (hall have wif-
dome to looke for affli&ions daily,
and be ready to receive them from
God thankfully,and meekely, this
wxfedorae muft be (ought for of
NoWiif wee would take good
by affliftions,we muft firft receive
that word with full affentj which
\$ y Rom 8.28. All things worke for
the beft to thofe which love God :
and then confider ferioufly how
great reafon there isj that wee
fhould yeeld up our felvcs, our
wills, and. all that w*e have unto
God
(
1
»/
1
'
unto a godly Life.
-**■
j>od his will^nd thinke thac good
for us which God thinketh good •
JbrGod fendeth affli&ions Co his
Children,
I Firft,That they may have ex-
perience of his iovc in delivericg
:hem.
2 Secondly,that they may have J
proofe of their faich and patience.
3 Thirdly, thac they may not
b:c condemned with the world.
4 Fourthly, that they may bee
I purged from their finncfulldrofiV.
5 Fifthly, to weane them from
this world. If thefe things bee
knowneandb^leeved of us, wee
(hall find them fo to our exceeding
comfort; and though foraccimes
in mall we may feemc to bee neg-
IcQcd or forgotten, yet wee fhall
fecaclcngth rtatitisnothingf}.
Ob. It afflifl ions (hill turne to
our good, then wee need take no
further thought about chem.
Anfw* Thjt promife doth not
warcanc us to be careleiT • f jr if we
behave our fdves wilfully, block-
y
ifh'-
ago
i
Brief e Virt&hns
-«■
ifhly or foolilhly in affliftions,
they will nunc to our great hurt
and vexation: but if wee mingle
that Scripture with faith, it Willi
caufe us to receive all crofles from i
God as fent in lovejnot to murmur
at them, but thankcfully and pati-
ently, and alio with examination
of our felves, If lb bee that any fin
hath brought cvillupon us- and
then we {hall have proofe of Gods i
grace in us,experienceof his favor
towards u$,prcfervationfrora ma-
nyfins .increafc of humiliation and
thankfulneflc, preparation for the
bearing of greater , with (bme
comfort at Ieaft in the end, and
hope in the midft^ which (hall not
makeusafhamed* Whenwefinde
not this doftrine fcvorie and fweec
tons, nor the uftofkinouraffli-
ftions. Jet us not charge or chal-
lenge the Lord for ir, butconfider
what we have loft byunbeleefc,
NOw befides all the former
privileges feverally D therc is
one that refpe&cth them all of
great
unto a godly Ltft.
-^•~
great price^ and thac is, incrcafc
and growing of all thofe graces :
orGod givech to his greater every
way,than they would have (brae-
times either expe&ed or asked,
Ccl. i. 9.
An example whereof we may fee
in Mofes, if we compare his later
times with his former > and in the
Apoftles. This priviledg, if it bz
duly confidered.addech great cou-
rage, and yecldeth much comfort
to Gods children : when they (hall
know thac this grace is offered
them of God,even that like plants
they (hould grow and increaft in
Gods Houfe, and as the Sunne they
(hould Quae more and more untill
Midday.
Aad bowfoever the Divell ray-
feth many occafions of fainting,
(loth , deadnefle of fpiric, and
earthly mindcdnefle,neglcfting of
meanes, &c. yet may wee not be
di/couraged, but prefle forward,
depending onGodspromifej and
j following his dirc&ion.
J Ail
23 i
J
*32
Briefs DireUwis
A S hec that makcih a good be-
**ginniDg,{hall increafe &grow
in goodndle, fo he that increafech
daily, fhall make a good end at
length : for all true believers fhall
conch ue to the end in a good and
godly couT(c/Pfa.tf.$7.PJ!;i/.u6,
lob 6.39.8* 10,28. which as in ic
felfc it is a great priviledge, Co hit
the greater inthatGcd makethit
fcnowne to his children, and draw-
eth their heartsto believe the fame,
even when the fee no ground for it
in themfelves, 1 Fc**<\ 5. 1 lob. 1 },
13. iThef.5 9.
This is a treafare invaluable,
mightily reviving & gladding the
hsartsof Gods children, and in-
couragingthem withcheerfulncfle
to follow the gedly life, and ali
meanes of proceeding in if. For
they|wbich takecccafion from this
deftine to waxeflothfull, world-
ly, idle, vaice, &c. they know not
what it meanetb, but pervert that
wh'xh they know nor, to tfrrir
ownedtftruftion.
The
m*=
The truth and certainty of this
pri? Hedge is not to be doubr ed of,
though wee ice good men at their
death to ftiewlcnail tokens of grace
and of a happy departure : for
there may be many impediments,
and howfoevcr ic may feeme, yet
this is certain? $ of a good life com-
meth a good death, Pfalm.5j.27.
Sometime indeed for conreft ton of
fom e fin, or for example, the Lord
may fetid fuch a death as is lefle
comfortable,aiin Ufa 1 King. 13.
24. and in the Prophet that was
fent to Urobotm i yea,(bmetimcs a
good Chriftian may offer yiolence
to himtelfe, not [knowing what he
doth* yet being formerly of a holy
and,unrebukeable convcrfaion, he
is not to be judged according to
that one a£ion, how unwarranta-
ble and dangerous foerer in it felfc.
Much lefle ought perfection to
ftemefo grievous, as that it could
not ftand with a good eftate, and
finall perfeverance, efpccully fee-
ing we hare much incouragement
L to
•
Mm
J
*3*
Britfc dirtciims
co the fuffering ofic, by examples,
promifts, and predi&ous in hc]y
Scripture.
This perseverance then being fb
precious, and yet fo cercaine* lec us
then nourifh the hcpcofitiaour
feives dailyby keeping ia us a wil-
lingnefle to die,
2 By frequenting medication of
the vanity of this world, and all
that therein is, CV.3. 1.
Thirdly, by holdirg faft our
rejeycing inChrift, iCr.5.31. by
mortify ingot lb, and keepirgour
hearts frora the love of ir, {fW.3.5.
Laftly, by inuring our felyes, to
beare fmaHaffli&iocs,arid foco de-
ny oiir i;\vcs,thac we cay the bet-
ter undergoe greater when they
ihall be fent.
NOw that wherccn all the for-
mer doe depend, and where-
at they aime, is the ur:fpeakeabl.
glcry which was prepared for is
before the beginning of the world,
begun in rhisiifej aud to be fully
ana peril ft. y er.j ;yncc, id the Bfc
ro
untp a godly Life.
to come, This for our capacity i*
(hadowed out by many earthly
companions and referabhnces of
chofe chinas which dot moft dc-
light us,as honour ,treafure,iiche?,
beauty, friends, plcafure, joy, in-
herirance,&c.
Our company there (hall be
Chrift, with his holy Asgcils,
bleffed Apoft'es, Prophet?, Mar-
tyrs, Confcffbrs, &c.
The habitation it fclfcispemn-
nent and everlaftiog, and Co are all
the tteafures that arc enjoyed
therein.
The eftate of Pri.:ce3 is not to
be compared with that happinefle.
All the glory which waa in this
world, even before the fall, was
but a Shadow in refpeft of this, the
glorious aod unfpeakeable joy
j which Gods children hivehetcis
j great, i C $r * *• 9* an d nuking a
I day of their life,bettcr than a thou-
' (and of och?r meo8, T/*/. 84. 10.
yet this is but a tafte of that which
is to come. Fot then ail teares
L 2 I /hall
235
V
•.
1 %l6
Briefe d<n&uns
<*m,
*mcmm
(hall be wiped from our eyes ; for
fin and death (hall be no more.
Thispriviledge added untoall
the former doth Efficient com-
mend the happy coodi ion of
Gods children, cfpecially to thofe
that know theft things to belong
to themfclves^and find the comfort
of them. But this cffcftuall Know-
ledge of Gods willi to apprehend
them by faith in particular, is a
particular gift of God tohisElcft;
not enjoyed of any other, no not o(
the grcatcft ana mod judicial!
Clarkesand Divines, Mmh* ij.
1 1. which doth indeed make this
gift more precious, in that Gods
children have grace to draw down
ill good from God in his promift •
which naturall men cannot doe ;
for flefh and blood givcth not tkis
to any. But God draweth his chil-
dren to the knowingand believing
of it : Firft by his Word, and Se-
condly by their owne experience,
which bringeth moft neereand fa-
miliar communion with God by
his
^ ■I M «I
«Pi
unto * godl] Lift.
237
•
his Spirit., from whence fpringcth
moft uofpcakeable joy.
T^He/e being thegreatPriviled-
*ges which our God hath ap-
pointed for hi*, and called them to
partake of; moft lamentable it i*
that many {hbuld be ft ignorant as
not to defice to know them, (b
careleffc as to rej^ft them/o obfti-
nace as to tread them under £ x>ce 3
and fo to leade a life foil of mi fe-
ry for wine of therm
TbeChriftian lite is termed io
Scripture,* pilgrimage, a fowixig
in teares,&c.
Therefore we hadneedof, nay
therfore we have thefe privilege?;
for otherwise wee could never un-
dergoe the tribulation which wee
flu!l meete with; and the afflicti-
ons do rather increafc tfun dimw
nilh their happinefle.
We fee no fuch glprioas ihiagsf
iiChriftianf.
Tfeefcarefpiriruall :hir^* a nd
thcrtore no: eafily difcirao^Dsjng
epecially inward ; hskir s.wickc^
Okucl.
Anfy.
OhUU.
Aw
I
*!i
•a
II !»■■*
***m
238
i
I
Brief* Vireftions.
men will not acknowledge that
glory which they fee; hecaufe ic
reproveth them.
Againe 3 thefe priviledges are
more inward feeling than out-
ward appearance. Moreover there
are many infirmities in che lives of
profeflburs, which the world doe
more gaze upon, than upon their
Ghriftian convocation otherwife.
Sat yet their lives be glorioui be-
fore God, zni (hining lights to
them that can fee and difcernc,
whileft they that carpe at them
(hall be moftloachfome andabho-
minable,
A Gainft the former Dircftions
many thiog* may be obj -flted
both by carnall cavclleis, and alto
by weake Chriftians.
Of the Grft fort is, that there
needeth no pther dire&ions to bee
prefcribed be fides Gs?ds word. To
^hich there needeth no other an-
fwer, biit that by the fame reafon
all pf^chiogwercnccdlcffe;which
if ic bee « i C (hould, is out of the
Scrip*
1 -j mi ■"
l » m
unto s godly Life.
Scriptures : but befides there is
great need of/uch a Dire ft ion a*
this to be penned, by rcafonofthe
great weakenefles which are in
Ghriftians, fome being fbwofca-
pacicie, others (hart of memorie^
othas very foone unfetled for
want of good dirc&ion, areafha-
med or unwilling to open their
griefes, or elft have no fie man to
flbew them unto: fo that befides
other great harme which follow-
eth the want of dire&ion,they are
deprived of much communion
with the Lord, and comfort that
arifeth from it.
IT is further obje&ed, that no
fuchdirc&ioacan bee obierved
daily.
But if it wercimpofiibl.% why
doth the Prophet call them blefled
that follow fucha courft? Pfs.1.2.
and affirme Co much of hirafelfc,
Pfal. 1 19. 97.many fuch examples
alio wee have amongft us. even in
this age, who doe not make them-
feWes
239
240
-
-^
Briefe direcliws
M»
felvesftrangersunroGod, to hcare
from him^or to fend vnco hinnnow
and then ; bat to watke with him
daily ,as all are commanded to doe.
Nay, many there are,w ho of expe-
rience hare fonnd this way not on*
ly poffible, but eafie to them, and
fall of comforr^who ihoBld indeed
be pacternes unto other?; for :he
beft pra&ifcrs are the beft teachers:
neither can any idle profefibur
looke for fach eafe and comfort as
-the painfull Chriftian that hath
bcene taught by long experience,
IT will be &id,that howfoever it
be poffible, yet it is very toyle-
fome and inconvenient, depriving
men of pleafure^ and hindering la-
bour.
Bus the truth is,there js no plea-
fare or comfort in the world, like
unto it: thati^heientenceohhe
faolyGboft, Pftlm. 1 19, 9p y 1 00.
Pr.v.S. n. Neither is this meant
offming God at times, but con-
tinually, even all the day long.
And
#
uttto a godly Life.
And vvh jfoerer bath any know-
ledge and experience by praftke,
whac reward there is in ftrving
God , doth j aftifie this to be true :
for why alfo fhould fo many Chri-
ftians part with all fjafaH pleafures
which they might enpy wicho*
thcrs, and fpeod fo much time and
painei in Gods fervice* if it were
foirkefome}
It is not indeed a pleafare to all*
but to the upright in hcart,it is the
onely delight, chough m this life.
there be fome refiftance ° nay., it
fcafoneth and fweatnech all earth-
ly liberties,alfo making them truly
plea fane to the godly, which to o -
thers are mixed either with bur-
tbenfome tedioufnefle, or hidden
poyforu
Neither would this hinder la-
bour and c hnfr ;for all godly thrift,
Chriftian gaining; and la wfull pro-
fpering in the world, doth arifc
from hence ; even when a man go-
eth to the workes of his calling
with a minde at peace with God,
com*
241
24*
firiefc Dire8iv;j.
commending his affaires to Gods
providence, aimes ac his glory,
loofces ac hie promi(e,and fo waits I
for a blefirng: and for want of this,
many in great toile and paincs find
no ftcceflenor bleflbg ofGodjand
others that feemc to profper have
their wealth but as Indus had his
fopjami the Ijrdelites their quailes,
to become their banc and poy fon.
Ji S caufelefle :alfo is their feare,
*- who fiy,that the following of
thistlircftioD would breaks ofFall
fbciety and fcllowfhip arsoogft
men. For this would breake off
none but evill fdlowfhrp, fuch as
it were to be wifbed were abando-
ned all focieties of Ohriftians;
which ificfteraeftrange, it wiJl be
oncly to fuch as the Apoftle Pettr
fpcaketh of ih his firft Epiftle, 4.4.
BUc ic is fit to fctisfie the doubts
which weake Ghriftians arc
like to propound-
As firft, how they may attaine
and
■ I M •
nntoAgedljLift.
*«
and kcepe this Cod r fe ?
For che anfwcr whereof, thus
much :
i There muft bee an earned de-
fire wrought by the confideration
of the ncceffide of if .
2 There muft bee a ftrife againft
untowardncfle and £hth.
3 Ail earthly afie&ions rauft be
moderatcd^nd not clog us.
4 There mufti ifaih be expe-
ctation of fruit farer above the la-
bour,
5 It will -begood at the firft that
doubts which arifeb: imparted to
others of experience; and chat che
proceeding be marked, that wants
may be £ipplied 3 and good things
continaed.
This if wee doe,the nutter will
notfeeme £> difficult and tedious
unto us;r?eithsr are lawful! c illings
any lecsumo this Chriftian courfe.
For holy cxerci&s and Uwfuii bu- j
(ine(Te,a heavenly mind and earth-
ly dealing^may very well Hand to-
gether.
Some
*44
Briefc dirt&ionst&c.
SOmc arc alfo moved, with the \
erodes that they (hall mcete
withallin the world.
Bat they needc not be troubled
fa as to goc backe, but rather to
ftt forward thereby, Vent. 8*.
The end of all this if, thatfuclr
as have rectived the Gofpell, and
that have not beene carefull thus
daily and perpetually to .walke
wichGod ; if it was of ignorance,
they muft not be difcouraged, but
onely (hew that ignorance was the
caufe, by amending now upon
knowledge. If it wasofevillcon-
fdence againft their knowledge,
their fin is the greater, especially if
they have fallen from the firft
love:Therefore :ime it is,tbat they
fhould returne and feeke peace
with God^maimaining the fame by
carefull watching over themfelves
throughout the day, that they of-
fend in nothing*
FI^IS.
:
Chriftian Letters
OF
M r . Paul Bayne.
Replenished with di-
vers Correlations, Exhortati-
ons, and Direftions, tending
to promote the Honour
ofGodlinefle.
Hereunto is added a fruitfull
Sermon for the Triaffof a
Chriflians Eftatt.
He br. 5. 13.
Exhort one another daily ^ while it U called
to dijfy left any of you he hardened
through the deceitfulneffe of finne.
LONDON,
Printed by E G. for /. N. and are
to be (old by Samuel Endcrby at his (hop
in Popes-bead* Alley, at the figne
of the Starre, 1637.
J
!
«=*-s^
•^•<—
<s£> <&» *&> <&* <&* <>5i <*ir> *&*
«*^> <<jv «^> *^> *£*> c*j»> <$> cj>
THE RIHGT
WORSHIPFVLL,
and Chriftian Ladies,the
Lady Weld, and the
Lady Lennard:
Grace, and
Fcacc,
Ight Worfhip*
full and wor-
thy Ladies, if
there bee a-
ny one thing
wherein I make fingular
account of my friends love,
it is , when by feme good
meanes they are fetting mee
forward in the wayes of fal-
A 2 vati-
f
MB
The Epiftk Dedicatory.
j
vation:andon the other fide.,
1 cannot (b rejoyce in an*
improvemetof my beft love
and fervice co them, as when
mutually I may bee a helper
forward of their faith. I write
not this, as favouring any
ingratefull burying civil! and
humane kindnefles in oblivk
on,but as giving the preemi-j
nence to theworkeof love,!
which eipecia'ly is imployed
in advancing that good part,
which as our Saviour inri-
mateth to Martha 3 Q\z\\ nor be
taken awav from us. Let it
not therefore I pray you(my i
honored good Ladies)feeme
ftrange 5 that in the defire of
rhe beft good to your fouler
I prefent to your view, and
infcribe by particular Dedi-
cation to your LadifhipSjthi
enfuing Bundle of Letter t
par
The Epifik Dedicatory.
partofthewerkesofa reve-
rend Divine, who living, fhi-
ned as a bright Scarre in the
Church of God. For 1 am
perfrvaded, with Gods blef-
fing^vhich is all in all, that if
you attentively reade this
Booke, you fhall finde many
fweet Motives to heavenly-
mind dnefle, effV&uall con-
federations so qcalifie the bit-
ternefie of lbrrow D which of-
ten befalleth us in this vale of
Teares; andlafHy^nofmall
attra&ive to draw up your
mindes from thefe vanifhing
delights below , to thofe
hopes and joyes of an inheri-
tance incorruptible, undefi-
led 5 thatfadeth not away,re-
ferved in Heaven for you. I
will not enlarge my felfe, to
fpeake in commendation of
the Author of thefe Chriftian
A 3 Letters \
j
1fc*a
The Epiftle Vedtmory.
Letters^ who no marvell hee
(peaketh tofeverall points fo
gracioufly., who felt heavenly
ftraines in his Meditations (b
plentifully. This prefent
Booke will(as his other Wri-
tings have done) fpeake for
him J doubt not.ftfficiently,
One part of which hath been
tranfcribed while the Author
li ved, and the Copie was not
to bee had in Print, in my
knowIedge,fuIl many a time^
yea, hundreds of times, or
neerer a thoufand times, if
fbme godly perfons have not
mif-reckoned. Now, why I
chnfe your Ladifhips , in
whofe name to commend
this Worke to the Church of
God 5 though I might al-
leadge other reafbns, yet for
the prefent ht this fuffice,
1 'hat. as you are Sifters in
na-
^w
" — ■> ■ '■
The Epijik Dedicatory,
nature, fo you are neerer Si-
fters in grace, and therefore
well may bee joyned in one
infer iption, whom God hath
linked in fo holy union.I will
not by longer Preface hold
your Worships from the
Booke it felfe. Readeir,my
refpe&ed good Ladies 5 and
the Lord give you under-
flanding in all things. Febr*
22. 1620.
Tout Ladifhipf) readie
to all fervice in the
Lord,
Ez. Ch.
.1
A 4
^*"
*
&&&&&&&&&&&&$&
«r • & & o e* «* & o o o £ o
CHRISTIAN
LETTERS:
Containing Divine Inftra-
ftions,Ex hortatlons, and
Coofblatioos.
Letter I. Dite8crj.
kM
f^Sggg^OoD Miftrcffc 5.
we muft not think
ic ftrange, wben
need is,to be made
heaviewichmany
sffli&ions /orchis
hath ever beene the portion of
Gods Children., who through ma-
ny Tribuluions have entrcd in*
to his Kingdome. Hee that will
not let the fhew and livdefle
PiftureofGodlineflegoCjWichout
affiyln g aad overturning, how
much more hach hce an aking
Tooth at thjc Grace which is on-
A S fained?
I
w^
faincd? Wherefore bee net dit |
maied, if Changes and Armies of
Trials fhould fucceed each other;
rather re joy ce, thatbyoccaGonof
thefe things, you may fee your
fclfecobcbuildedon that Rocke
which none can prevaile againft,
though it bee never fo afftyled.
When the Windes blow, and
Sformes fall., then wee may fee.
what buildirgs have fure Foun-
dations : then ihofe that are other-
wife,cannot be hidden. Our whole
care,v\ hen temptations follow u«,
ftardahin this: Firft, wee rcuft
judge aright of them, and the end
for which Gcd doth frnd th^m :
Secondly , wee nmft fecke vtife-
domc and ftrergth, which may
make us undcrgoe them, to Gods
glory, and our corrforrs. A}! evils
which befall us in (ouk,bodic and
condition, fhey are med r cinahle
forrowes fenc of God, that the
foule holpen by them, as by bitter
potions, might by renewed re*
pen;aiiC€ more and mure purge it
felfe
QUtfclviS inaffliliiQns*
felfe of cbac true Soule-ficknefle^
that finne and corruption which
dwdlethinit. If wee were as in-
nocent as Job- 9 yetmuftwehura-
b'eour felvts under the hand of
God, whenhefendcthadverficies..
V Vherefore^ in all renewed occa-
iL-nsof chiskinde, let us judge
our felves 5 and ^row more vile in
our o wne eyes • that thus humbled
under Gods mighrie hind p wee
may further acd further receive
his grace, for the cxaldng of us;
Aud this is the end of God^why he
at miny times briogeth many and
divers advtriities.Thereafonis:
this exercife of a broken fpiric
may ftillbee renewed tffctfually
in us : even as Phyficians , to
bring away ficke matter more
fully and fafely, are forced againe
and againe to open the veine ,
u kifig away now fome bloud,no w
ether fome, as the partie mtf
btare; to doth God, not at once,
but many times bring away- this
corruption which dwelleth in us :
And
]
\
4
dfjHBiotts though biteer,
And as Phyficians now give one
thing, now another, left naiure,
ufed ftill to one , (hould doc bee
moved 5 fo God doth (bmetimes
in bodie, fomeiimes in minde,
fometimesin our iftaredealewith
us.hecaufe hce doth fee, that the
longer wee arc ufed to this or that
croife, the kffe it worketh with
us. Bat left wee (hould bee fwal-
lowed np of evils , wee meft
jnyne witheare of humbling our
(elves, that wifedome and ft* ength
which may make us hopeful! and
joyfull, even in the middeft of
our affii<5Uor.$. The things that
befall us, wee muft not looke at
them by outward appearance, but
wifely confider how they are
changed in Chrift,who hath taken
away the poyfon which would
bee in the evils wee fuffer, and
made them ferviceable for our
good. As Children, through want
of Wifedome , are troubled at
Bug-beares ; fo wee are much af-
fraid of things which caanos hurt
us.
mmmmmm
ytt rphokfome.
,Wa
us. This wifedome, which doth
make us truly to difcerne things
asinChrifttheyare,dothmakeus
comagious in bearing cf them, Ic
is betcer with ihe body when it
feedeth on bitter hearfcxs which
breed good bloud, than when it
feedeth on fweet meais, which
ingendcr bitter vomits and mor-
tal! fiefceefles, Agaioe,asall fwcet,
without any tart intermeddled, is
notfopkafing: To if in the tenor
• four lives wee (hould not (omc-
time know diftafement, our com-
rns would when we enjoy them
beroth'ng fb taftefull to us. Be.
fides, witedeme will tell us that
thcic thiogs come andgoe as the
raine on cur cloaths, which in a
,whifcdriem up, and all is as be-
fore: fo when hca^intlfcis with
us inthe evening, wee fcc joy rc-
ai Hgeven before the morning
often. Did wee not through falfc
glafles tee thirgs otherwise than
they are, they would oot caft 113
downefomuch as the doe. Wee
I
there-
5
- +n% +m* f n | | r I a»
H ■* ».»»
MP
Chrifi cur ftrength
\
therefore wifely obferving how \
many wayes the grace of God our
heavenly father doth change thefe
things into our good, even as the
art of the Apothecary doth make
a poifonfull Viper into a whole -
Come, Triacle, we muft choofe ra-
ther aflfli&ion than vanity. Now
we want ftrength , wee muft be-
ing confeious of it., come to him,
who maketh u* able to doe sH
things through his ftrcrg r henirg
of them, who ftrengtheneth his
in the inner man to long fuff*-
ranee with joyfulneflc, who hath
faid, Sjch as looke to me, ftull re-
new ftrength. Our ftrength is to
clafpeChrift, and hold to him as
the perfon in whom is all our
ftrength. TheCofiiesarea weake
creature, but they diggc in the
rocke, worke themfclves holds
under the earch where they may
beinftfety: we are fet to fchoole
to them to karne of them, that
whereas we are weake, we privy
to it, would by faith worke our
feives
in all afflictions.
\
felves inco that Rocke Chrift Je-
fus,againft whom the gates of hell
cannot prevaile. When the Apc-
fiks had received bis fpiric of
firength, they made a play of all
their fufFerings and labours; even
as in bodily things Wee fee men
that have ftrength and courage, a?
thefe porters and fuch, they will
make a (port to bcare fueh bur-
thens as a weake creature would
tremble to kft ar. Want of this
wifedome and ftrength, wha> voy
ces doe they draw from us? Even
fuchasthek; Were ic anything,
faith one,but this, I could hop- to
re ceivc good from i ; Were it a-
ny thing but this, I could hope to
beare ir. Whereas did wee put on
this fptfticle of wifedome, wee
fhould tee that there were no-
thing Co fit as this to doe us^ood^
which Go c'mftth toufe before
other. Did wee in confcicncc of
our imp tercy fteke to Chrift to
mike us able, wee fhould not
doubt but to fiade ftrcngih e-
noagh
— i .^ i
8
I-
Cbriji ourflrengtk.
nough whereby tobeare that com- 1
\ fortabtyj which wee thioke moft
intolerable. Wherefore, as I
know you fabjeft to (bme exerci-
(cs,(bl wifliyou more and more
communion with your Chrift, on
whom reftcth the fpirit of Wile-
dome and ftrength^ihat you may
beare them,yea be more than con-
queror in thenu
I doe defire to remember you
with the firft of thofe whom
God by his providence hath en-
deared to roe above others. Being
not fit to continue long in wri-
ting, with- my hearty commenda-
tions and thanks for all your love,
I commit you to God.
Yours in Chriflian affc&ion*
Faitl B4jm.
My
«MP
. »■ ■■» ■■
m ■ ■ ■
2. Hortatory.
MY Chriftian Friend, being
much indebted uoto ycu,
for the kindnefle I hive received
from you, I thought good to let
you fee that 1 dot not altogether
forger, what I cannot fo fully as I
would reqokc: wfc cannot fo diA
charge this debt of love, but that
we mud ft ill ftand indebted one to
another. Now bethinking how I
may bellow my felf for your good,
I doe noc know any meane more
fruitfull , than that of Chriftian
exhortation, by which wee pro-
voke each the other to love.Wher-
fore give mec leave to ftir you up,
but to labour for the prefent fruit
ofyour affliftion forcpaffed,and to
prepare your felfe againft future
tryalsj if God fhouldbe pleated to
prove your patience yet further in
time to come. Wee (ee the earth
then having endured the nipping
ftorme8 of the Winrer feafon , it
commcth to receive into herbo-
fomc the beames of the Sunne
now
10 Deliverance from AffliUion
now more approached^the earth I
(ay before fuitIefle,doth put forth
and become fruitfull : thus wce^
chough in the winter of our temp-
tation,whi!e the favour of GO D
feemeth to have forfiken us,
chough in this taking we finde it
enough to doe to keepe life at the
root , yet when now Gcd doth
warme our hearts with the fcnfe
of his love, which is better than
life it felfe^ then we muft labour to
put forth both bud and bloffome,
yea to bee filled with the fruits of
tighteoufheffir, which arc to the
praife of God through Jefus Cbrift.
I When the Devil! cannot longer
hinder our deliverance out of any
evill, yet he will labour to keepe
us without underftanding hearts,
that wee fliall not bee able to ac-
knowledge God in that hee hath
wrought for us: by which meane
the fbuie is kept from being bet-
tered by that it hath received. If
with our hearts wee underftand
not the loving kindneffc and faith-
fuIneflTe
i
fulutfle which God hath (hewed
coward as, then cur love to him
will not be increafed., for we love
him, beaufe we finde him ro have
loved us firft ; our faith will not
be ftrengthened, if wee have not
obfcrved how crufty the Lord is
to all that beleeve in him : for this
growth we take in knowing God
by his word and works 5 this doth
make us grow in bcleeving on
him according to thar,They who
know thee ., will truft in thee.
Wherefore this being an enter-
prize of Satan, when hee cannot
defeat us of good things, then to
keepe us,if ir b? poflible/rora the
fpiriiuall fruit of them, let us bee
wifctofeeke untoGodwho hath
(aid,! am he that teacheth thee to
prcfit,that he would be pleafed to
give us his fpirir,which may teach
us to know what hee hath done
for us. If this bee obtained, then
the benefit will follow, both of
our trials and deliverance: Oar
finncfhallbe more purged out of
us,
us , our graces (hall bee more
ftrengchened , yea they fhall bee
morea&iveandftirringm us, ma-
king us more ready to, atid plenti-
ful! in every good word and work
rban beforctimes w?e havebeene.
Thele are the chiefe ends for which
God fendcth all our vifications :
as the end of bi'tcr potions is to
purge forth ficke matter from the
body 5 (b all our griefs tent of
God, are medicinabk bitteroeflfe
to deanfc our foules. Now as tb«
faculties are ftrengthened in us
when we are rid of fach ficke ha-
moursas did fo offend them, (b all
the graces are the more confirmed
by how much finne is more remo-
ved. In the third place, a bodie,
when ficknes doth not weaken the
faculties of ir, is full of motion,
found bodies love to bee ftirring,
especially if coldneffe doe not be-
numme the members and make
them unfit for motion. Thus the
foule, when God hath fcattered
the cares a-nd lufts which did op-
prefie
andfoftrengthens Grace*
13
prefle it, and by his love fted into
ic, diflblred that frozen coldnefl?
which is an eneaay to heavenly
aftion, then ic doth in 1o*q and
zealetohis glory beftirre it lelfe
diligently, both in the duties of
the gcnerall calling of Chrifti-
ans,and the particular callings in
which wearefci refp^ft ofour out-
ward condition, Thefc being the
fruits which fhould follow affli-
6tion, give diligence to find them
in you more and more : ic is the
feale of that elcftion and calling
by Gcd, according to the purpofe
of life, when you feele that things
vvorke thus together for your
good. Every bafemetall maybe
patintothe tire, but that which
abideth ia it and commeth forth
more rt fined by k,thac is precious
and of much account. Every man
may bee put into the furnace of
aflfliftion,but if wee endure cha-
ftifements and come forth more
and more purged by meanes of
them, then it is a fure fignc we are
veflels
14
Prtparalion for evill timet
.«-*-
vtflel* of Silver, and vctfels of
Gold, ordained ofGodco glory
everlafting.
Now I come to tbat fecond
taske, I did undertake of provo-
king you to prepare againft times
to come. Though great fickneflcs
breed fometime long health , yet
it is true on the other fide, that no
winde but may blow raine when
God is fo pleafed , no ftate fo
calme which may notfoone turne
tempeftuous 3 ftiould not the Lord
bee more gracious. The Divell,
when now God hath made us get
the upper hand of fbme grievous
temptation, doth lie in ambufh,
and bend all his forces to draw
us into pride, at leaft into fecurity
and preemption touching things
which may hereafter befall. Whcr-
fore feeke to God to make you
ready for every thing wherewith
he (hall try you. In peace we pre-
pare for warre: wearing a weapon
docb not make a man the fooncr
let on, nay it preventeth this
danger
juvjjcs profitable*
danger (bmetimes, and alwayes
makes a man ready ce defend him-
fclfc when he is affailed. God doth
fee us to learne of the Ant this
poin t of Wifdome : that fm all crea-
ture gatherech and hoordethfood
in Summer, which may befuffici-
ent in winter feafbn : and when
we have that providence in Sum-
mer to make proviiion of Hay and
fodder for our beafts againft their
need^ how fliould we be worthy
rebuke, if wee fliould not now in
peace ftoreupin our hearts thofe
things which may bee ufefull and
hclpfulltousintimeof our trou-
ble? Now this praftife ftandeth in
three things chiefely. Firft Jn gee
ting a watchful (agacity,by which
our (boles doe difcerne aforehand
what kind of events and exerciies
they are fubjeft unto in this vale
of ceares. Secondly ,in learning by
due confiderations, to know how
wanting we are in wifedomc,how
weake in regard of tfnc ftrength
which maketh us able to ftand
when
15
i5
Faith in Cbrift>tbe
when wee are tryed. Thirdly 3 In
flying to God by faith , holding
him, as who hath beene, i$, and
mcft be, the rocke of our fa! viri-
on : looking to Chrift the author
andfiniflKrofou'faich, who hath
received thiscommandemeot from
his father, that he would not only
call us and briogusinto the ftate
of grace , but fccepe us in it and
raifeusupattheLftday : who is
a great Saviour > keeping his (as
Trf#/faith)from every evillwork, i
to his heavenly kingdome. Now
when by faith wee thus hang oo
God our Siviour, then we? are,
as it wercio aftroDgTower,wher.
in the gates of hell (hall not b?e
able to hurt us, much tefle to pre-
vaile againft us, God doth fee us
to fchoole to the Conies, that of
them we might learne this leflon :
they are a weak^timorous creature,
yet they have this wifedome to
worke themfelves holes in the
earth , burrowes to which they
may reiuruc for (h Jccrjand though
^cy I
'
Reck^of our Salvttio*<
l *7
they goeoutfometimes, yet they
dill returns ever and anon unto
their holds. Oh, (b rauft wee,
confcious of our weaknefle , by
faith worke oar felves into the
Rocke Chrift lefts* and though
(bmetime wee are abroad , as it
were, in many other matters, yet
wee muft ftill returne and renew
our beltcfe towards hire, I may
not profecute theft things. The
Lord teach you by his Spirit fb to
acquaint your fclfc with him, that
you may with much more confi-
dence and boldnefle refortto him
in all your ntceflities. Moreover,
I have fent you a Soltloqitie y which
I did longfince pen, that ic might
bee an Introduction , leading by
the hand a wcll-difpofed Chriftian
to take up a forme of wcrds be-
tween God and his foule for the
increafc of his dcvotion.Thus with
my hearts deftre to Gcd for you, I
take my leave.
B
77;.
i8
>•■*
Temf fattens rvorke fir good
3. Confblatory.
The God ofconfolation andcompaf-
fion be withyoH) my good and lo-
ving Sifttr , and rcmaine with
jot* for ever.
I Know not whether I ftiould
write of gratulation unto you,
and thanksgiving unto God for
your deliverance, or clfc of fbme
comfort again ft your troubles, if
you yet rcmainc in them: Confi-
dcring the Lords ordinary dea-
ling, if you be not already delive-
red, your deliverance cannot bee
farreoff. But forafmuch as the
wayes of God with his children
are diver?, w hofe fteps wee can no
more find out, than know the way
in the aire where the bird hath
flowne ; I know not whether hee
will hold you in the Schoole of
your grievous temptations. Well,
lam affured that the iflue (hall bee
good, aflured alio that the length
and grievoufhefle of them, (hall
Accordingly addc unto the weight
and
-~*^
■>! *
to them that ftan God. 1 9
and fhining brightncire of the
Crowne which in Chrift lefts is
prepared for you : affiired finally
chat the comfort which thofe
which are 5 or (hall be cemp:ed,wi)l
bee much the ftrongerand deeper,
as they (hall underftand chat you
which have beene fo long and fo
fharply exercifed, were atthclaft
io gracioufly delivered. Be there-
fore of !',ood comfort (my good
Sifter) although the Lord plunge
you into the Ssa, yet he will goe
downe with you thither to keepe j
you, tint you (hall not bee drow-
ned : although you pafle thorow
chefire 3 you (hall not beeconfu-
tr.eJ,beciufe he is with you: al-
though hec leadc you from one
Seatoacother 3 yectheLord which
commands both the teas and the
fire ( as all other creatures) frill,
for his dearc Sonnes fake, worke
that fire nor water fhall not onely
noc hurt you, but profit you in fi-
ning you more and more from
the droffc of finne, and wafhing
B 2 yo i
>
20
Temptations cannot hurt. \
you from the common filth of
the remnants of finnc which arc
in you. What doe Ifay that he will
be with you in fire and water ? Ic
is bat a fmall thing in his eyes. If
you were brought to the gates 9f
hell; If hell gates had (hue her
mouth upon you , yec there his
hand will be with you, and from
thence his arme will deliver you.
Yea, if hell had fwallowed you
up into her bowels, yet it muft in
deipite of it render you up againe:
Her ftomackc cannot long hold
you, no more than the great moa-
ftrous Whale could brooke \lo*4s 3
which if hee had light upon the
wicked Mariners, hee would
have devoured and digefted twen-
ty of them in lefle (pace. And this
is indeed the promife of our Savi-
our, tMatth. 6. That hell gates
fliall not prevaile againft you.
They (hall fight againft you, but
fliall not prevaile. Whereof I
wrote unto you, for that our
fiiend Mafter C. wrote unto rae,
that
7)ifiruji & refnfall of comfort a fin.
21
that fince my laft letters you have
bcene terribly fhaken by a forci-
ble Tempeft which the Enemie
hath ftirred op againft you, wher-
vvkh hee had railed fuch a dufi in
your eyes, that ycu had in your
judgement loft all fight of the
grace and goodnefle of God
in lefts Chrift. Butbcnotdifimi-
ed > my Sifter, for my part I am in
good hope that even as a little be-
fore day-breake the darknefie is
greateft : fo thefe grand Piece?
which hee kcepcih in ftore until]
the cafe be defperate, be, with the
clappesthey give, and mifts they
fend forth, meffer gers of your de-
liverance, which is before ihe
doore. The truth is, that as to be-
leeveGod to be your merciful! Fa-
ther, is a precious thing before
God, (b to doubt of his goodnrffc
towards ns,is a great finnc. When
further wee refufe the -comforts
and admonitions that bee offe-
red out of his Word, the finnc is
yet increafed. If blasphemous
B 5 words
-~~i
21
Cjods mercy in Cbrifi infinite,
[
words efcape us, yet fiune ii made
one ftaire higher. If your finnes
for the height of them, reach the
very hcavcns,3nd for their breadth
fprcad themfelves from South
to North, and their length from
Eaftto Weft: yet the rrerciei of
the Lord our God in lefus Chrift
ovcr-r'ach them every way. For
u pon us all jthat are thus over f aken
by Satan, ic is alfo verified, which
the Apoftle faith; chat where finne
doth abound 3 there grace doth
more than abound. Thcfe large
promifes hath the Lord made us
to our everhfting comfort, which
he hath fct out by the meafure of
the obedience and fuflL-rings of
hisdeare Sonne lefus Chrifr, the
height, and breadth, and length
whereof (as you know) is infinite,,
not onely, becaufe hee was in fuch
anguifti of minde for us, that
through griefe hee fweat( which
was never heard ofydropsof bloud
which came from him, and cryed,
My God, my God, why haft thou
for.
1
a gnat Comfort to great fivners.
forfiken me? but alfofor that his
obedience is the obedience of the
eternall God, and for that his fuf-
ferings are not onely the fuffe-
ringsofa mortal! man^ but of the
immortallGod;, which as the A-
poftlefmb, with (bedding of his
owre bloud redeemed us : not
that the Go ihead could (offer the
fheddingof bloud^but becaufe of
thcunfpestkablc unity of the two
Natures, bound together in one
perfonj that which was done to
Chrifttheman, i% toourfinguhr
eomfort, laid to bee done of the
etcmallGodr
Now for the keeping of our
pare, which we have in the obe-
dience and fufferings of our Savi-
our Chrift,you muftjrurn your ek s
frcm your frtfr 9 at;d from your
owne workes, unto the EIe6Vion
and calling c f God. For as the
Lord faveth u$ 3 not becaufe of our
good workes, bee they never Co
mar.y : fb hee will not condemne
us his Children , becaufe of our
evill
23
*4
^r— i .fc M
TLUUion the ground of Gods love.
cvill works,be they never (b great.
Hereunto the Lord callcth us by
the Prophet Efaj, chap # 45. where
dealing with the rebellious Israe-
lites, he faith, for Hrael his cho-
fen fake, and becaufe they were
called by his name, be would con-
firme them, and doc them good :
becauie faith he, I loved thee, and
becaufc thou were precious ia
mine eyes, and becaufc I cfleemed
thee, I will doc this and this for
thee: as if he would fay ,although
thou lovedft not raee , nor eftec-
medft not me* As for the Lords
calling towards you whereby (as
by a ladder)you may climb fafely
unto the couniell of Gcd co know
your EIeftion,and what his fecrcc
decree of you was before the
world was made, I referre you to
that which I wrote to you before;
the markes are many and cercaine
in you, you ncede not , I wis, to
hare had Co many and long temp-
tations: to have thrown you head-
long into cvcrlafting defpaire, if
you
;=-=
Grate voorkfith not aUkfi alw^ju m I 25
you had not belonged to the Lord.
For as the Children of God are
conquerors over many temptati-
ons, (o one onely temptation (and
chat a ftiort one) is able to finke
the ftoutcft among the Repro-
bates into the bottomlefle pit of
hell. Neither rouft you think that
the grace of God worketh al waies
alike in his Children. When you
walke in the fields at winter, you
fee not onely no good fruity but
not fo much as a leafe on the
Trcesj inibme alfbrhe very trunk
or ftocke appeareth to be dcad,yet
is the fappe hidden in the root 3
which in due time will ftiewthat
the tree was never dead.Howbeit,
I need not lead you into the
fields, you have an example at
home within yourdoores: For,
when yom fire is raked up, there
appeareth oftentimes a fert of
cold and deadafhes, when there
are underneath certaine fparkes,
] of which you may afterward
mkkeafirct And fuchmheefute
B5 of
mmmm
1
26
Cods Children brought to great
of the Children of God ,. when
through thefinncs they doe com-
mit, and wherein oftentimes they
flecpea great while, they appeare
unto men as forfaken of God,
and remcdileffe. How much more
ought you to bee of good com-
fort, in whom the Lord hath
fet fuch notes of your etcrnall
falvation in Jefus Chrift, that all
the ftnoke which the enemy hath
caft out, cannot take away the
fight of them from us, or once fo
much as bring us in doubt of it > I
grant you your (elves think other-
wife • but as in ficke pcrfonswee
fteitcommethtopaffe, that they
thinke there is no hope of life y
when the Phyfician and fianders
by fee certaine acid undoubted to*
kens of health : So is ic oftentimes
in theft fpirituall fickaelks. You
fee David through the affliftions
which the Lord ftnt upon him,
J wreftled oftentimes with despe-
ration, was oft brought into!
doubt of ; his falvation 3 as ypu |
**ay 1
doubts of tbtir falvttion.
may reade in the 42.43.77.and 88.
TjW/Bf/.Whcreyou (hall perceive
that he conceived of God,as of one
in extreme anger and rage with
him^as of one that had forgotten
him,and had taken his mercy from
him. There are al(b (I grant) voy-
cesof hope mingled with them,
tecaufe in one and the felfe-fame
Pfalme, hee changeth the whole
courfe of hisMeditationSjhowhe
floated, now up, now downe,now
funke,as it were, in thencathcr-
moft hell, now appearing and
(hewing his head above the waters
againe. The Son of God himfelfe
through extreme anguifti was (as
I (aid) brought to aske of God
why he had forfaken him I If the
force of Temptations could bring
him which had no finne of his
owne, and was the onely beloved
of God, and which had received
thefpirit of fortitude above mea-
fare, to fuch a hard exigent and
terrible conflift, we ought not ta
raaryelLif the Children of God,
which
«
which have fionc dwelling in
their mortall bodies , which are
not beloved for themfelvcs, but
for his fake alone, and which have
received butafetvdroppesof the
Spirit (whereof he had the whole
Sea) bee fometimes plunged over
head and eares. And wherefore
did onr Saviour overcome that
fearefull conflift of temptation^
but that it ffcould be our medicine
when wee arc overcome of ic ?
Wherefore in this moft great cc n~
fli&did he not only reraine faith
in his heart, but in calling him his
Lord, proftffed it before men
wiih his mouthy but that it fhould
be our remedie, when wenotone-
lyfeeleno faith inwardly in our
hearr^but deny alfb outwardly be*
fore, men with our mouth , ttm
we have any hope in him ? There-
fore our Saviour Chrift in S. John
placeth not our comfort in that
we our felves have overcome, but
biddeth his Difciples bee of good
€heare a becaufc hechad overcome
the
againft temptations*
the World; that is to fay, all con-
trary power to the will of God.
Therefore alfo S. Iohn in his firft
Epiftle fikh,That our Faith is that
whereby we overcome theWorld:
not onely, becaufe through Faith
we vanquifh the Temptation^ but
efpecially,becaufe we by it 5 as by a
Hand , apprehend the righteouf-
nefle and viftory of Chrift, as a fi-
tisfa&ionofthat wherein we have
plaicd the cowards. Asforintcm-
perate /peeches ( if any were) it is
(b to be con fidercd, that they were
notfpoken (as theyfty) in cold
bloud,and of a malicious purpofe,
but in a paffion, and of a troubled
and a broylcd minde, which the
encmie, when hee hath you upon
the wracke, wringeth out of you.
And not onlyftch fpeeches^but
even fome kinde of Blafphemie
againft the Sonne of God^ the Son
of God himfclfe forgiveth. Effe 5
I pray yoi^what (hould become of
the holy man/^which opened his
mouth fo wide of God; all which
curies.
29
J
ao Cr^/ dedreft children impatient.
curfts, fent out agiinft rhe crea-
tures of God, returned upon the
Creator bimfdfe? And although in
the beginning he opened his mout h
againft the Lord, as it were,aflope
andindire&lyofinjuftice, as may
appeare both by his difcourfef, &
by the Lords owne anfwer, which
hec maketh in the end. Of the
which man 3 notwithftanding all
this, note ( I befeech you ) what
S. lames faithjCbap. 5, Tort have
heard (faith he) of the patient man
Job. Here you fee that heecalleth
him fo, notwithftanding all his
frowardneffe againft his friends,
(which were good men,aad came
of good will, although they were
not in every point fo well advifed)
notwithftanding all his impatience
againft God inwardly, notwith-
ftanding all his accusations and
curfes open!y,which proceeded of
impatience. Ifyouaskchowthefe
can (land togetherjthey Sand well:
forafmuch as the Lord forgiving
and covering hi* impatience in
1&*
Cbriftmzkj eve* between God & us ; 31
- i
Jefu$Ghrift,reckoneth with him
as if he had fpunnc (fb to fpeake)
an even thred of his patience all
the time of his Tcmptation>wher -
as notwithftanding hec made fo
many knots, and brake his thred
fo often. Even fo (good SifterJ
will he deale wch you : for par*
dening all your incQnfiderate
fpeeches,he will make his account
with ycuforJefusChrifts fake, as
if you had prayed to him,and pra>
fed his Name, at the dayes of your
remptation* If (brne one which
had borne you good will, and fpo-
ken much good of you, deceived
by cvill company, (hotild happen
afterward to revile you ; I would
askc you this Q^eiiion , Whe-
rhery if fuch a one were forrow^
full for hisfaulr, you would for-
give him or no ? When you exa-
mine your ownConfcicnce herdiij
I dare anfwer for you, you would
not refufe him, nor tumc your
face from him. Shall you, which
havcj in companion, but afparkc
! of
.. I
32
I
J14m merciful!, Cjodmuch more.
-+*
oflove,(hcwthismercie; and not
the Lord,who is nothing elf e but a
fire of Charitie towards them that
cry him mercie,and as the Apoftle
Saint John faith j Charitie ic fclfe ?
Shall your fpark confirme the for-
feit againft you, and (hall not the
bone fire of the love of God in le-
fts Chriftj dry and licke up yours ?
Shall the cooling and refrefhtng
waters of roercie and companion
bee foand in a little Channel], and
the Fountaine &Head-fpring from
whence itcomraetb,be dry ? Con-
sidering , that in this relpeft, the
Lords cogitations are as farre dif-
ferent from ours, as Heaven from
the Earth, And the truth is, that
the Lordhath therefore taught us
to pray 5 Forgive m our trefpijfei,as
m forgive them that trefpajfe agamji
m ; to this endjtha t when wc feelc
our bowels of coropaffion opened
to thoft which offend againft us,
We mighttake that as a fare pledge
and undoubted token of the for- ,
givcaeffe of all our finnes^ how
_ g«|
Chriftian love edifies.
great fbever they be.Therefore to
make an end where I bfgan, Beef
good comfortjdeare Sifter,you arc
the Lords,you have coft the Sonne
of God too dearea price,, to bee a
caft-away.
4. Monitory.
LOving Coufin, ic is my defirc,
while our lives are joyntly
continued in this flefh , to teftifie
my Chriftian love to you in fiich
dacics as tend to build you up in
your holy Faich : it is a common
debt, but yet fuchas we owe one
another fo much more abundantly,
by how much we are linked more
n rerdy. I have thought fomctime,
tint I would not bee fo backward
tothisbufineffc; but then ic hath
come unto my minde, that you are
well able to draw on others. A-
gaine , becaufe I know not the
things which in yourconfl&ing
courfemoftoppofeyou, whether
wants of Graces, or prcfence of
evill Lawes within us ; becaufe I
knew not theft particulars, I (aid
with
34
Hunger after Grace the figne of
with my felfe , I (hall but fhoot
without a marke> and fit a fhoo to
3 foot I know not. To what pur-
pofe fhall I wrire> Indeed, wee
cannot prefcribe fo pertinently ,
who know not the cftate exaftly ;
and we prevent our felves in tbefe
fruits of Iove 5 who make norelati-
on,and pcrfonall rcporr,nei:her in
letter^ nor by word of mouth 3
which might helpethcfe that mi-
nifter to us:but halfe a Cake 5 is bet-
ter than no bread; and a general!,
fafe, and profitable praftife muft
not be negle&edjbecaufe we fee a
morefruhfull ccurftj which wee
cannot aitaine.To come then once
againe unto you in general], till I
(hall know fome specialties , to
which I might fpeak morefor your
advant3ge;therc is good hopr 3 that
body wil! doe well, which hath
the ftomack right affe&cd :Hunger
is a figne of healch ; fo that foule
which hungercth and thirfteth af-
ter righteouftes, there is no feare ,
but it (hallbee welUiking, and
profper.
a heahhfullfiule. -Motives to it.
55
^w
profper # I will therefore cndcvour
to give a (purre toyour/pirituall
[appetite, that you may come, by
meanesof ir,tobe filled with the
fulneffc of God,with the replenish-
ment of his grace. Now as in the
body, when the ftomack feeleth the
empuacfie& (licking of other parts
whofenourifhment is waftedjthen
it furrhcr craveth: fo, when the
foule doth feele how errptie it feJf
is of grace, then the appetite of it
is edged.Wherfore think with me,
how wanting you are in theft
points following, that fo you may
bee (harper fet upon thofe graces
wherofyou feel your (elf fo empty.
Firft confidcr,how farre you are
(hort of glorifying God as you
ought : We (hould fan&ifie him in
our hearts, words, and works, up-
on all occafions,& it (hould grieve
us to Hre him difhonoured. Wee
(hould doall things in him, and for
him:In hira,thatis,having his war.
rant; which we have, when by ftith
we know that it is welKpleafing
to
3*
How vpe ought to glorifie
i
co him, we (hould doe this,or that:
yea, havingaflurance of his graci-
ous pretence with us, to enable us
roall fuch workes , in which wee
know it is his will that wc (hould
walke. We (hould, Ifay,doe all
things for him, by making his ho-
nour the mark we (hoot at, in eve-
ry thing. No w,how little doe our
heairs thinke upon him , admire
him, py that wc know him,afcribe
unto bimWifdorac/rrutkMercy,
Power,in his daily works he wor-
keth for 119, while wee are pafling J
thorow the barren Wiiderneffe of
this prefent World, unto the Reft
I which he hath prepared ? It (hould
not be thus,Coufin. If we fee any
man that doth any thing more
wifely, that doth (hew a faithfull
parr,or a merciful! office, we think
highly of it,and give it within our
(elves the due confederation: How
much more ought wee to rhinke
honourably of God, In the daily
works he (hewech> What a Power
I is tha^ which keeper h us to fal va-
tion,
Gods Wifedomt And Power.
tioo,who have Co little ftrengtb,
and leffewi/cdome, whereby wee
might ftand in feare of our fpirl*
tuall enemies and dangers? What a
Power,thatdoth make the world,
and the Tcntations of it, dead
things unto us; which are fo mSgh-
tie, that the moft are taken prifo-
oersbythetn.andwefhouldlieas
Captive Thrals before this or that
creature/if God fhould not fubdue
them , and hold them under us ?
What Power is that, which killetb
finfolILuftinus- athingofitfelfe
(bftirringandmightie, andinfati-
ableinthecourfe ofh?FinalIy 5 that
upholdeththe life of grace in us?
To fee a fire buraingon the Sea,
and to keep in fire on the Waters,
werea powerfull fatt: but to keep
the life of grace ia a ibule which is
dead in fins and trefpaffeg, isforre
greater. What Wifdome doth he
daily fhew-,in making al the things
which befall us, ferve for fbme
good end ? in tempering our
eftateSjfo that we are neither oat of
meafure
37
«*«•
38
Gods Truth, ConftjKCy, and
I
meafure opprcfled with grievances,
nor yetirumored over-much with
the lufhie fwcetnefle of this prefent
Wof ld:That doth by little & little
lead us forward co perfe&ion,yea,
and to Offerings, accord'ng as hec
keth we are preparfd by nis grace,
and made capable of thtm?For his
Truth and Confta:cie, ! ^e doth re-
ftiSeic abundantly : for wee are
every day to fcekt: co him ; yet hee
ftikth not, though wee iyeupon
him, a fuse friend. Againe, how
many advantages doe we gire hioi
againft us? How doe \vc by our Co
Iicrk profiting and mending what
J wekaowamiffe 3 provokehim?Buc
he ftickech ftill faft to u$,ardall his
wayes arefoll of mercy: hee leech
how weake wee are, and doth fo
fhieldus with his favour, that out
of pitie he will not let the Windc
blow upon ns. When we catch our
daily fals, hee fends torus by his
Spirit,and makethal whole again.
When ftrength beginnethtofaile,
hee,in pitie, putteth under, and re.
neweth
\
Mercy to bis Children.
39
newcth oar ftrengch. When wee
areheavie, and poure out oar
hearts co him^ telling him how it
is with us,hce doth make us feelc
his peace and confblation. When
he feeth that evill things would
grow opon us, he doth Cnd feme-
thing or other , which may brwake
theNeftof foch matter, and pre-
vent the mifchiefe. Wee finally,
which have (bales that are al fores 3
fee his mercie even in this $ that he
vouchfafeth ro handle our leprous
fyirits,, and hy renewing our re-
pentant fcnlc of miferie^ and our
Faith towards his falvation in
Chrift J dothhy(as it w<?re) eve-
ryday a newPlaifter upon them.
Now then , not to obferve and
profecuce wich due honour, fach
Power, wifedome, Truth; Mer-
cie is a defeat to bee lamented.
Wee take ic for a token of an ill
mindc, when one will not give to
men of parts, that which is their
due. What mindes have we, who
give God no more in our hearts,
who
•~^
4o
We tnuft prochime Gods Gle'ry
T
—_•«
who is (b to bee advanced in thefc
and fach like re(petts as I have na-
med? And this not acknowledged
of him, in the daily experiences
which we have of him theft waies
doth make us as much to feekcj
when trouble commetb, as if wee
had never beene acquainted with
him. Whereas 3 did wee acquaint
lour hearts with him in thefe his
wayes,we fhould finde it as eafie to
reft on him,inany triall and neceffi-
tie, as men doe one with another :
they preiume, (uch an one wil not
be wanting to them 3 who(e truftie
kindacfle they have bad ful proofe
of,as which never failed them. In
the £cond phce, as our hearts
fhould with b:feeming afRftion
inwardly honour, fo our tongues
fliould tell of himj making known
fuch things as we know of him : to
fmother thefe things, is his dif-
honour.Thoicthat belong to great
perfonages, they delight to tell of
the valour ,policie,bountie of their
Lords:yea 3 wc will do one another
this
in oust Wirls and ASHons.
———
this crcdit,to tell what more mark-
able parts we cfpy eachfri other.
Why fhouldour God fee forth,and
not have a word lent him this
way? Finally,* hatfoever W e doc,
wee are to fee his leave and pre.
fence with us , and to intend his
glory in it. We arc not our owne
mcojbut the Lords fervants,bought
with a price. Now wejaftly deem
it irreverence in thofe that live un-
der government, if they prefirae
to doe any thing ; much more , if
tbeyrunacourie upon their owne
heads, not caring to take us with
them, and know our pleasure. A-
gaine,men doe iooke, that fuch as
chcy keepe,fhould doc them hone*
ftie,*nd be for their credit: And we
fee the Retainers of Noblemen fo
add'&ed this way, that they run
themfclves into Books, and ont of
faire PatrifDonks,and all to raain-
taine a Gallancie, which they
(though falfly) thinke much ma-
king for their Lords glory .Now if
Wc i-y thefc together, we (hal find,
C tfot
4i
\
+ m
-~m
J
42 Wt do not boner tbtLord as wc ought.
m i » r ■■ . ■ ■■ i— • m> 1 1 i
that we in thcfe wayes have much
been wanting to our dutie. How
little do we fee and pofleffe our
hearts with the referent and affe-
ctionate observing of that we dai-
ly receive from God, and Co of chat
we find to bee in him towards us >
Oar hearts lie afleep this way.
Little doe wee joy to bee telling
others,and letting forth our Lords
honour unto therryhat God might
be glorified, and they thus provo-
ked to feeke the fame fervice with
usrand who doth feele this dutiful
dependance towards God, which
makes him looke up to the Lord,
that hte would witnefle to his
(bule, by his own holy Spirit, that
his wayes hee takes in hand are
pleafing to him^that he will be our
fufficienciein them? Alas, we begin
our courfcs according co cuftome,
and thinke no more of this^than as
if we were not tied to fach homage.
We are as if we had pnrcha&d the
Lordfhip of our felve9, and had in
oar own hands the power of oQr \
■ _ . _. 1 wayes,!
*"*^*»^ *»-^w— • m
1^ — — — — —
Oht Failings drive us to Cbrift.
->—
43 j
wayes. Now theo, if you difcerne
how you have failed in this great
Comimndemcn^of feeking to glo-
rifie your God- and if your trying
yoqrftrcngchs, in labouring the
fpirituall Obedience which tbefe
points decipher unto us 3 finde your
uflfiifficicncie tbis way ; then you
(hall find the emptineffe of Righ-
teoufneflf:, which (hall helpe you
fomewhac the more to claipe
Chrift, your Righteoufiicfle,, that
in him you may fee your forgive-
nefle; and Chriftyour Santtifkr,
that he would doe that hee hath ,
promifed you, even put his Spirit
in you, and make you keepe thefe
Commandements more and more,
in thefe Branches above-named.
And if the Lord (hall give any four
to your Dsvocion^any encreafe to
your Repentance and Faith ,by this
meanes., I ihall haye caufe to re-
) jyce with you. I thpught to have
thus gone over f. me other H ads,
to have helped you to ice your
want of Faith 9 and rejoycing in
C 2 God,
44
Wearhsejfc in *ur vuytt&c. I
God, and (b to have couched thofe
feares of future events, and poffek
fing your peace, and thatuncom-
fortablenefle which doth hang, in
pa (Ting our t ime^abou t os.But read
this other Letter I iend you, again
and againe ; and for the la ft, know
that the Lord doth but hide from
us, and let us feele wearinrfle in
going on, that Co he might make us
more depend upon him, and fceke
to him, to fhine upon our waye s,
and to carry us on in them , when
we feele ourinabilicy in our (elves.
ButfheLord,I hope, will enable
me at fbme other time to performe
foraeduty to you this way. i let
this beginning come to you,which
lay fo long written by mee. You
rauft not thinke much I write no
oftner ; for fincc my comming
| home,I have had neccflity to write
very many wales. I thanke you for
all your lovc^ and wifliingyou the
fweet lovfe of our God fhed into
your heart, I take ray leave this '
fixth o£D$cember.
5 • VmUory.
the tffcll ofomjhmcs, to bumble us.
^^ p ^^ - ___^_j _. « » ■ ■ — — *
5. DircBerjh
LOving Friend, wheras in your
Lettersyoucomphine of tedi-
ous wearifomenefle^which in paC
fivg the day, doth «rc- while cloze
with us, of which we fpakea litde
tooether.The truth h 5 thoughGod
doth fomtimes, only to humble us 3
Ietfuch a wearifome vanity follow
uSjthat hence wee might confider,
what our fianc agaioft God hath
done : how-to wk,it hath thruft us
I out of Paradife, to a laborious and
1 irkefome condition of life- that
thus w* e might be quickned , to
begin ChriiltbatblcfTiog^which
doth mitigate thofcevi!s:Though
againcit fometimedoth only pur-
file uSj becaufe of performing our
duties of devotion with toomuch
overture ; for this maketh God
loath us :fo thar we find finall ca f c 3
till wee rccurncagaine,and fhake
our fel ves up better. Yec the com-
mon root of this gricfc 3 above na-
med, is the want of confcionable
1 dependance upon God for his blef.
I C % fing,
45
I
4$ j Wt arc f rone te jetfc-JMfficiency :
■^-^
fing,and ftrcngth to carry us on a 1 i
the day long. Doc you feelc,wheo
you rife,(uch a fenfe of your ownf
weakneflfe, as maketh your hear-
to looke to God, 1 hat he wou Id be
your ftrength and your cotafori
throughout the whole day ? Ala%
wegoe or>, as it there did need no
fuch matter. The Divell told our
firft Parents, they ftiould bee like
gods : and though it is falfe,in re-
gard of any blcffed conformities
yet it is too true,in regard of fitiful]
prefumption, with which \v care
fecretly poy foncd. For we doe na-
turally live 3 and hold on ourcour-
fes , as if wee were gods within
our felves, not needing to looke
higher for comfort orflrength, in
which wee might proceed. Now
this maketh our God, when wee
feele pwtrfnUy (b little need of
him, to let wearineflc and uncom-
forrablenefle overtake us, which
might make us come to new rec-
konings within our (elves , and
more affeftionately to fecke unto
him,
rvee ought toVtay AgAinjiit.
>— ^— ii ni »— ■ ■ — — — — » «— — — — ^
him,that he would be with us, and
carry us on, a d refresh us. Now
if you difcernCj that there is in
you futha fecret Sclfe-fiifficiencie,
and that yoor fpirit awakencth
not with fueh poverty in ir, which
maketh you looke up to God,
with confeience of your infirmi*
tic, and confeffe,, that if he be not
your ftrength and comfort, you
cannot pafleon^ hourc over,with-
out wearifbmeheavinefle :if you
ifiude that this is lurking 5 then
you rauft tume you to God, and
wrcftleagamft it, faying*. I need
not mufe much at this I finde:
howflhould Ibut know fainting
anddifcomfort in going on, who
amfoaffc&sd, as if I would goc
alone s and had not need of thy
belpe^O Lord, at all times, ar.d in
every thing,with me ? How (houl-
deft not thou, that fmgleft out all
pride, as the finnethou wile re-
lift y bee much incenftd at this
hidden Selfe-lufficicncie , which
. doth pull thee out of thy Throne,
\ C4 mi-
— !
1
^8 j 'Prajfir agtivjl Stlfc-confidvice.
makingthee no God to us, while
re feck no need of thee- but are
readie to goe on , as able enough
within our felvcs to walke on in
our wayes ? Wee farther confefle,
that though we fee the indignitie
of this behaviour, yet the frame
of our hearts is fb eut of order,
that of our felvcs wee have no
power to amend it: far ars by na-
ture wee are fallen from faith on
thee, fb wee arc filled with Selfc-
cofidencejwhich makes us(t hough
we know it not) reft in our o wne
ftrength. Now then, what fhall
we doe,but look to thee, that thou
wouldeft make us (b poore in Spi-
rit, that we may with foch feeling
tod lowlinefle depend upon thee,
for all our ftrength and comfort ;
that thou (who (hewett grace to
the humble ones ) mayeft delight
to nynifter them both abundantly
unto us, that wee may walke up-
right, firong, and chearefull in thy
ftrength > O Lord, weaske it the
bolderjfor thou haft proraifed^that
thou
grayer againji Stlfc-co*fidence.
thou wilt circuincife our Selfc*con-
fidenc hearts, (o chat we fliall have
no truft in the fle£h>bat have al our
rcjoycing in thee. O Lord cell us,
we beftech thee, make our hearts
heare ic , that thou who arc not
wearie, nor mayeft nocfainr, wilfi
be onr ftrong Armc every mor-
ning - r (ay to us, that thou arc our
Gedy who wik leade us to death :
What joy can we have to fee a foot
forward any way,ifthou doeft not
kt us fee that thou arc wich us?
Our hearts thinkc what thy fervant
fpoke : if wee may not have thee
in thy Word, teftifying thy pre-
sence tvich us (for thy Word is out
cloudie Pillar) it wert better fo*
us never to move further, than
to goe on ; not having thee with us*
Following God with thefcthingf,
youfhalJfiudcit notinvaine. Fi-
nally, this exercifc of bewayling
our want in forac one thiog r doth
rnuke us fee what need wee have, ,
that Chnlt fliould be made o( God
our righteoufheffe^nd doihrnake
C 5 ui ]
49
*m
(W
50
We tnuft fbcw f§rtb Gods Gracu
1
us come feelingly to fee the tor-
givenefle of all our finnea,through
him our great G^d and Saviour,
who hath wa(hed us with his
bloud. I will leave off, though
abruptly : my Letter groweth in
my hand, and if 1 fhould goe on/it
would be more than ycur handful.
The Lord Jefus, who is the au-
thor and fii flier of all his graces
ihus,perft& you andallhischo-
fen more and more, that in this life
we may fee the joyes ofholinefle..
6. Monmrj.
CHriftian Friends,, Forafmnch
as it is ourdutie, who have
bin undc r Gods hand,ro teach t ho/e
that are under rhe fime; and feeing
we that have rafted grace, are ef-
fectually to fing the mercies of
God rewards others: in this re-
gard, my Letters (hall open thefe
two things untoycufo farre as J
am able> if von arc alive ro receive
k. I know not whether I ftallj
write you another 5 if nor, it (hall
returne
m ■ _ ■■ " '
imm
■ i » »
The Sptntjtot afflifttd vporkj repent,
rcrurnc into my bofbene , that Ss
written unto you, The end of
thefc affiiftions, fo bitter and grie-
vous, is to bore the eares of thofc
that are the Lords,, that they may
hearethisCommandcment, of re-
turning from all iniquitie ; and
therefore we are bound inchaines
ofafBtftion, that the eyes of oar
mindes may bee opcned,to fee our
workesand finnes, thewhicharc
migntic. Now it is not the evils
thsmfelves , but the prefence of
God, by his (pirit working in them,
which doth thefc things. For the
mightie God fin the fifth Verfe of
that Chapter^ is made the princi-
pal! worker of thefe things^by the
means ofgrievous calamities. Now
this is a great mercie of God : for
if wee were not thus brought to
repentance, wee would neither fee
good daiesher^nor fcape the con-
demnation of the world, i Cor. j i •
Confider therefore, what evils of
our lives the Lord would have
us rip up and be waile before him
and
5i
»-^
mmm
mm
mm
i
and it is in generally our difloyall
eftranging our hearts from hiai,
that our hearts and delights have
been more on the finfull pleafures
and profits of this Worlds than on
cbe Lord, and on ourmoftbleffed
covenants of dying to finne, and
living with Chrift rifcn, in new-
neffe of life. I know^good friend,
though you will not bolfler your
felfaltogether,yet you will hardly
beperfwaded, that your life hath
beene no better than a /pirituali
Fornication from the Lord : for
comparing your felfe with men^
you may fay, that you are not the
worft •, that howfoever you have
failed, yet you have had fomc care
of good duties, asdfbmel6veand
acknowledgement of Gods chil-
dren ,. before others. Gonfider
then, tbat God may have glory
in our abaftmont , what were the
dayes of your prime, and man*
hoed, but fpiritu^ll Fornication
from the lord > Doubtleflc, I
would not revive my old ffcamc,
hue
ms*
m p i n i p
1
godtvbippeth the abufe of our Peace. I 5 3
bncco hclpc you in the pra&iceof
repentance, which without thcie
particular considerations , is not
eafiiy taken up. And fihcc that
nature it felfe hath declined fbme-
what from this courle ; alas, have
you not fet your hart on the things
of the world? hath not your love
beenc toward them, and your de-
light in them, and heavenly matter
which fliould bee (ought with all
diligence, yeain the firltp!ace,have
wee not looked on thefe as rd ufe-
wares, out of r*qucft ? Thisabufe
o^ourpe3ce,Godwhippeth. For
whereas our peace fhjuld have
turned hither, to have been an oc-
cafion to edifie us more freely in
faith, love, patience, and ro have
walked onward in the feareof the
Lord, declining tvill , and doing
good (hould have been a meanes
of (filling us wuh the comfort of
the Spirit, wee have neglected to
build up our (elves ia thofe graces,
28 if there never faould have come
a time to ufe them : wee have
had
j-^,
1
/,
I «
We grow carn*Uin ProfptritU.
had no feare in our hearts of wic-
ked companions, yea, of commit-
ting with them many wicked a ftK
ons,we gave our (elves to caftc no
joy, but carnall : for this, God ma-
kech us eate our bread with our
lives in our hand , that feeing wee
would not in the fruicion of thefe
liberties, yet weroight 3 with Jeru-
Jalem in the daies of our affliftion ,
Remember the pleaftnt things
which we formerly poflefled (£.*-
mcHtations the 17.) And what is
kin a word, that bringeth forth
all thecurfes of the Law? It is this^
becaufethat in our abundance and
plenty, wee ferve not God with
good and withcarefallhearts 5 Z>e#.
28,47, I doe not remember thefe
thiugs to grieve you, for I have
done no otherwife with my felfej
before thefe occasions came on me.
What then if one have ft rayed
thu$ 3 is there no mercy? yea truly,
there is me*"cy with the Lord in Is-
rael (in his Church) even for
theie sourfes 1 though wee have
taken
i
■ -~ - it
tJMtrcjfortbt greatejl finners.
taken ftrange wives, let us renew
our covenant of turning from all
cvilljand following righreoufnefle
and bolinefle, and the Lord will
be gracious. Read Ezra 10. and
the 55. of E/iy, the 6*7. and 8.
though our finnesfh^uld appeare
fo great that wee didthinke them
unpardonable, yet when wee re-
tur^Gods thoughts are notour
thoughts. If a mans wife (hould
goe a whoring with another,
thorgh (hee (hould come backe ,
he would not receive her 5 but
chough wee have ftrayed, yet the
LORD biddcth us to returne P
as ready to accept w, Je emie 3. 1.
How fweet a balme is this, if our
/pirit bee broken ? now to draw
toacordufioo, the foule is ofc
ten in fuch plight, that it would
turn", but knoweth not where to
finde ability thereunto: ifthisbe
your condition, thai you comt to
groane under the hardi:e(Ic of your
hearr, which willnotlet you bee
forrowfull as you dtfire^ remem-
ber
—
wu we j-m*fj9f yj *^cv¥wc*ni,f 9
*.—
bcr to your comfort, that this is
the voy cc of God s children^ yea,
his children repenting; Turnc us
O Lord, and wee (hall bee turned.
Jerern* 31.18. Remember further,
that CHRIST JESUS your
Saviour is raifed up of God, to
bee our Prince, to give to us re-
miffion of fames and unfained
repentance : hefitteth at the right
hand of God , by his Ipirit to
touch your fpirit with unfained
repentance. Now,ifthat the Lord
doe gather you notwithftanding,
forget not the confolation which
fahh, that fbrthe abufe of the Sa-
crament many did flcepe, that is,
they were fmittcn with tempera-
ry death, yet in all this they were
but chafiened of God 3 that they
might not be condemned wlih the
World. Yet I hope other thing?,
becaule fmall is the number that
fearedim, Thus having fignified
my mird at IargeJ defire 1 he Lords
bkfling,and ycut diligent ponde-
ring of ihefcthk3gs,ior in them
flan-
InJbxQiop in Affittton.
I
ftaodeth your everlafting peace,
A#*d thus commending me in true
lovetoyou and your wife 3 I doe
betake you to the fatherly prote-
Aion of my God. Farewell, this
u.ofStfumher.
Your loving friend,
Taitl %ayrte.
GOOD Miftrejfc P. when I
thinke how I might (Lew
yoa fomc dutit of loye^ I find no
fitter way than by writing unto
you and inftru&ing you concer-
ning your duty to God under
this his holy hand, and hft graci-
ous purpoft to you- ward in this
hisvifitation* A letter will dwell
by you and talkc with you^ (b of-
ten as you reade it attentively, yea
it will be ready vvhenfoevcr you
arc the fittcft for fiich bufinefle^
which conveniency my comming
to rifit you , cannot alwayes at*
taine. To fpeake to the firft point-
When
58 , Humilitie under Gods Viftmion.
When Gods hand is upon us, wee
are fcbjeft to two extremes . the
one is,not truly to lay to heart the
band upon us : the other is , to
droope and be too much ditaaied
under if.
Now wemuft walke betwecne
thefc, tmly humbling our felves
under it; yet as who have hope in
ihefaichfull mercies of our God,
and therefore faint not* Now the
divelljwholaboureth ftill to tun*
us out of the way, will tecretly
worke with your heart, to ward
offthe (mart of this blow by im-
pertinent meanest fb that it (ball
not come kindly to prrcke you
unto repentance. To this end he
willfogge&, that you (hallweare
this matter off well enough, hold
youtofuchand fuch things, that
one is provided for >your care is fo
much leffenedjthat you have many
behindeyer. Sometime you fhall
findeyourfelfc inclinedto nap, as
it werej in fuch a courfe as may
make you forget forrow for the
pre-
Hnmilixit under Qods Vifitatio*. 1 5p
- w-»-
prefenc.If you fiadc not your heart
dtjzfad and turned out of it felfe,
as it were, that it may meet God
inthishischaftifemenr, then you
muftthinke,OLord, not to have
a heart, thorcwly caftdowneby
(b ftrong a vifitation>, this is a
greater plague than the plagae it
fclfe. If ftrong phyfickebe given
us, and it tvorke not with us, it
doth poifon us : O what (hall I
thinke if my heart bee not taken
downe, and throughly emptied 3
with this (o ftroog a potion, which
thou in thyWifedome doeftprc-
fcribe unto mc ! Againe , fay to
your felfe, What doth mychilde
get by playing hide^barc^orcaftiog
up the hand, when I correft it?
Often, as much more as it might
have fcaped with : (b Lord,if I doe
beare off thy blow in this manner,
I fhall but force thec to double my
Corrc&ion.lf a Parent fee his fickc
childe, not the better for one me-
dicine, he will feeke forth an d get
him another: fo if I take not thy
worke
6o
The divill labours to mal^ Gods
worke fo to heart as is meet,I (hall
enforce thee to fend me morfcand
more grievous things £l£ it may
he) of this nature. Looking up to
the Lord Jefus , in fuch like
thoughts,will be a good preferva-
tion againtl this fecret Folly and
Hardneflc of Heart, which di£
inableth us duely to waigh the
Lords rebuke aod bee caft downe
under it* Now if the Divell fe#
that you are inclineable togriefe,
then he will turne his courfe to the
other band,and will labour even to
drench you infbrrow and make
you walke hopelefle, and to faint
under it. To this end he will hide
from your eyes the remembrance
of fuch things heretofore in which
youmight take comforr D yea keepe
you frem tafting the mercy of God,
with which his afftiQing hand is
intermeddled. Secondly, hce will
amplifie before you the prefent
band of God, and all old matters
which may ferve for circumftances
that make it more grievous* For
example.
Children faint under Affliftion.
example, hec will whifper whofe
ftace is like thine, the pooreft,now
you muft pray and pay them, aad
they wil not be gotten: the boothc
in the garden that was wor.c to be
the place of yoar folace, how is it
become a place of feparatioa for
the infe&ed, it may bee ? every
mouth filled with th\s,Tbe PUgm
U at Adifirefe P. the fervant that
(hould eafc you, being a grievous
burden. A&d here bee will prefle
fore all yoar weafcnefle in your
govetnement over yoar children,
which may make this ftroke of
God (among them)more deepely
afteft you.Fmally will he (ay,Doe
not you fee what comfort com*
metntoyou? Thirdly, hec will
hide from your eics all the hope of
iflbe^ which God is raoftfaithfull
to give in due feafdn.
Now if you difcerne that the
matter hangeth on this fide, then
you muft thus prevent your firin-
ting,(ay with vour feIfe^Lord 3 why
fhould it be tnus witfe raee ? doth
not
61
6 1 | Wt tnnft notfdtnt under aflliRion,
«■■*
doc my child cake bitter orfweec
which I give ic , and (hall not I
take this cuppc from thy hand ?
Shall I take good^ in good worth
from thee, and not evill? Art thou
not as mercifull in providing us
Phyficke forourfbules health, as
in all thy other daily benefits?
Meat is more neceflary than me-
dicine,in the fcafonof it: and what
are tbeie evils thou fendeft, but
phyficke of our foules health? For
the good of our bodies wee take
things agiinft which our ftomack
rifeth, ourflefh (hunketh as wee
take them, and we labour to keepe
them their time. O Lord, when
thou niiniftreft for our foules
N good, yea, our bodies, eftaces,and
pofterities after us, (hall we not be
as willing both to receive and
rctaine in thought, thy courfes to
this purpofe, I meane which tend
to our (pirituall good t Secondly,
youmuftnoc dwell in, butturne
your thought from fuch particular
circumftanccs as doe but weaken
AffliElion bitter but mdicinabk.
you, looking both ac rhinggpaft,
prefcat, and to come, which may
minifter comfort unco you.V Vhen
wc have a bitter potion todrinke.,
we doe not (ifwebremoreaveile
from medicine) tafte every drop
at the tongues end 3 but turne it
in by great, and we thruftinfbme
T^cfate^ov Mantu Cbrifli after it :
and we chink upon the afcer-healch
of our body, to which it worketb,
and thus we get it downe, though
otherwifcwee have no mind to it.
The Lord give as this wifedome,
forourfoulef, that wee may not
dwell too much in exaft (canning
fuch particulars, by which the de -
vill fceketh to winnow our belief,
that we may remember his fweet
mercies , and thioke of our foulcs I
health, which God worketh by
them. Now whacfoever things ape
objefted,fuch as are true muft bee
granted, but fo,that hope bee not
therefore weakned, in this wife ;
Lord, it is true, that I have many
wayes provoked thine anger, but
thou
6 3
thou arc a God that wile not kcepe
anger for ever 3 thou wilt not have
man lb nourifli difpieaiure in
himfelfe , that^tbe Suwic (honld
go d owne in his wrath,ho w much
kfie wilt thou fce iweconcileablc?
O no,thou art as quicke in forgivc-
neffe to a contrite heart, as (low to.
conceive a wra tfi againft us , of
which we have good experience
daily. And Lord^ it is true, thy
hand is extraordinary and many
wayes heavy upon me, but I have
learned that I muft nocchufe my
owoerod, with which I will bee
beaten 3 but leave that to my Fa-
thers wifdorae. Again,l know that
my need doth require it all, we are
made heavy, when need is, with
fiindry tentacions , faith Ttter. A
wiftPhyficianwilnotgivea rtroog
thing, where a leoitive and gentle
matter is enough, wich lede woul-
cfeft thou. And I further confefle,
that I may bee juftly upbraided,!
with my former wants, but Lord,l
beleeve there is mercy with thee,
rea^
m a
fflrtlio
»•
reaching to forgivsneflV/h-cchoo
maieft be feared, and that this is
j cbiefe glory , there is none like
to thee in for c i veoefle,fei pafling by
the fi-ines of thy people, O Lord,
v*hat neede I thy grace and mercy,
if I were not in my felf^ ill defer-
vi gaudmiferable? and though I
fedenoc the comfort I defire, yet
I doe bt leeve thy nurcy no Icfle in
Chnft r a Fattier doth not greatly
pifty hisc-iilde,wfcen hefeeth him
fickc of Phyficke ^ewly taken; for
hee knoweth that if it fhould not
worke with him,ic would doe hi n
no good, and bee kuoweth tha? his
childe (hall be welhenough, to hen
the working isover. So dolt tboa.
Lord; Vvhich maketh thee hide
wh^n Wee arc troubled, and not
o n'ch oaonc, became thou feeft
there is no hurt toward us,thotigh
wee feeme to feck the contrary,
chough ic might fccm we fh*U ne-
ver have day again.No w then both
the by-waits bring difcovercd, ic
will be more caSctoinformc y- d,
D c< n
_i
66 Hew to walk* tbtt we may have
concerning the righc way in which
ycu nmft walke that yon may
come fafe forth of thefe troubles .If
you ask bow you are to walk* thac
you may have happy iflue ? I an-
swer in few words,(b that you joyn
with repentance hope cowards
God,that he will beale thefe things
and love you freely. Firft,bcnot
affraideto remember finnes pad,
God will make triacles of theft vi-
pers. Here if you have becne fub-
jeft to great unfruitfulneffejament
it; for we, the more we beftow on
our gronnds, looke to reape the
more from them •, If to diftruft in
your heavenly Fathers care over
you, if unto too much neerntfle,
which is often a daughter of di-
ftruft, if to quicknesjf to any infir-
mity (for the fpiric of man know-
eth what is in man) recount it with
your heart, judge your felfe wor-
thy to be cut off for fuch waies
wherein you have fwerved, if,
God fhould deale in jufticr, and '
not in mercy. Secondly, ftrike a
new}
4 happy iffm out of offli8$3n.
£3
jew covenant with God for the
:ime to come, that through his
grace you will have care more and
nore to mortifie every evill way,
ind to be fruitful! in every good
worke. Looke Esni the lo.Chap. 1
a^.Thirdly^youmuftlooketo the
Lord, as who only muft hcale you,
hoping in his mercy ; He is the hea-
ling God ; He that lay eth the rod
on,tnuft take it off} and if a debter
will be forth of danger, bee muft
:ompound with his creditor, who
only can free him from feareof ar-
reft. And here you have great canfe
to watch over yonr heart, that in
ufc of means it be not withdrawne
from the liv ing God. We are fuch
crceples that we can hardly reach a
Crutch into our haids, but that we
will walke alfb leaning upon it.
Now God onely is your life and
length of your dates, thefe things
without him, will ftand as in no
(lead, it is not the Apothecaries
drugge, but the ufe of it, which the
art ot the Phyfician teacheth, that
D a hea-
*
* ■■ <
68 Our wants muft drive m t* C^tifi.
l«VMv«M» III ■ ■ i.l ■ ■ ■« ■ ■ >. , i ,
healeth a difeafe. So much more
may we fey, it is not the creature,
but the Lords ufc, and application
of it to this or that purpofe, which
ftandeth U9 in ftead. Yea, I would
with ycu not to meddle much with
things ofthis intention, left while
you prevent the plague (which \t
may be God will never lee come
nigher your per(cn)left I fay while
you doe this 3 you caft your ielfe in-
to the burning Fever, or fome di-
ftemper oi that nature. Now wfcen
you finde your ielfe unable to doe
thefe things, yoiTmuft, grieving at
your wants, looke unco Ghrift,
who doth give repentance and par-
don of fin tohislfrae), and who is
both the beginner and finifhsr of
their faith* Now toaddeaword
concerning Gods item, it is ever
gracious to us that are his. When
be frowneth^be is a Father, no leflc
than when he fmilech upon us. A
{ man willbeare much when he /pi-
eth thiSjthat it commethfrom love
it fclfe, and from love procee-
ded
* ■ > ■
The [met fruit of tfft&tons.
deth every courfr, he pafleth upon
us, as well this of adverfity, as chc
other of profperity. Whom he lo-
veth he chafteneth, faith the Scrip-
ture. Ifwemarke what God doth
by them, it is more apparent: for
hee fitteth us by faflfcring a while^
to receive all good thing?, both of
this life, and that to come. What
doth a Chriflun heai t defire? That
ic eould beleeve on God, giving
glory to his Word,that it had more
Urength ofgrace^that it might fecle
adecayof finne, andbeprcferved
from failing into it : that it might
grow up in acquaintance with
God> and come to tafte his love,
more and more, which is better
than life. Now thefe things God
worketb by afflictions. For he ta-
keth one, and putter h him paft the
helpe of all the creatures, to no
other end, but that he might leirne
to bcheTeon God the Creatour,
who giveth life, 2 Cor: 1. For fuch
is the wickednefle of our hearts,
that they will ccver make out to
D 3 pur-
69 \
I
\
«■»
7°
jiffiRiovs purgative.
-*~
purpofe unco God, while they
have any fcnfiblehelpe, in which
they thinke Co finde fijecour.
True ic is, we fcele faith rather
weaker for the time, boc fliaking
the Torch, which fortheprefcoc
k emeth to put ic out, doih make it
blaze: Phyfick,which for the cine
weakens, doth tend to ftrengthen
the body, the feme may be Aid in
this. Secondly, thefc through the
worke of God , purge out our cor-
ruption : asthefireiatadrofle, (b
are thtfe to the remainders of finne
in us. True it is, we fcele more ft ir-
ring of corruption under them
fometimes for a wh?le,than before:
but as Phyfick thenexpellcth faul-
ty humou^when ic worketh upon
chcm 3 and maketh us complaine, ;s
feeling them more than when they
wt re let alone, fo dot h Gods Phy-
ficke to che fcule : even ic h dri-
viag our corruption then, when it
makes us fcele, andcomplaincot ic
more than ever, God by thefc doth
make us partakers of all grace and
holi-
Godafjli8s teprevextfime.
holtnefle. Wee wHb chat we were
able co do thus and thus, but when
God doch come to us in this kind,
then hee furthcrcth thofc defires :
for a$ feedputteth forth, by means
of raioe, which fecmes to drowne
it, Co doth the feed of God grow in
us, by meanes of fuch troubles,
which one might thinke would
overwhelme it. Thefe againe are
fenc co prevent the future brea-
kings forth of our corrupt natures^
For as you give your Iitrie ones
Cordiallsnow, not that they have
the fickncfl?,but that you may keep
them from taking infe&ion:fo doth
God putthefe cups into our hands,
not fa much forfinnepaft, as for
preventing finneco come. Finally,
we come to acquaintance, and to
feele Gods love more abundantly
bythefe: adverficybrccdcch pati-
ence; patience,expcrience of Gods
loving helpe to us in due feafon:
experience of this love, hope : and
as lovers are never greater friends,
than after their fallings out : fo it is ]
D 4 with I
— - — - *
7* \
72
God trUi , before he trttfts.
wichGodand the faithful! foulcs :
thus is it with ycu.God doth now
prove you,that he may in your lat-
ter do you good (I hope) through
lefbs Chrift : for as men will firft
try, before they commie any great
matter of truft • fo doth God with
us, he doth come and try our behi-
vieur,when he is willing totruft us
withhishle9ing,and with benefits
both fptrituall & corporall. Wher-
fore looke, good M. P. with your
Saviouratthcend ofthecroflcy hat
will fweeten the bitternefle of it.
Wee never greatly ftickc at fuch
trouble, which we know will pay
well at the parting.Thusfhall thefe
your troubles ( waitii g on lefts
Chrift the Lord)through whom all
things worke to your good. It may
be,you will chinkc this is true,you
could believe it,but that you fee no
fach likelihood of mercy toward
you.But this is as if you fhould fay^
I would belecve on Chrift, if I
might fee him, and put my fingers
in his wounds J no : we muft not be
God angry mtb bis^ jet loves ttem.
Tbomajis^box pray God to increafe
our faith, that wee hope againft
hope, and beleeve that wee fee not
thac To at length, wee may fee the
things we belceve. I, but yoa may
think God cometh in anger againft
yoa. I anfwer, Gods anger is not
without love, when hee dcalcth
with his children ; from love it
cometh, and it reideth to your re-
newing of love. Againe, as I told
you, he is a God thac will not keep
anger, we looking to him, in that
Sory n whom he is well plea fed. If
one of our children ftiould (ay ro us
when we are juftly moved, Father,
you meane me no good/for you arc
angry ;we would anfwer 5 Becaufr I
meane thee good, therefore I am
angry. Looke to him that hath Cid,
Though I correft you,yet my love
will I never take from you. Wait
upon him, who though hee make
heavie, yet will returne 8c comfort
in rhe multitude of his mercies,
Lj/w.3. 32. AnitheAuthourand
Finifher oi our faith,help your be-
D 5 leefe
73
- -
!
1
74
Vnty ofhve to ddmmifb.
leefe, andhee that givcth wifdome \
1 without upbraiding, give you wtf-
Jom« to carry this prefent cxercKe
of your patience co his glory, and
the great iocreafc of your after
comfort.
8, Expiftulatorj.
DEarc Madame, I bavebeene
long unable to fee pen to
paper, which hath kepr mee from
performing the beft office of lev*
J;at is wkhin the compaffe of my
abUity,but fiwee your love did get
ihe flare of mee by preventing mee
with your kinde remembrance; it
hath been a fpurre further inviting
me tothisduty,whichI had with-
in my ftlfe voluntarily vowed. My
mirde is to advertifc you out of
love«pf fomedifeafes which [ fcare
grow upon your foule, and to give
you occaf on through Gods ble£
fang, of renewing your repentance
unto falvation. God comandeth to
exhort one another, left our heart*
bw hardened through ihcdeceuful-
nefie
I
True love cannot flatter*
nefleoffinne, and toconfiderone
another, that we may provoke to
love. As this imboldencth mee, fo
I am encouraged from hence not
a Iittle,that I know the patience of
your eare to admonition,^ & moTC
adornet h the inward man, than any
eare-ring of Gold can grace the-
out ward. But Ihould your L. take
that with the left hand, which
I reach with the right, this fhould
not bz a SvptrfedeattQ mce, com-
pelling mee to defift from per-
forming my purpofc : for I ac-
count him a covetous flatterer,,
which for the good of thole he
owtth duty t*>, will not venture
a word 3 which may adventure
(for a time) the loflc of his fa-
vour. Wherefore profcffing be-
fore God my love to your L. Soule
and Name, and afluring my felfc
that bee will be my all-fuffident
reward, while I walke before
him in uprightnefle, give mes
leave to tell yon, what I have a
longtime fufpetted. The grace of
God
75
»-* ^
■ *. - ■»■
I
!-
7 6
I
Iheway ofthtrighttouiiil^ theJHn.
_ — ■ . » ' * ■ ii ■
God teacheth all fiichas tafteit 5 to
live, (hs wing forth godlinefle, fo-
briety, and juftice, ia this prefenc
evill world : and the way of the
righteous fhould be like the Sunne,
which rifingmoredimly,dothftill
increafe in the light and heate of
if, till it come at the higheft. Now
my feare is, left your godlinefle,
which hath beene fbmetime very
confpiciousin you, befbmewbat
abated,left the care of remperancy,
and equity, which you owe re-
ward the meaneft, be diminifh-
ed : left fbme fpice of the con-
trary breed about your foil ley as
a ficke humour : which thcughie
cannot quire choake and excin.
guifti the lifeofgrace 3 yetit hinde-
reth rhar growth and thriving of ir
whichiscobewi(h?d # If I fhould
feare beyond that I have ground
for, yet you are to cenfureit as a
fruit of love, while it ftirrech mee
up to any good office abourycu,as
I#£\r feare about his children, is
m^nifcii to have flowed from his
fiogular
The hfe ofgodlwejje.
I
71
Angular love, by the (acrifice it
movetb him to offer in their be-
balfr. Buc how juftly my ieareis
conceived, I will leave it co year
con(cienc5 to judge, when I have
madenarration of the particulars
following. What (good Lord)
rtiould (hew forth the life and po-
wer of your godlinefle> Is it not
thecarefoll getting of fiich meanes
a? may further it in you and yours?
is it not the reverent and religious
ufing of the m?Is it not the cleaving
to tbofc more af£&ionatly than to
ochers, who are before others in
godlineffcMf in yourcourfe theft
waitrs be considered, it will ap.
pcare that eveo in chip regard there
i> fuch defed? asyou mu!t diligent-
lylabourro fapply. The meanes,
nrx' to the publike, of promoting
gcd'inefle in you and yo'r family,
isthep*efenccof one whoispru-
derrtto Jwowyourcfbte^rd faith-
full to advertife accordingly. The
flyiug exerciiQs of men that come
andgoe 3 doe not fee forward this
plough*
•
■ ■ I ■ ■ ■ 1 ■ I ■ I
78 Rtmijfenefft infelhwtng the meanes
■ ■ ■ — . » . « ■ -»»
plough, like as the conftant pre-
tence, word, and example of one
who knoweth you, and is knowne
of you, Now,when you arc where
publikemeanes may be had, fueh
as your felfe eftecrae powerful! ; is
not your L.more remiflely aflfe&ed
toward them, than becommeth a
zealous godly minde, yea, than
fometime you have beene, when
ycu (bould frequent them dili-
gently, though fixe times more re-
moved than now they arc > For
though, when naturall flrengch
failetb, there may be an omiffion
of fome outward meaoes, with-
out prejudice of inward devotion $
yet God hath given you fo able a
habke of body, at your yeeres,
that you can venture as farre, ci-
ther for exchanging civill tour-
tefies,or for refreshing your felfe
uich fuch contentments, as the
civill communion of friends doth
affoord. For the private meaaes,
the conftant refidence of one, who
might bee as a private. Steno you
and
-;
of Salvation, an illfigne.
m i ■ n i- i , - ■
and your?; have you profecuted
this, with that devotion you
ought t Then fhould not want of
a Bed, have kept mec this Win-
ter from beiog with you ; then
| could you not,afcer yon had tafted
my Dj&rine, and feene (for ray
; meafure) fimplicity, and inoferv
fivenefle in my conversion, you
could not (I fiy) with ftch o-
verturc have reinvited raee. To
fpeake fparingly, I have obkr-
ved in you an affe&ion, fuch *$
is in thofe who cheapen ; who
would have the thing, but for
coft ; contrary to the Merchant
fpoken of in the Gofpcl, who
would fell all, rather than not
carry away his commodity with
him. Whercfore^layiog your hand
on your heart, bethtnke your telfe,
where is that dne affr&ion, to
the bed meanes of building you
up in grace : If this one thing
were as much in your defire, as
Dtvidj- you would not reft, till
you fa w your foule pofleffed of it :
the
«- . -4
79 !
.
•-
.— — — — — ' ■■!■■■ II II " It.
8 o j Wc mujf be hatneft after the wants.
the wife Merchant doth not ondy
account of the pearle & Treafure,
bat hee fclleth all, to purchase the
field in which the Treafurc is hid-
den; (o highly hee reckonech of
meeting with fuchan one, who is
as a VeflcJI, in which his Chrift is
contained andcooveyed unto him;
The violentreceivethe Kingdome.
The Lord keepe us from following
that which belongeth to his bu-
finefle, with a cold indifferency. Ic
may be you thinke • Why > I am
notdeftkute, I have the Labours
of many Chriftian men, as they
may be procured. To which I an-
fwer : Ic is not in bringing for-
ward Chriftians, as icisinraifhg
other creatures. Change of Pa-
nares \a ill make fat Calve?; but
changing of Preachers, neither
knowing you, nor knowne of you,
will never bring your foules to be
weli-Jikmg, and take incrtafe be-
fore God,- 'as they ought: it will
not helpe the B^bes growth, to get
it a weekly change of Nurfcs. Be-
fitted
— I H W >
Change of Preachers unjtmtfnll.
fides 3 whcH ftrangers corocthey fee
the faireft piece, the out-fide only >
and if (in fume one) they heare
fometKing not good, yet being
foonepoflefled with that great and
good report of you and your Fa-
mily,they rather count it a lingular
exorbitancy, than any thing cufto-
msry in your fervants prafttce.
Hence it is, that they come and
goe, foraetinae giving commend*,
tions, feldorae touching the Iocall
griefes, the fores of your honftiold .
Wee will not have one make us a I
(hooe, who knoweth not ftrft the
length ofour foot : and were wee
to ufe the phyfician daily, wee
would not ftill commit our (elves
to new ones, who never had obfer-
ved our bodies. If wee are to ufe
counfcll, wee k^rpe to fuch who
have the beft infight iato our cafes.
So in the Phyficians of our Souje,
it is a great advantage to have
them to minifter to us, who by
their conftant obfervation art beft
acquainted with our neccfliebs.
V"here-
81
I
82 Take httdhevp we*
Wherefore execute you
lb long fince fettled; me
neth ac home : Will yo
to many other Churche
the Church in your ow
But to leave this Head,
the beft raeancs,and a li
fidcr the manner of i
meanes as you enjoy :
ftandethnot in bare he
in hearing like Cormliu
Bereans, in taking heed
heare, that wee may j
That iscrue Divinity, r!
theCnriuiiu* nojwhi
but how wee doeit,do
to our fou\c$> that we
Ghriftians. Now, goo
little fufpefl:, that you
thefe duties in fuch f
fort ere- while, as if tc
the worke howfbever,
dent. I am afraid you
after thefe exerctfes g
thatpowerfull worke,
ingall fi.ifull lufts and
in pra&ice, in ftrengch
Wt muJlprsBife what we heart* 83
conforming fpiritualcie, in ma-
ng you heavenly minded ; I feare
yoofindenot thiseflicacie, which
theWord hath where it isdaely
mingled wich beleefir* I have ob-
served in your L. a readinefleto
hearealwaies, but not a proporti-
onable care of chewing the C id,of
digefting and incorporating it into
yourfoule,and pra&ifingihethings
you have heard. This maketh the
Wordyou have heard, vaine; and
nothing feene of ie, in regard of al-
teration, or augmentation cauftd
by it, in him who is the hearer.
And at they who know not what
it is ro pray confcionably^vill call j
moft readily and freely for prayer j
(b many will call freely to heare,
not ihat they feele fpirituall hun-
ger, but becauft they confider not
what goeth to hearing confeiona-
bly, in regard of preparation be-
fore, watching over our fclves in
it, that wee miy feck it fruhfull
in us, Againe, I have feene you,
in prayer, without caufc of any
extra-
■
tfam^mm
*4
^*— •
Godsfctvtce, net to be done Overtly*
■■■■ i • m iii, i ■
extraordinary weaknefle rife from
kneeling to fitting * which kinde
of liberty doth n<# well fu:c with
that Religion reverence, which
befeemerh Gods fervants, while
they worfhip before him. Yea,
I have heard., that It hath beenc
talked in houfes where ycur L.
hath lodged,that my L. 7^, would
have her roan reading a Chapter
by her, and her (elfe be fome-
time talking, (bmetiine fouling,
yea, now and then chiding, at the
fame time. I cannot hide it from
you, I heard it wkhgriefe^ and
whether it be true or faMe, you
have need to make ufe of ir» Deare
Madame,takehced how yon heare,
looke to your fcet^to the afFcft ions
of your heart, wheo you come be-
fore God. Hee will be/anftified in
fiich as draw ncere unto him, or he
will do as he did to Aarons fonncs,
hee will glorifie hirafelfe in judge-
ments on them* One raay heare,
call others to heare, give com-
mendations to the things and man-
ner
Lnflslnnder the benefit of the Word.
rimer of fp-aUng, welcome f he per-
elfon, faften a gift on him ; and yet
in all this, be devoid of life and
power of Religion, in hearing.
Endevour to txpell thofe laits,
which clogge and pr-ff dowue
yourfoale; then the milkc ^the
Word will bepleafar.r, and profi-
table. To take fuften^ace, while
the ftomacke is fircharged with
(upe 4 fluitl. s,horcth the b<x!y : fo,
till we labour to emptic our fdves
of t^e lufts that hang abour us, the
I benefit of the Word cannot be per-
ceived. And againe^when you h^vv
heard, labour that you may profit
by it, that ynu may feek all finfJI
lufts weakened jgraceftrengcheoed,
faich & knowledge encreakd,your
praftice bettered. Should any care
never (b much^ naleflfr he digeft it 3
turne it to bloud^ diftdburc ic into
thevehe?,&c# what is the body
the better for that which ic rece*
ved? For the third evidence of a
godly heait, towir, the cleaving
more affwftionately to thoft who
arc
^»>
Wt mujl git m grtchKi firvantf.
are more godly, than others; I
would there were no defeft in this
regard. I have obfeived, that you
can equally impart your favours.
If any have points of fcrvice, and
can apply themfelves to your hi>
mour, though they have fmall ac-
quaintance with Godj they (hall be
countenanced. This raaketh your
family Liofie-woolfie, confirmeth
the haunts of forne in their care-
leflc courfe; this makech thole that
are good, more remiffe than they
would be : (houH they finde from
you greater encouragement. 1>j-
vids delight was in the Saints ; hee
did purge his family of fuch as
were unprofitable, and graceieffe :
fuch as laboured to pleafe God in
all thing«,not fuch as could get the
length of his foote, were precious
in his eyes* Can a loyall Wife
take pleasure in (uch men who are
dbfervanr and officious about her,
and be devoid of all refjpeft to-
ward her Husband 1 Are you be-
trothed to your God, in Chrift*
and
Tajli of Gods goodmffe y mams 9 &c.
87
and can you abide thejr (trvice a-
bout youj who are carclefle in duty
toward your Lord, with whom you
arecomra&ed? This flieweth,that
godlineflc is much decayed, yea,
that God is put downe, and our
(elves (et up as God, in ourowne
hearts ; whtn we can like of men,
not as we fee them fincerely ferve
him,bui as their behaviour is more
or Iefle plcafi ig and contentful! to
our (Uves, But to leave this firft
point, (in which, defire of your
good hath made mee more prolixe
than I intended) and to come to
the praftice of fobrktie, which
the grace of God teache'h us who
have rruely tailed it : even as a
man who hath tooke in the tafte
ofchebeft creatures, cannot forth-
with feed on that which is meane,
cour fe^and no way to be compared
to it ; fo a Chriftian, who bath ta-
fled the goodies of his God, which
is better than life, cannot affeft, as
fometime before he did , thele fe .1-
fuall delight?, which carnall men,
who
Inttmpcrwe in law full liberties.
who know iio Detcer (likr as
Swine do /will) follow wun gree-
dineffi • Now I feare me here alio,
ltit thole ipiri tuU fweetneff-s be-
ing foracwhac cciipfed, intempe-
rate cherifting the b^dy,ar« dear s
oithc world (partly through fruits
voutavetraverfed partly through
1 k»nd (upportsof many) doe fte«le
upoo you 5 and win ground mure
than they h*ve done heretofore. I
biow Goddoth keep your Lirom
€xctffive curiofay ,fronn open glut-
tony/ omdu kcneife^biitasin-
jnftice is noc oaely in unlawfu'U
ftcahh,but in cevt tou* f jllowing a
Iawfulicalling:So intemperancy is
not onely in thef* outrages cxp el-
fed, which are openly unlawful!,
but alfo in the lt(T holy temperate
and reverent ufe of our lawful! li-
berties and repafts, in eating and
drinking wee muft labour to tecle
ourthankfulneffe renewed, as the
e ff fts of our heavenly fathers pro-
v'deixe are renewed : ve muft la-
bor to be heavenly minded/celing
cbe
MJfJIW
The funds 9 as well as the r*skf)&c m
.m m*
the gracious pretence of God wich
our fpirits at our fweeteft fcafts : it
is a fpor, when wc feare not in our
feafts, as who are confcious of the
fiare that is in every creature, and
ourownc weakaeffe. Finally, we
eate intcmpctately,when we keepe
oot power over our own appetite;
when we putnot our knives to our
throats, upon feeling any inordina •
rie moving in as towards this or
that: like as David did, who Sa-
crificed the Waters which hee had
fo importunately defired. Happy
are they who fiewe not in lawfull
things in eating, drinking, buil-
ding, fcc A Ship may mifcarry,
not onely by hard rockes, but by
fofc finds ; which (hough they are
not Co violent, yet they are no
leffe dangerous. To (cede often
liberally, not refraining any thing
to which ones appetite leadeth, to
be gratifying the ftomacke, now
wich one thing, now with another,
alas, what doth it ? It diftempe-
reth the fl~(h with lull, it doth
E make
«n
»■»
w^
I
99'
Wtmufi wiani o*rfctvesfrom y &c.
^«-
make the very (bule fltfbly a fla-
tted, itindifpofethusco thofctx-'i
crcifcs which arc performed by the
minder maketh us fit to be kindled
with wrath, or any filch like paf-
6on; Finally it taketh up the mind
with thoughc,whatit flbal 1 nrx f be
-iersred- with in this kind. Wher*-
forepart Madame f ifany fpiric of
humane frailty hach cloven to you
this way, remember you are a tra-
veller, ncerer your j >urnies end,
than when you firft beleevcd. Gird
up your loynes, tuck up this traine
of lufting, which will make you
unfit to take one ftep this way,
without hinderance. The houres
grow on, wherein thefc things
will yeeld no dcligbr • wee muft
weane our felvcs in time^that our
laft weaning may not feeme too
bitter and grievous to us. If wee
didtonour God, by unweared ufe
of thefe things, the Lord will pay
as home in our owne coy ne, and
icourge us by that fdfe-fame in-
temperate praftice, by which he
was
Intttnferanct hurts Joule and body .
i i - — — — ■ —
wasdifhonoured inns. How ma-
ny hugge themfclves to death, and
by powring on too much Oile,
quite put forth the Light of Life ?
I am no Phyfician for your body,
ycc I doubt notj but the driving
with your felfe, to ufc your law-
full Liberties and Repafts more
holily,temperatly, and reverently,
(let him that is holy, be more
holy) will be very beneficiall to
your body. For feeding the fto-
mackefiall, lb as fuperfluities are
engendrcd ^ this breedeth the mat-
ter of the Stone, and augmenteth
it where it is breed, warming the
ftomack now with one thing, now
wich another, this doth beget and
encreafe the heate, which taketh
the matter fore-named into this
forme, in which it is voyded.
Concerning that laft matter,which
all muft pra&ife, who know the
Grace of God in truth, viz. Iu-
ftice; even in this I have fome
feares, which I cannot conccale :
and to (pare what I have heard
E 2 re-
9%
$% Equity to bejbewid tewtrds all.
*■»■
reported, as the talke of lome,tbat
your L. fctteth up LeAures, your
debts undifcharged (for it is my
meaning to deal c only in fiich mac-
tcrs which my felfe in fome fort
have obferved.) To (pare this
therefore, my feare is, that you
(hew not that equity towards all
under you that you ought. It plea*
fed God to beftow the childc of a
in oft reverend roan, N. N. with
y ou,wbom you have not intreated
well, but provoked and grieved
rather with exceffive fcveritie and
contempt, than encouraged, by
(hewing any motherly afR&ion
and hoocur/uch as a Chriftian La-
dy cannot but know her felfe to
owe to thcleaft of her handmaids.
The note I tooke of this in my
mind, made me firft ufe that phrafe
in Prayer, That God would guide
us, who goveme,to carry our fcjves
u ith fuch moderation as befeemetb
them who know, that even i hem-
fclves have a Maftct in Heaven. A-
Ias a wbom doth your anger purfue?
* , np
The barmelejft mtji harmed.
93
A fatherlcfle cbilde ; who ouc of
confcience doth humble her felfe
under you. Many weake perlons
arcfickcofanevillfickneflr; they
will make boldtft to offer all hard
meafarc to fuch whom they know
moft innocent and harmeleffe 5 not
caring what eheydoe to fuch, be-
c mfc they t hinke they doe it fafely,
and (hill hearc nothing but good
after ir. Whereas the fame per-
form will be often veryequjli to
thofe who arc of worft difp ofiti-
on, and take fcchfreedbme in fu-
rling, that they tfill no: fpare for
any mcanes, which tfoemfelves or
their Meads can ufe, to cry quit
1 wich fuch as (hall provoke them*
The Lord keepeos from this wic-
kednefle. Watch over your felfea-
gainft this paflion. It unfitteth you
for prayer : It is not Co light a thing
in afting, as hcavie when the Co>
fcience calleth to reckoning; to
wound the foule with words, and
by immoderate difpleaftre to raake
the life of the Orphant heavie ; to
E 3 maki
- 94
, .i
i\
Govcrnours to be milde and gentle.
make the heart of a Widdow lad •
(for (he is a Marble, not a Mother
who grieveth not in the Chi Ides
grievance) to fhewdifhonour,not
onely to the living, but to the dead
alfojfo neere and deare to the Lord:
I tell you, thefe arc great things, if
you looke not on them through
thefalfe glaffeofdiftemperate paf-
(ion. As God hath bid them ho-
nour you, fo hee hath tycd you to
honour them, and be rather a Mo-
ther, than Lady and Miftreffe to
them. For this caufc,tbe Lord doth
comprift <3overnours under the
name of Fathers and Mothers, to
put them in mindeof doing duty
to inferiours, as well as receiving
fervice from them. God hath com-
mandtdus,thatourbrotherbe not
vile in our eyes, that wee provoke
them not, that wc Chew all equity,
nQt ruling over them with a ftrift
hand, as Egyft did over Ifratl* that
wee follow /o£,in letting them ex-
poftulatc reverently withus,wheri
they find grievance; and not to be
like
notftorvarA to inferiours.
9i
like N<th/, who was lb vite, none
might fpeake a word in his eare,
which did uoc humour him. Ac our I
command, ourfervantsthinkenot
much co doe ferv ce$ even about
ourHorfeshecles: ftiallwethinke
much, at Gods command, toper-
forme chofe nyoft equall offices to-
ward thofe whom God hath put
under us, who are fons and daugh-
ters of God with us; Heires of
the felfe-fime hope* to which we
arc called? Should our Mifterin
Heaven lowrc on us., &\d contend
with us on every occafion ; coald
wee ftand before it > Ltcusnotbe
fofcvereandirefull, whoftandfo
much in neede of mercy and indul-
gence. Wherefore, to clofe my ad-
vertifemenr, doe not onely leave
thofe things but j jdge your felfe 3
for wha:foever frailty hath eftaped
you this way,and returncagaineto
the Oaih and Covenant, renewing
your Vow before the Lord. Doe
not reafon in your heart, Why doe >
I not thus, and thus? Doth not
1 E4 God
• i
£
li
l!
A Utile pus marts many good aUigns.
»■ - ■ fc ■ .
God allow us lawful! liberties?
Why ? mcc thinkts our Minifter
might give mee leave with my
Maides? Should I a lictle wrong
them, cannot I make all whole
with fome benefit unexpected?
Where hath he learned to beleeve
reportfcnot having heard any thirg
from my mouth? Thefe are buc
ftggeftions of Sutan,to make you
fall out with medicinable couufel I ,
by which your fbule fliould be
healed .You do many good things :
But God will not, for any good
offices, fee any cvill in which wee
walke/o as not to diflike it.Looke
his Epiftk* to the Churches* A-
gainc,why (hould a few dead Flics
raarre a Boxe of precious Oint-
ments ? God doth allow us law-
full liberties, provided that wee
ufe them lawfully, pn&iting ho-
linefle, religious fcare, and tempe-
rancy in the midft of them. I may
not hate you fb,as to let your fbule
finne towards a fcrvant; and wee
are to teach your L. as well how
to
*■
Goodinttntions excufe not id a&ionj.
> i — ■ ■ i > ,
to governe, as your fervants how
to obey in the Lord. And yoa may
doe that, you cannot heale; you
may i mpaire natural! indo wments
of minde, by fuch courfes, more
than you can rccompence by any
Largefle of your liberalitie : for
intending future good, will not
make that well done, which for
the preicnt is evill. For my felfe,
I write nothing, but by way of
Chtiftian fearc, I have arguments
too many, to make me behere in
part, what-ever things I pro-
pound unto you. Turneirom theft
thoughts, as you would from the
Direll himfelfe; they are omly
prompted, that they may kecpe
ycur heart from repentance. Dchy
not, while God faideth you a mef-
(enger> and knocketh ; for if you
will not heare this gentle voyce,
you know not in what kind he will
fjpeake, rhe next. Befide., bee char
dclayeth to fet a bone out of joynt^
doth but double hisfroarr, when
ic is to be handled, and rcftored.
E 5 Not
-'
97
I
f ; — ■ ——-—-———
pST' 1 ConfcicHcelikcslooi(i*g-ghjJe.
.
•
i
s
Not to mention that he that retur-
neth not into the way, in fucha
party that which is hairing, is Tub*
jc& to goe quite forth of it. Ic may
be you do not feck yourconfeience
greatly checking you in thefe
things. I am the forrter if you
(houldnot:but Mddtmejcmembct
whether it bath not checked you,
and whether hy not hearing Gods
Spirit, you have not (b grieved
him, that he keepeth filence. Bat
howfoeyciy the Conference is like
a looking-glafle, which while it li-
etb all covered with duft,{heweth
not (mall matters,but when it is wu
ped, then it ruaketh the leaft thing
apparent So the Gonfcjence being ;
clouded with paffion of luft, cu-
floppy examples,&c« difcovereth
not many things, when it is awa-
ked, & thofc roiftsdifpclled,ic pre-
fetiteth as grieyous fins, the things j
wbfcfr wee before made light ac-
count of.Ic it one thing *iot to have
an accufing Gonfckncei another
thing to have a cleare Confdcnce.
A
r
fbrijt onr SmnBijiir^s well as^&c. Y "99
1 ' 1 - i T - * l ■««««*«■
A man may have the S one, who
feelcth no Fie ofi: : A man may
have,in fbme regard, an cvill Cofi*-
fcience, who fecleth, for the time,
no Fie of accufation in ic. Where-
fore, deare Lady, be wife : God
hath taken the yoake from your
necke, truftcd you with liberty,gi-
venyoua Summer, to provide a-
gainft Winter $ O make tip foundly
your peace with God. Confider
your infirmities,in time of tempta-
I tionefcaped:C6fiderthefe : fithence
your deliverance ; judge them in
yourfelfe; flie co Chrifr,nor only as
made of God, your juftifier from
the guile of fin, but your San&ifier
from the blot of ir. Pray him ear-
ncitly, to faveyou from the daily
power of thefeevills, whichftill
you find to have dwelling in you.
You have neec^like the Anr,to ga-
ther iu the Summer, when God
trufted you wth health 8c liberty ;
the rather, u ccaufc Godholdetha
fiingmg Rod oreryou, the Lafli
whucof, fhoukiit light ona Con-
feience
'■■ m>m*
m*~m
■pp
lob 1 Remembrance of fin in visitation.
•**•
■
1
1L
fcicnce naked, ft ripped of his fa-
vour^ would fecme unfupportable.
Thinke with your felfe, what joy
yon can take r when God (hall vifit
you, if your Confcicnce fhalltcll
you, that you have had good pur-
ports, but neglefted to execute
them ; that you have drawne neere
to God, but without due care to
(an&ifisbimin your fpirit, in bis
Ordinance?^ and profit by them:
That you have not advanced his
glory in your family as you oughr j
that you have borne too gentle a
band ever the lufls of your hearr,
favouring your felfe too much in
them : that you have in anger too
muchcxceeded,and trade t hero feel
it raoftjWhom you (hold moft have
tendred. ThinkeJ fay^ what com-
fort you can haveinfuch thiflgs'r e-
membred. But if you will awaken
your felfe, judge your (bole, hold
Ghrift to give you ftrength againfl
thole and all other corruptions*
then fhall light arife ia darkeovflc^
you&all fad it truciht ugh tor che
ere*
The corrupt mlndindurts not reproof
prefect you fecle a warfare, that
light is fowne for the righteous ;
though evills come, God will be
your ftiadow at your right hand, to
refrefti you in them, peace fliall
dwell with you in life and death,
which I wifti your Ladifhip in fefm
Cbrift. If I fecme to your L. to ufe
greater freedome in dealing with
you,che perfwafion I have of your
fincericy and (bundnelfe imbolden-
eth me thereto j found flefii feeleth
no griefe,when we handle it (bme-
whac hardly : but it isa fignc an ul-
cer is bred in that flefh, which may
not indure any fort to be touched.
Neverthekflk, I thank God,l have
ufed to my knowledge, no liberty
and plainnefle, to which fidelity
do'.hnotinforceroe.
Thus craving your I. to take
thefc things dowoedeeply,though
they (hould make Gck for the time.,
feeing that they aims at nothing
butyour fpirituall heahh, &f ray-
ing fee Lord for you* who bleflerh
all Phyfkke, both corponll and
I fpirituall,
foi
.
102
Concerning * Wivtt ficknefft.
fpiricuail, and health by it, I cake
my leave.
9
LOviog Brother, we do remem-
ber you and ray Sifter, and are
rruly affe&cd toward you, though
my diftraftions, iraployment, and
I know not what indifpofition
(which I dare not every way a-
vow) doc caufe me to write more
rarely.Now lean deferre no longer
from fignifying 01 r remembrance,
and advenifingyou howthingsgo
with us, left you fhould challenge
me hereafter,as not informed. My
rood Chriflian Wife (yourSiRer)
hath, fince Eaftcr Iaft, beenevcry
il), and it hath not pleafed God to
bltfle any meaoes which fhee hath
attempted here, or cl{c-whcre.
Sirce our lift parting with yoo,
flu continued till within this fort-
night, crafie, but not feeling any
violent working of our infirmities :
but now of litc^and especially this
weekej her ftrength is more than
ordinarily ; enfeebled* that I fcarc
(refer-
Mourning acceptable to aCbrtJlistn,
■ - ■ ■■ '■ ' ■ — ■■ ' i
(rclerving to God whatfoerc couiw t
fes make with h;s glory) you flwll
not long tr joy ftch a Sifter, norl
luch a Wife,of whom I am unwor-
thy. Which I foggeft for two rea-
fbos : The one, that you might re-
member her cftate more fervently
thanotherwife; againe, that you
might feafonably reibrt to her, if it
will any whit increafe your con-
icntment, as it (hall be gladfome to
us whenfoevcr, to fojoy your p re-
fence. The Lord teach us to num-
ber our daie?, that .wee may apply
our hearts unto wifrdome, and
the Lord give us underftanding,
which may mike our hearts be as
well pleated in the houfc of mour-
ning, as the fuoles are in the boufe
of carnal rejoyciog. Broiher, our
terme lafteth not alwaies > tbe Lord-
make us wife to know the accep-
table time, and while it is called to
day, not to be hardened through
the deceirfbJndfc ©kfinne, butto
tarne to hion, and for . a-, fare--
'wcll^. when you&ehow your cli-
ent*
T
IO3
4
ib4 Cornell c*fd for in neeejjity.
cnts waic at your Chamber dores,
fee king to gaine earthly inheritan-
ces, how much more fhould wee
waite at the dore of Wiftdomeg
houfe, which will give us an cver-
Ufting inheritance? Readethe 8.of
the Proverbs, theendof the Chap-
ter, where the Lord (eemeth to
make this alluGon : I will tell you,
if we that are the Lords, come to
be lifted, we {hall be more diligent
this way, Counfell is not cared for
(as you know well) till fome flaw
be found in evidences : when once
there groweth queftion, then the
learned Counfellour groweth in re-
queft : fo becaufe our confidence
raaketb no qaeilion of that great
eftatc in the heavens, therefore we
wake not on Gods mouth daily,
both in ufing meanes publike and
private with diligence, Thus your
Sifter and I 5 doe remember our
felves unto you, and my Srfter, (to
whom you may eomraefulus) and
take our leaves abruptly.
lo» Cen<
, ..- ■
Comfirt tn fickfltfli.
j
105
10. Confolatory.
LOving Oufin, J would be
glad co hcare how God doth
carry en your weakc frame, but
this is a thii)g,which though I may
wi(h eafily, yet I cannot fbcafily
ttfeft ir. If weakneffc grow on
you,it muft comfort you,that your
prifon is not ftrong enough to hold
your foule long imprifoned. How
welcome is the evening to the wea-
ry labourer ? So to us fhould be the
(hade of death, in which we reft
fi om all onr travelL If you thdc
paint, ftekefor that faith which
may quench the fire^ if it be good
for you that it ftould be fuddenly
quenched, if otherwife, lookcto
him who hath promifed in fire and
water to be with us^aever to leave
us, nor for fake us, Thinkconhis
goodnefle, who will have finfull
men eafe their enemies beafts, an*
der the burden which opprefletb
them. Looke finally tothofe glori-
ous jo jes^to which thefe momenta-
ry affliftions fhall bring you. Even
asi
1
fc
06
T>eath thoHgbfainfull 3 ytt &c.
as the waters tall downe^ not able
to abide in grounds that lie high,
(6 the (enfe of thefe affli&ions
gocth away from mfades, that arc
lifted op in fuch contemplation, A-
bove all things rcpyce, that ycr
you {hall (hortly atcaine your fovrJ,
your Lord, to whom yourfbule
by faith hath becne Iongcontra-
fted. Shec is a forrie Spoufe, who
cannot make a fhift with an uneafie
horfe, while ftiee rideth to fee the
confutnmation of her love, with
her betrothed Husband. Doth to-
gether with weaknefleand paine,
poverty in things (pirhnall; doth
any defertionjnoleft you? Know
that this is but the wHedome of
our God j who, as Phy ficians doe
mingle many things in the fame
potion, fb doth intermeddle many
matters in the fame temptation,
that it may be more efFeftnallto
his glory and our good* Thinke
with your felfe, a wife Phyfician
will not put in his prefcript a
Dram too much; God will not
exceed
fFe MMJl reji en God in ntcfffittes.
■ -— -i m~ .1 _ ■ i -
xceed chat quantity any whit
which is fie for his patients. Hold
outothe rocke, and ftand Hill,
he things are clouds which will
idc over you, and goe away :
though it be nighf, we (hall have
dayagaine. Who is it thatfeareth
the Lord > If hee be in darkotffe
without light, kc him leane on
the Lord his God. For coodufi-
on- Doth outward neceflny, with
her threatning, any thing difturbe
you ? Looke to him who taught
S c Paul to want, who made him
fay, he would doe all things,, while
his Lord ftrengthened him. Looke
to him who circamciihh hearts
with circumcifion not made with
hands, who can make us fo deny
ourftlves, that wee (ballfiadeno
paine to follow him : Be (brry for
nothing, but that having fuch a
Father^youfhould be careful!. We
fan&ific our Heavenly Father,
when no unbeleeving fearc com-
mcth neere us. You know the
truth of my love to you,, and I
know
*■ * ¥■
L. -^
100
08 Wt muQtut neghtl offtriuitity.
\
know how eafily I can (through \
Gods bleffing) procure that which
would refrcfli you feafonably,
Whmforeif you (hould notim-
part it to mee timely, before the<
oyle and meale be quire fpent,
you (hall negleft a good meane,:
which Gods providence doth fhew
you, you (hall be wanting ro your
owne comfort, you (hall requite
mee with no fmall unkindnefle.
Thus with my loving Sifters
commendations, I commit yon to
God.
Yonrs as his owne,
PmhI Bajne.
II. ExfefiHlatory.
GOod S r . C. Were my ability
and freedome from occasions
at this time, fuch as might be wi-
jftied, I would fee youinpetfon,
and not vifit you by writing : but
love muft be content to crcepe
when fhee cannot goe at liberty as
fhedefireth.S r .C. could I bethioke
me
Godafflittf his m <• Father,
te of my cordial], or other thing
/hich were like to eafc your ficke
affion, fhould I not be a Traitor
)r ever in frlendfhip,if at this time
ftiould hold my peace? So is it 3 1
ould not beare(even in rpy confere-
nce) too much blame, if thinking
>f feme things which may ferve to
he good both of your body and
bule, I fhould containe my felfe
nd not impart them. Wherefore
jood S r . C. give mee leave a little
o commune with you now being
inder the hand of God : For even
kilfull Phyficians, when them-
lelves are vificcd, will uft the ad-
rice of their inferiours. You know
xtter than my felfe, that ordinari-
ly in all affit&ions God doth of-
fer himfclfe as a Father to us, cha-
ining us, that hee may make us
partakers of holinefle, yea, even
by death it felfe hee doth chaften
his, that they may not be jud-
ged with the unrepentant world.
Thu$Idoubtnot,buthe doth with
you. II then wee arc under Gods
chaftening
109
Ir
iio
Wt tnufl mourm for fin in afflilVton
chaftening hand, wee muft firft la*
bour to take to heart onr faults,
for which our heavenly Fachei
doth take us in hand. Secondly,
wee muft feeke his mercy in for-
giving thcin, a'id removing the
temporary corre&ion, (b tarre as
may ftand with his glory. Third-
ly, *<iee muft be cirefulltofeeke
the u(e of them in all things fol-
lowing, if God (hall thinke good,
to raife us, andtruftus with lon-
ger time in this prefenc life. You
know that ic is the part of ana-
turaTl ingenious childe to grieve
for that, whereby he hath provo-
ked his earthly parents difplea-
ftre, and {hall it not be our dudes
much more toward our heavenly >
Till we know and feel our fickneflc
(bmewhat grievous, we cannot af-
fectionately keke that Phyfician.
Wee count him our friend, who
warneth us of fomething growing
on our bodies,which we could not
difcerne of our feIves;Take ic^Ibe-
feech you, as my heft-lore, if I
prefer
, yatnraffmenfpiritupll Adulterers*
nc
)refer co your considerations fome
hugs which I cake co have bcene
br chief e infirmities of your fouie.
kW our hearcs arc by nature full of
pirituall adultery, wee love the
)ltafure$anrf pomp or this worlds
WU let then carry away from God,
3u- molt lively and teudereft af-
fections. Now if a man of crue ho-
nour would challenge himielfe,
[hould he be but falfc in love co hi s
rarchly afJociate? How much more
(hould it grieve us, who have let
our hearts play talfr with our hea
venly Husband? Againc, (bould
one keepe cheir heart to ihdr
Love in fome fore, but not care to
come into the andefikd bed, in
.which their moft neere benevo-
lence is mutually imparted ; were I
it not a Grange difl -yalcy in per-
form married one co the other ?
What then (hall wee thinke, who
by profeffion married co God,
have not cared for partaking in
cheminifteryof che Word, which
isthe.Bridill-bed, wherein by his
(pint,
T"
112
«■*
Not to commnnUste in the fins, &c.
)
fpiric, he doth communicate with
our (bules bis fweetcft favours 3 and
makcth them 6e conceived with
fruit of righteoufnefle, to evcrla-
ft tog life. Abantb and Fharpar
were as good waters as lor dm: but
ic pleafed not God in them to
heale Naamans leprofie, but in
Jordan. It pleafed God by the foo-
lifhneflc of preaching, to fave all
who fhall beleeve # Laflly, if you
have made the finnes of others
yours by communicating in them,
and not reproving and reforming
them when you had power,(a$ the
finnes offervants in houfe with
you j) yoa muft rake knowledge of
this, and let it grieve you : when
you have friends comming to you,
you will have your fcrvants not
onely fcrve you, but be rcfjpe&ive
to them, carefull that they by no
nideneffe doe give them diftafte.
How then fhouid it grieve us to
thinke, that we have not cared, Co
we have been fcrved to our minds,
how our God bath been negkftcd,
ye*>
yea, provoked ? No wconfidering
tbefe things, andthofcof likena-
tare^which you are privie to with-
in your felfe, feeke to God in the
death of your Chrift,for the remo-
val! of them, of the fin chiefely; of
the corre&ion, (b farre as hee (hall
fee good. Ungodly men are like
Pharaoh, who bade Mejespr&y to
Godto take the plague away: but
Gods children like Davidfhty fly
to the multitude of Gods tendered
mercies, to take away their finne.
You may come with boldneffe to
that mercifull God in Chrift, who
!aith,that though a man would not
take a wifconce put away for adul-
tery,yet he will receive his people^
even after their adulteries ; if they
feek to him repentantly. It is a fol-
ly to (hive togetloofefromfick-
ncfle, if we firft fcekc not to have
releafe from finne. To breake the
Gaole without being acquitted
by the Juclge D is no true liberty. To
fee rhe Sergeant, without compoun-
ding with the Creditor, cannot
F make
I
U4
Vipery-iike evils made wbolefome,&c.
» ' I ' ■ ■ ■■■! I > » | , .
make found peace, Laftly,I doe in-
treat you tofeeketheufeof Gods
vifitation before all things. How-
ever hee (hall deale with you 3 hec
who hath commanded finfull man
to joyne inftruftion with correcti-
on, hce who hath taught man that
he will not beat a Dog, but he will
put it into his fenfes as well as hce
can,what it is for which he ftriketh
hiouhe,] fay, will not faile to teach
youj why his hand is on you, and
make you profit by ic. This is the
feale that God hath ordained us,
and called us according to his pur-
pofe of bringing us to life, when
all things^ven thofc cvills ofcrof*
fes, turne to our ipirituall good.
His Fatherly skill doth not make
thefe VipcrJikeevills into whole-
fome triacles, for any, but his cho-
fen children. If you finde thefc
things, re Joyce : For God hath re-
vived in your foule an eternal!
life^yea^, he will rcftore you to this
temporaJl lifc,if it be good. The if
fuesof death are with our God,anc
wha
Feart not death fince Cbrifl taped it. 115
what is ic for him to heale you be-
ing ficke, who did give to belee-
vingperfons, their dead to life a-
gaine,when it made for his glory >
If nor,you know, a ficke body will
notfearetodrinke that hisPhyfi-
ciaodothtafte before him : Chrift
hach rafted death before us ; to de-
liver us from the feare ofic : yea,
you know chat your life is hid with
God in Chrift (whoistherooteof
us that beleeve on him) even as the
life of a Tree, this Winter time, is
bid in the roote of it. The Lord
comfort you ia thefe things, and
thus let mee for this time end*
12. Aicmtorys
DEarc S r , I thanke God, I doe
remember you, as I am able,
unto him, increasing him to ftand
by you in all things,and finifh your
courfe with comfort. Remember
thefore-pafled experiences which
you have had of his kindnefle and
conftancy toward you : he willnot
leave & forfcke you now you have
F 2 mod
A
-*-_ -I
- ' ■L!J"-g-. ■
Mans extremity j Gods opportunity.
moftueedofhittw Men often, like
tothefcSwallowe^willbe with us
in Summer, but leave us in Winter.
The Divell, when he hath drawnc
bis into th^e briars,, will give them
leave to iooke for themfelves : But
God hath ever ftood neereft to his,
when their exigencies havebeene
greateft. Mans extremity is his op-
portunity. That which God hath
done once for you, in fuftaining,
quickningyou, quieting your fpi-
ric, his peace, which pafletb all un-
dcrftariding,keeping of ic^ that hee
wiH doe every day unto you,if y oa
will inforceyourfelfe toward him.
It is no more paine to him to heipe
trs, thanic isuntotheSunto lend
light ro us. If we have in forne fits,
found eaie by this or thar, wee
know if wee come Into like cafe,
howtohelpefcurfelves: it is wee
fay* but doing fuch a thing, or ta-
king ftich a matter : thus having
once found in deadnefle,fiinting o:
fpirir, quicknance and ftrength bj
recourfctoourGodinChrift, anc
wrefUinj
The eye *f Fattbfees God invifibk.
wreftling with him, wee (hould
know what to doe when fuch like
ftateteturnethon us. Well Sir, a*-
while,& for ever:The Lord ftreng-
then uf,that though we be led into
darknefle without Iighr, yet wee
mayleaoeto him, and call on his
name. Ifa child have his father by
the hand,though be be in thedark,
yet he is not afraid: fo is it wi thus,
while by the eye of Faich wee fee
chat invifible one at our righthand
to fupport and (ave u?, I pray you
commend me to my good friends a-
bout you.Thoughl am called more
on for writing, than my ftrengch
can well afford,yet I cannot forget
you overlong.NowIcomend you
to the grace of that faithful! Shep-
herd, who will beare us when we
are weary, ltrengchen us when
weake, keep us againft the Wolfe,
yea, notlofcus, but according to
thewill of his Father, raifeus up
at the laft day ; to whom be glory
forever : farewell,
Yours in Chriftianaffcdion^P.B.
J F 3 13.O/J-
117
n8
A Cbrijlian can fuR of bit promt ft.
tap
I
13. Ciiatwy.
MY beloved Friend, nowthei
throng is gone ; Co that nei-
ther we can excufc any longer our
not inviting,t or you your not com.
ming when you are called on. You
know what words did pafle be
twixt us,, farre be it that they
(hould prove wind. I doe accom-
plifliraineinrequeftingyou tovi-
fic us, you fhall difcharge your
prosrifc, when we in joy you pre-
fcnt. We know that you have not
wanted altogether intreacies to this
porpofe : we come after preferring
the lame fuitmore vehcmcntly 3 not
quite out of hope to /peed : the la-
teft Dog fbmetime taketh up the
Hare. My wife will (if you be fo
pleated) meet you at Ware, when
you fet forward, that you may
know with what devotion (he cn-
rertaiaesyourcomming. All our
waiea are in the hand of God, hee
teacheth us to commit theoi to
him, that they may be directed.
W<
\!n all out vans we nrnfl fear* God. I 119
Wc may go here and there,change
aire and company, but the God of
all confolaiion is hee from whofc
eere mercy in his Chrift wee re-
ceive all our comfort : cheareful-
nefle of heart is his gift to thofe
chat arc good in his cycs.The Lord
pin his fearc ki-our hearts, that wc
may never depart from him leaving
the way of his com wdements ; and
give us more and more his fcare
before us,in all our waies. For it it
be a fpot in feafts, to eateand drink
without feare,as Iudt faith ^ fare it
is likewifea fpot, in our journey es.
The firft lines, are to provoke you
to come ; thefe are to guide you io
comming, that your way may be
prolpcrous; which I wi(h you |
from my heart, wich all oihcr fpi-
rituall blcffings,for Chvifts (ake,ac-
curled for us.
Write to us,when and how you
will contrive your journey. Fare
you well*
Yours in the Lord,
Pan I Baync.
F 4 14. Dif-
!
?=*l
120
•mi
Concerning the education of&c.
\
14. Viffivaforj*
LOving -AT. A word in time^ is
better than many out of feafon,
when it is too late : I have talked
with my wxfe 5 and I finde it true :
Tim vident$cnUqHam ocnlus: two
are better than one* My wife is in
love very carefull of your weale,
and for the party to which one
might mod probably incline, her
thoughts are not without reafon a-
verfc. Firft, the education of Gen-
tlewomen of that forr, doth teach
them little to know, but gallancy
in apparell,to call for fer vice about
therafeives. If they may come
where tbey may have conforts
to play a game at Maw while
they are vacant from their atten-
dance. Againe,for leeds of Rdigi-
on,you cannot groundlyconjcfturc
them in her, which istheprinci-
pall thing you would fecure your
felfeof: for good natures without
Religion, are as we fty of the Di-
vell, good onely while they arc
pleafed, and when you found it
^^^ enough
\t
Godly jeahn He ofourfdves profitable. I 121
enough ro kcepe any duty to God,
with the help of a Religious yoke-
fellow, how caii you conceive
hopes this way, ifyouwancfuch
a helper? Thirdly, her portion is
but a little for your eftate and cal-
ling: God gave you matter of e.
ftate equalling to hers, when you
were many wa^es by many degrees
unequalltoyourftlfe. Againejitis
by fupplements of good will to be
made up 3 which may occafion fe-
rret courfts ofrccompence.Think
ofthefe things: for though I pitty
your condition, yet I vufti from
my heart, there may be no more
hattethanfpeede: {oft fire maketh
fweeteft maulr. Labour to have
your felfe in feare a id jealoufi?,and
mark.' the fecrec fo»ly ofhearr,w ch
makecb uspoatt over our mourning
part before God, and linger after
the houfe of laughter. Iffit ke bo*
dies fhould lip onely, and kt a wjy
the bitter potion, calling for re.
ftoratives, the diieafe fhould >tfur-
thex aad further be cher.fljcd : (b
F 5 our I
)
»■*■
tl
a 2 2 \Love & hatred are not in our power.
our ficke foules, if they leave their
wormewood-dnughc too timely
which wee fhould take next our
heart, wce.fhall mtfle a great fur-
therance vi our fbules health. I a-
gaine often thinke,it is not beauty,
bat Gods bleffiogywhich muft give
you contentmew,and love and ha-
tred are not in our power ; if wee
had our moneths mind ferved, we
are fubjeft to grow into diflilcc
with that wee fo highly defired, as
the RotyofAmnon & Thamardoth
wkneffe. Againe,ifyoufindcyour
minde any thing impotently run-
ning hither and thither (2s the fpi-
rit of man tnoweth the things of
roan ) bee affraid of having
the thing you (bdefirejeft it prove
sa^he. Quales which ftancke in
the momhes of them that lufted
after them.. I pray you therefore,
ftrive with your ownc foule for
more godly fbrrow and wea-
nednefic of -minde : Deliberate
flewly, and then you fhall be able
to accomplifh boldly, cspe&icg
frorof
he Lord out helper in Temptations. I
From God a bleffing of thofe waies 1
hich you have comended co him,
I have great bufinefle. 0\xcMe~
\fopoluans vifitation c5mcth fhorc-
ly,and I am warned co preach, be-
fides many other cccafions. Yet
becaufe I love not after wifedome,
I doe make way by force, to (end
you in time a word by friendly
admonition.
We doe with our beft hearts bid
you farewell, .
15. ConWatorjt*
Si R, Your Letter came in the
chiefeft of our harveft, fince
the titTie* the firft weeke, you
know our Carrier gocth nor, I
cm no longer be wantirg to my
duty fo farre^ as to leave your let-
ter unanfwered. Thus I pafie to
thatclaufe, touching your late tri-
al!* I do defire to have (ome feeling
ofyoureftate; and the Lord that
kecpeth his, when they are almoft
lo(t in themfelves, keep you in this
and all other cemptations.Wc have
great
123
ii
124 \ Many bj-wms out of temptation^
great needeof God, to leadc us, in
time of triall : there are many by-
waies, at which our corruption
and weakeneffe will be ready to
(tart our • and but ondy one true
way, which will bring us to fee a
good iffae, in Gods feafon. Some-
times wee are in danger, as hath
beene taught u$ t to fet light by
Godscorre&ions, and play hide-
>bare with him; thinking well, if
wee can ward offthefmartinany
fa/hion * fometime we are impati-
enr,outwardly and apparently kic-
king at the fpurre ; like thefe plun-
ging Horf^which will not indure
their Rider : fometime inwardly
andfccretly repimng and fretting,
like thofe Horfes, which djgeft
their choler,by biting their bridles.
If wee neither defpife, nor impati-
ently rile againft the hand of God,
yet our weakentfle is ready too
a uch to rake to heart that which
is our exercife, fo that our fpirit
drooperh and fainteth- and this is
worle, becauic it is commonly ac-
companied
W*mm*m
but one goo & way Jo agoodiffw*
^•'
tompanied wich a wilfull indifpofi-
tion, which will not let us receive
uch things, by which we might be
rucly comforted: as in Iacob^ho
would not be comforted, buc fol-
lowed his fonne to the Grave,
mourning- I doubt nor, buz God
keepech you both from rhe former;
I hope, from th'S latter alfo. Wee
muii rake our correfrion,and hum-
ble our felves uader the fmart of it;
but wee rauft looke to Chrift, chat
he e would not let our faith, hope,
and meckcnefT: of miade, be fha-
ken. If God (hould have told you
both; Twill give you two chil-
dren, you ftaU bring them up fo
long for mee, and I will rake them
agahe; would you not have ac-
credit ghdly? The event doth
tell you no UQc s than if he had be-
fore-hand thus fpoken unto you,
GodisthechUfe Father of all the
Families in Heaven a .d Earth ; we
arc but fofter-paren?s to our owne
children . When my lafl childe was
taken to Gad, my good triend, our
Preacher,
125
mm
n6
-*—
— ^ — -^ — 1 1 MI^M II ' I I
^Motives to beare equally the
Preacher^ did fometime fhew mee
many Motives,why I fhould bearc
it equally.
Firft, TKat they, aaken thus
fbone,are crowned through Ghrift,
without having experience ot that
fight,which roaketh us cry, Orai-
ferable^&c.and thinke our lives of-
ten a burthen to us.
Secondly Jt is not love to them.,
when we are perfwaded, that God
is their God, which maketh us
grieve at their taking hence : it is
felfe-love,or carnal] a ffeftion: For
Chrift told his Difciples, If yee lo-
ved mejee would be glad,becaufe
I gee 10 the Father. And what
raeafure doe wee offer God, who
can tend our children farre from
us, where wee are never like to fee
them againe, if they may doe well
with man, and yet cannot well
beare to have them taken out of
fight by the Lord, though wee are
pcrfwaded their fpirits are with
him ? Wee muft Labour for fiich
good hearts, as may not be content
per-
,
stai/£ */ *»r children.
■ »■
ce
•«
berforce to let him take, but may
willingly yeeld, even our childrea
^if it were by fterificing them with
our ownc bands) to him who hath
not thought his only Begotten too
dcare for us, but hath given him to
death for our Takes. If God (hould
have riven the Tree afander, I
meane, fevered you one from ano-
ther^ muft have been taken thank-
fully 5 but much more when hee
•leaveththe Tree, and taketh but
the ftuir, yea, but part of that, lea-
ving the one halfe yec wkh you.
Thirdly,and Iaftly, Ic is a token
wee felt not his love, nor received
them not from his hand, as wee
ought to have done, if wee (hould
not thankfully give them backe to
him. -^tf* receiving Samue/asa
gift gotten by petition from God,
did readily part with him to God
againe ; {b Abraham with his (ced,
which by Faith in the Promife hee
had obtained. I know wc are ready
to think chele things are truc^ but a
Parent-like afftttroncaoooteafily
fhake
127
128
i
j
1 ' •
We mufl lone Godbtttter tban 9 &c.
(bake hands with, and yeeld op
things fo dearely beloved.lc is true
indeed, that while we pleade love
to our children, what unkindncfle
do we bewray toward God ; if my
heart did not fo love them, I could
give them thee ? Calmly to thinke
on this, which yet is contained in
that Exception above named ^ were
able to make one blufti, that his
heart Ihould be Co cold in his love
to God-ward, as not willingly to'
pan with any thing it Iovech, ac
Gods cill : alas, to yeeld that wee
greatly care not for, is noCjodamzr-
cy. Bur I hope,Gods love doth not
make his hand grievous ; neither
would I have thus late written thus
much,but that iris good to be pro-
vided againft all things to come.
For as when fire catcheth, wee £e
how farre iris gone, but know not
where it will flay- even fo ic is,
when tte£reofaffli#ion(in Which
Faith is proved) is once kindled.
The fecond meffenger told not hb
ail his foricw at once : it is wife-
dome
'VcmufttbankiGod f&rthe 3 &c.\ 129 ;
iome flili to provide for the
fvorft, the bell will fave it fclfe.
L i5 -
\ J Y beloved Friend, ardChri-
[VI ftiai Sifter, if I my ftlfe had
)eeu a good Scribe,you (hould not
lave been thus long unwritten to :
My affl&iontoyourdeceafed Mo-
her,who did rcquefi it at my hand,
and the love I bareyour (elfe, would
long fince haveinforeed it 5 but my
hand cannot doe,, what my heart
would. Neverthelefle, feeling my
telfe not like to live to fee your
face,I have got the helpofanothers
hand,to report what my heart doth ]
fpeake unto you, out of that Chri-
stian love which bindcth us to con-
fid er one another,and provoke one
a nother to love. I m ay thanke God
for thofe good things, which I
know his grace hath done in you.
For the confcionable reverence of
your deceafed Parent, was of him,
who writeth in \ he heart that com-
manderaent of honouring the Pa-
rent,
130 DifeUions toftirre up our duties ,&c .
" — » « tm 1 mi,
rent, as well as others, A grace
which God^who workech it, hath
promifed to crowne vvich much
profperity. Other things alfoper-
fwade me of your piety ; bat God
will teach you to know the things
beflowed on you : neither are wee
much to harpe on this ftri <g, un-
kfle we were in conference aifured,
that it were needfull to ftrengthen
each other with fignes of a good
eftatc; as the Phyfiria s doe on
heartkfle Patients, with repeating
good tokens of recovery. Yet we
that are taught of him, to fee ought
that his grace doth in us, muft
bleffe him;ind Ganders by, who by
a (pirit of difcerning obferve the
fame.rouft joynewithusin thankt
giving. I will leave therefore this
matter, and take occaficn to ftirre
you up to duty Co your heavenly
Father^whom I know to have been
dutifull of confeience to earthly.
1 Firft, you muft labour to know
your God; and in Chrift^your mer-
cifull Father : for we by.nature are
like
*
like runnagate children, who have
never kept ncere their Parents
houfe • or like the ProdigalI,which
left his fathers houfe 3 and becooke
him to Harlots : (bour hearts have
left our God,and know nothing by
narure, but the things of this
world,with which we commie fpi-
ri mall Harlotry. Now there is
none by nature that feeke after
God. But wee thatdoeinChrift,
find him in part, muft more and
more grow up, in theackaowlcd- '
gingof him.Whatagraceleflepart J
would weconderane itiofor our
felvcs, if we (hould not know our 1
Parents here (as by pride and heed-
lefle rudencfie, (bme children will
not) much more (hould wee be a-
fhamed, not to take notice of our
heavenly Father?Nay,we muft the
more cry after him, the more blek
fedneffe we know there is,in injoy-
ingof him : as the children that
taHethc (Weetiiefle of the loving
Parent, cry when they fteme to be
left. Butifycuaskehowyoumay
know?
I
132
How we may know God.
know ? I anfwer : Firft, you muft
gee your eyes wiped, the eyes of
yourminde: Secondly, you muft
know where to feeke him. Our
eyes arc (bre,and full of fcales : and
therefore/ifmen becarefull to have
the eyes oftheir body drefifed^yea,
induce (harpe waters, rather than
their fight fhould faile; fo much
more muft weefceketoGod, for
the Eye-falve of hisSpirir,the one-
ly Clary that clcarethfickc fights :
Yea, welcome Gods Affli&ions,
which are his ftrong Waters, to
rcftore our Seeing,
Now could you fee, and knew
not where to finde him, you were
never rhe better. Therefore you
muft know this, that if you will
feeke him,y ou muft looke at Ghrift
his Sonne, in whom the Father is,
for they are one. Wheo a childe is
like tbe Parent, wee (ay, If you fee
(uch a one, you fee his Father, for
he is the fame up and downe as his
Father was. But Chrift is liker
the Father, than any childe the na-
rurall
• - I M l I'll .
turall Parent. For the fclfe-fame
All-feeing fpiritoall God, who in
fellowftiip of his Perfon., hach a
Souleand Body glorified, the fame
Spirituall Nature is the Nature of
the Father : as if the fame Soule
and Body which is in you, were
communicated with the perfbn of
your childe* S^condly.as you feeke
to know him more, fo you rauft
feekc to love him and pleafe him in
all things, being more fruicfull in
ftrving him^than you have beene :
And good reafon 3 Love is the wher-
ftonc of Love. If you fhould fo
love one., as to give your little Son
to death for his fike, would you
not thinke it an intolerab'e pare,
not to be confidered with love a-
gaine ? Yet God (b loved us, that
bee gave his onely Begotten ; that
wee beleeving in him, fhouldnor
perifh, btic have life erernall. Aid
for onrc children', Do we not lodke,
thowgh they be full of play when
they are y oung,yet,that being bet-
ter growne, they muft learne fomc
honed
»34
Levt to God tried by its rvorkfng.
t
honeft calling, which may do them
good another day > So the Lord,
though he have a gentle handover
us, while wee are tender ; yet doth
oke, that wee afterwards (hould
e morefruicfull and ferviceable to
him, Ioh.12 2« The righteous are
compared to Tnes; which, when
firft planted, beavc few, but grow
till they come co carry many bran-
ches, Now, if you would try your
love,, you muft finde it out by its
working. What contentment you
take in that Pretence, which is to
be had by Faith; what longing you
have to be with God; what love to
his tokens $ what love to children,
and friends. As fcrexample: Lo-
ving your Husband above all men,
there is none whofe pretence you
care for,or take contenment in,like
his. So faith the faithfull fbule to
God ; What have I in Heaven but
thee ? What in Earth, in compari-
son of thee > Againe,U yourHuf-
band were in feme other Country,
how would you long for his re-
turne
Ejfe&s of out love to God*
*35
turne unco you, or that you might
follow him ? So the loving foule
to God, faith ; Oh, who fball deli-
ver mee from this body! Oh,ic is
beft for mee ro bs with Chritt !
Shee would goe to him. I looke
for the appearance of the great
God,who (hail makemy body iike
his glorious Body, by the Power
which fubdueth all things. Ifcwo
trucly loving were contrafte'd,
would not every weeke ferae a
yeere, till the Wedding > Wcc are
by Faith ontra&ed to God, in
Chrift : how fhould we long co fee
our Marriage folemnized? Eadea-
vour to pleafe him, grieve ifought
crofle your loving Husband. A
Letter from a friend, we love, and
fee by ic : If we have a Token,how
wckecpeic,aadarcgladofic? So
the Word of God, which is his
Letter, Oh! how glad is the foule,
that loves the God of it ? I rejoyced
in thy Sratutes, more than in all
Wealth. Sothe Sicraments, which
arc the Pledges of himfdfe to us,
thtfe
i$6
Wee loV9 not God as vpc ongkt.
thefe arc the love-tokens hee firn-
dcth to us, while wee are abfent
from him in the body. Laftly, by
loving his Children, and friends.
You loving your Husband, thinke
his friends welcome, and love
them. Could you thinke one lo-
ved you 3 and loved not your fonne?
So they that love him that beget-
teth, love him alfo whoisbegor-
ten, i lob. 1 ) #1- Now thei\letusnot
be falfe to our owne hearts, and
wee may confeffe that wee want a
great deale oflove to' our God .*
ibr,when ere we glad at the hearty
and rcjoyce in our God ? When do
we long after his appearing ? Nay,
God is faineto fmoake us forth of
this World with many trialls, and
yet wee will not arife, and come
away in our affeftion. When are
wee heartily joyfull to heare his
voyce, and receive his tokens?
When doe wee bufie our head to
pleafe him ? and when doth it cut
us at the heart, if hee be offended >
Now then, if you iee you want ir,
what
Therefore vptmnfl tak,e jbameto 9 &c. i 137
•.a.
what muft you doc ? You muft
fhame your owne heart within
your felfe,and fay; What a wretch
ami! If my heart could be glad of
every ftrangers comparand were
dead within me, not joying in my
Husbands preferice ; were bufie a-
bout other thing?; negligent to my
Husband 5 lor ged for other men;
never wifhed to fee hinij if abfent :
whar a fhamefull part were this in
me ? Yet thus ic is ? my fbule is ,
married 10 thee(Lord;) thouftadft J
no Dowry with mc, but beggerie,
and fpiriruall filthinctfe, yet thou
boughteft mec ccare, and haft put
mee in no leffe than Heaven, for
my Joytiture • and yet loe, I can
fiode a contencation, tod be ifierry
at this or that earthly thing ; I can
long to have eaichly matters
which I lack ; I can be carcfull how
to pleafe roan, and be grieved,
when ought doth erode his liking;
but am lacking in them all, to-
ward thee. Then feeing this, and
how your heart is full ot Harlotry
G lo v c
i?8
Get love to God} and get every thing.
> ' ' *' >
love to creatures, youmuftcryto
God; Lord hejpemee, pare away
this fclfe-love,andfalfe love to the
creature, and make me love thee ;
Lord,draw me after chce,and IftalJ
follow thee as toft. Aad ftrtngchen J
your (clfe in faith, and God will I
give it you: for this i^ his pro-
mife, I wilicircumcife your hearts,
ana make you to love mee with all
your hearts : Get this, and you gee
I every thing. This will make that
which is irkefometothefl ft, be
meateancf drinketoyou, andde-.
lightfull. Is ??ot the Nurcery of
the Ghilde, a homely pitcc of
worke ? Yet, becaufe the Mother
loveth if,though her fleepe be bro-
ken, and her hand foiled, fheeun-
dergoethitgladly. Andnotonely
doth it conftraine us, but mike us
patient. What will not a wife wo-
m^n beate, and pocket patiently
ir< >m a Husband (he loveth ? Now
one thing oiort I will warne you
of, and end* and that is a good
meaneof the former. Whilcftyou
live,
B*W"
Medtfstion in lovt to earthly things. \ 139
liv^laarne to weanc yoa ielfe from
the things of this world; lec him
that buyeth, marriewb, &c. For
hee who immoderately loveth the
things of this world, as Pride,Pro-
fir,and Pleafure,tbclove ofche Fa-
ther is not ia hira. Shce that hath
loved one man trucly,(he is fped,as
we fay ; (he can love no more Hus-
band, Children, Poffeflions 5 much
lefie the proud vanities and rio.
tous Goflippings ofthefe Times.
Asanhoneft Woman mu ft flyc the
Stewes, Co muft wee not have our
hearts (eenc among thefe things.
And this is moreeafe tomyeafe-
lefle flefh, that God gave me mean-
neffe of minde, and negleft of fuch
carnall courts, in which I might
have had my (hare, that I wifh all
rayChriftun friends may receive
thac grace from him, which I try
by experience to have fo precious
effeft. TheLordkeepeyou.
G %
*7
Lo-
C*. iv
I^O
I
Chrift takes array the cmfe effinnt.
LOving N. I received your Let-
tcrs ; in which,you fignifie the
confomraation of that, which I
wifh profperous.The ground of all
profpcrity,isGods bleffing : with-
cut which, every thing is a deadly |
poiicn to us; whether it tafte bit-
terns croflcs; or fwcet,as the more
fucceflefulliffues of things; whe*
ther it kill with painfull gripings,
aseviIJs;orcaft «fleepe, and move
Iaughter,as thofe things do,which
in themfelves are to be efteemed
outward bkflings. The poifons
fpirituall, for tafte and effect, carry
noleffethan corporall. Now the
ground of blefling in all things, is
Jefus Chrift, our Redeemer, bea-
ring our Cuife for us, (GaL%. 13.^)
andfwallowmg our defeived Cup
up,into an unfained bleffing.I hope
the eye of your (bule Iooketh up
to him, who was lifted upon the
curled Croffe, to heale that Cur£,
wherewith Sinne and the Divell,
t bat old Serpent, have flung us. A •
gaine.
1
fVe tnuft [nbrnit to Godsyoake.
141
gaine, I doubt nor,but your Wives
prayers (who is now departed) are
on record in Hsaven, and your
Sifters praye r s (who ftilllivah)
are not in vaine before him, who is
a God hearing prayer : Bothhav:
wifhedyou blefiednefie, through
Jefus Chrift, [ would have beene
wivbyou before this Letter, but
rhatGcdtuthletmy wives weak-
nefleto be more than ordimry. We
muft take up ourOofies,and when
God bldJeth us yoake, hee is the
wliett ^aa that yceld^fh his neck;
moft willingly. This hath made me
(lay hitherto ; but the Lord eafing
hishand 3 Irefumcmypurpofe,of
fat Isfy bg your ^efire,and meane to
follow my Letter at thehedes.The
Lord make it profperous. You tell
mee a loving Tale, of bringmgup
your Wife, to enter her into my
acquaintance. If you had no Bro-
ther at CAmbridgc, it were pity my
Sifter (hould be no fooner a Wife,
than a Widow.You know the Law
of the firft yecre.
G 7 The
142
Chriflian Queries ^ and
i
The God of Love give you ho-
ly love in him, and keepc the fire
in, when xc is kindled. I hope I
(hall never forget my Chriftian du-
ty to you,of being a helper to your
faith ; it (hall go hard,when I help
you not with a {hort Curry of mat-
ter to this purpofe. My Wife re-
members you and her Sitter to
God; and let my love reft with
you, till God give me leave to fee
you. Farewell.
18.
LOviug CguSg, I have « cold
fpirir, who (hew thee no more
love : but bcare with mee in this
Winter of mine, and if ever the
Son of Rjghteoufheflc be pleafed
to make Summer with mc, no one,
without my felfe, (ball have more
intcreft in the fruits I then (hall be
taken with. It may be, the thred
of your life (hall be drawne out fo
farre* as to fee thefe words prove
workes; which the Lord hafter.
How goeth the matter with your
poore jfoule V how doth it get up ?
How/
■ *** « M mm*
Incentives to Devotion.
*43
How is ic made ready every mor-
ning? Howwalkethitalltheday,
when it is once with the folemni-
ty of Devotion difparched > Doth
the eye of the foule wake without
muter, like that heavic matter
which in fome eyes and heads (coo
much fluffed) is often decerned?
You may know if ic be cleare;
Firft, icwill keGodinhiiGhrift,
through the glafle of his VVordj
and it will at eafc hold waking be-
fore him. If you thus wake, you
have the ftarc of me;my {hop- win-
dowesare longer in opening;, than
m: thioks I &e you in making rea-
dy. Sometimes the m'ft of my
ownedarkntffe, fomecimtsearth-
[ ly humours do? (hoo r e into them;
fbmetiraes a fpiricof flLrcber and
fljch doth offer to cloie them;
fontttimes clouds of fpiriruall
darkneflfe doe over-caft them : fo
that, though they arc waked, and
inthcmfelvesiightforae, yet they
fee nothing, by rcafbnofchatob
(curiae which is without them
G 4 wner
i
144
1
Mansdulntjfc to kotwcffc.
1 1 mm^miv^m
wherewith they are iavironcd : as
it is with a man that ficteth with
his eyes wide open, in a Roome,
where neither light of Sunne nor
Candle commeth. Now, while a
man is fl ving to Chrift, roget the
inward cfirancflc of his fight clea-
red, (for be can make his Clay and
Spittle heale them) while hceget-
teth the diftillation of by-thoughi s
flopped, by looking to him u ho
unites our hearts to himfelfe, who
worketh all our workes for ih;
1 while hce iecketh to that quick-
ning Spirit, to fcatter his /lumber,
and laboureth him, who is Light
itfelfe, toexpell thofe excemall
darknefics invtroninghimj while
one man is tasked with this work,
another, not thus mole fted, is rea-
dy,andhathdifpatched. WelI,our
God doth accept it for one of his
fickefervants fore-noone workes,
to fettle their clothes orderly a-
bout them. I mention theft thiog?,
to lend you fbme light ; by which,
you may better fee your privilege,
who
J»l ■ — — — — — — ■ T l^
TbtnktfHlnefe te Chrifl the, &c.
who are not forced tofpendyour
ftrcngth in fuch a faftiion. Bat the
man that is well waked , muft
have moving, as well as fenfe re-
turned. How doe the affe&ions of
your heart foot into Chrift,in way
of thankefulnefle, who hath led
you ail your daies? who is that
Prince, that makech peace in you ;
whofe fecrec 3 is the ftrengih of
your heart, that it fiinteth not ;
whofe favour is chat Shield 3 which
doth fo cover yointhat evills have
no leave to aflaile you, muchleffc
to prevaile againft you ? Is your
Irart, in the confeiousunderftan-
ding of any benefir,affcftiooate to-
ward him ? Then you are truly a*
wake, and ligh:fome, like to pafle
thatday without toorouch we3r;-
neffc, which is with 16 freQi a (pi*
tic enured: then that Sttnm ofKigk*
teoufnejfe hath got you up. For as a
greater fire draw^th forth a lefler,
and as the Sun bodily rifing daily
over us,doth draw torth the fpirics
of fcnie and movng, which are in
G 5 the
H5
i
m«r
'■ ■ ■■' I
t.^=
!
I46
The Souk** Ldvcr.
»=T J. ? !> '«»'■
the bodily creature; fo doth chat \
light and life of lirael, by his
work, though not percei ved,draw
forth this fyirituall morion of the
Hie of God in us, whereby we did
cerne him, and in thankefulnefle
make towards him. When your
foule is now awaked,what doth it
w (h with, what doth ir put on >
As weChriftians have boch guilt
and defi rmed blot of fione, (owe
have a daily laver, even bloud and
water;for our Chrift came in bath,
to teaebjthat he came not onely to
make atonement for the guilt of
finne, but doth alfocleanfeusby
his Spirit from the fpot of cor-
ruption. Now then if you looke
at that great God, asyourRigh-
teoufiefle, by taich on his bLud,
(lied with ieole of the curfe due to
our finne; and if you looke to
Chrift, wno isroadeof God your
Sanftifier, to cleanft you from
thole inherent fpo*s daily, then
you have wafheu in the Fouuttine
opened for lirad, acid are fo clean-
fed 1
m*f»
The Souks c B s atmtni and Armour.
fed (have you but once wafhed in
this kindc) chat you (hall never
be defiled throughout againc, as
Chrift (peaketh, Neverth leffr,
there muft be Raiment upoa tfar
Sjule, yta 5 it muft be cbdwich
compleat Armour, for it is com.
pjfled with cuemies 5 and the life of
n is a warfare. Now, when wee
looke to Chrift by fairb,.as our
SinftiScrand f,lvarion,(hen we are
thus clothed : heisourSan&ifier,
who muft bringalloor graces from
one degree to anodic r> making
that light of holinefle, that image
of himfelfethe fecor d Adam^tov?
upinuSj, as the light of ths mor-
ning, till it cometh to the ftrength^
taketh incteafe. Hce muft be our
Viceroy, tread Satan under our
feet, diflolve bis woiks* crufti the
head of him for us,, hee muft frith
the wc rke of his Grace with bis
owne power. Well, when you are
thus forward 5 how doth your fouk
walkcjpuul.git felfc fortlrin.afti-
oii? doihit gp limbing? d jth it reft
and \
hl|
■ W ■ ■ '
•
148 \ Tbefottlesface>Chriji mends it.
and can goc no further, as weary?
Doth ic feare it (hall not hold out >
Is ic made fad, with wont of any
thing? Many a good (bulc walketh
thu$ 3 and puzzle them fo, that they
cannot goe on freely 5 but 1 hope,
no earthly lulls fill about your feer,
It may be it is weary fometimes 3
and is feareful!, and is marie fid,
through fome kinde of circum-
ftance. WelMet us get conference ;
what painfulnefle, what weaii-
nefle, what weakneffe* what fcarc
doth attend us ? Our lpirits being
or.ee poore ia the privity they
have of thefe matters, fhall no
fboner looke with the eye of faith
to Chrift, bt.c the matter fhall be
mended. Heeitisthatmakeththe
lame to lea pe, likeaHinde; v;ho
enbrgeththeheait, to run in the
rac*of theConunctements. Lcoke
toHiro,thefaithfull Shcpherd 5 who
taketh up the weary Snecpc, that
through feebleneffe can go no fur-
ther : to Hinyo whom the casing
of our eye is the renewing of our
t facrgh,
Cbrifl tbefmjber of on f Faith. 14 p
ftrength.Againft feare of perfeve-
ring, challenge him as the authour
and finiftier of your faitb/everent-
lytdlhim, it is a piece of his Fa-
tners will that he (hould not onely
give you to believe, and his Spirit
for a time, but that he fliould raifc
you np at the laft day. hh % 6.$g.
Finally, looke to your God, that
hath (aid to ^Abraham and all be-
letvingfodofhimj Walkc before
me, IamGodA'l-fufficient. Tell
him yon have nothing but him-
felfe, in heaven nor yet in earth, in
comparison of him, and he cannot
but (apply with bimfelfe, every
chingtoyou-
Thus the asking a queflion,
which Idid not chinke of, wheal
let pen to paper, hathdrawne me
on to matter not intended. Icai-
not now annexe the other , for my
Ltttcf is km for. I have beene
neither well this five weekes, nor
yet ficke enough to mak* mce
berter,
Th* Lord be our daily ftrength,
dircftion,
-1
» . » »■»
Kl .'—
■ l ll . l
»5°
L
Gods cbildrenfubjtEl tofick>iejfe.
dire&iorij blefling, comfort, and
prote&ion for ever.
MYdearcFiicnd 3 and Brother,
in him, whoisnotafeamed
to call lis brethren,! cannot but fi-
lutc you, and let you heare how it
is with me: for I know, my lines
cannot come to you more foone
than welcome. I was fcarcc al'gh-
tedfrcm my horfe, but anaguifh
difrcrapcr did feizc oniric, aadfol*
low me in manner of an HeSl'c^
towhichl have ahabicudr, even
in my beft health. Befide, I have
been troubled with fuch an fai^n*
mation cf fome of thofe rntetiora
vifara, that I cold not ftape two
houie?, but extremity of inward
heat* would awaken me. In which
kind I went fome five wcekes, bu
now I thanke God, my b dy,
though a lif tie more becrete*}, is in
f ch ttatc as formerly it hath bzene
For my foule,! ftiilgooninyecrrs
and monihsofiabour,accordinga
my Lord hath aaeafored. I Kelt
filCi
\
The Chrifliant confaB.
151
fiich ignorance of God and all his
waies, fo many yeeres coward me,
fuch folly, which kcepeth me from
taking any thing to heart, which
refpe ftech God, or concernech my
#He,fuch uncircumcifion of heart,
which makcth me that I cannot be
j holily poore and abjeft, though
conlcious of innumerable motives,
paft, prcfcnt, eminent, which
might move me thereco: Laitly,I
fedfe fuch a Selfe-fLffkkncy, as
will not let me perceive what need
I have or my God to be with mee,
for quickning, ftrengthening,C€>m-
fortifig dire&mg.profpcrrgofme
in my courle, though this breath
of our ooftr ils,is not more neccfia-
ryto the bing and continuing of
this bodily life, than b his blcflcd
prefence, to the caufing and main-
taining of all our corner. Thcfe
things doe renew their aflaulc on
meeveryday,andnoiw;thfta .dlfg
I renew daily my cud:vour a-
gainftthtm, yet I caaoot recover
i" ch fopply- or Grace, as fir.uH
r^ake
>5*
nm
Sinm is vreakgcdby degrees*
make mee walke more large this
way. But hard teflons are not ea-
fily learned.
Sometime finding fmall effeft,
lam ready to thinke, my labour is
in vaine^ but when I confide^ all is
not in vaine, whbfe effeft doth not
prefently appeare : fecdeislong
time fo wne before harveft.Sscond-
ly, ftrength fpirituall doth cxpell
fpiritual corruption's ftrength na-
turall ficke humors. Scrcng Imw:-
rall, if it be in fulncfle, ic dorh fi-
mul&fcmtl purge out that matter
which is contrary to it : bat if ic be
in mediocrity, it doch expell Co
farre 5 that though ficke matter ftill
remains 3 yet it is Iightened^and be-
commcth more tolerable to nature.
Neither is eating and drinking in
vaiae,becaufe we cannot fo refrefh
our £Ives,but that hunger will ftill
reiurnc on us. Sometime the fami-
liarity of U 9 doth make me ready
topsffc by >c, not moved at all a-
gainft it : even as things off^nfive
to nature at firii, gcowbycuftome
Again ft marwftt in hohntjft. i 53
lefle grievous. But I flie to GdcJj
who hath promifed to put all en-
mity in us againfUhefecdeofthe
Serp^nt,which wc find to remaine
wkhjn u$; I fay tomyChr'ft, as
thou doeft r^ach me this cupjikea
cf^IIy dietdrinke, fomakcicwhol-
feme to me. Sometime wcarincfle
doth fjrprife mc: thenlthinkeof
rfraeI,amoDgtt whofetemptations,
one was from the length of the
way^even wear ineffe of wandnngt
I lookc to Chrift, *nd pray him to
ftrengthen me, that I may follow
the MUrch, that I may follow him
whithcrfcever hee leadeth. Then I
thinke when are men weary (be-
ing refreftied with deep) to reftme
their earthly affaires ; I fay with
my fclfe, for what doeft thou keep
m<!> for what docft thou refrcfh
mc > O my Shepherd,thou haft no
other wooll nor milke from mce !
Againe^ I confider how dangerous
it is to intermix if wheal have the
moft fervent indeavours, I finde it
enough to walke weakely, what
would
J J4 Wt mnfl not faint at our dead»cjje.
would become of mee, were thefe
aegle<3cd? Lord, inlarge my heart
with thy ftrcngth, that I may dif-
fer hardfritp like a good Soaldier,
without Shrinking at it. I thinke
you know the like things in dead-
ne fl£, but feare nor, nor faint nor,
though wee be to that life of his,
like as cold water and dry afhes are
to heat, in which naturally, heat
can never be fixed, yet vhen our
God hath proved our faith and pa*
tlence, he, who callcth the things
that are not, as if they were, hee
who calleth light out of darkneife,
will imprint in our foules, and
make thefe things as fixed pofrk
fions with us,which now like Iigh-
tenings are not more forme mani-
fcftedj than vaniftied : His forbea-
rance is but till the fitted time for
hime togiveit>andusto receive if;
the Lord mike as, in the meane
wh?le,of underftanding hearts.
We in outward things wifh to
be cured rather Securely than spee-
dily, neither would we have Sum-
mer
m*r i i Winter, for the Winrer is as
neceflary for the rooting of things
as the Summer to make things
(hoot forth withfrutefmilingly.
YourainChriflianaffl&ioi,
TjuI Bajne.
20. VttiUiry,
MYdeare Friend., the hearc-
iay of your welfareis to me
moft welcome. I was fbrry that my
letter mif-carriedjbut there can be J
no deft ft in any ioftrumeot, which
doth not codtrefnb tlt&ionmfuprt-
mi trtificu. If the fruit of our body
prove abortive 3 we praifc him,how
much more muft wee fmftifie his
wife provide nce,when the like cafe
falkth out but in a letter, tvhich is
fuchabirchuf the minde, asm^y
by a lecond conception be framed
againc with advantag ? I did w^te
vntoyou feme things concerri g
myownecftatc, how Ifonndmy
heart in my vifitacion, what was
my
I 56 Dea&neffe offptrit : Why God
my praftic^evenrocompaflT 4 thofe
walls of darkneflewhichldilcer--
ned in roy fclfe, and "ia filence and I
reft to wait on my God for his fal-
vation inthe downfall of them. I
count it impertinenttorubupmy
memory in regard of that, I this
way difcouifed, though in the cir-
cumftances Itbenufed, ic did be-
feeme my condition, and would
have rsliflied wdl co your undcr-
ftanding. A ficond branch of my
letter concerned your iw,md this
uncomfortable deadneife which a-
gaine you mention, the heads
whereof I will labour to recall as
I may, though I cannot reach that
ftraine in which I found my felfc
when I indited the former.
About this deadncfle of fpirit, I
did confider two things. Firft,the
reafbns for which God did let
it hang about us. Secondly, the
courfc wee were to take againft it.
The Lord doth it for many good
ends. 1, That it may be a (pur in-
citing us to goe forth to him, who
is
lets it bang about w.
is the quickning /piric, that thus
wc might experimentally findcche
quickning verrue of Chrift, who
doth lighten our eycs,and bring as
out of thcfe fits to fecle our /elves
alive before him, could wee thirft,
after the living God, did wee not
(uffer thisdefed of life. Men feeke
not thole things abroad, which
they are full of at home. Hence it
is, that when God will bring us to
himfelfe, as the foundation of this
orthatgood,whichhewouldcom-
municace^heedoth follow us with
experience of the contrary in our
/elves, that being confeious how it
' is with us, wee might flic to him
t who is A!l-(uffiden r . Agaioe, we
I cannot experimentally know God
to be in Chrift a quickning fpirir^
fhould we not feele an intercourfe
j of his death, and a powerful! ex-
Ipulfrgofit from his vertuewor-
j king in us. The more often the Pa-
tient growing intopaine, iseafed
byPhyficke,the more experimen-
tally he teeth the Arc of the Phyfi-
cian,
'57
u
c an and benefit of Medicipe.
Thirdly we have this remainder of
de^tb, that wee may better confi-
de of our naturalleftate, howofl
our fclves we 4re wholly eftranged
from the life of G ^d: for what we
renwine in part, that we are whol-
ly by nature.
Fourthly, that wee might the
better hdpe others in this tempta-
tion.
Fifitly, that we might tafte cur
life more fweerly, and preferve ic
more carefully: we find with plea-
fare t ha t we feeke with paine. Sixt-
ly, that we may know, and teach
others how they muft depend on
God for the confidering and mo-
ving of their grace daily, as well
forthe beingand firft producing of
it. Laftly, that we may be led mco
the knowledge of our o wne hearts,
whether that worke is in them
which will drive for life, as every
thing that hath lite, will flrugglc
to part with it, or whether the)
will pafle it over hecdleflely anc
floih
, . , _ __ m
fljthfully. Ccruioly if wemarke
the working of our fpirks, and
courfe of God ia fiich an cvill hw,
wee will lear ne ouc of ic manifold
wifedome. Now for the courfc
wee are to take, it ftantfeth* firft,
inrefolving to encounter this dif-
eafe,thenio pra&i fins that we may
be cleared of ic : the Dive! I will be
ready if &e ftirre this way to lerve
a SuftrfedeaS) fbmetime by fugge-
fting that the nature of this is no
fuch thing as may not be borne, ic
do'hnocwaftethe confcien^but
fuch foolifh patients 3 who will not
vementi tccurere mtrbo^ they at
length are paid home with paine,
fo much the more, by how much
they have the longer delated. In
the body, lecamannotexpelhhe
fupcrfluity nature hath contraft .d,
the quantity or acrimony of it will
to incrcafe, thar he (hall be forced
to come to it with more paine, or
there will be bred on him fome
painfull ficknt:flH . Let us ftrivc to
expcll every fuch matter in our
1 60 I Sttansfuggeftfatts in deadnfjjiy&c .
(bules,we (hall find it true in foules
as well as bodies, Retemio txcre-
mtnwum eftfarens motbn
Secondly, it will be fuggeftcd^
why, ftriv* with itaswewill, it
will returne : D tf we ceafc to eate
daily and refrefh nature, becaufe
huoger andfaiotneffedoe ftill re-
turne upon us? Is it not a betuficto
be eafed for the prefent, to keepe
downean cnemy,to dothat which
wee know will ac length bring to
perfeft health, though wee cannot
forth of hand be fully cured? Some-
time wee rhinke, it is not well it
(hould be thus, buc implcymeuts
will not let mee turnc to k as I
would, we could findc in heart to
c-eale with it, but that wee cannot
while it. Buc will a man not beat
leifure to rake Phyficke for his bo-
dy? what is worthy our time, if
our foules life may not have it af-
forded? Againe, time is not loft
which is (pent this way, for God
doth attend the time wee (pend af-
ter confli&ingj with greater blct
fag,
' . ■' 1 » ■ «
lot? to refiji dtadneffe of $i it. \ l6 1
1
\
g, and leavens the knowledge
: gather, fo that it becommcth
c&ionate andpra&icall, befide
s wifedome whichistobelear-
d 5 from obfervlng the working
your foulc under fucha tempta-
)u. Bat when you hare repelled
ch ligatures, by which the Di-
ll would hinder the will from
folving refiftance, ia the next (
ace, you muft encounter this
radly paffion by fuch a conftant
mrfe as may free you from ir«
he courfc ftandeth chiefly in a
reefold pra&icc. For^i we fr ft
pen and prepare matters,that the
ediciue may carry them away
ore eafi y* Medic nudum eft con~
fcUjion crudis ,&c. So here you
wft labour to hold your thoughts,
id ponder upon thisevilI 3 confide-
ngwhat it isinitfelfc, whatefc
ft* ic hath for prefenr, what it
ireatnethj fhould not grace pre-
enc.
In the next place, you muft take
owne the medicine; lay hold on/
H Cbrifc'
1 62
*£he prattice of refiftance
.,«.
Chrift your life and quicknance.
Your third pra&ice muft be to
take a walkc in feme words of pro-
mile this way, which agitation of
your foulcdoth ftirre up thefupcr-
naturallheat of faith (as motion
doth the naturall)by which means
wee come to feele our medicine
worke,Chrift (hewhimfelfc more
and more effe&uall. To fet you
downe In briefe an example ; thus I
concoft the thing, meditation pre-
paring, Good Lord; what a ftatc is
this* what a bed-rid difpoficion
doth hang about me! were my body
an apoplexy, were I dead but of
onefide^t would go neere me: but
to have my Ibule thus bcnummed,
that I can neither find comfortable
fenfe or motion in it toward things
fpiricuall, how much more (hould
itaflF.ftrae? what ever I fet upon,
it is prefent with me 5 it maketh my \
duties as diftaftefull in themfcivcs
to thee, as deaded drink to the fto-|
mack : it kcepeth me from comfort
for the prefent : and what doth it
not
cfdeadfuffe of (pint*
not threaten, if thy mercy fliould
not prevent ? yea, it is Co much the
more dangerous, by how much
more connatnral],for I cannot take
inthisfle^pe, and though k be (6
deadly, yet am no whit affrighted.
2. AIas,what (hall I doe? To thee I
looke,, Lord, who bid ft us awake,
and promifeft toightenour eyes
from this mift of death, with which
they are over-fliadowed, to thee
who art the life and quickning fpi-
Mt,to thee, in whom, as a rooc, my
life is hid. How long (hall I live in
fight, and complaine of darkneffe?
Bow long (hall I be within thee
he fountain of life, and feele death
bcumberfomctome? Theftron-
;er worketh on that which is wea-
ker ,and doch aflimu ! ate it to it felfe.
bhjdifplay thy ftrength,andmake
lis death flie before thee from
brth of thy m:mber. ^Movingof
a$t!\ It is thy will our hearts
hould live who fcekc thee, yea,
hat wee (hould have life aboun-
[antly, thou haft faid 3 comc to mee
H 2 and
163
i<54
Refinance ofdetdnefe offtirit.
■*
and your hearts (hall live,chou haft
promift d us f that we (hall (o d Hoke
of thy Spirhjthatirftiallfl >wfrom
us abundantly. O ftrengchen mee,
thou author and fiuifher of fakh,to
hold thee the rocke, rill I fee theft
waves of death, as v were, break*
themfelves,and p*fle away.
In (I ch likepradUcel have often
found this (badow of d ath lying
before me, I havealwaies found a
peaceable reft, expelling enlarge-
ment more confidently ; when I
have not found iteafing me for the
prcftnt, yet it hath difpofed me to
receive qoicknance afterward, as
coflive bodies, though they have
not alwaies ca£mcnt when they
offer, yet the offer doth facilitate
the courfe, and dilpofc the body
toeaferaent a r rer.
Thus out of love, I have a little
lent you my (elfc 3 the Lord bkffe
us with that fpirit which prevai-
leth : Tfae meane while I will de-
fire that wee both may watch in
prayer one for another.
Yours as his owne, T. B m
Be not over bdfiy to judge.
21
i*5
Sir, you may thinke me a grave
rather, in whom all your kind*
nefles are buried, than a thankfull
! friend^owhomwhofogivethjiel-
lethdearely,chey fey,fo commodi-
ous t d the donor the thiog pro vet h
which Was freely beftowed* Ne-
verthckfTe,your wifdomeand love
will not, I dare fay, judge over
baftily upon appearance,knowing
well,thiit as there may be a (he w of
good,yea,godlimfle, where there
imotthefubftanceand power: fo
there may be a lemblance of cvill ,
even of uathankfulnefle,where yet
the vice k fclfe doth not harbour.
Your Ncphewes laft vificingyou,
was hid frommee, till about bed-
time the night before he tooke his
journey ; affure your fclfe,I could
not have bin privie to his purpoft,
without fctting my pen co paper,
though lam none of the forward^
about this errand. I doe remember
all your love, fb doth he alfo who
is moft apprehenfive of what is
H 3 done
1 66 God rewards good don to hit children.
■ ■ ■ * — — — ^i<» -
done to him in his children and
members. They ufe in Spaim a
powerfull /peech to this purpofe^
that rvhofo rvtpeth the childcs nofe,
kffith the mothers cheeke : Co kind-
ly naturall parents conftrue the
homelieft offices done to their chil-
dren: how then (hall not he accept
of all fuch dutie as is done to him
in his children, whofe love is ftch
to his,that the wombe-love of the
tendereft mother is farre inferiour.
For my felfe , I cannot ftiewyou
any thankcfull remembrance of
you , better than by remembring
you in thofe duties, which though
they moft conceme us, yet we are
moft fubjeft to be forgetful! in
them. Worldly wifedorae doth
teach men to fee the benefit of
health and wealth, yea, to have fa-
gacitic for feeing what neede they
may come to : when wee have Co
many good Husband seeing thefe
outward things, and providing
agaioft a raynie day, that no event
I may take them unprovided $ the
Lord
. - - -
True grace the CkrijtiAns truewtltb.
— ■— — — ' » ■ ^
Lord make us wife, to fee the true
wealth and health of ourfpiritsfor
the prefent,and to prepare for our
comfort againft fuch times where-
in the Lord fhall trie us. I will
commune with you about thefe
points^ as God (hill enable. Men,
who would gather an earthly trea-
sure, worldly wealth , muft firft
make fure that their Penny be
good Silver; that the things which
they deale in,be matters of worth :
for counterfeit faife commodities
heaped op, deferve not to be cal-
led wealth, or treafure : and what
is the wifedome of heavenly Mer-
chant but to feeke good Pcarles,
right for their kinde • true Faith,
fuch as purifieth the heart ; true
Repentance^ fuch as is accompa-
nied with change in heartjincon-
verfion ; true (an&ifying Grace 3
fuch as maketh the heart heneft ;
true fruits of righteoufnelFe,fuch as
are through the hclpe of Chrift
to the glory of God ; thefc are
things that make a man wealthie
H 4 in-
167
■^
1 68
True Gt*ct t thegrtaufi Riches,
ndeed ; true Faicb, laying hold on
j the unfearchable riches of Chrift,
on all Gods (pcciall promifes ;
which more enrich the fon'e that j
gettcth them, than bonds of thou-
sands doe perfons who pofltfle
th*.m. True Repentance, it doth
get an acquittance and full releafe
from God of all our debts, and
dor h make us no lefle happy,than a
Ghiietwefi doth him who is ftb-
}eft to great and dangerous ac-
counts. That Grace which maketh
the heart honeft, without bypocri-
fie,that is no finall wealth : for ci-
vill men doe reckon their Earnefts
and Pledges lying in pawne , for
fbmething, as part of their fub-
ftarcc. Finally^thofe works which
come from righteoufneffe, and are
fincerelydircfted to Gods glory,
cheyareatreafure,as ic is wealth
to have done fuch a thing amongft
men, to which great honour and
living is adjudged. Even as money
fetcheth every earthly thiog that
heart can defirc, fo chefc arc cur-
rant]
Wt mnfi loofy ifonr Graces be tr*e. 1 69
rant Coyne in Heaven 3 even to
procure what-evcr wee can wi(h,
chac is good for as : when Chrift
faw but one of thefe in that wo-
man of C*n*an • O woman (faith
hee) great is thy faith, be it to thee
a* thou art pleated. Wherefore,
deare Sir , labour for thefe preci-
ous things : all is not Gold that
glifters • let us imitate the wife of
this world: the money they hoord
up to make a treafcre, they will
fee it (hall be right Bullion yea,
that it (hall not be clipped and
waftied, but of full weight:
finally, that it (hall have the Kings
infeription. Let us lookc that our
Grace be right, without any pre-
domirate finne intermedled,which
would be as a Flye in our fwcec
oyntments : lee us take care our
workes be good for the ebjeft,
be full, as though, notcomming
byhalfcs from us : Finally, that
they be fincere, having the glory
of God as an inferipcion ftamped
upon them from our hearts j thus ,
Hy thcy\
■^*
—
thty (hall not deceive us, but ftand
with us, as a treafure invaluable.
A fccond thing I marke in getting
earthly f reafures is, that there ir.uft
be a dayly diligent adding unto,
and augmenting that wherewith
wefirft t* gan.Though a man hath
good Gold and Silver by hinv, yec
till ht hath it in fome quamlrie, he
is not faid to be rich , or to have
treafure ftored by him. Thus it is
with uf j K$me was *$t built in a
day y men are all their dayes in get-
ting together a more corr.plcat
weafure. Thus wee Chriftiars,
though from otr fir ft belet ving we
havtr Uiifearchablc riches, yer,if we
fptak comparatively, we have not
that wealth and contaminate trea-
fure, which we come afterwards
unto, when now we have well run
on in that race which is ict before
us Whtrefv re give diligence to en*
create yoi*r Graces., which Gcd of
j mercy haih begun*. Let the righre-
J'ous- be more righteous, the holy
more holy* If out Grace bv true,
there
ourfiock and treafim of Grace.
' there will be a further accefie of
Grace : Wealth goetfa to wealth,
even as ftones do to a ftone-heape,
already mounted. Wherefore,krus
every day draw one Line this way:
let us coune that an unprofitable
day, wherein wee have not fome-
thing laboured with our hearts
for the fuller apprehenfion of our
finncs dwelling in us ; that fopo-
vertie of fpirk may dwell moreand
more in us, wherein wee have not
fomewhat enfurced our hearts to
ftayt hem/elves on the Lord and his
precious promifes : wherein wee
have not called on our fouIcs,to put
themfdves forth in more thankfull
acknowledgement of that love,
faichfulnefle^&parience^which we
fee doe follow us day by day. Fi-
nally, wherein we gec not fome-
thing done, which maybc^sa go d
foundation, and further our recko-
ning, when we (hall be accountant
to God, We muft be ro mi re wea-
ricof this, than eanhly husbands
are of rduming tfuir .bufijefles.:
the\
172 l Tke more grace t9ehave y tbc^&c.
I
i
the fweetenefle and peace of thole
waies {hould afftd us. Looke as
men at firft, while poverty doth
pinch chcm,they feeke wealth with
much grkfe and anxiety: but when
once they ba*e gotten well about
them - then, fleftied with the fruit
oftheir former la bour,they make a
play oi following the Worlds to
the increafe oftheir fabftamce : for
ihey fteke not fo much out of indi-
gency, as out of complacency and
delight which they finde in their
poffeffions. Thus ^eeChriftianfr,
when once wee have attained fbme
fiift-fruitsthiswayjWcfhould with
delight follow on to perfe&ion.
A third praftice,by which worldly
wealth commeth in,!s a carefull re-
taining what is once gotten. Good
EenfSjWith little or no expencCjarc
the fureft Alcban^y that ever wa$
found out : whereas let incomings
bernever (b large, one back-dore
r
o: looked vnto, may bring the
> hole hi ufeto mine* Wherefore
wee mud sake. he*de oft all fich
things)
We mufi notUvifb out our Grace.
"73
things which wafte and excinguifli
Grace in a manner, giving place to
finne, (b as to yeeld to it, and lye
downe under it.Ocherwife.he that
ftumblts,and eomes not down^gets
ground : the trippings of Gods
children y in which they recover
therafelves , bring them on with
greater advantage. Againe, wee
rruft take heed of dead companies,
of formall performances, which are
aPealc to Bed-ward. Finally, of
running our felvcs into projefts of
worldly pompe and profits, which
are the common Choakc-weed of
Grace. Whofe heart (almoft)have
not thefe Thornes over-growne ?
Thus you fee how we may by the
Woi Id learne a way to thrive in the
beft Wealth. Now I come to the
Utter point of preparation,where*
by we may be able to Rand in the
houreof Tryall. In this 1 will be
(horcer,my Pe n being run fonh be*
yond my purpofe in the former.
The Io igcft dayes have night at
-length entring: yea, there is no
winde
174
P reparation for TrjAlsjhownectffary,
— — — — ~~— — — — »t— n 1- . ■> i
windc which may not blow raine,
if God be (b pleafcd. Eflates which
have thelongeft periods of profpe-
ritie, are ac length exercifed $ and
there is no condition fo fureand
peaceable, but may turne tempe-
ftuous on the (udden , (hould not
God be more gracious. Wherefore
let us be appointed and fitted for
every event. Preparing for warre,
maintainerh peace: wearing a wea-
pon , makes not us the (boner fee
on r nay,it prevents thisdangcr,and
makes us readie to defend our
felve$> when at any time vve are at
(ailed. Now this praftifc chkfely
ftandech in thefe three ihings.Firrt,
in getting a fpirituall fagc*citie,by
which our fogies doe difcern afore-
hand, what kiude of events ihey
may be fubjret unto, in this-va!e of
teare** Nacure by inflin&giveth
untort albnabk creatures j faculty,
which makcth themaforchan&ap-
prehe five of -hit which ?s ready I
toer iuf. The w fedome which is
from «Jteve,.imkexh. the Lards
children!
and in what tt confifis*
children (enliblc ia like kinde,thac
as lob) Co they in their greaccft
calme fore-fee how Gods hand may.
change for theexercifeof them.
1 he fecond pare of praftice (hn-
deth in this,in learning by due con-
fiderationSjhow warning we arein
wifaome, and weake inftrergth,
which maketh able to ftand wh*n
God trieth.The third thing is flying
to God by faith, and holding him,
as who hath beene, is, and muft be
forever of all our filvation, loo-
king :o Cbrift the author and fini-
fherof our faith, who hath recei-
ved th»s commandement of his Fa-
ther, thathtflruld not oncly call
us, « ni bring us into fta'6 of grace,
but alfo raik us up at th. lalt day,
who is thar greatGjd our Savioi.r,
that will kcepe his f om every
evill worke, to his heavenly king*
dome. Now, when wee thus hano
G >djgairilfalUvtnis,weartLi
* ftroog Tower, wherein the gates
of ficll (hillnoi be abL c<» hu/t u$ 7
aiuch kflc topjivuilc agan.ft us.
GvHl
J 75
i 7 6
Cbrijt §ur Rock*.
God doth let us co fchoole onto the
Conies, that of them wee might
learne the Leflbns : They are a
weake timorous creature ; yet be-
ing coifcious of their weakaefle,
they worke themfelvcs Holds in
the Earthward Burrowes, whereto
they may retire for ftielter; and
though they goe forth (bmetimes,
yet ever and anon they resume to
their fi»lds. Oh, fb muft wee, in
confeitnee of our weakenefle, by
faiih worke our felves into the
Rocke, Chrift Ieftis : and though
(bmetimes wee are abroad, as it
were, in many other matters, yet
wecmuft flill returne, and renew
our beleefe toward him.
22.
MY beloved Friend, and Cferi-
Itian Brother, I am glad to
hearc of your fafe returne. If my
Sonne g*>c on, fetiing his heart to
get Learning, I will fet my heart,
co procure him all due encourage-
ment in (o good a courfe. Con-
cerning^
-»•
11 » »- -» «
cernmg the change of youreftate,
icis v\irh our fbules as with our bo-
d?es 3 every Age hath ft vtrall Di£
cafes; and we fe,asourdifpofinons
and the feafons vary, (o th^reisa
fucceflion of divers ficknefcs ac-
cordingly. Our new birth being
conceived &bred in faith, perfeft-
ly formed in hoiinefie, we are ufu-
ally firft afliiled in that which is
firft in nature begotten in us : I
huveieldome rparked temptation
in both thefe kinds at once • God
fo mercifully difpofing, that two
Co great Sickntflfcs (hould not be
found coroplica te : For who could
ftand under them, combined ? A- 1
gaine,Cholercan hardly cauft any
hot kind officknefle^while there is
ftore of blood and watrifli humors
bridling of it: for thele are frtnam
bith: foourunholineflVjWhilewe
arc cxercifed with doubtings of
Gods Grace, cannot move; as
when all is quiet, this very trouble
caufing my Faith-cocfl ftj i x fit-
num concupifcewtU and doth perfe
inter-!
178 Tl he comfort and benefit of
interrupt the a&, though it can-
not expell the habic being con-
sidered by it fclfe. Wherefore
though you fhdc the winde gone
ioto another corner, your fpiritu-
all nakedneflc now moft to moleft
you : and chough you together ob-
serve, that you arc not Co apprc-
hen five of fo great an evill as you
ought, yet have you no caufe, bu:
to goe on peaceably, looking to
that Prince of peace,whowill give
thee peace of (an&ification in the
quiet fruit of righteoufhefle, as he
hath the peace of juftification,
which fometimes in fome degree
you wanted. For the firft,we muft
make account our exercifes will
run in a circle, the ending of one
will begin another, till God hath
by many things fufficientiy proved
us, that in our latter ends hee may
doe us good. Fi(her-men muft not
make dainty of cold water d nor
Chtiftians to meete with thefe ca-
fes, SecondIy,you muft marke how
gently God doth briog on your
triall
triall this way, making you rather
co difcover defcft and want of
righteoufhcffe, than tofeelethofc
lawcsof evilj,and movings of grie-
vous fins, the root whereof do?h
fticke in your nature. To want
health, and doeverynaruralla&ion
feebly ,is a griefe,but tofcele (harpe j
fitsoffome paiitull diftafe^is more
grievous, ThirdIy,(hould wee not
be trained thus by experience to fee
that we are as Tobu & Bobu^ a true
Spirituall Chaos of emptinefleand
deformity, we could not be poore J
in fpirir, follow Christ as 1
who is made of G o d our facfti-
fication, that is> our fanftifier : we
could not comfort others in this
ftate, nor taftc our owne happi-
reffe fweete in that degree,whero
in wee {hall doe after thefc things
experienced of us. Now though
you doe not fecle this myfterie,
and rake it to heart as you defire,
yet this doth but further open our
defeft, that wee may feeke an-
fwerably to be fupplied. We are
not
not more empty of grace, than by
nature careleffc to have any : wee
would let it lie as a refufe thing,
(hould not God infpire us with
new defires, to fceke after ir. A-
gaine, as a footfh carelefncffe, fo
a ipirituall fl 3th pofleflcth us, that
I caufcth us to be content a little
better with cafe, than plenty,
which commeth with any great
travell. But what of this? When
1 fee it, I tell it all to God, fui g
to him, chat the more I fee mifery
abounding, the more his mercy
may abound alfo. I looke to him,
who as he hath called me to fan&i-
fication with an operative calling,
Co he muft bring me to that happy
eftate,as who is Iehovab^my fcnai-
fii r. I learne in a word, this worke
will never goe forward,(houId not
God in mee, as he hath begun it, Co
go on in ic,fin&ifying me thorow-
ouc. Againe,though I love to fearch
unco the quicke, yet there is (bme
reafon, why hatred and griefe
(hould not fo move in this eftate,
as
"lis bard for w to btteourdefetts,
as when iiufull paflions come co
ftirrc in out members,aud Jeade us
captive. For,looke as nature, while
fuch matter doth but in ftire de-
gree caufe a C<3tkexie,zndm*ke
her w orkc feebly and imperft&ly
in all fhe wotketh • Nature, I fay,
is not Co fenfible here,nor duth not
btftirre her fclfir, as when fom^ a-
cute ficknefle doth heavily afflift :
(b it is tyen with grace in the foule;
i: cannot be in that meafureappre-
henfive in this ftate, wherein it ra-
ther £ dtth it felfe toLckefome
degrees of health it would have,
than to be infe&ed with intolera-
ble ficknefle. B Jt the truth is, let
Gone doe what it will, wee cannot
hate it of our ftlves : bur,as by na-
ture wee love our (elves ; fo^ that
finfiill image, which is by nature
propagated in us.S jme S jiiits have
found this; who having been mo-
Ieftcd many yeeres with fome cor-
ruptions,ncverthele(T- have found,
that at fome times they have not
, beene able to looke toward them
J with
i8 2
Enmity fofiHtte^riu'd from flmfi,
with difpleafure. I had thought,
never cockering mother could take
that at a chUdes hand, which wee
put up and (uffer from our Iufts :
but withall, I have learned to fee
that promife 3 and hold Chrift to
thatpurpofc; I will put enmitie
(faith God) betwecne thy feed and
the feed of the woman ; betwixt
Chrift, and that life of his in all his
member^ and the multitude of re*
probates , and that life of Saran,
(for finnc may be called his image)
which is notoncly in them who
are his feed, but in os alfo , till by
Chrift it be fubdued: fliauldnot
God blow up his grace fo farre^
we could not feele enmitie againft
i
this feed of fiane,which Satan hath
fowed in us. Wherefore be not
carefull in any thing 3 but that
there creepe not upon you a defp;-
fing of leflfcr things : for, if little
things be not dealt wich,God will
make greater looke in, which will
caufe us more exercife. Happie is
that man who doth deale with
things
Timely rtfijtdnce cffime^elpfnH. 1 83
> .« . « — — — — *^— ■^«— — « ... ^
things betirae, labouring to fecle
them grievous , looking to Chrift
his helperagainft them. That man
is a ftrange Chriftian,what-cver he
may thinke , though his ftrengch
may be affli&ed that bee cannot
feeleic great; yet vires afflift* and
vhes frofirata arc much different.
Againe, he (hall fape much dif.
eafemcntj by his timely refiftance.
Let any man of great ftrcngth have
fome fupeifluitie of matter tending
to ficknefle, he doth betime ex-
pell it by imperccivable fweates,
or other eafic wayes : Lefler
ftreogth letteth it lye, till it bee
ponderous, and of acrimonie, and
(bme way more grievoufly offen-
deth 3 and then it doth more paine-
fully upward and downe-ward
drive it forth.The weakeft ftrengch
of all, feelcs it fclfc opprcfled, and
till hoi pen by fome medicine,
cannot cxpell, and then doth ic )
pak;efqlly, and in part oaely : the
more ffrength , the fooncr is a
thing contrarie to nature expel-
led;
!•"
1 84 ( Tbankf*ln*Jfi creeps, wkere y &c 9
- III- ~ 1 I - II H II 1
led; the fooner, the lefle pain-
fully al *aics. Well, the Carrier
doth ftay for my Letter, I muft
be fhort.
Yours in brotherly ■'ffc&ion,
Paul Bync.
23. Hwtttoiy.
MY loving Friend, though 1
winter not faft by you, as
heretofore, yet I have you in re,
cnembrance; for,ea ten bread fhould
not be forgotten, I thinke my felfe
rruch indebted to you /or che love
I received from you • and though
I muft itill ride behirde, I meane,
come fhort, in regard of r quiwll,
yet I will n^t be wanting in thank-
full confeffing of kindoeffe /bre-
paflvd. It is with thankefulnefle
as with love, it will creepewhn
it cannot goe. 1 hope you neglcft
not your beft Merchandize, the
feeking chofe Pearles which Will
make your (bule rich before<3>d.
That Marchant,World- ward, is in
foall
Want of Grace the greatejt poverty. \ l8$
i - ■ ■■ * —
fm*li account:, who neither hath
ware nor rmney ; in like eftate are
Chriftians, who trading in the
militant Church, have no part nor
portion in the heavenly and true
treaftrc. It is a thing full of confu-
fion,and very unhappy to be with-
out earthly pofleffions. Hence it \% 9
that men in this taking, they hang
downc the head, when they have
no meanes whereby to coropafle
the earchly good which they defire,
whereis others who have them,
carry their nofes into the wind,
have all that heart can wifh, they
lofe no loigtng.Thus what (hail be
their confufion who arc not rich in
faith & if pentance,cheon;ycurrant
coyre which doth goe with God,
and fetch down what -ev r eaven-
ly bleffi g wee can defire. Where-
fore in lieu of all your love, let me
exhort you^firftjto labor more and
more for true grace. Secondly, to
ufe it and increafe it daily. Third-
ly ,to watch againft all furfi things,
whichmay (like a backe dore) im-
I paire
&is
iS6
Ttne Gr4ce 9 true Ricbe/.
1 payre and wafted it. For the firft •
'the wife Merchant doth feeke for'
good pearks, fuch as are right in
their kinde : an In&i an Diamond &
a Briftiw Scone lookealike,but dif-
fer rnnch in the Iudgmcnt of acun- 1
ning Lapidift ; No man can gather
a trcafure, vnleffe hee feleft that
Which is precious :a rnafle ofcoun-
ters are not to be counted a trca-i
fure.Seeke then that knowledge of
Chrift which maymake you put off
the old man j fo to know God as a
child knoweth his father, with an
affc&iue property which doth v-J
, nite the heart to him: fo to beleeue;
{ chat you may feeleyour heart pur-
ged through faith, fo to doe euery
Worke of righteoufneffe, that yea
nay feele your felfe enabled to it
through Chrift, and finde that your
foule dire&s it to Gods glory : for
as that mony onely is treafure*
which is of right Bullion , that is
goodMetall, and hath the Kings
infcripiion : So that worke one-
ly Will make a true Treafure
and
TbeJt$ckt*fGr*cemuftl>e 9 &c. \ 187
:
ind good foundation, Which pro
cecdethfrom Chrift, dwelling in
vs through fai t£, and is dire&ed to
GOD, by Which meanes it is
[lamped as ic were, with his Image.
For diefecond : As yoy muft get
thefe things (b you muft tradewich
rhera,feeke their increafe: he chat
husbands his ftocke* (hall haue
more. Men are long gatherers be-
fore they haue got them a treafure.
So Chriftians, though on the firft
beleeuing they rcceiue vnfearch*
able riches, yet there treafure is to
be confummate and pcrfe&ed from
day to day.Tbere is a double thirft
8c defire after wealth in the world;
the one commeth from indigency,
as a man in extreme drought Jon-
get h for drinke, and in extreme
want, for fbmething which might
helpehira. There is another de-
fire^ which commeth from com-
placency, from pleasure felt in
that wee haue obtained; thus a
man, when third is in fome de-
gree quenched % defireth to drinke
1 2 agaiae
1
i88
Labour f$r growth in <jr*ce.
I
gaine ; thus a poore man, having
n^w gorten fomc thing well abos 1
him, yet would faine have a mon
flufh, full eftatc : better is ftill bet-
ter : this defire then mutt be in al
Chriflian^: the goodnefle of the
things they have tafted,rauft affefl
them with a further defire of in-
creafing in them. I would have
you be as I have feene fbme good
husbands in dead time, when (ta-
rings faile, they count the day loft
in which they have had no takings.
Account that day as loft, wherein
you have not gotten feme more
fenft of fin,whercin your faith hath
not fomething more enforced it
fclfe to lay hold on God and his
precious promifcs, wherein fbme
good thing is not done, which may
ft and as a good foundation, where-
on the conscience may relye, as an
undoubted tcftimony of faving be-
liefe* Laftly, take heede of that
which may quench your affeftion
to God, as dead company , who can
never (peak, nor have the language
of
Tdk<s httdofvehat may impair grace.
i%9
i oi Canaan : inordinate and doable
diligence about earthly things.
More perifh with prepofterous fol-
lowing of la wfull things 3 than doe
by unlawfull courfes. Sofc fands
fwallow more fhips, than hard
rocks fplit aftnd :r. Licit u ftrimtu
omnes. Eating, drinkiag,building 5
matter of marriage^the world (ball
be drowned in thete, whenChrift
comes to jjdgemen:. Ufe all good
meanes doc wich-drawing your
felfe from them. Difafing meanes
quenchcthgtace^ as with-holding
faell queocheth fire. Weed out of
your heart all fucb things, as like a
choake-weede fpring up and fnao-
ther better devotions. Men grow
rich not onely by getting, but by
faying and holding together that
they have gotten. Great getcings
with little fpendings, is the raoft
approved Alchymie : {hould one
hive never fach takings, if one
(hould filch out N his gaine as it
came in, hee would not increafc
in fubftance. Thus Chriftians
I 3 mud
£0 A Letter ef cemfert agahft the
nauftlookethe Diucll robbethem
not by any meanes, of any grace
which they haue obtained, that fo
their fbnles may thriue in their
heavenly eftate. But my letter
fwelleth beyond my intendment,
and I cannot hold backc my pen
from affording you any thing,
whom I haue found Co forward in
fliewing rae kindneffe* j
24 I
Sifter M. my wife and I held
it mecte to figoifie both, onr
remembrance of you , whom your
token hath teftifiednot to bee vn-
mindfull of vs both, for when
my wife is thought on, I thinke
then I am not quite forgotten.
You will be defirous to know how
my wife and her place agreerh.
Concerning which lenforme you
thus much, that both ofv^inre*
gard of all circomftances^do think
o&r Hue? well fallen ; if we fhould
(peake otherwife, wee fhould not
Qn&ifiehim in our hearts ^ who
is mercifull to vs, Neuerthe-
left
fbrrtws that attend every condition.
e(Te,youmuft not tbinke chat we
aue fuch a condition, in which
no forrows in the flefh and other-
wife,arenotintermcddkd,weIiue
not in that earthly paradife, but
ourliuesarefb made comfortable
through Godsgrace,that we know
there remaincth yet a further reft
for his people : the which thera-
therl «iention 3 tbat you (hould not
thinkc rauch/if in your condition,
al thingsfuicenotwithyourdcfire,
b.caufe that this is no other thing,
thanwherwith your brethren and
lifters euery where conflict There
is a fweate of the brow on euery
calling, a wearifbm vanity on eue-
ry condition^only the grace ofi3od
in Ohrift doth difpence wif h much
which might iuftly befall vs and
doth ftrenthen vs to beare that
comfortably in time,which his fa-
therly witedome fha'.l not haue rc-
leafed. And becaufe I know not
in what argument to fpeakc more
for your comfort, I will pro fecute
in a few lines this argume ic
I4 Ic
1£I
. *!■ >
RPIfcj (jod makes carnatL
It pleafeth God to let us find fbme
conditions not fie f) well upon us
as heretofore they have done, ye^
the lame things waxe tedious,
which have beene .delight full, for
our love, our hatred, the orde-
ring of our affeftions, is not in our
power,butdorh vary according to
Gods pleafurc. Now when we ob-
fcrvc fuch things grow on u$j> wee
muftbethinkeus ofchecauk, for
that is the next way to difcerne
how our griefe muft be cured No^
thus it is with us, that the comfort
of our eft ate doth refulc more from
carnall cafement often, and con-
tentments in ir, than from the
grace of God in Chrift Iefus 3 {hed
into the heart by meanes of it.
Now God feeing this, doth fo
work,that things pleafant in them-
felves become diftaftefoll to us, to
the end that wee might feeke more
vnto him, and take up all our con-
tentment in him, that thus^hee our
Creator & Redeem er,might be the
reft of our hearts, not the creature.
Our
contentments difttfiefnlltQ us.
111
Our hearts arc full of fecret Idola- 1
try above meafure : Now then,
when God doth unfettle our hearts
from a contentment, which is car-
nal], hee doth it but to leade us to
reach our content ation by true god-
linefle. What a fweet life is it^ that
when a man is not troubled with
defires of this World, with griefe*,
or deluded with the joyes of ir 5
which are like the crackling of
thornes under a pot,as foone quen-
ched as kindled ? Bu t if wegrow to
defire things heavenly, to fteke
diligently the things which are a-
bove, this defire will take off the
edge of other that are worldly. If
wee learne to rejoyce in Chrilt Jo
fuSj it will kill his falft joy,the end
whereof is heavinefle. If we grieve
for our finsaccording to thatfPeep*
f*r y tut fimef, yt daughter ef It*
rufaUmlt will drownc earthly for-
rowcSjthit they (ball be as nothing
with us. Grow up in chef- things >
and I may truely fay, you (hall
have a kingdeme in your felfe.
u i
1 94
I A ktur concerning the comunicants.
\ I am bold vponfo fro j11 acquain-
tance^© exhort you in thefe things
a duty which wee arc bound to as
Chriftians, where occafion doth
require it. I might write further to
youtbut I rather flint my fclfe than
roue vnccrtaindy. If J could know
how to performe anc ffice ofChri*
ftun louetoyou,Iwould ftudy rhe
cafe but it fhouldbee performed.
My wife doth remember herfelfe
vito you. Your friendes are well
with vs. Thus in hafle I take my
Icauc, wjfhing that the peace of
God which p-fltth rnderttaiiding
may keepe your heart vmo the end
and in the end*
L Eft your halting fhouldrurne
forth hurtfully to you and
otheis, I write more fpedily.
Youasketwoqaefti)ns; The fir ft
about the communicants duties;
the fecoad about kneeling. The
firft, whether you may receiuc
with one who for want of skill,
0*1
' ' m w iki i i
■ ■ 1 m w i-
Duties txurnall and kfltUtng.
*95
or will, is no preaching Miirfter.
To which I a-nfwer in c wo confi-
derations ; firft, if he bee able to
preach but will not, ic is no qucfti*
on :fordefe& in qualification, not
inexcrcifc, breedeth doubc of
mens calling and authority. A.
gaine, the extrciie of preaching
is not neceffary in the Miniftcrto
the being of a Sacrament, but re-
quifite only to the well-bebg and
greater fruit of it. If tht Minifter
be not able to preach,the doubt is
much augmented ;ibr God,icfee-
methjdothdifinabkhim, heethat
carethnotfor knowing, God re-
ic&etbhiraas noPruft, Hof4 3.
Secondly, All Chrifts MfaiiAers
muft teach and baptize, &c. Mat.
28 Thirdly,it !$ counted Ieroboamt
fi re co fet up vileinfofficienr one%
iKing 15. 33. Fourthly, Tnty
are commended that fold th< ir in-
heritance $, and left fuch Priefts.
Fifrly, They have no calling from
God, and therefore are not author
ri it dwuhhuly thiegs.
Anfvt.
\
*^***
I
1
A*fe>. Motwithftanding thefe
ard kch like, this Idcubc not is
the truth ot God: Firft d that the
Sacramentall a&ions of ungifted
Minifters arc effeftuall to fuch as
faithfully receive them. Secondly,
that we may fecke and receive the
Sacrament at their hands. Thefe
two conclufionsmuft be proved,
and the contrary arguments fuif-
fied : and Co the fecond queftion in
his order reiblved. That thefe ani-
ons are authentic*!! when perfor-
med^ is thus confirmed $ Firft, Au-
gufiim proveth that Herecickes fa-
craments (in his Booke dt B*p.
lib.t.cap. iojareeffcftaalljwhere
we may rcafon as to the k(fer,thac
unlearned mens aftions have vali-
dity. Secondly, weefhouldallin
companion call in quellioi our
Chriftendomes, which is abfardity.
Thirdly, as the deed of one in Ma-
giftratv, (b the deed ofone/» Mi-
nifterio; though hee be not Vfqnc-
qua que legitimes Minifier 3 is au-»
tbcnticail, hath his validities The
ficood
and we me may communicator c. 1 97
fecond conclulnnis morecontro-
verfall $ for wee allow the Papifts
Baptifme when adminirtred, yet
will not allow the feeing ofit:ne-
verthekfle this is true, that people
may fecke and take facramencaU
aftions from unlearned men ; the
reafonis, becaufe we have right to
aske them, and {hey not without
the calling of God, have authority
to difpenie them. The firft you
doubt not, the fecond you would
fee confirmed, for it is thought
they are oncly mans Mintfters.
An\x9. They are called by men,
bat not without the over-ruling
ftroke of God in this which is done
by man. Thus Saul and hrobotm
thefirft, were called by men: Sj
that Godfaith,Ha/;8.3. Thejft »p
Kings^and made n t him ofconnfeU ;
yet Gud faith againe, in the 13. of
I Hof.lL Htgwethtrnthtfe Kings
in hi* wratb^ndtookl them <tn>aj tn
i?}d>gnjtion.htfine,vjhcn God tel-
leth u%frr- $.ReJ;ent 3 I nil! give joh
Pafior r afttr r*J m*c heart. He doth
feemc
1^8 Wt m*y communicate with nn gifted
■»■•«,
feeme to infinuatc chac hce had gi-
ven them the other, though in dif-
pleasure : for though the men arc
not (ucb in whom he is pleafed,y et
they are here and there placed^ ac-
cording to his pleafare. You will
lay, what, are they giucn in ven-
geance^ how can we iookc for any
good from them?
Anfw So in iudgement,tbat yet
God remembicth mercy for his,
which he wil reach forth Ly them.
So tyrants are Gods fcourges, yet
God rfghteth fome by their regi-
ment : for Tyranny is better than
Anarchic. Suppofe then: The Lord
Chauncelloor of Englanci^he matt
be for his qualification a man well
feen in the Lawcs, able to (cntence
whatfbevercaufes are brought in-
to Chancery : he nraft againe feale
all matters^fbr hekeepeth the Sig-
net. Say fecondly, the Kingfliould
fet or let one occupie the place
that knew not tbeLaw,who would
paff?" the Seale likewi(e here or
thi a Idle warrantabiy:wouldyou
now,
Miniftmjtt not with Papijlt.
*99
..*•■
now in thethitd place having the
grant of any thing from his High~
neffe, refafrto Ice him put to the
Kings fealc, becaufe he w s igno-
rant^ would give the (ealc furae-
times when his Maiefty would
have it denyed ? Like is your cafe.
But why may not we feck* dwel-
ling arnongft Papifts, to have our
children baptized with them ?
An[w .Becaufe they are not one-
ly ignorant, but mainraine reall I-
dohtry,likc the Calves of Dan and
Bethel, from which wee have com-
iB<ndcment to fcparate. Conclude
then,* hat you may come and fcekc
the Sacrament at the hand of an
unlearned Mmifter, Take heed
o r (ucbfuggcftion*by which the
counterfeit angels of light would
fi bven Church s, and fling whole
Pari(hes out ac the windowes.
Now to rcfclve your cbie&ion.
Thofc whorp God threatoeth to
cafhier, their aftions which they
pcrfonne,may not be fought for :
the progofuion is fullc ; for bis
threat-
*sss9*
200 Wctnay receive of ungtfud Minifters,
threatning is not a prefent degra-
ding, dif-inabliDg rhem in that
they could doe 3 but a menace of fu-
ture evill in Gods time, for chat
they ought to have done 5 but could
not. To Jeroboams fa£k. Thofe
who ate by the fin of men entred,
their aftioos may not be taken be-
nefit of.
i/info. Falfe againe.The Kings
of 7/r4e/ thus entred, yet one might
holily have taken the benefit of ju-
ftice under them. Hee that fhould
be never fo did*£licall, yet if he be
not according to S c , Pauls Canon^
heentreth by fin : but would you
makequeftionto hearehim, once
in office, being well gifced 1 To the
third, All Chrifts Minifters muft
teach, and therefore whom hee
fends he enables thereunto.
Anfw. Falfc •IbJeffe undcrftcod
with limitation, all fent ofChrift
according to his heart, out of fa-
vour, fully qualified, or wee mutt
take teaching in a very large ftnft.
To the 4. Wee may not Separate
from 1
K*eeli*g UvpfnUin the aU ofo&c.
from every unlearned man when he
is no reall Idolater. To the fife is
anfwered above. Thefecondisof
ltffe moment, I will not difpure ic :
onelythis. When there is no ap-
parent fcandallj you may kneele :
Latent things which cannot with
morall certainty be prefumed,muft
not hinder us. My rcafon 5 Firft, ic
is a geftare fanft ificd of God, to be
ufed in his fervicc. Secondly, ic is
notunbefeeming a Feaftcr, when
our joymuft be mingled with re-
verent trembling. Thirdly, it nei-
ther is an occafion, nor by partici-
pation Idolatry : kneeling never
bred bread-worflhip. And our Do-
ctrine of the Sacraraenr, knowDe
to all the world, doth free ns from
fu/pition of adoration in it. Attend
ycurminiftefy, and hold the Lord
Jefus to fan&ifie you daily. Let no-
thing weaken you in your worke^
the beginning whereof was fo joy-
full to you. I doubt not but thefe
are the truth; if I knewtwenth
fcruples I could not anfwer, yet
would
201
would I be of this iudgmenr. I
like not forgery which vpon every
want dHraerobreth andcurteth off;
n&r iuch meddling in crazie bodies
which doth vtterly ouerwhrlme
them-holy quiet willheale morein
thefe cafes chan renfurous motion. }
Farewell
SYR, I cannot but be ready vp-
on all occafions to faluteyou,
whom God hath by fo many good
offices indeared to me. My defire
to God i$,that your (bule may pro
fper 5 that yoa may be kept in thele
euill times, wherein darknefle and
lofts of ignorance abound, likeco
the Lampe which (hined in the
fmoaky furnace,Iike to the bright
ftarre which fhiued in the midft
of darkenes.Now that we may doe
this, we mufteuer renew our care
of keeping our felties vnfpotted
from the wicked and powerleflc
conuer facion of others Like as an
enill ayre by little and little alters
i the nature and temperature of bo-
1 dy
Ukcftarrcs in&arkgeffc.
70}
dy, and breedes a difea ie : fe the
corrupt fafhion ofcucry age doth
rub vpon us its infection, abating
the beat, and eclipfiog the light:
of grace in vsjif we be not more
caucelous,and in an holy fufpicion
of our infirmities, hang on him
who keepeth his from all euils.
TbeLordgiuevs that loue which
may make vs more fiudiousofhis
glory,the more we fee ir obfeured
by others.Thatis a right fparke of
hcauenly grace, which by occaGon
offinoef likcasit wasin r Z>4*#^and
hremit) groweth to be more fer-
uent and zealious for Gods honor.
Second Iy,to(keepe our del ighc) we
muft frequent communion wi'h
the children of light.Awtfake light
ioyning with another, becommeth
fttongerrfb our grace, while ic affo-
ciacethitftlfewiththe grace in o-
thcrs, taketh ircreafe. Like as a
plane which is fee in a kindly foile
profpereth for that reafon : fo a
Chriftian thugrowtth vp among
them whoaretruely Chriftian in
chat!
/"
204 Cotnunion wttb the Sams hclpfnU.
.- u
thatregard,proves the holier man.
It is admirable how fb great and
caliamana$S c # Pii«/j fliould finde
and feel^'f ) great neceflky of com-
munion wth the Saints, but chat |
thegreactft faith is motto ppofice
ro prefumption, and therefore the
iurtheft off from neglefting any
oicanes which conduce to that it
hath believed. I am fure ic may
teach us that we had neede to light
our candle,and kind le our fire with
our neigbours, even to increafe
our faicb,and fire our affeft ions one
with the pretence of another. Now
(till it is to be remembred, that it
is not (6 much your bodily pre-
fence, as your fpiritual! ufe one of
another rfiat is availeable this way;
when wee (hew what God hath
done for us,how our foules are car-
ried on, when with the bucket of
wifedomej wee can draw forth to
our ufe the waters of Gnfce, which
God hath derived from himfelfc
into the hearts of our brethren.
That is good Communion, where-
in
Extrcifc of grace, humifies the Jhu[e>
ia is found fbroc interchangeable
communication of thing* fpiritu-
all. Thirdly, to keepe our bright-
nefle, we muftexercifr our graces.
A? the body takcth more reftiog
than ftirring 5 flceping than waking;
as glittering msttalls lo(e their
b ightneffe, and contraft ruftineflc
whea they are not ufed r fb it is
with our fbules ; let exercife be
oeglefted, their light will be dim-
med, they will foone grow to
fome imbecillitie and fickenefle.
Every day draw fome line this
way, let us awaken our repen-
tance, ftirre up our faith, to carry
fome promife into the fceret of
our hearts.
If wee be like the btlfie Ant, dai-
ly doing (although but a little at
I onct) wee (hall finde (lore to our
comfort, when the winter of ten-
tation (hall approach. This excrci-
fing is fr 5 which will prefcrveus
with wholefome appetite, and
hunger after all good meanes
I whereby our foulesarecberiftied.
Thefe
205
1
2 o 6 \ Exercife of Grace very fYofttabU.
■i
Thefe labouring men are as
f iimd as a Roche, hungry as hnn-
ters,whcreas (cdentary Hues are of
(mall appet i te,and crazie conft icu-
tion. Thus ic is with Chriftians
fuch who exercife noc themfelues ,
ftirring vp the diuine heate^they
are indefferent men whether they
partake in helps both publike
and priuate, which God hath or-
dained to increafedeuotion;but the
well excrcifed Chriftiaa hath o-
ther affections.
Thus much I thought good to
write , exhorting you in theie
things, which I doubt not but you
endevour in your mcafure. I thank
you for all the p o ore you baue rc-
licued at my motion. I commend
my felk to the good Gentlewoman
yoar Wife,and both of you, with
allyours,tothe Lord,
26
MYloningfriendjIwas at the
fitft ofcen perfwaded, that
God would for a time fet me out of
hand, and t ruft me with my accu-
ftomed
How vn m*y have pedcc in winkle.
207
ftomed liberty ,buc often defeature
which myhope fuffred,did coneft
in time that lightnefle of beliefe.
Now it fo gocchwith me, thatl
am like to continue here, or not far
off all this fummer,f or forae things
have broken forth in rnce, which
will not /offer my farre travaile :
which I muft feeke hclpe for be-
time , becaule I know my flefh to
bee hard of healing. What eafe
fbould I have, had I learned the
true ftrokcin bearing the yoake of
my God, had I wifflome to lay
circun fhnces to heart, had I po-
verty of fpirir,emptying mce of all
confidence in my felfe, & common
courfes, had I confident depen-
daoce onGod my foleSaviour,then
(honld I havehad peace in the mid ft
of troubles, and light in darkenes.
But I fiadc folly to abound in me,
fecret pride, hardnefTe of heart, a
fpiritualldrunkenncflfc, which fce-
lcth no blowes, flying, falfe confi-
dence?; what not of this nature?
I traiic my weapons about them,
as
8 I Tbefoftlemftfl be brought low.
as the walls of hell, expe&ingirJI
lilence, and reit their downe- fall
from heaven.
I looke for better times though
greater troubles in the flefli, thanj
hitherto I have knowne : I fee it
mu^ be in.heali ^g finne, which fal-
lech out in healing Come bodily difc
eafes, the party muft be kept Co
low, that he muft be tatttkm non
confctlufinedia^bzCoiszfpnng of
better blood can be procured. In
labouring to purge out fin., the life
of grace muftfuffer fuch things as
bring it exceeding low, yea, to a
Vdiquium ofcen^ before a new
fpring of that heavenly life can be
obtained. I thanke God in Chrift,
fuftentation Ihave^and fbme little
ftrength, fuavides fpiricuall I cafte
not any. But inded I often tell my
felfe, Phyfick purgative and rcftau-
rati veare not to be taken at one and
the fame time, yea, it were to wi(h
(offering without differing, if wee
would Co admit forrowes • as that
wee woald together feele them
) drow-
and then God will fir engthcx it.
, uf ■!— ■ * ~ — — ^— ~~*
drowned of lpiricuall coniblatioo.
The divinity refted ere the bead
fuffercd : Co in the members. The
Lord be our ftrengch and comfort.
If wee want courage and ftr&igth,
weemuft looke to him, to whom
whofb lx)keth,rer.ewe!h ftrengch.
Who ftrengehenetfa his, (b that
they can doe every thing, who
ftrengthenech them in the inner
man, to long fufferance wi:h joy-
fulntffe. O lee us in conference of
all weaknefle clalpe the rocke of
Hrael, and leame of thofc Conies,
w^ake and wife, who worke them-
felves holds wichin the earth,
wherein they are fife. When the
Apoftles had received this (pint of !
flrengtb, they nude a play of their
fufkcings.Even as in bodily'things
thefe ftrong-boaed hardy porters,
will make a fporc of bearing fach
burdens, which a weake body
would tremble to touchy Now
Chrift 3 on whom the fpirlt ofwifc-
dome and ftreogth rcfteth^increaft j
onrunioa and comunion with him.
K bo<*{
209
\
A
2IO
Wee PiMjtfcekg after the kjngdome of
\
*7<
HO w happy Sir, arc the Lords
children , who if they be
occe his Favorites, hee will love
them to the end, and chough for
their finne he chaften them, yec
will hee never remove his mercy
from them. What is their happi-
nefle vvho have received a King-
dome that cannot be fhaken? When
I obferve how thefe earthly thirgs
vvheele abour,thcn mcthinke3 how
happy that n?an i?,whofe hearc and
hope is in that God with whom
there is no fhadow of change :
wherfore let «e flir yon up to feek
after the Kingdome of God more
and more* Heire*, the necrcr they
come to ripe age, and fo to their
inhcritance^the more their longing
and defire is after them. And fire,
they fay the neerericcotrmcth to
that regie n which is the proper
place of ir, the fafter it moveth :
fo (hould it be with'u*, whofe
age
Goimorcatdmore, andkow*
211
age is now ripe, (o that wee arc I
neerer our falvation, than when '
we firft beleeved : Co (hould it be
wicb our (parke of Grace, which
God-hath kindled in us, the ncerer
it comes co heaven, it fhould move
thitherward with great fervency,
yea, in our greateft delights, our
hearts (hould be excited towards
thofe joyes which there we (hall
enjoy : when our prifbn hath (uch
content as wee ofcen take, what
(hall wee fi ide prepared in our Pa-
radife, where we mall live for ever
with Chrift that true tree of lift !
Now, the labour of a Ghriftian
ftandeth chiefely in theft things.
Firft, hee mutt lay up thofe free
promifes God hath made hi© in
Chrift, as which are the ground of
his Title to heaven, that as men
carefully boxc up evidences, and
coppies by which they can (hew
their juft Title to the thing earth-
ly, fb (hould we theft promifes in
our heart, by which the hea«
venly inheritance is ftaled to ns.
K 2 Second-
mm
212 i We way ^and ought tofecure ourjdvts
j Secondly, we muft ftrive to enter
jour poflkflion, by condoling a
courfeof Chriftianvertues, J >y n-
ing with faich vercue., with ic
knowlcdgejtemperance,&c.while
wee get a large entrance into that
heavenly kingdome,, 2 Pet. 1. 10.
That looke as Iftael, the more
they did fubdue the C^naanitu ^thc
furcher they were poflcflcd of C*-
**«*^ fo the more we briDg under
all earthy lufts, the more we enter
that: heavenly Cawa??, the more
wee come into trae reft^begunne in
hoIijnefTe, confiimmate in glory*
Thirdly, v/ee muft labour to ft-
cure our felves in this fhtc wee
poflefic. God would not make us
happy* if wee might not be ftre
flill to hold it, which though in
earthly things we cannot, for they
be tranfitory, and if they would a-
bide^ wee want lealesof our lives
to abide with rhem, yet vvee may.
in heavenly thing?, bccaisic they
are eternaU, (hall not fade, and
Chrift hath undertaken to fceepe
us
f — nans.
of the ktngdome of Heaven.
, — . , — .
us unto them. This is my Fathers
will, that I (hould raifeyou up at
the laft day. So certainly therefore
as hee hath called us, juftified us,
and fanftified us ; fo certainly will
he^ doe this other part of his of.
ficc afligned him by God hi? Fa- J
i ther, yc3, Gcd will kec'pe us to his
: heavenly kingdome, as hec fauh^
; and none thall take us out of our
1 Fathers hands, he is ftrongrr than
j all, faith in thefe will fue ou-t a
ine, as ic were, and give us quiet 1
| pofleflbn againft all chat can op-
pofe u?.
Well, the Lord be with your
fplrits,and give you h your mca-
fore the comfort of theft points.
18.
LOvlng Brother, I did receive
your Letter which doth certi-
fic me of matters, in which 1 take
good contentment. To beginn-
with the laft; I am glad you have
done fo kinde an office to your
K- S-fter; 1
3*3
214
Again ft overmueb tvorldlj care.
Sifter; it (hall furcheryour ovvne
reckonings when yon cDme robe
accountant to God. I am glad like-
wife, chat you know yourlfrcall
griefc (o well,and can lay your fin-
ger where it (marts ; and I am joy*
ed in your refo'ution which God
giveth you of fluki og off this
which prtffeth yon downe. I
thought co have had a letter lay-
ing your rcturne next Terme, buc
delay brcedcth danger, and vacati-
on time is more free for thoughts,
chan when every rams cafe craveth
entrance : and in thefe contenti-
ons my fecond thought biddech
race write prefently, though Ie(J^
exi&ly and fully. Your rcfolut:-
on is a good figne that God, who
hath freed your mi ode to a fettled
purpofe againft it, will give you
ic\ time performance alfb. Bjtyou
mufttake heed that your refolutr-
on be fuch as is gromvled oncly in
Gods ftrengch, who in his Orift
nuft diffolve this Worke of the
Divell, and it raid bz accompa-
nied
f
Ktfolntion again ft worldly cars
215
nied with the conference of your
owne wcakneflT*, who are (bid un-
der (uch finne ; the wifdome of I
whole foule, by nature brcom-
ratth altogether earthly; andlaft-
Iy, with consideration, what
ftreng'h the earthly objrfts and
your propenfity and inclination
this way have to oppofe you : for
thefe will make you poore in
fpiric, and have no confidence in
yourfclfe^ but make Chrift your
C jptaine (who hach overcome the
World) all your hope • and if wee
come not thu 5 to fight, we fn ill be
forced to recoile onrfoor^ were
our qjarrdl as jjft as Ifiaelj a-
gain't thofe of Ben j will. Now that
you may fee how llrong m evill
this i?, you mull confider with
whit forces it is intrenched, what
fpiriruall things there be that doe
bicke this infirmity ; the which is
the rather to be obferved, becahfe
the rlgbt methoJ of healing,requi~
reththat we find outthecaufesof
the malady. Now this double dili-
K_4 gent j ^
- x^A* fa / . ^* - ■■
21(5
*
0#f&* fa begreunded.
gene carefulneflfe, fpringeth from a
threefold head : firftfrorodiflruft
in Gods care,which is ever over us
for good. When one hath greru*
friends, which cheyarekoowneto
leancco, we (ay of cheri^ Such neqd
co take no caic, they know fuch
and fiich williee to them ; on the
contrary, come toonethatkiow*
eth no end of coiling and caring,
aske him, Why will you thus tire
your felfe out ? H : will fay ,1 malt
needs doe it, I have none but rny
felfe tocruft co : fo CWft folio w-
ech his Dilciples cirefulacfle to
this dore» their unbsiiefo, which
did not lee them confiJer our hea-
1 venly Father cared for them. Se-
condly, theft cares cone from a
falfe preemption of ftlfe-fuffi;ien-
cy in our ownc courts, as if wee
by our owne diligence could build
the houfe : For, were a mm per-
fwaded that the bleflhg of G jd
were all in all, h^e would ply chit
fare firft,and with little joy would ■
undertake anychhg; till heeftw I
God
— ^m^S^m^* •f ^ ' -x. ^ i
Ctufes of overmuch worldly care . 217
God witneifiog to him by his Spi-
rit, that -he would bewichhimto
bkffehim. This make thChrift cell
his Difciples,they could not with
all care make a haire white or
blackc ; infinuacing this difeafe I
point ar. I know we will not fay
this; but no more will any cove-
tous man , chat hee makech his mo-
ney his God; hee knoweth it is
earth, and hee accounts of it as it
is : but oar deeds fpeakethat of-
ten, which our tongues would de-
ny* Thirdly, from an overvaluing
of earthly things, and underpri-
fiog of heavenly, we come to be fo
carcfull in the one, and fo rctch-
leflliy affc&ed in theother,wc b«-
ing like children who make ac-
count of a Pearc or an Apple more
than of all thehoufebcfile. Nbw
having fouad the caufes and rcotes
of this tvill, you may difcerne it is
as cafie alcucft to (hake off your
ulic, as to be rid of this infirmity :
which I if sake n©: to mike you
refiitiKunicfl/, but to nuke you
K <; take
j
-*~m-
2l8
ii
Remedies thereof.
take him with you, who only re-
maineth viftorious. In the next
place, you tnuft labour to remove
theft caufeSj aad the effeft will
ceafe; Say to your felfe, Lord,that
I {hould be of fo little faith to thee;
thou biddeft mee in nothing be
careful!, but reft in thee ; but I find
a heart chat will not reft in thee,
but be for it felfe.H ive I not found
thee true and mercifull above all
I could aske orthfoke> How is it
then chat I ftiould lend thee lb little
credit? Who will not condemne
that wretched -Abaz* Ef&y 7, whc<*
thou didft fcrid him a meffige, and
' bid him be fecure in chee$ put it
backe, hee would make fere for
himfelfc? But alas, ? when thou
fiyeft no lefle to u% we (upon the
matter) doe aa leffe than hee. A-
gaiae D wha: abomination isthis>
that my heart fhouldj »aving thee,
reft in fuch courfes Which icfelfe
imigtaethanddevifech? I fee the
Divell his word is proved toorrnej
1 hec faidp wee (hould be like Gods 5
which
Con federations dtjwafive from
.which as it h fclfein rcipe&ofdi-
v'nc qualities refembling our God,
Co is ic true in regard of our finfu, T l
ufurpacion : for we take our owns
courfe as if wee were All-fuffi:ienc
to our ftlve?, not needing any
higher power : and what an inor-
dinacy is this,that my foulefhould
be thus turned earth ward,thinking
on tfufe things which are earthly
and tranficory, with litde thought
of thole which arc*heavcnJy and
eternall > we piccy that want of wit
in civill courfe, which raaketh the
mindcrunnc on babies, but never
thinkeon ought fubftantiall : bat
what is this dcK &kffe lamentable,
which makcth me to ffc in my mi id
things belonging to this life, f:l-
dome mufing on thofc which arc
everlafting? Thus when you hsve
pondred the wrctchedncflc of ir,
youmuft thtnke on your utter in-
ability to mend the matter, by ob-
ierving how deepe your heart is
;ic in unbeliefe, chat you can
tooQcr cruft to any thing man fe*
enreth
21
' I
220
overmuch wotUj carf A
_.
_•!■
curcth you in, than that God pco-
mifeth. Againe, hownaturallitis
to you to plot and contf i vc affaires,
and reft in your ownc confutati-
ons, as if your good were in your
owne hand- by marking, finally,
how dcepely you arc bewitched
with theie things pre(ent 3 how po-
tently they work upon your mind,
.by reafen of the affinity that is be-
twixt them and your underftan-
ding, being become earthly. In
the third place, you rnuft looke to
Ghrift toheIpeyourunbelicfc,by
taking it away, and (lengthening
your Taith, that you may give him
glory 5 by fettingyour reft orely
downe on this, that hee careth for
you ; and pray him to circumcife
your hearr, and pare away that
Sclfe-confidence, that you may j
have no traft h the fLfh #t but make.
his care over you, all your rejoy-
cing; yea, pray him tocrucifieall
theie outward things to yoo, that j
chey may not be Co powerful! upen t
you* laihefe things you muftfok j
low !
»"■" !» W » ■ II
' «" i f >»«PW»W»P
__ II IIW I ■ • - - I -■ I ■ !■ I I ■ 1 ■ '
Chrift- the Author &finifber rf*&c.
!» — ■ ^ — — — * ii 1 ' «-^
low Chrift, for hee is the Author (
and fhifher of ouriaich ; he is che
true Pi'uft by whom wc have cit-
curacifion, not made with hands,
which hee hath ieaied in ourBip-
tifme; for the water is afeale of
Chrifis blood applyed Co us, and
ot that Spiric of his, which is
pcured into our hearts, through
the meric of his bloudf, to the in-
tent ic m<ght abolifb our corrupti-
on,and create in us the life of grace.
Chrift crucified, finally, dothk'.ll
the power of this world to us, and
©ur corrupt inclination to ic, and
ihe things of ic: thusendcvourl g
to remove the roote and caufe of
your fickneflc, the griefc it felfe
will n ore eafily be cured. To
come then in a word to ic,fir(t, re-
member how ic doth worke upon
you, and what a wofull thing ii 19
to have the minde iaoruinatcly
feared, with retaining thought of I
this nature ; for firft, how greatly
oe thefe hinder you in th« belt j
things? Ic is che common choake-
weede.
53
22 2 Tht da get ofwirmnh vpottdly can.
weede, which like as pie doth by
the oake, (6 it fockech thefapof
Grace from the heart, andmaketh
it unfruitful!. Aground in which
filver Mines are fonnd,i$ common-
ly barren every other way ; but it
is ccrtaine* a heart in which veincs
r unne of world ly cares, is al waies
too fruitlefle in duties towards
Gcd. Againej bow dangerous is
this? For it is to be feared left r t
erufperatc God, and fomakehim
leave you to your felfe, and with-
draw his care over you : if we di£
cerne fuch as will put no truft in
us ; but love to (land upon their
o wne ground, we give them good
leave: a$contrarily,thc more wee
fee our (elves trufted to, the more
our fidelity is careful! for them
that ftay upon us; thus is it with
our heavely Father. Againe,you
muft aggravate this inordinacy of
cares in your folk, from this eir-
. cumftatiee; if I were never fo
needy, thii diftrafling care could
aotbe warranted; but when God
hach
Uifepffiver againfl worldly care* 223
'Such blefled mje beyond that (
could have asked^ then ftill to be
in farther thought^ h^w inexcu-
fable is ic > If a poore man fteale,
icisafharae; but for a rich man co
play the thiefe, ic is monftrous :
Cares diftrafting, and not retting
on things prefenc, are a fpirituall
theft before God. A?aine. chinke
how mKerable this is : fay one
(houldthruftyour face and bodily
fight into the dirt, and hold ic
downe there char you cojIJ no:
lookeuptotheSunne,Fifmiraenr 3
the Trees and Fiel &, & c. were not
this a wofull condition? O fach is
the ftare of a fettle, whole eye and
thought is thruft do *ne intothefe
earthly objc&s, and fe held in
them 3 that it cannot lookeupto
confider the Sunne of righteouf-
nefle IefusChriftj nor the heavenly
things which arc given us of God :
thus then appreheding the mtftry
of it, lookeantoChrift, pray him
cofaveyou, who is that Ie&s that
fayeth his people from guile and
power
'
224
Tray to Cbrijitgainjiit.
»■% m ■ ■ — i»
!
power of fin -from this fin lb hurt-
ful to the prefcnt growth in Grace,
fo dangerous to provoke yoar God
againft yon^foill befecming you to
whom God hath expreffed fuch
bounty, fo full of wvetchedneiTe.
Remember he hach faid, Hold m^
the truthjlwillfet you free; feare
not 3 1 have ovtr-come the world.
Agiine, you muft pray him that he
would make ycu able to be hea-
venly mindcd 3 and think upon hea-
venly things. True it is, our minds
naturally have no joy this way 3 fiad
no rclifli in fuch thoughts ; but we
(hall doe all things inChrift that
ftrengtheneth us : Contraries muft
be cured with con r rarics,the more
you get to tafte heavenly things
beftovved on you, the more thefe
fliall grow out of requeft, and
draw to an end. It will be good
for you when fuch thoughts feize
on you, to confider of your owne
infirmity after this manner- O
Lofd,how is my mindc throwne
downc from Heaven to Eatih ?
Hrnv
^erfwafive Meditations*
225
How doc fuch thoughts prevent
' m:,and come before I would have
them?How eafily do f continue in
I thera t How clofe doe they cleave
unto me? Let meethinkeof thee/
thy Grace, my ftue after death ;
and hardly willchefe enter : foorjc
they vanifh.aad while I have them
in my thought, (carce halfe of me
is 11 th?m. L )rdj, ins chinVes I
am like the wretched worni 1 in
ths Gofpelij whj was held of a
Tpiric eighceene yeere3, thit(h:e
coulinocIjjksuptoheiven.YoJ I
(hill fi 1 Ji fuch msdicatio 1 not in
vaine, when yoa are realy cob: ]
tranfported, for ic will cveaksn th:
retime of then, and difpofe yju
b >ch to feeke and receive th: cure
of this evill fron yoar Gji aad
Siviour. Tne PnyScians in hx\*
kinie of unfeemjly onvaiiiDis,
Wi(hch it th j Patient (hxildbo'ce
,onhimfeIfeinagla(Tc, which will
help him to drive the more, when
he flnll fee his ownc defotmUy :
ba: I fee my L:ccer will grow
be-
226
■-
to heavenly mindedmjfc.
;
beyond the due quantity of it;
wherefore I end, defiring you to
follow your good purpofe, and
not to lye under your infirmity
with any pretence. Wee fbme-
times give way to inordinate
cares, not meaning to continue
them, but to fittfe things onely in
order, that wee may be free from
thero : but the flefh will not hea'e
flefb, neither will being a while
diflraftingly careful), ever heale
diftra&ingcare; you (hall quench
the fire with wood,affbone as^fione
with yeelding to it. Againe X will
doc this bat till, &£ This is as
much as if one would leape into
the Thames, and fjy, I w^ll caft
my (clfeinto the water, but only
till I be knee dcepe ; were not
this ridiculous? Well Brother,the
Lord deliver you from every evill
ft3re; abd if you will ever be a
good husband, and have all things
continue and profper, be fore you
win his favour, by prefenringyour
diligent duty in Chrifthisfivour>
in
;jin whofe hand is all your good,
ojyea, the g :>od of yollr wife, chii-
ifdren, and childrcos children for
revcr.
Yours in brotherly aflfc&ion,
Paul Bajne.
1$.
LOviig Brother, you would
thinke me haply liketothofe
creatures which fl ;epe over all the
Winter, fliouid I but continnefi-
lent till the Summer were encred.
The truth is, I have beene very
wearifh the raoft ofthe dm : fiice I
Gw you^ but m/ condition is fuch,
iri will not fuffer my minde to reft,
were I never fo free of b;> J ily in-
firmities, aid fecuhr cue?, which
doe (onetimes looke into mee,
cfnugh not mjch diftirbe m^e.
Taily,ic doth cake up rn7 ftfeng: 1 !,
tog^cftrength where wich to wal't
I
tro'.n m >rning to nig it, waiting
on my G jds fil vacion without m n
mMi
king
I
228 The troubled Chrifliam refuge.
king haft. The Prince of peace is
my refoge, who as hee hath bis
time of making heavie, fo he will
jreturne and comfort in the multi-
tude of his mercies. Thcfe things
I w?ite not fo much for my Apolo-
gia, as for your admiration and in-
ftructton a thatyou may confidcr of
your own cftatc,and examine your*
peace ; that if you find it to be true
and found, your thankes may be
; redoubled for fo great a benefit,
I which others want, which paffeth
undetftanding : that if other wife
it prove deceitful!, you may yet
make Are worke, and let it aright,
while the day ofgrace is continued
to you. The Divell circurnventeth
many by nothing more,t han by laU
ling them afikep in fuch a reft, as
I will prove to refHefie ffnart, if it
be not by repentant courfes inter-
irupted. A maa may have peace
I from not ftirring and moving his
? corruptions. TheDiven,wefay,is
J quiet, if he be pleafed; difeafe not
fin, you {hall feele little of it : fiich
11
VeceitfuB Peace, and JinfuH Security. ] 229
is the peace of a body, which is,
though not ficke, yet in an ill ha-
bite,andftate tending to Gckneffe ;
ic is quiet, till fomethng be taken,
which fightech with, and cxpcl-
leth the lickc matter; notbecaufe
there are no peccant humors in it,
but it is therefore at eafe, becaufc
they are not provoked and purged
out with wholefome medicine. A-
giine, many feele not difeaffnent,
becaufe they doc not taske them-
felves about good duties ; asinex-
crcifing their fairh, renewing their
thankfulncfle^gectringmore fhame
and griefc to finite their hearts ia
therr daily wams,in laboring to be
more fruicfull iagood works than
they have becne : in feeking hea-
venly mindedneflc and holineffe,
which might make them doe all
things as become the pretence of
God, before whom they are. In-
deed no wonder if wee beat eafc
while wee il oflknd to thefe
workes. A lam. skJiglimbehath
eafe while it reftech/*u: yet is not
well,
230
Several! cafts thereof.
well, though ic hath not fcnfe of
evill. Againe^hereisnocafefrom
flecpinefleof confcience,while fpi-
rituall flamber bindeth the fenfcs,
and difccrtingfpirituall; Co that
though there be many wofull evils,
yet id all of them no difeafement is
perceived. Thus a man with twen-
ty fickneflcs, well afleepe, feeleth
nothing, Laftly, there is noeafe
often in the body, becaufe the fen-
fes being taken up with objefts
delightfull to them, tend not that
grief which hangeth about them :
of which fort is the peace of the
(bule, which difcerneth things a*
roifle, matters of griefe; but the
gratcfull objefts of the world,
pleafure, company, &c. doe (b po£
fefle it,that being in thefejt feeleth
nothing of that which in jfbme
more retired thoughts it teemed to
apprehend. What fliould I /peakc
of mifdeeming our eftates ? There
is a way right in a mans eyes, the
end whereof is death ; and the reft
of which mifconceit,is like the cafe
of
■*■
m «■
— — _____ _— — -
Ta fa heed offpirituaUjlotb.
» i m ■ i I ■ .!■ ■ ___________
of a golden dream*. Or wbar
fhould I mention any other kinds,
which I thiake not To pertinent
foryoureftate? I befcech you take
heede of that neglect of getting
your ficke foules drelTcd, that
fpirituall (loth and rcftiaefTe. that
(lumber, ifcat having your foules
taken up with chefs matters which
are gratefull to the natural! nun ;
take hcedc that none of thefe doe
make you nap to your after for-
row.» You will haply lay; In
what ftandcth this true peace?
Anfw. la perceiving the Grace of
God fuch toward! mec in Chrift,
that rr.y Conscience, through his
bloodjis cleanfed from the guile of
finne; that my foule, through his
Spirit, is freed from the rage and
tyranny of finne, that it hath not
that power to carry me captive to
ic,and workmydifturbance,which
foratimesit hath had.Thirdly/hat
my condition, through hisBlcfing
inChriftmadeaCurfe formee^ is
made fo comfortable, that it plea-
fithl
231
_■
2 22 t Ike true peace of Confcimct.
lech me well ; there being no tedi-
ous difeafements with which ic is
accompanied, wMch would cx-
tinguifh my j y for the prefent.
FourthIy,that for the time to come
hee will keeps me to him, patting
his fearc in my hearc, according to
his prornife, that I may not depart
from hitUj finiiluog my faith feec
hath begun j never leaving nor for-
fafcing me, bur caufing every thing
workc together, for my good. For
there is afoure-fold Branch of this
Peace; one, (hooteth forth of our
Juftification; the other, from our
San&ificatioflj the third,from that
Bleffing with which God doth fol-
low us, ii our outward condition j
the fourth/rom the knowledge we
have of his gracious pleafurc to-
wards us, even for the time to
come ; without whicb^ wee could
not havetrue peace : for how can a
man have true peace earthly, with-
out a fecurepofieflionofthe good
he holdeth ? So there could be no
true peace (pirituall to m^ now
bleffcd
Foute branches offpiriiujllFcicc.
bhffed With heavenly things, if we
ffilght not have and hold thcrnj
wich a fpirituall fecurity. Where- j
: e,dsare Brother aad Sii1er,enrsr
in:o 5 hearts ^ marke whence ic
is, that yon got oa at cafe from
day to day : is ic bec^ufeyou fee.,
chit G 6 t> for fcis Christs
bl *h hach cried for bet-
ter things than the blood of Ab:l 3
hath ab .d you from the guile
of all your fiuoe? Is it becaufe
e power of fionebro-
;cic cannot prevaileagsiinft
you, ix-Limcs ic hath done,but
I ^ fnne wea&ned j and your
v!th more freedome obey-
g God in fach things, in which
fomuimes yon could not deny
your fvilves? D)e you fee, that
whereas your eftates fomecimes
were troublefome to you, now
they are made fuch as give you
contentment, through the grace
of God^bltJTngus i.»Chrirt, ac-
curfed for us > Dxh God open the
eyes of your miude, to tec his
L gracious
23i
I
2 3 2 I T~rj jour peace, whether PrHe y &c.
gracious unchangeable good will
cowards you forever? Then you
have good ground for being at
eafe within your (elves. But if you
finde that your quiet fpringeth
hence, becaufe you difquiet not
your felvcs in weeding out youiL
\\
\
ignorance, unbeliefe, carelcfle-
ne(Fe,&c. or becaufe you doc
not prove your feeble fpirituall
ftrengths, in labouring to dee eve-
ry thing out of obedience of faith
to the Lord, who fhould ever
be before you ; if becaufe cuftoma-
ry faftiions, occafions, or obje&s
of this or that nature, keepe you
occupied about them, take heed
of this Eafe , as ever you defirc
to live in that eternall Reft, which
God hath prepared for his people, j
Digge into your hearts berime,"
hold them to th<t which is a-
bove their felves, through the
ftrength of Chrift : (?hcy will hang
off from every thing that is no&
aacurall to thero.) Iudge ycut|
felves daily in your wants to God-
ward.
Wt muftprovt our puce whetber,&c.
233
u arc! , fceke to C h k i s t the
quickening Spirit, that you may J
feele life and power in yoar
waies : labour for (bbriety in
the ufc of all worldly things :
fyou know the laft times* their
dcftiny is to have (hewcs, without
life and power, to eate, drinke,
marry, with forgetting the ap-
pearance of C h R 1 s t.) Labour.
thefe things, and the God of
Peace make you taftc his joyes,
which are transcendent^ above all
this World can afford.
Ycur loving Brother,
Paul Bajm.
L 2
23+
T he fellow-feeling ofaffliEttni.
JO.
DEare Sifter, your Letter came
not to mee, till I had beenea
fortnight out of London. I would
not have haftened from you, to
have been a lieger there Co long. I
felt my weaknefles knocking mare
than before, and faw your hands
full, which made me long after my
moft familiar Manfion. For that
which youfignifie,asbefalliig ycu
that night,I defire to have fellow-
feeling with you. Weemuftnor,
like Swallowes, take the S aouner,
and refufe to d wel wLh our friends
in Winter : but it is a true faying,
None knowes what newes the
Evening will tell him. Hid I
known it in the Morning, 5 1 may be,
foryourfake, my fecond thoughts
would have rejourned my prefenr
defignes. Bat God is wife, who,
whenhegiveth usPnyfickc, doth
put ail the outward comforts wsc
afr»&, farre from es, left his cha-
ftifements
1 1 m m* .
Wt are more fen ftbh ofCrcjfes,
2 3>
ftifcments (hould work lefle kind-
ly, and to the purpofe, wich us.
Dcare Silter, the Phyficke rouft
make us ficke, that doch us any
good: yet Sifter, asweemuftnot
binder them wich prepofterous and
over-timely comfort of oar fel ves,
Co wee muft not make them more
vehemently ftirre us than they do ;
for both arc dangerous. I perceive
by your little patheticall Letter,
that you thioke a great dealeon
this late hand of God: Towtldtft
Brother, your eld>Ji Brother already ,
your eldcft Brother already rooted
out} the(e are all affcftioiute elo-
quence, Siftcr,our naughty envies
are full of falfe glides : when God
doth us any favour, giving u> blef-
fingSjthen they hold a glaffe before
us, which makech them fc^me no-
thing fo great as thry are ; when
Gri {endethaiycroir^, then they
deceive us wich fuch a glade, in
which wefeemeto fee them mjch
greater than they are. B-?fiJes,bs-
caufe God giveih us fuch plenty
i
j; *i 6
than of Favours.
of mercy, that wee arc ever in ca-
lling and profeffiog fbme good
thing, or other; therefore, theft
being plentifully make them leffe
dainry : but not alwaies feelirg
fome evill or other, they move us,
whea they come fo much the
more,by how much they are more
unufaailwithus, Wccfeelemore
the ach of one tooth, than the
healthfcme frame of our whole
bodies. Let you and me then tilke
about thefe things which fticke
mcftuponyour ftomacke. Sifter^
Is it not more kirdly, the younger
(hould bury the cldcft/han other-
wife > This then muft not grieve
you, that God hath taken the
eldeft 5 he was the ripeft, and fitteft
to be gathered. But why doe you
(ay, Already ? Alas, good heart ; if
hee had died before his upper Lip
had fprouted, I (hould not have
wondredat this word : but, Sifter,
he lived aloaoft to gray baires ; you )
could not begge a longer Leafe of
your owne life, in modefty, than
God
Comfort for the death of
God gave him here amongft the
living. If wee kept our daies in
number, wee would chinkc fewer
yeeres many; and in thofeyecres
he came to a ripe age. Takeheede,
left whiles you looke at that you
have nor, you forget the Lords
bounty, which is already received,
in his fo long continuance with
you. Wfcei you fay, He is rooted
out; Itakcit, you ufe this phrafe
chiefely,becaufe hee is dead with-
out heires male: bat that heehach
hcircs ferrule, ic i&a gifc of grac^
which wee deferve not ;. neither
will his name be dead, while his
Brother liveth. A~d what is the
Name? Is it none of our things
which cannot be ihaken ; every
Nam: mufl: at length be extinft.
I muftnot heale more Jo you th n
I find ; left when I fceketocurt a
wound that is, I make a new one,
whichbefore was not. I concave
your meaning no further :bnt com-
fort your fclfe in this ; your bet el-
deft Brother lireeh, and is by his
L 4 S >iric,
237
*3 8
an elder Bret* tr*
t Spirif, with ycu co the cad ; your'
; Lord Iefas, who i$ not a(h Jmed to
callus Brethren, O Sifter, would
you provoke your heart to he ghd
of hm3j you fhouldnot faxtQWtx?
ceilively for the abfcnce of any
earthly Brother : and wbacfoever
thing i* inyour thoughr 5 yet cor ii-
der xvho hath done it^even your
loving Husband in Heaven. Ifyour
earthly Husband ftiould do^ibmz
fhrewd turne, as unawares breake
forae Iewellyou much fee by; whep
you heard that he did it,you would
btftaied, though before you were
much movsd. You muft fay as
Chrift faith; Shall I not drinkc
the Cup my Father putterh in my
hand>That God/hat is,Lovf jdoch
reach it unto you. If you fee Go j '
angry, yet be of good cbeare; hec
chat will not have finfull man iet !
the Sunne go downs on his anger,
hee will not forever kecpe anger j
againftyou: and a Parent is a Pa-j
rent, as well frowning, as fmiling. !
Judge your felfc, and with a faich-
ful!
Bez,*alom of Cjedsgkry.
*59
full heart, (hew him his beloved
Sonne^n whom he is well pleakd-
and he will be b^cter friends wich
you than ever. Scirre up your (elfe
co more zeale of Godsglorydn fee-
king to briog children and fxvanrs
to obey him in thcirfplrits^s well
as ferve your (elfe with bodily fub-
j ftion. Oh, tfrnke thecn no fer-
vanes for you, that will not learne
to ferve your Ktfsband in Heaven
alfo, Hire an eye over young and
oid ; K;it there be no appearance of
ie4ea(l irreverence in your duties
'to God- occafion your (elfe co
, challenge your f)ulc every day for
unfrmtfuInefT*. Oh, wefhouldin
vvayofthankfaluefle, wich all our
hearts, (bules, and ftrengch?,beal-
waies in ferving hkn : wee muCx
ftrire to the higheft, and then G A
will pardon all wee come (Lore in.
And though yon recounr varieties
of forrows which you have found
yet know, that God ftrikech not
with his whole hand,but fillippeth
you rather with a finder : our blef-
L 5 • 1 fed
w
Wi ate not *lont af flitted.
fcdjSaviour hath drtmke the dregs
for u?. Againe, you are not alone :
y^^,tbargood Pat riarcb,had di-
vers affliftions ; Flight out of his
Countrey- injury from his Father
Lsidn . feare of death at the hands
of his Brother Efou * aCaft-away ?
in regard of nurcy; his Children*
blbudy Pvior • his Wives death ;
jfy/^?j dcfpightfull packing into
Egyft b &c. And Trier faith, Wee
arc tpade hfavie with many Ten-
cations*-- when neede is : Which
(hotild yet more comfort us, be-
cause that thenecefficy of our tft^re
doth require that weefhould have
variety of for ro we J. Indeed, wee
muft be fbrry that our fbules are
Co ficke, that they muft take Co
many things: but muft be thank-
full to God, that i? 5 not weary,
but doth follow us with things,
one after another, for our good •
for yorir good All things [half
works together, to the good of
chofcthat: yc I: Yoer corn-
torts nmfjboot : in this life ?
here
^•*nsw«9Pssw«»<w -
A Ckriftians crojfismake btm
- - - * *
here is not chat Reft for Gods peo-
ple : wee will let Diveffe* flag a
Rcqttkmio their foules; bucwer
will pray to God for grace, that we
may carry our crofle,and tike evill
no kffe thankfully than godd from
his hand : neither muft your com-
fort be tacked upon the pretence of
a nun; the God of all confoLti-
en rs your Comforter^ that Spirit
which Chrift will fend unto you^
ffonrrhim. And let all your (or-
rowci be welcome for this fruit,
which in the end you fhall findeby
thtm : viz. That your departure
from this world (hall be fomuch
mere eafie when it cemmeth, by
how much you arc before by fuch
crcflfc cncoun f e<s killed in your
afflfticn co it, S^ch a<mufthnve
a member cut off, iFey willingly
yeeldtofnve it bound, though ic
be painfi )!• becaufe, when it is
mortified and deaded with ftraic
binding, :hey (hall ensure the cut*
ting ot it eff farre more cafily fo
(ha!i wee take our cutting off from
i his
241
1
«4 *-
■*— ■
2 42 I wiilinger to part with the world.
this World fo much more gently ,
by how much more painfull pin-
chings wee have endured. Weft,
cheGod which teachech us to pro-
j fir,as Efay faith ; which purgech us
by thefe meanes 3 and makcth u^
more fruicful] • he make you more
furitfull by this his hand, in every
good word aad worke.
Ydur loving Brother,
?ju\ Bxjne.
3 r
LOving Sifter ;ill GIc&s mirre
a good Text : Co my ill con*
ft ruftion had alraoft dor€ by yoar
good Letter. Yet I am not ferry
that I miffed your meaning; fork
grievf s me not fo nrich for to' mi t
I
conftwe yourphrif^as itgladdccb
mee, thi: nofuch unrdinancy ©f
gdetc came nigher you^s I imagi-
ned and feared.. Tb*c which you
conceived in faying, Already, t did
eonje&ure it likewise;, but did doc
plainly ?
«T» — *-* *=
Faiths afoveraigpse Ladj,
i
plainly expreife ic ; bec*u(e I knew
perfons in griefe rauft be g 7 ng-rly
handled, let* wee make a Wound
where there is none, or exafperate
that which is already (waged. I
chanke you for my Hmd-kcrcher :
In rccompence of yoar love, \ will
comnend unco you 3 good Mid-
wife, if you will fend for her 5 ic
is my Lidy Faith, whoistheS~>-
veraigifc Lady and CotiTundreffe
in ail things which the jofl mm
doch, or (uffereth. The jift In
troubles (hill live by his Eairh
That which Iliye in the fi .-fh.evcn
in refpeft of this eternal! life,
World-ward, I 1 v^ ic-fay fai:h "»n
the Son ^iGoifiH-.hS.Pjeu^tjjln 2.
Now, this grea: Worthy doth
come to none bu: thoic whofrft
prepare for her, addrdlhg them-
felves to her liking j fecofldly,(ead
for hcr^ thirdly disc her to her co 1-
tcntment : for (hec will quickly b:
gone, if yon nuke not fuch provi-
fion which is gcatefcll unto her.
For the firft: Silter^greac Mid wive?
or.
24;
mm
*mm
-.— - •»
244
and the be ft Midwife.
.
on Earth, they come to great ones,
where their wages (ha]] be baunti-
ftill.their gifts libers]]- where they
(hall have worfhipfruH ;efpc& put
upon them, and all thugs of the
beft fmting to -ih%jr contentment.
find they cot e not willingly, bat
where there is Come -likelihood
they nuy goe thorow with their
ie. But ny Lady requireth
co provifioo nor qualification in
rhe perfons fhec viiletb, but that
they be poore in fpirir, s n J Pe
thetnfel ves at luch a pafle^that they
.ow notwhattodowithou:her
s know nor what to do, Lut our
! are towards thee, O Lord 5
a fenfe,andourowne ftrength
5 ftandjthen there is fie roomc
'or Faith to enter. Youmuft
therefore, good Sifter, what
ft this cafe i?,:owhichyou
. You knoWjgood Rachel
1 way in ir. jft isthechg-
'the great God ; which
't put under with one
3 with the other,
we j
«• L t-
- •■ - t . . » ■
Comfort able infiru&ions to a 24 5
v?e could nocindureic : Yea, deli-
verance in this cafe (but that is Co
ordinary) would defcrvedly be
counted miraculous. Wherefore
you muft not thinkeof it as of a
matter of courfe, which you neede
no further to looke about, than to
get helped t he accuftomed means
unto you : No,no; you muft labour
to thinke that you are in fuch a
ftrefle, out of which none can help
you,but the fir oog Helpe of Ifratl,
Secondly, you muft fend (or her:
Now (he dwellcth in Heaven, whi-
ther you muft difpa'ch your hearty
fraycr, faying to the Lord : Thou
knoweft, O God, how my heart la
fallen from thee, intheaffiinceof
fcj and how prone \i is to leane to
fuch helps of the crea-ure, as I fee
before me ; though thefo^, without
thee, can doe nothing. O Lord,
though I know rhereisnoRccke
befide thee., yet I am fb dead in un-
belicfe and falfs confiier.ee, that I
cannot tru ft on thee. HcSpe there-
foremy unbeliefs, and increafe my
filch.
246
womjn great of cbilds.
faith.Now when he do:h give you
grace, feels faith camming toward
you 5 you muft cherrifti it wkh
fach food whsreby ic groweth :
now faith fcedeth oa Gods pro-
mise, on experieace 5 and on con-
federations which arc deduced out
of Gods Word. Thus you muft
rhinke : Lord* thou doeft make
the Hhdes to CiJve ; As thou
hart chaftened us with pain in tra-
ve!i s to thou haft promifed that we
fhill p*(Te the pikes, and bring
£otth y though with (brrowes. A-
gaine^ you muft thinke, how you
have fo*Jnd God foithfall and rner-
cifull in this kinde. Finally, you
muft reafon thus \ That hee who
hath put that mercy into a finfuii
mao, to helpe a Beaft in the tra«
veil of it, when it is hard; will
hee faile to give yon (a Daugh-
ter believing on himj all the helpe
thac is good £cv you 5 and which
maketh wichhis glory l The Lord
acquaint you with him(elfe in the
daily, experiences you have of bis
Mercy
G id doth r.ot cornel us l$y
Mercy and Truth. Thus hoping
my Midwife comraeth not too
late, I commie you to God,
Your loving Brother,
Pan/ Baym.
32,
DEare Sifter, I doe ddlre to
grieve tvkh you, in your
griefe • and to have, in fome mea-
sure,! glad and thaakefizll heart in
your rejoycing. It is but fince my
camming co Towne, that I heard
of your bruifed body and difiafed
miade : my eyes are cad up co him,
who break"cb not a bruifed Reede,
that he would ea(e your mind?; to
him that m ikech the broken bones
to re) }yce, that hee would recirne
you your accuftomsd health and
comfort.
D:ireSiftor, wee muft in all ac-
cidents of this nature, remember,
that our Goddochnotchaften, as
having plcafurejchaiteningtinply:
but
248
mjre than we have needof.
but when ncede is, hee rciterateth
ourcorte#ion f sukingus heavieat
fimdrie tiroes^ and by C mdry occa-
fia&s and manoers,according as our
necefficy requircth : We (hall finde
in the end,u e could not have lack-
ed any one thing, which in this na-
ture hath befallen us.
Wherefore wee muft not be too
rauch caft downe inthefe Cor re ft i.
on?; but rather admire our hea-
venly Fathers love, who is net
weary of nurturing fuch unreach-
able children ; who is not weary of
following the cure of our incura-
ble DUeafes* incurable, were hee
not fuch a healing God, who could
fubdue every thing to himfelfe.
Yea, though our Confidences doc
know, that there is a caufe why he
chafteneth and putteth fuch bitter
Potions into oar hands ; yea, that
befalleth us, which is obfer ved in
unskilfull Patients, wee miflethe
Marke often, whenweconjeftuce
the grounds of our owne griefes.lt
is not want of love, Sifter, to S. S.
which
Cod f urges w with ajfl0iws
which is any pare of Gods quar-
rcll (chough wee cm, none of us,
love either the begetter, orthofe
I that arc begotten,as we ought ; for
all our delight (hould be in them :)
It is fomc deleft, Si fter,in rhe day-
lycourfe,andin the frame and con-
ftitution ofthe heart towards God.
When wee doc not, by imprinting
in our hearts the remembrance of
our Icarres fore»pafled, prefer ve in
ourfoules that lowlinefle and po-
verty of fp : rit which it becom-
meth us to have before God, and
which fometimesweedidfeelein
co Science of thofe our provocati-
ons; then we give him juftoccafi*
on to medicate on fome new Cor-
regions. When our hearts grow
a grainc too light* when our wa-
ter (at it were) boketh but a little
too high ; our heavenly Father, a
Phyfician no leffe loving than cun-
ning,he doth difcerne i t,and quick-
ly fitteth us whom hee moft tcadc-
reth, with that which will reduce
all to the hcahhfomc temper of a
broken
H9
250 according to oar difttmperr.
*• ■■ 1
broken fpiric. Alas, Sifter, fuchis
the folly ia the btft of our hearts,
that ^ur beating will no longer
dwell tffthusto purpofe, thaa the
faiartbfteth; and as that weareth
away, fo wee grow into a kinde of
lightnefle, fecurity 5 and liberty^
which are fore-runners of fome
enfaing rebuke. That God which
teacheth his children to profir,and
which givetb wifedoroe to us that
want ir, without upbraiding us;
he open our eyes,to £c our eitares
this way, that fo he may furnifh us
with true underftanding* Well,
though theft things come often,yet
be not difmaied - T it is Gods pre-
venting love, who will have no
neaft of ficke matters breed in us,
which fhould then difmay us, when
we moft of all fhnd in neede of
comfort. A body conveqiendy pur-
ged every Spring and Fall, is not Co
fubj :£t to c6:u£t (natter of deadly
fickaeifc, ai another, which hath
long gone, 00 without helpof any
(uch evacuation. Wee fay, it is a
mife-
Spirit nail Phj/icfaafoaies gogd. i
- ■^^••^ « n - ■— ^m ■ i I ii «
oniferablc life, to live ftill in cotirfe
of Phyfickf ; but we may tame the
fpecch in fpirruall confidsratfon,
and fay, B!efed are thsy, who
are never without feme bitcer
thing or other from God, that
they may be reftorcd, and prefer-
red from the fecond D^ath. And
for my felfe,Siftcr 5 you have fjper- '
abounded tome in your tave^ your
a£tio:s and fruus have not bcene
fpirLg, but your affe&ion I did
ever perceive cowards m: in ali fi>
csricy.I am forry that I have fh i v-
edyou no more,ar,d ;hat my health
doth not give mee leave to vlfit
I you, and come upon yon, without
writing »ay furthfer iavitemem. I
h .ve long waded in a confl fting
Icourle, an J I thanke my )d ( vfho
hach wrought in me) the lib jur of
my minde, in fx^eregird^ hath
notbeene littic;thUmikcth m; not
able to mniftcr to my dear e friends ,
a* other wife I fhmi'd. When the
hearcs necc Xvy r cquireth a confl j-
ent of bl jo J to k,the hands & fuc'i
exced-
»5*
Wt mujlfuppert $thets a at vetU^&c.
m ' !• * l ■ II* ll » ■ I
exc&ior members are left pale and
blood lcfle to appearance : you may
apply it ; when fupport of our
owne ftates calls for our ftrcngch.
we cannot doe that abroad, which
other wife were bchoofefiill. Ne-
ver thch fle, Sifter, if God eafe nor
your mindc, that you can walkc in
(bme tolerable fafhion under the
burthen; and if withal l,you thinke
my pretence might be reliefc to
you that way, ! I will for a while
adventure to you, if God (part me
health in any meafurc. If God fo
Iooke upon your ipirit^as that you
feele your felft in fomeforcfuffi.
ciently ftreogthened, then out of
your love forbeare that, which you
may otherwifc in love command.
Thus leaving y#u to your God,
who teacheth us to profit, and
giveth hearts as well as correcti-
ons; andwiQiing you much quiet
fruit of righteoufhes in his feaibn,
I take my leave,this 30. olQSlobtr.
Your Chriftian Friend, and
loving Brother s Paul Baym.
Wt have mede eft he Lords daily aid.
*53
33-
MY deare Sifter; the Lord,
who helpeth uswithevery
good defire.,helperac with prayer,
which may find favour in your bc-
halfe, through Chrift. Should no
place hold me, in which I found
not cafe and content 3 I could not
mike abode long under the Moon:
for though I hive fowne the feede
of both, I know that I am not yet
to re ape fo much as the fir ft fruits
of my Hirveft $ I have need of faith
and patience, to mike mcinherite
every promife. The Lord be our
ftrong Arme every morning, and
teach us fo to Iookc to him,?hat we
may fcele our fpirituall ftrcngth
renewed.This I fpeake not of con-
tentment grounded in godlinefle,
for I have that in ray meaftre, I
thankc God • but in regard of that
content which refulteth fromth:
pleafing rcllifh of outwardcircum-
ftaaces. The fweetc waies of my
youth ]
* 5 2 I Gsdkis usbe weakjo r»a^e usftrong,
I youth did breed fach wormes ic
my Soule, ss chat my heavenly Fa-
ther will have me yec a while con-
tinue my bkrer Wormc-feedc., be-
caufe they cannot otherwife be
thorowly killed. I write this the
rather for your fake; for true! y I
findjthat the cofdence of my ihre
and need doth helpc mee much to
digeft fuch grievances as would
goe too much againS ftoraacfce,
had r;ot God acquainted mee with
this gromd of patience. For yoi*r
weafeeneflcj Sifter, I hope God
will make it end iti ftreagvh. It is
kindly for Phyficke to infeeble a
while : H:>wfoever,hoid the Rock
and ftrer-grh of the heart, the
Lord Jefus. Hee who healed all
Maladies, when hee was abated on
Earth* He, whole glory hath not
diminiflbed either mercy or ability
in him, Hie Icttethus be weake,
that hee may make us ftrong : our
exrremitiej is his opportunities
where mans helpe endeth, Gods
power begins. The Father of mer-
cies
God oriel j ourrockf ofComfttrt.
ciesin Chrift,drawyoutohim,and
make you able a little co wreftle
with him forftrengch, acleaftfor
fpiricuall comfort : Hccwillbea
Rocke,& ftrcngth, when heart and
flefh (hall fail^he will give you the
BrcftofConfolation, and comfort
you, when no artificial] Confc&i-
ons can exhilarate your fpirit 5 hee
Will be Anodyne to you, eafing
you of all your paine and gricfc,
ftafombly; a ftiadow at the right
hand, agaiuft all heat which trou-
bleth^ a prefent reliefc. Our weake
mindes creeping ftill below in
earthly fuccours* are much more
(baked with evils than they (hould,
could they cry to God, and get
themfclvc8,by vertue of his protni-
fcSj as it wercj by certaine fcaling-
iaddcrs,mounted up unto him.The
raine cannot lye folong on high
mountains, as wee fee it to doe in
lower grounds; {b is it in thefe
waters of our affli&tons. For the
Fityou expeft^God who worketh
above that we can aske, or thinke ;
M hee,
*53
254
Wt muftfubmitto Gads Toake.
' hee, I hope, will be better to you
than you looke for. Sometimes,
when we prefume upon freedome 3
he doth with-hold it from us : and
fometimcs when wee reckon on no
other jbut to returne to our yoake^
and take up our crofle,hc doth dif-
mifle us: but if it dot come 5 and ac
the good timCjWelcome ic,though
ftbeatroublefomcgueft; I doubt
not but God will make it pleafe
you welat parting.Neither be too
much moved at thofe other petty
afflictions : I ftiould rather chufe to
have my houfe Gods Hofpicall,
than a Court of fiich pleafore
whereto Gods fcare is almoft exi-
led. Bitter herbes are better, while
they breed good blood, th^nthe
fweeteft meate which ingendercih
bitter voisii^and monall (kknefle.
The Lord give us wife hearts.,
which may Mthcrchu(caffli<ftions
thanvanity^wfoichma^nbt think
much to dwell in houfe fometime
with godly mourning AVdi Siller,
youhavehadyourrncafureingod-
*!£. iy
the affi<SltdfbjB be comforted. 2 $ 5
ly forrow, as a fofter-facher to the
fnile : I doe affure you this bk£
fi g in the Name of theLord, you
(hall receive comfort; thy latter
end fhall be peace, thy winding-
(hc*t fhall b* as Gods hand-ker-
cher, to wipe all teares from thy
eyes, through Chrift our Redee-
mer. Which I (peak uof,to weaken
your Faith touching temporall de-
liverance which God ufeth to
fhew the righteous (when ic is
good) though they fall into fixe,
yea,into (even adverfities: but that
your Faith, confirmed in that
which is principal!, may make you
depend on God more confidently
far his Redemption from thefe
prefent cvillft (which is acceffory,
and lefle principal!) and that Co
farre as it may (land with his glory.
Your loving Brother,
Paul Bsjm,
M 2 34. Loving
2$6
Chriftim admonition.
34-
LOvingBrothcr : TheoccaGon
oiwhius comming home,doth
move mc to write (brae few words
to yr u ; partly, for your better ft-
tisfiftion, touching our affaires;
partly, forourChriftian Admoni-
tion, which is al waies needfull : ac-
cording to tharj Admonifh one an-
other, whibic is called to day, left
our hearrs be hardened, through
the dcceitfulnefie of finnc. The
grace of God, which faveth us by
the forgivenntflc offione • and the
gift of adoption, which making as
Sonnes, bringeth us to hare the
Spirit of Chrilihcre, theearneft-
penny of that mafic of glory wee
looke for hereafter : This grace
doch teach us, that is, effefru-
ally perfwade,yea,andconftraine
(as?^»/fpeaktth) the love of God
dorhco(<ftraineu$; allfuch as caftc
it, doc walke not onely juftly co-
wards men, but godly in the
duties
The love of God ytlH wane us
duties concerning Godsworfhip,
publike and private $ and fbberly,
in ufing all the bleflings and liber-
ties of this preftnt life, which God
of his mercy doth vouch fafc us.
Now, many of us are taken tardy,
bccaufe, that though wee have
care of fare and juft dealings,
yet, if wcc examine our felvcs in
godlinefle and temperance, wee
may be put in thablacke Bill for
Nan-frefcums. For what is god-
linefle? An inward devotion of
I heart to God, which makcth the
godly foule both ufe diligently all
parts of his worftitp, private and
publike, and alio in everything to
fceke his glory. So,to walke tem-
perately towards our felves, is to
be foberly aflkfted towards the
things of :hi$ life, which wee ufe :
as neither to phy theHarbengers
j and Purveyour <, to provide for the
lufts of our hearts, before we have
them ; n*r yet to goe too deepe in
them, when wee have them; nor
finally, to be moved much, ifwre
M 3 have
257
I
have not this or that which wee
defire. If wc-havetafted thefwect
grace of God in flmjl 3 you muft
needs finde your heart drawne orf
to care to pleafc God by holinefle
and fobrkty,and u eanedneffefrom
the things of this prefent World.
Gods loveconftrainethustolove.
Cos AmorU Amor ; That you (halt
fay,Wbat have I in heaven but him?
in earth in comparifbn of him ? We
love him, becaufe he hath loved us
fir ft. And if you have felt thcfweet
of his grace, which is better than
lifcjit will weane you in fcmz mea-
fiire,and make you fober minded in
thefe earthly affaires and delights.
I count all things drolteanadang
in comparifbn of Ghrift and his
righteoufuefle. A mansmouth doth
not water after homely provifions,
when hee hath tatted well of deli-
cate fuftenancf;(b,whofe heart hath
(lied into Gods favour, which is
better than the vintage or harveft,
than all earthly profits and plea-
fures : he whofe heart feekth this.
can-
e Ibep§wer of godlinefjc*
*5?
cannot bat be more weanedlydif-
pofed towards things tranfitory,
than thofc whofe portion is in tfrefc
matterSjWho know no greater hap*
pinefle: wherefore let meeintreat
you, as you will aflureyourfelfe
that you are a Scholler, taught by
the grace of God j letme,l iay,m-
treat you toftirreupyourfelfeto
godlinefle, not to the outward na-
ked profeflion and (hew of it, but
the power of it is Gods Image re-
newed in the (pint of your mind,
2 Tim. verf.%. 5. Then as your free
in a glade looketh to your felfe,
whofc figure it is, (o let your fouU
ever bs looking towards God,
whofe fciige it beare?; ftir up your
ft lie ro him : fu;h as love noc the
Lord Tcfas, Ut him b* accurfed.
Would notyoubeafnaraedco &ve
another more than your o wne be>
trochedwife? S lal we not blulh to
have our aff.ftion more towards
the creature, than God our Creator
aud Redeemer > to whom we ba?c
pligh: our faith, as being bap;iz:d
M 4 ia
I
ia his Name* which is likcvvife cal-
led upon us, as a mans name upon
the woman with whrnn he is cou-
pled? Now tree love is officious
«nd diligent, not contented with
good workes which are good
cheape, but it will conftraine us to
doe all good ferviccs that are plea-
.fing to God.The love of God con-
ftrainethus, yea, in private, to doe
like as Abraham the friend or lover
of God, Got. 18. 19. Yea, to halt
that which is evill : Yee that love
the Lord,hate iniquity 5 ar.d dofeare
{ to offend God. Res tftfeUiati,fkna
ttmorUamcf : As itexpelleththat
flavife feare, which is more of pu-
nishment than offence, love cafteth
outfeare; fo,(bberandwatchfull,
put on Chrift : Take no care to ful-
fill the lufts of the flefti, ufe the
World as not abufing it; be marri-
ed as if you married nor ; yea, cut
your flefh fhorter in fome things
your minde (upeifluoufly defireth, |
like David. Remember S. ?**/>
PhiL± % \2< who was fo weaned to
all
IVu mujl not ttfc lar9full things 261
ail things through Chrift, that hee
ceulJ doc as well in wane of all
thing§,as in abundancg.D je not all
yoa c*iy doe, kft you quickely
commit thac you may not doe. All
things arelawfull, but I will be
fervant to aothing ; be not unpro-
ficable towards God : Trees with-
out fruit (hall be cut do wne; many
(hall feeketo enter, and (hall not
enter. Shore (hooting lofeth many
a gam?. I call on you, left your
thoughrsof marriage,your fcftivall
recreaiion^ your companies, refo,
bring you afL'ejpc : An eafie thing
when the Candle isforth, and all
Gill w;;hont din, r o fall a napping ;
which will prove to your c -ft
*?v hen God fliill fend for:h fun*
mom for (laggards. My wife h
weake 5 bu* Gxl doth bearc her up
vtich meckaeflr* J thankfulne(T',and
bope,in all het affliftions.We both
remember yoa,and wifh your heart
may not be hardened through the
deccitfuiarffe of fin, Blefled is hee
thaitearech alwaiet, but hee that
M 5 harde- \
—
hardench his heart, (lull fall into
evill. Fare wel!,comcr;end us to M r .
M. his wifej&CiBrc* her,remr mber
one thing is ncccflary- what if we
could win the World, and lofe our
fbules? Thinke often that Chrift
doth denounce wo on the Worlds
whom hee taketh not in where-
dome D drunkennefle/xtortion 3 &c #
but whom hee findeth with thir
hearts afl^epe., in eating and drin-
king^buildingjbargiinit g ; that is,
following lawfull chirgs,but with
negkft of godJinci!e,and therefore
unlawfully* Reade theft plwccs.
You have turned the quotation of
many a Statute, reade them a *aine
and againc, Corporall meat taftctb
in the mouth,thcfe are facet in the
belly : A man cannot eate his Cake
and have k.But you may eate thete
words often* and the ofcener you
feede on them by meditation, the
morefweet nouri&menc you (hall
find in them.
Your loving Brother^
Paul Baine*
Rtpmtance the touch ftoxe of religion,
35-
BEIoved Bro:her,though I have
taken my courfe hlcherco,and
becne more indulgent ro my ielfe
In privacy chan heretofore, y ec a&
(lire y oar felfe, youarcinmybeft
remembrance daily. My heart doch
intend to do you the be ft fer vices I
fhall be able>ia v/.iy of your foul?5
I rope I {hill e^ecuce tbeai in good
time- : I would be forry the Sceed
ju!i ftervc while the grafte
groweth, as wee we fpeafce in the
' Proverb/vVhersforeldoaimonifh
ru, that you would ftir up your
bearc to repentance daily 3 snd chat:
you would labor to feele that your
affeftions arc no*' fit upon God :
this is the touch^one by which wc
rmytrythe truth of our Religion,
and of that Faich we have toGod:
thatcomfe which is eftraoged tc
rhe&tfe all the country wide of the
way to falvation ; this is ch? way
chkhcr,Ifyou\vUcfcapechewrati
to
265
-. ■* m
■1 *vr .
26 A I Tbtextrcifctfnftntdncc.
co come, repent, and doe workes
worthy repentance. If you repent
not, yee fhall penfh. Now the cx-
ercfe ofthisjs thus much : viz,. A
renewed gricfe for all unwonhi-
ncfle paft and prefenc 5 to ome
honaenecrei & necrer to God daily.
Can we doe eafier pennance, than
to let out hearts finite us with the
thoughts of our ignorace.our care-
lefnetfeof God, andnrgltdtingof
his fervice} of our great uoprcfica-
bkneff?, which alone is fearefull ?
Fcr t>he Tree that bringeth not
forth good frui% is as well cut
downeto the fire, as that which is
loaded with bid. Wc cannot ihif ,
bat grieve in thefe confide radons,
if our hearts love God. If we faile
a friend inducy of love, it grievech
us j bat if we doe hsro a difpleaibre
and trefpaflc, jjfHy alienating fv*
miode trom u\v doth c at as at the
heart, that wee hav* forgo: ou*
(elves (u fanre^aod we befhrew our
fclvesfork : Qull we then take no
care (or the things wee oa;|tand
„
— ■
commit
I
Wt muft compound with Godjo 265
commit againft God? Miliceonly
is careleffe of fhrewdturnesdone
to fuch whom (he maligncth. The
nature of Lore, is to grieve at the
leaft offence given,there where (he
Ioveth : What if (hee offend him
not (b grievootly, as we fee others,
fhall we therefore not be grieved,
though wee hold on ia a cour r c in
fame raeafure offensive > M in ha h
right ro a penny a* well as a pound,
and may be wronged as well i 1 the
one as in the other: And will not
the fame rule h:>ld towards Gxi ?
You m'jft the rather heare on this
fide, because that th? fparkUng of
Gods angtr in your Town?, was a
Summons (ent forth form (bepcr%
that will not awake our fclve^ ind
prepare to naeeteotir God in hear-
ty humiliation. The Famine and
Sword, and Plague, you know are
the three greateft Arrefts that
God ferveth on frchasbreakehis
Covenants impenttently. This,
Brother, is the oncly way to avo*i
danger, to lookc unco Gods grace
with
s
I
%66 avoydfick^ntffc bis Sergeants.
wih x forrowfull heart, acknow-
ledging, that you have (erved him
loo&ly and imfruicfull/. If a Crc-
dicorfhxild lay wait ro acreft me^
being in the Cicy; thoij^hlchan-
ged my Chamber from the Temple
to Whitc-Chippeiljthough I cor-
rupted the Sergeant with a Fee, all
this could not fecure me ; for ano-
ther Sergeant might be got, cr
(brae new coufe devifed for mee :
but if my Creditor be compound-
ed with,! w*lke (afcly. O Brother
and$f[fer,tbusuis : weeareallof
usd.btorsuntoGod; SickenefTes
are but his Sergeants; there is no
way of defeitiogjif God do lay his
hand upon us, but by fuing unto
him wich faichfull and for-rowfu.JI
hearts, that it wouid pleafe him,
for his Chrift fake, to give us a
£hti?ius e^ aad freely acquit us of
ail oar trefpafles $ which (land till
then, as fo many Debts in his
Booke8 3 upon out heads: then wee
mayflsep on both fiuesymd walke
at large j the Coaii. is ckay^vvicb-
one
i
= ^-' i-~ » c*
=+-^m~^
Dilar not rtfetiunce ; Call
26j f
I
out danger. Wherefore delay not
this matter; let not company trans-
port you, hi not feare of painfil-
n r ;Ge,and forgoing dc light (yoa are
worfe afraid than hurt) let not any
indifpofition and (hthfulneffe hin-
der you; (hike up your felfe 3 CHrift
will helpe yon, M$do & medb non
htxbent modum ; the longer you put
it off, the longer you may. A man
thatgetteth up forne time, xvlicn
his head leemeth full of fLepe,
feclethnowaat of if, whenhecis
well wakened • nay, is oftenmorc
Iightfome, than if hce had conti-
nued fl egging. l^ec (hall lofe no
contemraenr, by offering vio T s ce
to our (firicull flothfalntfle. The
Lord,thattooke L^liogering,and
carried him forth of Sido w 5 hee
catch hold of you, andfulpeyou
ia this bufinefle. And when you
have found this way, you muft
helpe your Wife, and call on her,
toreturnewithyou. A good mm
cannot tell how to goe to heaven
alone : the Communion of Sai
mu3
—r
68
Giber ; to walkf with God,
♦
.
■
•\ ■! «
mutt be a pcfet of pra&ice 5 as well
as an Article of Belhfe. One Cm-
die lightcth aiother:even fo grace,
where ic is, will labour to Mndle
grace where it is nor. We had need
to rerurne; all that live ftrangers
from God (hall perifh: as forus
then,it is good that we dra w neere
unto him. Now if you aske hew
you may walke with God? 1 an-
fareryou; by letting yoar heart
upon him : for as we fay, There a_
tnanis, where bis heart is ; ncicher
cm wee have God other wi(e for
our Go J, unlcflc our hearts b? to-
wards him; for if our hearts be on
any other thing, then that is our
Treafure and our God. Njw if
you wouid find out^ whether God
hath your heart, or no, you muft
trie it by thefe rules, by examining
whether your thoughts and affe&i-
orii ar* taken up with^lm. If our
hearts b- fet up^n a things wee
thinke on ic often, and muCe there-
on in the night fcafba, being not
abk, means-while, to rake any
Rules ta kn<rn> whether our
269
reft for ir. So, all that feare the
Lord, muft be thinkers on him :
though bee be not in fight of the
bodily eye, herouftftillruninour
minds. If we take no thought ofa
thing, it is a token that it is of no
refpeft with \}$. Brother, God is
not fo commonly knowne, but hee
is as rarely thought aponjand mens
hearts fmite them not, when they
goe day after day, not once calling
to mindc the powerfull remem-
brance of God : thoagh the Scrip-
tare, when it doth termc men all
the evill that is, doth ftile them no
other than fuch as forget God. A-
gaine, as the thoughts muft be
tnindftill of him, fo the afFeft ions
of love, joy, fearc, and defire, muft
be towards him. Examine there-
for?, whether you findenot, that
your defires are more inclining to
earthly things : you feare more
often, left men fh*uld cenftre you,
and note you of novclcy and prr-
cifenefle, for doing duties to God •
than that hee fbould juftly have a
quarrell
27 o hearts befet on g 9 d y or no.
quarrdl againft yoa, for negle-
(Sing his fervice daily. So, if your
hcarc joy not in the acquaintance
you have with this or that man,
more than in the knowledge you
haveof God in Chriftjefus, which
isLifeeverlafting : Looke if your
hcarcieft love be not beftowed ra-
ther on the creature, tbanont'te
Creator and gracious Redeemer,
Jcfas Chrift, Now, if you finde
aflk£tionatIy,howfarre your hearc
is out of fquarc, then you muft
not negleft to feeke remedy for
this eviil; Griefe which is at the
hseles thereof, is not to be regar-
ded. For when the moft vicall part,
even the h*arr, is touched, then
wee feeke CordialU, andbeftirre
us for the reftoring and preftr-
ving of it : If the heart, as the
Fountains of this momentany life,
tarefpeftcd; what care rnuft wee
have of it, as it is a Fountaine of
fpiricuall life, never co be ended?
There is but one PhyScian tha:
feeleth this heart-pulfe, and is
able
\
Thi heart naturally hard, 2JI
able to healc ic ; even Chrift Jefts,
chat hathfaid, Hee will take from
us the heart of ftone, that is, our
fecure, impenitent, and dreadleffe
hearts, continually offending our
God; and will give us flefhy ,
that i?, tender hearts, fuchasfhall
froiceus when we trefpafleagainft
him. We had need to cry to him ;
for the beft of our hearts; if we
knew thern,are (b naughr,that they
hadneedtobemadeanewthorow-
out,for they are paft mending. La-
bour to find out this mortall poy-
fw, which cxTinguifbech all life of
grace. Theloveofthe WorlJ,and
the love of the Father, fighdike
fire and water, they will not dwell
together. Keepc the heart with
all diligence, for thence are the i£
fues of life ; pray to God to change
if, pray to him to ke*pe the frame
of it: refraine that which increa-
fcth the finfall diftemper of it ;
-ucquaintyourfelfewichfiichgood
noeanes, by which your think-
ing upon God, and your hearty
affefti-
i
27 2 The violent take heaven.
affc&ions cowards htm, may be
cherrftied md encreafed. I will
(horrly fend you a Letter cfi fuller
direftion this way* Ic is better to
feele Gods favour one houre in
our repenting ftules, than to (it
whole Ages under the warmeft
Sun-foine this World affordeth.
Commend me to my loving Sifter;
(he muft thinke of this mat- er too:
not thole that are carckffc and
flotbfulljbat the vio Jen t^that catch
at it by force, they carry away the
Kingdome. Many that fceke, (hall
not enter : what will become of us,
if we feeke not $ In words and pro-
feffion* All Chfiftians looke to
Heaven • indeed wee are all for the
Earth : this raketh up our thoughts
and affc&ions, that wee are like
Boat-nun, that looke one way,but
row another.
The Lord bs with both your
fpirks. Farewell.
Your loving Brother,
Paul Bajne.
mm
A Letter intruding and comforting • if 3
3<J.
ALts,deare Brother,! defire for
co condole your chance with
you in fhe fight of my God, wifti-
ing him out of his grace, to enter-
lace the Ce k of h*s fweec love
with your tr t Td'.fcomforc,: nd ro
give you th quiet fare of r ghte-
oufnefle, fallowing in «hc end of
I this yonr chafti/cmenr. The Lord
doih give us many ehings, and that
onely to prove us, that by them
we may be led uito knowledge of
our hearts, cither to fee our owre
weakentffe,and chert by reverent
aad love the Giver, and foto be
comforted when hee takeththem
from iis^or to difcov^r by them the
un weauednc0e of our affcftions,by
living in fecortcy, andforgetfuincs
of God; that finding fuch things,
wee may be moved to godly lor-
row; the end of which,is fal vation.
Event, which is one Booke that o-
peneth Gods fecret pleafure, doth
now
*74
for the death of a Wife.
now fpeake thus much ;ThacGcd
did never intend that you (hotjld
long injoy that gift hee gave you ;
hee dii it to try what was in you^
to make you fee it, either to your
comfort,ortoyourfurther humili-
ation before him.The fpirit of marv
knowech the things of man; you
have a privitie within your ftlfe,
which can determine one way this
ca(e,whicb in it felft is indifferent.
Now to hejpe you (as God (hall
guide) under this hand, you muft
marke what this courfe, on Gods
part doth moft probably tend to ;
and in the fecond place, what you
ate to doe, that out of your great
IciT^you may worke to your /elfe
true advantage. For the firft, the
Lord dcth point out thus much;
that there is corruption fiill lying
in you, tha r cr.uft be purged forth ;
and chat he out of his fatherly loue
cannot ceafe,but minifter medicine
to you, to the end that hee may
bring away that which would o-
ther wife hazard your ibules health.
We
;
Cod ajfliUs mm without cau \
e.
275
—■*•
We are not made hea vie with ma-
ny things unlefls our neede (6 re-
quite, fiich S. Yeter.) Chap.T^ . A
wife Phyfidaa will not give Potion
after Potion, where bad matter is
fafficiendy evacuated; much lelfc
I will God reiterate foch ftroug pur-
ges, if he did not fee that our rred
' did enforce ic. Wherefore, dears '
Brother, you mullleame to fee
Gods mercy in following of ycu,
and the nrje Jc your (bule hath tbu3
to be dc4ic withal] 5 you rouft be-
thinke you, how that his former
blowdi I not worke fo to purpof:
upon y ou,as was mcci : which doth
.mike him deale like the cunning
Phyfoian, who when there is not
bl>od enough taken away^ doth
Refctert victs^ opeo tht Vcine,and
make ic bice /reft. You muft
bethinke you, what (cape did o*
virtake you in- youth, that your
God fliQuidrn?.ke a ambiance,
as if he thought you not wor-
thy of the ftabl: fruition of (b
I lovely a blcflhg, as is a Chriftian |
tradable )
276
How to profit by Gods vifimion.
traftable loving wife : Happy is he
thac diggcth into himfclfe, to fiod
the roots of his cvills. Merbi nojlri
fiCilins curantnrqnam invtmnntw*
Pray to God that you may take ro
heart thecaufes ofthi ^ ; then che
cffc&s (hall quite ce*{e. whe 1 the
caufcs are removed . We thac hold
demurs to found the truth of cau-
fe$, and who would rather have
the judgement of awholeCollege
ofPhyficians/ban not find out the
ground of a bodily gricfe: how
fhould wee fee kc to God, that wee
might through his light difcerne
what d wells in our fpirits? Which
is the ground of his difpleafure.
Now for the fecond thine, how
you may make the b^ft of this vifi-
tation ; you rouft doe this,be decli-
ning that which may hinder, and
ufing that which may further the
cffrftuali working of this upon
you to falvation. O Brother,if you
take phyficke,will you goe out in-
to the aire? Will you diftemper
your fdfc by diet ? Will you hurt
the
Wt muft take affb&ion to bean. I 277
the working of ic inyou>(Such ac-
cidents as thcfe,are Gods Phyficke)
for your (bule : O be caref ull co let
them workcin you to purpofe,that
your healing(whenGod (hill (hew
ic) may fland a Fall & Spring with
you,may becontinuall. IfaPotion
ftay not with us, but come up a-
gaine untimely,wbat will it benefit
the body > If a Seate-cloth be put
upon us, and wee weary quickely,
pull it offagaine,what profit can it
j bring us ? O Co, when God layeth
thefe Plaifters to our hearts,indeed
fomewhat fmarring, if we will not
let them lie oo f but quench that
forrow for fid, by company, and
other occafions, not dieting our
(bules, as who are Patients under
Gods hands : Alas, wee (hall be as
ready for anew Purge,as if we had
nerer taken any. O Brother,! give
you no woife counfell than 1 my
(cttepra&ife; if I knew any ftfer,
you fhould have it. The Lord give
you wi(3ome,that you may be able
to looke before you,and delight in
N fuch
278
Wt art apt to Jleight offliRiott.
— — — — — «— ^ ■ | i ———————
^ch things, which though they be
tedious for the prefenr, yet they
will end (Weedy •! know your dan-
ger ; Oh, if wee had but our owne
foolifh hearts, wee had enemy e-
nough, too mighty for us, without
the helpe of Je(&s Chrift our Lord :
But a great many of Syrens fing a-
boutyou a great many of matters,
which will by little and little,fteale
thefcvory thought of thefe things
out of your heart :yea,I would we
had not evill fpirits to keepe pof*
feflion in us., with fvtch violence,
that wee can hardly make entrance
for a thought of this nature. Again,
it (b fareth with us, that things the
fecondtime, ftir us not commonly
fo much as at the fit ft; asnature,the
more fliee is accuftomed to medi-
cine,thcle(fe (he is moved with it :
0,youmuft be afraid of this carri-
age toyourPhyficianjftrong things
will poi(bn us if they purge us not.
Againe, our hearts are (b hard^thac
till the Spirit doe (often them,thefe
laffiiftions which are Gods ham-
mers,
L
We mufi not jl fight God f b*n&. I 2J 9
i
mers, beare cold Iron ; all is boot-
lefle. 0,when youfccleit, cryto
him that hath promifed to takea-
way this heart of ftone: what need
I warne you how malicious the di-
vellis, to dare (uch thoughts tfao-
row us, as if feeing it will be no
better,all* well enough? Your ftate
is thus augmented, your credit in-
creafed^your felfe more capable of
further advancements andconteat-
metrts in that kind; feeing you lived
kindly with hcr,and it is Gods plea-
sure, who can undoe that which is
done ? The Lord rebuke him for
you. O turne from ftch curfed
thoughts which tend to this, that
you may be kept fhmbering and
fkeping, till God (end forth lbrae
heavier fummons for the awaking
of yon. Now for your helpe this
t way J have ftnt you a letter which
I have long intended, but hitherto
have beeoe prevented: The Lord
bleflc it unto you. There be two
extremes under Gods hand : the
one is to fee light bv it, the other is
N i to
mm
a8o
The
mcancm a
ijflfttion*
Co droopc too much under it. Now
| you ma A go in the midft ; rake ic to
heart,buc wicb hope 3 kno wing chat
it is good to bcare the yoke., and
that it (hall be well with fuch as
wait filently upon the Lord : and
therefore fay with Micha, I wtB
bean itjktctufc IbdveJinmed.Think
your heavenly Father, that God
that is love it fclfe, hath put this
cup into your hand, and fay with
ChtiRySbaB I not drinks the cuf mj
Ftther bath put into my h**d ? For
our bodies good we drinkc things
which make us fee many a fbwre
face on them ; what (hall wee not
welcome for our foules health? Yet
asyou inu ft let it downe, and hum-
ble your foule, Co you mud com-
fort your ftlfe another while,there
is mercy with him that he maybe
feared. It is good to intermeddle
reftoratives of /pirituall ftrength,,
which may raife up the foule in
true comfort^as wellas otherwhile
to beate downe our foules in
thought which may humble them*
The
(jo d affiiUs to bumble, and
The Lord hath given you from
time to time pledges of his father-
ly care over y ou:yea,fiich by which
you may gather, that he will never
forfake you ; whom he lovech, hce
Iovcth to the end. Yea, this is his
great love,andheoffereth himfelfe
as aFather to you, that he will not
let y our fpiric goe at randome, but
correfteth the thing amifleinit;
that he bring you to be partaker of
the q iet fruit of rightcoufneffe,
and Uue you from being condem*
ned with thofe that are of unbro-
ken heart,whofe harts never mour-
ned for their fii. If you cannot fte
this mercy, of this you muft not be
difmaide ; though it be night, wee
(hall have day againe, yea,his love
is the fame it w3s,though our feofe
and feeling is changed . Sit licit in
natos facia amjltrafarentHm^ Mms
tamer* tqua mamt. I do a dure you
in that knowledge of my God,that
if you doe but favourably Judge
your fclfe before him, and humble
your fclfe iu his fight : if you will a
N 3 while
281
28a
then to cmfortttt.
I
while count that ftate bcft when
you fede your heart devoted to
hir»; though the countenance be
dcj ft, that great God that com-
forts the abjett, and exalcerh the
humble, hee will exalt you and
comfort you with true joy and
prolperity. Thus inhafte I com-
mit you to the Lord.
Your loving Brother, P. B.
37-
LOving brother;! know a word
or two will be more welcome
than continuall filence ♦ wherefore
I will let you underftand how it is
with us. My wifes infirmities doe
continue with heviut fhcehath
more ftrcngthj I thanke God, and
the tiolent working of them is e-
venpaft, at leaftrcflcih forafea-
(on. It went, when I did write to
you firft,exceeding hard with her ;
but if the Lord give us faith, hee
can worke above all wee can aske
or thinke. It is good wee /hould
have
•.^i"^^""**
Wc ate dull andfltepy to Good.
have falfe fires (hot off fbraetimcs
to flare np our flambring faulcs,
wbicharc heavieto fleepe, though
we be never lb wakened. Some-
times a coldncfle comraeth on our
fpirits, which maketh them un-
a#ive unco good^likeas it ig in the
body, the heart is^flccpe (bmetime
when the eyes arc open : fome-
time wee take a nap in the loft of
our hearts : fometime wee winke,
by falling into unfruitful! courfts,
idle words, parting good hourcs to
no purpofe : the Divell hath many
watcs to rockc our foules a(kep,by
making us rejournc our good pur-
poft^andtakedayiftillalictleflum-
bcr,a little folding of the hands $ \f
we efcape falling from grace, lufts
unfrui f iIacflV:ifwe will not make
delaies, bur fet upon good duties,
yet even in the(c,our drowfie hearts
make us nod oftentimes through
indevotion.
Aod becanfc I am fallen into this
Theame J pray you both take heed
that your Souks be not thus oyer-
M 4 taken,
\
284 #* ought tofitivt again ft it.
taken, chat the firft love, the gra-
ces which at any time you either
have had be not leflened. Lookein
the 13. of the Reveht. 26. and not?
to husband our talents, orincreafe
them* is the next fore-runner of
judgement. Take heed of giving
place to lufts 5 He tbatfervtth to hU
fie/b D fh*llreapc defttuZthn 9 GaI,6. 8.
Take heed of unfruitfulncfle : the
tree that beareth not good fruit, is
a tree that (hall be cur downe, as
well as the tree that beareth bad
fruit, and every idle Word (hall be
accounted for: let nottheDivell
prevaile with us to put offa good
purpofe; quench not the Spirit,
iThef.$. ip.delaie^if any where,
here (hey are dangerous- let us
fhake our felvcs up againft that
indevotion and (pirituall fbth
which will creepe upon us in doing
good: benocflothfull, be fervent
in fpirit : curled is he that doth the
bufineflc of God haftingly, Bro-
her, we that are the Lords, though
wee are not in a dead flsepe with
the
Wet nctcU Summons.
1
the World,yet our (bules have the
remnants offach a lethargic as chat
wee are often napping in thefe
kinds. The Lordhach need to fend
one fummons for us fleepcrs,or we
fliould be in danger by them. A*
wake thou that fleepeft, ftand up
from the dead, Chrift (hall give
thee light j he that is the true light,
the quickniog Spirit, having our
nature glorious with him in the
Heaven. The Lord our Redeemer,
the qukkning Spirit, quicken our
foules, and keepe them through
faith in his power, to that Salvati-
on which is laid up for us in the
Heavens.
Your loving Brother,
T*ui Bajnc.
LOving Brother,I havt received
your letter ,ful of heavic reporr,
but that our neede is 4ch that wee
muft be made heavie with funilry
N 5 tempta-
a8 5
<i i n 1
A
The ufe we arc to m&kt tfGeds hand.
temptations j our God doth not de-
light in beating us, but our neccfG-
ticsinforceit:God hath taken from
you an innocent and fwcet conforr,
thcnaturall Narfe of your nurfery,
a faithfull difpenfer ofyuur eft ate:
in a word, a good wife* who did
you good and not evill all her daks.
Wee aire bereft of a Sifter, a Sifter
indeede (as S. *Pa*l fpcaketh of
Widowes) whofeloffe, though I
beare more weanedly, becaufe 1
knew her more fparingly j yet it
doth grieve mee Che is gone with-
out any fruits of my love with her.
The Lord teach us to be fcrvice-
able mutually while we injoy each
other, that wee come not to wifli
we had done fo. Brother^ it is my
dcfire,3nd I will feek at Gods hands
with a fafting for you, that bee
would give yon repentance, and
fpeake to your foule, humbled un-
der his hand, that he will heale all
with advantage. A great breach
hath God made in your houfc,but
his mending is better than bis ma-
king.
^ '
Repentance only Jfops Gods ungtr. 28 7
kiog.Idoubrnor,bntyouknowby
this, r hat God doth call you to re-
pentance- no bufh will flop the gap
Co well^s humbling our (oiiles-and
judging them in this fight: now
this is an exercife that requireth
entring into our owne hearts, and
confidcring what evi lis have llept
in our bofomes, efpecially in thofe
wales which the finger of God
doth point out more particularly :
'Devtr. go. i Kings 8. 47. 2. To
get a fight and (enfe of Gods hand
on U3,and yet of his mercy that we
are not confumed. 3. From this
feeling efpecially of his mercy,
which is never taken from us in his
chaftiftmentSjWe muft humble our
(elves bycoufctlion, which giveth
glory to God, and (hame to our
(elves, by cenfuring our owne
foules: as Ezek*26. 34. Yecfhall
judge your (elves as worthy to be
cut off: by crying for mercies., as
T)avid y Tfahn. 5 1 . And thus in hu-
miliation come to him, and re-
new our covenants with our God.
now
1
288 1 Wit arefiibjiU to many temptation. I
Now of oui felves, wee arc full of
indifpoiicion to this worktjand all
thatconverfe about you/m cooipa-
rifon, will call you from this pra-
ftice, in which onely is your true
peace : and (o you bad neede co
looke up co Iefus Chrift, who is
made the Lord,chat hath all power
in Heaven and in Earth, that hee
may give hislfrael true repentance
andforgivenefleoffins, ^#.5. 31.
Efay 26. 12. Not thinking much
to attend upon him, as the eyes of
a hand-maid on her Miftrcfle : For
who is like unto our God ? and
what is more precious than the
Grace of Repentance ? Againe ,
Brorher, know, that you have no
wiicdome, to cawy your felfe as
becommeth you under this great
handofGJod : For on both hands
the Divell will aflaile you, and the
folly found in our hearts, doth
make his Temptations more dan*
gcrous j firft, to defpifc the Cor-
rection of God j:ftcondly,to count
it irkcfome a cither to ward the
furl
Wet are apttofieigbt Gods band. 289
fmarc off by impenitent rneanes,or
to be fwallowed up with griefe,
and filled with bitternefle^in endu-
ring of it. Now for the firft, we doe
k partly by inward fuggeftions ;
pcrfwading our (elves, that wee
(hall weare the matter forth well
enough, that wee are once agiine
at liberty, and are in elcftion of
fuch and fiich preferments, (if (uch
things happen not to be 11 your
minde, it is the God of 'Pact that
keepeth them out :) (bmetimes a-
gaine, by making this or that way
delightful] unto uf; fufferingour
(elves to be drawncaway by idle
company,which are no better than
the Divells Whiftle, to call us a-
way from all favory courfe^ yea,
j his MinftrclSjto lull us ia our fpiri-
tuall Qumber.Now take heed here-
of; for this were to dawbe 'jp the
wall whh untempered Mortar:
The eafe which is gotten this way,
ii like 'he eafement of cold drinke
to hot Agues, it would make a
worfe thing breed • for that which
ftaveth
200 i Tht d*»g*r of deferring humiliation.
- | ■ — ■ n - — * — ~- — ' — |
I ftayeththe working of mansPhy-
ficke,hurrech the body; which wc
may conceive by application there-
of to the foule, if wee will not
imbrace our affii&ions patiently.
Now, if you will not liften unto
God, when he callcth on this man-
ner, then hee will drench you with
forrow, e(pecially three waies*
Firft, hee will hide from your eye
the remembrance of fuchthings,in
which you may take comfort; yea,
keeping you from tailing all the
mercies of God, with which this
correftion is intermeddled. Se-
condly, hee will helpe you with a
Speftacle, and make you fee too
big,both the prefcn handj and all
old matters &circDmftances,whkh
may make it feeme grievous*
Thirdly, dee will hide from your
eyes all comfortable hope of Iffue,
which God is moft faiibfull to give*
Now therefore, deare Brother, the
Lord lefts grant you may finde fa-
vour in his fight, to efcape evill
(bares. Make a venue of aeceiiky :
be
:!
mm
mm
The profit of Refmtance.
291
1
be not afraid to fee finne, and fccle
thefhaartchererof; but remember
withal], what the Law of the Spirit
hath done in the courfe of your life:
(hike your covenant anew, there
is hope with our God ; for all this ,
read Ez,ecb,2. 3. He is faithful! to
give Iflue ; yea, though hec make
heavi?, vec he will comfort in the
multitude of mercies, Lament. 3.
32. Turne from ir, as from the D:-
ve]l,that would quench the fpark s
of your godly forro w and abjecti-
on before the eyes of your God.
Take heed my Sonne, of defpifing
and making lighter accounting
irkefome,thcchaftiiemencofGod :
If yee lacke wikdome, begge if ;
I will give r, and not reproach
you, Heb. 12. flames 1. 5. Ocry
to God, that thus you may be gui-
ded. Should you not finde this
grace, hec would quickly lay your
honour in the duft, and we fhould
hivec^ufetowcepinftcrettFare-
will hi$ Ki:gdomc, farewell every
tbicg. But if hee give you this, I
dare
2?2
^ —
The more we I$ve y tbe more ret grieve, j
dare aflureyou, all happineffe (hall
follow yoa here, and for ever.
Seeke bit Kingdome,ind all things
ftull be caft upon you 5 Mattb. 6.
39*
MY deare Sifter, what thaokes
doe. I owe to ray God, for
his Fatherly conlblation, where-
wirh hee doth comfort you ? The
Lord increafc in mee brotherly
love, and that grace, which may
make mee fanftific him in all his
mercy and truth, which I fee him
fhew any of his children ; efpecial-
ly fuch,whom his providence hath
endeared to me,above others. The
increafe of your godly griefe,with
freedome from diftruft, more than
heretofore, hath nothing in it to
be admired. The more wee love,
the more wee grieve, that wee
have offired any grievance to thofe
uhom wee love. The more wee
few ie Gods love in forgiving us ,
the
se*&m*9*msa—sss*msF*s*a
^-
Tbey that graawtfier grace, 293
the more wee love againe : (hee
lovcth much, becaufe fiieefindcth
much i$ forgiven her 5 much love
(hewed her firft. Diftruft hin-
derethus from feeling Gods love:
Gods love is eclipfed from us^ours
is much enfeebled towards him;
our love weake, our griefe for
offending him , canaot come fo
kindly from us 3 for this is propor-
tioned to our love. Bleffed be God,
who giveth you thofc groancs, af-
rer his grace : God ackno wledgeth
that which his Spirit fuggefteth.
When wee bid our children (as
Charity for example) fay, I pray
youj Mother, give mee this- we
doe it notjbut when wee meane to
give them that which wee teach
them to aske. So it is with God :
Hee doth not fend his Spirit
to our hearts, to helpe us with
groancs, but when hec meaneth
to anfwer our defires : Hee that
maketb us fa w, will make us reape.
Hungric poore foules are glad,
when they heare that meate is
toward
,
2? 4 Cb f 'ft *MJ*t*sfie ihtirUnging.
coward them ; glad when they arc
invited, though yet their Knife is
not laid on boord.Let this comfort
you,Sifter,your Cbritl faich,Come
whofo thirfteth, and drinkc till it
ftreamech from yon, Iobn j. And
the poore (hall eate, and be facif.
fied, and praife my Name, Thry
that fceke the Lord, their hearts
fliallliye. The Lord repyce over
his ownc Wort e, and continue it
in you unto the end. Farewell.
Yoar loving Brother,
PaulBajm. \
40.
DEare Sifter, yourcoufinDia-
bdm returning, I cannot but in
few words anfwer your Letter I
received. I doc defire to be thanke-
full for Gods truth and tender msr-
cy towards yoi, and for making
mee a Minifter of your Confohti-
on : Though wee be unfaithful!,
yet God will be found faithfull.
I When
When wee through weakened?,
follow him, noc challenging him
with reverence^ concerning his
good words which hee hath (]po-
ken to us; when wee wait not on
the performance of his proroifes;
even then bee pre venceth us with
his goodnefle; and for his Names
fake, hec corometh leaping over
chofe Mountainesof/tolw,T>i* all
our indifpoficion, and unworthi-
! ncfTe. He who is thus good to us,
fo unbelieving; if we would mend
our faith, how would he augment
his mercies ? This fal thfulncflfc of
God (hould makeunbeliefe odious
to u?,and caufc us to labour agaioft
it, by looking to the Authour and
finifher of our faith; even then,
when through Gods gracious pre-
tence we feele our fel ves in beft ta-
king.For as \ man, who hath beene
handled fore once with the Stone^,
will labour to keepe it downe,and
,cleare himfelfe of it,when now hee
iswell^andtheFitover; fo,tnthis
unbeliefe , having found how it
(hakes
29 6 Itfbould excite us to Faith.
(hakes us* when wee have the mod
releafefromic, then muftweeftill
be dealing with it: for though the 1 1( j
Fitisceafed,yet thcfpirituallfick- 1 (0
neffeftilllurkcth in us. Remem-
ber, good Sifter, how the Divell
hath diftutbed your peace : how
little things, not looked to more
timely, have bred matter of g^eat
grievance* Labour to have (tilt in
tight that our naturall folly, which
raaketh us remember our beating
no longer, than the (mart Iafteth.
Labour to heare your Chrift faying
every day to your foule • I am that
Saviour, who fave my people from
fiane, I will be thy filvacion. Fi-
nally, ftrive to have a thankfull ac-
knowledgement of Gods mercy
towards you : Then flull your
Peace be like the Sunne, which
fhioeth brighter and brighter, till
the height of it be attained.
My defire is to doc good to your
(bule, both in my pretence with
you, and abfencc from you. If you
.could marke your felfe, and let me
1 know
Wte muft profit by correBion.
know what mo ft biodereth you;
where you finde your fclfe wea-
keft, I (hould fie you better with
advice, when God gave me ability
to ponder that cftarc. I continue,
Sifte^bcttcr than fomccimes I have
becne, but held under the hand of
God : For that painfull weakneflc
in the bottoms of my body, doth
flill follow mee. The Lord teach
mee to doe his will, and indure his
pleafore : And hee that will have
finfull men joyne withCom&i-
on, Nurture and Inftru&ion, hee
make me profit by all his chaftife-
raents. The Lord delight to make
us ever with good hearts confefle
his truth and mercy towards us.
The Lord bleffe you with increafe
I of comfort, and bleflc all yours,
| with you.
Your loving Brother,
Paul Bajne.
297
d:
M r-> \r w*v\
'j «_/*/#/ y
9 *s » *^ »
V
I
41.
LOving Sifter, I am glad that)
God doth adde fbmewhat to
your health ; for I hope it is a |
pledge of further favour.The Lord
open our eye?, chat wee may fee]
him to be our life, and the length
of our daies.You muft not let wantj
of company make you It Qz light-'
fbme : wee u(e not company wcllj
wheu wee are not fitted, by inpy-
ing it,the more thankefully to for-
beareit, whenthepleafurcofGod
is, that we fhould be bereaved of it
for a while. Your beft Husband,
hee is with you (till, at Bed and
Boord, ready to vouchsafe you the:
fweeteft CommunionThe Lord of I
his tender love draw you after
him, and fpeake peace and falvati-
on to your (pirit. I have kept from
you the extremity of my Vifitati-
on -, but the Candle hath not gone
out by night, fince theThurfday
after my cemming from you : till
within
Submit to Gods Rod.
2 99
within theft two nights, for a
;ood fpacc,I hare beene forced to
uve fome watch by mce. Yet,
Sifter, thefe arc but the beginnings
)f forro wes, thefe are not the fick-
lefles that I have long looked
for. The Lord make mee preci-
ous in his fight, to be made able to
fuffer and doe every thing in his
Chrift. My heart followeth God,
defirous to be taught of him whol-
ly, to endure all his plcafure. I
thanke you for your loving re-
membrance^ which you ftill have
of mee. The Lord ftirre up ray
heart, that I may remember you to
him, and that I may be ready to
helpe you with whatfoever Office
of true love (hall lie in my power.
Thus with my love remembred, I
commend you, and all my Coufins
with you to the gracious protefti-
| on of the Alcnighty.
Your loving Brother,
Paul Bsjnt.
I
42.
LOvc is a thing we may lawfully
owe; and becaufe this is a fruit
of love to confidcr one another,
and prcvoke to good workes, to
exhort one ancther,that we be noc
hardened through the deceitful-
nefle of fin : Therefore I wifh that
orfcer things not neglcfted,my love
may be moft frunfull in this kinde.
i Let me then call to your mind the
duties you know welU that you
may more and more beapra&ifcr
of them. The Scripture, 2 Cor. 13.
5. 6. biddcthus prove our feives,
and telleth us, that if Chrift be not
in us, wee are counterfeits : It be-
commeth us therefore, to fee on
what ground wee (land, thatvvee
may make fare worke with our
God. If falfe gold walked abroad,
weedould not take a Piece, but
trying it; fo wife wee are, that we
may not be deceived in earthly
things, when wee hand over head
admit
fVe may hp$r* whether we be Chrijfs*
admit any :hing as currant iichc
way offal virion. Now wee may
eafily knowifweebeinChrift, or
Chrift ici us : for as where the Sua
(hint th ic may be decerned hence,
becau/e the darknes doth difperfe,
all things are lightfome : Even fo,
where this Sao of RighteoufhefTc
ftiineth, the darke clouds of igno-
rance aid fianc are fcatrered., the'
light of knowledge and grace fhi-
neth, ! f you be in Chrift, yoa have
cracifiedthefl.fh, withtheluftof
ir^ </*/. 5. 24, If you be in Chrift,
you are a new creature, 2 Cor. 5.
20. Wherefore, Brothcr^becaafe I
know there is little wind abroad
todnue this Mill, the Lord by his
Spirir worke all things for us.
Your loving Brother,
Ptul Baync.
O 43, Well
301
302
womtn grape.
■s-rs!
45
Ell, you fliould let nice
heare from you 3 and know
how, you feele your foulc affefted ;
who can fie a ftiooe that k ioweth
not the foote 1 how can I fie you
withhelp&Ucounfcll, while you
conceaie from mee your daily con-
dition > You would not willingly
have a PhyficiaQ preterite blind-
fold, roving in uncertaine without
a marke;but you care not what you
put upon my invention. Brother,
how do you feele your foulc every
day ? doth it grow up in the life of
God? hath it more defire of him,
thought cocerning hinynorc love,
repenrance, holy fliame-faftnefie?
If the body be. in au Atrophy, and
not like, what meanes (over wee
u fed, what a grief e would it be un-
to us > (hall wee not grieve if our
fbules grow not up in the life of
graee? Doe you feele fome little
good thing more than you have
done
The life nf grace requires
done heretofore ? ic muft comfort
us, and wee muft confeffe it with
thanks, giving to God glory. If we
mention by Letter, and bleffe God
in our bodily health, how much
more muft his kindncfle in our
(bules be acknowledged? I pray
you let me & you fall into Letter-
colloquies of this nature. Brother,
the life of Grace in the heart doth-
askedaity diligence to maintaiae
it. Doeyou not fee in nature, ^4**-
mwtis ctt)u[<fc vit*efiftig4 f Were
it not for the repaire by nutrition,
the naturall life would be foone
cxtinguifhed. Sodoryounotfeele
the life of God in your fbule ? you
cannot find any vigor of it (boner,
than you lhall fcek a fecret cxhau-
fturc and decay creeping upon you.
Now as wee take bodily refe&ioo
daily, and count it not grievous, fo
wee muft workeupon our hearts
before God, that we may feele6y
this means,firom himadaily renew-
ing of the beft ftrength in us. The
good God of nature hath put a de-
O 2 light
303
*M*
I
■ u p
Daily nourishment
l'gbtin thofe bodily fur iftions, in
w ch is the preservation of our per-
fons^this makes us not abjeft the j
butbecaufe our foules are to the
meanes of grace, as a ficke ftoraack
is affefted to racate., becaufc it is
painfull a little to us^thercfore the
belt duties are fore-fbwed. The
Lord fave us from this fl )th of fpi-
rit,we will eatc without appetite :
one bit, they fay, will drive downe
another. Let us doe thus with our
fbules,and we fhallfinde that eaiic
which hath feemed painfull. With-
out cracking the (hell, wee cannot
come to the kernel!. The Lord
kcepe you in his feare and favour.
44*
GOod Mafter ZW. I cannot
but write unto you, things
going as they doe, though other-
wife I fhould have uftd fortae for-
bearance, becaule of roy Xmploy-
ments. The firft part of your Let-
ter did re Joyce race, and the latter
grieve
The vtyce ofthaukfgiving.
305
grieve me : For I defirc to pra&ife
the duty of remembring the affli-
ftcd, as if my felfe were affhtted hi
body; according as wee are com-
manded, Hebr. 13. 3. I am glad
God huh noc onely kept you hi-
tFurco, but (lied into your heart his
Fatherly love in Chrift r fo thn you
vow (through his grace) thankful-
nefle anro the end, A voyct taught
by Gods Spirit; for you may fee
the fame working in the hem of
the Prophet, on like experience
1 of Go Js goodie ffe : PJal. 146.2.
[wiflpfjife the Lord 'tinting my life,
as long as J have iny being, J will
fwg to ny God. It is a feemcly
thing to breake out into thofe
voyces : what fhall wee give the
Lord for all his benefits (hewed
to us? Deliverance isc omforcuble,
but Gods loving kindncfle is bet-
ter than life. Therefore wee muft
bow o'Jr knees to the Father of
our Lord Jtfus Chrilt, that wee
may know more tin? love of God
in Chrilt, which paflkch all know-
O 3 1 fV
u
306 J Whom God loves 6nce 7 he loves ever.
ledge. It was Gods great mercy to
let you drinke of his favour in any
meafure, before hee changed his
right band; I mesne his dealing
with you : for whom hee once lo-
vethjthere is nothing (hall for ever
make a (eparation betwixt his love
and the party. Neither life, nor
death^eithcr any thing prefent^or
any thing which may fall out here-
after, (hall be able to feparate us
from the love of God in Chrift : for
all Gods gifts, his love, and the
fruits of it, concerning that be tec r
life, they arc without repentance.
You rauft then not let your (elft be
too much caft downe, but comfort
your felfe in the Lord your God. I
pray you reade the firft of Sam. the
30. Chap, and the 6. vevf. I am not
ignorant M r . Dowfonjhn a wife is
very neere, and fo a husband to a
wife. lin part confider it,though I
cannot weigh it as I (hould.Againe,
I know that even the deare Saints 1
of God have not beene able to
bridle this paflion : lacob would
goe
i
Be not fixed on esrtbly thing r.
goe weepiog to the grave after his
fonne, and would not be comfor-
ted. Yet wee muft know what is
the will of our God : namely, that
feeing the fafhion of all earthly
things paffeth away, and feeing
that through Chrift he doth cover
oar fpirirs, and give us hope of a
better enduring life : that there-
fore wee fhould rejoyce, as if
wee rejoyced not; and weeps as
if wee wept not; wee fhould not
ovsr-much be afik&ed with the
poffefling or removall of thefe
things which are
Earthly,
307
FINIS.
+
[SOLILOQVIES:
OR,
A HOLY HELPER
in Gods Building, .
Written in a Letter
byM r . Paul Bay me, iomctime
Preacher of Gods Word at Saint
Andnvces in Cambridge.
EfFe&ually inflru&ing, and
earneftly provoking ro true Re-
pecuncc, Love, and . new
Obedience.
The fourth Edition 3 inlargeil by a more
perfeft Cupie,
LONDON,
Printed by E.G. for 1. N. and are to be
(old by Sam,Enrlerbyu\ Topes-Head-
AUc), at the SigneoftheScar, 1637.
k
==
The Preface to
M. IORD.
LOving 'Brother, nature
her felfufuch it School.
tnifireffe, tbatffieteacb-
etb her Creatures induflry in
their kind:the dumb elements
are carried about frith inde-
fatigable motion : The Ant,
and other creatures, are ex*
ceeding induflrieus. As na-
ture maheih a man incline to
atlion j fo mfedome maketh
him to choofe hti yporke, to
leave that "which ii dead and
to leffe advantage, and to
choofe that "which u mofl
com
mm — ■ • - ■;
. •'.** «■ J t
THE PREFACE.
commodious. Humane wife-
dome {unable to go beyond h*r
compare) can but point us to
civiQ human works jbe fruit
wherofu a good proportion-
able t to wit, civil or external,.
The wifedome which if from
above and heavenly guide \th
our hands to a higher plough,
and biddeth m exercife our
felyes in godlineffe, meeting
God with repentance, fiir
ring up our heart J, that they
may be affeclioned towards
him. And becaufe the worke
it tranfeendent and of higher
nature than thefc fecular \and
Wee are ready to thinke with
Peccr,Mrf/?ir,ip; do tbmand
thus, j
•+&mm*T*~*i*
mm^tmmi
X
THE PREFACE.
tbuf y what (ball wee haDe<
God {that wee might better
like the work)dotb mend cur
wages^ajjuring us tbatgodll
nejje u great gaine of it f elf e,
bringing content mentyeajje
I dotbpromi/e us the things of\
this life, and oft bat which is
to come jf we will learne thu
occupation, Now he that wil
increafe grace andgodlincjjc
in his heart, mujt labour hi>
foule this way with wreflling
and contention. It is not eye-
ry walking and moving in a
Cbriflian courfe, by which
trace ii augmented More (en
i Die j but flirting ourfelyes
up, and putting fo jot tb the
grace
THE PREFACE.
grace "free haye, that injome
fort -%>e feel the utmofl it Drill
reach totas natural} ft renph
is not increafed with eyery
fedentarj motion.that tsfuch
fiirring 3 as is next to fitting
ftill, but "frith fuch exercife,
which if it be not ad fudo
teyet is,ad rubbrem^ here
it is mo ft moderat W her fore
as you "frould haye thefoule
thriye, breathe it well in me-
ditation, and other duties of
deyotion. Wee haye indeed
ftiffeakingjoints % thatpaine
us to ft ir in this kind: but the
more -warmth wee get, the
more all grief e "frill be abated.
No^fr there is no one branch
of
***
THE PREFACE.
of devout exercife more fruit-
full than that of Soliloquie ,
wherein we commune with our
owne foules, and excite them
towards God. Words ferve not
onely to make knowne the con-
ceptions of our minds, but to
give glory to God who under-
flandeth our thoughts afar off;
and to blow up devotion^ and
kindle our cooling affections to •
wards him. Inordinatpafsions
come likefoule weather Jce fore
wee fend for them, they often
\ present all attion oj the will :
but good affebl ions are fo over-
laid with fin which compaffeth
us about, that if wee gather not
wind under their wing (fo
ponde-
THE PREFACE.
ponderous tbeftejhis)they can*
not mount up to the purpofefor
the warrant of this duty, wee
haye both precept isfpratlics^
take "Words to your fe foes ', H o i .
1 5 . j.Hcb. ; . 1 ; . Examples both
facredj?[a,\.^z n .Gen. 14.4 9.
andEcclefiajticall ^Iuftinf.,
and many others. To leadeyour
*
band in this matter J gfoe you
this letter •, "which containeth a
forme of Soliloquies fer"Ping to
further your daily repentance^
and found affeclion towards
God -, keepe it for your private
ufe. And the Lord.Iefm 3 the
quickning Saviour, be with it
to the end above named.
Tout Iov;ng Bf othery.
'Pttut Bayru.
i
3»7
- -
g fc&a ^
X2ffi£2g&
HOLY
SOLILOQJ/IES:
O R,
A Holy Helper in
Gods Building.
EElireinthelaft,
and rooft perilous
times, in which
the power of god-
lindfeis much de-
cayed; and. Love,
Mat .2^. 12. through abundance
of iniquity, much cooled. Now, j
there is no one thing which more
breedcth this consumption of
Grace,and growth of he contrary,
than the want of fuch Spirituall
Exercifes as awaken grace, and re-
new the ftrengthof it in us, from
one degree to another. For as not
blowing,
3H
the benefit ef Soliloquies.
- i -— — — ■ < ii ■ ■ »^— — — —
blowing, briogs the firetobcex-
cinft in time, no le0e than the pro-
curing ofcold Waterto be poitfired
upon it : Co the (1 athfull^ not row-
fingupthemfelves,killcthgracc,as
well as the wilfall, living in fame
knowne fii ; death followeth upDn
both. The difference is 5 one is vio-
lent and fpeedy, th£ other is (as we
fpeake of Consumptions) gentle,
and lingring, but ho leffe certaine.
Now, chough there are many
meanes whereby the foute doth
ftiakeupicfelfe, yec thctefcaatte
more fruitfully than for a Chtiftbtn
to accuftome himfelfc to S'vliU-
qnh) taking words to our ieltfcs,
between God and our owuefoules.
Words ferve not onely to open bur
minde, that others may cohceive
our meaning, but to honour God
("who undcrftandeth us, without
chem)and arejasit were 2 Bsllowes
to blow up our affeftiobs, ttfhfcn
their devotion coolcth. Sinful pa£
(ions Will prevent oUr Wills, and
come (as wee fay of foulc Wea-
ther")
Soliloquies c omandtd, fraUtfed. 1 315
thcr) before they are fine for. But
for holy affefttons (fo ponderous
is our corruption, which preffeth
downc) unkfle wee Lbour the
thing with our heart?, they will
not rife to any purpofe ia us. God
therefore hath commanded it un-
to us \ and complainech, when it is
negle&ed. Hof.iq. 2. Take words
to your (elves : None awaketh
himfelfe to lay hold on God : None
faith, Jercm. 8. 6. What have I
done* And the moft excel tent
men of God have abounded in fo-
litary Conferences with God and
their Soules; as both facred and
Ecclefiafticall Story teach* by the
examples of Vavtd, and others,
Saint tsfujien, Anfelme^ and Ber-
nard. The fruite of this Exercife,
hath made mee fct downe (for
the hclpe of Novices, who have
'not becne exercifed this way) a
Forme of Wor^, which might
containe fit Soliloquies, to further
us in found Repentance, an J good
Affr&ions towards God. Firft,
there-
3 20 Gods judgements call for repentaxee.
therefore, to dcale with you in
Repentance* then, to hclpe you
forward in Love, and new obe-
dience.
The Lord preacheth Repentance
ft ill unto us. If a Meffenger knock
at our doore, and anfwerbe retur-
ned, he Is gone forthwith to thefe
that fent him. So, if the Plague, }
and fuch like Mongers, which
God fendech to us, had that which
they corns for,chey would not ftill
ring the Bell at our doores, and
call upon us. Neither doth God
wait for Repentance onely from
the wicked, but he would have his
deareft Children meete him, con-
demning themfelves, Luke 13. 5.
If yce repent not alfo more and
more, when yee fee the exam-
ples of Gods wrath, yet {hill alfo
perifh.
Firft, to (hew you what this is,
I {hall by this meanes ftirre you up
unto it more fruitfully. By Re-
pentance,! cweane nothing elfe, but
\ godly forrow for finne^ wherein the
1 foule
"he Nature ofRcpence.
321
I
foulchumbfeth ic £lfe before God,
and commeth home to him. It is
not a worldly fonow,Iike theirs
in Hofesj. 14. which maketh us
whine, becaufe the World is hard ;
nor yet a hopelefie griefe,for feare
of puniftiment : but a griefe for
finoe, as it difpleafcch God ; whole
love through Chrift, wee have felt
(hed in our hearts ; whofe mercy
wee Qe ic i?, that wee are not con-
fumed; yea, whofe fatherly aff&i-
on doth feeke to call us home by
loring Corre&ioru
Now in tlrs furrow, thefoule
doth humble it felfe : For this is
the nature of Repentance ; it will
make us takefhame to our (elves,
parcly 3 by feafonable acknowledge-
ment of thofe waies, wherein we
have moft provoked God 5 partly,
by judging our fdves as worthy to
be cut off, that we may find grace
in his eyes, and not be con-
demned : And together, with grie-
ving and abafing it felfe, the ftray-
foule commeth home to God,
pur
:i
3 i8
Wi mnfi grieve fer om failings.
purposing through his ftrength, to
leave thole courics wherein ic hath
grievgd him, and to cleave to him
in all his Commandemenfs. Looke
then, if entring into your ownc
hearts, yee finde, that as much as
hath beene amiffe, by difpenfing
Gods mercy and patience, yea, his
goodnefle, giving you the Call of
his Word, and Corre&ious ; yee
are grieved, that yee have beene fo
unki;>de an uid-utifull to fo kinde
and carefull a Father. Ifyeefiade,
that where it is to his glory, yee
love to confefle your unfruitful-
ne(Te,and to condemne your fcl ve5,
and doe with a true purpofe of
heart, ftrike a new Covenant with
God,to forbeare your owne waies,
to walke more fruitfully before
him,fo far re as his Grace (hall pre-
ferve you in the one, and ftreng-
then you in the other (for all our
fufficieacy is from him :) if yee find
thefe things in any meafure, then
rejoyce ; for God hath given you
Repentance^ to eternal! life. But
if
Sofball Godcmfortus.
if your hearts have negieftcdthis
excrcifeof a broken fpirit, and if
your confidence cell you,th tf there
hath beene little or no gricfethis,
way, then yee muft be intreated,
that whiicft it is c lied today that
Godsgracedothftill invite you,v c c
would not harden your hearts, but
prepare to meete him. W^epenot
for me, bur for your tins, (aichour
Saviour, Luk^ 23. 28 . And bkfled
are they that mourne in this kind :
the Lord carrieth an hand-cher-
chicfe to wipe away thefeteares;
he is nigh to comfort thefe hearts :
thefc April-dewes bring May-
flowers ; (uch as fbwe in teares,
(hallreapc in joy. Is it not better
for us, to take the rodde into our
owne hands, and beate our felves
gently,than force the Lord to cha-
ften us, who is a confumiog fire > If
the Lord fce, that wee are but wil-
ling to caft downe our felves, and
to deale with our owne foules,
hee will cover our heads in the
evil! hourc, whereas his negligent
Children
319
3 2 4
■ ,*■
T)el+yr.ott$reftnt.
,
Children (hall tafte of his tempo-
rary difpleafure. Delay not this :
Oar fouleyn f^ervingfrom God 5
are like Bones out of j rpnt ; the
longer they goc fo, they prove
more painfull ; if we uke them be-
rime, they are fee more eafily, Wc
will take Phyficke,purge,orfwear,
to prevent the growing of a difeafe
upon our bodies t (hall we not be
wife then for our fbules? Thevc-
mic of the fbule, is the griefe of
Repentance : take it betimes,drive
it not off, til! the Lord be forced
co vifi r . Now if God give you to
defire^ that your hearts were bro-
ken in his fight, but yet yee finds
it will not be, partly for the hard-
ncfie of your hearts, partly for
other lets and impediments : I will
helpe you a little at this life- firft,
giving you rules for the out- wrcft-
ling of impediments; fecondly/or
the blowing up of our devotion
in this exercifej which of all fa-
crifices is the mod acceptable.
Now for hiaderances, yec muft
make
CMany lets to Repentance.
make account to meet with them,
if ye purpofe moreferioufly to call
yonrielves to a more ftraight rec-
koning for your wayes. Somtimes
inward indifpofition wilgrow up-
on you : Againe, the Diveil will
want of his will, but fome finne
or other fhall fo clofe with your
foules. which will, like aThorne
caught in the foote, hinder your
intended journey. If yce elcape
thefe,hcwilliurthet ply you with
diftra£ions from things, andper-
fons, which are without you; This
or that is neceflfarily to bee done ;
One or other is to fpeake with
yoi* Furthermore > if yce looke
fcrioufly to this good way of Re-
pentance, he will fuggeth What
needeth fuch adoe ? God is more
mercifull, then to require fuch
ftraitcourfes. Whom doe you fee
to vex thcmfelves in fuch a man-
ner ? Yea, fometimes hec makes
the enrrancedifficult,and comfort -
leffe, to fee if bee candifmayus
I ' from proceeding. Finally, he will
P harpe
3*7
.
7
328
Helpes to orecome th-e
harpe much on this firing: Wilt
thou bid adue to thy plcafurcs^and
betake thy felfc to fo painfull a
courfe? And this is the Loth to
depart he fingeth to the foule that
i looketh towards God: firft > to
fpeake ingenerall to them ; then
in particular* to this laft and main
detention. Now > that we may
iafely pafle thefe Rockes* wrmuff
firft ferioufly confider the malice
of the Devillagainftus* who by
all poflible means h$ can^oppolcth
the comming-acquainted with
ithis exercife. While we are in
our own wayes? thecoaft is cleare
enough : but when God giveth us
a good motion and purpofe , the
Devill doth watch it,as one fhoufd
an infantrfhat he may kill it in the
Cradle > yea, fmother it in the
Wombe , where it was conceived.
Thus* Lord, when thou fendeft by
thySpirit,a motion intoour beartl
for our foules healtfbhe labourerh
to make us quench the Spirit* and
ft) to double our Condemnation.
Now
foggeflions ofSat*n K
Now then^feeing the malice of the
Devill * ye muft labour (fecondly)
to feele your own weaknefle, thac
there is no ftrength in you to en-
counter with the enetry * and fay
thus to your felves : Lord, thou
know eft it* I have no ftrength of
myfelfe; nay * I have chat which
prefleth me downe > which would
make me thinke * there is a Lyon
in this way* and flip my necke out
of this Collar* though t^cre were
no other with-ftanding me* nor
ought without me* that fhauld let
me: How then (hould I be able
to goeover fomany things* with-
out affiftancc ? Then ye muft* in
the third place * looke up unto
Chrift by the eye of Faith(finding
the Devils oppofic ion, and your
owne infirmities) who giveth not
onely the will to us*but the deed*
and worketh all our works for us.
Speake to him * and fay : Lord,
thou canft help me; & as thou haft
put this into my mind, and taught
me to know this piece of thy
v P 2 hoy
i*9
33 O I Rch on Godrfo takeaway thcUts*
holy will, fo I intreate thee to ac-
complifh it in me : it is not I, but
thy grace in me, which muft efteft
all. Asa Childewh© goethwith
his Father, led in his hand, if hee
come to a Stile, or Bridge, he will
cry to him, to take him and lift
him over; fo muft we to our hea-
venly Father,cry to be taken up, a-
boireall thefe hindrances. This is
an excellent remedy;when we be-
hold Seasfcefore us, mountains on
each fide , Armies of enemies be-
hinde us, all hindring our going
forth of our felves ; and in all,the
Devils power : thentoftand ftill,
andlookcfor thefalvation of the
Lord. And here it is good to think
on thefe quickning places of Scrip-
ture : Enter in at the ftrait Gate ,
Cfrtatth. 7.1 5«Nay,Striveto enter
in ; for many (hall fcek to enter in,
and fliall not be zb\z>Luke 1 3 ,24.
Sceke firft Gods Kingdomc, and
therighteoufneffe thereof, Matth*
6*33. One thing is necefTarie,!^
1 o • 4 2 • What if one could get the
whole
Berefolntem l^epentaxce.
331 1
J whole world, if hee lofe his ovvne
Soule ? CMath-i 6.1 6* Narrow is
the gate that leadcth unto Iife>and
few there bee that find it, Mat, 7,
i^Laftly^yemuft think,how if yc
appoint to bee with this or that
man, but for fbmc twenty Nobles
matter, (in which (perhaps) yee
gaine not a Pound cleirly)nothing
ftiall let you : if this or that of leile
moment be out of order, ye fee k s
and fee it not > yee have a greater
gaine in fight : if any would hold
youbacke, yee crave pardon, yee
nave pointed by fuch an houre, to
meetfuchanone. Then yee mull
reafon thustShall I be thus refolute
in executing my purpofe towards
man^when I gaine fome limll mar-
ter,and fhall I let any thing hinder
me^when I am to go to God about
the greatcft merchandize of my
foulcs health?Is not this to be pen-
ny wife, & pound foelifh ? This in
gcnerall. Now in particular. That
yc may then out-grow thefcarc of
parting with pleasure, and conceit
I — - — - * I ■ ...
2 3 2 1 -fifr //tf again ft the maim let
'
x
i
of fo much heavincs in this courfe
of repentance ; ye muft firft know*
that this is a jugling of Sata>wher-
bv he holds men on in the vvayes
offin^eto death. He will fhew us
nothing but delight in evill cour-
fes. hiding all the after bitterrreife
of them* which fhouid bring them
out of requeft with us : fo in §ood
wayes tending to life* he will tell
us of nothing but painKoncealing
all the comfort of them/.hat io he
may keep us from entring them to
falvation. Secondly, we are worfe
aifraid then hurt* Foolike as the
nfing out of the foft bed* fcemcth
beforehand to the fluggard excee-
ding tedious, but when he is once
Ufhdothnotdarehimatall: So is
the awaking from the fleepoffin,
I and flumbring in thereliques of
luftjwhich (till have dwelling even
in thebeft ofus.Who everreperr-
ted him of repentant griefePNfay*
whorejoyceth not in God who
giveth it> finding it more fweet to
his Soule) and more plcafant,
then
ofre^entanci) wor/d/jpleafures. I 5^5
then the pleaf.re of finic > which I
foon vanifhettaleaving a (ting be- 1
hind it ? Thirdly^if we try in a re-
pentant courfc to leave theplea-
furesoffins in web we fjave livedo
they will iTiortly have no inch po-
wer ore us^as to hold u> thus hard:
For Chrjfoflom doth fitly liken the
to little Puppies* which while we
play with the>will do nothing but
leape about us > but if wccudgell
them a little, have no joy to come
neereus.Fourthly,we muft nr tlet
paffioas blini our judgments ; but
confider penitent forrow*with the
end of it,aad impenitent delights
with the iflueofthe. What is bit-
tererthen medicine?Yet health,to
which it bringeth us,doth make it
lovely. What fweecer to our tafte,
the manythings we wil nor touchy
I becaufe we find they love not u*,
though we love them,we are after-
( ward the worfe for the. In this re-
< £pe6tthertb:e,were the medicine
1 of repentance grievous to take*) et
in regard of the evcria (ling health
P4 to
m
Qods ivAjes not grievous \
=**
I
to which it reftoreth us,we fli >uld
like wife men, take the fower with
thefweete ; yea,choofe it rather,
then to feed tweedy o i fuch meats
as pleafechePalate only while they
are talted^ but caufe at length vo-
mits more bitter then death.Fifch-
!y;(ay wefhould lofeour delights,
(though we dial part with nothing
but ftollcn waters)is it not better,
as Chrift faith, we fhould want an
eye heere,and go to heaven, then
having it, to be caft into hell fire?
Kjfrtat. 1 8 9 .
To conclude, this obie£ion is a
(lander raifed upon Gods wayes,
which are full of profperity and
pleafure ; and is forcible with us ,
partly, through flouth, which ma-
keth us unwilling to thefe vvorkes
(and what is not irkefome to a
mind undifpofed ?) partly ,from ig-
norant fenfuality, which countcth
nothing liberty, but licence, no-
thing fweet, but what is taken in
huggermugger, without Gods al-
lowance: like as fome gallants,
whicb
i
Keep reckoning between e God &*s.\ 3 3 5
which think no Venilbn fo fwect
as that which is ftoln. This in par-
ticular to the principal impedimct.
Now for the furthering y cur de-
votion in this cxercife, yeemuft
know, that there is an art blowing
up of every grace of the ipirit,& of
this with the reft. Firft therefore,
yee rouft enter into your owne
hearts, confidering jour owne|
wayes,Wewill keepe reckoning
whatwerunneon rhefcore with
men, but rare who thinke how
deepely they are in Gods Bookes:
fuch ill husbands are wee for our
Soules. Now we muft hecre mark
warily, whether we have rot loft
fome graces we have had(Imcane
have themnoc fo powerfully as we
have felt them ) whether we doe
not give place to flouth, doing
Gods fervicc coldly and flight ly ;
whether we have not forgotten
our covenant made with Gcd in
Baptifme>ro wir>of dying to nur
ownthnrohrs,w f ords&deedsdji-
ly;and laboring in our whol courfe
P 5 that
■• ,
■■' ■»■
3j 6 ! We mvfi call to minde>onr great eft
that not now we live,but Chrift in
us(as Patil fpeakcth)his fpirit tea-
ching us to do every thing as be-
fore him, and in confcicnce of his
will, to his glory. Heerealfoye
muft cat tomind the moft grievous
finnes which ye at any time have
provoked God with. We muft not
bid adieu to the remembrance of
our finnes paft and pardoned, but
muft ever bcare them in memory
fo far re forth as will help us to the
working of godly forrow , holy
b lftifulneflc & lowlincfieof mind;
fofaras may be a fpurre to more
fr uitfull obedience for the time to
comtfDeu. ;.Yea this remembring
of the Srine paft in particular > by
which we have chiefly offended
God> and mourning for it, & judg-
ing our felves in the remembrance
of it,is the evidence of true effec-
tual repentancerSo Ifrael acknow-
ledged their defiring a King : So
David his adultery andmurther:
So Paul his perfecting. He who
is true'y humbled in the fight of
one
fmSi & our daily fwervtng
s.
337
one capitall finne 5 repentcth of all.
Even as a capitall difeafe being ta-
ke away, which draweth on many
another by content .the reft are at
once removed alfo Again, we muft
calltomindeour daily fwervin^s
and unfruitful ncfle. This is.theo-
pening and the looking on our
wounds, the negleft whereof is
lewd carelefneffe , mortally dan-
rerous.lt is no news,nor yet mif-
likcd when you fee a ibuldier fhot
or wounded : but to fee him go
withit,nevcr regard it .never drefs
it, is condemned as defpjute fol-
ly:So/or us fighting in this world,
no newes , if we come by knocks
and maimes; but to let them go,
and ranckle, & fetter in as, is for-
lorn neghgence.Now then jfthus
fcttingth. matter before you , ye
find not your hearts pricked with
it, then you muft ( as tfcL Prophet
fpeaks) take words to your felves,
and trouble your own foules , fay-
ing-, thus ; Shall I think ofmy fins
againftGod , and not grkve for
them ?
3 5 2 | Rub up the Sonic to Repentance.
them ? If 1 have overfhot my felfe,
fo chat men may have a faying to
me,that doth cut me to the heart*
and I am adiamcd. If fomwhat do
but crofle my corrupt- nature >I have
griefeatwilh and fhalll not now
grieve for offending my good
God? If I had broken day* Scnot
kept touch with mani I could not
look him in the face; and (hall it
not go neer with me > that I have
kept my Covenant no better with
God ? if my fervant have loyte-
red his day away>aadnot done my
work*heblu(heth>and isafFraidto
comtbefore me ; and (hall I not
change my countenanced be mo-
ved* that I have bin fo unprofita-
ble in the workes of God ? By this
meanes; as men being in Iwoanzo
when thoy are chafccLdoccome a-
gaine : fo (hall our foules* while
we thus beftirre them * finde (brae
warmth returning to them, This
is a frwit* aud furtherance of the
grace of Repentance; whereas the
want of thefe Soliloquies, is rc-
proored I
Go to thrift for a relenting heart. |
prooved as a token of an impeniJ
cent hearts Hof. 7, 2 ♦ But if yet the
heart will not relent* you muft in
the third place (feeing your bar-
rennefle and inability) turne you
toChrift, fpeaking in this wife :
Were it to grieve at earthly occa-
sions, or that my (elf were difplea-
fed>here my affections would com
to mz before I fent for them : but
for god !y forrow^none of it grows
ii our gardens ; our foolifh hearts
love not holy mourning ; our hard
hearcs wil not relent to think how
we difpleafe thee* We therefore
knowingrfhat there is no (treagth
in our felves* to any thing that is
good,lookc unto theetthou art the
Chrift and Lord > thou givett Re-
pentance to thine lfrael > and for-
giveneffe of fmne* : thoH LORD
doeft circumcile the hcjrtj thou
hammereft and breakeft the ftone
by thy Spirit > making it flefhy
and tender; LORD doe thou
turne us, and we fhall be turned*
Lament. 5 >n. Thus while ycturn
your
3?*
54°
Thefmoal^ingjiaxi
your eyes to Jefns the quickening
fpirit,he will be prefent co quicken
this grace in you. But what if yet
your hearts (hould not fo kindly
melt within you,as yedefire , yet
all is fafc : for this is the fmoke of
repentance which Christ will
not leave till it blaze forth;he will
not put out the fmoking week*
This defircand labouring after it,
is happineffeit felf: for blefled are
they that hunger and thirft after
righteoufncs:Yeaufingthis couife
to confidcr ofyour wants to chide
(after fomefort) your own foules,
and to look after Chrift the giver
of repentance ; the ftone of your
hearts(the hardnes)wilcome away
by little and little. Yea,and when
in bodily wounds the mo(t aj pro-
ved plaifter mtift be laid on often;
ye muft not thinkcthat thefe fpi-
rituall evils, fo long growing on
us>fhoaldbegone on a fudden. 1
do befeech you therefore , as e-
verye willtafte the comforts of
God ; as ye will finde eafc in the
cvilj
Gods Covenant.
cvill houre , when nothing, but
God cm refrefri you •, yea > as yee
love to efcape much worldly ibr-
row 5 which tendeth unto death;fo
acquaint 5 our felves betimes with
this exercife of a broken heart*
Bleffcd are they which ( now )
mourner fortheyfhallbecomfor-
tedf And we know much more
earthly forrow then we fhould*
becaufe we will not trouble our
owrrfoules a little , blowing up
that godly forrow which is requi-
red at our hands.
Now followcth another thing
which I propounded, viz* to
helpe you forward in new obe-
dience? in the faith full keeping
of the Covenant* The fumme of
the Covenant betweene God
and us,is this ;GodinC hrist
faith, he will take us for his peo-
ple : we promife him , that we
will have him for our God.
This therefore doth comprize all
our dune to God, that we fcthim
up in our hearts as G o d. Which
^ing
34*
H*
How to have God ohy God.
thing wc doe*firft* when we grow
up to know him in all things* Se-
condly, when wee mak*.' him our
truft. Thirdly when we love him
above all things. Fourthly* when
we ieare him. Fiftly* when were-
joyce in him. Sixthly* when our
hearts are thankfully affe&ed to
him* making him their fong and
praife.This is to have him for our
God;vvhen We know nothing,truft
in nothing* love* feare* rejoyce
in nothing in comparifon of him :
when our hearts are thankefull
above all to him. Tofpeak a lit-
tle to the feverals.
Wc cannot have God our God>
till w^ come to know him in
Chrift. Ignorance doth cftrdnge ns
fromGod 3 & knowledge doth ac-
quaint us withhim/This Pau/pt&i-
eth for in thebehalfc of his Co-
lo(Tians 3 that they may be filled
wich the knowledge of God, the
fpiritsof their mindsbeing opened
to look toward him. Even as our
image in the glafle doth looke to-
ward
How wee mufl know Cjod.
ard usjfromwhom ic is refle&ed :
> God his Image in us doth make
ic eyes of our minds view him*
le author of it in us # And as the
ye becommeth one with that
r hich it fecth>and is after a fort in
lac light it behcldeth : fo are wee
y the vifionof God* wjiich is be-
un in us > one with him* and in
im,Now this knowlcdgconfide-
eth God three way es; either fim-
!y an art from all other refpe&s >
nd thus it containeth the Spiri-
lal effencein refpe&of his proper-
ies* into which this felfcfame na-
jre is diftinguifhed ; the Father*
onne*and Holy Gholkallofthem
laving the fame fpirituall effence :
sif h and you with feme third
ian*mightbefuppofedtohaveal!
»ut one and the fclfe fame rfoule
nd body * being dift n& per-
3nsX)r elfe it confidereth God*as
nademanifeft in eur nature : for
[efus the Sonne having the fame
uture with the Father* hathta-
cen fuch a foule and body* as wee
hare
MS
«k
Kncrw GocLin Jfipts Chrifi.
have (fin onely excepted) to the
fellowfhip of his perfon; and thus
is become Emamel * God with us
or God manifeft in our nature. In
which humane nature > God the
Son (iiftered death for asin which
likewife hemanifefteth his divine
power* bjyraifing it up> and glori-
fying it irnieaven* S© that he that
was dead in his humane nature^is
now alive in it for ever , having
fwallowed up death in vidtory.
Laftly,itconfiderethGod 3 mani-
fefted in Chrift , as he is become
our God by covenant, in regard of
fuch things as his faithful mercies
do work for us. He in Chrift
is our juftifier > our fand^ifier ; he
who helpeth us in conquering the
remnants of our naturall corrup-
tion; our Redeemer* who deli-
vered us from all our troubles;
the God that careth fcrus , gi-
veth us every good gift , blefleth
us in our eftates,feedeth us.giveth
us,and all his beloved,{leepe,de-
fendeth us from all evill, keepeth
us
We are natnrally blinde.
us by his power unto faivation, is
the beginner & ender ofa'l good
graces in us. But howfhortare
we in this point ? We are like In-
fants,in a manner. new-borm they
are kept by the loving Parents
from fire and water* they are fedy
laid to fleep> made ready and un-
ready ;>and fhifted in their fcapes ;
but they 1 now not who doth all
this fortbem: fo doth our heaven-
ly Father by us in Chrift ; but (he
knoweth) little undemanding
have we of him : For though God
beLi^htit felfe* a Spirit which
brightly feeth all things in heaven
and earth* to whofe pure bright-
nefTe,the Sunneis darkneffe ;yet
the weaknefle of our fight is fuchi
that we cannot looke againftic :
as the Bat and the Owlc cannot
endure to fee the bright Beames
of the Sunne in the Firmiment.
Ye muft therefore take notice
ofyourfpirituall Blindnefie , and
come unto him who felleth the
Eye-filtc > which hath the Spirit
of
J4f
I 34
(jo to God for eyc-fahe.
of Illumination, who openetb the
Eyes of the blindjcry to him for
mercy. If your eyes were much
bloud-fhot (your eyes wherewith
ye fee but one another* Creatures
like your felves) yee would feeke
outforhelpe for them, and wafh
them with ftrong fmarting Wa-
ters, but yee would reftorc them :
And will yee not ieeke to your
God in Chrift, to reftore the fight
ofyourfpirits, wherewith ye may
fee him, and the things ofyour
peace within the veile, even in the
Heavens ? Nay, ye muft bee afha-
med, that yee take no more know-
ledge of your Gcd in the whole
day, Ifourchi'drenjwhenweare
b^fide them,{liouId through rude-
nefleandcarelcfnes not oncecaft
a look at us,as acknowledgiug our
prefcnce; would we take it at their
hands? Might not every one fay,
Thefe were better fed than taught
which are thus gracelefle ? Let us
apply it to our {elves, who ferve
our God and Father little better. /
Now
We ?ntifl trnfi in God*
347 \
Now that vvcc may fee upon this
Suite with the better hope,let us
remember that God hath promi-
fed it unto us ; this is his Cove-
nant, wo fhall know him,from the
greatefttothcleaftofus. But left
I grow too ccdious, 1 come to the
fecond.
We muft truft in God , having
all our hopes on his mercy and
truth towards us ; and thefc two
goe together. Men fometimes,the
more we knowthem>the leflewee
truft them,and chat defervedly :but
Pfalnie^io. Such as know God,
(hall truft in him.
Who fo repofeth all his confi-
dence in God, hee taketh him, in
fo doing* for his God* As the
Scripture faith in this refped^ the
covetous man is an Idolater; hee
taketh his money for his God,be-
caufe he putteth his truft in uncer-
taine riches *. his wealth is a ftrong
Tower in his conceit* and he tru-
fteth in the Creature>which draw-
eth his heart from God> faich the
Pro-
I 348 I We trnfl not in (jodatwe
Prophet* jkr-i 7.5. Teachings
that then our hearts arc united to
Godjwhen the affiance of them is
fet on him «Now,thqgh we fliould
live by the faith ofthe:*>n of God;
trufting on him for the giving and
maintaining of all our good, both
temporal 1 & eternall ; leaning on
him for all defence>& deliverance
from evils fpiritualb y ea>and cor-
porally calling all our care on him;
having ne confidence in the flcftb
but. rejoycing in Chrift Jefus :
though this be our dutie , yet we
are exceeding weake* and full of
unbeliefc. this will appeare, by
©ur want of feare at the threate-
ning* of Gods Word, which ma-
keth us loofely alfo to looke after
his promifes.Did webelceve fuch
threatnings , If y e live after the
fieili 3 ye fhall die ? we would
rrcmblejwhe we favour our felves
inourownwayes: the devils be-
leeve^and tremble. And fo.trufting
civilly in any mans word or bond,
we do feek them carefully , and
are
I e#f ^r • hence Hnbeliefe,
arc glad when we have gotten
them; and, as we fay, we write
upon them, that we mall have fo
| much money at fuch a day,upon a
Yubftantiall mans word , or bond,
given us. But God> who promi-
fcth all good things in this life, as
well as in the life to come , his
Seales we feek not after; which is
a figne of our great unbeliefe in
them. Secondly, by reftingour
hearts in outward things, and by
being difquietad when we want
them ; this alfo is a figne, that our
hearts are unbelieving*
While we have means, or good
likelihood of this* or that, we are
well ; let thefe faile, we are trou-
bled Which fheweth, that we
reft not upon the Word of God,
which is as fure in the want of all
things as in abundanc ; butthat
we leaneon fuch things as we fee,
and have in hand* Suppofea man
had Crutches under his armes^but
leaneth not at all on the as he go-
eth, take them away ,and he vval-
keth
34P \
w — '
jjO j LMakcVnbclcefe odi Hs unto yon
keth as before: So* did wee not
truft* and lean on the things feen,
but on God* who is not feen* loo-
king on him by the eye of faith*we
ihould goe as upright > when all
things to fence feeme contrary to
that we beieeve as when our fee-
ling is fed abundantly Thirdly,did
wee reft in God and tcult in him*
who is all in all ; we would feek to
him for his blellings , more then
for the meanest which by his blef-
fingefteft this orthat;whereas we
labour not to make him fure to us>
but to get the means*and then we
think al is wel with us.Now then
when yee find your unbeleefe* yee
muft make ft odious unro your
felves by fuch likeconfiderations ;
Shall I feek after the word of man
fomctimes>to fecure me but of fom
twenty fhillings matter ? and flhal
I not feek after the preciouspromi •
(cs of my God?fhal I truft to a man
promifingthis or that ? and fhall I
not truft my God* who is truth
icfelfe* and cannot lye? Will not
fucv
i/<w w w#y? /w^ ^0^.
fuch afubftantiall man chink much
if I take not his bare word ? And
(hall not I take my Lords Word,
and Seale, and Oath? He hath
fvvorne to bleflfe us , with all h s
bleffings in Chrift : friall we not
beleevehirm unleflfche leave us a
pawnealfo? Thus then, when yee
feele your unbeleeving hearts to
trouble you,ye muft look toChrift,
the authour and finifher of your
faith. Speak to himthir: Thou haft
begun, and thou muft finifh: I be-
leeve ; help my unbeliefe, and en-
creafe ray faith.
The third point is, We muft love
him. Love (we know) makes a
tmn and woman , One ; and the
i fame doth couple ns to God. Here
we muft labour to fay from our
hearts; Lord, what have we in
heaven.b nt thee? or in the earth,
companion of thee? Now
55i
in
•I
though we doe love him, yetour
aflfe&ion is but weak ; and above
all'things, we had need to mend
I in this behalfe. Trie your lovc,and
Q_ th:n
1
5 5 * I Try pur love to <yW, and
then judge of it. Thofe ye k>vc>
doc y c not love to be prefent with
them> as ye two ope witfc ano-
ther? If one of you be out of
Towne , doe ye not thinkc long
till ye meet againe ? Are not we
grieved to hearc them wronged by
word or deed,whom we eftceme
dearelyof? Doth itnot<:utus,if
we our felves do them any harme?
Are we -not glad of a Letter ( in
abfence ) from thofe we love?Now
then examine your felves : Do-ye
not find e little joy, in comming
privately or publikely into Gods
houfe 5 or prefencc ? Nay, we are
like children, who can play abroad
all theday long>and never lock ini
to their Parents. When do our
hearts long to be diflolved * and to
be with Chrift ? Though God*
through fundrytroubles,doth even
i fmoake us-ouc of this World , yet
we will not come away, in our af-
\ fcftions. When we heare Gods
' N tme bl *fphemed,and feeall wic- 1
kedneflc committed, doe our eyes
IK
K
B
gufli
bt ajbamcd of th? rvant ef it. 5 j j
gufh out with tcarcs? Or doe we
not j when our fc Ives offend him
daily>pafle it overtaking coo li^hc
penance of our felves ? Doe we,
wuh2)*z//^delight in his Statutes
more than in all wealth? His Word
is his Letter to us. By fuch like
considerations , difcerning your
' waat of love to God 3 yee muft
fhamc your felves. If a woman
fliouldbedeadin theneft , when
her husband were before her * but
/hould be afte&ionate to every
ftranger; If (lie fhould not care
how long fhe were abfent from
him> but think her felfe befhwhile
they were afunder ; ] f fhe cared
little how her loving husband
were offended, carting that at her
heelcs , which he takes to heart ;
were not this fhameles behaviour
in her? And (hall not we be adu-
med to (hew no more love to rhee,
to whom our foules are married in
Chrift ? Then ye muft goe and
confefle that your hearts are full of
Harlotry , and falfe love. Ye can
C^2 love
354 | Concerning love to earthly
love your felves, ye have affe&ion
enough to the things of this world;
to the gifts of God } and thofe the
meaneft 3 more than to the givers :
as Harlots to Rings, Gold, Brace-
lets j more than to the fenders.
Therefore , befecch him to purge
your hearts ofthis,and to fill them
with the love of himfelfe : for this
is the promife; I will circumcife
your hearts, and make you love me
with all your' hearts. Before we
jpafle from this Head, aQueftion
may be moved , common to all
thefe afte&ions- ; namely ,Wbat we
may judge of our felves>feeing our
hearts more fhinein love,fear, and
joy at worldly things > than about
God, and the great benefits given
us in Chritt ?
The anfwer is : Firll , in many
earthly things we have a double
caufe working in our afte£iions;as
in loving the Wife of ones youth,
and in bewailing the death of ones
Parent : and\vhereas the motion
ofouraffe£Hons ; in things fuper-
naturall
I
\ thingsiabove our love to Cjod.
naturall,is purely from Grace, Na-
ture letting no hand to this bufi-
nefle. Secondly, afteftion is not to
be meafuredby the indeliberate
pafling motion of it, but according
to the iettled habit from the judg-
ment and eflimation which the
mindemakethof this or that ob-
ject. A man laughes at a toy : hee
is not prefently laid to joy in that
trifle more than in a! other things ,
becaufe the act of his joy is more
lively here tha in greater matters.
A mans affections more ftirre a.
bout a Granger, in entreating him,
than to his Wife, foe the time,
whom he yet lovech more deaie.
Thirdly* affections if they be com-
paratively confidcred in us , are,
though leffe in quantity, yet grea-
ter in vertue : as Corne , when the
Weed ( as Carloe ) is higher and
greater,yet this is ftrongcr,becaufe
I in time it overgroweth, and kilieth
the Weed , which farre execedeth
it : So this love, chough little, ill
companion of felfe-love , love to
1 CU the
355
3 5 6 Spiritual! love out-growcs carnally
~\
the creature (the fame being in the
other aflfc$ions)yet in time it fhal
over-grow and kill thisweed.The
love ofthc Spirit is ftronger than
the love of the world. If there-
fore ye aske t What one fhould
thinker that findeth his affedtfons
thus ? I anfwer* If he find them
lironger* therearetwocatifesto
one ; where Nature and Grace
worke jointly , he muftnot won-
der at this matter. Againe>though
wc feele their working more ftir-
ring fomctimes to things earthly,
yet out of judgement and fettled
courfe^ve that are the Lords > doe
moft affe& him. Thirdly ,we know
that our affeitions towards God*
chough but as a grain of Mnrtard-
(eedjllnal out-gtow all this choak-
weed ofinorJinacy^ which we feel
in- this behalfe.In the mean while,
the feeling of this diftemper* muft
make us ftill feek thereilifying of
it* and the healing of the lamenta-
ble vanity > to which the afte&ion
is fubjc£t,by reafon of fmne.
The
The feare Woivi to Cjod.
357
The fourth thing,is the feare of I
God. San&ific the Lord in your
hearts, make him your feare. Feare
to offend him,who when the body
is killed* can caft the foul into heil
fire. We fhould reverence his ex-
cellent Majctty, & dread to offend
him> becaufehe hath been graci-
ous unto us, and hath power to do
with us whatfoever be plcafeth.
Were there any from whom we
had houfe and llocke, fo that he
could turn us out of all at his j led-
fure ; WvHild we notwalk very cir-
cumfpe&ly, fearing to doe thjt
which might alienate his favour ?
Againe,if the Majeftic of a mcrtall
man doth aff e& us(as of the King)
with reverence, how much more
fiiould we be afte&ed with the
moft glorious Majefty of the moft
high God ? Now ye muft know,
your hearts are much void of this.
1 Alfo the thing it felfe fpea^eth :
; Do ye not fecle ( when in prayer
ye are to fpeake with God ) that
, there is a reverence in your hearts '
I <U be-
?5 8
Lfifeditfithns ftirr'mg h*
befeeming fo high a Majeftie ? l5o
yc not feeie a want of dread at his
Judgements, which folong have
been upon us. and ftill hover about
us? And what awe is in us, ma-
king us fcarefiill by finne todif-
pleafe him? Alas 1 . Preemption,
iecurity , andhardneffe of heart,
thefe Weeds grow fo high, that
we can fcarce difcerne the Fruit
above-named. Now then yemuft
work this want upon your hearts,
as the former ^faying ; If I were in
the prefcncc of feme great pcrib-
nagcand (hould carry my felfe
rudely, without refpeft , would I
not biufh? And fhall I not be afha-
med,that Ihave no more reverence
when I come before thee , O thou
God of glory ? So> for want of
dread : Shall the Beafts tremble*
when the Lyon roareth ? yea,fhall
the Devils tremble to chinke on
thy Judgements ; and (hall I be
fenfeleffe, and no whit mooved ?
So, for want of awe, in regard of
GodsLwes: Shall I dare as well I
. ro l
up to fear e God. \ 3 5 p
fotakeaBearebythetocth, as to
break the Kings Law , efpecially
where he threatneth Limbe , Life
or Libertie : And fhall I not be a-
fraid totrefpafle againft thy Sta-
tutes ; the breach of which., is pu-
nishable with eternall death ? Is
there none but thee , whom we
may make bold with ? Shall I be
fo foolilh , as to feare ficknefle,
povertie, and mens difpleafures : ]
And fhall I not be afraid to break
thy Commandementsjifmen note
me to hit me in the teeth with pre
cifeneffe ? Shall I not be afraid to \
provoke by finnethy wrath, who
art a confuming fire ? What is
this ; but with- little children.ro be
skarred with a Bug -bear e, harme-
lefle ; and to be dreadlelle of fire,
and water PLaftly, we mnft lcoke
to God in confeience, how this af-
fe&ion is perverted in you; con-
feflingtohim , that yc can feare
the faces of men, and things that
are>or feem hurtfull to your felves;
1 ye can demean your felves reve-
CL? rcntly
remly toward fuch as are in re-
queft among mcn-but toward him,
y* find great wane. Pray ye there-
fore to him, to put it into your
hearts : he hath covenanted^ put
his feare into your hearts , fo that
ye fliall not depart from him.
The fifth thing is, to rejoyce in
,God, and to have him in your
hearts \ for God bindeth you to
rejoyce in him: Repycc in the
Lordalwayes; againe, Hay* re-
pycc* Delight thy felfe in the
jLord , and he (hall give thee thy
[hearts defire.Let not the rich man
jrejoyce in wealth, theilrongman
in ftrength, the wife mm in wife-
dome > but that heknowethme,
faith the Lord- For what we make
our chiefe joy* that is our God : for
the heart reilctbprincipaHy in that
with which- it is moft delighted.
Nfow what is more cqmlLtha that
wc Should fblace our fclves in him
with joy iinfpeakable and glorious
who hach delivered us from death,
and fiane,- andSatan?. (who, as
Gods j
?
but doe not as rce ought.
361
Gods executioner* bach power on
finneand death ) In him,who is a
Lighr and a Shield ; that is a Foun-
tain of all good 5 and defender of us
from all evill ; able to maintain all
the good* both fpirituall and cor-
poralLwhich we have* and give us
whatfoeveris wanting* But if we
markeonr hearts ^ Our joy ism ch
depraved* (fo chat Salomon faith
not without caule, that our laugh-
ter is become midnefle : ) for our
hearts are not cheery this wav.
Tell them of the precious benefits
which are given in Chrift 5 Pardon
ef finne ; Peace (the beginning of
everlaftmg life) through the work
of grace; Hope* through Chrift*
of the heavenly Kingdome ; why ?
they can heare all this , anj be fo
farre from leaping within us * that
we can hardly difcerne them to
moove. Nay* if we nurke them
thebecter,we flull fee, thac when
we wouid hold them to rhc re-
membrance of fuch chines ; untill
tlicy have broken oofc from tur,
^
5
Soliloquies inciting tu
they are not in their kind,tnd can-
no: be lighcfome : as if God were
the damper of our mirth , and not
the matter of our exulting , and
gladnefle.
Now when ye cannot obferve
any, rejoycing in the Lord, ye muft
(Lame your ielves , by laying to
your hearts the cafe in other mat-
ters. Iflfeefome Toy, orheare
fome jcft, I cannot containe my
felfe : If I heare fome good newcs,
or meet with fome prosperous
fuccefle in my worldly affaires , I
cannot be pleafont enough: If I
be paffing-my time away with my
friends , at their courteous mvite-
ments> or if I be at my fports , it
goeth on merrily ; dcadneffe and
uncomfortablenefle , I feel them
not for the time J (hal have hugh -
tcrenoughat fome merry conceit,
or a Feather ,till I tickle againe ;
and dull I not rejoyce at the Gof-
pelofGodjOrgood newes from
Hzwerij touching the falvation of
my foule? Again,(hall I be cheery,
and
to
rejoyc
e in the Lord.
and laugh with my friends; and
fhali I be all amort 3 when I draw
neeremyGod? Shall I be glad of
acquaintance with man,and not be
glad chat I know God in Chrift,
whoisLifeeverlafting? Shall the
wicked rejoyce , in ferving Sinne,
and Satan ; and (hall I be without
mirth? in ferving my God ? Our
rejoycing is earthly , little joy cf
the Holy Ghoft dwelleth in us.
We are like fuch as are ficke of
light Frenzies; they will laugh at
their flhadowes,we at our fancies;
they fee not into any point of mo-
ment, we diftaftethat which favo-
rech of Right eoufneffe > and right
reafon. As therefore againft the
former,(b againft this alfo,we muft
fight the good fight of Faith ; loo-
i kin^ to him that hath faid , he will
make our hearts glad in his houfe ;
who hath promiled to fend his
Spirit unto us, that our joy maybe
full ; praying him, that we may
feele this Fruit of his Kingdorr.e
take place in us; that he would
re&ifie
) 3*3
*^
i.
3 54
JVt mnfl praffr God our
rcchfie this affe&ion in us^making
us to take comfort in that which is
matter of true rejoyeing.
Sixtly* Now for praifmgGod,
and thankfulneile unto him> ( for
this is the laft thing I propoun-
ded) vye have thiscommandemcnt;
In ail things givethanks>yea*in e-
vils : Qull we receive good things
from the Lord^and not evill > The
Lord hath given > &the Lord hath
taken away, blefled be the Name
of the Lord* For howfoever it be,
yet God is good^even when he pu-
nidieth ; and no wonder* Is it not
fo in bodily things ? Bitter Medi-
cines are as good>in due fcafon^as
the delightfuHeft dainties. And
are not our inward and outward
crofles, by Gods graces made
wholefome Phyficke^to purge out
our corruptions > and to make us
partakers of the quiet fruit- of
RighteoufnefTej and true Holi-
nefle? Yea, our hearts- (hould be
fo thankefully aflfe&ed'j chat (like
fire-) they flhouldbreakefoorch>
and
fchesyAnd incite others to it. j 365
aniinflame-cthecs. Wherein we
have holy Davrd for an- example :
'Pfal.i oj-hebcginsyMy foulcand
all within me y praile his holy
Name : In the next >Pfainte,ihehfl;
vcrfe, he-faith ; Praife ye the Lord.
Firftj he ftirres up himfelfe, and
then provokes others topraife the
Lord. As the Cocke,th at firft clap-
ping his wings about his ovvne
body, rowzeth up himfelfe,and
after (crovving)awakeneth others.
Otherwife > common tearmes of
thankefalnefle> without afte&ion,
areas Court-ho!y-water> ( as we
fay ) which our God, that looketh
at the heart and rcines > doth not
refpedt r thefe are eood words,
that will pay no dent with him.
And truely > there is good reafon
for this ♦ For whether ye looke at
benefits paft>eaten Bread muft not
beforgottcn, thankes muft ftill bfc
grecne: And doth not your par-
ticular deliverance ( when rrnny
fall on each hand ot you)binde
you, daily to bee ttunkefull?
Or
3 6 6 Our Temporal^ and Spirituall
Or whether ye looke at the things
ye enjoy; ye know your tempo-
rail blcffings ; as tolerable health,
good name and reputation, free-
aome from fuit and fervice,ability
rather to be helpfull than charge-
able, your domefticall peace, your
Iibertie,without fearc of reftraintj
all ofthem in their places^nofmall
matters. If ye confider fpirituall
bleflings ; that which ye have
downe in hand , is as great a work
of his mercy, as the glorious eftate j
ye looke for hereafter. Is not the
Lords worke more admirable, in
the firft making and quickening
the Infant in the Wombe, than in
feeding it there, bringing it forth,
and nmfing it up to fullftature?
So, his begetting us again , who
were dead in finne ( though yet in
the Wombe of our Mother, the
Church)to be alive in Chrift Jefus,
\*henwe are new-bornebabe>in
him, is more then the bringing
of us to perfect Manhood. And
.though it feemeftrange, yet iris
1 onely
I
blcJfwgSyMotivcs topraife CjoA.
3*7
onelyinthisrefpeft, becaufe we
are like Infants ; who live, but yet
know not that they live: fo, we
having in fmallmeafure the Spirit,
which teacheth us to know the
things beftowcd upon us, know
not how great that grace is,which
hath been already fhewed us» Is
it a (hull thing , when we were
dead in ignorance, and in Iuftof
ourignoranccto bequickned with
the life of God, in knowledge,
righteoufnefle, & holinefle? When
we were enemies , to be made
friends,vea,fonnes and daughters?
The Apollledoubtethnot to rea-
fon from this,to everlafting life,as
theleflerj^o^.j^ 10. God, when
we were enemies, hath reconciled
us by his death; how much more
vtill he fave us,with perfeit falva-
tionoflbule and body,by his life ?
that is,by putting forth the power
of his Spirit. Now he liveth,to die
no more.
Thefe then are great things , as
acquitting you from finne , and
death;
death; for Chrift* your Sureties
fake* he fending his Spirit into
your hearts* and giving you part
in the firft Refurre&ion; Befidcs |
thefc * ye muft remember * what j
advcrfities he hath holpen jou
i*, how he hath eafed the yoake
of your corruption s* which have
had more power in you * than
now they have* Yea , vv hat evil s
he hath put by you. Have ye not
been tempted in this or that kind?
It is* becaufe God in mercy would
not lead you into tentat ion. Yea*
this is* in fome fort* more to be
acknowledged than vi&ory* when
ye were tempted : for not to be
tempted, is more immediately
from God* and leffc in mans
power, tha to prevaile againft tes-
tations. For nothingooth over-
come u^* without our will \ but
without our will, Goddorh leadc
us into tryall : for he knoweth, we
would talte litle of thcfe*if it were
in our power to be our owne car-
vers. Yemuflbeasthankfiill for
thofc
..» •*•
thofe finnes which God hath not
let ye know, as for thofe he hath
pardoned in yoib having commit-
ted them*
Whether doe ye thinke* ye are
bound to praife God more* ifhee
rcftore you > 'when fickeneffe hath
come upon you ; or keepe you fo*
that- you feele noDifeafe? Ntiw,
if ye confider what things God
hath prepared for you> they are
inch as eie never (aw3nor ever fully
entred into the heart of man*
Compare the cftate of Princc/fr*-
ryin his Queen Mothers wombe*
with his condition* at full ago vn
aM the glory of his Fathers Court*
there is a broad difference* and it
mayfitly-refemble the difference
of our prcfent and- future eftate :
We are borne Sonnes and Daugh-
ters of Godjhches apparant to the
Kingdomeof Heaven ; but while
the Ghurch doth here travel of us>
we arc pent up in dark Cloyfters*
and annoyed with much fteachof
Cm> both inour fclves and others :
but
37°
Wherein Thankefttlneffe
but hereafter our eftate fhal be al-
together lightfome,happy, & glo-
rious : fo that we may well fay to
God, How great is the goodnefle
that thou haft laid up for them
that feare thee ? How great things
doeft thou worke for the fonnes of
mentor fuch as hope in thee ? Ye
fee then,how for things paft^prc-
fent, and thofe alio which he hath
in ftore for us, we are bound to be
thankfull. Now, if ye askewhat
it is, wherein our unthankfulnefle
ftandeth ?I anfvver : firft,in hearty
acknowledgement of Gods good-
qeffe to us in all things, vvithcon-
fcience of our owne unworthi-
nefle,as not worthy of the leaft of
all his mercies* Compare GVtf.32.
i o; and 3 3. 5 ♦ with i.C£/*0//. 29.
14* Secondly , we muft tell of
GoJs goodnefle^that we may glo-
rifie him before others* Come, I
will tell you, faith Davidy what
the Lord hath done for my foule*
So, Mofes would tell his father in
law what God had done for them.
Thirdly*
V
to Godconftsls.
IV
Thirdly, it doth make us caft a-
bout, whatwemayreturne unto
God , by way of thankefulnefle :
What (hall I give unto the Lord,
for all his benefits unto me ? Laft-
ly,it wil make us accufe our felves,
if we be backward in duty* Thus
we fee, when we receive any fpe-
riall kindneffe fromour friends j
Krft, our inward affections do ac-
knowledge andentertaineit glad-
ly ;fecondly>we tell what any one
hath done for us ; thirdly, we will
thinkehowwe may requite him,
or, at leaft , teftifie our thankful-
nefle towards him ; fourthly, we
rate our felves (if we go on,and no
token of good will be returned)as
much too blame y that we fhould
forget fo great acourtefie, as was
(hewed to us.
Now then, that ye have heard
whatitistobethankful,and what
good reafon we have to enforce
this duty upon us, we muft lay our
felves to this rule; & we (hall find,
:hat we come as fhort herein,as in
the
o— — — ^^ >a ^'— ' ■■■»!,
j 371 I We have great cattfcybnt
the afore-named. Oh ! wee are
horribly unthank full. What good
bleffin^s doe wereceive* not once
cafting a looke unto the giver of
them? When we are kept in the
night>and our houfes from fire^and
breaking into; when refreshed
with fleepe ; when kept all day^in
our goings out^and commings in j j
when fed: Doe we heartily ac-
knowledge God in all thefe ? It is
he that watchcth , or clfe in vaine
they keepe the Citie : It is he that
rocketh us aflecp>and draweth th
Curcaine ofthc night about vs; he
giveth fleepeto his beloved : It i
he that wardcth about us all the
day, keeping us in our wayes: He
openeth his hand^and like a great
Houfe-keepen giveth us our daily
bread. If in earthly things^which
we fee and tafte > we cannot ,praife
him;what taking fhal we be found
in^about heavenly ? When ye have
your daily finnes forgiven you > in
Chrift ; when you arc kept from
the finneof your own heart ; the
cor-l
\ —
little hearts jto be tha*$kcf*IL
corrupt examples of worldly men;
the fpirituall wiefcedneffes which
fight againft us ; when ye go in
fpirituall peace from morning un-
til night? which alone is a gift paf-
fing underftanding : Doe ye ac-
knowledge God, with affe&ion to-
ward him > in all thefe ? It is hee
that fhifteth us out of the fcapesof
our naturall corruption>wafliing us
in the blood of his Chrifbfrom the
filth of our finnes • he forgiveth us
every day our trefpaffes: It is his
might >in whictaas in a Towen we
are kept fife* againft all the ene-
mies of our falvation: He is the
God of Peace,the Prince of Peace
inChrift? who killeth the accu-
sing; and fubducth the rage and
ufurpation of finne in us. We are
n uch in fault > who have received
good things at Gods hands? & re-
payed evill, & fcarce taken notice
of any his kindnefies towards ur,
God doth carry us on the tender
armesof his mercy; but (alas)
little doe we underftand of him.
373
I 374 [ Our great Hnthankefnlnejfe
In benefits often received,our fpi-
rics doe not once looke up to him;
but as Swine take the Mafte,fo do
we our bleffings : Or if we do any
thing by way of thankefulneffe*
how flubberingly do weturneit
ove^our afte&ios being bent ano-
ther way,rather than to the thank-
full pray fing of our God? Wc ferve
him,as little children fef ve us;who
when they be come in to us^trotn
their play>and having gotten fom-
thing of ns that they want , away
they goe,without reverence or re-
fpe&ofus : but if they know we
will have duties then they doe it ;
but in fuch a fafhion , that we may
fee their hearts are on their Game
abroad, more than on their dutie.
So , for fpeaking what our good
God hath done for us ( thankeful-
neffe wil not fmother a benefit re-
ceived)when do we tell him, with
delight of his kindnefle? When
doewebeatourbraines, notfuf-
feringthe temples of our headto
take any reft,til we have given our
God
to ye Lor dy Checked.
375
God fbme argument of ourtha t-
fuinefle?Alas! we ufeour God,|
as if it greatly mattered not how
he were dealt with* New then 3
take words to your felvcs, codem-
ningfrom your hearts this grie-
vous fmne* Say, if a man do bid
me to Supper once in a Quarter , I
thanke bim then; when I meet
him next after, I thank him againe
for my laft being with him ; I tell
him, what kind welcome, what
good cheere he made me : then I
invite him fometime againe * and
checke my felfe,if I forget it. But
if fome greater mater be bellowed
upon us,ho w exceeding kindly do
we take it ? how do we love to tell
of it: how do we yeeld our {elves
up to them th^t gave it,profefling
our felves to be at their comands,
to the uttermo(t of our abilitie ?
'Shall I thanke him who giveth me
aSupperinlove,tellof his loving
i entertainment, & be afhamed if I
makeno neighbourly reciuitall? 8c
fhal I not be afte&ionately thank-
R full
I
576 The Jh Ante oftinth^n kefxlneffe
/
full to my God,whogiveth me all
my dayly Bread ? yea, who feedcth
myfbule with Himfelfe , in Iefas
Chrift,(here is my body ,& bloud)
chat I may live for ever? Shall J
not tell of the fined Wines, ihofe
fat things,even of myGod>broken
in his body& ibule with forrowes,
fhedding his moft precious bloud,
wberewkh my moft unworthie
foule hachbeene fed* and feafted ?
Shall I , for fo fmall a kindneffe,
thank a man a thoufand times,and
tell him , I am his to be comman-
ded; andfhalllnotfurrendermy
felfe to my God, who hath payed
my debt: and purchafed me a new
Stocke, even the hope of eternal 1 ,
life,with his precious bloudPShall
1 blufh at fmali unthanfulnefle to-
ward man* and not be afhamed oft
great want this way,toward God?
What?ftiall I be worfe to my God,
than an Oxe or an AfTe to his ow-
ner? Iflfliould (hew one excee-
ding great Iove>and he fliould not
at all regard me,or returne me but
fome
How to at t nine a thank* full heart A ^jj
feme common councenance;coulct
{endure ic ?Thus then turn your
felvesunto God 3 and fayj I am be-
come vvorfe unto thee than the
Whelpes that feede tinder my Ta-
ble,are unto metthey will, in their
kinde , f awne upon me lovingly ;
and if any fmite me, they will pre-
fently flyeat him* But my hard
heart hath no power to be thank-
full unto thee,and to prayfe thee :
My zeale is not moved,when thou
art blafphcmed ; I can fufter thy
reproach with dry eyes , and un-
troubled fpjnt. Oh, thcu who re-
quireftofmein all things to give
thee thankes,and haft promifed to
write thy Commandements in my
heart, put into my heart a Law of
thankefulnefle. O thouquickning
Spirit,quicken my foule this way.
Now finally,foratrain : ng athank-
full heart, ye mnft labour for thefe
three things :Firft> ye muft quic-
ken in your (elves the confeience
ofyourownnnworthincs; for we
cannot praife God to any pur pole,
R 2 fur-
37» |
The tneanes to an tine
further then we fee our felves Jefl e
than the leaft of all his mercies.
Even as hunger is good favvce,
ir.aking bitter things fvveet; fo this
poverty of fpirit , and confidence
ofourovvne unworthinefle, doth
make every benefit amiably tafted. I
Secondly, ye muft labour to work
upon your felves a fenfe of the
worth of thofe things ye enjoy;
in which, we greatly faile: which
maketh us ulually , that we never
know the price and worth of our
good bleflingSjuntil we are depri-
ved ot them. And this neg ! e&doth
breed a double mifchiefe;it makes
us enjoy things unthankftillyyea,
uncomfortably > ( for that which
through plenryfeemeth no dainty
I cannot be fodelightfull unto *s.)
And when they are taken away,
then we come to Had-I-wift; and
do fo much more penance;by how
much ^e have bin morecarelefTe.
In a word,fo much as I efteeme of j
a gift beftowedjibfarrc fonh am I
thankfuhNot the having of things
but
«*s
to a Thaxkefrll heart <
11 9
but the having of them in eftima-
tion,breeds thankfgiving.Thirdiy,
ye muft labour to fee Gods good-
nefle to you in all things:the grace
Jofthegiv"cr>notthegifcitfelf, fo
much engendreth thankfulneffe ;
the gift is the Shell,andthis is the
Meat,which taftcd in the foule , is
fvveeter than life , and maketh us
breake out into praifes. Labour
focthankfull hearts; God aSketh
nothing elfe but this 5 as a Rene for
all his bleflings beftowed upon us:
I will deliver thee, and thou (halt
praife my Name. Wc will not Ier
go Lcafcs to men, for not paying
of Rent : neither let us give God
caufe to enter and ftrain upon us,
& all that we have>for not magni-
fying and praifing him. Thus if
Godhelpe you ro ftirre up your
hearts, (for our aflFc&ions,in going
this way,are like dull A(les,wbicn
go no longer than they are bea-
ten; ) if, ' fay.he give you grace ro
ftirupyour hearts to repentance,
& to furrender your fouls to him,
R 3 by
3 S o 3fi&> benefit of Repentance}
by eying him, trufting on him, lo-
ving him*rejoycing in him,fb ma-
king him your feare^prayfimg him
by fpirit, word, and worke; then
happie fhall yeberlf new plagues
brei&e forth , ye fhall hare your
comfort in the hotteft* And if ye
labour to fee bo wfarre your hearts,
are out of frame , in regard of
knowledge* truft, love/eare, joy*
thankfulneffe,and in regard of im-
penitent hardnes and impudencie
which is in them,(for they cannot,
blufh for that whichGod knoweth
by them,t hough our eares will tin-
gle and glow on our heads, if any
mm know ought rcproachfullby
us;) if ye labour to finde this out,
and thenin the fight of your mite-
ry looktoGodspromifejWho hath,
eovenated to give you a new heart,
a tender heart, in which his Com-
mandments flialbe written by the
finger of his fpirit;then ye fhall fee
that this courfe will let you be nei-
ther idle nor unprofitable; yea>k;
fhall bring you to grow unco per-
fe£ion.
and new obedience.
fe&ion. For as the young body,
which from wholforoe emptinefle,
hathfrefh appetite to newfuftc-
nance* taketh augmentation more
and more; lb the foule,which from
obferving the hcartlefneffe of k
fclfc, waxeth dayly pooreinits
ovvne cyes 3 hungring and thirfting
after righteoufnes,receiveth dayly
fpirituall encreafefrom GodAVife
men will take the fovvre with the
Aveete^and nothing in the World
is gotten* without paines-taking.
Therefore* if it feeme to have any
bitternefle,or to require labounye
muft not be difmayed* Ipromlfe
you,it isbut(fome little) braekifh
in the top; the deeper y e goe, ye
fhallfindeitthe fweetcr. Make a
vertue of neceffitie. If ye will en-
ter into life* this one thingisne-
ceflarie*L^io % 42. Butthereis
none that awakcth himfelfe* to lay
hold on God. The Lord give you
underloading in all things.
R 4
Ano-
?8i
?82
Afpftion beneficiall
Another Letter, written by
LMafter PauIBajrye.
MY Christian friend , if { had
fooner knovvnp of yOHr hea-
vinefle,! would before this have
written unto you: For the more
argument s we have of love* borne
us by (Sods children, the more te-
ftimonies we have of his favour
towards us. Ic pleafed God > in
December laft,tochar ge his hand
toward you, and to touch you in
your wife, whom now he hath a-
gaine vifited x and I hope taboth
your comforts* Trudy our God
(through Jetus Chrift ) is fo meav
cifulUhat all things arc fan6tified
by him unco our good: all afflict-
ons/hough fGr the prefent not joy-
ous, yet they bring us a: ter ward
the quiet fruit of righteoufnefre.'
Thefe evils which here ever and!
anon are prefent with us, they are I
fitly compared to wayward and i
touchy-guefts : which, while they
ftay,vvatch every officer; but when
*W
to the Souk) and how.
they depart,they pay freely. So it
, is with thefe: they oftentimes djf-
\ quiet the frameofthe whole foul;
but when they go away , they leave
encreafe ef grace>of faith, of pati-
ence,of experience; that the ibule
faith, Well,it is good I knew thefe
things. But the prefent working
offorrows feemeth often farreo-
therwife:for in ftead of encreafing
in faith, our faith feemeth to bee
fhaken and weakncd , rather than
otherwife ; and in ftead of bree-
ding patience and holineffc , cur
foulcs do difcover more impati-
en:e,rebellion , and more unholi-
nefle every way Now the foule
thinketh,vvhen thus it is fhaken in
beliefe; How doe thefe Crofles
confirmc faith ? and when fuch I
evill,dwe'ling inns , doth breake
out,ho\v (faith the ibule to it felfe)
da afflictions beget the quiet fruit
of righteoufnes?! will anfwer you
thefe queftions familiarly: When
Faith is fhaken by evils befalling
us 5 you aske how it is confirmed? I
R 5 anfwer
3h
384 I Temptations Strengthen Faith.
^
anfvver you by a double compari- ;
fon:When a Linke burneth dim>to
helpe the light>we knocks it;being
beaten to any thing* it fecmeth al-
moft to goe forth ; yet this beating
it, doth caufe it cart light far more
clcerely*
Againe > how doth the fhaking
of a tree by ftormy blafts>fettle the
root and the tree more firmely,
though for a while it threaten the
dovvnefall ? Conceive of thefe* and
you may underftand* how faith
though it feeme to be cart downe,
yettryedbyecntationsj itcomcth
to be ftrengthened. Now then if
you aske>how they bring forth en-
creafe of righteoufnefle^leeing you
fee more unrighteoufneffe breake
from you by occafion oftheitbthen
you have obierved in your felfe
heretofore: Confidet that when
aveffellof any liquor, hath mud
and dregs fettled in thebottome;
k mud be ftirred 3 that which fee- |
med|mrej muftbe mademuddie
before it can be clcanfed z evenfb
his
— > — ■
and increase righteoafnejfs* ] 385
his troubling of us > veflelfull of
uncleanneffe > is the way whcrby
God doth clcanfe us. Now if God
he fo tenderly prefentbyus* ask
pleafed him ere-while to be, it
falieth fo out, that much °old* ma-
ny precious graces are difcerned>
which we before could not difco-
verrand thefe are fuch fweet fowrs>
fo plcafantly tempered * that the
grief i$ not fo bitten as the work-
ing of grace in us is delightfull.
But what way foever,calamity doth
not fo hurt us>as fcarre us ; us who
are loved of God and called home
according to his purpofe* Thus
wifhing your peace^and hoping
that all (hall turne to good*
the good of you both>I
ceafe to trouble
you.
1
FINIS.
COMFORT
AND
INSTRUCTION
in Affliction.
A
Letter full of Divine
Comforts ^ and inftru&ions |
unto all, in the time of ficknes,
or any other chaftifemencs
of the Lord,
Written by Mr. Pavl
BaiNE.
PSAL.94. 12> IJ #
Blejfedis the man when* thou chajttfifty
O Lordy and teachefi him out of thy
Law y that thou maySi give him reji
from the dayes ofadverjttie*
LONDON.
Printed for N. En derby and are
to be fold at his Shop in Popes-
Head Alley, at ihefigne
oftheftarrc*
{
I
COMFORT
AND
INSTRVCTION
i&affii&ion«
Oving Sifter, I can-
not but write you
a word in the love
I beare you, hear-
ing that your
health dothftand
more weakely withyou, then here-
tofore. I wifli your bodily frailty
might be an occafiont© your foule, I
of returning into it felf, and draw-
ing moreneerto God inChrift Ic-
fus.Even as childre love to be play-
ing abroad, till night approaching
doth caufe them return : fo we love
not to dwell at home with Godj
and
pw-«.
590 : Cjods children bettered bj affltttion
i
I
and our own conferences in godly
devotion & meditation this way ;
but to be abroad infuch courfes,
as are moft pleafmg to our corrupt
natures, till the night ofafflidhon
commeth ; in whick,unable to de-
light our felves as before > we
turne backs into our owne foules,
and come home to oui heavenly
Father. I wifh you th'a fruit of
your infirmities therathe^becaufe
not the having of fickneffe , but
profiting by it,is a certaine mark,
that you are one whom God hath
called, according to his heavenly
purpofeoflife everlafting :for all
things work to their good on ely,
who ?re thus called of God , and
love him,Rom 8. And if you re-
ceive correction, fo as to have the
quiet fruit of righteotffneflfe by
I meancs of it , then you are chil-
[dren,notbaftards; that looke as,
^good metall is difcerned from
JdrofTe, not by being in the fire
onely>butby waxing more bright
and refinedby meanes of it;fo are
Gods
i
c
How we may profit under Gods h*nd* j 391
Gods Children defcried fromo-
thers, not by being in calamities
which is common to all , butbjr
growing thereby more purged
from their corruption , and more
Aiming in the light of grace,to the
glory of their Father which is in
heaven. Wherefore f eing it doth
fo much concern you, to find fome
fpiritnall fruit? of your vifitatiom
I will at this time teach you> how
ou may come to profit by this
and ofGod.which hath followed
yen oflate with more then ordina-
ry weakneffe of body,
Firft,you mwft labour to appre-
hend God, as a Father corre&ing
of you by thefe infirmities.
Secondly you muft labor to find
out the caufe why , and to what
purpofe God doth follow you in
inch kmd. And thirdly, yon muft
feekc to him, that he would teach
you to profit, and lead you by his
frace to al that which is pleafing
eforehim.Many account of fick-
ncs,as a thing which commeth by
courfe, a
39*
In infirmities ive nwft
A
a thing(which may well be looked
for in your yeers) which will weare
away by the grace of God ; onely
as it had a time to grow in * fo it
mufl: have a time to goe in alio ;
vanishing away in fucb thoughts,
never ©bferving the correcting
hand of their God* in the thing
which is upon them. The world as
it doth not know God in all that
good he doththem,when he filleth
their hearts with joy and gladnes,
being worfe then the oxe and afle,
who know their Maftets Crib ; fo
againe* beingdiunken with igno-
rance, andlufts ofignorance^they
know not who ftrikeththem,when
the punilhing hand of God doth
follow them: whereas every childe
dcth know when it receiveth cor-
rection from the carchly Parent,
yea , the wilde Colt doth know
when the Dam doth Itrike it.
Wherefore (before a'l things) la-
bour to fee God>your Fathers hand
in all things. Should we beat our
children>and they fliould feem ne-
ver
\
apprehend (jods hand.
393
ver Co vouch as to heed our linking
of therib would we not judge their
ftate forIorne?Againe*this makech
vs returne repentantly , when we
Fee our heavenly Father calling us
by his corre&ion ; this maketh us
:oindeavourto be humbled under
Gods hand when we thinke how
God our Father is offended with
as. Finally* this maketh us to con*-
:eive hope* that our vifitation (hall
be for our good ; the Parents hand
hurteth not Children.
Now for your clearer infpe&i-
on hereinto > and for your greater
:omfort, I will infift fomewhat
tightly upon that in Daniel , Dan*
iz.3 3*34>tf. where the Prophet
[having opened the impieties and
perfecutionsofthat wicked Antio-
r/?*f,as likewife what was the ftate
sfthe lew without,who had not the
power of godliness the verfebe-
fore)doth m thefc three lay downe
the eftate of the godly,while thefe
fiery tryalsindured. And 5. hings
are there fet downe : Firft , he de-
fcribeth
394
It is a good twins property
fcnbeth thofe chat were godly,
wife, and found-hearted in their
profeflion,from this, that they did
labour to bring others to fellow-
ship in the fame grace with them,
through inftru&ion, andmeanes
of chat nature. Secondly >hc fetterh
downe the variety of evils which
(hould befall them^rcand fword*
Tfurdly,thc cold comfort and den*
derhelpes which they were like
to find-Fourthly >the end of zlUviz,.
the purging out of all their cor-
ruptions, both of flefh and fpirit.
Fifthly^tbe durance of their fuffc-
rin*,nacnely,till Gods appointed
(eafon were expired. From this
(chat the godly-wife are defcribed
from hence, that they inftrud ci-
thers ) obfervefirft by the way,
that a good mans property is , he
will labour to make others good,
ha cannot goc to heaven aloneas
God catcheth him, fo he will pull
his neighbour after with him ; asJ
Th Hip did N'athmeelj Ioh.1,43.
according to that commandment,
Teach
i
ftdifi others.
395
reach and cdificone another, i.
rh. 5 .even as a fweet fmell fillet h j
hefenfesof fuch as are neere it,
b grace afte&erh thofethat cott-
erie with ir # Now to perfwade
s to the praftice of this, we have
lany rea!ons;firft,Gods glory,fbr
)e glory of a King , faith Salomon
andcth in the multitude of his
ubje&s ; therefore, when we la-
3ur to increafcthe number of the
lithfulljwe do gain no fmall g!o-
no God; as who thenincreafe
is Subje£ts,and enlargehis king-
>me. Secondly, the good of che
irty admonifhed ; for as Saint
ptfwfaith often, by phis meanes
Souleisfaved-.whichismoreto
m that is converted , then if vve
?t him the pofleflion of the
bole World. Thirdly, for our
Ives,itdoth many vv ayes benefit
; thus to worke upon others ;
r, firft without us , we hence
inneonr felves great love in the
:artsofothers.This made Naomi
interefled in the heart of Rmh.
This
■■ ■ ■ ■
196
The good nwft helpe to
This made TauI Co afte&ed to th<
Galatians > chat they would haw
given him their eyes ; whereas i
this be wantingmoeieisfufficiet
and the negle6t of this , is that
which often maketh men meet
with fuch trickes and turnes
their deareftfriends>as aregrievou
unto them. Againe* while we do
deale with others thi s way>we in
creafe our own grace; for it is wit
that as our other ftocke^the bettc
it be husbanded* and theoftner
be turned , fo moth the more it
increafed. Thirdly, in Heaven v
(hall have fo much more ample re
ward, by h9W much more we ha
beene in this kind more fruit fu
T>an.i 2,_3 . This is firft, to rebu
the vaine complaints of men* wl;
will cry out>0 what an evill vvor
it is ! Whom may a man truft nc
adaycs?But yet never goe about
I reclaime a man from any evill ws
What doeft thou complaine of
evil world?It isthe worfe for the
When doeft thou admonifh an>
mak^-others good/Ujes of it.
lay, one may be in thy company
11 the yeer, and fcarce hear a good
Yord> which tendeth to make fin
ia:efull>and vertue precious in the
ccounts of others* What tolly is
his, to begone that, which thou
/lit not tiir thy litde finger to re-
refle? As if a husbandman fhould
Dmplaine,0 hereis nothing in my
round>but bryers and nettles^and
ther weeds! but Chould never ma-
nre ibfow it drefle it, &c* Every
»ne would condemne it as folly in
iiibfoit is with us. Sccondly^this
sbuketh fueh as will not be admo-
ii(hed:come and talke withthem,
arping upon this ftring, and they
/ill fay>What have you to do with
ne ? \ooke to your (clfe* \ ou (hall
nfaet for your felfe > and not for
le -.but we muft have to doe with
hcm> and one with another: did
fefee their beaft ready to mifcar-
y> under a burden^ we are bound
bhelp it,and they would nocraif-
>keit ; much more are we bound
d help one anothejrunderthe bur-
den
397
j 5<jg ( GodffoftfcrvoHts, mofl malted*
den of fin. Secondly, here we fee,
that the belt fervice receiver h from
the world ofcStimes the worft wa-
ges .Thefe that made others turne
From their evill wayes > and them-
fclves walke • to all godly mnocen-
cy; thefeare the Butts(asit were)
at which the malicious world,
chiefely fliootcthtthus it was with
Chrift , and the Prophets : which
of them in mannerwere not cruel-
ly butchered jThereafo i*,firft,be-
caufe fuch fruitfull Chriftian'., the
Divell feeieth his head fo trod on
by them , that he cannot indurc
them : but will catch them by the
heele* andmifchiefethem,asfaf
as he is able*Let men florifh witfc
humane wifedome , carry them-lo
felves for humane morall difcourfi i
and complement , incomparable ! n
he ftirreth not at this, for all this i
while he is but played with, nc
fbule is recovered out of his povy^ r
er, he is notdifturbed.Agame, a*
the malice of the divell isagainfl
them chic fely, fo the envie of th
world
■ » m
7 fts to be made of otbtts affti&iont.
vorld j who cannot but hate fiich
whofc workes are becccr than
heirowne. Theufeofthisis^that
ve judge not of men according to
heir affiiflions. Oh when wee
leare one is in trouble,thcn we lay
lurely he might have handled the
natter with more difcretion ; had
le beene wifer, be might have fa-
red all this trouble. Do we not fee
lerc, that the wifeft that werefa-
hcrs begetting others to wifc-
lorac, this is their portion ? Chrift
\nd the Apoftles might thus bee
:ondemned asfoolifh; nay, fiich
vhofc (ins doe cart them into their
roubles , fuch arc foolifh ; bat
/vhen affli&ions come for a good
xmfcience, then it is quite other-
wife. Secondly, we mud fit downe 3
ind caft our accounts before hand,
hat we will not bee difcouraged,
or that meafure wee meet with
rom the World ; but comfort our
elves in this., that God will judge
is, not according to that fucceffe
ve have had Jbuc according to that
S we
3?9
400 \ The Afjlt8ions0f the godly mu ft
III * III M l - .> > . .- . ■ ,|
weiiave done; bee it good or cvill.
Thirdly, from this, that thefe god-
lywife fuffer £nbody,asby fire and
(word ; in goods,as by (polling; in
liberty, as being banifhed and led
captive^and that many daie*;I pray
ybn obferve^that the Saints of God
often fuffer ftrong,many, and long
affliftions. Thus Ifraels pofterity
endured triall 4oo*yeers. Thus the
elder people of God were all led
captive feventy yeeres;for we need
great ones, that our corruptions
may be fubdued within us. For.as
theuDtaraednefle of fome Colt is
fuch^that unleffs he were fore rid-
den,he would never be broken, Co
is it with our rebellious naturc.Se-
condIy,Httle things donctcxercife
our faith, & make us tofeeke God
for as none for a little head-ach,or
for the ranch of a pin, will fecke tc
the bodily Pbyfician or Surgeonjfc
is it with the fou!e,whiIe it is trou
bled with like grievances ipiric
all. Thirdly, they nmftbee great.,
to make place for mercy aboun<
dan
be get Ate ^ divers^andhng.
401
dant fromGod to us 5 and plentiful!
thankefgifing from ustoGod. If
one heale a trifling matter, it nei-
ther fo bindcth the Patient, nor
commendeth the Ph y (Irian : but if
one heale us of fomedeadly incura-
ble thihgjO we fay then, we could
never have met with fuch a Phyfi-
cian; not the like in the world a-
gaindSccondly^they muft be many
and divers, armies of men 5 it lob
fpeaketh 5 becaufe our corruptions
are of divers kinds : and becaufe a*
gaineasthe body, if it take one
thing ftill, it commeth to beefo
much leflemoved,by how much it
is more familiar; (b it is with cur
foulesjthatoneuniform^ evil doth
by little & little, through cuftome
become kfle cffeftuall. It faring
withanian,aswich a horfe ; who
ftill (purred in one place , com-
meth not to feelethefpurre, nor
mend his pace when hee is pric-
ked. As they muft bee ftrong and
divers, fo they muft bee long alfo ;
becaufe our evil* which have
S 2 been
■ i ■ ■ ■ J r r t r
402 I 3Tfo tfflittions tftbtgodlj
beene long growing upon us, will
not goe away haftily ; as ftaines
which arelong fctled in a c!otb,re-
quire much fcowring. Now when
wee daily fpot our (elves with fin 3
we lee it fettle in; and doe not wath
our felves by renewing faith and
repentance : and (o make way for
the heavier band of God, when he
(hallvifit. Batitmaybeobje&ed,
Paul faith, our afflifti ons are light
and momentany. Anfwer : Not,
that abfolutely they arc fo, but in
comparifbn of eternity; Secondly,
lighten regard of that which grace
maketh them,when (in is repented
of, and Gods favour not hidden
from us. This made Tanl that he
could not fleepe for joy, butfung
at mid-night when hee was impri-
ibned and (ore handled. This made
Ptf er,thougb he was to be brought
forth the day after to death, he ne-
j ver flept better in his life : this will
make us out-looke death, and al
cvills,when we have received from
God the grace of repentance and
for
are many, yet light alfe.
forgiveoefle of finsjwhcn the light
of his countenance is towards as
in his beloved. For as a plaifter
which upon a (ore flefh caufeth
much fmart, upon (bund flcfli ftir-
rech no paine : (o troubles lighting
upon a foule healed thus, as is a-
bovc-faid, are nothicigfogricvous.
This muft make us provide our
felves 5 and ar me our hearts with the
comfort of the Scriptures, agaiaft
wefhallbe tried, not bdngatall
difrruied at them when they befall
u?. If wee make account of cold
weather entring, then wee will be
appointed,& get double clothing ;
wee muft be as wife for our foules,
as bodics.Secondly,we muft cry to
God, that he would fay to our (pi-
nts by his Spirit, thac our fins are
forgiven; that is J am he that jufti-
fiech thee,who can lay any thing to
thy charge? and we muft give all
diligence to make our calling and
cleiUon (ure, feeing that in thefe
things ftandcth our fvveetc peace
and comfort, when all the world
S 3 be-
403
4C4
Gods Children forfaken of friends
befides can (hew us no com-
fort.
Fourthly, that they have fo
fmallhdpe, andmuchdiflimulau-
on ufed towards chem • obferve
I hence, that when God will try us,
men ufaally leave us; fb Paul filth
in the fecond of Timnhj, that all
had forfaken him, the firft time of
his appearing. Thus when Chrift
was fmitten andattached,the Apo-
ftlesfhrunkeaway from him •ac-
cording to that, when the Paftor
wasfmicten, the (heepc were (cat-
tered.For of tho£ that make fliew
to be friend s,many are hypocrites ;
and therefore they will like fwal-
lowes take the Summer-fliine with
I us, but bid us adieu when winter |
f bloweth. Secondly, many that are
fbund^yet are weakein love; and
therefore not able to bcare in
fufferings. Thirdly, many want
courage, and therefore fay, I can
doe him no good, I fhall be look-
ed into; as good one beare it as
moe, when we cannot be eafed :(b
that
/
in Affliction : The nfes thereof*
that their diftreffcd brethren may
fiokeorfwim, while they confalt
with fuch flefhly reafon.The ufe is,
that we would all learne hencenot
corruftin men, but in the living
God ; and co acquaint our (elves
wkb him,ia whom there is no Iha-
dow of change.
Secondly, wee muftnorbediC-
maied, if many forinke from us
when they come co the wetting;
Come of Gods children differing
inthiskindc, take ic to heart and
ky : Ob, if others had done thus
and thus, I could bane borne ic ;
but it goeth to ray hearr, to fee
fuch ferve me this part ! Why, this
is no great new^s; doe not the
Saints here ; did not Chrifi >T>avid,
Iob> at his wives hand indurc the
fame?
Fifthly, that thefe worthy
S 11 ncs have fuch ftrong, many and
long affliftions for the purging of
them j Obfervc hence, that there
' are none fa pure, but need fining,
winnowing , and wafhing : even
S-4 as'
4° 5
4c6
AH troubles rvorkt together for
asdroffeis with filver, offall and
care with corne, foylc with cloth :
fb is corruption with our nature,
it will never quite bee taken forth,
till this body of finne be diflolved;
and God will have fuch remain-
ders that we may be trained in hu-
mility by them. They are like the
Swans blacke teete, in the whiteft
Chriftian.SecondIy,that we weake
ones may not be difmayedat that
we find, when the beft have their
*remna">ts of corruption.
Sixthly,tbat God doth give them
to fuch croffes^only to purge them
&c. Note hence, that all troubles
are for the benefit of us, who are
the Lordsjffr. 1 2.1 o.For our pro-
fit he chaftifeth us ; and that they
may workcto thi^heedoth Qnd
them by meafure fuch, as may help
us, noeoverwhelme us, Jjfi.27.8.
Hedoth ftill fit ut in our affl ftions
I for our good, not proportion our
cvih to ourdeferving. SecondIy,as
hedoth fend them inmeafure, Co
with his blefliog; which turneth
all
gotd to Gods children.
4°7
all things that they work together
co our good. True it is, that a
while there is no (iich thing appa-
rent; but in the end when we fcc
whaiGod will uft themall to,theo
we fhall tec that all fuch confpire
to our great profit. la buildings
great while there isnocomelines,
but ac length when every thing is
fitted to the right place^ thereis a
goodly correfponJence in the
whoie^thar b,a well proportioned
anfwering ofone part to another :
(o in the frame of our fbules. Aid
hence we fee, how wide the wic-
ked are in their reckoning. O they
think they have fped us, they have
prevailed ; when indeed they have
done good offices to us : for God
maketh them of the Scullery to
fcowreus, Launderersto walhus,
ia the worft things hce fuffcreth
them, or wicked fpirits over them,
to doe unto us, Seco!idly 3 (eeing all
ourfufferings are from God, wee
muft look for profit by c verytrou-
b!e; unleflT: we will make God not
s$
true.
aq% The time of our Afflittion is in
true, or our felves not his chil-
dren, truely godly, and loving
him : and there fore r hey arc much
to be blamed, that through v\eak-
nefle will fay, they cannot tbinke
that ever fuch a thing fhall doe
them any good; for u^hat cannot
be make for our gocd, that caileth
light out of darkn^flfe , if we will
give glory to his Word byrefting
upon it?
Seventhly, that all chefs tribu-
lationsareto laft but till the ap-
pointed time : We obftrve hence,
that our times of exercife they arc
onely in the hands of God 5 even
as thePhyfician onely mult pre-
scribe how long the courfe of
ihe phyfickeordiet drinkesmuft
bee continued; fb mud our God
fct the time, for which thefe trou-
bles (which are the fou!e c $: urg^ti-
ois)muftbetakeri. Wicked nr,cn
cannot fct the time^foi they would
never make an end ; nor yet Dor
ieIves;forwe would fipbut lightly
of fo bitter cups $ this is the Lords
I Gods band: Theufes thereof.
— «k-
prerogative royall, co appoint the
ftafons and termes, wherein affli-/
ftions ftull be continued. Theufe
ofic is, chat wee take heed of pro-
voking him, who hath power to
hold us under evils while he pleafe
Secondly, weemuftflietohimin
prayer, that he would be pleated
co incline mercy cowards us, and
make haft.ThirdIy,wc muft know
chat all our continuance in afflicti-
ons is full of mercy ,truth aid wife-
dome. If Ixcob thoald have held
lofeph in prifon, would hee have
held him coo long? no, no ; much
ieflfe hc( who is more merciful than
any father, and pkiifull than any ;
mocher)will hold us overlong: but
ordetingallhiscorreftions by his
Fatherly providence; will in his
good ime make them worke al o-
grther for good, and notforevill
u. tons.
In the fecond phce 3 'abour to
findc out what finnc it is, which
offendcth God. SinnefuU tflen
ftrikc ooc without a caufe; the
1-aft
409
410
!
■■
j
v4fpUions fbould make w
juft God,when he correð,hath
ever juft reafbn : our confidences
are like Iooking-glafies,which bt*
ing over-fpread with duft,dofhew
nothing^ but if they bee wiped
c!eane,cben little things appeare in
them clcarely* Wherefore enter
into your foulcconfiderwhat ftace
you ftand in before God j whether
you have that faith toward his
grace which doth puiifiethe heart
whether you hive fo learned
Chrift, that his vertuc hath made
you put off the old roan, that is 5
deny thofe earthly lufts,which doe
leads naturall men (as ic were) by
thenofej and live godly ^ righce-
oofly, and with Christian (bbriety,
in ufe of thofe liberties which in
themfelves are lawfull. Many
thinke, that if they know the truth
and 3src in judgment agaiift Pope-
ry- if they like of the prefent Reli-
gion, prefenting their bodies on
the Sabbat^it the publike worfliip
efpecially, if they have a prayer
read in the houfe^and fo&forme of
private
fearcb into QurffifitnaUtJldte.
piivatefervice, thcythinkeitiae-
nougb;though they never received,
that grace from Chrift, which
fhouldf fcafon their nature with a
divine qualitie, even as the leaven
doth the lump: of dough • andftir
up flrife in them againft their own
corruption, 'which hindrcththem,
that they cannot doc any duty to
God,fb as they defiretodo.Wher*
as all true Chriftians are Chrifts
fou'diers, & find their lives a war-
fare; the Spirit of Chriftin them
driving againft their corrupt na-
turc^and their corrupt nature lufU
ing againft the grace whichChrifts
Spirit hath wrought in them , (b
that they cannot doe the thing*
they would doe. Wherefore look
to this(deare Sifter;) ourbrft free*
hold , our hope of Heaven dotb
ftand upon it. Wee muft not thinke
as many do,we have not lived thus
long, to call it nowinqueftionin
what ftate wee ftand : (uch like
thowghrs the devil (uggefteth,that
men through hardnts of heartland
blind
411
412
Wei muft examine ourfdvts i for
blind preemption, might fallinto
j evill. If you find that you fland in
the faving grace of Chrift,then you
muftexamineyourfelfe, whether
you have not provoked God , by
negligent and camail performance
of Spiritual duty : as good ftuffc
may be marred in the making, fo,
the b^ftdt?ties,ifour hearts be Tiot
brought inco Gods fight 5 and reve-
rently prepared in them, they are
marred j being :ti fach manner per-
formed : yea, they difpleafe God.
Curfedarefucb who do his work
negligently ; who draw necre him
with their hearts being farre off
from hum : many were ficke, many
(mitten with death for receiving
the Communion without reve-
rence, fairh, and repentance, i
£V it* Examine your fclfe, whe-
ther you have fet your heart to
love the Lord Jefus, whom you
beleeve to have ftudie his bloud
for you; wee fay, Love de-
fends ,, it doth not afcead. pa-
rents tenderly love Children, but
Children
r i i s-
what firwe.Gcdafflifts «/, / 41 <?
Children love not Paretics in
that degree^ It is raoft true, cwixc
us and our heavenly Father,, to
whom* our hearts beare too too
cold love^f the beft of them be ex-
anrned. You had more necde to
Iooke to this,! t is Co popular a difc
cale.Finaily^onfidci whether you
have not ufed the law full things of
this life intcmperately «. whether
you ha?e not negle&ed time,
which is fo precious- whether you
have not bcene carelcffe to fee that
thofe who are under your go-
verrmenr, fhouldfrcveand fcare
the L rd. Confider, I fay, ftch
like things, that you may find
whac ic is God would h^ve you
amenc*. Even as a medicine doth
ftirre up nacurall hea r e to fight
.with the ficke humour, which i^
to bee expelled by ic 5 lb the me-
dicio ble forrowes that GOD
d th m fter to his Children,
doe ibrrc up grace, to driv \ forth
fuchcorru^tion&fpirhua l,asGod
\AOuld have removed by chem.
In
41 4 W* mnftgot to God to teach
In che third place, finding what
hath been amifle, you muft know,
chat you cannot redrefle it, we can-
not thinke a good thoughr-we can
(like children taken in faults) pro-
raife to do no more,and be in them
presently againe. Seeing then ic is
not in our ftrength,to take fruit by
our croflTcs,further than Godf who
givech will and deed) doth worke
it in u«;wc muft come to him, and
pray him to make us profit. Hee
who will have fiafull men joyne
inftruftion with correftion ; yea,
who putteth into m*n this regard
of dumbcrcatutes, that be will not
ftrikea dogge, but bee will make
him (ee,fo well as he can, what it is
for which he ftriketh hi w -(hall not
hecinftruftus, when his hand is
now upon us, for want of duty to
him ? In vaine fhould coLiiron be
b?ateo,did not fire fofcen ir:in vain
(hould sffi ftions (which are Gods
hammer) ftrikc on our hearts,
(hould not God by his Spirit',
which is compared to fire, both
(often
U4 tt profit ly affitlion*
fofcen our hearcs,and enlighten us,
to fee our duties towards him.
Wherefore good Sifter, feeke to
God for this Spirit of Chrift, w ch
may make all forrowes fruitfull
unto you, andbeareyouup^ that
you finkenot in them: For as blad-
ders fwim aloft all waters, while
they are filled with winde, fbdoe
wee above all affli&ions, while
this Spirit is with us,to fupport us
in them. If Phy fickc be given a bc-
dy,and it will not worke,itisan ill
figne ; if our infirmities, which are |
Gods potions to our fbules, ifthefc
move not our hearts to turne from
finne, and feeke to God for mercy
in Chrift,tc isa fearcfull figne of a
Jeadfbule, from which the life of
God is departed. The Lord give
jrou underftanding in all things,
rhus wiftung you true comfort,
both inward and outward, I com-
Btc you to the grace of God in
Chrift Iefus.Farewell.
Your loving Brother,
Paul B*)*te,
4*5
4i<5
Ftwperforme the grcate things
••——».
^Another Letter.
GOodM* D. Ihavercceircd
your Letters, wherein the
death of our friend, which before
was conjefturall, is certainly affir-
med : as alfo the manner of his
death exprefled. The latter doth
miniftercomfort for the bearing of
the forraer.For 3 dearh is not a mat-
ter of fomuchforrow to the god-
ly,as the giving of repentance uato
life e verlaftir,g,is mac ter of joy and
gladnefle. The Lord grant that
his death, and the great mortali-
ty which your ties have feen, may
bee focfrreall Sermons to us, that
We may bethinke as of our morta-
lity, and turne our hearts to wife-
dome, feeketo gaine the time,
which wee have heretofore mi-
fpcnt,by taking all occifions unto
good; and wee have vowed great
things in baptifine, we have profef.
fed our ftlvei dead with Chrift, (b
that the world is crucified to us,
and wee unto the life of the world,
wh?ch
,
which as Saint John expoundeth,
doth (tend ia the finfull pleasures,
profits, and glory which chechil-
dren of the world imbrace as
their portion. But alasj, in ftead of ;
making this profeffion good, wee
doe live in the World, taking in
coo freely and unweanedly , the
pleasures of ic, fetting our hearts
on the profits of it , more than is
expedient. We have prof efled our
felves in Baptifaie,to be alive unto
3od,(foras thedippingorfprink-
ingof us,doth fcale ouringrafcing
ntoChrift dying; fo the comming
"orth^or wiping the water off^doth
eale unto us this grace from God)
trdprofefleit (of our part) before
iim,thc Angels,and the Congrega-
ion,that we are paffed from de<tf!i
olife, even a life which is unto
5od, and ftandeth in knowledge,
n rightcoufnefle, in holinefle,
3 that no longer, now wr, -s
he old man Ihould live,bn* f irift
efus fnould live in us. i . .v how
lead are wc in regard of this lifej
who!
418 Gods children may die by the fUgut .
who in the u(c of Gods manifold
mercies, hath care to fhew forth
the feare of his name^ the love of
holinefle, to make manifeft, that
now hee is alive with his head
Chrift Jcfus unto God. The care-
leffe breaking of this covenant
hath cauftd all this (b grievous pe-
ftilence,yea, the Lord hath (lie wed
how true that is,even in his owne
Children,tnany of whom hee hath
taken away,yet fbcorre&ed them,
that he would nottemove his mer-
cy from them,nor falfifie his truth:
and therefore he hath given them
repentance. And if God let you fee
this covenant of yours, and the
maine failing in performance of ir,
you areblefled: Bleffcd are they
that mourne(faith our Saviour)fo r
they (hall be comforted • bur, Woe
to thofc that goeon laughing, for
they, if they continue, (hall waile
everlaftingly.
Your loving Brother,
Another
Leffonsfrem the lingring eftbe^ &c.
.« ~ ««
419
Afthir Letter,
Mr. D. Ic plcafeth God ftillto
lft his hand hang amoogft
you, though he hach gracioufly a-
batedhis ttroke, yea, very many
places remain infefted,thnugh ma-
ny die not of the infe&ionul which
mould teach us both to remember
that which is paft, and to fcare, in
regard of that which may fall our.
For this is one end why God doth
not at a chop remove the evills
which annoy us,that we might the
better remember our forrow paft,
and his goodnefle in our delive-
rance. Againe,his hand doth hover
often dill about us, that wee might
I feare before him, and meete him
by repentance, in the way of his
judgement left if that his patience
wait on us in vaine, our ftroke at
length be redoubled. Truelymen
are far from this, they thinkethat
there is no feare, ic had a time to
come,and muft have a time to goe,
and I
420
Ihey ibat humble tbemfelver
and t he worft is part ; but God li~
keth noc fuch fecurity^ yea hee of-
ten Canfeth c vill to meet it. where
the htarnsbl* fled that fearethal-
waks.Whereforegood M.*Z).doe
you go on in f rrow, for manifold
wau'sofduty towards your God
fo gracious, yea, accufeyourfelfe
now, as roo little humbled under
his mighty hand, when fucb
ftrength of his wrath was revealed.
And in thefe thoughts raifeup your
felft to look unto his free mercy of
Chrift, which reacheth (through
the merit of that bloud)tothe par-
don of all our fins,yea, to make us^
who are the children of wrath
become the children of blefling,
yea fuchblefling as doth follow us
in all our waies.O that is a worthy
(entence for all that haye efcaped
this hand, to thinke on ; Goc thy
waies,finneno more, that is, make
not a trade of walking after your
owneeies and hearts, left worfe
things befall. And this I will tell
you, the praftice of thefe things,
though
under Gods handball be exalted.
though ic reftraine a little mirth,
which the Wi£ roan callech mad-
neflc,yec it flhall bring you to tafte
in your foule a joy unfpeakeable
and glorious 5 fuch a rejoycing,
which the world cannot take from
you.
Your loving friend,
tuttl Byne.
421
F7N/5.
THE
TRIALL
OF A
Chriftians Eflate:
OR,
A Difcovcric of the Cauics,
degrees, fignes and differences
of the Apoftafieboth of
true Chriftians and falie :
In a Sermon preached in Lottdo^
by Matter P au l Bayne, and
afterward lent in writing co
bis friend W.F.
* —— — - - , ■ 1 1 - ■ -
LONDON,
Printed by A 6. for i.N. and are
to be fold by Sam* Enitrhj, at his
{hop, at the Scarrc in Popes
bead Alley. 1637.
•*»■
I
<&> t£r> *&* *&> c 'f?> *?&» <&* *tfr>
o£» cfs> «^* *£«> *^> *^*> e<j* *J>
To the Reader.
Hri&ian Rea-
der \good Wine
needetb no gar-
land , it will
praife it felfi:fo( I perfwade
my felfe) will tbU enfuing
Sermon, which a learned ,
holy andfaitbfullfervant of
God formerly viva voce in
publique, founded in the
eares of me and many, and
afterwards ju a token of his
A 2. Chri-
■I
— — . , 1 ■ _ _■ ■
To the Reader.
Cbriflian lolpe to mee , be
fto^eduponme in writing
lohich being foj ruitfulUm
necejfarie a labour , in tk
judgement of the godly an
learned that baite Jeene i
and fo Jpeciallj befittin
thefe luke-tvarme and bad
Jliding times , I thought
could not, without prejudu
to theejuffer it to lie by m,
for my private inftru&id
and benefit alone } and then
fore for thy good, the ke\
ping in precious memory t>
Preacher thereof yphom t\
L ord hath gat In red into l\
barne, and for the glory
i »i>> «^ > i !■ ■ ■ ■»
aod efyecially, I baloe con-
sented that it be made more
bublique and common , by
comming under the prejfe.
The Lord grants bat it may
halve that juccefje in me and
thee, which bee that ga"ve
fir ft life unto it inftudying,
and brought it foortb by
preaching \intendedjmd Tin
confenting and caufing to
ha'-ve it printed \defire : fo
lb. ill the feeble , uptake and
doubting Chriftian t be taken
by the hand, ftaied and com.
forted aga'inU the feares of
totall backfliding , and ypc
all (bail be of the number of
A 3 them
<*+>
T—
To the Reader.
them which follow faith to
the conferloation of our
foules : which the Lord for
I ejus Cbrift hu fake grant.
t /» •
Thine in his beftdefire?,
I
i
<&9 Hr> <&» +$* £&H$3L2$Qi£&L
THE
TRIALL
OF A
CHRISTIANS
Eftate.
HBBB.jo.verf.39.
But we are not they which with-
draw vurfelves itUoperdiiha^
but pllotp.fdith unto thtMQ*
fet«vatie*4j C thi{QHfc> I
[& Apoftle, ha-
ving in the
verfc before re-
unembered the
fears full eftace
of fuch who
through unbe-
liefs are withdrawne from God ,
doth in this verfe prevent a fcru-
A 4 pie
ThetritBef* Cbrifliam E/fate.
^ ' ^
pie which might arife hi fam^ u~
morons consciences > doubting
whether they were not in this cafe
next before threaded. Hee doth
therefore tskefnch weakeones by
the hand ^ ftrengthning them, by
beariag them witnefle of their
condition 3 mauifeftcd by the fruits
above mentionedjverfe 32.53.34
which eflate is let do wne herein
thisverfe : Firft negatively* by de-
niall of their unbelceving revolt.
Secondly affirmatively, by avou-
ching their pcrfeverance in faith.
Either of thefe properties of un-
bclicfeand beliefe,bdng amplified
from theefe&s which accompa-
nied them, ws.deftru£Hon of the
foul* (for that is to be undcrfbod
from the latter claufe) and falvati-
00 of the fame.
The fiimme ofthe words, Feare
not though I tell you that backfli-
dcrsare vcflels of no dclighc, for
yourfclres with rayfclfe,are not (
fiich who fteale from our corapa-
oieS; leaving our militarie profek
_____ __ fion.
^ . . . -. _
The triaU of a forsftuns Eft ate.
fion, which would tame in this
life and the life to come to our fur-
ther deftru&ioa; but we continue
in faith, and put forth our beliefs
more and more, as occafionrequi-
rech, which bringcth us here and
everlaftingly cofce the Lords fal-
| vation.
Now for the inftru&i ons which
both the fcop* and matter of the
verfe include in them. Firft,that
Paul doth confirms them by bea-
ring them witneffe of their cftate.
Ic doth teach us, that wee muft
ftablifti cur weakc brethren, by
bearing thern-reeord of the graces
Wrought in them* wee who have
found grace tnuft confirms others.
If any thing more fmarc be u r re-
rcd, we nrnli moilifie icwithfach
wife prevention a9 Phyfirians, if
they forefee ought harmefull to
the bodie^, they corrett ic with
other ingredients, that it may
wholefjinely be reccircd. If wee
faw on? ready to trip, wee would
reachhimahaud 3 30d (alUine lum
I . A r from
]
r
Ohfirvaui
tU tritUefd Cbriftians Efiate.
i
from Falling : much more muft wc
(hew this love to the fbule (haking
through frailtie. This wifedomc
Chriftufed,hee quenched not the
fmoakingfhxe : thefeafonable ce-
rtifying to men their good things
caufeth them to take increafe: our
honour of them, our dutie to the
comfort of their lives and to the
truth, doth require it. Such there*
fore are to bee taxed who wanting
this prudence, handle the word in
dividing it like him in the Em-
bleme , who gave to the Afle a
bone, tothedoggeftrawrfuchare
thofe Pallors who difcourage
good devotions, and incourage
men carnally minded, like unco
them we reade of, Esjtchiel^ chap.
1 3.22.Such again are chey amongfc
private Cbriftians, who like Jobs
friends ztt a breaking to them,
whom chey fcould comfort and
confirtrte.
SecondIy 5 we mufl be provoked
by this example to iacourage
weake ones when they are doub-
ting
T& trijRofa Cbrtfliins Efiate.
ting of their eliatcs: for as a timo-
rous patient imagining twenty e-
vilJs, when his Phyfitian affureth
him that his cafe is nothing fb, is
wellfocisfhd: (bhere.
Agaiue., in that he faith, We are
not they that withdraw. Hence we
are given tounderftand, that fome
may fall away from the Graces re-
ceived.In fame mannerGods o wne
children and others are reported to
have fallen : Ddvid^Saitl^eter^A-
Uxandtr^&c. But that this may be
imre diftin&ly opend,three things
muftbeconfidercd.
i. Firtf, from what the godly
truely fanftificd may fall j how
farre others.
2. Sccondly,from whence falls
come^and the difference of them.
3. Thirdly, what are t he fymp-
tomes or fignes of a date declining
from God.
To the firft, a man not having
the true grace of the ele&, may fall
from all outward privileges,which
hee holdeth as a member of the
vifible
1
the triall of a Christians Eftate.
^■^<—
yifible Church. Secondly 3 from the
effefts of his Grace in life and con-
version. Thirdly, from the very
habituall gifts, which were the
fountain whence his fruics flowed.
Thus bee may come to be twice
dead, and in worfe cafe than ever.
The Lordsehofenroay fall from
their outward prerogatives : hue
that divine nature ftill abideth ia
them, and it is onely with their
graces, as ic -is with- the mindein
diftempers of melancholy, and
phrenfiff.5 with the Sin in eclipfes;
with the tree when leaves and
fruits. faile xr 5 with the naturall
life when ic moveth not, ne yet
breathethfenfiblc: which in difea-
tes of the Mother is ofcen discer-
ned. Their faith is an ever failing,
faith; their life an etcmall life ;
their feed a teed abiding in them.
Now for the fecond^ vi*** what
are theeaufes of falling away, and
that (b diverfly 5 this opened will
knd a mere thorow light to the
former. The caufes which worke
in
The triaO of a Cbriftians Eft ate.
in withdrawing us are inward or
outward r Bin the verity of thefc
declinings fpriagech chiefely from
the inward.
The caufe in the Lords children
is, the ftate of their grzce^which is
fuchas hath ftill rcliqies offline
dwelling with it.
The caufe of the others totall
fall, is an eflentiall defcft in their
grace, which teache:h not to make
a true union betwix: Chriti and
the m. nor yet to produce true fan-
ftification. In a word, the caufe of
the ones pcrfevering, and theo-
thcrs totall deficiency, is not only
to betaken from Gods power and
gracious pleasure, from Chrifl his
intercetfion, from the ftinting of
Satan co the heele of the true
Chxiftian feed : bat alfo from the
efTintiall qualification^ and d>(po-
fi:ion of the grace beftowed upon
either. But this is a diffi:ulty fur-
ther to be cleared j How wee may
formally diftinguifh thele gifts
which axe in the Chriftian that
p*rk-
^ i^^»— » ■ a^— — — — — — ^fc— ^^£" '
/
8 I fbetriatlofa CkriftiansEftatt.
.
-I
pcrfevereth from thofethat are in
him that temporifcth* The diffe-
rence is double:
i. Firtt, in the union which is
made by them.
2. Secondly, in the different
prodt'ftions which follow upon
fo different manners of being uni-
ted with Chrift.
To open the frft, w fetdowne
this conclufion : The ipirituall
gift of the teroporifer doth meerly
enlighten him ro fee Chrift, buc
doth not move his will to go unto
Chrift., as given him of God, that
he might not perifh but have eter-
nall life. His application is an
overweening hope, taken vp by
his owne preemption ; it is not a
motion which the fpirit doth cli-
ciateand draw out^buciuchasis
hisenlightning*
In the Word of Chriftare two
things: firft, the truth ofit,* true
word : Secondly, the goodneffe of
itj a good word. That may be ap-
prehended, God giveth his chofen
not
The triaU of a ChriftUns Eft ate.
not onely an appreheofion, ia the
underftanding of the truth, and
goodnefleof itj but a motion of
affiance, which maketh the foule
go to and clafp about Chrift whom
it beholdcth. Hence ic is.thatcom-
ming and b. lie ving, lob. 1 . 1 2. fob.
I <5.35.37^ s apprehending,a5when
a thing is taken by the handle : and
from this property of Faith doth
come that internal! union twix;
the believer and Chri ft, which mi-
keth them dwell mutually one in
the other. Hence it is that the true
believer doth more afLft Chnft,
price him, joy in him, more than
the benefits by them.
Now the Papifts faith is a meere
enlightning, not having any con-
fidence within the corapafiT: of it,
(for a man may be found in their
faith, and in damnable defpaire at
the fimeinftant) and the tempori-
fers faith having no more than an
apprehenfioninthe underftanding
of the good word of (alvation joy-
acd with prcfuraptuous perfwafi-
on
10
w — - ■ i ■ ■ i i I I - ■ — —
Thetriallofa ChriftiansEftaU.
on and fallible hopes conceived by
himfelfe on falfe reckonings : theft
cmnot innerly unite him with
Chrift ; but looke as a Wen ?s (b
united in the body by the skin in-
compaflbg it, and fome kinde of
continuation with the other mem-
bers j but hath not fiaewes,nerves A
arteries (hot into it from head and
.heart, as the other parts: fothefc
by their common illumination aid
profeffion hare conjunftion with
the body,but want the influence of
that more necre ligament of chat
fiffimced motion of the will,which
onely floweth from Chrilt into his
proper members. And this is the
firft ground of their after failing :
for looke as ftanding-waters, or
never fuch torrents which have no
head of living fpririg-waters to
feed themj cannot in time but dry
up : fo thtfe not having Chrift the
Well-head of all grace 3 wbatfoe-
ver is iri them, in time ftdech aad
vaniflieth to norhing,
F*omdcfeft of interoall union^
which
•*r
*■*•*
-m !■ » ■ a ui i
Tbt trizdof fiCbrifliais E(l*te. A \\
. . — *_« .
which is, as ic were,the fountaine,
commeth a difference in grace de-
rived. Thetemporifer$,beingftch
as doth never tracly humble him,
fuch, as is fuperficiall,! nlinccre : io
a word, fuch as doth not truely
(anftifiehim: by rcafon of which
defeft, it is nor permanent*
Firft, not being within the gra-
cious light of this Sonne ofrighte-
oufocfle.the depth of his wound is
never gaged , and though he know
much humiliation, yet nee is cever
truly hunblcd. Firft,hee fteth not
with humble coufcioufoefie the
fhfoll depravitio3 of his nature:
hisdifpleaiureitmoreagainft the
fruits, than rootes whence they if-
fued. Tdul a Pharifec knew not
concupiscence 5 a Papift acknow-
ledged not this as liofull after hee
is once baptiftd, whereas this was
the higheft pitch olPsuts and D+*
vids pi niceatiall cxercife.
But may not the temporifer
know and maintainc the truth of
this Dottriae, yea, propound it
fruit-
I.
!
9
fruitfully co ochers? Anfwir. He
may ( by faith infofed ) conceive
andafTcnttoir, yea, deliver it to
others, but fo,that the power of it
doth not refle&on himftlfe, fbas 1
co be humbled in thisrefpc& : bat
as the Moone giveth us light
which is not rooted in the body of
her,forthatcontinuethdarkfbmc :
fo they receive light from Gods
Word, and fee it forth to others,
but have none in themfelves. 5%
cond!y,not being within grace,his
confeflion and paffion under fin is
hot free and voluntary, but extor-
ted either from (bme evidence of
light, or fa& evincing him j as
S*ul to David confeffed ; or the
racke of Gods terrours inforcing it
from him. Whereas the children
of God, who now fte, that the
more their finne is, themoregrace
fuperabounded ; that their bafe-
neffe is his glory , whofe grace they
live under, they frankly, yea, de-
lightfully humble themfelvcs in
confefliog theirvilenefle. Thirdly,
not
.
Tbt triaSof aChrijlians Efltte.
not being within the grace of
Chrift with (bund affiance,he never
grieveth at finne as it is enmity a-
gaioft his God : for to be cenrrice
in this regard, implyeth a love to
God, which cannot be in him who
hath not found God loving him
firft : hee is vexed at his fins in re-
ff eft of hismiferies hee feethim-
minentjOr only as they are world-
ward, fhamefall aberrations from
praftice of fuch apparent vermes,
which men may repute glorious,
and much a&&. In a word, hee is
never truely humbled, which his
obedience being partial! doth wic-
nefle ; for hee will cake and leave
in that which hee hearech at his
owne plcafure :yea,ifcrofies come,
hee is too proud to humble him-
fclfe under Gods hand ; he is lifted
up above others, whom hee out-
ftrippeth in common graces : he is
cenforious, without con(cience of
that naturall condition under (in,
which is common to him with o-
thers. Aad from hence it is, that
at
13
14
.
7 hi itiaUtfa CbriftiansEftati. I
at length hi* grace f ilcth: for as a
houfe builded on the fands, with*
out a due ground-worke hid $ or
plants unrooted cannot indnrc : fo
this frame which wanteth the 1
foundation and root of grace((ucb
is humility is) cannot perfift. .
Sfcondly, tlay from this prime
dcfeO: of inner union, ait the tcm-
poriftrs graces produce dare faper~
ficiall, Height, foil of overture:
wheras tbofe in found believers are
fol id,fubftanciall ,not re i mtphjicus
itfztkmfa things which tbough
outwardly tfrcy have the appa-
rency^ yet are inwardly defc&ive.
Hence It is that JW calleth their
godlinefle, a figure of godlineflfe,
2Tf^3 5, their knowledge an ex*
ternall forme of knowledge, Rom.
2.20. that Cbhft raaketh?H they
h*ve,a (emblance,a feeraing onely,
£a^8.'i8, for Iooke as a wilde
hcrbe,tho'Jgh it have but the name
and comm »n nrture, yet it djffe-
reth much from one which gro-
I weth in gardens, better manured
1 and
Tkttnallrf j Chrifiians Eftjte.
VMBMK 1 ■■ | I I HI
and dr fled; and as a blew, dud
with blockwood, choagh k ieeme
brigbccr a while, yetisnotfofub-
ftanriall as that which is woaded
(and therfore we fay ic is a true co-
lour :) (b here, chough the graces
of the temporifer have the fame
name and comon nature, (for they
arc iofcriour woikes of the (pirit)
yea, though ihey may exceede in
(hew, yet for the truth and fub-
ftance, they are nothing to thofe
that arc wrought in houeft hearts ;
and from hence come two things.
Firft, their graces are foone
grownc up ; for a thing fuperficiall
is done in halfe chetimethata fub-
ftantiall thing is a working. They
get the (lart ; and, while many a
true heart before them in the Lord,
is complaining of wants^and weak-
nefle^fiufull inclinations, ufurping
inthem-thcyarecarried,asitwere,
ferftltnm, ro their perfe&ion. But
as a true birth, though fl )w!y at
the firft, yet ftill taketh increafe,
whereas a mole gruweth fitter at
/ t^e
I
■
i6
,
1 The trial! of a ffiriftianr Ejlate.
the firftj but (bone ceafcth : and
looke as in nature, things the foo-
neft ripe,are thefboneft roccen :S >
ic fares wich thefe leap-Chriftians.
Secondly, I (ay their graces are
infincere, their hearts are never
purged from fome Cm which they
love and like to live in, forfioifter
ends inrercaining the meffige of
Gods mercy^which is not that they
may reverence him, and ferve hira
all their daks without flivUhter-
rocr : but they gladly heare ir, as
hoping that they have a protettion
by ir, though they hold on in their
own courfes. For this it is that the
cle&s faith, which never faileth,
is called a faith without hypocri-
fie ; that the true believer is onely
(aid to have an honeft heart.
As God hath made (bme re-
medies in nature, fuch as purge
univerfilly every peccant humor,
as the Phyficians Catholicon, &c.
Someagaine that purge, cam de-
/e#*,that expell choler,but meddle
not with melancholy ; phlegme,
I but
Tht trial! of a Chrijlians EJiatt. I j y
but ftirre not cholcr ; So this medi-
cine of grace, which God infu&th
into an honeft heart, icisaC*ch )-
Iiquc cxpellcr of all kno wne fifinej,
great or little. The grace of the
teroporifer purgeth out the root of
no un • reprt.fleth the moving aad
paroxyfmes, as it were, of fome |
choifc fins onley, as in Herod. And
hence it is that the grace of the
temporifer doth not continue : for
as come growing up with twitch,
briers, thornes, is at length (mo-
thered; and as wholefome'meate
in a ftomacke full of flying choler,
is at length vomited : fo raigning
fin gr owing up with thefe feeming
graces, doth never ceafe tilhhey
be brought up and discharged,
Lnk.8. i a. 13, 14. Thus much to
deare that difference of graces in
Gods children and others, which
caufetb that the falls of the one are
ffot totall nor finall, which is inci-
dent to the condition of the other.
Now taking it as granted, that
the Lords children fall, byreafon
ofl
I $ I The triaU of a ffirijlfdmt Ejlate.
mm
I
i
uf chc reliqurs of fin dwelling in
them,! come to name chc cxternall
means, which a&ually bring forth
into ADoftafic this inbred defe&i-
Thefe fometimes wofkc it
on
more violently at once^ fbmetime
facceffively, by fome hairious wa-
fting fin, which like aft rongpoi-
fon dWparchcth all qutckly.Croflcs
repeated, and gradually increafed,
lures of pleafures andprofits, un-
comfortablencfle, which accom-
panieth by many racane$Chrifti<
an courft s, (dead worke is quick-
ly given over ) examples of the
multitude, a ftrong back-bia?, by
which the divell fometimes draw-
eth from perfifting in grace^ffence
at the firopl city, which to eye of
flali fceracth to be in Chriftian
couries, at diHention in opinions
amongft men of the fame proftfli-
on, at the fins obkrved, and fails
onceknowne byfuch, who make
pvofeffioo; the ieducing calls of
falieTeachers 9 the glorious fhewes
of holiueffe,aud whatfoevcr things
ol
L
The trUU of a CbriftUm Eft ate.
ofthisnature,by w ch men through
Satans working are with-drawne.
Now followeth the third thing,
the fymptoms or fignes of a decli-
Ding fbule. This one thing muft be
premifed, left that weake ones
fhould cift the ft Ives further do wa
by miftakingtbc matter. The pre-
tence ofchefe evils, andtence of due
di/pDfirions or aftioni, are note,
▼il fignes of a dangerous declining
(bule,but when they are willingly
carried without remorfe^ rcnued
defires and endeavours afcerthe
contrary : for as one may be with-
out Gods gracious pretence to his
feeling, and yet not a forfiker of
God •, fo one may be without thefe
things, and not leaving them, but
rather left of them (Gods wife-
dome for many ends fo difpenfing)
while by griefe, faich, and renucd
defires, he doth follow after them.
This confederation interlaced
for the right under (landing of the
matter in hand. Let this be the firft
figQCjVi*. a feeble, livelcfle aftion
B of!
20
The triaHvf sCbriftians Efitte.
^— ^— — «— »• -^— i—ii >— — ^— — — ^
1 of grace willingly admitted : v. g.
'as when a man can performe a-
ny ChriftUn duty without all pow-
er fpirituall and good devotion;
neverthelefle doth not chalenge
himfelfe, as if it were ill wich him
in that regard, Lafa tttiones Ufas
argKBntfACuhatts:A.$ when the eye
feeth not as ic hath done, wee may
prefume the inftmmencs or facul-
ties are not as they have beene :
So here, when we doe not things
with the vigour we have dene, it is
a figne of infirmity, and a faculty
inwardly or outwardly hindred :
but when wee can thmke well e«
nough of this ftate, ic is a figne
of Apoftafie and wilfufl decli-
ning ;Iuskifh reaching* are the fits
forerunners comoniy Gods people
declining have fallen firft to thefe
formalities, to performance of du-
ties in a perf«n£tory fafhioa, the
heart and raine6 far from the Lord,
in them.
Thefccond figne isaprepofte-
rcusappeticeof anwhol Jjm food,
liked
The triiB of a CbriJHdnJ Ejtate.
liked well enough, no way diftur-
bant to us : when men can be with- f
out preaching, or at leaft without
any chit moveth their confciences;
when they can extol frothy windy
ftuffe, which fillet h them, but ne-
ver feedeththem,(o astheirfoules
are not the better for it toward
God. It is afignethemanis wil-
ling to fleepe that dra weth the car-
tabes about him : It is a preforop-
tion, that thefcare willing co nap
in their fins, that lovenotfucha
tight of troth as fliould awaken
them. Not bearing the wholeiorae
word is the preamble of Apoftafie.
A Third token isindigeftionof
thtf we beare, borne contentedly ;
hen the heat of love doth not fo
digeft things, chat they mightafter
dtftributcd into the veines of
very good word and worker be-
caufe they jeceive not the truth in
love, &c/2 Tbeff. 2. When mcate
is takeo in* ana pafftth away not
lltered by the ttomacke, it lcaveth
:hc b^dy in an atrophie, that is,
B a fuch
31
h
mm
22
The triaHof sCbrijlitnj Ejttte.
fuch a tafte wherein ic is not ncu-
ritbcd : So here.
The fourth figne is an inordinate
appetite after things hurtful! and
noxious: as when a man feelech
no hurt, though hee intermeddle
immoderately in the cares of the
world j though hee iotemperately
quaffe in thefe finfull pleafures
which laft but a fea(on : when a
man loves to follow the goo J
healths, wee may boldly fay, hee
loves to breed ill hcalch. Worldly
cares and pleafures are the things
of which che fbule is drunken,
and furfcts^and theft are the thornes
and weeds with which the feed of
graces never thrivetb.
A fifth figne may be the ditaf.
fefting of our brethren, whom we
have acknowledged as begotten
ofGod. The Divell cannot bringa
man who hath knowne any good,
to confront and deipile him direft-
ly : therefore hee enrreth them
with this politickctraine; hcrea-
chech iheou fir ft to be bold and
trample
Tbetriallofa ChrsjHansEftate.
23
trample do wne his Image, and Co
ac length bring them to defpife
God, 2 Tim. 1. 4. Demos (*% it is
likely) turning Apoftatc,forfooke
the Apoftle. t
The fixch figne is, when there
is felt no relu&ation in regard of
our daily weakneflcs SclcfTer fins,
but they dfgeft with us : if the
(bule were not fallen well afl:cpe,
i ' could not corxoft lb well. When
nature (things able to provoke ta-
ken in) makethnot refiftance, her
ftrengch is feeble :So here. Bat Mr he
a man is growne to th:s,that he can
go on in his ienpenitency without
checke., it is an eviJenc fignc he is
downe the wind in a wiifujl decli-
nation -yea,that he is farre gone in
ir. Thus you have heard chat fome
fail from their grace; and for fur-
ther declaration you havf, feene
cleared,how farre all forts may fal ? ;
whence comraeth their falls, wich
the difF:rence of them. Thirdly,
what are the iadicants of a foule
declining.
B % The
«&•
I
5
i
Vfil,
■I
7"^ triaSefd Cbriftunu Eft*te.
*4
I
The ufe of all fc; Firft, as to
ftirreusup to take comfort in the
true wcrkc Which God hath be-
gun; fo to make fare that we have
received ftch grace as (Kail not
faile : would wee not be loth to
reare fucb a frame in a material!
building, which fhould after come
downe upon cur heads? We are
builders, kt us make fare to digge
fodcep, and ground our workefo
well, that though it fhould (hake,
(as they lay, firnaehoufes will) yet
ic may be farre from feare of ruine.
In talcing gold, wee refirfc wafhed
and light golds or clipped, wee
wrigh them,ring them,&c. In re*
ceiving grace be not lefle carefull
that it be right currant, not wan-
ting a grainc of due weight.
Secondly this, that many fall a-
way^ muft awaken us to more cir-
cumfpeftion ^ though it light up-
on fome men only, it is every tnans
terrour. We have great reafon, for
wee live in moft perilous times,
wherein the holy Ghoft hath war-
ned
***
/
Tbetriallofa ChiJfiansEJfate.
25
nedasthat the dampe of fin (hall
make the love of many waxe cold :
wherein the contagion of Apofta-
fic is epidemical! ; is growne a po-
pular difeafe. For now what lake-
warranefle?wjjia?a weakpulfcbea-
teth every where ? men care not to
deale with themfelves to hold their
thoughts to heavenly things, to a-
waken their affe&ions, to renew
their faich, to blow up devotion;
to live in an holy contention ; nay,
this in our dales is counted a fu-
perfluous unncceflary courfe, for-
ged in the head of fome over-for-
ward fcllowes j it is the undifcreete
fervor of green youth, which ages
wildome wil take up.Ochers more
moderacely fpoken, thinke that
every thing new is dainties^ and
that prime affL&ions cann X be re-
tained :afig-leafe,r>a'ure,arr 5 grace,
go froTilefieperfc&tomoreper-
feft. Whether dotha childat eight
yeeresoreighteenc moft love and
joy in his inheritance? Doeftthou
not count thy prentifes two te^d
B 4 yeeres \
1*
The tri*B*fd Cbriftians Efttte.
:
yceres better than fourc of his firfl?
In ftead of appetite to the Word,
now feme chinke the Sabbath may
be tolerably fin&ified without a-
ny preaching : feme count it e*
nough, if they be whg re preaching;
is., let it be what it will be; farre
from fuch as is able to worke oo
their foules; as if the orders of the
perfbn, not the fupernaturall gifts
of knowledge and wiftloraemade
the Set man (but thefe muft not be
fevered:) fome count fuch plaine
preaching (as heretofore was effc-
ftuall in them) kffediUgcnr, and
leflc learned. Thus the DiveJl not
able quite to make them caft off
the ordinance, perfwades them
chat change is no robberie ; and
that they may fleepe the quieter
(ncg!e<5Hng fuch preaching as was
powcrfull in them) hecaftsthem
this pillow, fuggefting tbatthey
leave not that which was e&ftuall
in them toward God, but that one-
ly which was indiligent and un-
learned.
Againej
The triad of a QortfiUns EJtate. i 2 7
Againe, in ilead of working the
Word upon our affettioas, how
many concent theuifelves to cxer-
cife their criiickes,this or that was
wJI fpoken, &c. and there is an
end? For the worl^ mm have
their hands in ic elbow-deep ; yea,
many who in. their 'times have
made fhew of a more heavenly
minde, fume are now fo (hie to
^heir brethren, that they will not
Iooke at them, not meeteonthe
fame fideofcheftrcete, not know
them. How many, whofe heart*
w^uld have fwitcen them in leffer
offences can now commit as great,
and ic never upbraids them ? nay,
eflerme this tendcraefle ftrapu-
lousfimplicity, and mclancholikc
aufteritiy. The more vulgar jheo
this difeaft is, the more cautelous
wee nuft be.
Thirdly, wee Ice now that who
will keepe life and pewer in his
courfe, endeavouring a good con-
ference in all things, they rauft
paflc the pikes of cvill tongues*^
B 5 which \
I 28
Obfer-3.
■ 1 1 11 »■■ 1 1— —1 iii 1 __^^^
The triall of a Cbrijlitns Eft**.
which arc ftukenagainft them.For
now fuch heare, as if they were
humorifts, new-fangUfts, PrccHi-
I ans,ptoud,finguIar, fimple, melan-
cholike perfons,what not > Final-
ly, the DiveZl to make revolts^now
refines his wits, and turncs Angell
of Hght, hanging out our owne
colours, that hec may the eafilier
ftirprize us; and pretending per-
fections, which we yet want,dotk
tranfport many, whom neither
creffes nor allurements would pre-
vaile againft. So that wc had need,
ifevcr,to walkc warily, Iooki )gto
the author and finifher of our faith:
yea, thankefully, that foin cvill
times we arekept (though wcake-
Iy) alive in ht* GghcThus much of
the fecond doftrine.
The third followeth i* theft
words; to perdition, viz>, of the
foute, 2 P*/t2, 20.2 1 • even as hee
that goech out of the light, muft
needs come into darkenefle; fohe
that icaveth the living God, the
fouotaine of blefled life,muft needs
foil
[f,IH I I , C I t >■ ! '
iw i w i Wr
TbetrhHofa ftrsfiuns Eftate.
fill into perdition. The relapfe in-
into any ficknefle ismoredange-
roas,than the firft entrance into it :
for nature is now more enfeebled,
much (pent in her former refifiacr;
agiine, thedifeafeis much ftreng-
thened as a prcvailiogconqueror :
So in thefe declinings- from the
heahhfbme fiate of grace in {bme
(ore at:aiRed,fin is ftronger(thedi-
vell coming with ftveo worfe (pi-
nts) and our capacity of receiving
health leflcr^ we being twice dead,
and for the degree more removed
from grace 3 ?han ever before^ this
end befall? backfliders raoft deser-
vedly: forthey off'r God the grea-
teftiudignity, it being better they
hadoever admitted him, than ha-
ving taken him in, to difbdge him
caufcLfly. Again,when fuch as for-
getting their milirary Sacrament,
fleale from their colours,are juftly
punirtied with temporall dea:h;
howdefervedly arethefepanifhed
withctemall perdition, whore- J
fpeft not that warfare, to which
they \
79
1
The triaU of a Cbriftsans Eft ate.
I they bound themfclves by Sacra-
ire t,who flinch awayjleaving thac
difplaid enfignc of a zealous prc-
feffion^ under which fomtimetbey
havcfeived.
But how can deflrt'&ion'follow
on declining courfes^ when Gods I
chofei cannot pciHhjand che other
fort u ere never inflate of falvation>
A/tfTh\$ is faid to be the end of k,
not abfolutely without exception^
but refpe&ively, if wee by repen-
tance take not (freight fieps the
fooner, & get our halting healed.
To the firftit may be aofweredj
that the Apoftacy of Gods children
in it felf tendech to dcftru&ior jit is
his mercy that preventeththerain
this way ,not thefruit of their bick-
ffidfr g. Secondly, they after a fort
dsftroy thcfclvcs,when they brirg
their fpirituall life into a fwoone, i
and lea ye not themft! ves breath or
motion difcernable.For the wicked
though they neyer were thorowly
Tindicated or redeemed from de-
&t\xSdoa y yet to the jadgemenr of
charity j
The ttlaU of a Cbriftians Ejlate. 5 1
-.<-
charity chey feemed fo:now it is ufu-
all to (peak of things not according
as they are,butas they appeare, Se-
condly,they,though they never had
that found eternal! life,yet they had
fuch a life as is in a Wen; and chough
che rootes of their griefe were not
brought away, ycc the effe&s were
fo retrained, and for a time fafpetv
ded.tbat to their (etming th^y wc:c
I made wd ! . Thirdly ,they are laid t8
fall info deft uftion 3 chough ch*y are
in i*; becanfe they by Apottacy,goc
to the heigh: &confummationot r 5 -
as we are (aid by a godly courfe, to
go to life ererlaltingjwhich in fomc
degree wee have already. And th*
truth is, that falling away doth
bring the untinneiy judgment* ;doth
procure an efFcftuall delivering tc
Satan j who doth afterwards more
fully fill them with his efficacyrFor
as God maketh the fincerctt Saints
often of thofe, who have bcene the
foulcft finners : So here Satan^wher.
he gets fach an one,who hath bcene
in (hewan AogtUcf ligbc, heedotb
make
■■R
32
The triattefa Cbrijiians Eftatc.
! make of him an incarnate divelL In
\ nature the fweetcft things whe thty
turn,become the (b wreft.This mo' -
tallfickneflewe muft take heed of;
and if our love, zeale/enderneirc of
conference be diminifhed, wee muft
timely feek Cut for remedy. I know
men thinke,we are not fo far gone;
once beloved,alwaics beloved •■we
have left nothing but meere curioii-
fy,melanchoIikeaufterity, men in
many confederations reproveable ;
fucb as thofe, who joine not with
them, we hope may be in Gods fa-
vour^ and goe to heaven. But never
take fuch paines to deceive your |
(elves; thefe vaine words will not
ftill rockc the conference afleepe. If
thy fpirituall aftiocs be fallen a-
fleep,thy contention againft the evil
dwelling in thee ceafcd^ thy appe*
cite afcer fincere milke 8c meat aba-
tcd 3 thy tendernes of con/ciencc im-
paired,, and thou canft fit under all
cheie things without repentant for-
row ; aflure thy felfe^hc end of this
(if thou prevfintcft it aot by repen-
rance)
n.- i * i < ■•■;; r im^ < m lafttBcaaai . ii n I
T£e ^rz^Z? of J Cbrijiians EJtate. 3 3
tance) (hall be deftru&ion. Luic-
warmnes (thogh men think it a part
ofptudcncc)it is odious with God,
and will make us be caft up with di A
pleafure : true ic is that Gods wrath
is not prefentlyefpiedagainftftch,
but this is onely becaufc wee fee not
the fpirituall judgements, where-
with they are ftricken; and we fee in
nature the thing is long bred and
conceived., before it is brought
forth and maoifeftcd.
Secondly, we muft be exhorted
here ro (land conftantly in our cour-
fes, who doe waike with God in
forne life and power, though not
without great weaknefle ; let us not
give over our labour and holy con-
tention, to which the prefence of
fia & defeft of righteou&efls have
pricked us:this work of grace goeth
tgainft the ftrearoe of nature, if we
intermit to ply theoarc of holy ex-
ercifc* wind and tide will carry us
backagainc.Where vveceafc to im-
prove by good husbandry the grace
received, there it b?gtnnctb to be
impaired.
> ».«— >
54. The triad of a Chnftitnt Eft ate.
Qbfer- 4.
I
! impaired, True ic is,that the fluking
\ up of oar (elves, rcfiftinglbth^ the
reftleflcafpiring after things which
we are fiill caft froro with violence,
are in their kinds Uborious : but re-
membcr,what raeo do in their earth-
j ly warfare; r hty(for pay oftwoftul-
lings a day) march thorow places
often full of difficulty^ lb (the
ground being their bed)in theayre,
no covert over therr; in their viftu- j
alls they are fore ftrcightned, of-
ten they carry their lives in their
hands, and fight in the Canons
mouth : to thinke upon this once/ts
enough to make us afliamed of our
fbf ncfle and cowardice. But we are
of faith, as we fay, a: d men of cou-
rage & wifdome. Butalas^firft who
hath theft things ? ftcondly, ^ho
doth put them forth ? thirdly, who
is conftant in holding them, and
making (hew of then as ocofion is
offered ?
We may obfcnre this u a fourth j
inftnuSion, what is the property of;
afoond believer or beliefe, t//*. to
The t) till of a Chrtjliam Efiate. 25
pcrfe ver c when they arc cried & op-
pofed : this faith is a precious^ fin-
cere,nevt r failing faith; it groweth
from one degree toanochcr^the true
believer, hee holdeth the faith a-
gainft hell gates thcmfeives 3 thati$,
the powers of hell which oppofe
him in it : which that we may more
fmicfully u derftand;wc muft know
that where (bund faith is wrought,
there the divell plaieth the a Aidant,
bending all his force to di£arme
them of this divine fhield,by draw-
ingthembackeagaine to unbeliefe
and firtfe confidences wfaich will
not helpe them.
To this purpofe hee muftercth
erodes, vomicteth deluges of falfe
flaader* ;ftirres up theneereft friends
of fuch as are now come to God by
faich,to perftcute them mod bitter-
ly : fbmctimehefhewechthera ira-
poflibili:ies f in fenfcof feeing that
they defire and believe : fomecimes
he troubles their fceiings,that fo he
may (hake them in their believing :
fometimes hee withdraweth their
faith
3* | ThttriaBtfdCbriJHansEJlAte.
..-•-
faith bjrfalfcpbjc&s, which he pro-
pofeth to them; but if hee cannot
break off cheir belief,then he laieth
about to repreffe the fervency and
the renucd exercife of their beliefe*
by unfettling us with fotne new de-
vices, when wcare more intent $ by
making our exercife painfull, and
uncofortable, overcafting the light
which was wont to ftiinetousio
the promifes j hindring us from fee-
ling the fwecc comfort in them; ex-
cfcfngthe reliques of fbth,deadne$,
incor.fhr.cy that are in us:fomeiiaie
by caufkfle fears & finfullftiamefaft-
nefle hee wfchdraweth ns from our
holy devout exercife. But this found
faith quencheth allthefe fiery darts
which are throwneagainftit; and
like as a tree which fhakeo, rotteth
more deeply;or like as a torch w ch
beaten, blazeth more brightly; or
like as a ftar, which when the aire is
obfcuredjfliinethntoftclearely: Ibis
it with this rootptorch,this glorious
ftar; thefe powers of darknefle doe
[nothing in the end^but lend it a more
bean-
*-
Tlictritllofa Cbrtfthw Ejlatc*
37
beautifull luftre, thai it ever puc
forth whife it was not beroundtd
with any fuch enmities.
True it is, thac the beft faith may
hang the wiog, bsing wcatherbea-
ten, and fteme to retire under feme
more vehement delaies or tentation:
but that which flieth to day, figh-
teth again* to morrow ; and like as
it is with thofe, whofe going bacVe
helpeth them to take their rife and
fetch their leap more Co nodio^fl/ :
So here, faith (through him that is
the author &fiii(her of her)by how
much (hz gavebacke,by fo much in
her renued indeavoursfhecom^ech
forward more fucceflefully. From
this ground many come to be re-
proved : Some there are, whowill
feeme to follow fincericy & fan&'t-
fication, while making (hew of theft
things isgainfull^but if crofles come
they will lay down their weapons,
and Will provide to flecpe in whole
skins, whatfocver become of other
mat'ers. Some, if they be delayed
beyond their own time^aft up their
hopes,
38
The triaU tfa Cbriftlans EJlate.
• -- c
hope^and are ready proudly to fay,
It is in raine to fcrveGod.Amongft
the Lords children** Show many arc
there who followtiot faith, grow-
ing up from faith to faitb,rencwing
the exercife of \t in faftningon the
gracious promife£m j hich are made
unto us? Men that will check them-
lllfcsif they omit the aft of mercy,
oftcftifying truth, of juftice where
occaficn is offere^blamenot them*
felves fcroeglcfting to renew rheir
faith towards God, when hlspro-
mift s renewed, or experience of his
goodneffe and trmhdo^h call for ic
from u?.
Some there at e^ who weakly fore-
fpeak things, fignifyoig their oobe-
btlicf,by fiy ing^ht y (hall never fee
this or that evill mending wich thc 5
that ic is but a folly to attempt fur-
ther* feeing wee ftrire againft the
ftreame.But this is not to be carryed
wich full faile of faithfull perfwafi-
on on him who hath fpoken good to
u«, but through attending to that
fen(e & realbn Ipeaketh, to yeeld to
unbeliefe. Second-
■ ; ■ ■ •
The trial! of aChrlflians Eft ate.
Secondly, we may hence here gather
the truth of oar beliefe. Hath ic ftood
through help of Gods grace in temati-
on> Chrift letteth usfee that hee was
our fupporrer,it is a true figne of grace
never failing : buildings which ftand
when winds acid ftorms beat on chem f
arc prefumed to bs fare grounded,
whereas the paper- walls andpaln:ed
caftles of i hefe who have not mfained
grace, cannot indure any (bund afl iulc
which is nude againft then.
The hft thing 1 3 be marked if^what
it is that doth bring us to feefdvacion
here and everlafhngly, ic is ourbe-
li ife, i Pet. 1.5. Gods plejfure of wor-
king this or that forus,isfirft made
knowne by his Word revealing it. S -
condly, i: is delayed for a triall of
them to whom it is given. Third]y,ic
is executed. Now the revel ition of
this future pleafurconcly faich appn -
henderh; the delay (wherein m my oc-
currences are incidc it) fpeaking chc
contrary this faich beared, by clea-
ving to that which formerly it heard
from God. When the thing is execu-
ted,
3*
Obft^U
1
40 The trtill of a CbrifttAm Eftjre.
« ,^— — «— — ^^ .^ ■ — — — — — ««— — »«— — «■ 1 ..
ltd, then faith is changed with tight •
fo thac it is plainer that faith bringeth
ustofeefalvatioo, for it never givcth
over till the thing be in prefent; it
doth kcepe us within the tower of
Gods impregnable ftrength for the*
prefent, which is oar jfcfety againft all !
enemies j ix doth bring us out of all)
troubles by holding Gods gracious j
Word; as a man comraeth from a
deepe dungeon, by climbing a fcaling
ladder call to hipi^ or fittiog upon an
Eagles wing which would mount up
wich him.
In the Chapter following there is a
catalogue of glorious believers^ the
end of their faith being like wife re*
corded. Whence we may fir ft fee that
errour of Papifts, who though they
a!cribe our firft forgivencfle of our
Gnnes to faith; yet our after- rightc^
oufceffeand falvation they refe rre to
good workes, penall (atisfaftions,
application of the Churches trea.
Giric^ &c. withdrawing themfelves
from fcuth^ whea now they arc
brought to be in ftate of grace* but
-jfrich
Thz trial! tf a Chrlflians EJlate, j 4 1
faith is new to ccafe till the thing be-
lieved be now in fight, neither will
the fame thing be got both by faith
anc{ workes ; for thefe are fuch as will
not be compounded > the Apoftle be-
ing wiraefle.
Againe, hence we (ee how wofoll a
thing ic is to caft away our confidence,
we fling away the plaifter that {haul j
healeus - 5 for whatfoever evillswere
upon us 3 yet holding our faith on the
truth and mercy of God in Chrift,
they {hould varjifh away as (hewers^
which oaourgarments 5 dry up h time
and come to nothing. Ye^,their dan-
ger is henccdifcovered, who though
they make conference of rcurcher, a-
dultery 3 in jaftice ; yet care not to live
in unbsliefe, which is of all finnes the
mc ft dangerous, for the other (hould
not hurt us deadly, were it not for
thi?; that wee will not by faith take
that medicine which (hould healeus,
Sccondly,this mart incourage us to
ptrfevcrein our faith : as Chrilllook-
edtothe end of the Craffc, fi muft
we looke to the end of our faith, that
we
I
ObjeR-
Anfx*.
1 he triati $f a CkrijtidnrEftate.
we may indure all difficulties the bet-
ter, with which wee are encountred»
True it is, that men are often moft de-
ceived, where they truft moft; bur
leaning on the Lord, and waiting on
him, thou (hall never be deceived, no
mifleofhispromHed falvation.
Bat in temporary evills wee cannot
aflure our felves of deliverance.
Anfo. The truth is, we fee not de
livcrance, becaufe wee exercife n
faith fa particular promifes (o farrea
we might. Secondly, wrmuft ever be
affurcd of iflue, foch as is j jyned with
filvation. Thirdly,though it keepe us
not out of the fire, yet kith will
keepe us from burning, or taking hurt
in our moft fiery trialls ; wherefore
let us renew our faith in Gods preci-
ous promifes, afluring our (elves that
the end of it (hall be falvation of foule
and body in the day of our Lerd
Jcfus Chrift. To whom with the Fa-
ther and Spirit,&c. t/trnen.
FINIS.
I
7n
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