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A-'
;.A'^
DUKE
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
I'reasure "Room
^
"■■!:l^
INSTRVCTIONS
For a Right comforting
AFFLICTED GOMSGIENCES:
With fpeciall Antidotes againft fome
grievous Temptations,
Dcliyered for the moft part in the
Lcdure at Kettering in Nortbamp-
t$njhire»
By Robert Boltom, Bacchelor in
Diviffrtte^ and Preacher of Gods ward at Brought
ttn in the fame Countie.
TheficondEditiony divided into Chapter s^ with a Tabic
of the Contents annexed.
London,
Printed by T.^. for Thomas wuvcr.
1635
'Kjii
L^'
TO THE HO^
NOVRABLE AND
WORTHY KN1GHT,SIR
Robert G a r r e^ Gentleman of
the Kings Bcd-Charabcr, &c. all holy
wifcdome to walke in the way to
eternaU Blijfc^
SIR ,
Onr cxcraordinarjc ap-
probation,and acceptance
of my DireSfiins f$r vpal*
king with Qod^ falling \vi>'
to your hands, by Gods
good prouidence, I know
not how ; accompanycd
with fuch noble clrcumftances, and cxprefli-
ons of much undcferaed refpcv^ to the Au-
thor; but cfpecially of your affe£lionate loue
to the "^gloriom Gfijpell of the blejftd Ged (farrc * Tim.i.it.
dearer to euery gracious heart , which truly
taftes the rayfteric , and mercies of Chrifl in
it 5 then it's dearcfl bloud , or wharfbeucr is
moft dcfircablc under the Sunne, or admired
mofi amongft the Sonnes of men ) , hath en-
f 5 couraged
THE EPISTLE
couragedme at this time, to take the bold*
nclTe, to prdcnt this prcfent Trcatifc more
immediately , and by fpeciall intcreft into
your ownc hand. And I am the farrc better
pleafcd with my choifej becaufc I hold it a
matter of Angular comfort, and fpeciall con-
fcquencc, to have an hand in diverting the eye
of any , that attends upon earthly Majcftic,
from too much gazing upon the outward il-
luflrious fplcndour, which is wont to gliftcr
in the Courts ofgrest Princes ^ to-the admi-
ration, and cmbracemcntof the glorious, and
cuerlafting beauty of the Lord itfm : In re-
fpeft whereof, all the faircfl beamesoffclici-
tie and joy, which (hinc from the moft orient
Impr riall Diadems , that crowne the face of
the Earth, arc but a Moare of darkncffc , and
Lumpe of vanity. And that for divers rcafons-
I. Firft, Such as ftandin the prefencc ofmigh-
tic Kings, are, or ever (liould bee, men ol
grcatcft parts^, deepeft underaandings, and
moft eminent abilities eucrie Way : Which
being happily fanaificd by a fruitfull rnflu.
encc from Heaven ^ and by the hclpe of the
holy Ghoft, bent to the right end , and fpent
upon the Obieas, they ought; become glo-
rioufly fcruiceable to the King ofKwgsy prc-
portionably to their native excellency above
ordinarie gifts, and the vulgar fort of fuffici.
cncies. Great endowments, in what kinde fo-
cuer, guided by a divine hand, in their excr-
dfe and agitations, do ever, a great deaJc of
good, To give lafiaacc, a.id not ilirre from
DEDICATORI E.
theCourc:Thc Lord of Heaven vouchfafed
to Khg laiues^oi (ixnous mcmoric,and One
of the Icarncdft Princes , that ever wore a
Crownc upon Earth, fuch a ftroug and enlar-
ged undcrOanding, that we (bould havemag-
nified;ic , as admirable^ even m a private man.
The fame good hand of providence in great
mercie , direded it upon the right Objed;
even the dcfenfc of thcCb)^tf/y 7-f«r*of our (;6)But«forihcho.
bkff^dly reformed reiigi 0ft , and deftru^ion of ly rrmh profcflcd by
K^nticbriftiamfme, thataccurfed Hydr4 oi'zW »f y fcJ/«,«d tjop of
, f, t ^ ' n ' r 11 ihc reformed R.cligi-
hcrclics'and notonouily infamous » both to on,&c. King jmes
this,andthe other World, for horrible Maf- «£«»»«/?. pa^a 76.
facres, and (c)murthering of Kings. Where- L^/f^^fA^
upon, befides that, He hath by his Princely sttatius . M»ianay
Pen, given fuch a deadly wound to that Beaft ^"V"l^ ^^'i?"**
/n u tt- iL /\ J teach the Doftiine
of Rome, that He IS Dcver Iiketoitand upon of Parricides i^ /»«.$.
His fourc Icggcs againc: He hath alfo left in His ^/^*> ^^"P^' *«^/^^ ;
learned Labours, fuch an immortall monu- doLTs^ .'^HeJe'KiH
ment of Demonftrative light, and invincible hmts af(erwMd.u the
Remo»firaftce z^mnikthitbhudy fupcrftition. pr^'o^.tfind^Kkc*?;
that I am perfwaded , it will proove a moil praaife of King wn^
Ijngi wherefore hath
not bisHoImefTe impofedrome ferere cea(urtr,with AfearefdIfiowne,upontbcBooke
oiMamna tlicJIefuitCby whoro Parricidci are commended. Nay, Viighly extoUcdJ)
when hiiHolinefTe hath been pleafed to call in (ome other of MaridM/iM books. Again,
wbcrefore did higHolmefTe adyife himfclfcjto ccnfure the decree of the CoAirt of Par-
liamen t in ^Pwris againft lohn Cba^tU ? Wherefore did he fuffer Giratt and Oldtorny my
Powder minersjboth by Books and Pidures, rcndible under his nofc in Rome, to be
inrowledin theCanon of haly Martyrs? And when he(aw two great Kings mardered
one after another; wherefore by fome publike declaration did not his Holineifc lelUfie
to all Chri{lcndome,hit inward lenre,and trueapprehenHon of fogrcat mliforiuae,at
•II Europe hadjuftcaufe to lament, on the behalfe of France ? Wherefore did not bis
Holincffe publilh lome L«w, or Pontificiall Decree, to provide for the fecurity of K Bgs
in timctocom<?/Wfl|.ptfg.aii zzj,5ec U'lfier. /</»<(. put out by I«i;»«4.^Whcreinyou
may fee theit bloudy behaviour in many king^otnes- ^ , .
% 4 foveraignc
THE EPISTLE
(d) The mghty w»r. fov€raignc {^) prcfcrvative.and a mightic dew
♦;»««/iv»ni7«w»"J'« tivc, far ftrongcr than a raounwine of Braflc,
^JfJ^uTui^^^"^ tokccpeallHisRoyallPotoitic, which fhall
HtitoM in the FnfMe bcrcaftcr fucccflivcly (it upon His Rcgall
T^h.X'^ZonBt Throne, to the woildscnd,in athorow uni,
MajcmesBookci, as verfa)!, and everlafting deteftation ofPoperic.
'"/rin^^mmS Cif»4a;i<fr, that great glory of France, and the
fra«emcnt7featmg wholc Chriftian World, was bountifully cn-
thcy portend foroc jjchcd frotti Heaven with fingularitic of Jear-
bS>Tw[rtira ning,andPol€micall Parts i which being tur.
ecrtainc influenccto ncd the tight Way , have happily produced a
workc great change p^ffjiyatUjuch vidorious Volames, and fo
and alccration m tne -' » u n -n
World: Neither is uninfwerably triumphant over all Pcpilh
thcit expeftation Sophiftric ; thai not all the Icfuites in Chri-
we b?v?Se wifh ilendoine,thoughthey ftiould rake Hell afrcfb,
our eyes the Opera- forfomeDcw, rottcn di Atndions , to uphold
jionofHisMajcftics their tottcilng ^4^<r/? , ftiall ever bc ablc to rc-
Works mtncConlci* ° r A n i i i
encesof their Men fo ply to any putpoie. <Snafli toc teeth they may
faire, asfiom theif |,^i|j| gfjclc and Qiflme cnoughj wilc like the
'S.tVZ em, v^alsof the {c) great whr,, impreffioned
there have bocne, witKthe impudcncicof her torcbcad, and lie
";J£S;""- agjipftHira voIuminouflyiButfor anypoffi.
Btjh»p»f mnton, bilitie of a found Anfwcr , they mutt all let
CO RcTeLxj'** that aloni for ever. As on the contrary, great
parts empoifoncd, and mif-imploycd, plague
extraordinarily. The greater fufficiencie with-
out grace, is but a (harper fword in a madder
hand. Hatred to goodne(re, and height of
Place, attended with capacitie and cunning,
workc a world of mifchiefe. Matt, the Apo-
fiate , being an Emperour of admirable elo-
quence, and exa^ learning -, What horrible
workc I
DEpICATORIE.
workc? What hurt and havocke did he make
in the Primicluc times , amongll the people of (OTake policy uitu
God! The Icfuitcs at this day, brought upin ^o^^daycs taken by
/-,. A ,r\ ;/ /• 1/. * coonmen phrafe of
variety of literature, and (fj M^cbtvelhan my- fpccch; — Aswcfay,
fteries,bccomc the grand In[)poftour5,andJm- *^"* right Poiuian
poyfoncrs of innumerable Soulcsj the moft IllThmaybcfay;
notorious Incendiaries, and Afsafms, that euer that m Poiiiicaij go-
the(g) earth bore : fucb (h) murthercrs of *^';f""^"^.°^ MacW-
:^0' , , - vcllnn policy, none
PfiflC^S., 0) Buubers of fn^^le^ Bners fifStdtes^ gocth beyond the le-
iuitsatrhisdiy. De.
cacercl,^ofltib.i.Aift 4 pagS^, No, no, their courft oflifedoth fticw what ihcir ftudy
is:and hov^ocv«t chty boa& of iheJrpcrftdions,holineffe,rrcdi:atioFiS & exerdlcsjycc
that plat forme i!> hcatbc«ii(h,tyTanokal],and able to Tec ArtthtsLtciMi Machiavtl,»ni
theDivell hiinU\kjn a Ibrr, to Schoolc. Jbid. ^odl^.^.Art 3 pa%6%. The lefuites
roanagcmattersniotc M3chiave]U3n]y,th3nVI^(;f6{di^«i/binQfelfe>/4a/a'(r/o/&e7«/«f;rti
GttU.fA% 70 Icfuitcs arc fathers of mifcbicfe, friends to ihemfcIvc?,benefadours to
fcditi9USpcirons,Ma{lersofMachuivellirnie, Traytors to England, and to their
Prince. AHanfwerbyantofour Bteibietti<t Seeultr Prie fly toBUc^iv^ck Utter, written to
CtrdinaU C2)ctznt z$g6*CirctMfd. ^g) The Iciuites are to bee marked out for the
Bioft [naliciou$,traiterous>&!rrcIigousCalumniatoit,(hat crcr lived oneanhjUnwor*
thy that crcr the earth fhould bearc them ^odl 4,Art zp 99* (h) But Umanalket
bettcr,to Wauc a Tyrant poyfoncd by his Chaire,or by his Apparel], and Robes, after
the example of the M^untaoiaa Kings;that being fo poifoned only by feotjor by con-
taSjHe oaay not be found guilty of Self-felony^and the 5ouIc of the pooityranr,in the
flight out ofthebody,may be innocent of the faft; O Hell- bounds / O Diaboltcall
vneubes ! O infernall Monfters ! How long then? How lopg (hall Kings, whom the
Lord hath calkd his Annointed j Kings, the breathing ioaagcs of God upon eattb;
KingSjthttmth a wry,or frowning lookc,are able to crufh thefeearth-wermesinpie.
cetjHow long {hallthcyfuffer this viperous brood (cotTtee, and without puQiHiment,
cofpit in their faces i l{ii^Iamt Remwifl.fai.ai^, Such is the Religion of chefe Reve-
rend Fathers,the Pillars of the Ponti£cia!I Monarchy. In comparife n of whofe re.
ligion & holine s^all the impiety iha t ever was pradifed among the infidels, and all the
barharoai cruelty,that ever was perpetrated among the CanibaI^,ioay pafi« henceforth
in theChtifiian World for pure deroency and humanhy. Jbid,pag23^> Adue reUgion
of the lefuites: for to fpeake truth ; To deale in State'matterf,and o praSife the .
death of PriBces,arease(rciitiall parts of their fundioa, as their confelTien it felfe*
lefuC»ttibMbt^.Caf-ii, (i) TatOmReligiepatuiifuadeiemlorutnt But what would
fachavedone,ifhcehadknowoeihe Maffacreofifrawei or the Powder- Treafca of
Eagtand ? &c. They make the caafc of Religion defcead , to the execrable aSions of
murtheriag of Princes^batchery of peoplc,aad £ciiog of Sntet; Sir Tranek iMn, B[~
and
THE EPISTLE
and Blowers up of Parliaments , as former
Hiftorics never hcard-of. Thus,whcn men of
Place, and imploymcnr» mighty and remarke-
ablc in the World, improove the i}tmoft pof-
fibiktics of their Wit and Art 5 of all their
natarall , and acquired Parts, to ferue their
owne turnes, and attaine their private ends^
to rife, revenge , grow rich ^ or more imme-
diately by fome fpeciall fervicc , to advance
the Kingdome of darknede . and dominion
of K^ntichrift ; O the Luciferian pride , the
injuftice , the crueltie , the Machiavellifmc;
the putting of faire pretences upon peAilene
plots ; the drowning of iimocency in the
Depths of State ; the craftie and mercileffe
prciTures of Gods people , and thofc , over
vrhom they domineere / It is then a workc of
grcaiWeightand Worthincffc, to winne a
great man tothewayes of God. Hereby the
common ftateof goodncffcis mightily ftreng-
thened ^ at)d which is an equall bappinefle,
the Divels fide goes downe, and Belials bang
the head. For according to the eminencie of
his Gifts, and grcatncflc of Place, is the excel-
Icncieof good,or cxcefTe of ill, that He doth.
It wei'e to bee withed therefore, if God fo
pleafed, that all the incurable, and impla*
cable enemies to the grace of God , good
men, and power of godlinefTe, were Dunces
and Fooles •, that they might not bee able to
manage their malice and power , with fuch
Depths and dexterity, to the more dangerous
under-
DEDICATORIE.
undermining of the kingdomcof Chri§\zn<i
their ownc more defpcratc ruinc , and greater
daronationt 2. Secondly, Great men arc fub>
je^ to great temptations j And therefore, it
is the harder Taske^ and more honourable
triumph, to curne them on Gods fide. Had
not an All-mightie hand maftered the tem-
ptation , fteeled his Faith , and reprefcnted
to his eye, the matchlcfle glorie of an im-
mortal 1 Crowne ; (J^ofes had never bcenc
able to have parted with the magnificent
ftate,3nd pompe of Pharaoh Gouft: where
Hcc might have wallowed in varietie of all
worldly delights • and to take part, with His
afflitflcd Brethren , of a world of mifcrics,
in a vaft and r^4r//;^ wHderneJfe. There was
never carnail man fince the Creation , but in
fuch a Cafe w(nild have followed the Court,
and forfakcn Gods people. Hefter , a wcakc
Woman , could never pofflbly have holdcn
out,againft the fury of fo mighty a Favorite,
the hazarding of Her high place, the favour
of fp great a King, and even life it felfe \ bad
She not beene upholden by an extraordinarie
ftrength from Heaven. No great Woman in
the World, wanting Grace, would ever have
runne fucb a hazard .• but have fuffered the
fcrvanisof God to finke , or fwimme j fo that
She might fwimme downe the Current of
the times without croflGng, and enioythe
prefent without perill. It was a fore tempta-
tion to IcfiatlM», and a very cutting Pikmma:
Eirher^
THE EPISTLE
Either, leave to adhere to DavU, or rcfblvc to
lofc a Kingdorae. But the hope of an earthly
Crot?ne,could not hire Him to hold His peace,
and betray the innocencie of His heavenly
Friend : ^Sdnd londtbatt snfwerei SahI his Fd^
ther^ and /aid unto Himyvhertfore (hall Hee bee
fiatnef What hath He done f The dread of dif-
countenance from two angrie Kings , whofe
indignation is as the rtf4W»^#/ii Z^^», was a
terrible Motive , to have made u^ichajab
temporize : ( not a Server of the Times, aod
His owneturnc in the World, but would in
this Ca(e have tuned His Pipe to Ahabs plea*
fure, efpecially enccoiragcd by the flattering
concurrence of fo many falfe Prophets). But
the (ightof the mightie Lord of Heaven and
Earth fitting ufon His ThrenCx and all the Heji
6f Heaven ftanding by ^i«i,infu(cd fuch an
. holy fortitude into the/pirit of this Man of
God ; that no greatneflej terrour, or Majeftie
of any crowned Potentate, could poffibly
daunt His courage, ordaQi Him out of coun-
tenance : And therefore Heanfwcrs with are-
folurion, as high as Heaven, and out of a facred
pang of feraphicall zeale : o^x the Lord Is.
veth, whatfeever the Lwd ftith unto mte^ that
wiH I Ifeike, So that Hee may difcharge a
good confcience,and do as God would have
Him^HeisataPoint. That MefTage, which
the Almighty had put into His mouth, oiuft
forth • Though itexpofc Him to a cenfure of
Ongularity,fordiireotingfroro fo many of His
owne
dedicatorie.
ownc Coat ; to a fufpicion of difloyaltic , for
croffing fo peremptorily tbc Kings Plot i to
fmiting, botii witii the lift of wickcdocffe,
and taunts of the tongue » from His fellow
«y^rr/.- Nay jt hough His faithfull dealing throw
Him into a Dungeon, there to bee kd with
the Bread of afflidion, and Water of affli6li
on i until! the full wrath of an enraged pro-
phane King fall upon Him to the uttermofl.
Thus, let the World fay what it will , what-
ever Ikfh and blpud fuggefl to the contraries
Howfocuer unfan^ificd great Ones florme
.anddifdaine^yet afTuredlyjCucry true Friend
10 Ufi^ Chrifty mufl bee content farre rather
to bedifcourcedsthen defcrt a good caufe ; or
jietto defend the innocency of a gracious Man,
though in difgrsce ; and to fpeakc for Gods
people, though Haman rage to root them out
quite , as a company of fingular exorbitant
iellowes , who ferue God as they lift , and
keepe not the Kiffgs Ldwes: As is unanfwcrably *^«^* s*'*
euidenc , by the precedencie of thefe newly
named , noble, and holy Saints. I confefTe^
this may f oeme precife Po^rine, and a divine
Paradoxe to all the great Maftcrs of pleafure»
and Minions of luxurie and pride | whofe
rbloud runnes freftiin their veines, and roar-
row is yet ftrong in their bones 5 Nay, who
having attained the height of their ambitious
aymes, fit now aloft in the verie top of their
unblefTed brauerie and greatneOe , drunke
with the pieafanc wine of worldly profperi.
THE EPISTLE
tic, and holding in fcorne, the holy precife-
ncffe of the good way, the finccritic of the (er-
Cc) TiwdAK s - ^^"^' ^^ C^'^^fit ^nd focictic of the (c^ Bro-
t1«6>to?6 i.S. thcrhood. Yet I can afTurc them in the Word
!?♦ of Life and Truth, the now embracemcnt, and
tff'Ji^f"' ?"*<"<=<>« X^)f"cifi v,alki»s,m\\ incompa-
Cd) A;te^ftrf ^TO. rably more comfort them upon their Dying-
'^''■^ Beds, in that great and laft encounter with all
jnfernall powcrsjabout the immof talitif , bliflTc
and glorie ; or the cndlede, and unfupportablc
paiaes , and mifcrie of their Sooles • then if
they had beene the fole, and (bveraigne Com-
manders of all the Kingdomcs of the Earth,
all their life long. But no marvell in the meanc
rime, that^ as the Spirit of truth tells us, and
punctually to my purpofe ; Not many Wife
wen after tbeflefh^ net many Mighty^ not many
Noble are called : Not for any impofCbilitie-
For the irrefiftable might of the Spirit, work-
€th upon whom it Willi and fome Great Men
are good : but by reafbn of the diflScultic. Be-
ing befet with fuch varietie , and ftrength of
temptations, they are rarelier , and hardlier
wrought upon by the Word, and wonne out
ofSatans enfnarcmcnts. High roomes, tem-
porarie happinefle , and abilities above ordi-
narie, fo puffe them up , and tranfport them
beyond themfelues, with fuch a dcale or* Selfc-
lovc, Sclfc-opinion, Selfe prizing 5 that their
proud and obftinated fpirits, will by no
meancs ftoope to the fimplicitie of the Gofpel,
fingularitie of the Saints, and the f ooliOinefle
of
DEDICATORIE.
ofprcaching. But if at any time, they hcareof
zNathdn^Ieremy^ t^moj^ ChryfifiemCi L4tu
fntr, itc„ They arc very loath to lend their
attention, lefi thereby, they (hould bee made
Melancholicke, put in minde of the Evillday,
and tormented before their time. But if they
have the patience, They are readie to Aartle in
their feats, and whifper One to an Other: rcn^
fee nowthefe frecifer FfUcwes wiuld dAmneus
4iUto Bell; Let mbreake their bonds asunder,
and cdft arvdy their C$rds from us. Such adoc
there is, and a world of worke, to bring fuch
noble &dlams into their right minds ; and to
Itigbt fuch Idoliiers of their owne fufliciencics;
and wilfull grafpcrs of their gilded FetterSt
from their admired follies,and honourable fer-
vitude. 3. 'Thirdly, a gracious Man about a
Royall PerfoQ,is a goodly Sight ; and full ^t\\
worth even a Kings Ranfomc. M For never (g)Fidiiwf«4/m^;«
any, except himfclfc truly fcare the great God p^,^ propter qum &
oi Heaven, can poffibly bee cordially, and y«, qmbut commigiM
confcionably fcrviceablc-to any of our earth. omVi!"' "*^'"'
ly Gods* A Principle To clearc , and unque- At qm 'pnpur vim?
iUonablc , that no Man of underftanding, and ^J?'l^. f I*":
Maiter of his owne Wits, except himfelfc be ^ptfam, ut ejw
man-
notorioufly obnoxious, can have the face to dauftnttutfideitibu
dcoie it; Pleafc they may , bee politickly ^j""^ '"^' ''""'
plaufible , flatter cxtrcamely , and rcprefent
tbemfelues to ordinarie obfervation, as the
onely Mcnfor loyakyand love ? But if wee
could fearchi and fee their heans, wee fiiould
iindc them then mofi laborious to f erne them-
fduesd ,
THE 5PISTIE
(e)ues* and advance their owne ends , wheo
they fcerac moft zealous for their Soveraigms
fervice. i^biftphel , ia the Suane-ifaioe of
peace , and calnfiencfle of the Kingdomes,
did accommodate himfclfe to the prefcnr,
both in Confultations of State, and religions
conr<»rmitie:But no fooner had this hollow
bear ted man efpyeda dangerous tempeft , rai*
fed by i^iffoUms unnaturall treachcrie ; but
Hetijmed Traytorto his naturall Lord: when
Hec obfcrved the Wiade to blow another
way, He followed the blaft , and fet his fayies
according to the weather : Which made 2)^-
'vU after coroplaine • But itwasthatt^ O Man^
even my Companion ^my Guide and fdmilUr:
Wee tBokefweet counftU tegether , and walked
mito ihe Houfc cf God in companii. Where-
fore let Great Men , without grace, profcfTe,
and pretend what they will 5 and proteft the
impoffibilitie of any fuch thing^as Hazael did
in an other- Ca(c j yet ordintrtiy.^ ( I know
not what iome One iDorall Puritan amongfl
a million might doe^ in fuch tumultuous
times, and of univerfall confufion, for the/<:«
curing of their temporaii happioefTc ; which,
without timely turning on Gods (ide , is all
the heaven they are like to have in this
World, or the World to come : I (ay, upon
a Point of great advantage, and advancement
with fafety , tbey would fiie from the decli-
ning State^nd downe-fall of their old Mafter-
though formerly the mightiefl Monarch up-
on
DEDrCATORI E.
on earth, as from the ruincs of a falling hGufc.
And it can be nooihcrwife 3 for they have no in-
tcrnall Principle, or fapcrnaturall power , to il-
lighten and enable them , to fct tncir (houldcrs
againft the Torrent of the times, and to be ovcr-
flowne with it; But now, Hcc that truly fcares
God, would rather lofe His high Place • Nay, his
poftcritiei As much hearts-bloud,if Hee had it,
as would animate a whole Kingdome • then leave
HisIawlullSoveraigneLordjin fuch aCare,up.
on any term$,though He might have even the Ira-
periall Crownc fet upon his owne Head. For con-
fcicnce, that poore neglected Thing; Nay, in
thefelaftyand loofer times, even laughed at by
men of the World- yet a ftronger tye of Subie6b
hearts unto their Soveraignes ^ than Man or Di-
vell is able to difToIve • ever holds up his loyall
heart ere A aod unQiaken, when all Shtbnaes, Ha-
mans, and AbitefhelsySiouXd hide their heads, and
ihrinke in the wetting. Which conlcience of
his, if upon fuch occafion Hee flaould unhappily
wound^ Hee knows full well,it would follow Him
with guiltie cryes, for hisfo bafc temporizing, and
trayterous flinking,all the dayes of bis life. Where-
as gracelefTe and i^lfe-fceking greameOe, can well
enough, in the meane time, conquer fuch clamo-
rous accufations of an ill confcicncc , with the
boy fterous excefle of carnall contentments, even
as the Sacrificers of their Sonnes to Moloch in
the fire diowned their lamentable cries 5 with
the louder found of Tabrets and Drums. Ambi-
tious Nimrodsy are able by the inordinate heat af- *
A ter
THE EPISTLE
ter humane greatncffc, to digcft , and drive away
the aftcr-ftingsof bribcriCjbafcncflcj if notclofc
bloudfbedCchcir ordinarie meanes of mounting)
with their delight in domineering , and being
adored above others. It is a fit pafiagc therefore
iTiOmCommenPrayer'Booke.'That it mAj fUafi
Thee to endure the Lords of the CounceU , and all
the Nohilityytvith^racetWi/edome^and under ftanm
ding, Grace is fitly put in the firft place : For, un-
derftanding and wiredome,witbout this heavenly
jewsll, do but prepare their Owners , to do the
greater mifchiefe ; To opprefic innocencie with
Hner tricks , and more unobfervedly j to plague
Oppofites more plaufibly ; to compaile their
owne ends more exa6):ly ^ and at ]afl,for the abufe,
and mil imployment of their great Parts and
Places, in ferving themfclucs, and not feckiDg
Gods^loric, to be damned more horribly- With-
out fanflification by rpeciall grace ; the rareft en-
dowments ( 1 ) degenerate : Wifcdome into
craft J (m) Power into private revenge • Valour
into violence | Prudence into plotting their
owne ends ; Courage into foole-hardineffe , to
(^cTih'/vaSii'y of ophold 3 fa^licn j Policic , into plaftcring over
great men, who foulc-bufincfrcs With faire colours: All of them
Jbi?fe fruh of ttk 3re bafely , and unworthily made fubordinate,and
gteatnc0iD, toabufe iciviccable, o^ely to the fetting forward, and fafco
their power iRfo-
Icntly, to theruine of their inferionrs .' Not rememfcring (bceing blinded by their
padion) that they htTC • Supciiovr over thenij to maVe theoo yccfd an account of their
aniufl proceedlngi,forcing to make leftiiution with inicrcfi. liifiw. ef FrMH, inliwU
tbt tenth.
(OAIifcrtnesturne
to?ice«,whenthcy
becooaethc feiv^nts
garding
DEDICATORIE.
Sarding their ownc outward fdicitlc. Without
^hisceleftiall^Load-ftarrc, to ftccrc aright in a!l
iairsjthcre wil ever be fomcwarping. A grcatman,
a Friend, an cneraie, fcarc, co wardlincffc , affe^i-
on, faflion, partialitic, covetoufncffc, malice, or
fomeihing, will certainly fway, and tranfporta-
wry. Buc now, a godly Man, befidcs his prcfence,
Cn)exemplary precedency in piety, and prayers, (ny^tgtmt dignl
which arc ever pleafing and prevailing with Godj ^-^^^ pr*^^t& authiti,
the difchargc of his Place with integrity and trath, ^e'fe-mDelmfd^
improving induftrioufly all opportunities, high gere^quoMteru exew-
favours, intcreft in great Ones, and utmoft poffi- g^'/^^i'jXTJi'^
bilitic every way to advance Gods glory, pro- /i,w«di.cyi.Aicxaiii
mote good caufes, prote^ good Men ; Hcc may iib.8.in io«n.
alfb, by obferving the calmneQe of a Roy all coun-
tenance , and openneffe of a Princely eare unto
Kim, wilcly and humbly fuggeft fome things, and
(pcake thofe words for the publikc Good , and
good of Religion, whereby not onely a King-
dptne, but the whole Chriftian World may fare
the better. Vpon tbefe, and the like grounds, I
hold it an high happineflc, and great honour, to
have an hand in working fpirituall good upon
thofe excellent fpirits, which hold high Roomes,
or ftand in neare attendance unto mighty Princes* ^
And by this time, you eaBly difcerne my drift,
and rightly apprehend the top of my ambition in
this Dedication : even to do your Soule good.
Which is much more worth than the fVhU
Worlds and muft never dye. To which I con-
ceived a dore opened, when it pleafcd you,in more
than ordinary manner, to manifcft your likings
A 2 and
THE EPISTLE
Ecfler.ii.j. and allowance of my laft Bookc. And therefore
(o)Par</ei/M«»>'" Sir,I befccch you,outof tbcgcneroufoeflc ofyour
nmm^giZpn nobledirpofitioModocmcthat favofinay, that
ammis vtftnt ; tmeift right 5 Nay,that honour,ror fo I (liall account it :
frmiam^ m diciujn ^^ ^^^ ^^ conccivc thc Icaft thought, that hereby I
dm retkibi'hum <• goc aboui to/eeke gred t things t0 my ftlfe\ or ever
»;w comminmoitis to comc neerer the Couft, than by the contkiu-
SJfoTw anceofmydailyharticftprayctsforthsfalvaiion
-TTw-ms -rns d'^nhm and life of King Charles yVay dread and deareft so^
ctiJJi^i K&TAo^H ^ff^innc, I atti dfawing aDBce towards tDy lonz'
De rac«dot7iib.fi in Htf W(f ,and muft Ihortly appcare before that High
princ. and Everlafting ludgc . and therefore I defire to
Sf«S«i,«« lofenotime.botioply.all Ican,thebufuieire God
mimmrtddnuriHic- bath fet mc about,for the ftiort remainder of thefe
cmexiiuMtmuU- r ^„j eviUdajes', that by the mcrciesof God, I
wfEquJde ilium, qua- may hniUi my couric with icy 5 and give up that
m [tt.virhu txpnmert |aft,and great accouot,with favor and comfort, in
c;y™i^l-"tt the name of/(/« Chrifi. Me thinkes.befides ma-
tuj-rCwam^'f ^h- ny ocher,and mighty Diuinc Motives, that one.
XS'Taliri^v (^^ ^P"*^^ ofchryfofleme, who bimfclfemany
Totna^^ iJrlcZ times preached C p^ every Day , and gave- a-
*flf<«u, kJ)£ Tc/7n»ira*, tfJV-r/i/eT' l%i\v\jjj TniPra. ci>{xCovh<^'u)V.Pritnum igtmr fujuftdta-.
mutyut iuramentorii fuga in melius mutttmemfaciai:<tli€»mberi, & rudiufiittiAt de ha(V0-
1 bii locutusfum maUriajHtq; tamtn bodie dififtam, ncqi erai^ntq-^pcmdie eadem ptr(uadnt.Cr\ry{,
! Ad pop. Antioch.Hom.5".About thc beginning of his Homiliei upon Geiu He t'l« them 33.
times at the Icaft, that HcriiYtJitrdtj 1 bandied this or that^ or t;oiheIikcfcncti& tbcfaa-e
Ch'ryf ptcichcd in thc Aftctnoonjas appears Wy ihefc words.HoOT.i 1 int. ad Theff.Qtimad-
tmdum ^quiilucii tycbneoequam afpergtrft' aut oleum duntaxAt iximirit,lutem extirguerer,
iu habet & dsnum fpmtm.Hf took a refenQbhncc from the Lamp tl^at burnt by him, when
he was preaching;andrayes,r0« mayquensb this Lamp kj putting in ivdttr& yeumay qntmh it
by tal(ing o«t the ayle,&c.\Dd fo did great Bifila\h',9s appearet by tbefc wot6%.hl(xatnM'n
2, ad fig. f alii ifi ighur ytfpera,&fa^um eft mane dies unut.led hi noflride iUa Vesper* fermo-
mi,ab hac Vtfpira lam ociupaii^bic oratiem mfirafiaem impinunt.And io did Jufti^ tht migh-
ty difpotcrjas appears by the{cvvords;in Plal88.(^atHccountO^*''(<%' ^d reliquaf>lalmiy
ie qu9 inmtiwunoUeuiifft0Hit*nimtmmenditto
(q) precept
DEDICATORI E.
^q)precept for it.and yet profefTeth , that the Cq)^;.«/e & npifco-
drcadfulneffeof.hofewords,«.^.i3,,7. f>r Z'T&^ftft
they rvatehforyettrfoulSf as they that muftgive menum fjcere-.uttffa
AccoumM ftrikc a great tcrrour into his heart, ^^j^^ "fZlnmZl
(houldmake all GodsMiniftcrsrcfoIvc, to doe dnarufmnmi minert
nothing dfc almoft,but rcade,meditate,prc3ch, {fl'^^f^^f^^^- ^? '^
and pray. WherforCjNoblc Sir J (hal have my plrfetft%mDee^pu.
fuldcfirej&utmoftendjifyoubebut pleafcd, f^^t^inurm tammt^
to make me the happy Inftrument of helping ^^"-""4
you towards Heaven • 5c give me leave to gain ^^ obmxium-, m qno
tbisadvanta2e,foryour fpirituall good,by your ^'*^^'f'*nuon.raCrea.
love unto my Miniftcnall Labours ^ that they dutfthmauB f,venm.
may thereby leave a more kindly, and deeper '^^ui^pr^apuenegg-
impreflSon iayowt appreRcnfions of hcavcniy 'g^^^f%
things«and workc with more life and power, wris^ri/tapaiu^atiijii^
for a found ereaion, and fure fctling of the T'T- ^«^«i*«»f;
Kingdoms oue/usCbrtft myour ownefoule. antmutenda. ^uim
YouftandinaCr) flippery place,thoyou ftand ^uu confirm i^mvt-
in the prefenceofthe mightieft Defender ofthe ^r#S5t*
true Religion, of any Monarch vnder Heaven. eMiemcumcbri^o ex-
For altho Satan be moft foiicitous, and ftirring ^VTi'^Vc ? f^ '"
rodU contemptftiy 'lUuftu
& ptrcuffus full, ^al mtitulofut efit & ingratiam Magnatum i rtgula veritatis & jufii.
tM recedltfiifuiiime in abntgaimtm Cbrtfti incidit- Gerhard in Har mo.hift.Eri ng-cy.
In Aula f qumuU cotrup'm msfibuitaut corrumpentUr muneribuiy go beatior, Sarisbur.
InPolicraC' Bernard ytuviont to complAinci That the Cuun retilvid fuchasivere
goeitbut fiMdetbembad. Curia bonosfacUiMreclpere,qumfacereccnfMvit. f lures m ea
defuife btnos^quam mobs frofecijfeprobavimm.Dc Confid,! 4'c.4'Af«flr»« effepettr'n {pes
noftraiftpalgtio/juamutamici JmptratorU ftmUi?Et ibi qmi nonfrtgileyplepumq.pericuUii
Etperquotpericutaptrvenituradgrand'mpericulum?hugu&.CoTi(li.c.6' Hot enim ipfos^
quosbeavittperdldlt- How glorioufly then doih a lofeph^t l0Ha{ban»9 Dg»iel,i M^dtcai,
%liebemubiinHe^erfinEbeeimiltcb{hinem»KiDgsCQUTt?
A 3 in
THE EPISTLE
in all Places,ancl now more than ever (ihc long
Day of Mankinde drawing faft towards anE-
vcning*and chc worlds troubks,8nd time neere
at an end j to doe all the mifchicfe He can pof-
fiblyjyec you may be affured, Hce rcfervcs his
moft defperate fcrvices, ambuQimcnts, furpri-
fc$,pra6tifc8, and Powder plots, for Kings
Courts : Becaufc he findcs there, an extraordi-
nary Confluence ot Grcatncffe, Power, Wit,
Policy, noblcft Parts, and other mighty En-
ginesjihc edge and excellency whereof, if Hee
(ball be any waies able, by improvement of the
iitmoftskilljinhisold Trade of tempting, to
turnc the Wrong wa J ; Hee gjynes far more,
than if Hee Qiould winnc to His fide fome
millions of private Men, IfHeprcvailcs there,
He knows himfelfein a faire way,to make foulc
worke ^ and is often wont thercupon,to impoi-
fon and plague even a whole Kingdomc. Fo?
your fupport therfore,& furer (landing in fuch
a cafc,and that you may trample opon,with an
holy conteptjSc Roble difdain,thefair,(sjdure-
(t) TxkaaiU sccidii Icffc, peftilent fwcetneffe of worldly pfc^fures,
S^ril^^rXl and vanilhing glitter of all earthly glory i there
fedt & abikt'tHfeiicm i$ DO way in the world, but to embrace the
lufl %/?^p. Lord lefus, irf the armcs of your humbled
Scrm. *3. i^id per Soulc, fallen out.for euer (t) with cuery finnc,
mamtin hommt nifi
ffwdquirque mi U^ende^Aut'orMdOiaut bona Optra faimdo pr» nflm^e/Aluta^ in thifturo cert'
jckntitefHaracendiderh ? Ji^fciU^ mm voiuptas , iafalhm cupidit4s atqut kxuriOfper'
vtn^xariainduUtd'mtmpraparam fcmphernomamantudinmldcm. Ibid, Scriuon. 55»
CO ifii t(i fi^ioliy vera fxrmenua,qiiandoJicconvinhnrquiSiUX von rivmaxhry quandtfic /«-
»iict,iit mn reptxat. Ibid. Scrm. j-
and..
DEDrCATORI £.
and fallen in louc unfainedly with al! Gods
bicded wayci. For by Faith, and Faith alone,
f which how it is brought into the heart by
the Holy Ghoft, you hauc in the Body of the
Booke) we overcome the ivjrli^ And that in all
rcfpc£ls 5 Not oncly in regard of the furious en-
ticements, and kccnc baits of carnall dclighfs>
riches, and rifing; butalfo, ofcomminations of
cruelty and torturcjNay, of the flinging pro-
vocations of contumelies, and cruell mffcki^gs.
May you plcafc to take notice of the power,
and property of it this way 5 and in what man.
ner this glorious PrinceflTc conquers , and fcts
her tridmphant foot upon the necke of the
World,a$ upon her vanqailhcd Vaflall,in two
or three padagcs. i Firft, While as yet the
Soule, tho never fo admirably, and univerfally
endowed with rareft ill unainations of humane
Wiftdomc, Naturall, Morall,MetaphyficalI
Learning, and Myfteries of State, is wholly
guided by the eyes of fenfc,and carnall reafon ;
it lookes upon the world, and worldly things,
is upon the onely Patadilc of fwccteft contenc-
ments,choyceft plcafurcs,and chiefcfl Good ;
ofthc favour and fruition whereof, it Would
rather be damned,thcn difpoiTefli But upon the
Kingdome 0^ cinfi, and its fpirituall glory,
as upon a thing not worthy fearching into,and
fecking after^a fowerjflriftjand uncomfortable
conditionjfit only for fome few precifc foolcs,
6c thofe,fcorned,contempfible underlingsjwho
UQderfland not the World,but want Wit^ and
A 4 Art,
THE EPISTLE
Arr, to grow lich and rik ; to render ihcm^
fclvcs rcmarkcablc to the cicsormcn,and grca*
ten their poftcrity. Bnt let that glorious Eye
of Faith be once planted in theSoule , and the
Cafe is quite altered. Thofe former fading
Lights of Icnfe and rcafon, areobfcured by the
presence of this heavenly Sunne, and vanifh
with all their vinities-For now this new, bcau-
tifull Lampe, fliining in theface of the Soulc,
doth rcprefent to its apprchenfi6n,the World,
fet out in greateft bravery ,and to the uttermoft
worth,as worth (u) nothingias a dead rotten
Si^wr^'S C3rion,a very Dunghill, full of all loathfomc-
o-anmidaem &vi' ncflc,deformitie,and filth. Which heated by
gmi&wginta, & the fircof mcHS furious lufts,fcndsup continu-
etkmyqujdeiiimpoftiii- ally luchfumesof vanity , and hellilh milts;
ie.imojivohs,ponmwi which Unhappily hide their fight from any
'^J^ZZri glimpreatalLofaiUhatincDDiparablc beautic,.
2^«ti/.Chtyf:ft. in E- whicb fliincth m the countenance of Chnli\
pift,adphiiip.scr.i3 qj p|ory of thcjovcs above, which lafteternak
(ummundumpffiiiw, \y, But It now lookcs Upon thc ICiDgdomc of
totquefe^vi>s babtnt, prace,asupon a Rockeof Diamondsj or Cry»
S^'rit'"'"; ftall Mountainethicke bcfet, and gliftering full
biqiatermumadiSyci fairc With Variety ofrichcft Pearks, and truely
«";'S':^,\tZ: Orient ; I m«n,as upon the moft amiab!., and
vijauro (sbipro cnm aomirable Obicctundertos Sunne ^as the btit;
fiifTtnntrUmceru.bo, gnJ blcffedeft thing to be loved,and looked af-
u»»cHmdivifmfuis,nifi ter m this lifc. 2. Secondly, Every roan is n a.
adcaium eipiraret, dig. turally,and Hotorioufly greedy of hearts, cafci
To'yiZ''HZu!^^ ^"^^^y ^" onekinde or-ot^er.: of which, rather
than they will mifTe, they doe not flicke, many
uiracsjto light a candle at the Divell himfelfe,
for
DEDICATOR IE,
lor fomc ioviall lightfomcnelTe and rairtb, fuch
as it is i a madnclTc above admiration, and foU
lowed with inlioice mifcrics. And thcrcfore,un-
til they lay certainly hold upon, and tcally pof-
fellc fomcching more precious, furcr comforts,
foander ioycs, which may out.bailance the
weight of al wordly rreafures,and over-top the
height of all human happincflcs, both in excel-
lency and fwcctneflcithcy will by no mcanes,
upon no terroes,fuf&r their hearts to be drawn
and divorced from poffeffion ol the prcfent,
and the Bird in hand,a$ they fay •! mcanc.from
that poorc,liitlc, leanc, imaginary noihiagof
Gontcntmcnt, which they fccra to extract, with
much ado,& moft certain loffe of eternal bliffc,
from earthly things. They will, in the mcane
time, fticke to the world as fafi , as Pberecidei
the K^tbenian, to the (hip ; who held it on the
(bore with his hands 5 and one of them cut off.
He held i? with the other ; and both being cut
off. He held it with his teeth. But let once the
weary foulcs ofthcfe former Worldlings,truly
wounded, and broken in pccccs with weight of
(inne, and fenfe of wrath ; leane upon, and lay
downc tbcufelues in the bofomeof the Lord
/(?/«^,blccding upon the Croffc, prizing his pu-
rity as well, as His Paflion jand fo taking Him
upon (f) Gods termcs: And then rcflcftiog (i;)Anihow that u
Itarwi, Chcmniciira
^ellftwi OrdoiUnnuitfi., quodvultquUtmSvmgtll^rre^ fist pnyirihu^ i vuUfancreftd
ccfituus J vu't prttdicart d'mtj^nem^fedcaptivii -^vulc tductre & I'dfirare, M vincleiy hoc .
r/2,/«6 piceate c9ncl»fet j vuU confol«ri,fed eontnflalos^& lugenta, Vu't rtSjHtere, fid adu-A'>
mium fpirUsi : Btniplmtum tfl Domino fedfuptr iimenteieumi& in eis,quifpennt fupiY m-
ftrimdia tjuiiVuU rtficere, fedlabiramts & omratai ; Vult cmnart mjfiumdia & rr.ifm-
tionibiii/td caput bumillaium,non turgid um;Vuli infundtre oltum miftriw4i«}f(d vulneratiit
■&c* Ext!r.Dccr.Tridcnt,p,i.De Contrit.Cap.4.
THE EPISTLE
with a fcnfibk and fcrious contemplation, up-
on that Pearie of great priee^ofvvhkh they now
ftand polTcft i by the worth whereof, they have
fcalcd,and made fure unto thenija full difchargc
frocn the endlcfncffe of Hcllifli torments, and a
moft undoubted right tocternitie of Heavenly
joyes; Nay, poffcQion given them of the thrice
glorious, and ever blcilcd Dcitic , and all His
perfe«^iotis,cxcellcndcs, felicities, fo farre as an
(t)Hiiarlmis nolif<eom infinite God-hcad is communicable,and a crca-
cendMpictatisiWmon Wfc capable: I fay, then, and flcvcr bcfote, will
Opurc.Poftho,pag.73 they eafily, and willingly leave their Hold- faft
ceLTfuXr^^^^^ Of the World, and be content for ever after to
cmitfamuiariur per fettle thcir dcareft lovc , feekc their trueft(t)
putasMisHwufa. comfort, andhave their heartieft converUtion
chai,&prppbetasjaiu (u) tf^fl'v^r. 3. Thirdly, Fatth hath many prctu
tanao Ap»^(iio^^ admu ousEffcfls : It juftifics, pacifics, purifies, mor-
'rtrZ^JZ "fi«. «a"5« in all tronblefom^ turnings of
<^c.Auguft.Tom.9.p. our hfe,aad alfo latisnesche heart. As the Some
2.pag.ioo3. . of Man is immortall by nature • fo it is immea-
fiitrio ^uYmtHU non furablc in It s appctitcand afpirations , edged
fixm,nunqi4Am ftabiie with an infinite defirc. The boundlefle capa*
i:Si2«:, A city whereof, can ne«r be filled, untill it ap-
eiioinaiudtranfityqut. prchcnd^and cnjoy as it's ownc, an objefl infi'
remr^quim ubi nont» ntte, as wcll in emincncy of good, as durabi-
IM hu autem caducii & ,. 'r- Aj^r -n-ii
traHfitoriv, in quibia hty ot time. And therefore except Faith, by
em aftauicapiwi tt- bringing the LordChriJi into the Soule,give us
m<im «|2 mheaigniu. Ponian ,tht (x) heart of Man never will,or can
tif, at nnttum bonum^
prater fummum B6Hume'i fu§icerepolfit. Thld. C*tWibk{iumimUtSlfU funmmenSinimqua.
tiui capaiUMtxpUbitur^acpmndcad ultima piife6lmem mn ptrvmet^domc upprihendaiur
•mne em : qkodaccidU.tumappnkHditur Dtut^qw contmt injfe ptr/edioncs omtumtnitum
Pavon.Dif|vi.q.i FfQp4«
poflibly
DEDICATORIE.
pofljbly bee fatisfied in this World, or the
World to come. But here be toiled continual-
ly, and tornc inpccccSjlike the raging Sea,
with rcftleffc diftra^lions, carking, difcontcnt:
And hcrcaifcr roare everlaftingly in Hcil with
unknowne horrorsjand for the irrevocable ex-
clufion, from the fupreme and foveraignc
Good,thcever fpringing Founlaineofall peace
and pleafure, and His glorious prefence even
for ever and ever. If the Soule of mm , faith
* Hooker, dUfer've onely to give Him Being in « ^ ^ « ^
this life, then things appertaining unto this life * * * *
would content Himj as we fie they do other erea^
tares : Whtch Creatures inioying what they live
hy, feeke no fntther ; hut in this contentation do
jbtw a kiffde ofacknowledgementyth:it there is no
higher Good, which do any my belong unto
them. With us it is otherwife. For although the
beauties^ riches^ honours^ fiiences^ vertues, and
perfeitiom ofaB, menlivingy were in thefrefent
pifefSion ejoneiyttfomtvfbat hey ond^and above
all this, would ft ill be fought, and earnejlly thir*
fled for, ///ir »tf«i4rx'tftf, faith Grecneham, //
rithes fin not the Soule, for they were aS made
for mant His Settle for God, whatsoever is capa*
bleofGod,that can never bee fatisfied with any
thing elfe : k.^11 riches y all preferments cannot
fAtisfie onefoule: But wl^en God is come,it is full,
and whatfoever is added more^ ij runneth over,
Thcfe, and the like, are the mighty Works of
Fjtith, And even fo let this Princely,and vido-
rious Grace, attended with all Her heavenly
trainc,
THE EPISTLE
(<i)QuUi»hocmndo trainc,trcad downc triumphantly before you
ftabue?^iiidfimum? ftill.tHe painted Babies and Babels of all ^q)
^dporromnbrtve tranfitory glory ,and ungodly sreatncfTc; hold
nonferviemi ^aie i- ftill frcfli and flouriuiing in your eye , the im-
{luibonum e^, quod mortality and bliffcof a never-fading Crownc.
tiT'ZZtmS and Ihine faite and fruitfully in your Soulejun-'
"^uemmas, veiitt till it fec you downc fafe, in the midft of the
rdmqumdmrcias.2ii ^q(^ glorious and cvcr-durine Kinedomc of
veimrtecmeptrden^ Heaven ; and havtng there finiObed her blcffcd
dumed Etfivitano- Taskc, rcfigne you up, and leave you for ever
^;:^X.:1 w the Bcaufiall vifion, and full fruition of r/.
mm mm dirnKta- ^^-T^e, cverlaitingly blclTcd ; and to the end*
tts^qmidhmvoiufM lefl-g enjoyment of fulneffe cfioy and plea fares.
/Qdmeft,quodfintdde- at His right hand,even thorow all ccernitie.
m?Atttqitit'tliiui vo-
iuptatisfm^ffi tft^quifliitim utctffsvtrit^vldeb'uur tibi mnfuiffe ? Age 'mm^trMfaUum wi-
tu€ tempm amms revolve.2i«mi vidcbimr tibi umbra qutedamfuijje^qutd iraafiit, & inftar
fmni] tenuis incertum e(fe omne^qufd vidttur ? Hoc idm &durtfim ftnex fentireptttfi :
Cui totrumt ditert cum ?rophet»i\>'Kt mei ficut Unbra (feclinaverunr,& ego ficQc fanum
arui, :^Mdft hiec etiam bicpojptmut dime ,«W qiawoh bre'uii^tamen quiapr<tftm «/?, vitA
i(la nugniptnditur ; ^Id infuturo diSuri ftmiujubi majori atatU rciemii,tranf(i£im omne
prg nibilo e^.Htc tu tecum diligtnter rev§lvenit& brevkaum viw huitu ^etemiwis cwnem-
flatimedefpiciepjiipfttm quoqueconiemptum mundimiioricum vhnute csttttmne-, & ad iHum
$i»tm ditmpam te»i» quo mwidi glor'ufituenda efi, Aug.Epift- J42.
Your Servant for thefahation
ofjourSoutct
R.OBBIlTBetTON.
SOME INSTRVCTL
ONS FOR A RIGHT COM
FORTI N G AFFLICTED
Confcicnces, with Antidote* againft
fomefpeciall temptations.
Sec T.I. Par T.I. C h a p. I.
Tioe ImroduSHon, The Cements of the Text, The first.
D oBrine rttifed *nd proved by fwo reafons.
P R o V. i8. 14.
Thejpiritof a man vfill fufiaine his infirmitie : bntA
wounded fprit who can beare ?
Y Text lies asyou fee,in a facred
Cabinet of richtft jewels ; I
meanethe moft fele^ed, and
wifeft Aphorifmcsjor Proverbs
that ever ifliied out of a mortall
braine. Every one of them, for
the moll part, efpecially from
-..-.- ^ . the tenth Chapter, indepen-
dant,entire, and abfolute in themfelHes; cleare and ma-
nifeft by their owne native brightnefle ; not needing
fuchreciprocalUight, and luflre for each others mu-
suall difcovery, and interpretation, /^nd therefore
they
No connexion to be
fought for aafiongft
thcfc provcibf,
mttfi a Sp'viiu (an(li
didat'i ftrfeCtilJiKam
fep'itHdam tontiamnt}
&fatniiam earum re -
iuf?tycp4as fibi proponuni
t»wcn(6pieniia& fc't-
tntiayqut in ibh tr^-
duur^raro adtrMum
dtrtrpits^percipipo-
teft.nificx nmltoum
vaborutn coatexiUt &
loniimu^iftrie, ita ut,
1 4 InfirnBions for a right comforting
in fcamdo,aut tertio, they are nariirally not capable of any coherent Logi-
autetimquanovtrfu call Analyfis , and other circumftantiall cxpofitions,
/apt fubftn:rii/rdium ordinarily incident to ' other parts of Scripture.
txiUm & penxiguun Whence it is, that this Book of Proverbs is compared
S"h'«J:»S to a great heapeof gold-ring,,, rich and orient, feve-
adc'ip. lo. fewwum rally; and every one Ihining with a diltinct lenle by it
fn'.rU,exejuo,&feqmi. {eUe ; but Other contexts ofholy Writ,to gold-chains
tibui cap.bvc fiemn fo inter woven and enlinked together, tha t they muft
fovtfbmumincUb.Y upon necefiTity, for the rendrfng unto us aright, and
vcYftbm.vHverfiiuii ^^^v ^heir leverall fenfes, be illightened and receive
poimaMuia &pir mutuall illuftration, one trom another.
[idi do^hina. tradiiuY Care in c :p. • .Vrov lam inde d capite detimay qu* hicfparpm Itguntu* Pro«
yfCTOin,rcap!itm c(i m:cr Thcolo gcs abfqut Meihodotffe, mc pirpttuo tenorefaip tf, utpriera no-
vtm.a Salem ne.n'imofi Cen':.adClefum pro grad.DtR-M'ihimprimkiu fetnper placuit, inttr
fi.^gulas fenteniias cohterent'iam & nexum aliqium ffufird eonfia§i Salaz.
The hoi tor of an in- This prefent Proverbedoth rcprefent unto us the
fo^i^hr"^'^'*^"'^*' ^'^^ extremeft Hell upon earth, the greateft mifery, and
'''' ^ moft unfupportable that can pofibly befall a Man in
this life ; I meanethc horror of a guilty and enraged
confcience. Which igfet out ;
1. Us oppose. Firft, by the excellency of it'^ oppofite ; the invin-
cible abilide and mightie ftrength of that truly flout
and heroicall heart , which is happily upholden with
theheavenl/ refrefhing influence of grace, Gods fa-
vour and a good confcience : The Jpirit of a man mil
fufi (tine hii infirmity .
2, issarriHutc- Secondly, by the heavinefle of it's attribute ; the in-
tolerablenefTe of it : But a, woHnded jpirit ivho can
be are ? From the former, the courage of an heart up-
holden with grace take this firft note.
i)oa.vofthe Z)<;(3r. The fpirit of a man fiirnifhed with grace,
f'r!!i'A^LZ.r''' and fortified with the ienfe of Gods favour, is able to
torcintd with grace, «- i t -r i ..
pafle thorow the pikes, and conquer all coHimers.
Keif. I God fights Reaf. |. For what and why fhould that man fcare
for •tjwho can worke, or faint, on v^hofefide the mighty Lord of heaven and
0)Rom.<?.,5 earth doth ftand?//ra) God heform, fvhocAnhe 4-
i^a «•» ? cmira noi ete- g^*"fi ^^ Whole nfercy to his, IS without all ftint and
nim eft ipfe fl>i/',f;r«»' 11-
Cap. I, jiffitEledConfciences, ^5
limit, like a) himfdfe, infinite; fo immeafurable,that «^,p.M;«g''-;;>;'^;*^
It reacheth J^m f cj everUfitng to everU^mg ; lo ten- ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^
der that it lurpafleth incomprehenfibly the compallio- ^^ ^^ .^,g^^^^ ^wms;,
nate meltings of the lovingeft {a) mother ; and Ipared «r caufaenamnsbi^,
not thedeareftbloud ofhis onely (^j Sonne. Who rMi^tveiint, mcm-
hath ever in a readineffe for the recovery oj his chil- ;- /^;;;«--
dren out of the moft defperate danger , and to reicue t^.ts^diviTsaj^ptma
them out of the hands of the deadlieft enemy ; befides }f,ft_uas iikrum ad m^
his owne omnipotent arme, the leaft finger whereoj (i> am faittm Denver-
can beat the greateft mountaine to powder, and rend ««^^^-^^^^^^^^^ ^^^. ^^^^
the hardeft rocke in pieces ; innumerable noits or nn- ^^^^ ^^. ^^^^,-^^f^^
gels, one of which killed ( f ) an hundred fourefcore j^j, p^^,
and five thoufand in one night ; charets of fire , evena (c) Pial.io j .17.
thoufand charets in the whirl winde ; that faire glorl- ^^r^jj^^^g'' ^^
ous Giant, which with incredible fwiftnefle runnes j^j'^.^j^^j'^g^^^^
poft, as it were,thorow the skie, tofiundftillox retire;
the impetuous current of the raging fea to recoylejthe
mercileffe flames of the himgry fire , to become a foft
and refre/hingayre J the implacable fury of the moft
enraged lions, to couch at firft word for his fervants
fake and fafetie. Nay, if need be, he hath Caterpillers
andFrogges, Wormes and Lice,cven the moft impo-
tent ac^vileft vermine, to fetch bloud,and take down
theheartbf the proudeft Tyrant upon earth, carry he
his head never fo high ; to cate out the bowels of the
bloudieft Nimrod^ or mfghtieft Monarch, that weares
a crowne upon his head, if he oppofe his people. He
hath the very (g) hands, and confciences of all that rife [f^^l'^J^^l
up againft them,to bring their owne bloud upon their g^g fixJ ftoly of
owne heads, and even Hell and extreameft horror GodspuniaimetCip.
upon their hearts in this life. What then fo dreadftiU on Pcrfccutors,&c.
afaceof prefent confufions,or fore-imagined formes ^f ^,,^^';\~"''
of fnturc troubles are able or ought,flavilhly to de;e(ft, ^ ^ ' '
and terrific, that holy heart, which with a fwect and
fefercpofc is happily, and everlaftingly hid n^der the
{h) Kvings of that mighty God ? Who for the delive- ^i,;Rmh 2. u.
ranee of his, can workes pfaim.91,4,
J By i.Wuhwcake.'
JfffirftSiioKS for aright comforting Seft. I •
j.Wnhweakc; j. By weake meanes, Seeliid.7. i, Sam. 14. Gen.'
14- i.Sam.iy. Iudg.4,2i,andp. 53.
t Wid-out ^' Without meanes. See 2. Chron. 20. Exod. 14.
siAga'iDftmcJnc!. Io(u. 6. 2.King. 19. 2.Chron. 14. . .
3. Contrary to meanes, See Dan. 5. 23. Ior.3. 1 S,
Rc-f.».Thc Ctca- Dan, 3.25. 25. Jonah i.d.Iofu.io.u,! 3,14.
mtcj noi'oncly- 2. When the heavenly beames of Gods pleafed
countenance begin to breake out upon a man, thorovv
the dark asd Hellifh mift of his manifold and hainous
finnes, the unquenchable heat of His everlafting love
thorovv Chrift diflblving them into nothing ; and
fairely fliine with a comfortable afpedl upon His hum-
bled Soule ; ipfo faBojZs they fay. Heaven and Earth,
and all the Hofts of both arc everlaftingly reconciled
unto him, and become his friends; theftormesand
tempefts raifed by all the powers of Hell are prefently
canno; bust it, but Calmed for ever doing him any deadly hurt. All the
^^^^ creatures then, pull in their homes, retyre their flings,
. bite in their poyfon,fnib'd, and awed by thofe divine
* impreffions of thcip Creators blefied image ftamped
upon them by the Spirit of grace ; and dare no more •
offer any violence or vexation to him (except upon
particular difpenfation for his fpiritual good and quic-
kening) then to the Apple of Gods ®wne eye. Heare
the promife from Gods owne mouth : exf«<^ »'» that
iiay I wtllm^ks ^ (covenant for them with the hfsff^s of
the fie Id^ and rptth the fotvls of Heaven, andwith the
creeping things of the gronndiand 1 viU'breake the borv^
nnifth€l,jjt,aUIio!i^h and the fveord,andthe hattell out of the earth, andwiU
itb:c6ntr2r>.toih:ir ^:^l^^themto he downe fafe/y,UoL2, iS. Nay, they
are lo tarre f ram chargmg their leverall ihngs upon
the Saints, that they will change their very natures,
ro do them f ervice. They will rather become an afto •
nilhment and horror to the whole Creation,then they
be hurt. How often have they fufpended and put off
their native povver,and properties, for the protecflion
An^i .'.^oad ofGo.fs people ? The very fca, that moft ra-
ging
Part I .Cap, 2 . AffliEifd ^<?«/?«V»«v/.
gingand roaring creature, muft ftay his courfe and COTl«i»'p»kcbIcffc**
current, to give paflage and prefervation to a true If- s**'*^'" «" the midft
raelite : The Starres mull: fight , and the Sunne (land ''^/i!* ^L*'^/" Ff'
ftillfortheayaeandadvantageofC?.^. 4r«,/... The &%^:%7r^em^
Lyons muft leave their favage rage and trade o£ yiu ma/fet a miracle i
bloud, and become Lambes and loving unto a T).imel, f^r in this fire i fetle
The Crows will feed an £/iUh : The flames of fire, nimmpmt.thmfi
muft^hold in their heat, from burning a Shadrach, ZlH^o^^^^Zt
Mefhach, or fiAbednego: The devouring belly of a at t bed «/ Rofeu aSs
dfeadfuU filli muft be turned into a Sandluary of (afety and Mon p?gc 1030.
to a foftah : A Popifli Furnace heated with the verie C^,) Hi« Maiefty was
maliceofHelilliaUbecomea^^^<^(7//«^^»^i?(;/«to ^nXift\VtK«
a (i) Martyr ofleftu ; The very dead lines of an ordi- fentcncc 'm chc let*
nary (V) Letter^ muft represent to a Roy all conceit, a tcr Ca\leadged by the
meaning quite contrary to the naturall fenfe and all ^^^Ic of Salitbury,")
Grammaticallconftruaion, before a blefled Parlia- ?,fft",^nfco£ai-
ment be blowne up with Pofip^ Cjun-Tovfder', A brit- Jnin Gramour" a$"if
tie (\) GUfe muft rebound unbroken from the hardeft by ihcfe words,/ar tfcf
dinger upafiaifoonat
}ou have burned the Irfrtr.fhonld be clofely underftood the fuddainty and quicknelT: of ths
(ianger,whicki thouldbeas qaickly performed, and atancndas that paper (hould beof bh-
aing up in the fifcjturning that word of as foone^to the fenfc oi^as quUkh'^ifiwtft eftbe wd-
ner of the difcovery tf a late intended TreiJony&c.Hcarc K. lames his own words. / <Ui upon ibf
infint interprti and apprehend fome dai\e pinajti in the Lentr Lontrmj t$ the erdimy grammAr
sonflruClion ofth«mj(aHd in another fort then I am fure any Divine or Lawyer in any Vnivtr^ty,
»»uld have talien themjto be meant of this horrible f^rme ofbhmng us up aU bj poudir. HU Ma«
iefticsfpeechinthelaASedionsf ParliaraeDr,piinted,i6os- (0 Avertuous Gentlcwo
mtn in this Land doubting very often of her Salvation,na3debcrc<afe knowne unto a wor-
thy Minifter of Godjwho often counfclled her,io takehcedof in quities further than G«ds
word,andtruft afTurcdJy that {he might conclude her Solvation out of Gods wo rd, without
any further revelations! yet fiilldtdthe temptation grow upon herjinfomuch thachavmg
• Venice glaffe in hcr'hand,and the (cifc fanae Minifler fitting by her,prcfemly brcaksfoith
ii»toIaineatab]ewords;you have often told rnc,that I muft lecknofurthcrtlian Gods word
but I havcbin long without comfoit and can indure nolong«r,!hcrcfore if I muft be fared,
let this gJaflc be kept fro bre3king,& fo (he threw it agaioft the wals.Herc might the Lords
hand fer this tempting of his Maicflie,have]c(i her to the cvctlafting woes of hct diftruflful
heart: yet the Lord thatts rich in mercy, having ftampsd her with the fcalcofhii Elcai>
on, was content ro fatisBe the languilhiog foule with a miracle : the glafie rebounds again e,
and comes fafc onto the ground ,which iKe Minifter having gotten into his h»ndi;(ayth»Oh
repent of this finjblWTc Godfor hism:rcy,3nd never diftruHI him more cf his prcmife .for
now^ave you His voycc from heavsn in a roitacle,telling you plaindy of your eftate.Thii
was cuiionty,and might have brought defpairciyec it was the Lords mercy to remit thti
B ftonej
InflruSlions for aright comforting Se<3:. I»
faulr and grant an extraordinary coKfirmatiunof her faith. Tmti* Gods arraigncmtnt of
H>poctitcs,f<Jg5357.
ftonc, to helpe to binde u^ a broken heart , bleeding
with griete,for abfence other Spofife^ind want of the
affurance of his love, &c. Nay the divell him^elfe,
though hee walkcs about like a roaring Lion feeking
withrcftlefle rage, and defiring infinitely to devoure
the Lords inheritance, yet cannot polTibly addeone
linke to the chaine , in which by the mercifull and
mighty hand of God , hee is hampered ; nor go an ,
haires bredth beyond his commiffion : Thongh it bee
utterly impofTible, that that damned Aiigell fliould fo
farre change his divelliili natnre, as to do any of Gods
cho(en, direftly, any true good ; yet he is e verlaftingly
mufled by an Almighty arme, from ever doing them
any deadly hurt* Hee may be fuflFered fometimes to
fliake his chaine at them , and roarc upon themhide-
oufly, to drive them nearer unto God,and fright them
from (inne ; But he Ihall never either in this worli, ot
the world to come have his full Twinge at them > or-
faften his hellifh fangs upon their redeemed fouls.
''^ C H A P. 1 1.
Three other Reafons proving the former Do^ine,
Ilcaf.s.Iti prayers are 3 §m,M^!^k^k Efidcs all that Other exoellent,cona-
verypowcrfuiJiwheie ^^^\^ pleatc, impenetrable armour of
proofe mentioned, Ephef.6 »vjh\c\\
is able to beat backe vidoriouily
all earthly oppofitions, and the ve-
rie Ordnance of Hell, every one of
Gods "Favourites is alio bleffedly fumiftied with a
(m')Vtf^cailDi EccUf. mighty rpirituall (m) Engine, which is able to batter
muru^iqui rumpi ton
fof^t^mmmmum Jntoniufm»d*mor4bui qti'uim fofmidAbiU. Gb*yfD(l. T)e crando Deum /i.«.
Deprecati$,atmaiur<i ({i inexpmmbiluyic tu'ijftmutr'yntc unquamftiikm muwmntum, (mfacili-
mtiVtl unm rtj>tlilm militmiVtl mumf»biiia hojitm mUia.ibiiiM .
parti I . Cap . 2 . eAffH^ed ^orfcieKces.
downeall the bulwarks of the Divell , to (hake the
whole kingdome of darknefle, and all hellifh powers;
nay, to oflFcr an holy violence to the very Throne of
C«jGodhimrelfe:vvitne{fe,Hisrnoft mercifullincrea- ^ .^ ,
tmgMofes*To/ethtma/o»e,Exod.^i.lO. AsthoHgh 4 pncauo.ut m hmi.
tfeemedfationoFaman , could binde as it were, I nn pttijtuemcnatmu
fpeake it with lowlieft reverence to thai highefl Ma- <»^ «*"« cwmi, &
jeftie, the hands of his Omniputency, from doing his ^"o^^'i'erypiumre'.
people any hurt ; and were able to extinguidi that un- g^tscutt .epr^cat^ap,
quenceable wrath in the conception, which once on \<^.npninh mines
foot would burne unto the lowefi Hell^ andfet on fire taatumeft ifia pneaxi'
the foundations of the Mount aine s : I meane that finitv'j.fedeta'mbeUu.
(.) moftprecious,andalmoft.if notaltogether^mni- ^fi^^^l^^'^r^".
potent Grace 01 Tray er^ Tnjs great M after of mira- dirj^mdeumipfa ibid^
cles hath wrought from time to time many and very * faundiliceniiam
remarkable wonders both in Heaven and Earth. It quxrit ^ AUft, quifccit
made the Sunne, that mightie creature, the Prince of ^f^^^^^Vf dT
all the Lights in Heaven , to ftay and ftand /till upon mummcum Deo An^e-
thefiidden,intheheatof his fwifteftcourfe: Itlanded lorum/upmt mak^t-
/(j>«rfi& fafely upon the fhore, out of the bellieof the teffi»(>e pneaU 2,
Whale,and bowels of the Sea: It drew refirefhing Jo'io«^>3*
ftrcames out ofa drie bone, for the laving of <y^?»/'o»x i.jj**yjg.*^''°*
life : It turned the Heaven into braffe for three yeares i am. 5.17,18-
and an halfc;and afterwardturned the lelfe-fame brafle
into fruitful! clouds, and fountaines of raine : It killed i Kings 19,1 1,3 s.
an hundred fourelcore and five thouland of the ene-
mies of Gods people in one night : For the freeing of
ig'/Z/^^ifromaflrait and dangerous fiege. It filled a ?.Kings6,i7.
mountainein a moment, as it were,/«// ofHorfes and
Chariots of fire : It turned the (words ofa mightie , chro.io,5,^,&c.i5
Army into the Bowels of one another ; when leho-
fhafhat knew not which way to turne himfelfe ; but
was fo helplefle and hopeleffe, that he cryed unto the
Lord, vye knoro not rvhat to do, onely our eyes are upon Adi 12.5,7,10.
thee ! It loofed Peter out of prilbn, fhooke hii ch'aines *Vp6 intelligence of
off from hii hands^ and made an Iron gate to open of ^^ Spaniji invafioo,-'
its owne accord : * It enraged and inlarged the Eng- JSmed anTeb.
B - ll^> fervca,/tf»»», IJ88
o InftrHSlions for a right comforting SeA . I ■
lifli Seas tofwallow up the Spanifh invincible Arma-
do: And which is none of the Icaft wonders. It
brought Prince Charles out o^Spaiue,
A doubi concerning But you inftance, may fome fay, in extraordinarie
the pcifons praying" examples of extraordinarie men, endowed with an
extraordinarie fpirit.
j$ rcmooTcd yet fure I am,they arc rcgiftred by the holy Ghoft,
to reprefent unto us , and to all generations of the
Church to the Worlds end, the Almighty and won-
der-working power of Prayer. And I am as lure, that
th€ Petitioners were mtn*fHl>je^ to tikepaffi9ns as we
*Vl^Ui Av^9a'!iri(h aye. Perhaps, if thou bee a true-hearted Natha»<tel,
oiOiioTitt^'f hi^V' fince thy new birth, thou waft never fo extraordinarily
lam r. ;♦ paflionate,as lomh was,when out of a pang of ftrange
diftemper , hee thus anlwered the mighty Lord of
loaah 4 9. Heaven and Earth : / do voeH to bee angry even unt9
death.
ReaC4rTtf)ath faiih Fpurthly, Gods Favorite is further furnifhed with
which is powctfiill. an other fpirisuall weapon of impregnable temper,
(p)Faith»onlyabIe 1"^ ^°^'"^^j^lV"^8^l^ ImeaneFaith, (/^jthevcry
loicifotwifutne^eif Powcr, and AftaeotOodtor all true joy, found com-
ioyjandcenfiancltif fort, and lightfomnefle at the heart-root in this life.
tonum^in the naidft Thiscrowned Emperefle of all thofe Heavenly graees,
ofthc change5,v»anes ^^^^ ^^^^ j„ ^j^^ 5^^^^ of ^ fanftified flian^ and which
externaU things jaod 1" ^ ^ ig"^ fenfc may bee laid vertually to comprehend
that one day, as well all the bcautie, ftrcngth, excellency and power of
asanotherjtbrough- Chrift himlclfe ; is truly (^) viftorious , and trium-
cut thccourfc of a p|,anf^ ^r) over all the World,- (I) over rhe very gates
rdraltcntha": of Hell, andaUthepowerscf darkneffe/Wove? the
of ihislifeiscp^ble. Divels fiereitdarte; (u) over the devouring flamesof
warrf. the raging fire; (x) over the rearing f uric of the moft
(q) Creitnti mmdut
ittmprm'iptDUboloyViori^infermtSf fucatumque mtra ludibriafuntj ntd'tcerepoffitcumpaiJot
ybi tuui, mtSf tcuUuo i ybi tuajnfirne^ vlRnia ? i.Cor. 1 5 , J J, Hibtt tnim ^fe coana
imniAhgCj qua ceteris }]or)ibifia& infuptrabiliafunt, viSartampir "Boninum JtfumCbri^itm
jn qumcridit.cw adkierei &inmiiti4r.Niogcor. (r) i.Iohn.T.4- (I) Ma«h.i6.i|,(t)Eph.
imngric
Pare I .Cap. * . AffliEied ^onfciences*
hungric Lyons; (y j over the varietie and extremitie Cy)Heb.n.j7.
ot exquifiteft tortures, temptations, perlecucions, all
outward miferies; even (*) over cruellmockings. It (OHcb.it.j6,
*unre{iftablybeatesdowne,or blows up the ftrong- ' Hes.n.jo.
€ftBulwarkes,and thickeft: walls jf^) puts to flight C'OH^b.ii.s4.
the mightiefl Armies, and f^) conquers the mo fl in- C'')Hdb 11.33.
vincible Kingdomes. And when all is done. Oh blef-
fed Faith I at the v^ry laft, and deadlieft lift, (c) llie (Ol^falm-M--*-
triumphantly fcts her foot upon the neck of the Prince ^^JT?'- f ^'T T"
of terrors, I meane death, the lalt and worlt ; the end chntudiaem. Procedat
and fumme of all feared evils : And even in the middeft i» »edium,o(i€ndat /g.
of tbofe dying and dreadfuU pangs, beares a glorious «^«/« tordii» in/prnfer.
part with fe/m Chrifi the Conquerour in that fweet- J'j'^'w |«'»«e>''^«i/w:
eftSong o^wiaoxy O death Tvhereu thy fiing ? In 2 ^'^Jl?CmZicqZ
word. It can do all thmgs. ( d) AU things are fojjible q,udtt aliud tUU^at^
tohimthat heleeveth, centemnt pre me. Ecu
* Fifthly, and laftly j and in a word Grace in its ctmtmpfiiiiy Parumtfi
owne nature, beine the moft glorious Creature of r/><r *lii~--'P<trumefi ut
(d; Father of lights, and flowmg as it were more im- dcUSUhnu contmne
mediately and Iweetly from his bleffed face, is of fuch qukquid te umbat,
a divine invincible, and lightfome temper , and hath C6gum»e carcera, corf
fuch an antipatheticall vigour and abilitie , againft all ^^'^"f vmula^conumw
fpiritualldarknefle and dampesj whether of affliftion, TrZZ[T.7' '
temptation, troubJelome conmhons or the times, the morum^Hticviiifii.m
vaUejr of the Jhadow of deathf the Gtzvc , Hellitfelfe; iBvenifti. —
that it is ever able, eirher to dilpcU it, or diflblve it, or ^matyordetyfirvet,
fupportitfelfeftronglyand triumphantly even in the a^^l&TaSfitv^it
middeft of it. Suppofeafoule beautified with Grace, adafperaMmda.nL
to be featedjifit were pofllble, in the very center of culfnta.minada.caUat,
that hellifh Kingdome, yet would it, by its Heavenly fr»^gtt& tranfu.Aug,
ftrength,and glory, in defpite of all infernall powers '£^T**"f^tf\''V^
keepeofFat fome diftance all the darknefle, torments lingoiGod/g^^^^^^^
and horror o[ that damned place. Whence it is, that favor,
it is fo often in the holy Scriptures compared to light. d^fWo t» W^J^j tbV
Now what power and prevalent antipathy our ordi- t^aTwviHminum, mn
narie light doth exercile againft his moft abhorred l^Zu^Md^tn^
Oppofite, darknejfe, you well know,and it is elegantly tarv;«tberei,fpintmlit
B 3 and &c(^eliis»?at-
InftrH^ions f9r 4 right c^mfcrting Se<fl . I .
and punftaally for my purpofe expreffed by Ong in
this manner ; JVefee, and prove y faith he, by daUy ex-
terience how fowerfutl And dreadfuU a thing the dar^.
fieff'e of the night is. For when it fallethyit covereth, and
mufflcth up the face of the whole world. It obfcurethy
And hidethf the hue. And thefajhitn sf all creatures : It
kindeth up att, hands, and (freaketh off all implojmentsi
The night commeth , faith our Saviour, wherein wee
cannot worke. It arrejleth, and ks^peth captive all li-
ving wights, men and beafis, that they mufi heflill, and
refi there, where itarrefleth them : yea it maketb them
fearfull, and faint-hearted, full of fancies , and much
fub'jeU to frights.lt is ofal others fuch a powerful,^ un-
conquerable Tyrant, at no man is able to With fl and. And
yet neverthele^e, it ii not of that might , that it is able
to overwhelme, or to quench the leafl light in the world.
Ftr we fee the darker the night is, the clearer the Starres
fbine : Tea the leafi candles light, that is lighted, with-
fiandeth the whole night, ana not onelyfuffereth not the
darkneffe to cover, or tofinother, and oppreffe it, but it
giveth light alfo even in the middej^ of the dar^ffejfe,
andbeatethit backs for fame fpace anddiflanceon every
fide of It : fo that which wayfoever it is borne, or where^
foever tt commeth , there mufl darknejfe depart, and
give place unto the light \aQ,the power, and the dread-
fulneffe of it, cannot helpe or prevaile ought again(l it^
AndthoHgh the light be fo weake , that it cannot cap
light farrt about, or drive the darknefftfarre from it, as
in thefparke of an hot caale,yet cannot the darkneffe co-
ver orconceale, and much leffe quench it ; but tt fiveth
light to itfelfe alone at leajt -, fo that it may bee feene 4
farre off in the darks ; And it remaineth unconquered of
the dark^, thpu^h it cannot helpe other things nor give
light unto them. Tea (that which is yet more wonder-
full) a rottenjhining peece of wood, which hath thefain-
teft light that can be fatt»d,yet remaineth invincible <»/
Ail the f9vt<r ofdarkf»fJpt\ ind tkf mure k ^ compajjed
about
Part I .Cap.a . Af fitted C^nfcitnus. I \
^hout with darkp^fff f^^ clearer itght it giveth, S9
little U darknefe a$le to overtome, or kftfe dewne Mny
light ; hut that itruleth and VAnifHipjethyAnd expelUth
the darkjiejfe, which elfe overtvhelntetla , dnd fnareth^
and fetter eth^ andptttteth all things in fettrt^ Now if
thii naturall light hefopowerfttlly and fa able to prevaile
againfi the darknefTe cf the night : why (hauld not that
Jpirituall Lights that Gods Spirit doth kindle , and fet
up in the hearts of Gods C hilar en^ be able to a ford them
light in darknejfef and to minifter found joy and fweet
comfort unto them,in the verie middefi of their heaviefi^
andntpfi hideous affiiElions. Afllircdly , it miift needs
be unconquerably able, with farre greater power> and
in an higher proportion. For our vifiblc light doth
(pring but from a finite and materiall Fountaine, the
Sonne, it (elfe a creature : but the Spiritual! light, I
fpeake of, flow^ immediately from the glorious face
of the onely true , incomprchenfible and eternal . ., , ^ .
* Light, the Sunnes creator, »?/»* dwelleth m the light ^^®l\\'^''^ *^*
that no man can approach unto , and is an everlafting
well-fpring of all Life and Light ; which it doth (b
farre reprefent and rcfemble in Divine excellencie,
and miphtinefle, that it thence receives by a lecret and
facred mfluence, frefh fiiccelTions ftill of an infinite
triumphant power, ^nd prevailing againft all fpirituall
darknelTes for ever. Suppofe all the men that dwell
within the compafle of our Hemifjihere (hould ad-
drefle themlelues with all their wit and weapons,
with all their power and policie to keepe backe that
univerfall darknefle, which \^ Wont to feize upon the
face of the earth at the fetting of the Sunne; yet by all
this ftr^oDgandcombinedoppofition. they ft.9jdbut W^«^^^^^^
beat theayre : But now, upon the very firlt approach mmmrotmperufiae
of that Princely light, but peeping up intheEaft, it u'dacomprehinGim'^re-
would all flye away in a (e) moment, and vanifh into ti^nftrgetu dielj^^en-
nothing. Semblably, if all the underftandings upon i'[\^*^^^l^t\^^^'*
earth, and all the Angels in Heaven thould contribute cUtAmfi^Me&A.
B 4 ^^V,wpi>'
It
InfirHEiionsfor a. right comforting Seft . I
all their abilities , and excellencies to illighten with
chearfulnefle and /oy , a guilty confcience furprifed
fotnetimes with hellirh darkneffe and clouds of horror
upon fight of finne, and fenfe of divine wrath ; yet all
would not do, they fhould all the while, butwaQi a
Blackamoore, as they fay : but now, let but the leaf!
glimple of the light of Grace fliine into that fad and
hcavie Soule, and it would farre more eafily and irre-
(iftably cha(e away the very darkefl midnight of any
fpirituall mifery, then the ftrongeft Summers Sunne,
the thinnefl mornings mift . Give me, if you will,?«-
das his heart , or Spiraes horrour j or a vexed fpirit
tome and rent in peeces with the raging guilt o f both
thofe wofull men ; and let that fuppofed rufull Soule^,
weary of its hellifh burden, and thirfting finccrely for
the waterofLife , but caftit lelfeupon the mercie,
^^^^r/' truth, and power of the Lord lefus, fo (weetly offer-
*^^P.' ing himfelfe in that pretious fromife, Matth. 11.28.
refolving to take him for an everlafling husband ; and
ipfo fa^o, as they fay, it might be put into a very Hea-
ven upon Earth. For this glorious grace of Faith, the
Prince of all fpirituall light and lightfomenefTe in the
truly humbled Soule, thus flied into fuch a darke and
grieved fpirit, doth enkindle and fet on fhining all
("OFirfei t^ \n Chrifii- thofe (f) gracious heavenly Starres, that are wont to
mManima fundamin- beautifie the hearts of holy men j hope, love, zeale,
Tm7i'DeZZ'eT ^onne-like feare, humility, patience, felfe-denyall, uni-
u.scettM ctixiffc vxftu- verfall obedience, fruitfulneffe in all good works , &c.
tvn»n mt peinhet con- Which make them ( g) /tght itjelfe,X.o (h) tvalke in the
fidennttm congruend- Ughf , towards the infinite and (i) unaj>proacha(?le
«rnfmUmdm.^o ^ (^^ . ^^ therefore they never need to want light-
a* lucent' (Ic vera v'lu lomenefle ; but have perpetuall pregnant matter of fpi
tWiqute (fpe inpb^itU rituall mirth,and mightineffe of fpirit.
adverfi w ■ 'S^rp vhrtui efl ftdiu^&bmo virtatum eafu.ldem fuper Cant-Sv m tiy. (e.)T^v^v
Ghap. g
Part. I. Cap. 3. Afflt^ed Conjeiences , 13
Chap. III. .^-^
Three f aire of infiances confirming the former T> 0-
^i»<f, David rf»f^ Saul, lob and Achitophel, Luther
and Spira.
He point appeares, and is further pro-
ved by inanifeft, and manifold expe-
rience : ^4 W having beene former- 1 'Davids flren^ih.
ly, wofolly wafted with great variety
and extremitie of dangers and diftref-
fes, was at la ft plunged into a moft
defperateperplexitie-i.^yrf^? 30.5. Which had beene
able to have fwallowed up into defpaire, the manlieft f .Tia &. is.
vigour of the greateft fpirit upon earth, not fupported
with grace : fthelikeoralefle, caufed King S^»/to ^.weaincrc-
fall upon his owne fword;) yet Heblefled man,by the ^^^^^^ , i_^.
power of his fpiritaall peace , and jthe beams of
Gods pleaied face fliining upon his Soule, did patient-
ly, and fweetly comfort Himfelfe in the Lord His God;
and ftood like an impregnable Rocke unfhakcn with
the raging aflaults of any tempeftuous lourges. Hee
was at this time hunted by Sa^/ like a Partridge in the
Mountainesi cafliierd by the Princes of the Philijiines
asa f<?//'pJpofruipe(5led fidelity j robd by the Amale-
kites of His wives,His (bnnes, and His daughters jThe
Towne, to which He returned for fafety, was burnt
with fire 5 And to make his calamity compleate, and
moft cutting.even His owne men were ready to ftone
Him : Now in this great diftrefle upon the firft appre-
henfion whereof He wept, as the ftory faith, untill He
had no more porcer to weepe; yet comming to Himfelfe, .
and recollecfling His fpirituall forces. His heavy heart
readie to finke and fall afunder in His bofome, did
fetch by the hand of faith , comfortably fortified by
fenfe and experience of former favours, fuch heavenly
ftrenstth
1^ lHlirHEiionsforayightC9mforting ' Se^.
ftrcngth from lehova, whom He had made His por-
tion; that thereupon hi? courage was revived and rai-
Ced to that height, that Hee prelently purfiied his ene-
mies with extraordinary valour and relblution, cut
them ofF quite and rf covered all. And David faith thf
text, v>ai greatly dtflrejfed : for the people Jpake 9ffi0'
Ttirtg Him, becaitfe the Souleofall the people rvai grie^
vedf every man for His fonnesf tind for HU daughters:
Ifut David encouraged Himfelfe in the Lord Hii
God, &c,
ijobi flreogih. What a bitter Sea of unmatched mireries,did breake
out upon bleffed loBy which with a fudden unexped-
ed violence, bearing downe that Hedge of proteAion,
which God had fet about Him, fthe raines purpofely
letloofe by divine difpenfation to Sathans malice in
the meane time j did fearfully overflow him to that
height and horrour i that He ftands regiftred in Gods
Bookd as an unparalled Inftance of extraordinarie fuf-
(^:>yimoquifcium\n ^'erings and forrows; calamities and conflids ; to all
uila Hi(i0m tot unt. fucceeding ages, no (<.j ftory bemg able to afford the
^e gyavibm trumnis like; The natnrall death of one dcare chiide , ftrikcs
fimuia<tobru(mftn{f* fometimes (o heavy to a mans heart, that for griefe he
olDUAtiiidediii tten grows into a confumption : but all loh children, were
ptuperitm lantum con- luddenly taken away at once by a violent flroke: fome
tremefcuHt fe ieiiam petty croffe upon his outward ftate,and cutting off but
quan.uiun.qiu iifptn- pj^t of his goods.caufes fometimes a covetous world-
tT.i;;,il'X «"gj°<;^' (0>i^°^"\*™»' •• B^-^'^wasrobd of
qntum (ucHrmuntt »i- al» • fo that It IS a Proverbe to this day. As poore as lob :
quiquamfciiicettaatum Many wives are paifionatcjand peeviQi in time of pro -
n^arortm firtmis. fperity, whofe hearts notwithftanding will melt in
^ivy/.jw MAittham.2^ compalTionjand kindenefle,over their husbands,in any
^ftcraStwpr^m! I<indc of miferic : butCw j 7*^/ wife,tho dearely intrea-
qnannxiUa fufifpereet, ted,by Her moft diflrefTcd Husband, even for their
idautem earn asinitri childrcns fake, the mutuall common pledges of twee-
(ommnfUiOfltvdit ip jgft [qvc : yet would^ot come neere Him . Afy breath
iZ l'"*"'" "^T""- tayth He, isfirange to my wife, thoHfh I intreated for
tdfferiamiagemum the chUdrens fake of tnme mne body. Chap. I p. 1 7.
fr»didifft,CttVi Satan
Part. I. Cap. 5 . Af fitted CoH/ciences, 1 $
Satan Iconfefle, iswont toroareand rage fiercely e-
iiough about Gods blcfifed Ones, to doe them all the
mifchicfejHee can poflibly : but rarely hath he fo large
areachjandhischainefo lengthened as he hadagainft
^ob, Thepainefullanguiih of Tome one part, would
notonely deprive a Man,ofthe pleafure of the worlds
Monarchic, if hee had it in pofleffien : but alfo make
Him wearie of His life. In what a taking then was
lob, yNhofromthefoUofhufost^ unto hii Croivneh^d , »« ,r • ,.
no part free fromAr^^i/r^ and (n) horribly inflamed l^/;^';^^^^^^^
ulcersjcxafperated & enraged with the flinging Imart q^ipitufnatphani'ml^n-
of Satans extrcameft malice, who had power given a.%r iepnm f'nS«. aed
Him toinflia them. God himfdf-e frownes many venlmJeett (ongfga.
times, and withdrawes thebeames of Hispleafcd Face ^''^^."1^^—^
from the foules «f His (ervants , to their great gnete, ^^.^.(^^jm homnum u-
tbo for their fpirituall good: But feldome doihheefet barava. Meu
them up for His Marke ; hu)it them Ai a fierce Lion ;fet lo'i, \ 9, i i,& " Oj > 6>
//« terrours in array again fi them ; and command the ^ 4
foyfon of his arrowes to drtnkjif their fpirit as loh com-
plaincs : It is no ftrange thing, neither fliould it much
move,but onely make us walke more watchfully , to
he-are men of the world, and drunken Belials to belch
oat from their rotten hearts upon the Ale bench fiich
bafe (landers as thefe , Thefe Prefejfours for all their
fayreJheweSydrecertainely dU ofthemnfftorioHS Hypo'
critej. Tho they looke never fo demurely, they are not
the men they are taken for, Cfc, But to have a Mans
ncarefl, familis--, underftandingChriftian friends to
charge Him with Hypocrifie, is a moft cruell cut to a
troubledconfcience: And this was (<?j /^^j cafe. So . . ..
thas as lok was fmgular in the univerfality of his af fli- C^) ^.^^^' ^^^''«"'' ^•^»
ctionsjlo there was a fingulanty of bittcrnelle above yiiuHgngaietMizuii
ordinary in every partiailar affliction. And what of ntndutiivi, ipeak'mg
all this ? And yet for all this^ this holy man,by the help cf lobs ftiends, qmn
aimifi^di fapi'utta
wlfurUt, uttx (wmdiffrntatiMibia, qiuebKlibr6ittfttU9tariVlitret^M^'in&inl%VisprO'
tfimtt & RtliimtyUt tx iifMm f^tnim <r«.Mcrc.
«f
1^ In ftruElions for a right comforting Sedt.i
r
^ p)2iam & bciius lob of that precious (p) hoard of grace, which his heaven-
t-tyfiifiantea prxmedi- \y hg^^t had trea(ured up in the time of prolperity j out
«"11"V:*M° of^thatrpirimallftrength, which Hcehad gotteninto
fuertecnbo cegnaf- His foule by his former humble acquaintancCjand con-
ft:tyy({ui ratiant tncs «• verfation with His God ; and knowing full well, that
a iupitmiMiifa cm- tho all was gone,yeC Hee ftill pofleffed leftts Chrifi, as
'"«'^*';!lS^'"s'/ « fully,ifnot moreteelingly,as ever before; He becomes
nlcifftt. Nunc vito tta hereupon as rare,ana admirable a Patterne or Patience
pYtetntaitatHSjextnua^ to all pofterit y ;as he was an extraordinary aftonifliing
ttiffyfuint.uiadomniA fpedacleofadverfity and woe. Confcioufhefle of his
ingmi ammapcrihm fore-fpcnt righteous life,which he peruleth CW 31.
&iam mu'-urum wH T"*^ cleareneffeof a good conlcience.C^4^,i(5. i g.Be-
^MuftLtn^ad pit rum holdmy roitnejfe is in heaven,andmy record is on high :
amarijjifmm ob.tum,ad And his invifiblefaith,Ci64/>. 1^,23, 24,2 5 . Oh that my
uxcra afftCtHntiad roords yoere now written, oh that they were printed in
''^i'^VlZ.tTJ:^ a'Booke IThat'thejwere gravenwith anironvenand
pobmM Mci'iaium tead,tn the rockefor ever. For I know that my Redee-
conumpiimatque mer /ifeeth,^c.Ch^ip. i 3 . Though hejlaj me, yet will I
fetverum cbr)j in Mai truft in him;did fo ftrengthen and flay his fpirit with a
*'"'" 3+* divine mightjthat he bore valiantly, and flood upright
under the heaviefl weight, and greatefl variety of ex*
treame affliflions,that ever were laydupon any meerc
Achltophili wcakncflc, man. But now on the other fide, the tyth, nay the ten
hundred part o^Ioh troubles, cauledgraceleffc ^yfchi-
tophellytofaddle his.A^e^get himfelfe home,pftt hit hou-
jholdin order yand hang himfelfe. So true is that which
the blcfTed Prophet tells us, ler. 1 7,5 ,^r. Curfed bee
. the man, that trnfieth in man, and maketh fiepj his arme,
andwhofe heart departeth from the Lord, For Hejhall
be like the Heath in the defert, and Jhall not fee when
goodcommeth ; but Jhall inhabit e the parched places in
the fVtlderneJJe,in a fait land and not inhabited, Blejfed
is the man that trufieth in the Lord ,and whofe hope the
Lord is For heejhal be as a tree planted by the waters,
and that ffreadethottt her roots by the river , and Jhall
not fee when heat commeth,bHt her leaf e Jhall begrcene,
ttndjballnot hee carefull intheyeare tf droHgnt^ nei-
ther
Part.l. Cap. 3. jifflt^edConfciences, 1 7
therjhallcea^efromyetlditt^ fruit.
This impregnable comfort fpringing from grace, 3 i*'/^«'s ftrength.
andagoodconfcience, even in evill times, did fteele ^^^'^,^Lt^f^g^ l„.
thefpiritofbleffedZ^f^^r, with iuch fpiriruall float- [^eram tatMHto cun-
neffcand fo hardened his forehead Ag^iin^ a world, nay ^ rum tdio & invldts,
an horrible hell of moft reprochtul and raging oppofi- ««* totusptntmundm
tions,thathebecamea Speaacle, a Miracle of r.ireft '^l^^l^^!^'
Chriftian fortitude , and invincible courage to the torllllim mSttr
whole world,andto allpofterity-.I am perfuaded,that ctrvkti [ubjMre nun
holy truth of God, which he logloriouflyprofefl:, and miUe marui mubxiw
that power of godlinefle, which heefo faithfully pra- rum^atfiJmconcUa-
aifed^didinfufe into the heart of that Man as much '^'^^tlT^^^'Til;,
unconquerablenefle of refolution, and tearelefnefTe of tfftpotHuimmopir
thefaceofMan, as ever dwelt in any mortallbreaft, trigtnu ptm anno in
fince the Apoftles time. Witneffe amongft the reft, "(uptrftw, iacdmU
that one extraordinary expreffion of His incompara- «'=/'''''^«/i«« f "«'««*;
ble magnantmitie : when his- friends were earneft, yejeiet bmims, qm
and eager upon Him,not taventure himfelfe,amongft apem Marte debnUart
a number of Per fidious Papifls, and bloud-thir ftie Ti- »«» pffa 1 « tandm
gets ; He replyed thus : 9^s tenchincr mee, faith Hce, '^g^rdtcumbeniinieda,
%ceIa^fentfor,Jamrefol.ed.an'k certainly deter. :;;:ZZI^"
mined to enter JVormestn the name of the Lord fefm Chniioobdem.vit.
Chrtfi \yea tho/tghlknewy there "were at many Divels Brighm.tnc.^. Apoc
ioreftfimee, at there are tilet to cover the nonfes in Funommo vir mag-
fVormes, This Man of God did upon the two Pillars %°J'"Z1lt^miTai»r
of His Herokall heart, courage and patience, moft no- crbii^&qui Tot^Stu
blyfuftaine tfee malice and hatred,aimoft of the whole adverfia ipjum csnjpi-
world. The I>»'z/tfi5f,and theT<?/>(? did concurrently nmbMunumfeofpy
countermine with all their, cmeltie, and cunning a- (^it- Bttcolc.chmtiug,
gainftthisviaoriousa4«;^.'.;,ofHeaveii,andmi^^^ *jS'icftoVy of
tie underminer of their dark and damned kingdomes. ^^^^j^, iuibir,^,S^9,
Almoft all their Princes, Prieife, and people of Chri-
ftendome, did breed and breathe out nothii^ but
thoughts of indignation and threats of Death againft
Him. Millions of lafic, andluftfullMonkes,having like
ib manypeftilent Locufts of the infernall Pit, ftiz'd
npon the face of Surofe, with their envenomed
fwarmesj
i8
InfirtiBions for a right comforting Se(Jl. I •
fwarmes, and lying at eafe encloyftered in Sodomy
and blond, gnafticd their teeth at Him with HellilK
furie, and like true Fiends fpet fire in His face. And
yet for all this, this holy Saint (which, I more admire,
-camUifeceS-umscrl and prizehigher, than the vidories of a thoufand C*-
btntii &om q'uerunt : f^^^t or the mod renowned valour of the grear^ft ayf-
CMe MareyVttvmiiy lexander) having fo many incarnate Divels continu-
mt fnaiattat byem. ally roaring about Him, with open mouth,ready every
^/^r^'Tl^?" houre, and enraged with implacable thirft todrinke
\Armn. upHisbloua,and/M'-«//<?w ritrn ftp qmcke ; yet I fay,
*spirae'i wwkncITf. enjoyed fuch a triumphant tranquillitie of minde, and
Ca)iwas,faithhc,cx- unfhaken prefenceoffpirit, that likea mi*htie Sonne
ccffively cov«ou8^of ^frhunder by His conftantand powerful] preaching,
h°Upp\ycTwy fclfc ^o"^ ^^^e fpace of nine and r wenty y earcs, fo {hooke the
to get by iniuflicc, pillars of Popery, that I am perfwaded the Beafi will
corrupting iudgtnenf, never ftand upon his toure legges ^ny more : And writ
by deceit, inventing eloquently and excellently, almoft, if not as many vo-
t ricks todcludc hi- iutnes,ase^;^//»did,that^reat glory of theChridi-
it!ce: Gocdcauicsl / ... i '. * a /r-
an World m former times. A petty crolTe many times
will focmatculate, and weaken, the elevations of the
greatefl: Wit, that His conceit, invention and ftyle
will fall to a farre lower ftreine, than ordinary; which
contentment,and calmnelTcwould raife to their high-
eft pitch and pollibilitie Bur the terrible earthquake,
as it were, oi'aW Europe, and contrary commotions of
* Cbriftendome,did never a whit diianimate, or Ihake
the heart oFthis heavenly man ; fitly honoured by the
name of athird-S/^^.^. *ButriOW Francis Spira on the
other fide, having out of his (^) inordinate love to the
cithcrdtf^ndcdde
cejtfulJyjcr fold them
to the advcrfary pcr-
fiilioufly.illciullsl
naaintaindwith all
n)y iiwght. I willingly
oppofcdthc known c
truth. And the ttutl
committed unto mc,
I cither betrayed oi
perverted. Thusdul
the care of this world
and the deceltfulnej
enriches, choaktiie
good iccdthir was fo.meily {own^ fo as fearing be faints and yeddestothealluieraentsof
this prcfent world. I knew the Dodrine of luilification by Chr i(i, but I denied it, and ab«
jured ic,fotheend,that I might kcepe this ff?iIcl5fcfromadycr{ity,andTny childrenfrom
poverty : And now behold how bitrer i s this life unto mc ? And God ooly knowcs, whjc
Ihal become ofihis my FaaVily.But furdy no good is like to betide itjbut rather daily wotfc
and vvorfejand fuch a ruinf,as at Icneth, one ft inclhallnot be left upon another, i(at Ba-
con. Ill the relatian cf the dcfperat t lUtc of Fraficii Sp'ira, in the ycare i y48«I have the ori-
giaajl tehtors of the ftory j and ir.vA thi-, escellf nt tranflation to ajsfwcr exaftly to thcro.
things
Part. I. Cap. 3. AjiiUed Confciences. Ip
things otthis life, wofuUy wounded his confcience by
chat infamous abjuration of the blefTed Truth, which
He formerly profeffed, became a Ipedlacle o\ (iicli fjn-
rituall miferie and woe to the whole world,that there
is not any thing left unto the memory of man more
remarkable.
Vpon the very firft revifeof his recantation, and
ferious confideration in cold bloud what he had done,
he acknowledged himfelfe utterly undone and for e-
ver. His (pirit fuddenly fmitten with the dreadful!
fcnfe of divine wrath for his Apoftafie,and fplit in pie-
ces, as it were, with fo grievous a bruife, fainted fear*
fully, fail'd him quite, and fell afunder in his breaft like
drops of water. Hearefome rufullexprefTionsof his
dcfperatc ftate, from his owne mouth: Ohythatlsvere
gone from hence, that fame Body yooiitdlet out this ive«ry
Soule ! I teUyott there tvas never fttch a Monfler m I
am ; never -wm man alive a JpeElacle of fuch exceeding
mifery.- Inotvfeele Cods heavy -wrath that burnes
like the torments ofheHwithin mcy and apiSls my Joule
Tfpith fangs unutterable , Veril/deJferation is Hell it
felfe ,^---^The gnaveing-vporme of unefuenchable fire,
Joorfour^ confufton, andyvhich is reorfl ofall,de§feratioH
it felfcy continually tortures me. And now I count my
frefent efiate tvorfe, than if my foule fefaratedfrom my
body tvere tvith fudaf,and therefore Idefire rather to be
thercy than thus to live in my body, The truth />,
never had mortall man fuch experience of Gods anger
and hatred againfi him as I have,*- *Jf I could con-
ceive but the lea/i Jparke of hope in my heart of a better
ftate hereafter, I would not refufe to endure the mofl
heavy wrath of the great God, yea for 2000 ^yeares , fo
that at length I might attaine out ofmifery.^—-'~-Hee
profe^ed that his pangs were fuch ,04 that the damned
ffiights in Hellindure not the like mifery: That hk ftate
•moi worfe than that of Cain and ludas, and therefore
dejired to dye^ that God wtuld let loofe his fjand
from
J 9 InftruUions for aright comforting Sedl.i
from mey artdthat it were with me now, 04 in times pafi ,
Iwouldfcornethe threats of the mofi cruell Tyrants,
henre torments with invincible refolution, and glory in
the outward frcfefpon of Chrifiy till I were choaked in
thejiame, and mj body turned into ajhes.
Chap.IIII.
Afrfi ufeofthe former *T)oBrine far exhortation i
to. flore uf heavenly comforts in our hearts. Two conji-
derations which prejfe this exhortation upon tis ,
I. Vfc. Treafore up yfes j . ^^^^y©^^F it befo then, that an heaven-
rpiritu.ll corofons ^S^H Iv hoard of graccgood confci-
^^^ l^^g cnce,Oodsravour,&c, happily
treafured up while it is called
Today, hath the lole, and fa-
cred property,and priviledge,
to bold up our hearts, in times ofhorroun inabling us
in the meaae time patiently, and profitably to matter
' all miferies, pafle thorow all perfecutions, conquer all
Commers; and at length by the helpe of God, to pull
the very heart, as it were , out of Hell ; with confi-
dence, and triumph to looke even death, and the Di-
vellin theface,andto ftand with boldnefle , before
the terrour of the laft Day,like an unmoveable Rock,
when the Sonnes and daughters of confufton , who
h^veflept inharvejt, and mifpent the gracious Day of
their vifitation , fhall intreat the mountaines, and
Rocks to fall upon them ; I fay, it being thus, let every
one of us Mkt Sonnes and daughters of wifedome, in
this fhort Som mers Day of our abode upon earth,
and in this glorious Sunne-fliine of the Gofpell , and
pretious feafons of grace, imploy all meanesj^improve
all opportunities, to gather in, with all holy greedi-
nefle.
part I ,Cap.4 . AffiiEied C^nfciences, 2 1
ncffe, and treafure up abundantly much fpintuall
{Irengtk and lafting comfort againft the evill Day,
To which, let us be quickened, by fuch confide rations
as thefe :
I. This wire,and happy trealuring up, of heavenly
hoards, and comforts of holinefle aforehand , will diftrafeT^" ^^^
fweetly mollifie, and allay the bitternefie, and fmart,
of that heavinefle and forrow ,* of thofe fearefull a-
mazements, and oppreffions of fpirit, naturally inci-
dent to times of trouble, and fcare, which ordinarily
cfo very grievoufly fting,and ftrike thorow the hearts
of carnall and fecure World ings, with full rage, and
the very flafhes, and fore- taftes of Hell. Of all other
palTions of the Soule, ladnefle, and griefe grates mofl: *
upon the vitall (pirits ; dries up fboneft the frefheft
marrow in the bones; and moft fendbly fiickes out the
pureft,andrefinedfl:bloudinthe heart. All the Ob-
jeds of lightfomeneffe, and joy, are drowned in aa
heavy heart, even as the beauty of a Pearle,is diffolved
invineger. Now the onely Cordiall, and Counter-
poyfon againft this dampe of light-heartednefTe, and
Cut- throat of life, is the fecrec fweetnefre,and Qiining
pleafure of that One fearle of great f rice j three orien t
TiycswkQrcoiiHTtrfghteoftfKeJfe and peace, and joy itt Math.rg.4^,
the holy Ghofi treafur'd up in the Cabinet of a good Rotr.14.j7.
conlcience. The glorie, pretioufneile , and power of ^^*'l'"'«44«
which hidden treafure, purchafcd with the fale of all
finne, doth many times fliine fairelieft upon the Soule,
in the faddeft times; infpires for the moft part into the
hearts of the owners, the greateft courage , and con-
ftancy of fpirit even in the day es of adverfitie,and vex-
ation ; inables them todigeft, and beare without any
great.woundjorpaiTion thofe croffes, and cruelties,
which would breake the backe, and ctuQi the heart ot
the ftouteft Temporizer. Was there not a great deale
©fdiflPcrence thinkeyou, betwixt the heart of H^-^*?- jf,^ .g^
kiahy who hadvpalked before Godin truth , and with a
C ferfe^
^2 InflruHiottsfor aright comforting Stdi, i
ferjeEi hearty when He heard the news of death from
Pj^^ j the mouth ofthe Prophet ; and the heart ot BeljhAK.-
Kjiry when hee faw the hand-yvrmng upon the wall,
' Give mee a great man, who carries away , the credit
and current ofthe times jwith all bravery,and triumph
wallows, and tumbles himfelfe in the glory and plea-
fures of the prefent : Throw Him from the tranfitory
top of His heaven upon earth, upon His laft bed: pre-
fent unto His eye at once the terrible pangs of approa-
ching death; the ragefiill malice ofthe powers of Hell;
the crying wounds of His bleeding confcience j the^
griefely formes of His inHumerable finnes j His finall
farewell with all worldly delights ; the pit ©f fire and
Brimftone, into which Hee is ready to fall : And I tell
you true, I would not endure an houres horrour of His
wofiill heart, for His prefent Paradife to the worlds
end. But on the other fide, let me be the man, whom
the corruptions of the time confine to obfcuritie, who
mournes in fecret for the horrible abhominations, and
crying finnesj that raigne amongftus, who thinkes
that day beft Ipent, wherein Hee hath gathered moft
fpirituall ftrength , againfl that laft, and foreft com-
batc ; and by the mercies of God, and humble dcpen-
dance upon His omnipotent arme, Iwill looke in the
face, the cruelleft concurrence of all thole former ter*'
rors, with confidence and peace.
a.Tal'eawayaJlpaffi 2. Secondly, By this fpirituall hoarding of comfor-
onase dificinpcrs. table provifion againft the Evtll day, we may prevent
a great deale of impaticncie , dependance upon the
j4rrne offlejh^ bafe feares, finkings of heart ; unmanly
dejeclionsof ipirit, defperaterelolutions, and many
pafTionate diftempers of fuch raging and diftracfled
nature, which are wont to feize upon , and furprife,
unholy and unprerared heartsjwhen the Hand of God
ishcavie upon them. How bravely and Heroically
did patient loh beare and breake thorow, a matchkfle
varieti* and extremitie of calamities and conflicts?
The
"part. I . Cap. 4. ^ffli^ed (^onfciences. 2 3
The foftefl: ot whofe fufterings would have ftrucke
full cold to the heart of many a Carnahft, and made it
to dye wichin Him like a ftone as Nabals di J. One
of the leaft, the lofle oF His goods , I am perfvvaded,
would havecaufed many covetous Worldlings to have
layed violent and bloudie hands upon themftlues. For
inftance: Ahttofhel , ondy becaufe the glorie of his
ftate-wifedome was obfcur'd , and overtopt at the
Councell-board,/^^/^^ His 4jfeygi:tre Him Home^ put
His houfhold in order, and hanged Himfelfe. The one-
ly caufe of His fainting in the day of difgrace, and dif^
acceptation was His faUe, and rotten heart in matters
of Religion. While the Crowne fate with fecuritie,
and fafetie upon Davids head ; He walked with Him
as a companion unto the Houfe of God. But when
the winde begun to blow a little another way , and
upon (tAbfeloms fide, like a true Temporizer , He fol-
lows the blaft, and turnes his fayles according to the
weather, /^nd therefore His hollow heart, having
made the Arme of flelh his Anchor, and a vanifliing
Blafe of honour His chiefeft bleffedneffe , fhrinkes at
theveryfirft fight, and fiifpition of a tempefl, and
finkes this miferable Man into a Sea of horrour. But
now on the coatrarie : what was the caufe, that loh
heart was not crufht into pieces , under the bitter
concurrence of fuch a world of crofTes, of wh ich any
onefeverally wasfiiA'cient tohave made a Man ex-
treamely miferable? The true reafbn of His patient
refolution, amid fo many prefTures, was the fpirituall
riches. He had hoarded up in the time of His happi-
nefTe. Amongft which the divineft, and dearefl /ew-
cU lay nearcft unto Hi- heart , as a counterpoyfon, to
the venome and fling of the Divels deadlieft malice.
I meane a found and flrong faith in lefiis Chrifl, the
Lamb e Jlaine from the beginning of the tvorld : which
now began to fhine the faireft in the darkeft Mid-
night of His iHiferies ; and i weetly to dart out many
C 2 heavenly
M
Irtfirn Bionsfor a right comforting Se<ft . I
mum.
heavenly fparkles of comfort, and fnch glorious ejacu-
lations as thefe •• Though he flay mee^yet tvillltrufi in
irTrw.Chap. 13. 15. And that Chap, i p. 23. &c. Oh
that my words were now written , oh that they were
printeain a books '. That they were graven with an iron
fenne and leady in the rockefor ever, tor I know that
my Redeemer liveth, &c. There were two cutting,
and cruell circumftances largely infinuated Chap. 2p.
and 30. which did keenely fharpen the edge, and
mightily aggravate the weight o^ Jobs miferies : The
9 caf «9,6;€^«. one was this : He hadbeene * happy. ]<^ow as that mans
happinefleis holdentbegreateft, who hath beene in
miferable coadition; For He tafteth the double Iweet^
of remembring his forepafled miferie ; and enjoying
his prefent felicity : So on the contrary ; It u the grea„
Tel\cm*m3'fr ^f'^^> tefimiferie.xhty'hy.to have beene happie. The other
was that, which moft nettles a generous nature. Hec
being a Man of (o great hon* ur and worth ; whofe
rare, and-insomparable wifedome , even the Princes
and iVo^/?/ adored as it were with afecret, and (ilent
admiration, as appeares Chap. 29.^.10. was iiow
contended of the moft contemptible. The children of
fooles^and the children oj bafe men'^ that were viler
than the eartk, make hifu tlieir fcng , and their By-
ypord. Chap, 30.8. 9. For when true noblencfle, and
worth is downe, and any one of the Lords Champi-
ons dej'cded , it is ordinate with all thofe dunghill
difpofitions,tp whom Hisiincenrie was an-^S^j^-fore;
His power and authoritie, areftraint to their lewd-
neffe; the glory of His vertues, fewell to their envy;
to runncasa Ravtn to the falkn Sheep.e, topickeout
His eyes ; I meane-, which yet taftes of a truly co-
wardly, and mercik-fle conftitution, to wound his
very wounds, andto vexe his vexations.This was lobi
cafe,
Butwhat now minifters comfort to lobs heart, a-
ga^nft thefe corrofives? Evea confcioufnefTe «f His
graces^
Pare I .Cap. J . AffliEled (^onfciences. ^ y
graces, and integrities treafur'd up, and exercifde in
tliedayesof His peace. He reckons up fourteene of
them, Chap. 3 1 From confideration hereof, Hee ga-
thers, to wards the end, this triamphant refolution a-
gainfl the foreft of hislufferings : f-prouideveM cr«WMe
mine head with the bitterefi inveSlive of my greatefi
odverfAry: whence it is cleare, that the two potent
pillars ot/o^/ftrong and ftrange patience, which all
generations will admire to the worlds end, were a
found faith,and thefan<^ified fruits thereof, prepared
and pradifcd in the time of his profperity.
Chap. V.
A third conJtderHtion }r effing the former exhortMton
defended againfi Machiavels Pofttien,
Hirdly , by fore provifi^n of ,.Makeu, grace out
Gods favour,grace, good con- prefeffioa.
fcienccjand luch fpiritual ftore,
we fh all bee able worthily to
grace, and honour our pro-
fcflion ; truely to CBoble, and
winnea great deale of glory and reputation to the
State of Chriftianitie *. when the ambitious Rufflers,
and boifterous Nimreds of the World (hall fee and ob-
ferve. that there is a gratious invifible vigour, and
ftrengtJi of Heaven,which mightily fupports the heart
ofthetrueChriflian inthofe times of confufionand
fearc, when theirt/hall be like the heart of a woman
in her pangs,a nd fallafunder In their breafts,even like
drops ofwater. IhsLtUeis zs hid as a Lytn, andun-
mooveablelike Mount Z^<?» in the Day of diftrcfle,
. and vifitations of God ; when they fliall tremble at
the ihaking of a 1 eafe, and call upon the mountaines
C 3 te
,26 Infiru^ioHsfcr iiright contorting SeA. i
to cover thtm . That He (hal be^ble then to fa y with
Z><iW, Pfalm. 34, 1.2. The Lord u my refuge^ and
mnfirength,&c. Therefore wi/il not fcAre, though the
earth bee remooved, dnd though the mountaines be c^-
rkdtnto the middefi of the Sea : But thcy (hallcry,out
of the bittcrnefle oftlieir fpirits, with the Hypocrites,
Ilai. 3 3.14. ^ho among m pjAlldvreR with the devott^
ring fire f fVho dtnongft us fhull dwell yrith everUfiiug
bftrnini^s f Cod is much honoured, and His truth glo.
tiHed, when it a ppeares in tke face of Men, that a poor
neglefted Chriftian,or in the world* language, a prcr'
ciie foole.is able by the power of grace, and influence
oi his favour, to a^ron^ and out-(ace all the hrow sings
and malignant afpeds of the proud Giants of the
World. And hee is the Lords nobleft Champion,and
a profeiTour of tbe trued and heavenlieft dye, that
holds out in the wetting,and (hrinkes not in the Bay
ofadverfitie. CAryi>J?ozwtf fpeakcstothcpcoj)l€ of
. , Antioch like himfelfe,a Man of an invincible fpirit, a-
AdfoptdmMmh gainftthetyrannicsofhistiincs:/« this, faythHce,
^**' fboftldagrAcioHi diferfrpmagrAeeleffeman, that bee
fhonldbeare hii crones couragiouflj \ andsu it i^ere,
vith the wings ofFdith, oHtfoare the height of aU bn-
m/tnemiferies. Hee fb^uldbee lik£ m M.9ckS9 beeing »»•
corf orated intoltSiS Qhn^yinexfugHdbUy andunfha^
kenwiththemofifnpioMs incftrfionsof thewdvet atfd
formes of worldly troubles, fr enures tutd ferfeimions.
And blefledbeeGod, that even beercupon earth, in
this vale of teares, there is fiich a vifiblc and , vaft dif»
ference,betwixt a wicked and godly man. The one
ii like the raging fea that cannot rdft : the other ihndff
fall like a Rocke,whichlhall never be removed. An
umegenerate heart is ever reillefle, commonly in
thefe three regards at the Icaft : Hrft, by reaion of an
cndlelk,and unlatisiiable appetite aher pleaiiires, ri-
cbes,honours,revenge,or what other Darling delight
Ix hath iingled out,and jmade fpeciall ehoyce of to UA-^
low.
Part. I .Cap. 2. ttAffiBed Confciences. 27
low, and feed upon with grcateftcontcntmcnt, and
/cnfuall (wectnefic. God hath iuftly put that proper-
ty ,or rather poifon in^o all earthly things doted upon»
anddcfiredimmoderatly, that they fhall plague the
hcart,which (o purlues them ; by filling itftill with a
forious and frefli (upply of n ore grccdincflc, /ealoa-
fie«, and many miserable difcontentments : fo that
they become unto it, as drinke unt« a man in a drop-
fic,or burning Feaver, ferve onely to inflame it with
new heate,and fiery additions of inlatiablc thirft, and
inordinate longings . Secondly, bccaufe of the many
fecret grumblings,and dinging reclamations of a gau-
led confcience againft its prefent guilty courfcs , and
forbidden pleafures. Thirdly,in re(ped of a continu-
al! ebullitioH,as it were.of confiifed and contrary lufte
out of the empoyfoncd Fountainc of originall corrup-
tion,which fill it with many damnable diftradions,
and tumultuations of Hell. But now, if befides this
inward boyling, it bee alfb toffed with outward trou-
bles, what a miferable creature is a carnall man ? E-
venastheSea,if befides iis internall agitations; by
the reftlefle motions oiEfluAtio»,de/cennoH,revolHti'
•», and reflelfion; it bee alfo outwardly turmoyled
with ftormcs and tempeftuous winds. How ragefiili
and roaring will it bee ? but the other is like a (trong
unmovcable mountaine , that (lands impregnable a-
gainftthe rage of windc and weather. And all the
cruell incurfions, and ungodly oppofitions made a-
gainlt it, either by men or Divcls,are but like fo many
proud,andfweUing waves, which da(h themfelvcs a-
•ainft a mighty Rocke. The more boyfteroufly they
beat againft it, the more are they broken, and turned
into a vainefoame and froth. Come,what come will.
His heart i? ftillin his breall:, and Hisrefolution as
high as Heaven. Peftilent then is that Principle qf
yl/<«rit/f/,a fellow not to bee named, but byway of
deteftation, and favours rankely of curfed Athcifme;
C 4 whereby
iS
InftrH Ehionsfor a right comforting Se<fl; . I
tReafon.
»Sucli as that hoe
tauglir unto Ctlm
Borgia :To imphymen
in mifch'uvoui aSlions^
and alter tvardi lode.
flro)them, when they
have performed tbs
mifcbiefe
Todeprtffetbofewbgm
theuhgftgri.ved', and
iodt^roy tbtfe whom
tb9uha(ldfpreli:&c,
*i^, ExpericiKC of
mid I and
t^^tcr via«.
whereby Hee teaches in fenfe and fum : That heathe^
nijh Religion did inffire Her fVorthies of Oldy -with in'
i;incible,Andvi^orious fpirits : bJtt Chrifiian Religion
begets effeminatnejfe, deieSiions and f ear e. He fpeakes
to this purpofe, which to mee feemes ftrange : That
fuch a profound Prof effour of the depths, or rather di-
veliflineffeofpolicie fhould dote To fottiftily. And
yet it is no fuch ftrange thing: for many times wee
may oblerve ; That deefefi Policy y by the curfe of God
upon it for oppoftion to goodnejfe, turnes into extrea-
mefi folly. And all Connfels^and Politicize conflitutions
Againfi Chrift, are but the braynele^e infatnatiens of
jichitophel. For that which this Fellow holds there,
holds flrongcontradidion,both to common fenfejand
a thouland experiences to the contrary. For the firft,
and in a word. Let that ^r<?^^ Mafler ofmifchiefe^ and
of mo fl abhorred Atheifiicall * Principles of^ State j
tell me ; whether a reall afTurance ofacrowneof life,
andendleffc joyesin another World, bee not more
powerfull to raile a Mans fpirit,to the higlaeft pitch o f
undaunted. Noblenefle of (pirit, and unconquerable
rcfolutioii, than a vaine breath of immortall fame a-
mongft miferable men after this life ? And in this lies
the fine w of his proofe. For the iccond ; Let the Adls
oftheantientlewes bee indifferently wayed, from
whofe magnanimitie, in caufesofmoft extreame ha-
zard, thofe ftrange and unwonted refolutions have
growne, which for all circumftanccs, faytliagreat
Divine,no people under the roofe of Heaven did ever
hitherto match. And that which did alwaies animate
them, was their meere Religion. And let the Chro-
nicles alfo,fay I, of later times bee fearched, and wee
fhall finde from time to time, many renowned JVor-
thies to have for ever ennobled the matchlefTe and in-
comparable courage of Chrrftianity with in imitable
imprcffionsof valour, and vifible tranfcendency a-
kQve.all humane boldnefie, and affedled audacities of
tke
•Parr.l. Cap.^ . AfjiiSledConJciences, 2g
the moft valiant Pagans. To begin with great
Conftantine, the firft mightie Commander of a Chri-
ftian Armie : with what vidorious glorie did He con-
found, and cut oft* many potent (««j Heads of Paga- (3)ex rn^is qmnquc
nifme ? Thrice was the whole world moft famouily J^;""^",'^^' *jlf '""'
fought for: betweene ty^lexander and Zerxes, tio''"Mav'iufino,'&Li
Cafar and Pompey , Confiantine and Licinim , ^,f^\Q ttnec momnhiam
This laft was moft (f) illuftrious , wherein Conflan- jaim Cor^jimmti-
tine the Great did mightily conquer,and triumphant- ^i»ron.Carion. iib,%.
ly carry all before him ; the heroicall and royall (piric f^i^^r^r,*
orCnriitianitie,traniphng viaorioufly upon the del- c'ln^ioiandrnap lo-
perate rage of the moft furious, foole-hardy Pagan Ty- lu* orbu parctt conlii.
rants. I might here pafle on to The^doftus, and his mi- «<^ pnmipibM, dUeiH-
raculousconquefts,and fo along, but the digreOion r^^tbnua,,ehg'om:
would be too unleafonable.. Therefore I leave you for rff/f^,^^^^ chriflm&i.
the profecution of this point,, to /^wri-^^c/^i^t'-f/. E- f«; iguarcuufatenge
ven in later times, wofuUy plagued under the reigne «»jj>//'/dw«//iW'//»-
•of Antichrift, with a vaft degeneration from primitive P'"^ unqHmful'i'vli.
purity and power, Chriftian Religion,though empoy-
foned with Popifh fuperftition,yet did io farre infpire ub-i.Thetr.-^.
it's Warlike Profeflours with extraordinarie (pirits, * Th'r F.x;>edition,i
that in point of manhood they did wonders-, to the corf.iTc, wasadcvife
aftonifhmentofthewhole world, and all fucceeding ;^f,;"'XTc'by Hec
Ages.* Godfrey of BuHoigne, that famous VVarriour, „°^hrcomeiobein.
with his followers, conquered in lefle than foure f.oftivUn the Kr,g-
yeares, all the goodlieft Provinces of Afia , and drave c'osncs of chriftian
©utthe Turkes, In that dreadfull and cruell conflid J'':*"^"- \l ^';-|^
p , ^ , 1 • ^,r ■ ^ His Pitt ihicproieaT
in *io/(7z«<7»^ Temple, as himfelfe reports m a letter to ^.sp.ft.ier.t. AsK.
-go/;<fw«W, King of Antioch, their men, by the ^^'-f**^ i^wi hsth cxcdlent-
(c) [laughter of the enemy ftoodin blond Above the a.n^ ly ot>re'ved,in^,is/2<-
ron.pag.i66. Vox ncwe the fpsct of JOo. yercJ, She,mc5nin? Rotn^m^dc the torcc and-
flourc of the WoTjd tofall by miilions, in the fooliih Conqueft <^hru(a tm. ForDU up.
on the Revelation. Chip i8. The zeah of the Holy Land, w.^i ihePop^i orduiary co
lourto conjure the ftormei r^vfedbythe Empcrours, and in lending tbem tar.c<tt, to
have better mcancs to compaditheirdei'i^ncs at homc,wi'.houtcontrou;e, johH de Sc.ns.
in the Jife of Litvii the ninth. (0 The Hi^me of tbt Tufid, pa^: 4- rarrutsii^i binj^ifaa,-
lui»iifu/um,utc<eformc9rp6ra{y/idifaniiiinisif?iptlImef naur'ifitiacflititmm^'^'^iotu&^Ci^lc^
l>a^. 6lo.
c/esi.
3 o Jnfiru^ioHS for 4 right eomforting Seft. I
cles. At that terrible and bloudy battcll at AfcMon^ as
moft report, they flew an hunared thoufand Infidck,
&c. The valour and vidories of Hnnmndet ^ whofc
mighty fpirit, and incredible courage,for any thing I
know, have no parallell in any precedent Story, were
fo great, and did like a violent tempefl:, and impetuons
torrent (b batter and beate downe the enemies of
C c) AppeliatM eft ful- Chrifi, that He was rightly reputed the (c) BulwArke
minm terror Turcarum o( Eftrope, and thundring terror of the Turk/; amongft
5"'^ ?!7 »"'""''''* "^ whom HfJKame became fodreMdfuUythztzs the Story
quit.Mhivomm, fed W reports, thejfufed the fame to fesre thetrcrytng
totim reliqua Europe children with/tM. Hee fought {e) five times with the
murtmiCummmvir- Turkes upon one day, and five times foyled and put
tm&ftiicita»tyranno. them to flight : f with the loOe of three thoufand,
SS mllKx- He killed that valiant Viceroy of Aria,^e/?/^/ ^4/4,
uttdam jlumtmcart 5. with Hisfonnc, and twenty thoufand Turkes moe:
(d^Hift.of ihc Turk* (g) at that famous battell of Vafcape , wherein he got
pag.x6^. tgg greateft vidory that ever any Chriftian Prince be-
cllrJllullTlul ^°^^ ^^^^ ^^^ obtained againft the Turki(h Kings,
tecongrcg'uiy qtt'wque with fifteene thoufand Souldiers, Hee overthrew ji'
vidtrm ptrtit, vc. ifedin Bajfa, fent againft him moft ragingly, by reafon
Car./. 5. of a late (hamefull lofle , accordmg to Amuraths in-
(i )TmarH vlgenti mil ftfudions, by thejlauahter of the Hunaarianf^to facri^
(ircitcrmmadeftdi.-a' fi^'^^»f'> ^^^ Ghofts of their dead frtends and eovtpanf
i</A«.Bonfin. LcoB <»»/, with an Armie of fourefcore thoufand fighting
clan. men. Scanderbeg 2X(0i was fiich a Mirrour of Man-
fg;Hift.of tiic Tu k', hoed, and (o terrible to the Turkes , that nine yeares
pa^-xTo t'Jtq. ^p^gj. j^-g ^^^^^ pafllng tbor©w Lyjfa where His Body
lay buried, they digged np HU bonetyvith great devoti^
on; reckoning it in fome part ef their happinejfr, if they
Ch; ram Ml Htrois -y^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ r^^^ . ^^^ r^^jj ^ ^^^^ j.
0'raque\ m»moraque any part thereof, Tvere $t never fo /ttt/e^caufed the fame
i/tvUtum cendtHiia cor- to befet,fome in fiver, (ome in gold, to hang about their
pui abfiideraur, ftbi neckj,or ytceareupen their bodies, thinking the verie
qutfqw 14 panti ftCta ^^^ j bones of that late invincible Champion would
TuiuvU &ZTrZ aniin^fe their fpirits with ftrange , and extraordinarie
ardor im (fit. p2u. Iot. elevation, and vigour : (h) Befides an admirable va-
liJu{}.viror,B^l.lib,j. rietic
Part. I . Cap. 3 . AffliSied Confeiewes. g I
rietie of other rare exploits, atone time, with the lofle
ofGxtieChriftians,(»)Heflew^«»<r/4wich thirtieas coHiaory of the
fome fay, but atieaft twenty thoufandTurkes:(-^) He Vurb pag:}8i.
kild with His «wne hand above two thoufand ene- i^'^^s-rtAni v\in mn-
mies; when He entred into fight, the Spirit of valour '?'""" f"*" pupim de.
did foworke within Him, and the fiercenefle oi His '[avfty—S'r"'
couragefoboyledinHisbreaft, that it was wont to L.Mfupradu» bZl
make bloud burlt out at (/;His hppes; and did fo fteele ««« wi^w, Barbamu
His Arme, that Hee cut off many overthwart by the P''f^i*»»,itiguiaff^e^n'
middle. But take notice by the way, as profcflion of ^•"3«»'«'^««,«jfw«'-
Chriftian Religion inli^red theft renowned Wor- 'ZTJI^ZlZn
thies, with a matchlelle height of courage, and might I'^cnm ufqucCzul 5
of ipirit; fo the (m) mixture with Popifli idolatrie did ('-^ ^^ ^'* ""'" ^<"»-
then,and doth to this day unhappily hinder all thorow ^T^*'' ^'W'"»di ar-
fucceffe, and conftant prevailing againft thatmoft fJS'Sl^
mightie, bloud-thirftie Turkifli Tyrant, the ter- cKXt"* '
rour of Chriftcndome, who drunke with the wine of Cm) ^m pim eiiam
pcrpetuall felicitie holds all the reft of the world in i>^'^^^» f""'*^ "«'/'«
fcornc,anaisthegrcateft, andcrHelleft fcourgeof it, T«/^''''«f «'"'»«'" 'f.^
that ever the Eartlbore.Andbefides,thatthe!«;ido:'^«^S£74:c
^ ^ . . . , ^ , tnim pr'mum tteltr*
tpmHy uruftps d- mtma tvm barbsrt tyranldia; cuJM tthvl difolvemurprorfuij & pud*
dsmitr,fopqitm a Htm* nef^m fctlmbtu fuprtm inumiciotie eiui Chriftianm irbit expiaiutfu-
mt,utApccM^pfisflMmfacit.Btighim,Epin.T>siic.. (n) Ex quibiu lues clariui conftat. qimt
tx 9ccidentahbuimcMfa/untmiferrimxhmk4(alMmitMtucxTuxcis,vbl enim reptrimm haw
Idololiiriain / Eqmdtn Protcftantc$,»/ v.Mfl/,^i^ reformat* EcdcGx tuUufn omem,vtn('>
mmm&faermhonoTtm Wai^xTaxmaiinftroinUiwuHtyUndeprimm vtnit. Ertoilla.qu*
ftfOat CatboLEcd c»}m capm tji Romanm Pontifex,(tt;«a umphfulgtm aurei$,argenici«,
ft wicis I mag imbut. Imm que mc lapid<trum,& ligntarum vemratioHem refpm.iilaJnqmm
tfibetrtUquMturbM,^det0i^JcrlpwrU,cmupt^
tmutfoJfitvt^u(o,frtudefaaacm,ldQloizuk^mmasf«mventrn^
fadent,Mtrbig$m hoeflag*tli mn vult txpiriefim. Brightrn.in cap 9. Apoc;Ttif. 20. 2^#»i te
ptdti CArjttianos Prisciptt Mdarmemr* Tarcam bortm^qutm tuts Idolis inviaum nddU?
Ammmprtefene ippagundi crudHtmbofitm, d,m vero fuh»millme amilium,qu»nofirtttmwit
Mpid m pr«40 fmfii cupu ex nim Fraedoncm bunc orbu rtprimi, vtl potm extbitui , tb^u
pmtrtos tuorDwiixuefMriUgum tuumfrmAtem,&crurKvtdtbMbocferaic,& immne moit,
prHm,co0ptrtm qutdm mmhn Ictkribmjpontt fun mtitrum 1 qmdnt mmmtum quidtm wsS
ttmUmJttuupttutHfuhintur. StdntqMtui montri vu,nu ille vinci fotefi^iufquMM m vm'
fjru.JdcmAhid. Ex qujbMtmlnudigipo^^
WS;2!S! *^"'""i'- "^^ tnimprincipio acetrfivh Turum.utdldmmm, tx cap.9, »o,ai •
iitefigffombpcmmbiimdmctit^afrtrfyi ulktur. sedpoPqumxhtcnwitfiktconfmr
latry
3 1 JftfiruSiions for a right comfortifig Se6t. i
^m igdf fuent^ & uitimum Pontifcmm btUo cor.ftciumy turn hie homb> U Tj^annU fint ullo mgo
tionoji'udeirusliiurininftrntimynccqia'^Mam m Ultyt mtiueadum unquom etitahtdlii em re-
/i^ajs.ldcmin cap.1S.verl.19.
latry of the Romifli Church moft principally and
with fpcciall curfe, blafts , and brings to naught all
undertakings of the Chriftian world againft that wic-
ked Empire ; the pradife alfo of fome peftilent Prin-
ciples proper to that Man of finne hath plagued the
mofthopefullenterprifes inthiskinde. Forinftance:
The King ofi Hungary, by the helpe ofHunniadesyVj^L^
in a fa ire courfe, and for wardnefle, to have tamed,and
taken downe, nay to have for ever cruflit , and con-
founded the infolency and ufurpations of that raging
Nimrod;b\xtt\\tn comes in the Pope with a beaftly
trickeand utterly dafhes and undoes all. For He, out
of His Luciferian pride, by the power ©r rather poy-
lon of that Ancichriftian cut-throat PofitioH j Of keep'
ing no oathy nor faith, with Infidels, and Heretickl, un-
happily undertook to {h^S abfblve Vladifiaw the King,
rbitn eoncia (lon,ha • ^^^ the reft whom it dicl concerne, from that folemne
»ing much fpokcn, oath for Confirmation of a concluded peace, taken of
Cojcanin?: ulxn ihc Him, Upon the Holy (c) Evangclifts ; and of ftAmU"
Sorii'."a^d''^GW '*'*^'^' ^y ^^^ EmbafTadours, upon their Turkifh Alca-
«lirgIe.uBi(bair,H« ron- Whereupon they refolutely breake the league;
in his name difanul- Taife a great Armie prefently, and againfl their oath,
ed the League what- and promife fet upon the Turke with perjury , and
^^^j"'- u' |'^"J^'?^ per fidioufndreaccompanyed with Gods curfe, expo-
Tnd aWolved Him! ^^d the Chriftian partie to a moft horrible overthrow
with thfc reft whom It in that (<:/) bloudy battell of Varna ^ and caft upon
might conpetn, from thc Profefllon of Chrift, fuch an afperfion,and fliarae,
thcoaifeibeyhadgi- that not all the bloud of that rope of Popes , which
S had m'S^fl- conftitute Antichrift, could ever be ablcto expiate.
Yjdftht r«rij,p*29i Look upon the Story, and confider what a reproach
(c) pr(t(iitum i^ ab u
traquep:irtejuraf»entMm;Cbri(ikau quidtpt libra Evangeliorum,Turcii vtr» codiei Mcoranif&»
gim inter ]t(r(mduvt impaneitibui Chrun.BucoIc pag.701 . (d) CertMtHtn eft tolas aksjM^itf-
que tres^diu fortmit ancipiti,fcd lanto ammofum ardort ytrmq-j tantsqite iv>pet»,ut c^forumftM-
gttlne tatfipl fia^narintt Car. J«5.
and
Part.I. Cap.^ , ^ffltSledConfciences, 35
and inexpiable ftaihe doth reft upon the face of Chri-
ftian Religion, by this wicked ftratagemmeofPopifh
treachery, and that even upon record to all pofterity :
Vox <iyimfirathiht'X\xx)f\(\\ Emperour in the heat of
the fight.pluckt the writing out of his bo{bme,where-
in the late league was compris'dy and holding it up in
his hand, with his eyescaft up to Heaven, laid thus,
(^a} Behold thou crucifed Chrtfi^ this ii the leagU'S thy
Chrifiians in thy Name made with M-e : yohich they
have without cau/e violated. Now if Thou be a God^TS
they fay Thou art^ and as we dremme^ revenge the wrong
now done unto thy Name and Ale , andfljerv thy power
fipon thy perjurious people^ who in their deeds deny Thee
t heir Ced,
Gha P. VI.
^fecondVfeoftheformer'DoEirine for reproofets
fever all forts of people. The fir ft whereof are the care-
le^e^i with afirfi confideration to admonifh them,
^ 2« ^^^^^lgEcondly,Sith aft ocke of grace, t.vftforrcpro&fejo
and the comtorts of a found
confcicncbe only able to crufh
all crofles, out-face all advcrfa^
ries, take the fting out of all
forrows and fufferings; and
ferve in the evill Day as a foveraigne Antidote to fave
the Soule from finking into the mouth of defpare,and
extrcameft horreur- • then three forts of people here
ofter themfelves to be cenfured, and are to be firight-
ed, and fir'd out of their damned fecutitie , and cruell
cafe.
I . Ihoiefoolesy Sonnes and daught£rs: of confujion 1 .'The c < rtlclTc vyb©^
and floth\ who having a pri^e in their.hands to get wife- Hiould tonfidcr
dome, yet want hearts to lay it out for fpirituall pro»
,.yifion before hand, They en/oy by Gods rare, and ex-
traordinary
2 A InfirnSiions for a, right comforting Sed. I
traordinarie indulgence, and f avoiir,Ufe,fl:rength,wit,
health, and many other outward happineffes ; nay the
mo [I glorious Day of a gracious vifitation, that did
ever fhine upon Earth ; many golden and goodly op-
portunities, many bleffed fealons and Sermons, to en-
rich their foules abundantly with all heavenly trea-
fures : and yet they arelo farre from fpending their
abilities, entertaining thofe mercifull Offers , and ap-
prehending fuch happy advantages for their true and
cternall good, that they moft unworthily , and un-
thankfully, abufe, mi(pend , and dif-imploy all their
meanes,time and manifold mercies, to ferve their
owne turnes, attaine their lenfuall ends, and poflefle
the Prefent, with all the carnall contentment they can
poflibly devife. Thefevafiilsof felfe-love,andflaves
of luft, are fo lull'd upon the lap of plealure by the Sy
rtn ftngs of Satans folicitors ; and lo drunke with
worldly profperity, by fwimming downethe current
ofthefe corrupteft times with full faile of fenfualitic
and eafe, that they fall afleepe, for all the while of the
happie Harveft in this life tor inning grace into the
Soule under the Sunne- fhine of the Gofjjell ; wafting
their pretious time of gathering fpirituall Manna , in
grafping gold, clalping about the Arme of flelh,fcru-
ing thcmfelues by all wayes and meanes into high
roomes , crowning themfelves tvith Rofe-hudsy and
tumbling voluptuoufly in the plealures and glory of
thisfalfeand flattering world. But alas poore (bules,
what will they do in the evill Day.' When after the
hot gleame ot earthly glory,and a (hortcalni and cut-
over the Sea of this world , they are come into the
Port of death , to which all windes drive them , and
having there let fall that laft Anchor, which can never
be weighed againc, (hall be f et in the land of darkues;
the <3^Af/^ whereof is l>rimfione, and the rivers Burning
fitch ; where they fliall meet with whole Armies of
tempeftuous and fiery plagues , and the envenomed
Arrows
Part. I. Cap. (5. AjfiiEiied Confciences, 35^
Arrows of Gods unquenchable anger, {hall fticke faft
for ever in their Soule and fiefli ; where they (hall ne-
ver more fee tbe Light,nor the Land of the living,bMt
be drowned ineverlafting perdition,in the Lake,even
a boyling Sea of fire and brimftone , where they can
fee no banke, norfeele no bottoine. What will thefe
Jleepers in Harvefi fay f when they (h^iW be awaked at
that dreadfull Houre out ot their golden dreames, and
in their hands fliall finde nothing; but the judgement
of God growing upon their thoughts as an impetuous
ftorme, death (landing before them anrefiftable , like
an armed Man ; finne lying at the doore like a bloud-
houndj and a guilty confcience gnawing at the heart
like a Vulture? When they {hall lye upon their lad
Beds, like wi/de Bulls in d-net^ as the Prophet (peakes,
full cf the wrath of God^fayingy in the morning, ypould
Godifuvere Even : and at Even ^ •would God it were
M.orntng^for the feare of their heart , yvhereypith they
JhaU fear e, and for the fight of their eyes , which they
JbaUfee, I fay, in what cale will they be then? Then,
But my words do bile me here, and fo doth my con-
ceit. For as none knows the fweetneffe ofthe Spoufes
kilTe, but the Soule that receives it; fo neither can any
one conceive this damned horrour, but He that fufFer»
it. The Lord of Heaven in mercy awaken them in the
meanetime, with the piercing ?/??/z«^fr of His facred Rcv.«4*i'
and faving Word, that they may be happily frighted,
and fired out of their amazed Soulc-murdering floth,
before they feele in -Hell, thofe fearefiill things, wefo
faithfiilly forewame them of.
To roule them out of this cruell carnall fecur ity, let
them entertaine into their mofl; lerious thoughts fuda
confidcrariens as thcfe s
Confider,
I. Why thou cameft into this werld. There is not ,^ vvby 'bey fsme
fomuch as one Age pa ft , f!nce thou laye{l hid in the intoihii WoiU,
loathed ftate of being nothing. Above five thoufand
yeares
36
JnjirHElions for a right comforting
Seft.i
yeares were gone, after the Creation , before there
* Po/«/? T>etti facere wasany newesot Theeatall. And thou mighteft ne-
' multa^ qMnonfacit : ver have beene ; God hath .'no need of Thee; Hec
iwmo'mmfinkumu'tra gave Thee a B ef ng only out of His ownmeerboun-
mnia^qu^unquamfa. ^j ^ , Infinite millions llvaU never bee, which
rjuenonmodojecundum might have beene, as well as Thou: Gods omnipoten-
indtviduasnrumratif cie is equally able and adlive to have produced them
MSjledftiam/tcundum as Thee : And no parts of that vaft Abyfle ofNa-
jpiiifi((u,&genericasy iA/»^, can pofTibly make any refiftance to Almichti-
atqui adeo fmpluuer ; «^ f j J fa
rrobn-urqm ultra qu€ And befides bemglo, that Thou muft needs have
cunq, fa£ia , fum dia a being, there is not any Creature,that ever ifliied out
pefjibiiiafine uUo fine ofthe hands of God, but thou mightefl have beene
^c.Grcg dcValcnt that, either for the kiride , or for the particular. All
is One to Him, to make an Angell, or an Ant i To cre-
ate the brighteft Cherub ,. or the moft contemptible
Flie : For in every creation, no leflfe than Omnifoteney
muft needs be the Efficient,znd no more than Nothing
is ever the OhjeEl, Now what a miraculous mercie
wasthis, thatpafling byfuchan((7j unnumbred va-
adio mnqum (ft ita riety of incomparably inferiour creaaires. He fliould
vdida,&mten(a,qum make Thee an everlafting Soule like an Angell of
'f'J'Vtt' "^ God,capableofgrace,andimmortalitie;ofincorpo.
irafe fiunqui tmpo. ^^tiori mtochrift , and fruition or fehovA, Himfelfe
tenKragitiqttinfivei'tt blefled for ever? Nay, and yet fiirther, though thou
pottmm eperari p ftt, wafl to have thebeeing of a reafbnable creature ; yet
^.RefptBu Obieaornm ^j^gj-g ^^g ^q^ a„ homz from the firft moment of time
unto the worlds end , but God might have allotted
that to The for thy commihg into this world. And
therefore Thy time might have beene, within the
^ compaf!e of all thole foure thouland yeares, or there-
"r;r4r^"™ '^n- *nl' CKationumUl the commingof
mur, qu'm pejfitpiura Chrifl m the flefh; when as all without the Pale, and
operariy fivelit' Alft.
Lib. I. Thcol. N^f Cap. ij. (o) Mifcregoinqttaa'um deberem diligere 'Deumme-
um, quime fecU^cumtion cu»i ?■ NoaenimeratHi & de ftibila fecit me >. non arbotem,
MM avtmy uttMliqMi de ammaiibiu bruiisy (ed hominem me voluit ej}e : dedit mibl v'mre, fcnun^
^di(wntrt. Auguft.Iib.Dc Contrinonc cordis.
Partition
Tom«i. Djfp.^.q.ay
punft ?. PottntiaDei
tli infinha ir'ibm modii,
t.liaturafut, & pet'
feyquia e(i ipfamet tfftn
iladivinayZ' RtfptSlu
a£fisnii,qiia agit aut a-
gtrepou^. Hae twm
in qiueextendituTy^ a-
gir^pcteH qudi infinita
funt : feu qmd idem < /? ,
refptffu efftCluum^qim
p^ttfip oducerC' Nam
Partition-wall, were without the Oracles and Ordi-
nances of God, and all ordinarie meanes of falvation:
Orfince the Golpell revealed, under the reigne of
^mi'Chrifi-j And then a thouland to One, thou hadft
beenechoakt, and for ever peri fht in the damned
mifts of hii> Divelli(h Dodrines. What an high ho-
nour was this, to have thy birth and abode here upon
earth appointed from all eternitie in the very beft and
bleffeddeft time; upon the faireft Day of peace, and
which is infinitely more, in the moil glorious Light
of Grace , that ever flione from Heaven upon the
Children of men? And i^o of the place ; Be it ibj that
Thou muft needs be in this golden Age of the Gofpel,
and gracious Day; yet thy lot of living in theworld at
this time might ha velighted(for any part ofthe earth,
might have received Thee, where Thou couldfl: have
kt but thy two feet) amongft Turks,Pagans, Infidels,
a whole World to (^j Chriftendome : Or if thine ap-
pearing upon Earth, muft neceffarily bee within the )tl^'^^^^^^^
confin|sofChriftcndome; yet Thou mightefl: have ^^^^ ^ri^ij* habuabm
fprungupinthePopifli parts of it; or in the ichifinati- Cbnfi^nommdtdmt ?
call, orperfecuted Places of the true Church in it. Jt SufFra coUcg. p- 23;
wasaveryfingular favour; That thou ihouldefl bee ^^''a'^/J^^nTfilt'are
berne, and bred, and brougbt up in this little negled- noKucha/chr?-
ed Nooke of the world,yet very illuftrious by the pre- ftjan. BunonofMeian-
fence of Chrift in a mighty Miniflry;where thou hafl, cbolfypag.y 17
or mighteft have enjoyed in many Parts thereof the
glorioHi Go If ell of our lie fed God, and all faving Truth
with much purity aad power- Now put all thefe to-
gether, and tell me in cold bloud, and after a fenfible
andferious ponderation thereupon, Doeft thou think,
that all this adoe was about Thee, all this honour done (c)2{eq',pmiei'ea cruu
unto Thee, and when all is done , Thou art to do no- tifumia^ uttiiremust
thing, but (ceke Thy felfe , ferve Thine owne turne, a'.q\bibtrmm, vcfteq-,
and liveienfuaUy ? Cameft Thou out of iVof/;/»ir into tegeremur, fed ut pirn-
this world to do j«ft nothing, but (c) eate,and drink, ':::::^^^^^,,
and lleepe ; to game, go in the faihion ; and play the incs-#.Mat.Honi,2a
D good
« litftrnBionsJer a right comforting Seft.I
<Tood-feUow; to laugh and be merry.to grow rich and
leave toke^^ of thy fleafure in every fiace ?8>:c. If any
after fo muck iUightnmg,be fo prodigioufly mad, as to
continue in (uch a conceit , I have nothing to fay to
Him, but leave Him as an everlafting Bedlam, aban-
doned to that folly,which wants a name to exprefle it.
Turne then thy couriefor {liame,nay,as Thou haft any
care to be laved, and to fee the glory of the«m' feru-
falem j as Th©u defireft to looke the Lord fefw in tVie
face with comfort at that great Day ; as Thou feared
to receive thy portion in Hell-fire with the Devill,
and His Angels, even moft intolerable and bitter tor-
ments for ever and ever: 4t Uaft in this thy day, in this
heat and height of Thy fpirituall Harveft, awak« out
ohhy fcnfuall fleepe, come to thy felfe with the ^ro-
dtgall ; ftrike upon thy thigh : and for the poore re-
mainder of a few, and evilT dayes, addrcffe thy felfe
with refolution, and conflancy to purfue the One ne-
cefarie thing , and to trealure up much heavenly
flrength and flore agaijift thine ending houre. Get
thee under confcionable Meanes, and quickning Mi-
3iiflery , aud there gather graee as greedily as the moft
griping V/urer grafpet^h gold : contend with an holy
ambition,as earneftly for the keeping of Gods favour,
and an humble familiarity with His heavenly High-
nefle by keeping faith and a good confcience , as the
proudeft Haman for an high Place, and pleafed face of
an earthly Prince. And why not infinitely more? This
was the end,for which thou waft lent into this world j
This onely is the way to endleffe bliffc. And this alone
•will helpe us ajud hold out in the EviH day.
^^^^
Part I, Cap. 7' AfpEied C<^nfciences. ^^^
Chap. VII.
Afecond and third conjiderationfor the admonition
cfthofe ypho are carf/efje.
»Hat,upon the little ynch of rime in '• ."^^'f *^*^' °"^^*
thislite, depends the length »nd l^jrKfe" "°"
breadth ot all eternity in the world '
to come. As we behave ourfelues 1^* »''» would fit
here, wee fliall fare everlaftingly ,t!!,"t\ '"? "111?
hereafter. And tnertore how ought buc for one hal-s
wc to ply this moment, and p^izethat eternitie.* To houre, and confider
decline all entanglement in thofe inordinate aflfed:!- tHi^rcrioufly: I have
onstothepoffeffions, and pleafures ot the Trefent, but a very little time
__t- . 1. V c 'CM- ^ c- ^L L rL ro live here; It tsati-
which hinder a fruitmll improvement ot ir, to the beft oj^gp pi^j^^ ^herc i
advantage for the Ipirituall good of our Soules; Let us muft live ihorow all
be moved withfuch reafonsas thefe, which may bee eternity : as I fjjcnd
colleded from the words of a worthy Writer, which 5^;* ^""[^ "™5>^° ^'^
runne thus with verie little variation :* i .IfweconU jr' Tc!h5?«lr!!J.?
ajford ourjelues but Jo much leajure Xi to confiaer^That rowly confiderei , I
hetvhichhathmo^ inthevforldyhath^in re^eEl of the wonder that any
rvorldy nothing in it : and that he rehich hath the lougefi thin ^ (houid take op
time lent himto live in it, hath yet no proportion at all tic lotcmions , and
therein Jetttngtt enher by that whtch u pajti when tve hgjff ^ but oncly to
y^erff not ; or by that time in which wee Jhali abide for makefurc hisCiIvstlo
evtr :IJay, if bothy to witt oftr proportion in the world. The little point of
and oftr time in the world differ not much from that jj'"?^^"^*'" ^^'*
which u nothing\it is not out of any excellence of under- ^^^ duration *"&orc
/4W>»^, faith Hee, but out of depth of tolly, fay I, it^erto the etcrni^
that we fo much pruce the one, which hath (in ejfe^) no following it : It as
ireing : and fo much negleSl the ether, which hath no en- tlw«torc moft fir,aiid
Mng: covetinct the mortaX things of the world, Ai if out \^^ . wi^edomc to
r, ^1 ^ , . . S/ / t a- t r 'P'-'J^d If, were it ten
itouLef were therein immortally and negletttng thoje cimcj longcr,tn thafc
th^gs which are immortally as if ovr felues after the conifej, whic'i raay
may make the everla-
fling rime to comcjendlcflc and un-uttcrably comfortable unto us. * i. The longeft li^
cr,isbuc oflhortcontinuanc&i
*P 2 world
40
Infiruclionsfor a right comfartif*^, Se<^. j
a. That cmic p-aft o{ vporld were hut wortAll. 2. Let adverfity feeme what
•our lie is \o^> it rcill ; to hapfj men, ridiculoui^ roho make themfelves
R it be fojThat t'^cre ^gf.yy ypith other mens miferies ; and to thofe under the
w no o.ftcicnc': /t arievoHi ; t? r r^i^ zi? f r«^, That for all that is pall.
fpcdofpains &plc^- tothe very tnjtanty the forttonsrematntng are e^uau.ta
lures, bccwccnetbu either^ For heit,thatwe have livedmany yeares, and
f.liow, which barb ^according to ^ye^/ow^w) in them all, vve have r^r;*?^^^^?'.
w:iiio\ved»il his liU' ^^ ^^-^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ meafured the fame length of time,
1 I aid Him ' who **"" therem have evermorejorroroed : jet looking backe
hath been cxe'rcifcd from eur 'pre fent being^roee fnde both the one and the 0-
wi h variety of sffli- ther^, to wit, the joy arid the woe fay led cm offtght ; and ■■'
(ft.ons, and.irkcP.*mc ^leath , which doth pur fue ui^and hold m in chafe, fi'om **
fmkfings : what a q^^^. ^^(^.^(.y u^^^^ /ratheredit. * JVhatfoever of onr a?e
prodigious madrtcHe- . n j -^ 1 1 ti ■ c t r 1 i 1 "^
Ui: to prefer tlie ten- ^ paft^ death holds ft, ooaswhofeeverhebe^towhem
'all cafe of a vaina Profperitie hath beeyic afervant,andthe Time a friend:
; ff,before the f»vee let him but take the account of his memory, {for we have
reft pajnc of a ra.of ti- ^^ other keeper ofourpleafures paft ) and truly examine,
t.id coot c ^ 'P , ^ what it hath referved, either of beauty And youth , or
she one ends in end- jore-gone delights \what tt hathjavea, that it might
l;flc pains.'and ihe o • lafi, of hii dear eft affe[lions, or of whatever elfe , the
sher incndlcircplea jovia.ll Spring-time gave his thoughts contentment, then.
turcs AndaKo jnihe ft„y^Uable;andhe fhal!finde,that all the art, whichhis
tr"c • Tliji tbi) lbs elder yeeres have, can draw no other vapour out ofthefe
(sy'-e which coitfpsffi^h dijfolutions, then heavy ,/ecretj and fad fighs. Hejhall
advtrfity, be vaj eh' fnde n&thing remaining, but thofe fnrrows, which grorf
fcu'cytttbiien wi- m ^^p ^ff^y ourfaf-Jpringingyoath; overtake it, when it «>
'^^ .L^^^n^- ',*/;.{,, at a fl-and\ an i overtop it utterly, when it benins to Tid'
■^ImbUvironah wtrld ther:tnJo m'Acit ds looking backe fom the veryinjtam
iy^'i\, through which , time, and from our now being j thepopre , difeafed, and-
fa,- ih. dunitffiikin- captive cr eat Hr£.f hath as Utile fenfe of all his former ^
»f, tb:re is n'r^nuy, yniferies and paines : as he, that is mo/}. ble(i in cormtton •.
whuh efcn;>cih. ear. < . , , ri ■ r rr j t r j j r 1 ^
fj,i^^^ . ' opinion, hath of his jorepajjed ple^Jures, and delights,
*". ^icq'^id ata:l»i'S: Forwhatfoeverii cafi behindeHS,is juft * nothtng, 3,
iro.tfl,r(Hifitf.7iA.
I' '*Q3iii^itcivc4ufttaiiiffUfiuit\i,qutftJtmuttiSavm<,v\dibi^ iaWy txtn;
fMainvicanif amfinanimortvQlv^^ Tiontitvidebituitihi unthra qntt^am ftaff'i^qvod npn-
Jijiiij' v'ftar fcwii] unm mitrtum c[fe otfwquodviditur ? UtcidLK & dicrepiui^(e--cx fcnii-
■-■{. (sdicn^'irtU glmeUir^PrfphiHii^ki mt\ fiiatumbriL d'.clinavt>mi'., & egoficutfanum arui.
7 To
Part I, Cap. 7 • AffliSied (^onfciences, ^l
^Hfi ft h<ec ttiam hie p [fumui dicere, ub; qtimva brtvU, lamsn qi'ia prte/ms f /?, vita ifla niigni
peadituryqidd'mfntwodiiturifumKfi nbimalcri ^tAiufcientiairanlaUumemnt preaihiltefi?
AugEpift. 141.
To ponder alfo profitably upon eternitie, that we m^^ 3 .Thr timesf cr ihr«
Apply our hearts unto i^ifedome , and fo improve this *'^-> fh^iiotfcrhave
fhort moment upon eatth,thatit may go well with '"'"**
us for ever J let us take notice of, and fenfibly to heart,
this one quickning paffage, confidently averred by a
great Writer. (2i) IfGod,(2:\l\\^Q,JheHldjpeaketh'^ (a)Sl Dmdiceretd^-
to a damned Sonle : Let the whole "world he jilled vfith natis^ImpUafur terra a-
fandjrom the earth to the Empyrean heaven, and then ^enn miHW.iffi'aa , i:a
let an aAngell come every thoHfandth yeare , and fetch f^iio-iuerbjhifceann^
onelyone g-raine from that nthhty Candy moHntaine'^^^V^^Tltf^^ I"'
tvhen that tmmeafurable Heape ujo jpentj and Jo many p^^tm • & nJHtSmy
thou/andyeares expired, I wiff deliver Thee out o( Hell, quoqito anKt Kiti/lus
Andthofeextreamefl horrours 'ythat mofl miferahle for- vsn-a:, dtmnqHt ex
lorne wretch, notwithfianding, that he rvere to lye tho. ^ocartna^ tmaUumrn
roiff that unconceiveable length of time in thofe intole^ VtrnVkmrU^ammm
rableHeUifl) torments ^ yet upon fuch a promtfe -ivould quitfuntgi-Anula^eafX-
infinitely rejoyce, and deeme himfelfe not to be damned, hauferit^ltberabt vn i
But alas lnvhen all thofe yeares are goneythere are thoU' &^ben»» Oqmm exul'
fandsnponthoufandsmoeto be endured,eventhorov> all t^rmid^mnm.damm-
' < ' J r J u t J f. -LI • . ioift n))t t\limarent i
eternttte and Beyond, How heavy and horrible is the „ujtc autem.po^tms
waight of everlaftingnefle in that barning Lake , and hosmWenar'm reflMt
thole tormenting flames, when a damned man would aiij.&aiijmiUenmj in
thinke himfelfe in Heaven in the meane time , if he 'jf'jj'j^'fjj^' T7ndZ
might have but hope ofcomming out of them, after fo gravZ^JLV^^'quZ
many infinite millions of yeares in them ? opprimit dmnatos. Co-
3 . That it woald not profit a man,tho he fhould gain ptafi ptctntor^mcpon'
the yfhole Tvorld,ifhe loofe hii owne foul, and that a man <'«< ^'''' mmmre, nfi
can give nothing inexchanfefor his Soule:Chrifi him- '''^5^^'"*^S-!1.£'
/>tr'^r-j/ c-^ n \. A/5 J -u L quid tAVJ rarOftam mo-
lelrelaidio, Suppofe thy felfe crowned with the con- lice tamebiter, dee»
fluenceofall worldly felicities, to have pnrchafeda eogittfmi?
Monopolie of all pleafiires, honours, and riches upon * ?« Thn they . giin
the whole earth, to bee attended with all the pomp npthingby exchm-
andftate, thy heart could defire. Yet what were f^l^'S.
this momentany golden dreame unto a reall glorious
D 3 cter-
Infiru^ionsfor a right comforting . Seft. i
cternitie? How ftingmg would the moft exquifite de-
light bee,curiouflyextrad:ed out of them all, accom-
panied with this one conceit ; the Soule is loft everla-
ftingly. Allthefe payntcd vanities, might feeme per-
haps a gaudie Paradife to a Spirituall Foolc , who.
hath his portion in this life ; Bat what true pleafure
can a Man, in his right wits, but morally and il-
lightned no further than with Philolbphie, take
in them, fith, fetting other refpefls afide, they are
fo fading, andHee fofrayle . For the firft: God
hath purpofely put a tranfitoric and mortall Na-
ture into all things heere below. They fpring, and
flourifti, and dye. Even the greateft Kingdomes,
andftrongeft Monarchies, that ever were, have had
as it were, their infancie, youthfull ftrength. Mans
ftate, old age, andatlaft their grave. Seethe end of
the mightieft States that ever the Sunne (aw, flia-
dowed by Ne^uchadtujz^ars great image. Daniel
2« 35. There was never Empire upon Earth,
were it never (bflourifhing or great, was ever yet
foaffured, but th?tin revolution ot time, after the
manner of other worldly things, it hath, as a fickc
bodie, beene fub/efl to many innovations and chan-
ges, and at length come to nothing. Much more
then> the pride and pompe oi all other inferiour
earthly glory hath fallen at laft into the duft,
and lies now buried in the grave of endlefle
forgetfhlneffe . For the fecond ; Imagine, there were
conftancie and eternitie in the forenamed earthly ba-
bies, yet what Man of brayne, would prize them
worth a Button, fIth his life is but a bubble ; and the
very next houre or day to come, hee may utterly bee
cut off from them all, for euer. To d^y Hee u fet
Hpy and to morrow hee po all not bee found: for hee it
tHmedinto duft^ and hit purpose pertjheth. Take them
both together thus : Set upon the head of the Wor-
thieft Man> that the earth beares, yet wanting grace ,
in
P art. I . Cap . 7. ^ff.i^ed ^<?»yc-/>w^j. 4 1
in his Soule, all the mofl: Orient Imperiall Cro.wnes
that ever high eft ambition aymed at, or attained un-
to J put upon him theroyalkftroabes, that ever en-
clofed the body ot the proudeft Lucifer \ fil him with
all the Wifedome, and largeft comprehenfions, which
fall within the, wide compare, and capacity of any
depths ofPolicie, or myfteries of State ; fornifh him
to the full with the exaiineffe, and cxcellencie of all
natural!, morall, and mctaphyficall learning ; put
Him into the fole pofleflion and command of this and
the other golden World. In a word, Crowne Him
with the concurrence of all created earthly excellen-
cies, to the utmoft and high eft ftraine : and lay this
Man thus qualified and endowed upon the one kale
of the ballance, and vanity upon the other, and
vanitie will ovcrwcigh Him quite. Men of high de-
gree are a lye : to bee layed in the hallance, they are 4/-
together lighter than vanitie, *Pfalme 62, 9. The rich
Foole in the Gofpell teacheth us, that there is no man
£0 afliired of his honour, of his riches, health or life ;
but that hce may bee deprived of either or all the very
next night. Befidcs, by a thoufand other canles, means,
and wayes, Hee may alwayes be /hatched away from
thc&ce of the earth in anger, forfeiting his heart and
reftjUpon fuch rotten ftaves ofreede, tranfitorie fha-
dowes,and indeed that which is nothing. fVilt thof»
cafi thine eyes upon it yvhichis nothing ? for riches,
("conceive the fame of all other worldly comforts) ta-
kethher to her wings as an Bagle^ and flieth into the
Heaven, 'Proverb. 23, 5. How truely then is that
mad and miferable Man ^ Sonne of confufion , who
fpendes the ftiort fpanne of his mortall life in wooing
the World, who was never true to ttiofe that trulled
in her,ever falfe-hearted to all her favorites , and at
length moft certainely vndoes fpiritually and everla-
ftingly every Wretch that is wedded unto f Her ; who
paiTeth thorow a few and evill dayes in this vayle of
D 4 tears
^ . InjirnBionsfor a right comforting Seft . |.
tearesjin following feathersjpurfuing fhadowes,'ray'
fing bubbles and balls, like thofe which Boies ©uto*
fpittle and lope in their paftimes , blowing up with
their quills, ere they bee toffed three times, burft of
themfelves ; I mcane worldly vanities, but in the
meane time fufFers his immortall Soule, more worth
than many materiall Worlds, aud/<?r -whick,, Heecan
qive nothing in exchange , to abide all naked, defti-
tute and emptie,utterly unfurnillied ot that comforta-
ble provifion, and gracious ftrength , which fhould
fupportitintheday offorrow ; and leaves it at laft
to the tempeftuous Winter night of death , and all
thofe defperate terrours that attend it ; like a fcorched
heath ground withoutfo much as any drop of com-
fprt,either from heaven or earth.
Chap. VIII.
The fecond fort of -peoflfi to bee reprooved^ rohkh
arefenfitaltfts. The firjt confideration ta reforme
them.
2 The^orualjfti who 2. 'MSBC^^^ fccond fort, worle than thefor-
treaiuring up in this time of
light, and mercifull vifitation, ■
foundnefle of knowledge,
ftrength of faith.purity of h cart
clearenefle Gfconlcience,holinefleof life, afliiranceof
Gods favour, contempt of the world j many fandtifi-
ed Sabbath 8, fervent prayers, holy conferences, hea-
venly Meditations, daycs of humiliation, righteous
dealings with their brethren, companionate contri-
butions to the neccfiities of the Saints, Workes.of
juftice, Mercie and Truth, a fincere refped to all
Gods Commandements , a carefull performance of
all
Part. I. Cap. 8. ^fflt^ledCoftfciences, 4 5
all rpirituall Duties, a confcionable partaking of all
Gods Ordinancesjafeafonable exerciie of every grace,
hatred of all falle wayes,an hearty and invincible love,
unto God and all things that hee loves, or any wayes
belong unto Him, his Word, Sacraments, Sabbaths,
Minifters, Services,Children, Prefence, Corre^ions,
Comming,&c. which are the ordinary provifion of
Gods people againll the evill Day, I fay, they are lb
farrefrom prizing, and preparing fuch fpirituall ftore,
that they hoard up ftings, fcourges, and Icorpions br
their naked foules, and guilty confciences, againft the
Day of the Lords vifitation ; I meane lyes, oaths,blaf-
phemies ; Adulteries, whoredomes, felfe-pollutions;
varietie of ftrangc falliions,gamings, revellingsj drun-
ken matches, good-fellow meetings , wanton dan-
cings; ufuries, falfhoods, hypocrifies : pluralitie of ill-
gotten goods, Benefices,Offices, honours: filthy jefts, -
much idle talke, flaadercus tales ; fcofts, raylings,op-
pofitions to xhtHoly yvay,^c. And that with a curled
greedinefle and delight, for they cry One unto ano-
ther out of a boy fterous combination ok good-Fellow-
ftiip , with much eagerneffe and roaring : Ceme on
therefore Let ns fill our fe lues nvith cofilywiney
attdoyrttmentSi and let no flower of the Spring pafe hy
H4, Let m croKvne our [elves roith Rofe huds, before they
h^imithered: Let none ofm go ypithout his fart of our
veluptueufnejfe : Let m leave tokens of our fleajure in
every place : For this is our portion^and our lot is this.
Let us lye in tvaitfor the righteous: becaufe he is not for
our turne and he iscleane contrary to our ^doings, &c. ^ ^^j ,,.„,^,/,,,„.
l>ut alas ! what will be the conclufion of all this, or ra- ^^qta^M cmm imI §
ther the horrible confufion? Even all their joviall re- vivtrepudet, quipu-
vcllings^roaring Outrages,and finfullpleafuresjwhich canuumirmmy & fi
tton verb'ii^quk tacenr,
tmcn ipfo vi-t gentre difim'ili ftr'mi & verhhant, — ergo latiqutm fceitrufi* & muhtue fu«
itfieitxtirparefunditui miuatftr ^. tellmi^riMtfque (ibipufant, latquam vita (orummrguom
W,U.aaotl.j,c,9..
arc
4^ InfiruSiions for a right comforting Seftrl
are iofweet in their momhesyznA they fw allow downe
(b)iop.ao. fo infatiably, fhall turne to gravell, and the (d) gall of
Aff>es in their Bowels, and to fiery enraged Scorpions
in their confciences. Where lurking in the meane time,
on the mudde of fen&alitie, and luft, breed f uch a ne-
ver-dying worme, which ifGodthinke fit to awake
upon their laft Bed, is able to put them into Hell upon
earth, to damne them above ground , to gnaw upon
their Soule and flelh , with that unheard-of horrour,
U) catmm vultu & which feizde uponSpir^M wofoll heart. (a)Who pro-
taciefawvalensymn- tefted, being fully in his right minde, that He would
tiffimui n tmerk pom rather be m Catn s or fttdas his place m Hell, than en-
leniiftmm nunajMiaai dure the prefent unfpeakable torment of His afflifted
vtrbabtitepenf.veai' fpirit.
enteiomneiaaferecipjt jq beat them from this bedlam defperatc courfe
iZTLtf:^'^- of S^^f^ hoarding up fuch horrible things unto
fmjejufto Dti ]uAicit themfelvesjagamit their ending noure: Let them con-
dtmnatiim/ejaminia. Gideri
ferno ijje &indifmenttr * j . Befides the eternity of joys for the one , and of
e'ueim'—-opiartfeJn torments to the other hereafter, the vaftand unvalua-
GribaIdi.cpiQ.dc ire. ble difference in the meane time, m refpeiftof true
incndo divini'iadicii fweetnefleand found contentment, betweenethe life
cAcroploj&c pag, 3 8 of a Sdnt and a Senfualifl ; a Puritan , as the World
immifit Dm tx tHa ^.gjjg Him, znd a good-feHow, as hee termes Himfelfc.
'ZZZTiZ:. Letuaforthepurpofeperufethe different paflage, of
txtingiubiitrnMhom. one day, as (b) Chryfoftome excellently dehneats
te^confu^one, difpera. _ >.«
fioneifubiiorepkretur.^ivemu &iffiisnunqudmexinsle ilium dmliqutruntyttft iMgedetemi
inflitutfft te[teturiqusmfifeparatadcorpoiaawmacunji4da Cain, & catetis damymiii effit j
dtfidcram fe Isco cuiujvismortMt & daifmati efepotiu', quzmfn iacarporevivere. Ibid, pagi^j.
*i. The difference bciwecnc their liTCSjSnd the liris of holy m^n.
(b^ToOT.y.Serm contra Gulam &czteras cerporii volupi* "Prediuamm homines du»i in
medium, quorum alter bfavinfit & vdluptatibm dtditU4,tlier vfroptor/wfttbis rtbta demontiM
&c. Adeamui ifisrum domoi.'-^-*]mtrutmuA arte atterum, libris incurnbtniem, victfiUm rei it.
vina,abfli!neniitejVflrebu» nueffaryt mumbentemjbgtememqut cumDeo fertmnem, de nbui CMie*
fiibus dlil[mr)t>.m,& AnitlumpetiM agentem^quam bomintm. Alttrum ven> madtnttm mtrt
dtmum optram lafcrv'm- m d tbaubantem — diiiiM incumbentttnf non [olum v'tvendo ebjke
mmtnif fed eft mortuU bnge inferiortm,permio loren.qiH Tynmont agUiiio,&fuvih.7Jin mutm.
vtro dieiiluxUi amitth omntmj quam ex Ufcivtt ctpirAt,volupuittm ■ fiqiitdem Famiiitm cbmur.
tint, & iwft^mtemft iurgla conwgmy*bnfigimi m\coi,'tmmkoi ludil/riofe babemes recopufct
them
Par C.I. Cap. 8. A^iUed Qonfciences. 47
them, and reprcfents to the life. Let us produce two
men. (aith He, the one drown'd in carnall loofeneffe,
fenfualities,anJ riotous cxcefle: the other crucified
and ftarke dead to luch finfuU courfes and worldly de-
lights : Let us go to their houfes and behold their be-
haviour.
We (hall finde the One, reading Scriptures, and o-
ther good Books, taking times for holy Duties and the
fervice ot God: fober, temperate,abftemious: diligent
alfo in the neccflarie duties of His Calling,having ho-
ly conference with God , difcourfing of heavenly
things, bearing himfelfe liker an Angell, tlTan-a.Man:
The other, joviall,a vaflall of luxury and eafe,fwagger-
ingup and downe Ale-houfes, Taverns, or other fiich
conventicles of good-fellow (hip, hunting after all the
wayes, meaner and men to pafTe the time merrily,
plying his pleafures with what variety,he can polTibly
all the day long , rayling and roaring as though hee
were enraged with a Yy^s'^^^though He yefiarke dead,
r^hile He is alive, &c. Which is accompanied , with
murmuring of the family, difcontent of the wife, chi-
ding of friends, laughing tofcorncof enemies, &c.
Whether of thefe courfes now do youthinke were the
more comfortable ? I know full well the former
would be cried downe by the greateft part,as too pre-
cife: and the latter Jwould carry it, by a world of
men : but heare the Puritan Fathers impartiall holy
cenfore, quite crofle to the common conceit , and hu-
mour of flefli and bloud. It is excellent and empha-
ticall, arguing His refolute abomination of the wayes
of good-fellowfhip : and infinite love and admiration
of the ^o/jr F4r^. Having given to the Good-fellow
His hearts defire all the day Ions in all kindes of vo- ^ /o,,;, :,;,„, ., • -,.-
luptuoufneffe, and delight: yet for all this, * fVho n he, ^^t tempos, nm p9fr
faith He, that is in his right minde, andhath His hrains ju eput n/illt-obire tnor'
tK His headfthatrfiouidftotchfffe rather to dye a thou- 'ci, qitam ditm unutn
fanddeaths, thanjpend but one dayfo? This perempto- ^^«c^»'»« H*^^ ^
ric
4.8 InflruBions for A right comforting Seft.i
tie paflage would be holden a ftrange Paradoxe fro m
the mouth of any moderne Minifter , and (o appeares
, to the carnall apprehenfion of all thofe miferable men,
who are blind-folded and baffled by the Devill to the
eternall loffe of their Soules. But befides that, it might
be made good many other wayes, it is more then ma-
nifcfl by comparing that three -fold fting , that dogs
every finfuU delight at the heeles, &c. See my Booke
of JValking with God, pag. 171. with the comfortable
contentment, and fccret fweetneflTe, which might and
fhould attend all well-doing, and every hoi v dutie
done with uprightnefTe of heart. The very Philofo-
phers do tell us of a congratulation, a pleating conten-
tednefTc and fatisfaftion in doing vcrtuoufly accor-
ding to their morall Rules. What true, lolid, and An-
gular comfort then, do youthinkemay be found, in
thofe godly anions, which fpring from faith, are gui-
ded by Gods Word, direfted to his glorie, and whole
bewayled defeats and failings are mofl certainly par-
doned by thebloud of his Sonne ? Now what an ex-
treme madneCTe is this, for a Man to fell His falvation
teralifeof pleafures : abhorring the wayes of Gods
Childc, as too precife, and paincfull : whereas befides
Hell for the one, and Heaven for the other hereafter:
in the meane time every day fpent fo fcnfually ,is a true
Purjatory: And every day pafled in the coitrarie
Chnftian courfei \s an earthly Paradife.
C H A P^
Part.i. Cap.p. AjfiiEled Confciences. ^ 49
Chap. IX.
The fecond and third co^^Jiderationfor the rt-form^^
i$9n of thcfenfualtfis,
Econdly , Let them marke well z'fhe^ft'wrencc hc-
the different Ends of thefemen.. twcenc sIkk end-.
Though the one now carries and the wit's oi holy
away the credit and current of '"*"•
the times, and with all braverie
and triumph tumbles Himfelfe .
in the pleaiiires, riches, and glory
of the world ; and the other is kept, as they lay, under
hatches, negleded and contemptible to carnall eyes, .
trampled upon with the feet ot pride and malice by
the prouder Pharifecs, and hunted with much cruelty
and hatejby men or this world: Yet watch but a while;
and you fhall fee the End oi this upright man , what-
foever his forrows and fuflferingSjtroubles and tempta-
tions have beene in this life, to be moft certainly /'^<?<:«?
at the laft. Ainrke iheperfe£i mun, and behold the up'
right, fgr the endof that man ii petice . Pfal, 37, 37, He
either pafrethfairely,andcalmely thorow the Portoi
Death, to the Land ofeverlaftingreftjandrejoycing,
or eUe, if a tempeft of extraordinary temptation feize
upon Him intheHaven,whenHeisready, tofetfooc
into heaven, which is the Lot of many of Gods dea-
refl Ones, for ends feeming bell to the ever-blefled
Majeftie : as, perhaps to harden thofe about Him, that
hate to be reformed, &c. Yet all the hurt he hath
thereby, is upon the matter, befidesferving Gods fe-
cret holy pleafure, an addition to His happineffe i for
an irainediate tranflation from the depth of tempcra-
rieborrour, as. in Mafler Peacockey^ndi Mifiris ^ret-
t£rghyto the height of endleffe joy, makes even the
jbyesof Heaven fo niching more joyfull. Heefeeles
thofs
r InflrHElionsfor a right c omforting Sefl. i
thofe never-ending plcafures , at the firfl entrance
more delicious and ravifhing, by reafon of the fudden
change. From that bitternefleof fpirit in thelaft corn-
bate, to the excellencie, and eternitie of heavenly
blifle. His S oule in this cafe , after a fhort eclipfe of
Ipirituall darknefleupon His Bed ofdeath,enters more
lightlomely into the foil Sunne of immortall glorie.
But what doyouthinkefhallbeetheend of the other
Man?Heisinthemeane time, it may be, in great
■power ^und ^readingHimfelfe like A greene Bay -tree,
revelling in the ruffe and top of all worldly /ollity and
wealth, wallowing diflolutely in choiteft delights
and vaineft pleafiires : yet waite but a while, and you
/hall fee him quickely cm downe like gra^e , and tvi-
therasthegreeneherbe^ For God fliall fuddcnly flioot
at Him with a fwift arrow. It is already in the bo w,
even a bow of fteele fliall fend forth an arr«w , that
fliall ftrike Him thorow, ^ndk^aUJhine on his gall. His
power, and his pride fliall bee overthrowne in the
turne otan Hand- All his imperious boyfteroufneffe
fhall melt away as a vaine foame. The eye which faw
Him, fhall fee him no more j neither Jhall his -place any
more behold him, Hemuftdowne into the grave na-
ked and ftript of all power and pompe : allbeauty and
ftrength : a weaker and poorer worme , then when
hefirftcameoutofthewombe. Here further for this
purpofe and fuller exprelTion of my meaning in this
point, how a worthy friend ot mineunftancing in the
exemplary and dreadfull downe-f als ot Haman^ Sheb-
nah , and others, labours to fright gracelefle great
Ones , out of their luxurie and pride : fecuritie and
finfull pleafures : by confideration of thcrr Ends. Oh
then, (aith hee, y^ rich and great, je proud, and crnell,
Ambitiom and honourable, take from their wofHll ex-
amples, the true efiimate of your riches , and your power,
your pleafure and your honour , wherein yee trufl, and
whereof ye boafi, but as Jfraelfn ^/£gypt, of^a broken
reed.
Part. I. Cap. p. AffltEledConfciences, 51
reed.ConJider that ay Jfnnea^yvili hdve like ends: That
God is to day andjefierday^ and the fame for evev.That
the f ride and cmeltie ; opprejjion and luxnry of thcfe
times have no greater priviledre, than thofe oj the fey*
Tner : But yohenfor a rphile,yoH have domineered jarre
And ne are. Had what you vi>ould,anddone rohatyou ttfiy
dtjpeo-pled Parijhes andfUines fo ryonr O re haras and
•xvalks : pttffddorpne many houfes, tofet one up : fi-om
Bettveene ychofe battlement s^ and turrets at the topy you
can fee no end of your me adores, your fields y and your
lands I themeafuringKvhereofy as the Poet freaks {wouU
ypeary the very roings ofehe k}te : when your Client ary
trainehath beenetoo long for the ftreety and your hi^rc
rejpeei hath fhooke the hat fom the head, and bent the
knee afarre off : ivhenyou have clapt whole Manouri
on your backs ^ er turn d them downeyour throats: yvhc;i
you havefcouredtheplaines -with yoOr horfes, the fields
Andrvoods with your hounds : and the heaven withyour
hawkes : when with Pheafants tougues you have fur-
nijht whole feafis : and with the J^eene of zA^gypt
drunkedif^oivedpearle, even fifty thou fand pounds at a
draught, and then lay ed your head in Dalilaes lapper
Pfhen^ifit werepofible^you have j^ent your whole lives,
tn^all that royall pompe^ andpleajure , which that moH
magnificent King and ^eene did, Hefier i.for an
hundred andfourefcere dayes : In a word, -when you
T^^lowedm alldelightSy and flood inpleafures up t^ the
ehtnne . Then even then, the pit is digged^ and death, of
r^hom yo^ dreame not, flands at the do0re, where are
y^ouno-w? Or what ii to be done? Come down e, faith
J^^^thyfromyourpleafantProfpeSls : Alight from your
Jades: Hood your kites : Couple up your curres : Ind a-
aewto pleafure : out of your beds oflufi : Come naked
forth, and do-^ne with me to the chambers of death:
^^<fy^urbedsintheduB:andlaydowne jour cold
cark^a^es among the flones of the pit at the roots of the
if^ocks. ^ndyoH great and delicateD Ames, tvhoare
.■■■■■ fo -^ ^
5* J njiruBiom for aright comforting Sed:.I
fb wearied with pleafurcy thatjott cannot rife time e-
nough to drejfejOHr heads ^ and do all jour tricks againfi
dinner :To wafljyeur bodies with vnuike^anddawbeyowr
faces with vermilion and chalke : To make ready your
plea/ant baitSytopoyfon mens eyes, and their fouies. Tou
whorijh 'fez.ahels thinkeyoH now, yon are meat for men f
Nay come head-long downe to the dogs. If not fuddenlj
fojyet dijpatch and put off your canls, eare-rings, and
round tyres: your chains, bracelets and mufflers : your
^ingSyyvimpies^and crifpingpinnes : your hoods ^ vails and
changeable futes : your glares, fineltnnen, with all your
* Adundusmuliebris,Ifa,i. Andputonflinke^inflead
offweetfmell: baldnejfe in fieadofwelt fet hatre : bur-
ning infleadef beauty: Wormes fhallmake their nefls in
your breafl-s : andfhalleate out thofe wanton windows,
, and meffengers oflufi. Tea rottenneffe, and flinch : flime
undfllth Jhallafcend, and fit dpwne in the very Throne
^ ofbeautie:andfhall dwell betweene your eye'brows.
All this is very woehiU, and yet there is a thoufand
times vvorfe. Befides all this. Thou, that now layes
about thee for the World and wealth; for tranlitory
pelfe and rotten pleafures ; that lies foaking in luxurie
and pride, vanity, and all kinde of voluptuoufnefle ;
(halt moft certainely, very fhortljf, lye upon thy bed
of death, like a wilde Bull iu a net full of the fury of
the Lord; either fealing thee up finally in the despe-
rate rcnfeleflenefle of thine owne dead he'art, with the
Spirit of flumber, for everlafting vengeance, even at
the doorejor elfe exemphrily enraging the guilty eon-
♦rr (o &• ari* ^ Science upon that thy laft be'djWith helliflihorf our,, e-
iVhlMc»ik}oU. ^^" beforehand . For * ordinarily, the more notori-
timc$fonnenoto''i^us ...
Onesiand yctwithout all trucrcmorfe, m.iy reprefcnt,to th-- eye of unjudicious By-ftao-
dcrsjwhcrcby they arc many times fearcffllly hardened, a notable (hew of dying well. In
my mie, fayth the French Author of ^tTnCfThne eftbe molt .xicrable per/ons that ever I t^tufv
in S.U ibomiMimi oflife^Attd ibe mj[t ia/kmom.bave bin jun lodie very vtderluandqHitUyy ^c.
I have alfooWfcrved my Ulfc forrc oi higl.cr place notorioufly wicked,who by thcit carn-
age in their Lift fickcntfJc, hnvcfuggcftcdcoiiccus^ffpeciallytetholcwho were willing
to be hardened by their deaths^ thai they made a good cnd,as they {*yf whereas rhcy hid
OUS
P art I . Cap , 9 . ayfffli^ed ^onfcieKces, -
no true tou^a^ in Confcicnce ar aJf, or feeling remorfc for their former cxtrcameiy /lofull
life, which II occafioncd fomenmes, by the unikilfulnelTcuf fomcfpIritaaiiPhyfieionsa
bou: thenijwko are ready tocfavvbc,anddraw a ikinnconely over tlieir unfearchcdfinneful
(ores now at : htir death, as they were to play the M(n p!ia/e,s,ar.d Sov, pilhws mdtr their
£/&(»W«mihfrrhfctirr,ejFcIlowe$asexccllciuinpslIiatc Curcs^ osutferly unscquain-
rcd with tlK nnyftcric of cortofoning jffliaed Conrclcncc6 3right,3ndfpcakingfea(onab!v
tofuch a$ lie »pon their iaa.Bed. Hcarc Mifter Matburiescentme cffuch Mouatebankcs
Ibis maltrabU difcfi.^snh he, {meamitg ofcxpmmentaU inorvltdgs in JHimfiin) vevsr Pmrpeih
It ftlfetr.ore[hjmfuiiyj0r).vi!hp cater huriyihen when Mtnhave medof fpirttuaUhibe at the
home of dcAth.cYin time 6j gnat afflSiomfr at /ucb thms thcfe foet'jh Shcepeheards' when
tbif tva.ii sl(ia 10 h Ipe ibtfi pmejheepe int of the dttch^ari drlvtn tep'aj the miferabk comfintn
and 10 tike feme oth.r imrdi courff ; (at mmj ule to doe in/uch cafisj to cut tiefiucpuh-oat in
tmtytona^ibim Manimem li^it^ouldbejajd^P.editdin aditcb z. Secondly, bccauff
Some Oaeofthempcihipj, I knownot amongft how many thoufandi, may bee like the
Thicfe upon the CrolFe. 3. Thirdly, bccaufe,ThomcefC civiil men utterly cftranecd
from the life of godlintlTc JJ their Ifc Jong, for the raoft part, may make a calmc, ouier
and peaceable cndin ihc eye and cftiroare cfthc v/orId,whith was never able to diftinouifh
afecureblockifhneirefromanholy lecuruy; Obfervntion whereof hardencth a world of
people in their unfaving State : Hcare Grtenhamt do me of fuch adeaih : Theydit^Uyth He
tike btockei -. ^nd \et i be ignorant people mil (tJlammendmhfemfuUdeatbifoying, he departed
a*mel(eljMaLambe, hievomtayviyMabirdinapoeUi wheniht) might <urPiHfty^ (but for
4bt'ir ftAtlitr bed andpil!(,w)heditdlil(e a bta(i^andperij^edlii(ciin Oxe ;« « ^itft, I lay,tho this
ftrtof Men, for the mofl part die fo; yet I have krowncfome fuch upon /he very firft
theught,iiicy (hould certaineiy die,tohave fallen into dcfpcrjtion.and could never be re-
covered. And all hough many formall ProfeflTorijmay ^oe to Hell with many goodfpcechc*
and.Ioi'rfjLorrfjintbeiilippe^jas ip^eatc^iathcfoobpsyirgim^^nd tholein ihefiuedch of
Atatihrw,yet: I have knowne of fomc of thcro,who have died very fcarefuHy indeed & full
of truly dcfperai hurreur.
ous Servants of Satan, and Slaves of luft, depart this
life either like Na^al or IrtdM : tho more oy many
thouftnds die like hard-hearted fots in fecurity, then
in defpaire ofconfcience. If it Ipee fo with thee then,
that thine heart, when thou fhalt have received the
fentence of death againft thy felfe, die within thee as
NabalSi (^And mo fi commonly. S2\^ a worthy Divine
Confcience in many ,is fecHre at the time of death : God
inhiijuflice fo plaguing an ajfe^ed fecurity in life,
'ivith an infliEied fecurity at death.) I fay theil thou
wilt become, as a ft one : mod prodigioufly blbcki{h;as
tho there were no immortality ok the Souk, nolofle
of eternall blifle ; no Tribunal! in heaven, no account
to be made after this life, no burning in hell for ever.
Which will make the never-dying fire more fcorch-
^ E ing.
54
JnjirnBions for a right comforting Seft . I
•itig, and the ever -living worme more ftinging ; by
how much thou waft morefenfeleffcjandfeareleffe of
that fiery lake into which thou waft ready to fall.
Death it /f//^,fayth the lame Man, cannot arvakefome
confciences ; but nofooner come they into Hell, butcon-
fcietice i^ atvak^ned to the ff{ll,never to Jleepe more, and
then Jhee teareth roith implacable furjf, and teacheth
forlorne wretches to knotv, that forbearance tvoi nopaj"
ment. But if it pleafeGod to take the other courfe
with thee,and to let loofe the cord ot thy Confcience
upon thy dying Bed j thou wilt bee ftrangled even
witbhellirhhorrour upon earth and damned above
ground. That^<?r«?f of Hell, which is a continuall
remorfe, and furious reflexion of theSoule upon its
oune willfull folly : whereby it hath loft everlafting
/oyes,and muft now lie in endleffceafelefle and reme-
dlkfle tormentSjis fet on worke, whileft thou art yet
alive, and with defperate rage, andunfpeakeablean-
guifh will fecde upon thy foule and f^efi^.The leaft
twitch whereof" not all theplealuresoftenihoufand
Worlds, would ever Le able tocountervaile:foras
the peace of a goodjfo the pangs of a guilty confcience
are unfpeakeable. So that at that time, thou maieft-
jLiftly takeunto thy felfe Pajhars tcfrible name j JZ/f^-
gor'AfijfabibtFeare rcund about i Thou wilt heater-
ronrto thy felfe, and to all thy friends. And that which
in this wofullcafe will fting extremely ; No friends,
nor Phyficke ; no gold, nor filver ; no height of place,
norfavourof Prince; not the. glory and pleafures of
the whole World ; not the crowncs and command of
all earthly kingdomes, &c. can pofTibly give any com-
fort, deliverance or eafe ! For when that time and ter-
rour hath overtaken thee, which is threatned. Prov,
1.24. Etfeq. Becaufe I have called, and yerefufedy I
hauefiretchedom my hand, and no man regarded'. But
ye havefet at naught all my counfell, andrceuld none of
my reproof e\ J alfo mil laugh at your calamity ^and will
TfMcke,
Part I .Cap. I O , AffliUed ^onfcie»ces. j e
mecke whenyonrfeare cemmeth, fVhen your fear e coM"
meth Ai defolation, and your defiruUiou commeth as a
fVhirlwinde'y when difireff'ey andanguipj commeth upon
you, ThenJJjall they call upon Me, but I will not an-
ftperx they fhallfeeke me early y but thcyjhall not finde
mee -.for that they hated knowledge , and did not chufe
thefeare of the Lord, They would none of my counfell;
they dejpifed all my reproofs. Therefore Jhall they eate
thefruite of their owne roayy and bee filed tvith their
oKPftedevifes, I fay, when this terrible time is come H&f-J.'?
upon thee ; then will the mighty Lord of heaven and
earth come again ft thee, '^^ a Beare that is bereaved
of her tvhelps, and voillrent the caule of thy heart, and
willdevoure thee like a Lyon : He will come with fre^ Ifi.tf5.i 5
and with His chariots like a IVhirlwinde, to render His
anger with furie, and His rebuke with flames offirei
All his terrours at that houre will fight againft Thee,
and that unquenchable anger, that burnes to the very
. hottome of Hell, and fets on fire the foundations of the Ogy^^ |, | ^„
mountaines. The empoyfoned arrows of Hisfierceft
indignation (hall be drunke with the bloud of thy foule,
and fticke faft in it for ever. In a word, the fearefull
armies of all the plagues and curfes , forrows and un-
fufferablepainesdenounc'd in Gods Booke againft fi-
nall ImpenitentR, fhall with unrefiftable violence
take hold upon thee at once , and purfue thee with
thatfurie, which thou flialt never be able either to a-
voide, or abide, hndiwhois able to fland before this
holy Lord God? who can abide in His fight when He is
^»gry? who can deliver out of His hand ? what man or
Angell: what arme of flefti or force of Armes , what
creature, or created power : what Cherub or which
of the Seraphins is able to free a guilty confcience
from the ever-gnawing worme, and an impenitent
wretch from eternall flames ? Oh, Me thinks a fenfi-
ble fore-thought of thefe horrible things even at
hand, ihould make tke hardeft heart of the moil abho*
E 2 minable
5 (J InftrH flionsfor a right comforting, Seft. i
minable Be Hall to tremble at the root,and fall afander
in his breaft like drops of watc r I To have his end in
his eye; and ferioufly to remember the tribulation,and
angui(h that (liall fhortly come upon His Soule, the
afflidion, the Wormewood,and the gaU,l]iould fright
and fire Him out of all His filthy, gracelefle, good-
fellow courfes I
a.Thedifftrenccbe. 3* Thirdly, Let them confider, what horror it will
ivfcsneibfi'tcluvior be in evill times, I mcane, not onely at death and the
andtbc bcharior of laftDay, which are the moft terrible of all ; but alfo,
holy mcD in tiffxs of jjj ^j^^^^ of difgrace and contempt ; of common feare,
a Tcr jry. ^^ ^ confufions of the ftatej of ficknefle , crefles, rc-
ftraint,banifhment, temptations, or any other dayes
©f forrow;! fay atfuch times,to finde in (lead of peace,
fiery fcorpions in their conlciences , innaraer able fins
graven there, with an iron penne, unrepented of|
^ Inter emttitribu'ati* Heare how excellently * cy^«y?»» foretels and fore-
Zfi2Z7rZZ' wames them, into whataforlorne andfearfuUftate,
gaaw con/citnt.a deli'- they fhall moii certainly fall , when aher a fhort
ciprm, 2i&mque jitbi gleame of Worldly glorie, they fall into tempeftuous,
vuinm nonfit,ranumqi gnd troublefome times. Of all afBiftions incident to
tlnjTmitl'ZJ.y. ^^^ ^°"^^ ^^ "^^"' ^^^'^^ ^ "°"^ ^^^^ grievous , and
bUuaque ai.bi paSut tranfcendent ; then to have the Confcience enraged
fuerit trihukt'mti^i with the guilt of finne. If there be. no wound there,
lucconfugiet, &m;H. jf ^n be fafe and found within, if that bird of the bo-
ur abundmiiam iiqni. what miferies be abroad in the world ; what ftormes,
iitumy qaoAMm&ibi or flirres be raifed againflHim. Whatarmeof f^efhj
'Dim mn (fi, quid fa' or rage of foes befet Him round : For He in this Cafe,
w»7ri// m^'cfiZ ^athprefentlyrecourfeunto His confcience, the rafefl
pZiiritu'aU^a'lfu' Sanftuary, and Paradife of fweetefl repofe, and find-
gitt ab agre ad civitatiy ing that fprincklcd with the bloud of the Lambe,fiUed
i publico nddemum,' a
dome td cubkulumi& fiqmw tnbuiatio. A atbieulaiam quafvgittynon habiKfiifiintiriMadcU'
bile fmm- Porrofiibi tumultUA tji, ^fumiu iniqttitatis, f fammaftilerU^an iSuc {foufi cnfugeit. ;
Ptllvur tall* indey& cum inde pcUitur^aft ipfo ptUkuf.Ei tue hofitmfuum invinit,qu» u»}ugtru
feipfum,quo fugiturui e(l. J^jfOCHmjuefugentftifaUmttabit pcfift i & ^MWiquc talim truxtrit ft,
with
Part I , Cap.Sf . AffliSled (^onfciences. 5 y
with abundance of peace , and God Himfelfe there,
reconcird unto Him in the face of Chrift , He is cou-
ragioufly fearelcffe of all, both mortall and immortall,
adverfarks and oppofitions : Though the earth be re-
moved, and the mountaines carried into the middefi of
the Sea, though all the creatures in the world fliould
be turned into Beares or Devils about Him , yet His
confcience being comfortable, hee is undaunted and
confident, and more than conquerour over the whole
world , and ten thoufand Hells. But on the other
fide, if by reafon of the raigne of finne, there bee no
reft there; if God be not there becaufe of the abound-
ing of iniquitie, what fhall a man do then? Whither
/hall he flie, when the hand of God hath found Him
out, and the" fwift Arrow of the Almightie fticks faft
in his fide? He tvill flie, faith that ancient Father, out
of the countrey into the Citie, ont of the fireets into
hit Houfe^ out of his Houfeinto His Qhamber : horrour
fiill dogging Him at the Heeles, And from His chant'
Ber^vfihitherroill he go, hut into theinmoji Cabinet in
his bofomeytohere his Confcience dwelieth? And if he
finde there nothing but tumult and t err our, hut guilti-
neffe^confufion and cry es of dejpaire, which way will he
then turne himfelfe; Or whither will he flie then ? Hee
fnufl then, either fly e from Himfelfe ^ which is utterly
imfoffihUy or elfe abide that torment, which is beyond ail
comfaffe of conceit orexfreffion of tongue ^ For aU the
racksMth2iViOlhtv,wheels, wilde horfes, hot pincers, 2*1^^'?.! /f^f
fcaldtng lead poured into the mojt tender, and fenjible ^uas & C^diiitu tra-
farts of the body: yea, aUthe mercilejfe, barbarous, and vU imjtnlt, & Kbada
inhumane cruelties of the holy houfe y are but flea-bi- mntbw,HoRtdltqnt'
tings,meere toyes, and May games, comparedwith the /"JwgfZ/dre inptSkn
torment, that an evill confcience will put a moft to, when "^""'
it is awakened*
E 3 Chaf.
. o InftruBions for a right comforting Sec^ . I
Cha P. X
The third fort of peofle to be reproved ^ which Are
the offofers ofsfowerfHllminifierie, Three reafons dif"
fwadiMg men from thatfinne.
3. Thcoppofers of 2.^^^^^^^ Third fort, the worft of all and
Je rcimftcric who ^^>^^nioftpeftilent,arethofe,whodo
ftiould confider, that W^JL\^^ .1 /i u • u •
i^^^^MT notonely not labonr m the time
ot harveft to treafiirc up comforta-
ble provifion againft dayes of
dread , and mifpend the Day of
their vifitation wickedly ;but alfo out of a tranfcen-
dent ftraine of impietie, labour might and maine , to
put out and utterly extinguifli the heavenly Sunne,
that creates thisblefled day, and makes the leafon of
our fpirituall harveft moft glorious,and incomparable:
J meane to {upprelfe and quench the faving light of a
powerfull Miniftry, wherefoever planted , and pre-
vailing; under the facred influence, and fovcraigne
heat whereof, all Gods hidden Ones are wont to ga-
ther that heavenly ftocke of grace, Comforts of godli-
ncfk, and good conlcience, which is able to holdup
their heads invincibly in faeavie times. Thefe are the
vileftofmen, and oi the mo{i'^ for lor ne hope : for
* Let us not c or. , ^^^ Unhappily tranfported with extreameft ma-
nerKieflcn, ana ue- J j n - r> r. »-i
ridcUj for that is ihc lice , and ftormc agamft the very meanes, which
utteimoa token ard fhould fandific them, and Men, which fhould fave
ihew of a reproba; c, ^ u,ejii. They do not onely make their owne foules fure
G a^nhhwSme'' ^^^ damnation; but alfo hinder the power of the
mm'.^of]7mpfscetef Word all they can,** left others fhould bee faved.
Scriptitrei, by iv'okh Whatfoever thou doeft,do not become one of this
foMtakeo^eKceiP^^.^ damned crue : who heartily defire , thattheSunneof
**J'"a^°^ .TOf i!/^? fincere preaching were quencht.and put out,though it
^i'J&.-ahS were with thebloudof Gods faithfulleft MefTengers;
2 , s 6 . as did the Men of Anathoth in Jeremiahs ttme^ ler . 1 1 •
Part I ,Cap. I o . AffiiSled C'onfciences, 5 p
ig.2i,(a) Her-odioiw phn Bapifl- time^ and that (i^sht^nki'diohn
(^^) other Herodias improperly called EucLoxta in w-j/^/i/Jj head bcfoic
^Qhn (^hrjfoflomes time, and many thsufands , even t'^chalfe of Hefoh
within the Pale of the Church at all times. Above all, ^^Ym^^xtut^l
I fay, Beware of that crying finne of {e) perfecnting faSil'u^tu^hTmt-
the power of godlinefle , without which never any ipfam tramfrt & illm
heart knew what true comfort meant : Profeflion of verba qmft ad em ig.
thetrath, without which Chrifl will not owne us at '^'^^^'^^^^[l^^^^^
thelaft day; confcionable Minifters, under Whofe TpTf^oporlm cZalm
painfull labours, we gather our ipirituall and heavenly cogmdum curat, ^a re
Store, againfl evill times in this harveft of grace .- And inteliecfa loannes per-
that either with thine heart, by hatred, malice, heart- ?*''^''*'"- ''^'^'^ concmi
barningi with thy tongue, by nanders/coK,raQ, cen- i:/,^-^^^^^
fures : With thme hand , by lupplantmg , oppreflion, diaid(moinfamre,de.
wrong: with thy purfe,policie,power,mi(-informing , nuo cmnavert , dtnua
or any other way of vexing, or violence. If thou wilt Z*^''""' P^W^' «'«»«'' ««*
needs be wicked, be fo more moderately : If there be f "'.Jj'^^iJ'' ^socmJ.
no helpe, but thou Wilt to Hell, poft not fo f uriouHy : Hift.EccIcfiaft.Lib'tf!
Ifnotning will worke, but thou art wilfully bent to cap.'ie-
be damned, be damned more tolerably. For Perfeca- CO Let none marYcU
tors are fr/««/?^W^»r/ in finne, and fhall hereafter be "'i'^^ 'l*'*^ arcddle
paid home propertionably. Be none of them for luch JJ"cially in^ thu'nmc
reafonsastbefe* of peace andprofpc-
I. All their malice and rancour, all their bitter iityofchcGoipdl,4t
words and fcornfull /efts : all their bloudy, mercileffe '^^ "were unneccfla
mifchiefes, and machinations againft the power of '^^""^^n^ts!^-
preaching,and Gods people,ftrike immediately at the jy . nu ,aax'mi perfe-
face o^^efus Chrifl. Afts p. J . Sanl, Sunlj-Pfhy ferfecn- quuntur Ecclefiamt qui
teft thoH me ? And at the pretious Ball , and Apple of cbrifiiaiti, nolunt bene
eodsowneeye:Z<?f;^.2.8. For he that toucheth you, '"';"'''' '^^^ J"""'**"
toHcheth the zAffle ofHti ^^.God is our Shield,? fal, f,^^ ^^^^ mmmti-
84.1 r. Now the Shield takes all the blows. as()i(iilet^qmK(lo cot'
ripiunturf qunnio malt
vivere non permittutftur, quando cum ets vel vtrbo agUutf Ip^ malt In fuis cwdibus medrntHuTf &
trumpeniU ouafitnemrtqiivrunt, InPfalra-go, pag. 205. Thofe el^ecially perfccutethe
Church, who profcOTingChriftiaQitiewill not live gracioufly, &c. C*.) ^ They pcrfc.
(uce Cbrift himfelfe.
E 4 2. They
^o
JnjirHUtons for a right comforting Se<ft . I
» Ewrearo hortots
fcnze ott limci upon
fjch
}cr.ao'2.J.
I King,«,24,*J»
3. :]he «ri«Jsof fuch
ate many limw ^cai-
t.Masliab.j.
a. They are hunted many times with furies ofcon-
fcience,ancl extreame horror even in this life. Pajhnr
put blefled JeremUh in the flocks j but thereupon. He
had a new name given Him Magor-Aliffeibiy: Feare.
round about: He became <« terror to Himfelfe , and to
all his friends. Zedechiah fmote faithful! Michaiah
cipontlie face ; but afterward according to that Pro-
pheticall commination, He was faine to runne from
chamber to chamber ^ to hide himfelfe, John 'Baptifis
head, which Herod cut off, fate in the eye of the Ty-
rants confcience , with fuch griefly formes of guilti-
neflejand bloud; that when he heard of the great
things done by C^rif^yhe was perplexed, and no doubt
afraid, that fohn Baptift was rifen from the dead to be
revenged upon Him. I have heard of a Man, who for,
a time did fiirioufly , and defperately fet Himfelfe a-
gainft a Minifter of God jlabour'd might, and maine,
by all meanes to dif grace, and vexe him ^ both by
power, and policy ; by flanders, opprellions, malice,
contempt. Butat length, the Word fo got within
Him,andhamper'dH]m; andtheterrours ofitheAl-
mightie tooke hold upon him with fuch unrefiflabk
ragej that he came trembling and quaking unto that
man of God, whom he hadfb wickedly wrong'djand
durfl not fleere a foot from him j for feare the Devill
fhould take him away alive; or the e^rth opeft her
mouth, and fwallbwhimup quicke ; or fome other
ftrange remai;kable judgement feize upon Him fud-
dcnly,and brand Him for a notorious Beaft^andcurfed
Gafl-away. So ortofuchfenfehej^Gke.;
3 . Many of them come to very horrible, exempla-^
ry, and wofull ends, *TharaoB long fince, by a dread-
full confuficm at the Red-fea was as it were hangd up
in chains, a Q)edacleof terror for Perfecutors, to all
pofterity. Antiochw fwelUng-with anger ^and breathings
out f re in his rage againft the people of God, did!
proudly ^xoi^ikithftt^e would come to Jerufalem,and
make
Part.I. Cap.io . AffltEledConfciences, 6l
make it a common Jurying place of the fews : But the
Lord ayilmighty ^the God ofJfrael(mote him vith an
incurable, and tnvifible plague : for oi foone as he had
fpqkenthe/ewords^apaine of the bowels that was reme-
diiejfe came upon him^ and fore torments of the inner
parts. So that the -wormes rcfe up out of the body
of this wicked man, and whiles he lived tn forrow and
paincy h is fie fh fell aw ay y and the flthinejfe of his fmell
ypas noyfome to all his army. Herod in the height of his
hatred again ft the Gofpell, and pride in impriloning Aa«.i2,i3.
and perfecuting-the Apoftles,was eaten up of wormes
in a moft fearfull prodigious manner. Cjardiner gaping
for news of the difpatch of thof e two blefled Martyrs
€)^^efHty Latimer zudi Ridley f at Oxford deferred his
dinner untill three or fbure of the clock at afternoone,
ddightingmore in drinking the bloud of the Saintf,
than in his ordinary food : But iipion the returne of his •
Poft, He fell merrily to his meat; And mavke what fol-
lowed : The bloudy Tyran f , faith the Story , had not Adsand Manurocri c
eaten afew bits^ bm thefuddenftrokepfGod^His terri- pag.1787.
Ifle hand fell upon him infuch forty as. immediate ly hee
•was taken from the tableyandfo brought to hit bed, where
he continued the fpace offvfteene dayesy infuch intolera-
bly anguifh and tormentSy that all that meane whileydu-
ring thofe fifteene dayesy he could not avoyd by order of
urine or otherwifey any thing that he received:Whereby
his body beingmiferd^y inflamed •withiH{who had in"
fiamedfo many g04>d Martyrs before) -wa^ brought to a
wretched end. For further inlargement of this Peint,
iopk into the Stories of the primitive Church > A^s and
M^^t^ms, Theater ofQodsptdgfmem.
Chap.
6i
InjiraBions for a right comforting
Sea. I
4.God it ftill called
tipon for vengeance
againft them.
f.They draw downs
Chap. XI.
Tonre other Reafons diffuadingfrom the former Jitt,
Crytarrc louder than the noyfc
of ntatHy water SyOX voyce ofgrea-
tefi thunder ]inock^s continually,
with ftrog importunity, at Gods
jufl: tribunall ior a (howreoi fire
andhrimfionCy SiC an horrible tem-
/><?/? to be rained downe vpon their heads. I meanc, a
cry of blGud,wrongs,difgraces, and {landers, where-
with they have loadan the Saints of God. Rev. 6. lo.
And they cry ed with a loud voyce, faying. Hew Ung^ O
Lordyholy, and true, deefl thou not iudge^nd avenge our
hloudonthem that dwell u^onthe earth I
5 . They are the principall provokers ot Gods
Godi ingcr upon a wrath againft a Nation. Their hateful! heat, over-
""^°"* flowing gall, and fcorBefall carriage againft Gods
people, doth ripen apace His fierce ft indignation; fill
up foil the vials of His vengeance, and draw downe
uponaKingdome a defperate and finall ruine with-
out all remedie. Butthey mocked the me ffengers of
Gody anddefpfedHiiwordsy andmif-ufed His Pro*
phetSjUntillthe wrath of the Lordarofe again fi his feo*
fie, Untilltherewas no remedie. i,Chron, ^6.l6^
6. Their (pitefiiU ipiritsbeeingdnce tkorowlyfet
on heat with this fire of Hell and infernal rage againft
the grace of God and His people,commonly continue
in flame and fiiry untill their fearefuU and finall coh-
tufion. And they being once fleflit,as it were, with
_ the b loud of the Saints, at left by fcoffes and flanders
turfMg/iis mAnfmfuH (^oi even lewd and lying tongues are keene raK^ours^
foftca. and Jharfefwordsy fcourgesand fcorpions that fetch
bloud)they feed infatiably upon the damned fweet~
nefleof fnch fuppofed curfed revenge, untill they bee
Ceized
6* Such are [ddome
reclaimed.
VuUuifemelore rtcep-
tm—poilutas fttU
Part. I. Cap. 1 1 . AffiiUed Conjciehces , 6^
feized ap9n with their irrecoverable mine ; and fall
amongft the firers of their malice, and arch Perfecu-
torsot all profeflburs, the fiends of Hell. This is my
meaning : Thispeftilent and crying finne of perfecu-
tionislike the gulfeofdrunkenneflejwhich Angufiine
compares to the Pitt of Hell, into which, when a
man is once fallen, there is no redemption or retiirne.
A Pcrfecutor is rarely ©r never reclaimed : either by
miracle or Miniftry ; mercy,or mifery.Fire from Hea-
ven falling upon the fir ft C^/>?<?/W and his fifty, did
not tright the fecond C apt nine and His fifty fronj prei-
fingupon Elijah to apprehend him.2.-Sr/»^/,i .10,11
The fouldiers who came to take ^<?/j^,asiboneas'Hee
had faid, / am He, were ftraugely upon the fudden,
ftrooke downe to the ground. loh. 1 8.6. and yet this
miracle did never a whit mollifie, and abate the ma-
lice of the Priefis and Pharifees againft him. Not even
the Miniftry of C^W/?him(eife, though Hecfpokeas
never manfpake I not that of Stefhen,viho(Q. face ap-
pear ed t© His Hearers, Asithadyeene the Face of an
Angell ; not that of the Apoftles {xt(i\\yfilledn>ith the
i&«>/y 6*^0/ from Heaven,did at all dif-enrage or tam^e
thofefellows,which wcrepofleft with this foule fpiric
of fcornefull contradiction. See Z»r.4.28,29 And 1 6
i4.^ff.7.54.And2. 13. Not all thofe horrible mi-
raculous plagues of <^gypt,y^zxz able to quench Pha-
raohs fury againft the. people of God ; untill hee was
choaktinthe red' Sea. No kindenefle fromZ)^W,
though extraordinary,and matchleflTe. i .Sam. 24.1 1 •
And 26,9 .could turnc Sauls heart from hunting himj
as TV hen one doth hunt a Partridge in themountaines.
And no marveLtho they be not moved by all or any
of thefe meancs ; for they fcorne,perfecnte, and con-
temne the very meanes, which ftiould amend them,
and the onely men,who ftiould convert them. Whe-
ther of the two, thinkeyou,is likelier to recover '^
That man,who being dangeroufly ficke ; yet enter-
taynes
^4
InfiryMions for a right comforting
Sed.i
7 Such are in the
wsy totbe finnea-
gainfttheho]/ Ghofl
("d^ Cumqmidie no-
Pram fan^ificatknera
bUffhtmant^quid aliud
Uafphmant quamfpi^
ruitmfM6tum.A\ig.
Toai,ici.par.i.p.45.
taines the Phyfition kindly, and takes patiently what
isprefcrib'd : or Hee, who having a potion prefented
unto Him very foveraignefor his recovery, throwes
the glafle againft the Wall,rpils that precious Receipt,
and drives the Phyfition out at doores? Conceive pro-
portionably j-betweene the Perfecutor,and the leffe pe-
ftilent finner, who meddles not malicieufly againft
the Miniftry.
7. They are already in the pe ftilcnt path, and very
hie-way,that leads to finne againft the ho/j Ghoff. The
horriblenefle, and height oi which dreadfull villany
may bring upon them even in this lif cimpolTibility of
pardon. -^^4^^.12,31,32. and liableneffeto that fla-
ming judgement and^^rj indignation threatned,Hp^.
io,2d,&c. A nd that they are (d) growing towards
thisfinne,if they be not quite gone that way,appears,
becaufe they defpitefully traduce; with much malice
and mif chief e perfecute the very works of Grace, and
graces of Godsfpirit fhed into the hearts, and ftiining
in the lives of the children of Light, i .Ioh.'^,i 2. PJal,
§8,2o.i./'^f.4.4. If a man would drinke, fweare,
fwagger,revell and roare with them : If hedurft be an
Ignorant,an Vfurer,a Sabbath-breaker, a Worldling,
adoterupon, and defender of hcathenifti iuperfti-
tious cuftomcs ; a pradifer, or Patron of Old anni-
verfarie fooleries , and rotten vanities ; an inclo-
fer, gamefter,good-fellow,&c. Oh ! then feee ftiould
bee the onely Man. with them ; entertained into
their hearts and houfes with all affedionate embrace-
mentsofkindeneffe and acceptation: but if the fame
man,by the mercies of God, once beginne to breake
from them,and out of the fnares of the Divell ; to dif-
reUifti, aaddeteft his former wayes of nature and
naughtinefre;to love and reverence the moft (earch-
ing Miniftry jtoreade the Scriptures, andbeft bookes ;
to fandifie the Lords day,to pray in his family ; to re-
nounce refolutely, his rnnmng with them to the fame
excejfe
Part, I .Cap. I I • Aff,iSled Confciences^ ^ ^
excejfe of riot, to abandon and abominate their lewd
and licencious coiirfes ; In a word to tiirne ChrifiiaM;
Oh / then He is an arrant Puritan,a Pricifian , an Hu-
morift,an hypocrite, and all that naught is ; even as
(e) bad, as the falfe tongues of the Divels Limbes can ^^^ Et nidH mcmthts
make a bkfTed Man. Hee was a good-fellow,wil they babentwr , qnm qui
fay jbiit hee is now quite gone : a proper man, and of /«»^« ommbm mng.
gcod parts,buthis PuritanifmehathC/jmar'dahwhile 'IJ^l^Xi^^!;^
Paul humour'd the Ph.m/es.ln perlecuting & plague- )^-^ fg^ f^aim tanium
ingtheDifciplesoftheLord, Hee was a principal and qukCbrl^iMM.Tttm*
much honoured man amongft ihera : but when Hee ^^p"^ M ' .
turned on ChnfisC\dc, He was holden a feFiilentfel-
lorpMvtxy{g)fUgHe, Sothatitisplaineandpal- (.^^^^,^^,^y£f.
pable,whatloevermay be pretended to the contrary, ^^^a^t^-nvKotfMV^
that thofecurfed C4<»/,dogged I>flf^/,andlcoffing //- w^.2^.5.
maelsy that fet tbemfelves and fpend their malice a-
gainft the Minifters and people of God,hate, flander,
and perfecute the very workes of Grace, and Graces
ofGodsfpiritin them. Even their zeale,holinefie,ha-
trcd of rin,reformation,&c.are an Eie-fore,andiiearc-
iore to fuch hatcfull wr€tch€s,and Owles of bell, who
annot indure any heavenly light.
Ch ap«
^6 InfiruUions for a right comforting " Sed.
Chap. XII.
Six other reafons dijfwading from the former ftnrif,
8. ThcirwickcincfTe 8 I^^C^^gS ftigmaticall Rogues burnt in the
I* recorded ro ihcit |J^aV^* hancl,curtard of their cares,branded
B""* V^^»I^IS ^" ^^^ forehead,are in the common-
J^i^mi\f wealth ; fo are Perfecutors in the
<^^^^^ Church. By mutuall intelligence,
and information of Gods peop]e,or
fome more publicke lading record and Monument of
the Church, they have many times fuch aMarkefec
upon them;that they carry it to their graves, yea, to
the judgement feat oi God j that it may bee knowne
afore-hand to that glorious Tribunalland all thetri-
(b>.Tim.4,t7. umphant Church, what fh) beafllymen, ftinging
£z«k. 1,6. * ' Scorpions,and pricking thorns they have been among
Gods Cbildrcn,and in the fides of the Saints. Such a
brand had Alexander the Copper Smith fct upon him
by T^atil. 2.Tim.4. 14.1 5 • ^^^ ^^^^ ^ brand was fee
upon D to trephes that malicious prating companion,
by Saint lohn. ^.lehn i o. So are thofe bloud-thirfty
Tygr€S,Gardi»ery'Bonner, and the reft of that crqell
litter,andperrecuting packe,branded,that their names
fhall rot,and their memories be hatefull to the worlds
end. So too many in thefe times,though they be ve-
ry J oily fellowes in their o wne conceits, adored as I-
dols by their flattering dependants, applauded gene-
rally as the Principal! Patrons of revelling amd good
fellow iliip;yet in thecenfureof the Saints, and by the
doome of divine wifedome,they areclearely known,
and juftly reputed enemies of ail righteoufnejfe , and
Satans fpeciall Agents to doe milchiefe againft the
raIfc7on tSea^th P- ^"^ it is to be fcarcdjthey will finde no mcr-
bcdi. cy upon their beds of death, and in their laft extremi-
ty
Part. I. Cap. 1 2 . AffliEied Conjciences, 6y
ty,cry they never {o loud, or promife they never fo
fayre. God in /ufl: indignation is woontto dealelo
with thofe,whodrinke up iniquity like wateri with-
out all fenfe or feare of a glorious dreadftill Ma/eftie a-
bove.See Ezek^%. 1 8. with thofe, who rejufe to (loop
to Gods Ordinance,& (iibmit to the Scepter ok Chrifl,
whenthey are Fairely invited by the Miniftery. See
Proverbs \ . 24.28. Ter.j, I 5 ; i S.and i i . I I . with
great Ones, who grinde the faces of the poore. See
Aficah. 3 .4. with abufers of the riches of His goodnejfc^
and longfuffering. S ee Rom, 2-4.5. How much more
doe you thinke, fhall impenitent Perfecutors be paid
homcinthis kinde ?See2.Macchab.5).i 3.17. There
that great and cruell perfecutor, Antiochm ^^m2^ feizd
upon by an horrible fk:kenefl€,promifeth very glori-
oufly upon that his laft bedjbefidesmany other ftrange
reformations,even that he alfo , ypouldbecome a lew
him[elfe,andgo thorow aH the World that tvm inhabit
ted, and declare the power oj God. But for all this,heare
what the (i j yVriter ok that ftory faith of his Ipiritu-
all ftate,and of Gods refolution towards Him.verf.i 3 CO^l^newt^eBooke
Thi^ Tvickedperfonprajedairo unto the Lordjtvho ypould " "°^ °f <!'V'"^ -"»'^"
new have no mercy on htm, ,,/* ^. ^,
ill L • r • L II r 1 /- •.,/- /*• n- Mace quoted, taken
10 All their ipitetulllpeeches,fcurrillfcoffes,peln- onely from the hand
lent lyes ^ infolent infultations, &c. are as fo many of an hamanc Hifto-
Crownes of glory and joy unto the heads, and hearts "an.And fo conceive
^ ' ' J cfit ; Bat we fee the
Author* conceit of
that wicked man, ifcny ihinkc, that God isfayd^tol'ivc hiinomcicy uponhina, one-*,
ly in tefpett of dclivcrapce f cm hi* difeafc : hrari what (ome fay in the cafe. Animbui
Vpoj mdetd rtallyand fefimp)g>iivfdie»datkncifUdQ<i(iihat hk afflicim waifor hii fmnti, lib. i .
cap.6. ve f. II, But hie WM noc trutl/pmteai' for ths^Qtnce c$mnittecl agair.^Ged,atid
bu naf>})biur^ butcndyfo^ buotvmulawin^andmijtry.cnAihrtitncouldnot obtaine mrcie, to
Hmjftm of hU ^nnci^nor reUaltof ths pmilhmesi -.^a'.fothe dmnedinHiU, ^«w, and con
fe[fe, 'hatibcyarepumjhedforiheirfmnii, buthavfrmiri<enpiHiam, /«if tbeir tfme againfi
Cod. Ot this ccnfure and gjcflc. let ihc Authcurs render a reafon ihemfdifci^ In Antis-
(ho/iyihC)pmny.Aiiiiihri[iMixpr(j[M, Te bxhotc. Mfinyrij, Op. n. * Their
»gc-isaCicv>nf toihjperfccutorf, ^
of
^8 InfirHCtions form right comforting Scdt.I
of all perfecuted patient Profeffors. i . Pet.^, 1 4. a^<f?,
5.41 . loh 3.36. (So that they infinitely miffe the ma.
licious Marke,their revengefull humours would glad-
ly bit, the hurt and heart-breaking of thofe , they fo
cruelly and cunningly hunt with much rancour and
hate.) And not onely fo, but moft certainly hereafter,
ifthey dye not like drunken iV^^^i/, and their hearts
become as ftones in their breafts, upon their Beds ot
death they will all, though nowpaffing from them,
with much bitternefleof Spirit, and without all re-
morfe, turneinto fo many envenomed Itings, and by-
ting fcorpionsjunto their o wne confciences,and gnaw
upon their hearts, with extreameft horror.
iiThcwholccharch II The whole body of the militant Church,
praycj againft fudi joyne all as one man with a ftrong concurrent impor-
tunitie at the Throne c^'gracejand with one heart and
fpirit conftantly continue there, (iich piercing prayers
againft all ftubborne impenitent fcorners ; all incura-
ble, implacable perfecutors,as the people of God have
beene went to poure out in fuch cafes, as Lament. 3.
5 9. &C. O Lord I thou haji feene my yvrong^ndge thoft
my caufe. Thou haft fee ne all their'vengeance^ and all
their imaginations againfl me. Thou hafi heard their
reproach ^0 Lord,itnd all their imaginations againfl me^
The lips of thofe that rofe up againfl mee, and their de-
vife againfi me all the day. Behold their fitting dovone,
and their rtftng up, I am their mufcke. Render unto
them areeompenccy O Lord according to the worke of
their hands, (five them for row of heart, thy curje unto^
them. Perfecute anddeftroy them^in anger, from un-
der the heavens of the Lord. Now I would not be m
that Mans cafe,againft whom.Gods people oomplaine
upon good ground at that juft and higheft Tribunal],
bnehalfehoure ; for the imperiall crowne, and com-
mand of all the Kingdomes of the earth : for who
knows, whether juft at that time, the righteous Lord
for his children's fake , and fafetie may raine upon
fucli
Part I .Cap. 1 4. tAfjU^ed C'onfciences, 65
fuch a mans hc^dy fftarfiy fre and Brimflene , and an
korrihle temped. 12. And the prayers of the Saints i».The prayer* of
poured out in the bitternefle of their (bules vexed persecuted Saints,
continually with their malicious cruelties , and cruell ''.''ingpcriccatorsofr.
, ^ • ^ L • T» /- times CO untimclf
mecks, are meanes many times to brmg Perlecutours ^^^^
to an untimely end, to knocke them dovvne before
their time.Do not you thinke, that the faithfuU lewes
^tferufa/em, hearing o^ Antiochui marching towards
them^ like an evening Wolfe, to drinke up their bloud,
had prefendy recourfe unto Gods righteous Throne
with ftrong cries, to ftay his rage? And do you not
thinke, that thofe very prayers drew downe upon
him that horrible, and incurable plague , whereupon
He dyed amiferahle death in afirange Countreyinthe
Moptntaines? Herody for any thing we know , might
have lived many a faireday longer, if hee had dealt
faircly with the ayfpofiies o'cChriH, But putting one
to thefword,exf^.i 2.2. and another in priron,ver.4.
He put the Church to their prayers, verf. 5 . Which
prayers ('for there is a certaine omnipotence of prayer, Eji qmedam grteiai
as Luther was wont to fay J did create full ibone tho(e omnipoitntia,
vermine, that eate him up horribly in the height oi his
pride, verf.23. The(0 Ecclefiafticall ftoryreports, ^^cmAnmConfiiM^
that the loathfomcand dreadful! end of Arripu^ that Z'Simll mipiln^
execrable enemie to fefus Chrifi , was haftened by tffet^AUxajidereiMur.
the prayers of the good and orthodoxe Biihop Jl/ex- bisspifcopusy totan»&e
ander, who w rallied with God in earneft deprecati- "'«'*i''* pfopatus 0^
onsagamfthmaUthen^htbefore.Doyounotthi„k.^';i%',i";^«^
that Gardtner went fooner into his grave ror his cru- nberam & it Anh
eltie towards Profeffours of the truth,by their groanes blafphem'urum petua
againft him, and by the cry of the bloud of that glori- ^'pofcertt. pofiridii
ous VHxto'c Martyrs at OA:/or^,which he fb infatiably ^'"^^ i""^'"^ f**''**'
thirftedafter ? Let all thofe then, that treadinthefe 7,ZyZT^!^^^
mens paths, tremble at their ends. And if no better wm>i!«r kmMibui
ventris ttrmmbM ,
UxaUqw. a!vo pmit Utrinamy in qua ft Jens anicum excrentiatii fffudit jtcur, meftimy'mpu-
famqntanmimyioniimf<sdnntylniqn€ i/ipiuite dlinnmexltum. Sozom. lib. i.cap. tg*
Bucol AnnoChhft, jjtf.
F motive
^5 InftrHEiiens for aright comforting Seft.i.
motive will mollifie their doggedne(fe,yet at leaft, (et
their love unto the world, themfelvcs, and fenfuall
waies, take them oft'andreftrainethem from this per-
fecting rage; left it fet on worke the prayers of Gods
people, and fb they be taken away before their time,
and cut off from a temporary fiippofed heaven of
earthly pleafiires, to a true everlafting Hell ofun-
fpeakeable torments, fooner than otherwife they
13 All men tcjoycc ft-iould. 15. The hearts,and tongues of all good men»
at their deftruaion. gj,^ friends to the Gofpell, are fird with much glori-
^S 'tL'r e is^ouc- ^^^ (^^ /oy» ^"^ heartieft f ongs of thankfgiving,at the
pen jticteis downefalfofevery raging incurable Oppofite; when
Pro! 11.10. the revenging hand of God hath at length to the An-
gular advancement of the glory of his /uftice, fingled
out, and paid home remarkeably,any impenitent Per-
fecutor, and implacable enemie. See for this purpofe^
The fbng a^Mofesy Exod. 1 5 , Of Z) ehorahy ludges y ,
The ley^es feafting after the hanging ©f HamanySfiher
9. ly.*?/^/. 52.6.p.and58. 10.and79.15. i Mac^
cab, 13.51. f Onely, let the heart of Gods childe be
watchfiill over it felfe with a godly jealoufie in this
Point. That his rejoycing be, becaufe Gods /uftice is
glorified, his Church delivered, Satans kingdome
weakened, &c. notonely forhis owneeafeandend,
for any perfonal or particular by-refpe(5t.) Now it is an
heavy cafe; A man, in his Ihort abode upon earth to
behave himfelfe,fb like a dogged Curre,and incarnate
Divell, thatall good men are and ought to be palling=
ly glad, when he is gone.
Ghap.
Parti.Cap.ij. AffiUed C»nfciences, j6
Chap. XIII.
/. who are 'meant hy Perfectttors, II, What u
meant h ferfecution. III, An ohjetlion againfi the
doBrine anfwered,
iN this point I comprife and con- Perfecutors ofwhtt
elude, all forts of Perfecutors : of kindcs.
which fome arc profeft and open,
as Bonner and Gardiner,3Ln.d many
fuch morning Wolves : (bme poli-
ticke and referved , who many
times are the more pernicious. For of all manner of
malice, and ill will, that is moft execrable,deadly, and
doth the moft hurt, which like a Serpent in the faire
gr^ene graffe, lies lurking in the flatterings and fawn-
ings of a fleering countenance. Which kifies with
luda^j^nd kills with loak- entertains a man with out-
ward formes of complement,and curtefie,bnt would,
if it durft or might, ftab him in at the fifth rib, that he
iliould never rife againe. When a mans words to thy
face, are asfoft as oyle or butter ; but his thoughts to-
wards thee, composed all of bloud and bitternefle ; of
gall and gun-powder. Some are notorious villaines,
as many times in many places , the moft defperate
blafphemersjftigmaticall drunkards, rotten whore-
mongers, cruellufiirers, and fellows of fuch infamous
ranke, are as fo many bloiidy Goads in the fides of
Godsfervants ; and the onely men to purfiie all ad-
vantages againft the faithfiilleft Minifters ; Some are
of more fober carriage, faire conditions, and feeming
devotion; Aft. 13.50. Some are the bafeft feUows,the
moft abjedl and contemptible vagabonds , and the
very refijfe of all the Rafcals in a Coimtrey. This we
may fee by lohcomphintjC^ap, 30, But now, laith
hejthejfthat arejounger thetnl^hti'^e me in derifioft,
F 2 yifh&fe
^8 InflrH^ionsftr aright comforting Se6t;r.
yphofe fathers Itvouldhavedifdained tohavefet with
thedoggesofmyflockc. They -were children of
fooles,yeay childrcri of kafe men : they were viler than
the earth » And now am I their fong^yea^ I am their by*
word. And in Davids : Pfal. 3 5 . Tea, the ah jeUs ga-
thered themj elves againfi me, 8cc, and I was the fong
of the drunkard s^Vfsl.SQ .1 2. And in the Perfecutors
oi T'auljtA^.l'J .But the lewes which beleeved Hoty
moved with envie, tookeunto them certatnelewdefel-
lowes of the baferfort^ &c. Some againe are men of
place and parts. AsthefameP/^W^complainesin the
(ame place : They that fit in the gate ^fp cake againfi; me.
(iD^ Hrfj famx \n€ti. (m) That is, menin high roomes, and ot great autho-
f»i tut at & taxat i eSj j. j^g
S"/-;i"«^ES; I i And as all forts of Petfecuto«.fo I comprehend
Mteratttji4d:tts,&ftn:-^^^^^^<^^^ of perfecution. i By hand; as did Herod.
oris pltbii,quifeelere,& <iy^B. 12. lulian, Bonner^ &c. 2 With tonguCj by
convtmrtfeiibant ia mocking, Galat. 4. 24. compared with Gen . 2 1 .^. See
Uc0fmmum]u4ic> ^ pj^^ ^ fj^^ j j^^ g flandering, even in
t«i/iryy<»ifiM«i«cr<iz. reporting true things mahciouflyto the prejudice of
iHdicia tnim <«;r«- Gods children, 7V^/w 52. By reproaching and rcvi-
baJituriapmu,Ruib.4. \{viQ^,Zeph. 2. 8. By inCulting with in(blent fpeeches,
rHtatk i^oc, fntfn,£:^^c/j^^^2.znd26.2. 3 Inheart;by hatred,^*«:y&.
'i'i^?fe4"SS I ^ 5 . By rejoycing in the downefall or difgrace of the
in membrit ijus con- Saints, Ezech. 35.6. 4 In gefture; E:K.?ch. 25.6. Be-
impt^qwindo forte M caufe thouhafi clapped thy hands y and fiamped with the
ciS< erit fiiva Dei p; feety ^c. Behold therefore, I will fir etch out mine hand
bibere tbrteiates, & thee,&c. Take heedoffo much,as looking fowrc
fundoyvtlopptdo, uh "pon, or brow-beatmg a lervant of Chnft, Jell thou
n»n auditkm futvt fmartforit. Looke upon the quoted places, and you
yerbum Dei. Au^uQ. {hall fee Oftenders in any of thefe kindes, plagued and
ii^p'V^'' ■ f P^i^ho-"^^ as Perfecutorsof Gods people, nd thus let
whjikindc. "" ^ ^^^ extremely wicked men be frighted from perfe-
cuting any way, thofe Men or Meanes, which are ap-
pointed & fandified, to furnifh us with fpirituall flore
and ftrength againfi the dayes of evil/,
III. Ob, Butagainft tnat, which hath beenefaid
in
Part I, Cap. 1 4« nyfffii^ed (^onfciences. 6p
inthisflbintforthe finguladty, and foveraignty of
grace and good confcience to fupportthe Spirit of a
Man in evill times, to keepe it calme m the mofl tem-
peftuous afTaults, and conquering over all commers, it
may be objeded, and fomc may thuscavill.
Men, who never were, or ever did defire to be ac-
quainted with Gods grace or good men, expreffe
fometimesjand reprefent to By-ftanders an invincible
floutncfTe, much boldneffe and bravenefle of minde
in times ofgreateft extremitie, and under moft exqui-
fite tortures; and therefore it feemes not to be peculi-
ar to the Saints, and the priviledge of Gods Favou-
rites alone, to ftand unftiaken in ftormy times, un-
daunted in diftrefle, and comfortable amidft the moft
defperateconfiifions ?
Anfw. I anfwerj Such confidence is onely in the
face, not in the heart; inforced, not kindely; affe<fted,
not effeduall; not fprii^ing from the fole Fountaine
of all found and lafting comfort in humane Soules,
fenfe of our reconciliation to God in Chrift; but from
(bme other odde accidentall Motiv€S;from wcake and
unworthy grounds.
Chap. XIV.
Five falfe grounds of confident induring wiferie,
^Nlome,from an ambitious affecfti- ^ a defire to be ae-
on of admiration and applaufe, for counted undaunted,
extraordinary undauntednefTe of
) fpirit, and high refolution. It is re-
ported of an Irijh Traitour, that ly-
^ ing in horrible anguiili upon the
;^A^^/^, an Engine of cruelleft torture, with his body
bruis'd, and his bones broken, asked his frie nd (land-
ing by, whether he changed countenance at all, or no .
F 3 AtFeaing
_Q InftruBionsforari^tcornforting Sed.i.
AfFeding more as it feemes, an Opinion of prodigious
manlinefle, and unconqiierablenefle in torment; than
aftedled with the raging paincs oFa moft terrible exe-
i A pcrfwafKn cf cution. 2 In others,fi:om a ftrong,ftirring perf vvafion,
the honefty of !ome g^j j confciournefle of the honefty,and honour of fome
tbt'" uffc? '" ^^^^^^ ^^"^^^^ ^^^ ^^.^^^^ ^^^y ^"^^''- ^f ^o^^^t'^de in this
* ^ " * cafe, doth not arifejfrom any inspired religious vigour
or heavenly infufions; but from the feverer inftigati-
•->. ons of naturall confcience,and acquired manhood of a
meeremorallPuritane. Many fuch morall Martyrs
have beene found amongft the more generous, and
well-bred heathen. It is ftoried of a brave and valiant
Captaine, who had long, manfully, and with incredi-
ble courage with-ftood Dionjfim the elder in defence
of a Citie; that Hee fuftained with flrange patience,
and height of fpirit the mercilefle fury of the Tyrant,
and all his barbarous cruelties : moft unworthy of
Him, that fuffered them, but moft worthy him that
inflicted thefame. Fir^ theTyr.int told himyhotv the
day before ^hehad caufed hisfenne, andallhis kinsfolkes
to be drown d.ToKvhom the Caftainefiomly out -flaring
Him, anjrpered nothing, but that they mere more hat ~
fy than himfelfejby the jpace of one day. After-K>ard hee
eaufed him to befiripped, and by his executioners, to be
taf^en^and dragged through the (^ity mofl ignominioHfly,
cruelly whipping Him, and charging Him befides, with
outragiousandcontHmeliottiJpeeehes: All which not-
TPtthftandingf as One no whit difmaide, Hee ever /hew-
ed a confiant, and refolute heart, cy^nd with a cheer e-
full, and bold countenance, went onflilly lowdly recount
ting the honourable and gloriom caufe of his death -^
which was, that he would never confent to yeeld his
Country into the hands of a cruellTyrant. With fuch
ftoutneffe did even meere morall vertue fteele the an-
tient Romane fpirits, that in worthy defence oi their
liberty^ for prefervation of their Country, or other
fuch Boble ends; They indifferently contemned gold,
ftlver,
Part I. Cap. 1 4.. j^. jffJUSled ^onfcienccs, 71
filver, death, torture; and vvbatfoever elie miferable
worldlings hold deare,or difmall, 3 .In fonie,from an 3 An extrcamc hard-
extreme hardnefle of heart, which makes themfenfe- n^ffcothc«t.
jefteandiearelefseof £hame, mifery, or any terrible
thing. This we may ibmetimes obf erve in notorious
malefadors. A long rebellious, and remorfelefse con-
tinuance, and cuftome in finne,raging infeflions from
their roaring companions; a Ririous purfuit oFoutra-
ges, and bloud ; Satans hot iron fearing their coi/ci- •-
ences, and Gods juft curfe upon their fearefull, and
fbrlorne courfes, fo fill them with foole-hardinefse,
and with liich a fcrall difpofition, that they are defpQ-
rately hardened againft all affronts and difafters. So
that though fuch favage-minded, and marble-hearted
men be to pafte thorough the ftreets, as (pedlacles of
abhorrednefse and fcorne, as hatefiill monfters, and
the reproach of Mankinde; to be thro wne into a Dun-
geon of darkenefse, and difcomfort, and there to bee
leaden with cold irons, coldnefle, and want ; from
thence to bee hurried to that loathed place of execu-
tion, and there to dye a dogges death, as they fay; and
finally to fall immediately and irrecoverably into a
Lake of fire : yet, I fay, for all this, out of a defperate
hard-heartednefle, they feeme ftill to be in heart ; and
to reprefent to the beholders , a great deale of un-
dauntedneffe, and negleft of danger in their carriage,
and countenances. O the prodigious Rocke , into
which the flone in a graceleffe heart may grow ; both
in refped of defperatenefle in finning , and fenfelef^
nefle in fuftering ! 4. In others,from an enraged thirfl ^ j^ ^^^ ^^^^
after humane praiie, and immortall fame , as they call praife;
it. Which may be fb prevalent in them,and tranfpbrc
them with fuch a vaine-glorious ambition this way;
that it may carry them with much feeming infenfi-
bilitic, afFeded patience, and artificiall courage tho-
row the terrours, and tortures, of a very violent, and
Martyr-like death. Heare what AnfiiH faith to
F 4 this
72 InJiru^ivHS for a right comforting^ . Sed. i.
Pu'ath Caihdkes dc this point, Thinkeye there never were any Catholickf^
fufjettuiditije pofjey ^^ thfit noyv there may net he [ome , that vpoHldfufer
(u, tauji bumui^ii.. .g^^iyfg^ f^g p^^:r^ ^1^,„ ? jfr^gy^ were not C^ch lAnde
tfcnt hu]tjmdd,hom:- ofmen.the ApTlle iron Id not have faid. Though I give
jjof^Tion ditifCi Apvtio' my bodie to be burned^ and have not charity , I am no"
liitiJitradid'.iouTpiu thing. He did knotv rightivell^that there mitrht be fame,
mum,utard,am.(,bA fphichrpoptlddo it ottt of vaine -gloria ^ and felfe-love^
TaL^ ^^^S^. «^^ fi"- ^^■^'■'^^ ^^^^' ^^"^ '^'^^'n 'f ^°^' ^ ^i^e bot-
dtft. *Stiibat oib cfe tomlefle depth of helliOi hypocriiie, which lyes hidde
pcffe qucfdam, qui hoc in our corrupt hearts 1 O the blinde and perverfe
jaclansntfacennt^nen thoughts of tbolilh men 1 O the murderous malice oF
Pfaf"""' ^"^""' '" Jthatoldrr^ Dragon, which exercifeth fuch horrible
This "^humour Yuo crueltie both upon our bodies and ibules ! j.Infome,
haunicd the Hca from falfe grounds of a fuppoled good eftate to God-
thcn, imongft whom ward ; from an unfound perfwafion of their prefent
ihc moQ wicked did fpJTituall well-beins;,andfiiture well-fare. Such Pha^
leave fcmercmem. ^'A-^»/^''^^-^^^''i*''-^'2"^/''''*^'*^'^/'^*M^ ^^^ to
branceof the irfclvc 5 be found in all ages of the Church, efpecially, in the
to poftericy w.-tnciTc faireft, and mofl flourifhing dayes thereof, and when
that unknown fellow, th^ Go(pell hath the freeft pa{Iage,who thus many
whocffctf urporcdd ^^ -j^ ^^g greateft of all earthly extremities , even
barnthe Tcmplcof i • i ^ r i t r n t i
Di<i«ainff/»J!?f/«iiwho upontheir beds oi- death repreient to all about them
being demanded from a groundlefle preemption of being reconciled
wherefore he did i', unto God, a great dcale of confidence,reiblution,and
anlwcrcd thathede- many glorious expedtations. Vpon a partiall furvay,
table villany ("feeing ^P pcrufall of their timepalt, not Itamd perhaps
fcyvcrtue he could with any great enormities, notoriouftiefle, or infa-
not^ 10 leave feme mous finnc; out of a vaine-glorious conlcioufneffe un-
memory behind him to themfelves of their many good parts, generall gra-
h waS',";im f ttT ^^'' §^^^ ^^^^^' ^"^ plaufiblenefTe with the moft ; by
timci they wculd ad tealbn of a former obftinated diflafte and prejudice
venture derpctatcly, againft finceritie, and the power of godlinefTe, as
?nd paflc thorow, though it were unneceflarie fingularitie and peevifh-
wura cman-ccr'o "^^^' ^"^ ^^ ii^^y be, confirmed alfo unhappily in
rail fffl"a'onjr i°r ^^^^^'" ^pirituall fdfe-coufenage, by the unskilfiiU, and
praifc of men j or to be any wales fanious in following agcj, s A f^Kc fuppoficion of
*hcir good cftaie to God- ward.
unfeafo-
Part I. Cap. I. AffliSied Confciences, yj
iinfeafonable palliations, I meane mif-applications of
fomeabufed promifes unto their imhumbled foules,
from iomo. dawhifigM\m{\.ixs,2i generation of z-z/^y? Ezjk. i:.ii.
men, excellent Ideots in the my llerie of Chrift , and '^•''- 9 t y. The Pra.
mercifull cut-throates of many miferable deluded ^^f^^J^^i* '^^'^^ ^^^
follies, to whom they promiie life and fence , when E^gk, i*.*,g, '-
there is no peace towards, but terrible things even at
hsinAjtiimbling of garments in h loud, noife oi diZmnei\ Ifa 9 5*
{bules, and tormenting in hell for ever; I fay h-om fuch
' falfeand failing grounds as thefe, they many times in
that laft extremitiefthe Lord not revealing unto them
the unfoundnefle of their fpirituall eftate, and rotten-
nefle of their hopes) demeane thenjlelves chearfully,
and comfortably, as though they were prelently to let
foot into heaven, and to lay hold upon eternall Hfe;
but,God he knows , without any juft caufe or true
ground. For .immediatly upon the departure of the
fbuJe from the bodie , fhall they heare that wofuU
doome from C/jri^Jowne mouth, as himfelfe hath
told us before-hand, D^/j^^rf from me ; I never knew -^^^^^ _ ^.
you. Such men asthele, having beene formerly ac-
quainted with, and exercifed in the outward formes
and complements of Religion,are wont at (iich times
to entertaine their vifitants and by-ftanders , with
;rjany goodly Speeches, and Serif ture-^^hvTS&s , repre-
fenting their contempt of the world, willingnelTe to
dye, readinefle to forgive all the world , hope to be
faved, defireto bediffolved, and be in heaven, &c.
They may cry aloud with muchformall confidence, Many having fcrvcd
Lord, Lord, open tons '^ mercie, mercie, in the name of '1^^'^ appetites all
Chrifi,LordfefHs receive our jpirits,ecc, which laft Jo'thinke^au'heft-
verc Cotnman^cments of the AiNpowcifuIl God, were given but m Iportj and that the
<hort breath, which wcdrawjwhen death prefleih U5, if we canbut falliionii:, totltt
found of mercy, is lufficient: quam muti^ faith a reverend Father, cum b3.c fpe ad attr-
nos laboic> & bdU dtfandunt IxowU In ihe Preface to his Hiftory of the World. Many
conceit as great an efficacy in iheTe fivewordi, hotd have mtnj upon wc, fpokenwitb
theirlaftbrcathjfor their trJrfl)tion of theit foules into heaven, asthe Papiflsdocof
their five words of confccraiiooifor the tr«nfubftantiation of their Hofte. T>ik!i,
ejaculations.
74
InfiruEiions for a right comforting, Stdi. i .
ejaculations, did they fpring from a truly broken, pe-
nitent, and heavenly heart , and were they the peri-
ods, and conclufionsoFawell-fpent life, might blef-
ledlybreake open with unrefiilable power the gates
of heaven ; unlocke the richtrcafures of immortality,
and fill the departing foule, with the Hiining beames
of Gods glorious prelence : but unto them fuch good-
ly and glorious fpeeches are but as fo many catchings
and fcrablings oFa man over head in water -.-he ftrug-
gles, and ftrives tor hold to fave him^elfe ; but hee
grafpes nothing but water j it is ftill \vater which he
catches j and therefore finks and drownes.
Chap. XV.
7. A fixth f^lfe ground, of confident htduringmife^
ries, J I, A conclujion of the firji DoHrine,
^Amiftuidsd zeale ^
ftich at in
AncicBtly^the 2)«»<i
tifii,
^Mupbemltes.
h£flpbM.Her,Zo,
l,aiely,tnc
I Mabumettms.
ManyofihcTurkcs
tui
N Others, from a mif-guided head-
ftrong zeale in will-worj(hip ; an
impotent, peremptory conceit,that
theyfufferinthecaufeofGod, and
for the glory of Religion. This un-
hallowed furie poflefled many He-
retickes of old. Vpon this falfe ground, the (a) Dona-
tifis in the fourth Century after Chrijl- offered thcm-
felves willingly, and fuflfeted death moft couragiouf-
ly. And fo did the (b) Eufhewites, who for the mul-
titude of their fuppofed Martyrs, would needs be cal-
led Martyriahs, Stories alfo tell us,that THrkes^Tar-
tars, 2ind Mores both fight and dye moft bravely and
might; by tui njng refolutely for the blafphemous opinions of Mahomet,
nor,cbQfingraihcrtoan^<^c'^P^'"^^c^i^-throates , who would without all
dye, and (»ik is re- Icrupk or feare undertake to dilpatch any man,whom
ported^ alfo to kUl tjjgir Generall commanded them to murther, dyed of-
ihcmfclvcs, ihao to tdfltimes
Parr . I . Cap .15. AffltEied Concjciences, n j
tentimeswith great conftancyandundilhiayednefle: foriakc thciidacnna.
And diis tbey accounted a (peciall point of Religion. WefupeiftitJon. E\{i^
Butefpecially at this day,the Popiil-i "Pfeude-martyrs, oftheiMk^i ptg xt-^,
indeed true Tray tors, arc ftarke mad with this fuper- ^J^^ Akfvs arc t
{k-kious rage.Firil, they drinke full deepe ofthQ^o/den company of moft dc-
c^p oFabhominabl e forntcatlon i n the hand of the great fpera: e md dange.
fvhore. Immediately wbsreupon they grow into an 'ousmen aiiiongthc
unfatiable and out-ragious thirft after the bloud of Jf,^J;7'''''"j^lJj,3
Soules, empoyfoning them with the doctrine of De- withihe blindewalc
vils : An J alio after the bloud ok whomfoever with- of their fuperftuion,
ftands their accurfed itiperftitions J even-though they and ccouming it
weave Imperial/ (^rorpnes upon their heads ; by plot- ai"ifon^"»> by^' y
ting, and pradiifing treafons, patricides , affafinates, " "a" ^n.^y of ih"r
empoyfbnings, ruines of whole Nations , barbarous rdioion^forthepcr-
Maflacres, blowing up of Par /laments, and a world of fomianceihcrcofj as
bloudie mifchiefes , which caft an inexpiable ftaine, ^^^ prodigal] of
and obloquie upon the innocencie oi Chriftian Reli- ;'^''^,''^"'*^'*P^'."^
Ainu .-n- / r 1 ly aaventurc thcm-
gion. Atlaft,tbeycometoT)^;/r»f , or lomeother j-jycsuntoail kindc
place ofjuft execution; and then they will needs beare of dangers. Hi^tr.cf
the world in hand, that they are going towards hta- /^f7"Ar>i«,5fl^.ii9.
ven, to receive a Cronvne of Martyrdome. They leeme
there alreadie to triumph extraordinarily, and tocon-
temne tortures: with an affeded bra verie, they tram-
ple up6n the Tribunals of j/^/^V^jkiffe the inftruments
ofdeath,inligneofhappinefleat hand; and throwe
rhany refolute, and rcjoycing fpeeches , amonglt the
people, as though they had one foot in heaven alrea-
die. When alas 1 poorc, blinde, mif-guided Soules,
while they thus wilftiUy & defperately abandon their
lives upon a groundlefle, and gracelelTe conceit , that
they {Kail become crowned Martyrs ; they are like a
man, who lying afleepe upon an high and fteep Rock,
dreames that he is created a King , guarded with a
goodly traine of ancient Nobles/urniflied with many
princely .houfes, and ftately palaces,enriched with the
revenews, majeil;ie, and magnificence of a mightie
king4ome,.attended with all the pleasures,, his heart
could I
'J 6 InfirH Slions for a right comforting Se(^ i .
could defire, &c. But ftartingupupon the fudden,and
leaping for joy ; falls headlong, and irrecoverably into
the raging Sea ; and To in lieu i of that imaginary hap-
pinefle he vainely grafped in a dreame , hee deftroyes
himfelfe, and lofeth that little reall comfort , he had
in this miferable life. That damned paire of incarnate
Devils, the Englifh Fawk^s, and French Ravi/lac; the
one, after that m the Popes caufe, he had embnied his
hands in the Royall bloud of a mightie King, and the
greateft Warriour upon earth;The other having done
his utmofl: to blow up at once,the glory, power, wife-
dome ; the Religion, peace, andpofleritie of the mofl:
renowned State under the heavens ; were both pro-
digioufly bold, confident, peremptory. But was this
courage, think you, infpiredinto them,by the Lyon of
the Trih offudah,a\rcdidy triumphant in the heavens j
or by that roaring Dragon of the bottomleffe pit ? A
man of an underfl:anding,impartiall, difcerning ipirit,
would Icarcely wifh a clearer demonftration of the
truth,and orthodoxnes of our Keligion,than to marke
the different ends of our blefled Martyrs in Queene
A/aries timeySind thoCePepifh Traytors, which are
fometimes executed amongft us .They both ordinarily
at their ends exprefle.a great deale of confidence : But
in'&it Pfeudo>^Catholickes Antichrifiian Afartjrs , it
is fb enforced, artificiall, ambitious, affedled ; Their
fpeeches fo cunning, andcompofed uponpurpofe to
feduce the fimple ; Their laft behaviour io ploy:ed be-
fore-hand, and formally acfled; Their prayers foun-
heartie, plodding, and perfundlory ; Their whole car-
, riagefo unfpiritualljand unlike the Saints of God, dis-
covering neither former acquaintances with the my-
(leries of true fandlification, nor thofe prefent feeling
elevations of fpirit, which are wont to fill the (bules,
which are rcadie to enter into the joyes of heaven;
that to a fpirituall ey e,to a man verft in the purity, and
power of godlinefle, it is mofl: cleare, that their com-
fort
Part I. Cap. i s- AffUEled Confciences, 77
fort in luch cafes, is of no higher ftrainej nor flronger
temper,tban the morall refolution of an Heathen, and
head-ftrong conceit of Herefie can reprefent, or reach
nnto. ItisotherwifewiththetrueyI/.^r/^y/of /^<?/>«,
ilaine moft cruelly by that great whore , the M O-
T H E R of H A R L O T S, drunken with a world
of innocent bloud, as with fweet Wine : As we may
fee and fecle in that glorious Marty riology of our
Ay^/w/j, inthemcrcilefletiniesofQiieene-^^r/. The
conftantprofellion, and power of our moft true, and
ever-bleried Religion did create fuch an holy , and
humble Majcfty in their carriages; fuch a deale ofhea-
ven, and fober undauntednefTe in their countenances;
fuchjoyfull fpringings,andfpirituall ravifliments in
their hearts -lUch grace, and powerfull piercings in
theirfpeeches; (iich zeale,and heartie meltings in their
prayers; fuch triumphant , and heavenly exultations
amid the flames: that it was more than manifeft,both
to heaven and earth ; to men and Angels, that their
caulej was the caufe of God ; their Murtherer , that
Man efftnne ; their bloud, the feed of the Church;
their foules, the jewels of heaven ; and their prcfent
paflage,the right and ready way, to that unfading and
moft glorious Crojvne of Martj/rdomeJXhzx. which in
fidion, was fathered upon Father Campien, was moft
true of every one of our true Martyrs :
That everie one might fay, with heavie heart that
flood: .
Herejpeaks a Saint, here dyes a Lamhe,herefiorpes
the gHtltlejfe bloud.
Thus you have heard, upon what weake props and 1 1. Conclullon of :
fandy foundations that confidence ftands,and is built, thcficndoaiine.
which carnal! men feeme to lay hold upon with great
bf averie in times of trouble,aiid diftreffe.Butthe com-
fort which fweetly fprings from that fpirit,! fpeak of^
liipportedjoutoffpeciallfavoar, andmtereft, by the
hand of God, All-fufficient , and the unconquerable
calmneile .
. g InfirH^ions for a right comforting StOi. i ,
calmneffe of a good confcience is grounded upon a
iJo<ri^f; upon which, though the r^/wi? defcendf, the •
flouds come, the tvindes blow, the tempefts beat ; yet ic
{z)Vvfmtx perUu- ftands like Mount Zion,inre, fober, ftrcng, lafling,
iisvirtt »"»;>""»;- impregnable. Nay,Witisof that heavenly metall,
C«. Eos non vu tern- K ,.^. Y • j- i l •
poris^nonprincipisur. Sinddwrneum^QTythat it ordinarily gathers vigour
rer^notttmioyjionlni and puififance from the w^ortds rage; and growes in
vidia, wm mtwy mn ftrength and relblution together with theencreafe of
Mcufator,nonca'uniiti- ^n unjuft oppofitions : Perfecutions , and refiftance
SIK^^tcTJ/Jf-^erve as a provocation, andfeafoning to it'sfweet-
noiinfidiasftruemjnon nefle. It is not enforced, formall, artificiall, affected,
infptcitmm(ier,no»(i- furious, defperate, mifgroundcd, ambitieus , upon an
lienuit nm aumm^ hoc humour, in the face onely, onely in hot bloud, out of a
«/?, «J^^«^*'^J>J*«2 vain-glorious pang,&c. Such may be found in Aliens^
f^lTmdiBrlTtrKqite.ve' and refolute reprobates. It were nothing worthie, if
tut In talorum tiidoja- ftrangers might meddle with it : If men or devils, or
ilantur, nonverbomm the whole world could take it from us ; If it were fu-
Itlccebrte^non tnm^.nfn ftajng^ oncly by any created power, or arme of flefli.
S(r.«t JK ThisPearle that! praife.andperfwadeunto is ofan
rnm profit i?tioni in eoi higher price, and more tranlcendent power, than any
prepuy wagtiai i/'^^ unregenerate man can poiTibly compafTe, or compre-
d'tvitias, qua infau-- hend. It hath for it's feat, afandlified Soulejfor the
ptrtatefita/mtjmbU pountaineof it's refrefhing, the Spirit of all comfort;
fim ahjent'mm , aut for it s toundation,the favour of Godjtor it s warrant,
prteftntjumj aut inex- thepromifes olAmen, thefaithfull, and true fVitneJfe;
fdtatme poftmum for it's objed, an immortall Crowne ;for it's conti-
extuUt^ aut adduure. nuance, the prayers of all the Saints ; for it's compa-
totmt, ttt determes • • ^ ^ ^ • • -ui l i /-
v^j^j' ^^^^ -g_ nions, inward peace, invincible courage , an holy le-
trd,exiplIsptricu>U v> curitie of minde ; for it's end and perfedion , fttlnejfe
resmtjorts coUegtrunt^ of joy,andfleafHres at Gods right hand for evermore,
atque atmri m'mo In a word, this couragious comfort , and true noble-
SS"^dX- "^^^""^^P^"^*^^^^^^"^^^^^^^^ ^^^'^ ^^ thetrue-
fm(m mubuouitt. hearted Chriftian doth differ as much from, and as
Hujufmdi enim vim farre (iirpafies all the groundleffe confidences of what
babet temmna pro
Cbri(linmiae/ufc(ptajUt ardtniiores amori ftetsjubdatt vitifque ia animi magniiudiite priC'
ftaniibui adjeqi e»:ia artamimqueji ar>at6T.is iuJifftf}odivicemprttbtat,>iizan.O!:at.^4,
carnali
Part. 2, Cap. I. AfjiiEiedConJciences^ ^ ^p
carnall men, or religious Counterfeits fbever ; as the
reall poflefllon of gold, an imaginarie dreameof gold;
as the true nacurall lively Crape , which glads the
heart, a painted juycelefie Grape , which onely feeds
the'eye; as a ftrong, and mightie Oake,rooted deeply
ill the earth, which no ftorme or tempefi can difplant
or overthrow, a ftake in a dead hedge, or ftafFe Ilucke
lightly into the ground,which every hand may fnatch
away, or blaft of winde fiipplant, and overthrow.
Sedl. I. Part. 2,
CHAP. I.
*The DoSlrineofthe intolerahlene^eef a. vtonnded
Confcience proved,
^Econdly, the trouble "oFa wounded The atiribtjte of
confcience,is further amplified by it*s « wounded fpirifj
Attribute, intolerableneffe. ^«/^ <« w^«n" *^«
yvoundedfpirit whocan ^eare^'Whence
n6te;
Do^r. That the torture ofa trou- Doarine of the tor-
bled Confcience is intolerable. ture ofa troabkd con-
, £eaf,j. In all other afflidions, onely the y^r«(r(?/j;"cnce with u'srca-
fleji is our adverfary ; we contend but with creatures °j^^^ adverfarics ir*
at moft ; wee have to do but with man , or at worft, rcfiftablcneflc.
with devils : but in this tranfcendent miftry, we con-
flid immediately with God himfelfecFraile man with
Almightie God;{inhill man with that moft holy God;
JVhofe eyes are purer than to behold evilly andrfho can- ^ l^'^^^h
not looks upon iniquitie. TVho then can ftand before his ® ""'* *
indignmonf Who can abide in thepercene^eofhis an-
ger? when hisfnrie u powred ottt li^efirt^andthe Rocks
^e throvf^e dayvne by him: When he comes agalnfi a Hofcais.Si.
Wan M A Beare that ii bereaved of her fVhelpSy to rent
g(> JnfiruBUns for aright comfortmg Seftl.
the very cahU ef his heart yanA to devour e him like a
Lion. No more than the drieft fiubble canrefift the
fiereft flame ; the ripe corne , the mowers fliarpeft
fythe ; or a garment,lhe moath: no more.nay infinite-
ly Icflecan any power of man or Angell withftand the
mighty Lord of heaven and earth, whenheisangrie
^j. . for fmne. Tyhen thou, faith David, with rebnhes corre~
*Scd prima Intuifuab. ^eft man for iaiquitte, thou as a* moath makefi his
fmdavidmpfltt com- (feauty to confume, Alas ! when a poore polluted
faraiit 'Dei cum tinti, ^vretch, upon fome fpeciall illumination by the Word,
^utdenmaffine haoet g^traordinarie ftroke from the rod, doth once be-
tnajefias ? Rtfpandeo, gm to behold Godshownmg tace agamft him, m the
apiiffimi DAv'tAm hdc pure glafle of bis moft holy Law ; and to feele divine
fimiiitudint fttSe «- juftice by an invifible hand, taking fecret vengeance
fum, utftiammyquam ^^ j^- ^ confcience : his heavie heart immediatelv
i^JT^C^S -/"aw,y inhis breaft and^,«»« ^^.ur. h4
tamn tcculta imma- faints and failes, both in the ftrength ot his bodie, and
Udihione «»/«wi re- ftoutneffeofhisminde. His bones, the pillars, and
probosy M tinea cm mafter-timberof his earthly tabernacle, are prefently
ZmVbZT&fiml broken mpkcts,znd turn'd into rottemejfe : Hisfpi-
nfpicJ ad txcelkmi- fit the eye and excellencie ofhis foule , which (hould
m, qtam dUit ^aa^illighten, and make lightfome the whole man, is quite
futredineconumfiyuiii put out,and Utterly overwhelm'd,with exceffeoflior-
Dmmu$ tli^ficHU ^^^^^ ^^^ fl^^^gs of defpaire. O this is it, which would
^vlff/fTtabTcotfi. notonelycrufli the courage of the ftouteft fonne of
€h t'tm. Calvin. Adam, that ever breath'd upon earth jbut even breake
the backe of the moft glorious Angell , that did ever
{hine in heaven, fliould he lift up but one rebellious
thought again ft his Creatour I This alone is able to
make the talleft ^edar in Le&^non, the ft rongeft Oake
inMa/att;I meane the higheft looke, and the proudeft
heart; the moft boiftcrous Nimrod, or fwaggering
Beljhazx^r^ to bow and bend, to ftoope and tremble,
as the leaves of. the .fyrrefii that are fhahen jvith the
mnde, •' -' ''' '■.'.•,.•..' V .'■
% Ottf owne punini. 2. In aU other adverfities,a man is ft ill a friend un-
ng our rohch to himiielfei i& vours himfeUe, and reaches out his beft
confi-
Pare 2. Chap. I . AffiiHed Confciences, g I
confiderations to bring in comfort to his heavy heart.
But in this, he is a fcourge to himfelfe, at warre wi th
himfe]fe,an enemie to himfelFe. He doth greedily and
induftrioufly fetch in as much matter, as he can poffi-
bly, both imaginarie and true, to enlarge tlie rent,and
aggravate his horrour . He gazes willingly in that falfe
glaffe, which Satan is wont in fuch cafes, to fet before
him ; wherein by his hellilh malice he makes an infi-
nite addition both to the alreadie unnumbred multi-
tude, and to the too truehainouihefle othis finnes;and
would faine, if he will be led by his lying cruelrie,mif-
reprefent to his affi-ighted imagination, every Gnat as
a Cornell ; everie moat as a mole-hill; everie mole-hill
as a mountaine ; every luftfull thought as a Sodomiti-
call villanie ; everie idle word as a delperate blafphe-
mie ', every angrie looke as an a(fluall bloudie murder;
every intemperate paffion, as an inexpiable provoca-
tion; every diftradion in holy duties,as a damnable re-
bellion ; every tranfgrelTion againft light of confci-
ence, as a finne againft the holy Ghofi, 8cc. Nay , in this
amazedneffe of fpirit,and difpofition to delpaire, he is
■apt even of his owne accord , and with great eager-
nefle, to arme everie feverall finne,a3 it comes into his
minde with a particular bloudy fting,that it may ftrike
deepe enough, and fticke faft enough in his alreadie
grieved fbule. He imploy es and improves, the excel-
lencie, andutmoftofhislearning,underftanding,wir,
memory, (^) to argue with all fubtiltie, with much (aJsedFraucifcusspi^
Sophiftry, againft die pardonableneffe of his finnes, ''* fnirifagadtMt ad
and poffibilitieof falvatiGn. Hee wounds even his (^^jl'^^^fpindeht--.
wounds, with a conceit,they aremcuraole,and vexes J^^ torguebat agekdt-
his very vexations, with refufing to bee comforted, queia contramm far-
tern magna. violtntU
^rgumin'.o''U,^ txdmvTA'iiif oration^A mpctii—^'^-'il pgtukadanpiifrp n'unibil tam acctm-
modaie adfirri, qnodtionilkve( rBftUentarptuJfml^vildudeet callidiffimiy vel diffolvertt
pr0WpnJJi'Ne.Siepiinirat?iefpfu}aisgitav't,eum nequaquimfuijfe itM ptrfpUacem in \udki$
dogmaium, itapono exm'mnim in difputatienibm thtdogidi^ amfamu efet. Hift- Dc Fran-
ctfc Spiral, p. I to 121,
G Not
8 i JnflruSlionsfor a right comforting S e^ . I •
(y^ It js (aid of the Not onely crofTss, af}ii<5lions, temptations, and all
Ismc p;ra; thac In matttcr oFdifcoHtentment ; but even the mod defira-
Td^fiforTM^m ble things alio in this life, and thofe which minifter
n9n6ntcr'*'*vn'iii'& ^^^ outward comfort ; wife, (^) children, friends;
nanuitqf.atttion9rnr/i gold, goods, great mens favours: preferments, ho-
fmptr exberrifctre. nours, otiices , even (f j pleafures themfelves everie
Ibii. p. 84. . . thing : whatfoever is within him, or without him> or
^bic'^ZlZT^Tq^L (4) '-^f^o'^ic him : whatfoever he thinkes upon, remem-
csrpam hibliumwmu- feers, hcares, {cts, turne all to his torment. No marveil
taty ttiam indlk:'s,'iK then, though the terrour of a wounded confcience be
iripudyiy in fym^ofi]i. (^ jntolei able.
&i. camfumrnixir- ^^ ^^^ exultation, of the foule,and fpirituall rc=-
(ct. Lcmauus lib, 4 ^ ui r n i l • 1
^ap j,^ trefhments do mcomparably lurpafle , both in excel-
(i) Contra mtqiiacun lencie of objefl, and fweetnefle of apprehension all
qusfuntufpiamjincce pleafuresof fcnfe, and bodily delights tfo affliflions-
k&fub Calojonjt4'-^Qf-^i^ fo^^j^^ and fpirituall pangs do infinitely exceed,
j^ctnlZM^'clem^ ^^^^ ^" bitternefib offenfcand intenfion oflbrrow the
ta^mmdiuy Dtuif An- moft exquihte tortures, can poQlbly be inflifted upon^
|f/j, hemines, duboh the* body For the foule is a fpirit,very fubtile,quicke,
Hift.dcSpirapag.»2» aiftive, ftirring, all life, motion, fenle, feeling : and
^ct^m^^^xlt"^^^ therefore farre more capable and apprehenfive, of all
* Muitojavw I'ongeq, kindes of imprefTionSjwhether pafTions of pleafure,or
tttmior t(l anmi , infli6Vions of paine.
^uant corperii crucU- ^. Thisextreameftof miferies,/^ w'o^W^^^/V//-, is
tM. Ummm'5. lib. i . ^gmpgred with fiich ftrong,and ftrange ingredients of
Tmb'paaAintoUrtbi extraordinary feares, that it makes a man a terronrto
liar, quanio fpintm himfe/fe, and to all his friends : To fee ivhen nonepHr-
terporcfubitliijr. fues^at thefonndof a Jhaken leafe : To tremble at hfs
4 The cffcds arc owne fhadow : to be in great feare^ vehere nafeare is:
?""o*°°"' Befides the infupportable burthen of too many true
ProT z?! f. and caufefull terrours , it fills his darke and dreadfull
Lcvifi 16. 37. fancie with a world of fained horrors, gaftly appariti-
Kal. 53«$. ons, and imaginarie hells , which not with (landing,
have reall flings ,. and imprefle true tortures upon his
trembling and wofull heart. It is empoyfoned with
fuch rcftle(reanguifli,and defperate paincthat though
li^ be moft fweet,and hell uioft horrible^yet it makes
a
Part 2 .Cap. I . nyfffliUed C^fifciences, 8 3
a man wilfully to abandon the one , and willingly to
embrace the other, that he may be ridde of it's rage.
"Hence it was, that Judas preferred an halter and hell,
before his prefent horroiir. That S^ira. (aid often,
(what heart quakes not to heare it?) that he envied
(k) C^/;?,i'/?^/,andA'^*«^:wil'hing rather any of their C^^^^pi dixit infcFi,
roomcs, in the dun-ieon of the damned , than to have ^'^^^ spimfernvki:^
his poore heart io rent m pieces withfuch raging ter- ^^^ ib;d.p«a.j,
rours, and fiery dclperations upon his bed of death. Optars isih'leca ludie
Whereupon at another time being C/) asked, Whe- & cainnj}t\b\d p.j?
ther he feared more fearefull torments after this life: ^^ '^'^ ^"^^ immlftt
Yes, faid he: but I dcfire nothing more, then to be in f '*** '■'' '"H "^ ^"'«
thatplace,wnere I lliall expeet no more. Expectation, nm iaexiagMm
as it feemesjof future, did infinitely aggravate and en- «/ bonore, cor/ujionel
rage his alreadie intolerable torture. defpiratlota [ubue r«-
5. The Heathens, who had no fuller fight of the ^'"'":- ^^f.v<mk
foulenefTe of finne, or more f marring fenfe of divine ^e^Xw'^S'J 1*»
vengeance for it, than the light of naturall confcience runt, mfelonie dturi^
was able to afford and reprelentunto them ; yet were trlinjlatutjfe leftetw,
wont in fidionto fhadow out in fomeforr, and inti- q»^»>liftp^rstd a tor,
mate unto us, the infufterable extremities of a minde ^^^J '^^^^.cumjud*^
troubled inthisl<inde;byhellirhfuries,followingma- ^a/M*//:-/ ^'de^tram'
lefadors with burning fire-brands, and flames of tor- /« Uco cuiafvU mrtui
ture: What underftanding then is able to conceive,or &dmnaiiefe powht
tongue to report , in what cafe that finfuU conlcience ^"^'^ j^^"^ "^/"^^ w-
muft needs be,when it is once awakened ; wbich,be- ^^n'^^jfj ^^f^ ^ '* Y-
fides the notions of naturall light, hath ^Ko, the iull luptrodeiumy^'^i^igl
Sunne of Gods (acred Word,and that pure cye,which nem inextinHkm it*
is ten thoufand times brighter than the Sunne , and cordiipenttntia exedc'
cannot looke upon iniquitie , to irradiate and enrage ^'^'^^^.'^^"^'iUtltntfi
ittotheheigh^ofguiltinefle. anddepth of horrour? ^ZZlZZul
^<e &qu:i emJIefeiam
tnorlf/um &deniti<:tumfeyquar»i»hacvrtatalUu4pr(tnia^giiPif.>iicci Laurent in /Jexi-
pharniaroadreifus dcipcraijcrj* ptrt<m pag, ^i. (\)T^9neHUi iie^^tintertpzabantytcquid
futnres pi'ft haHvltam cruciiituiaeoLifinSftt/t tnaiorti patmUMit^qva'fi adhuc ia fstttuce
fintiret ? ^itihu* illtftftquidtm Li?igd duriera.&gftviera tx^ttlaH. C- j'M vtfuiptrhorrefce-
reinibilta/KiTnequi expaere, acdifidcrare^qt^amutidiafdimcbclucaiur^ r-kd(u/^, vnnffetf ki.
biiip^graviusjicrtimtlemdumfdHt. Ibid.pag. gs. 5.ThcHc; »hcnuhoUtht nit/,
G 2 Both
g^ JnJimEiioHS for a right comforting Se(5t. r .
Both heart and tongue ; man and Angell muft let that
alone for e/er. For none can take the true eflimite
of this immefurable ipirituall mifcrie, but he that can
comprehend the kngth, and breadth of that infinite
unrellftable wrath, which once implacably enkindled
in the bofbme of God, burnes to the very bottome of
hell, and there creates the extremitie and cndlefnefle
ofallthofeunexpreflable torments, and fiery plagues,
which atliid the devils and damned loulesin that hor-
rible pit.
6. Not onely the defperate cries o£ Cain, Ittdas,
Ap^h ^fch U fucK ^^) Latomui^ and many other (iich miferable men of
c'o L«/wc«/,"c«iw u forlorne hope, but alfo the wofull complaints even of
m\imAti(MtramiV Gods ownedeare children difcover the truth of this
rww#), veritatim E- point, to wit, the terrours and intolerablenefle of a
vlBle!^airfCl■enm],ug^^^^Q^^^^Q^ confcience. Heare how rufolly three anci-
*^^Ivil«it't^tS'J% ^"^ Worthies in their times wraftled with the wrath
^w, Chti^. fidtlf im-' of God in this kindic. I reckoned till morning, faith He-
rtuv'jfvM fjftipcff(cu- z,ekiah,th4t as a (h)LionJe wiHhe breaks all my bones:
liii; m itpS'i v(getPj Even as the weake and trembling limbes of fome
^^'^'''t^Tf^sriiTita ^^^^^ negleded beaft are crufht and torne in pieces
"^%KulfT,'ulqwVx by the unrefiftable paw of an unconquerable Lion;
(LYuis mvcrat, <^o<f/i/- fb was his troubled foule terrified and broken with
fimi ed (t ccctrprct, x\]q anger of the Almightie. He could not (peake for
fHamqui mplttr^m.in^ bitterneffe of griefe, and anguiHi of heart 3 btft chat-
^'^^Lnt'Xht'^ f^redlfkeaCraneor a Swallor^ , and motirned like a
tttur^ G^ave i(i, i/^qu' Dove. Thou (i) r^ritefi bitter things againj} w<?/aith
fjfj, picatum m.um,
qui prudtnty [tie ifque in vtibo Veip&ftquendOf & ofprimndo, a yj eptram tream tollKavi,
j9«2> e advtrfui Spiraum fanclum peuav'h ntc uU* ytl m hac vita vil in tuna pctcnu mti ctn-
doaai'tofpinrdA efi. Seddiabdi & ccrpcre & axirxd ptrpttuumfum mamcijium, iddqui ;»r<j-
nuM t]tti iiitrperntui • aiqvtita inter burendds mttgiitu mortHtu eft. Al( xiphorsa, sdrcrlus
3)cfpcr3t.AuthotcNicoIaoLau!cntio. {h)\i\\ 3?. 13 Q*<ddeut(mT)(utn cctupcratltonit
cblurdum vvUrir.ondibti — Oportet tnin. jtigfDa Drnmi (ff^aciamirtipfqud hum.lnmur at'
qui diyciamur kfqut td ipfes ijiftroi, & toxfdiaiiontprtpe modum deftitun rmnia hrrerii p'tna
UTKifi^tnuaqMmadmedum mam borroi « ijiei defcriptosd Dcvidt arnrrtUi di,tr>(fa/ua diJiu-
puratayU^um fkumlaihymii piedffarium, animam fuam lurbatum, rt,}<rcs cptrm effidicit.
Sic tfiim fifi tkttrdum Judicio Vci terroi ntn[fe tft^ «/ bonitew t]ui def'c'crif mans cffiiianiur.
Galvio. (i}l9hii.\6.
Job,
Part a.Cap. i . uifftiSied C«iifcie*icei, 85
fob, and make fi^ne tapofejfe the miquitia ef my youth.
The (V.) arroTves of the J/mhhfie arc -rvithin me, thi (\) bb (^,4 if.
foyfon thereof drinketh up nfyjpirif : the tcrran <?/ Qo^
do fet themfcives in aray a^Atyiii me^ O th^t J might
haverriyrequeH ! And that Gcdvcnld gr-int r/ieethe
thiyig that 1 long for I Srjen that tt ypouldflenfe God to
deflroy mc^th^ he y^ould let Icofe his hand^ and cnt me
cf. Nay yet worfc : {}) Thonfcarefi me with dreamcs^ Q) lob 7-14 i j.
and terrifies} me through vif.ons. So that myfoule chu^
fjeth (xn) (Wrangling , and death rather than my life, {^d '^(pi qkod dt U-
Though God in mercie prererves his fervants from P^''^%f'^'-i(, fed quod
themonftrous and nioft abhorred ad of lelfe-mur- ;;';'.^«««««^i'iw.
ther ; yet iniome melanchoncke moode , norrour otdiHrrJ, quam auliur.
minde, and tHtterntire ofTpirir, they are not quite '^^, fi ^lurutr'm detur
freed from ail impatient wiflies that way, andfudden "^^'"j ^'^^^ tnaUt la-
fuggeftions thereunto, (n) Afy bones waxed old, faith J*"^'"» ?''«'» ^^lem vi-
^avid, through my roaring all the day long. Day and /^^^^^^^ ''^/^
night thy hand voas heavie upon mee ■: my moyfiMre 14 obli/pu T(am mqti/boc
turned into the drought of Summer. Thine arrowes txcufari poteft, btdita
flichefaH in me, and thy handprejfeth me fore. There ii f'^* ''f/'*o dclere^& if ft
nofoundnep in my fiejh]becanfe of thine anger : neither ^j" '''^^" mdulitt,
w there am re si in my bones, becaufe of my flnne. For r« \ om -
mtne tniqmttes are gone over my hem : as an heavte
burden, they are too heavie for me, lam tronbledy
I am bowed dorcne greatly ; I go mourning all the day
long, — I amfceble^and fore brokeny I have roared by
reafon cfthe difquietneffe of my heart . rieare alfojinto
what a depth of fpirituall dilf refle three worthie fer-
vants of God in thefe later times, wereplung'd and.
prefled do wne under the fenfe of Gods anger for
iinne: blefied Miftris /^ j ^^•^ft^r^^uponherlaftbedYoJ)SeethcDircourfc
was horribly hemmed in with the forrows of death -of the holy hfe, and
tiieveric griefe of hell laid hold upon her foule;^^^^-^,^;;'?^*" ^V^ *>^
ring-^ilderneS'eofwoe ypos within heryis. {hc confe£-]^'^['*^'*^^'* *"*'"'
fed of her felf e.She (aid , herfinnes had made her a prey
to Satan'^ andwifhed^ thatjhe had never beene bome^ or
tbatfhe had beene mn^e any other creatnre, TAther tha»
(7-3 ^.;
g z Infiru Bionsfor a right comfort hg Sed. i .
4wtfw4». Sbecryed out many times , TVoe^vDoe^woe,
(^c. A tveakc^ a -rvofull^a, roretched^ aforfaken fpoman't
with teares continually tricklif^gfiom her eyes, Mafter
(p) In the narration ^p j Peacock^ that man ot Godwin that his dreadfiill vir
ofhis drcadfull defci- (-jj-^j-jon and delertion, recounting fome fmaller fins,
5°°JP^ ^'^'^''^burft out into thefe words. And for the fe, faith he, /
fetlemyp an hsllinmy confcience. Vpon other occafi-
ons, he cried out, groaning moft pittifully : Oh mee
reretch ! Oh mine heart ii miferablel Oh, Oh, miferable
And Tvofull I The burthen of my finne lyeth fo heavie
upon mey I doubt it vill breaks my heart. Oh how wo-
fullandmtferable is my fiate^ that thus mufl converfe
Kfith hell-hounds ! When By-ftanders asked, if Hee
would pray:He anfweredi I cannot, Si]ffeT us/ay they,
t0 pray for you. Ta^e not, reply ed he, the Name of
God in vaine, by flaying for a Reprobate, what grie-
vow pangs, what forrorvfull torments. fVhat boy ling
heates of the fire of hell that bleJfeeC Saint of God,
xNAQ -J Un (r )lohnG[oycv,felt inwardly in his JhiritfGdth Fox,
nwn. In thcftoryof »o^'^^» outwardly stable to exprefe. Being young,
Mafter Rft^vii GUHtf, faithhQil remember Iwoi once or twice with him^whom
p. US I. partly by his talke I perceived, and partly by mine ewne
eyes f aw to be fo worne, and confumed by the jpace of
■ five y ear es, that neither almofl any brooking of meat^
^uietnejfeof jleepe,pleafurc of life,yea,andalmoFi no
kinde of fenfes was left in him. Upon apprehenfton of
fome backzfii^i'fgi he wasfo perplexed, that if hee had
beene in the deepefi pit of hell, he could almofl have de-
Jpatredno more of his falvation : faith the fame Au-
thor : In which intolerable griefes ofminde, faith he,^/-
though he neither had, nor could have any joy of his
meat,yetwai he compelled to eate again!} his appetite,
a.s the endto deferre the time ofhis damnation, fo long
ot he might, thinking with himfelfe no lejfe,but that he
mufi needs be throwne into hell, the breath being once
cm ofhis body. I dare not paffe out of this point , left
ibmc childe of God (liould be here difcouraged , be-
fore
Part 2. Chap. I . A^iUed Confciences, 87
fore I tell you, that everie%ie of thefe three laft na-
med, was at length bkfledly recovered , and did rife
moftglorioufly out of their feverall depths ofextrea-
meft Ipirituall miferie, before their end. Heare there-
fore alfo Mifb*is Bretterghs ({) triumphant fongs,and (-q i„ ^j^^ /. . .
ravifhmentsoffpirit after the returne o^hexTFelhU- D;(couifc. ''^*'^"
ved: O Lord '^efu doe^ thou fray for me? O hlejfedand
frveet Saviouryhowwonderfull I how voonderfull ! how
Tfonderf till are thy mercies I Oh thy love is Hnfpeakable^
that hafl dealt fogracionjly with me ! O my Lord and
my God, blejfed be thy Name for evermore^ "which hafl
Jhewedme the path of life, Thoudidfi; O Lord, hide
thy face from me for a little feafon, but with everlafling
mercie thou hafl hadcompaffion on me . And now blejfed
Lord thy comfortable prefence is come \yea Lord, then
hafl hadreffeSi unto thy hand-maidyAnd art come with
fulnejfe of joy, and abundance ofconfolations : O blejfed
be thy Name my Lord and my God : O the joyes ! the
joyes! the joy es, that Ifeele in myfoulel Oh they be -won^
derfull! they be wonderfulll they be wonderfull! O
Father , how mercifull , and marvellous gracious art
thou unto me ! yea Lord, I feele thy mercie, and lam
ajfuredofthy love, andfo certaine am I thereof, as thou
art the God of truth ^ even fo fur e do I know my felfeto
be thine, O Lord my Cjod^ and this my foulekpoweth
right-well. O blejfed be the Lord-, O blejfed be the Lord,
that hath thm comforted me, and hath brough t me notv
to a place morefweet unto me, than the Garden of Eden,
Oh the joy, the joy, the delight fame joy that I feele i
- O praife the Lord for his mercies, and for thigj^y
which my foule feeleth full well, praife his Name
for evermore. Heare with what heavenly calmenefle,
and fweetcomforts.Mafter Peacocks heart was (if)r€-
frefht and ravifht when the ftorme was over: rr«/y, %T^^^^^a^'^^'
7»7^f<2;'^4»£//o/</^, faith be, (when the tempeft was "^
fomething alayed) have beene farre led, and deeply
troubled with temptations ^ and flings ^.confcience^ bnt
^4 i
gg In ftruEiions for a right comforting Se<fl.l.
I thanks Godthey are eajed in goad meafure. wherefore
Ideftre that I be not branded tvith the note of a cafi-a^
Tvaj, or reprobate. SftchejHeJiions, oppojitions , andaX
tending thereto^ I renounce. Concerning mine inconfi^
derate Jpeeches in my temptation^ 1 humbly, arid hear-,
tily asks f>*crcie of God for them all. Afterward by lit-
tle and little, more light did arife in his heart , and he
brake out into fiich fpeeches as thefe : / do^ God bee
praifed^ feele fuch comfort, from that, Vfhat Jhatt I call
it? Agony y faid one that ftood by ; Nay^ quoth he, that
is too little-^ that had I five hundred yforldsy I could not
make fati^aUion for fuch an ijff*e. Oh the Seats not
more full ofveaterynor the Sunne of light, than the Lord,
ofmercielyea, his mercies are ten thoufandtimes more,
what great caufe have I, to magnifie the great goodnejfe
ofGodythat hath humbledy nay rather exalted, fuch ^
rrretched Mifcreant, & offo bafe condition^to an ejtate
fo glorious andfiately ! The Lord hath honoured mee
"jvithhisgoodnejfe. I am fur e, he hath provided a gloria
otis kingdomefor me. The joy that I feele in mine hearty,
(«) Adi and Monuns. u incredible. For the third,neare («) M. Fox: Though
^^'"' this good fervant of God fujfered many year esfojharpe
temptations , and fifong bujfetings of Satan : yet the
Lord, "who gracioujly preferved him all the yvhilcy not
onely at lafi did ridhim out of all difcomfort y but alfo
framed him thereby to fuch mortification of life y as the
like lightly hath not beenefeenei in fuch fort yOS he being
like one placed in heaven already, and dead in this world,
both in KvordandmeditatioHy led a life altogether cele-
ftiatty abhorring in his minde allprophane things,
7. It ii irremediable. 7- ^'o arme offleih, or Art of man; no earthly
comfort, or created power can poffibly heale or heipe
in this heavieft cafe, and extreameft horrour ; heaven
and earth, men and Angels, friends and phyfickejgold
and filvcr,pleafiires and preferments, favour of Prin-
ces; nay the utmoft polfibilitie of the whole creation
muft let this alone for ever. An Almighty hand,and in-
finite
Part. 2 . Cap. i . AffliEied Confciences, gp
finite skill mufl take this inhand;oreIfe never any
cure orrecoverie in this world, or the world to
come. Bodily difeales may be ealed , and mollified
by medicines : Surgery, as they fay, hath a (alve for e-
verie (ore : Poverty may be repaired and relieved by
friends ; There is no imprifonment without fome
hope of enlargement. Sute and favour may help home
out of banifhment.Innocency and negleft may weare
out difgrace : Griefe for lofTe of a wife , a childe , or
other dearefl fi'ierid, if not by reafbns from Reafon,
that death is unavoidable , necelTarie , an end of all
earthly mifcries, the common tvay of all mankinde,
&e. yet at laft is leflened and utterly lo ft by length of
time. Cordialls of Pedrley Safhyres^ and Rubies, vfhh.
iuch like,may recomfort the heart poflcft with mclan-
cholie, and drown'd in the darknelfle of that fad , and
irkefbme humour, &c. But now not the moft exqui-
fite concurrence of all thefe^nor all the united abilities,
which lie within the ftrength and (inews of the arme
of flefiijcan helpe any whit at all in this cafe. Not the
exad:eft quinteffence extraftedfrom all the/oyes,glo-
rie, and pleafures, that ever the world enjoyed, can
procure, or minifter one /ot of eafe to a foule afflidedl
in this kinde, and thus trembling under the terrors of
God. InfuclianAgony^ndextremitie, hadft thou
theutmoft aide, and an univerfall attendance from
Angels and men ; couldeft thou reach the top of the
moft afpiring humane ambition, after the excellencie
and varietie of all worldly felicities : were thy pol^
feffions as large as Eaft and Weft;were thy meat con^
rinually Mannnfrom heaven ; every day, like the day
o^Chrifts refHrreSlion: were thy apparell as coftly and
orient as Aarons Efhod j nay, thy body cloth 'd with
thebeautieof the Sunne, and crownde with ftarres;
yet for all this, and a thoufand more, thy heart within
thee would be as cold as a ftone,and tremble,infinite-
ly above the henrt of a rvonMn^ entring into tr^vtU of
hsr
p o InfirptEHonsfo* a right comforttHg Seft. i •
her firfi childe. For alas, who can ftand before the
mighty Lord God? Who dare pleade with him, when
^P °. '"''^Hf^l^T ^e is angrie? What fpirit of man hath might,to wra<
tadjnt hunc metbum 1"^ With his Maker ? Who is able to make an agree-
eiufmodi effcy c,uipbaf- ment with the hells of confcience?or to put to filence
mcii,aui epebumakd the voyce of desperation ? Oh I in this confli(5t alone,
^"r'^^lvfd ■ «S ^"^ wofull wound of confcience, (f) noeleduarieof
f? "mdWiMa. ^0»pro P^^^^^ ^^ prctious Banlme,no Beioars ftone, or Vni-
dtliaAammairitHii corneshorne, Paraceliian quinteflence, or potable
«x, ptccati cognitione, gold: no new device of the Knights of the Rofie-croffe,
&p£ Dei pandtnfn^ ^or the moft exquifite extra<flion, which Atchvmy^or
tIZnl"^Z"'Z'um<, Art it felfe can cteate, is able any whit, or at all to re-
per pharmcitm: fed in Vive, eafe, or aflwage. It is onely the hand of the h©ly
hoc gtnm^ Mtdkus Ghoft,by the blond of that blefled Lambe,^<^ ChriJI^
CbrifiuieftyVoxEvitt the holy, a»d the rijrhteoHs yWhkh can binde up fuch
gtlif Anlidotm, Hift, ^ hmifp
ileSpira,Pag.iotf. * "»"»<^.
'. ■ 4 ■
Chap. II.
/. f^e of the former doUrinefor the unconverted to
take out thefting offinne by repentance, II, One reafon
yfhy everiefinnerdoth notalwayesfeele that fi'fng.
Vfes. I . |t4^4U«940unfell to the unconverted: That
y^t 1. Take out the f^^Slt ^^^^ Would take the ftings out of
ftmg by repemance, i|s^^^ their finnes, and prevent thede-
^^^* l^^^i ^eratenefle^and incurablenefle of
this horrible wound, by an hum-
ble, fincere, univerlall turning unto the Lord, Tvhi/e it
(t)Ten>pe!tiv^kc}pia. u called (t)To day. For aflhredly in the meanetime*
Zl::^^^'^::;!^ ^^l fi«"^^ ^^^Z ^ave heretofore committed ia
tjigratue, qui vuintn - thought, word or deed; at any time, m any place, with
ta C9nf(ittttia fanari any company ,or to which they have beene any wayes
potififuavijjimu chri- acceflarie, are alreadie upon record before the pure
jml^TmuZ^ ^y^ ""^^^^^ ^'^^ ^"^ everlafting Iudge,writtenexa(5Hy
tml&c. RoUoc. in ^X ^^^ hand of divine juftice in the bookc of their
Ioa0.5.pag. 1S7. conrciences>
Pare 2 . Chap. 2. uiffii^ed Confciences, p I
confciences, with a penne of iron , with the claw of
an Adamant", with the point of a Diamond, or if you
can name any thing, which makes a ftronger, deeper,
and more lafting imprefTion : and there they lye, like
fo many Lions afleepe, and Gyants refrefliing with
wine, gathering much defperate poyfon, and flinging
points: that whensoever hereafter, they {hall beeffe-
d:ually and finally awaked by Godsangriehandj they
may torment mofl ragingly, and tcare their wofull
foules in pieces everlaflingly, when there is none to
helpe.
Nowwemayfceandobfervemany times, one lit- i One finne will fting
tie finne^atleaft m the worlds account, and conceit of .^'*^"^"3^1y ^''^" '^
carnall men, to plunge a guilty confcience into the" *"*^
depth of extremeft horrour, & a very hell upon earth ;
As I have heard of, and kno wne in many : One for a
fiidden, unad vifed imprecation againfl her own foule,
in cafe fhe did fo or fo : Another ,ft)r a thought concei-
ved ofGod, unworthy fo great a Ma/efly t Another,,
for covetoufly keeping a thing found, and notreflo-
ring it, or not inquiring after the owner : Another for
an adulterous project, without any a<5luaU pollution :
Another, by concurring with a company of fcoffing
IJhmaels onely once, and ere he was aware, by lifting
up the hands, and cafling up the eyes, in fcorne of
Gods people, &c. Yet afterwards they fadly revifing
thefe mifcarriages in Cold bloud, fome of them fbme
five or fixe yeeres after, God being then pleafed to re- ,
prefent them with terrour, and their native flings;
were cafl into that afflidion of confcience, and con-
fiifion of fpirit, that their very hones were broken-, their
faces flld with ghafllineffe and feare; their bodies pof-
feffed with Itrange tremblings and languiihing
diflempers ; their very vitallwo7y?«r^^»r«^^ into the
drought of Summer : In which dreadfiill perplexity ; , ^ "
they'were in great danger of deflroying themfelvcs, : .^^ ^'^
andofbeingfwallowedupofdefpaire. If the guilty ' ^^ "'
fenf§ ' y
g% JnjirHliions for a right comforting Stdi.V
fenic than of one finne, when Godfets it on,and faycs
unto iXf Torment, drawes fo many fiery points of
ftinging Scorpions after it;charg.es upon the excellency
of theunderftanding with fuch hideous darkeneiTe,
rents the heart in pieces with fuch defperate .r age,
grindcs into powder, the arme & finewcs of- all earth-
\y (iiccour; melts, like Dew before the Sunne,all thofe
delights and plealures which the whole world offers,
or affords to comfort in fuch a cafe; In a word, makes
' amanfoextreamely miferable, that he would make
himfelfe away; wifhes withunfpeakeable griefe, that
he had never been; that he might returne into the ab-
horred ftate of annihilation; that he Were any other
creature; that hee might lye hid world without end
under fome everlafting Rocke, from the face of God;
Nay, that he were rather in hell, than in his prefent
horronrtl fay it being thus, what unquenchable wrath,
what ftreames of brimftone, what reftlefle ang«i(h,
whatgnafhing of teeth, what gnawing ofconfcience,
what defpairefoll roarings, what horrible torments,
what fiery bells feeding upon his foule and flcfli for
ever, may everie impenitent wretch exped:,whcn the
whole blacke and bloudie Catalogue of all his finnes
Ihall be marfliald and muftered up together at once
againft him ? everie one, being keened with as much
torturing fiirie,as the infinite anger of Abnightie God
can put into it : after that hee hath accurfedly with
much incorrigible flubbornnelTe out-ftood the day of
his gracious viiitation, under this glorious Sun-fhine
ohhe Gofpell: wherein he either hathi or if he had
(u) As jf a fo&lifli beene as (u) provident for his immortall foule , as
vnetch (hould chafe
rathct to fiarve at the Bakers StaU, than liy out his penny in bresij. So God knovres
many a wretched naan fami(hcth hu foole to fpa/e his purfe^ contented to live in a bar-
ren and dry wilJcrneflej where there Isneither bread nor water of life; where there is no
villicn, no preaching; tather than to fcedc hi»Kidsby tlie Tents of the Shepheards^tbat
is, CO dwcJl, where he nay heare, or fwbicfa wereoaore charitable) to procurethat h ce
m\\\ oihcrt may heaze, vrhezc he d^vcUeth. 5« Cft9\t,
~ carking
Part 2 . Ciiap. 2. ^jJliBed Confciencet, p -,
car king for his rotten carkafle, might have enjoyed
verypowerfiillmeancs all his lifelong; And yet all
the while negleUed fo great falvAtion :forfooke hi^ own
mercy :2iXidiio judged himfelfe unworthy of everlafiincr
Ifa lighter finne many times light fohea vie, when » A Ifghtfinac will
the confcience is illighrene<l ; how will thy poore ^^^ »f •
foiile tremble under the terrible, and untoierable
weight of all thy (innes together ? When all thy lies,
all thy oaths, all thy rotten fpeeches, and railings ; All
thy bedlam paffionsjand tilthy thoughts; all thy good-
fellow-meetings, Ale-houfe-hauntings, and Icoffings
of Gods people; all the wrongs thou haft done,all the
goods thou haft got ill, all the time thou haft mifpent;
thy prophanation of everie Sabbath , thy killing of
Chrifi at every Sacrament, thy Non-proficiencie at
every Sermon : thy ignorance, thy unbeliefe, thy
worldlinefle,thy-Covetoufne{re, thy pride, thy malice,
thy luft,thy luke-warmene{rc,impatiencie,difcontent-
ment, vaine-glorie , felfe-loue : the innumerable
fvvarmes ofvaine, idle, wandring, and wicked ima-
ginations ; in a word , all the pollutions, diftempers,
and eftrangednefle from God in thine heart: all the
villanies, vanities, and rebellions of thy whole life : I
fty, when all thefe lliall bee charged upon thy grace-
ieflfe fbule by the implacable indignation of that high-
eft Ma/eftie, whofe mercie, Minifterie, aind long ftif-
^txm%^ thou haft fhameftiUy abufed: whofe anger, pa-
tience, and pure eye thou haft villanoufly provoked all
thy life long : Alas what wilt thou do then I What
tfingsofthemorning^'-^'^ZVi carrie thee out of the
reach ofGods revenging hand? What cave {hall re-
ceive thee? What mountaine canft thou get by en-
treaty to fall upon thee ? What darkeft mid-night,or
helliih dungeon fhall hide thee from that wrath,
which thou fhalt be neither able to abide,or to avoid?
la this cafe, I would not have thy heart in my breaft
one
.p^, InftruSl ions for a right comforting Se<5l I-.
one houre , for the riches, glory, anipleafures of ten
thoufand worlds.
■Ar.a .(h tlos nor now Neither bkfld thy felfe in the meane time , becaiifc
Hinjiic isbccaufc tbou haft neither Feare, fore-tafte, or feeling of the
wrath which is to come , the vengeance which hangs
. over thine hea J , an.i the horror which dog's thee at
llLklpZii^^as thehcdes: Gv) For that is the very complement of thy
jidpr^pio- b,.'c jaiim mirery,and perfection or thymadnefle. To belicke,
maximegmas: qusm gn^ fenfelefie- of it,is the foreft fickneffe. To have Sa-
mpmaiarum a^loum ^.^^ ||^f^ ^\^y (q^\q with lb many finnes, one after ano-
Zcmveatt ^uhilZ ^h^^> ^"^ fo ^'^^^^ "^ ^'"^''^' is a moft defperate fecuri-
catumlonmmim.fcd tie : To have all this miferie towards, and to be confi-
quoi an'ma pucansfu dent,andfeareleffe,isthewi/^r»>of «?/y>mj.
mfenfata. — . — •?« The reafons, why thou art at reft fro m their guilty
M»fij»0M<fi>(fr<w3gj j,ggg^j^^.j^g meane time ; and that fo many fleeping
^hatd! Sm mLre, I-ions,I meane all thine unpardoned fmnes,do not yet
Chryfort adpop. Aa^ awake and ftirre i terrific and teare in pieces, arefiich
tioch, Hjm.4^ j^wofl as thefe.
/? ({hU exiflet, qui Dix ^ ^^^^^ j^ fubtle, that he will not meddle much,
S&Kt . o^ ^'oleft thee extreamely,untill he be able to do thee
bititxiUindotmtialn- an irrecoverable milchiete.He is wont not to appeare
gravefcit. Qumcunqut in his true likene(re,and fo terribly ;not fo much to dif-
enitn plaga una InfliHa quig^ and trouble any of his owne , before hee have
tmmm, »ff;«' them at fome dead lift, and defperate advantage j as
tnfiAty u uric facile * ^ '
f^aUeramexcipU:iutn-
qiit&hacacceptd^ttrmm: ncquetn'-mintemhtitad tx^remum ufque fpirimm ferimt ncfarija
illeiquukiinvmtan'mamfupinam,priorefque fLgas comemnentem lo'cm dc Saccrdoiio.
lib. 6. 1 fii qui lamifeputabamymHltojpiriiulaiiih & d(lperaciih<egr9tabant. Auguft. de verbis
Apod. Scim 9. Buc Sntan is not willino to dealc fo roughly with the unrcgencrate,if hec
could chufc:for he ftandsevcrinmoft danger cfloGngthcm, wnen he ctrrics himfelfe
towards ihem, in f» hard a fafhiom whcrcfo-^ehcrathc'r flitters, and fawnes,tndcavou.
ring to rockc them zflcepc ftilj, if he can, in tht Cradic of fcciuitic and prcfuoapiion.
NeirhcT will he ftormc ihus,(to Wit,!abour to pull ihcm by the flrcngth of utter defpairc,
as It were, quickc into H(:ll,and to make them kill liif rafelves, or doc fomc othct moft
groflcandannaturallcrimc:j but when he fees his advantage in regard of feme bodily
ctofle, or diftcmpcrj or that he fees the Lord will needs awaken ihcir flcepy conlcieoces.
trhateiy, Tieyvbiitb.Op. f. ^ijugumfufcifMntDiabolifDiabolufCeideleolaty&decipittnt
iifctdmt ama(o impif ufqueaa»inrttmfu»ni,lncenmAuihoT__\n Mat. Cap ii.Hom 28*
I Satan wil not mokft thee till he thinks birardfc a'lJe to uiidoe thee., For the prtfent he
under
Fart 2. Cap. 2; AffliUed Confciences, pj
under fome extraordinarie croflejgreat di%race, grie-
vous fickncffe; In time ot fome deepe melancholy,un-
avoidable danger, iiniverfall confunonjwhen he con^
ceives in all probabilities that they haveout-ftood the
day of their vifitation, hardened their hearts, that they
cannot repent, received the fentence ©f death againft
rhemfelves; andntfiich other like times, when he«
hopes, he Jliall be able to criifli , and confound them
fnddenly, utterly, and for ever. And then hee playes
the devill indeed, and fhewes himfelfe in his colours.
For he then infinitely endeavours with all cunnincr
andcruell induftrie^atter he hath wafted them a while
downe the current of the times, with as much carnall
peace and pleafure, as he could poflibly, to caft them
upon the Rockeofa moft dreadfiiU ruine,and fwallow
them up quicke in the gulph of calamitie and woe ; of
de(paire,felfe-deftruflion, everlafting perdition of
bodie,and foule. But you muft know, that in the
meane time,untill hecanfpie (uch an opportunitie,
he labours might and maineto keepe them in as mer-
riea mood as may bee. Hee layes about him, by ail"
wayes and meanes,he can devife, to plot and provide
for them, and that with great varietie and curiofitie,
frefh fucceflions and fupplies continually ,ofpleafures,
contentments, the countenance andfavc»urs of the
times, fen(iiall (atisfadlions, all earthly profperities. If
he can helpe it, and have his will , they fhall wallow
ftill in all worldly felicitie,and be attended upon with'
all the delights their hearts can defire. An j ail this,tO'
continue them with more eafinv-flc and irrefiftance '\xi
the damned way : And left other wife , theyfhouldi
grow wearie of his flavene, fenfibleof their guilded
fetters, and fo labour after libertie , and enlargement
from his hellilli bondage, for he knowes full \vell,:
that if they endured much hardiTiip in his fervice,rhey '-■
might perhaps thinke offeeking after a new maft»;rj
that want of comfort in the world, might draw their
hearts >
p^ IrjfiruUionsfor a right comforting^ Sed. i ,
hearts to delight in the Word ; Not finding happinefle
upon earth, might make them enquire aher that
which is in heaven. That crofles and crofling their
courfes, being fanftified for that purpofe, may haply
heipe to breake their hearts , and bring them to re*
morfe for finne; which he mainly feares,and oppofeth
with all the craft and power,he can poffiblyjleft there-
upon, they breake out of his fooles-paradife, into the
Garden ok Grace; out of the warme Sunne, into Gods
blcffing.
In managing this maine policy, for the more fecure
detainment of his vaflals in the invilible chaines of
darknefle and damnatioft, and in an everlafting diftaft
and dif-afFedion to ^t good way j by holding up their
hearts ifthisfinfuUfer vice, and woing them, to go on
•quietly towards hell without any grumbling ; hec
works many wayes.
1. Promotes all thy I. He plots all he can to procure them fiiccefle ia
enterprifci *againft their wicked enterprifes, and unlawfull attempts, ef-
oiheri. pccially, againft the ftithhiU Minifters, and people of
Godjfor that doth infinitely confirme,harden,and en-
courage them in their prophage courfes , and oppofi-
tion to grace. Herein he doth many times mightily
prevaile,by improving the opportunities,and prefiTing
the advantages, which he gain€s,by cheexecutions of
Gods jufl:ice,and rebellions of his children.The finnes
even of his owne people doe many times provoke
Gods juft indignation againft themjand enforces him,
to raife up their adverfaries, as (courges, and to give
themluccefle/or the humiliation, and chaftifement of
his chofen; See P/4/.8 1 . 1 4. i ^-Ifa. \ o. 5 .^.&c.<f-<if ^,
22.19.20. Whereupon Satan iills the hearts of the
wicked To prevailing, and conquering , with a great
deale of pride, felfe-applauie, infolencie, contempt of.
godlinefle, felfe-conceitednefle of their owne righte-
oufnefleand worth;and fo hardens th'em extraordina-
rily, and holds them with much obftinated refolution
in
Part2.Cap.2. AffiiEied C^ufciences, 97
In the wayes of death, .^nd prejudice againft the haly
Path Hehelpes all he can, to have them thrive and And all ihywickcti
profpcr by oppreflionjufury^iimony, lacriledge.bribe- '^•*^^* ^^^ ^^^ ^**^'^*
rvjcovetoufneffejcoufening, A/'i^r^f-«z'<f///^» tricks,tVc,
That fb his fervice may feeme more fweet andgaine-
fuU unto them. To the eflfecling whereof he receives
notable affiflance, andfpeciall advantage from the
corruptions of the times, and confcionable fimplicitic
of the Saints. For the firft, Thefe worft and ulcerous
timeSjWherein fo many Vines, OUve-treesy and Figge-
trees wither away in obfcurity^and fo many Brambles
brave it abroad in the world, tumbling themlelves in
the plealures , fplendour and.glorie of the prefent;
wherein ib many brave Princes are Tva/ki»g as fer~ -
vants upon the earth 'y and too many fervants of luxury
and pride are mounted on horfe-backe; I iay, they are
the onely feafon, for Satam to gratifie all his graceleffe
Ones^and to hoift them up by thecommon,butacair-
fed ftaires and ftirrups ot bribing, bafeneffe, tempori-
zing,ill offices to humour greatnes,and other ftich vile
mcanes, and accommodations, into eminency in the
world , and high roomes ; where he keepes them in a
golden captivity with great contentment, and lockes
them fiiU fall in the S comers chaire , w ith much fecu-
ritie to their owne fentuall hearts ; and notorious fer-
vicetohimfelfe. Whereas indeed and truth to men ^
that have eyes in their heads the afcent is (lippery, the
top Shaking, the downfall delperate. For the fecond;
It is incredible to confider, what a deale of ad vantage
in worldly dealings, the covetous divell in a cruell and
crafty worldling,aoth (iicke outofthefinglehearted-
BefTe, plaine dealing, and unfufpicioufneffc, of confci-
onable men, for their rifing and enriching, if God
croffeitnot.
2 Hedrawcs them by all the baites,Heecan devife t-Drawc* tkee unw
to all the incentives , and prefervatives of carnal con- *J1 «>c«juTe$ of cir.
tcntment: as to Taverncs, Ak-houfes,Play-houfes, ^"" wniencuhich
H Whore-
p8 InftrftSthnifor'a right comforting Se<fl.l.
^Galit.y.ii. Whore-houfes, Gaming-hoiifesjto May-ga4-nes, Mor-
* Piov 14 14. rice-dances, Church- Ales; to Cardes,to Dice>to Dan-
(ur^M tonUbtnt ^"S'* ^^ ^^^^'■' Wakes, Mif-mJes, Drinking-matches,
fitMm nulibenurvi, *''<?'2'^/'^^»^-f>and a world of fuch finfull haunts, Bedlam-
vat(tcumy /cflfAw/« fooleries, and Good-fellow-meetings. Wherein He
cen[ortiaquarat &jo js mightily furthered , by Wicked Mens impatiency
daliiiahominmvolup- offolitarineffe; and their enraged ea^erneflfe of carry-
fojjit umpHifuUe^e sfi i"S With them toheIl,as many as may be.For the firft,
emm Jolitari* inaa ^ThoHgh a good man^'AS Solotnon^uthyhe fati^fied jrom
ftrmaefiap'irtimp.ip himjelfe; darefiiil well, and defires full often,ro bee a-
ter recordauomm fcile bne ;becaure the bird oi thebofomefingsfweetly to
r;:r,:r;:"« Ws fo„le ,„ (olirarmeffc:yet all the fonnes%nd daugh-
fie?itq;quiafcit.qub(ife- ters otplealute^ nave no pleauire at all, nay ordinarily
row non conftntm, & are moft loath to be by (a) themfelves . Solitarinefle
quod cottfdeniia tv'm- pQts them into their damps, makes them extreamely
^StimaUtmrc'i melancholicJ<e,and weary of themfelves. They would
Kecker.Syft Eth.lib i rather bc any where,in any company, any wayes em-
cap. ..can.6 ^ifqitii ployde, thanalonc. Miftakemenot, they can walke
inctydi premUur mala by themfelves, to feed upon contemplative filth, fpe-
tonfcmrd, qumedo cnlative wantonnefTe, and adulteries of the heart ,• to
STwi m" auTi P^°f revenge,preferment, enlargement of their eftatei
fHmsnon ibi fe pnitur to renew upon their fenliiall hearts their youthfiill
habitartxftc qm non hi pleafures, &c.But to be alone,purpofely,to deale widi ;
Uiquietumcor^habna- God,and their owneconfcienceSjabout their fpiritu-p
»";«* r W "" W ft«^ ; they abhorrcthey cannot endure, it i, to
exeunt a feif^s AnKni inlewmt^ & dt bu qiufaru fant circa C9rpM ddellantur^quietem in nh^Uy
infptUacuiu, in luxurysyin omnibm malu qu^trunt ^uarefsm voluerunt fibi beahffis ? ^ia
noHfiiUisimiiibene^undeiaudeam intMfcitnti&lud^ Auguft.inPlal.ioi. pag-tvs. Cb) Be-
mi quigiuient, quanis iatram im ctrfuum, & nibU mali ibi iauiMmt. Atttndat fanQuas vi^
^rt, qumiio nolint iatrare dtrntuJuMj qui b*b»m matat uxorts; quatrndt exeunt edfomm ^
gaudent e^epit beratjfeqtta. inttttunlunt indomum fuamt & ctntrifiamur In'raturifuntenim
nd'€iit, »dmurmuray adamxri^udineSfSdever^ones-^quianon cH domta compofiu, ubiinter
virum & uxorem pax nitU efl. Et mttiui iUt tftforit circumire. Si ergo mifm fum^q»i cum
redeimi adparitttifuoi^ tmtni m atiqubut fu$runi perturbaitunibut ewrtamw •■ quvtufunt
mTsricruqmadtonftieKiamfiMmredirenolunt-neibilitibui peccAt$rum evertantur » Ergmt
Pt$i tibtHsrtdire ad ctr tuunf, munda iUud^ ' • ^ - Aufer inde cupidimum ftrdts^ auftr U-
bem avmiufy aufer ttahmjuptr^itmum^ tuftrfuriltpty & maUu co§fUumet^ oduttMn dito,
sdverftttMmkamiftdetim luivtr/m i»imiim» ^ufer ifttmni^s ^trusmtum & ifutdtbkg
^. A«iDft> in PUl. 1 4.
Part 2. Cap. 2. <iy^fpUed (^onfcienees, pp
them a torture, aracke, the very beginning of hell.
hndi that is the reafon, to decline the flings of guilti-
nefle, and torment before their time ; why they have
fo often recourfe unto the arme ot flefli , for refresh-
ing; to the mirth and madnefie of wine, pleafiires,and
many other fugitive follies; That they call themlelves
into (uch knots of good-fellow(hip ; appoint fo many
fer-matches of joviall meetings , and hunt after fuch
varietie of the times entertainment , as they call itt
which they account the very life of their life, and
without which they would rather be under ground,
than above it. For the fecond, Heare, how f wagger-
ingly they cry unto their companions in iniquitie , to
make hafle with them towards hell. Come with w, let
us lay yvaitefor blond, let us iHrkefrivilj for the inno^
i;ent without caufe : Let mfwallow them uf alive ^a^ the
grave^ andtvhole^ as thofe that go downe into thefit:yve
Jhallfindeallfretiousf»iffiance,we Pyattfill our houfes
yfiithjpoyle. ^ali in thy lot among tu , let us all have
onefurfe, Prov. i , 1 1 . &c. Gome on therefore , let w
enjoy the good things that areprefent:and let Mtjpeedi-
ly ufe the creatures as in youth. Let us fill our f elves
yvith cofily wine, and oyntments: and let no flower of the
Spring pajfe by hs. Let us cr»wne our felves with Rofe
huds, before they be withered. Let none of us go without
his part of our voluptuoufne^e : let us leave tof^ns of
eurjeyfulnejfe in everyplace: for this is our portion, and
cur lot is this, &c. And in all thefe curfed conventicles He fwceteiw by all
of good-fellow fhip,and fiirious combinations for pro- mcanopoffibly.
phanenefle, and againft pietie, the divellhimfelfeis
everprefent amongft them in bis Pontificalibus y as
they lay: And there difpofeth, enclines,manageth and
accommodates all opportunities, circumdances, oc°
currents, mens fcuerall corruptions 5 and pregnancie
oftheir wicked wits to make their meetings, as mer-
ry,as may be^and to put all poffible fcnfiiall fweetneffe
into their camall delights.
lOO lKlirM6tions for aright comforting Seel. I.
3 . Hides rhc fting of J . Laftly , That which is principally for m y piir
gnircm ihmccycs. poie; befides, that like a craftie jiigler , he cafts a mift
before the eyes of his flaves-.and hke a falfe Merchant,
puts a counterfeit glofie uponthe face of finne;He alfb
hides away the fting from them , and withholds the
horrourun till afterward. Every finne in it's owne
nature, ever lookes fouler than the divell himfelfe ; O
that the ougly,f earefulhand filthie fhape of it could be
feene with bodily eyes, that thereby it might provoke
all men to a mortall and immortall hate and detefta-
tion of it I The fting is pointed with the keene un-
quenchable wrath of God; the horrour is heated with
the very fire of hell : And yet ordinarily Satan takes
an order by his craft and induftrie,that thefe never ap-
peare,untillitappeareuntohim, that in all probabili-
tie, the fight of them will finke their foules into irre-
coverable woe.
The not feeling then of their fpirituall miferie is fo
farre from making them not miferable , that it mini-
ilers occafion to the divels malice, mightily to aggra-
vate their miferie, both prelent and future.
Chap. III.
Five ether reafons yvhy a finner doth not alwaies
feele the fling of finne.
».The cnnfcicnce55 "^^^M ^^^Jlf/P^^" > why many are not
hiadeadflcej>f,asiu ®SI4,^SB ^ " ^^ "^^^"^ ^^^^ * though
ihe ^m f.^^ Xmk there be in finite caufe , and a world
of woe to come,is, becaufe their coh-
fciences by reafon of forfeit in finne,
. and being drunke with worldly de-
hghts as with fweet wine, are caft into a dead fleepe:
And thwe lulled ftill,and lockt full faft in an imagina-
nc Paradifc of golden dreames and tranfitorie fancies,
by
Pare 2. Chap. 3. ^ffliSted^^onfciences, lOi
by the charines and enchantments ofearthly pleafures.
Andif at any time, any noife of terrour found in their
eares from the Lords Trumpetters in the Minillerie of
the Word, Co that they begin to ftirre, then the divell
begins to beftirrehimfelfe , and to rocke them faft a-
gaine with his J)'r<!'«-rongs in the cradle of fecuritie.
Here therefore we may take notice of a fourefold con- ., ^ •
fciencet I That whichis both (c) ...rf and ?«,«; tllth^l'^l
when It hath peace With God,and With It lelrejio that on Earth, who arc
- the happy foule mayfweetly finginit'sownebofome; come from under the
My beloved, is mine, and I am his. 2. That which is ^^^^^ * icmpeftof
neither^.t-^, nor ^«/W; when it lyesforlorne under S"See"lnfc
thefenfeofGodswrath^andfullofhorrourinitfelfe. aiul fseJing of the
As that of fudas , Latoffftu y &c. 3. That whichis racrcitsofthcuGod
(d) f<7<>^butnot efuiet; when the pleated face of God 'nChriftidu$,fcakd
doth ftiineupon it through thebloud ofChrift ; and ""'<^'''em by the tc-
yet it feeles not the comfort of that bleffed reconcilia- of Go7rL«' ^^'"'
tion : As in many new Converts, who being truly (d) inthe broken and
humbled for all finne, caft themfelves upon the Lord contrite fpkiti which
fefus, and his fure fromifes^ for fpirituall and eterhall ^^^ . ^'"''' *'^ never
life J and yet are not as yet fenfible of any aflurance. h^g'jjj "^ "^" *"*^
4. That which is ^uiet but not good ; when it is as fiill uprishtiygood.Sbkh
of finne as a Toade of venome, as Hell of darkneffe; ispaincfuliyeviJI,for
and all thofe innumerable finnesunrepented of, un- * good mansconfcu
pardoned, likefo many mad Ban-dogges,andfell Ma- «"ccmay becunquicc
(lives, though adeepe for the prefent, will in the evill ?o ilS^i^-AL
day, elpecially of ficknefie, death, judgement, (e) fiie tia e(i mfiArfim aIuu.
in the face of the proudeft Nmrod,tedidk to plucke out M ?«* quamdiu Aor»
his very throat & heart,and to torment with unfpeak- *"'* "^ideturefe c'uur,
ablehorrour ; andyetfor all this, it is untroubled, tch2''7n'lfm-Im
fenfeleffe, and fecure. Thiskindeofconfcience, is to io^^r &Simt
be found, I feare me, in the moft that heare mee this cemtHr. Diiigenttrita-
day, and fo generally over the kingdome. It doth not ?«« eavemta eft talis
in the meane time, trouble and terrifie. cov/lientia ; quipfe qua.
Ksnriunquiim per t§-
tum oitte cumculiim qu'uta manety & alto Utha*go opprelfajacet: fed itgritudiae tliqui
graviort.veletiam mme apprtpmquante excmiuri Veot & trucuUntdfua. inmmmt htm^
«ffi>f£rr<^ Alft.Theol.C«ruu(B. Cap. z.
H3 i.A
102 InftrH^ionsfor a right contorting %^di.i.
j.Ignorant. I . A great number,by reafon of their ignorance in
the Booke of Godjand by confequent un-acquainted-
nefle with the finfijlneffe antljCurfednefTe of their fpi-
rituall ftate, revealed thereby. This is the very cafe of
a world of poore ignorant befotted foules a mongft us:
more is the pittie, efpecially now, when the glorious
Sunne of Chrifts Goipell ftiines (b faire, and fully in
many places ! For want of light in Gods Law , they
looke upon their finnes, as we do upon the Starres in
a cloudy night ; fee onely the great ones of the firfl
magnitude; and here one, and there one : But if they
were further illightened, and informed aright , they
might behold them,as thofe infinite ones in the fairefl,
frofty Winters mid-night. A worthy Divinejets out
excellently the quietnefife of this ignorant confcience
by a very fit refeaiblance,thus: Men judge of their
ignorant conferences, faith he, iu they do of their hlinde,
dumbe, and ignorant Minifters : Such neither doe^nor
can preach\can neither tell men of their finnes ^ nor of
their duties . Aske fuch a hlinde-guide^s people, tvhat
their conceit is of him, andwhata^inde of man their
A^inifler u^ andyouf)all have him magnified for apaf-
ftng, honefl, harmeleffe man^ ypondrom quiet amon^fi
his neighbours. They may do tohat they yp til for him ; he
is none of thefe troublefomefelloweSy that tvillbe repro-
ving their faults^ or ccnipiaining of their diforders in
the Tulpit \ Oh fuch an one is a quiet good Alan indeed.
Thus judge many of their confcience s. If their eonfcien-
ces be quiet ^ and lye not grating upon them^ and telling
them, that their courfes are ftnfull and damnable y and
that their perfons are in a danger om condition : but ra-
^ ther by their filence^ ignorance^ and vaine pretences doe
julfifie them, and tell them, allyvillbe tvell enough. Oh
then rohat excellent conferences have thefe men I They
nutke no confcience of Family-duties ; once in they ear e
to come to the Sacrament ferves the turne : they are
€9mmon fnurcrs in their $rdinitrj eommHnication:
maki
Part 2 .Cap. 3 . AffiiEied (^^nfciences. 103
make no confcience of fanBifying Sabbaths f &c , And
their confciences let them alone in all thefe, do not give
them one fy liable of ill lanvHAge : Oh what gentle, and
good-natured confciences thinke thefe men they have!
But alas ! what evill confciences have they ?
2. Norothersjbyreafonofa covenant with death, j.Securc.
and an agreement with hell. Such as thofe, Ifa .28.15, ^f^ pc'ce there is aW
who negotiate by their plaiifible Agents , Eafe^plea- "^' depofitioa, both
Cures, pro/ferity i^nd conclude fome kinde of concord ^nrnT^i" !S.-"
and corapofition tor a time with Satan,iinne,and their ons are put off : In a
owne confciences. But to tell yon the truth , it is no truce, there is but a
truepeace, but a politicke truce.T'or thefe implacable, fu^pcnfion, and a
defoerate (pirituall enemies of theirs, are ever in the ceTauonof Armsfor
'^ . ' . . r\ jy 1 afealon, loas during
mcanetime preparing Armes, Ord nance, and many the fame ihcrcisftifl
fiery darts, ftill levying of frefli forces , whole armies provifionofmorcfor.
of fiery Scorpions, and flaming terrours, with which ce$,and apreparation
as foone as the truce is ended, they will fet upon them °^ S''««"r ftrcogth.
with more violence, fijry, and fiercenefle than ever
before.
5 . Nor otherSjBy reafbn of an infenfible brawned- j. seared*
nefle growneover,and a defperatefearednefle impreft:
upon their confciences by extraordinarie villany, and
variety in finne. Such as thofe, 7/^.5.19. By drawing
iniquity a long time with cords of vanity ^and finne, as it
tvere with a cart-rope,by waving the glorious light of
the Word under wnich they fit, and which fhines on
their faces.as a fooU/h thinzx by villanoufly trampling n^'rr:^ <^* -^
under toot the power or It With defpite, and icorne, pj toI^ ^ a^aWiy.
many times againft that light, which flands in their (ip'ois fmeia, "Q^i
confciences like an armed man ; Nay, and by treading » Cor. i . 1 8.
out with caftome in finne , the very notions that na- AuTox«7*»f /ra*.
ture hath engraven in their hearts , as men do the en-
gravings of Tombe-ftones which they walke upon,
with foule ilioes j I (ay thus, at length their confcien-
ces become,fo utterly remorfelefle,and paft all feeling;
fi? brawned, fo feared , fo fealed up with a reprobate
fenfe; that with an audacious, and Giant-like infolen-
H4 cie.
jQA JtjfirHci tons for a ri^ht comforting Sed. r .
cic,they challenge even God Almightie himfelfeto
draw His Iword of vengeance againft them. fVoe tittto
them that drnrv iniijmty with cords of vanity ^a.ndfinves^
di ft were with a cart-rope : That faj^ Let him make
fi^eedy and hafien his worke, that we may fee it : and let
the counfell of the holy One of Jfrael draw nigh and
Ko W <tiufi6vKt comcy that we may k»ow it, Thefe Roarers^ and fwag-
iri<^v»(Ti ;^?>jUacr/. gering Belials, in this refped: have confciences, worfe
lames 1. ly. than the Divell himfelfe. Per he keleeves and trem-
bles, Eventhofealreadicdefperate and dimned fpi-
rits, tremble at the fore-thought of that fuller wrath
which is to come, and yet further-deferved damna-
tion.
4. Worldl'mg. 4. Nor others,who,when it begins ever and anon
to grumble, mutter, and make a noife, lull it afleepe a-
gaine with fongs of pleafures ; and ftill the cries of it
with outward mirth,as ^i«/// was wont to lay the evil
Jpirit with AfNfcke.'Vhtie mens confciences are quiet,
not becaufe they are favingly appealde; but becaufe
they are fenfuaily pleaide: Not becaufe they want
matter to trouble , and terrifit ; but becaufe they will
give them no leafure,to fet their finnes in order be-
fore them.For this puPpofe,and to keepe thefe furious
Maftives mufl'd in the meane time,tJiey have recourfe
unto and improue, both variety of delights , and mul-
tiplicity of imployments. For the firft : This ii the
reafon, as one laith wittily , that many are fo eager in
thepttrfuitsef their pleafures ybecAufe they would make
Gods Sergeant , their owne confcience that purfnes
theWy drunken with thefe pleafures : jufi at many men
ufe to doe, getting the Sergeant that comes to arrelf
them into the Taveme, and there tpaking him drnnke,
thatfo they may efcape. For the fecond : How was it
polTible that yihitophel [jaould hold out fo long from
hanging himfelfe,and horrible conftifion oflpirit;efpe-
cklly fith he harbour'd in his bofome fuch a falft rot-
ten abhominable heart, as appeared by that villanous
counlell
Part 2 . Chap. 3 . ^ffii^ed Confciences, X^jcy
counfell bee gave Abfohin , to ly^ with his Fathers
Concubines, in the fight <7/^////^<!?<'/; except hee had
beene a Counceller ot State , an i fa necefTirily taken
up continually widi extraordinary variety, viciflitude,
and (iicceflion oFmoft weightie & important affiiires;
which would wholly po{]fe(Ie his minde with an un-
interrupted attention, agitation and exercire;^nd ni?t
give it any leavetoretlecl upon itfelfe> withthofere-
vercr cogitations in coldbloud, which are wont to
correct and condemne the enormitie of exorbitant
courfes. And thus in all ages, many great men,of great
wifedome, being great oftenders , purpofely put and
plunge themfelves into multitude of buiinefles ; that
they may have no leaiiire, to Uften unto that, which
their confciences would fecretly tell them m their
eare, of their Mnch'tveUiany^\oxs>igxod\^\Q\x^ lall:s,and
plaufible cruelties. The noil e oFattendants, vifitants,.
Dependants , and great employments drowne the
voyce of Confcience in fuch caies, as the Drummesin
the facrifices to Moloch, the Cry of the Infants. But
while the men of the world are thus wholly detain'd,
and-do fb greedily vpon purpofe entertaine the time
with cares of this life,and dealings in the world; their
confciences deale with them>as Creditors with their „.
Debitors; while they have any doings^s they fay ,and
are in trading^ift policy let them alone & fay nothing;
but if once downe the winde , in ficknefle, poverty,
difgrace,&c.Then comes Sergeant after Sergeant; Ar-
refl: upon Arreft; Action upon Adion: All their (innes
are fet in order before them, and fall full foule upon
the now diftreifed Soule, as Ravens upon the fallen
Sheepe, to picke 9||t the very t'^zs and heart of it, and
to keep it downe ih- the Dungeon of defpaire for ever.
5 . Nor othersjbecaufe they coufen themfelves with y, sdfc deceWflg.
a formall faUe conceit of a comfortable fpirituall ftate;
as did the Pharifie^Luk. 1 5 . 1 1 .with a groundleffe pre-
fumptiGn,that they are in Gods favour j as did thofe,
Matth,
• InjiruCiions for a right comforting Sedl.iJ
Matth. J.22, And the five foolifh VirgmsyMatth. ay .
When as God knowes they are meere ftrangers to the
Myfterie of C^ri/?, and farre enough from any found
Humiliation.
Thus the blindeneffcfecurityjfearedneflejflumber,
Selte-deceitjor feme other fuch diftemper of the Con-
fcience conceales,and keepes in, the ftings of thofe fins
in fenfiiall men;which without turning unto the Lord,
in truth, while it u called To daj^ will hereafter tor-
ment with intolerable and re ftlefleterrour thorough
all eternity.
3. Sinne h in it*« 3 . A third rea(bn,why thy anlamented,and unpar-
GWBc dcmcot. doned finnes,tho every one of them be armed with a
feverall bloudy and fiery fting, and of their owne na-
ture fo heavy with horrour, that they are able to finke
Thee into the bottome of Hell; doe not as yet ftirre,
nor preffe upon thy Soule, with the infupporrable
weight of divine vengeance, is this : They are in their
native foyle,where they were born, bred and brought
up, in their owne Element,as they iay : I meane in a
carnall heart, (baking in fenfualitie, and not refolved
to be reformed. We fay in Philofophj, An Element U
not heavy in it's orvne T^lace, One Bucket full of water
upon the Earth would be burdenfome to the Backe of
that Man, who, were Heein the bottome of the Sea,
would feele no weight at all from all the water there,
though it were three miles high over His head. A fen-
fuall heart, fettled upon it's lees can beare without
fenfe, or complaint, a world of wickedneile, which
out of it's Element and hHmour,would be crufiitinto
Powder, and tremble with hon-our upon the fad ap-
prehenfion of the leaft finne,efpecially fetout by Gods
juft indignation. While Bellhas:,zar was in His Ele-
ment, revelling and ryoting amongfl His Lords, Hia
Wives, and His Concubines, drinking wine fwagge-
ringly and comemptuoufly in the golden and filver
VeSels of the Temple, Hee felt no touch in point of
con-
Part. 2 . Cap. 3 . AffitSied Conjciences, 1 07
confciencc, or terrour at all. But, put out oi" His hu-
mor, by the hand-roriting upon theplaificrofthe JVall^
his countenance -was yreCently changed, and his thoughts
troubled him, fo that thejoynts of his ioj/nes were loofcd^
Mnd.his k^ees [mote oneagainj} another.
4. Fourthly, The never-dying worme, that natu- 4. Sinne hach other
raHy breeds, and {d) growes biggein every unregene- things to fc^d upon,
rate conicience,which beates backe fcill the fearching (d) voluptas perpetui
power of the Word,and (ecret warnings of the Spirit, vemUnumxy adtem'
is like a Wolfe in the foot : Feede it continually with P^'tj^fiodif'^ bnve
fren, fupplyofnw flelT, . and it will let the Body a- ?i|S:,/rl"-
lone ; butwith-draw that, and it devoures upward. rUexUHm trifiiti.< f9r-
While thefonnes and daughters ofpleafure, andalln^*?"' Bafil. Exhorr,
thoie who have their portion and Paradife in this life, ^^ Baptifmum;
flop the mouth of this hellifli worme, with variety of
carnall delights, they do well enough, and findepret-
tie eafe, and exemption for a time from the rage and
bitings thereof: But they may afliire themfelves in
evill times , when the dayes are come upon them,
wherein there is no pleafure; when the Tlay is done;
when all worldly comforts and comforters like run-
away fervants , and drunken Serving-men , are to
feeke, when they have moft ufe and need of them, I
fay, that then the time , and tnrne is come : that the
worme of confcience, deftitute now for ever of any
fiirther fatisfadlion from fenfuall fweetnefle , will ra-
gingly turneupon the Soule, devoure like a Lion,
gnaw like a Vulture, vex eternally.
5. Fifthly,Ifthe weight ofthe whole world were y.Thefinncrii^ki-
now laid upon any of thefe Bodies here lately buried, ^"^^'y *J«»d,
it would not flirre orgroane: And why? Becaufeit
is naturally dead, Proportionably, Though the bur-
then of fin, f arre heavier than a moimtaine of(<? j Lead, (e; Gravt ftquidetaj
than this mighty and maflie earth under our feet, lyes grave, 'wqumy&one-
upon every impenitent Soale, ready every houre to^^f'*"''ftp'"'^i*'»3 &
prefle, and plunge k into the lo weft Pit, yet wretch- ^.l' ^ch/ fort d
cd, and bewitching tiu»g,ku€itherfc€les ^ny fmart, pop.Amioclv.Hbm§i
not
1 08 JnfiruBionsfor a right comforting Sedl. I .
Co bianuM t^ autm nor feares any hurt j it is neither fenfible of the prefent
Peuattr^maxmi \Up ^yeight, nor troubled for the future wrath; And what
^1^r:::t:;:5?S:i!theKafon? it is fpirimaUymdead. It is ftarke
tmLa-Ko^M. partme «<?<*«'« tre spaces and Jtnnes. I hejtrong man is gons
nim trat quii morium, away with all. And there is no ftirring , nor fenfe of
etimftpultui. PiugQA. thiscurfed Burden, until], either ^ 7?r<7»f^r than hee
E Si 7"""^^' ^^y ^^^^^ "P°" ^^^^ Hellidi Tyrant, difarme him, and
(l)Kc^'ntg<^ipott(i, throw downe his holds; and a (g) mightier voyce of
nen mlnoris effe virtu- the Son of God,than that which made LasiMrtu come
i«, mm aHquanio out of the Grave,put lifeinto it:Or elfe that the drcad-
mAJmty emorte ani- fuUthunder of Gods fierce and final wrath, the Day of
«" ^rpwa Zmtu, viiitation being expired, awake it to evcriafting woe,
Mufc In Eyang. lo- ^. Though in the meane time, thou be extreamely
an. cap. j. miferable, and if thou dyeft in thine impenitent fVatc
e, Hcc lookes upon this day, thou mufl moft certainly lodge this night
^llffe""" "* * ^*'^* *" ^^ ^^^^ of fire & brimftone amongft the damned;
^ ^ yet thy finnes for the prefent do not reprefent to the
eye of thy confcience thofe formes of fouleneflfe , and
terrour, of which they are naturally fiill ; and which
without timely repentance, thou wilt hereafter finde
andfeele in them , to thine endlefTe griefe : becaufc
thou lookeft upon them in the falfe GlafTe of vaine-
glory,ignorance,felfe-love,feIfe-conceitedne{re;pain-
ted over by the Divels dawbing , with whorifh inti-
fing colours of pleafiire, profit, preferment, worldly
applaufe, and other fiich goodly and golden out-fides.
Whereas a true and effeduall beholding them in the
cleare Chriftal of Gods pure Law, hunted continually
at the heels with divine vengeancejal the curfes in this
Booke, and plagues innumerable, internail, externall,
eternall;and in the bitter PafTion o^fefus C^hriJ!-, with'
out whofe hearts-bloud, not the leafl finne that evec
was committed,could ever have been remitted, were
able to fright and fire a very BlackatKore out of his ,
I«CM. 1 3. »j. blacke skinne^znd a Leopard from hu Jpets, And thou
fomethine eafeft thine heart alfo againfl the terrour of
the Lord for thy finnes, by looking upon Gods mercy
with
Part. 2. Cap. 3 » AffitEiedConJciences, I op
with falfe fpedades,and (o enlarging it beyond the li-
mits ot his Truth. But heare, what that excellent dtf-
covereroftheDepths of our Selfe-coufentng hearts tels
thee in fuch a cafe : zAs a man-pajfmg over a hidge,
faith he^ rehich his falfe jpeSiacles make tofeeme broa-
der, than in deed it is, being thereby deceived , goes be-
fides the bridge ^ and fo is drowned: fo is it with thofe^
rvhofe deceit full hearts make the bridge of Gods mercy
larger than it is, they are in danger of falling befide it,
into thevpaters of eternall deftru^ion. For though Gods
tnercie be of the large fi extent, yet it is bounded rvith his
Xruth, And therefore ufually in the Scriptures ivefinde
thefe two coupled together, Gods mercicy and His Truth,
Now His Truth tells us; that the good tydings of the
GoJpeUhtXong onely to ihcf>oor,X.O the broken-hearted:,
to the captives, to the blinde,lo the bruifed. Luk.^,i 8,
That He onely who confe^eth^and forfaketh Hisfinnes,
Jhall have mercy .Prov , 28.1 '^JYh.Ztcxceptwee repent^
■wee fhall all periflj.Luki I 5. ;?.That except wee be borne
AgAtne, wee cannot fee the Kingdome of God. '}oh, 3.3,
Ihsit Godwin wound the he ad of hii enemies, and the
hairy fcalpe offuch an one,ai goeth enflillin his trefpaf-
fes,Pfal 63.2!. That if wee regard iniquity in our
hearts, the Lord will not heare hs, Tfal, 66, 1 8. That
fto fornicator, nor idolater, nor adulterer , nor effemi-
nate,nor abufer ofHimfelfe with man-ki»de,nor theefe^
nor covetous man, nor drunkard, nor reviler, nor extor^
tioKer,Jhall inherit the Kingdome of God, i . Cor, (5.p.
I o. That without holinejfe no man Jhall fee the Lord.
Heb,i2.i^, Thsit every one that calleth on the Name
»f Chrififavingly, mufi depart from iniquitie, 2 .Tim,
«,ip. &c. Compare now thefe and the like Places
with thine heart, life, and prefent inif)enitent ftate,
.and tell mee in cold bloud, and impartially, whether
any mercy at all as yet belongs unto thee upon good
ground, yet lying in thy linnes.
Chap«
jio InfiruSiions for fi right cofnforthg Seif^I.
Chap.IIII.
Thefecond Vfe of the former doElrine for the cott"
vertedthattheyftrtneftomoreyitfid to keepe them from
finnefeven confiderations are given them.
Vfe I. sinnc no Cp^^'^^^^^^ a fecond place, the Point may fcrve
rn:ne;,and to that end jp^^T^^^ f^^ Warning to tliole, who are alrea-
conridsr thai tlimcis |j^^ iMWS dit waOied from their finnes; that
they defile their Soules no more:who
having beene cured , by cafting their
eyes upon the braz^en Serpent , from
thofe many fiery ftings; that they rebell no more: who
wounded formerly at the heart-root with grievous
horrour, and now healed with the bloud or C^rifi^
that in the name ck Chrifl , they tume not againe to
folly. Let them call to minde, and lay to heart the en-
fuing c^nfiderations , when they are firft tamper*d
with, and tempted againe to any finne : which, mee
thinkes, (hould be ofpower, not onely to keepe Gods
bleffed Ones from putting their hands to iniquitie; but
al(b to reftraine , or at leaft to coole the courage even
of the Divels fUves, in the very heat of the moft furi-
ous entifement to their befl-beloved finne.
I Moft hatefu;! ^ * ^^""^^^ "^°^ hatefull . It is the onely Ob/ed of
(b^ Tt'mim tnt'm di all Gods infinite hatred. His Love is cut,a8 it were,m-
viiti ameru obyRunty to divers flreames, & carried upon variety of(^) Ob-
efiipfaDeitaij atFiU- jeds .He loves in the firft place^in finitely ^ad-xquately
7r!at!c tiumt \\fl "^' ^^"^ ^^'^^'^ Selfe^Vii^ owne Sonne,who is called
HH. 4 Gttitub'uwut' ^G* Sonne of Hpi Love, His Angels, His Saints, His
num. 5« sie^i. Til. p. Servants, His Creatures, All things Hee made : Thou
I . Syntag. Tbc. 40. lovefl all things that are^ and abhorrefi nothing which
«*c' '1? '^ /9 ' ThoH hafl made. Tor never tvouldeji Than have made
ColofTi.ij:
(0 T>e6mbiUfl In odio^nifivulumM eH.nibUellei imifum,9diiifm,txecrabik,»i^ mdm Hoe
Mttm efij/MOififpfumi&frgtirca nibil.Z aach.Dc naiura Dei. Lib.4.C«p,7.
thing
Part 2. Cap. 4' AffliEicd Confciences, III
^thing at all,properIy & Formally, but finne.The whole
infinitenelTeof all His hatred, is ipent wholly upon
finne alone ; which makes it infinitely and extremely
hatefull. Now what a thing is this,that an infinite di-
vine hatred, like a mighty undivided Torrent fhould
with all it's united forces,and deteftations runne head-
long, and reft upon every finne; bee it but an officious
\yc,* foolijh talking, jefitng,revelii>tg^2i-(vanf on glance, * Ephef 5.4!
a vaine thought, an idle word, & fuch like lighter fins GjJat. j.at.
in the worlds account: which to reprove in fome Mauh.y. a?.
companies,nay almoft every where, would be holden
to be a lb wre and unfufferable precifenefle : So despe-
rately impudent are the times , both in difgracing of
finceritie, and dawbing of finne ! And what a wofull
wretch is every impenitent Sinner, who hath fuch a
world ofunpardoned finnes lying upon His Soule,and
(iich an immeafurable weight of hatred lying upon
every fevcrall finne ! And what a prodigious Bedlam
is Hee, who will wittingly , and willingly put His
hand toanylinne; which once committed,is infepara-
bly,and individually attended with the infinite hatred
onb great a God : For which thepainesof Hell murt
upon neceflitie be fuffered; either by the Partie Him-
felre, or his Surety: Either it mufl: bee taken off by the
bloudof ^^/^ Chrift ; or elfe the Delinquent^ muft
burne in Hell for ever !
a It ismoft foule. Even fouler than the fouleft 2. MoRfonJe.
Fiend in riellj than theEHvell Himfelfe. And let none
ftamble at this truth; it appearcsunanfwerably thus %
Sinnemadehima Divell, andfunke Him into HeUj
and therefore finne is more rancke Di veil, and horrible
Hell it felfc. For it is a ^principle in Tbilofophy of un-
queftionablc truth; (\i) fVhatfoever maketh fuch^ is it (^) a^; jy % -^up^
felfe THHch more fueh. The Sunne that lightens all 0= i'K*$ovt iK^vo amK'
ther bodies, is much more lightjThe fire which heates ^''^ ^^?;^- Arift.
aU other things, is much more hot: So that which de- i^^J^'J'^; ^"^ ^''^■^
files another thing,is much more fuUbme:Sintie alone
J I 2 InftrtiUioni for a right comforting '■' Sefl.I.
{\)ilfudqusdinaxi 't brought all hellifh mifery upon Satan, and made him
videtMrVtuiodifft.fa- fofoule, therefore is it farre Fouler. If any could drip
dTnif*^alkm- m^\ ^^ ^^ ^'^^ ^^""^^' ^^ ^^"^^ re-inveft himinto the Oii-
e^ ^(urnamm/"fi Ice "i^g foabes of allhis former Angclicall excellency and
cammnon t(ftt, ten perkdionjandreftorc him into height of favour a-
5WW crMt«r<iwr«dOT. gaine with the 7w^/?Hfj-^. {1} For God hates the Di-
vndtSap.u.vMedl veil for nothing elfe in the world, but for finne.
17":S2" ^^. But iffinne bee fo ugly, may fome fay, as you
f/f, «;j» profUY pecca have let it out; how comes it to pafle,tnatit is fo ami-
ium ad]itn&»m^ quod able in the eyes ot the moft? Why doe all forts ofpeo-
Ipft mnfecU. Pcrai . ^[^ purfue and pra<5tiie it with fuch eagerneffe and de-
'^''^'Ifr^n ^^Trrligtit? Why doth thewboleworld runnea madding
ofihcmoft. afterit? •
Through the Dive] « Anfiv. Herein obferve an univerfall Soule-fwal-
paintingitovcr. lowing Depth of Satans damned Policy. Hefcnowes
fiill well, that fhould finne appeare in it's owne like-
nelTe, every eye would abhorre it, every Mothers Son
would dctefl, and defie it. And therefore. He takes a
courfe, by the exquifitcneffe of his colours, and excel-
lency o£ painting, to put a feeming faireneffe upon an
HelUfli face; whereby the greateft part dote upon this
deformed Hag to their endlefle damnation. For wee
mufl know that Satan, in this myftery of coufening
by colours, incomparably fiirpafleth the mofl famous
Baudes, and noble Strumpets,that ever were^ So that
(m) ^M omnUp'.c- it feemes to be the conceit of the ancient {m) Fathers,
tttarti , & apoftitx tbat the Divell did immediately reveale unto whorifli
^aL^^u7nlVier'. Women thjis ^rt sf painting; at leaft, Hee. was moft
rtiu cftftagia devolutit
i eesUfiivigore reu(ferfaif^ iSi&ocuLs chtimijMo mgrort fucartj & gtnuu metdatio rubetis
infictfe^&mutareaduUtriHU colenbaomm-y ttexpuimre ommmoriiit capitis veriiattpt
afnupttUe ftis impHgnationtdoctttrunuQy^nyfu Debabitu Virginum. ^it corpus mfnjir a-
retmutdreyni^qui & hominu j^intum malitid tramfiguravit^ Hit indubitaie hujufmsdi in^t'
gtnincowi^navit^utinnolit quoidmmodo mtriUiVto ivftnit. ^uod nafcituTy Opui Dei f(i-
Efgaqnodfitgiiur, Diaboti ntiotiutn efi.TcTtull DcculiuVaminarara. Juvtio cubits caput
Cbri^uitfti hvtmionti Satann ctmprobabif^ ncc recerdiberiijiciem Chrtfii -? J^* emnla
ftmemmAttncrttytUamitvtlde ornaiumnmarti^ntn audtfti lametii nccftne po[jts pulvtremf
tut mmm ati^utmfitferfadfm tit*n mptmrt. Chty(. Horn 3 1, in Mat.
certainely
Part 2. Chap.4. A^i^ed Canfciencet, I j j.
certainely an extraordinary affiftant to the firft Inven-
tors of it. Now for painting finne, to make it more
plaufibk and paflable, we may fee more variety of co-
lours, and coufoning tricks miniflred unto Satan by
our faUe hearts, his Agents for that purpofe, (n) In (») r meane D^es
that excellent Difcevery of their deceitfulne^e. jiifccurfe of the dc-
Butas an old, deformed, wrinckled, whoridi Hag '^"'^^"incire of Maas
fettingout Herfelfe withfalfe haire, a painted face, '^""*
and other meritricious aflTcded dreffings, entangles
and infnares thehearts of (<? j fooles, and eyes ofvani- ^^} ^^* itqmat j"«-
ty: whereas underftanding men, and thofethat have VT^t'^uJf''^ J^^K
eyesm their heads, ditcover m her lodomg ^ndu-xrr0i 2^3^ pemcien
daubing, an addition of a great deale of artificial! «ii*'i?(j/i^«,e^ z/^or-
loathfomneiTe to Her aaturall foulnefle: So it is in this '^^'": Scult. ia j . cap
cafe.The greifly face of finne being daubed over with ^*^'**'
the Devils painting, and falfe luftre, carries away cap-
tive all carnall men,and detaines in a Fooles-paradife^'
indeed an helHQi prifon , a world of deluded Ones.
Yet thofe few illightened Soules , whofe eyes have
beene happily opened,by fpirituall Eje-fahe, to tMme
from darkne^e to Itght, and from the power of Satan un-
to Gody behold a double deformfitie and ouglinefle, ia
fo foule a monfler deceitfully drefled in the Divels
counterfeit colours , and guiided over garilhly in Hi»
perfonated Angelic all glorj.
5. It is moft hlthy. Farre filthier than the mofl: flin- 3 . Moft filthy i
king confluence of all the moft filthy, ftilfbme, nafty,
loathfome things in the world : And it muft needs bee
fo ; For whatfoever a Man can conceive to bee molt
contrary, diftant and oppofite to the infinite clearne?, .
purity, fweetnefTe, beauty, and goodnefle of God ; al!
that, and much mere is finne in the higheft degree, rp) ^ p^^ ^ j,
Henceitisjthatinthe Scriptures,ic is compared to the (^q) Rora/^.i}, *
filthieft (■p)myre , in which a SoivwiW lie do wne to Atlitdlt ai bmmm^
coole, and cover herfelfe : To the loathfome vomite^ qvtetum anh:t'UHm^
not of a man, but of a Dogge : (^) To the unfavourie '^ITT^^^*' '^
poyfonfull damp, which rotten Carkafes exhale out of JJ/^, J^^JJ i»rSJ*^
/ opened iemfpiratodorem Buc«
114 ^JnfirHBionsfor aright contort in^^ SeA»I.
Cr^Ez^ch, i6,\7- opened graven : (x) To menfirHotu filth : (fj To the
Their wa) was bcfori (jfrt under the naile«; or the {linking (wcat .Of the Bo-
m:t,asthcundca>rr4r(iy.erihc putriEcd matter of Ibnie peftilent Vlcer:
(f) laiBcs I . ii. (0 Toth.e very cxcren:ents, which Nature having le-
A-jTofliVAo/ ^rrii. vered fi-om the purer part ot the meat, thrufts out of
/yTTrtfi^, V-j'srQ'i, the ftoniacke, and calb into the draught : (u) To the
Pvmxpix. lord, s : fi/f/jjfjejfe, pollutions, and impuritfis of the world, fo •
2iy/«l|r^> called by a fingularitie, for finne is' the tranfcendcnt
uvgHtbui coUigundirifilth of the world : To alltheuncleannefliesjor which
r~Ht,fecuniiiim athu \l- the Purifications,cleanfings,wari-iings,and fprinklings
.vi« qt4<e difim-git/ir were appointed in the Leviticall Law : (x) To aifho-
pi'£rc^-1'i - ^^^^ ^^y^ and yet further , which
»us quoddsm iilam niakes for the further deteftation of finne: \V heras all
fo/d'idi. Apud. Dicfr. outward filth defiles onely the Body ; this of finne by
lib. f . c3p. 99 ^ Scap the ftrcngth and contagion of it's infinuating poylon
(/) Ibid Ktfi's^j^-H foakes thorow the fiefh and the bone, and enters^and
Mt cxcrsmextum m ^^^^^ 1""° ^"^ very wir.de nndconJctencp,Tit. i . i 5 . de-
litie, " Metcphma a di files the purCjand immortall Soule of Man. How long
gtliitit mtuKili, q^.^ mightwccaftdirtintothe Aire, before we were able
qukqiiidindboufTumf- jq j^p^^c^ j-j^g bright {hilling beanies ofthe Sunne? Yet
IZVZlLrlftTn ^o fiitliy is finne,that at once with a touch it infe<fls the
qiim n:m.um fxcrf- Soule, a clearer and purer eflence tlianit; and that
mntii dipmatur. par.^ with fuch a crimfon and double-dyed flaine, that the
(h) r Per, i^io. Tel Flood of Noahjwhcn all the Worldwas water,could
CxiT'^'^chS, f ''^'"' "°^ ^^^ ^^ offrNeither at thatla{l and dreadfull Day,
^^ " "^^ ' when this great Vniverfall lliall be turned into a Ball
of fire, for the puriFvi^g and renewing of the Heaven
and the-Earth, yet fhall it have no power to purge or
deanfe the Icaft finne out ofthe impenitent Soule:
Nay,the fire of Hell which burnes night and day,even
ihorow all eternity, fhall never beeable to raze it our.'
4. It is niofl infe(flious : Spits vcnome on all fides,
farre and wide : corrupts every thing it comes neare.
(f) Mat.b,! 5.1 2. By reafon whereof, it is fitly refembled to (y) Lea-
C\* 'j^°^' *• ^' ven I to a (z) Gangreene ; to the (a) Leprofie ; which
(*) PiaK 5^2^.* ^^^^y difeafe quickly over-fpreads the whole Body:
. icr.i 3. 27, * ' IiHmb,\ 2.1 o.InfeAs the (b) clothes- the very Walles
of
Part 2.Can.4. a^f^iEied (^onfciences. 1 1 5
GftheHo'^fe : Levit, 14-37. &C. Pofierity, 2. Khg.^ .
27. The firft fin that ever the Sun law, was fo preg-
nant with Soule-killing poyfon that it hath alreadie
damnably polluted al the Sons & Daughters o^Ada>n,
• that were ever fince ; and will ftill by the unrefiftable
ftrength of the fame contagion,empoyfon all their na-
tures, to the Worlds end. Nay, at the very jRrft brea-
king out, it fuddenly blafted, as it were, both Heaven
and Earth : And fo ftained the beautie of the one, the
brightnefle of the other,and the originall,orient,new-
lyburnifht glory ofthe CO '»'^''^^<^^^^^'*^«; that from (c^ uot^m. » x,7/<r/f
thathoure,it hath ^r(?^;7<f^uHder the burden of that avjivct^i xsf* Q'^a-
vanitie and deformitie, to which this firft finne hath ^'.''«,. .
made it iabieft; and will (d) rrav.U in f^„. under ^/SL'/.Si
the honcUge of the lame corrnftion, untiU it be purged machma,& n6m ma"
by fire, in the great 1>ay of the Lord. If but one finne, tUy etiam brutk & in-
bee doted upon, delightfiilly, and impenitently, like a '»''J'«« acdpere^ puti
lumpe of Leaven, itfowresall the Soule, defiles ^^^ AmT^''^1'Z
whole Man^and every thing,that proceeds from Him: ^^^ j,f^^ boJmkprC
His thoughts, defiresjaffedtions, words, adions/and miulifmmtADeade*
that of all forts ; naturall,civill,recreative,religious. It ^'mau. . ho-
doth not onely unhallow his meat, drinke, carriage; ^.'L '^^' p^^^^n-'
Hisbuying,felling,giving,lending,andallHis other ^^'^l^'JI^.
tn'ifer'^Si morhU^mwti, & \r<e "Dei ohnaxm ? C&lum mbuUi^nubibusobduchur : *4firaiumi'
nefapedtficiuntfinflutnt'i^ifidimaliine affic'tHMaefem, & corpira inftrlaray & ad cmitptio'
nmti'isponmt, Airfeptfi'pifiilensi mado rigeifngQre, mvdb tt^ibtuavdety moddpluvtji coniinK-
K le-'tam oppumltyUrra naftentk l/edit & vamtatim qit*(i deplomt. — Tirra mproMabsYefa-^
tigata. httb(ts,iruRiii nsxioi auLCadu:oiv'ix prodmi-^ ftenlifattf^pm qudmf militate UtUuram
&fpm colmorumdiidit- AmmantiaamnUgmem tarruptibUU humanis u(ibi0 quttidie gvie-
rantur.fatiganiuf) ifitmtint-ymuUt vmenititi & noxia hamnem inftliaaty umprliiioptmafub-
di!aj& fa(tttmaeijul(fent. Hfcpofiremapnn^ialiatis matunc efi, quod fervire impimum
abiifibiacogitHf. SoUucst fceteratis; tcrrte mfcencia, metalla, vm,frugss, ambitm'h ava'
ritU, crapu!a,fecnritanyf?vUitC3 JdMatriigj impietati e> firdiiiom. Par. [rtituufub-
jeSla tfivmtati: &cad€ntt hominty qmm ccitfiituirat Domrm Dommnm Demm
fiitt & prmiptm emm poffc^onis jiti , tota fimul htertditoi corru^ta tjl. Inde di^tm-
peratus aer, wta, in opiribus Ada mikdwiay & amnU fubdita vanitati : Nee faJU
rep^rabitur hterednas} dome repirentur IxredeStBein* (d) a Pec.j.io.ii;
1 2 (e')d€a-
J I ^ JnfirfMicfttfor a right contorting SeA. i .
(cjtht'o'fyDfthew.c. (e) dealings in the world, even His plowing; T'/jd-
k<tluanabh0i>tiniitiev -ploTf/tng of thervicked isfmne. Prov. 21.4. But a'fo
w ihe L9rd, Pro. 1 5.9. j^^j-nes all his (/ ) fpiritiialfervices,and divineft duties:
Comal fenfum «»».'- .,. l • j- -..1,0
mm H/w proverv^ His prayer,hearing,reading,receiving the Sacrament,
bune tS'e : QHodque &c. into abhomination. If but one raging corruption,
vepi^umf & mum- jn a.Miniftcr, Magiftrate, Mafter of a Family;as lying,
qutmque pcdcm, qum f^ggring, filthie talking, fcoffing at Religion, oppofi-
'ZZ^T'd'", tiontogodlineffe , Sabbath-brcaking , an humour of
quedextnet, five co Good-fellowfliip,or thehke,reprelentit(€lfe to the
guand9f five leqaendo, eye of the World, in His ordinary carriage; and hang
/iHtliniqaefaiundom q^^ 35 a rotten fruit in the fight of the Sunne; it is
^^umr"^ dTo7x2 wontfearefiilly toinfedoroftbndbyacontagious in-
"rabiU%' Cam o! finuation^and ill cxample,all about Him ; to diftufe it's
(() rheiacrifice cftbe venome to His Family,amongft His Sonncs, and Ser-
wkktdiian abhomina vants, ever the Pariili where Hec lines, all companies
Uon to the lorrf. Prov ^fjgj.g ^gg oomcs, the whoIe Coiintrey round about,
llHm)^?%eZt efpecially if Hee bee a Man of emincncy and Place.
fartisjro tuUu Del, $. C^j It is extremely ill. A farre greater ill, than
G*ive tfi, fivanmfit the eternall damnation of a Man. For when Hce hath
impierttm(u(:<i. Mat. |jgj^ many millions ofyeeres in the Lake of fire , and
' ^ff(ibJ']^dm-!^^li ^^^^^ ^^^^ dominion of the fecond death; Hee is never
TLktbeatJedgfiv'ijfi' the nearer to fatisfadion for finne. Not all tho/e Hel-
tnumjfiiiii=mno7ied'io Hih flames thorow all eternitie, can pofTibly expiate
habeatmddjidetiam l\^Q{^g^{f^Q^QY extinguifh the fling of theleafl finne.
'^"^'Tl^'&^'atmt ^^y> ^^ verydcftruaion of all the creatures in the
mfSmMT^c- world;of Men and Angels,Heaven & Earth, is agreat
tiMifit; &iUm fum- dealeleffeill, than tooftend God with theleafl tranf-
m abminetu^. ^'od grefTion of His lawes.For all the creaturas often thou-
cumditit,omntm,gra' f^^^ worlds, were they all extant, come infinitely
r,t"d'r7' (KortinexceUencvofworth. of the Hearts-bloud of
eiufit, Cariro. M*^ ChrtFf, And yet without the effufion of it , no
5. Moft ill.
(A\ undcrftandillina gencrallnorion, ardnotas rcfttained unto, or rcfidentin any
(kfciti. Aad I know, that divif>$ mali, in malum culpt & tnafum f aj»<f , is not gtuirii univui
infptciti; but vecabuli ttquivoci infua gquivoceta. Culpa habetplm deiaimt mdi^quam fan*,
gtnonfeliif* quam potMle^fibllii^ que ccvfifiit wprkmtme mptralium btnoriii/. — fedtiiont-
ftsiverfaliitr accipundopanam^ faundum quedpnvam irmte, vd ittvit^pana quedemjunt,
Aqu'm.p. l« q. 4 8. Arc i,
firnie
Part 2.Cap.4. AffliEled (^cnfciencet. iiy
no finnec®ulde/€r have beene pardoned , nor any
Soule laved. A man would thinke it a leffer ill to tell a
lie, than to lie in Hell : But heare Chryfofiome ; Al^
though many thinke HeH to bee the fupreame and forefi
of all evils;jet I thinke thpts, and thus will daily preach:
That it ii farre bitterer and more grievous to offend
ChriBy than to be tormented with th e paines of Hell, e. Full of moft feare-
6, ItisfullofmoftfearcfulleflPeds. fulleffeftiin
I. It deprives every Impemtent . i. Of the favour >• ^^pfving u$ of
and lov^eGfGod,tbeonelyFoujitaine of all comfort. hcV«hcl7"^^°'*
peace and happinefle: which is incomparably the moft
invalueable loffe, that can be imagined. 2. Of his per- ».The grace of Chrift«
tion in Chriftsbloud ; of which, though the drops,
waight,and quantitie be numbred, finite, and mca(ii-
rablc, yet the Perfon that Ihed it, hath ftampt upon it,
fiich height of price, excellency of merit, unvaluable-
nefle of worth ; that he had infinitely better have hi«
portion in that fweeteft well-fpring of life and im-
mortalitie; than enjoy the riches, pl^ures andglorjr
of the whole World everlaftingly ;For a bitter-fweet
tafte of which , for an inch of time , Hee villanoufly
trampleth under-foot,as it were,that blefled bloud,by
wilfiilly cleaving to His owne wayes,and furious fol-
lowing the Twinge of His owne fenfuall heart (even
againft the check and contradiction of His grumbling
confciencej. 3. Ofthe moft bliflefiillprerence, free- ^^ The communio«
dome,and communication of the Holy Ghoft^and all of the holy Ghoft.
thofe divine illuminations, fpirituall feaftings, fiidden
and fecret glimpfes and glances of heavenly light,
fweeter than fwectneffe it felfe, where-with that
good Spirit is wont to vifit and refreHi the humbled
hearts ofholy men. 4. Of the fatherly providence and ^ Tfteproieftionof
proteflion ofthe blefled Trinitie, the glorious guards iheTru.iiy.
of Angels,the comfortable communioH with the peo-
ple of God, and all the happy conlequents of fafetie,
deliverance aijd delight that floweth thence. 5 .Of the ,.Thc pleafures of an
unknewae pleafures of an appealed confcience,a jew- appealed cocificn«c.
I3 ell
jjg InftruBionsforarightcomformg Seft. r.
ell ot deareft price , to which all humane glory is but
duft in the balance. Not the mod exqnjfite extra'^ion
cf all manner of Muficke, Sets, or Confor ts, vocall or
Inftrumentall , can poiTibly conveigh fo delicious a
touch,and tafte to the outward eare of a Man ; as the
found, andlenle of a Certificate brought from the
Throne of mercy by thebkfled Spirit, feal'd with
Chrifts bloud,to the eare of the Soule, even amidft the
moftdelperateconfufions, in the evill Day ; when
Comfort will bee worth a World^and a good Confci-
6 The contentment et}ce,tcn thoufand earthly Crorpnes. 6. Of all true
of this life. contentment in this life; of all Chriftian right, and re-
ligious intereft to any of the Creatures. For never was
any lound ioy,or fandified enjoyment of any thing in
the world, found in that Mans heart , which gives al-
lowance to any luft, or lyes delightfully inanyfinne.
7. The glory of iliat 7. Ofanimmortall CrowHe, the unfpeakable joyes of
cocenae. Heaven; that immeafiirable , and endlefle comfort,
which there fliall be fully and forever enjoyed, with
all the children of God,Patriarkes,Prophets, Apoilles,
Martyrs, Chriftian friends ; yea, with the Lord Him-
felfe,and all His Angels, with ChriJ} our Saviour, that
Lambe flaine for us, the Prince of gjory, the glory of
Heaven and Earth ; the brightnciTe of the everlafling
Light,&c. In a word,ofall thofe inexplicable, nay,un-
conceiveableexcellenciesjpleafures^perfedlionsjfelici-
tics, fweetneffes, beauties, glories,eternities above.
%. Expofir;g a finnts 2. It doth everie houre expofe Him to all thofe e-
to all cviJs. ^ jjg^ which a Man deflitute of grace divine may com-
mit ; and unproteded from above, endure. It brings
8, Iniernal.1 all plagues. i./^r^-r^^Z/jBlindneffeof minde, Hard-
nefle of heart, deadnefle of affed ion , f earednefle "of
confcic-nce,a reprobate fenfe^ftrong delulloiis, thefpi-
ritofflumberjflaveryto luft, eftrangednes from God,
bondage under the I)ivel],defperate thou';:?ht3,horrour
of heart, confufion of Ipirit, &:c. And ipirituall mif-
chiefes in this kinde,iHoe,and more dreadfulUban ei-
ther
Parc2.Chap.4. A^itledConfciences. Up
ther Tongue can tell, or Heart can thinke. Leaft of
which, is farre worfe than all the plagues of jEgypt.
2. Extermll. See Deut. 28. 1 5. &c. 3 . Etematl, See 2, Externall.
my Sermon of the four e lafi things. j . Eternall,
3. By it's peftilent damning Property & poyfon, it j. Tum.ng ali good
turns Heaven into Hell, Angels into Divds, Life into inroaHcTill,
death, Light into darkneflejfight into blindnefle. Faith
into diftmft,hope into defpaircLove into hate,humi-
litieinto pride,mercy into cruelty ,{ecurity into feare,
libertieinto bondage.healthinto fickne{Ie,plenrie into
fcarcenefie, a Garden of Eden into a defolate Wilder-
ne{re,a fruitfuU Land into barrenneflc,Peace into war,
Suietneffe into contention. Obedience into rebellion,
>rder into confijfion,vertues into vicesjbleffings into
curfes, &c. In a word,all kinde of temporall,and eter-
nall felicities , and blifle, into all kinds of miferies, and
woe.
7. Whatheart,exceptitbeall Adamant,andturn'd 7. Agilnft the Lord
into a Rock of flint, but poffeflingitfelfe with feeling of hc«vca and earth;
ehoughtSjand a fenfible apprehenfion oftheincompre-
henfible greatnefre,exceUency and dreadfolnefle of the
mighty Lord of Heaven & Earth, would not tremble
and beilrangely confounded to tranfgreffe and breake
any one branch of His blefled Lawes, efpecially pur-
pofely,and with pleafure:or to finne againft Him wil-
lingly, but in the leaft ungodly thought ? For alas!
Who art thou,that lifteft up thy proud heart,or whet-
teft thy prophane tongue , or bendeft thy rebellious
courfe againft (uch a Majeftie ? Thou art the vileft
wretch that ever God made, next unto the DiveU,and
His damned Angels; A ba(e,and an unworthy Worme
of the Earth, not worthy to licke the duft, that lyeth
under His feet ; A moft weake and hraile creature.
Earth, aChes, or any thing that is naught ; the dreame
ofafhadow, the very Pidure of change, worfethan
vanity, leffe than nothing ; Who, when thy breath Is
gene, which may fall out many times iaamoment*
I4 tllM
I20 JnflruEiions for aright comforting Sedt.i,
thou turncft into duft, nayjVottennefle and filtb,miich
more loathfome, than the Dung of the Earth ; and all
thy thoughts pertpj . But now on the other fide, if thou
caft thine eyes feriouflyjind with intention upon that
thrice glorious and higheft Majefty,the eyes of who(e
^lory thou fo provokeft with thy filth andiblly, thou
maieft moft /uftly upon the com million of every finne
cry out with the Prophet : O Heavens be aHoniJhed at
thi^ : Bee afraid, and mterly confounded i Nay, thoil
mighteft marvell,and it is God's unfpeakeable mercy,
that the whole frame of Heaven and Earth is not for
one finne fearefully, and finally diflblved, and brought
. to naught! For He againft whom thou CinnQ{\.,inhaiff^
(g) 2)arf ah.( aU quu ^^^^ eternity, and unapproachable lurht. The Heaven »
tUiijdkayt, leAfticUs ^^ Thro»e,andthe earth hi^feotjtoole : He is the ever-
quiim fiilgormihum l^fiif^g God, mighty, and terrible y theCreatourof the
Dei fuftiHtre po[fe,(i (jj ends of the earth^dicTht infinite Iplendour of his gla- *
imipeiPmOeUen ^y and majeflie/odazles the eyes ofthe moft glorious
jpltr^JL Tn?HtriZ ^^raphimsMt they are -Ud to adore Him with cove-
bmtti.titque tamtn ita ^^d faces (g). The Oivell, and all the damned fpirits,
tegebara Aa:eii fackt» thofe f^ubborne Feinds tremble at the terrour of His
fum quit aliquo hue- countenance, (h) All the Nation, before Him^are but
YMur Dei mfpMii. ^ ^y ^ r^ y^, y^^ ^ thefm^Jldufl of the ha.
Cal.inli3.cap 6. , ' -', ». tt- r- t ; ,, #
The raoflholy Aneel* ^^^^^> "^V, they are nothing to Him, laith the Prophet,
withouifpot of finne yezlejfe than nothing, (i) He fitteth upon the circle of
in natureand confci the earth, and the inhabitants therofare as grajhoppers:
f *"«' ^as abl" 'dT '^^^ hh^^y and Princes, yvhen Hee bloroes uponthenty
Ws^refcnce,^ bough ^^^ ^^^ ^ (lubble before the fVhirle-winde: And (k)He
<ioing hii will in o- taketh up the IJles, as a very little thing. (\) At His re-
bcying the voyce of bukethe P tllars of Heaven doe Jhake -^ the Sarth trem-
hisraou h. Throgmor. yieth ^ the foundations ofthe hills are moved\{m) Hit
Ch)l(^i 40 ^^'^^^' f^^P"(^^ melts themountaines , His voyce teares the
CO lobi 1. * Rocks in pieces, (n) The blafi ofthe breath of his nor
(Tt3 lob x6. 1 1. firilsdifc overs the chanels ofw at ers,and foundations of
(0 Pfal/i8 7. the voorld: when Hee is angry , His Arroves drinke
n'Pfaf iTi '^' ^/t;W, Hisfyporddevours PJh, and tVtfire of his wrath
Deut.V*.*M*. i^HrncfftntAthe hwefi HeL The Heaven H:but His
JlaUoaa**. ' ^ - - ^.-^ fpame..
Part. 2, Cap.5 . uiffliBed Confciences, I %%
panne. The SeaUish^ndfully The wings /tf the winde Vtilm^io^. y.i.
His tvalke : His garments Are light, Hm Pavilion dark:; ^^^!j"* * * * ^ *
nejfe,Hi4 re ay in the yphirlenvinde, and in theftorme-^and i^* }' ^*
the clouds are the dufi of Hi£ feet, &c. The Lord of
hofts is his name, whofc power and punifliments are
fo infinitely unrefiftable; that Hec is able with one
word to turne all the creatures in the world into Hel^
nay, even with the breath of His mouth to turne Hea-
ven and Hell, and Earth , and all things into nothing.
How dareft thou thenlo bafeand vile a wretch, pro-
voke fo great a God ?
CHAP. V.
Thirteene other confiderations^ to k^epe men front -
jinne, .
;Et the confideration, and compaflion *• ^he dcftroy v of
upon the immortality, and dcarenefre »n"«»"o'"nfouJe.
of that precious Soule that lye-s in thy
bofome, curbe thy corruptions at the
very firft fight of iinne,and mal(e thee
ftep backt as though thou wert ready
to tread upon a Serpent. Not all the bloudy men upon
earth,or defperate Divelsin Hell,can pofTibly I<i]l,and
extinguilli the Soule of any man ; it muft needs live,
as.long,as God Himfelfe, andrunneparallell,with the .
longeft line ofeternity.OHdyfinne wounds r<?; moi^(^)Mm,iiv^%tnmQ* -
tally that immortall fpirit, and brings it into that cur- Abnoi a prx/entwui ma.
fed cafe, that it had infinitely better never have been, '** ^"'^^"^ ^'^^w "d
than be for ever. For by this meanes, going on impe- ^^-^"*"? ?f '?«' , ^»';
nitently to that laft Tribunall , it becomes Lmort!llj j^!:^;:;^!^^
. .... PiU^'iriqHtatMt^iintm
mne miuqHamufomidahm, — vna vUaefi mtoi advltam conUaat babue, iaj merf. ,1
^SQatmimmwm t(i mKritfH, Nazian^c fttnci« Pair js^ - '^ ' |J
122
JnfiruUions for a right comforting Stdi, i .
fp^ Btati vmrct ffvl mortall, and mortally immortall ('p^, as one of the An-
per vUktn,pveptrfup. cientsfpeakes./^ lives to death, and dyes to life : never
^.'^S^''jrvi; i%ft«« °»'f"^dcatb,yer ever in the paines of death.
t;<re,acg««;'ert/»/i»w, andtne per^etuitie cr lire; It s death ts ever-living^
n(queferfupplicium a- and it's end is ever in beginning : Death without death'
mittlt. A qualitate e £„d without end : Ever in the pangs of death, and ne-
Sf 1i^& '^^ ^^^^ •• -^/^'^ [« ^yf ' ^- ^^^-^9 the paine:Paine
interimm ntc wiriws ^^^eeding not oneiy, all patience, but all refiftance:
fentit.i^ttrgobreviu* Noftrengthto iallaine , nor abihtie to beare, that
dixer'mt &}mmrta- which hereafter,whi'.eft God is (jod,for ever miift be
liter momlis efi, & borne. What a prodigious Bedlam cruelty is it then for
Z%r^T^7 ^-l»' \y f "ing to the Syren-fongsV this falfe
Anim & moftdU 4« world , the lewde motions of His o wne treacherous
UttUtiAuti & ijwwer- heart,or the Divels defperate counfelljto embrew His
talis, Momlts quipfh hands in thebloudofHisowne€verhfting{bule,ani
qiii,{ftmlxlit^rvivsre ^r lome bale and rotten Inft, & fleeting vanity,which
mnqtttmdeftnit,&nA pafleth away in the ad, as the tafte of pleafant drinke
t»ra{u(vitAm perdtredy eth in the draught, to bring upon it in the other
non valet, »« (um in world, torments without end, & beyond all compafle
5Si^%r« ofconceit? And his madnefleis the more, becaufebe-
n C9glturftmp^ ut & fi«les it's immortality,His Soule is incomparably more
mortem fine noite,& worth,than the whole world .The very fenfitive Soule
dtfe&m fme dtfe^a, of a little flie, faith (q) Auflin txnXyyU more excellent
&^r^ntmfinepati^thantheSHn»e:y{owo\x%htvjQQthen to prize, and
wIriCS«"^e>f ^{e'^^efromfi^^^^ ourundcrftanding, reafonable
dtftaut <»«/</«««,€?• Joules* which make us in that relped:, like unto the
finii infmitw. Idem. Angels of God ?
Dial. Lib 4 cap. 4T. p. Ninthly,What anhorrible thine is (inne, whofe
Stc mmentar diramu ^
utfemper vivmt &lU viveni uc Temper tHomntur, Bern, c^e Dignit- a«imx; Rev'mlf-
cuntadmortemymmuntur ad v'nm. ("q) Mufca fele prt^mior. si ferti tivbati a. me
qufrcetttf mmet'tam mufgammim hu'ic luc; p'g^we cenferem^ Ytfponitrcm^ etiam : ntc
me terreret mufcut quod pawa <-/?, [td quoi vivay fimiru Qt^mtur enim, quid ill*
mmbra tarn exigtntvt^':c!t, quid huc^afqite ilucpro 7iatumii ap^etitu lantiUum cffpufculum
dueat^quidcurremiipfdcsmitummmmoveat', quid volanlis penmlas modentur^ acvibrct?
^aodquilecuftque e^ ben^ canfiderAntibm^ in tarn pxrva tm ma^mm eminttj ui cuivis
fuliori ptr^nngcnti outlet pr^firatnr. Auguft. Lib. d« duabus Aaimabus contra Ma«
nicbasGfjpag, i?o. 9> MoRhornbie.
waight
Part 2. Chap. 5 . Jffli^ed Confciences, \^l
weight,an Omnipotent ftrength, which dothfuftainc
the whole Frame ot the world , is not able to beare?
Almighty God complaines I fa. i . 1 4. even of the Sa-
crifices, and oilier fervices of his owne people, when
they were performed with polluted hearts ^ and pro-
felTes, that He rvas vpeary to beare them. And how wWq
is it,that llirs up in thedeareft and mofl: compaflionate
bowels of the All-mercifiiU God, fuch implacable an-
ger, that threw downe fo many glorious A ngelicall
^irits, who might have done Him To high honour for
ever in the higheft Heavens,into the bottome of Hell,
there moft juftly to contmue Divels, and in extremeft
torment everlaftingly ? Caft all mankinde out of His
favour, and from all felicitie for y^^^^KJj-finne? caufed
Him, who delighteth in mercy ^ to create all the affli(fl- Mica!) 7.18; ■
ing miferies in Hell; eternall flames, ftreames ofbrim-
flone, chaines of darknefle, gnafhing of teeth, a Lake
of fire, the bottomlefle Pit, and all thole horrible tor-
ments there? And that which doth argue, and yet fur-
ther amplifie, the implacablenefle and depth or divine
indignation,- theinfiniteneffeof finnes provocation,
and defert : Tophet is faid to be ordained of old : £ver- ^^^i^^ 30,33.
iaFitngfire to be prepared for the Dtvell y and H;^ ^«- Matth. 25 ^i-
gels: As if the All-powerfull wifedome did deliberate, .
andasitwerefitd^wne, anddevifeall flinging ter-
tible ingrcdients^a temper of greateft torture to make
that drcadfull fire, hellifh paines , moft fierce and ra-
ging,and a fitinftrument for the /uftice offo great and
mighty a God to torment eternally all impenitent
reprobate Rebels. God is the Fatherof Spirits ; our
Soules are the immediate Creation of His Almightie
Hand ; and yet to eveiy one that goeth on impenitent- ^^^^,p ^^^^^ ,^,^.^^
ly in his trelpafles , Hee hath appouited , as it were a ho^mU imdmatio.at.
threefold Hell. There are three things confidetable in -jas pcrvtrfitaSfid cjf,
finne: i. (V) Averfionfromaninfinite,{bveraigne,un- fipr^hntimcondiiwt
changeable good : 2. Convcrfion to a finite, mutable, ^T^^' ^ '^^ f ''f *^
mom entany good : 3. Continuance in the lame. To gjj^^ ad simpiician.
thefe Lib. E.q.».pas,0;i,
124 JnfirHSlions for A right comforting Sedt.i.
thefe three feverall things in finnc,therc arc anfwering
three fingalarflingboFextreaineftpiiniQiment. Toa-
veriion from the chicFeft Good, which h ob/eLlively
infinite.there anfwereth Taine of hfe as they call it,
Privation of Gods glorious prefence , and reparation
from thofe endlefle joyes above, which is an infinite
lulTe. To the inordinate converfion to tranfitorie
things, there anfwereth Paine offcnfe, which is inten-
fively finite, as is thepleafure otfinne \ And yetlbex-
rf ) A' i-tqimnt She ^"^^^^^^j ^^^^ "°"^ ^^" conceive the bitterneffe thereof,
^«/>«flivi non dcba but the SoLile that fiiffers it, nor that neither ; except it
cH^&cum fine /«;7«4 could comprehend the Almighty wi^edome of Him
wj«ir«w e^ ommponm xh^it did create it. To the eternity of finne, remaining
peui ^'l^^'f'^'^IJ^'^'^ for ever in (taineand guilt, anfwereth the eternity of
Tfi, ^ititTM ^mnd!htt punifhmcnt. For we mufl know ( f) that every im^
fmrX lormenio. Qui feniteyit finnertvoHldfrnneever , if he might live ever;
^Mi citmrejpandtmw. and ca ft: ethhimfelfe by finning into an imfoffibilitie of
quoi rtcle dicmjit; ft gypfccafing to finne ofHimfe/fe : as a Man that cafieth
judex ]4u4 J^firm- f^i^r^if^ i„f, a deete Ttt, can never ofBimfelfe rife out
lominHmftdf^a* pen- oftt agatne : Andtherefore naturally etermtj ofpum/h-
faret, imqui tnimideb ment u due to finne. How prodigious a thing then ii
tunc cum fine deiique finne,and how infinitely to be abhorred,and avoided,
runti quia '^"J".^"* that by a malignant meritorious poyfon and provoca-
. q!^p^intfi^e\htrt tion, doth viofently wreft out of the hands of the Fa-
uifme fine potui(f*ni ther of mercies^ and God of all comfort y the full vials of
in iniquitatibniper>na that unquenchable wrath,which brings eafelefre,end-
nere. Tiam magu *ppe ^^^^ ^^^ remedilefle torments upon His owne crea-
SI S'(,1T»f Ir tures, and thofe originally moft excellent.
vivtfe tupii*>:t, ut nun 1 o. Tenthly ,^ The height and ineftimablenefle of
qumit^nantptccare, thepiice, that was paid for the expiation of it, doth
tumvivntAddiftriai clearely manifefl,nay,infinitely aggravate the execra-
^r^7mmaZlant ^le milerie of finne, and extrearae madneffe of all that
'jupptk^^Hwitmmvi meddlewith it. I meanc the hearts-bloud of }efw
' in b»c vud nut.quam Chrifiy blefied for ever : which was of (uch precipul-
volult carere ptiiato\
^ uuliui deittrinicjuourmnui uUionUj qui quamdiu valuit, habere no'uit tttrmnum cnmmn,
6reg Expot Mor. lib, 34 cap. i6. in cjp.4>' 'o^. JO That vfhich cannoi bee
wJp'ioMcbut by the hearts blouil of Chrift.
'?art 2 . Chap. J . ^gliBed Confciences, 1 2 5
jieffe and power,that being let out by a Speare,it ama-
zed the whole Frame oF Nature ; darkened the Sunne
miraculoafly (for ar that time ir ftood in direflf /}op- (\) Tunc tmpom duo
pofition to the Moonej Oiooke the Earth, which Luminaiiafwu.t dt-
riirunkoand trembled under it, opened the Graves, (i<^^^'8i'»^fi<^>^'^oie.
clave the Stones, rent the Vaile of the Temple, From u^ & Uinaing-adu
thebottometothetop,&c.Nowitwasthisalone,anJ io'. ubrx. iflasune-
nothingbut this could pofliblyclean(e the filth oFfin. i^ra^y liquet nen fuife
Had all the dnftoF the earth beene turned into filvcr, ".^'*J,^'?j^ ^fit^''^
and the ftones into pearles ; Should the maine and ?«T^LV*!?c*ji?re!
boundlefTe Ocean have ftreamed nothing but pureft mtu^mm ludti paf.
sp\6. ; would the whole world , and all the creatures cha ex kgk prafaipro
in Heaven and Earth have offered themfelves to bee ^tlelnabaitt, ndtwaitm
annihilated before His angry face ; Had all the blelTed ^..f^f '^ ""^'''
Angels proftrated themfelves at the foot of their Cre-
ator: yet in the Point of redemption oFMankinde,and
purgation of (inne,not any, nor all of thefe, could have
done any good at all. Nay, iFthe Sonne oFGod Him-
felfe,which lay in His bofomejfhould have fupplicated
andlolicited (I meane, without f^ fijfferine and ^'^f""'^"'''?''^*''^
fheddmgHis bloud)the Father of all mercies; ^c fuiQ-tpoffibU-emmeUigi
could not have beene heard in this cafe. Either the voiumm de pcftMiute
Sonne of God mufl dye, or all Mankinde be eternally '^bfoiucd , quoad rd ipjU-
damned.Even then,when thou art provoked to finnc, ^ "'''f^'^'./' ''^'"*
thinke ferioufly, and fenfibly of the price that upon .^^'.^^fiS
neceflity mult be paied tor it,betore it be pardoned, detiaa cendonart milo
1 1 . Sinfull pleafures are attended with a threefold kvt^u auepto ■. vci pO'
bitter fling. Whereof fee my Z)/>^5w»/>r >r^/>^/«^ <«'/« ««»»»« chrm
^i,hGa,fas.,n. Which thoughthe Divdl hides ^£»-;««;,,t;
ftibjeclfftt: fid ff teiermm Pti deerttum (psdema de Hberando humanog'ntrtpir mortem f!i/y turn
txbac bypQthcjtAv'iwprteQfdinamniSyVete^aYia full mors C^nfl't ad redtrnptionem humane m :
T^nm impejjiil'.e efi, vd utfalUttut divina provideniia^vtl ut muttniur divina decrtta.DAvci\»n-
liusExporEpift.adColcfTioc.i.verfio. /atORosiwwoni^AiWftr, aa Deusallo mode quam
per fathfaQiontm Chrifti mifervarepotuerit. Fatemar tmm mt,fiec diffiiitur CL MoL quicquid
hk obycu mllam aliim v'lam in verba Dei,ac proi^de, & tmtredt alia ah homlniluidifputari^
trc. Rcfponf, Anthon.WaJiii.ad c? nfuram loan Arnoldi Corvini. cap. 2$. ^U negetpo-
tuiffi Deum alio quevU modo providtrefalmi bemlmm}/ed hoc vuluit, nee mjt bac, Chamicwis.
Tom. 2. lib. 5. Cap. zx. Sefl. €* i !. Attended with a three foldf^ing,
from
1 ^o
InfiruEiiom for a right comforting Sefl r
from them in the heat ot temptation ; yet in His fea-
fons, to ferve his owne turnc, He fets them on with a
vengeance.
I i.Thai wniclibrings j 2. Compare the vafl, and imvalu;ible difference,
a great difference in- bg^weene veeldinj; to the entifementjand conv -r.erinf;
which arc guiicy of it ^ "^ temptation to finne. For which purpolv Jooke up-
fconi cthcis. on fofeph and David, two of Gods dearefl fervants.
And confider the confequents: what a deale ot honour
and comfort did afterward crowne the head, and the
(«) PlaJ.5i«?. ;^f, heart ohhe one : And what horrible milchiefes and
^neatver I'/orew?. miferiesfelliipon'the famiiie, and («) grifly horrours
(x)See ihc life of upon the conlcience of the other. Survayalfo thedi-
Galeacim CamciolM, j^i^^ (^x) Stories of Galeaciu4 Caracciolta^ and Fran-^
VmSXTol ^fi^ Spira, th,n which in their fevmll kindes, there
verfionfcom Popery, is nothing left to the memory or the latter times more
and his furfakmg of remarkable. And you fliallfinde in them as great a
His Marquc(d3ttie difference, as beD-veene an Heaven and Hell upon
for die Gofpcis fake; ^^ Theonewithftanding unconquerably varietie
written hrfl JO //aiM^, r • u^ -r - ^ ^ ^ . ^i? /^ /"^.i tn
tranflaicd into Latme of mighty entifements to renounce the Gofpell of 7^-
hy B£^a;ind'into Sng' /f« Chrifi, and returne to Poperie, befidesthefweet
ghjh by MiCt.Crfi.pimi peace of His Soule,attained that honour in the Church
And the Rftory of of God,that He is in fome meafure (j) paralleld even
Sii?by?cyerScn- With ^^7?^, and recommended to the admiration of
and thus intituled by Poftcrity by the Pen of that great and incomparable
ihcfirft: Framifci Spi glory ofthe Chriftian Worldjbleflfed (^) Calvin.Tht
r^chitatulani barren ■ other Conquered by an unhappy temptation, to turne
?'t^?{'";l'" '^*'^' from the Truth ofGod and our true Religion, to the
tarn tn jti^icn^coim- „ .^ ^ , , , . . ^/ 1 ^ ,
lam Evangdij vtrka- Synagogueor Satan, and abnommationsotthe/r^r/*??
imin mjt'amm'iiit whore^ befi^es the raging and defperate conhifion he
dtfptrai'mem. (y)'icc brought upon His own fpirit% became fuch a fpedacle
fw/Jw in His rc-j.Qj|^g cyeof Chriftendome, as hath beene hardly
cond Dedicatory hpi 1 j t
ftJe before the booke. '^^^^^ ^^'
(z) Calvin iU His Dedicatory Epiflle before His Commentary upon tlic firft to theCorin<
thiam.Tiontelandum tflyHomia m^dmia'dfemHiinuum, honore & op:biu {lorentemy nebi-
liffimA & ca^sffi^na uxorty nmmerefa. lubolo^dofriedy.a, qiiiete^& Concordia, lotequt vii^ (tain bea-
turn i^iroy ui I'l Cbrifti caflra migraret^ ^:iCriu ci$^e\ dftiommfcrlilm, & amaiam, lauUint pum
trimsnitim^commoiummn nunnsyqtdm voiupiMj'dm h iblutieatm ncglexifc: ixii fjt (piendmn
ftomt^itumy Paired conjiegf,libeiis, cegmtisj a0nil>Hi feft prlvdjfe^ &c.
V 13. Com-
l"art2.Cap.5. Affli^ed Confcienccs. 127
15. Coiriparethepcorc, iliorty C<2) vanifliingde- 13. But a vanunnc^
IiVbt cf the choiTeft. fenfuall, Vv^^rldly contentment, if ^"^H^"'* ^"'^ ^" <^^"-
thou wiir, ottny Iwceteit (inncwith the cxqiufitneffe (^.-^^roifumt^mvo-
and eternity oF Hcilifn torments. Oat ofwhicii,might u-^t'^ejj'a, qnld cdvi^
an impenitent reprobate wrctch,be afTured of enlarge- 1'^«^ q'-^i'i abj'Muu ?
nicnt,ahtr'Hehad endured them fo many thoufand, ^■(:ftml&vimi,&
thoufind year;:s, as there are fands on the Sca-foore, ^"^^^''^^^^^IZ
haircs upon his Head, ftarres in the firmamcntj grafle pr^h ndnmr: & five-
piles upon the :^:Oiind, Creatures both in Heaven and corpommdixeYU vokp-
Earth • He would thinke Himieife happie, and as it f^nrnjwe deVumHin^
vyox in Heaven nlrcady,Seebct-orc?.x-4i -But when ^^"^^^^
all that time is pait, and inhnite muhons or yeeres be- flat 'cum autem ^pa-
fides»they are no nearer end, than when they begun; m, & fupplicim urn
nor Henearer out, than when He came in. The tor- comeiar,quldejui/e'
mcnts of Hell aremoft horrible; yet I know not whe- ch"?^ jr^"^.
therthis ince{rantdefpei--ate cry in the confdenceofa ^sver^nh^ummif]'
damned Soule, Imnftr.ever came ottty doth not out-go randa,& pUgeuh coa^
them allin horrour. Whatanheig'ntofmadnefle isit dnioe^,ubici'bp:au-
thenjtopurchafeamomentof fugitive follies, and fa- '*'^» qnod dcUajt, &■
ding plcafures, w.th extrcm.cy of never ending pains? SrifSr f
1 .] . ({7) VV ben thou art itepping over the threrhold Lbidrnu imptm irars"
awards any vile afl,le wd Houle, diflblute companie,/^,eJ>p;rwa»fi?/»<! ter-
or todotheDivelferviceinanykind,whichGodfor-'"''*' '^"''"^ infctUU
'. ' • _ opprobrium, ^d die it
aI:quU,luvimkorfiarnmJac'iiinqnodmi dckclat Modb,&p3!l(a.pceHiuntiam agtm. Jornada
fmk't^pacntk me tritd-:l'i ^hd o.& p!>^cd vad.muid rmdkuvi.Heu mifer bomo) nefck c *biun'
uiboriepitn£tovhUHiaii'!pUkr,fedvixiifng)iU>rij>i}fta(ilmiatempiipnamrivx Augul>,
Tom 9 p 'g.f 3 1*^. i 4 Ta^c sg.uuft whii-h 1! hrift intreaies thee, (b)^orieitefen-
tie Uirp\iii!>cojitiUo-nhmpu'[ar)yr.utiUUid{ki6Uu6nsa^ totics pent ante mmtis oadds^
qtiomedk cthcf.xus eft Dius turn pn te Intucre quomoitQ-a htda tradim ludttia &qiiini v'l'Uur
ftxtYa[l>itiii\bi'j:^h(mAiur&cdlof.hi'x^U{r-^C6ndcmiiit!i/', &expr-obratuTi &'flAi^t'M.Hi'yad ul-
iimumve/b uniurmltjs & ppprobri^s af'Jtiii, inttrdms Latroius fuQ)endhm\ clavis cenfixta,
^!4tU.d'Mftic,fpbiis t-jranaiicfi lincia.paforAiuit, tx omuilus pfittibrnfuKguii emanAvU:^ & iv-
liimiocaputiradidUfphitim^ &c, Bern, lib. de Confc. Ca^ta ruindc O finfull creature,
and fci before thine eyes Chtift cruciivrd* Thinke thou fecft his Body Orcjched oat
in length upon the Crofle, His Head ctow^ed wiili Hiarpc thornes. His Hands
andhisFeerc pierced with nailej. His heart opened with aloag fpcare. His fle(h
jcntind tome with whips, His Bro wet. fweating water and bloud. Thinks ihmheareft
Him now crying: MyGodyMyGodfVpljykaftthoitf^/akea^ce? O my Brethren, let
ihi$Tm3g«of Chria cruciffed be alwzici primed in our hcarti,ktit ftirreustoihe ha-
ired of fmne, & c Hoia, upo» C,F,
bid.
128 InfiruSlionsfor a right cotfjforting Sedl. I .
bidjftippofe thou feeft 7efm Chriji comming towards
Thee, as He lay in the armes oifofeph of Arimathea,
newly taken downe from the Croflfe, woFully woun-
ded, wanne and pale ; His Body all gore-bloud ; the
beauty of His blefled and heavenly face, darkened and
disfigured by the ftrokeot death ; fpeaking thus unto
Thee : Oh ! Go not forward upon any termes. Com-
mit not this finne by any meanes. It was this, and the
(c) 7t»n»f T>t\ ^ilut like, that drew me downe out of the '' c) armes of my
cH'neffetinfimpatrii, Father, from the fulneffe of joy, and Fountaine of all
i tegali^ fedibu«y pro bjiflg . t® put on this corruptible, and miferable Qe(h -
liberaret a pnefttie ^ hunger and thirft ; to watch and pray ; to groane
'Diaboii ? ^^m cum and figh; to offer up ftrong cries and teares to the Fa-
vidijfet peccawumfu- ther in the dayes of my flefh : To drinke off the dregs
nUfiu imtitm, jm of the bftter cup of His fierce wrath ; to wraftle with
Sr^jr«jf;j'p'r>l^^he forces of infernall powers; to lay downe my
petiddlmnireiur, fit- hfe in the gates of Hell,with intolerable, and,fave by
vUfuptr iUvn, qud fit- my felfe,unconquerable paine : and thus now to lie in
re(t ntfcitbAi. Nee jo- the armes of thismortall Man, all tome and rent in
^'^!^idf7t'* [rL'f'Z P^^*^^^ ^^^^ cruelty and fpite, as thou feeft. What an
'pmiofo' fn^iiufiu h^^'^^ haft thoujthatdareft go 0n,againft this dcateen-
prtt'u earn rdiOT«y«r. treaty of lefiis Chrift ?
Bern, dcdignituea- 15 When thou art unhappily moved, to breake
"»"*• . any branch ofGod'sblefledLaWjlct the excellency &
mercies^'which thou y?r^etie of His incomparable mercies come prefently
haft tailed of, and ^^^^ thy minde : a moft ingenuous fweet and mighty
that motive,to hinder and hold oft'all gracious hearts from
finne. Howisitpoffible, butaferiousfiirvay ofthc
riches of Gods goodnejfe,f orb eArance^And Long- fufferin^
leading thee to refentitnce^ to morc forwardneife and
fruitfulnefle in x!c\tgoodfVay : The publike miracles of
mercy,w hich God hath done in our daies,for the pre-
fervation oftheGofpell,this kingdome,our felves,and
ourpofterity, efpecially, drowning the Spanifti invin-
cibie Armada, di&ovcvmgy and defeating the Powder-
ploty fhielding Queene ElucubethythQ moft glorious
Princeffe of the world, from a world of Antichriftian
cru-
Parti. Cap. J. ^ffi^ed ^onfciefsccs, I2p
cruelties: laving us from the Papifts bloudy expedati*
ons at Her deatb,&c.The particular,and private Cata-
logue of thine own perfonal favours from Gods boun-
tifiiUhand, which thine owne conlcience can eafily
leade Thee unto , and readily run over from thine in-
fancy to the prefent : wonderfull protections in thine
unregenerate time : that miracle of mercies, thy con-
verfion,f if thou be already in that happy ftate) all the
motions of Gods holy Spirit in thine heart , many
checks ofconfcience, fatherly correflions, excellent
meanes of fanftification^as worthy a miniftry in many
Places, as ever the world enjoyde : Sermon upon Ser-
mon ; Sabbath after Sabbath ; bearing with thee after
fo many times breaking thy covenants ; Oportunities
to attaine the higheft degree of godlineffe , that ever
wasj&c.l fay how can it be,but tliat the revife of theie
and innumerable mercies moe, (hould fo moUifie thy
heartjthat thou fhouldeft have no heart at all, nay infi-
nitely abhorre,to difpleale or any way difhonour,that
High and dreadfoll Majefly,, whole free grace was the
well-Head and firft Fountaine of them all.
Let this meditation of Gods mercies to keep firom ^ ^^^^ ^^^ worthy
finne, be quickened by confidering : i . That thou art ^f torment not of
farre worthier,to be now burning with the moft abo- mercy,
minable Sodomite in thebottome of Hell ; than to be
crowned with any of thefe loving kindneffes : That if
thou wert able to do Him all the honour, fervice, and
worfhip,which all the Saints both militant and trium-
phant do jit would come infinitely fhort of the merit
of the leaft of all His mercies unto thee in lefus Chrift.
3. How unkindly God takes the negled of His extra- - p . .
ordinary kindnefleS unto us.2.5'<«w.i 2.7.&C. i .Sam, nepUa ci^ bh mcr^
27,20.31. £^ef(. 16, gjg, ypjy unkindcly.
1 6, Marke well,and be amaz'd of thine owne fear- j ^ ^[^^^ ^j^j^jj ^^^
fiill and defperate folly; when thou failed deliberately fooies ihcc.
into any finne:thou laieft,as it were,in the one (bale of
the Balance, the glory of Almighty God, the cndlefle
K /oyes
r J o Ifrflru Elionsfor a right comforting Seft, i .
/oycs of Heaven, the lofle of chine immortall Soule,thc
pretious blood of Chrifi, &c . And in the other, fbme
rotten pleafure, earthly pelfe, worldly preferment,
flefhly lull:, fcnfuall vanity : and luffers this Cprodigi-
OUS madnefle \ Be aftemfhed, O ye Heavens at thia, and
he horribly afraid'.^ to out-weigh alltho(e.
17. That which will I ?■ Vpon the firft affault of every {inne,fay thus un-
coftthec dcare. to thy felfe : If I now yeeld, and commit this finne, I
fhall either repent,or not repent: If I do not repent, I
am undone^ If I do repent, it will coft mec incompa-
rably, more hcdrtJ»-griefe,than the pleafure of the finne
\& worth,
t. That for which 1 8. Confider,that for that very fin, to which thou
many millions arcal- artnowtempted,{iippo(e lying-i IftfijOver-reachingthy
ready damBcd. Brother, &c. many millions are already damned, and
Rc?d. 11.8. gygj^ „Q^ burning in Hell. And when thy foot is upon
I Thcffal4.6' thebrin!<e,ftay,and think upon the wages. And know
for a truth, that if thou falleft into that (innc, thou art
fallen into Hell, if God helpe not out.
ip. Never be the bolder to give way unto any
19. That which will ^ickcdneifejtoexercifc thy heart with covetoufneUe,
cruelty,ambition,revenge,adulteries,tpeculative wan-
tonneflfejfelfe-uncleanneffejor any other folitary finfiil-
neffej becaufe thou art alone, and no mortall eye looks
upon Thee. Vox if thine heart condemne thee , Godu
greater than thy heart, and knoweth all things • & will
condemne thee much more. If thy confcience, be as a
thouland witneffes; God,who is the Lord of thy con-
fcience, will be more than a million of witnefles.And
thou maveft be afliired , Ho wioever thou blefleft thy
ielfe in thy {ecrccy,that what finnefoever,is now adl-
ed in the very retyrcdfl corner of thine heart, or any
fd) ulqwtattsiu^ovi- \yaies moft folitarily by thy Self;though in the meanc
nibM popuiii mdekn» time it be concealed, and lye hid in as great darknefle,
tur^& cunanagnm- as it was committed,untill diatlaft and great Day,yet
}XmT'^r(SL^^^^^^^ certainly W out with awitnefle;
aSmm, vi^mcoijKAlimm&lQM'iottum*^ emJib.dcCoDr.
and
Part 2, Cap. 5 . AffliEttd ("enfciences, Ijl
and he as legible on thy forehead, as if it were writ
with the brighteft Sunne-beame upon a Wall of Chri-
ftall. Thou ihalt then in the face of Heaven & Earth,
be laid out in thy colours, and* without canfejfing and * ^'■°^' *'•»'•'
forraktfiz,yphile it is called to Day.hz beforeC^ ; Ajieels, ^"^ ^f «/«f /-«^'>/W.
Men,and Oivels,utterly,univerlaUy,andeverlaftingly dhiA conffuSiu tuja
iliained and confounded. bumam^gtMritf Angt.
2o. Confider the refoluterefiftanccand mortified ^"'"'^ "»'««'«». '^''f*^*
refblutions againft finne,and all entilements thereun- ^^i^^^^'*^'i*onfm^
to oFmany,upon whom.the SnnneoftheGofpell did ^n tv^rcfiHiJ
not fhme with luch oeauty and mlnelle, as it doth up- with a wonderfull re-
on us ; neither were fb many heavenly difcoveries in Tolution.
the kingdome of Chrift, made knowne unto them, as
our dayes have feene. f For upon our times , which
makes our (innes a great deale more finftill, hath hap-
pily fallen,an admirable confluence ofthefaving light
and Iearning,experience, and excellency of all former
Ages, befides the extraordinarie additions of the pre-
icnt; which with a glorious Noonetide of united illu-
minations doth abundantly ferve our turne, for a con-
tinued further and fuller illuftration of the great mj-
fiery ofg0d/i»efe,znd Secrets of fandificationj.Hcare
(f) ChryfoSiome^ But I thinks thus, and this vpHI I ever (Q £*<, j^ ^^^y^, c^ ^^
preach; that it is r»uch bitterer^ to ojfend Chrifi^than to fiiui fi<diiaboy muUh
he tormented in the faines of HeU, He that writes the ^cerbiMefe^ Chrifiam
Jife of^nfelme, (A faith thus of Him ; He feared no^ offendtyuam Gtben.
thtngtnthevDorldmore, thanto ftnne, My confctence y^^^^^yiwa 37.
hearing me witne^e, I lye not; For rve have often heard (^ifUm mmdOfquiH'
Himprofejfe: That if on the one htind,HeJhouldfee cor- turn yeccare, timtbat,
for ally ^ the horrour of finne ; on the other the f nines ofC'^JcimtiS, mtS. teftt,
Hell; andmuflnecefarily be plunged into the one, He ?'f^J^"'j'?'^.f*f^
ffiould chufe Hell rather than ftnne. Ana another thing ^^^^^^q Profitentem
tUfo n§ lejfi per haps yvonderfull to fomcy He was wont audivimm : ^nod (i
hinc peuati horrgrem'
bifKlnfernidolmmcorpwaliterctrntm-j &ntuffamnnitmtm'mmngt dtberet^ ftriusinfer-
numyqudmfttciitumappeuret Aliudqueque jionm'mls forfanaliqitibui mirum dicer e foUbat;
videlicet, mallefepurum kptccatty innocemem^geheTinamhsberf, quampcccati fotdtpollmum,
taloYum nivM tenerc, Dc Tita Anfeimi. lib. ». in ope r. Anfdmi-
K2 to
JSi
InftruSiionsfor a right comforting
Sedl.x
(h) Altum ]wtn\fi te-
tate floreniemy in amct'
wjfimoi horttUet ^rte.i'
pu abduci.lb'iq\htiY ll-
ikcrndtntky &rukn'
tifrtJMj cum Unijuxta
vmmuxe aquarumfer •
piretrivuij &mUifi-
bUo Mr k$ium folia ven-
1HS peyfimg<ret,fuper
extru£ium plumii U-
Qwn refupimri : Et tie
fe iitde poffet excuterCf
bkndii ferko ntxihit
irretifumreti-^qHi. ^iiO
turn recedttttibm ctih-
Git miretrix fpe.iofa
venijfett capit delitaiU
tanftjihgae ccUa am'
pttxibua. EtquQdJiilii
qHcqnefcelu6 t(i,aani-
bui atireHars virUia^
ul carport in libidintm
eonciiato,ftvl£lrix im-
piidjca fuptriactret,
^H agtrct miles
Cbriliiy& qttdfevtrtc^
ret,nelcitbat. • — Tan-
dm calitiis iafpiraiui
puciftm n.ofju ita-
guam in ofc^taniu fe
faciem expuiti acftcli-
Stdinii fen/um, fucce-
dens dsiurii magriitudo
fuptraviu Hieronym.
to fay: To wit; That He would rather have HellJ>eing
innocent^^ and free from ftnne ; than polluted toith the
filth thereof, pojfe^e the kingdome of Heaven. It is re-
ported of another ancient noly Man , that Hee was
wont to fay : He yvould rather be tome in pieces with
yvilde horfes , than tvittinglj and willinglj/ commit any
fmne. Jerome alfo in one of His Epiflles, tells a {h) fto-
rie of a young Man, of moft invincible courage, and
conftancy in the ProfefTion of C^^^fi > under fome of
the bloody Perfecuting Emperours,to this lcnfe:They
had little hope as it feemes^to conquer him by torture;
and therefore they take this courfe with Him ; They
brought Him into moft fragrant Gardens , flowing
with all pleafijre and delight; there they laid Him up-
on a Bed of Downe foftly enwrapped in a net offilke;
amongft the Lillies, and the Rofes,the delicious mur-
mureoftheftreames, and the fweet whiftling of the
leaves ;they alldepart,and incomes a beautifiill ftrum-
pet, and ufeth all the abhominable tricks of Her im-
pure Art , and whoridi villanies to draw Him to her
defire: Whereupon the yong Man, fearing that Hee
fliould now be conquered by foIly,who was Conque-
rer over fury, out of an infinite deteftation of finne,
bites offa piece of his Tongue with his owne teeth,
and fpits it in the face of the whore: And fo hinders
the hurt of finne, by the fmart of his wound. I might
have begun with ^ofeph, who did fo bravely and bleC-
fcdly beatbacke, and trample under his feet the fenfii-
allfolicitationsof his wanton and wicked Miftris. He
had pleafiire and preferment in his eye, which were
flrongly oflx^red in the temptation -, but he well knew,
that not all the offices and honours in j£gvpt, could
take offthe guilt of that filth;and therefore he refblved
rather to lie in the duft,than rife by finne : Hew can I
do this great wickedne^e^and finne againfi God?l might
paffe along to the Mother and feven brethren. 2,Jilac,
7. who chofe rather to pafle thorow horrible tortures,
and
Part 2. Chap.5 . AffiEted Confdences, I J T
and amoftcnielldeath^thanto M/<^/»i»«jZtf/5 ^^4»»/?
the L4a» : And fo come downe along to that nt^U
Armj ^Martyrs in Qiieene Marie s timejwho were
contaitcd with much patience, and relolution to part
with all, vvif e,children, liberty, livelihood,life it fclfe;
even to lay it downe in the flames, rather than to (lib-
init to that Ainn offinne ; or to fubfcribe to any one
-Point of His DivelUfh Dodrine.
Thus as you have heard, I have tendred many rea-
<ons to reftraine from (inne; which by the hdp of God
may ferve to take off the edge of the moft eager temp-
tation; tocoolethe heat of the moft furious entile-
ment;to embitter the I'A/'eeteft bait,that draws to any
fenfuall delight. Now my moft thirfty defire and ear-
neft entreaty is, that every one into whofe hands, by
Gods providence this Book of mine ftiall fall,after the
perufall of them, would paufe a while upon purpofe>
that He may more folemnly vow, and refolve that e-
ver hereafter, when he (hall be fet upon, and aflaulted
by allurement to any finne,He will firft have recourfe
unto ^tii& twenty confiderations, I have here recom-
mended unto Him, to helpe in fuch cafes ; and with a
pundluallferioufnellejletthetti finkeinto His heart,be-
fore He proceed and pollute Himfelfe.I could be con-
tent, if itwerepleafingunto God, that thefe lines
which thou now readeft, were writ with the warmeft
blood in mine heart, to reprefent unto thine eye, the
deare affedionateneffe of my Soule , for thy fpirituall
and eternall Good; fo that thou wouldeft be thoro wly
perfwaded , and now before thou pafle any further,
fincerely promife lo to do !
3 . Thirdly, The point may ferve to fet out the ex- h Vfc to f« out the
cellency of that high and heavenly Art,ofcomfor ting *f Jo^f^'^^^'^J' ^ f'
afflided confciences. The more dangerous and defpe- 2,^^^ °"'"^ ' * ^ "
rate the wound is,the more doth it magnifie, & make
admirable the my ft ery and method of the Cure and
recovery. Which were it well knowne, and wifely
K 3 pradifedi
J 2 4 InflruEHoHsfor a right comforting Seft.2 .
pradlifed j what a world of unneceflary flavifh torture
in troubled minds would it prevent ? So many thou-
fands of poore abufed, deluded Soules fhould not pe-
rifL, by the damning flatteries , and cruell mercies of
unskilfall Z>^w^^rj;what an heaven of fpirituall light-
fomnefle, and joy might fhine in the hearts,and Hiew
it felfe in the faces of Gods people? Vntill it pleafe the
Lord to move the hearts of my learned and holy Bre-
thren in populous Cities and great congregations,
who mafl: needs have much imployment,and variety
^ of experiments this way ; or fome fpeciall men extra-
ordinarily endowed & exercifcd herein,to put to their
helping hands , and fiirnifli the Church with more
large and exacS difcourfes in this klnde ; take in good
part this Ejfay of mine.
Seft.2. Part. I.
Cha p. I.
Thejirfierrourin curing Confciences is the ftnfea"
finable af flying of comfort to them that forrow not at
all,
(Herein I firfi dcfire to difcover and
' redifie fom^ ordinary aberrations a-
bout (pirimall Cures. Which fall out,
when the Vhyfitian of the Soule,
Vnfcafonable opplj. ^[^^^K ^ ' ^PP^^^^ unfeafonably the Cordi-
carionof comfoiiis ^^^^^W^^^EP^ als of the Gofpell, and comforts ok
contrary ro Mercy; when the CoiTofives of the Law and commi-
nations of judgement are convenient and futable.
Were it not abfiird in Surgery, to powre a moft fove-
raigne Balfam of exquifite compofition,and ineftima-
ble price upon n found part? It isfarre more vnfceme-
ly and fenfeltfle, and of an infinitely more peftilent
<; conie-
Part I. Cap. I. ^jfiBed Confcisnces, IJJ
confequenceinany Mintfleriall paffages,to prefer the
Mead oi C/;n^yinfl^omiies oPiife to an unwounded
conlcience, as belonging unto ir,as yet. It is the onely
xvAii evcrlafting Method to turne mzn from darknep
to liaht,from the power of Satan unto God : and all the
Men of God and mafter- Builders, who have ever fet
themfelves fincerely to ierveGod in their Miniftery,
and to fave Scales, have followed the fame courfe ; to
wit, rirft to wound by the Latv, and then to heale by
tlie Go^elL Wee muft be humbled in the fight of the
Lord ; before he lift m Hp,Iam./\. l o . We muft be f en-
fible of our fpirituall blindneffe,captivity,poverty ;be-
fore we can heartily feeke to be fa vingly illightned en-
larged from the Divels flavery, and enriched with ^^ Thcwaaicc of
grace. There muft be fenfe of mifery, before (hewing Qod the Father,
of mercy; Crying, lam uncleane^I am uncleane, before * zJThc office of God
opening the Fountainefor uncleanncjfe ; Ringing, be- the Sonne.
fore curine by the Brafen Serpent-, fmart for rinne,be- C*;'Z>« utraqueapmU
foreaPlaifter ofChriftsblood ; Brokennefle of heart, ZhhtZ- 'JlS
before binding up.*God himfelfe(^) opened the eyes ds mfiimtU & fenf»
of our flrft ParentSjto make them fee & be fenfible of immnB nudtMis, hoe
their Cmnc and mifery ; nakednefle and fhame, &c. ^fiy *^'f(I^ imgma.
GenA.i. (b) Before He promifed Chrifh. (c) vcr. i j . ^"» &taichohom m
* Chrtfilefus tels us,that he was anomted by thcLord, i,^„f^ts averfionU , in
to preach good tidings: But to whom ? To the poor e,To fenfua. litate & motibu*
interm oma'modd pra*
vUa!is& dTA^id^.Dcinde^deafpcciH it'iam externa nut^haiiiy qu^ prim fuerat decorfiy &e^
btatim aHdiveruni vocem Dei, hoc ili,(iat':m b€c irifiU cGgitatlo divexavk ttrum animot '. Him
quid fecintu!? ^rboremvethsm gufttivipiMi & Ddprteceptmi contmpfimuit Diabolo obttmpe-
raviwm: turplitrdccepti/umm vtflm innoce-ntjie amifimm, pudtndam nuditatem inmbiS'Cemi-
fiiUi. HiC paiHtn cj?: Dcta verax & jitftm e^i dixit: Mortc rooriemini: mamt-igitur mifeWt pat
ineviubile mortis (upptu vm. Par- in 5 . c. Gen, ("b^ Concioncm graiite feu veni§ ommbprte.
a^t Itgalii territam, & fulmenira divirite quod immniabilittr ftquitur peccaiHm, &quo ««-
cejl'etfi piccatortm kHmiUariy & ad grtitkm piepanri. De hue fcquitur, v ly. Ibid.
(c) Hac yrom'iffiom cudita Parems puitfacli a!p titt iarpijjlw§ tutditatis fM, & eonfckn-
lia. piccaiiy aiqne fenfu irte Dei, Jiecnoa meiu aterna martii^ mpidi, aiqus deje^if baud duhih
• lierum irecii junty ut concepia fiducid graiia, & remijponU peccatorum propter promijfuni
StmtVy (quod caput Satanx^ hoc e(i, peccatumj merttmy infernum & Dubolum ipfum cou'
ter(nt)Deum, quern priiisfaget ant t at judicemi iurim mare incipertaty atquc requirtrtnt,
Mpatrtnu Ibid.
* K4 the
. ^ InflrHEiioKsfor a right comfort ing Seft, 2 .
the broken-hearted-. To the captives; To the dindei To
the brmfed, Ifai.6 1 . i . Luk^/\ .18. That the rrhole need
not the Phjfttian^but they that areficke ; And Hi? came
(3^ </^/xa/otf ) W <i?, ^^^^ ^^ ^^// ^/,f righteotUy bm firmer s to repentance. Mat,
fJ/lS/iX P.i2.i3.Thatis,pooreSouks,finnerswithawitnes
tife'fomnUnt,quodjuit even in their owne apprehenfion and conceit ; And
Tharifteerum dogma: not felfe-conceited (d) Tharifees , who though they
qmbm oppown'ur pec- ^g meere ftrangers to any wound of confcience for
tattiesi id 4, qHiJHO' ^ ^^ ^-^ ^^^ ^^ perfwaded, that they {hall
turn P:CCilO)'Ut)t /cB/tt .,'^ti-^t ' ^ •'1
vuitttrathodunam Dei bedamned; butin the meane time contemne andcon-
m[oicoreii.m confngt- demne all others in refpe(5l of themfelves : finfull
unt. Bexa. (e^ The ^^^ Pub/icanes are too groflb ;fincere ProfeflPoiirs are
p«WiM»w..s vile m ^^^ godly. Whereas notwithftanding in true jiidge-
tvthlouscZil a ment,Harlots are in a (f) farre happier cafe than they.
fefiikntfeUow, and Matth. 21. ■^1. 'VhiLt Hevot// ^tverefi ;buttovjhom>
too prccife* Their- fo thofe(^)?W labor dr are heavy laden. Mat. 1 1 . 2 8.
fclvc s the onely men . -j-j^^^ ^^^ ^^j^jf. ^hich He would fend,fhould convince
)^n^MmrerU: the-^orld: ^i,j^,offinne ,^nA then o? right eoufnefe;
/qui tanqum iufli ft to Wit , of Chrtfi ; It IS ordinane With the Prophets;
jtttermt coram e»i& Tirfl to difcover the finnes of their people, and to de-
tanvetttrunt ad tondm-' jounce judgements '.And then to promife fhrifi,\i^on
''"■^'*'"Z^'Tfc!inru7it ^^^^^ comming in , to illightenand make them light-
lSTconlcuZlf& ^on^e, with raifing their thoughts to a fruitfiill con-
tondmnati: muiur au- templation of the glory, excellency , and fweetne/Te of
tm,qu* in medio (ia- His bleffed kingdom e.7)^/4^ in his firll Chapter/rdm
ut:bMtuu& reaperagc. ^j^^ ^^^^^ ^f q^^ ^^^^.^ j^ t^^e firftplace behave kim-
J'riiJ-ic^^^^^^ lelfelikea^.«»../r/;««^..,premngupoii;theconfci-
qutdaUbididum Ugi. ences ofthofeto whom He wasfent, manyhainous
musin Sv&nge'io prin- finnes; horrible ingratitude,fearefull felling away/or-
npibM sactrdotum & niality in Gods worfhip, cruelty, and the like t after-
fcdukcstrS ^^^^ ^'^^•^- ' ^' 1 7.He invites to repentance: And then .
voi m rtgnum lahrum ■
l\2t,i\tii. Atqtu ii quequevtrumf^yoiurm d'.t.V.o]\cc. in loan, rap 8. (o)recauthr
ad Chrifium itii piccatorei,qui fitifu p^ccatiprtmuntur, & pro pacific.indd (Ottfaea'fa hbrrant.
jiique it^ifolt/ktttiquicfitaf'U^Uiid CbriliHmvenmitt. Mnic in u.c. Mat latoranca^
oaeratoiititelligi' ChriftiH, qui mDrtiSiettr»tereatuconJcit»t!as tfjldoi ha\)tnt\ & itt fuis ma-
iiiurgtntwfy utdtficiantiliam blc dtftdfi: hos nd nopiindem t]m graiiam idomntiddn Olv.
3. The >ciin©ni of *//'«?«*,
foUowes
Part I , Chap, l . j4ffli6ied Confciences. 1 3 7
Ibllo wes,verf. 1 8 . Come mrv and let tu reafon together^
iftith the Lord : Though your finnes be asfcarlet , they
fjallbe tvhitefOs frtow j though they be red likecrimftn^
'theyfhall be at vcooU, Nathan to recover even a rege- T(atban»
nerate man,convinceth riim firft foundly of hisfinne,
with much aggravation and terrour,and then upon re-
•morfejaflures Himof pardon.2;J'^w.i 2,1 3. Confider
fiirther for this purpofe the Sermons of our blefed Sa- cbf'tfl.
viour Himfelfe ; who taught at one having authorities
and not as the Scribes : With what power, andpier-
cingjdid our Lord and Mafier labour to open the cies,
iearch the hearts , and wound the confciences of His
Hearers, to fit them for the Gofpell , and His owne
deare Hearts-blood? See Matth.^ . &c. And 25. And
2 5 . &c.Of fohn Baptifl.'Vfho by the mightinefle of his iob» Bapnu.
Minifteriall fpirif, accompanied with extraordinarie
flrength from Heaven , did ftrike through the hearts
of thofe that heard him^with fuch aftonirhment about
their fpirituall ftate ; with iuch horronr for their for-
mer wayes, and feare of future vengeance , that they
came unto Him thicke,and threefold,as they (ay: jind
the people oikid Htm, faying , What Jhall wee doe then?
Then came alfo Publicanes t» be baptiz.ed, andfaidun-
to Himy Mafier, tvhatJhaUuve do ? And the Souldiers
likewife demanded of Him, faying ^ Andrphat fhallyte
do ? Luk^ 3 . 1 o. 1 2 . 1 4. Of Peter : who ASt, 2 . being pde,,
now frefhly infpired, and illuminated from above
with large and extraordinarie efflifions of the holy
Ghoft, (hadowed by cloven fiery tongues : in the very
prime and flower of his Minifleriall wifedome,bends
himfelfe to breake the hearts of his hearers. Amongft
other piercing Paflages of his fearching Sermon , hee
tells them to their faces.they (landing before him ftai-
ned with the horrible guilt ofthe deareft blood, that
ever was fhed upon earth,moft worthy to have beene
gathered up by the moft glorious Angels, in veflels of
gold J that they had crucified and fiaine that juft and
holy
i jg Iji^ucHons for a ri^t comforting Se(5. %
holy Ofle,die Lordof iife, '^efw ofNax^eth. verf.s j.
And^gamc,attfeecloleaTid conclufion ver. 36. leaves
thefame bloody fting in their confciences: which reft-
lefly wrought andboild within theiri,untill it begota
great deale of compund:ion,terror,and tearing of theic
(b_> Tl,€ wrrd in the hearts with extreame amazement and anguilli. No-w
OrijiniU fignificth, yphen they heard tkm ^ thejr were (h) pricked ift their
*° ^nd^* "autll"'^ ^^^^^.ver.2 7. Whereupon they came crying unto Ptf-
eren ere?y "the *leaft ter,and the reft of the Apoftles \Men and Brethren rvhat
part,and point of the Jhali Tve do ? And fo being feafonably led, by the coun-,
heart. If the fliarpsft fdl of the Apoftles (^i^ to heleeve on the Name of feftu
points of many cm- ^^^-^ . ^^ \^y hoj^j up^jj ^he promife^ tO revent Evan-
n be" ne .it af 'once g^lically : They had the remifTion of finnes fealed un-
faftcned in their to them by ^^f r*/w«', and were happily received into
hearts, in ihte cruel- the number of the Saints of God, whofe Sonntthey
left manner could be had f© lately flaughtere.' * Of P^«/; who though Hee
6*5'thc*^hou'famh «! ^^^ ^ ^ Prifoner at the Barre,and might perhaps,by
fo torturM Jhem^^as ^ generall plaulible difcourfe,without piercing or par-
did now the fting of ticularizing, have inlinuated into the aflFedions, and
confcicnce for their wonne the favours of His Hearers , who were to bee
sinnes, and the fcnfe fjjj judges;and fo made way for His enlargementjand
:['«X?'"h= P""""'" ^']"^^^' yetHeforallthis.veryrefoluteIy
Sonne of God. Salt- andunrdervedly, croflethandoppoleth their greedy,
}um & prod'/tionis fib'i UiftfiiU and carelefle humours with a right fearching>'
tanfcpi cum cffent^max- terrifying Sermon of righteoufnejfe, temperance, and
ml ^^'J^^f'^^^^^^^ judgementtocome.AEl,z^.24,.lS.lh2ilun\\2i^^YFelix
7rimtnTw!mfcon^Hn-- "^^^s a fellow polluted with abhominable adulterie,
iuntur cerdly tcrmt and very infamous for his cruell and covetous oppref-
maximo afic'mtur.bor' fions^and by confequent unapprehenfive, and fearleflTe
ubiii timortprce'Jun- ^f j^^^ dreadfull TribuoaU, and the terrours to come:
'^i^lZ^- Whereupon ^Panl having learned in the Schooleof
duntur^ Buc, NJ tww , Chrifl: , not to (/^j teare any mortall man m the dil-
fun£lm (ddo fen vul- • ' .
nerg,K<tT^v'7lc.j,PuttginclopeMero Scap. (i)^ Which is iraplycd in ihefs words Ift theTiant
oflefMCbf'ift. Bapu-Kan i» nomm Dgmini iefu Chriftii ifi saptifmatis (Igno tcflm ft Cbripa
crtdtreytidrmiffionm ptudtormi. * Paul, ("k) tt vide Pjulum, qumvU fum PriiKips liquet
rctur, nihil dicereeerum,ptrqu*verifimUeef at rffacillarianitaam iUmtftd tAlia, qnilnu eiiam
tenttmj& menu eencuthwr, Chryl ft, Horn. 5 1 . In Ada Apoft.
caarge
Part I .Cap. i ., AffiiUcd Conftitmes,
\19
charge of His Miniftry, draws the kvord oftheSpirit,
with undantednefleof fpiric , and ftrikes preiently at
the very face of thofefearefull finnes,whichraigned in
His principall and moil eniinent Hearers ; though He
flood now before them in bonds, at their mercy and
devotion,3s they fay. He flirewdly (I) galls the Con-
fcienceofthat (m) great Man; by oppofing ri^hteouf.
nejfe to His bribing crueIties,^^/><?>'^/?^<r to his(^) adulte-
rous impurities,the dreadfulnefle o^ judgement to come
to His infolentlawlefle outrages and defperatc fecuri-
tie. Had Paul addrcft himfelfe to have fatisfied their
curiofities, as manyarifing, temporizing trenchar- UbidinopJJimasbA'K:^
Chaplaine would have done very induftriouflyjand to ^'»^A«<>^f*f» "W^ "
entertaine the time with a generall dKcourie of the
wonderfull birth, life, and death of ^eft^ C^rifii now
fo much talk't of abroad in the world; with a pleafin^
difcoverie, onely oF the many mercies, pardons, ana
glorious things purchas'd to the Sonnes of Men,by his
Blood{hed;notmedling at all with thtit mimon-de- d'Jarumgintre [jprkm
lights of beaftly luftjand other finnesjO then,they had fuhomaviu qtHiii^ '«-
liftned unto Him with much acceptation,and delighti nocin'^s ad novoi nup-
all things had becne carried faire,and favourably :P4«/ Jj*". *^^ J^^^^'ff"
had notbeeneinterrupted,and{bluddenly filentjNor f^l Sq 'l^^^I^
Fe/txCo fi-ighted , and diftempered. But this Man of ^o) scc E«ch. \. 1 8.
God, knew full well that that was not the way ; nei- ^m eves perdidmt,
therbeft for them, nor for His Mafters honour , nor ^^{ '«/"* rap'mnbu6^
for the comfort of His owne corifciehce ; And there-
fore He takes a courfe to caufe the Tyrant tremble;
that thereby Hee might either, bee fitted for Chrifl,
which was beft of all; or at lead made inexculable: but
howfoever,that in fo doing His duty might be difchar-
%td^,2itidi SohU delivered :\io\A\n%\t farre better, that
HisBodie (hould be in bonds, than his Soule guiltie
Q^(o)i>lood,
Orthodox Antiquity was oftbe {ame minde^nd for
Q.')Tanta ttAt verba-
turn futuli viij ut &
Vrinc'ipemtcrreatit. i«
bid.
(m) Magm tonai^
magitM nngas agunt'
CjO T»u^Ua foemini
cumcifoad hunc TdU
ctm paSantis Tieronis
llbtri't fratrtm^prefa-
mm boftfinemfiranpt.
Nam hie ^ngular'i t]ws
ptdchrlthdlm cifttn
S'monem quendam Iff
vel latronlb'iu adsrh
entihuSi vtl tut aH-
qUiif dut alio idgf.nki
cnfa f^vmte; fottaf-
fis vtmam no^i^am »
Damhio gTto^ 'm^e'
treti [ia& pct^saiVJt
exigfty dmnum f;^_
niftptCiini^ion%it\ At
vtro cut hominti ip/i,
rationxUs f^hnfiigr'ex^
cofffredhi fu^tt, huHc
§vtbm sfepifditis non pccuniarumjtd Mimje pnprla ieliuratn faieii (?/'om<. ChfjC dc Siccr-
<{ociot Lib. ft. 4, The opinion of the Anclcms;
the-
I ^o InfirttBionsfer 4 right C9inforting Se^ % .
the {acne mediod.
Cp) Anftm, C9 «fafat- (p) Aufiin^ that &moas DifpQtcT in his rime coun-
iUnMdign*e^f«iU'i^ (dkthto this piirpole in this Point: (I exprefTe the
^utrk^tldcas mini ^^^^^ ^"^ liimme, and no more than may be coUeiied
m dt'oto, vtnttiiHm and concluded from the Place ; I will not ever tyemy
judKium nan t ices jpra- lelfe grammatically and pedantically to the words,
t^ptum Oil monci-y ab precilelvj and to render verhanm, lave onely in fbme
bu rebus njn ?«»e/c« : ^^,^5. ^^ of Controverfie , or fome other fuch like ne-
t!7- -T."; ceffitvofmorePunauall quotation)
ran ifi dignui fanari. The Confcience t6 not to be healed, tftt be not woun^
; »AuditaUu4, tMvttur^ ded. ThoH freacheFl andprc^efl the Law^commimuim
^tmulatur, ftUiis tun- ^^^^ the judgement to come^and that mth much earnefi*
Alt, lachrymasfundu: ^.fr.andimportHnitie : He which hear esy if He h not
quoalm motui tft. In terrified, tfHe be not troubled , u not to be comforted,
plal 59. Another heares^ii ftireiy 14 fiung, takes on extreamelj'.
Cq) pojlqiiam verb ^ure Hi^ Contritions, becdufe He iicafi dotvne andcon^
mntti wum coney fic founded in Himfelfe.
;Sf;^;4'^' , ^/-; ^hat ^^; BaftifiMfC^Chryfofiome^h^
ntm'me fecurii &ip[0' thorowly fright ed the minds of tits Hearers^ Wfththe
fim re^itljintei & «'"- terrour of judgement, and exf elation of torment : and
rum mirtitu fiUorum, ^,>^ the name of an ^Axe, and their rejeEhion , anden^
& femiMiune pana, f^^i.^„,^„(. gf other children : and If j doublincr the pu^
tmLfLimii- cumq; un- »ifhment, to wit^ of being herded downe andcafl mo the
diqiti wum dunmm fire: when Hehad thus every tvay tamed, and taken
mtlUviffitf atqnt ex tot downe their fiubbornnejfe , and from feare offo many
mslitrun t'^^vttai li- gyHf^ hadjlird them up to a deftre of deliverance : then
i'r^!^. f'^ZZ atlenitth HemakssmentionofChrif^,
dt Chr"(i§ iniuUt mtn <?^^ poww not the oyle ofHt4 mercy, faith ( r) Ber-
tionem. In cap. j-, nardyfave into ahrokcnveffell.
Mat . Hon™ r r . * So alfo are all our moderne DivineSjW^^? are inftru^
%VorZ!'nifi'i'Hvas . CO '?^^^'' ^^^r magnifies Nathans method of
eottrttitm,
♦ 5.The opinion oilnc Divines, (f) Peter Marr^. Vukherrhtti^jefl ciMc'ui[la pr«fbeUe,ad
ttatu exempium, qui doctni in Scclefia, vtl qui dm carrigunty fermarefuas debeni. Primo loc9
fjwt Parab0t»m- its Ealeftafiiei T)o£lores locum aliqum fi'j'i exvcteri, vtl nov» Te^amtnto dt'
UgittH: Deindt ^dapttrntad retprtefentu, ut Nathan quando dicit, Tu es ille vir. Mex^ pucatum
exagttuty/tf A>n^9i9 adtiatfin* Dei bomnibiu (tSauif & pecutum qiud committunti
preaching.
Part I . Cap .' i . y^ffii&ed Confcier,ces, 141
preaching, andcommendtJ it to all the Miniftersoi: violare Ugemy gravt tft
God .He firfl propofeth a Parable,as we do Doarines, "'• ^?^ ^»^ "^^'f**
for the illiimination,andconvid:ionoftheunderftan- 1,?^'!!'.,,.,; JHuit
,._,-, I- • -11 1 f Item p'ccaii (ipuit in
ding. Then He appues it more particularly, and to the hat[ua. metkodtinimi'
prelent : where he.doth notably exagitate and aggra- nin quad David cm^
vate the Sinne,by recounting,and oppofing God's ex- ^t^pftrit Deum:& gra-
traordinary bounty and moft mercifuU dealing with ?"*' ^"^ *^% ^"*'^
David^hy the caufe of it, contempt of the Lords com- \Tm\'Ae peccaiumpate'.
mandement,and dreadfiill things enftiing thence : Af- facit. Ad txtnmm
terward that He might ftrike the heart thorow with ctmmiwMtmes adj/cit,
aftoni(hment and dread, he threatens terribly : At lafl "^"'*/i''*i' peccatori.
uponcomp.naion.& crying /W./Whefweetly ^^SSSfT^S
comrorteth and rayiethtotne alluranceor Gods ta- exttmUmfolatmiiB'
vour againe. cmdttur.la z Sam.i »,
If this courfemuft be taken with relapfedChrifti- CaJvin. iji folk
ans; why not much more , with thofe who are ftarke P^''^^"»fjf^fyf
dead tn tref}afes andfinnes ? ^^^ fiorumfenfu
Chrift is fromifed to them 4/<?»tf, faith (t) Cahitty confufi. Inlfa, €i.
tvhoare hnmbled^ and confounded jvithfenfe of their Cu)Mufculu8. Twa^jy-
ffwne fwnes. portuKerevtklur Cbri-
Thenu ChnftM.«My repealed (aith (i.) Muf- ^S^;:^^;!::;:.
culm, when the hearts of men being foundly ptercedby wtentia eompunOa dcji-
preaehi^jg Repentance, arepojfefi with a deftre of His dim gmue cbriflitt-
gratious righteoufnejfe. »extur. In Mat cap 3.
The way to Faith, faith (x) Beza, is penitence, Le- ^-^^T'^^^f^^^^
gall compun6^\on'Jecaufe)cknejfe enforceth men even \,!^iammlt^\nv%.
ttnwilling, to fie unto the Phyfician, los ad HidiiUiofu^il,
Aien are ever to be prepared for the Gofielly by the Annot.inMar.cap.i:
preaching of the Law. vcrl.ji.Secthcdiffe-
Annot in Mat c 3.v 2. And in hdi c.5.v.^ i . — 'S(mpcr inimfHtttheminfiadEviingel'mm pr*-
dkaimelfgifpritparaTidi In 1 Cor 311, (y)XtUnn^.P^mun&rtfi[t:(ceredtffemnt.fiaaiipud
}Ubraoi^;;^Y\:x^sf "^V^ ^pudGrcecssuirAfjiiKiKK, >y Kmzti/oHV.Iiludi(i nitM^kouorttUll'
ludetu impioiUyhec mn mppmii.q.avU b-cdifcamtn mn funpei' obftw iW.Hoc/enfu pos/iitentia
prior tjlfde&ji4flificatidne.Aq.ii hue ujplcu Scti^'ura.cuiiiam prieponiti[liMiu 1 1 s,&c.Qjii<t
kgis CO. io p temttienda ifi dodrirne Svargdicf utd li mifericordite in vas conintHinfundatwr. "Njc
ohjiit^q 'O.i^ocn notAtii pnitur vocabuliiui TTtiroHfytiiniMTA^jMSj^Silie/iifn mutatio, qute acci-
ditefficaciil vocatii.pimo momentofn fx.irct^hf<iyiitm fclicUudme & anger e ammi conjuTh
Qi\t4minQHmfit)(T^ Qihmox g'gm^u^mfoiaJt % Cor./jo.Symaf;. Thcol. p.z- c.4y.
yet
lAi InfirHSlions for a right comforting *" Seft.2,
yet Orthodoxe, mufi- tro fcfore the Dotlrine of the Go^
Jpe/i,that the ojle of rnercj may be ^orrred into a contrite
Cz.)r*.oi:oc,^M'>?4 deficit .
umhm, q,^ f>untad j^ ^^^^ exhortations tofollor? rhrtfiM^ M RoIIoc.
ftrpiim func vrnpirtin ■ ^"^ minds oj men are ever to be prep/tred with a feKje of
di animi hominun. fm- miferji, and their darke ejhate: and afterward with a de-
(umiftri(t & tf rubra- fre of enlargement and light.
ru-m,acp mk delidmo j^ ^ ^y ^^^^ ^jr ^f^^jy Mmiflers , which divide Gods
fn lohT c^r's '■ ^o^d aright, iay our {a) great Divines of Great Bri-
(a) Divines of Great t&ines, firfi fitly and wifely to wound the Confciences of
Bnt^ine. Mini'Ms their hearers with the terrenrs of the Lawy and after to
verbumVei reai fc- raifethembfthepromifesoftheGoIfeliy&c.
catfiucuramumbu, .^. The Spirit firfi terrifies t'hofe,who are to bemfli-
ditorum cofijcienuas ped,wtth the Law : breaking and humblmg them with
pritno Icgii ttnmibm threats, fcourges, andlajhes ofConfcience^that thereby
fauc'iaftdi,dmdt Svan^ despairing ofthemfelves they may fiie unto Chrifi.
gtlicis Vroml(jij f«ge»- We cannot learne out of the Gofbell, faith (c) Chem-
cd^^nLiiomSdm- ninusyhatwearetobe blejfed m Chrifi, except by art
qiteperpr:cii & lach>j~ antitheus, as Luther ipeakes, we alfo acknowledge, that
mas a Deopctmddfn (i we are accurfed by the Law.
change oncly the fhe Dodrine of the Law/aith (d) Davenam^ is to
Ji°one VcSr but ^^ propounded to the impious and impenitent — to
kecpc the ici\rcOSuf. fttike terror into their hearts,and to demonftrate their
fragiumConeg.The. juft damnation, except they repent^ and flie teldas
ologotura Mag. Bri- Chrift.
^(hfnmmt^enim iu ^^^ P^kins that great Light of our Church , both
fiificanZlTiSltr. for foundneffe of learnmg/mcerity of ;udgement,and
ret UgeymiHu, fiagtUu, infight into the My fiery of Chrifi, teaching, how Re-
«&• (on/ciemite vtvbt.
r'tbuiy tosfiiWgens atqttt humiiiantquodefeipjis dt^erantet (onfugmt ad Chrifium Par.in cap.g.
sd.Rom. (O Chemnitius. EvangHiumgtnttatm^&protetd dil^tini C^ri^iiACCtflum^t^ pnt'
dfcatiopxment'ne & ftmifponis peecalorum. T^equetnim exEvtingeho addifcere polfumui notitt
Cbrifioefjebenedicenddijntft perantithefiityUt Luther us loquitur, fipiul aptofcamuA nos per U'
gtmefemiilcdiCl«s.—''Priedtcatiep(enUenthe(ivt agnitionupeccatomm necejfario pramitii debet,
ft fides derecmtUiatisae heum babire debtat. Harmo. Evaog cap. 73. (^d^ Davenant,
Vo^rimleguprepoMndMefi'mpys adterrerem matiendumf ad demonftrandam jnfiam
iUorum damnatifiKeaif n't rtftpif canty & ad Cbnfikm Medlatoftmionfug%ant. In cap. i. ad
Coloff. Ce) 'P«fi(mu Of the nature and pia^ife of lUpcntance. Cbtf. 3.
Koouins Si 1 5.
pentance
Part. I . Cap. I . ^ffltSledConfciences, I^j
pentance is wrought, tells us, That/^/ of aU. a Man
mufi have knorv ledge of four e things : Of the Law of
Cod: Offinne againfi the Latv: Of the guilt offinneiand
ef the judgement of God againfi finne, rphich ii Ha eter-
nail yf "rath: In the fecond Tlace mufifolloro an of plica'
tion of the former knowledge to a Mans felfe^ by the
ivorke of the confcience ajjified by the holy Ghofi, which
•for that caufe is called thejpirit of bondage\in this man-
ner.
The breaker of the Law is guilty of et email wrath ^
faith the Minde:
But lama breaker of the Law ofGod,{kv^ the Con-
fcience as a Witnefle, and an Accufer: j
Therefore I am guilty of et email death Xd^^ the fame
Confcience, as a judge.
^very Lyar Jhall have his part in the Lake, which
Burneth with fire and brimfione: Revel. 2 1,8.
But Jama Lyar :
Therefore ifhall have my part in that everUfling
fiery Lake,
And fo of other finnes : Covetoufhefie , Craeltie^
Drunkennefte, Whoredome, Swearing, Defraudingj
Temporizing, Vfury, Filthinefse, Selfe-uncleannefse,
JPo olijh talki»^,jefii»gyEphe, 5 . ^.RevellingSy Cjal. 5.21.
Prophaning the lords lL>iy,flrange appareU,Zeph, 1 , 8.
And innumerable finnes moe^which being allieveral-
lypreft upon the heart, by a difcourfe of the guiltie'
confcience,as I have faid, muft needs foil ferely cru/h
it with many cutting conclufions : from which feton
by the fi'ir it of bondage, is wont to arife much trouble
of miiide ; which^faith Hee, is commonly called the
fiing of the confcience^ox penitence ^z\\^ the compunElion Ads 1, 3 7.
of heart. And then fiicceeds feafbnably, and comfor-
tably the worke of the Gofpell. The Soule being thus
ftnfible of,and groaning under the burden of all finne,
is happily (/) fitted for all the glorious revelations of /q 5^^ ifa. 57. j r
the abundant riches of Gods deareft naercies ; ior ail Mat. m . 1 g. &'^, i ji*
'" " ■ ^' ■ the
l^^ JnfirnBiohs for a right comforting Se(fl. 2.
the comforts, graces, and^:fevours which fliinefrom
the face of Chrift ; for all the expiations , refrelliings,
and exultarionsjwhich filing out of thatblefTed Fom-
Zict\. I J . t. taine, opened for ftnne and for uncleannejfe,
Cg^ Greexebam. Of Never my of Gods Childreny faith {g). Greeneham,
' Repentance Scrm 7. tx) ere comforted thorovlj, hut they tvere firfi hnmbhi
for their Sinnes,
The conrfe rparranted unto m by the Scriptures^Caith
(h) Hieren. - The y^^ Hieron, u thuc Firfi, to endeavour the foftnin<r of
Preachers Plea, pa^i, % >'_, '. 1 1 • • 1 1 r t-' . /> -i
aof.zoi.aoj.io*. ourHearers hearts, by bringtngthem to the fight 0'fenfe
of their orvne wretchednejfe, before ype adventure to Mp"
ply the riches of Gods mercy in Chrifi fefus,Thepreach~
Maiib. 13, ing of the Gofpell is compared by our Saviour himf elf e
unto the Sotving of feed : as therefore the ground isfirji
_ tome up jvith the plough, before the fsfd be committed
^* untoit :fo the fallo-PD ground of our hearts mufi firJi be
broken up with thejbarpnejfe of the Law, and the verie
terrour of the Lord, before we can be fit to entertaine
2 Cor. 5. 1 u the fweet feed of the Go fhelt-^I -would have a, Prea-
cher to preach peace, and to ay me at nothing morey than
the comfort of the Soules of Gods people : yet I would
have him withally frame hu courfe to the manner of
Ged^s appearing to Elijah. The Text fait hy that firii a
I King.19. 1 1. 12. flighty flrong winderent the Mo untaines^nd brake the
rockes : then, after that came an earthquake i and after
the earthquake came fire \ and after all thefe, then came
<^flill,and afoft voyce. After the fame manner, I rfould
not have the fiill and milde voyce of the Go^ellcomcy
till the flrong tempefl^ of the Law hath rent the fl any
„, , ^ heartsof men . and have made their bellies to tremble.
and rottennejje to enter tnto their bones , — Or at leajtf
^ecanfe our Auditories are mixt, confining ofr^en,ofdi'
vers humours, it Jhallbe good for Htm y to deliver Hu
doSlrinewith that caHtion, that neither the humbled
foules may be ajfrighted with thefeverity of Gods judge-
ments, nor the prophane and unrepentant grow prefump'
Proy, 17. 7, tHoM by the abundance of Gods mercy.— The perfbn
that
Par 1 1 . Chap, i . Ap^ed Cofifciejtces, 1 4 5
that is ftill, defpifeth the hony-cornhQ^ faith Solomon:
And-rvhat doth a proHciVhrnCt^y or a churlifh Nabal,
or rt Politicks G^\X\o,or afcoffing Khm^tUcare to heare
of the hreadth^andlengthyanddepth, and height of the £„{,-{;, jg^
love of CJod in hli Sonne Jelfu ? Except kbe to fettle
them fafter upon their Ices. The DoElrine of that na-
■tur&is as unfitting fuch uncircumciied eares, as the Aftij-yi'
ihow the Summer, and the raine the Harveft. Vntd^
^eHcrle belongs a whip, to the Afle a bridle, and a BroT.iS.f.j.
tod to the Fooles backe, &C. — Hee that intendeth to
do any goodin this froxicn generationjoad need rather to
'he Boanerges, one of the fonnes of Thunder y than Bar- ^^^^^^ J* '7'
lonzh the Sonne of a^ove.
The Word of God Jaith(i)Vorh&s,hath three de- Ci)F#r*«. In His
greesofoperationintheheartsofmen.For,firfiitfa/leth ^^^^^"{^''^ "^°''*
TO mens cares as the found of many waters ^ a mighty
vreat, and confujedfound^and which common ty^ Bring-
eth neither ierr our, norjoy,I>utyetawondring, andac"
knowledgement ofafirangeforce , and more than hU"
mane power. This is that effeSi whtch many felt, hearing
Chrifl, when they were aftonifhed at his Do Arine , as ^*^^^« ^' »***7'
teaching with authoritie. What manner doi:lrihe h \^\^^^^*
this? Never man fpake like this man.7l?« <'jfdrff/vi//<f/A
even to the reprobate, which wonder and vanifh : Ha-
bak^ 1 5 . A^, 13.41. T^e ^^^-'t ^ffeSi islht voyce of
Thunder. Which bringeth not onely wond.er, but feare
alfo : not onely flleth the eares with fpund,and the heart
rrith afibnifhmenty but more-over Jhaketh and terrifieth
the confcience. z^^ndthisfecond ejfeEl may alfo bef^H
a reprobate. As Felix , ASi 24. The third effeSt is pro-
per to the eleU : the found of harping , while the Word
not onely ra^i/heth with admirattonyf^ firi^eth the con~
fcience wtth terrour;hut alfo laftly, fillet h it with fweet
p4race and joy y e^c. Now albeit thefirB two degrees may
be without thelaft ; yet none feele the laft , who have
not in feme degree, feltboth the firft two. ..^^ , tu t «
GMealethf;,-M(k)U^CoM^t,bHtfmh m are XSofGodlp-gi
1 4^ JfjflruUionsfiy a right comforting Sc(?l . 2.
frfi Tvounded.Vrit wholeneed not a Phyfirian,bur they
Maith. 9. 1 1. that are (icV.ChrtFl tvM anointed to preacli tlie Golpell
Luk.4. 1 s. to thepoore, to heale the broken-hearted, Q^c.
Ads 15 4. Ob. Aiany have believed^ -who never grieved for
their mifery^ 04 Lidia, &c.
Anlw. fVho can telly that thefe grieved not? Jtfol"
lotveth not that they hadno griefe^becaitfe none 16 recor--
deH, AllfartiCHlaraHions andcircumflances of AElions
Afts*. 17 &i5.»*. ^^c not recorded: J t ii enough that the grief e of f omegas
Luke 7, 3 8. of the Jeives^ of the fay lour , of the vcoman that nvajhed
(^hrifisfeet with Her teares^and of others, is recorded,
Afls I f , I j . 1 4.. Lidia might be ^re fared before fhe heard Paul. For
Jhe accompanied themivhich vpent out to pray, andjle
"rvorjhipped God: Or elfe Her heart might be then touch-
ed, rvhenjhe heard Paul preach. T^he like may befaidof
Afls S0.44 45. thofe which heard Peter, nvhen He preached to Corneli-
us -^ And of others, Certaine it is that a man mufh both
fee andfecle His wretchednejfe ,and be wounded in Soule
^^ f or it, before Faith can be wrought in Him, Tet Idenie
not, but there may be great dijference in the manner and
meafure of grieving,^ c ,
(Xyiixxi.lhk ad Ctcfa- (\) The heart is prepared far faith, andnot by faith,
Viff- fuBtfication bein^ the works ofGodisperfeEi in it felfe:
fimpncitifS God! ^^»^^^ed m, brought us to deff aire in our felves-^^
YtiWCap I . SiU, 5. ^^^ whole preparation being legallwrought by the Spi^
8.01x1, 8.1 ji rit, of bondage to bring Uo to the Spirit of Adoption,
leaves us in defpaire ofall helpe, either ofeurfelves, or
the whole world \ thatfo being in this wofull plight wee
might now fubmit our [elves to God,who infufing a live-
lyfaithi'ito our hearts , fives ^ Hvs Sonne, and our )u-
flif cation with him.
(mj 5</^<r.Thc Hckc (in) None ever hadconfcience truly pacifed,that firfi
SouicsSalve p'go'. felt not confcience wounded,
(i\) Dike of Repen- (n^ The preparation to rfpfntance (He meanes E-
Mncc.cap.ip*g.ii. vangelicall) 4r^ thofe leg^llfits of fear e ^nd terrour,
which ar^ both in n^tHre And time $00, before Fsith.
(o)As
Part I .Cap. i . AffiiEied Confcienccs, 147
(o) Asthtrecanheno birth nvithom the* paines of Co3f*«'.c^P *3'»4
the truvaile zoin? before-, Co neither ^m true repentance * Qn^ft^ <f;<^« «
fcience.— The reafon isplaine. None can tjave repen- ^j^ ^g^
tancey hjtt fuch as Chrifi cats to Repentance. Now hee
cats onelyjxnners to Repentance. Mat. 9 . 1 3 . even ftn-
ners heavy laden -rvith thefenfe of God*s rvrath againfi
fmne.Mat. 1 1 . 1 8 . He comes onelj tofave the tofi pjeep,
that ii,fuch Jheepe , oi feele themf elves lojl in them-
felves, andknoro not hore tofinde the way to the fold. It
is [aid, Rom. 8» 1 5 . Te have not received the]pirit of
Bondage againe, tofeare : which Jhen>es , that once they
did receive it, namely, in the very frfi preparation unto
converfiony that then the Spirit of God m the Law didfo
heare wttne^e unto them^oftheir bondage and mifer able
favery, that it made them to tremble. Now there,under
the perfon of the Romans,?/;^ ApoHlejpeakes to all Be- /p 3^/^^ ^f ^^g Of.
leevers,and foJheysies,thatitis every Christians com- ficeaddufc of rhe
won cafe. moralltawofGodl
(p) The Law hath his ufe to workeuirAui\Huv^pc£iu- in the ^ycs of the
tentiam. The Go If ell his force to worke w-mioioM , refi- ^^O'cU pag 104,
pifcentiam ; and both are needfoll for Chriftians even ^ZZtMath.zy^t
at this Prefent, asformerly they have ever bin. * tIhi. 2.' ay. b«^. In
(q^ God^s mercy may not be fuch, whereby his Truth Mat. 3.2.& in Aft,j,
in any fort Jh OH Id be impeached; as it Jhould , if it be ? '; ^ ^ he rather name
zrofituted indtferently andpromifcuoufly to all,as weU ^l^" Bookc,becaufc I
\.L • r r . J • ^' ./ / / / J could wift aJl ihofe,
thetnjolentyand tmpemtentyOi the poore humble y and who arc ionorantiv
broken-hearted fmner. For unto thefe latter onely is the and lewdiy tairpQ-
promife of mercy made.Andifto others, the gate ofmer- ring and mcdling a-
cie Jhould be fet open ; Gods mercies (as Solomony^«>^ ^°"* *" °"«'' *^fo-
of the wicked's, that they are cruell mercies) Jhould be l'''"S.^ «^°^'^'°g
i ir Jrt •T>^j ''/ J r ^^ whole Law of
falfe and unjuFi merctes. But God never yet learned fo ^ofetCmcc the death
to be mercifull,as to make himfelfe falfe and unfaithfuU. of Chrift,would read
* Thefirfi thing that drawes unto Chrifiyis to confder « over, and r^tume
cur mifer able efiate without him. — Therefore we fee ""'*^ '^eir rightmind
that the Law drivesmen to Chrifi : And the Law doth ^"^^ 7*}K'^^hP^
it byJhsTffing a M*in hisjinne^And thteitrfedug unto the Heart, rap.if .p.tf .
Z2 fame,* DP,
J ^g JnJimEiionsfor a right con^ormg SeA. 2 .
fame, — We mt^fl kriov?,that ncthir(r performed of m
can rive fntufaCl ton in this matter oj humiliation.^—^
fet it iifuch a thing -without which wee cannot come tif
Chrifi. It ii as much 04 if a manfjouldfay^the Phjjitian
is ready to he ale Thee, but then it is reejuircdythat Thou
mufi have afenfe of the difeafe,&c^- No Man will come
to Chrif except he he hungry.Onel) thofe that are troH'
bled^receive the Goffell.
No Man will take (^hrifl for his Husband^ till hee
0ome to know andfeele the Waight ofSatansyoke^ Till
that time, he wtlt never come to take upon him th e yoke
of Chrifi.
To all yoH I fpeakiythat are humbled: Others that
minde not this DoHrine , regard not the things of this
nature: But you that mourne in Zion, that are broken-
heart ed^you that know the bitternejfe ofjinne, to you is
thefalvationfent,
^0 Cttlvin»iU In His (r^ XJnder the caufes I comprehend all that workje of
Treaiife of Faith, God,wherebj heworketh F aith in any, which fiandeth
P* *'• ejfecially in thefe three things :
1 . That ^od by his Word, and Spirit fr^ illightneth
the under flanding, truly, to conceive the T>oUrine of
Mans mifery, and of his full recovery by Chrifi.
2 . Secondly, by the fame meanes hie worketh in hit
hearty both fuch found forrowfor his mifery , and fer-
vent dejtre after Chriji the remedy ; that he can never
be at cjuiet, till hee enjoy Chrifi.
3 .Thirdly y Godfo manifefieth his love infeely offer-
ino- Chrifi wtth all his benefits to him a poore finner^that
thereby he drawes himfo to give credit to God therein,
that he gladly accepts Chrifi o^ered unto him, Thefe
three workes of God,whofoever findeth to have beene
wrought in himfelfe, he may thereby k>tow certainly hee
hath Faith. But without thefe, what change of life fa-
ever may be conceived^ there can bee no certaintie of
. Faith,
his 1 «a«i^of IpaUh, TO ^^^ ^^'^ fi^^ brenkfs us, and kills nt ycith the
Part I. Cap. I. AffUBed Confciencet, 1 49
fight ^and guilt offinne, before ^hriSi cures tts^and binds
us up.
The holy Ghofl tvorketh and maketh Faith effeU:uall
by thefe three ^Eis : D. P. ;i
1 . Firfi, it put an efficacy into the Law, and makes
that p&tverfulltoTvorke on the hearty to make a man
poore injpftit'.fo that he may be jit to receive the Gojpel^
• — The IP ir it of bondage muft mal^e the Law effeStual:
AS the Spirit of adoption doth the Goff)ell^(^c.
2 . The fecond worke, is to rev e ale Chrifi, when, the
loeart is prepared by thejpirit in the firfi worke, then in
the next place, hee Jhe-wes the unfearchable riches of
Chrifly what is the hope of his callings and the glorious
inheritance preparedfor the Saints : what is thecxceC'
ding greatnejfe of his power in them that beleeve, I fay
we need the Spirit tojljew thefe things, ^c,
3. The third AU of the Spirit, is. The teflimonie
Tvhich hee gives to ourfpirit , in telling us that thefe
things are ours. When the heart is prepared by the LaWy
And when thefe things are fo fhewed unto uSy that wee
prize themy and long after them , yet there mufi bee a
third thing : To take them to ourfelves^ to beleeve they
Are ours . and there needs a works of the Spirit for this.
Tor though the promifes be never fo cleare, yet having
nothing but the promifesijeujhall never be able to ap-
ply them to your felves. But when the holy Ghofijhall
fay, C^nfl is thine. All thefe things belong to Thee, and
G od is thy Father : when that fhall witns^e to ourfpi"
ritby aworkf of his owne,Thenfballwe beleeve,^c.
\t)This is the order obfervedinonr juftif cation :\, r{y p. tiCmlVi kt
Tirf;^ There is a fight of our mifery , to which wee are Scrtn. upon Ioh,$,
brought by the Law . 7 . Secondly fThere is by the Gofpel U* P« S 9»
an holdingforth ofChnJiry as our redemption from finne
and death, 3. Thirdly , there is atvorktng of Faith in
the heart to refi on Chrifi^,ai theranfome from finne and
death . Now when a man is come hit her ^ he i4 truly and
really fttft,
Z 3 fVe
J - ^ InfirnBionsfor a right comforting Se<Jl. 2 ;
(o) G«Mfe » ^'« '"^'* r^^) ^^ ^^'*'^^ ^^^^ '" '^*^ convcrfton a man mufi h
fie. of the Church of yfiounded in his conscience bj the fen fe of his finnes-^ HU
Engl, Lib. ) . C?p. J. gfffftrition mnfl be compungent, and vehement y bruifing^
5*^' *' ' breakings renting the heart, and feeling the throrvej (as
atvoman labouring of childe) before the neve -creature
be brought forth, or Chri^ truly formed in Htm. It ii not
done reithout bitternejfe of the Soule ; without care^ in-
dignation, revenge, i . Cor.7. 1 1 , But as feme Infants^
are borne reith lejfepaine to the mother , and form rvith
more :fo may the new-man be regenerated, infome ypith
moroy infome veith lejfe anxiety of travell. But furelj
grace is not infufedinto the heart of any finner, exceft
there be at leajffo great aff.iSHon of Sprit for fnne fore-
going that He cannot butjeele ity &c,
(x)D.S.lnbi»Bruire<l (x)This bruifing is required before converfion, I.
Rccdcpag. 1 3.14.1];. That Jo the Sprit may make vo ay for it felfe into the
heart by levelling all proud high thoughts, &c. 2. To
make «* fet ^» ^'i^^ f^i^^^ upon C^rifis death — This is
the canfe ofrelaffesy and ApofiafieSy becaufe men never
fmartedfor ftnne at thefrft-.They -were not long enough
under the lajh of the Lanv, Hence this inferiour ivorke
of the Spirit in bringing downe high thoughts, isne^
tejfarie before converfion.
Chap. II.
T>^0bers reprehended, Faithfulneff'e in preaching
*nddawbing compared,
|Y this time it doth moft clearly, and
plentifully appeare; what a foule,and
fearefoU fault it is; for men, either in
the managing of their Publike Mini-
ftcry,-or more private pafiages,of con-
ference, vifitations of the (icke, con-
fultations about a good eftate to Godward, and other
occafions
Part I . Chap.2. AgliEi-ed Confciences, 1 5 1
occafions of like nature; to apply T^efus Chrifi and the Dawbcti dcfcribc4,
promifesjto promife life and fafety in the evill Day, to
Soules as yet not (blindly illightned and aftlidled with
fight offinne,andfenfe of Gods wrath; to confciences
never truly wounded and awakned.I infifted the lon-
ger upon this Point, becaufe I know it foil well, to be
a moft univerfall, and prevailing Policy of the Divell,
whereby he keepes many thoufands in His curfed fla-
very , and from falvation : To confirme as many Pa-
flours as He can polTibly, willing enough to drive their
Flocks before them to damnation, in an ignorant, or
affefted Pre/udice,andforbearance,of that faving me*
thod of bringing Soules out of Hell, mentioned be-
fore; and made good with much variety of evidence:
And to noiirifli alfb in the hearts of natural! men , a
ftrong and fturdy difconccit , oppofition and raging,
againft downe-right dealing , and thofe men of God
fable as they fay, but falfely and forioully againft their
owne Soulesjby their terrible teaching to drive their
hearers to diftradion, felfe-deftrudion , or dcfpaire^
who take the onely right courfe to convert them and
to bring them ^ojefw Chrifi as He himfelfe invites
them, to wit, tabourhg and heavy laden with their
finnes, Matth,i I.28.
*Dawbers then, who ferve Satans craft in this kinde,
and all thofe who difpence their miniftery without all
fpirimall difcretion and good confcience, of whom
there .'»re too many,as great fh^angers to the right way
of working grace in others, as to the worke of grac6
in themielves;! fay,they are a generation of dangerous
men: Old excellent as they fay inanaccurfed Art of
conducing poore blinded Soules, merrily, towards
everlafting mifery,and fetting them down in the very
midfl of Hell, before they be fenfible of any danger,
or discovery of their damnable ftate. Great men they
arc with the men of this world, with all thofe wife
fooks and f enfuall great ones, who are not willing to
L4 be
1 5 1 JrtJlrH^iomfor a right comforting Sedl. * *
be tormented before their time, or rather who defirc
impoffibly to live the life of plealures in the meane
time, and yet at laft to dje the death of the righteous.
(yYidbot cu'pptpu'. They have ftiU ready at hand, hand over head, mercy,
viaui ^niurfUi mlli' and pardon,Heaven and lalvauon rorall commers,and
m quitfcatur. ^if- all that come neere, without fo much as a defire to put
quuergo male aginth g^y difference, or divide the pretiom from the vile.
fc» ««fa^/Aj-, plvil^ Which is a prodigioufly-arrogant folly, pernicious in
bUoUcmU \nii. % the higheft degree^both to their own foules, and thofe
qui cortipl ex culpa de- they delude. Heare how they are branded in the Book
tueratineafulcui ku- of God; Calling them: P illow-fotver j undQt mens d-
AbM tooUner q'/ief- boes;£*fi^. 1 3.1 8.That being laid fy) foft, and lockt
lob f«p 4!" "^* '^* ^^ *'" ^^^ ^"^^^ of fecurity, they may finke fuddenly
Comptmit duritia into the Pit of defl:ru(!^ion,before they be aware: Cri-
ftfcanti fubtnbiiur , ers of peace, peace-j'whtn no peace is to wardSj/e-r .($. 14,
iiqiu mtU'nitt fuverh j^m- horrible flirs, tumhling of garments in blond-^ hum--
^''mTueT 7u7m '^^ and devouring offre'.Men-pleafers^Gal. i . 1 o.who
wnTaiperUas 'JmZ chufe rather to tickle the itching eares of their car nail
didlonu puiftu idm. hearers with fome frothie , Frier-like conceits out of
rtfinjtwr*. p.2. cfp.% . Dung-hill Poftills ; And fo fmooth Great Ones in their
('7)^05 /cilk«t_<^«||^wj humors,by their cowardly flatteries,efpecially,if they
SI«& tlt'iupt any waies depend upon them fbr maintenance, rifing,
fitlum meum: frat andpreferment^rathcrthanconfcionably todifchargc
laendm non taniUm that trufllaid upon them by their grett Lord and Ma-
tcribm medieammU , ftg^ in Heaven, upon anfwerablenefle for the bloud of
t^HlTITrL'lh thofe Soules, which ftiall perifli by their temporizing
ttiam cauierijs, &fe- filence, and fiattermg unraitnrulnelie : Healers of the
&'tenibus : vrs eu'em hurt of their Hearers with (^)fweet words, ^er. 6, 1 4,
trntHm adhlbe'U im- whiletheirfbulesarebleedingby the wounds of finne
Z^omJendt'cilr''' ^^^^ ^^^rnill death I. Preachers of {2.) fmooth things,
Ca)Tbcfefcl-'ov»c$wouldhivethcfcrecurCjand fcnfuall- times, wherein fo many foulc
Fwndjof crinnfoR and crying finncs arc broke Ibole wiih theraines upon their nockcj^co
hcareofnoihing but pkafurei, peace, anoprofpcrity 10 the worlds end: telling them ftili
outofthcflarteringviiions ofthcirownc unfan^fiiFcd braines, of a filken Gofpcll, a
Church of VclfCtjOf feeding upon Manchet and Manna, ircadingupon Violets and Ro-
fes,and of being carried to Hear en in a Bed of Downe^whereas God knowcs, if they liad
their due and defcrtjchefiety rajne, whicli confumed Sodome into cindcrt, and iht great
baiUfioues in Godsgreatefl fury mt^ht rather tnoA julrly drop upon the Heads both of the
VaTi9btfs,9nd the Dap^gd, Scr £t^i|[ 13. ]m j.ler. 14. 1 5« i^Jfa. 30.1^,1^^
Part I. Can. 2.
^fjli^ed (^onfciences ,
153
jy^.30. 1 o.whicb kinde of Men,the greatefi: part,and
all worldlings wonderfully ( ^j affed and applaud, C^) They are equally
though to their o wne everla^ing undoing.They fwell ^frlri^r^^d do ?n "
. under fuch Teachers with a Pharifaicall conceit , that upoa'^uch Daw^"f
they are as fafeforfalvationjas the precifeft ofthem alj aod, with indignati-'
but alas \ their hope is but like a hollow wall, which o.iand hcartrifing j-
beingptrttoanyftrefle, when thetempeft of God's ^ojf„''fhcfflo"o'{a
fearching w rath begins to fhake it, in the time of a fi- wJckcdVn/^X kil*
nail trial lofit's truth, and foundnefle; it ihatters into ling Mil.conceit, 10
piecf s and comes to naught. Hearc the Propheti^iV-Jw be roo terrible Tc a-^
a 0, -write it before them tn a table, and note it in a booke^ chcrs,and their Mini-
*» I r 1 • r J nere intolerable.
that tt may bee jorthettme to ceme for ever and ever: \ ^ db
Xhat this is arebelliopu peofle, lying children, children s-^chiti
that will not heare the Law of the Lordxwhich fay to the * Ifa. 3 ©. 8- &c
Seers, See not \{c)a;idtotheTrofhets, Propheftenot (O PgputM nihil dd»
unto w rioht things ; (beake unto mfmooth things, pro- ^^'l^^^* "«*"«" ^'J*"
r r J ^- ^^ \ r t rj bat: proPUTta tnjtfiui
fhefie deceits, get yon out of the way : turne afide out ^.^ Vrspbetis, quU
of the path : cattfe the Holy One of Ifrael to ce^fefrom dumvitia t]u* accuji'
before fi4, fVherefore, thus faith the Holy One of If- rent,&t(wirpungt'
rael: BecaHfeyedelftfethisfVord^andtruFiinoppref- '''"/> ^'**' prcpinqm
Ron, andperverfnelfe, and fiay thereon : Therefore this f '' *'!?^'^ .f '^^^ «■
■ -n 111 L I J r 11 r I rant. Hue peTimnite'
tnt^mtte fifallbetoyouas abreach ready to fallyfwel- jufmedi verba: nohie
ling out in an high wall, rohofe breaking commethfud- vidcre, nolite pr ofpi-
denly at an inftdnt. zAnd He fjall breake it at the brea- ^erc refla : ?(p» qmi.
kinq of the potters veffell, that ts broken in pieces, hee *'* Joquerentur , fed
^ ,t n.' r I I n It I r J- t q»Sd Ha off £lt tn^etU,
Mil not fpare:fo that there Jhall not bee found tn the ]^ modtiatmemre^
burfUngofit^afheradto take fire fromtheharth , or to qumnnt'xn prophtiU
take water withall outofthePif. Dayebers with uft- mctam actiboi torum
tempered worter: E^kz 1 3 . 1 1.Who ereft in the con- obiwrgaiomaqHo a«i-
ceits of thole who are willing to be deluded by them t ^foT^'^*'^' ^'^'''
P^<*ri/?f/ at the beft, a rotten Building of blfe hope, imfmvU & ifficath
vrb'idcttit&exa^t'
rjtiUt taxquitn immznci bellua ferociam & imcukniimfuam promant : Ltbenter quidem elude-
rent'Jed vdint, no'ini, ■Dcftmi queutm audire, t\itfqni Majtliatem riformidare ccgunttir Hanc
amarukmhm (equitur odium Prophetarunty infidia, ttrrerei, perfcctttmes, exilia, cruciatiu^ mor-
t(squHuide{lrmamcnmdo5lorib;iifumr»ovmacdtUrifpoffeexipimaati Cpphntenim bem'mts •-
fitiipotm furnrari fmrna, &fnulti mgas^ quam fidtliier rfs^rj, Ibid.
like
, J J. InfiruEiionsfor a right comforting Scft. 2 .
(d) ^Qn metapborici \i\{c a ('d) mpidde-Tvall without flr aw , cr tnorter made
(ttmiitiun Uuriiium ^„^/y of /and -without lime to bmde it ; v^hich in faire
%^^'Ta>t"rdlm weather makes a faire Oiew for a while i but when
&7mwAtn!^!^(iZd abundance ot raine falls, and Winter comes, it moul-
adi^utur , {ttuClut* dersaway, andturnesto myre in the ftreets. Their
ftrum firna fit^ & dw vaine confidence in profperous times , before it come
TMbilU. Pagn, Hon du- ^q ^he Touchftone of the fiery triall by God's fearch-
w«T«i M&^^^ i"g T"^"^^' n^ay ^^^"^^ ^""^^^"^ > ^"^ i'^ ^^e tempeft of
Lutm abfqut faitU God's wrath when the ftor my winters-night of death ■".
qHibM firmatuY & appToacheth, oratfurtheft, at the judgement Scat of
ftrngUur-y ml t obom the Juft and Higheft God, it proves to be counterfeit :
ptttft adhere pmtti, whenatthelaftthey fliall cry,i:or^, Zor^, like the
m'^Tt i» & »f.ii fi<>^^J^ Virgins, And thofe Mat.-z/m ftead of imagina-
' * * de comfort, they fliall bee cru flit with horrible and
everlafting confufion. Heare the Prophet; Saj unto
Execb* I J . n .&c. them which dawbe it with untemfered morter , that it
Jhall fall: there JhaU be an over-flowiniTjhowrejand ye,
Q great haile-fiones,jhall fall, andafiormj windefhak
rend it, Loe^when the waUyfallen/jhall it not be faid
untojttH,where is the dawbing wherewith ye have daw-
bed it? Therefore thus faith the Lord God, I will rend
it withaflormy winde in my fury : and there fhall be*
an over-fiowingjhowre in mine anger, and great haile-
flones in my fury to confume it . So will I breaks downe
the wall that ye have dawbedwith untempered morter^
and bring it downe to the ground^ fo that the fottnda^
tion thereof Jhall be difcovered, and itjballfally and ye
/ball be canfumed in themidfl thereof: andye Jhall know
that I am the Lord. Thus will I accomplijh my wrath
t*pon the wallf and upon them that have dawbedit with
untempered morter^ and will fay unto you. The wall is
no more, neither they that daw bed it : To wit, the Pro'
phets of IJrael, which prophefie concerning Jernfalem,
and which fee vifions of peace for Her , and there is no
peace, faith the Lord God: Such as with lyes make the
heart of the righteous fad , whom God hath not made
fad\ and flrengthen^e hands of the wicked , that Hee
Jhould not returne from His wicked way by promifing
part I . Chap. 2 . JgiiEied Cenfciencet, 1 5 J
Him life, £<,ek^ 13.22. Thefe fcllowcshold and bcarc C*^) ^«»' «'*"» ^M
meere avill men in hand, that their cftate is found e- ,7t)2",|,^|^^'/^^i^
noiigh to G od w a rd, whadbever the purer and pr ecifer ^^^ '"iX*"i?rffS
Brethren prate to the contrary : (^y and yet the holy vabi untntur: i(i«t
Ghoft tells USjtbat without holinejfe no man (Jjallfee the bominti mnqnam tg9
Lord. Hd. 12.14. That formall ProFeflburs are very J^^^ifica-M dixetim ,
forward men;whereas le/u. Chnfi profefieth.that He ,7'„,^™ ,":;'";,';
will fpeTf the iHke-nvarme out of his mouth. Nay, and ir vmatum uwbrM dun^
there be talke even of a good fellow efpecially of lome texnt^ & pmuUchra^
more commendable natiirall parts, and plaufible carri- tum fine fanffificatione
agetif Hee be fo but moderately, that I mayfo fpeake, t ^'^""P'""'"/ fj-]
and not jiift every day drunk:well,well,will they fay, ^^^ ^^^^ ^i,^^^ ...g^Jj.
wehaveallourfaults,andthatisHis, But as concer- lociniohc g.Time
ning the faithful! {ervant of God; they are woontto hathbccne, pcrbap*,
entertaine the fame conceit of Him, which j4cha6 did *j[^'" . ^"u i,*^***
of e/^ah, to witjthat (r) He was a troubler of Ifrael : ^^ "J bc7cg«ncMd^
Which one of the captames had of the Prophet fent to on: Godforgircus:
annoint /f^^,that He was a (f) madfelloyv: which the I» o^Jft be more than
falfe^rophets had of g)Micaiah';Cc\2ii he was a fellow *''!?"• '^*' ^'■'■»§»
of a fingularandodhumoarby Himfelfe, and guided SSi"""*u"
by a private fpint of His owne: which TertuU a ChiifliaDje^-f. D':
/w hadofPrf^/, thatheewasa ijo) feflilent fellorp x Sclatir, stclie Seuks
which the Pharifes had of Chrifts Followers i that ^^^-^f-F^g »«•
they were a contemptible and (») curfed generation, iU *j^^"2* » «•' ?•
a company ofbafe, rude, illiterate underling';. Nay (gji Kji)glu'24.
fometimes, when the bedlam fit is upon them, they Cb) Ads 24 y,
will not fticke to charge Gods people in ibme propor- 0^ ^f h. 7 48. 49 ■
tion mofl wickedly and talfely, as the ancient Hea- ^^^ ^fi *^ ^"''«''«
thensdidthe primitive Chriftians, with conventi- iZlLciZttht
cles and meetings or hatefull(^)impurities,taaion,dif- ^ cbnfto ptndmem,
aftedion to C^y^r, and many other horrible things, Ei-^^rct^.-miHajJn'
whereas poore Soules 1 they were moft innocent, and ^"•'^^ boctfiy ^ubmaie^
infinitely abhorred all fuch (/; villanies : And they '^^jT&TZtmM
hicandij — W*c efl IfamU Ev.mgrluie dcClrlnieyquamftrre ccgiturafudpotenusyec prudenies hujm
ftculhqiibdfcth (nti babeaibo»in.ti plihtmyOb[iuroi& impiiUoi.qui fidcR^
liadh^terent fAuU-.(\) &ui'rurf'.i!erii/JJtmlid(/acrafreiOwfa»tkiiiy^&pitfulo'wd<&po!lce!t'
viv>Mi^c((l4i^q:,bAive,f6rei tumhii .canni lenomsfcidat, ttntbrai U ^ hbidinum impiarum inve-
recufidia jrs urext.Te'tiil Apok>2,.cap 7, Stdqutdomni crucia'ugr&viiu iraiyitijigniit dais
mendacia ^jygebjn'.Hrj'JCH'abaiur m humam carmbut vt/cij?tfg»usdtjifuis mmtlan^m^iiibHi •
ftfepoPmef & m[»nAijfi<na qnneiiiitffr^ttrnre, Fuoc. Com. ir. Chron, Lib. 6.
1 5 6 InfiruEliorts for a right comforting Seft. 2 .'
Ci; iMceliM/ui (um,cur met in the morning even before Day, not to do, God
nonrequirm 1 inf^n- j^nowes any fuch ill , but for the (/) (ervice of God,
o"w ? ^lnV*fani C^^^*^ ^^^^^ "^°^^ ingenioas(»2)adverraries being wit-
aliquldiomktOiCurnon neflfes) to fing praifes to Christ. God to confirmie
auti'mf&c.'X^ii.h^o- their difcipline, forbidding all manner of finne, &c,
log cap, 4. H« coim yf^i^\\ f »^ all the mifcarriages, miferies and calamities
^fwi^ZTft mcut ^^^^ ^^^^ "P°^ ^^^ ^^^^^' ^^ though they were the cau-
pVf mMdamandl, ^^S- Whereas thofe few neglected Ones which truly
ft quis ie ea. qum- ferve God are the onely men in all Places where the/
turyeoMuloqMdefa. {{ytlomakeup the hedgCyandtofiand in thegafpez-
liiombM querela eft. p^jni^ ^[^g thteatned inundations of God's dreadfiill
qu^iT ^ZZ^) wrath ; and all the Oppofites to their holy Profeffion
Hoifumm congregai'i, are the true Cut-throats of Kingdomes , able by their
qnod & dijperft. Hoc diflblutenefle , and difgracing godlinefle , to diflblve
un'tveyftyquod&fingw ^he finewes of the ftrongeft Itate upon Earth. Looke
'SJZZJZ^ upon^»«4...^. And there you Ihall finde who
Cum prebiy turn boni they are, which caule God to enter a controverfie wtth
CHunti cum f ^, cum the Inhabitants of a Land.
cafii cangregiiTituiry von
tftfaCl'u dtcenda fed turia. ^i i eontrar'io lUis nmtnfaHmmn accomodandum e(ly qui in tdiur/t
toHormn, & proberum (enfprantj qui cdverfum fdKgumetn innacifitium cencUmant, fr<ettxenies
fani ad od^ difeH(fontm, iuam quoqui vanitaiem, quod exiftiment omnii publicte cUdUy emnu ft-
fularii incemmodiy CbrilHaaoi f£e caufam. Idem, Ibid. cap. 39. Comn* in (mum ^ag.
gregatmem, ut ad Dtsim quxfi mtnufuQd pruationibuA ambiamus erantcs. Jiac vU Deograu
eft. Oramui etiam pro imperatoribas, pro mini (iris torum, ac pcttfiatibu^f proftaiu feculi, pro
rtrumqmete — Comm adlierarum divimrum cornmtmarationttitj fiquid prtefentium tempo-
rupt qitttitoiy aw prtemontre cpgif, autrecognofcere. Ctrth fid(m fanhu vocibut ptfcimtu, fpcm
ffigimuiy fiduciam ftgimtUy difciplham p,teceptorum nihUominm irtcuUitmibiu deafamus,
Jbidetn etkm exburtaimeiy cafiignionet. & cenfura divina. Ibid. cap. 59. ("m^ P/i-
itiiis enim SecundiUy cum Ttovinciam rtgnety damuatis qmbufdam Cbrifii.inis% qmbufdam
gradupfilfis, ipfa iamc» ffihhttHdine periurbaiuff quid dectttero agent, con/uluit tunc TrajaMum
ImptratBremy all'-gam pv^'tr ebftinatwntmnonfacnficand'i, nihil ditui fe defacrU eorum compe-
riffetquamcatHS aattlucmis adcanendum CJmfto & Deny & ad confmdtrandam diftiplinam '.
bemicidiumyaduUcr'Mm, frnudem, perfidiam, & catera fcelera prohibeaieilhid.ap.it^vinc.
Comm. in Chrooo!. Lib 5. Bacolc Ann. Clirifti» no. pag 6^6: (o) Contra Chri-
fiianam fidem querelas impm pllure ntn quiefcunU diuntity quod aniequam tfta doHr'maper
mundumpraaicaretur^taHtamdlaxoa p.ttltbatur genm humarmm. Augull. cpift, izz. Dicis
flurlmoi conqufri, quod belUcrtbtim furgant;quoi lues, quod fdmeifiev.ant, quodque imbrei&
pluviMferenalonga/ufpendiTftyVobiiimputaii. Cyp. Contra Dmmiamm, dkenum ChrifHn'
niSyimputari dtbe\e omiia, quibununc mttndiiiuYgeretur.snybtrka(cendatinmcmta;(i2{i-
lus non afcendu in arv&\ ft Ctdum (let it, ft terra mwltifi f'WisSj ft lun, Siat'im, Cbri ^iavui ad Le-
9ttM0,accUmaiMr. Tctttil Apology cof,^^,
Heare
Part I . Chap, 2 . Jl glided Ccnfchncet, 157
Heare bow (p) yf////« dcfcribcs (ome of thefc Cp)Auftin. ^hftim
Selfc -fee king, and Soiile-murihering Dawbers in His dicamuvobk vhUt ut
Daves ; Farre he it from us, iaith Heci that wee fhould ^«^'«/««''' '^^«'^ Oe-
r I la J ^ J. . 1 1 rt MTtemsmm perdu Jafi,
f^y unto y ops: hve oi you lift, do not troubejourfelves, ,,,^^,^,^,1^ chrifti.
God rvtllcajt away none-lonely hold the Chrtjhan Fatth: anam itnete: mnperdtt
Heerptllnotdeftroy that which Hce hcithredeemed^Hee ilitqrioa udegtit, von
yrili not deflroy thojcfor iphom He hath jljcd Hif bloud-^ /'"'^^' P^o quibm (an-
And if you pleaCe. te recreate your [elves at Plates^ yon f'f»f'^uf^Hn : Et
tnay gO'.Tvhat hurt ts there inttfAndyoH may go to thofe obuClare anims w-
Feafts, which are kept in all Townes, hyjoviallcompa- jlfos,ite: quid mtCi tfl f
nionsymaking themfelves merry ^ tus they (Upfofe^ at thefe Btffia )pf«, quit tele-
fuhlicke meetings and comejfations , hut indeed rather ''(<"^"^ P^t^^ univtrfoi
maktng themfelves moflmtferahle^Jfayjou may ^0, and I^vZ^JTm
heejoviall, God s mercy t^ great , ana may pardon all, mtnfisftipfos^uipmant
Crowne your felves with Rofes hefore they -wither. ■- — ^ucuitdttttium, reviri
ToH may fill your f elves nvith good cheere andivine^ a- '""S" pcrdestiam^ ite,
mongfl your good-felloiv companions: For the creature is "'^^>"5">»5''l»« r/? Dtl
given unto us for that furpofe thati^emay enjoy h. tmfgnojut^cmm-
Jftvefay thefe thingSyperadventure ypefhall havegrea- te ves rojss enUquam
ter multitudes applaude and adhere unto our ^oEirine. finefcant.lpiplemin'i
And if there he fome, -which thinke, thatjpeaking thefe "^^>^ Vino in vcftrii.
thimrs.ype are not-well advifde.t^e offend hut a fewymd f/'"" ''"'» ^"^^t^
tnoie precifeOncs, £m tve -winne thereby a -world of putminl' .
people. But ifrofifiall thus do,Jpeaking not the words of Hcecji dixer'mus» forti
Gody not the -words ofChrifi, hut our o-wne ; -we Jhall he congregtblnm iHtbds
Pafiours feeding our Selves, not onrfocke. mplma : & fi fiHt
TheJuthour of the imperfeSi commentary in nry- lTZr^!!LTfJ'''T
foftome forted by ((.])Jome Body mtf Homtltes upon n(itfap':u paum «f-
Matthe-w, feemes to intimate, that the caufe of the 0- fndimm, fed multiig.
ver flowing and ranknes of iniqiuty> is the bafenefle qf ''""^'^ cmcliiawu4.
thefe Self-preaching men-pleafers.' f f) Tolle hoc vitiu Si{f 'ScX
ChTiflidkratcs^ftdnoftrninmiiiPffforeinofmctipfoi pafcenUSyiieficvei. Lib. dc Piftohbus,
Tcjm.9.ijaa I ^ ^a. Aii horx.f ilic HomiJics upor;S, Matthew, (q) Nonfimt Hcmilia, Jed
Vifcio quit id difftcutit epm. Eraftn ("r ) / olle h«c vJmnt de ctere,ne vdint bemlnibm p'Mcrt^&'
Jim taOore cmnia v'uia refccantur. Ex he vim nafiitur «' »e vtlinr inttr fe md'tortm habere^ (i(nt
lucUi'^hiflim.l^owu^l Ex cap 2? 7«/w vttb». Omniaauiem opera fuafaamt^ ut ab ho-
tttlftibfuvideanrur ) I am p-rlwsdc'c', it was no fmall n)ouve to enrage the Scrihcj atid
^harifes agsinft Cbfifl, becaufe Bee taught wkb pmtt to the aftomjhmm t] fiii im^
I e 8 InftruBioHS for a right comforting Sedl. 2 •
rm. Luk- 4* } *i but de Cleroy (aith He, Take this fault from the Clergy, to
their teaching was wir, that they be not (Q meft-vleaferSyand allftnnes arf
hcartlcflc, cold, fro- ^^ji^y ^^^ dcwne. But iFthey blunt and rebate the edge
m'^ml'^'^i^'i °^'^^^ S^'^^'f^^' ^P'r^' ^^^^ dawbing,fjattery,tem-
jimmo vigort, (amrnA porizing ; or ftrike with it in a (cabbcrd garifhly and
que uttUatii v;; chri- gaudily embroiderd with variety of humane learning,
(tifermams futlfe pra- tricks of wit,Frier-hke conceits,&c.it cannot pofTibly
4titoii qtium interna cut toany purpofe;itkillstheSoule,butnotthefinne,
^ZZ'atJZ- They are the onely n,e„howfoever worldly wift-
dt €fth6imbis,&fri- dome rave,3nd unlanctihed learnmg be befides it fclf,
guU. Apud Ma lorat. to beat down finne,batter the Bulwarks of the Divell,
in Mai cap. 2».x?. g^d build up the Kingdome of Chrift j who fetting a-
(i) jtff;^'«cshyrhi^ fide aU private ends and by-refpeds, all vaine-glori-
word, €77, aabtics tn r j l- • ^ n r • ° t
Fharifaimo v'tdilctt ous, covetous, and ambitious aymes j all fervmg the
tdbucperfeveraas- Ga- times, pro; eds for preFerment,hope of rifing, feare of
lac. t.io. That Paul the face of Man, &c. addreffe themfelves, with faith-
msAinicdwithtk* fulneffeandzealetotheworkeof theLord, feekins
fault, while Hcc was ^ i c u- ■ ^- c i *
yetaPharife, & fct- nncerely to glorihe Him m converting mens Soules,
vcd the times: But (t) by the foolijhnejfe of that Preaching which God
when Hce wai con- hath (andlified, tofave them thatbeleeve : In a Word,
verted,, Heeturn«d who labour to imitate their Lord and Mafter fefru
Apn ^ ei^amof havMg{x) authority ',m* demonjtrationof the Sptrit,
'23-«'3a), « T 0eoi/j and forcer'. And not as the Scribes, "By embroidered
« {x-jw (ui^u'Toii Scabberd, I meane the very fame , which King ^ames
*-wTo/' " «^<rL" "°^ ^°"S before His Death, did moft truly out of His
^^I'°'jbiS\^^'^lK deepe, and excellent wifedome, conceive to bee the
g^ vfi^'. Bane of this Kingdome : To wit, A light, ajfe^iedand
("t^ I C-r.l. 21. unprofitable kiftde of preaching jwhtch hath beene of late
fo) Mat. 7.29. yeares taken up in C'^^urt^ Vniverftty, Ctty and Country,
(^mXtMtimh^ificct Heare fomething more largely what reafon led His
auiii0riutmj & piite- Royall judgement to this relolution ; and defire of re-
fiaii SfiiiiM. corda pc- formation :
ntirmtii-^fiicommunii ^y j }j^ Majefty being much troubled and arieved
tjlCb^e.&iftmMt- ^^tt(j,fj^^^f ^^ ^^^^^ ^ ^jrr, defeBions
Umt7ifwfafnamuntcmq-iiflribuUur pron'efuta ^\xc(y) K. lames, Thcrealons cfthe Kings
dirc^jomfor P/cachingSc L'icacucrs, «sl rccciV6«itheftu(hehandof apubitKeKe^ifter.
fiom
Pare. I . Cap. 2 . j4ffltSled Conjciencei^ 1 5 p
ficm our E.c!iaion both to Popery ^ and Annbaptipme, or
othsr Pcints of fevarathn in fome farts of this King--
dome -^ AndcoMfidering -with much admiration , tvhat
miTht be the caufe thereof ^ cfpecially in the Raiane of
Juch a King^ trho dothfo con(layitly profejfe Himfelfe an
open advcr far y to the fuperfittion of the One, and mad^
ncjfe of the other'. His Princely tvifedome conldfalliip^
on no One greater probability, than the iightnejfe, ajfe-
Elednejfe, and Hnproftahlcncjfe of that ki»de of pr each-
ing, which hath bgene of late year es too much taken ftp
in Ccm-t^ Vtiiverfity^ City, and (^ountrey. The ufuall
fcope of very many Preachers Is noted, to be a fearing up
in points ofDivinitie too deepe for the capacitieof the
people; or a muflring np of much reading ^or a disf laying
oftfjeir owne rvits, C^c.Ncw the people bred up with this
kinde of teaching, c^ never infruUed in the catechifme^
andfundamentall grounds of Religion, are for all thii
aiery nourifjment no better than abraf ise Tabul:^?, meere
Table 'Bo.oks ready to be filed up, either with the Mn'
nualSf and (^atechifmes of the Popijh Priefisyor the Pa^
pers and Pamphlets cf(iy^nabaptij}s,(2r-c, -
In another place, he refembles with admirable fit-
nefie the unprofitable poinpe, and painting of fiich
Selfe-feeking di(courres, patched together and ilufc
with a vaine-glorious variety of humane allegations,
to the red and blew flowers, that pefer the come, when it
fiands in the fields; where they are more noyfome to the
growing crop, f ban beauttfull to the beholding eyeJThey
are Kin -^^ faw?s his owne (-&) words. Whereupon, a C^) In the Preface to
Httle after, he tells the Cardinall; That it was no ^tco- '"'* '^'-"'^'nftrancc a-
ram to enter the Staae with a VcncUs,inhis mottth^bm fhTr ^"l^'nT, ""^
■with thejacred Name of hod : Norj/youla his Lordjhipy yg^f,
Saith hi5 Majefty', have mar/hailed the p'^Jpige of a
Royall Prophet, and{x.Toety after the example of an ^0 ^i^ fiteret cum
heathen Oratour : ij^^^"'''* ^oratm ?
Tbefe things being fo ; how peftilent is the Art of ^cZ %7^'S!f '
Spirkuail Dawbiag ? What miferable men are Men- Hie.oa.
pleafers.
i6o
JftfiruEiions for a right coTnfort'tng Se*fl. 2 .
pleafers, who being appointeJtohelpe mens Soules
outofhell, carry them headlong, an. 1 hood- winkt by
their unfaithftilnefle and flatteries towards everlafting
,.,,,,. ,. miferies? Oh, how much better were it, and comfor-
Fatthlull dealing , ' u ^ ^ . j j i
I. Commended from table ror every man that enters upon , ana undertakes
(b;o»«d, vel Atz,ch' that moftwaighty and, dreaJfuU charge of the Mini-
rum humtm formidan' ftery, a (^ ) burden, as Some of the Ancients elegantly
dum^ litquetnm no- aniplifie it , able to make the (lioulders of the moft
^^mSmtTnl- "^^§^^7 A ngell in heaven to fhrinke under it, to tread
gukrmnde, fedUe in the fteps of bleffed (c) Paul ; by -ufifig no flattering
w
•words, nor a cloake of covetoufnejfe, nor feekiyig glory
of men ; but preaching infeafon^ and. om offeafon ; rtot
04 the Scribes^ hut in the demonflration of the Spirit^
and of power j Keeping nothing backe that ii profit abie^
declaring unto their hearers all the counfell of God;
holding the Spiritual! children which God hath given
them, thciv glory, joy, and crowne ofrejoj/ctng,(\[l[ wat-
ching for the Soules of thetr flocks as they that mufi give
wtivw»y ^ -" account, Heb. 13. i?. fTheterrour of which place,
te Nam iUi vigilant ('d)C^9'y«'y?<?w^profe{reth,made his heart to tremble}
pro animbm vt^<U. i f^y by fuch holy and heavenly behaviour, as this, in
^m]ui commmaii- ^^-^ Miniftety ; To be able at lead to fay wjth him in
fincenty, not without unipeakeable comfort: (e}/
ta^syoH to record this Day that I am pure fiom the
blond of all men ! Let us be moved to this courfe and
frighted from the contrarie ; by confideration of the
different eflfecfls and confequents ofplaine dealing,and
, dawbingjin refpedl of comfort or confufion : Faithfiil-
nefie this way :
1 . Begets thofe which belong unto God to grace
and new obediencetSee Peters piercing Sermon, A£l,
2. Recovers thofe Chriflians, which are fallen, by
remorfe and repentance, to their former for wardnes,
and firft love ; See Nathans down-right dealing with
David: i.Sam.iZ.y.l^. '
3 . Makes thofe which will not be reformed, inex-
cufable.
fnndioM Attgeliu vir
/«rMi«d<ie«i«. Chryf.
de Sacercotio,Lib 6,
(c) I Thcl. i. 5.^.
Matth./.*?.
1 Cor. X. 4.
A6tiiO,xo.t6.
(d)Parete^squipr<'
fmtv^iSy &conudi-
enii tmov univiimvn
iisetteift*.
I. Convening
unconverted
ijie
». Rccovcting the fai-
lent
ji. Ma1<«ngth€wi!fiJll
tncxculabic.
Part I . Chap. 2 . Agisted Qonfciences, j^i
cufable. See P/tu/s Sermon to Foe/ix ; eyfSi. 24. 25.
How ftrangely will this fellow bee confounded , and
more than utterly without all exciife, when he lliall
meet PauUt that great day,before the higheft ludge?
4. It is right pleafing and profitable to upright ,. Comfo^tins «p'
hearted men, and all luch as happily hold on m a con- righi mei>.
flant and comfortable courfe of Chriftianity. Do not
my words do good to him that walketh uprightly ? Alica.
2.7. It makes them dill more humble,2ealous,watch-
full, heavenly minded, &c .
5. Hardens the rebellious and contumacious. See < w, j • 1,
rf)7A.chap.6. In which faithful! Minifters arealfo bciw"'"^^ ^^'
Hnt9 God a fweet favour ofChrifi. 2 . Cor. 2 . i j . (f) Promnckt forty ut
6. And the Man of God himfelfe (hall hereafter pop'^^i^ ftione, & in^
blefledly (%)Jhine as the brightneffe of the firmament, '^^"''"^ dtftUum,
and as the Starresfor everandever. And all thofe hap- pfrCSi^'S-'
pie Ones which he hath puld out ofHell by his down- tmtn fmul admontt,
right dealing, (hall (h) raigne and rejoyce with Him opmmprophettt^quam*
in unknowns and unfpeakable Bliffe through alleter- ^^«*"'^w/ay7/, «/»«•-
•• "^ tiftraludtU,ftbigra.
" ^' turn fare facrificium.
Calv.inlfa. cap 6.Efiqttidemhocdl£lu antrum dlvinUui prtphetamtniiti, qni aures ebiuref,
oculoi oblmt.& COY pepuli $b[tineu quia vldeniur htct minime comftUre in Dei -/jaiuram, adto .
que alitna tfje ab e]us vcrbr» Sed abfurdum videri non debet, ft dim fopuU malhiam uU'ma. excai'
cationeuUifcitur. • — Ta'iiixceeauoaiqueinduramnanproficlfdiwf ex naturd verbiyfedacciden-
talis {(i^r^UquehominMwpfuvUati tribuenda, ib:d. liecdsusinecverbum^ nee frepheu^ perfe
qnenqui txcxcmi. De propbetd. turn & virbo hie dtcitur. Immo & de ipfo Deo } oh.i 1.40. Ca ufaj
quiavtrbum.qtiodper prepbitoi covdonatM ejlVeiiCy quibufdam ex auidentefii odor mortifiTi.
Ln/liofta clmffimd fuce fib't oppofitd magis ucutief. Canora vox l<edet amtt debiliores. CMUydffitia.
ffigiddytffervcfcet. Sculjncuniemlocum, 6. Procuring an hippy place to them which
ufc it. (^) Dan 1 1. 3. (hj Et hoc attendite fairci, quid omntt tanales medki, qmtiei ad
ees qui in i otpsre ^grotare videntur^ vemunt^ omnia qua tis deU£labi!ia t([e videbantur ahft'at-
dun% & quod dulcet ft, ad integrum inter dicunt, Aliquoiitietiam frigidim auipere nonftrmit'
tunty inierdum & amariffinuu puiaaei biberecogunty&afpen'miiferramm'is vulfierafequcnter.
imidunt. Hoc ergo quod pro /axitau torpoum carnatesmedici faciuntt pra animarumfa'^
lutefpirituaUs medici ixereere cotinduni H^ec ergo fo^itam frairisihirifimi & tarn pro med quam
pro ve!ird[alute rattonem me rtdditurum efe ante tribunal teterni judim uenigflorafu, eligo a^e-
ra qkjdimjtdfalubria vobis mtdicaments ingerere, ut vobifcumpofit^ in Angelo) uts confoitiopir*
petudmtrear i?uolumitacegaudere. (SteifttivtarSy in what fcnfe we/wr" is b( re to 6c
taken. It makes nothing «t all for the Popilh rotten TemHt of Merit. ) AHgufif dt
Temp,ser.67,
U tktt
J ^2 JnfirHclio»sfor a right comforting Se(5l. 2 .
a. Compared with Biit now on the Other fide the Eftsdls of Dawbing
dawbing, whofc cf- and men-plcafingare inoft accurfed and peftilent;in
fcasaielttdownem ^^a^y .efpeds.
Voods vvcKd. . I . In refped of God's Word and meflages : firft,
not dividing it, and difpenling them aright. Secondly,
OiOaonouring the Majeftvjand weakening the power
of them many times, with the unprofitable mixture of
humane allegations, oftentations of wit, fine Frier-
like conceits digged with much adoe outofPopifh
poftils, &c. Even as we may fee at harveft time a land
of good corne quite choaked up with red, blew, and
yellow flowers. As King lames doth, excellently allude
(.) In the Prtface of in the forecited {i) place. Thirdly, Fearefull propha-
bis Rcnsonftrance a ning them by mif-application againfi: God's will:
gainS Cardinall Ter- ^^^ Making the heart of the righteous Sad, whom God
y^T g 1, ,, jj^ rcoMld not have made Sad : and flrengthening the hands
^ • * oftherf>ick.ed,thatheJhoHld}70tretHrnefl'omhis-)vicked
voay^ by fromifinghim ///<?. FourtMy,Villanous perver-
tingandabufing them to their owne advantage, ap-
plaufcrifing, revenge,and fuch other private ends:
?i7l'» "^^mmllli DO- ^' ^" ^^^P^^ o^ ^^^^ flattering, and unfaithful! Mi-
Liw'^d« t^'^'ii* f?^cH' nifl:ers themfelves. Firfl:,Extreme vilenefle, Ifa.9. 1 5 .
lamii muirit, (]h'hi Secondly,(/^Guiltinefle of fpirituall bloudflied.^-^ie')^.
ipfe hunt eccidi!, qn\ ^ j g ^ Thirdly, Liableneffe to the fierce wrath of God,
iumtaando morn pro jntheDay ofvifitation. fer. 14.1$ .i.Ki»g.22,2S.
The Hearer . 3 . In refpedl of their hearers, who delight in their
4*. Boih MiniHcrand lies,in their fmooth and filken Sermons, fudden, hor-
Hcarcr. rible, and unavoidable confufion. i/^. 30. 1 3.14.
Suibm ome conjlhm .^. Burning both toi^etber in hell for €ver,with-
ah e(jrHW/<i?3£«'««?WH?<i^f*ifrfi'% ^» ([ua. vecenoi convrmmm^ rus conjimgiwur^nos rei tfe cftindl'
jjj^^ ^iifntira en malt, cuaproprii hibcmw^al'icnai quaqut mirtti addi' w quiz tot eccidi'
Ce piruiTi & ce'/ttefiatim cfje^ ut ili,is(acuki.as ra'^afiirutn ccnfuuudmiohlh vare mmir.i dti3-
tl'tsredqua>:iim<idmen}ulicriimreai}or!eperv(mt,epi!daliqi{iSfarumircf(Cit ddmomno rrtay
quia^vohistgonciteiix'.ni &pfo me, &fvo vf^iurnalamfurnre'idjturui taiiuiumln dicpduy^
^ x/Q'ifcum triihi ait mcfffi tturvajuppiuia fn^mtrt. Egg me apud Vium atfolvOj dum itertm
arque itcrum admoncDparah & conufior, Aug. dc temp. Scr. z^r,
r-ut
Part I . Chap. 2 . J[ff,fUed Confciences. 1 5 j
out timely and true repentance : banning there each
other continually, and crying with mutuall hideous
yellings : O thou bloody Bi^tcher ot our Soules, hadft
thou beene faithful! in thy Miniftery, we had efcaped
thefeeternall flames I O miferable man that I am;
Woe is me, that ever I was Minifler : for now befides •
the horrour due unto the guiltinefle of mine owne
damned Soule,! have drawn upon me, by my unfaith-
fiill dealing,the cry of the bloud of all thofe foiiles, who
have perifhed under my Miniftery, to the everlafting
enraeinc of my already intolerable torment! ~ - (^^ For the painful.
Give meleave toconcMe this point withthat .T^I^^frf "Zt
patheticall and zealous paflage or reverend & learned ing, wherein there is
6'r<f<?;//7^»?againftnegligentPaftours,amongft whom ordinarily fo much
I may juftly ranke and reckon alfb all Davobers (for as* a.Tcftationon the one
well never a whit,as never the better; and Men-plear onXmhcrof'fuch
fers : For lelfe-preachers are,for the moil part, (n) fel- a jjale of carbfiry
dome-preachers. Heare (0) his words : vatiery 06 cxtraordi-
Were there any love of God from their hearts in thofe ^ nary conceits, tricks
Vffho in fie ad of feeding to falvation, fiarve many thoU' ^^"^'5» o^^p^^^'o^ of
fands to defirtiSfion: I dare fay, and fay it boldly ^that for pms thlVen man to
all the j>romotio.ns under Heaven , they would not offer a great deals of pains,
that injury to one Soule , that noro they offer to many and tortures his
hundred Soules. ButyLord^ horo do they thinks to give ^'^ cxtrcmeIy:Thcn,
^p their(jp) reckoning to thee,who in mofifiriB account trnTt^li^M^^i
coramitting it fa punflually and prccilcly to meanory; The fcarefulneflc in dcllTcry, and
danger of being oaf, Vaine gloiious, doubring that they I'hsU not be applauded, as they
^werc wont.Feare, lew the next time fhoi/ld kiren^hcir former reputation of wit, reading,
&c Ifay,fL'chconfi.ietatioosasthcfe, arc many time; notable curbes, to keepe them
from appealing tco often in th:: f ujp;c. ("o^ ^n H^s Godly Obfervationt, concerning di-
vers Arsumcnis,and Common Places \\ Rciigion. Cnp. 15. ("p) Vaiiiwm qitotidii nO'
b'lfcum raiiofiesiquM cum no^roindice habih;m:'^. . — Penlcmw quod lucrum Dtofic'imui nos^ qui
accepto talento ab ce adn(ZpUumm:lfn'umtu. Stsnimdicit: Hsgotiimlm dumvmio. Ecu jam ve-
nlt^ (cce de nofira mgoth lucrum requirii.^na's el an'mztii lucrum de noflfa negot'vLtione tngnfira-
bimui} ^dstiiuicenCpiQuianimarummanip'ttoi dtpftedkatmlsTioflrie ftgut ill atari ftimii^?
Ponnrnm antt etu'.oi nnfiios ilium tame difthMionk diem qw judex vinlet, & raiicmnty cum fer-
visquibui tatenta o edidit,p»net.Ecce in maie^izteterribilii inter aTtgelammatque archangelorum
chores vide bit ur- /a illo tanto examine, eltilorum omnium & reproborum muliitudt deducet ur, &
uxufquifque quid (it operatiu oftiadeiuK Ui Petrus cum ludted. convtrfi^ qu-m po^ ft traxit apfd..
r:bit.lbiPMlmco«uarjHm,utiiadixerim^madmiMi9S, Ibi Andreas po^ fc Achaimi iti
M3 mH
, ^A JyifTrticlioKS for a right comforting Seft. i .
Itumn Afiim^ T^ho -will take the anfyeer of every Soule com:n'ttted unto
mas Iniu.ini, in an thtm one hj one? Or with tvhat eares do they often heare
^aumfui ]4dkiscon ^^^^ -vehement (beech of our Saviour Chrtll.Feed^Feed.
S.«».«;« r'g-'i- ^''^' yrtth^bat eyes ao they fo often reade that pter^
titi '.urn inmarum In cingfpeech of the Apoft/e,I-eed taepccke committed nn-
ifU atp^rtbuMi, qh'i to you f But if none of thefe Trill move them, then the
fcn^k prddicationUiis £ord open thetr eyes jo heare the grievous groanes of
Uilfr tot ft^ti cam <"?. ^^^^ comfUintng agatnB them; Lord the revenger
grigibui jVu ante titr- of blood, heboid thefe men, vhor/i thou hafifet over hs to
si p.t^#/« iCttiaJ i^fxc- giijg Hi the bread of life, but they have net given it w:
rmt, nes mifai qwJ q^^ tongues, andthe tongues of our children havefiucki
^Ourtfxnw, qui ^^ ^^^ ^^r^ of our mouthesfor calling and crying- , and
mgetium vacut ndi. ^hey ypould not tai^epttty on mtWe have given them the
Ktui, qui pafioium no tenths vhich thou appointedfh us, but they have not gi-
men bsbuimM, & evi ■^f„ us thy truth; which thou haft- commanded them: Re-
quastxnuwmnio no- ^.^^^^hem, O Lord,as they have rewarded usiLet the
tiro dtbtamus eflctee , j / j ■ i /r . .
^. -,«. u.f:,n„s 3 Hie bread betweene their teeth tame to rottenneUein their
pafioris vocati fumuf, bowels . Let them be c loathed with Jhame, and confufion
&i\ii greiimnonduci- of face, as with a garment : Let their wealth, Oi the
jww.Grcgor in £var- 'X)ungf-om the earth,befwept anvay by their executors;
g€l. Horo. 1 7. ^^^ ^^^^ their geld and filver, yohich they have falfely
treafured up, let centirjually be written , The price of
blood, the price of blood : Tor it is the value of our
hlood,0 Lord, Ifthoudidfi heare the blood of ^^^
being but tne man, forget not the blood of many , when
thougoefi into judgement.
Chap.
Part I .Cap. 3 . AffliEled Qonfciences,
i6s
CHAP. III.
9yf ffenerall dire ^ ion for avoiding the former err our.
Now returne to re(5lifie and tender a
remedy againft the firft aberration.
Which I told you was this : When
mercy,Chrifl-,diepromires,raIvation,
heaven,and all are applied hand over-
head, and falfely appropriated to iin-
mui quterere Cbriflum,
mfi'mpulftfetifUaliqua
miftrye^ ac indigtHM
mfira. Qui valciit,
non egcBt medico,
feci male afFcflij j»^«ic
Cbriftuij Venire ad
hambled Tinners : whofe Soules were never rightly
illightned with fight of finne , and waight of God's
wrath ; nor afflided to any purpofe with any legall
wound, or hearty compun(5l:ion by the Spirit of bon-
dage: In whofe hearts, (^) fenfe of their fpirituall mi- me omncs, qui fati-
ferie^and want,hath not yet raifed a reftlefle arid kind- |'" ^ oQcrati edit,
ly thirft after fef^ C^^rifi. L?rcatt"SJJ m
*In this cafe mine advife is^that all thofe who deale iguur chrl^um JUdi'
with others about their Spiritual ftates,and undertake cant^ chrifii txtmplt
to direfl in that high and waighty affaire of mens Sal- **^ ^fc<int, nmpe^qua
vation, either pablickly or privately in their Miniflry, ntlaaiSdt^'*^ %'^
visitations of the ficke, or otherwife; that they would jf'Ja/u^Uaf'e^Zii
follow that courfe of which I largely difcourfed a in chri^o^tedem tmf»-
little before taken by God himfelfe, his Prophets, his >"« mimHlandos effeip-
.Sonne, the Apoftles, and all thofe men off r) God in ff^P'^^f « miftr!^
all ages, who havefet themfelves, with Sincerities a^JittJm^mZ
du( partes deHrintefewptr con]urigend* finty DeSriaa miftrle) & DoClr'tnM mifemwdue in Cbri-
fio Itju. Rolluc. in loannemxap 4. Cr), Let none fpcake againft the preach-
ing of the LaWjfor i t is the wbolefonae way ihat God Himfelfe, and His Servants in all A*
geshavc taken. ^-Jc did reprn?c,convincejandcurfe.<4^«andEi;f, and after he prca died,
the Seedofthc Woman fliallbreake the Scrpcntshead.' — ^So lobii Bap:i(i dah withHu
hearers And our Saviour Cfo-i/? Taith, Hf canr.e to feeke, and to fave the loft. Pr:<r, A^s
2 sz-firft preached the Law, and aftcnhe Gofpcll. So PauliadSiltUf Acls i g. The con-
trary is the way to make people curie usheieaftcr, though it picafe them for iheprcfcntj
As if one (houid heale a fore on the top,and not corro(ire ir, to draw and cSte oat the
core, it would withiij a while breakc out againe, withfarre gteatC danger: Soflj^Uwee
find i intbiscafe RogetsofDedhaminHis'D9^riHe^ofFAitbjp^g,97.99t * Pics
Fiift humble men with the Law.
reacbexsmuity
M^
&ith-i
i66
InfirnBionsfor 4 right comforting
Sed^.2;
CO The law firft ^"^^^^^1^^^"^^^' ^"^ allgood Confcience, to feeke God's
humbles, thea the gloriein thefalvationoFmens Soiiles j to difchargea-
GofpclJ cooiforrs. right their dreadfull charge , and to h^epe themfehes
The Law bath three pf^fefrom the blocd of all men ; to Wit, That they la-
i^HKnctb^'^^iircr"'. ^o"*^ ^^^'^ ^"^ niaine,in the firft Place, by the know-
ble {inner, in whom
ledge, power, and application of the Law, (/) to il-*
God haih'a meaning lighten. Convince, and terri fie thole that they have to
to wojke faiib, wlcb ^q with, concerning converllon, with a fenfible par-
a clcaic and pmjcu- ^j^uiar apprehenfion, and acknowledgement of their
ry, «id wofuli^ttate wretchednefle,and miferable eftate,by reafon ot their
HcQandsmbyrmne. finfulneffe and curfednefle: To breake their hearts,
Secondly, it doth al bruife their Spirits, humble their Soules, wound and
fo by the working ef awake their Confciences, &c. To brin^^ them by all _
Ihc paC?iSn! «»^^nes ^o ^h^^ ^^g^^^ aftonifhment,trouble of minde,
particuUr'ly true of and melting temper, which the Miniftry of ^ohn Bap-
Hiw, which before tift, Paul and Peter wrought upon the Hearts of their
hearers.i,,«/^. 3 . i o. 1 2. 1 4. AEi. 1 6. 5^0. And 2.3 y.That
they may come crying feelingly and from the heart, to
thofe Men of God who happily failened thofe kt&m
arrows of compun6lion and remorfe in the (ides of
their Confciences, and fay ; Men and Brethren^ rvhat
He ufed to pofte o-
vecHit head, as per
Mining to Others, not
to Him.Batn^>w God
makes Him take this
10 Himfelfe, and to
app^y & approprine f^allwe do? Sirs, what mufifvedo to befaved? &c, As
they fhouldhave faid : Alas! we fee now, we have
it,atifthc Minidcr
Ipo<e to Hioa alone
by Namc^ and to
thinkc the Minifter
knowet all His heart,
Ipokctb on Him, and
Ipyakes dircfily to
IiimjThottot»it may
be ih; MjiiiO.er
beenein Hell all this while ; and if we had gone on a
little longer, we had moft certainly lien for ever in the
fiery Lake ; The Divell and our o wne lufts were car-
rying us. hood-winkt,and head-long towards endlefTe
perdition. W ho would have thought wee had beene
fach abhominable beafts , and abhorred Creatures as
knew Him not,or not your Miniftry hath made us: and in fo forlorne and
rt.scafe, ba- God ^^^p^^n eftate? Now yonbleffed MenofGod, helneus
makes Hjoi 10, to r \ • ir cr ■ • u c r \ cl
tbinkc. Thirdly up- owt ot tmsgulfeof Ipirituall contuhon , orwcareloit
on cbcfc iwo,ii raikth terroDr,andpurs liiisfnner out of His old, fecurc, and peaceable
CDurfcof impenitenc<,that He wenton in. Whether it be the prophancrhatwent on
boldlyiuHis finne^ orihecivjllmantrufting in Hisowne righteoufncire And makes
Uimasoiu flifninto the flcih with a croflc, er bearded urow, which Hec cannot (hake
out,nor ahide the fmart,6utftampcs as one flung with an Adder, ibatcanQoi ftandHij
ground) but is wholly poflcflcd with kiitrJbld. fig^ 6 8 , crc*
ever-
Part I . Cap. 3 . AffliSied Confciences,
i6y
Miioy puniendopiftt'
m. Ads. 1. J7.
everlaftingly . By your difcovery of our prefent finfull
and curfed eftate, we feele our hearts torne in * pieces
with extreme, andreftlefle anguifh, as though many
fiery Scorpion's flings ftucke f-afl in them;Either leade
us to the fight of that bleCfed iAnti-tyfe of the Bra<,en
Serfent to coole and allay the boyling rage of our guil-
tie wounds, or we are utterly undoneiEither bring us
to the Blood of that jt^fi and holy One^ which with
execrable villany wee have fpilt as water upon the
ground, that it may binde up our broken hearts, or
they will prefently burft with defpaire , and bleed to
eternall death. Give us to drinke of that foveraigne ^^*- ^ ^' ' *
Fountaine,opened by the hand of mercy, for allthirfty ^ ^' ^'^'
Soulesor elfe we dye. There is nothing you can pre-
scribe, and appoint, but we will moft willingly do.
We wil with all our hearts , plttcke ont our right eyes, Matih . 5'. 2 9. 30.
cut off our right hands ; We meane, part without be- CO ^»«h. ^l'^ ,
loved lufts, and deareft finfull plealiires; abominate, mean: %w,'* and 'by
and abandon them all for ever, firo m the heart root to /<//w^ \t, thc'rcnoun-
the Pit of Hell .- If we can be rid of the Devils fetters cing and difchiming
welcome fhall be Chrifi'sfweet and eafie yoke : In a ?»^!;"^'T"\°^ ^^
word,wewilirO/^Af4//,evenallourSinnestotheIan: [aJrof^'Siog w«
filthy ragge of our heretofore doted upon miaion de- t^o^ requires ) to
lights {0 that wee may injoy our blefied 7<!/^> whom, pait with the righ^
you have told us, and we now beleevcG'^^sf^^f^ made andthle^ardintaeft;
I ^i T ] ^^A ru^ifl. si^r> th^t aminbathun-
both Lord and Chrtft: &c. ^^ j^. ^1^^ ^^^^^^ ^^j
inward love roir,aHd the euiwjrd and comncnnpraSircofit. Hec that would cnjsy ibis
heavenly treafurcjw! ich the Lord dothfo freely and gracioufly tander unto u«, bythe
prcachingof iheGjfpcU, muft rcfolvc to mike a through- fale, and to foriake not (one,
but every finne, evcty conuptionj every breach of the willof God, whatfocvcr, Hhron In
bii third Sermon up9u Maitb, ij.44. WhatntuAth^nnnerfe]]? Ail that Hee haji. Wh;B
it chat?His Goods, Lands, Children ? No, Thcfe be noneof his owne, God ha; h but lent
hitn the(e to r.le^ and lome th it would have Chrii^, and (hall, have no goods to fell: Whac
then js our ownc? Our finncs and nothing clfe. He that will have part in Chrift, muft pirt
with his finnes; He cannot have Chrift,and kcepc any O.se of them. Rogers is \m 2>f»
Rrim (<f Faith, p. 17 1. &c. ^i velii fro digniiattftd tftimxn donum hec q'lhi offifi tbri^tti,
quantum ft(-^me (ft tfijampfimi*mdep:cc(itli{uiij& mifiridco^ut',fc en'mfitt Ut plurisfMciU
Cbr!ftum,qu^i» univeifum hunc munsium\ enrnqne tvidi ad ft erip}it,adMifiauimflti & S*543
ttrnfaam *\ernam Kolloc. in Icran. c^ 6. pag.|7^.
M4 Novr
"^166 Irjftru^ions for a right comforting Sedl . 2 •
Then hcak them Now when we fnallfee^and findein romemeafiire
With the Gorpcll, ^.j^g hearts of our Hearers, and fpirituall Patients thus
COThoueh a Man prepared ; both by legall dejeflions and terrouVs from
dares not apply the the fpiritof bondage ; (t) and alfo pofftfled with fuch
promifcto One.oac- melting and eager affedions, wrought by the light of
ly tcriificd by the theGofpell, and Offer of Chri ft : When their Soules
f^Xs'tabLrr ^"^^ ^^S^" ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^""^^ ' even their beft beloved
the Gofpcll"and cox/ ^"^^ ^^^^^y and burdenfome ; to prize 7^/?/^ Chrifi far
trite hcartedjwc dare before all the world, to thirft for Him infinitely more,
doc no oth.r.Rogerjj than for riches, pleafures,honors,or any earthly thing*
♦Af/^^ '^^* to refolue to take him as their husband, and to * obey
' Cu j H*^ ad exlllum ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^°^^ ^'^^ ^^^^> ^^« ^"^ ^^^ ^^^^ in truth : I
tabilonicum re(lwigen- fay thenjand in this ca(e, we imy have comfort to mi-
^anouejje^dixhqmpc.. nifter Comfort. Then, upon good ground we may go
tentlatiffmt.&dcCtfl- about our Matters command, i/^.40.1. f which man-
Zdi^tt'i^^lTP: Ple^i'ers many times pittifuUy ^bnic)Comfon :^e,Co^r..
dfue eftvU i(U c^nfo- firtye my people; ( (u) I meane in refped: of fpirituall
^ndi S.)itiemmcll,t- bondage) —Speakeye comfortably to '}erHf(ilem,and
rigiH affliSios & pro- cry unto Her, that Her warre ii accomplijhed, that Her
pam,tm£iah &f(re Iniquity m pardoned . We may tell them, with what a
^6i Uvure triftnid. compaliionate Pang, and dearecompellation , God
Calvin, Himlelfe labours to refrefli them . Jfa.<)^. 11. Oh thou
Qtfiti (^aptivloi & li ajfliEied, and to fed with tempefi , that hafi no comfort •
bcTAtio ilia cffrporalu behold, I mil lay thy fi ones wtthfaire tolours , and lay
Th Tl^TZ. (^)thyfoHndationsmthSaphirsy^c. Wemayaffurc
fpirituaiii', nex in U- ^nem m the Word or life and Truth, that fe/us Chnft
tcrabanndumnobisjtd is theirs, and they are His : And compell them , as it
ad (apivnatis Q)'mtui Were, by an holy violence, not without a great deale
%itrmU"^m^ ofjuft indignation againft their lothnefle to bcleeve,
itmq,Hd(mpmmfem- ^"^ holding offin this cafe to take his Perfon, His me-
piunupercbrilluvifi. rit, His bIood,all His Spirituall riches, priviledges, ex-
{lie ccpiatmem ajjur- cellencies: And with Him pofleffion of all things,even
gjndum tm. Scuk, of the moft glorious * Deitie it felfe, blefled for ever:
rorolymaUqfiitHt.cuSwi ^ee I. C^'r.?. 21.22.23. /o^.iy.Zl.
./J<wdflwf«faw,G)bri^«J.i Cor,3.ii.Scul .inlpcutn. *In that fenfc »s I teach in my Expofi-
don of the Isft article of the beliefe. Faith in the (irft aS, makcth us Chrinsj reconciles m
CO him, makes us one witb him, and by Him with God the Father, O, D,
But
l6g
n^s vi
-A P^r:. I . Cap , 3 . JffltRed Confciences,
■ ^^ ■
* -jput now in the meane time, untillfenfe of Spiritu-
al! mifery and poverty raife an hunger and thirit after
Icfus P^rifij bcfo re fuch lir%e preparations, and prece- Before the Lew, /»
dent affe(5tions,as have been fpoken of, be wrought in unfeafanable, as is
the hearts of men,by preffing the Law, and proclaim- P^°^^^ h ^' ftJwo-
ing the Gofpell, and that in Sinceritie, (for the degree
and meafure,we leave it to God,as a mofl free Agent,
infomethcy may beftronger , in (bme weaker j the
preaching or promifmg of mercy, as already belong-
ing unto them is farre more unfeafonable, and un-
fccme\v,x.hcin SnoTv in Summer^ raine inhatvefly or
honour for afoole . It is upon the matter, the very Sea-
ling them up with the Spirit of delufion , that they
may never fo much as thinke of taking the right courfe
to be converted. What fottifh and facrilegious auda?
cioufncfle then is it in any Dawl>er to thru ft his pro-
phane hand into the treafurie of God's mercie, and
there hand overhead, without any allowance from
his higheft Lord tofcatter His deareft and mofl orient
pearles amongfl Swine ? To warrant falvation to any
unhumbled Sinntx'^Tofirengthen the hands of the wic-
kfd, who never yet tooke finne to heart to any pur-=
pofe , and thirfl farre more (inch true Gadarens are
they) after gold, fatisfying their owne lufts,and perk-
ing above their brethren, than for the blood of^/^r*/?, .
hy fromifmq them life? To afTure meere civill men, and
Pharifes wno are fo farre from the fenfe of any fpiritu-
all poverty, that they are already fwolne as full as the
skinne will hold , with a felfe-conceit of their owne
rotten righteoufnefle, that they i]iall \^ laved as well
as the mofl puling precifian ? Efpecially, fith there is
fuch a cloud of ypitnejfes to the contrary , as you have
heard before. Befides all which, upon this occafionj
take two or three moe. Hearc a moft faithfull and
fruitfiill workeman in the Lords harvefi,oFgreat skill,
experience and fucceffe in the moft glorious Art of
converting Soules, which make&me more willing to
ujg,e
An expehaacntal!
Divine.
lyo JnfirHB:ions for a right comforting Sedl. 2^
urge his autboritie , and efteeme his judgement in
fy^Rogwof Dedhatn Points of this nature. None, (y) faith he, can prove or
in hi» Doftrino of fherv frefident , that faith wm wroHght in an Infiant at
Faiib, pag. 63. f'ffh^ -without any preparation going before : Nor can it
be conceived how aman fljottld beleeve in ChrififorfaL
vationjthatfelt not htmfelfe before in a miferahle eftate,
and wearied with it, anddefired to get out of it into a
better. As the needle goes before 1 9 pierce the cloth and
makes way for the thred to few it : So ii it in this cafe.
Afterward Hee tels us how and in what manner and
order,thefepre-difpofitions, and preparative A(fls, re-
. . „ quired for the plantation of faith, and fo fecuring us of
friLnto^SlowLe: the right feafon , and a comfortable calling to aflure
gall tcrrour,and pre- men of Spirituall fafety,are wrought in fuch,as God i$
cede that repent jnce drawing unto 'j-efas Chrifl. He requires from the law,
which !$ the Dangh. ^{rB:, Illumination : SecondW, ConviSlion : Thirdly,
tcrofFjithj and in L^^allterrour, FromtheGofpeUby thehelpeof the
order of nature fol- ^ ^. „. „ * ,■ ^/ ^ j 0^ ji^ m ir
lowes after it. Sec Spi"t ; Firft, Revealing the remedy : Secondly, Teltefe
ibid.pig III. IIS. of it in gener all :yhira\yi Support in the meane time
I > 3 • s «4 . fromfmkirfg under the burthen,and falling into delfaire,
Secalfo Mi&cT H$e fourthly, (z) C(fntrition -, Which is attended, with
&r/ad:d'°n"e fo-^e kinde of, Fird.^f «• Secondly,..^«y? Third-
fccond Edition. ly, C^<?. Fourthly, (a) Ho/xf. Fitthly,;ojK. Sixthly,
(a)If any be troubled, Hungring and thir fling after mercy , and after ^hnfi,
bccaufc hcc talkcs of Seventhly, Refolution to fell all, to wit, all finnes, not
FaTh,^ ht Him feekc ^^ ^^^ve an hoofe behinde,8cc. And thus (faith he) god
fatisfadion. \bid. pag.
i6i.i6a' and weigh well His d5ftinAion.ofthcGiftsofGod,j>(t9, 125,1 %6 where He tels
m of three kindcs ot them: Firftaforae common to Elect, andKeprobaic; as knowledge in
Scripture, Prophecy, Tongues, Miracles, and fuchlike. Secondly, fomc fpeciall, belono*
ingtothcEIcAonely, asFaiih, by which weare juftincd, a renewed heart, a good con-
fcience, the fcare of God, ard fucli like graces. Thirdly, fomc middle onci, wrought in
ihcheartofthofcjiliatbenotyctaflually thechildicnof Godj ycr certainely fball brj
And which whcfoeycr have wrought inihrm, fliallfurcly have Faith, and cannot goc
long without itj Such IS thii contrition, and fuchxlilpofitionsasbc in men before Faiib,
which yet are wrought by tac Gofpcll. Thcfe .ue better then common Gifts, yet not
aSuallGracrs, and yet gracious inclinations to Faith, which are in thofe that are to bee
juflificdjand which ("if wcfpeakepropefly^ cannot be wrought in any that fliall perifli,
at JUafitr Hooker in the Vnface to the fkmt Bcpfie.
brings
Part I .Cap. 3 • <iAffliBed (^onfciencei, 1 7 1
brings along the man.^ that He purpofeth to make His,
Anayvhenhe iiat thisfajfe^God feales it up to him^and
inables him to belee-ue ; tyfnd faith: Sith thou wilt haze
no Nay^Be tt unto thee according to thy defire: And God
fealeshimufhythe Spirit of promife, as furely as any
ypritingu madeffirehyfealingof it. Then he heleeves
the H^rdof God, and refls , and cafis himfelfe upon it.
And thus he finds himfelfe difcharged of all woe, made
partaker of all good, at peace in himfelfe^and fitted^and
in tune to do God fame fervice, This is tofome fooner, to
fame later '^ according to the helps anh, meanesthey have,,
and wife handltngthey meettvithall y and as God gives
power, It is hard to fay , at what inflant faith i^
wrought, whether not till aman feeles that he appre-
hends the promifes, or even inhisearnefl defiresy huH'
gring and thirfiing \ For even thcfe are pronounced
bteffed.
But here (for I defire and endeavour as much asl
can pollibly , in every paflage to prevent all matter,
both of fcruple in the upright hearted, and of cavill in
the contrary minded) letno truly humbled finner bee
difcouraged.becaufe He cannot findein himfelfe thefe
feverall workings, or other graces, in that degree and
height, which Hee defires and hath perhaps , feene, ^^.^^^ ^.^^.^^^
heard, or read of in Ibme others : If he have them in fahhof Fauh:^«»«
f^) truth, and trulythirftsandlaboursfor their in- fraduyaut menfurdfi.
creafe,he may go on with comfort. Neither let any be ^^* dtpendet juftifica'
diflieartened, though He did not obferve fo diftindly ^^Jf,f^J''''^^l'll^^^^
the order of the precedent z^s, nor could difcerne fo no/upon the dee" *
pundually their fever:jll operations in His Soule : yet but the truth of faith!
if in fubftance and cftecl they have beene wroughtin Davenanriusia Expofi,
Him, and made way for lefus Chrift, Hee needs not ipif^-'^^Co'j>([M i-i:.y
complaine. Somay wrcf.y pro-
rt^ 1 • r^ J • • n J- • • r portionably of other
As this man ot God m expetimentall divmity, fo graces, in tcUmA«£
comfort from thcinj
and yet that oi/lk^'nt is niofl trucj^i dixlfil fujficit, pfrijfii: If any fay, he hath grace e-
nou^hj be haih juft none. Mimmi certe bonm (fi, qui melior ijje nen vuU, Bernard. ■
our
1 7C Ir.^tTMiiiin: :':- .^ ■'■^■.i':: ::m'rrting Se(5.2.
1. Boksval DrnAf t. our reaowiKd and invincible (f) Ci^mpions in tfaei^
i^\ ^— ' !■■*— f^ Pcdemialidi&oiiHesapon other occafions , ipeake to
MrXrraBimr» tbciamc purpoie, telling tis alfo of fbrne antecedent
■ojiSufr'T^ "A(£b faombling & preparing tbcfooletbrconveriion.
M»«»iB, fiii^f There 4arCy^^ ^Sae^; yCertJune iMermMM eftBs pinr ke-
ji^tf*^ ftretwmverfemer re^enerjaieti, which by vertne cf the
~ Wardmmd Sfirir, Mre wr^mght in the heisrts */ tbofe
^^^ which jKre m»tyet yijHjied : Snch m: Jlbamtuttion oftfte
Jafm ptuau, simir muadttadcn^ciewce with the kjf^wUdge efthe Wvrd
pmmJtSbe- smdwiil0f^dyk>rjiat^^aipo(£, Se^e •ffimie^fesre
'^ S^SSl ^fiF*"^""*'*^ erlegmii terrtmr ; juhnfiMgMgd Cdfiinr ^
^^^^J"T^J2i himf»reMl^gememtfivmfMchMwnferMhleefime,fime
htktmm tf^THjKm hefceffjerdem, &c. Letmcbat ackie one otfacr,aiid
fvOJCsi^C^ Healibofexcdlent leantiBg;AxidtfaenIhavedone;
*j" Jjj^UJ^ omreeeiveMtrmejmfUfyimgfMith^heimmftMitwerehe
tMwmmiM — fnr hr^kf^i^fiecct ^ the Lew : /rr. 23.29. fVee4ore ts
1% \i wimTwmkmm ■■' heUdfeemAefedtrteffUmes^thremghthefesreefVe'
pam vati fiittb^ vitemts^tethefe^eefjfhimes: Amdimdeedyemeefthefe
^yy**- *^ *•: au^ T^fi^ Miether, and the ferfeS Uve thtufts omt
ISJd^Samim f^^e-yetmmfifeJOrhrin^imtkMi'ferfeU Uveytu mwee^
«nrrt «■■ ff'om^ \ dUer-BrisliedrMwesiK-tbethred difter it^ enu the pp.
mamt dUac, fii»«- izo Am^ he^ith. In AcfrefMTMieu tuidfttimg ns for
* *— *#*'""'» fr°? Mr^ca^MCAr^^reqmretfatwodviKS:Firft,:7l^
iwI'^i^iZiLm?^ <^«Krtt^#f «r efssit werejhm the wilde OUve-tree.
jaOif.ij Sofim kei m hnftwXi nrnf ut iT ifmrn unit Cm-j &- Hxsrut ed punm^ &rtS'
fmjifi^^^mfT»jns,fmdfitkmmfHMiffAramavMTtf»kki Vemfnitmsmnm'
m fmmm m • •m di, mdiepaa/nesae itififrmnt ^aefmme mluS^ m im p ^nd mn t, iu&
immkkmtferweMtx twtiuitmmgimwmihm 1 mfikiissiem I j a tm^ e m ftrocntar. Hit
Ami f m if f i n f l i i i| l if i 1 nj^mtm ■ mm fV ii td fi — 'ra r r rr;nir r o4i r Viitmrmmmim-
§tx M I—I— <» atgwacn nerfe. j ar.4 )5.r&£nasF&Mie5>mflaw. ^mifDam
mmeUt -v JkM lamw im'mjkm ifffmeren, ^jt^imt, mS* apuimg f —g# d^mt, aab
ifcjarir^m^'i — '^^'J — 1 — Ti— . iirliiBi— ■iiynii.T-r'^fT'^'i'f f" — rr'nrr
Twmw^atmmfrmilq^UTierimfmsaaa^DeimlefTmei^rtmjfR enffmit^ u afim
i',tnj9diedfmmtmiam,fitmm * J>i* fer fme%& k J m jmm fet e id ^m be£rag,CoBcg.
I Ma^BS B'TTMHTj ^qoxqae cmtTCrvcxfit icBcofttaodMB Ardcolts, de
ti caoTdfieraLTfeel 2. C<?>nttiin Im MtidltfDivimfj &. x.c 16
By
By vehich\ic meanetb^»<> things. Ffrft, A violent pul-
ling of us out of the corrHpion of nntHre^ora cxttir.ix^s
it vcere^hy the kr^tfs of the Lazr'. of an unregenerare r/san
fom HtifecHrtty,^c.StQond{\'A violent artrailion ro
Chriftjor eafe\ man nt the frfi flainlj reftsfn^ it. The
hnnted beifi jites to hii denne, the vnrfne:' ^:9ur
to the homes of the ttltar^ or city of refuge . _ . . . ;, ^ery,
Rom. 7. 14. drives him to Gods mrrcy. The Kraelites
are drw en into their chambers b't the defhroyiytr myfn-
f^//';Balaam ts made toleane h.tckt bi the naked S^iKfrd'^
Agur to rnnne to Ihiel and Veall, that is C^rift : Vrru,
30. 1,2,3. ^^f» ^^ is confofindedivithhii cmrne brH^
tiJJjneffe. Godmuft let loi^fe his Law, Siime. Ccnfci-
cnce, and Satan to baite us, and kindle hell-fire in our
Soules, before we will be driven ta leeke to Chriii.
J^T^^/jiZ/jr, Aparingandtriirming of us, forourput-
ting into Chriil by our humiliation for finne, rrmch is
thw Tvroucht: Gcdgiveth the (inner to fee, by the L*trp,
hisfmne^Aiidthe ^unifbment of it: Thedeteciicn yrhersr-
cf drives Him to campu-nc}io>t,a/:da fricking of heart,
'pi-hichis irreateTyOr lejfer, and carries vith it divers
fjmftomes^andfsnf.blefafjionsofgriefe. Andyrorkf Yet are not ke»fi
a Seijite fhratianfrom his former comfeSyand flakes Him tcriOora iBeTicork)ii.s
IdAth Himfelfcy Crc. mcano, (kfenriag
And yet by the way, and once for all, take this Ca- ^^ ^SEH^JHf"^
v€a!t, and forev/arning : If^ any fnould tbinke of thcfe fQr^c^L* ^^ "
p recedent Kdcsy {e j thefeprcparanve workings of the ce_) Nddicr ktaa^
Law, and Gofpcll, which make way for the infuilcnof d:eamc^KhattlicfeaR:
faith, as anv meritorious meanes to draw on Chrift; *°7 FioAiaioos of
it were a m'oTt falTe, rotten, fooli{'h,execrable, popith, ^^^^ ^"' p^,
abfurd, Luciferian mifconceit ; and might juftiy merit ijj-.snjIiDe a^alJc-
never to obtains merD.- at God's bountifull hands^or ncmici to ;be Gra«
oiGod-. backDov^
tharchcyaretbcESegs of tbc Word ami Sptrit '\mt^iitm tftH* ttuna oAimoaft'
ntrr.^ (kt riguerjiid^.tK prtvia, qua v'-riuie vati, Spkriijrffte imamAmjafifutmam orii-
b,ii ixdtsntuji qu iliafunt Kotkli '^»hntttk divpigjafkifau^y limn pfrnf* ctfffukJkfikim
Hqze^ff i»l:qkdverue SuSnigColIcgTbKA^gpxam M3g Biiuo.&c Dc aBCCcedocb
adcoaycitgaciD* Thdi. a.
t5art
^«^M^ Sed. 2 .
ijoA JnftruSlio
part in the merits of Ciirift : I Ipeake thus to fright
every one for ever , from any ilich abhorred thought.
God the Father offers His Sonne mo ft freely. God Jg
loved the ivorid^ that he gave His onely begotten Sonne j,
thAt yehofoever beleeveth tn Him Jhouldnotfertjh, but
have everlafiing life. Ioh.^.16. Vnto ti^ a childe is'
borne, unto U4 a fonne is given, Ifa.^,6Jfthou knewefi
the gift ofgodj faith Chrift unto the woman of Sama-
ria, and who it «•, that faith to thee. Give me to drinke,
loh.^. I o. Much more they, -which receive abundance of
grace, and of the gt ft of rtghteotifnejfe, 3cc. Rom. 5 . I7.
Chrift calleth Himfelfe,a Gift; And it is culkdytht gtft
* ^odnm jithocdo^ ofrighteoafneffe. And nothing fo free as * Gift. And
mm ^ll^'/'l^''''^^^ therefore thofe Divines fpeake norunfitly,who fay,/f
qui dicit tibi: DoHm ^ g^ven unto ns^as fathers give Lands and Inherttance
igitur f[tip[e Cbr'iftui to their childrenias kings give pardons, to their fubjeSls.
filim^^utm dtditnobii having merited death'. They give them, becaufe they
Pater. Rolloc. in lo- ^^/^ ^^^ ^y^^^ freenejfe ofthetr minds. Ail thofe who
han. pig. !?«# would come unto c ^^*/?, and defire to take him as
thQktvifedome^righteoufnejfe, fan^ification , and re-
demption, muft be utterly unbottomed of themfelves,
and built onely on the rich and free mercy of God re-
vealed in the Gofpell.They muft be emptied, Firft,Of
all conceit of any righteoufnefle or worth in them-
felves at all; : Secondly j Of all hope of any abilitie or
poffibilitie to helpe themfelves. Nay filled, thirdly,
with fenfe of their owne unworthineflejnaughtinefte,
nothingnefle: Fourthly , and with fiich a thirft after
that water of life yl oh. 4^. 1 4. that they are moft willing
to f'e/la/l^orit, and cry heartily. Give me drinke^or elfe
I dye. And then when they are thus moft nothing in
thefclves3& do Co long for thcrivers of living water,
they are certainly moft welcome unto Icfus Chrift;
and may take him moft freely; Heare howfweetly
He cals them; Ho, every one that thirfieth , come ye to
the waters ; andhee that hath no money. Come ye, buy,
(indeate^yea come, buy wi^eandmilke^ without money,
find
and ^^^^^4|BPH^HP^ t p*^ f^/f^F^ay, that great
day of thefeaftJjTf^^ooX^and ' cry ed^ faying ; If any
man thirft^ let him come unfijney anddrinke^ Hee that
heleeveth ohrHe^aithe Scrjittire hathfaidy oat of his
belly fii all f 01V rivers of liz:ng water Xq\\,'j. 3 7. 3 8. /r /if
done: I ^m zAlpha, and ^ r^ega^ the Be ginning and the
■ End. I n'illgtve unto hirt^tha^is a thirft,ofthe Fouk-
taine cfthe yrater of life fee ^^ Revel. 2 1 .6. t^And let
htm that is a thirfi come, am Tvhdfoeveftvilljet him
take the ypater oflifefieely, R^m. 22.17. Wee miifl:
therefore bynomeanes con;.ivc of the fore-named
preparative hnmiliations andrjrecedent works of the
Law and Go(pell, as of any'n(;ritorious qualifications
to draw on. Chrifi (for he is g^en mod freely j but as
of needfuUpredifpofitionSjtC) u-i'veus unto Chrifi.Vor
a Man muft feele Himfelfe in m^erie, before He will
go about to finde aremedie ; be.ilcke before He will
feeke the Phyfition; be in Prifon btore He will fuefor
a pardon; be wounded before He v'll prize a Plafter,
and pretious balfam. A finner muft o weary of His
former wicked wayes, and tyred with le^^I| terrour,
before he will have recourfeto-/«?/^ C^tfi fo ^efr.ejh-
i»^, and lay downe His bleeding Soule in hisJeffed
BofomejHe muft befenfibleofHis Spiritual! pov». ty,
beggery, and flavety under the Divell5beforehe thi ■*■
kindly for heavenly righteou(iieffe,and willingly take^:;
up C^ri/?x fweet a[nd eafie^oi^^. Hee muft be&caft
iiowne, confounded, condemned , a caft away, and
loft in Himfelfe,before He willlooke about for a Savi-
our ; He muft crie heartily, I am uncleane y I antm
cleane\ before he will long,and labour to walli in J*^^ ^ -1
ihoft foveraigne,andSoule-faving -fo//»f4/»<?,yji'^»^'^ Zach.ij. --I
to- the houfe ofT. avi^-', and to the Inhabitants A leru-
faiem,f^rfinne, and for uncle annexe . hee »dft feliall^
before he will Le willing and eager to^^ t^^ Trea-
fure hid. tn the fields
•\
17^
tL.t.Z,
(()Vli!lifliulCfii?Vidi'
UmnonuHlui,ntndiiO-
i III.
.Jo fire particular Mrech^jfor the avoydittg this er-
rour, I. How the Lav is f'Ke prejfed. II. How the
Go'fielt to he preached. 1 1 '!jIow Chrifi to bepropp-
fed. Ill I. How pardon to h^jfttred. And wayes to be
ufcdfor the putting of thefeiireElions inpraElke.
0\v thuT to prepare, wound, afflidl,
andhim^le the Soiile, that it may bee
fitted fo« lefw Chrijiy and fo for com-
fort upr 1 good groundjlet Minifters,
or vvhopever meddle in matters of
this native, publickly or privately, ufe
rum, nm decen,fed ^^^ warrantable meaq^ (f)fkire, and foule,as they
rl'ir^Sr, lay,letthempreflethflaw, promifemercy, propofe
mundi't^ote? 2^»w Chrift,&c. Do whadhey Will feafonably and wifely;
pecutum putas habtt ? Let them improve nl their learning, wifedome, diC-
jpfe DeuA dklt^wn an- ^retion, mercifuliiJfte,experience,wit,eloquence,ran-
iiAwyaii & dicityLa - ^- ^^^ ^j^^^ ^^^qj^ for that purpofe ; So that the worke
tfmtiue\ uiUUer iuie. be done, '
riiwi, id, ut temam, (g)ltrpYtlhng the law, betides other dexterities
boc, ut aUiclam; fed ^^^ dfct^ions for managing their, miniftry in this
9; mn audisjptmpce ^^..^ (ucceffefully by Gods bleffing, let them take no-
l^tntM ffemy qumn- to begm this Legall worke; It is a Tnnciple, attended
cJicff, Lavamrivj upoft with many a Probatum eft :
•c, Cluyfoft. to" "^ . ^r effing upon mens confciences with a zealous, dif~
k PcrnitcmJ^ "^o. ^^^^^ powerfft/IneJfe,theirJ^eda//,principa//,fre/h-bIee'
•^■BTr,<lc. txanyothcr. ,^^ CoiBmentarics, and Expoficions, DawnamyinAivhAtely arc
- ^-iirr /or a m ic purji?, , j cijearf, and compendious opening of rhc L.iw, and rank-
- ., i'^/T'J"* ^^^ '^'rt'i'SrcpJfenrJngofthe levtrall finnes againftit. Make u(c of the
twcnryconfiJcrations beforcjp.r.. (5?.&c. ftnd 06 the three waycs of examining the
ConfcicnceinmyTrcstifc of thv Lord* Supper, 10 hcJpeto n)akc a Mac^ Mifcrable
and vile in his oi*necycs; fcnfiblrtotyjs finfull, and curled ftate, that thereupon Hee
may be ftirred to gocoot if KiTtfcIfs-, andmakc rowards Chi^. *Thc firft particular ditt-
(^ionforpvcfling ih.'Law tourgemoft upon the heat€r$thcirfpccisUlinncs,asdid
din^
Part I . Cap . 4 . Affli^ed Confcietices,
-^n
ding ftnnes, is a, notdhle meanes to hrea}^ their hearts,
and bring them to remorfe. That moft hainous and
bloudy finne of killing ^efus^hrifiM which they had
newly imbrued their hands, prefled upon the Confci-
ences of Peters hearers,breaks and teares their hearts ^t^***
in pieces. zAct. 2 .a 5 . 36. 3 7. So Adultery> (ecretly, in-
timated by Chrifts words, unto the woman of Sama- ^"*^^'
rU,Ioh, 4. 1 S.Seemes to have ftrucke her to theheart,
verf. I p. So the lewes having Idolatry prefled upon
their confciences by Samuel^ i . Sam.'j.6. The finne of savmU
asking a king; iifid. 12,19 . Vfory by Nehemah, 5.12. Nebcmhh.
Strange wives by Ezrat chap, i o. p. were thereupon ^^^*
mightily moved, and much mollified in their hearts,
as appeares in the cited Places. Confider for this pur-
pof e, that worke upon Davids heart, by Nathans Mi- T^athAM.
nifterie, And Felix trembling, when Pattl ftrucke him 'P^i*^-
on the right veine.
The reafbns, why this more particular difcoverie,
and denouncing of judgement againfta Mans princi-
pal! finne, is like, God affifting with the Spirit ofhu.
dage, to put fuch life into the worke ot the Law, are
fuch as thefe.
I. The Sword of the 4$'/>/n>,which is the Word of
God, being welded by the hand of the ^o/yG^<?/:and spirk' cuts mo9
edged, as it were, with the fpeciall power of God's there, becaufc there
blelling, for the cutting afunder of the iron-finewes i»g«*t«ft «fift«nce*
ofaftubbome and ftony heart, doth cru{h and con-
quer, ftrike through and breakein pieces,with an un-
refiftable puiflance, proportioned to the infolency, or
cafineffe ofrefiftance.My meaning is this; As PhUofo^
phers fay ot the Lightning ; that by reafbn of the eafi-
nefle of the paflage, weaknefle of refiftance, porofitie
of the parts, it pierceth through the Purfe, Scabberd,
and Barke without any fuch Tcorching and vifible
hurt; but melts the money, the fword, rents and fhi-
vers the tree,b€caufe their fiibftance and roliditie,doth
more exercife, and improve it*s aftivenefle and abili-
For thefe tciCoau
I. The fword o! the
I yS InflrH^ionsfer 4 right cotnforting $6(51. 2 ,
tie : So this fpirituall Sword, though it ftrike at every
Hnne, andpafleth thorow , even to the dividing afun-
derofSoHle and Spirit, andofthejoynts, and marrowi
yet the hairy pate of the maine corruption,and Mafter
unne, it wounds with a witneffe; it there tortures and
teares in pieces with extraordinarie anguifh and
fmart, fearching and fence -.for that oppofeth with the
moft flintie iron-finew,to blount and rebate it's edge, .
iHtwere polfible,
•• *f |]«^« ^ncs jwft- 2 , In Confciences regularly,and rightly wounded
kenedjbitc fiiarpheft. ^^^ awaked,finnes are wont to bite, & fting propor-
tionably to their hainoufnefle , and the exorbitancy of
their former fenfiiall imprelTions.Some like a Maftife,
ibme like a Scorpion , fome like a Wolfe in the Eve-
ning: ('But under ftand, thatfpirituall anguifh furpaf^
feth immcafurably any corporall paine;therefore con-
ceive of them with a vaft diG-proportionj Now the
Minion delight or Captaine finne frighting the heart
with greateft horrour , and flinging with extremitic
fwoportionable to it's former vaftation of Confcience,
doth by an accidentall power (God blefling the bufi-
ncfle) give a great ftroke, to drive a man to deepeft
detellation of Himfelfe, to throw Him downe to the
loweft ftep of penitent dejeftion,to eneager His thir-
ftiegreedineflfe after pardon and grace, and at length
to fire Him out of His naturall eftate.
j.Tbey are Sathani 3 . A Mans principal!, and moft prevailing finne is
iieog hold«« Sathans ftrongeft Hold. When He is in danger to be
diflodged, and driven by the power of the word out
ofthe other parts of the Soule, as it were, and from
Poflefiion of a Man by all other finnes; He retires Hi-
ther as to His Caftle, and moft ii npregnable Fo-t. And
therefore if this be (bundly beaten upon by the ham-
mer, and Horrour of the Law, and battered about his
cares, he will be quickely enforced to quit the placs
^Uite.
It may be good counfell then, and often fealonable
' to
PartI.Cap.4. AffliEied (^onfciences. Xyp
to fay unto thofe Men of God,who defire to drive the
Divell out of others, in fome fort, as the King of Syria
faid to his Captaines , Fight neither rptth fmall nor
great ifave onelj with the King of IfrAel. My meaning
is; Let them addrefle the iliarpeft edge of their fpiritu-
all Sword, yet as well with an holy charitable discre-
tion, as with refoUite, downe-right dealing againft
thofe finnes, which beare greateft fway in them, chey
have todeale with. Be it their covetoufnefre,ambition,
luft,drunkenne(re,luke-warmeneffe, monftroufiielle
of the fafliion, facriledge, oppreifion, uliirie, back-fli-
ding, murther , luxury, oppofition to the good way,
hatred of the Saints , or what other finne (bever they
difcover in them , to minifter greateft advantage to
Satan, to keepe them fafteft in his clutches. No finne
muft be fparedjbut let the raigning finne be paid home
e(pecially.
For opening of themoft rich and Orient Mines of The fecond pardcH-
all thofe fweeteft mercie« folded up within the Bow- lar diredion concer-
els of Gods deareft compaffions,and of the My ftery of "ing ^ccy to pra-
bis free grace and love through ^t Sonne of his love- P,°^* " '^, ^» , ,
upon purpofc to invite, and allure thofe that are with- ^^\q[^ t^^ *^^
out, to come in, and toftirre up our Hearers, (h) to Ch3 The wifedome
bring broken hearts, bruifed Spirits, bleeding Soules oUhc bicflcd Spirit
unto the Throne of grace, upon the lame ground, but HJo'Wfc tcacheth us
infinitely more gracious,that incouraged the Servants ^e"jgj ° j^°^ ^^^^
o^Benhadad^to addrefle themfelves towards the King mercy *for^thi$ pur-
o^ICr^Ql;* Andhis Servants faid unto him^Behold norfy pofe.SM //ai, jy,7.8.f
fve have heard that the Kings of the HoHfe of Ifrael,are 1"^^^ 13'
mercifuU Kinjrs', Let w, I pray thee, put Sackcloth np^ ^^'^'^^ .„W'" ^^"«
— ^.L t ^ J •' 1 J J 1 niore wuItHgly come
on our loyneSy and ropes upon our heads ^and go out to the -^^ ^ PrcKilainaU-
King oflfrael^ feradventure, he willfave thy life. The on promifing mercy,
andaSuring them of
pardon,if thfy wiilhumblsthrmrdve*, and returne to obediencejif ihtrc be no hope of
being received to grace, thtre will be no defire to retarne into the ftatc of grace. Eatft
('■>nfcitntkpetcau&'tr(Deiad^tifu4piCcaiim,utmftA\kRl fuivi aliquo mi/ir'icordite Del la
ibri(tefe„fH, nunquam vehmmcrtdtre »« ««i»,wf «/ f«w f tf»f«ig;r<-,RGlloc. in lohan, cap.y,
vcif. ao. pag, 170. * I Kings io.?i.
Ni moft
I go InftrH^ions for aright con^ortin^ Sed.i.
oiofV'defperate Rebels heretofore, upon prefent true
remorfefor their former rage in finne , refolving fin-
cerely to ftand on God's fide for ever hereafter , may
faftly & upon good ground thus reafon within them-
felves: Alas ! we have done very villanoufly, we have
ferved Satan a longtime : we walkeup and downeas
condemned men, ripe for deftrudion long agojHell it
felfe even groanes for us , we may juftly looke everie
moment for a Mittimw^ to cafi: us head^long into the
dungeon of Brimftone,and fire: and yet we will try^
we will go and throw downe our felves before the
Throne of grace in duft and aihes, and cry as the Pnh-
lican did unto the great God of heaven : for Hee is a
mfrcifHllGodfgracioM , long-fuffering, abundant in
goodftejfg, and truth y keeping mercy for thoufands, for-
giving ini^mty, tranfgrejjion and. finne. And then, not
onely feradventure^ but moft certainly, they (hall be
received to mercie, and hee will fave the life of their
Soules; 1 fay for this point, of preaching mercie onely
to hearten men to come in , and to nourifli in them a
bope of pardon, in cafe of penitency, &c. See my dif-
cqurfe of true happinejfe :pag, 1 73. And I will onely
adde and ad vile at this time this one. thing of great im-
portance in the Point:That after a plentiftill magnify-
ing and amplyfying the mercy of God,by it*s infinite-
nefle,eternity,freenefle, and incomparable excellencie
every way , onely upon purpofe to affure the greateft •
finners of moft certaine acceptation, and pardon, if
they will prefently turne with truth of hcart,from Sa-
That no impenitent ^^" to the living God, from alltinne to his holy Ser-
finner may Jay bold vicc; I fay that we then take heed and make fure , as
on k. much as m us lies , that no impenitent unbeleeving
wretch, none that goes on in his treffa^esy or lies wil-
lingly, and delightfully in any one finne , receive any
comfort by any fuch difcourfe , as though, as yet, Hee
had any part or intereft at all in any one drop of all
l^that boundkfle and bottomlefle Sea of mercy fthat
were
Part I , Chap.4. Jjfi6led Confcienees, I g I
were a meanes to naile Him fafl: to His naturall eftate
for ever j But onely thence conceive , that if He will
prefently lay downe acmes againft the Majeflie of
Heaven, and come in with a truly penitent humbled (^\^x)iYhay qua dixi-
ibule, thirfting heartily for feftfs ChriH, and relolve h'tptafttnt, & div'mk,
unfainedly to take His yoke u^on Him,thQrQ is no num- "uihoritatibia emia en
ber or notorioufncffe of finne,that can poffibly hinder ^^'^^fSX
his gracious entertainment at uod s Mercy-leat. For gr,iimu,& muUiim mi-
this end let us tell all (uch , that though the mercies of fcricon, t^venx; mul-
God be infinite , yet they are difpenfed according to '«* deUiln omeipec
His f*) Truth. Now the Oracles of Divine Truth tell j^X^wt Z'^T
us, that thofe who fhall finde mercie, are fuch as con- ricfl«,^^wi/«X 23?-
feffcand forfake their finnes : ^^<? /o confejfethyand minui, quia longanimii
forfaketh hiijinnes [hall have mercy,? rev, 28.13 .Thofe ^ muitiim mifmcoru
men who do notconfe{re,and (k,) forfakethem, fhall ^^^fi^'"^ ?<"« miu
have no mercy .That theParties to whom^..^./W,«^. 7mmpauf^^^^^
of mercy and comfort are to bee preached: are the tAx.sienimnihitatiiti
fo9re, the broken-hearted, them that are brnifed : thofe dluret-, n\fi mifericers,
that labour^ and are heavy Uden: All that mourne^ &c. ^ mferator DmlntUt
Luk,^.iS.Matth. 11. iS. iPt.6i.2.s. Thattheman 'Sc^f'tJ*S
to whom the Lord lookes gracioully, is, evenJie that convmlm uadfecu-
IS poorey and of a contrite Jpirit , and trembleth at his ritniem & impunittte,
7vord.Ifa.66.2. 'Th2ity*'hofoever,by his free mercie ^^^d Uunthm peccA-
through Chrift, ^ home of Cod, doth not commit finne, *^^"-^t ^ facereiqitod
,. ?.*.3.P.Imeane,f/) withallowance,p«rpale,per- -f^L'.S^^^?'.
tcrctufyVil quanta t'lbi libido i'l^jfi t.St ftq/tis te I'de msh edo obiurgsntyatqicerreritySit cthiberet
teab immederato tuxu.cundt pft concupifientias tuas^& defereftdocteitm tunni\inter miias v^m
obinrgcDifis ebjilerct, imptatntifMttnfi-snie, vdwi audita dlvmi authontate, & legeres de ti'
bro daminico: ^tid mi tares de Dea Jtofiro? lUe mifcricsn eft, & nhfiratgr^ & muhilm mijcrl*
wn. T^ tain hemlms dicerent^ mum vtrbum adddit infine^ quod au,& Vcrax. Si tx(uj]ic U-
iitlam male prafiimentitm,& iftdttxit t'imore>ndole}itium.A\igi\i!t- Totn 9 pag, ii^S,([i)^i
male cgirtTtffnctJfant.invanHmmferkerdiam Dei expt^iintj quamre&eexpMarent, (i dmah
«cf(/i.rf/»t. Bern. Dcmodo bene vivcadj. Scrm ». Col. 1141. (jj vtex Dei parte datur uni-
te/ falls umjfif} ptcci!9fum, fu debet eticm in nobis tffe uuiver falls dettfiatio peccaiorw^t uqne it*
IndptQcuMubieytrifimim e(i, inotrtit hnmmvtre reconciliAto, fempiruperirl odium omnium
fusrump'ttotarum^ p/opo^tum etiam & (lafium ditjcipi ab^mendiab omnibttSiMmquiremiJJta*
nem omnium accepit,'iBfufion()ngratitt fmulaccepitt qmiUltmatmat, & munit contra omnia^
friiflra, igiiwrblandiiurftbidepsccam rmiffis, quiamaremptccati cuiufiunque & propofitum in
eodempermanmdi, cjtaftin fim cordis luifmtt. Davenant. cxpof. epift. ad Coloff. in cap a,
N 3 feverance.
1 82 InftruEHonsfor Aright comforting Se<5l.2.
verf.ij pag.x7i fi feverance. No finne (w) raignes in fuch a One, &c.
dti & t>eni confcmtia ^^^ y^^ ^l^s j ^ow many mi(erable men , will needs
r;:"::;r':?«;,: moftfalMyperfwadetljemfdvcs, .nd others that
cam propfuo feuandi they have a portion ni the mercies ot God, and hugge
& d.JP'.iendi 1)67 I- with extraordinarie applaufe, and embracement, the
bid. f»3g 67. Om'-i formall flattering meflages o^ Mcn-fleafers and Time-
qui mtM e(l ex Oec, y^;.^^,^^^^ Co dawbe overfiich rotten hopes ;who yet
Vo^^vhvdmm notwithftanding,^^^« pH in their trelfajfes : who
non, inqiiir, pucatum were never yet Icnfible of the burden of their-corr up-
fMiii quhdptUur pyt't tions, and fpirituall beggery ; never wounded in con-
»j qu^ jaciti qui na- fcience, or troubled in minde to any purpofe for their
(!? pffSrf ^r/S- finnes, never moiirned in fecret and fincerely for the
do jiiticet in p kchq. abhominations or their youth; could never yet finde m
Bern, dc Nat. & Dig. their hearts to fell alitor the buying of that one pearle
Anaorjs divim, cap.tf. of great price, nor ever yet Co prized 9efus Chrift, as to
p-Wnofocver hvcs Jea/e their darlini? pleafures , though very bafe , and
in any One knowne . , . , , ^ ^, , r 1 li j 1 •
finne let Him know abhominablc, to enjoy the unlpeakablc and glorious
toHisfacr, He Haih pleafijres of His gratious kingdome? Nay fuch as hear-
no true Faith. Ro- tilyfervefomeCaptaine, and Commanding finnc in
gersisfcM DoHrintof heart,or life, or calling, as their owne confciences, if
<m) 'Im'WpiccaiG' they confult with them impartially in cold blood, can
rum mivirtala toU'n eafily tell them;asluft, the world,ambition,the times,
reatwn univcrftrum the falchion, their pleafures, their profits, their paffi-
ftc(a'9Tum no^Yown ; ^^5^ ^j^gj^ g^fg^ felfe-love, pride, revtnge,the dunghill
k^fZZl. '"«' delight ofgood^dlowjhipjor the like And here then
dBminl m univ^rje>>i -Let me difcover a notable depth of Satnan , whereby
Davenant .loco lupi i he doth baffle and blind-fold His flaves mofl grolTely :
axato peccaummhac you know fuU well, and heare often the common
wu qmmum ad fa^ '^. q ^p ^^ ^^^^^^ efpecially under any con-
pereiityinAl a petit Hk fcionable Mmiiterie,againft preaching of judgement,
regnum ptrda^ qumo and for preaching of mercie : See the caufes why they
fo^ comHpfantias no-
firasnonimui Ibiauum p£rii^quandodksiut;ttbitm^ O mortf vi^'tona ? Au£,uft. dctcrhis
Apoft. S cf m 6 Miud f^, non peccare, aliui non habere pttatum T^^am in quo pcccatum non rig'
natytteapeci'Jfidtftfqulmnobtditdefider^i. Auguft. in expoQ cpiil, ad Galatas, cap. y.
(n) I uft as in the Proplicts timei Tbit is a rtbeUiom paflt^ Ijini ChilcreH, CbUdrtn tbatwlH
not heare the Law of the Lord) ivbicb (ay to'jbs Seers^ See ttoi, ttulto tbe Tttp^tlt, Prophecy not
Mf9Mr>ibi tbiftgt, fftalfe mto usfmotb'tb'miit&c*. I^ 30b 9.10.
cannot
Parti.Cap.4' AffliEied (^onfciencet, 18}
cannot downe with down-right dealing,and power-
full application of the 1.ZVJ i\nmyT>ifc .of true Happi-
neffe, pag. I J9, Cic. But what do you thinke is the rea- -j^, ..
fon,that they gape fo greedily after Preaching of mer- ior/thc7r«chioTof
cie? Not that they can endure the preaching or it, as I mercy.
now have taught, and as it onely ought, to thofe that
are without ; to wit, to have firft, the deareneffe, the
fweetnefle, thefreeneflfe, the full glory of God's im-
meafurable mercie revealed onto them,onely as a mo-
tive, and incouragement to come in ; but ever at the
clofe and conclufioi^, to bee made to underftand and
know certainly, that not fb much as one drop of all
that bottomkffe depth ofmercie and bounty in lefw
Chnfi, doth as yet belong unto them, lying in any ftate
ofunregeneratenefle, or in any kinde ot Hypocrifie; (^) ^ ^^f abdlmri
while ft they recrard any rvickedneffe in their heart, and ^/<^*'f '» ^««« «»•
arenotwilhngto/'/^r^o^f thetr right eyes ^ and cut ^^, Sknt ocJ^, luce,
off their right hands ^ I meane, to make an everlaft ing emmfidmi abjii-y e^
divorce from their former deareft fenfual delights/and <t>>imamy vita priva-
finnes of their bofbme: for onely they -who confeffe and ^hJ^olePum efl. Bafil.
forfake their finnes,Jhall have mercy.Prov.i^.i 5. This q^^"^ g''^**
way of preaching mercie would nettle and gall them, pUciafuperabit' Dtlm
as much perhaps as prclTmg of judgement. Nay, why «« vidtrey& bonk m-
not more ? Proportionably to that which (0) Divines ^^''f* ?*f w potefiate
hold. That the privation and loffe of heavenly joyes, f'^^'^fi "btinett. Ber-
and beatificallprefence of God is farre bitterer, than Multi hommtm Gt-
the torments of fenfe, and pofitive paines of Hell. But hinnm trntHm formi-
to tell you their true meaning, and their very hearts: «'«»'j egoautmiUiui
Their ayme in fo complaining , and calling for mercie f """^ i"»'JJionim, Ge-
from our Miniftry, is, to have it fo,and in liich a man- rZeg-Idkl^ !£a.
ncr propofed,and prcached,that they may thence col- bilis tft Gtb'nna&itl
le6l, and conceive,that they are in ftate good enough, ^i pcenj-, tamn lieh
quis ianumtrat fcnat
GebemaSf tale nit dicetiqitAleillafxlkicxcidtregloria^icWifloedioha^tfitAudhreiTiiluovoi^
Chryfoft. ad Popul, Antiocbenam. Horn. 47. Intokrabilu quidemrcs efi, eiiam GebenMa^
quii nefciat &(uppUcium ittudhombilei Tcmtn /? miUt aliquU ponat Gehemtai, mbil tak diSiu*
ru6 t^y quale tfly a beai^e illiia ghriie b9n0rertptlliiixofum<iiutl[4C^ri^o> ^ Mdkttib i/?*,2^
Kwi Fts, IdcHJ, in Matib. Hona. 24
N4 to
i«4
I^firnBioHS for a right comforting
Se(fl.2.
to go to Heaven as they are ; though in truth, they be
meere ftrangers to the life of God, and holy ftricftnefTe
of the Saints ; were never truly humbled withfightoF
finne, and fenle of wrath,nor experimentally acquain-
ted at all , with the myftery of the New birth ; That
they may conclude,and fay within themfclves: How-
foever lome Minilters of the purer and precifer ftreine,
fright us continually with nothing but judgement,
terrour, damnation, and will not fufter us to be quiet,
no not fo much as in One (innejyet it is our good hap,
fometimes to meet with fome mercifull men, who
will helpe us to Heaven without fo much ado, and up-
on eafier termes, &c. In a word,they would upon the
matter have juftlo much mercy, as might afTure, and
warrant them to carry fecurely their finnes , in their
bofome to Heaven with them ; to live as they lift in
this life, and to dye the death ot therighteousjWhich
is a conceit moft ridiculous, abfurdjand more than ut-
terly impolTible. What a hatefull tricke then is this,
and horrible impofture, which they (ufFer Sathan to
put them upon.
In propofmg of Chrifi, Let the Man of God,fetout
as much as He can poffibly, the excellency of His Per-
fon, the unvaluable pretioufnefle of His blood, the ri-
ches of His heavenly pur chafes, the gratious fweetnes
of His invitations,* the generality ^and freene^e sf his
offers^thc glorious PriviTedges Hee brings with Him;
reconciliation to God, Adoption, forgivenefTeoffins,
The third jrarticular juftification,righteoufne{re,wifedome, fandification,
dircflion lo fct out j-edemptionj&c.PofselTion of all things. For all things
Chiitt as ncuch ai ^^^^^^^^ . j^ljgfljer Taul, or A folio, or Cefhoi ; or the
rfiorldf or life^ or death ; or things prefent, or things to
come'j All are jours t And ye are Chrijls , and ChriFl is
Gods. I. Cor. 3.22.23. Let him tell his Hearers, that
the bloud of Chrift, is called the bloudofGod. A Si, 20,
28. and therefore of infinite merit and unvaluable
price. It fprang out of His humane nature, and there-
fore
♦M»tlf.i6.I5.
Mautb.iT4 28
loh 7 57'
Revel, la 17
onay be.
i.ThenfiCTU of
bloud.
his
Part I . Chap. 4 .
^ff.i6led Confeiences,
185
f
u<
, _^ , but
of vertuc,and valuejtnat the infinitenefTe of it's merit, j was ihc nature ai
and ineftiiinablenefre of it's worth lafts everlaftingl^. n*- an, not cf God
It will be as frefh,orient,and eftecliiall, to wafn away yvhcrein He dicdjand
thefins of thelaft man that (hall be called upon earth: God^'nd infinite ex.
as it was thole or the Penitent Theere y who law it cjllcncy of the fimr,
with His bodily eyes giifhing out of His blefled lide vi^hence thepricf,va-
upon the Crofle^or the firft man who did firft (avingly ^^-^^^ wof th of His
.apprehend that firfipromife: The feed of the yeoman l^^Tchm^ l!b,\
Jhall bruife the Serpents headXtx. him aflfure them it is ^^^^ 15. q^^^^l y-^gg^j,
fo foveraigne,That in a truly broken,humbkd,& thir- wm Chrl^.i propitt Hj'
ftie foule,it turneth the mofl: Scarlet ^ and C^imfon popikmuim/quKa-
finnesintoyi.^,and»>W/. That upon co.^punaion «;-,«„ -" f,f*
and commmgin, it walhed away that horrible , and ^^^^^^^ comtmnicatk.
bloudy guilt, from the foules of them that (^) fpilt it. ntm idiomatm, veri
AEi,2Xtx. them know alfo: in how high a degree,and did pofft, mn jtUm
hainoufly they oftend from time to time, whorefofe hrpmmfil^bcp^.m,
to (r) take W^^ Chrifl offered moft freely, and with- ^XlZl^'^ZTft
outexceptionoranyperlon,every Sabbath,ev€rySer- guinem ipfttn Dei.
mon, either in plaine, and dired termes, or implyed- zanch.in i. EpSfi lo-
ly,attheleaft. Oh ! Little do people thinke, who fit ^an. cap. i. fcif.j.
undercut Miniftry unwrought upon by the Word .^i^'^^^XX":
what a grievous, and tearemll Imne they commit, and ^^^^ mfequi omm 9 .
Carrie home from the Houfe of God, day afrer day j in pirationcs ufu Cbrifli
ttegle^ing fo great falvation^in forfaktrtg their owKe iffetimifuppo^iijOc
mercy.v^\\xi\Hd(iins themfetves unworthy ofeverU- P'!''"'f^ dwinas kmU
fting hfe-, I meane, by chufing, upon a free Offer of his ^^^^ ^^^^^ p-,-^^
Soule-iaving blood, to cleave rather to a Luft, Horri- hmmii defcendtjfe i
Cce'iSj & Dettm iffe
mortuum^ C6vc<dmus etiam faihfd&ionii d'gaitatofi grift a peifona fatlsfacknU't ideaque (^■thfa. •
il'i0nem Chrifti.maxifJiey it};b tdfiniudigmtatU e(j! Cb?n)ieius,'Fom,v lib 9. cap^a. fed, 1 ?,
J . The cfFcftujJnefli of it ch,i!iK* obtulnut Ponttfex arntm & fin^uiHem/wim qua home fed
%\£i:m£(itieimmenfamf§icaciama(piratpsrlplrmm*ternum^qtia. Otmtfl i*. t in ^pift adHeb.
C3p-9.vcrr f4. j.The hiinoul'ntffcof the finoe of refusing htm (q) ph^ts exhis, qtil
operant Cbrijlum^ cmpii&£li cordty converfi funt, &■ tantifang'ims^ tarn iwpie, atout iMmaniter
fHftsmdulgem>:m pirc(p(runtj'p[b nd mptif3sguJne,quemfudty,in(- Au.uft.Expoi in EyangcJ.
lobar}. Trflft.^?, (r)liacane withahcarty willingacIfcto/t/Zd/^ iopxn wiibd^fi'/iKe^
1 85 InjlruEiions^f or a right comforting " Se6t.2.
and with a finccrc le ble indignitie I than to f Q ^efm C^rifi bleffed for ever:
folutioa for after o- rather to wallow in the mire , and mudde of earthly
Hfm«"saviQu"nd pelfe, m the filth, and Froth of fwiniflipleafures, in
a Lord. Ncrcrdida- idleneffe, pride, worldlineffe, whoredome, driinken-
ny take icfus Clirift nefle, ftrangefafhions, (corning ProfeflburSjCont^mpt
favinglyj who tookc ofthe power of godlinefle , railing againft Religion,
him not as an Huf- revelling, felfe-uncleannede , &c. than abandoning
f«yc,l?vcNndobcy thefe filthy harlots, to take the Sonne of God for their
him for cvcraf(ef,as deareand everlafling Husband. This not Beleeving,
well as a Saviour, ts This refufing Chrifi,'This not taking Him,in the man-
disburden Him of ner,andfenfe, aslhavefaidjisfuchafinne^thoughnot
I;'t°" e"e" Him b^ ^° thoughtupon, and taken to heart, that (t) Divines
His Word and >pirit,as wellasa Pricftto waOi him in Hisbloud. Never was any truelyju-
flified, who was not alfo in fomc mcafure truely fanftifi^d (i) Tiignittu & amflicitdo turn
ferftrutfilif Del, turn beneficy, ac falutis tAnu, p:r tantatn perjomm compMratie, tugibunt fupra
m»dumln£redulitattmnc[iram,ut qui muliomtltiffi loco fmffzmuSjfiaihUuriquaminviiadeChn^
fto audijJtmWj qua (iattditntti utgltxiffemui tamen tan.afduiem acquiptam nabii, & annuftcitti
« tantdpeffoni.Kolloc.'m loan. cap, 3. ("0 Arcuct ir.undum Turn aufam rtddw^ti inqmty
quod non crcdanc in mr. Pcccatum i^jf«r tte^g^ac incrcduliutk nomint, qtiam Kat' i^o^)^
itainfigmtilicetnonfttuniCHmi^uiincrednt'.uiiiptccatHm, Suntenimath pucata varifgcnerii
vttiimpeccatum omnium g-ivifJimHtn efi incredulttas, qiueftcum una. trahit feAiummaximum^^
condtaaniionsmgravilJimamfimul & vdnciffimam Idibdicium tftfuprdy Qui n(m credit m fi-
lium, jim condemn atus eft- ConirdverbfiiUs p^it'uip$tij}i'nae(l»ade6qutffla.2{ameiitii4fert
reaiumemtimmpeccatorum, & liberal dcondefnnatme- Nulla eft condemnatio ijs qai fuse
la Chrifto lefu. Aique b'mc ufurpaia tfi prteclna ilU fenteatiai XiuUum pcccatkm nifi lefiielitM^
nulla jufiicia nifi fides Non quedfcla infidtluatfit piccatuK; fed quod infidelitatty ut ait ^ugu(U»
Tins, manentty muntat pcccatum tvt«e-y & ea ru'Jui duedente, aboUatur. quoad reituw, pucatum
aliud qu9dci(»que, Ei eerie peccan'ibus lamclirj. luu Evangciij^ quovit medOy fivepcr adu'.terium^
five homicidiu^iffive perfartuvt, &c, afcrieniwn t^ maxime i>ifidsli:a:i, S- difiimiiotu coiiisy
qn^tahttelucirefiliitur, Rolloc.inlohan. cap. i6, D" pcccato quidcm, inqui'^ quanon
crediderunt in nic; hot enim peccatunty quajifdum fiffpne cattriipofmt. ^ia hoc manente, ctt-
UraYttininiury& hic difcedmte, cattraremittuntur. Auguft.Expof.in Bvana;* lohsn.Trad,
if. Siminifeftumift, pfteierhanc mfidelitatim, ati* viuUa bomtnuifieffepeccatayCurdehot
fUomundumfpnituifiriiuf-argUii? jinqu'iaveccatasmniapef infideliiatem teneniur, perfidtm
ditniUMntiff ? Propter to. hoc uhum prte mttrii imputat T)e:u,per quod fit, ut utera non felvantkr\
dum non credit in hiimi'cm D(um homo fuptrbui — '.um dicitur; Arg'i'it mundum depeceatOy noti
tlio quam quod non credidtiunt m Chri^e, Hoc detitquC pcccatum fi non fit, nulla pcccata remant'
fctf»f, quii]u^oex fideviveaiecunclafolvanlur.SidmitliHtninteHfl ulrumquilqutcredatipfiM
tft Chnftum, & ut-um crcdat in Chnflum. Tiamipfum efje ibnflum^ & dxrr.a m crediderunt; lUt
enim credit in Cbriftum, qui &fpcratia Chrillum, &diUgu Cbufium Idejr, de verbis Dom,'
in Evani?. fccunduro lohan.Scrm.^ i. Take all rhe finncs that ever wtrc commit tcd,uone
like cotbisjne grcjcertbin^can belaid to our charge, than torefufe the Sonne, to lefu^e
fpeake
Parr. I . Cap. 4 . AffltSied C on] c knees.
I TT- - • cotttimptit Eva?igtl9
f hereof. He v; as wroth, and He [ent forth tiu armi^s^ «dmtt!tur,)iotatur par-
anddeftroyed thofe murderers, and burnt up their City, ticuld , 7v\ty^Tti(
Matth. 2 2 . 7. He meanesjthole who were invited to '^'^exas,^ tanta fain-
the Sonne s marriage^ andmad.e light of it. He that be- He^j^os'cap 2' « jg-
leeveth not is condemned alreadie^ becaufe^ he hath not ^^^ ^j^^^^ crimen in-
Beleeved in the Name of the onely begotten Sonne of trtduhtatU , qHoniam
God. 9oh. 3 . T 8. When the Comforter is come,^<? wi// vnigeniiM ipftfu Dei
convince the world of ftnne.— becmfe they beleeve not f^^^lHuantopne.
IT \:- r 1 r-^\ yi a a (*^ritiHi i ft. quod con-
on me. Hemeanes,tnis linneaione,laitn /4«yfm. As temnicur/tmo maio-^
though not beleeving on the Sonne of God^ were the ribuiy quiQum'., [up-
onely finne. It is indeed the maine, and mafter finne, P^'^v^ l»bjaccbit', ]udi-
becaufe (as the fame Father fpeakes trulyj This remai- f '«''• ^^^^ )<"" '''^ «/«
mng.the auilt of all other ftnne s abides upon the foule-, fJrT/u^ ' r^ '^t
this removed^ all other finne s are remtttea.''i\2iyy and targuor, m indmnaiia -
befides the horribleneflcjand hainoiifnefle of the finne; m non (ufctpt) con -
what height, and pertedion of madnefse 15 it? That dmm'mU intulUfen'
whereas a Man but renouncing his bafe,rotten, tranfi- ^w''"*"- Cyril, m lo-
tory,finfull pleafures^dogged continually at the heeles T^his finn*' of 'Jnbcl
with vengeancCjand horrour: And onely taking lefus Wtith » greater fin,
Chrifi in whom are hidden, and heaped up the fulnes than the world is a-
of grace, and treafures of al! perfedion ; might have ^^'■eof- ^.^^ t^'nke
thereupon (to fay nothing of the excellency ofhis per- kenacr,"o" ec ha"! "
fbn,purchafes ofhis paffion, and poflelTion of the moft nous, and fo indeed
blefTed Deitie j a full and free discharge thereby, at theybe,butunbcliefc
the hands offo happie an Husband , from every mo- " ^^^^^ worfe : for ir
mentof the everlaftingneffeof Hellifh torments ; and Jhefe 'and^°aS]"t^"^
a (») Deed prefently fealed with His owne hearts- eyjiJ ^Roge^sof^DcL
blood, for an undoubted right, to every minute of the bam,of Fatih,cap. 10.
eternitie of heavenly joyes ; yet /hould in cold blood P^fi- 409.
moft wicke Jly,and willingly,after fo many intreaties, l^'J^,^ madncs of it
invitations, importunitie, onely for the good of His f:i,,^'^jt£T 'o
poore immortall Souk^refufe the change! Heaven and migmm & fupta hu-
mamm memem^ut ors' ■
nn qui mditin Wum, duo illalutmur: unumquidm,qit9dnenperitiaUirum) qmAvlt&mbzbu,
C- vlfam mrnan^, Tfecoph. in leant cap. 3 .
earth
igg JnftrHEiions for a right comforting Seft.2.'
earth may be aftonifhed , Angels, and all Creatures,
may juftly ftand amazed at this prodigious fottilTines,
and monftrous madneffe of (uch miferable men ! The
world is wont to call Gods people, precife fooles, be-
caufejthey are vjiWin^tofeil all thejr haveyfov that One
f ear le of great price yX.0 ^2ixt wixh profits, pleafiires,
pxt^txmtnXSjtheir right hand^ their right eye, everic
thing,any thing, rather than to leave lefm Chrifi,Scc,
Butwhodoyouthinkenow, are the true, and great
fooles of the world? And who are likelieft one day to
groanefor angmjh 0ffpirit,and fay within themfelves,
T'his rpos he, whom ive hadfometimes in derifion, and 4
Proverbe of reproach. We fooles accounted Hit life
madne^e, and-Hii end to be roithont honour. Now is he
numbred among the (Children of God, and His Lot is a-
mong the Saints. Therefore have tve erred from the vray
of truth, andthe light of righteoHfne^e hath nst Jhined
Mnto us , and the Sunne of right eoufne^e hath not rofe
MponusTweiveaned our felves in the way of wicl^d--
nejfe anddeflrruElion: yea,wee have gone through de-
ferts where there lay no way : But as for the way of the
LordyWe have not knowne it. What hath pride profited
'tis? Or what good hath riches with our v anting brought
Uf? All thofe things are pajfed away l^ke ajhadow, and
as a pofl that hafledby, &c. Nay, and yet further, be-
fides the extraordinarinefle of the iniquitie, aad folly
in refufmg Chrifl freely offered,it fhaU moft certainly
be hereafter plagued with extreameft tormenting fti-
. ^^ ^< j^ rie, and moft defperategnafhing of teeth. For with
hereafter. ' whatinfinitehorrour, and reftlefleanguiQi will this
6. The honaar of br- conceit rent a mans heart in pieces , and gnaw upon
ing wooed by chrift, His Confcience, when He confiders in Hell, that Hee
confidering w^at^ _^ hath loft Heaven for a luft : and whereas He might at
done on chS par" ^very Sermon, had even the Sonne of God His Huf-
There isaijgh- band, for the Very (x) taking ; and have lived with
teoufncffewhicbGod
hath prepared, and is therefore called, T/bc ri^btcoufnt(fe ef Ged. Noibiog is looked for at
"^ Him
Part I ,Cap.4. tAffliEled (^onfciences, 1 8p
Him for ever in unfpeakable Blifie , yet neglecting fb our lundsj, but ondy
ereatfalvarion,muft now, crying out therefore con- ^otakeir,to bdccve
tinuallyagainftHimfelfcasthemofl raging Bedlam ou^ISp" h"ft
that ever breathed, lie in unquenchable fiames, with- i, 3 free giftjand may
out remedie, eale,or end 1 It is the higheft honour that be had for the accep-
can bee imagined, and a Myftery oF greateit amaze- *'"§• — ■HuaaiUatjon
mentthat ever was, that the Sonne of God Ihould L"l^"utVTca
make fute unto finfull Soules to be their Husband. And as k is a mcanes to
yet To it is, Hee fiands at the doorCy and kli<'ckj, if you bring us to accept,
will give Him entrance. He will bring Himlelfe and ^od lay hold of that
Heaveninto your hearts. fVe are Chrifis Amha(fa- S^^cq, and 1|« m
f ; ; ^ jjjr r 1 f \ht Chrilt, Which isfree-
deti^s» as though Goddtd befeech yon by its. Wee pray \yoS:ed.T).y.Bu:kli
you in Chrifis flead to be reconctled to God ; We are any miftal(f thisTa^ingy
Chriftsfpokes-menjthatlmayfofpeakctowooeand hetre what refolktita
winne you unto Him.Now what can you (ay for your ^'f°^ft Mdmve^fsti.
felves that you ftand out ? Why come you not in ? If g^jD^wf mw!
Uatlyvcrjed in the myftery ofchiii^jpee^tof: ObitU. But feme will fiy, is nothing clfc rct^ui*
red? Mull God doe ali,and wc nothing.but take the righteoulneflc prepared? Anfw. It is
truej wc muft lire a bolyjcligiet^, tnd feber Uie; for this cni the grtce of Gcd bath appeared j
&c. D. P. Howfocver, though thou maycft have him freely, yet notwithflanding, thou
ftiuil bare him at thy Lord : thou muH be bisfcrvaot,Hethy King, and tbou his Subjed,
&c. Wheo God bath i(;ligbteQcd the cy c« of a man,tbat He can fee where this treafare is>
•-— «Hei» foin3imcd with the lovethercof, thaiHcrefolvcs He will have u, whatfoevcc
it coft Him. — 'Yea but there is a price put upon itj it muft coft ihcc dearej a great dcale
©fforrow, trouble, and oihei'croflcs.Tufh, tell me not of the price; whatfoevcrl hare
fiiail goefor Jt,I willdoc any thing for it. Why,wilt thou carbe thine affedionsJWiltthoO
give up thy life? Wilt thou be concent to fell all that thou haft,and begge all thy life time,
fo thou mayeft have this trealurc? I will doe ic wit h »l\ my bearr^ I am content to fell all
that I have; nothing isfodeare unto me, but I will part with it; my right hand, my right
cycj nay^ifHellit felfe (hould ftand betwcenc me andCbriA, yet would I pafle thorow
the. fame unto him. This ik that violent afFcdion which Godputtcth into the hearts of
His children, that they wilJhaveChrift whatfoeverit coft them Although I confefle, all
that repent andlay hold on Chtift,fhall have mercy; yet what is this to thee, thou wretch-
ed Man.** So long as Gnne hat h dominion over thee, what art Thou ? So long wc are not
onely dead, but alfu rotten in (innc,fo that it may be faid of us, as it was of La-^uiftob.t x.
Lordj faitii Manha, bt ftin^eib airiady. So we are nor ondy cfcad and lotten in (inne, but e-
vcn ftinke thereof, fo long as any fmne or finnes have dominion over us, D. f , Chrift re-
ceives none, but them that deny xhemfclvesj arc willing to take up iheCrc (r<,andfollow
Himjihatrnvfrific -hedccdioftheBody by tht Spirit. To luftification nothing but Faith
isrcquir -it ur his caution muft beaddcd;It muft be a Faith that jurifics the beart,thai
may w., rke • n u n : vcrl?lj change, tb at may (hew it fcifc in ftuits, and bring forth frniic
worth) amendment of life. D, F,
the
ipo InftruEiioHsforarightcomfortiH^ Se(3:.2'
the Divell would give you leave to fpeake out, and in
plaifie termes:One would fay,! had rather be damned
then leave my drunkennes: Another,! love the world
better than fefm Chrift: A third, I will notpart with
my eafic and gainefull trade of Vfury, for the treafure
hUin the field: And fb on. So that upon the matter,
you muft needs all confefle,thatyou \itx^'^ judge your
felvesmroonhj ofeverUfting lije^ that you are wiifull
bloody Murderers of your ownefeulesjthat you com-
mit (iich a wickedneffe, that all the Creatures in Hea-
ven and Earth cry fhame upon you for it. Nay, and if
you go on without repentance , you may exped: that
the Hellifli gnawing of Con(cience for this onefinne
Q^refufmg Chrifi, msiy perhaps hold (bale with the uni-
ted horrours of all the reft. What is the matter I mar^
veil, that you will not entertaine the Match? If wee
ftand upon honour, and noble familie ; He that makes
love, and fute unto our foules, hath on his vefinre and
Rcrel If. IS. «nhu thigh a riAme ivritten^VA^ of Kings,and Lord of
Lords. If upon beauty : Heare how hee is defcribed.
Cant. % . My beloved is tvhtte and ruddy ^ the chief efi of
ten thoujand : His head is as the mofifinegold-Jhis locks
are bujhie and blacke as a Raven, His eyes , are as the
eyes ofDoveSy by the rivers oftvater^wajhedwith milk^
^nd fitly fet. His cheekes are as a bed of Sf ices, as fnveet
flotvers. Hii lips like LillteSy dropping /weet fmelling
tnyrrhe.His hands areas the gold rings fet rotth the Be"
rill: His belly is evs bright Ivory, overlaid ivith Saphires,
His legges are as pillars of marble , fet upon Sockets of
fine gold : His countenance is as Lebanon , excellent as
the Cedars, His mouth is ntofl fT9eet,yea,he is altoge-
Cy)Se6G>Jfcri/upon t her lovely, -f^; Now you muft underft and, that the
the place. Spirit of God by thcfe outward beauties and brave-
Alfted Theol. Of ^[^^^ labours in forae meafure to fliadow out , and re-
r*^^''^l^!,u!!l'!!X prelent unto us, the incomparable excellencie ofin-
mi, qua efl lefus cbri- Ward graces; the dignme,the glory,the fpirituall taire-
jljj / . nefle o^^efw Chrifi^ that we may know > that Hee is
wholly
Part. I . Cap.4 . ^ffltSied Confciences, I p j
wholly and altogether lovely,dele<flab]e,and pretious.
If upon eafc,and contentmenr,He can leade us xsiful- i.Comcntfnenc,
ne^e ofj y, and fleafures at ^ods right hand for everm
more. If we defire honorable Alliance; He will bring «. Alliance,
us to an innumerable company of Angels ^to thegenerall
A^emblyy and Chttrch oftheprli'borne,rphich areyprit-
ten in heaven ; and to God the ludge of all, and to the
ffirtts cfjtifi- men made ^erfeEl, If wee ftand upon
wealth, we Ihall have (y ) all things with him ; which ^^ , ^^ . . ' -
isalargePoffelTion. It weerefped love: rz)G^.^.^ blLpo}S%^^^^
love hath no may, than this, that a Man lay do wne His n% mumii, & mmim
life for his friends. And he being the brightnejfe of His rtrumfun. i'aria io-
Fathers glory , and the express image of hu perfon, ^"'J" ,
Wcamedownefromhisborome,thewell-rpringof L X"'*^"''*^^ '
immortalitie and blifle, the fulnefle of joy , and chat i. Ltfr ali.
unapproachable light, into an Houfe of flefli , upon ». Suffered all.
this bafe and miferable earth. He pafled thoro w a life '• Slanders.
full of all manner vexations,mileries, perfecutions,in- *' d'^'i"?^ k
^%xi\X\t%^^V[idi^s,f^eak}ngAgainfl of Sinners, bccYit refpea©fh?s '"""*
was fo prodigioufly flandered, that they faid, (\i\ He i Cor. j. 1 1.
had a devill\ VV her cas, (c) thefulnejfe of the Godhead (V Iv^* i M 3.
dwelled in him bodily. He was cunningly hunted long, ^"^ ^^ '"''** ^x«-
and at laft violently haled by a Packe of Hell-hounds, Z?AnZ^'lfV''
to a cruell and bloody death, which for the extremitie ptr a(Jmftmtm /cr-
and varietie of paines , for the enraged fpight of the uue/tivi, abjecfffe for.
executioners, for the innocencie,and excellency of the '"*'*• *'*'» &dtjfjfft^'
Perfon fufFering, the like never was,{hall,or can be en- ^*jj %l.ial'%T'*<Z
dured. His palTions were fuch,fo bitter,and unfuppor- %"ai$7tan,ht ^St!
table, that they would have made any meere creature r»t apud Patrem, itx
to have lanke do wne under the burden of them to the ^i^idtrit in jomafet'
bottome of Hell. He was tortured extremely,and fuf- !^'> «' ^^ M /'<«''«
feredgrkvou, thing, both in BoJy and Soule. from STfll^t
Heaven, Earth,and f-iell. Hisbltiled Body was given tame mn fitfi-'katy us
upas an Anvile to 'v. beaten upon, by the violent, and ^b nttmbui cos^ici i
villanous hands of wretched Mifcreants, without all ^#'-
meafure or mercie ;uritill they h^d left no one part /, \^ ?^'.^' 8.48, ;
free. from fbme particular and fpeciall torment. His i Bgdy/'^'
skinne .
t ^ » InfiruSiioMS for a right cotnforti Mg Seft . 2
skinne and flelli were rent with fcourgcs ; his hand*
and feet pierced with nailesjhis head with thornes;his
very hea'-t with the fpeare point. All his (enfesjall his
parts,indeed his whole f acred body was made a rufiiU
ipedlacle to Angels and to Men , of all the moft bafe
and barbarous ii^ge, which malice could devife, and
crueltie execute. But all this yet, was but a fliadow of
his fufFering, the fubftanceot His fuffering , was the
«. Soule. (d) Agony of his Soule ; Give mee any affliflion Qlvq
ii^^.!TJ!!elJZ ^^^ ^^^^^^on of the mind. For thefpirit of a «,4«,(aith
funt a Cbrijlo', Atfot Solomoriy T»tlljujtame all hn other tnfirmmes ; but m.
meanlnne erimt&nebis wounded jpirit.ivho can bearef Yet his Soule>though
ummtrU'e.ergbpaKM he Was the Prince of glory, and Lord of heaven and
**^ Cili^rai "''^'^* ^^^^' "P°" ^^^ Crofle, was even as zfcorched Hesth^
Tom 2.de'*def€e"nfu "^^^^^^^ Co much^Manj drop of comfort either from
ad inferos. Lib. 5. heaven or earth.The grievous weight of all the finnes
ci *.Sea. i.NcJthcr of all his children, the leaft of which had been encvugh
doth Hcc, or I to have preffed them do wne into the bottome of hell,
BDcanc, thac Chrift lay now heavy upon him. The powers of darkneflc
foftcred in Soule one- ^ . . .^ ^ ci\'Q.v.- u /13 j '^**^/»^
ly by Sympathy wuh were let loole to afflitt him ; He wraftled even with
the Body; But a!fo the fierce wrath of his Father, and all the forces of the
immediately ficm infernall kingdome,with fuch anguifli of heart,that in
therjraih of God for ^^ Garden , it wrung out of his pretious Body, a
our finncs Heare hira „ . ' s r li j r ir j ^
alittieafter Sweaty as it "were great drop oj blood falltngdovrne f
CMtr4 luA fopbifmati the ground : with liich agony of Ipirit , that upon the
ttUarmwui tamtn csn-
flHcHtjCbriflum paffum anlmi &corpore. Qtiod ipfttm Calvhut CBnttni'u, & nts aff'er'mitit
^Idlgiturfrultrd labannt Sophiflie in ofpugnaftdi vtr'ttate^ qtsnm ip[i tandem, i^fi, iaquatrif ft'
ttricogantuf ? Nijl forte ma/ilmipatitntef nihiWludcortftdtrant^ wfi'ipfui dolores corparistan'
tumJ^ia:<i^^sv,aiv,psra^fteHiiar»i€favfji.7m^(t7y no» virb ij)iui vUfpropr'tefM ftitfu*
S^o quid poffit abfttrdiih dlci} Certi aniequim cor^m qnicquam pateretuff Chri^ui ipfe te{iab*tur
ffUfi animtm e§e pirturbatam, z!T'q!iidemufque ad mortem, ibid. Sc£i. :?, LttU isrhatfirft
faid it Cand all Antiquity allow ot iijNon (oIh'u uniextvi, f(dfub:ra\it vi(tontm. The union
wasnptrfi^o/vef^S True, bur the beames, the In fiuenievnarefiramcdi andfor 3r\y comfort
from thence, His Sculc wai even as a fcorchcd Heath ground; wlihout fo much.asany
drop ofdew of divine comfort: sss na^tdtree^ no fruit torefrcfh Hioj wiihin, no/M/rco
give Him fliadow without : the pow:r of darkcncflc let loofe to afflid Him: the influence
ofcomfortreftrained to relieve Him, Wiacheften SermnSj fig.jjtt. Wounded He was in
Body, wounded in Spiiit,lefc utterly defoktet/^^i^f.^jj. i i?,
Cvoffkf
Part'i.Chap.4. j^ffii^ed ^o»fcU»ees, I3P
Cro&Mc crlcd^Mjf God.fffjf god,whjf hafi thou (e)foy~ (c) There arc fixe
faken me ! And the meafure of all thefe fufterings,and ^'^^/" of dcreiaion,
forrowes, were fo pad all meafure, that all the crea- chH?'"Lf ''bal
tures/ave finhill Men onely ,both in heaven and earth, thought to have com^
feemed to be amazed and moved with them. The San plained; Firft,by his
in the heavens drew in his beames, unwilling as it union of pjrion; fc-
were to fee thefpodefre blood of the Sonne of God, '^Tce VhiX bydf
fpilt as water upon the ground. The Earth it felfe minution or weake'
/hrunke,andtrembled,underit. The very iJof^f '*^»^ ningofgrace.Founh-
afunder, as ifthey had fenfe and feeling of his intoUe- ly. ''y w^nt ©^ *^^'
rable,and,fave by himfelfe, unconquerable paines; "Qcceffuta« dch-
The whole frame of Nature feemed aftonifhed at the tuploni FiftJyA* d"!
mournftill complaint ofthe Lord ofthe whole world. niaJlofprotcdionj
Thefe , and farre more than thefe , or then can be ex- Sixthly , by wich-
preft, our blelTed Saviour , being Sonne ofthe moft <^''»wing» of fo^^r,
high God,€nduredforno other end,but to ranfomeusJ^",|,j^^^^^^^^^^
from the bondage of Sathan, and of Hell, in a thirfting fore, it isimpioa*
defire offaving all Penitent finners; And to offer him- once to thiuke, tiiat
. felfe freely, a moft glorious, and everlafting Husband ^^"^ **« forfakcn
toaIlthofe,whowith broken and beleeving hearts ^7 °/^p* j^h"Jui^f
cart themfelves into his bofome. Such admirable, and otH^spcrfon w«nil
unutterable perfed:ions,beauties, indowments,fuffer- vcrdiHoIvcdjHisgra-
ings, and inflamed affections, as thefe, in the heavenly ccs were ncvcr,erthcr
Suter unto our (innefiillSoules, doth mightily aggra- f*\cn /way, ordiaii«
vate the hainous and horriblefinne of refuj^ng Him, u Sl?He LuW
Thus, and in this manner ,would I have the Men of wjnt affurancc of fu,
God to magnifie, inlarge, and reprcfent to the hearts cure dclivcrance,3n4
of their Hearers , all the excellencies of lefiis Chrift, prcfcntfupporcthac
with the worth,merit, and efficacy of His bloud : To "CoxTol^f^^tult
fet out to the utmoft they can poffiblyjthe glory ofthe ,^0 faft wayes hce
Gofpell with all the riches of mercy, goodneflcjand may rightly bco fa id
free grace, revealed, and offered therein, &c. So that t^havc becnc forfa-
they tell them withall. That 7e/«f C^^-//? takes none, ^<^"- ^'"^'^ "/"•'*
butfuch as are willing, to take upon them Hi, yoke: ^^'^^f^li^^J^'^^^
That he gives himfelfe" to none, but fuch as are readie, jion "of coiambg io
to fell all, in the fenfe I have faid, that they may en/oy unto him,
his bleffed felfe.That the glorious grace ofthe Gofpell
O ihines
ip^ JnJhruBions for M right cdnforting^ Sci^.J^
Ttt. a. ii. 12. Ihines favingly, to none,biitfuch zsJeny ttngodlinefffy
and rforldlj lujh; and live foherly ^righteoujly , and god-
lily in this frefent rvorld : That thofe whofe Soiiles are
cleanfed by the blond ofjefui Chriflfrom all ftnne, are
onely fuch,as walke in the Hght,as God is in the light;
who makcconfcience of deteftingand declining all
finnes, and works oi darknefie discovered to them by
the light of God's holy Booke, and fincerely (et their
hearts and hands, with love, and careftill endeavour
to every duty enjoyned therein. In a word, That, as
thzt Fountaine opened to the hnufe of D avid for Jinne
and for uncleannejfe, I meane the blood oi that imma-
ailate Lambe,^^/»f C/>rf)?,theholy and the righteous,
doth turne all the finjies even the very fsarlet and
crimfon,o^2L truly broken heart, and every true Mour-
ner in Z.ion,into/»9?p,& n>ooll,{o it wil never wafh a-
way the leaft (ii^ill ftaine from the proud heart of any
unhubled Pharifee. That hereby no ftrangers unto the
love and life of godlineffe, may be deceived by appro-
priating unto themfelves any of thefe glorious things,
which are onely proper to the fealed Fottntaine : but
onely conceive of them as excellent motives tocanle
them to come in.I would have the Preaching of Chrift
fill the fouleof everie true hearted Nathanael everie
time with nnlpeakea^le andgloriom joyyVi'wh all thofc
Evangelieall pleafures, which neither eye hathfeene,
nor eare heard, neither have entred into the heart of
man : But I would have it onely make- every unrege-
nerate man fenfible of what infinite blefledneflc he be-
reaves Himlelfe by continuing a Rebell ; that there-
upon He may be moved to make hafte out of His pre-
lent Hell, into this new heaven fo fairely opened, and
freely offered unto Him.
A lounh pmicuTw Befidesprefiingthelaw,promifingmercie,propo-
Jh^'foTixdw fing Chrift, &c. to ftirre men in their naturall ftates,
mo fis M. to make them cntertaine thoughts of comming iH>to
humble them in the fight of the Lord under the heavy
burden
Part I . Cap . 4 . jfffliSied Confciences, 19%
burden ofall their finnes,aflure them alfo of pardon,in
cafethcy will leave Sathans lervice, and fo prepare
them for Chrift; Let Gods Minifters lay hold upon all
warrantable wayes, which they fliall finde, and feele
out of their Minifteriall experience, & holy wifedome
to be availeable,and prevaile for that purpofe. So that
the worke be done in truth: And that they do not like
the Divels dawbersy^Q.c6.\'& them to the eternal ruine,
and damnation of their Soules, byteUing them that
they have Chrifi already,and are fafe enough for falva-
tion, whereas indeed, as yet, there is no fuch matter. ^ ^^ ^^ ^^^j ^^^
Such points asthelc, are wont to make attentive the putting of ihcfe
raturail men, to ftartle in their feats , to looke about former diicdions in-
them fomething more than ordinarily; To wit, to di- to praaifc.
vide the pretioPf^, from the vile: To diftinguiOi that j2fnIe\T[i!'^me'i
One true happy ftate of grace, from all ftates of unre- luZllZmfum^lf'
generatenefle,and all kinds of Hypocrifie:to tell them uj virb&canpos avi-
out ofthe Booke of God, How farre a Man may go in mas hommMm,j'emina»
gcnerall graces, and dotngmany things, tec. and yet "^'** *'^"* ^"/'/"J*
come iliort of Heaven : To deliver Markes ot fincere %^'f'^^fi, frriji
Profeflburs, of a (aving Faith, oftrue repentance, of a ptrdiia ptnibmiuna,
found converfion, &c. But I would have this done tantummodo fihuwr*
with a great deale of fpirituall wifedome , and hea- ChryUjft. In M«t.
venly anderftanding,with much godly dilcredon,and 2i";Ii./iJ(r"^»«ir
caution;lelt thereby ,€ither the tormall Profeflour may ^^cuh & rxercair, ut
be incouraged, or the weakeft Chriftian diOieartned: ttfi p'uu torum^ qui
To difcourfe ofthe feivnefle, and fcarcitie of thofe p *di(at'mm Af4»'
which n-iaU be f aved;& that even (f ) under the light, '^T ^"^"Z"*" *'■'';^
rent animify cum U etiam in Dom'tnt a'que M^iilfirn par'n^r f*£lum recofdaren'ur^ Tifq^ ta.mti
tff.yq»amviSyiiai<ifit'Ufumn«?tignorore>ffemnapr»^ctre negltxlt. Ib)d t/wa»i tXmni /?»'-
iMty €xtertie,per vt bum EUdi txXiKTvilcil Adyiiam telernam ChriftiuLquiur dt vocitisne
extntid qvd per Evang'lij prtedicactonrm vecaulur tarn reprobt,quam etiiliy f^C. Pifcat.in Mat<
ci»p-»o, /(if p»piilud,qui tn medio p-puli dnfitfcep'u mifenc0tdfiim. Dti^quanum nume>it>n h*-
bei^^drnpaucifunt? fptinvmiumui-altq'ti^ iHifnecanttntm Ottti trit <^ ptvdei tantatn muU
tmdimm? nicunt hoe, qvi (:i>i p'omittunt hoCy qutd a Veopromitcente non aHd.httnt. — • ^ai
junt itliy qui videnturfetvare prucepta Dei? Vix imttnitur unm vel dno velpvKtffi ni, lpf»i johi
Dtuilihtratwfiti fji, uteres damnstu^m ? Abfiiy inqui-tnt, cuvt venertt, & vidtbn taniam mu'ti*
tudtnem, tul Jinifiramy miftrtbititf, & dsbic indulgeamm. HocpUn^ etiam ferpttu iUe pt«m pt
prim»htmni.2itimm»»M9ratT)tiammemffigu^itiet,l&eMtem, AbCit inqalt, mQ:U ma
O 2 and
Ip6
IftfiruSisoMsfor a right comforting
Sea. 2-
>."Placc$of Scripture
lo be prcflcd
msrimivi Crediderunt and within the found of the Gofpell ; See Matth. 20,
etfint'i, ivvemrunt, j^^ Many are called^ ^ut few chofen. Confider /y^?
fverumtjj'e.quodmina fj^^^iyie of the Scvoer^ Matth. 13. There is but one
'rl^'S^'S: g°°^ '"°''^„> "P°"u"''''* 'he'eedofthe Word falls
tHi. it^ & nunc fntni. profpcroufly; bat three reprobate groun:ls,as it were,
&i. Auguiv in Plal. upon which ip is loft, as water upon the ground. Sec
48 pag. jx?. uiy fix^^'DoEir.HpenGenef.e^^.^c, Thus let the Men
of God acqu?.intthemrelves,with fuch Points,as they
conceive, tlielikeUeft, and moft pregnant to pierce
their Hearers hearts, and come clofeft to their Con-
fciences j that To, by the helpe of God, they may pull
them out of Hell.
And there are fbme places alfo in the Book of God,
which being rightly handled,and powerfully applied,
CO An^ i^^^y ^^^"^ leeme to have a fpeciall keennefle to ftrike at, and cut
findeHim ""/*"/^|^ afiinder the iron fi^jewes of the moft obftinate heart;
'llfwfrt theiT-^Nay. And of more aptneflTe to ferve for the rowfing and a-
ilicirowoe hearts an- waking of meere civill men,formall Profeflours, Pha-
Iwcr thcmfclves Go, x'lCits, and foolifh Virgins out of their defperate fium-
whom you have fpent ^^^ of (pirituall Selfe-deceit, Such as thefe. Deut, 2p.
He w%bcm now! IP'^<^- Andtt come to pap, t^hen he hear eth the words
Let ihcm five you, at cf this curfe^ that he hlejfe Himfelfe in His heart, fay-
iBi$,whoro yc fought ifig, JJhallhave peace, though I walke in the img.gina-
at all other times. As ^•^Qy^ of mine heart, to adde drunkennejfe to thirfi : The
for mec,ir ^^^^^^^^^^ Lord will not jp are him, hut then the anger of the Lord,
l^d'yoi woaW not' ^^d' ^^ iealoufte,fhallfmoke againft that wan, and all
hcarej So you Ihall the curfes that arewritten in this Rooke,fhaU lye Hpon
cry,and/«Jif-snd(hall him, and the Lord fhall blot out hit name from under
not fii^tJ, or tejicard, Ueaven. Pfal. 78.21. Godjhallrpound the hairy f calf e
(faith ibe Lord)Yei ^ ^^^ as goeth onflill m his trefiaffes, Prov. I .
ihty found Him, bui ■'-'_„ ^%, •' ,, j j ^ r r j r t
with a dorc (hue be- 24.28. Becaufe I have calle(L and ye refujed, I have
twcencHim&rhcni. firetched forth my hand, and no Mat$ regarded, drc.
Butwhatfoundihcy? Then fijall they caR uponme, but I wilt not anfwer : they
^llVvai^ds^iv^^a MH feeke me early, but they JhaU not (cJfindeme.Vvo.
T^tfc'it voi. — He kuowcih thtro not:thcy took too fl^oi t .i time to breed acqaaimancc in.
Jisfciovonhcy find,that fo fccke P>eft{Id adbocn>nhru,&c. Acthisciip, He that wakcth
notjis r»ot aflecpc,but dead. ^imhtfUn Sermons, pag. 1 g i . I dcroartdj Will any time fci vc
cofeckeC«d'tsCcid<>t3]lpn)(*tobefv>und?Itiscert«nc, Net. The veryliaiication.
Part I.Cap.4 . AfpEted (^onfciences. IP7
2p , I . He that being often reproved,hardeneth hii neckcy C<^^ ^'^^ kvm'ire po •
Shall fuddenly be deftroyed, and thatreithout remedie. f-^) ftcwcih plaine-
Ezek.24.i3. Inthyfilthineirei^ier^dnejfe, becaufe I ^JTI^!^^
have (di) purged thee^ and thou wafi not purged , thon ifghg uif^ yoy m^y,
/halt not be purged from thy filthinejfe any ntore^ till I buc fixidc him you
have caufed my fury to reft upon thee . i . Pet,4. 1 8. If the ^^ '^^ "oc* 'rf^Wj '^»^'
righteoui fcarcely hefaved\ where Jhall the ungodly and ^^^^ 'Z^'
thefinnerappeare? i.Ioh. 3.p. Whofoever nborneof ipfoiSivh%cS,
God doth not commit Jinne, i.Pet.2.17. Lovethebro- tumve/bo fno prtecc'
therhood. Hebr. ll.l^.JVithoutholineffe no man Jhall pii,ui/e;KUf>dc:r£ytc.&
fee the Lord. Urn, 2.19. The'Divelsalfo beleeve and ^^''« <'<^ "^^'^'w ?«"
tremble, Luk. i 3. 24. Strive to enter in atthefirait ^^0^^.4*^1X1!
gate : for many J fay untoyou^ ypillfeeke to enter inland \s. vm aqua (^fx-
Jhall not be able. Matt. 10.14.15. And tvhofoeverjhall pone affliClienum ablU'
not receive you^ &c. Verily, I fay untoyouy it fljall be ^'i '^ ^"^f"'" cdamitA'
more tolerable for the land of Sodome, and Gomorrah in J^foi^^^^-cuureftii^
the Day of judgement, thanfor that city. Andll.12. puri manfmwt . lefa.
Andjrom the day es offohn the BaptiH, untill now, the i . y. <^ fequentilm'j
kl»gdome of heaven fuffereth violence, and the violent Pdan.in Locum.
takeit by force. And 5.4^. Andif you falute your bre^
thren onely, whAt do you more than other s?^Xi6. verf.'20.
I fay unto you. That except your righteoufnejfe Jhall ex-
ceed the right eoufne^e of the Scribes y and P harifeesyve
Jhall in no cafe enter into the kingdome ofheaven.Thcfe
fellowcs rcprelented to the eye of the World,a good-
ly and glorious fhew of freedomefrom grofle finnes;
I am not, faith the Phari(e€, Luk^ iS.as other men are,
extortioners y unjuj}, adulterers, ^-c. Of works ; Firft,
Of righte©ufne{fe ; / ^ii'^ m^i?/ of all that Ipojfejfe..
Secondly, Of Piety ; He went up to pray. Thirdly, Of
mercie j Befides fafiing, and prayery they gave almes,
Matth.6. 8cc. And yet Chrift fpeakes thus perempto-
rily to his hearers : Except your righteoufnejfe exceed
therighteoufneffeofthe Scribes and PharifeeSy^c.ye
Jhall in no cafe enter into the ki»gdome of heaven. He
faith not fimply, ye ihall not enter : But ye fliall in na
cafe enter. And yet how many who come ftiort of
O 3 thefe.
' g InftrHBioHS for A right comforting Se(5l.2.
tbefe, will bee very angry, iftHeMiniflerstell tbcm,
tbattbey (hall certainly come (hort ot the kingdome
of heaven.
I have done with dawbing and plaiflcring over
rotten hearts with plauiible periwafions , that they
fliall not be damned: I meane that moft eruell, and ac-
curfed trade o'ifirengthemng-rvith lies, the hands of the
n'ichcd, that hefjouldmt returnefrom his nvickcd way
by pron^ifing him life,Szek^ i 3 .2 2. Whereby thoufancls
are fcnt hood-winkt to hell, more is the pity ! even in
this bkffed time of the Gofpell : And I come now to
another errour, about comforting afflidled Confcien-
ces. Wbich is this.
Chap. V.
Thefecend errour is the indjfcreet fif flying of eorrt'
fort to them that are not grieved aright : tyvo cafes
ivherein men grieved are not to hefrefently comforted,
•Hen the fpiritnall Phyfition promi-
" feth comforr,applies the promifes,
affiires of mercy, acceptation and
^ r r- B88>i*rv VA T*,r*^ pardon :
JiufcVrTr™ 1^^. I. When the ground of griefe.
iinne, buc cutward vj^srw®**^^®*' is not m truth troubled tor finne,
trouble. but fome outward trouble. Some, iniiichacafe may
caft out by the way fome taint,and formall complaints
of their finnes, and feeme to fecke diredion, and fatif-
fadiion about the ftate of their Soules;when as the true
root and principall spring of their prefent heavinefle,
and hearts-griefe, is fome fecret earthly difcontent-
ment.the biting and bitterneffe offome worldly fting.
It may bee the loffe or defperate courfe of iome over-
loved childe J decay5&: going backward in their eftate;
feare of falUng into beggery 5 fome unexpefted dif-
contents
Part 2 . Chap. $ . Affii^ted Co»fcien€es, I pp
" contents and difappointments after marriage ; Some
great difgrace, and fliame fallen upon them in the eve
of the world J Some long and tedious fickneffej pinch-
ing th^m extremely for want of peace with God, and
patience to pafle thorow it. Or the Hke.
In this cale, after the Man of God by his beft wife- rhcfe are to be jn<
dome,and fegrching experimental! trials,and Interro- fttufted, that worwi
gatories fitted for that purpofe, whereby he may give lyforfow
a ftrong conje6lure,if not a peremptorie cen{nre,hath
difcovered the Impofture : Let his defire and endea-
vour be, to turne the torrent of worldly teares (and
taking on for tranfitory things j upon finne. When a
veine is broken, and bleeds inward , or a man bleeds
cxceffively at the Nole, the Phyfitionis wont to open
a veine in the arme , io to divert the current of the
blood, that it may bee carried the right way , for the
fafetie and prefervdtion of the partie. Do proportio-
nably in this point.
Let fuch know. Firft, That Ce)/^rrw<7/^^<?7vor/^ rcUcif*"* ,o'
ycorketh death. (£) It dries the bones , confumes the ^() QuUmtmefife-
marrowjchils the blood, waftes the Spiri ts, eates up cundjim mmbtm ?
theheart,{hortnethlife,andcuttethoff"toofbone,from ^'*andb eoatrifiarU
the day of gracious vifitation . It is a bafe thing for an ^J^"^/^'' ^«>^ii^,r°pter
imn,ortallSouktobeputthasoavoftime,andtempat""«SrC-
with mortall thmgs, and molt unworthy it s heaven- dum mundum-y idcb &-
\y birth, breeding under the Miniftery,and everlafting mortem facU. i^am qui
abode. Secondly,Thatforrowfpent upon the world, ^'""^"^ gkriamcomrl-
is like a pel fum'd precious water", throwne into the ltke*c£r%^Zl
channell, or finke-hole , which would makeafweet mt trWn'o^^
fentin an humbled fbule,and help excellently againft £/>«: banc iriftitiam
the noyfome favour of finne .Fire put into the thatch , ^"'^^^ fccundum mim-
dum, qu^ty'ijIibiMper'
a Ccr cap.7. 7. VnproHrablc Smt tmca cnmedrt vtflmtntum, & fimt vtmUrodit Ikmm^
tta lui.iiM nocet cardi Bern dcroodober^ vivendi, cap.ii. Itpiercctb even to theraarrovj
xi^^T.i ' " '"'^^*'' ''""'^ °"' ^'^°^^ ^'^'■"^ ^"'^ P°3'fon"li «n our aa^^^
3 ' . W oildJy forrow workcih a change in the body, it bringsgray hayrcson the hcad,and
furrowcs and wriakksin thcfacc U turnes youth into old agr, and ftrength into weikc-^
O4 would
200 InftrH Elton sfer a right comforting Sedt , a ,
Co Tn^iiia enimfic would turneallintocombufl:ion;(^j Diinf^ placed in
% quomdo ftercm. ^^ Parleur, would iinpoyfon all; But lay the one up-
fitnm mmundma i(i ^^ ^"^ heartn,ana it would warmc, and comtort ; the
sitrm nan locofuopo other upon the land,and it fatneth and makes h-uitfuU;
fi:um, mmundmjattt So forrow mifplaced upon earthly things, fills a man
i\omuw-, loLo fitopjt- withl"warmesofcarkingconfLillons,and brings many
r^^-triSi; devonnng /■/..;«. i,«o the tort; bnt being turned
qu:m t\(lm\ fiiYCiu upon f^j (nine, and former fintull courfes , which is
-jid'.o^lmm quxn Die, the onely right, proper, pro fitable ufe thereof, it may
tm'utj unde tii^uui? procure a great dealeoFeafe, and enlargement to the
Terdtdi, irqml,ficmi ^ ^ -^ ^ ^ j^ | ^^ ^^. f^^^y ^.. ^
am. Lomimmmduii • f^ ' . ,, ^_, , '^. , ■', / , .'
fmUus nullum, Audiat repentance. Thirdly, 1 hat the tithe perhaps or taking
/ifofisimi Trt^'ili on,troubleofminde, vexation of Spirit, fadnefle and
mndmortemopcraiur. fbrrow, about worldly things in refpecfl of the bulke,
l^Vdmne"1m7ts ^"^ quantitie,iffincere, and let upon the right obje^,
sic&dt^"aurLVtbHs niightfervef/jto drive US unto Chrift,and afterwards
aigtidiafeculamptr' in Gods gracious acceptation, for faving repentance.
tintntlkuii quas rei Me thinkes it fliould be a very quickening motive to
iongum eft enHVitnrf*
ttm,gtmmHmf fl.nttm: r^iKUum fteyterit video , & ih'i lac/m qunfo. Et cum vldenmtyi(iem,fleif-
temin^exi & orantem Ornn^^wftkquid mihi bo-^tefignificationii ivgejji . Sid cdhuc locum qiitro,
j^mde»imfi(leoram)g^ffJ('t3s,>nignefl?tutK0ri{mrogHiKlmkifffM. Eiiar/tfit]amplorat,iam
rogatfJAiH orat', Lotm immunitUiffutim nuUiu. • — lnj]>(xi atium rufM^gemcnitm jl^ntmiOYatt'
tem'iftercM agnofco.btwn qu^ro. Inttndiauiim oratianupii &anA;t9dictn!tw^tgadixl,domm^
mftrere mt\, fam an'mamPteamy qulafeccavi libl.Gemit peccatum: agnofcoagruvif txpflepw
ilufn Dto^aiMi. Bono loco eji ftircm, non tbi vacant ^frdhm pariurlt. Aug. de terop.S cr. 151.
J. Might, if rightly bcftowcd, be accepted of God. (h) TrifliUa't'Ja(olm ad peccaUHtUis
tfi;qut)dh'iK' mmfiflatur ^'rpromtjjls divitifs coHtrfiUtur-y dammm non felv'a i ^i p,-o
imertu$c^uiYi(iaturyjacaitim»mexcUat: ^ipYeplermB^bnmconin^A'ut, non foliimnoTtctira-
tWy (et etkm auget mOYlum- ^-ti vere in peccatis centriftatur, his folum utiUtam aliqitid ampliiif
^trifiiiid acupit-y abfunm mm & cvantfcerefaiit ptccata. Chryfofl. hi % Cor. cap- 7. Mortem
lugert miuenSf 'jfg'peceatct^ ut ipfa deUtu: propter hoc enm triliitiafaClii ffl^ nonut in m»rie, ntc
in uUa alia re tali dol'umui, feducipfd ad delenda uianur piccata; Et quodhtc vtrnm fityexefiipb
facto manifcfiiia>^fieff.«dia mtdicinalia prepter iUn tamiim morbaty fafia/untyquos toUti e paffunty
nsiip'-opter illes^ quos nihil adinvare peffunty &c. MulClaitti efl ^wfpUm ptcunyty triftaiai eft,
malfiam non mendavit fifmm amifitydokity mortuun tton refufcitavity ntc dtfiin£lop/ofmt:Fla'
pi!ctu4 f i5 quKyOlapis citfuSy iontumelyi affeUui.doluity non rtvecavit contumtliamy &c. vidts
hvHttt nuUi proiiffe trifiitiam, Feccavit quis, trifl&tHi e(i,peccatum dtlevit.Idtm ad Popul. An-
tiochcaum,Hom.5. (i) I meane boih rcpetitanccc LegaU,wh'ich is bred by bclceving the
threats ofthe Law, and by accidcDcIeades unco C6ri/2. Evrngelktlly which fpnagsfroru
Faiibin (hepromif^soltheGofpclljafKrwehavc lak^nChriAJor Faith miA goc before
make
Part. a. Cap, 5 , ^fflt^^d ConJci9m€s, 2 c j
make a man (V) heforriefor nothing but fmne , and to f^''* rep? ntaofe , z%
turne all his grieve and groanes.figns, and teares,npon *^^ ground and .'ooe
bis tranfsrefilons ('I) o»f/y ; To vvir, to ccnfider, that p'^'uf". I" ''"\v
an impeniten.tcarnajl worldling dotn pafle thorow call icpcnt^nce are
even in thib life (where he hath all the heaven hee h bo- h together, but .n
ever hke to have j incomparably more comfbrtlcfTe '^'5 order <f namtc,
hcarts-gnefe, flavirh torment of"minde,and heavines (\^\^q^^J^'
ofSpirit towards endk-flepaines, then the ftritfleft amj^np^^ffilX^egt-
Chriftian, and moft mortified Saint, doth endure in aerofum virum ceias
hispaflagetoeverlaftingplea(hres.FourthIy,That,be- ^"atriftari f Aufmi
fides, many other peftirent properties , worldly for- f^^^^-^^fi<i habecim
row doth aifo double, nay multiply, and mightil}' en- e^c^ef^ed7u\'^Zm
rage the venome/Ditternefle.and fling of every cro/Te, dv.ta'm mttst vm.
accidentjlofTejdifgracej&c.Whcn (m,) Ahuopheiy^^is cuiiin^ciei ? Sedhai^a
difgracedjby negled of his counfel, which tvas in thofe ^^"f''^^ii'"»/elu(amj&
dayes^asifamanhadeitquired at the Oracle of God, '^^''^^f^f^J^^^/'ntiet
carnall griefe logr ew upon him, that he gat him home et corpfa? ai ittmm re
to his hoiife, p/tt his houpjoldiK order y and handed him- furgei. Et ficui cum
felfe. What was thedifgrace to this defperate end? "f^'''^ /'«^«««, ^
Haman being croffed by Mordecaies difcourtefie, and f ''*'" -virbmni percu-
contempt, did fo trouble himfelfe, and take on, that, JuS-IZ S'T'
having (n) told his wife, and fiends, of the glory of his nam cum umbrd Tan'.
riches, and the multitude of hii children, and all things, tUfpugnat, & vires
■wherein the Kin^had promoted him ^ and how hee had ['*"* ^^IF^tvU, mliam
advanced him above the Princes, and fervants of the *^/J'^jf^"']f.^^ !**/''
King, &c. Tet profejfeth unto them ; that all this avai^ Calorumregfle^ll'^^t.
led him nothing, fo long as hee faro Mordecai the few, w, &ftvis, me bodie
.-,',, X, , . .. jugula'f ciedit ? itatias
tihilmbeo^qhodmtctler'jeradiUabena rnvfautU. Ckry{ift. ad Pop». y\niiocb, hom
fl) ^Viur pol^qu^m mmfe(le oraiio dmenilravu, quod nequs ptcmarum mnl£iam, mque e'en-
tumeliam.wqke (dumniam, ncque flAji,iUa,ntqueval€tudmmt mquemmmy rtequc aliud qmd
tahum tnduCii trifiitia. inliaurarepoffttjtdfolum dtUre peccatHm,& hujia t(i dtfiruaiva-certm
qHOipropurbsmfolam caufimfaai tfi. Tie mpl'm ipturptcunmumjaCiurm doUmur ftd cm
pucamta^tantiimdekamiis.niuli&enm hk ex trifiitid utililas. Mtdilaimii? ue dJtas- tie.
queenimproderit. reasjii} Dole, utile nmque e/2. Ibid. ^^3 » Sam. 17. 2?. \Athn9.
phel, ita raimmntur : Abfolom^ aul vkctt, aut xn : fi non vinca^, incidam in manm T>avi-
dU: Si vscerit, adbue egtLixgiorm vlvm, Cbufai ctuftlio vidtbiiw v'lcijfe. - —'l^olftlt
pomsmrifqu4mi?!gloriHivhtret Pet.Mart.insSano^cap. 17. C"3 Heft y.ix,i 2,11, .
fftfiff^
a02 iKfir-HSiionsforarightcomfomng Se^.2,
fitting at the Kings gate. Now whether do you tbinke
was the moft grievous thing to beare ; the bare omiC'
(ion of a meere complement, or an univerfall diftafte,
and dir-in/oyment of all outward comforts heaped
upon him to the height, and in excellency ? The hun-
(o) ^mvii quid til- dreth part of }ohs loffes , and lefTe , hath many times
^itia. ms'.eft'm ? Std {ince.made many a covetous worldling.to cut his own
ir^»K2iJS ^^^'^^^' Ihaveknownefome,fortheloffeofanover-
ort^V^denimittJi- loved childe, to have languifhed , fallenlntoa con-
hllumdt(inU',h0ieautm fumption, and loft their owne lives. But now on the
peetiitemiam bwi pte- other fide,befidei> many other gracious effcS:s, foryoy^,
nittndam in falwem according to Godyis more deliciom^andfyveeter than anj
SlSn^ ^'rldlydeligh^ : AsCo)p.^A/.«., truly teUs^m in
«^, eiuod. nullum pani. ^"^ny places. To whom Moderne Divmes accord.The
tetfic doluljfe, id quod very teares,that a good CoKfcienceJhedsy (aith (p) one,
wuniaM trifiitUpro- have more joy^and pleafurein them, than the -worlds
pmmefl Qs'i^-gtma- greatefijoyes. This is certaine, faith (^) another, that
qmimmt \Um mx]o. ^^^^^ " ^"^^ hghtnejfe of heart, and true delight tn the
remdolorm infiri^ At forrow of the Saints, thanin the lorvdefi laughters of the
tamm partntts fe ipfoi world. For un^eakeablejoy is.mingled with unmtera'
pA dulm plMgeniti yu aroanes.
ZZt:iSr':::l , ^. Whenitis„otanykmdlytouchofconfcience
Utatm, '^tmt% p»fl rorfinne wrought by the Mmiltery : but terrours, and
tempuA.pttmentiam r- affrighting diftemptrs arifing from the darke mifts of
gunt qMi'mmed'il dc- a melancholicke humour in the braine, which caufe a
lutrunt. Mi worldly man tocomplaine. In this blackejandradhumour.Sa-
noournmemuit Dec r^ i r re • i • /^ :i C • r \L ir • •
mourned for, snd tan, God fuffermg him (and ot it ieltealio it is preg-
fucb tcires 'Muvepr, nantenough this way j hath great advantage to raife,
with a aewruDpivof and reprefent to the Phantalie many fearefull things,
re*rc>.3 sum ■ "
titith ifidaida! , ,'imb & (em-'gli afflixmntifedrontalUc^trifUmffcundum Deuniyfei
babet gtrnme: rM,i:} v,?: e^ quo:! qms fe tisn mcufat ob doknm^ & quod trifiitia infalutem definitt
Amhobu4iiiiiC'>inaifi'iiii^ip'lvii<t'fl Chry'oft.i i tCor.cap. 7.\l>Avn.\^.Sicuten'mmundi
gmiiiin* t4fliti<e ttnfvnio copulatury iti etiam fecitrtdumdmisHtn lachrymx ^ugem-parmnt^ ccf'
tdmqueUtitiam.ldcrY^i'm Ma tU.3- liooj <5. Cp)/5r.2)j-^eof conlcifn«,cap.: 5 pag.132,
Cq) Concidaqitide'n Wud. in ipfo }r.ssiore^ ac tiobre pmum p'ns gaudij ineJJs^ & vtra fieittitf
qadm iny'ifu lujiu ntHnJi: liamcum (ajpirys menarrabiltbui conjun^am efi gauditim intffabUe,
Rolloc inIohan.cap.il pa^, '570. DHls'iomfunt hcbryriM erAniium^ quam gAuiiiTbeatf^-
turn. Auguft in Pfal. 1 1.7. pag 74?, %, Cafe; Men arc tnclanchohlccly grieved.
terrible
Part 2. Chap. 5 .
j^ffii^ied Confciences,
aoj
terrible ob/eds, griefly thoughts, hideous in/e(5l:ions
and temptations^ro defpaire , felfe-deftruilion , &c.
Whereupon the party (b afFeifled and aftlided is wont
outotimpaticncyol- fucb uncouth horrours, andhea-
vinefle to addrcde himfelfe,and have recourfeto Tome
Man of God, fome noted Phyfttion of the foule ; not
from any purpofe and refo^ution to become a new
man, and alter his courfes ; but oncly for hope of eafe,
enlargement from the tyranny of that ferall paiTion,
andrccoverie to wonted quietnefse of minde: not
expcdingor aiming at all , at any other change ; but
from pre(cnt melancholy to former mirth ; from this
abhorredjirkefomcinliipportable ftate of fadnefse^to
his accuftomed fenfuall,or civill contentment at Icafl.
In this cafe let the art, and aide of phyficke bee im-
prou'd, to abate and take otf the excefse and phanta-
fticalnefse of this horrible humour : and then let the
partie be advifed, to imploy,and fpend the native,and
kindly (^) fadnefse, of that uncomfortable conflituti-
on, in forrowingfor finne, in trembling at the threats
of Gods judgements, in fearing to offend, and flying
under the wings of C/?r»/? for fanfluarie ; that {o hee
may happily bring fupernaturall, and heavenly light-
lomnefse into his foule,by pardon from God, peace of
confcience, and evangelicall pleafures. It is incredible
to confider, whatafliftance, and advantage a gracious
man hath, by his fweet (r) communion with Jefm
Chrifii2indi thoferefi-efliing beames of comfort which
fliinefrona his face, to confine and conquer thofe ma-
ny impertinent, irkefome, and vexing vagaries ofthis
wilde humour ; which with much folly and furiety-
rannifeinthe fearefiill phantafies of grace] efse men,
and make their life very difconfolate, and abhorred. I
am perfwaded, the very fame meafure of melancho-
licke matter , which raifes many times in the heads,
and hearts of worldlings (having befides, the guilt of
their iinforgivenfinnes flaring with griefly reprefen-
nations
Thefeare to bchel.
pcd,
r.WfthPhyfickc.
». Advice.
(qj Dolat mtlantholkuA
convent debet inMi-
rettty qui tflfecHndum
Deum Aiat4».ThcoI^
Cafuutn, cap. 25.
(T)^idCbrifiofuiVi'
us ? — A^pftbtnfo
cujiise[i cum {mvitate
W(ig»d, & gaudio in-
cndlbili, ut m plan^
fuivii ejl ea^qute oppre-
htnditur. holloc. in
Iohan.cap.8. p.Jje,
. InliruUions for a right comforting ' Stdi.i
tations in the face of their cbnfciencesjand acquainted
with no comfort but that which comes from carnall
joyes) continuall clouds of many ftrange horrours,
and gaftly feares , nay and fometimes makes them
ftarkemad ; I fay, the, very fame in a fanclified man
maybefo mollified and moderated by fpirituall de-
light, and foveraigntie of grace, that he is not onely
prelerved from the fting and venome of them, but by
Gods blefTmg from anyfuch defperate extremities,
violent diftempers, and diftraiftions, which keepe tlie
other in a kinde of hell upon earth Jf the very darkncs
of the helliflTi dungeon were in the heart; yet reaching
out the hand of faith,and receiving C^rifi that bleffed
Sunne of righteou/hefle, would difpell and difperfe it
to nothing: Much more methinkes, the light of grace
and heavenly wifedome, may in fome good meafiire,
diflblve and mafter the mifts and miferies of this earth-
ly humour. Religion then, and religious courfes,and
conformities doe not make melancholicke men mad;
as the great Bedlams of this world would beare us in
Worldly men flan- hand. For you muft know that befides "BelinU and
d« debo/ht companions,tbere are a generation of world-
ly wife men allo,right brave and j oily fellowes in their
owne conceits, and in the opinion of fome flattering
claw-backs ; But by teftimony of the Truth it felfe,
flarke mad about the fervice of God and their owne
falvations^who curfedly feare their owne cenfciences
with the hotteft iron in the Divels forge, by breaking
out into filch blafphemies as thcfe, when theyheare,
or fee, any extraordinarie heavie-heartednefle, temp-
tation,diftradion,or fpiriti\all diflemper,to have feizd
Scripture & preach- upon any that defires to bee faved : 7 oh fee »o», •vphmt
ingas caufcs of roc- becomes of fo much reading the Scriptures , ef flying
iancholy, but aic prayer, and private duties tvithfo much adoe ; of mea-
ling rvith mj/fieries of Religion ; of meditating fo much
of heavenly things ^ of taking fin?iefo deeply to heartland
holdingfuchfiriU conformity to Gods Word^ drc. Blef^
fed
Part 2 . Chap . 5 . A^iUed Confcitnces^ 2 j
fed God I Is tbine holy Book become (execrable blaf^ » . Rcpichcndcd.
phemielj apervercer,diftrader, and empoyfonerof
mens Soules ; whi^h being the glorious ifliie of thine
owne infinite underftanding, was purpofely created
asa moft pretioLis fr) Panacea^ an iiniverfall medici- CO A:to n7m^T<t
nail ftore-boiife for the cure of ail fpirituall maladies; J!^^mhu!mbt'^'
an inexhaufled treaiury of all found comfort, true joy,
peace, and refrelhing I Now the Lord rebuke thee
Satan, and returne as dung upon thine owne face this
villanous, bafe , and wicked flaunder, which by thy
gracelefie inftruments thou laboured to call upon the
glorious face of Chriftianitie, the incomparable fweet-
nefle of the wayes of grace , and that One necejfarie
thtftg.l have knowne,when the onely wife God,hath
fuffered for ends feene and feeming good to his hea-
venly wifedome the hideous , and raging humour of
melancholie,to darken the native clearnefTe of the anir
mall fpirits in the brainc, requifite to a due dilcretion
of things apprehended ; and to blunder, and diforder
the objeds^and operations of the phantafic in his dea-
refl childe, even to diftradion , and breaking out into
that inordinate pafTion, againft reafon ; I fay then, the
concurrent cry and clamour of the enemies to the
power of Godlineffetobe : Thiiitisnow to befo boo'
kjjh, tofoHow Preachers fo much, to he more holy than
their neighbours, never to have done injerving of God:
Her (o much reading the Scriptures , and (uch poring
upon precife bookes ( fo they call thole , which moft
pierce the confcience , and guide the clearlieft in the
holy f at h) hath made her ftarke mad : The Puritan u
now beftdes herfelfe,^c. Now I fay againe, the Lord
rebuke thee Satan,\Nho fits with fuch extreme malice,
and Soule-killing folly in the hearts and heads of fuch
miferable men,whom thou fo lottiflily hood-winkes,
and hardens to the height,for a moft defperate down-
fall, and horrible confufion at laft .
Were now the glorified Souk of that blcfled Saint
cojilultcd
2o6 JnjtrnEiions for aright comfortiHg Ses^.a
confulted with, and asked: Diddeft thou ever receive
hurt by reading Gods bkffed Booke , by fearching
fweetly into the great myfterie of Chrift crucified, by
meditation upon heavenly things?Di J the facred (enfe
of thole divine Oracles diflettle thy noble faculties, or
ever makefad thy heart? &c. Oh! with what infinite
indignation, would it flie in the face offiich curfed Ca-
villers, and wranglers againft the truth.
1. Cowinced. Is it pofTible for the fole, and foveraigne Antidote
I. From the qaality fentfrom heaven by God himfeife againft the fting
of Gods word. ^^^ venome of all heart-griefe,and horrour;the (acred
Sunne of laving truth, which isonely able to ennoble
and glorifieour under ftandings with wifedomefrom
the breaft ot the everlafting counlell of 7^/w Chrifi^
fliould become the caufe ofdilcomfort , and diflettlc-
ment (A the (bule? No, no . There is (uch a quickening,
healing, and mighty efficacy and vigour (hed into it
from the Father of lights , and (hining in it from the
face of Chrift, that by the helpe of the bleffed Spirit, it
can turne darknefle into light,death into life, hell into
heaven, the deepeft horrour, into height ot joy. Tell
me of any miferie upon the body /oule.out ward ftate,
or good name ; any calamine felt or feared in this life,
or the life to come; and if thou wilt be converted and
counfelled, I canfend thee to fomc, both Promifcand
Precedent in this book of God, which miy upon good
ground fill thine heart as full with found comfort , as
the Sunne is of Light , and the Sea of Waters. Nay,
give mee a wounded fpirit with all it's inexplicable
terrours, and bittern effc,- which is the greateft mifery,
and extremeft afflidion, of which an underftanding
Soule is capable in this life. And let firft all the Phyfi-
tians in the world, even the Rofe-knights, as they call
themselves, lay all their heads,skill,ana experience to-
gether, for the cure;Let all the higheft Monarchs upon
earth fhineupon it with their Imperial! favours for
comfort ; Let the depth of all humane wifedome, and
the
Part 2.Cap.5 • ^fp^ed Confciencej, 207
the height of the moft excellent oratory be improved
to perf wade it peace j Let all the creatures in heaven
and earth contribute their feverall abilities and ut-
m ft, to ftill it's rage : And when all thefe have done,
and have done j uft nothing; I will fetch a cordiall out
of Gods own Book, which lliall mollifie the anguifli,
expell the venome , and binde it up with everlafting
peace, which pafleth all underftanding; that the bro-
ken bones may re/oyce, and the poore foule groaning
moft grievoufly under the guilty horrour of many
foule abhominations, and ready to fink into the gulph
of defpaire , bee Iweetly bathed and refrcflied in the
fount nine openedby the hand oim&[Cy for finne^And for
Hncleannepy Chrifts deareft bloud,the glorious well-
fpring of all lightfomneffe, and joy-
Heare hew precifely for this purpofe,and how pun- 1. The tcftimonieiof
dlually againft fuch peftilent cavillers fome of the an- Fathen.
cient Fathers do Puritanize :
There ii no malady ,h\xh* Chryfoftomc , either of Ghryfoftomc.
hodj^ or foule, but may receive a ntedicine out of Gods * ^^^ 'fi '» f^umand
Soeke naturavetcorpiru,vti
^ * anirM paljit, que mt-
dkhtm bint acppert ntqmat. ^uomtdif Die tbfura, In^titturquk bfU,mitiiia.,& nt^titrum
fdiiituAir.t oniratui^ & inptfjur tuc i'a fnxrore ad$bruUUyflitm ut audivit prephttam diceniemf
quare iri/iii ti mima met j& quart conturbai me ? Spcra in Dukra, quoniam cnfittbor li.falutart
VHliu4mtit& DemmiUi'Juffi'Ainticoafolinioitefttfitp'iabitf&tmmm iSammiBiis tri(timm
tXLutit. AiJM itim cxirtma p tmitur inopia^gravatim /tf/, & na<ety vidtm alios tttvUjfs cfflut-
Tty & vaUie iaflari^ & magnfi Mpparatu, & pompa [iipari: audit & iac eitndem prtpbetam dictH-
tetn^ la^A in Daminum (Bluitudintm tuAm'^ipfe te eniUritt. E.t iteruDi} ne timtas cum d'uatm fue-
ntbomcy vtl cum mklvplicata jutm gltrk t]m: quia cum moiitiw nam aaipUt omma^&c, £(i &
^iM quoque rnfidias & cabimniasfH^.intns dokt, & ivfuavem putat vtum: nufqmmbumaaum
mviHne valtm auxiliumi aecttur & bic ab tedtm propbtia in talitui angufl^s von ad humanum
frteftdiumcoKfugiemlum ^udiquidipfedicat Ijp^dttrainbantmiliiyfgtautem orabam. — Infu-
psralitii ab}fi,quipriuifibimin:flrabaniydi^icitur,& conUvuinwry& ab amitii nlin^uiiHr,
&boct(iquodmememtji(tmaximicgnt'irbati &co»fundit fed&bicjihuc vemritt tHditbia-
tamiUumdicinumy 4micimti&pr9ximimeia4veffitm mt appwpinquaruntj & ftettruniy &
vimfatiibent, quiquerebant animom mtami & qui qu*Hbant mak mhi, lequchantur vaMitates^
& fraudultntias lotd die meditabantur ^uut er^ Hit nttrimy dum infidiantWy & variai^t'
firuunty (gn'i igo autim, inquit. quifipndui wn ouJiens, & quafi mutm ncn aperiem otfuum. St
ftidui fuMf qua ft homo mn audtens, & non habeas inorefut redargutiones, -——^Vidi^i quomcdg
^icunam caitimiteie bumMnamnmuram, prtmntet (nvtmmitxfcripturu antidotmn atdptrt
Ofte
2o8 JnfirH^ions for a right comforting Seft.2.
VKtit, & omniiv'ii* OnecomM of pre j[edvi>ithfadne jfe, and anxiety of ^u^
bttjus repellaiur cura, flftcffes, overwhelmed roith grief e ; Bnt prefentlj he A'
S* rL^Sr Pr^p- ''^''l ^^' Prophet, faying, (a) Why art thou caft down,
undf''^f^rt'utfi4b- ^ my {bule ? and why art thou fo difqnieted within
inde 'buc'ventatisy & me? Hope thou in God, for I will yet praifc him, who
imntfcnptura U£lio- jj the health of my countenance,and my God. He re-
ntnt auftulitik: nou ceives abundance of comfort , and abandons all heavi'
folim, cum hu venstu, ^ ^ ,
federdomldivlmbib ^^h' oj heart.
lia m mtimu fumUe,& ttAnother ps pnched wtth extreme poverty ; takes it
utilitatm w iUispofi- heavily, and grieves, feeing others flowing in riches-
urn, wdgaa fludio fuf- fyoelltngrvith pride , attended with great pompe, and
tipMt, inAtmmm^l. ^^^^ , Bftthee alfo heares the fame Prophet^ fayinjr^
mmqJ;d£l7uL (^) Caft thy harden upon the Lord,& he ihall fuftaine
ne I'mgHn rejotmctur. thee : i/^nd againe^ (c) Bee not afraid when one is
diinde anlm pmruu made rich, when the glory of his houfe is increafed:foc
ajfmit, & titvAtHr, ^\^q^ ^g dieth,he Hiall carry nothing away; His glor?
j^barequt foils ^uflttK (hall not defcend after him ^
i//Af/f>'a/«r,|»ir4«<te«- inaunotaeicenaartermm. . , . ^ ,. .
fui illud ab immundA' There ts another, which- ajjaulted wtth tnfidtattons^
rum cogitatmam tUi-^ and calumnies, is mnch troubledy thinkes his life HHcom-
cebrii UbtrAtuti mitlta fortable, finding no helpe in man : Hee is alfo taught by
frlZ'lnlHV''^!iTad the fameTrophet.that in fuch perplexities, wemuftnot
*«^Si S%flri ^^f^rt to the arme of flejlu Heare what he faith : They
jcnjibiiaiUecibusficitt flandered, and I prayed. The mouth of the wicked,
idaai9i§ie6ii9p>ielln, and the mouth of the deceitfoll are opened againft
ch'yfoft. in Gcn. me.'They have (poken againft me with a lying tongue.
?«Tpi *l'* t 1 1 '^^^y compafled me about alfo with words of hatred;
(b) t'lal.^s s*. 21. ^"^ fought againft mse without a caufe. For my love,
(c) r>ial 49. 15 17. they are my adverlaries; But I give my felfe to prayer.
Pfal 109, 1. J 4. Another is fleighted, and contemned by fame bafe con-
temptible underlings ; andforfaken of his fiends ; And
that ii it, which moji troubles his minde^andgoes nearefi
to hii heart : Bftt hee alfo, tfhee will come hither , doth
heare that ble^ed man faying , My lovers and Hiy
Pfal j8.ii.xj.n'«*« fi'iendsftand aloofe from my fore; and mykinfinen
I J. ft and afarre ofE They alfo that feeke after my life lay
(hares forme: and they that feeke rny hurtjfpeake mii-
chievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
But
Part I. Cap. 5 » JfjliEied C^wfciences, 2 op
But I, as a deafe man heard notjand I was asa dumbe
man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man
that heareth not,and in whofe mouth are no reprofes:
for in thee,0 Lord,do I hope: thou wilt heare,0 Lord
my God. He concludes thus :'
Thoft hafi feene , hon> that any vtifery fre^ng enr
mortality i a convenient Antidote may bee taken out of
Scripture^ and alithe carding of this life may be cured-^
neither needwe to be grieved for any thing which befals
us. Therefore I befeech you that henceforward , yon
Tvould come hither ^ andlifien diligently to the reading
of divine Writ, ^ndnot onely when you come hither ,
butalfo take the'Btbleintoyou hands at homCy and re^
ceive -with great ajfen:ion,the profit to be found in it. For
from thence fprings much gaine : Firfi^ that the tongue '
may be reformed by it:Thefoule alfo takes xvings^feares
aloft ^ and is glcrioufly iUightenedrvith the beames of the
Sunne of right eoufne^eyand that while is freed from the
entifements of impure thought Sy enjoying much calme-
nejfey and contentment. Furthermore, that which cor^
porall food doth for encreafmg bodily flrength: the fame
dothreadingperformetothefoule. „ -.
All Scripture is given by infpiration of God. and is q^] 'y^^ ^^fj 3,.
profitable: and writ by thejpirit of God for thispurpofe, 07rvd^7& j^' a<piKt'-
faith great (() Baftl, that in it, as a common Mart of i^Q-yJ'i^ mu av^-
foule -medicines, every one of us may chufe a medicine '^'^f,^'^gj^f', "^
proper, andfitforhisjpirituall malady, '^ ^^^^ 4^ ^*
feromey writing to many (t) even of Her fexe, HTfeiqt, aW-Te?^-
^aTot TO la(/,A n
liKH* 7Ki^ii%K<t<^t lM.hiyaUi^ Bifil, in Pfal 1. 2\(fl« <//■<«, »t Inde al'y nobU tpplHtnt
pbarmaca, fedtKa^/ laMyoiM^'] fusgali ip(i r.obii tlgamus. (t) Icrome. En tibi ode mull'
enulas^littamy L^ite filai9i^pautamhu]*u fitiet avhmyAtqutamitam^ T3tmttmdcm, Salviam,
Ctlanmrriy isjvalhtfty in yfqatcommtndatamfitio Sctipturnrim UR'mem. Addononttm, Eu(l9'
chiam; dec'imavi-y slrfillaiti', undccimcm, PrincipUtM; duodecmamy Algaftam Cham Dc Canonis
ufu.l, ) o. c. 4, And amonsfithe reft, hcare liow cxtraordinanly excellent Marcella wa*
in knowledge of the Scriptures. JdeMinMarulldkudat Scrifituranm ardottm mredihilm,
quo ficret utipfum Hkfonymumnunquam (onvtfiiret, quin dt Scnpturis ullqttid mtrrogarttt
taniamqueftbitrudmmmiomfAraiit,utfiinaliquou^iniomo Scrlpiuramm ((Jetibwta (onttn-
tiOy adillan>iudiumfetf^tiurl nam? Mulitrm judiwe dt ScrtprnrU ? Ofctbd I audtciaml
P whom
2i<y
InfirH^iottsfor 4 right comforting
S€<a.2.
seda^udpapiflas: A- wfjom as I told you before , much reading ofScrip-
pitd catbolicoimnpi- ^ures and other good bookes made mad, if the extre-
I st'Thh HiouW make ^^^^ malice of the moft mortall enemies to the wayes
many of our Gentle ofGod may becredited; doth ftirre them up with ex-
women mightily afli;. traordinarie cameftneffe to a diligent, indullrious and
mtd, who arc old ex- fnjitfuU reading of Gods Booke, in many Pafla^es of
ccllent in taking up HisEoiftles
faaiionibutcomei.i- W In that to gafidenttHi , about brmging up a
finitely Qiort ot ihis young Maiden : Heewouid have //<rr at feven yeares
nobk|Ghriftian wo- old,and when fhe begins to blufh, /e-^r^^f^fPy^/^sifj
knowkd ^*'"^'"'^" ofDavidwithoftt Books -^mdHntiUtwelve, Make the
(a) Par. f .Viafi 1 5. Bookj of Solomon, the Qoffels^ the Apefiies , and Tro-
Ad Gaud. C*im mm phetSy the treafnre of Her heart,
virgunculam rndm & (x) To One He fpeakes thus : This one thing above
aR others, I wonldforeadvife Thee ; and inculcating it,
I Tvill admonijh againe andagaine : That then tvoMldffi
pojfejfe thy minde with love of reading Scriptures.
(j) To another : Let the ^ooke of God he ever in thy
que ad anm uberiaiU hands: — And after the holy Scriptures, reade alfo the
ubm seUmrm, ivan Tremfes of learned men,
(^) To another : Let the facred Scriptures he ever
in thine hands, and revolved continually in thy minde.
Reading Scripture, Gikh (a)Origen, daily prrayers,
the -wordofDoBrine nourijh the Soule,even as the Body
«„-,., pl7/«w7'^ ^firengthened by dainty fare. The Spirit is nouri/hed^
rfpetent i'fumy its groTvesfirong,&ismadevictortot4sbyJuchfood,1Vhich
rumque montba.ut am* becaufeyou do not ply ; do not complatne of the infirmity
muPituumfacraleSiic- ^f theflefh : Do not fay, tve would but cannot, &c.
(J)Td sVS's.w- ' Thofe reverend {b) men that made the Homilies,
ptt'mfnanibm tuts Jit tlivinalc£lio.- — Poftfcyipiuras fanCi'aSidvUorHm bominum travlatm lege.
Origin- ("x^Ad CelcntiamdeinflitutioneMatrisfannilias. Stntdivinit Stnpiur* fem^et in
TnanibuiiHii,& juguerin mtnie volvanlur. (2) Orjgcn. Si ad tcc'efiam ftequenter
venias;aunm Hurts div'mis adtnevfa-, txpLnationim nandaforutn capias: fhut cibii &• del'ityt
cvro f ita fpiriim verbU divinU csavalcjcet; acftnpbm robk flier (ffiSlm, ctrntm ftbi p^rere coift,
acfuU kgibr4iobft(pa, NHirimeota igtm fp'miui funt;drvin<s. teEli$,otaiionesa(JidiM, iermodoUri-
Ttte.Hiialiiar cibia^kU eonvdefcit^huvlClar tfficitur. Quftd qma. aonfmtiijttoUte conqueride
mfirmuattcarm\ii$luedictrtqulr voluft!Uif{dtKmp»IJ[MVmi'5\iffL<ivit,H<'tD 9, 2, Our
Homilies, (b) Hvm, For reading of Scriptures.
fecme
edtaiulamjamftptifr its
tetatis fute ajmia exct-
ptrit; & cceperit aubtf-
ceie — difcai mimini
lir Vftdierium : & uf-
gtlia,uipo^9los & Pn
phetoi (ta cordU ibejau
Tumfaciat.
(x^Ad Dcmetri:dera
Xtimn illud tibi mia
Dto ; pneque ammbui
unum
Part a . Cap. 5 . AffUSied Cenfciettces, 211
feeme to apprehend tliemfelves , and they commend
to us the excellent (weetnefle , which may bee (uckc
from the breafts of confolatims Vfi meditating upon the
Scriptures, by this their emphaticali and efteduali ex-
preffion: Let m rHminate, (ay they, and as it were cherv
the cudde^ that tve may have the five etJHyce,Jpirituail
effect marrow, honey, kernelly tafle^ comfort , and conf&m
lation of them,
I have faid all this, upon purpofe, left melancholick
men fhould be mifled, or difheartened by the curfed
counfell of carnall friends^and wicked clamours of the
world,from turning their fadnefleinto forrow for (in;
and from plying Gods blefled Booke, and the power-
ful! miniftry thereof, the onely well-fpriiig of all true
lightfomnefle, and joy ;and able as I faid before, if they
will be converted, and counfelled, to difpell the very
darkneffe of hell out of their hearts. Me thinkes, they
rather above others, fhould be encouraged hereunto: Mtlaacholy men a-
I . Becauie they have a paffive advantage, that I may l*®^' ©thers (houM
fofpeakcwhenit pleafethGod, tofanftifiefor that '«*<^c 'he Scriptures,
purpofe,and fet on worke the fpirit of bondage, by ^'oTfcifiblcof'^^^^^^
reafon of their fad difpofitions, and fearehill fpirits, to threatnings in ihcm,
befboner affrighted,and dejected by comminations of
judgements againft finne ; more feelingly to take to
heart the miferies, and dangers of their naturall ftate;
more eafily to tremble and ftoope under the mighty
hand of God,and hammer of his Law.GuiltinefTcand
horrour, damnation and hell beget in their timerous
natures (tronger imprefTions of fear e: whereupon they
are wont to tafte deeplier of legall contrition,and re-
morfe , and fb proportionably to feele and acknow-
ledge a greater necelTity o^fefks Chrifi-; to thirft after
him more greedily, to prize him more highly ; and at
length to throw their trembling foules into his bleffed
bofbme with more eagernefle, and importanitie. And
having once entred into the holy fsth , their native
fearefulnes being redified, and turned the right way.
Pa they
212
InftrHSiions for a right contorting
Scd.2,
*. Tbey ozTC mofl
need ot iound cont
ion-
Hetvincff: of mciin-
choly, differs from
heavinefle for finnr,
becauf«ii is
I* in the phamaH^
they many times vvalke on afterward, with more Feare
to offend, (and happy « the man that feareth alway)
more watchRilnefle over their way es , tenderneflc ot
confcience, impatiency of lofing fpirituall peace, len-
fiblenefie of infirmities,and failings,awFulnes to Gods
Word,&c. 2. And becaufeofallothers/uch men have
moft need of lightfomneffe , and refrefliing ; which
when carnall counfellers,and flattering Mountebanks
of the Mintflry, labour to introduce into their darke
heads,and heavie hearts by the arme of fleOi, outward
mirth, and fuch other meanes, they onely palliate,and
dawbe : and are fo farre from doing any true good,
that thereby they drowne them many times deeper
and more delperately into the dungeon of melancho-
lie afterward. So that, a melancholicke man, let him
turne him, which way,hee will, is like, without the
light of grace, to live, a very miferable life upon earth,
and as it wereinfome partof helUQi darkneffe.: to
which alfo at length, fhall be added the torment, if he
dyeimpenitently. But now let them addrefle them-
felves to the "Booke of life, and thence onely they may
fHcks,and he Tatisfied'tviththe hreajls of confolation .*
let them leane their forrowfiill foules, improoving
naturall fadnefle to mourne more heartily for (inne,
upon the proMife J there : and every feverall one will
fhine upon them with a particular, hcavenly,and hea-
ling light, with found, and lafting joy. All thofe then
are ftarke mad,either with ignorant or learned malice,
who beare the World in hand,that reading Scriptures,
plying the powerfull mmiftry, taking finne to heart,
&c. will make melancholicke men mad.
If you defire to know,bcfore I pafle out of the point,
the differences betweene the heavinefle of a melan-
cholickhumour,andaffliftion ofconfcience for (inne,
take notice of fuch as thefe.
I Terrour for finne fprings out of the confcience,
and froni ih€ fmar t of a Ipiritual wound there : Melan-
choly
AjfiiEted Qonfctences,
("cj T mcane in rc-
lpc<S of ternbk re-
prcfentaiioni. For I
kuow well frcra the
Icarncdft Phyfitianf,
thar that humour is
Part 2 .Chap. 5 . A^ttted ^ onjciences, 213
dioly dwcls, and hath his chiefe (f ) refidence in the
phantafie : imcomfGrtably overcafts, and darkens the
fplendour, and lightfbmneffe of the animall fpirits in
thebraine.
2 The melancholike man is extremely fad , and
knowes not why :Hee is fiilloFfeare, doubts, diftriift, originally fetihd in
and heavineffe, without any true and juft ground, ari- |henf!Vhfcf loudsTf
fing onely from the darknefle & diforder of the phan- Melancholike vapor^,
tafie, the griefly fumes of that blacke humour in the which annoy the
braine: But a broken heart,a thoufand to one,can rea- ^^^xx^ and paffing up
dilv tell you,the particular finnes, the cryine abhomi- *° V^^ braine, coun-
■I. / , .,K ^ 1 ■ -n • 11 u J I terfcts terrible ob«
nation, the legall hammer, and mmiiteriall hand that je^s to the Phanta-
made it bleed. His trouble is ever upon caufe, cleare, ^\s; and polluting
and evidenr,and the greateft that ever brought mifery ^^'^ »hc fubftanccj,
upon mankinde; waight of (in,and the wrath of God. ^"''.^'^^ fpirits of ihc
A melancholike man will ride many miles, walke ma- ^Xut TxTimall
ny houres, and at length be able to give no account of occafion,or objea,to
tneexercife, anddilcourfeofhisminde, or what his forge mo. ftrou»fiai-
thoughts have beene all the while: But he that is trou- °"*» ^^^ rerriblc to
bled in minde for fmne,can br the mod part tell right . [J^ '"•yS' ^^^0"'^ u^
well,and recount exadly to his fpirituall Phyfitian.the king, « th^cy are pre-
feverall temptations, fuggcftions, and in/edions; the Rented by thedifor-
hideous confli6ls with Satan :His ob; ed:ions,excepti- '*"*<1 [nftfHmcnt,dc«
ons, replies, f d) Methods, Devifes, anddepths.yjhkh ^'l"* *°. ^^^ ?""5
have atfliaed his heavy Spirit, fince the firft illighten- The %mpathy bL
ing,convincing,and aftrighting his awaked, and wor- twccnc the brain and
liing Conlcience. j^>t!v '^'^ heart, the
3 The Soule may bee leized upon with terrour of t^oi^ghtsand affedi-
confcience, and fpirituall diftemper, the body bein? Ta* ^"^''"V"?,'^®
. jj- j^ T II n-if ^ judgcmcm of difcrc-
lound and m good temper jln excellency of:health,pu- ijon in it felfc hue
rity of bloud,fymmetry of parts,vivacity offpirit,&c. giving credit to the
But the horrours of melancholy are wont to haunt in'ft-'''«n report o£
corrupted conftitutions ; where obftruiflions hinder ^^'^ braincjis afF.ac4
thefreepaffageofthe humours, and fpirits;the blood SSM
isover-grofle, andthicke,&c. fiare,
». Without reafon.
Cd)TrtV)M«3»c/^»££^,Ephef.6 iura^fori(ActTa, sCor.z.il; TdBoi^y Revel. %,3^i
j.Ioyncdwithdiftefcpcrinthebody. ~
P3 4Me-
214
InfiruBUnsfar aright c»mfortittg
sca.2.
4. Full of ftranjc i-
maginaiions.
(e)H4eetfirati9j cur
tliqul t'lment nta ti
mnda:cur Urufpicio-
na minbUti & faifif-
qttenttf trtpidanits ti
mffe, u'>i non efi tmor.
Cepiovi talm ttm^ore
4 Melancholy makes a man almoft mad with ima-
ginary feares,and ftrange {'hymaraes of horror, which
have no Being,but onely in the monftrous compofiti-
ons ©f a darkened and diftcmpered Braine.He is many
times by the predominancy of that cowardly humour,
fmat cadunt t ita ut afraid of every man, of every thing, ofany thing; of a
"tTJ'wmm''itl ^^^oW' <^^*^ making of a Icafe, of his owne hands,
ITiHcmtZfeMm.Vei ^f his owne heart. Hee (<r) feares where no feare is,
S>»hatfnem, & inde where there is no probabilitie, no poffibility, even in
fHgiuni vem'me p rft' the very midft of l^curitie. His feare fometimes is fo
extremely fooliflijthat be can {f) heareofno fearefull
.,v, .-.»« ..n, .,» thing fallen upon others,but he thinks verily, the very
iwV,V«iJ»S«wA^^w fame thing fliall befall him : lo prodigious, that(^},
tmtt &fmtmyaidi fome of them, thinking their feet to be of glaffe, have
n mtdkina, qui tan- beene afraid to walke ; Others imagining themfelves
Srt U'lbTS to be noted for lepers, durfl not come into any com-
f4r«ir .Geifon «!e paf- pany,&c.But now a troubled confcience is ordinarily
fionibui aoia)x Con feartlefle ofany thing, bnt the anger of G od . Bodily
M.1Q* tortures, outward trouble, tyrants threats, even the
(f) Lei a mchncholy <py.t„cg fifterroHrA^th it felfe in bis apprehcnfion and
Sen heare" ^ or fee ^^» would be as nothing, to the guilty glance of ©ne
fooic fearefull thing, curfed luft. He would not care, or feare though all the
«he ftrcngih ofhis creatures in Chriftendome Were turned into Beares,
imagination ijfmh, or Divels about him,fo that all werc Well at home. If
faL-XcSu^n ^^ ^^"^^ ^^ ^"^° ^^' ^^^^"'^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ P^^^^ ^^^^
himfelfe. A$ if he fee, paflcth all underftanding; Oh ! then would he be more
or h«t:«, tku» man then conquerour over the whole world,and ten thou-
faaib hanged himli If, fand hells.
oris poflefTed of a
DiveU, it prefcntly come* to bis minde, that he muft doe Co to himfeire, or that hee i», or
at leaft, {hall be pofleffcd. In Lke manner upon rcbtion of fearefulf things, prvfcntly his
pbantafie workes, and he imaginct^j that the thing is already, or fliall befall him. Ter-
l(iiu> Cafts0fC9ftfcitnceifap.it. fed, I. (g) Sic aliquis exifiimabis le gallum, &m»rt galli
tantahat: Alitu muvVegun, &ft^leais mutts qntftbat. Aluuinngtuimi ft haberttornua in f aft-
Ut^ertcundabatifirquatiefcHKqucviclcbatfaitjfpici, &fYOitttmtfgtbu. Aliuiim^gmans ftttatari
dt inft^ione Itfrtt^ vtl dtmorbo caduca^ imH!sfH(.i(bat,& trcpidabut efpeClui^ & (tmones Aliua
itHiginam ft habire pedes ferrets caLabat vtlidffimi (uperttrram. Aitm ambuhre nanaudtbat
fhantafmniptdtifmt tffe vitreos. G erfoo. loco (upi d cita to.
5. Me-
Part I .Cap. 6 , AfjUUed ^onfciencef.
2IJ
• 5 . Melancholy may be lomething abated, the braine
cleared, the heart eafed by the aide and excellency of
the art of phyficke: But in the cafe oFa wounded con-
cience, there is no helpe under heaven to be had ; No
f riendsjor phyfick,(i>) no mirth or muficke,no prince-
ly favour or dainty fare,&c. can poflibly give any eale
atall.Nay they will allfarre rather enrage the wound,
then weaken the rage. It is ^-&)^»/?,^/&r«/,and nothing
but Chrift^ which can comfort in this confufionof
ipirit.
^ AhatedbyPhyfick
&c.
Not all KiogDMtf
dainty fate,
Can plta^ngtaflc
for then) prepare .
Nofongof Birdj,
no muiickes found,
Cjh lallab^ co
fleepe ptopound.
Chap. VI.
Ttvo other cafes n>herem jpiritMall Phjjitians vmH
take heed of thefecond errour.
3. ^S^^^^S^ Hen complaint of finne is confu- 3- Cafe When they
fedly onely & in generall: Ci)/!/^- conf<ffrcin gcncraU,*
ny deale-inh God.and h^ Mtm- |j,t"' ^'
(hers in canfejfim of their finnes, (-j) When any cotne*
faith a good Divine,rf^ Nebuchad' with a troubled con-
_ _ _ ne:KAAr rvithhis Inchanters about fcicncefot finne, wee
hisdreMme,thatheehaddreamed;heetotd them, and °^'S^' "T^^l^ '""u'^
J r J ■ 7, //J , ccrBC, whethor ihey
dejiredan tnterpretatton ; Bttt what hts dreame yooi hee ^ meancly gricrea
could not tell. So many confeflfe themfelves linnets, with a gencrall fight
and cry out that they are grievous ofFenders,and defire ^^ their finne, or
whether they be ex-
tremely throwne downe with the burthen of parncular finrcs X " fo they be, then it it
goo<! atthc firft ro (hew, that no finne isfo grcar, butin Chriftir ispaidonable, andchae
there is mercy with God that he oiighr beffarcd: foon the other fide, (hewing themcrqr
to coQie from God, but fo as they are nor'ning fitto receive mercy, uolcffc they ferfe
their pjrticularandprickino finne*. But if their fotrow be more confctTed in geneiall
things, then it \y good to Humble thf m more, and more, to give them a terrour of Gods
fuRjce for particular finnts:for cispcricnce doth teach, that this is the bcft way co obtaine
found comfort both to fee our finne, and to be humbled to fee our finne. ■ ^That being
ihroHohly thrt wncdowne,wemaydiredly(cefce Chrift» and keepc noftjy MntiUwehave
found conafoi t in bim, who then is naoil rcaif y to free us fi om our fin r e,and to comfort us
with his fpirit when wcare raoft caftdowr;e with our finnes, and nioft fcarc thwo, Qritm*
ham. In his GtaTc coonfels pa g. 6.
^ ^ P 4 pardon :
2 J ^ JnfiruRioHsfor a right comforting StOi,
pardoniBut wherein they have finned,and what their
finnes are, they cannot, or will not tell. And how is it
pofTible the Phyfitian fhould helpehini , who oneiy
faith, hee is not well, but will not tell him where ? I
have fometimcs vifited thofe, who being preffed to a
fight and fenfe of their finnefiilnefie, and curf ednefle,
upon purpofe to fit them for C^r//?, have acknow-
ledged in general], that they were iinners,butdefcen-
ding to the particulars of the Law, (which was hor-
rible to hearej juftified themfelvcs throughout. Of
which extreme fpirituall mifery,and prodigious mad-
Tgnorapcc of which, xit(^c. Ignorance (xhou^ I know Satan manageth that,
and all other advantages with all the malice, and cun-
(v)idqu\dim <wdi9 di- ^ j^g ^^^ poiribly,to the overthrow of foules) is the
ttre, clarirrtm Evan- .^ . ■,, *■ j JV • i cv-t n
geivChm dtam.m principaU ground ; the prime, butpeftilentoccafion:
fudli mqmvt fopuio iray,J^»<'r/««r^, which though it bee not perhaps fb
Mtt prope/itatn ip, much talked of, ta.xed,and taken to heart as others,yet
quam fu M, quam n s jg ^ loud-crying finne of the kingdome /For it is a mofl
IS J/?.t"''^ '' incredible thing, and ofinfinite amazement,how uni-
^TprtfeC^^non ha- verfally it raignes in this glorious (k^) noone-tide of
btrtmui ttliqu:d iiliud the Golpell! And therefore muft needs provoke God
bcai (ub (K'e •■ napia mightily, and haften the removing of our candlefhcke,
buum (itriierbitii-^ ^j^j ^^ ^j^^ meane time, befides many moe , and that
S;^2tT^'M''i areadfiilldoomeatlaft.2.rA./:i,7.8. itbringsupon
ncagaudttf & reaea- moft f more is the pitty and fhame,efpecially fo glori-
turjxiimex ttubrUe ous beames of a blefied Miniftry fhining about us)
duMur in lHccm>[iam ^^^^^ ^^^ fpeciall mifchiefes ; which at this time X
&X:;ilt. ondy mention, becaufe they fervefiri^^^^^^^
mui intmtbrU, lon^i, tion of the pomt. tirlt. Ignorant people ftickmgfalt
imriinlipimii » tnk^o in his clutches, fland all,as they fay , at the Divels mer-
thrimm luc.tn habe cie,anddevotion,todo with them what hew illjcven
T' f'fl V Tlir as a poore helpelefl'e Lambe in the bloody paw of a
tUum Infinite. tsiJiioc, f ^u inr • ..u i r v>
in lohan.c. i. p.j 89 . I-yon, or a filly Wren m the ravenous claw of a Kite;
0) Per igmranm ma- to flafh and mangle their wofull foules at his pleafure,
ium d mfdinnbw ».- with a curfed variety of (I) innumerable finnes ; they,
tmmtrabUiA pnpetm.- ^^ ^^^ meane time,which is the perfecflion of their mi-
Z^hbltmnTpcl iery, neither fearing nor feeling any hurt at all,by rea-
Pare 2. Chap.<5.
A^iBed Confciences,
217
fon of tbehellifh mifts,and miferable lethargic of ipi-
rituall blindnefl'e, which makes them fightlefle , and
fenfelefle. Secondly,when times of forrow come up-
on thera , when melancholy and old age growes on,
and they fay unto the world , upon which they have
doted all their life long, I have no pUafftre inthee-^
when lofics,crofles, and heavie accidents befall them;
when hideous in/e(5lion£,temptations to felf-murder,
defpaire, &c.pre{re them full (ore ; and they thereup-
on begin to caft about ferioufly, and to conceive with
^reat terrour and anxiety of fpirit, what is like to be-
come of them in the other world: Then in fuch extre-
mity, and forced by necefTitie, they are wont to have
recourie to Minifters for eafe and helpejand alas ! then
we are at our wits end, as they fay, and in mucbper-
plexitie how to deale, and what to doe with them.
For upon the firft entrance into a difcoverie of their
fpirituall ftate, w e fee evidently with grief e of heart,
that their (w) ignorance hath betrayed them to the Wf ^o^c that hsTfr
Divell, and now in the evill day expofed them to mer- J° "g" ^^ ^^^^ J^^
tilefle crueltie and cunning ; even as if a man fhould Word* if at any time
commit a fhip without failesj rudder, pilot,&c. to the through the rcmorfc
rage, and roaring of the tempeftuous devouring lea; °f *'?*''" <onfcicncc,
or puta poore weake naked man into thefield againft
an implacable mightie adverfarie , compleatly armed
from top to toe. We tell them truly,that the true way
io comfort, is to Repent and Beleeve, But for the firft,
by reafon of the fottifli difacquaintance with them-
felves, with their miferable, finfiill naturall ftate, and
their groiTe ignorance in the Law and Word of God,
they onely cry out in the generall, they are very grie-
vous finners; but to defcend to any competent exami-
nation of the confcience, fearch of their foules by the
fight of the Law, particular (iirvay of their finnes, and
fotofpeciall repentance, becaufe, of their fpirituall
blindnefie, they ave utterly un^ible. Nay many in this
cale are fo dellitute of matter of humiUatioxi for finne,
that
which accufeth ihcu),
they fcelcany inward
gricfe,fonow,or hea.
vinclTe for their finSj
for fo much as thejr
want the fnlveand
comfort of Godr
Word,wbichthey do
defpife, it will be ua*
to ihena rather a
meine to bring them
to utter dcrpffraj;ionj
then other wiCc. Hom^
'fficpenttiactyfai z.
axS JnftruElions ford right cev^ortin^ ' Sed^.l,
that they can (carcc tell you what finne is. At the
moft, they hare not learned , or thinke that there is
any other breach oi the fiventh Commandement,but
the groiTe a(5ts of uncleannefTe : that there is any finne
again ft the /?»W^, but giving infalfe witnefle againft
their neighbours in open Court : They looke no fur-
ther into ihcjfxth commandementjbut unto the adlu**
all bloody murder of the hand ; into the third , but to
blalphemie and fw earing ; And fo proportionably in
the other Commandements. For the other alfo, al-
though they have heard much of fefta Chrifi , and if
hebetalkt of, pretend a veryfoolifh andfalfe pre-
lumption of having part in him jyet to the knowlenge
of his perfon, offices, excellency ,(Weetne(fe, efteduall
Miniftry,and oi his w\\o\t my fierie, they are meere
ftrangers. And fo, when they fliould now upon this
occafion of trouble of minde , bee brought by kno w-
^^^g^ ^^^ application of the Law and Gofpel,through
(n)Howmfcly,Bra thepangsofthe new-birth into the holy Path, they
riiy then did Kiag ^re to bcgm to leame the very hrlt principles of Reh-
umt^nt&y forpro^ gion; in f») which they have not fo much skill (/
fitablc catechetical i ^edke a refroachfnll thing) as I could teach a childe of
tc^chiBg in ^JJ*"^*!" five, or fixe yearesold in few dayes. Now when the
SS'i^m^aU Padlh- old red Dragon hath drawne them into the Lifts, ar-
Churches through- med with all the power and policy of hell , and fiir-
oucihc Kingdomc? niftied with all his fiery darts , they are fo ferre from
bcare the word* : ability to put on, and manace the whole fpirituall ar-
$» ftrrt (are tbtfe due- . .
i^ioMi from abating, i bat bii Madefy ebtb txpcCl at eisr handi^ ibat it jhould inc.' eafe the ttWf^er
ffScrmoH^f by Ysmwingupon every Smiay in the aftir-monc in aU Parif} Churches throughout
ibe KmidtrtJty'bat pnmttrjc attdmeli^'ofitabtetxpofiiitnofihe Cauchifmey wbtriwiihihepno*
fle^yea vtry childnn maj be iimeiy(ef!6md, and tMJlTucied inaS ihi beaii of Chriflian Rtlipom
TbewbieblimdeofteathiNg, loour amindmentbe it ffol^iKf iimotf dih^nJf observed inaliihe
'HtfttmtdCburcbsitfEurop!^ ihtJi oflateit bah beine here m Ekgla/td 1 fiadehu Ma^'fiy muih
rauvtd vfhb ibis neglect, and rtjnhtdy tfwt tb/tt are his Btfhops , doe nnt fit a reformation bereoff
which I trull wtJbxUy ta recommend it to tht cwre of the CiviU Magi(iratety &c, Keafons «/ the
Isjaf^ dkeliionsforpreacbutg-aHd "preaciars As I received them by authority from the hand
of a publikcRcgiiler. hitnocdrangcand hoienta^Ic, thai for all thispunccly aitdpi*
ha$ camcftncflJE, this foolt rourthcnng ncgled ibould yet every day grow greater aD«l
{jTofler*
mour
Part. i,Cap.5.
jiffs&ed Coftfciences,
219
abhorred injcdicn,
V.9.
Pharifcs, Papiftt»aud
out orcfinary '\gno.
rantijin paiiicular*
monr with dexterity , and wifedome , that they arc
ftarl<e Ideots and Infants, in the very fpeculativc
l{nowIedge of the nature and a(e of every piece there-
of. They have no skill at all at that excelient, invinci-
ble weapon, thefword of the Spirit, -which ii the Word
ofGbd: by which ^eftu Chrifi foyled that foule Fiend
in the mod hideous and horrible (<?) temptationsjthat Co^ Ca^ thy fefe
were ever luggefted to the minde of man. And there- '/"WW > D^ftfoy thy
fore hee doth brinj; them too of ten thus blind -folded 5'^*" ***[* ^'f/ ^'^^
and baffled^to perifli themfelvcs, as they {ay,in a moft ?*« i^icTiS;
bloody and defperate manner, both temporally, and there mj never mote
eternally.
The T^harifieSy P apift s,^nd our ordinarie Ignorants^
are all foulely faulty this way. Tliey love, and labour
to enquire,and looke no further into Gods Law, then
to the grofle ads, and greateft tranfgreffions onely. If
tRey findethemfelves free from thefe, they out of a
mofl abfurd, and fottiiL felfe-conceitednefle , juflifie
and applaud themfelves , as no luch dangerous and
damnable Delinquents. Hence it was, that Chrifi
teaches, arid tels the Pharifies,that not onely the grofle
ad of adultery was to be taken notice of,but alfo,that
. even a (p) la(civious,and luftfull look after a woman,
was a tranfgrelTion of that Law ; and to bee taken to
heart as adultery before God. That not onely killing ^^ ^^^^^*' ^' <'*' */'«
a man with a bloody hand, but alfo raOi anser in the ""^ ?^ *'."'-^^. 'Tv"
hcart,raihng,and revihng fpeeches; Nay,even a frow- arMaucufartfiws^u-
ning face, a contemptuous geflure , difcovering in- I'queammamjpedm-
ward rancour and rage, kill the foule , and caft into ^0 ?*/«"■<, & obfcan«s
hell &C pitlchmtmm vultibia
Hen^it was,that^^/*.»,«,asthe grand Impo- r:'Sj,TH^^ll;.
ltor,and Impoilener,fo the great Pharme of Chriflen- BeHarmige found guH-
dome,upon his bed ofdGSith,C9u/d hardly finde what to ty.
cenfejfe, or any matter of a6folHtion.Vvod\S^io\x& Phari-
faifme ! Of which,heare fome paflages from the repor-
ter of his death:
(q j Shch TV as the innocency of the msn^ (to wit,
Bftiar'
(p) lam mttchittti e^
e*m in corde ftml hoc
C<^ BtUarmmu deatb^
by C.J; alcfuitc, p.
34j.
a 2 o ItjfirHElions for a right comforting SecJl. 2 .
BelUrmine) that albeit he nvas in his perfeH: fenfe, yet
conld he hardly fndevphat toconfejfe -^ Infomtich as hU
ghoflly Father woi in fame perplexity, as -rv anting mat-
ter of abfolmion-, till by recourfe to his life pafl^he found,
fomefmalldefeUs, efrvhich he abfolved htm.
(r) Nol mu:!i ualkc Now nothing troubles my confcience. Tor God (JjU
the Phanfic, Lu\t -. i. goodnejje be fiill (r) thanked therefore^ hath fo prefer-
Godltbanke tbtij that qjedmee hi^rto^ as I doe not remember in the -whole
1 am not Mother courfe of my life jever to have committed any CcandaUtu
onjuft* adulterers. aBton-^^p^^. 355. How {{) holy vi> as his life, not flained
("i) If BeUamlne was n>ith\mortallfnne? How fecure a confcience^that had at
Ip notorioufly holy, his death nofcruple j ^ut for the exchange of one good
tow came it to paflc, ^orke for another, &C.pag. 3 67. This holy man beaan
icft hecTtftlUlfo his Prayers,{t)faidthe Pater nofier,and Ave Maria,
thistpccch : Toy my and began agatne the Pater nofier : which being ended,
ftlfe, I P3<iU tb'mi(i it no hefaid difiinSily the Pfalme^ Miferere, to the end : and
fmll favour to be Cure being warned to fay alfo the Creed, &c,faid it aH
i7Sin»it^l 'l"--»'£h^«dwi,h ,h. endofth. Creed.ended hi, ip„ch,
in tbtft flumti that
mnfi purge andcleanfe tbt^ns of mm opened, andfatisfie tht]u(l wrath and]u!lict of ^Imi^ij
Gedf p»g'37t' I know very well what BeUnrmiae c includcth, di Vmgataria, lib x. cap. s.
fi^. tdt. purgAtorium pro yt tattHm effe: ^u't cum venial^us eii'^pii moriuntw. Et rurfiim pro i/-
tiSiqttidecedtintcumreiitufoeniie,CHlpiij(imvem:/f$i. But yet fiththc Pontificians teach; that
veniall finnes may be taken away m thislift; by knocking the bnafi, by ibe Bijhops bltffing, by
tiulyentringinta anhallerrsd Church, by bmglpnyil^ltd mthboiy water: and by other fuch m-
fie remedies. See ^T^r. Tom. i.Dib4.c.i: Sc6t q^kt. quxrUur 7. Cmv/.againfl the Rkem.
fig.lQ V(heri)i bis A«.[wer toaleTultes challenge, pig. 1 78 What extreme madncffc poffcf-
ledthisman, vjfhq wouWnocprcrentthofehorridfl.'mesby foraany mofteafic and obvi-
ous mcanes?(c) Hefudthc/^ater nofter and Ave^ana: Andhc/d(<id;ftind]y the Pfalme
iHi/irir< to the end: And he/«4 the Creed allthorow. Asthough jnccre/ii/iagdidfanfiifid
and lave, ReftiB» upon opmopcratuni, the worke wroujh', is an horrible popiih impofture,
irapoyfoning al] their Ta^fioftrd religious Services. When xr ringetbtothe^w Maria, faith
LtdefmnXbrilii^i^OollriaCfpag^'; Wcmay obtaincindul^,enceby/d;i?ig,at tbefiift loll,
AngelMBdfnim &c iihx h<:&nd To\\E.cct udneilia 'Z)0/0i»),dr'(« at the third Toll, Et
verbumearofi£lfim ejl, d^-c-Isnot hcrefw^ct workc? Prodigious topp.ory ! Whea I rcade
(achpaiTagesinlcirnedmei), I am extraordinarily amazed ac their Arahge iafacuarion,
and ever receive facisfaftionf otn har, i 1 hef. x, Becauje tbey reaivid not the lave of the
tYutbt that ibey might he faved. — 'For this caufe God PmU fend tbsm firmgdekfton, that tbey
pjouldbeleevealye. If this curfc were not jvjftiy upon J?j//ar«i»f, i^etl^/wa, and the reft, it
were impofliblc, that ever they fliould have madcfuch rrjufccniicat foo!csef(hcrafcJves>
by writing and bcIccvingfofQit»fliIy,^and ridJ«uloufly,
Hki
Part. I . Cap. 6 .
^ffltSled Conjciences,
221
His (u) Ufiword i were, vitam <etcrrtam, Amen, p. 3 87.
Hence it is, thatcarnall men are well enough con-
tent to heare the Commandements read,and perhaps
will be angry if at any time they be omitted : Would
you know the reafon? They go along with the Mini-
fter^and applaud themfelves pharifaically all the while,
faying fecretly, and fecurely to their owne Ibules; We
thanke God, we are no image-woriliippers, no mur-
derers, no adulterers, &c. And fb depart home from
time t6 time, as highly conceited of themfelves, and
yet more damnably deceived,then that PhariJie^Luf^,
1 8. 1 1 . 1 2. Of whofe outward, (x) religious, charita-
ble, and righteous performances, they come ^ar (hort.
But they cannot pofTibly with any patience , endure a
particular unfolding, and powerfull application of
Gods Law after Chrifts manner, Man.$, a pundluall
lurvay of their finfull flates , and fpeciall fcarch into
their lives and hearts. This cutting, yet confcionable
courfe, flirres up , and railes in them the ill fpirits of
murmuring, cavilling, reviling, and perhaps perfecu^
ting the faithfull Meflengers of God, as a generation
of terrible Teachers. To expofitions, exercifes, and
confiderations of this nature , they are drawne with
very ill will, and much ado; even as a bankrout to his
counting-booke, a fouleface to thelooking-glafle,and
a Traytour to the racke.
By reafon of this affedtcd ignorance in the Law of
God, and loathneffe to defeend to particulars,it comes
to paffe , that many in trouble of minde complaine in
generall of finne onely,and confufedly. And thereup-
on, as though they werecompetently caft downe,ex-
ped comfort ; and perhaps many draw it from fbme
^ayvhers : Whereas particularizing of our finnes, is a
neceflary precedent,and preparative to a found humir
liation.
And therefore in this cafe we muft deale with fuch,
as Surgeons are won: to do with a tumour ? or fwelr
ling
(u; The M words of
ihofc, Maith. 712.
wcxc LtrdyUrd-y and
yecChriftinthatday
(hall profcfiTc unto
them, / never lintw
(xjFor he fa(}e(il,pray-
edfgave Mimes, Aianb,
e.and tithes efaU that
hepoffeffd, which c-
ven forma]] fer vice*,
would fecmc to our
jgaoranc I uftitia rier,
too much forward*
nefle,
In this cafe whom we
muU imitate*
2tt JnjtrHBions for m right cor?tforting Scft. 2.
ling in the body: Who firft apply to the aflFeded place
drawing,and ripening plaifters to bring the (ore to an
head, that the corruption may have iflTiie, and then
heale : So a generall complaint offinne, and confufed
griefe, muft be reduced to particulars. It is a principle
in the myftery of Chrift refolved upon by beft Di-
vines, rightly inflruEied to the Kingdome of Heaven:
That a confufed acknovfiledgement, and generall repen-
tance onely^for k>}on>nefinnesis never fonnd and faving'
But onely common , formally perfunElory , and that of
counterfeit Converts^not truly touched tvith fenfe of
theirftnnes, nor heartily refolved toforfake their fie a-
fares. If they can bee firft brought to the fight, fenfe,
and acknowledgement ofibmeone fpeciall notorious
finne, which hath moft reigned in their heart, life, or
calling^and be in fome good meafure illightened,con-
vinced, and terrified about the hainoufiiefle, and hor-
rible guilt of it, it may bee a good meanes by Gods
bleffing, to brifig in tne reft. For ordinarily true re-
pentance is firft occafionedby (bme one fpeciall finne
laid to heart. The Apoftles,<s^<5?.2. dofpecially prefle
the murder of C^rifi upon the ']-ewes. Chrifl himfelfe
adultery upon the Woman o^Samaria,^oh,af,Samuel,
Idolatry upon the IfraeliteSy i . Sam, 7. The finne of
asking a king. Chap. 1 2. Ezra, taking flrange 'wives:
S<.ra I o. Nehemiahy ufury : Chap. J .&c.
To further the worke of a more particular /<r/^//)fg'
their ftnnes in order before their eyes ; it were much to
be wirhed,and a very happy thing,if all the wounded
confciences, and troubled in minde wee meet with,
were ftirniftied before-hand, with a competent fpecu-
lative knowledge , at the leaft of the particulars in
Gods Law, exorbitant paffages of their life, and grofle
corruptions of their hearts. Wee might fo, by Gods
helpe, more eafily bring them to particular reinorfe,
ancf fit them fooner,and morefeafonably for comfort.
We findc it a moft hard, and right heavy taske, to en-
counter
Part 2,Cap.(?.
§y^jjliUed (^onfciences.
223
AfoHrihcafe ;
When they are trou •
bled forfbme one no<
chrougli
yet when
want of
("x) I knew a roan a
meere granger to It*
[m Chri(i, both in
counter the Divels dezifes^ roiUs 3c depths,\n a poorc,
diftreffed, tempted Ignorant.
4. When the party is de/edted for fome notorious
finne oneiy. It is (x) lometimes feene in meere civill
men, that having a long time preferved their reputa-
tions entire and unftained, in the eye oFthe world, to"ous finne, ondy
from gtofle and notable cnorraities ^ and yet after ""sle<9ing the reft
foulely fliaming themfelves in the f!ght of men by
fbme infamous fall, feeme to take on much, as though
they were truly troubled with the remorfe ; whereas
perhaps the prefent hearts-griefe arifeth rather from i a a
lofle of credit, then wound of confcience (though to ^^^. anljc^not v"!
favour their credit,they cunningly father it upon con- bly n*otorioa». Who
Icience j . Or let them.jbe indeed affrighted very grie- pleafing himfelfc ma-
voufly for a time with the horrour of that one finne- nyyccresihat he wzs
yetftaythecry and abate the rage of thatOnewith rorrauiw':
iome fuper ficiall comrort,and they are healea,and put upon a time was M.
into an happy cafe in their owne conceit , and in the deniy fet upon by
opinion alfo perhaps of their unskilfiill Phyfitioii; ^'^^^ drunken com-
though they fearch no further, and dive no deeper in- P*°^° J' wh«crot
to the loathfomeDun^ill of thole many abomirjable in "oM bloudC
iufts, and corruptions in their heart and life, of which tookc on extremely,
they are as full as the skinne will hold. *nd waj very much
Now it is a foule and fearefuU over-fight in a Mini- S'<'^c«^» =• * ^^^^*°''y
fter jnay,it may prove an errour ftained with fpiritnall l^l^^^l many nip"bK
bloodfhed; to proraife pardon to fuch partiall Peni- together, and by the
tents, . iroubledneffe of his
SuppofeamanfickeofthePlurifie,fKouldfendtoa countenance. Hce
Phyfition, and tell Him, Hee is fbre troubled with a crTeVou' ^aglhSft
h Horclfe.and thofcwho infnaicd him :^that after fe many yeeres °bricty, hefhouldbefo
ihunely overtaken, &c. He wascounfelledupon ihispccation to make a full and further
learch into his heart and life, and fo proceed to a fo^jnd, and faving repentance. Sic. But
the ground of bis greife being IpeciaJly lliame of his faQ amongft his neighbours,«fter the
nific nights wjndcr of his being drunkc was over, He wa$,whcrehe was before. Now had
ihc Miiiifter miniftred comfort hand ov«r hcadat chefirfl %hr, and drawn over a skinne,
without any further Isarch; though the man might be undone both way.sj yet by fo do-
ing, He Hiould have bcene juftly hable to that fear ef all Q^ii denounced agaii)ft them, who
firt!tgibm the hinds of the vflckii^ that hlt^i>uld ml returnefrcm His wic{(c.d r^ay^ bj^romfng
him Ofe, But dealingfaithfuUy, !^c ddivercd His own€ Soule.
Coughj .
224
JnflrHniottsfor a right csmforting
Sea. 2.
Cy3 Mtrb'i lattraia
nottt fuHt.dohr pmUt'
rhtif dijfiubi QiiratiOj
jtbrti ientituaj tujfiiy
de Matb. Cogn. &
Cut,lib.x.cap.7.
(z) IndefiniWPrppofi-
tic vMt umnerfaUm
in rnaurU Kectljarid.
P^ulus ab Fiizcn* Ub.
% pag.Ii6.
Cough,& intreat His helpjconcealing other (j)Ci^t^
and fymptomes , which ordinarily accomp^liy that
difeafe ; as His lliort and ditiicult breathing, the ding-
ing ftitch in His (ide, &c. The Phyfition may addreffc
Himfelfe to cure the Cough, and yet the Patient dye
of an inflammation feized upon the membrane gird-
ing the ribs and fide. It is proportionably fo in the
prclent Point. A man may complaine, and cry o]jr,
houle and take on extremely for fome one horrible
hainous finne,and that may be well jbut except he pro-
ceed to a further difcoverie,and Ibrrow proportiona-
ble for his other knowne fmnes, they will be thede--
ftruftion, and death of His Soule . If a dozen Thee ves
be entred into thy houfe, it is not enough for Thee to
lay hold ©n the Captaine Thief e onely,and thruft Him
out at doores : If Thou faffer but one of them to lurke
in any corner andifcovered, and not turaedout, rice
will ferve the turne to cut thy throat , and take away
thy treasure. Crying out of one capitaE finne onely is
not fufficient: we muft confeff'e andforfaks* all, if we
looke lofinde mercie : Prov.lS. I 3 .
And yet here I would have no true Penitent de/e-
Aed, or miftake; the bare omiflion of fome particular
iinnes,in this cafe is not ever damnable. Tor we muft
know, that if a man deale truly with his owne heart
in a fincere acknowledgement,confeflion,and repen-
tance for difcovered and knowne finnes ; (and Hee
ought to labour, by clearing the eye of naturaUconfci-
ence,and induflrious inipe^ion into Gods pure Law,
to know as many as may bee) and for all thofe that
come into His minde , when He fets bimfelfe apart,
folemnly to humble and afflid His Soule before God;
(^and He ought to remember as many as Hee can poC-
(ibly j I fay, if fb, then for fecret and unknowne finnes,
which are committed in weakneffe and ignorance,
the Lord accepteth a gcnerallconfelfion, as we fee in
Davids ^ladiCe^P/alm, ip,i2. ffho can under fiand
Uii
Part I .Chap.^.
Aff,iSied Qonfciences,
^ —J;!!.
tiis efyiurs? Cleanfe thon me from fecret faults, S]xiX\^
there are many, & that in the beft m en, which are not i. Koovrkdgft?
onely unnoted of others,and free from the worlds ob-
iervation, but even unknowne to a mans o wne felfe;
andinvifibletothewatchfulleft eye of the moflwa-
kins confcience ; which notwithftanding are clearely
fubjed to the fearch of Gods All-feeing eye , and to
tife cenfure of His pure Maj eftie : For Hell and defiru^
Bion Are before the Lord, horv much more thefecretefi
'gvayes ofthefonnes ofmen^Sinncs there are alio, which
even in the zealous exercife , and holy worke of Re- ** Kcmmhtiaie';
pentance , may not come into the confideration and
remembrance of one truly Penitentjwhich if he could
recover into his memory, Hee would heartily , and
with much indignation acknowledge , bewaile and
deteft: So unnumbred are the curfed by-paths of mens
crooked wayes: But for both thefe forts of finnes , I
muft fay thus much for the comfort of the true Con-
vert ; that both thofe unknowne finnes which Hee
commitsof ignorance, if He truly repent for all His
tnowne finnes, and labour with fincerity and zeale
for fiirther illumination of conlcience,and fuller reve-
lation of every corrupt Paflage both in heart and life,in
judgement and pradile ; and thofe fins of knowledge
alfo,which came not into his minde,if with diligence,
and without diffimulation, with hearty prayer, and
beft intention of fpirit,He endeavour to recover them
into His memory, that He might al(b mourne for,and
mortifie them with thereft^carrying ever in His heart
this rcfblution, that as any finne iliall bedifcovered to
His confcience , or returne into His minde , He will
abominate and abandon it • I fay, both thefe kinds of
finnes (it is a Pearle for the true Penitent, let no ftran-
ger meddle with it) to fuch an one, upon fuch condi-
tions are moft certainely wafiied away by Chrifts
blood, and Gods free mercie, upon His generall con-
fefllon and repentance. Davids petition, deanf&_
H26
InfirnUionsfor a right (
Sea.2:
thoH mee frommj fesret faults , did,afluredly p^evaile
with God^For the rorgivenefle of all His unknowne
finnes, and ihall bee powerful! for that end, to the
worlds end, to all thofe that lo pray, with Davids {j)t-
rit and finc^rely .
Befides thefe two cafes ; firfl:, want of knowledge;
and fecondly, want of remembrance in the fenfe 1
have faid : There is alfo a third, and that is, thirdly,
•want of time : v/hich if truly fo, doth alfo fometimes
excufe the omiffion of fome particular finifes. As we
mayleein thcThkff upon the Croffe. For want of
leifure , Hee could not polTibly puncflually revile Hi*
vile abominable life , nor perufe with remorfe all the
particulars of His former ,wicked,and abhorred cour-
fes.^But He had infufed into His Soultbyf^eff^ Chyifi
anhabituall (<<) grace of true Repentance ; which if
He had lived, would have carried Him faithfully along
over all the notorious paffages of His lewd and loath-
fbme life, with a truly contrite, broken, andtleeding
Soule.So thatJfHehad not (pace, I doubt not, but He
wonld have proved a very eminent , extraordinarie,
and exemplary Penitent, And therefore the Lord in
mercie, did gratioufly (b) accept the defice and pur-
pofe, the inclination and preparatibn of His heart that
way.
But to returne to the Point, and give my advife in
the Cafe propofed :
* Let the Party, who fo takes on for fome notorious
finne onely, and there takes up His reft, be toldi That
fmh fruit meet for ttpintHHce. flitwcs, that f cpcnrancc it felfe is not an outward aSion, but
an inward grace to be cxprcflTcd in outward adions. Dilietf Rtptntance^Mp. i. (b) It is
tlie inwaidand habiiuaL Repentance, the inwardframc, bent, and difpofition of the
Souk thatGod rcfpcfts mo. c, then the outward Afl; as wc may fee by ^hat of !)<«;{</, Vjkl.
jx. 5. ifaldsljvWconfefe my tranfgreffions unto the Lord, aad fo thiufargavefi thi mqttitycf
Wj'.^'iai.Thcinwardpurpofcanddifpofitiof. ^fDav'tdi heart torepcnr, wasfufficicr,tto
suoTcGod toforgivc Hisfinnc, bcfsrc His outward, afSualijand paiticular Repentance
was exprcfled Prjnne of the Perpetuitji of a RtgtntraK mw (fiaHf In hii-^nfw* :» Arg, 24*
*llui he wuft be inftraScd 10 Uarchgfwr all,
" " " thongh.
5. Time.
Sinncfi cannot tee
(ocfciTcd, the pttty
it cicKiable.
{"a^ SovH ihinkeit
«ocl} aoadion. But
thatHhrare,Z((fc. i»
le.OffouringtbiSp'h
tit offfiCi Cnaeaning
Rcpcntancc>j>W the
Bcuft «/ Dtvidi and
VftH the inhabitants
$t ltru/iUtm,kctD€i to
■rgueitto beaquali-
{y,or infuCed gif t,ro Ai
Faith and Charity
ar«. So alfo that
f hrafe of gWing Hc'
pentancc, Aft.s* ?«j
apdii.i8.For if God
give it, wc receive it.
^low wc cannot pro
pcrly be faid to re-
ceive ana^iion,wh]ch
wedoe, bar ibcp w
er> gift, or grace,
vrhctcby wee doc it.
That fptech slfu,
Maitb. 3. 8. Bring
Part I. Cap. 6. Aff.iEi€d Confciences, 227
though He dwell withdeepefl: fighes , heavicll heart,
and lalteft teares, uponfomeof His greateft an J inoft
fpeciall finnes ; yet the reft muft by no mean, s be neg-
kifled. That which is mo ft crying, and mw,'^», muft
ferve as a Cryer, that I may fo Ipeake, to (ummon the
reft into the Court of Confcience , and as a Remem'>
hrancer to bring them to minde and remorfe: As Da^
-uids murder and adukerie brought even His Birth-
finne into His memory: Pftlm.^ i . And that (inne of
ftrange wives many other finnes to Ezras minde,
Ezra p.When a father beatcs His childefbr fom& one
fpeciall fault. He is wont to remember unto Him,and
' reckon with Him for many former mifdcmcanours al-
fo. When a Bankrout is once clapt up for one princi-
pal! debt, the reft of His Creditours ordinarily come
thicke and tlireefold upon Him. When once thoix
begin ft to reckon with thy confcience for fomeone
extraordinary rebellion , never ceafe nnriH thou haft
fearcht thoro wly, and ranfackt it to the bottome,that
it may fmart (bundly, before Thou haft done> with pe-
nitent anguifti, and true remorfe for all thy other fin-
fiill corruptions alfo. When horrour for (bine one hai-
Dousfinnehath feaz'd upon thy heart, follow. Gods
blefled hand leading thee to converfion, and thorow
the Pangs of the New-birth to unfpeakcable and glo-
rious joy, by giving way to all the reft, to hnn^ in
their (everall inditements againft thy Soiile. And bee
not afraid thus to arraigne, caft, and condemne thy
Selfe as guilty of innumerable finnes, and worthy ten
theufand Hells, before Gods juft Tribunall. For then
fhalt thou there moft certainly finde a gracious Ad-
vocate at His right hand;To whom if Thou make lute,
and feeke in truth , Hee will^by the plea and price of
Hisownepretiousbloud, fue out a pardon for thine
everlafting peace. When the guilty rage of thy raign-
ing corruption begins to prefle upon thy confcience,
lay onload, and more weight ftill by a penitent addi-
Qj^ tion.
^ o JnftrHUicnsfor a right comfortittg Sedl, 2 ;
' ^< tion, and painfull apprehenfion ot all thy other finnes,
that growing very fenfible of thy fpirituall flavery,
wearie of the Dungeon oHewdnefle and luft,fenfuaU-
tie and death,wherein the Divell hath kept thee long;
and thine hearr being happily broken and brui(ed to
the bottome, and fcorch'd, as it were , in feme mea-
^c) li quoi prmiim ^^^^ ^j^^j^ Hellifh flames of guilty horrourj (c) Thou
Ti'^tM^'acVefi mayeft fee, and feele the greater neceffitie of ^e/iu
J!Sh!cgmi^» eji C/;r/y?,fet Him at anhigher price : with more eager-
/Mfui pecetti, at miff- nefle and impatiency thirft for His righteoufneffcand
r'm no(ir0. Rolloc in ^jood ; long for fpirituall enlargement, more than for
lohan.cap.7.pafi +74 ^^.orlds of pleafures, glory, or wealth ; rellifh the/?/V~
den M^»»^ of the promifes moft kindlily,and caft thy
t wounded and bleeding Soule with more delight and
fweetnefle, into His blefled armes of mercy and love.
For, O how accepAble is the Tountaine of living w^-
?(fr/,faith a worthy Divinejf « the chafed Hart faming,
andhrayirg} Thf hlond ofChrifl to the tveary and tired
Soule f To the thirfly Confciencefcorched with theferfe
of Gods wrath? He that prefects Him with it^Haw weL
come is He? Sven its ajpeciall choife man^One of a thou^
[and. The deeper is thefenfe of miferie^the froeeter is the
fenfe of mere j. The Tray tor layd downe upon the blocke,
(d) The Lord will iifnQYg.reyiriyieofHisSoveraiqnesmerc^intiardoninVy
XMJt part trom any , tt ; •* ^ ^. 1 J r "^ ^ 1 j r ^
drop of His recrcy to ^"^'^ He, who ts net yet attached, — In our deadfecu-
theni, which firfl: rity before converfion^God isfaine to let the LaWySinne^
have not bcene fw^l- {^-onfeience, Satan^ a deepe lenfe of our abhominable
lowed up of His judg- and curfedftate/^tf/f' »/?<?»/«, and to kindle the veric
"orS'/oS, and WfireofHellinourfoules.thatfo we might be rou^
bceae heavy laden, ^ed, and afterward more fweetly and foundly raifed
Si their bonesjwhich f*^^^fi P^^^^- ^^^ ^^^ J^^king ofthefe windes makes the
have not bccncBap- trees of Gods'EdQTltake the deeper rooting^
lized with the Bap-
tilme of their owne teares: He that feeles not thefc thinji inferac mcafurc hcrc»clfcwhcrc
HcftiaUfcelctben),Gm,vffc<»w,p<ij. itf«f 3i,£rt/. 3.
Part I. Cap. (5. Affli^ed Confciences, %if
I confeffcthat commonly true Converts at the firft
touch,and turning, and after too, cry outmoft of, and
are extraordinarily troubled with lome one capitall
finne, and that which in their dayes of darkneflfe and
vanitie, wafted their confcience moft, and detained
them with ftrongeft entifements, and hold-faft in the
Oivels bondage. Hence it was, that Zacchani was fb
-readie, and willing to reftore fourefold , that fo Hee
might bee rid of the fting and horrour of His former
raigning finne, Luk^ ip. 8. That bleffedPrfw/, as it
feemes,amongft other dreadfiill apprehenfions of His
former unregenerate courfes, was fo much vexed and
wounded in heart,for that He had beene a Perfecutery
I .Tim, 1 . 1 3 . i»Cor,i$,9. But yet fhoflld they take
on never fo much, houle and roare for that one finne;
if befides, they did not by the condud of the blefled
Spiritjdefcend alfo to a more particular acknowledge-
ment,confeirion and repentance of all other knowne
finnes f and they ought,by clearing the eye of natural!
confcience, induftrious in(pe(ftion into the pure Cri-
ftall of Gods Law, difcover as many as they can pofll-
blyj all were nothing. Hee which it grieved, (ay Oi-
vincs, for one finne truly ^^ nnfainedly from Hii heart ,
"will froportionalfly ^e grieved for all the finnes that He
knoKPeth to be in Himfelfe . If W€ favour any one finne
in our heart, or life, or callimg, we cannot enjoy Gods
favour. If there be any fenfiiall luft,or (ecret corrupti-
on, which a man purpofely labours to cover and con-
ceale from Gods pure eye,thefearchof His Word,and
mortifying grace ; what hope can He have , that it is
covered with the blood of Chrift from the wrath that
is to come,or warranted by any promife of grace from
the damnation of Hell? In a true Penitent,there oughc
to be an utter cefTation from all grofTe abhominable
finnes, and at leaft dif-allowance, dif^afte<5Vion , and
all poiTible oppofition, eren to an-avoidable infirmi-
tief, and inieparabie iraikias oF^e Belh .
Q J Chaf.
.^ JrtfirffBioftsfor aright comforting . Sefl.2.
Chap. Vlt.
'tAffth cafe therein fpiriti^dU Thyfttiansmufi tdke
heed of that fecond erroHr^ The divers kindes of death
in' godly men,
*.cafc When men 5- ^^§^M l™^ wheti the Jhyfitian of the
cake on cxirciBcly W^ X^^M promiletfh ITrCjcie «nd par-
upon ibcir dcnh- ^| i^>|]g^ dori hand ovtr-headj' Without that
beds : for wc may ob. .^| WW^^ fpirituall difcretion, which is con-
^'^^'^^^ '^^J^^^S' venient for a matter of fo great
^B^m^^^J^ confeqiiencejand requiring fuch a
deale of dexteritie in difcerning , to a man upon H^
Bed of death, who hath formerly becne notorious, or
omely civill,howfoever a meere ftranger to the power
of godlinefle, and the truth ofProfefIion,becaule now
in the evill Day, He takes on extremely, byrealonof
His extrcmitie ; cries out of his finnes ; O I am anhai-
nous, horrible and grievous (inner I If I were to live
againe, what would not I t3o ? A World for comfort
now, and to dfe the death §f the right eow: becaufe He
HoKvles upon His hed, as the Prophet fpeaketb, and
breakes out oftentimes into a roaring complaint of
' finne, and cry for pardon, by reafon he now begins to
feare, and feele the revenging hand of God readie to
leizeupon Him for his former rebeIlions,&c.Or when
Heeaffures Him, having beene a formall Profeflbur
onely , and foo/ifi Virgine, of blifle and ^lory ; becaufe
out of a former habituated ipirituall Selfe-deceit, He
criis, Zordy Lord I feemes to byr Zanders very con fi-
dentjthat He /hall prefently receive a Crowne of life,
thankes God that nothing troubles Him ; ProfefTes to
every one that comes to vifitHim , that He beleeves
and repents With all His he^rt,' forgives alhhe wcirld,
S To mak^a makes no doubt of Heaven, &c.
godly endjaad Here by the way, wc miiii take notice, that mariy
, having
Part I .Chap. 7. ApSfed Confciences, 2^1
having out-ftood the day of their gracious vifitation,
having negleBedfo great falvation, for fake n their oven
mercie, and judged themfelves urmorthy of everUfling
life, all their life long, by ftanding out againft the Mi-
niftryof the Wordjin refpedt of any. laving worfce
upon their foules; and now at length being overtaken
after thefliort gleameof worldly profperitie, with
the boyfterous winter-night of death, anddarkneflfe
of the evill day, may keepe a great ftirre upon their *
dying-beds,or in fome great extremity,with grievous
complaints of their prefent intolerable mifery , and
former finfuU courfes procuriag it, with inceiTant cries
for eafe and deliverance, being now caught /^j^«"m//fl^<r ^^^
BHllsiMANetfulleftheyvrathofgod, with eameft
and eager filing and feeking for pardon and falvation,
now when worldly pleaftires are paft; and yet be not
truly penitent, not (oundly andTavingly humbled,not
rightly fitted for Chrifl and comfort. Confider for
this purpofe, Prov. i .24.2 8. In thr. day of vifitation,
Qodicalled ftpon them, and fir etched a f(t Hii hands, but
they refufedy did not regard ifet at naughf all His conn-
fell, andtvould none of His refroofe : And'^^erefore in
the Day of vexation,when extremitie & ariguifli fhall
come upon them, like a Theife in the night, a whirle-
ypinde, travaile upon a tvoman, (uddenly , extremely,
un-avoidably, He profeflcth before-hand , that then
they p3 all call upon Him^ hut Hee tv ill not anfyner'y ^ .„. ^
(e; They Mil feeke Him early, but they fhM not finde ^^lcZmJS%
ifiw.^y^/. 78.34.35.36.37. when Gods hand was unfcquuturoi ««»</«.
bitant, '^odo urt'm htrg
quadnntoiti quoDeHrnkvocent, ndl'ifumnt : CumhoclnlocoDetuftfunex auivururndkat,
fi a mane ad vejptram turn inclamnent. Hj etiam to'.o ccelo errare con^tt, qui jfutant omnei eat
(ervatoi tffe, qui meribundi Veum imfoc&m. Ex hoc mm locofatii Hqnet^ vmlioi qit'ibiu in ore eft,
Domintvai^ttzxcnoRd, ad infer<Kd;fci!tdere Ei'g^ydiceUliquiSj qna msioconflatpromilfiom
lUiui Veritas, fdvumforcy qui Diimmtn invicavefit, loel &. Rt^ fUud de at iniekigitur, qui
Dtumvtr^,& fyncahinvocint: i . Fide, quod ijliaequeum, qui fidm non habent, &/'aftt^~
cult, quid ^t nejtmt, 2. Cm affe^lu 'Deumg'orijfcajidi : ijii verb in clamarlbutfuU propriamfg'
kmmedoreipiciutitfalfitem, i.Difcedendoabin'iquime, a Tim, 2,19. Qs«ii^i»onficiunt,
Carcw. in Locum.
«3»
JnflruUionsfor 4 right comforting
Scd.2.
*?{i/« t^ pucntum
quxrere Dciuninca't-
minLtibui& abeo optm
& MsxUtumpeicrei imo
moHdaium dtv'mum tft^
ut in Hfumnu, & ptri-
tuUi ad Dium cowfugi
atui ficMt dktiury IH
vttamein dietribuU'
tionis, Pfai« 50. Sed
tatitumpettre,Htfenfus
mditoBtfufi &utTH$
moitfiv^ & ptricHlis
exuMmufi tuque irne-
red ptrfivirare in fiC-
cauiifropcfttOi idvtto
eft iryider» Dtum^ at-
• jM iram ip^UiprovoU'
ft. MoUcr.in Locwn.
CO qttam multl,
lakh a reverend Fa-
ehcr, cum hac fpi cd
tiernn labmt & beila
Mefctniunt !
M«Ay oi Gods fcr-
vantsdienotfocoQ)
foztibly^ through
Upon them,tke;i they * fought him: and they returned,
and enquired early after God,&c. Nevert'helejfe^ they
did flatter him rpith their mouth : and they Ijed unto
Him Tvith their tongues. For their heart was not right
Tfith Htm,&c.Hof.j. 1 4. They hoveled upon their bedst
JVillnet aDogora B eafi,or any unreafonable creature
jfihen they are in extremitie^ rcillthey not cry^ ivill thvj
not mournefor helpe, &c, Tlieir cries in the evill Day
were not hearty prayers, but Howlings upon their
Beds. Their earneftnefle in fuch a cafe is ordinarily
like the teares,prayers,and cries of a malefac?tour new-
ly condemned. He is very earneft with the judge to
fpareHim. Hee roarer out (ometimes , and takes on
extremely, yet not heartily for his Former lewdneflcj
but horribly, becaufe He muft now loofe His life. He
feemes now, when He fees His miferieto relent, and
to be toucht with remor(e,butit is onely becaufe he is
like to be hanged. Againe,many there are, who fatiC-
fying themfelves and otbers,with a goodly fhew of a
Forme onely ofgodlineffcy may upon their laft Bed dif-
CGver, and reprefent to By-ftanders , a great deale of
fearelefnefle about their {pirituall ftate, much f) con-
fidence,many oftentations of Faith, and full aflurance,
and behave themfelves,as though thty were moft cer-
tainely going to everlailing blifle , when as , God
knowes, their Anfwer at His jufl: Tribunall muft be,
J know you not : And in truth and triall , they have no
more part in Chrift,nor other portion in Heaven,then
^tjoolifh Virgins yzr\d thofe, Luk^ 1 3. 2(5. 27. They
are fo confident, not becaufe they have efcaped the
danger, but becaufe they never faw the danger. And
hence it is, that many of them dye with as much con-
fidence, as the beft Chriftians ; they have no more
trouble then holy men. To l?efure lam flee from dan-
ger, and not to know tt,may beget ecjuall confidence.
Now concerning the prelent Cafe, I muft tell you,
that for my pait, I would not much alter my cenfure
and
Part I »Cap.7. <iAffliSied Confciences, 2^5
and conceit of a Man's fpirituall ftate , whom I have
thorovvly known before for the manner of His death.
The end of Gods deareft fervant,after an holy life and ;
unbian]eabIeconver(ation,may not appearein the eye
of man (o calme and comfortable.as was expected : by -• « j /r*^ r
r c t J n' c r • r n Fiift, tcndcrnclTc of
reafonor much tenaerneUeorconrcience,lome llrong confcicnce : fccond-
temptation, fpirituall defertion, violent diftemper of ly, firing tempcatl-
Body ; or becaufe God would have the manner of His on: thirdly, fpit^cuall
death ferve the glory of His jiilHce, in hardning thofe jSj°" ' f k'S^''*
aboiit him, who were fo farre from being won by His jjf^j ^©dj will ^o
godly life, that they heartily hated it ; or for fome o- harden othctjs iherc.
ther fecret and facred end feene,and feeming good to by.
Divine wifedome, who ever difpofeth every circum-
ftancc, even of the leaft affaire moik fn>ect/j and vp'tjely.
And yet this , as it doth yet prejudice His falvation,
neither lliould it His Chriflian reputation.Heare th^t
great {g) Doc1:or in the Art of rightly comforting af- (g) Sreembm m Hi»
flicfled confciences. But what if you Jhotild dye in this grare Counfdl and
difcomfortfFor my- fart (m I my felfe looke for no great go^^X Obfcryation,
things in my death) I tveuld not thinks f^°f^ haraly pf ^"'8 ^'
you'yneitherjvould Iwijh any to judge otherrvife of Gods
Childe in that flate of death : For rpefhatinot be judged
Accordingto that -par ficular snfiant of death, but accor-
ding to our generall courfe of life ; not according to pur
deed in that prefenty but accordtng to thedejlre of our
hearts ever before: And therefore rte are not to mifhufh
Gods mercy in death^be we never fo uncomfortable, if fo
be it hath beene before fealed in our vocation andfan~
Sifcation. On the other fide, a notorious wretch t^potiftmltmri
which hath fwummedowne the current of the times, quibtxivixait, Tr»r*
and wallowed in worldly pleafures all his life long, /«J«»j&wo, audcodi^
may feeme to dye penitently and refolvedly to here- "''> ^^t<^"^i pytpier
formed, if He recover J and yet His fbrrow of minde, I'^alT^Zfll
butfuchonelyas the terrours of" an awaked guil tie ^j,^ vim'tu Augi^t
conieience produce I and His refolution to cafl away lib. di Difcipiini.v
Hisfinnes, onelyfuch, as a man hath in a flormcto Chna.cap.a,
caft away His goods, not becaufe heedoth not love
th§mj ,
^34 ' InfiruQions for aright comforting Se<H:.2
them, but becaufe he fcareth to loofe his life, if he part
not with them.Or a meerc civill Man,or formall Prb-
feflbur,may upon His Bed of death be very confident,
., and feeme to bee full of comfort ; and yet that confi-
dence no other , then the ftrong imaginarie joyfull
conceit of a covetous mangrafpinga great dealeof
sold in a dreame, but when hee awaketn , behold, his
hands are empty.
Men are cither For a more full and cleare apprehenfion of my mea-
I. Godly, and ihey ^ing and judgement in the Point, let us take a fur vay
' omc of the difterent and fevcrall kinds of death, which or-
dinarily befall the Godly, and the wicked.
The death of Gods Children are divers.
i.Sweeily,a» i . Some of their holy and zealous lives doe deter-
mine and expire rweetly,fairely, and glorioufly, even
like a cleare Sunne in a Summers evening, withaut
any ftorme, or cloud of temptation and difcomfort.
The darkfome and painflill paflages and pangs of death
areillightened,and fweetned with the fliining beams
of Gods glorious prefence, and faft embracement of
leftu C^rifi in thearmes of their Faith. So that to
them, the very joyes of Heaven,and exultations of e-
verlafting reft mingle themfelvesjwith thofe laft ago-
nies, and expirations of death. Their heads are , as it
were, crowned with immortality, and endlefle peace
Jh) Vtcimo fiptlrn(> "po" ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ death. Luther, that blefled Man of
rtbrmryiie^Lutbertit God, dyediweetly (^)and triumphantly over Hell,
aefit tegmare grAvlm
txpt&sft & quavquamerat im'aeciliior,prandit tamen cumfil^iy&familiaribuifmyatque CKHa-
t/i*. Inter (cenMudum argimenii aff^truitfere, ut in alitra vita iHd beaU alter durum coimfcai.
7>oiicen*tfifump'^ounkor)iu ex vimpromtiUammoy & adquktemfe comfoaens, filuiaiis ami-
tisquiadttMtjOraieyhqiiiDeumiUti'vangdii doHrinam nobis C9nftrvft. Poniifex eni/n &
Ciritiiium Trldtntimm liira tmlimitfr. H(c t^i dixit, facie fikntio domit iltqumdM:, (cdhtg'n-
tt v'i n9/bi, pod mtdiam mSlttn txcitaiM qntritUT de pedorii txytfiiai & prtefenticm jam ind^'
re poem, bii verbis Dtumardtmer InvosAi: Pater mi cceteftii, Dtus & Patcr Dorrmi 'tfu Cbtifl':,
Vetu oma c&n/bUiioniSy age tibigratiM, quod fiUum luuin lefum Chrifium mibl reviM[U : cm
crtdidiyquemfumprofe[fus,qucmarnavijqutmcfUbnvh quern Potitifex T^emanui, & rtliqiui
mp'mam turbaperftquitur-j & afficit MninmtUa. T{pit te, mi Demine Lefu Chriflt, fufcipe amtnu-
km mwn» Hi Pattr aelepijttiwfi^vtliw ex bac vUd^lUii torpui hoemihi fit ]»m depomnduro,
the
Part I . Chap. 7. ^ffliBed C^nfcihicet^f-
23^
tbe Pope, and ttie Direll : (i) Mj heavenly Father
(r^id He at his death j eternall And mcrcifnll God, thou
hdjl jftanife fled unto me thy deare Sonne ^onr Lord ^efm
Chnfl. I have taught him, I have knovenehimy I love
him as my life^ my health, and my redemption: whom the
wicked have perfecffted, malignedy 'andtvith injury af-
fliBed. T>rarpmy Svnle to Thee, After this,He (aid as
infiied thrice. / commend my (ptrtt into thine handsy
thou hafl redeemed mee, O God of truth . Godfo loved
the -world, that he gave his onely Sonne ^that all that be-
leeve in Htr/i fhould have Itfe everlafiing, ^oh. 3.Heare
how another blefled (kj) Saint of God ended his dai^s:
Having the day Before he dyed continued his meditation
and expofttion upon Rom S.for tbe (pace of two houres,
or more, on thefudden Hee faid ; O ftay )'our reading I
What brightneffe is this I fee ? Have you light up any
candles? To'which I anfwered^ No ; It is the Sunne-
Jhine,fcrit was about five a clocke in a clear e Summers
evening, Sttnne-Jhine, faith He, nay, my Saviour-Jhine,
Now farewell world,welcome Heaven fThe Day-flarre
frsm en high hath viftted my heart, O jpeake tt when I
4m gone, and preach it at myfunerall, God dealeth fa-
miliarly with man. Ifeele his mercieJfeehisMajefiy'^
yphether in the bodie, or out of the bodie , / cannot tell,
Godhe kpoweth ; but I foe things that are unutterable,
•So, ravijhedjnjpirit. He roamed toward heaven^'rvith'^
ihettrefull loohe, and foftfweet voyce, but yfhat Hee
faid, we could not conceive. — With the Sunne in the
iteming followmg,raijinghimfelfe, as Izcoh did upon
hiaflaffe, he Jhut up hii blejfedlife, with thefe bleff'ed
words : O what an happie change fhall I make? From
night to day ?Froin darkntfle to light? From death to
life? From fbrrowto folace ? From a fadious world
to an heavenly being ? O my deare brethren, fifters,
and freinds I It pittieth sne to leave you behinde : yet
remember my death when 1 am gone , and what I
now f eele, I hope you fhall finde, ere you dye , that
God
c&ih umenfcifit tnt tf-
ctfin iffe permanfurum
in (irafittrntim, mque
p3(fe me tuis ex ma^ibm
a qitoqitam avelli.2{p}2
multdpo^ eampremi-
omm, ubiipiricfimfU'
am in mamu DeifcKtet
& itetumcemmtndaf-
ftt, tanquatfi dormitu-
ri{4, pauiAtm ^ viti
decidit, tsm'Jo cum tit'
porii, qui quidtmani-
madvirti poffet, crucid"
tu. Ofiand. Hift. Ec-
cltf. Cent. i6,Lib2,
cap. $6.
(i) Adsand Monum.
vol.* png. i>94. I no
more weigh Cochlnus
his cutfcd lyes to the
contrary, or of any
his fellow ftigmaiicall
Knight I of the Poft,
as Bolfec. &€. then
I would do the bark-
ing of a Dogge, the
braying of an AlTc^or
bellowing of a Di-
Tell. ^
/aad, a fafliftfuirMini-.
ftcr of Gods Woxi.
2^6 InfiruUiotiS for a right comforting SeA. 2^
God doth, and will deale familiarly with men. And
now thou fiery Chariot,that came dowHe to fetch up
Eliah, carry me to my happy Hold : And all ye bltfled
Angels, who attended the Soule of La^cartHy to bring
it up to heaven,beare me,0 beare me into the bofbme
of my Beft-beloved. Amen, Amen, come Lord lefus,
come quickly, Andfohefellajleefe. That this is true,
CO In Hh Sermon ^^^ (i) reporter and By-ftander, that ancient learned
intitule*!, t;« sauUi reverend Miniftcr of God, Mafter Zi^y^Aaddeth: //^^
lolau cgAin^ forrorv, the truths my Brethren^ I lye not .my confcience If earing
paj. 17. &c. „,f witnefe in the holy ghofi, &c.
* Vncomforiably, *' ^^^5^ "^^Y end their dayes very uncomfortably
m ravings,impatiencies,ana other itrange behaviours.
Nay , the fiery diftcmpers of their hot difeafe , may
{bmetimes,even in the Saints of God,produce furious
carriages, fearefull diflraflions,and fomc defpairefull
fpeeches. But thefe being the naturall effeds and iflues
of melancholike cxceffes, Phrenfies, and burning Fe-
vers, are finnes^f infirmity in fanftified men. For
which, ifthey come againe to themfelvcs,they actual-
ly repent; ifnot,they are all undoubtedly,by a general!
habituall repentance, and Gods gratious acceptation
thereof^ pardoned by the Paffion of Chrifl:,and buried
for ever in his bloody death. Thatlaftandunreverfa-
ble doome,at ths dreadfull Tribunal of the ever-living
God muft pafleupon us; not according to the violent,
and unvoluntarie diftempers at our laft houre, but ac-
cording to the former PafTages of our life ; the finfiill,
or (andifiedexpenfe of the dayes ofhealth, Heare that
Co) Perkins In his other (<?j great -^m/? in the Myftcrie of dealing with
Sgtvifor t ftikt Man. troubled confciences, The common opinion ify that if a
mandye quietly. And go away like aLambe(which in
fame difeafes, as Confumptions, andfnch ltke,any Afan
may do) then he goes firaight to heaven : hut if the vio~
lence of the difeafe fiirre up impatience, and caufefran^
ticke behaviours, then men ufe to fay^ there is a judge-
ment ofGtdferving either to difc»ver an Hypocrite^ or
Part I. Chap. 7. ' jiffii^edrCenfciences^ 3.57
to plague fi Tvick^d mitn . But the truth ii othervoife: For
indeed a man may dye like a lambe , and yet go to Hell:
And one dying in exceeding torment Sy andflrange behet^
viours of the body, may go to Heaven.
3, The death offome others is mixt,to wit,of fear- -^^^ - ainl«£nari«
full tempeftuous ftormes,and almo(l,if not altogether, |;'ej. ^f "
defpairefiiU agonies.in thebeginning oi their lafi; fick-
ne(te,and a faire refrefliing glorious calfne,and joyfull
triumphs over temptations , and feare, towards the
conclufion of their life. For fome lecret end and holy-
purpofe feeming good to his heavenly wifedomejGod
fufFers Ibmetimes even his deareft fervants, to tafte, as
it were, of the fire of Hell, and for a while to feele in
their confciences, thofe damned flames, as a pfepara- '
tive to drinke more fweetly of the Well of life , and ■
Rivers of endlefle pleafures. So himfelfe is moft ho-
noured, by helping when all hope is paft: The heart of
his Childw more lavlil^.t \xj\rh the firft fight of thofc
unutterable joyes, being fuddenly rais'd to th€ height
of happinefle, from the depth of horr our.The enemies
to the narrotv roay dallit and confounded , by obfer-
ving his deliverance, whom, out of prophane blinde- %
nefle, they deemed an Hypoaite : Godly Chriftians •
gratioufly revived, when they fee. That though the
Lord hide Huffmce fi-om his Childe/^;^ ^ moment , yet
zx laft with everlafting kindneffe will He have mercy
on Him : And that He will never utterly, and finally
forfake any of His.Thus dyed thofe bleffed Servants of
God, Miftris Bretergh, Mafter Teacock^ &c. Miftris Mifttcfii grw^r^lj^
Bretergh\n^&\\Q^to^ttm!^tzX.\Q>n,ivtpjed that Jhe had . "
Tiever beene borne ^ or that fie had beene made any other
creature^ rather than a Tvoman: But when that Hellifh
ftorme was over-blowne by the returne of the glori-
ous beames of the Sunne of righteoufiiefie into Hei'
Souk; She turn'd her nme , and triumphed thus; Oh
happy am /, that ever J was borne , to fee this ble^ed
^ay ! Iconfeffe befor.e_ ths^ Lord hi^ loving kindneffe, and •
^ 2 J InjlruBions for a right comforting
Se(51:.2.
Mxftcc Ptacotkn
4. Oiitti^Wyo
his rvonderfitU rvorks before the fonnes of men : For hee
hathfatisfledmj Soptle^ andfilledmj hnngry Soulcwith
goodnefe.
Mafter PJ?4f^f)^ff in the height of His dreaJhilI De-
sertion, told thofe about Him, that hee converjl with
Hell-hounds ; That the Lord had cnrfed him y'Vmx. hee
had n({grace;lih^t it was agatnfi the cotirfe of Gods ^O"
ceedtng, tofave him, &c,But when that horrible tem-
peft of fpirituall terrours was happily difperft ; and
> the light •f Gods comfortable coontcnancc begun to
fhine againe upon His moft heavy and afflided fpiritj
He diC-avowed all inconfiderate jpeeches , as he called
them, in his temptation, and did humbly and heartily
aske mercy of God for them all; And did thus triumph
what piould I extoll the magni^cence of God^ which af
unfpeakealftei and more than any heart can conceived
Nay rather let m with hnmbU reverence acknowledge
Uu great mercy , what^£^*^^^f*P ^^'^e i to magnifie
the great goodnejje ofGod^ that hath hum^led,Nay ra^
ther exalted ftich a wretched mifcreanty of fohafe con^
dition to an efiatefo gloriom and fiat ely I The Lord
hath honoured me with his goodnejfe: I amfure^he hath
-provided a glorious Kingdomefor me : The joy which I
feele in my heart is uncr edible. <
4. Some of Gods worthieft Champions, and moft
zealous fervants do not anfwcr the unreprooveable
fandity of their life, and unfpotted current of their
former converfation , with thofe proportionable ex-
traordinary C0mforts,and glorious Paflagesupon their
beds of death,which in ordinarie congruitie might be
expeded, as a convenient conclufion to the rare and
remarkable Chriftian carriages of fuch bleflfed Saints.
So bottomkfle and infinitely unfathomable by the ut-
moftof all created underftandings are the depths of
Gods moft holy wayes, and His infcrutable Councels;
quite contrarie many times to the probable conclufi-
ons ©f Man's beft wiledome. But every one of His,
fith
fith he certainly pafffstborowthofe pangs into plea-
furesandjoyes endlcfie end unrpeakabTe, miift bee
content rogicrf fie Godjand to be fervfceable to His
fccret ends, with what Mnde of dtath He p'eafe:
whether it be glorjous and untempted : or difcom-
fortable, becauie oF Bodily diftempers, and confe-
qiiently interpretablc by undifcerning fpirits .* or
mingled of teojptations.andTriumpbs: or ordinaric,
a»id without any great iliew,or rcii>atkable fpee-
ches,afterextraordinarie fr^gularitics of an holy l/fe,
which proniifcd an end of Ipcciall notc,and admi-
ration.
Why may not fomc worthy h eavenly minded
Chril^ians,rcmctimes by ftrong mortifying medita-
tk)ns,and many conquering fore-conceits of death
in their hfe time, make it before-Iiand To familiar
and eafie unto them, and by continuall convcrfing a-
bove,andcon(iant peace ofGonfciencCjCaftefo deeply
of fpirituaIi,joycs,thatthat dreadful! Paffage out of
this life, as it may breed no great fenfc of alteration in
themfelvesjlbno cxcraordinarie matter of fpeciallob-
fervation to others*
CHAP. VIIL
The div( rs kitides of death in "kicked metu
p the wicked, and thofc, who were Oc i VVIclcej; vA
ever ftrangers to the myfteric of th^ydyc,fome
Chriftandtruth df godlincfle : »^Of oi'Rc1U««
Some dye defpcrately. Though ^^3^ jye, inSTc^
m:)(S^^^^^^m\ ^"^'"^^nds periih by "prcfumption, fpairc and tcrment •£
; — S^^^^Sjd to One of thefewho defpaircj yet confcicnce, there bee
fome there are,to whom iipon their beds ofdeathaU «n>"'ons that dye in
without fenfe o' fiane, or punifliment : The reason wbeteo7 "s" b«rirfe "«»5
whokncwts he hathtinic little cnoiighin thii life to drswmen to fiBncjandlooee-
ncughaJtcrituSjUlc to wrment them forit, doth iherc/brc oidiwuily Keicxve the
R ~ their
2 ^ O InflmUisnt far 4 right comforting ^t6i, I •
TT^'n"^ of finncrs their fins ^refet in order before tbepn,aidreprercn?ed
«cm!and'iH %'; '^^^^ eye oftheir awaked cotifcicices in fiich grcifly
it^ Hell J left ii iiti^^^^^^y^^'^^iottniblyythdX^^^thQ very nrlt and fear-
fhoulddeale Co rough- full fight, they are prefcntly ftrucke ftarke dead in
ly with all finncrs in foule and fpirit, ittterly over- whelmed, and quite
hSaffo' ^hey might, fvvailowcd lip With guilty and dsfperatehorroiir.So
terr ows! (T^lzhn^t ^^^^ afterward,No counfdl, orcomfor t j no canfide-
nieineiorfalyation,as'''atio'i**^fhcisimtafurablcnefreof Gods mercy, of
did the /4yo«r,andthetheunvaiuiblcnefleandoninipotcncy,tbat Imiy Co
ievp!s. Ad, 17.50. a"'* rpeake,of Chriftshlood-flied,ohhe variety and cx«
i//7/^^r '.A^^f •''"'•^"'"'cellencyof gratious promifes, of the loflfe of their
^70. owns immortauSouleSjCanpombly drive and divert
in) We fliouM never fi'om that infinitely •» falfe conceit, and ciirfed Cry ;
Bce ifi fucha foriorne My fnnes are greater Jthancttn be pardoned, Where-
there(£°"ldbe**^^^^'!5 "^^^ ^^^^ mifcrable, and foriorne wretches, they
ofdcVa°re,conEng''^'">'^*^^^^^y^ '^^^^^ themfdves into
our fins bee the finnej Hell,asit wi^ere, Upon earth , and are dananed above
of Men,His mercy chc ground. Thus the Lord fometimes for the cerrour of
?"F n ^/^" "finite others, gbrifying his ownejuIHce, and bringing ex-
aothcKcader, and wilrull oppoucion to grace, doth in greatcit in*
dignarion by the hand of ^Winz vengeance, unclafpe
unto them, the booke of their owne Confcie:ice,and:
of his owne holy Law. In one of which they findc,,
nowatIength,alkheirinaiimcrable iniquities.trant-
greflions,a id finsengraven with the Point of a Dia-
mond, enraged with Gods implacable wrath, aggra-
vated with the utmoft malice of Satan; And never
to be razed out,or remitted, but by the blood of the
Sonneof God,in which they peremptorily profelTe
themfelvcs to have no part. In the other, they fee
the fiercenifie^and fulneflc of all the curfes, plagiies>.
ai'.d torments denounced there, and due unto all iaa-
penitencfinners, ready to be poured upon their bo-
dicsandfoules forever; And no pofiibility to pre-
ycnf them, no waycs to decline them, but by Gods
aafinite. booacy through lefas Chrift, in which they
Part.l Cap 8. JffiUed Confciences, *4'
alfo utterly difclaimcall right and inrereft.AndtlKTe-
fcre they &re now finally, and defpieratcly refo'vtd
to icokc for no mercy .* Butin the I'r own e judgement,
2nd by their oune confc flion, ftand re pro(>ates from
Godscovetiant, and voidc of all Hope of his inheri-
iance,cxpc£ling with unrpeakeable terrour &nda-
maz. ment of fpir it,ihe confuramation, of their mi{e-
rk',and fearefiiil fcntcnceof eternalldamnatioO.They
are cotrmonIyfuch,° as have been grcflfe Hypccritf s o Out of the curfed
■ like /»^^j and lien in fomefecret abomination againft Nurccry ot fuch (orw
the knowledge of their hearts, all their life long^ ^^fhTw^rnd^ht^nl
that have followed flill their owne renfuall wayes, giceut(ome,andbang
^r dccurfe of the world agair.ft the light oftheMini- them up a$ u were ia
fir y, {landing like an armed man in their concienccs cbaines,aswofuU Spc-
to the contrary j who have been Sccrnsrs and Per- ^'^^^ Jo^^u '
fccutcurs of the power of godlir.eflc, and the good ^*^""*o — -
vcay ; who have abjured the Gofpellof lelui Chrift,
and forfakcn the Truth for honcnr, wealth, or '
worldly happinefle : To whom the Lord in their
life-time vouchfafed many mercies, much profpcri-
ty, great meanes of faivation, long forfaearance,&c.
And yet they flood rtit flili,they ftill hated to be vZ'
{oiw.td.,fet fj naught all His coutofell^^nd wonid mne
of Hts re^roofe. WhereforCuhcDay of graticus vi-
fltation being once expired, a thoufand WcilJs will
not purchafeit againe ^ Heaven and Earth cannot re-
call it. No mercy, no comfort, no blelTIng can then
be had, tho they fceke it with teafcsand yelling.They
(hail nevermore be heard, tho with much violence
ihcy tjirow their fcrikings into the Aire, they cry
with fighes and groanes,as piercing a? a fword. Net,
but that the Gates of Heaven, and amies of mercy
may ftand wide open, untill their laft breath : But
alas.' They have already fo hardened their hearts,
that they cannot repent, ^fter thtne hardne^e, faith Rom. zji
Panl^ ar.d heart , that canrnt repent. They now hut
^ hov^le fi^on ^j^r^ £eds, they doe hoc crj Hm9 God ^ith
^^^ JnJhntSHmsfgrarigift eomfartfag Se^Z.
tbffr hearty as the Piophtc fpcikcs,H9/y 14 Their
carKftand#4r/T crj'ingin this laft exrrcmiry • is onc-
Ijr beoofe, Thar feare « cffmr u^ tbfw as dsfslMti^m;
md iheir dtfirmHsmM m ^htrlewi^e, \Vhen tbcy
caft our dsircoDfifkradons for comfort, Itisrjotthe
wbeie Crcattoo can poflBJy helpc thtirii for they
moftftand or fall to die Tribonall of th^ ever luffing
Gcd *»i^fj tndtfmble^ani Crediar sf the ends ff the
S*rth, if they looke up to God the Father ; that
Frov.i,i^.z6. comes prefently into thcirheads with
xnich borrour^nd quite kills thdrhearts : Bscaafe
Heeimth called sJlouj hfc longjaad all that gcodiy
tinie wee refu/ed j Hee-'^ul l^^gh now 4: cxr cjUamTm
tj, 4md wftc^ wkcn 9Hr feuxe is come. Jefnt ChnJ}, as
tfacy ftrongiy coocdTC, and in-oijoveab! y concludfc
^^aft thcffi&ivcs^ixach now to cheiD hr ever ck^ed
op His wounds as it were, and will not afturd theji
aic drop of His blood ; becatrfe:b?yhave lo often,
by commiag unworthily, fpiic it in the Sacrament,.
pcrfecnted Him in His mcmbsTSjjnd defpifcd Hi.-n
in the MiDiitry. The bleffed Spirit, becaufc in cfae
Day c^ vifeadon they repcJied a'l his inward war-
ning and holy motions, preforing Satan 5 impure
fiigeeflioas, before His{acrcdnfpuati3ns,dorhnow
so tbdrowoe acknowledgement, by the equity of a
IcflpropomoBpnthis Day of vexation, leave them
tof*f;6ir_/y«# of their former wilfolnefle, andr.ape
tberewafd of their own waves. Thusthefeforlornc
wietcfaesare difclaimetJ, forfaken, and abandoned of
Hearcnaod EanbrGod a :d Man i ofaii rheccmforts
9 Ta wfct rcn& i-. ^n this Iifc,aiidbldB»gsorthe World to come. And
ffixK is the gr«:icft fo by fiaaildcfpanog of G^ds^mercy^thc ^geateic
Sniie ; f Of ir n no: of finncs,thev m< ft uDb^ipily,2!)d curfediyfollow
fcnply fo, Em the y«<U/tbewof ft of mcD, into the dariuft aad moft
"^ " ^ ^ damnednookeinHcH,
Sosaedicc^eldlj. *• G:^rsd»cfco(cItflyand blockiLhly.Tbey dc-
1 ' t' BKaa€ th«nf<iv«,upootbeu dying Beds, as though
Pflft. I^ Cap. 8. ty^ffuned Oinfcierxes, 245
there were no immortality of the Soule,r.o Tribunal! vfnue i?,t>:e irorefc-'
abcve^oflrict account to bee giuenirp there for ali ^^'«nr's ^^<^ <-ppcG«e
th-ngsdorein theflcft.no cvcrlafiiag cft.te in ^^li^^T^:^
worldrocorae ; wherein everyone mult cnhcr iie in £nnc thcnrXpfrationi
unrpeakeahIep3ines,orliveJnun-urtcr2bIepIearure5. bccaulc .he Lcve cf
Lithcirliferimejthey werer.ever wocnt to tremble po^ i* a a ore <icel-
atGodsjudqcments, or rcjcyce in his prCfr.iffS,or V" ^ ^^^^ '^^" V.o^^.
muchtrcubte cheaifelves with tiie mmjitry of the ThcHsh y..'.uin^ His
VVorJjOr about the ftare of their fcules. All was one jft^m^jbeaTaftcorg-
to them, whjit Minifltr they had, whether a Man bjUof muchrcrtenft:.
tauchtta thekiy.adcm^ofCh^ifiQis. genera!! Teacher, P«fli'-ion,anc falfcDi-
or ar.fgnorant Mangier of the wcrd^cr a difiblnte fel- "^^^^.^'{i^^,
low, or a Dawber with untem^.red irortcr, or a andochrr l-hJot'ochi-
dwmbe Dog. If they were neither Whores nor call Poin:s, He !;« fall
TheeveSjbutweli accounted of amongfttheirneigh- fome truths. Drfp<r4ti*
boiifSjthrivedinthe world, profpered in their our- ^^'•y^!^'*'^:^^*^^^"'''^
ward l^ate, provided for pcfterity.flcpt ir\2V,ho\tZMnu4ll^Z^!v^
skinnCjWere not vexed onthe Lords day with any of^etrdre ji^siuKm ^i.
thefep: ecife Trouble-townes •■ They were wtW <!**': d^r,cr,:m ft f^.sci
.jrcaicDortr.eirtcrmcraaacquaintancewitn i^^tm, ^4 > /»-
rpintua;Ithir,gS:andGodnctopeiiL'ig their eies,they ffoui't, euimakU d^
are neither a fflided with any fearecf Hclljcr atfecled "^"_«»;m^rHieicD.
wth aiiy hope of Heaven ; they are both un-appre- '? f '^^■i^S.L.d'xwft'^-
hcrnnveof theirprefencdanger.and flarekiJe of the ^w.T '?>'"" ^'''"
fiery iake,in:o which tfieydre ready to toil. In tn;ie eu.'gouuJef;cr4tufect»
regsrdSjthcy are utterly un:ouchcd,die moft caktly^ptnuit-i murtrc, hptSt.
aad without any troubi cat all. And it is their ordina- ^ic uf»lf Tcecit Q^ri
ry Anfwer, when they arsqueftioned abouttheir fpi- ^"•*'^''A^'^«>f *-'»*»
^ ^ J ^ r Viitmf^niKffTdnii-m
^i itffiiuC /»**»* nequitUm Dei^ietnti icrt.pird:,§him mfthit tLr^4 -mur, dam
fiii'jn'.jt^mio^C-^trjtBiontm (i.ytnitiiu d»f(rCKi Va- (ui K:bi. eaR.qutS en> m ctfiteri
ffcM/'rff^ Idem dc vera & falls Pcer.ic. cap. 5. Eut dec no: mif^itc ihtgcc^Fa;licr,or
upon His words prefHme jbut hesr? what He addes ; Stnu diii imtr.ui £.t'^,(f/ii.6itit,aui
ddco prxrMir»nnt,& dtDto cinf.duntu^uid i^udniUm fiifi iuzxtum accu. ur.: .tccAVfii'.Q'hnt
fSKtenn*exftai*t yenidm :auid credurtt, ^twdm Cbrjiuini (uat^cn /(i^itwrtir- x*.
l4ntej (i^^/yci 1H<id fcrtptum eji,09tnif quieuis^$u pfycijfycn: novstn Vtn. rn^/d^yni erif,
Vut^moimf ntrrenThmmi tnytfAU qHim*mfo§iiHt Cbrtfium creJfre,G- SdCrdpfntMEc'.
V^ I " ~ * ritUill
f*}\ . .
*44 InJirHiiisiiS for A right comforting Secfl.l.
ll'llfft ^^"^"'^'•ricaallftate, aid How it (lands widb them betvveeic
feciire at the time of ^^'^^^'''^*^^'^«»-'Which,thougbthey thinkcitmike?
^cath. GaJ in his iu- i^nachfor th?irowri?credit,7et alasl I" is ranHcoiTi'
ftice plaguing aa afte fortto jjdicioQS B>'-flaad.-rs, and fiich as wifh well
fifr,w[?haH^fl,acJ 'i' ^?^hdrS.ules , B.tratheraf.arcfull can^rmirion,
curityatdeath And.bc^^^^^^^^"^^ ^^^^^^ givci^pvcr to the fpiritof fl i.n-
Lordfe(^estofiy,a$ ^^-^sn^^aledupbydi./iae p jjfticc, ia tlie fo.'cifli-
oncc to the Prophers 'lefTcandfecurityof chiir ownc fenfcIelTc hearts, for
Goe.mike tbe.r con. ^nf} dffervcd ccideiunition. Thus thefe men, as
dcafhT^ ^y'lu'e ^^- ^?-^'^tS,h'V'i^i^ P'^k^,^^ddie l,keblockf. ^nd
made It aflcep all iher /'^^ '^'^ '?'**'*'*'^' p<'<7;»/<?,(aith Greenehtxjn.'^ill fiiU com^
life , left c^ynfcicnce mendpuch feArefull c^atbj,fa]fingy He d'parted At msek^
^ j"^^i!^ ^n<J fpcake, lj,asa LambeyHee ^ent ii^Aj m a bird in ajhtll j xt>hen
Ui^yzIjJlTh^^^t^^'y. '"'^^^ "^ »'.'///47,r^«/^^' their feathcvbed, mi
^- .. I. I-A-— ._^ Oxeinaditch.
3. Some die formally. ' 3, Ochers die foi'mally ; I meane they maikc very
Y^'T^r^ goodly ihewes and rcprcfcntations ef much confi-
/trfj^ctfotfiflilywilh- ^'^^^^"^^^°^^*^^^* Having formerly beene formall
out comfort and fee. Pi"ofe{roar$,and fofumiilied with many formes of
ling of Gois lovej as godly fpeeches, and outward Chriftian behaviours }
MdLDjks of Con- Andtheipiritofdelu(ion,and fpirituall Selfe-coufc-
ience,cap.i2. n age, which ia their life time detained theaa in con-
ftancy of fecurity ,and felfc-coaceitcdncfle about the
q Whom Satan fceth fpirituall fafcty of their foulcs, 1 without any fuch
cut of Gods favour, doubtSjtroubleSjfears, tcmptations,whicharewoo t
^I,^jJ?^fl'*"°'^"|}fohanntthofe who are true of heart, (forordinaiily
leadyto bee caft*into ^^^^ isthcpcaccof unfonnd Profeflbrs) continuing
Well fire 5 thofe doth ^ ^^^'^ 'n^^S'fi^ry groundlefle psrfwafion and pre-
ilce falfely perfwadc, fampiion m the height and ftrength unto the c id,for
thatthey areoutof all their very laft breath may be fpcnt in faying, Lord,
ceiye their lamentable ^"*^'^* ^^^ 7' ^ ^^V ^"^" *"^'" ^^ thefe, thus WohiUy
<ftatc:Butwh<>inHee deluded and fearrfuUy deceiving others, may catl out
feeth Goddoth favour, upon their laft beds many glorious fpeeches, intima-
whom Hecknowetbtoting much feeojiug Confidence of a goodeftatc to
Part.I.Cap 8. Jp^edCoiifcieKces. *4J
God-ward, contempt of the world, willingncfleto »nd JcUow-hcires c»
die,rcadine(rc to forgive all the wcrid,hope to be fa- ^^^ ^'^^^''^-^^ ^^Tc
vcdjdefirc to be diiroIvcd,and goe to Heave r,&c- tempt very often to
They may cry aloud with a great dcale of formall f^a c, to do. br, yes,
cond^criCCyLerdXcrd^^ Mercy^Mtrcy in the name romctincs eventode-
of ChriI>,Lord kfus receive cur fpirits^c And yet ^P^i" of the.r fahrati.
,.,/.' II ■ 1 fi • t «• on, JoMcbfimt for a
all the fe goodly hopes, and earneft ejaculations, ^^^^^.^^^ ^^^ ^{
growing onely from a/orw?,and not from the fower^ Exhoclc<ipuy liqm,
<?f jo<^/i«f^^,arebutjasIfaid fomewhere bcfc.re,asfo w«'rw, quibtMinoreefli
many catchjngsandfcrablingsof aManover-head if ^' '"')" mifeurenoprij
watcr;HcftrugoIesandnrivesforhold tofaveHim. '^:,tZttvZ'^b.
felfe,bul he g- afpts nothing but water 5 it is Qill wa- smj c^uicrti.nt.cjacni^
tcr, which Hcc catches, and therefore fir kes and dm cimfluni funtyiieit
dfOWnS.Thcy areallbut as a fptdert TVe&^Ioi? 8. J4;X J. fojt'i^mnarnakildntts
Vpon which, One fallingfromthe top of'anhcufe,^'^^'^!?**^"'^^-^
layesho!d by the way,fcr ftay and ri:pport. H. ^^// ^^'^^j;/J^*^2^^^^^
leane upon his hottfe^bnt it pjAll not jiand^Hf /hall bold /gly„^cfft'yVMant mm
itfafi, bf4t it Jhall not endttre.O horv many defcend faith Je nomn Vcmm inro:'
ail ancient Father, niththts hope to etemalt travatles "'^« quomftn pofjunt
and torwm ? Ho^ many faith an * other wcrrhy '^^''^"f ^IT/ltf^'
L>oCro\Xly£oeto tiell mth a vame hcpe cj H>aven'. ^^^^^ ymttesy muUot
"^hofe chieftfl CAfife of damnation is thetr falfe perfypA- f^t yecaivs ,Jtd pa::cos
fisnand grot^ndleffc preftmptioM efjaivation ? Of aU ^/^^o- ' u"o«'«Devcri
the foure ki.des of death, which ordinarily [ cfal l^'^^Zmi^^ac
fuchasarenctfaved, thisisthcfaircft in (heu i^'^'^ /p^'^a^ ^tcrms Uhotet
yet ofgreatt ft impoAure to thofc about them, and o-e- yelia. J^/fenduntf
moftptftikrtconf qnencc to hardctiefpecially allot Haw many goe to
the fame humour,thathf arc of ft. * ^ 7»
4. Somcdic P.nitently: BaflineanefeemingJy if^*^'^^'Jf!"j!:;•
f >,notfayingly. Many having fervcd their appetites hcII wiih^is hope?
all thcirlivcs^andlivcd in pleafure; now wheuthe ♦^ Doao: Ff^tty.
Sunneof their fcnfualldehghts btgmsto fct,a;id thf ^'"^' D<y^iKttm -. Mws
daike midnight of miftry and horrour, rofeizc upon^''^'*"^',*"'' f '""^^^^
tlKm,woa.d very glad., be. faved. ^^A\i^^'ttT.J^'i!£:.
them nor. If they might firft live the life of the w!Cr<^f, /<>,» iAcnttm in
ked,and then die the dtarh of tl e righttcus : if they leBontenqt^tdyidtiinth
might have th€ earthly KeavcnoftheworidsFavou- ^'P'**"* "'^ sthttmmi
R4 r,tes^"S"'**?^^-i^'
2^6 InJ}rfi£l$«Hffor aright comforting Se^«?^
t o^eudimr mhn /"fr rites hcre,a!idthc Hcavcfi of Chrifts Martyrs in the
h.tc yerb* , quoi iUo i» ^orld to comc. f Thcfc Men are woont in this Uft
*'JT';Z''..^"^"!l'Cl extremity, to take on extremely; But it is but like
^e«rf//*/'^ff4;o/^r,^«.tf- then- H^Wm^ «/><?« r^-ir •3«fi^r, W^/i/a 4^
4hmtHt & current hue atepinchcd With fomc fenfe of prefent horror and
h- iBuc -<i /^"j^^^"'", expectation of drcadfoll things. They cry out
tioSfrw4m ^Z'^'*"'^'- migtily for mercy ; But it is noother,chen their ^4r^
T/it/Xol^lI'iw/'^^^^^^ Becaufe Mftr^e unimguifh is
toj opo;te4t J4cere, fed Come Upon them : TheyenqufreeagciiyafcerGodjind
y>/?»«/<«Wj«^>f;o,C"«f- would now be gladiy acqiuinted with Him; But
i((^^u:}butar^sfMfef4--,-^{)^\\^Q them, Pfal.y^J fp hen he fler^ them, then
li^syeH^ntiius.cHmnon , . . ^^^ mdtheyrettirncd.mi c^amred early
tembHif4ck)idx]u^tti/e,^P^^^<'dt ^'^d they remembred that God roat their
dut tgmdd foenitehti/i, Rocke, andthehi^h God their Redeemer. Neverthe^effe,
fejlitt^io torum y^ni they did flatter Him with their month: And they Ijed
'':\':^'' 'J"''" f''"f'- unto Him -a^th their TonzHesx For their heart V^asmt
^otidihmm/4(erdoUi '"'g^^ »^^^ »'^« They promifc very faire,3nd protelt
cUmdntinEccltfid :Qjti glofioufly, What mended men they will bee, if the
^ffwwf,/'fl?«««/^'<»»^- Lord re (lore them .• Hut all thefc goodly pronvifes
^4t : — tieque fedHC4M ^^^ j^^jj. ^^ ^ msrmng cloudy and as the early den> . They
,™,'X;»t f;:;» "= "ke thore of.-, Mtfeor murthcrer ac the Barre.
-0e^iMmpro}eefi\ Et p
co}ifftmm4iio ytftta tardayierityWors yej7r4r.o4 tJrd4ty& nemo credit^netm h4ndit : ciim aw
t(fKye»frit/utef iL'osmors •jfefifn4nt,^anxicr!tnr, yorant f4ctrdnie<y panitentUm yolunt
>ti>ire qu4ndo ]4mpanitenUal0Cwmnefl, It4q:tt ^um exponnnt feci4ri fua, & c4pit.ir
4ti}m4eorum, & y4dunt y4:m,magts dhtitnligatt ]ufio \tidicK> Da ; q:it4 nm propter odiu:n
feccAtorum dtf^liientes jtf/i yolebam paenttent:4m agerc^/ed pr pttr mart it tmorem. /^dhu,c
tMtmfiyi-vmefotKiJffKt^nonfibidfplkuiflmt.lactttUi author. Hom. 51. in cap. Mat 2^..
yitil4titqi(idimtH CHl>ilil>i4Syidyer$ do'orU im^4tienti^ flccimityquem expcemfcofteipiunt,
yirnqhed pei(4ta /iid dt^Unntt Gualt.incap 7.Hof, FnturM eji it fenlM^cd confdtntid
ret(4ti& mi/'eri/fprxfertimyoo con/(ieiitta i4nti cortiemptM eblatx lucit ^idqtte ex judidis,
mtibta ixercebuntur^ Mtum qnidfrnferio cruciAndi pnt aefiderio thrijii : Nori q lidem, quad
iddtftdsrium (itfittunnnlhrtfttifropter ipfum chrilium^- — uut propter oduon Pecc^ti^fed
frupttr finfHtn miferiXfquemferre: mnpotirunt.9. olloc.in cap. 8, f ohan . ( An d to .ei kp Him
then, is not tofrckeHiw, Hon quttrebam Eum.'Ho : tliey fccke Him nor, thf y difiembic
with Him (faith ^/'A in the next verlcO^or^wnen God to trie thtm.rcprived them ne-
ver folittle timejthey fell to their old byasj an J when as Hcc ceiled A/Z/Vw?, their fcekhtfr
wasatancndk So ate a\l forccd/eekings rlilictoi Bowi^riag brought to his full bent,
but rcmityou never foUtiL",itflartechbackeag2ine. Nay, it is npr<7v<«»'5^4fj',no kind-
ly fesking j bu: a bafc ignoWc creepingto,yvithout ail ingcfmity,vvbcmve muft eithec die, .
Mda«it» H^incht jlert Sermons, ^dg.i^u
which.
Part.i.cap.S* JgUtledConfeiences, 247
which being now caft, and feeing there is now no
way but one: O what a reformed man would Hee
bee, if Hee might be reprived.* <iA»tiochus, as the
A^ocriphaWBook of the ^ Maccabees K^QXtSyWhtnth^ t i.Maccab.5.
hand of God was upon Him horribly, vowed excel-
lent things:0 what He would do;fo &fo extraordi-
narily for the people of God.'yea & that He Himfelfe
alfo Tvokld become a lero ; andgoe through all the worlds
that^X'iistnhabitedyand declare the porr^er of God. But
♦Ivhat was it,thinke you, that macte this raging Ty-
rant to relent, and thus feemingly repent ? A paine of
the bovpeli that tpa s remedtlejfe came upon Him^andfsre
torments of the inner farts, So that no man could endure
to carry him for His intolerable fiinke I And He him~
felfe could not abide His orpn^ fmelh Many may thus
behave themfc-Ives upon their Beds of death with
veiy ftrong fnewe^jand many boifterous reprefcnta-
tionsof true turning unto Godjwhert as iw truth and
triall,they are as yet rotten at heart roote.
And as yet no more comfort upon good ground Butthisforced late rei
btlong^unto them, then to thofe '\\\ the fore- cited P«"t^"" is feldomc
Places:: And it anyfpirituallPhyfitioninfuch a cafe, /*^" -
doeprtffeithand over head,or fuch a Patient pre*
fiime to apply itjit is utterly mifgrounded,mi{^appli-
ed. Hearcwhat " One of the worthieft Divines \\\ u Doaor^tfrlnHk
Chriftendome faith : Nov» put cafe One commeth to Anrwer to a lefuitcs
Hi6ghofily Father ruh fuch forrow of minde, as the Challenge,pag.isz.
terrcurs cf agtiihjconfcience ufuallj dee produce, and
rpith fi:chiirejclutioyitocafl anay Hit fwrns^asa Man
hathmajif.rme to cafi av^aj hisgoods^not becaufe Hee
doth not love them, but becaufe Hee feareth to lofe His
life,tf he part mt with them : doth not hee betray- this x Dykf , of Rcpcn^;
mans foule^Tvhopfitteth into Hts heady that fuch an ex- tanccjcap.i^,
tortedrefentance as this^'^mch hath not tne graine of M*9m reeSetg^ig T«t
Lave to feafon tt withall, will <^ualifie Him ju^cientiy Bdo-jXi/sty t^' *«fa-
for the receiving of.anabjolutton? (^c. And * another **'• Mat.13^52.
i^Qdii:nUY kiflruUed unto the Kinedomeof Heaven: ^*'*''«"^* »«»f*xw
" Repentanc/'''^^^' ' ^'^/«"-
t^g InfirftBionsfor a right comfartifig.
-rdriyerd. J^ensfeni- Repenttwce at death i^ feldome fa unit For it mayfeeme
tentixmt^receffcfli ttmi y^ther to aytfefrom fears of tftigement ,und ah horrour
z;:;^r;:r:.^i^::^.^^^vw- -^i-r./.r /««.. A.d^.nyfee.
txit^Agems%HiwitiMm W*? t'> repent affeciis.iatelj t^ Aa»geroMt ficknep,
ddultimim & retsrci- ^bs-i th:y have recovered^have keenc rather ^srfe thM
lidtH* , fi ftcurnt hinc Before, It it true, that true Repentance is never too late,
txityigo nenCum ftcH- ^^^ j^^ Repentance is feld^me true : For here our fins
;TASofEXn\'2*^«hcrIeaveus,rhcavvechcfn,4/Am
poenitent. ^^^ Heeaddesy^ oc oe unro thcno, whole fia& life end
jSjioaudo dgit fgt'iten. together. This received Principle among the ancient
tiamwext/e^tM yitafi" Yg^ili^rSyTtutUte Repentance is rarely true ^ implycs,
''^unZ^'ul'^bTi^r^^^^'^'^'^ unfour.d, and fo by confe-
^itmr^t^rnutSaenu. qucnt confirmcs the prefcm Poitit. Too manifold
temUqua i OToriwrfCxpcticnrcalfo makes it good: Amongftmany foe
■^ my part, I have taken fpeciall notice of two: The
Dedaredbytwo in. o,-je being labourcd-with in prifon, was (eeniiogly
" fo extraordinarily humbled, that a reverend Man of
untumfttrtur, timont Godwas moovcd thereby, tobsc a mcan^sot hisrs-
iffit rmridtur, Auguft. prive,whereupon a Pardon was procured. And yec
<ktcinp.Scrm.j7.c«w this fo extraordinary a Penitent, while death was in
ynerit fttperiUotmyrs, hiseye, having the tcrror removed, returned to His
'iiCAiufMefdotti.Vcem^ vomit jaidfome two yccres after, to the fame Place
tentiam y$funt d^e>-f, againe^^notoriousa 5r/w/as Hee wasbcfore. Ano-
iamP»nitt,iththcu*u«n ther, having upon His Bed oi ficknefle rcceiued in
tfi — ^untn propter j^jg ownc conceit the fcntetKC of death a^ainft
^2^fS^ZTJt: "*a^^«^^^ 5 and being preiTed to hu:ni:iation,and bro.
mttntiamaiere/edprfi- kcn-heartcdnsflcj for Hee had formes ly bccna ftran-
termntif tmmem. In- geratid an enemy to purity, and the power of god'i-
<ert. Author in Mat. neffe, anfwered thus : CMy heart is hcken : and fo
"**°* 5 * • h'oke out into an earnefi confejfion of particuiar^nms :
Hee named uncleannef[e,fiubbornne^e, obfUnacj^vair.e-
glory ^ hypocrifie ^diffimuUtion , uncharitableneffe^cove'
toufneff'ejuke-warmenefe^^^c He compared bimfelfe to
the Thief eu^on the Cro^e, Audif ^^f?^, faith Hee, r^-
fiore tnee to health againcythervor Id fijall fee, what an
altered man I "^ill hee. Whcnhec waspreft to fyn-
cerity and true-hcartcdncffe in what becfaid j Hee
frotejied
Psrt.l.Chap.8. AffiSled Cenfeienees, I49
freteftedy that hee repented "mth dU his heart 4nd Seule^
find mitide^and Bor(eli,^c. ^nd deftred a JMinifier
that flood i>j^ to bee a Vcttnejfe sf thefe things betypcene
thewcrla axd Him, ^nd yet this jifan upcn hit rrre-
very, became the very fame , if no$ worfe then Hee
wasbefore.
i^ CHAP. IX.
The remedie in this fifth cafe* 1 * Admonitioft to the
Minifies 10 bee ear efull in comforting at that time:
^.Tothe people ffot to defrre repentance till that time,
bwfith upon this Perufalloftbedifft^
rent deaths incidcnctothe godly andthe
wicked, it appearcs ; that fome men ne- Adv/ce upon dre fotS
ver foundly converted, may in refpe^t of^^^^o^i^wwowg^
all outwaid rcprefentations,die as confi- *'^"*
dently and comfortably in the conceit of the moftjas
Gods deareft Children; and that Chriftsbcftffrvant ^^j ^j^^^ ^.
fomtimesmay depart this life y uncomfortably to the deji^e fcrvantsof GoS
cy e,and in the opinion of the grcatcft part ; And we are ofrcmimc* gric-
hcard before, that ourlaft and everlaftingDoomcvou^perplexedjtrou-
mnftpaffeupon us, accordmg to the fynceritie, or Wedmft)irit,gauledia
fcnruality,thezealousforwaidneffe,orformalit^of,Xi|:"^^^^^
our former courfesj and not according to the ice- andfiadingnonc,con^
mingcf our I ail carriage upon Bed of death,and en. dcmning thcmfdves,
forced behaviour in that time of extremity: I fay,*^« *fa«y a^e the very
thcfethingsbdng fo, I holdmycondufionftill.and .tnSt'f" ™^°5?
reioiutiou; not much to alter my ceniure and conceit many times they doe
of a mans fpirituall ftatc, for the manner of His eren die with fpeeehet
death. I except the Theeves upon the Crojfe: }i/iy inthdtoiomhis^nhich
meaning is, that there mav be feme, ( I know not ^''^^ j'*^'"'r °^. ^^
howfew.butlam fure there is none, except Heetrw'^/^^;
nave in Him the perfeftion or the madneflc of all the Mtkerers,^!,
Bcdiamsthat ever breathed^ would run that hazard )
who--
a^O InJlrHciionsfor a right comforting S ^ft. ft.
who formerly out of the way and imreformed, may
nowatlaft, being very ex^raordin5ri!y,and mightily
humbled under Gods mighty hand, and cleavinoto
xSxz Lord Icfus with truly broken hearts indeed, fol-
low by a miracle, ar it were, the Thiefe upon the
i.TothcM/nifter. Croffe,toan everlafting Crowne. And here now, I
require the carcconfcience, heavenly wiredorne,ex-
per imcntall skill,and all Hisrainifteriall dexterity ia
the Phyfition of the SouICj to difcerne aright be-
t weenc thefe, and feeming PeniLcnts : and th ^-n to ap-
ply Himfelfe proportionably with aUholy difcretion
and feafjnablenefle, totheirleverall different cftates.
2.T0 the people, rea- • But to fright and fire every Oie for ever, from
lonsto diflWadc from that extreoieft "^ folly of hoping to follow chatmi-
prefuming by the ex- racu'oufly penitent Thisfc j and frcrg going on ia
Slre°^ penitent finnc,and deferring Repentance upon luch adecei-
i Tei'mfottl (,Wi/.v''^Sa'^^^e^P^2teground;letusconaderj
jimi)Al!qiKmnthips feiU' "
rumfacut^t^tremilfumt4mmv4 feelUifMcfeJuHutiS 'yT:{e forte Meat alitjitis in corJe fm^
Nonmeftfqi4e*deZc«H'Hrlfet& crpMet re* eon/cieati4'^KonmtufqfttaJeoc6ni7if(tculpal>i.
lisyitafyiaeo/Mlf momeHt9,yideo fub txiguo fpdcio Utromcrmm* fu4 donit^.^—^Deterreant
tl»^fonosa& hicperfk iffoHe, inniimer4i>i[es popn^i fuh tiU fecuritAte nudi & -vxcui l/jnis, &
m4lupUmexhdcluteprxrepti'-—~.lmmitt'tDuMMfecuritatem,titinf't\ratpetditiei<iem,>teque
dirtiimtfarlpo^int, quAntos b/tc indnk j^el ttnthd deeeperit.^—^Dei^de fti4ltif?im!imej7,Mt
caufd^qH/t denece^itdti^m dgttHt /iternH.inutihtdtibtu y'ltx depcieMU commntatHr extxe-
t»i*,...m^Od'l>iie^.fidpitd Deutn^quando homo fub fidntU pcemtentU in /entciHtemrefervdtA
/;im«jAecf«r.Aiiguft.DeTemp.Scim i2o.
a GrffwferfOT, pag 1. I. Firft, whataholyand learned * Mm of God
cap.3 2 Edit.j. ^^^^^ j,Q ^i^jj Point : In great wifedome^hat men at ths
r Jt 1$ a linglc exam- ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ciefpaire,the Lord h^th left
Hs but one ex Ample of exceedingyand extraordimrj mer-
fTj byfaving the Thiefe on the Crof[e.-^—7tt the per-
verfenejfe of all our naturs may be feene bj thii^ «« th^t
^. thidonefervethuiioloofens^eoflifeyinhope of thelikfii
b Le^nqnit ^u^Jif- jy/j^^^ ^emohtbetterreafont That it i^ but one, and
ram-.O-nemtneminytm that extrairdiiarj^and that befides this One ^there ts not
induobHi millibui^no^ ** one vt9e in all the Btble^and that for this One thatfped,
rvm/dlydt»m in f^^h a thoftfandthofifavdi have miffed : ^d. ivbatfolljfii.it
to
Part.lxCap.9# ji^bied Confctences, 2ji
fetMt our fehes inavfAjy^here fb< many have mifcuT' «*fi Utrtmm in truetl
ried f To put ottrfehes imo the hand of that Phyfition, N'cohus Laarcmias
that hath murthtred fo many \ going cleane agatnft our „g„^pjg ^ ^ , /
fenfea-ddreaf on '.^hereof in other wee ai^ates leane to c That, that may bee
that tvhtch it mofi ordinary ^ and conclude not the Spring faid, is this, and it ic
tf cnef^allorv ? It u m if a Man Jhouldffurre His nothing. Tme, totac
^S/ull m.Jf,^M».fi B.d.m, Me 4,d »«« S.'XnA^.tS
fpeake :fo grefely hath the Dmell temtched w, that have. How theii *
Shall we not therefore
follow our inftruf^ien, and feckeHim before?— Some going a journey, have /oaii4
aPurfeby*heway:Itweremad counfcU, to advifc us to leave our money behind,
uponhopeof likchapinours»&c. Wmchifltrs Sttrnmi^fAg i8o. Si miUe htmintstt^
ri]j[entexcibi dUcmmyeae»ati ptrctpthne^ UH» dint4XAt miracftitse /~eryMOy tune Abum
iUnmgufitLrti i H3rm0a.Evang.cap. i j.pag. 182,
2.Secondly,thefingulariticsabout the good Thiefe: a.It is a /ingularon©
firftjHis heart was broken with one fhort Sermoa,as *" ^^^ re4>ea».
it were ^but thou baft,or mightcft have heard many, . * •
and'art yet hard-hearted. Secondiyjthe other Thiefe ^
fawalfo that fovcraignc Scule-heaiing bl<>od guHi
frefhly and abundantly out of Hisbkfled fide,«nd yet
was not flrucke,or ft ird at all.Thirdly jHis exampleis »;
onely for trut Pt^nitcntsjbut Thou upon this p;-cfump,-
tion defpifing in the meane time, the ricbet^f Gods
goodnejfe, and forbearance^ar.d long- f ujfe ring ^ ieadtnv
Thee torepentaneeybardenefi thy heart yt hat thou canfi
pot repent. Fourthly, H is cafe was fingul ar,and fucb, «|||
that the like isnottobe found in the whole Scrip-
ture. A King fometimes pardons a Malefa^lour at
the Place of execution ; wilt thou therefore
runne defperatcly into feme horrible villany, de- j vVedfeeftnot them
ferving death , hoping to bee that One amongft that call onus for the
many thoufands •' Fifthly, // ^04 a ^ miracle, /eeh^ingof Gody butfeek
faith an excellent « DivinQy'^tth the glory ^'^^'^e^**'* JVS^'ga^s^^ij'iJ^^^
Sautourv^culdhonourtheignomtnyof the Croffe ; rree c^J^^ 2fi/t^i!!!!'{^t
VfayalmoftoivfellexpeSiafecond crucifying of Chrifi^ mayentcnaiaeuswith
asfuchafecondThtefe. Qhrtfl then triumphing on r^^ fpeculations, ot what
Croffe ^did as Princes doe m the triumph of entring into may Redone by^»r«fe
252 InfirhEiions for a right comfortiftg,
diit^,8ct\hov9-roomc mif ted, fkch as thc^ fardannst aftgnvards. <». Having
AkT/^ ni?o^£kc at^^^ye upon this Thiefe, that thou mayeftoiDre fully
up'"Sf/i;V°^ into *I^-^^^''^.^^y^'^^'°w^^^P'^3^ures, thou makeO: a cove^
narrow time at on^ **^^^'^^^^ ^^''^f^i^^^'^^^^g^fsment'^ith HeUanipnt'ji
£nii-i and tell lu tims theevill Day fdrre isomtheQ: ButtheLordhachpro-
enou^hth-n. mnche- ^^{(^^iThoit thycovenantrnth death pjall be dif-anml-
fifrsS rmm^pag.ng. i^Aandthy aircement>)fith Hell Jhdll not (iand 1 when
e Dykt upon R.peo- ' n^ -^ r n n r 1 J n , I
tance cap. 17. ^"' °'^c^P''>^^i'^glcourge JhAUpaJse thorow^thenjhalt th&a
heetrodien dorvnehyit*
3 .Ordinarily it is ins- % * Thirdiy»the ordinary impoITibilities of follow-.
poflSbleto follow hin, fng the bieflsdTbiefe in His miraculous Repsnt^lpf.
as is (hewed in eight Firft,thouartcryedvnto continually by Gods Mef-
^^'^ ** ^ fengerstocomein,now while iciscalledtoDayiyct
f 1 b ' d i^ vn t^o"ft2ndefi:outftill> out of this ^ conceit only, or
triniM^^l*^ Rapujil ^^^^^^^'C^^^>^^ takcthy fillofpleafureinthenieane
SifiejMmgraJam, vrr?* timc,andtofeekeGod fufficiently upon thy Bed of
te in diyerfim, toyifiere death, by repenting with the Thiefeat laft.But know
Dw gratUr»,eiHodH(m forthy terroLir,and timely turning, that the longer
[^l-y/.'fg/awjv/wrf/fo^f- be to repent. Thy cu Home in finning will exercife
rerts. Hntti qmm J4»t more Tyranny ouer Thee : The curfeof God Forthy
atjtidimHumfraudttU>t- going on ftill in thy trefpafTcs will be more heavy u-
IcrfacerentMnopert- ^^^^^^^ The Corruptions that lurke in thineowns
ytdkiumaHfierunt.rime DOlome, wiU bc more Itrcngthenedagainftthee. And
ne &tnhoc patUre in- this threefold cord is hardly broken •• Thefc three
excufMt'M.-sed muitii, GisntswiU bemaftcTcd with very much adoe. The
i»^/«j, ddit Deu4 hoe further thou walkeft in the wayes of death,the more
SS7;iL"/»r^ unwilling.and more unable wilt thou beetorctunie,
^^uid 'igitur ? An till ai^^bc reformed. Thine undsrftanding will be more
^uoqtte coneedet Sconce ihvkQncd with Hellifli fliifts, thy judgement more
iietfsrtal?eywquif.^uid
tck forti^^y et interdum,&'e. Co^taqttodtt d: 4mm4deli&er.n ,pvoinde ctiatnde contv4~
tiocoii»a,et die, :^id autertt (tmndefi &c. Tain belinM egrejlufymn diets, non e/i optit
nt teftatTtentum condam^fortx^is redibo j Kaqite di nnptift deliberMS dices, uxorem egenten
(tcctfum,mu\ti enim et Ik prxter fpem ditati f^nti Heque do.ttitm extruensy fubijciatn
fundamsntd putftd^ mtthx ettm & fn ct^titere dstrnv : Dl dnimd auten dgeni,
Ap^fehendU, mdgis putrid , dicens , f«rta(!is, ^ fspiitt evenit ^ ^ cwtingit diquan'^
pcfvcfted.
■ ■ '■' . «^- ■■ I I !.■... I l l . !■ I ■■ I . 1 . 1 ■— ,
Part.l.Chap,8.' jSffli^ed Confcienees. ts$
perverted , thy will more ftubborne, thy memory
lEoreftuftwithfcnfuan notions, thinfaffcftionswitt
' become more rebellious, thy thoughts more earthly,
thine heart more hardcned,thy confciencc more fea-
red, thy felfemorcfold to (inne,and every day that
comes over thine bead in this ftatc of darkenefle,
much more the Child of the Divcll,then thou waft
before. To rcfufe ChriB upon this Point fo freely
artd fairely offered^ is to receive Gods curfe under
Seale ; and to mal^efure thy covenant with Hell,and
League with death, untill thou be flainc by the one,
andfwailowedupofthe other, without all mercy,
or recovery. Forinthistimeof delay, God growes
more angry, Sstan more ftrong, thy felfe more una-
ble to repent, finne more unconquerable, thy convcr-
fwn more bard,thy la! vation more unpoflible. A rui-
nous houfe,thebngerthouletteft it run, the more
labour and charge will it require in repairingjf thou
drive a naile with an hammer, the more blowes thou
givcfttoir,thcmorehardwiIlitbeetopIucke it ouC
againc. Itisjuftfo in the Cafe of continuing in fin:
and every new (inne is a new ftroke with an ham-
mer, that drives the naile in further. SccondIy,with
whatpoflibility art thou hke to pafle thorow the
great worke of (aving repentance .'or with whac
heart canft thou addieffe thy feife unfo it? when
upon thy ficke Bed, thou art fct upon at once^if thy
confciencc be waking, with the ugly fight of all thy
finncscharging upon thee with infupportable hor- ^ ^^-- i^rthKtyii
rour, with the pangs of dcath,with s Satansutmofl Ismahriiiue doio tentdt
malice,and His very Powder- P!ot, and with the ter- (t eenfiigit -j/aenj fttunt
rour of that approaching arickt Tribunal), Which Hfcem^ftntihs (efm^
dreadful! encounter is able to put to it, the ^pi"tuaIi^^'*^^^^ it'^^a!
ftrcngthofmanyyearcs gathering. Thirdly ,RefoIii- j, *
tiontodeferre Repentance, wbeli grace is offered,
doth juftlyineritjtohe deprived for ever after of all
opportunitjr,and ability to upciit Jou«hly,it is juft ^.
with
354 ItiflrHcl't99isforarightC9mfortmg \S^£t.Z,'
-^ J I .
with God .that th it inan, who doth purpnfely put
oflF rtpenta!ice,andprovi!ion f )r his fouJcuntillhis
Jaft ficknefle, Qiuuid for thac fin'K a!nnc, bee fnatcht
out of the wond m great anger, even ftiddenly, fo
- that there bcfcarceamoncje-tt betwixt the height of
His timporaliliappinvfTejand depth of his fpirituall
inifciy* That His foolifii hope may bee fruftratcd,
and Hisvaiiiepurpofe come to nothing, Heeoiaybe
cut of, at the Top of an eare of corne^ atid pm o»L\like.
a cundU, when hec lead thinkes of death,& drcSbs
of nothing leffc, then departure from His eaitWy
h lob 14-14^ Paradife. '^ They are exttlted fur a little ^hite, faith
i Kepenttn^mettnfj^eM. loh^y^t are 9one tinihrouqht loro^the) are taken om of
ffmutntut,immt.Mttc. '«^ ''^^7^ ^^^ ^^^^^^y ^"^ ^«^ * <#^ '^^^ f^P^ ^f ^^«
inLoc. eares of come, FiftWy, a long continued '^ cu-
Miev4ti/u»t dd modi' ftome is not woont CO be fliakcn ctf in an inftant. Is
^j^lltum {ntf'fy^^ itlikcthata BUckamre Jhouldehange hli sktnne, and
/SZ7wC'!!!HnquTa ** ^'"f^^^ ^""ff'*' in t^/e« ^^ ^o"f« ^ay"> which
niinirtimcArmlH gloria thcy havc contradcd in forty Or threefcore ye^rcs-?
dumHitetycadit'.dum ^. Therefore I marvcll that any lliould bee fo blindfol-
fud/e extolIiturref>e>u. Hed,and baffcldby theDivcll, asto embolden Him-
tm^mcrccj,taj„etcr. felfetodrivcoffuntiUthcIaft, by that Place before
ptumAltum/fij,ul4r4. Confejftotiy^t mat ttme foever a ftnner doth repent
fitur^ fedcafu cmcit4 him of hii ftttne^ from the bottonte of his heart^I i»ill
ddim* reyocatHri Sic put all his mckedneffe out of mj remembrance ^ fatth the
fuTad\{TnTuTr ^'"■'^' Efpecially.if Hcelookcupon the Text from
ium tHwZ"r>l%riif4\ whence it is takeni which Mce-thinkes,being right-
tur-.sicdhmfmiinehw ly undcrftood,andtheconditions wcUcoafidercd, is
U defcendendo fe erigiti moftpunftualljand prccifc,to fright any from that
Uitx^u^hmcfdistA, defperate folly : The word? runne thus, ez.ech.\%.
dtui 4c (Inon fumty Butifthe kicked \>i>tll turne from aU his finnes
ynvt/HperfciemBurniremhumord^ergituryfeddiurni luminU ffd>it0 C4lnre /tcedfur ' ^ie
fpt4mo/44^u4rnml>uB<ttMchoantti/(tt p{urt)s excitat/c, ab intlmis certatm prodeHttt.ftdeo
ceieriuy dirufts depcreunty ijho in/iatdcitiiisextenditntiir ; cumqus extrefcnnf ut appare-
mnt^tftendo peragHnt ne fH^fiJiaMt.Gie^pr.lbid. k Nemo mt ptfi cettium peetAUfUee
/olfotille crimindde miferiordtd divina defpetet. Sic t4men nen defperet,ut Itne utamord
Denm (ihi repropiti4rife^itietyne fm}y(iconfttet»dinem ftcent^ttidtttjf ytliffdeDidholiU^
3«^A» i>^r^« WW />•/}/>, Auguft,dctempore.5cgp45 8.
ParM.Cap.p. <L^ffii^edC<}yifcief!ceT» 2<^
■tvhtch he hath comr>y,tted^niidk,cepe <%ll my Sttntmes^find
dr.e that which is Urvji^itl and right ^ he fhall furely live»
hee pidlmtdie. All hii tranfgrej]ions,f^^. Hcnccic
appeares,thatif anymanexpcft upon good ground,
aiiyporrfcnintbispretkus prcniife cf meicy and
grace, Hce mufl: Uaveall hit fmnes^^ViA k^epe alipeds
Sti'.t Sites, Now hew perfornu'fl: thou the condition
of leaving all thy finncs;vvh£n as in this laft extre-
mity^w^ing received the fentence of death sgainft
thy iqJK't'Thj fin»ei leave thiCyiiKdnnt'T hen thy Jinnes^
thar Imay fpeakcin thePhrafe of an aiicient ^ Fa- ^ ^*' '-' ^* f^'" ^^'-
Kr ? And what fpaceislcrt to come to comfcrtjby elt,ey4dere>^gepee»i^
keeping all Gods Statutes 5 vvhtn thou art prefently tmtiamdumfAnMes.si
topafTe to that higheft and drcadfuU Tribunail, to f^'w*^** >"'''« pani^
givcanexafland Ptrickt account for the contiiiuali "**'^*'" ^*'^** A**** ^^>
b.cachcf all Gods Lawesallthy life long? S/xth- 'l^Z"["^^^.
Iy,many fecmc to be pamngly penitent, and proniife Etioturu ut teccmilie^
exceedingfaiie,intheeviiiday,and upon their ficke ru i^fio^iitifetH.u, es,
Bedsiwhobting rtcovcred^and reftorcd to their for- ^^^refecurtts ei^q^uia
iiicfftate,9retheveryfamethty were before, if r.ct}f;flJ''l'X"'^^^^J^'
vvorfe. Ineverknew,ncr heard of anyjun-wrought^3^''l?*!«-Mf»^>2'l!
upon,Bnderconfcionab!emcancs, who after r ccovc- gere fcemrextt^m tffAm
ly perrormedthe vowes and promifesof a new life, t»nc,^H4Kdopeicafcne>t
which Hee made in His (ickncircand timcsoFextre- /"^^ »/'«<■'«"'* « dimyg.
mity. For if He wil r.ot be moved with the Miniilry, TnT^'T^- ^ *!?" '^'
G\ .,, • I I. I rr ' lorn lO.Uc vcrePoe-
od Will never give that honour unto the crofie, to nkentibus. Hom. 41.
do the deed. Nay j Father Abraham', faith die rich ex ^o.Ambrof.Exhoit.
GIutton,^«? if one went ur.to them fro the deady they will adPanitcnt,
refent.And hefaid unto him J f they he are nst Mo(es and
the Profhets, neither mil they be ferf^aded^ tho ene rofe
■fromthedead,Z»kff 16,^0,^1, It would amaze thec
inucbjif oneofthygood-fcliow companions ihou[d
now rife from the dead, and tell thee, that Hee wh o
was thy Brother in iniquity,isnov/ in Hell, & if thou
follow thefame fenfuallcourlcs ftii1,thou mu flfhort-
ly moft certainly follow Him to the Place of tor-
ment. And yet even this would net workc at all«
S i£
25^ InftrtiUisAS for a right comforting Ssfl, t
if thoiibe adcfpircroFtheWord. !tmaybe,whiie
the dead Man ft)od by Thee,Thou wou'd/i be extra-
ordinarily moved, and promifemucb ; but nofooner
/hould He bcc in His Grave; but thou wouldft bee
m This time, i, th€3*gfacdefie,as thou wad before. Seventhly, what
time vviicn all Hj.;-*- Wife man feeingafdlow, who never gave his name
erhesyMmlis^ tagge to religion in hiS life time, HOW only troubled about
nnl/^FJ com.' in, finne, when heisfurv%Hce ^ muft'die, will not fu-
And Hull nor wee bee fpe^ It to be whcJy navifn, and cx:orfed for reare
coiif:unded to fee our of Hel^ ? lM^ [enteKce «,fairh Greenham,f^f-4«8<i»
felycs intheif number f^/y;wff«5tt' At the Point of death^ h^,ving the fH«res of
mnchefim Serm, f^g- dfathiipmbim*^inthat firaite of fears and pat»e^may
n What is our fcekin- ^''^'^' "^ ^^^^^^^ f"'' ^^ ^^f^ Z"*^' ^^^ ^^^'^''■^'' ^^* ^^^'*^''
then? Is it not to lie ^^S^^ rf fiefh,and thebitternejfe of death doth mo^ com^
ftill on oar B.:ds,and moaly frocurcit yose ought to fftf^iti^c^c. Eighthly,
fufFer a few words robe prJnefuU dlftempers of body are wont to wcakea
St'alhtCJrS: --^'-^^^^^-^ hinder the aflivencffe and freedo...e of
>i«;>/>rniniftrcd to our '^beSoulcs operations J nay,rom:times to aittra(fl,and
Soulcs and fo fenc a- wttcriy overthrow them. Many even of much know-
way, mncheftert Ser^ Icdge, grace and good life, by rcafon of the damj>
T,A.i\k^li' f i . 3nd dcadnelFe, which at that time the extremity and
JStnJsit? Woultj wee .^ r \ • t n r i • \^ ' r ' •
^iwfeek^t H,m. when ^'^o"^*"^""^!''"^^-^^^ bnn^s upon. their fpirits,arc
wee ar» not in cafe to 3bleto doc no great matter, if any thing at all, cither
fceke any thing die? in meditation or exprcflioii. Ho>v then doeft thou
Would wee turnt to dunke to paflb thorow the incomparably greateft
"fni'sirto turn: work:-, thiiever the S.ulc cf Man 'was acquainted
our felve* in our Bed ? With in this lif ', I meane the Herv-binh, at the " Point
Orji-i/e edAy to leeke of death I It imwofall thing to have my.ch worke to
Him,whcn vvee are not doe, ^hen the poresT of working fet a/mofl done. When vfe
^Z'llLrut!^!^^nf''^^^ onrflrengthUgone, our
Our breath failerh ui i^^^'^^^cteane fptHt^cur Jenfes appalled, and the po^trs
and ws are not able to of our Soules as nnmbe as our fenfes : when there is a
fpcake three words to- generall pro/hation cf all onr peters » atsd the fljAdoW
f^^u^r^^'^c^^^'u "f death upon our eyes, then fomethi^P "^e "^ouldfaysr
butthchoureofdcath. I ^ . t- un 1/ j c \ ^ j « / #
Notime,butv«heaHce'*'''^>w»icnlhou]d doe our Soulcs good. But alas'
takerh time fiom us, How ftiould it then bce i
ikmMf4g^,ilo. - -- CHAP.X.
Part. I Cap XO. A^tBed ConfcuHces, T^
CHAP. X.
The third errour of apflytm ccmfert Vi'hich U indi*
fcrset Afpltcatnii, The fi/j} cafe y^hcrcin it hafptHS^
y-htch istoo fuddericp^ltcdtion^and the demorftrationcf
thattrrsf^r.
S M^P^^'ff^^^P»'^f"3'^P''^y''^^^^"P°f^«Thf third mor,v.hm
^^WMm ^"^^a^^imect me:cy,2ndoy!eof comfonis applied in-
Cr CitbltintO a wounded COiSci- «ii(cre t!y,vvhichccir.cs
cncc : top.ifiefevcrallwaicss
I. Too foone^The « Surj^con, ^ ^^j^^^toofoone.
that heales up a dangerous Sore, ,,„, U, ,1,^,^,,^^ ^nipi.
anddrawesaskinne over k^ before Hi^ ccivo^ivc entilmf^'serejcdnme^
have confuttied the dead fit fli, before Hee hath ope- difs faUuATikutpi^i^
ned it with his Tents, ranfacKt it to the roctc, and '^^'"^* impemui tfi w-
rent out the Core, is (o farre ffoin plesr-zring, th at he ^~o.jr ihi^J^
procures a great dcaleof mifery to His Patient. For i.By fimiliwde. *
the rotten matter that reiraines behind, will in"^ -v — ■- — "^
the meanetimerankleaiid fefter iindcrr.eachjand at dicta , qui mm emei yuL
length breaks out asaine, perhaps, botli wich moic '*''""' (in>u m^^^^jar.
extremity of anguillhand dijiicuity oFcure. Tney ^/^„ utif^ihw-rifatHm
are but MoHntehankes ^^^ they call them', Sii^atterers yhui indffun*^ dum/cr-
iv, Phyfickeand Surgery j upon the matrcr, butpiaiiie ynffx^ggerat.jptntn-
Cheaters and CouVcrers, who a:c fo ready and 'f*'^^*'^^^^^/"'^"-
rer.;utefor P cxtc^poury , and paiiiatc Cures. ^Sf^ir*:,;-
tUY^ndum P^ocferftUfyO' clam ft luh j Cr cortq^^er^ttuy <egrr iw^atiensfcr ^olonm ; grutias
agit pofifKodum •, ^«»ii /eaferit fanitatem. Cyprian t!e Lap fij. Mcdictu crrdtli4ejiy qkiex^
Audit Uminem^ & paicit yidneri& putndtni AuguP.'n llsX 3 + Sooth:Dg Prtachtrs
arc like «.>;/A-''/'</<^c/;/rfer_g/«w(jVvhololtiy I cuih the wound on the ct.tfde, thereby ma*
liin^kiofcihr themcrc drroftovdy mthc wjtde. Whcoixcrvcthror,th:tthermcoth
tongacof iheprcafhcrmakrtban ropraliuKCdheait of theHcaret? 5^H/rf in his ^f^
fizeSetn!«it:l>ag iz.outof CyprtAn. p The true Mali ftcrs of Clirift never coie, sui
coirfortihe ficke hafH y.as V\ izards an d Iirpoiiors doe. Gicenhim karting to dedt
lfpithdhershuftd;Ud CsnfdinceStHeevfOj.id rrtjlif^ethsin^thit vfcttidmt ahide to tarry the
Lordski/ure, ^ut they ma ft needs he he'pid at wce^cycn hy and l_y<6f foom as theyht^rd turn
fped^e.orel/ethejwcuU thentkinhs jarvei^feof Him dta eyi^ itf"'^', rmwthjiAndttg the
goedopinim conceived of Him : I ctl^efid: },Ht thatlelee-vah nAk^thaci hnjiyihti ii actmmmg
raihr.di ittverejo a Mx^ttiin (vrhoS'ya» tucart.iiien oj vro: d mah* j'diy fjuUs l<Kkf for
bedtb^thCfito AMimfefof Ood^O-cla His gM?c Couji!cLj& god^y ob*'.naHons.pa§.^
S a Suuaca
24:8 ItiflrfiEliQns for Aright comforting Se£t,2,
Sudden recoveries from rooted and old diftempcrs,
arerarcly found.Tf it be thus in bodily Curesj wh« a
deale, doc you thinke, of extraordinary difcretion,
heavenly wiledoine, precifeand par^fluill pcndcra-
tion of circum (lances, wcll-advifed and fcafoniblc
leafure , both fpecuUtive and expsrimentall skill,
heartieftejiculationSjWraftlings with God by Pray-
er forabkffing, is very convenient,and ncedfuli for a
true and right methode in hsaliag a wounde4con»
fciencc ? Which doth paflc immeafurably all^her
maladies, both in exquifitcnefle of paine,tenderriefrc
oftoiich,deccitfuIneffeofDepth,andin higheft and
greatefl: confequ^'nce , either for the everlalling
i.Bytcfliinonies- health,orendlcflehorrourof animnoortall Soule.
1. q Gretttihtm in His Hcnce it was,thatthat 1 0»e of a thoufaud,sind kar-
IlTconSi^^cc^T^t^^^^^^''^^ »" ^'"s heavenly Myilery, did fo farrc
^25, ° - differ from all Dawbers with untempered Mortar,
and the ordinary undoing-courfes in this kind :
Bnt now camming to the falvirtg of this Sore^ {afth
Hee,/ [hallfeeme very ftrange ift my cure : and fo much
themorehewottdred at,hy hovpmuchin manner of fro-
cteding I differ from the mofl fort of men herein, I am
pot ignorant ft bat many viJttifigHJfltdied confciences, cry
fiiil^ oh comfort them ! O fpeake t&yftdl things unto
them ! Tea^ there bee fomf^andthofeof the m^fi learned^
Vcho in fuch Qafei^ are full of thefe and fueh like ffee-
ches. fVhj are y OH fo heavy ^my Brother ? iVhy are y oh
focafi doTpne^my Sifler? Bee of good cheer e : Take it
mtfo grievotifly. tvhxtis there that you Jhmld feare ?
God iswercifttlL Chnfi is a Saviour, Thefe bee fpee-
ches of love indeed: but they often doe the foore foules
as much good herein^ as if they fhmld foure cold Wv«-
ter into their bofomes ^ ^hen as mrhout further fear~
ching of their Sores^theymayas Wfell miaifer a Afa-
lady^asa A4edieine, Foraa^Htritive and cordiall me-
dicines are not good for every ficke PerjoHy effeci-
nlly when the Body needetb rathir a fir oh g Pur gat tony
then
■Part. I. Cap. lO. iy^ffii^edCsnfciences. 259
tbenamtitterreflorAirjei andas irxarnative medicines
fftAyfor atime alUythe paine of the Patient, but after ^
the criefe becoTnmeth more grievous: SothecomfDrtable
edpiytngof Godt pt'omifes are mt foprf fit able for ezerj
Otie that is humhledyeheciaHj/ when their fikles are ra-
ther further to be CAJi doir-^ne fhen as jet to be raifed up ;
fathofe ftigredconlolatio'tisfTAypr a Vi>bi/e sver-heah
theconfcierice^ayidabtnte fcms prefent griefe ^but fo^ as
Aftqf^ards the fmartmaj bee the for errand the grtefe
way grow the greater : hereof enfpteih this eJfeSi, that
comfort feemethtocure f&r a -while ^ bat for war,t of
wifedome in theright difcermngof the CAufe^Menmini'
fier one Medicine for another '^and fo for want of s\illy ^ For mine owne pare,
the Utter grindeth forer then the former, C divine al- faith Hooh^, I tbinkc
fojtliat ^ great Pillar and glory of the Chriftian ^;^'''«« incomparably
V/offId for fy ncere and found Orchodoxe dodlrine vc^^hfr^cnch cl'i^ch
did enioy.lincethehourc \t enioyed Him. in Hii Fref4ee,fag.^. Though thoufands
wcredcbtcrstoHim, as touching Divine kr.owledgej yet hce to rone, but orclyto
GoH>the Author of thicmoftbicfied Fcuntainc, the Bookcof hfe,sndofthe admi-
rable dexterity of wit, together with the helpcs of other learning, which were his
guides, Ji^.'^. VVeefhouIdbe injurious unto Tcrtue itfelfe, if wee did derogate from
tfaenijwhonuheir indufiry hath made Great. Two tiling* of principall moirient there
are, which hive defervcdly procured Himfaonour tbroaghout the World : theone,His
exceeding paincs in compofingthe Inflitution'i of ChnftianRehgon j the ether, Hi»
nolcffeinduftrioustravailesforsxpofitions of hoIyScriptuje.^ ^ In which twoihmgs
whoGaevertheywetCjthataftrrHinibeftowed their labour, Hee gained the advantage
of preiudice3iiiinftthera,(ftheygaine faidj afid of glory above thetn, if they cofifcnicd.
md.fag.^, Thcmorc learned andholy any Divine is, the more heartily Hce iublcrilcfi
t& Fauita~[bitria*yh.\i tint ccninx^ oit\'nln(littttion: "
VfMter Jpo^elitas, p ofi l hri^i
tempo idych^rtdsy
Hfttcfeptrereltbro fketd4
nuditpitnm
Be fides the holy Writ,
Nobookcisliketoit.
Or,
No age fince Chrift broughtforth
A b o^c of /b or eat worth.
Nomarvailethen,thataIearnedBifhcp ofLondonin Quetnt Elitalaht timcbfguQ
His Speech thus againHa lewd fellow, whichhad railed agaia&.CAlyinc: QHtddixtjiiim
T^a/*^ Pf/,C4/Ww;w, w*/«wg*/»f ffov potts rt^imret&f*
5 5 '~ ^9^^^^^^^
2 ^O Infirticlims for a right comforting Se<5i. 2
concurrcs in judgement with this bkfled Man of
fsif iptttr hie prlmui God,andro,Idoubcnot,dasalltheraithfull Minirters
feen,tht4 gr^dut , Jum of kfus Chiift ; f Letthii bee the (irfl degree of Re*
bmiutsfenumt, q^m pgrjtance .r^hen 0\€en feele that they have been arie^
lUtc non ft4timcur4ndM '^^^^ offenders ; and then the grief e u not to hee immedi^
efidolor, quemddmodum ately cured j-<f /w/?ff/?<?r^dealc flatteringly and nicely
impofieres demimt con- With Mensconfciences,cbatthcy osay favour theon-
fcteatt^f^ f,4 Ht fifijn' fclves asmuchasmaybec,andbee notably deceived
iSZllTJil. Z '"'"^ '■"P^^fi^i^ll ,<J»wbing Th, -Phjfnim M not
dicue enim non fiatim f^^^^^^^h affWagetbe faine jbtif^iU confider whatntAy
lef$iet doforemyfed fide^ be msre expedient : T^erhaps hee ml/ increa/e it^hc"
^it^rjHidmd^uiexpedUt: caufe a fjArper Tnrge r^ill be nece^arj. Evenfo doe^
Jort^m^gU 4ugcbit.qMU ^^^ Prophets of God.whenthey fee tremblina Confcien^
l*iio. Slceti4mfJ(,mt^^^'^^^"^^ prelemly apply fweet confcUmns -, but ra-
Vrtphetx Dei, quum yi- ^her tell them^ that they m»ji not dally with God ; and
dent trefidat conftltmi ■ flirre up thefsy wha arefo forward of t heir owne accord ^
M,mn ^4im ^dhibmt that they "^oftld propofe unto themfelves the terrible
fnuholicJdrm mn%t^fk'f^f i god.that thej may y^tbt more and more
UudendmcumDeo, . humbled.
& folicitant ff>onte cur- ' Another excclknt and skilfull Work-man in
tfHtes, ut fi&i preponant lYicgTszt myftcrie of fsving Soules, tells us truly 5,
W/.V Dei -judicium, xhatthe promife of falvation ii not (iraiaht belonztnj
HHdientur. Calvin in ^"^ terrtjisdm confcience,bnt to one that ts not onely
locljCap.i, terrified for His pHfiifhntent , htit « contrite- hearted for
ft Maftcr K«gers o\ fme^ Vohich is the worke of the gofpell, Lft not
Dedha.Ti, Dodrine of f}^,r^ y^ rvearyof the joke of Gsd and the Larv, and
fraith, pag. 108. lOfl. ; ■' 1 1 n ? > ■ n , r
sro.ijx, make over-mnch hajte out of thit ftate^ for fo maj-
they nndoe themfelves : For fome rvithfianding thetr ter-
rour , have withBood their falvatien^f^-c. Even at
an impatient Tatient gets the Chirnrgion to pull out
the Tent and CorrofivCyOr pulls itof him(elfe as foone
as it begins to ftnart a little ^and fo ihinkes it is fearcht
enough, and now layes (faith Hee') on healing plaifters:
But afterward breakes of againe rvorfe then ever j
whereas if the Corrajive had beene let lie on^till it had
eaten out the corrtiption indeed^then it might have beene
V?hole long agoe*
: m
Part. I Cap 10, JffliSiedCofifcieKces, l6i
If Dawbersfn this kind aiA rightly underftand 5. By Scripiuw.
and acknowledge, or had ever had any experitncn-
taj) Fceh'ng in their ovvnc Soiiles of Chrtjis Rule^ and
thcHdy Ghf'fls method, which is firft, To convince of
Jinne; tode/eftandhumblc in the fight of the Lord
wit:happrch€nfion,and fcnftof a moli abominable
andcuricd flate, before there follow a conv!(ftion of
the rigteofifncffeof Cbrifi to raife up ; See Ioh.16.^,
cr of the nccefiity oF the U'orf';e of the fprrit tf bcn^
dage, to fit and prepare for Ckrifl and comfort j ITay
then, they would notdf ale (b ignorantiy and overly
in a matter of fodearc and cverlafting importance.
They v/ould not £0 haftily hand over-head, without
all warrant and wikdcme, without any further
fearchjdifcovery or df j-zdion, offer merc}, pardon,
and.dlthepromilestoaman formerly wicked jonc-
iy for fome faint and enforced confelTlonof finnes.or
bccaufenow being overtaken by the tvill day, Hce
hvples upon his ^ed,not forany true hatred cf fit ne^
butforprefentfmart, and rxp{:<5led honrrj&c. But
would labour to let the fpirit of bondage have it's
fill/ workc,and lay Him open mere at large in the
true colour cfhisskarktfinncsjandnot ondy caufe
a bare confefRon of them, but fuch a conviftioa
which may flop his mouth,thar Hee bath not a word
to fpeake,but trembles to fee fuch a finke,Sodom a-id
Hell of (in and abomination in Himlelftj&c, Ohcw
oft have I heard many a poore ignoiant (oule in the
Day of {brrow,being moved to hr.mble Hfmjelje m
the fight of the X(7r^,that He might lift Him upjfirll,
togetHisheatt broken with the abhoirtd t^u-den
of ail His finnesi and then to bring it thus bit eding
to the Throne of Grace , that ChnJ} might bind ic
up ; I fay, being thus intreated : Toanfwer, Yts,yest
with all my heart j I am forty for my finncs with ail
my heart j I truft in lefus Chnft with all my heart ;
and thus vvbatfoever you can counlcU or advife.
^ " ?4, " Hcc
2^1 hprHlliant f or d right comforting Seft»2»
ll
Hee doth it with all His heart ; wb ereas alas .' Poorc
hcart,as yet,His anderftanding is as darke,as darke-
ntffe it fclfe,in refped 6^ any, I fay not ondy, faving
knowIedge,buta!moftof any knowledge at all j and
Ills heart in refpecfl of any true rcoiorfcas hard as a
Rockcof flint. NowthofeunskilFull Phyfidons of
theSoLile, who in this and the like cafes, will needs
without any more adoe, without any further illight-
ning or labour, threape mercy and couafort upon
tt InJiJs E<por.upon theai,are like thofe /W/!> y^M/^/^tf?-^, as » Marhury
pfal.32..pag.5. callsthem, rpho when they "^^cnt skill to helpe their foore
Jheep£ out of the dttch , are driven to flay the mi'
ferahle comforters, and to take fotne other indireEi courfe
(as many ufe to dee in ftich cafes) to cut the Jheepes
throat e in time, to make htm LMans meate^ left ft fboald
be faid, Hee diedin a Ditch^ They are DefoUterSy not
Confolaters, as Auftin fometimes calls them : Not
found Comforters^ but true Cnt-throates,
Befidcs that which I have faid before, of the pre*
cedency of the working of the Law,siid of the fpiric
of bondage, to make way br Chrift ; let me further
tell you upon this occafion,that it may app^are, that
much more is to be done herein, then is ordinarily
imagined, befoiecomfort may upon good groundj
andfeafonablybes applied to the Confcience awa*
kedjwhat an excellent Divine, both for depth of
learning, and height of holinede, delivered fome*
where in this Point to this purpofe ••
r^ n r - No manmufi thinks this flranae, that God dealeth
taod terrifies men." with men ajter this Jirange manner', as it were to IqU
' them^ before Hee make them alive j to lei them pa^6
throHghyor bj^as it rsere, the gates of Hell^to Heaven ;
ro/^j^^-z^f ipin"tofbondage^<?p«f theminto afeare;
into a Jhaking^and tremblingyC^c ^Voi Heefufers thefi
that are his^ to be terrified ivith this feare ;
I .larerpea of his own i • ^*Kfiy »« refpe5} of His owne glory ; Tor the mag^
glory to mag^nifie. ^*fp^^ ^^'^ *if ^" if^fiKftand cfHts mercy :
_ x,. Hffg.
Part.I.Cap»IO* ji^icledConfcienciS, 263
I. HeeglorifiesHiS tHflice^yphen le^emng^oral- x.HisTuftice.
together^ for the ttmc, abfira^ing all ftght of mercy ^ Ha
lets the Z«f '-p, SinnCyConfcience^and Satan toefe ftpon a
Jtianjo have their courfe. and feverali comminations I ... , »
I r I r ^ £ / J ^x. L ^ rrL X As III the wofke Of
mdfetsthefptnt of hndage on ^orke,&c, 3^^w, Creation , fo in the
Ai in the great yporke ef « redemption Jiee would have vtorke of Redemption,
the gl^ry ef Hts iuUice appear e j fe vpould Hee have God wonld have the
it alfo tnthe application of our redimptim^ that /«. pr^'^e of all his attri-
ven as the fPcman, 2 Krig^. Tvho had nothwg to pay gcknowledgcdtobs in
yt>as threatned By Credttours to take away -her two Him in higheft pcrfc-
fonnes, and put them in prtfon : fo iree having no- tlion; and their infi«
thincrto. pay^the La^ix let loofe m^nns, to /W4/^« "»""^^^^^*^««"«^
. ^.- * ■' i \ /ri ■ } \ r cy admired and magni-
tmprijoAKtem and domination; to Ajfnghtana ^errtpe : ^^^^ j^ ^-^^ former
and all this^ for the mamfefiing of His wflice, Fnr- there appeareth glori-
thermore, the Bookie of ^od ts full of terrible threat- oufly Hi« infinite
nin^ againpfwners : iVeW fhall all tb^fe he to no Wiredome,GoodnelTe,
furpefe} The^tcked are tnfenftble ofth^m, to /^^^ ^^and j^t l^th^S
therefore in that refpeti^they are in vaine. Some ^^f''^ of Rcdemptioa, which
rffufi needs i>ee^ upon whom the J r,mfi wcrke^ Shall the was the greater, they
\Aonrozx€y faith t he ProphetyZnd no m7iahQQzSr2iid}^^^^^ '° ^^^^ *^"^
Stth then, they Vfho Jhould, V^tll not; Some there bee ^orefweetnefl-ejamia-
/ a ri rr-i • 1 r\ l 1, r r blcnefle, and excellen-
TvhomMjt tremble. Tbts the Prophet excellently Jet- ^ For in it appeared
teth forthj]{ii,66. tiwhere the Lord fjewethj whom ill the treafures of
flee will regard. But to this man will I looke,eve;itowifcdome and know-
Himthatispoore>andof a coi:trltefpmt,andtr£m- *^s^».*^' .^^^ ^
bicth at my Word. Neither is tt withsut good eaufe^ ChurThln-ftHisWiTel
that ^od dealeth thus with his ow/te in this manner^ dome there 'aopeareth
though it be (harpe in the experience. Frrfl^ive muft feare^ infinite wifedome , in
tremble^andbe htimb-led: and thenwee piall receive a ^^^^^Z ^^^ ^"ch a
>>«-"'/"—.-'-• . Sl^pL'Sii'n*
ainocreatcd underftanding could poffiblyiraagine, or thinkeof. Secondly, His Mercy
imn: eafurablylwtct and admirable, mnotfparing His.owne Sonne, tVe Sattte efHpt
love ; that Hcc might ipare us, who bad (o gricvoufly tranfgrefled againft kim.Thirdly,
Wisiulhcein its higheft excellency jinfpariiigus, notto fparcHis ownc onely Sonne :
liying.asit were. His head upon :hcb.ocke,and chopping ic off; renting and tearing
tharblefled Body, even as the Vaiieof the Temple was renr, and making His Souleao
O^^iOg £orfin«e,Sc^.Tfaisyva« tbe pcifc^iou of iuliice.
'7" "^^ I, Hit
a54 InfiruEiions for A right comforting, S:(fl.2,
i.Hismerc/. 2» Hii mercy alfo u thereby mnhtily magmfied.
which ■would never be fofweet, nor relifn fo rve lienor be
foefieemedef ui\ if the an'fttll terrour of iu^ice httd
not formerly made us fm/irt, A Kmg femettmei doth
not only fnjferthe Law to pajfehpon feme grievom mA'
fnQor for high treafon j but aljo canfeth him to bee
brought te the place of execKtton^jeA^and lay do. vnehii
y A man, who other- keadmoyi the blocke.ere Hee pardon : a^d then mercy $4
Wife woald not cry,nor ■ , j , „ / l / . / j / ■ /
ilied a teare for any ^^^^J i'^ii^'d, am Y melts the heart abundantly vnxth
thing i defpi^ctti death, amjiz.€7ns/'t and admiration of it* So Goddealeth with
aa(J woald not feareto pu many times : Lets the Ltvp loofe a^ainji us, pttts luin
meetanhofto^menjl r^^^- ^^/^^^^^^^p^^r^ ^^^ threalnsth condemnmm
fay, fuchanOncjnow-'. tt ,, r r t t t t
havint» at the h& m. ''*""* '<^'' ^'^^^ J /<» ^hat when mercy commeth to the
ilant a pardon brought Sonle^being nowlojiin it felfe^ and at the Ptts brin^e,
from the King, it wor- tt appeares tobe awonderfull mercy, the riches of cxceem
keth wonderfully upon din(r mercy ^moftfeafonable^mofl « f^eet, m'>fl ravifh^
neflrof £fand '«/ ^^-^^^^ /^ ^«^"7 -/^"^ «^ /^^^«^ '« '^^ ^^^K'^
tearcs to come many ^^ tt beCAHfe there u no matter of fWeetnejfe or deltght
times, where nothing mit? No^it isbecanfcthey havenottafiedof net been
cl'C could. Hce is [9 foHndly tonchtandterrtfed by the Law^ and the fpirit
ftruckcwith admirati- of bondage ; They have not f mar ted, nor as yet beene
on Ot io great raeroy, -^ m n f^ ■ r n , r 1 r- rr r- r ,r
fofvYcetandfeafonable #'^^^ »''^ ^ J^'^U of the bttternefe offtnne, nor of
in fuch an extremity, j*^^ ptinijhment due untothe fame. God therefore fends
thatbeftands amazed, into our hearts the fpiritof fear e and bondaae^to prepare
and^knowes not what mtorelijh mercy . And then the fpirit of adoption,
Sls'Twc^cprgypi^Iy *"'**" fi"^^^ '»^^'«'^- «-^^^ ^^^ bythUorder^theoneU
for joy of His deiivc- r»agntfied^and highly efieemedy by the fore-going fenfe
ranee J and partly alfo of the other.
otit of indignation a>
gainfthJmlclfCjforHijbarbarousbchaviour towards fo pittifulla Prince. This was
to be fecne in fome great men, at the beginning of King /^ww His Reigne, condemned
for triafon, and pardoned at th'.Blocke. z Exaudi me Doraine. quoniam fuaviseft
in.(ericordiatua:M«///)iifWT,</<.f^^f ^ dixlfjet^ lam noli diferre ex attditionemj intantA
trthnUttone /um^ut fu^yismibi fttmiferict/dia tua. Adhocen'm /uHenire diferel>*s^Ht
mihidiilcetffetiqyodfHhytmeb,is A\x2\x{i.Qonciont iXn Pfal,68.
a.In rcfpcAof good to 2. Secondly Jor our good ; and that two ttWw -.firfl^
i-OuTjuftification, ^^H^fiff^tion- Secondly, andtnS^^^^^
%• Fonhc firtt 5 ^ge are fnchfirangers mo Gody
Part. I. Chap, 10; AffiiSled Confcietices, 26$
thdtTfee Vet// never come unto Him, till v^e fee no ether
remedy I being at the Pits brink e, ready to flarvc,
hopeIefle>&c. Wee fee it in the prcdigall Sonne :
He would never think of any returns unto hisFather,
till all other hclpes failed HimiWSftejJriendSiacquaift-
tance^all forts of food ^ A^^Jj '/ ^^^ might have fed
fffoKbHikes'^ith the Smnefieewould mt have theught
if retnrning, any more to "His father : Thifhi»g denied
him J the Text Jatth^ Hee came to Uimfelfe : fhevoing us^
that -nhen Men runne on in (infull ceptrfes, they are mad
men^out of themf elves j even 04 wee fee thofe in Bedlam
are heat en, ke}>t under ydenied canferts, till they come
to themfelves ; Andrfhat faith He then ? I will arife,
and goe to my Father, and I will fay unto Him$ Fa-
ther, I have /inned againft heaven, and againfl;
Thee,&c. So it is ^ith us^ untill the Lord humble^
and bring us hro sn our cwne eyes, fljefv us our mifery and
fpirituall poverty, and that in us there is nogoodthing |
that we heflript of all helfes, inland without our felves^
and fee that wee mufl ferijh^unle^e wee heg His mercy ;
I fay, untill then, ypce will notfeeks his face ar.dfavoar^
nor have reccurfe to lefus (fhrifl, thi rocke of our falva- _ , g - •
tion, it is with us in this Cafe, as it was ^'ith the JVoman^ - * ^'*'
"^'hom Chrifl healed of the bloudy ijfue. How long ^'oi
ifyCre /became to ^hrifl} She had beene ficke twelve
ye ares ; She had jj>ent all her Itving ufonPhyfitions^neim
ther cculd fhe hee healed of any. NoVC this extremity
brought Her to lefus Chrifl, This then is the meanes to
bring to Chrifl : To bring us upon our knees, to drive us
out of cur felvesjoopele^e, as Id^ as may be ) Tofhe^ us,
where helpe is onely to bee foundy and make us runne un*
fo ft. The hunted Bcaft flies unto his Den : The Ifra^
elites beingdmg by fiery Serpents, made haft to the
Brazen Serpent, a Type of Cbrift, for helpc: Th«
Han-kiiler under the Law, chafed by the avenger of
blood, ranne apace to the City of refuge. loab being
purfued for bjis life, flfd to the Tabernacle of the
l66 hJirHciionsfor a right comfortwg Stft. *♦'
Lord^and laid fa ft hold upon the horncs of the Altar;
A wounded man hies unto the Surgeon : Proportio-
nably a poore Soule, broken and bruifed with the in-
fupportableburdenofa! I his ab'jminations, bleeding
at heart- roote undcrfenfe of Divine wrath, by the
cutting edge of the Sword of the Spirit, managed a-
right by fomc Mafters ofajfemblies^ chaced furiou fly
by theLaw,Sina?,C(3n(cience,and Satan, romtimcs
even tothebrinUeofdefpaire,&c. will bee willing
withawitnefre,tocaft it felfc into the fweet com-
panionate invitingarni<.s,andea3braccnientsof/<?/«x
Chrip, broken and blecdingupon the Crofle for our
finnes,and fo be made His, for ever*
|«OurSattftification» 2. Foraur fftnthjicatton alf»^it is good for uiythat
the Comhtter sfirj} \\!orke be, to workefcare in as^ For
we are naturally fo frozen in onr dregs, that no fire in
a manner will vpurme^ or thaw ns. Wee Xcallowitt our
orfittebloodyWee flickefafiinthemire of finne up to tha
chif}ne,that we cannot fttrre^ So that this feare is fent
to fPtU Hs violently^ as it '^ere^ from oar corruptions ; to
mak£Bs holj^andlookennto our vmies for the time to
come, No^to ejfe^ this, Jharpefl thwgsarebefi^ as
arethe La^^andthreatnings of condem}iatisnythe ope'
ttingof Hellythe racki^gof the eonfcience^ And a fenfe
of fvrath pre fent ^and to come. So hard'hearted are rvee
by nature ^bein^as the Children of the bond-woman,to
whomviolencemufibe/tfedt Even as we fee a Man ri*
dimayoHngand rvilde Horfeto tame him i Hee will run
himafrainfi awall,that hee may make him afraid^ride
him in deepe and rough places ; or if this ^Ul not doe^
take him up to feme highrecke, and bringing him to the
Brinke thertef Hee threatneth to throvp him downe head'
long '^maketh him fhake <ind fjuakei whereby at lafi hee
is tamed. So dealest he Lord with us : Hee gives us d
fight of finne, and of the punijhment due thereunto, a
fenfe of wrath, fetteth the confctence on fire ^ as it were 5
filletb^ thehMTt^ith fcarfsJjttrfftrs^aMifffiietneffei
Parf.l.cap.iG* JglicledConfaences, 26y
fifencth Hell thtti unto the SomU^ kring us to the g^tes a chriflm hemtftemfid^
tbereef^andthreatnethus tothroyv Hi in: tAnd'^ll thii tim tenet tB/>iniiMtio»e
t^makeamHfir^tfrehoij.and"^ hate fin the more, rke '"^**^'^^ ''%"*' 'f'
cure df the Stone tn the heart ^{zxm ^ ^»c(''^,ip<^^y^li'''§ cenyerft /mtiddiHferes,
rothe fsme purpofe, ^ lik^ that of the Stone in the j4m ^rimnm detrudendi
Bladder. God tn^fi ufeajharpe incifion^ and come yfiib >«'. '^'^ hoc ut infpt^Z
his pHl'inaand pluchnf in^rfiments,andrend the heart P«>'^p((-'*thdifi'*r,t 4k
' ^ t r ^ f r ■ o '" abmrnre, am tempt'
fn ptecss^ ere that fin canine get ofitef ft,— Svenoi m a n yutur* /eje oUtEiLt.
iethargj it u needffillthe Patient Jhottld he ctifl into a RoUocinlohaB.cap.j.
ffftrnino Vevcr^becaufe the fenfes a- e benuiikmtd^ a^.d pag.133.
thiiwtllypake them^anddrieup the hefotting humours '^ ^ D*^fofReptntancca
Jo in oHr dead fecurity hefere onr converfion^ God i^faine P' *
to let the La>v, Sinne, Confcience and Satan looje upon
us • and to kindle the fire of Hell in our foul eSy that fo
tve might be roazed : Our finnes fltck^ clofe unto »/, as
the Prtfoners bolts^and W^ are fhut up und»r them, as in
aflroKg Prifon : and therefore knlejfe, as once in Paul
und Sihs their cafe, an earthquake, fo here there conse c ^umio feceatl^outi
awightj heait-quake, violently breaking open the d-Mm iegk efi yioUtio,
Prifon doores,and fliakingoff our fettcrs,nevcr fhall con/cientia jiimH'Mmur ,
wee get our liberty,&c. lX7r*^im7eriec!a
Thus we fee, what a mighty « wcrkeoftbe Law, I^^TeZZfh/m/j,
an d of the fpirit of bondage there muft be, to prepare cfr^f />»«»» .(^jaw, gy^.
y:^i mimque Viyini »«.
rninii ofenftonem^ at que indipiit'tonem tncurrifftimtrddemque atquefiipendiunti qnedpeccAm
turn rherett»r,elJe,utn9nfoiitmtmnilrmcaUmitatibm atque tn'>fer^tbu]tit >if<f, merit fque,
Cr m»rte coTpuris af^iiamur \yerum ettdmyUtdamnatione atque intetitu fewfitertiemulSiem
m^r • limul dtque ex lege agno/cimus ^noi per peccdtttm m hunt tondemndtorttm ftdtunty qut
nthtltetrtw ce^ttdupotcfii peryeniffe : t«t6 pcEiore^oti. wente, tcto ttndeanimoqiie cohorremuSy
Cr eontremijrtmutyatque itd^ ut cdfum nojirurH fulutarttex doleamtu, Cr iitmfmet nojiri /ar-
tmestyLtxejfictt limpeHitqueut pecc^tvrumyeniamyiu^itumj O" yitdm femffiternd/»y(qua
txlegt ad.f.fci nan pojjnmtu) d cbrtfio feryatore tdntiint , & per Cknfinm exj>et4muf
Cr expelrie/MH*. Alex. Nowellas loft. Chriftian. Pictatis De Legi$ ufu. Hoc loco
dsantp aenitent'dm effe, qu.f ex peceAtwrttm GrirAdtyittddgnitiene ndfcittVy qudper legem
Detpnr/.ii' » dolores& itrreremt.nfcientid incutidt. Sctlicettttmyerbo Dei tntns drguuntur
fC'.CAtay^ reddttur mens n^ae to»)(.U(ihi, inquietdy pYdtrijiifyet defrtTdkundd/of atixinm^
ccnfr-Bum.et pdyidum^u hono fcr fe Hullare p) orfi^s erigipcfit ydtit csn/oUtionemnaneif..
defied lotH-r Affl:EiiiJiitf4^ ef, fpptttu^ejeffo ae tripiddntey O'ingenti hprrere enncufjm a tm-
fpeHuirx Deiy^c. — itt.tqut fie djjeftig dtymt promt^hnts jmtiUdndK^&c^ Harmon,
Confefi.p.i.bohsemica Confefl.Ajrt.f.pag.z^o.
for >
26g
Infiru^iontfor a right comforting, S :(^ . 2i
forpjrifi. An-.ihow requifitcitis bodi for the glori-
fying of Gods jofticc and oiercy ; and alf<) for the
furtherance of our ;ufl:ification, and faa^lificacion.
For iliudration of which Poiat, be fides all that hath
been faid before, I have more willingly in this lafl
PalTagepreltat large the authority of fo great a Di-
vjne,(in which, I hope, I have not fwarved from bis
{enfQ ) b:caufc Hee is without exception both
for holincfiTe and learning : and fo his fyncere
and orthodoxe judgcmeut more currant and paf-
fable.
ObJcAicrfagainft the
fdrracrdoft-inc.
Anfwerte the ob;eSt<
on.
CHAP. xr.
Ohji^ion agKinfi the former doShine, "Differeneet
ketrfeemlegnQ, terroun in the Elc^ andethert^
0^je£iiaft,
iVt hence , it may bee, fomc troubled
Sonic may take up a complaint, and fay ••
AiaSjif itbethus, what fhall I thinkc
ofmyfe!fe? I doe not remember, that
everltafledfodeeply of fuch terrourf,
and legall troubles, as you feeme to require : I have
not been ib humbled and terrified,nor had fuch expe-
rience of that ftate under they^tr*'/ 0/ ^Wrf^^,asyou
talke of,&c. And therefore you have caft fcruples
into my confcience,aboutthe trath and foundn.ffcof
myconverfion.
tyfft/^^ I anfwcr, in this workc of the fpirit of
bondage ; in thisCafe of legall tcrrours, humiliations,
and other preparative difpofitions, wee doe not prc-
fcribc precifcly jaft fuch a meafure and quantitie :
We doc no; determine peremptorily upon fuch or
fuch a degree, or height : Wee leave that to the
Wifcdomeof ourgrcatMaftcrin Heaven, tbe^»<'{?
Part. 1 . Chap. i o. JpQed Confciences, l6 g
yptfe Gcd, ^ uho fsa moft free Agent. Butfure wee ^ I gfan«. «te Lord,
are, a man muft have fo much, and in that mesfurCjas^^^^^" Mle^libcrtT
to bring Him tcChrJft, Inroftmake him ^'^'^^ of 3„|yyerkesasit plea!
alIhisfrines,anciofSatans bondage wholly ; willing fcthhimj and thtreis
to flttckectithk right eye, and cut ejfhii right ^^W, ods, and diffeitacc for
I meanc, to part with hisbea-bdovcd bofcme-lufts 5 Jjn^^^^/^ftjK^jndju^^^
to fell «//,and not to leave fo tr.Kch as an hoofe behind. \^^^ * alvvaVs fhe
Jtmuflbee fomucb, astomakehimfee his danger, fa^e / by humbling
andfohafltothc Cltie of Refuge , to beefcnfible of firft^then comforting,
hisfpiiituali inifery, that lite may heartily thirft for *«• ^^fi**" Roge" /f
mercy ; to finde himfelfe loft and caftaway.in mm-^f^'*^^'-''f^-^^
ftlfe, that Chr lit may bee a/^// in c/ill unto Him -J ^^ ^'
And after aiuft follow an hatred of all faife and evill
wafes for the time to come ; athorow-change of for- .*
uier ccurfes , company, convtrfatiops j and fettfng
Himfelfe in the way and pradifc offdrietythonefiy
and holifie^e. If thou haft had experience of thefe
afJ-cdions, and effccfls in thine owne ioule, whatfoc-
verthcmeafureof theworkeof \ht fprit of bondage
hath been in thee Icffe or more ; Thou art fafe enough*
and may ft goe on comfortably in the holy T^*^^, with-
out any difcouragement, either from fuch pretended
fcruplesinthyfclfe,crany of Satans crucll cavills,
and oppofitions to the contrary.
Vpon this occafjonjit will not bee here uofeafona- Diftrcnces betwiene
bictoteli you, How that Legallterrour,which God t^t terroor which is
appoinrsto be a preparative in hiscled,for the fpi-^^^"^8> ^^ '^^''l* «
rit of adoption, and a true change, differs from that"°'^j^.j j^ ij ^^^^^
which is found in * Ah'ens,andnotattcndedwitba-aBd ^irit of fearc, i«
ny fuch faving confcqucnts : that every one, who but a common workc
hath had trouble of confcicnce for fiane, maycleere- of the Spirit. Such aa
lydifcerne,wh«b£rithathbrought Him to Chr.fi, ^^-^^'^^^^^
erJert Him unconverted. .j\^ _^
I. That happy Soule,which isundtrthe terrifying Titftekcs after lefus.
hand of God, preparing by the woike of the fpirit of*- \r ^
bondage, for the entertainment of Chrift,and a found nocomfort. W6T«ytfia
converfion upop that fcarcfulUppreher^cn of Gods ;;^^^^
lyo InjlrHclionsfor a right comforti?tg Sc£t. Z»
ftUitdru, fAiTAixixiict wrath, and ftridt vifitation of his ccnfcicrxe for Gn,
>«^tf ejl peenitemia,ciuK caftsabout foreafe and reconcilement, onclvhy the
fdcejifrw,UeoqHe>,or: j^j^^^^ o£ thc Lord 7r'/«j,andchoaSouIe-heaIfngpro.
docet txtmplmn luda niilcsituhe &{Jokcot lii:e,wich a reioiiKc Contempt
JMatth 27.3. ' cf ciU other mcanes and offers, f3r pacification: fce-
TsenUemict du'ituY mr- lip.giiow5and findingby experience, that no other
/m & yuhtuj^qHidAni- ^^yy^ no earthly thing, nzt this whole wor'd, were it
'"«'">*"?'>''^*"/^'*/ dl diffoived imo the niolt curJous,and e jcqiiift
fitia fuundtm Dettm ^u^cSjthat evetanv cavnall heart conceived, cananj^
S,^gmt MsTccvoictv. i. way affvvagc the Icaft pang of his grieved fpiric
Corimh.7,io. Sin mi^ Glad theretoreisHj to take counfdlandadvifejWich
»«jj«f>'e^/tflj»^x;»fl<wj a:>ythatisab!c,orUkely to ieadehioi by a wife and
l^m^'Z^tflialio^m'' ^^^^^^^^ ^^'^^ ^'^ ^ well-grounded comfort and re-
«/!../ J;^;2«S!^fe^"^^n^"'^ • Aiidfejolveth greedily, what-ever the
Jw^rimr4we«;^ej'CJM- prefer! ption and diredion bee, to give way unto
fhrefin Mgiavotec /'« It maft willingly in his performance and pradift*;
AlgretjUsAetot ponitur. ^nd the feeble tuked hint^fayiy}gt fVhat Pjall -iree dog
Alfied. Thcol.PoIem. then? Then came alfo Tublkamtdye haftized^andfaid
p.4h Dc Poenitenc. & f^fffo Him, Mafier.what pidlX^edae / Andthe SonldL
Iqdi»Ig.contioy.i. ^rs Ukemfe demanded of htm, fajing. And "^^hat foall
^eedsef Thus were lohm hearers affv;£led, Zi^^.j.
''10,12,14 being afflided with the piercing paflages
Y)f /(?WthundringS'-rmon; mfenandhethrenwhat
Jhall rveedoe} fay thePcnitcnt lew eSfprkk^din their
hearti\ A^is 2t^j, The lajlonr, zy^Eis i6*lQ. came
tremblingyAnd jell doi»-ne bejore Paul and Silas, and
faid,Sirs,'^bat mufl [ doe to bee faved^ As if they
had faid : Prefcribeand enjoyne what you will $ be it
it never fohsrfh anddiftaftefull to fleflb and blood,
aever fo crofTe andcontrary to carnall reafon, profit,
pleafure, preferment, acceptation with the world,
eafe, liberty , Iife,&c. having warrant out of the
Word, wte are refolved, and ready to doe it, Onely
informeus firft,how to partake, and bee afliired of^
the perfon andpaffion of Chrift leftts 5 how to have
the angry face ofourblefled God,to whom we have
continued fUbds To long, turned inco calmnefTe and
/ ' " "' ^ favour
Part. I . Cap .11. t^ffi&ed Canfcienccs. 271
favour unto us. But now a Caft-away and Alien thus But the other does not;
iegally terrified, and under wrath for finne^is never
went to come to this earneflneffc of care, eagei nefle
of refolutionjftcdfaflncfie of cndeavour.wiilingnefff
upon any termes toabandon utterly all Hisoldwaics,
andtoerrihiacenewjftricland holy courfes. Thefe
things appeire unto Him ttrrible Puritanicall, and
intolcrabit'.He commonly inTiich caies,hath rccourfc
fc/r cafe & remedy to worldly cpmfortSiand the armc
oFfitfh. HeelabfAirs to relieve his heavy heart, by a
ilrongandfcrious cafiing his minde, and nefth'ng his
<:onceitupon hisrichesjgold^greatneflejgreat fiiends,
credit amongft Men,& (uch other traniitory delights,
^ fading flowers of His foolesParadife. ForHeisat
a Pointj& refolute with a fenfual impenitent obftina-
cvjnot to pafsforward thorow the Pangs ofthe New-
birth by rcpeDtanceandlandificaticn, into the holy
Trade of hcw-obedience.'left Hee fhouId,(asout of a
fbolirhandpbrautickbafeneffc.He h apttofeare)bc
engaged 6«: enchained,as it were,totoo much itnft-
neffejprecifencfirejholineitc of life, communicn with
Gods pecplCjand oppofition to good fcllowrhip.
2. Hecjthat is favingly-wounded with Lc gall ter- z. It loves the Miniffer
ronrjis wont in cold bloodj^: being fomething come who terrified it.
to Hiinfelfe,to entertaine the very fame conceit (or
rather mingled with a great deale more reverence,
affcdionarenefle andiov^Cjas far re as the life of an im-
inortaliSouledoth furpslfe m dcarcnelle and excel-
lency the cure of a fraile and earthly body) of that
Man of God, which by a right managing the edge of
hisfpintuaIlfword,hath pierced his heart, fcorchcd
hisconicience,andbruifed his fpirit j I fay, the fame
in proportion, which a wife and thankful! Patient
would have of that faithfull Surgeon.which hath fca*
fonably and thorowly lanced fomedecpe and dange-
rous Sore, which otherwife would have beene his
death. Vpon the fearch and difcovery, Hce cleai ely,
T " fees
2 7 > Inflfhcliom for at right comfortiftg Se{5>. t
fees snd acknowIedgeth,tliat had not that holy inci*
fijnbeersemadeinto his rotten and ulcerous heart, it
Buttbcothsr dothnot. hadcoft him the eternal] life of his Sonic. Butnow
the Alien put out of his fe:iriiall humour with horrour
ofco'ifcience, is ordinarily tranfportcd with much
ra5»cfull difcontentment-, againft the powfcrfull Mini-
ftery ofGodspainefull MeiTcngers,\vhoput Him io
fuch torture, by troubling Him for Gnne, and frigh-
ting Hicn with Hell. And thereupon cries out againll
them, at k aft with fccret indignation §nd fretting,as
the Di vels did again si ^A>i/? : why doe jon thm tor^
went ns before the time >
3". The other feekcs 3. Aliens in fuch c^ifcse'itertainc no other thought,
onelyforeafcj and call: about for no other comfort at all, but onely
how. they may recover their former quictneflc of
mindjcamall eafcand freedome from prefent terrour.
Biuitforamcfldmcnt. But hec that is fitting, by the fpirit of bondage, for
Faith, ^nd the fellowship of the Saints, will never by
any meanes, whatfoever come of Him, relapfe to his
wonted fenfuall fecurity. Nay, of the two, Hee will
rather lie ftill upon the Rackc, waiting for the Lord
/(f/z^/allthedaycsof hislifcjthento returns anymore
unto foolijhm^e , ot hunt againc after any content-
ment in the miferable pleafurcs of good feilow-
himth h^^h ^'^"°"" 4' ThnMe^efiger,aft Interpreter, * One Amovig a
ted it/' " coiJfor- f^jj^^y^w^^whoiniuchacafecanfcafonablyandfonnd'
e Si aMt peccatorl ca- Ij declare unto a favfngly-wounded SouIcHa^ riglote^
lumitdte aliquk frrffo , pPifncjfe ;-Si^H\Q iriim^it was Chrifi Icfus onely bu(i-
W lethxhter agmanti Qcffdn commingfrom Hssvei, to disburden al/that
ZlflZmmDT&"x ''^^'^»-''.'«»^'^^'?^^^'^7'^'^^^«f andeafe fuch trembling.
t^yuMJ^^/^pifceMi^m ^earts,&G I fay, fuch a blcfTed Man of God to fuch a
cr mHt.itienem yiu in brokcn-heart, jsfor cver after moft deare and wel«
meliMf,c!uupmdi mnci- comcj Hi^feetare^eautifft/lin his eye,evcry time He
^^imcrpresUisyo- comcs nccrc Him. Comfort offo high a nature, in
':Z^^^^. extremity ef fuch horr^le cor^equence, doth in ff-
Momim xqHitaiem^.^^^^^y ^nd endlelly endears the dsUvcrcd S'iule to
Pa r t . 1 Ca p 1 1 . yl^'Med Cc nfcU^ces. 1 7 5
fuch an heavenly Di.-clour. But Aliens comironl) /<« re&itudin(m ilUus
ir.akcnogreat: account of gedfy Mimfttrs^ny Ion- KiThhwn v^hec eft^iw
eer.thenrhey have rrtlentnecd oFthcm, andthar '^Ta^ ^,h.rAZ.ulL
*^ I I r • J I L »* 1 L CI J Uut ihc othtr doth fo
trcubleotmindci-naKcsthcm MdancnoiiKe,and out onelyforthe prcient.
wiihmirrh. They fee mc to reverence them, while ^^ -v--— — ^
fromthnVccnerall diicourfes of mercy, and Gcdsf'^P''"^'<"i'^^'^^'^'f''^^'»>
ffee^race,crm€rcifu!ii!witationstoChri[hai!dcer.f^^''^-'^"""^'«f^'V?«*
.-'f' . ,.,, ,, ..'_-, tile ev^a omnes hcmtnet.
taintyof scccpfatjon (it they v,nli come in)w\-c.Thcy ^i„p,,„;^ajpffos util
fucke into their faife heal ts before thetimCjand truth »«>. Poian. m Ezccb,
ofhumiliation, feme (liperficis'l glimtEeiings, and cap. 20.
fialhesof cooifort and cooling. But if once tlie hcace
f>ftheir guilty rage begin to aiTwagc,and they find a-
gair.e fome eafc frcco their farmer tcrrours^ and won »
ted rellifii in earthly delights, they turns (uch holy
mn out of their hcartSjCaft thtm out of their confci-
ences,a'id hold no higher, or further conccitof them,
then of other, and ordinary men 5 if they foibeaicto
pcrfecute the in with thoughts of difdaineand con-
tempt.
5. The true PeniteBt^ having {mzxicd under the j-Ic isever after fcarc.;
fenfe of divine wrath,3nd frighted with the flames of '"^^'
horrcur for fin.doth grow fearfuUfor ever after to of-
fend,and with much gracious care dreads that cenfu-
mingfire. Biitthe Alien.whilc heeisupon th-s Racke ^»"h« ®t^«»^'« "«^ **'
indced,and hath the hainoufneflc ofhisfins^ and Hell
frtflilyinHiseye, wiUeafiiy make n^.any glorious
proteltations and promifes, what a rare and refolnte
Convert Hee will become upon his recovery. But if
once the flonne bee over*blowne,Gods hand wit h-
drawncandhispainefullconfciencecafl again into a
dead llecpe by the power, or rather poifon of feme
Icnfuall rtccitjHc per formes juft nothing : But like a
filthy fwine, waliowesagaincinthe mire and mud of
earthlinefle and carnaiityjand againe with the beaftly
dog, returnesunto,and re fumes his vomit.
6. Hce that hath favingly paffed thorow the ^ i j^h^ cth,nthii
i drigsof luch Ipintuall aftiiCtioas,is wont £0 be very ar*. in ihe like caf«. "
T a kindlily "
27^ InfiruSikftffoy Aright comforting SeA,2.
kifidiily affe£^ed, moft compaffiorrare, and tendcr-
heartcdto others, affli fled with the fame wofull tcr-
loursandtrcKiblcsofconfcicnce. A woman, which
hath her felfe with extraordinary paiae,ta(kdofthat
exquifitc torture of child-birth, is wont to bcc more
tenderly and mercifully difpofed towards another in
the like torment j then fticc, that never knew what
thatmiftrytBcant: Andisraore ready, willing, and
skilfull to relieve in fuch diftrefTes* It is proportiona-
E rfi h " d th not ^^^ ^° '" '^^ prefent Cafe : But the Alien being tain-
^t eot a o tedinfomemeafurewiththe Di vcls hateful! drfpofi-
tion.isbythe heateof his fl3vifhhorrour,rather en-
raged with malice, than refolved into merey •• Hce is
rather tickled with a fecrct content, then touched
With true commiferatioti. to fee and heare of others
p'ungcdintoth:' fame gulpheofmifery, and plagued
HkeHimfcIfe* Hee is much troubled with folenefle
m fufftring, and the fingularity of any fcrrowfull
Accident. Companion-fliip in crclfes, doth fomc-
thing allay the difcomforts of carnal I men : So that
fome times they fccrctly, but very liofuily re Joyce,
* E'3jcxoi//exetxi*,*/- (fuch is their dogged, * divellifh difpofition) even
fecitu ex odto & gdudio ^q fee the hand of God upon their neighbours. Nei-
wixtM iCumodiotm^klJi jj^^^ ^,3,^ j^^^ ^^ p^j^l^ ex!:remities minifter any mcancs
t'X«ri/tLwT.«fheIpe,ortruecomfortataU,eitberbv
ius : Eftafefiufpropri- fell,or any cxperimentaliskili ibecaiife the evUlfpirit
uiVtaOoiortm* Propie- of his vcxed con(c!ence,was not driven a Way by a-
xramtpfiy<j»itn4lierum ny vveII-grounded application ofGodsinercics,aiid
:i,"««- - Ch, iiUblood .• b..t a. W. was by Muficke.wo, id-
fcJ«»r:Aiidtheyareasly"^'ift^"> carnall advile, Souk-flayirg fluteries of
like Him in this pefti. Maa-pleafing Miniflers.plungingdi'lperat-ely into vsH
lent propc»ty,aiif Hce hetyof fenfuail plca(iires,&c.
had^fputhemout of his y^ He,which after tlic boiaerous temped of Legal!
"^°"^ ' terrours,hath happily arrived at the Poit of Peace ;
I meane^tliat bkfTed peace Tvhkh pn^th aU mder-
flanding, made with God himfelfc m the blcod of
hisSj>?me,entcr5 prc(eatly thereupoii into the good
Parr.i Cap ii.
AffliSied Confcienccs.
175
xr^^Tj, take^ f-'p ^^ hJm the yoke oj Chrtjl. 2nd fcrves him
zhtv\V2i\diin heliKeff'e n'/id riohteoufr.e^e all the dayes
cf his life. And ordinarily His deeper humih'aticn, is
an occafion of his more humble, precife, holy, and
ftridwa'kingjand of more watchfuhieffe over his
hearr,andt:cnderncfleof confcicncfj about lefTafins
alfo ; ailcccalionsof rcandall, appearances of evill,
even aberrations in hisbeft ad:ions,andholicfl: dii-
ticsj&c. But Aiieiis, when once they be taken otf the But th€ other not i^
Racke, and iheir torture determinej cither become
juft the fame men they werebefore; ore'fe reforn^e
onely feme one, or other grofle (\nn^, which ftiicke
moft upon their cox\{'c\<:\\cq^, but rcmaine unamen-
ded and unmortificd in the reft : or eliCj which often
comestopafTcgrowa great dealc worfe. For they
areas it were,angrywithGod, that he fhould give
them atafte of Hell nre before theirtimc ; and there-
fore knowingtheir time bu::fhort, fall upon earthly
delights more furiou(ly,cngrofle and grafpc the plea-
sures of the World with more greedineffe andira-
portunitie.
CHAP. XII.
InflrttUions fer the Avoiding this fanlt of affljiftg
comfort too foeue.
Hefe things thus prcmifed j I CounfcII to avoyde
come to tell you, that for the re£ii- the foimcr error.
Tying of the foremcntioned Er-
rour, and prevention of the danger
of dawbing and undoing forever
in a matter of fo weighty impor-
'-' tance,T would advifc the Spir ituall
Phyfition,to labour with the uimoft improvement
of all his divine skiH,beaveDly wifedome, beft tx-
T 3 pcricnce.
2^6 InjhfitHo-fis for aright comforting Scft,2.
pcrience, heartieft praiers, nrjoft piercing pcrfwaG-
• ons,pr€{]: ouc of the word for that purpofe, wifely to
I The time ©f apply- '^^^'^^^ ^'^'^* ^^^^'"^"^^^ ^^ "^^^^^^ ^^^ fcafoD, when
iag^ he may, warrantably and upon good ground^ apply
unto the woundedfl: foule of his fpiritually-nckc Pa-
tient, affured comfort in the proinifes of life, and
that fovcraigne blood, which was fpilt for broken:
hearts ; and affiira him in the Word of truth, that all
thoferichcompafliio^:is, which lie within the com-
paffcof that great Covenant of everlafting mercy
and love, fealed with the painefiiU fufferings of the
Sonne of God, belong unto Him. Which is then,
when his troubled heart is ioim^l^ humbled under
Gods mighty hand, and brought at length to,firft,a
truly penitent fight, fenfe, and hatred of all fifine;
fccondly, a fyncere and unfatiable thir ft after lefus
Chrift,and righteoufnefle both imputed, and inhe-
rent : thirdly, an unfained and un-re(ervcd refolution
of an univcrfall New -obedience for the time to
come,&c. Here I had purpofed to ha ve beene large %
but I am prevented by that which hath been faid al-
ready :and therefore to avoide repetition, I muit rs-
mityoutotheconfiderationiiofthore Lc-gall and'^E-
vangelicall preparations for the cntcrtainemcnc of
Chrift and true comfort, which I handfed before,
which may give fomc good dircdion and fatisfadi-
on in the Point. See Pag. 131. l.^j* to the end o£
pag.t4<y-
aTFitUflg for that time. Yet take notice,that in the meane time before fucH
fitneflebcfullycffeduated,! would have the Man of
God ply his Patient with his bell perfwafions and
Proofcs, fsafonably mingled with motives ro humi-
liation, of the pardonableneife of his finnespoHibili-
ty of pardon, damnableneffe of defpaire, danger of
eafe by outward mirth,&c. And to hold out to the
eye of the troubled confcience,a9a prize and Lure.as
itwerejtbeftcencffcof Gods imtneafurable aiercyi
'"'f ths.
Parf.l .cap.i g * J^icled Confcicnees, 28 1
CHAP. XIII.
The feconicafe 'therein the former F.rrer'is commit-
ied^ivhich ii in applying too much. T^o thtn^s coT?cer~
ning Vehich the affiiSIed « to be advifed for avojdiftg tbu
Errour,
^ °St^o^9 /^ Oo much. A little cy^ij/ua vita 2. When too much;
fez?!^ f^J^<^ may happily revive and refrefli which is firftillufttatcd
1^^ may happily revive atid refrefl. 1^^^^^;^^
0-^^^ niiig Man ; but too much would
rS^^P) kill. A fpoon- full of Cinnamon-
^J^ water mingled with twelve
/poone-fuUs of Spring-water,
andonefpoonefullof Rcfe-water;&c. maybe fove-
rcfgne againft the finking cF the heart ; But poure at
opce a Pint into the Stomacke,and it might unhappi-
ly^ choakethe naturall heafe, wafte the Radicallmoy-
mircj^ndburne up a Mans Bowels.Mercy being wife-
ly adminiftrcd in the right fcafon, and mingled with
convenient Counfels and Caveats, may, by Gods
blcOing.binde up a broken heart with a leaftirable
and kindly Cure ; It may mollifie in the meane time
with an healing and heavenly heate, the fmartingai*-
guifli of a wounded eonfcience ; and at length feafo-
nably clofe it up with found and lalling comfort .•
But poured out handover head byanunfttady, and
in-difcrttthandjltmay by accidenr,dangcroufly dry
I'lppenitenttcarcstoofoone, andllifle theworkeof
the Ipirit of Bondage iiithe beginning.
But here let none either out of ignorance or ma- i.ExpIalacd.
lice miftakt,oi be troubled with this Tea much : The
fame Phrafe in the iams fcnfc is to be found in * Ma- * The comfort which k
ftcr Pf/"/^«Wiagrc3t Mailer in the deepe mvftery ofmini^red to t&e, party
dealing with^fHtded ccnfciences. For \AxtmuQ:*'*^*^/^P.'"''f ^^'^ ^^'
\ittow,thuToewt,ch,.shy nomeanesto bee meant of^Zltf'thei^'^' '^hft
any wayesrcftratniog, orccnfining the infiniceneHe i, to fay: The' Pro-
of mils alone muft nos
282 hiJlrnBiomfor arightccmforti-ig, Srcl.2.
bee applved, but with- of Gcjds mercy. Ic were exec? a' ile blafphemy to dif-
all mention is to bee j.^^-^. q^. ,-^ glorious Attribute of its imm-nfi-
made o' thi finn°3 of . • ^ ^ ^r . ,. ,. r^ , 1
the Parry, and of the ^^' :Dutinre(p£a ornotmingiing lo.neCoolcrs and
grievous panidiments Cavjats to kecpe fioni prefumption .* as flialiap-
dueunto Hi-n for the pcaisin the enfuing Couniellsjl llull commend for
fame. The reason is, that purpofc.
becaufc there is much ^ *
Jjuile iiirh:;hearcof Man5infomuch,asortcntIn3esitfal(eth siifjthit mennotthorow»
y humbled,bcinsi co nforted, eiihettoofioHe, or too /mch^ doe afterward become the
worflofall. In this refpeft, not unlike to the iron, which being caft into the fire vehe-
mently hor, and co^ld ao.aine,is much morchard then it would have btcn, if the hsate
had been tiodctate. And henceitis, thatintheminiftrinjof comfort, we muft fome-
thing kcepc them downe, and bring thetn on by little and iittle to repentance. The
fweetneffe of comfort is the greater,if it bee allaied with fome tartneflc of th: Law.
CcLfesef CoHfci'nce,Lil'.i.C4p,j Sefi.'^. Here remember by the way, thit th? comfor.s
miniftred u(ual!y and ordinarily, mufl: not goc alone, but be mingled at«d ce.-np :red with
fo-netcrroursofthcLa .v,&c.— - The tninirtring of comfort in this diftrefle wouldnot
bedircftandprefent.butbycertaineftcps and degrees : except only. in the Poiftt of
death: for then a dircftercoarfc muftbeu(cd, li'id.Cdp.iiJecl,i.
Vpon this ground, 1 reafonthus :
j.Prooved. A man may preflcjand apply Gods j uftice, and the
tcrrours of the Law Too much ; therefore alfo mercy,
and the comforts of the Gofpellitoo mnch,The con-
ftquentiscleare. For as the former may plunge into
theGulph of dcfpairci (b the other may caft upon
the Rockeof prelumption ; Nay,it is more then un-
a^ifwerablv ftrong % Becaufe wee arefarre readicrto
apprehend^and apply unto our felves mercy, then
judgement. And thoufands arc endlefly overthrown
thoro vv prefumptionjfor owt by defpaire*
And the Antecedent who will deny? Itisrather
fc prepof^eroully applauded and prtft jthat moft, if
aMinUkr,evenwithhisbeft difcretion, revealethe
whole Counfell of God, and tell them ; That none
fhalbe refrcOicdby Chrift,but onely thofe who U-
Matthl'i.iS. ^°^^ '^"^ *^^^ ^^^'^7 ^^^^^ s "^^^^ ^^^^ °^"^ humhle
lames 4. xo. * tbemfelvestnthe fight of the L9rd,\H\\ty WOuldhavC
Pr0v.x8.j3, him /o lift themup : Thatnonc Jball have mercy, but
fuch as cottfe^e andforfake their finnes : That the
meere
Part. I .cap. 1 3 « Jff,icied Confcienees, 283
mecre civill man, and luke-warme formall Profef-
foiir, without ^o/j»<Fjp and «i!''«/<?;can never be faved : Heb.12.14:
Xmtd!(\the wicked Jhalbe turned into Beli^&c^ In a Revcl.3.19.
word, if Hec take the right courfe to bring men J^*w Pfal.9.17.
dar\ene^e to light y fr&m Sat am to the living ged; by
fir ft wounding with the law, before Heehealc with
theGofpeli jl fay,thcmoft in this Cafe, are ready
tocryout,andcon3plaine, that hee throwes wild-
fire, BrimftoneandGunpowder into the confcknces
©fmen.
Conceive therefore, I pray you j
That there is irt Godj firft,His jufticc:and fecond-
Iy,His mercy ,both infinite and equall. O lely in re-
gard of man there is an inequality jFor God may bee
iiid, to be more mercifull unto them that are faved,
then juft to them that are damned : For of damnati-
on the juft caufeis in Man 5 but of falvation, it is n ProfrhmetVeief<H^
wholly from grace. •» In Himfeife and originally, *"*^'-^ f»»f rtdUterif/A-'
they areboth equalLandfoaicailhis Attributes : But "'fj'" '>"'('*' & "''
r o. r^u- « r J rr u: ^t'fuifttid Dei.net ttiter
inrefpeacfthc <> excrcife,and expreffion upon His ^^ rctpfUfcru^uUon
creatures,and abroad in the world, there isfomedif- abtflentia,.j«Myj'c/«»t
fcrence. But for my purpc(e,and our Minifttrialkm- »« tffmia,ut fmipf^ef-
ploiment and commiffiotijtake notice; Z*''^'*-* ^^^ inter fe,
Thatasthe revealed effcds of Gods mercy, arc E*l^yi'''"^"'^'
love, cender-hesrtediiefle, compauion; HiS ownc ummuauomnuvnrfu*
deare Sons pretious heart- blocd. pardon of Gns,peact M'^ fntiA.owmfqueHu*
of confcicnce.unfpcakcablcand glorious ;V)y there "">'**' ^^fjje debet. Po-
upon,Evang€licallplearurcs,conibnablcprfclenceof ^^jj; ^S^mag. Theol,
thcSpirir even in this life, aud in theochgr World o Pro');r//rJ/«z)«'vo•<-
plcafurcslnfiaitclymocth;ntheS£3r^esoftbl firma- uiZsfuttt Aau4'ts U
intotinnuinber,evcnforevcrandev£r; Andalithefc vefyviTJxSg ifiA^i/aigs,
uponalUrue pcnitcms. Al«ed.Th<ol,Didaai«
SotherevcrakdtfrcclsofHisIufticc sre«Wi^j?<«/;. co Scholaft. Sga.^
ena?jd ^i^r.-ith ytnl^HUttm And anguijh ; that Sword, Cap-'J-
■which wdl deveure fl.Jh ^ thcfe arrowcs, that drtnl^
bloody that ficiy anger, mhtch vpili hnrne unto the
kvfefi Hell J and fet in fire the fomdAtiens of the
Moftntaims '^
3^4 InJiruUtonsfor a right cemforti-ig, S :di . 2.
CMaunt dines ; That cominingagimft, which is roiih
fire and cbarets likf a whtrle-ninde, to render anger vfith
fdr^yand rei>Hk,e With fifimes of fire ^ that meeting
which is,as of a Beare bereaved of her rAselpss^torent
thec4Hle of thehedrt,anfi devoure /ikea Lj^n^^-c, All
plagues with the exrremiry,teTiporaiI .rpiritualljerer-
nalljailthecurrcsinthis Boo'^e of His, a!l the tor-
meni-s of Htll,to the utmoii iparkeof thoniiiifernall
flaoics;AndaU thefc, npnn all impenitent (iimers.
Now God will be glorified both waieSjand by tht'iH
both :
Givcusleave theiijtogive them both their due :
Wee are moft willing , and ready, ^s olt great
* Now wee his Mini- * Mafter in heaven would have us, //^.40.i i. a\d
fters His Almoner* to ourbleflcdSaviour by his example dotn teach usj
dillnbute his c<»"- /:«^^. I,. Xo convey by our Miniftry into cveiy tru-
lorts.even as many, as , » , ^ , 1 i- (^ \ > r»
bcinthcScriptnre,dare 'y^broken heart, ana bleeding Soule, the warmeft
not Uvifli them out, blood thatcvcr heated Chrifts tender heart 5 and to
and promiie th-m to keepe backc from the true Penitent , not any one
fuch (axy indffcren's g|.3Jj^g ofthat immeafurablc Mine, of all the rich
rny^r«dy"o faTn'for mercies purchafed with that pretioasblood.
want, faying, Give me Bee contcH!: therefore on the other fide, that wee
drinlr,orelfc r dicjthen open the Armory of G )ds juSice, and reveale hii
wee reach the cup of wrath from heaven againfi all ftngodlinejfe and nnriqh'
felvation to hira. and ^coftnteffeof Men • That indimatioHand \^JrathXrU».
neither dare we to give Utton atid angmJfj^ihzXbc f<fpon every foule of jn<in that
itto myothct,Kogeriof doth evi//^(^c, As wec are ever ready to bindc upthc
•Dtdham;9t5h4f*itb, briiifedfpirit with thcfofceftoylcof Gods fweetefl:
f4i.iB6.i mercy : So !ec us, I pray you, have leavc,in the equi-
ty of a juft and holy proportion, to wound with the
Hammer of the Law, the hairy Pate of every One
thatgocsonifiHis fifine.
Let usdiale faithfully even with wicked men,lcft
weeanfwer for the blood of their foules, By telling
chera,That,asccrtainely as all the glorious comforts,
andblelfedconfequentsof Godsinfinitc mercy fiiali
crownc the heart and head of every true-hearted Na-
thanael
Part. I. Chap, 1 3« AfftEled Confciences, 285
tJoAfiael for ever : fo all the dreadfuH eftc£lsof his an-
gry lufticc will at length feize upon the Souks, and
confcund the confcicnccs of all un- holy men with
extreme ft feverity, andterrour.
Letitbcethusthen,and letourMinifterialldirpen-
fatf on bee in this manner : if thou bee an impenitent
Pel fon; I would teli Thee, That the utmoft wrath
of God, unquenchable andcvcrlafting vengeance,all
earthly and infcrnall plagues, are thy ccrtaine Porti-
on : But I would mollifieand fweeten thcbitterncfle
of this fentencc, with aflurance of mercy upon Re-
pentance, to prevent the aflaults of defpaire.
Ontheotner fide, If the Miniftry of the Word
hath wrought upon Thee efiedually ; and how thy
truly humbled foulethirfts after Chrift with a fyn-
cere hatred and oppofition againft all finnej I would
aflure thy troubled and trembling heart in the Word
of life and truth, of all thofe moft pretious blefllngs
and fwcetcft comforts , which the Booke of God
doth promife, and the blood of Chrift hath bought j
But withall I would commend unto thee fomc Coo-
lers and Counter- poifons againft prefumption, and
falling to Pharifaifme.
For which purpore,and for prevention of danger,
m\d fpirituail undoing by unskilfull, and undifcrecc
da wbing in the Cafe propofedj I come now to ten-
der fuch Counfels and Caveats as thefe, or the like,
which the faithful! Phyfition of the Soulc accor-
ding to occafions, circumftances, and prefent exi-
gents, may thinkc fit to bee mingled with admini-
ftration of mercy, and wifely propounded to the af-
fiidcd Party,
I, Itmaynotproveuflfeafbnablcto fpcakcthus,
orinfome fuch manner, to thy fyixltMzWTMUnt,
I, If thefe things bee truly and foundly fo : If Thefitftadvke tob«e
thou finde andfeele indeed fucha mollified andmel- gircn to the afBiacd
ting fpiiir, fuch broken aud bleediug affe^ocs in wnccmingcomfwe.
thj^
a 8 6 InJlruEtiQnsfor a right comforting Scft". t .•'
thy boforae ; Thou arc certainelybklTed. Ifthatfor-
ffowfullfcule of thine doth renounce from the very
heart-root,withfpecialldifl:aft:c and deteftation all
manner of finne ; infatiably thirft after rtghteoufnepi
unfainedly refolve, for the fliort remainder of a few
and eviil dayes, to bend it feife towards heaven in all
New-obedience ; I fay, it' this bte fyncerefy,the ho-
ly difpofition and refolution of thine heavy heart',
notwithftandingall thy prefcnt terrour and trouble'
ofmindjThou arc truly and everlaftingly happy ,0 le-
ly take notice ( left ny niiniftring of mercy bee mi-
ftakeojOr thy conceiving of comfort mif-carry) that
the keart of man ii deceitfull above atl things, A bot-
tomlefle depth it isof Falfhoods^dilTembling'^jhypo-
crifies , an cndlcfTe Msze of windings, turnings,
and hidden paffages. No eye can fearch and fee its
center and fecrets , but that All-feeing One alone,
which istenthoHfand times brighter than the Sftnne ;
to which the darkcft Nooke cf Hell is as the Noonc-
day . And therefore not I, nor any man ali ve,can p ro-
mifepardon,or apply the promircs,but<:onditfonal-
ly,Uponfuppo{ition : If thefethings bee fs,Andf9^a4
thonhafi faid. And the fyncerity of thy heart, and
truth of thefe hopcfull proteftations, which we now
heare from thee in this extremity ; (and I muft teH
thee by the way, fuch like may bee ^.w^otctd^ by
the flavirh fting cf prefent terrour, not faireiy and
freely flow from a true touch of confcicnce for finne;
I fay, this may bee, though I hope better things of
Thee). Thetmth,aslfaid, both of thy heart, and
thcfeaffed:ionatepromifes,will appeare, when the
ftormeisover, and this difmalltejnpeft, which hath
over-cail: and fhaken thy fpirit with extraordinary
fcare,andaftonilliment,isover-bIownc. Thycourfe
of life to come, will prove a true Touch-ftone, to try,
whether this bee the kindly travaile of the New-
birth ^ or oncly atCHiporary taking-on during the fit.
•Part. 1 . Ca p . 1 3 . ^y^f fitted C^nfciences, 2 87
byrcafon of the urjcoutlineffe, and cxijulfitencfre of
this invifiblelpiiituall torture, wJLhcuc: true turning
to Icfm C^rifiMwhtnlhQr.cvt-tXQixhkd powers c*f
thy ibuk, which the wound of iby confcience bath
ca it into much cUSracfced and uncomfortable confu-
fion, Oiail recover their wonted calmcncfTeand qui-
et, thou turne unto thineold bias^ humour, company
andconverrationjitwillthenbemorethcnmanifefl-,
th£Cthisfurnsce of terrour and temptation, where-
in thou now lit ft and languiflieft, was fo fanefrom
worfcingthinc heart to heavenlineflc and grace, that
it hath hammered it to more hardncfle and ungrati-
cufnefle : from purging and refining j that it hath oc-
cafoncdmore earthiincfic, epicurifmc and raging af-
fcilions in fen fuality and finFull pltrfurcs. But i^
whcntI)ouartup againc,and raifedby Gods mcrci-
full hand out ot the Dtpthof this fpirituall difirefle,
intowhichthe horrible fight, and heavy waight of
tby fins have fenkcchce; ifthen thou expre fie, and
ttftifie thy true-heartcdnefle in thtfe prcfent fo-
Icmne prottftations made iiow,as it were, in thy hot
blood;Imeane,ofthy hatred again ft fin, by an earneft
oppofition,watchfnlnefl'e,and ftriving againft all, e-
fpeci?Ily thar,wbichinthine unregcneratetime ftuck
cbrefltothy bo(bme:ofthine hunger and thirft after
a comfortable fruition of Gods faceand favour, by a
confcionableandconftantpurfuit,and excrcife of all
good mcanes and opportunities, of all his bleffc d or-
dinances , appointed and fanftificd for groath in
gtace,andbringinghim nccrer unto Him j; of thy (u."
ttireNevv-obediencejand Chri^an walking,by ply-
ing induftfioufiy,and fruitfully with thy belt cndca-
vour,and utmoftability,ch©f€ three glorious workw
of ChriftianityjPrcfervation of purity in thine owne
Soule and Body : righteous dealing with all thou haft
to doc- with : Holy carriage towards God in all reli-
gious dqciw. In a word, by denpng nftiedimejfe and Xn^irii.tu
V ■worldly
2 88 Inprucliom for 4 right comforting Sccfl. 3 ,
Tvorldlj lafis, and living foberlj^ right eoufly, 4inA godli-
ly in thU prefent v:oYld, of which ths grAce of God tea-
c/?^/'^ every true Converttn make Confcience. I fay,
if uponthy recovery, this bee thy courfe; Thou art
certaincIyNeiv-^createdo Such bleff.d behaviour as
this, will infallibly evidence, thefc prefeat terrours
to have been the Pings of thyNrw-bith, and thy
happy tranflation from deathto life, from the vanity
andfoliyof (imieinto the iight and liberty of Gods
Children.
Z«ch,rj.i. a. Secondly,ray unto him: When once that blef-
The fecond adyice fg^ F(?««/<?iKff of Souk-favini^ blood IS opened upon
nnT"'"^^ ^'^'"' thySoiile, hi the fide of thS Sonne of God, bythe
p As concern'ng for- hsiidof¥i\th£QT Jtmeand foyt<Kclea}i»e^e;thtntilCo
row, feeing thecaufes mufta Counter fpring, as it were,of repentant teares
Mi remaine, namely, ^g opened in thine humbled heart, which muftnocbe
::;K"o" «*^ fj'^ "P ™"*y. ' 'Jf'l Day.This is ..y meaning;
row muft continue to (^ovevcty Chriftian hath not teares at coaimaad :
oarl.vesend : Tha in the heart fometimesmiy bleed, when the eyes arc
a different manner j dry). Thou Biuftbee contemttocontinuethcctirrent
comfor'"lhe*^-ea "' ht °^^^^ ^^^^^^ forrow Upon that abominable Sinke and
former" before"khh ^^'^^"^^ °^ ^'^ ^^^^ '"^^^'^^'"^^^^ andviilanies of thy
cojld have none, darke and damned tiQ3C; and alfo upftn thofc frail-
Whercaj on thf ether ties, infirmities, iinpetfecflions , defeats, relspfes,
iidc, the forrow thit back-flidiiigs,whichmay accompany thy regenerate
S«.tedriethup,wasnc. ^^3^^ ^^^^^ untill that bodv of finac , which thou
ver found, asms robe • n. . ^ t' l j-Vt i j i > n i r
f!cncinmany,whobe-^^^*^^^*^'^""^ Tnee, bee diuolved by the Itroke of
ing once dccpcly affli • death. As concerning thine old fi ines, and thofe that
acd, and in ^rcat hea- are paft, it is not enough that now the feHi horrour
vine^eforthcrmifcra-ofthcm, and thofe griffely a(lH?hting formes,
bla fiate , afterward l • . . ** 1 . ^ n l.
c6.ningtoroni^-com«^'"^^«^*"th<^y^a^'eappearedtotheeyeofthywoun-
fori.are growne fo fe- dedconfcience, have wrought upon thy heart, by
cure and fcnfclcfle.thac Godsbleiiing/oTjefoftnelTe, hcarc-rifing, recjorfe,
having no true cptfs, 3.^^ hatred: But thou mtift many and ma.iy a time
daiirco^uptio«s,!on! 'i^reafter^in the extraordinary exccrcifes of renued
sent tliemfdve*, that ''^psntance, prtfle thy penitent fpirit to bleed atrclh
they were once caft Withjinthce, and 1 <<r4»?»'«i/^ragaincoutofthe bot-
Part.l.Cap. IJ. j^ffiEledConfciences, t%g
tome ofthv brcKen hesrt wilb rofc Ifraelites c^^mre tlowne : whofeIiyes,ss
itoHtbefi.Yethe Lordm abiindanceof bitter tearcs, Fcr they bee iouUvnd full
, I rr ' ■i r jri •.• J of blois 510 their ends
thy neverftoicicntiyrorrovvfd forabominations and ^^g oft fearc full, dchte
rebciiiciis.againrt fob' tiled and bountifuii a God. fcnfelciTe or Kncom-
fortable : To dangerous
isittoQUcnchthefpiritinanypart^ Culvcrwdlm hU Treati/eeffaithi^4g.4.6.^j, Cer-
tumeji fiHe/ap^ pcC(,a:tO' nt/eiri/t primi.m, tteindelihrMifotm mChnJlo le/tt ai>e:dem iUZ
mifert/t,nHl'^minC'hyt)l6cj]rytY4mconfoUtior.em. Kotqutuem hfdtfrnodieestfccl/imw noit
^rimpmiliumi/fd [tcfiiidr^mchTtJli A^yeHtum, Vt igitur eum cum diqu4 cinioktioneexpem
ciemu6iddncUr>o^ii cptr*(j} intctx >/'«, utmacis r/higtf^ne infewfu pecfati, & raifert/im-
(IrA profiiiA}»w: alioqui profeSi tAmutn 4/ erit,ttl> eo^ utium cenfoUmm C g^ttidio cum
chfi^iCidventutKexpeBerfi-x'.^Ht e cor.tT/i cumkorrortbptf AvmiZ^ ctnfcieniix noHtamexpe-m
Bemtu tUum diem, quim e»m ryir/emur. K olloc in lohan pag 3 46. Verpeli. rifff/camtff^
Inperfttn*iu8aO'^erfstuA rtfipfi.enU4. fimw. Idtm.lbidpag 357: Some are onely
Slightly hufTib!ed,andhaiTinogotcom!crt,3re nevermore griived: whereas a cue Bc-
lecver,ever! aftcrFaithjgrieves fiill for his daily finncs': butiheferhirikc itccoagh that
■ they w?re oncC£riered j and therefore ro ^ giieve no more for their (ou\e ^\xviz%, Roger s>
ofDedham. Doclr. ofT4:th,p/tg.i6j. Cum Icmpernobif agmfifnda fint fescM4 nofira^ &
credind.':m,qHedrei?J:ttatitkr:-^^e^u fitcs.ta. p/cptcr Chriflutn^ fentimm ftmper ttumttt hcie
yitaHolifagerideimelJepjg.titeKtfam.UzrmonsConkG p.z Wirtcntergica: Confeff.de
p«nitpag.i55. VVcc are to r.ote, that repentance is acontinuallcourleofforrowj and
if wetnavethisintiiuhjthcnxnaj wceboldlykekcforcotnfortoutof GodsWord,and
from His Miniftcrsj and lookewhat comfort £hcygiveusoaSarth,thefame fhallbee
fealedalfo in Heaven. Wherefore as it is reqaifite contirmaliy totillihegtoundjifwec
wiUhaVefruitjanddajly tocate,ifvYcc will Isve.'fo in fpirituall things, ween,uftbes
humbled with continual Iforrow, that yvec o^ay bee rcfreflied wijhdsily comibrt ia
CbT\&,Gresfih4m,Scrat.j.O/ Z^e^fn.vWiTf.I the rather nuotcthereDjvines for this Point j
tcoppcfeihc wictcdaadignorantfoliyOf fome iil-tongued Antirctrifts, and other
pccvifti and proud rhanta^icks. q iSzm.j.6. HMufen^ma^nai e putt* cordk {m^ &
Abi, ndeUthrymati fant cor dm Somin 9, Ye(ipif.cmes>Qhk\A. Paraph*
NowthefoIemnetiniesandoccafiofiSjwhcn we are Times of tencwmg
called to this rcnucd Rcpecstance, arc fuch as thcfe : ^""^ repentance.
1. When wee arctoperformerorne ^peciallfervi- j^y ggj.jjf^-^^j. .
c?s unto God i becaufe then out of a godly i^sioufie *
we may fbre, left the face and favour of God, the
loveandh'ghrof His countenance may not iiefo o-
pcu unto usj by reafcn of the cloudy intcipofition of
our former fins. 2. Whsn wee f eeke fbrany fpeciaii a.Spccia!ireiv:c««,
blefiifcgat Gods mtrcifuli hands 5 bccaufe then cut
of a gracious R°are v;e may fufpea-, that our old fins
may intrude jaad iabcur to iiitercvpt and divert from
V a " . ^ oiir
250 Infiru^iitts for aright eomforting Se^«l,
our longing S-':!uhs,thefw ectandcomforrableinfla*
cnces of the Throne of grace, h may fcciie that D^-
vid m the current of his prayer, fa vv His old finnes
charge upon Him , and therefore cries out by the way 5.
j.Spcciall afflidiQiis. R^memherntt the finnes of mj youth, 3. In the time of
/ fome great afflid:ior»,andrcmarkeable CrofTc; when
upon a new fcarch , and ftrid examination of our
hparts and lives % we buraibling our felves more {o-
Icmncly again in the fight of the Lord, and maurning
afrefliover Him, whom we have pierced with our
youthly poIlucions,& provoke daily with many wo-
fiili failings,are wontto feekeGods pleafed face,and
our former peace ; fandlification of it unto uj in the
mean rimc,and the removall of it from us \n due time,
4iSpeciaU fitt»ef- in the nameof /<?/*/ Chnfi, 4. After rclapfe into fomc
old fecret luft,or fall into fome new fcandalous finnc.
T>AvUs remorfcfor adultery and murder, brought his
f , Special! humiliati^ heart to bleed over his birth-finne, P falsify Above
•"• all, upon all thofe mighty Daycs of humiliation by
prayer and fading, publike, private, or lecret: wherc-
sfi^u^Jampmmcn^ inGodspeopIe wraftle withGod bythe omtipotewy
wf$tmi^.L\xtn, of prayet,and workc fo many wonders from time
to time. Somcihtre are alfo, who fctting apartfome
fpccialltimcsroconferre withGod in fccret,lay to-
gether before Him, th: glorious Catalogue of the
riches of His mercy, reaching from everlafting to '
everlafting, all his favours, prefervations, delivcran^
ces,protedions,&c. from the iirft beeing, to that
time ; and the abhorred Catalogue of all their finnes
from y^ij'^wtothat houre, Originall, both imputed,
and inherent ;aauall both before and fince their cal-
ling ; and this they doe with hearty defire of fuch
different aflPedionSjas they fcverally require. A fcri-
ous and fenfible comparing of which two together,
makes finnea great deale more loathfomc, and the
mercies of God moreillulhicusiand fo proovcsefFc-
auallmany times,by the helpe of the Holy Ghoft;
to
Part.I.Cap.ij. t^ffiEiedCenfl:iences. aj^l
to fcfcen their hearts extraordinarily, to make them
wee pe heartilysandfilis their SquIcs with much joy- ;
hilHbrfow.and hucsible tharikfulnfcfle. 6.Ypqn gut d^l^edVl^lifee;!. ■ ^
Btdsctc'each. Then bcciiure we take our farewell oF
Pvcpentance,werhouIdtak£OL.rnilcfitibvCaufeitis
the laft time we fhal lookc upcn oiif finsjor that pur-
pole, we inouid diiojifle them with utqfioft, and ex-
treme^ loathing. At ruchtimes,and upon fuchocca-
Uonsasthefcand the like, when thou artcaiJcdto a
more fol^mae^ftrid and fevere if arch, and review of
thy old fins and form^ lifcThcu mufl renue thf sprer
fcntrepcritenceof rhyNcw-birth, ir^k'e thine bea^F
breaks sgainc,8Hd Weed afiefii with the fight of thy
hcretofoic much doted- up Ojbut: now mcft abhorred
abominable courfes. And lb cfrcn alio, aschcu loc-
keft back uponthcm,Thou rnuftlaboat toaboo^inatc
and abandon them vvichnQorerefoIut|B &yei|i?p,,afKJ r -^Quorum jwlmus
new degrees of detcft^tion. Thg it may" bee, by the ^go fum. Hoc ergo apud
iTTtrcies ofGod, they.fhall-neverbeeabkto J^ fting ^^'*^«'" v^tdum f.duu^
rour ;y^t thoumaiiftilyndeayGUfjmj^ycel^bksaJd }Amitnverf9j,m»»imif
toftrangicutteriythy iornKr 'delight in.themiWiitb crucutprxteriterum(e».
more hearty additicns of deadly hatred j and to' be'e^^'^ ''*'"'' '^f^'^f «»' " f^'^
moreand more humbled for them uiitill thy cndinfe *ZT-trJ v^^nt
houre. Itisa very. high happinc(le> aod.oleffing a^ ,„,/«,> minimus Apo-
bovcordinary, tobee able to looks backe upon thy flolorum:quinonfum
choifeft youthful! pleafures and pollutions, without '^^""s vocari Apofio-
citherlenfmlldeli^htjO! flivirhhorrcur:with lyth G — Jr r^ — ^
, 3 > 1 • 1- • J- . Necdii^y of conunu-
cere hatred,npiy indignation, and nearty mourning, iro Repentance.
: '-' Nqw for chc.timccocomej and thofe tiiine s>whtch '^— -^-^^ u >. /
.hereafter the r^bclliouih jlTe- of thy naughty natui«, kis> qui'fum pcrfecutus
aijd violence of the Divels temptations may ferije ^'^'^^f^-^) Dei, //^ &
upon thee, if thy heart be now truly tc^cht,and con- Zu""^!^!!:'^ l^^
fcience favingly illightcned, Thou (halt fiftd much Bern.C0l.225. '
^matter, neceflity, and ufe of continuing thy Repen- * Et p prues quotidHt
ta>icej fo long asthy life iafts, Iti a leaking ihiptheie 1"°*'^^^ ^eemtmi^ma.
V 3 muft
a 52 Jnflrtttihmfor a right comfortittg, Secfl.a.
tumfuerint futrefa^t, muftbeftiU in repairing rThcfe bodies of death wc
fittridd fuiitr^iom^ </ b^arc about OS, arc naturally liable to To many battc-
«Sr.~«.,!i:ri«,andbr<Khes6ythea(rault,oforiginal!G.ne.a,>d
dtflnimm.ChtfioVtJii. Other iniplacablc enemies to our loules, that tnerc 1$
gop^Quoch.Hora.8©-. extreme need of perpetual! vvatch and ward, r( pel-
ting and tepairing,lefl the New-man bee too much
oppreftjandtoo often furprizcd by the many .and cun-
ning encounters of the old ^14 w. When thou ar: in
company ,foIitary,bufi"d aboatthy particular Cg';- ng
there may fuddenly arife in thine lie.irt,fome greedy,
wifti^fo^cgroffecoQceitjfbmc vaincunclcaiie, sfD-
bitiouSj rcvcigcfull thought; ejaculate prcTcntiy a
penitentfigh,andferventpraycr for pardon of it in
the Paflfioii of C^i/?.Tnthy family, perhapsamongft
thy children and fcrvans, by rcafon of foirie croffc-
acctdentjthou mayft breake out into <bmc advifed
pafliionatcfpcech land difgracethy fclfe and ProfeiTi-
on, by ovcr-bafty intemperate heate, not withoat
fomc danger c^ hurting and hardening thofe about
theetbereby: Get thee prefently upon it into thy
CIofet,orfome place for that purpofe; Throw thy
felfedownc with atru]y-grieved,^ndhumbled Soule
before the Throne of grace, and rife not untill thou
be reconciled unto thy God. Ifat any tirae, which
God forbid. Thou bee. ever- taken with fome more
.publike fcandalous fin, or dangcroufly haunted with
fome enormous fecret lufl 5 appoint for thy fclfc a
fGleinac Day cfhuajiiiatfoa; and then cry unto the
"hoxdiiih a^cmmnin xraxttife 5 2nd give him no rel^,
untillHee rcturrft unto Thee with the wonted fa-
voijfandcalmenefil^of His pleafed countenance. If
Chrifiians would confkntly take to heart, and ply
this bIcfl'cQ buiineffe of fraaedistely rifing by repen*
tance^frer every relspfcandfall into fin, theyfhDuId
fiadc a further Pfiiadife and pleafurein the waycs of
God, then they ercr yet rafted* This courfe ortti-
ouedwitii pref^t feelings and alter- watchfulneffir,
' ' . - -^^rould
Part.iXhap.i;/ ApSed Co»fcunces^ %93
would heipe cKeelkntly ,by the blefling of God, and
exctciTe ot Faith, chconely CoKduic oFali fpirituall
CDiTifbitrrckcepeinrbcir boitjmtsfhar; wliichthey
mutluifOic and often b£waiie,thewantof a cheare-
t'ult,bo!d,ar<i heaven!) fpjrif,
r^kithei lcr»r-y here bet troubled, bccaufc I prefle
tbeexercifcandufebothof ttnovv'cd and contitjued
Repe.'icancc all cor lifclonC) as iho chcreupcn the b Tf any doubt, Ii«w
Cbriftians life nught ft emc morennccmfiirtabkiPcr go<iIy forrow andfpiri-
WQC art to know fthzt fifrron> -acccrdtrxr to C<fd, Eyf^ii' ^^^^ i^y nt^y ^on^
gdicailmournin-,is ^ mi.i^led with abundance o^\^''^''Xl(fLiT
^, . ,,. 1^^'1 1 1 • P • » r n • / tuB#, mthc^3nlehl»D-.
fplrICuall joy,vvhicn dotnmniiitciy iurpailcm iweet- j5^ . Ittthtm take fa-
neflTc and vvcith,ali worldly pic afures ar:d delights of tUdbioa even item
fenreJ>Jav,whcrea*aHtbeIovis!ll good-fciiow-mfrth rhi^ofcrliv : peJtitre
of carnafi imn is but aflaih of Hcilifli folly ; This is «^ W'" *i¥^^^'r ly
averyglirapfeof heavenly gloiy^ Let irec rellyou/^«;^{i^^«,^y7,«,p^/«
agaiu£.ho.vvrw-ettIyaud uuly thit^^cdkm DiuiK^c fenesappanu* finftttyi.
of Scotland fptakes of it : ^ There ,v, iaiih Hcc, ^* f:cmi}om»dop^ffk»t
fmre h,rhtKe(re ef heart ^ ^.r.d trne dcitoht in /^^ Oi/^'^"'*^- ^"^"^'^/f *
jor^owcf the iams, then w tioe f^oM /cfiddp ^atJ^'^y,.,cci.]<ff,,{^tic,m
t^ir^ F6rfipffeakea^U yoju mingled ^^th ftn-mteraS/e futu ^ coJ(m),vd fdl-
' ,'. : ' ; temexfArttmetufcer^
«« : T!{am gaffdiumt^ cumdiUtatioHCcordii^rijfk'iAyere iHtn lonPriSfhHe.Et hcc modo-lo-
qHiturPhiiofophw. Ettj.g. ^Uoif.oJo poj^uwit*- hc^uide gaudioy O'trifiitUi fumdirm /futd
4cnfi[lunt, in (irrfdci aVru >o/«»rWw. tut aUqum ^Ucct^ yei d/ff/lieet. Etf*CKKS:»t htenott
fcjjum hdlcrecontrArietdttm nt(i ex farte 0{>)tBhprta., ffita funt de eoHim, & feftmdpm
idem, Et fie»oiifcffunt jimul tjje gaudiuw Cr fytfiUiti • ^nianon pottjhftmul idcmfecpndutn
idempUcere & d^fpUcere. Si vera gdudiutr-Crtrifi-ti^ pc Aucpu mn Jtfit'cte eodem/f*vn^
diim.'derfj, fedvtl dediyer/is.yet dt endem fuHT-u-km dtyerfaj jlcnon efi imtrarktaf gajtdif
CT-trtfiitix. Vndcnthil frofyibet homnem iimui (^audfrcy &ty'ffltiri:Ptit2y ^ridta^uiju'-
ftum dffi!gi,firr>ul ptei(tmbHe)ws ]ufitti* et dtfpue-affUSfio Ei hoc mad« fortdfoiefi aiim
cui dfpli ere quod fecejyitjplacerc quod hot et dij^lu et canifpe ytmx : ita qt-od rpf^ tri*
JfitU fit materttc gdudiif uttidt et ^u-initinHi- Stif fer deU^t Tttnitent, et de doisrt ^aifde^t,
Aquin.pag 3,qi$l^.84 Ati.p. AJfeciji;dum. As in prorh^re jcy, cvcninlaH|hii?*»
thchcaitis forrowfull: Soingodlyforrow, even in vveering the bcair is bgfir, and
chearefuil. Tho .ghfinneg kv(rus,}cccurgricviBgforfinne pUalcthut. Aswhcawe
fee agoodonanviTOBgctl: we price at his Wrong, but rcjoycc in His goofJn«it ftjks
ef Uepr/itat:ce,€ap.j^, c Contcdo qtiidem illud in ipfr. ».-are»f, et d^krt fierurH fitts g**'
dtitiifjfe, et yttA UtitUy^itAK' in rijy bit]fu muttdi : Vani (umfufptvifi iwnarrAitk*
t>ut {oafunButHeJi g<iu^»mm§altle, RoiI&c»in IoAn.c3p.i i- pag.^?©.
V 4 gro^neu
2^4 Inj}ruili9nsfcr ari^'H comforting Se^«£»
groanes. The ancient Fathers are of the f^cne minde
*^^idjr.ftmjmom. .viththis Man of God: g^M^ forrow, faith * Chry^
Zn^nm^h \ rmadi '^'^(i'>*»'^»f'ettsrtb^nthe j^jcj of the. WorU. •Even z%
gjiAio nulof eH. Ih T^^ )^J ^f ^^' tVorld is ever accompanied yv>th forraVp^
2.Cor.7 Horn. I y. Si- fotcjires according to Qod beget contin'^a^ and certaine
cut-aHnii. g*!tdnm tri- deltsht, Againe, Such a. man as thU now ( meaning
fiitu conf.rtio coph[^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ -^ jj^fl^rned with" an heavenly
V^minnm Ubyrn^ w- hcate) dejptfingall thtngs herebelorv, doth ferfeverein.
^m pxrtiiMt tertd'aque continttnU com^nnElion, pouring ont aifundance ofteares
lAtittam. In Mattb.z. every day, 4>td taking thence a great deale of pleafnre.'
Hoai.6. lawque.jleu^ ^^^ the Repentant, i'nth '^ Anfitn.^ee alw4tes forroiv-
funBwnec»Htmu<t petfe*
-psrAtyUrgn 4^.dui fiuens fante UthrymxrumyWniUJimque hinc cdfitnt ytluptntem. Ibid»
d' Hinc fanner dtleAtt&de dolor e gdudcAt^ Tom.4.pag,2 De vera &falfa poeiutcntia^
CHAP. XIIIL
'•7rmbi>tgsmoficoncer*}ing^hichthe affli^led i^ f9
be advtfed, and two things which the Minijier u to heed
for avoiding that Brroftr^
Thtttlr<r advice icon V- |Q^S^C|l"warc of two dangerous errours.*
^/ptf,'^crb« I" iffl? 'E-'h- to conceive, that thou
mended. |§.J ^^^^ tnayft not adnrit of any comfurt,
or apply the promifts comforta-
bly J becauf€ Thou ftill findeft in
thy felfe more matter of raeurning, aad further hu-
miliation. 2. Or to thinkt* ; When thou haft
once laid hold upon Chiifts Ptrfori afid precious
fufferings, for the pardon of thy firjnes , and quie-
ting of thy Soulc, thatthen Thou mull mournc no
i.Of them who apply more,
not tht promifes be- j ^ Poy ^hp firn:,know, That wtre onr h?ads Seas,
Zmi^SzllioitoZ aodour eyes Fou.vtaines of teares, and poured out
*-; - . abundantly
Part. I .cap. 1 4^ jdpcied Confaences. 29 5
abundantly every moment of our life : Should our
hearts fallafunder into drops of blood in our breaft,
for anguidi and indignation againft our fclves for our
tranfgrelTions ; yet fliould weecome infinitely (hott
of the forrowandhearts-griefejwhich ourmany and
bainouslufts and pollutions juftly merit^and exad at
our hands. Therefore wee cannot cxpeft from our
fclves any fuch fufficiency of forrow,or worthiaefTc
of weepingforourlinneSjas by the perfedion^and
powcrthereof to. win Gods favour, and draw his
mercy upon us. Such a concf it were moft abfurd,
fenfclcfle, and finfull, and wotjl'd rather dilcbvcr and
tafleof naturall pride, than true humiiityj as they
perhaps jniftake * tend unhappily to the difgracc of
Gods mercies, and gracing our owne merits. True it
is 5 Had wee a thoufand eyes, it were •too little to
wcepe them all out, for the very, vanity of thatonc
finfull fenfe : Had wee a thouland hearts, and they
fliouldallburft with penitent gricte, and bleed to f Beware thou b^
death rortnclinncs or ourioulesjit were more then come noc aPaiift, in
fitimeafui ably, unconcci vcably iniiifliciCnt. For were thinking to iperic
allthisfo, f yet were it not this; but 'the hearts- nneerclyiiy thycontii-
bload of lefus Cbrift, could make the Fathers heart C"""" "^ ""^
/n ' 1 y r Forwe a^ not accep-
toyerne comp^Iiionately over us, or purchafe par- ttdlorou^ ownc wpL
don,and acceptation at his hands. Tcndtr therefore pinp , but for Chrifts
unto that poore troubled ioule, w ho being forely cru- pffion. , •■
{lied,andlangu!(hiiigunderthe burden of his finnes. . """"V"
r.fu(cstobcraifed .nd rcf«ll,ed.endKflypleadmft r.m^;„",'^T SS
and QilputingagainlthiraltUCjOUt or a ftrong, feare- been an hundred tiinea
full apprtheniion of his ownc viknefle and unwor- inoie,cculd merit pat-
:' ;,. don oj the leai? oi thy
finnes.IfrKeLord /(?/«« hTdnotfoffired infinite forcowand gric e iu ;>oiTlc3nd,6p<iy
forthem jiciS! otaU our grieving coaldfaiisfie Gods jufliceftr the in sMeliofffnce j
no not thi> wc^ (h uld wcepe our our eyes j and mcurne to death, 1 hf re ore, tho God
hathapj ojnteiail, rowhom hce will fljcw mercy, to bee comritc-herte> j yttnot to
€omttoKircyihcrtby»asbyaiseritoriousmeancf}butas bya convcnicm ard meet
<!iipofnion, to prepare ut to fccke ardreccirc mercy viith tfcaBkfulreflc KogersofDed-
ham of Faith,pai 152. Koninjleubm ntflrtfg nonin 4&ii>tu ntfiriti ^dinMytcattnoRfi
&•
2 ^6 iH^m^ions far 4 right comforting ^6^, f ,
thinrflc^puttingoffall comfort by this mif-conceit,
thatno S ias of forroWjOO mcafiire of mourning vvill
fervc the tume to come comfortably unto {efns
Chr'tjl', Ifayjpreflcuponfuch aCiethi* true Prin-
ciple in the high and heavenly Arrt of rightly comfor-
ting affl lifted confciences'
So [oons Oi A U\{a» is truly and heartily humified
f$r all his ftnnes , and voearj of their ^aighty tbo the
t Jid ree'ipten^Am grd ^ degree of hU forro^ hee mot anf^verAbUto his e-wyie de-
tiffin remi^iottlf J ttetef- Jire^jet Hee jhall moU certainelj bee welcome vato le-
"^mZi 'fidef''^ f^'^'f^s Chnjl.
^i^tUytra-. ^d^amd ^^i'liot fo miich thc « muchncflfi and meafure
addJt,(SeSa'miiiKi fc.) of our forrow, as the truth and hearcinefle, which
NeMinemfcirednfuaft- fits US fof the promifcs and comfirts of mercy,
del zrfceMtemi* fit u^ Tho I mjft fay this alfo ; Hee that thinkes.Hee hath
^fr^aZllTwU'''''^''^ "■ ^«^«i^^''^"/««^^» never f,rro,.cd fa.
2. Of them wh« ap. i.For the fecond,which is more properly and ip>
plylng Ghrift thiakc cially pertinent to our purpofciTake noticc,That the
iwto ^^JTalr^'*^ *' t>loodorc^y«/? being feafonably and favingly apply-
•ri M ^ "^^1 cd to thine humbled Soulq, for thc pardon and piM>
rmm tft, IT** tKtn ex g^cionoftby (iiine,muQ: hy no meanes damme and
graduiftHtwen/urkfidei^ dry up thy wcll-fpring of weeping, but oncly af-
yetpanitctiti^, depeudcf fwageandhcakthy wound of horrour. Thacpreci-
Sf/Dai^^l'ET'of. °"«^*'aie hat^ t^« heavenly property and pov^cr,
Epift.adCol»f:*pagf:^i*. ^^^^t^^*"^^^^^"^^^^*^ foftneth, and makes the heart a
u stdixijli ,' Sufjiat', great deale more weeping-ripe. If the fe bee truly the
Pm|f;.Augttft. pangs of the New-birtb,whcrewiththouartaow af^
(lifted J thou {halt find, that thy now cleaving with"
Porfenfeof nwrcy will aflfuranceofacceptation unto the L9rdlefus,\wi\\ not
rof«n our beam Ae fomnchle{rcn,hinder,orccarcthyrorrovv;asredifie,
more. {eafon,and fwerten it. If thy right unto that Soule-&-
vingPalTionbereall; and thou caft thine eye with a
belceviugjhopefull hcatpupon Him,whomthouhaft
therein pierced with thy fins(and thofe (ins aloi>c are
faid properly to bare pierced Ghrift,whicb at length
arc pardoned by iiis blstffd). Thoa catift not poITibly
Part.l.Cap 14. ApVUC^n/cwK^s. ^P/
C0Btaine,bnt cxccffe of love ontothy crucified Lord,
nd kufcof Gods mercy . (kcd into thy Souic thorow
hisnierits,wiilmal<cthecwccpeagaine, and ftirely
force thine beiirtro bur ft out abundantly into frcfh,
and filiall tearcs.(Seehow frefhly Davids heart bled
with repentant forrow, upon His affurancc by iV<-
than of the pardon of His finne: i'jCV.5i.)Thoucanft *
notchufejbut mournemcre heartily Evangelically,
and that which. flioiild pEfTingly pleare Thee, and
fweetlypcrpetuate,thefprii)gof thy godly fortow*
moreplcafinglv unto God. » t / l* s« tt-^
Take there Fore fpcciaH notice and heed of tbefc of Sofe fei«« 12
two depths oftheDiveli,that ] haye now difclofed ,ouri.
untothee:
i.Wheothouart truly wrought upon by the Mi- i,Let the hamfcW
niftryoftfie Word, and now iittcd for comfort ;-^^- give care 40 copJiB;.!*
/eeve thfiTrophiJ %tho(e Ones of a thou[ancLy\tkxmdi^^^^*
in the ri^ht handling ofaffli^ed confciencc5,4i^<i tki^
Jhaltfroffey,h% foon as thy Soulc is foundiy humbled
for finne,open and enlarge it joyfully like the thirfty
groundjthatthercfrefliingdcwand Do^rinc of the
Gofpell may drop and ^iilill upon it, as the 0i)all
raincupontheparchecigraffcOthcrwife^ ^ , . ,.^
I. Thouoffercftdiflioneur,anddirpara§ement,a5 honou/ed!**''^ ''
k wer«,to the dearencfle, and tendernciTc of Gods » And therefore will
mercy 5 who is ever in|initely more » ready, ftnd the Lord waitc , tl>ac
forward to bind up a broken hcarr,thcn it to bleed be- Hee naay bee gracious
. fore Him.Gonfider for this purpofe the Tar^l^U of ^ITf ^ 7°" 'J^-3J>^i:
the prodx^aU Ssnne,LH\e i5.ttecis.thcie faidto^*^, f^j ^^^ tcirpeft, antl
but the Father /•<««• ^ -
».Thou maiftjbjpthe nhfettlednefle of thy heavy 2 Thy feife dilabled
licart unacceffarily,unfit anddii-abje thy felfe fof the (^^S^ ^»* ^'
duties,and dil'chargc of both thy callings. ^ ^ y 'j
3«Thou£haltgratiiiethe Diveil $ who will labour ^hcDiydlbathai.
mightily bj; his lying iiiggcftions, (if thou wilt not vaetagc
bee ccunicilcd and comforted, when there i« caufe) ""V^* — "^
to<ietametheeinperp€tu4il,terxpnrhcre, nndin an ^^'/*f '^^l ty ^S
19 8 InJirHElhasfor a right comfort tng Seft. 4.'
foundations wth Sa- ecernall Hell hereafter. .So?»? fndhim 04 funomfty and
ph1res.Cap.54.1i. mi^ttiohflibHfietokeepe them fnmcomfort.^heHthej
Hee retaincth not ni« c i r c. tr r / .
angcrfor ever,becaurc ^^-^-^^f^ J <'' fr'*» fitmff^rcomfm, <
Hedcl.ghrcthin mtr- 4. Thoii art extremely un-advifta,nay, verycrueii
cy.WoA.y.iS. tothineowne Souls. For whereas it might now bee
4.Thy (oulc too much f^fled with unfpeAkeAblt and glorious joy^ with />.?^rtf
torture .^ ^^^^ pafethafi 'ttnderflanding^ withEvangeh'callpIca-
Phil.I.T. ' iurcs^which arefuch, as neither eye hathfeeKeymr enr^
I Cor.z p. heard,tieitherhave entred into the heart of t^jtn^ by
taking C^ri/? ; To which thou haft a (IroMoand ma-
"."ift'^rt'M^ infqldcalling://^;.y5.i. Ho, every onethat thirfleth't
.-,'• • come yee to the'^aters^&c,<iJMath,ii.i^. Come f4y}to
meeall jee that labour, and are heavy Uiert, and Ivpiel
give yoH reji, loh.y. 3 y. //«</«)' man thtrfi, let him come
* Hntomee,anddrin'ej» Revel.zitij^ ^tid let him that
is athirfif come. A^d whofoever rvi/l, let him take the
V^ater of life freely: Yea,a Commandement:; i Ioh.^»
23, <v^W thisishiscommandement^thatrveefbrnldbe-
leeve on the Name of his Sonne lefus Chrtfl .* And yec
for all this, Thou, as it were, wilfully ftandell: oar,
v/ilt noxbeleeve the Pr»phets, forfakeft thine owne
comfort,andlieft ftill upon the Racke of thy uare-
concilementunto G od.
Secondly ,lct the com- 2. Oh the other hand : when the anguiHi of thy
forced con£inuaUypra'gyj}|.g^ Confcieticc, IS uoonfure ground fomethiiig
auchumiUatipn. , allayedjandfuppled withthe c^ie of coniforfjand
thy wounded heart warraiitably revived with the
fwectnefle of the PromireS,as with mArrovo and f At-
*iejfe : Thou tnuft not then, either (liut up thine eyes
y .Refplfcetttia ill* «o» from further fearch into thy Giis, or v <]ry them up
efi -^'ryf.Jfff'-J"^ from any more mournino. Butftomfortof remiflioii
tur, & adft renoyatur muitlcrve as a pretious S^ye-falve ^both to deare their
fukndfiii tempore coM-fight,tliatthey may fee nioc,and With more dctefti-
verfionii ad faem uf<j:ie ^[^^ .3.-^ pq enlarge thcir Sluces , as it v;erc,co pourc
^'h*"1 L^b"/^ 6 * o"'^ repentant tears more plentifully . Thou mull cori-
Thcol,J-i •'•"f'^ • tinue ripping up, and ranfacking that hellilli Heape
of thy former rebellions, and poUucioBS of youth :
^' " - mil
*arM.Cap.I^« JlffliCiedCoftfciencts, 2^9
ft ill dive and digge into that Body of death thou bea-
reftaboutchee, for the finding out, and furni{hing:
thy fclfe with as much matter of found humiliaticn
as may be jthat thou msyft ftill grow viler and viler
inthincownceyes,and bee more and more humble
UBtillthy dying Day. ButyetfcThatasthouhoIdeft
out inthc one hand the cleareCriftall of Gods pure
Law to difcover the vileneffe and variety of thy fins|
allthefpots and ftaincs of thy Soule ; fo thou hold
out in the other hand, or rather with the hand of
Faith lay hold upon the Lord lefns bangingibleeding,.
and dying upon the Crofle for thy fake. The one is
fbvcraigne, to favc from fla vifh ftings of confcience,
bitternefle of horrowr,and venome of dcfpairc : The
other mingkd with faith, will ferve as a quickning
prefervati ve to kecpe in thy bofome an humble, foft,
and lowly fpirit 5 which doth ever excellently fit, to
iiveby Faith more cbearefully, to enjoy God more
neercly, to apply lejtu Chrift more feelingly, and to
longforhiscommingmoreearneftly. In a word,to
climbe up more merrily thofc ftaires of joy, which
are preft upon us by the holy Prophet, T/i/. 3 a. Bee
gUd, — %eiojce — Mtdpiout f«r ioj^ all jee that are
u^rightin hearts
4, Conceive that hypocrifie may lurke in very The fourth a JWeeconS
goodly outward formes , and faireft promifes and ccrninghypocrific "
protcftations of Selfc-feeming carneft humiliation.
Lookc upon Ahf^^ i Kmg. 2 1 . 27. upon the Ifraehtest
i'/4/.78.}4.35. I meane not onely grolTe Hypocri-
fie, whereby mensfalfc hearts teach them to de«
ceive others ; but alfo that, which elfe-whcic I have
filled F«rrmUHypocriftey\Nh£xhymtti$o\vn hcartsdc-
ceive even their ownfelves. For I makenoqueftion,
but the promifes of amendment, which many make,
when they are preffcd,and panting under fome heavy
crofle, or grievous ficknefle , proceed from their
hearts 1 1 mcane;thcy fpeake as they (Hnke $ and for
the.
3 00 Infiruc^lons for a right comforting, Sedl.^,
the prefcntjpurpofeperforjnancc 5 whonorwithftan-
ding, upon their recovery, and rcititution of former
health, and wonted worldly liappinefle, recurne i»ith
the dog unto the vomit ; and olungc againe perfidioufly
into the curfedcurrent of thtfr difciaimcd pieafures.
Butby theway,andinaword,toiliighttn a perplex-
ed Point, and prevent a fcruple, which may trouble
true hearts indeed 5 whohoidtruth of heaicin their
repentances, Cervices and duties towards God,to bee
their Peculiar, and a fpeciall Touchftone totric and
teftifiethefoundnefTeoftheirraniflificationjthe truth
of their fpirituall flares, anda diftinflive Charafler
from all forts of unregeneratc men ; and all kindes cf
HypocriGc : I fay, purpofes and promifes made from
the heart ixi the lenfe, I have faid, with earneft eager
protcftation, while they are in anguifn and extremi-
ty, and yet after deliverance and eafe, melt away, 04
a marniftgcloftdydttd Itke the early dearv ( proceed from
hearts, rather affcfted ondy with fling of prefent
horrour, naturall defirc of happineffe, mif-conceir,
that it is a light thing to leave finne, and the like; -
thcntruly broken and burdened with fight of their
owncviiencfTejfenfcof Godsdifpleafure, hatred of
wickedneflcjand former fenfuaU wayes -, or enamou-
red with the fwcetneffe of lefusChrifl, amiablenelTc
of g race,and goodnefle of God,&c. Ho W^foever for
my purpofe, certaine it is, and too manifeft by many
wofull experiences ; that as it often falls our, and
fares with men in their corporall vilitations, and
outward crofles -, to wit, That while the ilorme and
tempeft beates fore uponthem,they runne unto God
as their Racke^and eu^jjfitreearly after Himjis it is faid
oftheIfraelites,T/i/.78.34. But when once, an hot
glcamc of former health and profperitie fhines upon
them againe, they hie as faft out of Gods blefling in-
to the v;armeSunne, as they fay ; from forrowfor
finne, to delight of fenfe j from fecking God, to
- " "" fecurity.
Part. I. Chap, 1 4* jiffiSed Conjciences, JO I
ffcurity in their old wsycs ? I fay, even foit is fome-
rimcsalfo, with men in afflidions of SouIe,and trou-
bles of confcience : whilethe agony and extremity h
upon themjthcy take on, asthoughthey would be-
come true Converts ; both promife, and purpofe
many excellent things for the time to come,and a re-
markeable change : But if once the fit be over, they
fiart ajide^ ItkeA broken Bo\\> j and fearefiilly ftU away
from w hstthey have vowed, with horrible ingrati-
tude, and execi able vilianyj having been extraordi-
narily fchooled a wd rcorched,as it were,in the flames
of horroar^and warned to take heed by the very ven-
geance of Hell. For the former, heare the experi-
ence of reverend Divines: UUanyfeemwgidinh One,
to refcKt ajfeSiojau/j in. dangerous Jicknejfe^ rvhen they
have recovered^ have beene rather '^orfe then before: I
"^'ould have thought my felfe ^{gXih znoth^r, that maMy
monjlrous Verfons , "^how I have vijited , rehen Gods
hand upontheWyCanfed them to cry out ^ and promife a-
mendment , vcohld have preoved rare examples to Om
thers^ of true converficn unto God : *Bftt to my great
grief e^Afid to teach me experience, yvhat becemmeth of
fuch untimely fruits^ they have turned backe agAtne,
as an arretvfrom a ftone Vcall^ and as the dog to His oWne
vomit ^C^c,
For the latter; I could here make it good alfo by
too many experiences, were itconvenientjBut I for-
beare for fome reafons, to report them at this time.
I publsOi this Point.and fpeake thus •, Not to trou- '^. ^*'««*'» ^*'' hpfer'"
ble any true Converts about the truth of their hearts 7yedZ!7ot}2j^
iu their troubles of Confcience : * confcioufnciTe un- ^utant/eyereereJere^t
tothcmfelves of their New-birth already .happily nenyer^ c/edunt. sunt
pafl 5 their prizing, and cleaving to the Lord lefusy emmiSoruminfiar, qui
unvalewably,unvincibly j their prtfent New-obcdi- >'*'*^^ A R'g^' fp>
.nce,newcourfrs, new company, new converfati- '„';iVZZT/lfi
on.&c.makesit more then evident, that they were/?J credunt; igmrdrei
iavingiy mollified and nieltcd in the furnace of their ^nycrctredAnt.cfaSh
" fpiritualj
5 O I Inflruci ions for a right comfort trtg Sc£V. t."
guumdffi/mdnty &/m. ComtuiW afflivSiortS; Fafhioncd and framed by the
tiu»t,/e yere cr'dere. ^^^^^^e ^^^^^^]y Qi^f^^^r,{^QtGoAs lewelt : But CO
SuntenimtnUrdiorum - . ^ ^- miferablc men, who having tadcd chat
S<^t^j,^;*M/f«y« /Tr/c-<:;aiucciiaencrormreor a wounded ccj^.lcicnce, dare .
V*h fvut, ftunty et 4i- upon any rermcs looke-backc sgaine upon the world
»»r fe ilUm ^'<^*»-e wich delight and doting J and againc commit chore
.|//a^/«fwa;>fi7«rfr-Qj^^^ j^{^|^j^j^yga|y^3^y Itun t^gj^ j^g^^^g ^^j^.,^
».mu«r-«^/'a/l«/«:tHcvery terroursof Hdl: orratncr atthis time, to
ex^ltr0teyofmetifroj,4nt€nchzndtc\\the affl ^fted m confcicncc, that when
jitit in p'de^. — ytc fi chcrich treafures of Gods free mercy, and the un^
qui* fdem^dhiheni ^^f' fgarchabU riches of C/^^y? are open ed,and offered un-
cHtu, >';/^»^^^^^^^^ to Hiin. Hce drinke not To undifcreetly at fiift ofthat
Je yere tlU credere: qu4M- , /-ii^ r i cu /^ n r^
totna'jtti UnoyMy ^»iimmcafurab!eSea,as prelentlyto tall jnroa Uirfctof
fdeyerUondtMaSpri-Cccutity. BuC to prevent mif-carriagc in a matter of
tHSdnEio, er(du Eyan- founvaltw-abic momenCjltthim rather mingle Mo-
^'o^iT^a*?""''^^'^^ ^^ humiliation with his Medicine of mercy.
XA cr, 1 ,j,c3p, . Let Him look well to the £;rounds,andgoodrpcchcs,
uponwhichthefpirituallPhyfitionis encouraged to
comfort himi that they fhrinke not in the wetting,
as they fay. Lethimfeareand attend his owne de-
ceitfuii heart with all narrow watch, and a very /ca*
louseye. Ochcrwife that falfe heart of his, may
prove a Depth to drownc His owne deare Soule
in the Pit of cndleflc perdition. Eor in time of ex-
tremity and terrour,efpccialljr of confcience, it may
leerac pliable, and promife faire ; and yet when it
comes to performance and pracflife ; cither impu-
dently and periidioufly wallowes againc in open
wickcdneflTejorreftsonely im Forme of godlinejfe zt
thcbeft. Let Him bee fiedfufi in the Ceveftant^ind
then Hee may be (ure, that his heart reas Height j and
that Hee did not y2<»«^r "^tth BU mouthy or Ije Hnt§
Cod mth hU tonguex
CHAP. XV.
Part.i.Cap.ij.
t>^ffli&ed Cenfcieytces,
30J
CHAP. XY.
The fifth advice ta the affl.Fled^ Tveo dire&kmta
the Mmifier to hee obfsrved to^vArds hii TAtiint*
Ith Thou art now npon termes The firth advfce cooi
of tL?rning unto God, taking «crning(cifc-dcniali, '
PfofcfTion upon Thee, and gi-
ving up thy Naoieunte Chrifi^
the blcffedcf} bufinefle that evef
Thcuvventeft about: Bee welt
advifedjCoufidcr ferioufly v;hat
thou undertakcft, and caft deliberately before- hand,
what it is like to coft Thee. Thou muft make an ac-
count to become the Drunkip'di Sor.g, and to have
thofe that fit in the Gate tofpeakje agfiinji Thee{I\\Q vi-
leftof Men to raile upon thee, and the wifcft of the
Wor!d CO laugh p.t Thee. Thou muft bee content to
h"vc a defpifcd Man, to beefcoft-at, to kee hated of aH ^ ^ - -
fHen -To erne fie the fief^.^Htb the .ffemonsa.diufis-, f Wc bdno t'afe.n dbe
Tolooke upon the wotld, fet out in the gauditft of the comipdof^s of
masTnerwithallherbai'csand Babies of riches, ho- ^-jWw, and ingrafted in
noursj favours, grcatneflcjpieafures'j&c. as upon an thrifts death.'and Paf-
nnfavoury rotten * C^rm;; : Thou and the World 1° Y/" "° ^'"§7 '',?
^ nt J J ! /I T> 7 the life, of the Wrrd,
mult bee as two dead carkaltcs upononcBcerCjWith- 51,, thcHh of Chrift *
outany dclightfuli mutiuilcominsrce, or enter- and muft now looke
courfe; (iraitgers, and ^ flarke dead one unto ano- upon the ifT/f/.but a$
cher, inrcfpcftof thy any further trading with the *']^^'°'^^'o''-*^'"<^"P<^"
vanities thereof. For keeping a £?ood confcience, [,'Z\T'^7^ ^^L^^
itanding on Gods tide, and Chn Its lake, Thou mult follow hii if ep$,to wit,
dcnythySelfc, Thy worldly wifcdome, carnall rca- as upon o maiyaho«
fon,corrupt a(fedsons ;Thy acceptation with the minable.and ciuc/ficd
World, favour of great Ones, credit and applaufe "f'^'^'f"^''**^*'/^;'*"
wichthcmoft 5 Thy pa(fions.profir,pleature.spul ,A,^;,/,,,„,„,,„^.,4^
nbmtyot rihng, and growing gr^ati Thy r^tt\d\Ummhiag,iu^x^
3 04 InflruWionsfor a riuht comfortiHg, Sc (51 . 2,
Hie d-^vth not meane friends, deareft cooioanions. eafe, lib£rt:y,liPe: and
bcrccto yeit, G4Ut.6. grow by little atidlittld into Hefters moft noble and
26.) tlic tieavcns or • • Y, r% • 1 j • r> J -n
the E;irth, faiihSiiat I'^vinciQle refolution, ever when dJing Gods will,.
chryfoQeme , nor ?/»/ threatdcth aiiy earthly danger j v<«.^ tf I frrijh^ Ife-
wnli tndeed-j bu: the r/j^.Butnot to psrilli fOjiseverlaftingl/ to perifh jand
things of the Werld, fo topcriOijistobeefavedforever/Thoamuftthus
r^7/ /7' ^ «' reroIveuponthisSL'lfc-dcniall, when thou firtVents-
TcKhTi^Z'^tJu ''^ ^"^° ProfeiTion ; or elfe thou wilt never be able to
J^ "atl'thn raik'^a ^0^^'^"^ »" thy fpirituall Building, or co-iquer in the
lliining &.glittcfingin Chriftian Warfare
theWorliThcfcarcall
bocfo many f rfrfrfj/w, aad a very abomination to a tralv regenerate Man* idem.Uid,
fitf.iSij. If wee be»in to breathe the life of righteoiifncfle, when the worl(] fawnes
uponUimthH«n9Mrs,^jchej,Grettl?'.eJf(,Varo»r, ©r frovf nes upon usvyich H'ttred, M.d^.
heeyVerfecutionijOp^re^innSyZnA thelike; vrccnuit turne our head afiJe soother way
withagodlykifldeof-pride (a?T>/r«*iW<V(<»<i«;'4vvas wont to call it) and no more re-
^rdher,th?na carkaffe ccncified. p^g-z$* b Et cgbmundo] T^ow tamot DtemurM.
Mf*ndnmenim quantum ad cpnyeffat'iorsem e]ut pofnu^cuirenuncUndi mutuo trarts^gimur
& inrvteemmorimHr TertuKAdvetfui Marcion. Lib.f . Dum nihil csncupifcit ^pojl$lt4C
wundi^nihd ^gLofcit Htt-ndm ^fo^oU ' AmbroCin Loc. Sutu f}entdtom»rtui^ ex^niiiu
mtimtafi^itjyeldiiigit Alttrnm. R,craig.Doiaiffimocitantc Epifcopo,
( See andconfider the occafion, and bow earncft*
1y Chrift en joynes it.- ^4^^^.16.24. Luk.i^.i^^ccm
andpredesit with two Parablfs). But all will come
to naught ; and thou ciirfedly conclude in rjpen Apo-
flacy,gro{reHypocfifie,or Selfc-deceiving Forma-
litie. CoaCi^tithz young M<^'n in thcGofp^l: Hee
came haftrly to Icfus Chrift, tw^ would ne^ds b;-e
His Difiiplc,and F illower upon the fudden. But a-
las/ He did wofu'ly miftake. little did hee know,
neither ifideed would know, what belonged unto it :
Tlistthcfervantcf fuchan heavenly Mafter muftbc
no earth-worm: ) That every one of his Difcipks
muft take up their crcfeund follow him 5 For his fake,
part with my thing, every thing 5 bee it riches, ho-
nours, credit, pleafuresj&c. And therefore , when
once Chrift for thetriall of his he&rt had bid Hioi
£0ffi4t$d/cU that. bet hadf^p, Hee had foone done t
~ " ' ' - '• Hce
Part. I .Chap, i ^i Affiled Coifoitttces, 5 05
f]ee was quickly gone. Now had this young M3n
goflc away withour this LefTonjHeq had gone away
aD]fcipJe,as wellas any other, and perhaps as jol-
ly a Profcffour, asthc forwarded of them allj and
thatbothinhis ovvnc ftrong cpinicn, and charita-
ble inif-conceite of the reft, who were true of
heart, As /W^/ did alongtinie,and t\\tfaolij% Vir^
ginszW their life long, ,Too many fuch profeflburs,
asHecv.ouIdh2veprc6ved,arc to bee found, even
in this Noone-tide cf the Gofpell abrwd in the
World : who being at their firft entrance into Pro-
■fedioninotfcundly husabled, nor layirg a fiire foun-
dation ; notrefolvcdiipon an univeifall Selfe-deni-
aJl; nor weighing with due fore-caft, what it will
coli them, doe afterward behave them ft Ives there-
after upon any gainefulloccdfion, or greater tnalijand
temptation, or being put to it indeed : They are
wont from time to time to difcovcr their rottea-
ncfTc, open the raouthcsof the propha!ie,andfhamc
alU Thfy are like unto Rcedes, which m a calme
fiand bolt upright, and feeme ftifFe and (Irongjbut
butlettherempefi bre2l%em upon them, and they
bend any way : While their cemporall ftatc is un-
touchrjthcI.'OUtwaidhappinefTe unhazardedj they
feeme rvfolute, thorow, and couragious } but let-a
ftcrmcof perfccutionbee railed agai'nft them j Let
them bee put into a great fright, that if they ftand
to it, they mayije undone,&c. And then they co-
wardlily hide their heads, pull in the homes, as
they fay,andfhamefullyfiirink€inthc wetting: un-
happily holding it better to flccpe in a whole skinnc,
then with a good confcicncc Like the £^^/i?, they
foare aloft with many good religious fhewcs and
reprefentatioRS; but they {liiiketpv. their eye upon
the Prey 5 and therefc re when advantage is offered,
thty will bafely l^ocpe from forwardaclTe, hone-
fty,gcncrofity, humanity, any thing, to kvK upon
X 1 - ^
2o6 Iftjhufii^nsfoy ariffijt comforting S^Bt^t
a worldly commodity, oiliccj honour, feme earthly
pelfe, and tranfitory A'ff/^w^. Someofchcfe after
Profe.Tion forfomc time, fall quite away from it,and
turn eHpicurts, or Worldlings, if not Scorners and
P.tfc^jators : Others hold-on m a plodding courfeof
fonnallChriftianityallthcirlifelong; and at iaft, de-
part this J ife hkc the foaii/h Virginr.znk in that formall
mancr I toIdyouofi>efbre.Neitherbethou dif-heart-
ncd with thiscounflll of leavinga'!! for Chrift. For
thcu fliaitbe no lofcrjbwta great gainer thereby. Be-
CidiS,eter»al/ life in the World to come ; Thou fhalt
receive an ^mdred-f old HOW in th^time^z% Chrtfi Hini-
feifetellsthee,/^^r^. lojo Ifthoupart with world-
ly joyeSjthou fhalt have qiiictin the holy ghoj}^ foiri-
tual; joyunfpcakab'e andglorious.neercr familiarity
with God,deerer communion with le fas Chrtfi, ^c^
To which the pleafijres often thoufand Worlds,
were they all cxtar.f,were but extrcmcfl pain, f f thoa
lofe thiae Husband ; He that mad^ thcr, wlllbe in his
Jfai. 14- 5. ^^a^ untothee,r^7 Af/i^f r« thine Husband, the Lord
»f Hop u hU Nfime. If thou loft thy Father j The AL-
Pfal.105.124 lliilicieni' Iehovah,bk^Qd for ever, i^'f// pitty thee, at
H Father fiftieth his Children. If thou lofe thy
friends, and the worlds favour, Thou Qialt have! all
Kal.i^S* and the oncly excellent upon earth, to love Thee
dearcly,and to pray heartily for thee. In a word, If
€oloff.3 .1 s; thou loie all for Chrtsls fak e, Hec wil' bee unto Thee
♦ Vicim^cumr^inf^*;'^^^'-^''f'' * Him ali things Oiall be thin.
... • /• *^ ^ ^^^^^ ^°^'^ 1 weet and cmuient manner. <iyfil
T>eo yiam , ^^''^ '- things are jours.yphether FaHl,or c^pollo^er^ Cephas^
ut.n feipf^s f.cnnium ,, ,^, .^,,^^^ ,, ^fe.or death, or thl J prefect .r thi J,
fuum ej}e rT^um.y. ,,^^^^. ^lU,, j,„,s^,„^ art Chrlfl^ Jnd rhrk
dcamur , yiderttur td. ^^ Gcds, ■> > o •
wen, ut^uiUm tfe, 6. WhenthefpirituallPhyfTtion fhallfee the foi^e
ff^s Dci, 4tque tit^i i^is p^tjents hcart well foftncd with forrow for
liquid pertmns '''' finne,comf ortably warnled wirh refrcihing beam:s
j>s«»»j fd^ue f4</fw of favour irom the hcc of Chria, and fo Icalbna^-ly
Part. I. "Cap. 1 5« ^ffliSied CsHfciewes, 2^*
fitted/or to enter aChriftiancourre,andto^;«^/<jr/i& yifid^e ^uaDet/s. GrcJ
frttiti meet for repemartce*).^th\\nthv(jyN-\X)£omcX\vat- ?P^- dc Val, Tom.i,
ly feeds of Zeale, holy precifctiefle, undauntedcou- ^^^^s®
rage, and unfliaken rtfofution about the affaires of^ DTrTSionsVT"!?
HcaveniandinthecaufeofGud 5 from fiich quick- rtifter. '°' ^ ^
niing Scriptures,and excellent cxanriplesasthefe,z;«/^, i.Thetimdy fowJAg
l|ra4. RrAfi.it.ii.il. Ephef^.i$. Phi/. 1, 10. II, ^hf^o^^^eimihiif*
Matth. 1 1 . J 2 . %!yveL 5 . 1 6. ff »/^ 4. 1 1 . <f/^ 4 . 1 6 Me- Z^^ f
32 .>4(5?/2i.i3.e?<r,ThatitmaybehappiIypreferved jfehahntin mntedi^
trom the ranke and flourishing, but rotten and fruit- '^'«''> ?«'''" i» fitj>fis^
lefl'e weed of formality and lukc-warmcntflc. Which ^.^" P i q- 1 8.
pcftilentCanker,ifitoncetakerootin the heart, it l2'/iZ7nfjiTlf
will never fuffer the H^ ^^^ 0fgrace,in may fo fpsak, ^^^i^ i„ m^teruibid^'
the heavenly unfading flo^vers of faving grace, to ICor.j.zzjz^.'
growbyitjWhilethe world ftands. Nay, and will
proove one of the ftrongcft blots tobarre them out 3
and the moft boy ft^rous cart-rope to pull dovvne ex-
traordinary vengeance upon the head of the Party/
Forasaloathjfomcvomit is to the ftomacke of him
thatcafis itoutifo are luke-warmc Profeflburs to the
Lord lefus. Revel, 3. id. I marvaile many times what
fuch men meanCjand what worfliip,fcrvice and obe-
dience they would have the mighty Lord of Heaven
andEarthtohave.HeofterstousmtheMiniftry,His
own bleffed Sou to be our deare,and everlafting Huf-
band^HisPerfcn with all the rich and royall en-
dowments thcreof^theglory and endieife felicities a-
bove. His ownc thrke glorious, and evcr-blcfled
SttfCjto be enjoyed thorovv all etcrnityjvvhich is the
very foule of heavenly Bliffc, and life of eternall
lifcj&c.Doe youthinke jt then reafonable or Wkdyf
that Hee will ever accept at our hands an heartleffc,
formalloutwardneffej a cold, rotten carkaflc of re-
ligion : That wee fliouidfcrve our felvesiathefirft
Piace,and Him in the fccond ? That we (hould fpend
£hc prime andflowsrof our loveS; joycs,ferviccSj
X 3 upon
3o8 InfiruUions for Aright comfomug, Sc<fl.2.
upon fome abomiaable bofome-finne ,• and then pro-
portioa oat tothz everUfimg God,mtghty mdterri^U
Creator^and Commander of Heaven and Earth, on-
]y fome outward religious formes and coaformiticsj
andthofcalfo fo farre onely, as they hurt nor our
temporallhappincflCjbut may confift wichthcenticr
cnpyinent of fome inordinate luftjpleafurc, profit or
preferment ? Prodigious folly, nay, fury to their
owne foules .' This very one moil bafe, and unwor-
thy conceit of fogreata God,and His due attributi-
ons, meriteth juftly excl'jfion from the Kingdonae
of Heaven, with the fo0Ufh Virgins^ for ever. My
Counfell therefore is; when the fpirituali Patient
hath palTed the tempcftuc us Sea of a troubled confci-
eiKe, and is now upon termes of taking a ne w courfe.
That by all raeanesHee take heed,th3r Hee rnnnenot
upon this Rocke. It is Better to irte k^ej-cold^ thin
Itike-y^arme i And thM the milks ^-i^f svsr^ then Bee
SteonMy, the chen'fli- 7. Tho itbec an ordinary, yet it is a dangerous and
flpgi|iofclcc<i$ (own, utterly undoing crrour and deceit. To conceive, that
all is ended, when theafHicltd party ismended ; and
bath received eafe and enlargement from the terrible
prelTuresof his troubled confcience, Tothinke,that
after the tcnipeft of prcientterrour, and rage of guil-
tinefle bee allayed and over-^blowne, there needs no
moretobcedoae. As tho the New«biith were not
ever infallibly and inleparably attended with ncw-
obediencc, As tho, when once the foule is foundly
andfavinglyftrucke thorow, humbled, and prepa-
red for C^rir^, by the terrifying power of the Law
revealing the foulenclfe of finnc,and fierce^^eflfe of
divine wrath, which fct on by the fpirtt of hondage^
^ S«« fr>thi Mfm t^, is able, like a mighty < /^/^;«^£rtobrcakeandteare in
^^^ lifyt^^y^i pieces the iron fynewes ©f the moft ttubboroc and
ftony hart, there followed not hearty fho w, res of re-
peouat teaiesj^neverto be dtied up,uQtiil our ending
Part. I. Chap, 1 5« Affii^ed Coafciences, ^ep
hGurr,as I taught beforej Hheti all tearcs Oiall bcs
everiaftinglyv/iped away with Gods tnercifiillliand:
And that the Sunne of rightccufnefle did not prc-
rentlybreskefcilh upon that happy Soule, todifpcU
the Hellifh doudsof renfualiiyjlufl:, lying in firij&c.
andtoiJlighten.infianis,and fill it with the Icrenicy,
and ckaix sJiie, as it were, of fanftification^ and pu-
rity, a kindly fervour of Z-calefoiGodsglory, good
caufeSjgcod rnen,and keeping a good confcience,
andfruiifuUinfliience otfobrtety, righteoufncfleand
hcliiieire for ever after. And therefore if upon re-
covery out of trouble of confciencejthere follow not
a continued excrcifc of R.epcntance both for finnes
parrjprcient,andtocomc, as you heard before; an
uuivcrfall change in every power and part, both of
SouleandBody,thonotinperfe(flion of degrees, as
theSchooles fpeake, yet of Parts; an hcarc-rTing
hatredandoppofitionagainftallfinne; a fhaking-off
old companions,brethren in iniquity,all Satans good-
fellow Revellers; a delight in the word, waies,fer—
vices, Sabbaths,& Saints of God j a confcionable and
cqiftanr endeavour to exprcflfethc truth of protefta-
itionsar.dproiTiifesm^dc in time of terrour, as I told
voubefore,&c»In a Wor^j ifthcre follow not a new
h^e, »j all things doe notbecvme new^ there is no New- % Cor, ^,'17^^
birth in truth jail is naught, and to no purpofe in the
Point of falvation.
They are then mifc rahl c Comforters j Phy ficions
of no value; nay, of notorious fpirituall blood- fhcd,
who having neithcrscquaintance witb,nor much ca-
ring for the manner, meanes, mcthode, any heavenly
wildome, fpirituall difcrction^or experimental! skiif,
in managfngarightf uch an important bufinefle ; if a-
ny waies they can affwage the rage,and ftill the cries
of a vexed guiltyConfclcnce,thty thinke they have
done a worthy worke ; Tho after their dawbing,
there be noriiing kft behind in it,l>« a fenfcleffc
X ^ skaire^
5IO
InfirtiElimifor ari^f comforting
Sea^t
skarre ; Nsy,and perhaps more brawnedieffe, and
benummedncfic brought upon it, bfcaufe it was not
kindlily wrought-upon in the furnace of fpirituallaf-
flicflion ; and rightly cured.
, ,,. Ifearemee.mauypoorefouksare fcarefuHy *dc-
fay/rhey h^vc^Sft tir- Hveied^^whobeing recovcred,out of ten ours of Con-
rour of their elbtcj Science, too fuddcnly, unlcafonably, or one way or
but they have out. other,unfoundly, conceive prcfentiy, they are truly
growneit, it is paft : converted j tho afterward, they bee the very fame
yea ? what^Iiave you jn^j^^ofchefaJiicconapany and Conditions, they werc
brofcc^^paroij *or did before jorat beft,blefle themfdves in the fecming
God let you*oHt? If happiaefleof an Halfe ^ convcriion.
you have broke Prifon,
you muft cvenin a^ainc, and that worfcthen bcforCj&c, All the coanfell, T can givethee
inruchacafe,isio call after thefeterrours ^g4\nt ^ wfaichthou haft (ought to drive a-
way J and call aloud, ere they be ^onc p ift call 3 and call quick'y, ere thy hca rt bee har-
dened quite, and then it will coft double labour. Andpray Goito worke them upon
thy\it3xt»^nt\t.'B^gersofDedh^m DoBrine of Tahhjpag.io/^ioj. A man mayhavf
quietnefie after trouble, and yet the Houfc not wonne, to vfit from the ftror?g Mdn : Kec
may alfo have fotne kind of teioycing; and yctthccomforter not there abiding. That
thou n>ayft not therefore biec deceived, confiderthe whole courfe of thy life, fincethat
time.— -For the holy Ghoft will not goyerneasthe Divell did, they arc of (o contrary,
a nature. T^u-chftone for *ihrifiiMt,Cii]) 3. b By thishalfe Hcrodi/in converlSon, they
may leave many {iunes,and doem*»y ihings^hcdre the beftMiniftcrsf//<//>,rerpea3nd
countenance thcnj,&c, b Andyctforall thissinrcfpeSof their ownePerfonall falva-
sion I As weilntver a V¥hit,as never the better j As well not at ail, as nocihoroiv Jiitch.
Sererall pangs of con
CHAP. XVI.
Twocdfes^herein pangs tf Confcienee are n9t heUm
lid tvhat ever theyfeeme^
Or a more full difcovcry of this miC-
chicfe, and prevention of thofe mife-
ries, which miy enfuc upon this laft
mifcarriage; Let me acquaint you with
foureor fiyePaflages out of pangs of
v».^ Conlciencc^ which fttilleade aaQiiTe^ and leave a
Parr, i .cap. 1 6* j4ff,icied Confciencgs. 311
man to the DiVels ftill ; and for all his faire warning
by the fmart of a wounded fpirit, dro wne Him in the
Workesofdarkenc{re,and waiesof death.
I. Some, when by the piercing power and ap- i.Thcdelperat&
plication of the Law , their confciences are preft
with the terrible and intolerable waight of their
Cinnts J and the worme that never dies, which
hiithbeene all this while dead-drunke with fenfuall
pleafures, is now awaked by the hand of divine
juOicCrand begins to fting; They prefently with
unfpeakeable rage and horrour , fall into the mod
abhorred, and irrecoverable Dungeon of defpaire*
The flames of etCMali firefeizc upon them, even in
this life jThey are in Hell upon Earth, and damned,
as it were, above ground. Such they are commonly,
who all their life long have beenc contemners of the
confcionable Miniftry j Scorners of the good wmj j
Quenchers of the Spirit ; Revolters from good be-
ginnings, and profeflion of grace; Harbourers of
fomcfecrey,vile, abominable lufts in their hearts a-
gainft the light of their confcience 1 clofc Agents
for Popery and Prophancncfle; plaufible Tyrants a-
gainftthe power of godlineffe ; and fuch other like
notorious Champions of the Divell, and infamous
Rebels to the bighcft Maieftic.Whom,lith they have
binfuch,andhaverodefpcrately,andro long de/piffd
the riches of Hligoodnefje^ andfsrhearanco^ and hng-
fuferiftgileading them te Repentance j God moft juftly
leaves now in the evill day,when once the hot tranfi-
tory gleame of worldly pleafures is paft, and His
judgements begin to grow upon their tkoughts,like
atempeftuous itorme; and death to ftand before them
unreiiffable, like an armed Man jand fin to lie at the
docre, like a bloodhound % and the guilty confcience ,vv
to gnawuponche heart,likf a Vulture,&c,I fay,then
Hec leaves them in His rigbteorts indgemejit to dnke
or iwiinrae, to ea^ l^^ll^f^*^ ^ ^^^^ *^?* ^^7'^
'*'«>
»-.^
^ ** ItflrHclians for 4 right comforting St^, 2 •
tothefulndTe of chat unquenchable wrath; which
bjf their innumerable fiifu!! provocat'oris, impeni-
cency,and unbsIicFe.they have treafured up againfi
this D A) and wrath, Tba: raging worms, which ne-
vcrdiesin the damiisd^and natiiraily bre;'ds in every
gracdsfie confcienct^ , by their irifatiabJc furfct ixv
iinne, and greedy drir^kiag-in imcjuitie like "^ater^
growes fo flrong, and to f iicha ftrange bigneOTe jthat
taking advanragcefpecially m the tirae oFterrour of
their weakencflc and conFufion of fpfrit upon the
Bed of death, at feme dead lift, and irrecoverable
danger, iciurprifesther/i upon the fudden, with un-
expcdedHdlifliarmiesof guiitineffe and horrour -
and over-thrpwcs them quite, horfe and man, never
^nfcagaine in this world, or the world to' cam-
Then would thoFc wofull wretches, who would ne-
verbeewarnedbetiinc,oivetcnnethouFand Worlds,
ir they had them, for one moment of that mercifjil
time of grace, which they have cus fedly lonj; abn-
led, br the benefit oF tht Miniftry, which they have
infolently fcornediforadrcpofthatpretious blood,
which by theif dcfperate villaiiics, and hatred to bee
reformed, they have trampled under font. But alas '
nomercy,noblemng, nocomFort will then bee had-
tho\vithprophane£/rf/.,chey feekcit with tcares!
igiii^fiih^quif^oArdore ^^^^" n»aeous groanes and yelling. And therefore,
mr^m emrcrci, t4men tuiningthsir cyeupontheir torments, will roarc out
mentum, quo exagiun^ '^., f^^^^^oHrmg d fre ? fVha amongU hs fjatt d\'^e/t
ttrmp^y.confcUou^^ ^^fh everUfiing bHrnings} ^ In the ^Mornin^ thet
ll£!nt ^*- '•^'*«^'"r ^^'^^^Aj'.W'^/^G'.^/V y^cre Even, and at Eve^they
■/&^i:^:^tZ^''^>'^^^^ 9^ditr.ereUl^or.s.g,f.r the fear elf
<rmci4tu^omues/upcr4ff r,''''^^' "^^^^^^^^^ ffj^J fhallfeare- md for the
»*|J.CaV.inLoc. fg'^ V ^^^'ir eyes \lohich thtj Jh all fee. In their /ifc-
'^««'i8,^7, tifnet^^ bchav?dchcfiifelvc« iik^cmell Beads, and
bloody
Part. 1- Cap I^. jifflt£lcdConfcieHc«s, 3I3
bloody Go3(jfs in the (ides of the Saints, and againft
their fyncerity 5?ndnow atlaft themfdves are caught
with a witneiTe, and lie upon their Beds of extremi-
ty and terrour likf wiUe Bulls, And Beajls in a nct^ fnU
oj the fury ef the Lord 4
a. Others there are, who finding their Cmr\€S diC- 2.They jvho feelerei
covered, and their confcicnccs wounded by the h'ght "'edy from carn^
and powerof the Word ; and now feeling fadnelJej P^f^^"''«8*
heavy-hcartedneflejUncouthterrourSjmuchperpIexi' c Some men are pric-
ly and anxiety cffpiritcomming upon thcm,addreflre kcd, and to put away
thccnidv.s pnlently, and h,ve fpecdy recourfe to^^;^':^
tht 9Arm« of fiefh^ontvjzxaminh, carnall content- |oe fport, thiy will
irients,andruch other trsiferable comforters. They get to irern company,
falftlyfuppofe, and to their ownc utter, and everia- and pafle aw^y the
ftinq overthrow, thatthefe fpirituaU panes that are "'"'^> ^^^ ^°' ** ^^^J.
^, t • 1 n -1^1 ^ ^^j • I . teime it, they ViAl
now uponthern | which if rightly managed, might ^^^^^^ ^^^ j^j,^; ^^^^^
proove an happy preparsti ve,and Lcgall Pctard,as it the rage of meiancho-
wcre,to brcaketheircnbarr€S,and open theeverla- ly: they never goe to
ftingdooresof dieirSoules, that the King of gio:y any Preacher, to aske
might come in sbee nothingbutfits of Melancholy, ° «l;,!h „7tr«fniJi*!
r ^ r r \.\ n' c J • rr ' , moutn ot his bpiritr
or lowrcand unieaionabk c ftccts and impreiiions or they never refeea
fo!ncPiiritanicallMiniftry,and dangerous teinptati- ptayer , nor feekc any
onsto defpaire. And therefore they « hie out of ihcm comfort ia the WoiJ
as faft as they can,bypofting after worldly pleaftjres,°f^^°^^^"^ 'on"?h^
fortjisiocallitagaine, andtofeeleitmorefrcflily cither in the houre oideaib, cria
Hell.^wf^fJbrfWjiM his SermoHcfRefcntAKie.lhexejiTebztei in theirrorrowrunawayfrom
GodjCven asa Doggc fromfeim that whippethriim. Jutiti* inhisierrour* ranne to the
highPricfls,thecnemicscf Chrift,andto the Halter. C-<i»to building of Cities. Saulta
Miifickc,to aWitchjanJatlafttoHis Sword, V)kf of B^ejxm^tneeifdf.^. But alas! the
framickedea'ingof men in this cafe istoopalpable,andtobewoHdfed at jwhen Gods
Word ftrikcs Uj^on them 5 when they fcclc tiae kecneneile of it j when tht threatnings
havecutjio that they (raait for it jthentheyruntodicing,cardfHg,drinking,dancingj&c,
asitvy^rcotfe. purpofe to drive away rhc Spirit of God, that was coBiming towards
tbem^tohealetheu Soulc. fykattly^^edempuonoj tme,f4g^6i. It is the prop* rty of un--
gpdly i>,n,t -» remove the diicomfottsof the Ji heart ty worldly delcdationsj i% SkuI
called ior Mi fickej w^ en he was trouhJed with aa evill Tpiiit. Andio this pujpoff,men
that l>€af aid ot dcipaire,andloyenottobt humbled undirthc mighty h^n . of God,
doc ufcthcjrnives,tbCirfnciKi*, their Hicat,acdthcrdrinkej with all the Pafiimethat
Cin be ^evj-ed, to rcioyceiherofelveswiihailjthaitheymayputthtBiiflvesoutofthek
PailimeS;,
314 hjiru^iortsfor a right comforting Sc£^. t:
Paftimes,Playes,Hiificl(C, Gaming, merry Compa-
ny,Toviall meetings of good-feJIowfhip, Tavcrnes,
Ale-houfes, Vifites, Entertamements, improvement
cfrheirchicfecarnallcontentmentAc.If (lot to Wi-
fards, and even to light a candle at the Divcll for
, lighrfomencffe of heart. Thus I know not, whether
with more finneor folly, they endeavour to come un-
to themfelvcs againe, by the mirth and madncfTc of
wine, earthly ) oy , carnal I counfe! ),&:c. Wherein they
are not unlike thofc bloody Ifraetitss^ who while
they burnt up their children in facrifice to Molech^
f When they facrificed filled their eares with ^ noife of Inftruments 5 left
their foHs to this i^aS, by therufull cries of their little Babes,they fh luld be
rlnti^ntBri^mZ moved topitie, and fo ftaicd in thccruell fcrvice of
that the cry of the f^^^^Joo^'^^C'^i"?^^^^^* luft fo thefc Men of plea-
childe might not bee lureandperdition,doefinfully feekc toftoptheguil-
heard by the father* ty clamours of their Vexed confciences with the
%^^^f'*''^'^''-<^^^^on%QU\\isX\iQ, ^xi^itx^':^x^\\ joy, while their
4* ^/.2, foules are facrificing to Satan, and making fit fewell
for the fire of Hdl J left by liftening to their cries
and controlementSjthey fliould bee ftjrred up to take
compaflion oftheir owne poore immortal! Soules,
and ftopt in the purfuitc of their fugitive follies, and
delights of fenfe. Butalas.' in/odoing, they arc alfo
like a Man ina burning Fever, who lets downe cold
drinkeeagerly and merrily, becaufc in the extremity
of thir ft, it cooles Him a little ; But after a whiIc,Hc
ihall findethcheat,thepainc,and thedanger all dou-
bled upon Him* Earthly pleafurcs may, forthepre-
fcnt, ftill the noyfe of an accufing confcience, and
feemefomewhat to allay its guilty rage j but affurcd-
ly they will afterward kindle fuch a fire m thcBow-
eisof thefcmiferable men, than will burne even to
the very bottome of Hell, and Blow them up Body
and Soule with irrecoverable ruine forever. Heethat
goes about, to cure the wound of his confcience for
Bnne with fcnfuall delight, isa sif,to helpethetocth-
' '" """ alee
ParM.cap.i<5« JgUcledConfciencet, 315
ake, Hf e {hould knockc out his braiiies ) or when he
is dung with a Wafpe, {hould rub with a Nettle the
fmartingplaccj'or finding no good by Phyficke,
(hould rui^ne unto Wife- men : as if in extremity of
tbirftjheeftiGuIddrinkerankepoyfon to quench it;
apply a venemous plainer to his fore, and prop up
his falling Roofe with burning fire-brands : Reme-
dies farrev^orfe, and more peftilentfali then the Ma-
lady ;for they either plunge them deeper into the
Dungeon of Me'ancholy, and hcavy-heartedneile ;
or elfe draw a skinne onely over the fpirituall
wound, whereby it fcfters and rankles underneath
more dangeroufly : For thus flopping the mouth of
tliat never-dying wormc, that infatiable Wolfe inche
meane time, doth make k, when there is no more
fupply of carnallplearurcs^vvhtreupon it feedsfora
"while, to fall more furicufly upon the confciencc
that bred it ; and to gnaw more ragingly.by reafon of
ii's former refl:faint,and enforced diverfion,
I know full well, Satan is right-well pleafed,and Satans methpd of luU
doth much applaud this peftikntcourfeof theirsjand ^o^^S"*"*
therefore Hee helpcs forward this accurfed bufiacfTe
all hee can,of abandoning and banifhing all trouble
of minde for finnev/ith worldly toyes. For ordina-
rily cut of his cruell cunning, thus Hee proceeds in
thefe cafes:
lu In the firft Place, and above all, hee labours i.ToiepethcnahatdU
might and a:aine, tj detainc men in that height ofned.
hard-heartedneffe, that they may not bee mooved
at all with the Miniftry, or fuff.r the Sword of the
Spirit to pierce. And then, like^ ft^^'^g man arnted^
Hee pofleffcth their Bodies and Souks, which arc
his 8 /'^/#?f£',v>^ith mnch peace 5 mddifpofeth them % CtinttdmstV^themm'
wholly in any hellilli iervice at his plcafure. Thus ^-^^j "»'^'''*'«"' j 9«» '»
Hee prc.aiKs with a world of men amongft us.They "'''^^«''/^;v«f '*«"'«
nearebermon arttr Sermon, ludgemenl upon ludgc- ^e/;„„;.. Crfg. in cap,
aieotjand yet are no more itirred with any penitent 3iJob.CoUo3r5
" ~ aftoniihmenc
3 ^^ InfirtiBicns fer a rtc-ht comfmmg Se(^l, 2 •
aftof>ifl-imcntfc'rfinnc,or faving u .orke cf the Word,
then the very Seates whereon chcy litj the Pillars to
Such are which they leane, or dead Bodies upon which they
LignoraaM. ff'-ad. They arc ordinarify fuch as thefe: Firi},Ig-
norants, of two forts ; firfl, Vnskild, both in the
5 ., Rales of rcafon and religion i Such are our exrremc-
thTol^;^'!^^^^^ ^'S'^o'^ant people, which
uconccjcj. fwarmcani^otigft us in many places, to the great dif-
hono'jr of the Gofpeil, by rcafon of the want of
CatechiQng, and other difcipiinc : fecondly, Led by
the light oFnatuTall confclcace to deale fomcthin^
hon:fty-but Ideots in the great myftery of godlines^
Such are our mcerelyciviil hontli men. Secondly,
Thofe that are wife in their o w/ie conceits, Ifai y . 2 1 .
B-i'^g ftrongly perfwadtd of their good eftatc to
n MuUhm deltSiat om- Gcd Ward, u'hcreaSjas yet, thcv have no part at all
»« &- muitum miferi, mike God all ofmcfcy : fccondiy, or prcferve a
*on sedfi^maf, mm fecrct rsfcr^ation in their hearts to repent her after-
^'1^::L "^i ^ S^^^^'y V°^ !^«-^^ pradioioufly hardened' theii
& ver-2. sienimmbii ^^a-^^jChattncy f;»rc notthe jiidgetneau to come:
^liud dicsm ntfi mi/eri' fourthly; or with .execrable villany defare to exciii-
'^rsj&m^fefatoroomi^ guJlTi thevcry noiions cf aDsity, by a kind of a'l
7«: tUP""'^ ^^r^' ^^''^^^ Athdfme ; and being dro wn-d m fe.^ilialicy ,
rC£:r.:^^;|:^Il^^^^^^^ ^^eWord of God, that they
taum,.& imptmiMem ^^'/^i^.'^e withoutxll ch.ckeorrcluaadon.
&adiicentUmpecc4tor»m,&f4ceresqiiod veltes, uttrerii fecuh, yd quantum til^i Per.
rniitermr.yiiqHmttimubi U&idoiu(?ilfet. Et fiquis te htn^ rmmndo oblun^retjtqut
"rrera,utC6h:beresteA^tmmoder*toluxu, tandopofi conoipifcentm &- deferendo Dcnm
tuum, mtermtdi^^oies ebimg4nm6l^ilfleres,tm?udmtt qnidt^ fr»>,te, yehn.tudhk d,yi'
^^*'-fooriut»,&legeresdehhr9DoyniHicoi^idmetefreideDeono(ir»> Ifk mtfericors e^
& m,erator et muitum mifericcrs.ne talia hmines dicerent , umm verbtm addtdit
in fine, quod att.&^txxtx & exct,/?it Utitiam mdilprdfumemtim O-induxIt ti?mrem
doUMium, G*Hdt4mt4>t ad mlft,ic6rdum Dammi, fed time^mm dd iudteium Domhi. ?4f
cudumttcet. Tacet» fed uoh femper tace^it. A>3guft.Lib. de decern chordis^cap.i.
Nar peryerfutemjlr^ pc yUHmwDeHm,(pMi/tmordem,Htnotifit i»J^u/.Ucm dctamp.
Serm.io^. "^ » -> j r
a.Buc
Part.l Cap i (5. JpSied Confcisnce s, _ __^ ^ ^ ^
^. But if it fall out by Gods b]e0]ng, that the aJf^hcy arc moved. '
Wordcnce begin to get within a man, and toworkc
itrrourand trouble ot minde for finnc ; {o thatHee
fees him grow fenfibleof His (lavery, wearyof His
forti)erwaies,andlike enough to breakc the Prifon,
'and bee gone ; then doth Hcc ferioufly obferve and
attend, which way the Partiecndines, and how hee
may bee esfiiieft diverted, that hce may thereafter
proportion His Plots and Attempts againft Him, the
mcreprofperoufly. ' -,r. < t -
Firft,ifheefindcHimtohauebcene an horrible i.If they arc melan-
finner,of afad and McIancholikediTpofition^much S„,'?^ 5°^^^^^^^^
alflicfled with outward croflesjS^c. Hee then laies j^, tjeipaire.
loudupcnHisaffrighted Soule,vviih all his cnnning
andcrueityi thatif it bee pcffible, Hee may drive
Hira to defpaire. For this purpofc Hee keen's the
ftingof the guilty confciencc it felfe, all hee can;
iharpensthe.easpoyfoned Points of his ovjne fiery
darts J addesmore griflelinefle to his many hatefulfc
tranfgrcffions J more horrcur to the already flaming
vengeance againft Gnne,&c. That if God io per-
mit, Hce may bee lure to lirikc defperately home,
and finke Him deepe enough into tha abhorred
Dungeon.
Secondly, But if hee perceive Hira not to have i« If merry and noe
been infamous and noted for any notorious finnes j "^'^'f m* ^°l^^^ ***-
By naturall <^nftitution , to b«c merrily difpofed s goo^^^^^^vvflup.
iinpatient of heavy. hcartcdneffe,and formerly much
addicted to good iellowfhip : If hee fpie him, to i intuetuY inmicm gtm
ftriveandftruggicfordif-intanglemcnt out of thcfew'^'' huwani Mmtf-af
uncouth terroursjand re-injoyment of his former '^f^?*' J^"» ItWa'lpl
worldly dclights,and loviali companions : I ray,then y,lft2!ep!ml4d^u^
Hceismoftfoiwardto follow and feed His * hu- tegno/c^t fAcUiuj ineli^
mour this way alfo.* thacfoHeeraay ilifle, and utter- p^nmenum : ut tumdk
lycxdneuifli, the woike of the fpirit of h^ndaae m "' ^""^ "^'"^ ^'^*
the very beginriing. Andtothis end,hebmnts,with trjlZcTXf.h.
all the cunning hee can, the fling of a Mans ownc eol.45^» '
Confciencc J
3 1 8 hjlraclionsfor a right comforting S t ft. t •*
Conference, and quite remooves his ownc : Hce
procures and.cffcrs all occafions of cut ward content-
ment: HeefiirniOics His FcIIowes in iniquity, and
the Dfvcis proflors with pernicious eloquence, and
ftorcof cntifeoients, to bring him backe agaiae to
their bent and bcaftly courfcs : Hee minifters his
owne delicious Potions of carnall pleafure^to caft His
confcienceaflcepcagaine ; In bricfe, Hee leaves no
Policy, plot, or praft ife un-affayed, un-attcoipted, to
make the power of the Law unprofic?»bIe unto Him ;
and to drowncall his iorrow for finne in fcnfuall
drunkenneffe.
This then I make the fccondpeftilent Paflfage out
of pangs of confcience ; to wit, when a man, to de-
cline there, is driven by the fubtilty of S3tan,and per-
verfenelfeof hisowneflefli, if notto Wifards and
Wile -men, asthey callthem,and other fuch Oracles
of the Divell j yet at befl to humane Helpes, to
worldly wifcdome,to outward mirth, Good-tellow-
fliip,plea{antcompanyiHis heapesof gold, hoards
, of wealth, riches, Paiiures, variety of choifeft Pa-
ftimes : nayjforeafeto any thing, even to Drinking,
dancing, dicing. Masking, Mtf-rule, revelling, roa-
ring,&c, or any other fuch ribald,bedlam,and raging
fooleries.
CHAP. XVII.
Part. I . Chap, 1 8. jifftHed CoHfcierxes,
CHAP. XYII.
tyf third cafe whi rein pangs of Coytfc'tence ntAj (eerue
to bee hedledy ard Ate rot ; r^tth the dtfcovtrj of Meat
^ errcrs tn that \<f>;de^
I l<\^p<^^j^^g|OiTie thereaw, who paflTe 'cut of ^ .They wto misapply
'"^^"'^ Toubic of minde for finne, and the PponaKcj,
LcgalIccrrours,into a kind, as it
were, of an artificiail, enforced,
unfcund,untime!y;Snd CGunter-
\ f«;it peace of Cvonfcience. I
meane it tbus,when a Mans car-
nall heart, wounded by the terrifyine power of the
Word^ with fight and honour of his former wicked ^
wayes,b'jtweaiyof the woundjinspatient of fpiri-
tuall heavinefle, wilfully fet and refclved obftinstely
agai.'ift theholyfevcritiesof thcSchooie ofRepen- k Ifr.tf.14;
ranee, mcrtification, godly flri^neffc, walking with ^ Others have •yerf
Godj&c. And withali meeting with fomc Dawbcr ^^gn^V'^T' ^""
vvithuntcmpercdmortar.wbois very ready k 'Uy"fn?tcwlg Sld'of
hcAlehh heart roith fn>eet words^fajing^ Tejf^e, feace, the promife of mercy
ivhsn there ts no peace -J I {ay in this cafe, ^ fnatches and falvation,ere it be-
h.')ld of comfort, and aopliesthcPfomifes of mercy longed fo them 3 thin-'
»nd falvation bcforethey belong unto Him : Bdorc fS^^^^^^,
HecDeeicarchedtotbequicke, loundedto the hot- rfiey had felt fometer^
tome, and foundly humbled; Before the fpirit cfrours.— ButthePro^
Boiidagchath.asit v/ere,it'sperfed: worke,and Hee ™feof falvationisnot
kindli:y fitted for ^/«j an/. Forthispurpofethey ^"'§1;' btloaguig to
n 1 ^ •/- r f .' one, that i« onciy tcrf «•
arewonttowreft, abufe, mif-apply many places in g^d for his pumfiv-
theBookeof God;Theuniki!fullPh)ficions in ap- mem, but is contrite-
plication ^ and the deluded Patients inapprehcnfion hearted for finne,\vhich
cf them : Even fuchas thcfe .- C&me unto mee ali'^ ^^^rRo^ljofrnt
yee that Ubom , and are heavy laden, and I -^iU h^m^ £^vlEirm i
giveyoti rejl: c3/*««^.i 1.28. Yea,biit they arc not js4ithffag.\^^ ,
Y ' weary
^^Q, Infiru^iwsfor Aright comforting Scft.i
- ■
weary of all their (itines, but onely troubled with
the prcfent tcrrou'' j nor willing to take upon thtm
^ the Crffjfe of Cbriji : Well enough content they
are to take Him 3S a Saviour to prefervc them from
m Pral.gt.ii* Hcihbutnotasa " Lord,^Kt»r,x\dz\y ^ Hm^afid
n °^um4Jmd;*m fr4^ ^o fcrve,ob^y and love him. pyhsfaevrr/^ail call u^-
tret, /> ^ponCm ftcerit »nthe N Ami of the Lord^fjAll be faved : Rom. lo 1 3.
SjfQM/x /UK rfwww/wwj Yea, but they doc not confider, that many alfo Ihili
& tBd Acceftum amu- Qxy,L')r4^ Lord^ ^J?Aatth .y ,iz . and 25, ir. and yet
;«w/«.^//gr../5«4« . g^ excluded from etcrnail bliffe ; and therefore
cnnulum':n,mt in iffo all that call favingly upon the Nameof Chnfi.mwii
dimSfonfi Atiultera*ni' depart from imcji4tty: xTim,l.i^. But they upon
ma deprehendentur , recovery, will by no meanfs depart from their dar-
^***7j'j ^"^ '**'*''"» ling delight. Hee th^t heleevethon the SoHfte^hath
r«/^/Jmf>/^'Jrf^^^^ y^^' butjnftifying
mhiMAnltttijie.iamtl-^^^^^ purihes the heart, <v^JZ/ 15.9, fills it with-
liM fac/ernHelo -ytdere, deate affcdioiis unto heavenly things, deads it to
^ualti ejjet ? ^*» »o« chc World , and divorces it quire from all former
.^f/r/.«r««r6>*«f ^j«f«-^^^,3,|' jg^^^^j.^ ^j companion-fliip. / ^,1/ aive
r^m anrnnm cmymctJ" ^'^^''^'^^ « ^^^^r/?' ^f '^' PottntAwe of the Water
ret^ ^masauru'n pro ^f ^ife, freely: %eve/.ii.6. Yea, t^ut they thirft onc-
•piro,amasaytnHlumpto\yiot falvatioH, not for f andificaciou ; for m:rcy,
^^'^''' "'^"S"!' in E-not for grace} for happiiiefle, not for holinenfcj&c.
L/a'lw,«L;wT»^e^e men, as well as the lecond fort, will by no-
ttifit, nierttrite dicdrit, mcancs thorow the pangs of the New- birch into-
Ji mmnerA D>*«m ^/«r, thc hol]^ Path. Thcy wickediy mifconccive out of
qui>» 'tmdHtit afe^um i\\c iotitn Principles oftheir owncvvorldJy wife-
1.!fh^T^' ^'^*" dome, prejudice againft the power of godiinefTe,
W^UD.2^ap4, J 'i.; ' r r Cat/ r 1
' ■ ^^ and peltuent periwalions or PtKow-fovoers under
their el^etvej , that 'v\ fo doing, they fliall bee ut-
terly undone, and never have ^ood day afterward ;
Bur, to fpeakeintheirowne language, fall prcfent-
ly into the hands of the Puritar.cs, into thcftricfl.
tortures , and Hypocriticall naileries of precifc-
mfle, into fowrenefle, unfociabienefle, dumps of
Mlancholy ; asid indeed, int® a (taie, notpaft a
jftipfhort of dillradioa and. madaeile. And chtfe.
therefore
Part. I. Cap. 1 7. s^ffliSIed C^nfciettces, 13 2 1
therefore call abotit to get out of trouble of mfndc,
and feiife of divine terrour with as great impati-
CHcy and precipitation, a» the £c^\mtv % ontly more
piaufibly, and with fcemi-Jgly fairer, but truly falfe
iatisfacllion to their ownc Soules. For the former
rurti with furious ind/gnation out of thefe fpiri.uaU
de;edicns of Confcience, as unmanly feares, not
fitforvvcrthyfpirits, and men of loviall refoiutior^,
into greater cxcefle, and variety of worldly de-
lights, and fcnfuail ioofcncflei 3"<^ ^° ordinarily be-
come afterward very notorious, and more defpcratc
enemies to the KtnadoTtse cf Chrtji : Becaufe the
power of the Word hath once itung their carnall
hearts with fbmc remorfcfull terrour , they ever
after heartily hatethe fojud a^d (earcbing Miniftry,
andmanagersthereof, the Inf^iftjrs of their fmartj
for no other reafon in the world, but that they teil
them the truth, 2nd thereupon torment them beflrc
theirtimci thatfo, if they bee not wanting unto
riiemfclves, they may efcape the torrnc^its ot erer-
nity hereafter. And they fet themfelvcs ajjainff
godly Chriflians with incompatible cftrangemenc,
and implacable fpitc; onely becaufc they are Pro-
feflfours of Selfc-dcniall, holy ftridn'-fll, inconfor-
mity to the world , repentance, mortirication,&c.
theentcrtainementand excrcife whereof they furi-
oufly morcdetell and flic fromi then the death of
theif Bodiesjsnd damnation of their Scules^But thefe
latter, pafl's more piaufibly out of trouble o r conioX'
ence , and take a fairer courfe of the two, tho it
proove but an imaginary and counterfeit Cure. For
they labout to clofc up their fpirituall wound, with
comfort out of the Word;and promife peace to their
troubled hearts from the pio.nifts of life: But here-
in they faile, and fcarcfuUy deceive themlclvts, ia
that they conceive, the firft fits and qualme-, as it ,
were, of Legall terrour, to bee faving repentance;
N X* age-
32* InfiruElmsfer aright comforting, Sed.2«
agcncrall fpccularivcapprehenfiin of Chrift's Pafli-
't>n; to procure afpeciali pardon for ad their finnesj
fruitlefferpeculationsof Faithco preventand fccure
them from the wrath that is to come j a nieerc vcr-
ball profefliontobec forwardncffc enough, except a
Man would bee too precife. Vpon the firft fright,
and feeling the fmart of a confafed remorfc and hor-
rour for finne, without any further penitent wading
into Particulars, or thorow-fearch into thqr hearts,
lives, confciences,and Callings j without fuff&ing the
worke of the ffirit of Bondage, to drive them to
Chrift, and a rcfoiution t» fellally^c. They prefent-
ly, hand over- head, apply by the ftrongdeluGon of
their owne idle groundlefle conceit, all the gracious
b And let not the fc be promifcs and priviledges of Gods Childc to their
weary of the yoke of un-humbled Soules ; and enforce their underftan-
GodaadtheUw and dingsby a violent greedy error, to thinks they are
make over-musn hafte . _«?_ J. r ^^ -c • ii u ^i <* i^t •
outofthisftate, /otfo J^"*"cd by fuch ai artihciall heartlefle Notion^
may they undoe them- whichfalfely they call Faith: and for eft iug in a coun-
felvcs : for as fome terfeit perfwafion,that they are true Converts, ordi-
withftandingtheirter- „arily tume o atrmll Trofe/foHrs,
roue, have withltood ,,\i i • j t i i_ l y •
thcjrfalvationjfofome . Who areakmdof people,whohave notnorcfpi-
have by haftening out, rituall Iife.then a dead Faith can infufe into them : No
tnadewafteof alljand morecoraforc in the communion of Saints, then an
IbcingimpaticHtof be. outward correfpondcnce in Profeflion, fpcculativc
hold of the promifc ^^" V^^^^ • ^o more inter^ft, or right to Heaucn,
ftraightjhive proovcd then o bold prefumptuous Confidence :built fiirft up-
l>utloore,unfGundand on their owne wilful! hncicy andfeconded with Sa-
St:Xf!?thf;ha3r^'^'"°'"",8§^'*r-""Siv"hem.Whofeforrow
tarried tbe Lords lei- '^°f "'li^caf themoft,iscom:iionly no more,thcn af^
iure ia it, might h^vcfl^^^"g fkeir Soules for a Day, and homing doivnc their
come to found and true heads I the 4 Btil-rujh^ without loefina the hands of^ic^
comfort, which would k^dnejfe, or dcpartiie from iniquity. VVhofeconvcp-
have contiQued aUn,„.-^ ' . ." ^, & , _ ^ , ^ _ ^ r
their dayes. K'^crs ,/"^"isnothmg,bjtoncIy a fpeculative PafTage from
iDedbamtn bis Doflfrwtt ^ ^^"^iife*^ apprehsnlion of Gnne, to a general! ap-
*/^ fjjthf^aiaio, iP]ication of Chrift ^ without any fcafible, or fa ving
alteration
a'teration in their waves. Whcfe New- obedience
confifts oneiy in a formall conformity to cut ward
cxercifcs of Religion, without all true Zeaicjiife,
heartine{Te,hoIint{Ie,or indeed honeft dealing with
their Brethren. But theft; men are to know, thae
Chrifts blood never pardoned any mans Soulc from
finne, whole fpirit the power thereof did not purge
fi-om guile. Ic never faves any one from Hell, whom
it dorh not firft in lome good meafurc fesfon with
holincfli^nd heavciilv life* In vainc doe they build
comfort upon his Taffiony who doe not confcionably
conforme to the pradile of his iVord. And let them
furtherbseinformedforamore cleare difcoveiy of
theifgrofit and damnable Seife-dect it J thathowfo-
everadc:vdFaith,accoidineto it'sname and nature,
enters (if it hath any entitle at all) into the underfian-
^iiig, without any remark e-ablc motion, fcnfe and la true Faith corMtf%
alteration 5 yet that Faith,which truly juftifies, paci-
fieSjpurifieSjmortifies,fandifies,aRd favcSjis evident-
ly dircernabie, by,firft, Many flirring preparatives; i.The Preparatives.
Sight and fcnfe of a Mans miferable ftatc by nature,
of his<irjfalnefleandcurredneflejf/is!«M«^ himfelfe
in-'the Jlght ef the Lerdy fesrefuli apprehenfions
wrought by the fiiritof bondage ; Illumination, con-
Vidion,Legalltcrrour3,&c.Secondly,ViolentafFedli- z. Vi»knt affediofltt
onsabotittheinfufmgof It, which are wont to bee '
• raifed in the humbled heart by the Holy Ghoft ; ex-
treme thirft, inflamed defircs, vehement longings,un-
utter:*ablegroaningsof fpirit, prizing and preferring
the Pv^rfon and PalTion of C^rz/jbefore the Polfeflion
of infinite Worlds 5 willingneffeto fell all ^ to part
with anything for Him,tho never fo dcare, or fo
much doted upon heretofore ; with pleafure, riches,
prefermentSja rj!>/?r hand^zright eje^ libcri:y,hfe,&c*.
Nay, if infucha Cafe, if even Hell it fclfc fiiouldf
ftand becweene lefus Chrift and a poorc Soule, Hcc
Would moft willingly palfe thorow the very flames
y i ihcreof
5^4 InfirttHions for Aright ccmfsrting, Si(fl.2»
thereof to embrace H isblcffcd crucified Lord,^in the.
3, ConTegiiiBnrt^ armesoFa lively Faith. Thirdly, iafeoarable con fe-
quentsrnd companions: firft, an hearty and everla-
fting falling-out wirh all finne -.fecondly, fandihca-
tionthorovVout,inB,^y,Soale, Spirit, andCalling,
and in every power.part andpafTagc cherc^of, tho not
in perfeftioa of degrees, astbey fay. yet ill truth and
cffsdaally ; thirdly, A fet and fokrrnc courfe of
New-obsdiencc, fpent principally in Self c-fobricty,
rigbteoufncfle towards our Brc;farcn, aiid'^olinefie
tovv'ardsGod*
Many unfaithfiiil men in the Miniftry,both in ths ir-
publike teachings and private viPKations of the ficke,
have much to anUver-forin this Point: who for want
of skill in that highefl Art of faving foufes, of fami-
liarity with God,andfecrct working oF hisSpirit,of
experience in their ownc change, and o( the Ipirit of
difcerning.&c. many times concurre with fuch mi-
fcrablementomarrc ail, in ftife-ling the very fir/l
ftirringsof legall remorfe, by healing the wounds
,of theirconfcience with fwcet words, before they
be rearcht,and (bunded to the bottome j and by ait
unfeafonable and undiicreet heaping a great dcaleof
comfort there, where as yer, a good ground- workc
of true humiliation is not fcundly laid. Many and
iamentahle are the fpirituail miferies in thofe Piaces,
•where fuch Dawbers with unttmpered morttr do-
mineered who never pafTedthorow the Pangs of the
Ntw-birth themfelves , were never feelingly ac-
;quainted with the wonderful! dealings of God in
that great Miracleof aMansco:iverfionj or tnined
' up experimentally in the Schoole of teajptationss
paineftill exercifes of mortification , and counter-
minings againft the Dephes^ Wiles, DevtfeSy AndjirH'
r tAgems afthe DivcU^ The bleffed Prophet paints tbetn
out to the ix'tt, and denounces a dreadfull woe a-
gaiaft fuch gatteiing and fooiilii Pf ophcte^^^^^.i 5.
Part.i.CIiap.iy. Ajf^i^ed Ccnfciences, 525
AShip-MsfterskilfuUoncty in Aftrcnomy, and o-
tberfpecijladve Paflagesof the Arc of Navigation,
is no body in condu£iing Men fafclv over fome dan-
gerous Sea, to Hiin, that be fides fiifficicncics of Art,
is furni/hc a!fo with experimental! skill \n thofe
Parts, bypsfling formerly that way Himfclfe, and
having difcover^d thofc dangers of ruine, and hid-
den Rockes, which the ether Man might eafily run
upon. Give me a Man, in whom variety and pro-
fcui'.dncfle of beft learning dofh concurrc in the
highcftdcgrceof excellency, yet if his owne heart
beenot foundly wrought upon, and fcafoued with
"^vinggrscf , Himfelfe experimentally feene intothe
Myfttryof Chriftjand Secrets of Sandification, as
Hte fliall bre hardly able to wound other mens ccn-
fcicnccs, and pierce ihcmtothe quicke; {bHee will
be efound very unfit to manage srighc the fpiritnall
miferies of a troubled Soule; and to tranfport it fa-
vinglythorow thetcmpeftucusterroursand temp-
tations incident to the New^-crcation,into the Port of
true peace, and Paradife of the blcfled Brother'koed,
A right dreadful! and tei^.der Point it is, to deale with
diftrefled ccnfcicnces 5 fo many depths of Satan,and
deccitsofManshe^rt mingle themlelveswithbufi-
ncfle of fo great confcqueucc. Euen^ well-meaning
Man without much hctdfulntflV, and good experi-
ence both in the Point, and the Party, may crrc dan*
gerou fly,and be much deceived herein. I have beard
from a Man of confcience and credit, befides many
and many in chcfamckind, of a fearefull impoiiure
tothispurpofe:v^w««'j,Vt'/;<7 far the world rvas ^ell
enough^ vifited rfith fame troKbU ofmtndefor hit fmius^
fent for a LP/fixtJ^er to mhifier comforts Hec^tt feenies,
not foMMdffig Him to the bsttome, ^r fenrching to the
ejtiicke^ heaped upcK Htm utifeafsKahlj^ and too foove^
mercies, and hoyes ef fftrituall fafetj. Afnongl} other
things i He-e 4sked Bim 3 whither fsjmerijj Hee had
Y 4 ever
J26 InJh'Hflimffor arigijt eamforting SeA,t
»ver f<. It tefiimonies and refrejhings of gods favour ^
mid love j lea^ unfrvered the Party •, [ ^x\<\ here take
notice of a notorious depth of the Divel! ] Otice ri*
ding alone upon the tvny in pteh a PUce, I gfe^ ftpan
the fndden , very light f^me , and It^ht-beartedjC^c,
[ This was but a fla(li of Sataiis Angelicall glory ,cun-
niiigly to lighten and leade hiTj the way to further
conftlfion]. fVhy then, replied the Adinifler^ you may
ifuild upon it, God ii confiant m UU favours j andrvbom
Hee loves once^ Hee lo ves for ever* H^renpoft tlic 'Pa*
tient Tvas prefently heated of his rfiomtded heart , and
after fell nnto hts former conrfes , and grew fnllj at
profhane^as He ev(>as before, Amongft the many imp-^ r-
, -s ..^v" tantPaiTagesof ouiMinifterialIiiDpIoyments,Ifeare
fit" ,rS*i «-■ "".this f w»ightyafeire of v.«t,ng the ficke, is
*t^ufi>tt hmints^eiuAm pafled-overaifo (more is thepitty /) with much ig-
^ufn hiftrmitatii'u* ^v- norance, flighttiefleand negled. It is incredible to
metttnr, *ut agrounty confidcF, how fearfully many offend, and what a
*"''^V!^'!!JZuLTZ <3ealcof hurt they doe, by obfervring one plodding
fani loayenit p^/?*rM gcneraUtormcjand that apoore one Coo,towards all
ettUliarum f»luti fun Patients proraifcuoufly .• wichout any judicious diC-
^ttp* inyi^iUre aec/t- cretion iti diftinguiflilng the variety of fpirituall
TAtt^iy q^^n in hjfmf- ftaccs,thtdiffac3it decrees of uriregenerateneiTe,fcr-
,^^;^«*.Harmon. conf. mcrcourfes of Iif€,&c. Commonly their carriage m
»a.i.Helvct.Conf.cap.iuch Cafes is the lame to the notorious finner, the
35'P2g'8^ J meerecivillMan,groircHypocritCjCarnallGofpe!ler,
formallProkflbrjBack-fliderjtheweakeanditrongj
the tempted and untemptcd Chriifcian. U they but
heare from the fick Man agenerall acknowledgement
of his Unnes, formall cries for mercy and pardon,
earntft dt(ires to die the death of the righteoas^rp-c*
which may be eafi jy,and ordinarily found in a 7^hari»
Jte^ot fooltjh Vtrgifi^^syou have heard btioic j rhey
willprefent'ynecdsthrcape Himdown.thatHtrisas
fureafavedMan,asifH.;e werein Htavcn already.
Herein relcmjling, faith 1 Marburj^a fooH/bSbep'
-1. Vg'onKal.3>ipag.y»i'tf<»^^J ^orrofitm^ s\iU tdhelj,* his ^oore Jheepe out of
tbff.
Part. I .cap. 1 7 « jifficied Confcignccs. 317
ths ditch, is driven to p/ay the mifernble csmforter j 4fid
to take fdffte other indireSicePtrfe (as matiyufe to doe in
fmh cafe) to cut the fieepss throate in time, to make him
Jl^AKsmeate 'Jefiit fhouldbee fttid^Heediedinadttchi
Manyandtiiianyatime doe fach feliowes as thefe,
empty and difcharge their c<»«?»?i?»-P/^r# 5oc^/ of all
the places of mercy and comfort,coIk£led curioufl y,
andinduftf ioLifly forthatpurpofe,upon chofe Men 5
who were never acquainted with the wayes of God
in their Iife-time,nor with the truth of humiliation,
or truly With the great worke oi Repentance upon
their Beds of death.
ThoreforraaIlChurch-men,who ftood about Mar*
jball ^^r£>«jthat great Peereand Pillar of France, aC
hisdeathididinthisrefpeft veryiiloffices of Gnoft-
lyFarhersuntoHiminhisgrcateftneed, andlaftex- _.
tremity.ForwhenHebehavedhtmfelfemorelikea'^^^^^^^^^^
r furious Divcll,aIreadyamoDgftthe damned fpirits, care of his Bod ^.^hieh
inblafphemieSjimp&tiencies, andmofl raging pafli- was no more his ownc
ons,thena meek and humble Saint of God, ready to Ht turned f Him incuu
pafTcintoeverlafting Manlions of peace j they riot-^i*"*';^''«^'''^'Av'?C>
vyithaandingoutof theirPopifh divinity, gave him J J^L^d.* E^lc^X
thtsab(oiutionyH^nring Him that Hts foftle W^f ready to oner ) touch jrice, fo
fee Gok,afidto he Partaker cf his glory in Heaven.'SNiitn long as I ilwll bee li-
lt had been fane fitter to have driven him to the fight ving* if they put mee
of his finn«,fenre of that dreadd.ll houre terrour of r.gS.'h/™":;!!
that ilnclTricunalljto which hee was ready to pallc, pany t.:at is here, ani
andfearcfulnefTe of that iofernall fiery Lake, from willfDrcethcrtfttokiU
which no greatntCecan priviiediie gr^.cdefle Men. me,IvTiIlle;pcv.^own,
I feareme^thcre are many Trcncher-Chaplainesof i^>®°*^'"^^'"«^ "^<l
the true Religion, alfo, who are ready to doe propor- ^ ^ j;,,^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ '
tionablefervicejtourgndly great Ones, upon whom stmt auitm per omnein
thay ^^^Qildyhy promifing them life. But m;injf and caUvutdiem potery^
dreadful! arc the uiift^kiiigs a' d uiiferies, which tail > /'f"' m^4timer^
upon theSou!esofMtn,b.th Patients and By-ftan-C^;'''';^^:;^''''"'^^^^^^
deis.by tncu n^tccr'ng, rornf:a!l vifitations^and Fu- nepnmeyyote, ye/htt
mrflU Pant §y ricks, which ordinarily follow after, dtni^uf t9t»it^u 4mm
Happy
328
Jfijiruclions fer a right comforting, St6i, i ,
impstentJam Mic*hs. HiDpy thcn,and hopeftiil is thar Maa, who in the
^^mtci^Hi/nCiTe f^^"^^'"o^ HisSoiile mce-:es widi that ^ One of a
taZ TcedeTyolLTm] '^^«>«< fo^ 3 3 1.?- ^ith thofe SoHiics both of Con-
mmijae/{taHgera,4i>^ folation and thunder ;whoareasa.5'e,ready,and wil-
fierruit 5 cireumfp item ^n^^ righrly to bi.de up a bruii'cd ^irit with the
ttaMqitr^t4nqM^r»gUJi- Bar,icne of mercy, aid promifcsof liic) as to breskc
m'^rS' TraC' "iP^^^^'sa ftubbornehe-atcwith the terrours of the
pzo iS'j^ss. ■ "^*^' I'aw.Who,aschey hboiir inthefirftPiaceto frighn
{ Siquidem muhif prtf- and fife mzA 011: of their finftjil courfcsj into penitent
iyterdtm nmmittHuf dcjcdlonsof Confci'cnce, a nccdtull preparative to
di/penfatioy fed non om~ j faving convcrfioii ; fo they have learned both f>3c-
5" ^'''•'"^ .""""^t ciilacivelyandexpcrirti€ntally,toconduft themthbi.
Mmflcno. jilm eqai^ row the Pangsof the New-birth, tofound comfort
dent eommodit prx/emi- in C^^''fii mortificatl.ona New-ob:diencc, walking
^«r, ^«^/«-«/«fl^ WM withGod,&c.
^ua lefit chrifli exqni- -
rnsy mexpUlftUter inhlkt'.dlita f^/tpcditurtx inetirU t aIuu fuffecatur ex ignor.MtU, ^
ianten ignofAns ignorti^itur : alius yero concrtditx (uflodix competenter Incitm, & ttm^itt
explor^tyrefponietque probdtt yitx Mm firi nece^itatibut 'm)uH?li Ytimfley^. Exhkyocan^
df fmt.finoyerit peyiiioiej^&cftrhjiom. Siemmmorbif lorporun Meiui prohAtmes ex-
qifirn>itWjq'iiHtomtgkf fpirhitUbin aiimxrut/t pHtredmibur ddkibenit fam Medici fubti-
litres^ ^ ft did f?V?^f ,/>iiri/40'3yf{.Au3uft.Tom,9.p.z.De vificacioneinnrmorum itb-a.
cap.7. Anhuadredtoonethera, Thefs Ones of a thou/an i are never to bee found a-
roongft worldly-minded ind ainbicious Minifters, negligent Minifters, or thofe thij
arc ignoraat : Baiam9ngftthemoftsk!lfu'i,fearching,andrpirituall, of fuch as are
iaichfall* As appeires by this ancient Pafiagein Auftin.
CHAP. XVIII.
7hree cdfes mare^herein thefangtiof confcienceare
not healed.
^, ^4. They who mak« a 4'
jBeighc change.
^hers there arc, who paffe out of
trouble of Confcience for finnc,
.ntofome more tolerable courfcs
fbrtherinictocome; but yet not
thorowly , and (avingly into the
truth and Trade of Chriftianity.
For when Satan once perceives, that Tofrew for
fitinc
Part.rCap l8. ^4ffi6iedCo>ifeieKces, 3^9
finneliesfo heavy upon a Mans heart; and the rage
of giiiltindrcdoth ftinghim ftill withfuch reftieHe
anguifli, that in all likelihood, it will at length draw
anddrive him to fome alteration atlca{V,and vvorkc
curat laft fome meafurc of amendmentj then doth
heeoutof aninfatiablehellifhthirfttoholdhim ftill
in his clutches, bend and imploy all his power and
policy, to make hisifatisfie himfelfe % and reft final-
ly, as fufficiently fitted for falvation, in fome parti-
ail.infbiiicient, halfe-convcrfion ; and to fit downc
. contentedly with religious formes onely, and fome
outward reformation. The Divels firft defire m
working our deftruaion, is to keepc aMan notorf-
oufly naught, in the highcft ftraine of impiety. A
traitouringrainc,asitwcre,and moft defperate Re-
bell to the divine Majcftie, wallowing ftill in all vari-
ety of villanyand vanity. But if that will not bee,
Hee is glad to dctaine him, in what degree of pro-
phanencfle, hee can moft conveniently and with
greattftfafety, tho thelcaft and the loweft; in any
ftatc of unregenetatencffc.thofiimifhed with the
utmoftperfedions, of which it is capable j fothat
Hee ftept not into the Kingdome of Chrifl, Rather
then Hecwillutterlylofebim, and part with Him
quite,Hecwilllcavepofte(fionof Him in part; and
bee willingjtho full fore againft his Will, to lofe a
great dealc of his former more furious feryice; and
fomethingof thefulncffeof his conformity to the
fafhionsofHcll. If Hee cannot doe as hee would,
Hee will doe as hee may, as they fay. When Hee
fees him grumbling and grow difcontent,and weary
with theloathfomeneffc of the Dungeon,and waighc
of his fetters 5 rather, then Hee fhould efcape, and
breake quite away j Hee will knocke off fome of bis
irons, grant himthe liberty of thePrifon, the com-
fort of the walkcsi nay and fuffer Him fomctimes
to walkc abroade, fo that Hee bee ftiU watchfully
. , _ _ - . attended-
5 3 P InfirH^lionsfor a right comfort wg S : ft. 2 •'
attended by his Keeper ) and continue a Retainer t6
ths kingdoms of darkencfle. H e will bee content, to
give hitn the benefit of the fcweft flripcs m Hell,
and the Icafl: mer.fiire of u^rnnation ; tho that alfo b :e
more then infinitely tcrnb'e, and ii^tolcrable, rather
then Heefhould oeeundamncd at all. And therefore
infuchaCafejHec wiileafilyfuffer Him to prccectl
tofornekindt; of Repentance ; and reformation, cf
fomeoneormoe outward grofle notorious finnes|
remorfe whereof, peibaps, did firftraifc the tcrrour
and trouble in his minde ) (© that Hce will there reft,
and remainc unraortifitd andunan-iendediu the reft.
Or,Hce cares not much,thoHcc be univerfally, out-
wardly reformed)3ndiinblaraeable,forthc mofl parr,
in his vifibiecarriage,andconverfation; ThoHere-
ftore ill gotten goods with Indus ^ (^y his prayers,
givealmcs,faft often ,«ivetythes ofall that Heepof-
ftflft s, with the l^harifee ; hold out a Lattjp of good-
ly profcflion to the eye of the world, with the foo-
\iShVirginsioblervegQ^\yMm:A<:t$, reforme many
things after their Preaching, and heare thsm gladly^
with H(frff<s/ ; Sothatforallthisplaufibleiand unpcil'
niciousoutfidc the heart continue unchafte, impure,
unholy, unheavenly ftill jand Hce ftiil huggc i\\ his
bofome, iomefecret lufts and fenfuall corruptions,
with willing delight, and loathneHe to leave them.
: Or, if a man, befides outward religious reprefentati-
onsjandconforiiiitiesjdefiresairotofinde and feeic
in himfelfefomckindc of inward worke; Hce will
u Spirhualpi henedisiu not bge much troubled with addition of the fpirit ©f
dHfUxtjl', m^tmperfe.n i^^fffi„atiOH , tcwpotary Faith, fotnc * toy in the
ptrituAi* don4 comfjte, So that the Ipiritoffpeciallfanetmcation be wanting
iiens. itlSf>riori w^/?» ftiU, and thatfomc darling delight bee maintained in
«i4«irf;'»'<»^;rfo«'<M'«y. heart, life,or calling; which the Man by no mcancs
T-«V«;« ^'"if^jf^vjould have meddled with, or mortified. Or that,
wr/i3«Tc.^«Sl«^ which is a notable Depth of the Pivdl, of which
■ IIMII-IT-'
Part.S Cap l8. yipUed Cofifciences. 3 5 1
take fpeciall notice .- Whereas a Man heares many <%«*» spiritits Sa»Sfi,
times ouc of the Miniftry oi the Word 5 that the a- '^'f ^"'^ '«?"«'" **«^*
bandcningof hisbolome-finne, isa goodtoken of a ^^;^^^j^:
trucconvcrfion ; and the embracing ot it ihll, istoo fioimfiripfit^ady \lth.6,
furca figne,theat he is Satans flill : To the end Hee Zanchius in i.ad Eph.
may blind Him in this important Point ) Hecv;ill ^-S*
fufFcrHimto exchange the vifiblc forme, and out- fidS*^rSon'"a*e
ward cxercife even of His beloved finne. For the niJovc?at^ht"wordl"
purpole ) A mans Captaine and commanding finne, affcaed with feme
is covetoufneffc; and it is outwardly exercifed in u- kindcsofgriefeatfuch
fury, bribery, facri ledge ,&c. He is well enough con- DoArine8,as fervc to
tent in this Cafe, to let Him be frighted by the terror Sat''*th« mo^ei%'"
of the Miniftry, from thofc groffer ads of cruelty, yea/alforeformeraaay
for which the World crye&fhame on Him, (efpeci- things, cut away out-
ally not reftoring); fothat Heeinfenfibly fall unto, ward evils,takc up ma-
and fecretly pradife feme other cunning invifible "^ g°°<* duties pub-
opprefTions;or any unlawfull wayes of -getting. His ane y« falf fto?"Il!2
fvvcet finne is voluptuoufneffe ; Hee hunts after it in Men may have great
the horrible villanics of adultery, or fornication i But knowlcdge,aff€nt,Pro«
at Tome Sermon or other, Hce is told and terrified; feffions yea , cxcellene
ThatbyfuchfmncsHedothnot onely damnc Him- g'ft'^andfhcwesofcvc-
felfc, but alfo ever draw another to Hell with Him, glJcft my, to thf dc!
&c. Whereupon Hee may grow into a flavifli di- ccivingof'themfelves,
fiafte,and dif-contmuance from them ; and Satan will & many others) j& yet
nctfay much,fothatchereluccecdin their roomes, ^°^* want of paiticular
fome other kindcs of unclcanneffe , perhaps immo- T .f^,''^^
•3 1./-/-1 -t* LI *hey arc not plamed
derate abufe of the marriage,without any checkc, or onto Him, have no fap
lemorfejor fome other fecret, Selfe-abominations, of graceandfanaifica-
notrobeeconceived without horrour, muchlefleto tion. M*fter Rogers •/
be named. Nay, Hee will yet yeeld further, and' en- Dedhatniu m DtBrine
dure an utter cefTation from the txtcrnall afts, and vi- '^ uaX'iT^o,' '
fible pra£tifeofa Mans predominaiit and reigning fin 5 y Heb.^.j,
fothat be delightfully feed upon it flill in his heart
with fpeciplative greedinefie ;aad fpend the ftrcngth
of hisafftrftionsjandthc^noltof Histhoughts that
way. Hee will give Hmi leave to leave off His Vfli-
ryiandtocall-in his money, ( but ordinarily ever
without
5 ? 2 hftruciionsfor a right comforting S.€t. Z-
withoutreftituricn)^othathemay hold hishcarr ftill
exercifedwith covetoHfne^e. Hce can well enough a-
bidc, abandoning the groilc afls of iinclcannefTc ; fo
that Hte lie frying in the flanrjes of hisownefcorch-
ing conciipifcence ;and confumir his thoughts in the
adulteriesofthe heartland contemplative tilth.O the
endkffe Maze,iinfar:homcd Depths.anddcepcft ma-
lice of that old J-tf^iZ^^^ow / Hce will yeeld unto any
thing,rakeinthc very darkefi: Nooke of HcHj for
fbme cunning D^wy^jathc r thenpartwith a pretious
Souleout of his Hellifli Paw. If a Man be fb haunted
with horrour of confcknce, that hce dare not for his
life He any longer m notorioufnefTe, but will needs
into fomc new courfe; Heecanput him into many
newfafhions, and yet no Ne\^-birth^ no Nc^-mm.
Hi will (ufFer him to paflfe into a more tolerable con^
verfation, and yei come fliort of a true converfion.
Heecan aflfjrd him a morall Change, or a formal!
ChangCjOra mcntall Change 5 Tmeane it onclyinrc-.
fpeftof the fpiritofiliuminatio :i,and g.nerall graces §
or a temporary Change, (of which fc^ MjDirecHons
forffiAlking ^tth ^<7^,pag.3 lo.) And yctcbntinuehioi
flill within the confines of His curfed kingdome.and
in a damnable flate. He doth improove to the utmof},
as occafion of advantage isoftlred, both the griffeli-
cfl fliape of a fowJe Fit nd, and the moft alluring
light of HisAngelicallglory ; todoeus a mifchiefe
any way, eithtr upon the right hand, or the left.
How many thoufands, Ahpitie/ even in this clea-
reft Noone-tidc of the Gofpell, doth Hee kci pe in
a prtfumptuous confidence , that they arc conver-
ced; and yetmoflcertainely his owne llil!, and m
a willing flaverie to fi^me one or other predominant
Luft at the leaft ? Bee advifed then in ihc Name
of Chrift, whofoever thou art, when the hand of
God, in great mercy, fhall vifit and vexc rhy confci-
jCiice for lionc; by the pierciug power oFthe Minif^ry .•
Bej
Part. I .cap. 1 8 ♦ j^ffltcied Confciences, 355
Bccfure to follow the dircflion and guidance of that r a\( h'
bleircd hand, withontdawbing or divcrfion, out of lo^ig," ^^y^ thinking
the kingdome of darkneflCjthorow the Pangs ofthe i^fie will fervc thcturn,
iVffW-^/r/^, into the hely-Tath^whoWy and for ever, then will.lf One would
Makcfure worke, whatfoevcritcoftTheej » Goe b"/ * Icweil of five
thorow-ftitch,thothoulofe a right hand, or right ^"n'^red poinds and
,._,,',,, , , ^ ='t,, „ , .^ £. will oiTc but foure hun-
eytby it; Sell all that thou haft : The Fe^rle is ot dred for it, hec might
^rf'<!irp>'*V<r: Have neverany thing more to doc with as well bid nothing.
theDivelljGive over the Trade of (inning quite, N-»y. the doing fome-
nevcr more to turtte againe unto Felly upon any *^'"8 *" Chnftianry,
termes. AndifSatan fet upon Thee with baites ^^^tuchTSmzTaa
allurements, to detainc Thee in his Ipirituali Bon- by accident. Where,
dagCjbutby one darling delight, to which thou haft were there nothm/^ but
been moftaddifled : Anfwer him m this Cafe with notorioufneffe,itmichc
un-fhaken refolution , as Mofii did Pharaoh in a ^"uVc^Saun^'cannM
Pointofterapoiali Bondage ;T^frjry^4//«fl/ fo much ^g^g u5 q„ijg f,o^
as *e«^(7(9/<r^ftf/if/r^fA<W(r,YeeId not an haires breadth Religion, hec dcales
upcn any condition to that Hdli/li Tharaeh, cfpeci- with uj , as wee with
ally in f^ great a matter, as tbeendleffe falvation, or °"'' children; whea^
aam,,ationof;thySou'e. If ^.c ca„keepeponiffio„*!2;;^alS™"rK
but by cne reigning iinne, in which thou lieft with eoumcrsand Kattlw.
delighr,againit the light of thy confcience, hating D. P. Many amanlo-
to bee reformed ; Hec defii es no more. One knot in a feth agrcat deale of la-
thread vviiliiav the Needk's Paflage, as well as five^°"'"*^"**^'*f°"^V°?»
u J 1 « V u- r^ T^ -1 r^ot want of a hrtic
hundrcd;&c. See to thispurpi.fe my Bireciions <?/ more added j A fmall
'^alkjng'^ithGod^^Za,^^, BewarcthenoFcIofing up thing pares God and
the wound of thy terrified and troubled confcisnce them : Many a time
with any out-fide, halfe. or unfound conveifion :'*'^y/?/^ ^^^^V" [°'
whichlmakethe fouith Paflage, out of trouble oiZ}:^^::^n:i:<tA
mmdeforlinnc. hath let downe that hee
will notabateahaires breadth of his priccj and they thinkcthey offer faire,3nd will goe
nofutther jthiswill oeitjthey will goeon wiih their bargainc, elfeno-,&c.. — -Thb
the Tt irporary offer fiire, yet he will not ccmcap to the Lords pncc. O bef not 10 un-
VTJrc,lGrctjot allthis labour yoti havetaken,in hearing reading, pray in^jprofeflino j
andirmay he,hnvebecncal(ed P/^r/Mn.andbeenhatcd tor your well- <?oing}andyct!ofe
your foi le for a little more. Maflef F,9gers of BedhAtn^ D^Ui 'we of faiih.,otp. i fag. 1^-14.
Jiow nccre come fomc, that ycc Ihail never lavtChtift and Jalvation ? ThcyloleHea-
Tcn fcrlome liift jif they couldbutyetld up that One thing chat was want,ing,i( D3i|,h£ ,
Jure been a ba>gainc« lhd,ea^^ z ,^ag. i S 8^
3 34 htftruBitnt far a rtaht comforting S e(f^. i ,
5. And why ojay not Satan fometimes, by Gods
peroi'fTioB,becfuff'"eredtoinfli(fl, and faften bijjifrj
^4rr/oftcrrours and temptations upon a mans con-
fciencc ; continue them there feme while with much
anguilli and horrour, for f:5aierecret holy eftd fccne,
andfecminggoodto divine 'vvifedoins ; andatlength
rcmoove and retire them, nccuponlJceelTIonof -^-^^
Ibmidcomfort^or true peace, from the promiiesof
ltfe,and pardon of ^\[mt j but onely upon a mcerc
ceflfation of cheDtveils pleafureto torment, andicr-
rifie any longer? Not that Hee can hurt the Itaft, or
moft contemptible creatutc that ever Gnd made,
when Hce pleafe : but that it pleiieth God fome-
tiaiestogivehimtheraines.andlca'/ctorage. Qui-
eting the confcience in this Cafe, is no comfortaDle
cure from poficivehclpe : but a couiitcrfeit palliation
byceafingto hurt. See Satans proportionable pra-
^iks in matters of Witchcraft, in Gifardt Dialogtte
They who have concernini mtches urMVitchsrafcs.pnu IK
counterfeited tcrrours ^vT^r i_ tl^c'^t cc^ ^ t
pngj„ o. Nay, let mc here further, oerore i pafle out or
a AsDirincsaffirme, the Point, difcover unto you a myfterie, but it is of
that an Hypocrite maj iniquity and horrible Hypocrific. I have knownc
haye ^ewtf »f fi'*/^ fonie(\^ou!d youthinkeit ?), who havc * counter-
TMtityC4f.x.p4g.%, AnddeeoutVfArdly all things vnh'tch true Chriftidnt doe. SccVerl^ms in
his Trcatife J f/ott»/i>*re -« H^eprel^xte mdj gee ^dnd [eigne y rv'titfottver Gods cbildten doi
fAJthfuSy. ^oyimuf hypoeritm eA finger e ommHy ^luji deles yere efficiunt.Chimkr. Tom.
j.lifo.ij.cap.ia.feajf.SoIdoubtnot, batHcc may reprcfent outwardly even tke
de/t(Sions,complaints,and fad behaviours of One truly troubled in Confcience. And
that fo cunningly ,that he may for a while deceive judicious Miniftcrs. Some Tdittten
h/tye bad fttchagi ft inthelivelyexfre(?ingof the formes of Birds andotbtrBedfiji tbdt true
:Birds dndli ving Bedfis h^yeiin dectiycdm tak^ngthemfor their Mdtei.But tbt Hyptcriteputi
downe the Painter : for by bii glo^ingydnd glijiertng flitwes in dU outwdrd vptrkei, bee doth
-foferfetilyrefemble the trite cT)riliidn,thdt be decehetb, tiatanthe Pdinter,0y Birdty but
reafondbie Men ;yedyledfnsd dnd experienced'. br't^iam. Dikeinhif Difcovcryof tlic de-
ceitfuIneffeofManfheartjcap.zpag.ip Niyraayhcnot thercinout-goethem ? jls
falfe goldiiigUfitrhg goes beyond true i And hired moMrnen in Idmentdt imbeyond the dtcea-.
fed PdttiesovfHe friends I dnd fdveaing fjdtterer/ inoufwdrd eompkments nf fritnd/htp, be-
jyondtrue friendjthemfeiyes iSomdy Hj^omttJ inoMtvcdrd ypttii^es/etmc to (4rrj ft aw^tj
/rem tbefoiudefi Cbrijiidntdhiif
with
Part, I .Chap, 1 8.- AgiiEled Confiiences , ^ jll,-.-^
"without all truth or true toucbj of fundry temptati-
oiis,andfpiritualldiftempers,incident onely to the
Saints. And have for that purpofe addreft thcm-
fclvcswith inuch'iuduftry and noifc-j and had re-
cour^? many times to fome fpirituall Phyfitions,
with many tearcvSan heavy countenance, and other
rufullcircuniftancesjcxprcffing almoft exadlythc
fcruplcs.doubtsjdiftrufts, complaints of fuch as arc
truly grieved in fpirir, and true of heart. O the
vvonderfuU Depth, which lieth hid in the confluence
cf the Hypocrifies of mans faife heart ; and the Z>?- . _ __^
vifesoithateU ^ Serfem.'dohich dec ftveththerf hole ^ Rcvd.ra.94
7V9rld! Such as thefe^ take upon them, and lay afide c H^fflrr-iM, boet^JiiZ
terroursof confcience,as c p/^jers doe theu ^/f^- ^^Z)rTZ:j T^Z
re/I and Parts. ^^ fumit.^^pt & in
hdc yita *d fim mores
9rehe^r4Ji<itquetbeatrtm txereint ^,qi(i4U4tPrdeg6rmOiaU4txtmf<CfiS btmnihmfr^fr^
/£mnr.BafiUSerm.i«DeIejoaio, ~ "~ ^ " /
SeBd:
31<J
JnfirftBmsfor a right.coihfortiHg, Sc^.2.
SECT't- "PATiT.u
HHty which late. tiUely
bealedawfi JbaYC f
l^ltofoatioa*
CHAP.L
The right method cf curwg An affliEied confciencel
pure things rtqmred m the r$ght method of curing.
H E parfages paft doe all miflcgd
fnto By-paths : but there is One
b1cffedway,befrdcsall thefe, tho
it ht a narrow One, which con-
duds dircdlly out of a nacurall
ftate through the pangs of the
New-birth, without diveifion, or
dawbmg ; without any longer detaincaicnt in any
luft, fcnluall pleafure or bgJoved vanitie i in any kind
of hypocraie,ordcgreeof unregcncration, into the
Paradifc of grace fully and for ever. This neither
plungesa man intothe Pit of Defpaire.nor mifguides
riimbycarnalicounfell.and his ownc wicked con-
C€it,intothe foolcs Paradtle, and tafUefle fooleiies
erf outward mirth J nor pacifies unfeafonabiy with
untimely ard counterfeit peace; nor leaves in the
deceiving formes of an unfouiidconvcrfion, and un^
laving flourillics of geiera!! gracrs only, &c. But
convaicsand tranfports him happily , by an univcrfall.
lyncere rupernaturall,thorow.changc into the holy
F^th : And tharthus,andbyruch degrees asthefc:
I. ^nchrttisanWuaiinationofthcminde.convi-
«i©5 of theconfdencc, tcrriTying the heart with
fi
^■z
Part.S.Chapfl.- Aff.i^led Coafciences. 357
fighr/enfe and horrourof finneinfbmetrue mcafure.
The firft workcof the Spmtjohn x6*^.\stocoKvince
tf/y/r/^d-; which prcfuppofeth it!uminatioi;,,and pro-
ducethterrour* The Spirit of bondage muft bee firfl
feton worke, tofhew us our fpirituall mifery, to
humble us to prepare for Cbrtfi. And yectbis worke
in it fclfe, is common to the Alien, with the childe
of the New-birth. And ordinarily here they part:
The Alien and he that hates to be reformed, out o'^an
inveteratejunhappy prejudice againft thefaving pre-
cifentffc of the Samts , and lothncffe to leave utterly
his former courf€s,company, convcrfasion, being ob-
flinated againft palfing on forward into the vi>4y,tvhich
is calledholy .QRegenerati6n,the Neyv-hirth^Refentanee^ '
mortiftcatienj fanQtficatioH , felfe-deniaily Ne^-obedi-
eKce^wal\iHg^ith ^od^tHrnwg Puntan^zsihtydy^^c-
aretermes perhaps, of as greatterrour unto him, as
his prefcnt trouble of confciencc) doth now here di-
vertjand afterward willfully and wofully peiifh in
foms peililent crplaufiblc By-p&th. Inthiscafc he la-
bours & lay esabout him for eafc any way, (yeafome-
times he will have it from theDivell himfclfe, if hce
caUjby the help of a Wizzard,rather then miffe of it)
fothathcmayattaine and keepeitsWithout any great
alteration of his former w 2ies,or efpecially , without
parting with hisdarlingpleafare. And therefore hee
a(raies,cither,toco3quer his fpirituall a fBidion with
worldly comforts, carnall counlell, choife contenc-
raentSj&c. Orelfetoallaytheprefent ftormeof his
guilty rage with fomc counterfeit calmejor at beft,ro
ftillthe cry of hisconfcience j with putting forth his
hand to fomc outward worksof Chriftianity,& fomc
kindofconverfipnjwhich inay y~t wel enough con-
fift with the fecret enjoyment of his bofomc- iin •• Ot
by fomc other fuchindircft courfe,and unfonnd cure.
But now the Other, whom the Lord doth purpofcto
prepare for bimfelfe by this firft worke, and to call
% i cffiauallyi
358 InftrftBionsfor a right comfortmg, Sedt. 2»
tfFedually jdoth entertainc at the fame time by the
helpeof God,a ftrong,invir»cibIc rerolutionjnotonly
nevermore toreturne unt© foolifhnefTejwhatfocver
comes of him-,neverupon any tcrmes to fall backe a-
gaine into his former ^ linfull plcafures, which have
now faftcncd fo many fiery Scorpions ftings in his
confcience;but alfo,never to admit of any cure,reco-
very and comfort to his afflicted foiile^ but only by
lefus Chriji : never tohavethe bleeding wounds of
& 'Voi.fieidY'e, d ii vei his bruifed fpirit bathed,bound up and healed, but in
tre^toris ckmtitia fr^. ^^^^ fount nine, tpened to the houfe of David, and to the
hu expLi ffi.GKgot. I»habitAntS0fIerHfalemJorfinneandforU}icleamejfe:
ini.Rcg.cap«5. ^ Nay rather then heewill doe the one orthc Other, hc
Necpitemfaitf (thi e/e, will abide upon the Racke of his fpirituall torture
«/ fu4 peccAta difplue- umo htscndins houre. Whereupon hee dircftly ad^
yitmtifrines in tis yi- pointed and lanctined by God, tor working a fure,
ian^is vires fi/4f exifii- kindlyandlaftingcureinfuchacafc,! meane,the Mi-
mentfHffi(tre,ni(idiyi. nifteryof thcWord. And, if hce may have his will
"uft' e'/orTift I'd ^^^ ^^"^'^ ^^^ "P°" ^^^ "°^ ^^'^^'^^^' experienced.
Kom.inchoat. ^' * * fearching and found-dealing Man, amongft all Gods
faithfull Meffengers.
a^eckingfor comforc 2* And fo in a fecond place , without all rcferva-
tion>oranypurpofe ever to retume or divert 5 hee
comesuntotheMiniftersof God,inthe fame minde
and with the fame meaning,that Peters hearers did;
Abi,%,'^y. having his heart pricked and rent in pieces
with 1 gall terrour.as theirs were: Men and brethren
what rhall we doc? if there be any Inftmdiun, dire-
fl:ion,ordutyjWhich upongood ground out of Gods
S>le(fedBooke,youcanenj'oyne5 wee will willingly
follow itjcmbrace it,and rather die then not doc it. .
Prefcribe any courfe, whereby we may havcthe boy-
ling rage of our guilty confcicnces fomewhat affwa-
ged,and wee will bieifc God .that ever wcefaw your
faces cNay^that ever hee made you the happy in-
fttumentjjto talteo tbefe keeaearrowes of truth and
■". " ■ ----- - - terroar
Part. 2. Cap. I . ^ffiBed CsHfciencei, ^ g p
terronr in our amazed and affli£lcd fpirits. Alas/
wee fee now,&c. See before pag. 1 3 5.&C. And now
here theMinifters of God have a ftrong and feafo/ia-
bleeallingto fetout in the height, the excellencie,
a^nfabknefle, and foule-faviftg fufficiencieof Ifff^s
C^jnfl^ blefled for ever / To amplifie and magnific to
the life, the heavenly beauty, unvaluablenLlTe, and
fweetnefle of his perfonjpalTion, promifes. No finne
of fodecpc a die, bee itfcarlet or crimfon^ but his
pre^l'ous blood can raze it out. No heart fo darkeor
heavy, but one beams fhiningfrom his pleafed face,
canfillitasfull offpirituall glory and ;oy,astheSun
is oflight,orthe Sea of waters. No man \o miferable,
but if hee will goe out of himfelfe,and the Divels fla-
very quite, and come-in,whenhe is dearely invited,
he will advance him Vcithdut money ^und -nithoHt frice,
from depthof horrourto height of bappinefTe,&c.
3. Bythistime,bcingthustoldandtruly informed ^.H/gfeptiilag of X^
in the myftery and mercy of the Gofpel!, the poore fus Chrift. "
wounded and weary foulebtgins to bee deeply aod
dearely enamoured of lefusChrifi, To advance hioj
higheftinhisthoughts J as the only jewell and j3y
of his heart ; without which hee hath beenc hereto-
fore, a dead man, and fliail hereafter bee a damned
raifcreant ; to pref erre and prize him farrc above the
p!earures,riches and glory of the whole earth ; to fee \
his eye and longing fo upon him, as to hold himf( Ifc 1
loll for ever without his love 5 Nay , in the cafe hee 5
now ftands,he is rood wiUing for a found and fa ving \
cure, to pafie through a piece of hell,if need were, to ' i
fuchaheavenlyphyficion J in whofi blefled peifbfi ^^ |
aIone,as he heares,all the riches of mercy, goodntfle, " 'h
compaffion,aHd comfort is to be found jsnd in whoai jji
are hid and heaped up the fulneffe of grace, andtrea- ll
furcsofallperfedion. So that now the current of his %
beftaffe(?lions, and all the powers of his humbled
foulc arc wholly bent and dirciftcd toward him,
5 J. ?!
j>njvrH(>Tn)nsjor 4 rtgm comjming, Scd ,!•
AS the Suft-fteiver tonnrds the Surmf% the iron to the
toad-fione j and the load-fione to the Pole-ftarre. To
whom the neercr hee drawes, the more heartily it
grieves himi that ever hee pierced Co fweetanddcarc -
a Saviour, with fuch a former impure loathfdmejjfe,
and (o many abcmioable, and now moft abhorred
provocations.
LcS "'"^'" '** J' Vponthisdifcovery/urvayandadmiratfonof
% Nunc incifio difdpu- '^" ^l'*'^' 'J ^7^*^ r'''^ f ^^^S rich tr£af»re, the now
iusfffeycum ntbti txpe- tfuly broken, and Contrite heart, dcth caft about by
tarn yifi&ihum, ut lefum a" mcanes, how to compaficit. O i what would he
c*r/;?*^4/<.^*4A74»«, now give, forthefweet fruition and ravifhins pof-
*<?>««^yffr^/«»,,,«,«!^^^^^o"'Werc norhmg m this cafe .• The imperiall
i>yorumconei/PoneiytH/tts^^^^^^s^^dcovcim2Lnd oftennc thoufand worlds,
r»r/>ow/o/;^*i,>, 15,4^^ wcrcthey all extant, would beeinhisconcdt, but as
zz::r::";^ it;^t f »«' '^^ " "'^ """'^ '§"••" ^'/'-
«-w</?4r.Igi.at.Epift. u f A ^"^ '""^ ^"'"gs 3^^ °°^ required at his
ijadKona. nands. Atlaft hee happily hittes upon that, which
Come fire, come gib. God Would have him : hee even refolves to fefl ali
tct.come tearing with (hat hee bath : to part with ail finne,tho it fliould bee
pieces, come drawing f°^ ^*^ht eye oirtght hand : becit that, which hath
ray fourc quartets a- «^ept him longed in hell, mod Wafted theconfcience
funder. come prinflino anrl ftrirL/^/'lrtCirt.*'** kin U.^r„.^«. i \.i-r^
funder,comc grinding and ftuckeclofeft to his boibme; 1 meanc hisCap-
lent, of .he De. ^" f^^^ "^n^> ^e Will quicc out of Sf>dnme,he will
torments
torments ot tfce Ue. --r— "•—"-> "ww.iiijun.«. wuiui oi>uoujc,ncwm
velljolmaybutwww not'^^^^^^fomuch as an ho^e behinde. For he well
Chrift. now remembers, what hcc hath often heard hcreto-
f When a man cnmes fore, tho then hee tcoke no heed,- Thatthc LwdU^
*4t.o'nfr:'l" {«^'^"^^"y/ oneallowedLuft, are never woonttc
jopart wiifahii finr.esj 'oogc together m the fame Soale.
baveCarii,andicepe«yoaeof hisfiaacOtharparty .ball havctbe Pcarle. Mafiet
A8dwbol9eyerli^i5m.any onckaavvnefiDnc,leihim know co h.*facc,hehauinotruc
Fart.2.C]iap.2.- Ap^ed Cenfcienees, 54l_
JfMh.liid^f^gl^o Sunt^lmei qttcs f/tenittt feccap^ fed nen emtiitto, ffferyiimes fhi
muiddm^in qmbiu aeu3entnr : ron Ar.tiJitidytnmta Vomintim finul/Mriutn O- tnutum it
dxrHonit libtrdffei,ferhccdottrtsno,i nan^uammifi dccwvibru fartAtu Sifntn^yeQttcx fdrtt
ftccatA rtfiryaTiihabtnti/(ftcmdxnimi4^m4ner.te uno frtjieert fettttrat fcx e>f»[^i. Ex»
ful.t 4Hiem ftfttKyUt omnUirimim fimul e'^tterJadoceret. Augult. de vera & falfa poenit.'
cap.9. S<ioVeumirtmiteMm<!»»f(f"^i»i/o,^i?ncd6(rgo quitrtmcn refsry^tidt xUorecifiet
yms^m^ SineamsreDn ctn/tquerftur indB/feiiUata, fine qui) nemo itnquaminycnhgraff am.
Ibid Vtex ^evteDtii*tktHmyerfdit renvjiii feccatoruofyfic dtbitctinmm miue^tttm^
ytt/dlit dttep4tto petcntoru m ; dtque iiuJprecnl duhil yerifUmutn eft, in tmni koif- ir.e recanm
■tiliato fetnper yepertri odium dmniuu* Jtmnm teicaterum -^f rope/it f.metiAtn & ftHdiumdcM
initpSilffi-.mndiabiTninlKU. 'NitmqHiTfnii(siir,em omnium accepityittfuftexem gr4tix fimul
dttcpit)qujiiilumxrm4tO'>^i*>iit€6ntracmn:a.. Ttu^riigitifrhianditur fihide fectaiitte^
tn:^U,qutara^rem peecatnujufcunquei ^-pro^ofitumitttodemferminettdii qtM^ in^»ue$r»
du fhifoyet. DaveiuBtius in erpol- cpifl.ad Coloflxsp 2.v< rf 1 3. pag.a7 r. Keftpfcen*
tUtlknontfiytrddc felidd,qu4 mn dvertit httMipem di! omnt pectatt ogaita dd onrtfthnHM
*c?»/V*w. Amef5usMcdull.'IhcoIIibi.cap.i6. ThcreijnoWord of corafortin the
vrnole Booke of God intended for fuch ds regard imquity w their heaifJ^tho they doc no9
«ftitinthcjrlives. Their onely comfort is, that the fectencc of damnation isaotcxe-.
cutcdaardthereuponthercisyetopportunityof fafer thoughts and r€(olutions,otber-
wifethy ftandnotenly convided, but conclemned by the Word. DolJcr Sihbss in the
Pre[4(e. Thcreisnomorcfoniforttobe expeftcd from Chrift, then {hcic is cate tm
pleafeHim. l&id. '" "^ "" "^
CHAP. II.
Tbreethingsnercrequired in thsfe who Are rightly
V
m
Iftly.Tothe party thus leaalfysffii- - -. -. , n -
a.d evangcLlly affc^L fit- „%?cXVt "^'^
ted lavingly, now doe all the pro- Sayioar. ^
mifcs of life in Gods blcfTed Booke,
oS^ei thcmfelvcsjas fo many Rockcs
of eternitfe in f^nthfuhe^eAndtrmh^ for his wearied
fouIe,f#^-^r^^i^<f>'»/7<ry?, and full fordy bruiied with
ilormes oFterrour/wectly to reft upon,with cveria-
fting fafety : Gcdthe Fathe'r,his bowellsof tcndcrtfl
compalTron and bounty already ilirring within him,
runnesjthat Imay fo fay,astheFatherinthe Gofpel/,
to fal[ upon u|s neckc,aadtokiiTe it with the kjfTcs of
? 4 ^ hij
342 ln}trum9nsjor Ar%gm eorufortrng Sect«2«
bis fwecteft mercy : lefus C^^z/opcnshinafclfe, as it
wcrCjUponthcCroffcjto receive it gracioufly into
his bleeding wounds ; all whicb,heebehoIding with
afpiritually illightened eye, admiring and adorint',
cannotchufcbutfubfcribeandfcale unto them, that
they are true ; and fo by the hcipe of the Holy GhoH:,
caftshimfelfe with all thefpirituallftrength heecan*
atleaft with infinite longings, moft thirfty dcfires^
and refolution never to part, into his bleflcd bofome •
i <im pucHk rm ex 'aying/^cretly tohimfelfc , Comelife, coraedeathi •
4nm9 4guofiit, ^f'^«?cotne Heaven, come Heli, come what come can,
t9mmi/?is ytre ioUt^ it here Will I ftickeforcvcr. Andif ever I perifh they
^dtcHmUiutUnonfo^ fliall pluckc me outof the hands, and rcntmeeVrorn
/- A . . deareft Redeemer of mine.
^.Taking Chrifi for ^- And having now taken C^^-//, as a Saviour, to
thdrKing. free him from the mifcries of finne, g hee is willin^^
tiHi^ufiunque 4h\s nm ierve,lovc,and obey him. For every one that is truly
modi .bfitnthinfUfHtn. C^''*/?-', doth as Well thirft heartily, and iincerely m"
inofiHdtoiiua/vutUwum devour after mortification, coaqufft over corrupti-
^c4ftnusetiamyitAii, ons, fanaification, purity, ncw-obedieoce abilitvto
i*r:dr«..«,.i,«..ir;,.^.°^*'®r^"?f anythingfor Chn^ ., as for pardonof
dini v«/f, itd ■)4mpHri. 'l^ne and lalvatioa trom hell. And therefore hee wi!»
tm^itMoctnti/iy&yerx Mn^y takes Hf on him ^/ip^<^<f; which t ho fo called
^htmfiuiuUridiligen- yet is ^ ^^y^^^»<^/*^^/ jcntersinearncftintothe mrl
cap j.Matth. ^ ^"^y^ ^"*^" ^"° ^ ^^^ ^'^'^y- '^^'^'^ h^k^ '^g'ii»fi,
h ow«/^fr^a/i?^,^«^as»twa«mPWitimc.^<3.28.22. yet in truth and
tmrnennr^yitAfpcr* &• Upontriall i% Vdo^fretioHs^frofitablejiXi'^ pleafanuSzQ
pai^U, frtqucntt^s &- Prav.'^. Happy is the man that findeth v^ifedame -to
t:£^L!:;:;:iZ wiMnthe word, towalke in the wayes of God;.^
f,B^ aderat ei Spmtm ^f'" "'^'"'' ?mw«^ then ruhks : and all the things
Sdft^uf.qutiM extemrif ^^^« ^^^fi defire, are net to be C9mf..redttnt^ her. Length
hamittps c9rrnptione, in- ofd^yes is in her right band; and in her left hand i riches
%tfpirZC%en- '^f Pf/f ^repe^^{, Heenowfor the (horc remain-
6iAdeikjmMDci^H/£t^^l2^ ms abodc mthe valt ofce§ies,vowes, and
Part. 2. cap. I « jifftc^edConfciemgs, 343
rives up the flower and prime of all his abilities/»^«»"^ *f '^"^2^ "*^
loves, ioycs,endcavours,perrorinances in any kinde, 'J^;j''^''j;^^^^^^
to the higheft Majeftyj and conkcrates all the J,^^,,,^*^,^^^ ^^^^^
powers and poffibilities of body and foulc, to doe jitAyejugumehft^iper^
himthcbeftandutBioftfervicehecanaiiy wayesde- t4i>at, & qukm Uytm
vife,UHto his dying day. And ftill grieves and walkes f*^cm*m,ut omnU ,fe,
more humbly, becaufe he can docnobetter. For then }^^^ ^ .^^^„,^ ^^ J
he cafts his eyes upon God thcFathers free love, and ^H^i/^y horTeCch^ Uytm
Chrifts dearc paflion 5 hee thinkes with himfelfe, and tribuUthnem dictretyinm
To he well may, that if he were able to doe him, as tHensmttrhrtym o-fi-
muchfervice asall the Saints doe, both in this ^x^^^^}^\^^fp»'^rttoprej
thcChurch above. With addition ot all Angelicall 0-^5-,^,^,^^^;,^^ „,„^^;,.
bedicnce j it were all infinitely leffe then nothing, to- uifores exterms imfhm
wards the difcharge of his debt, andincomprchenfi- rum, crfintj^afoUdtn^
ble everlafting obligation. . rAl^iating^";;:.
7. And being thus incorporated into Chrilt, nee^giy^ j^, the Br<)ther-
prefently ^ atlociates himfelfe to the brotherhoody to hood,
the SeEl, 1 that is every inhere fpuk^n Againji. Vox fo ^— — «-y^— -.-^
isprofeffionaccounted.e^<5?.a8.22. After thatPe-^'"';^'/^«;''^';>'^M-
tcrs hearers ^ercfncked tn their hearts they were ^^^.^^^ ^^^^^^^.^^^^<^^
counfelled to repent, believe, be baptifedy&c. and to ^^ ^^1^^^^ „p„ aterttijed
aUquamo diHtur»miS'
itUsrU4emf»m dolotum frmi» rtiimdntur^ in languid^ tr inctfU yctCAtitnU heyif^tmdydt-
PHeulumayiu.lmm4m(iimiibeili*mUsdttttitur,&e, Quihw tempejiaubHt, & fvtceliit,
lu2f^JjotrMi,&tremendi/xytti4 cali & m^yis importtim funt Merc4t»res, utd,yitt4S
Imofii ac^uiranti &c Auguft detcmp.Serm.48. The fervicc of God is the Pathgui-
ding unto pet ka happineiicjandhaih in it atiue,though not compleaic »chcmc,\ eel-
dinoaichabundanceofjoytotheconfc;(nce,38doiheafilycountervaileaUaffliaion»
whatloever, though thole brambles, that fomctimes teatethe skinne of fuch a$
wake mthisbkffed way, doecommonly lay ho5d uponthcm at fuch time, as they fit
downctotakctheireafe,andmakethemwiflithemfelvesatthciriotirncys end,inthe
prerenceofthdrLord,whoaithcyfaithfullyrerve.In whofeprefenceis the fdncflcof
,oy,3ndatwhoic righth-ind are pleafares for cfcrmorc. S.jy ^^v^l.mfi^fthe mrld,
li^X.p4P.4%n^Onml^cefinoHoMr4nsJed4UymsJcut^lUtna^^^^
deObierr.Lcoi.sThefiprimt. i vUgeUanda igiturbommm ftryerftdf, ^mnonuH^
thmvirmcm poSr^urKmoscit^rmt ',fed ponidrbitrantur, nullamyt4m m4gu compendto^
am4e4d mendictattm.Im mf^mi4m,ci»kmftfieUti,p yerxf4p,mv^4nmum4tflnent,
Garnv.inloc. k ^ui4Crgo mmh4dm{lifamtfiit,4dmtmo -*est<rmo dey.bts mn^
Umhn>4V4iam,nonkludAii,non 4S>hxret,cu,qu4ntum AW4lis Utholut^^El^pteycbtide
fopuloDei,qtm mttemmt. Kamft ti^rbammiuriyolHent%, inter p4ncos4Hguj^mytAm
w 1 _--.*o -^ 9i r4vff.
^344' InSrHSiisns fern right comfcrthg SC(5^.1«
*" A^?*»^ ^ ptvethemfelves jramthAtuKtovfiord generation. Hec
now begins to delight bimfclfe in them, whom hec
heartily hated before, I meanc the people of God,
Profcflbarsof thctruth and power of religion ) and
th2Xy^sthtmo^excelUntof the earth-, the only trae
NobleWorthiesof the World : worthy for ever,
the flower, fcrv€ncy,and dcareucfle oi his fnoft mel-
ting affcdions and intimate love. And hee labours
alfo might and maine, to ingratiate himfelfc into
their blefledcommiinion,by all ingagtmentsand ob-
Hgationspf acomfortable,fruitful!,andconftant/f/-
ioTvJ^ipifitheg&fpelL By an humble mutual! enter-
courfcand communication of holy conference, hea-
venly counfcll,fpiritua!l encouragements, conlidera-
tion one of aiiother,confirmation in grace,& in aflti-
ranccof meeting in heavcn,&c. refolvcdtolive and
die with thefeneglefted happy Ones, in all faire and
faithftl c6rrefpondeoce,fweeteft offices of Chrifti-
anity,andconftantcIeavingtothe Lordlepis, and his
glorioustfaufe : Nay, affured to raigne with them
faereafterevcrlaftingly in fulneffc and height of all
glory, joy, and blifife. For if once this divine flameof
brotherly love bee kindled by the Holy-Ghoftinthc
hearts of true hearted Chriftians, one towards ano-
ther, it hath this propertie and privilcdge above all
otherlovesjthatitisneverafter put out or quenched;
but burncs in their breafls with much affcAio-
natefcrvor, withmutuall warmth of deareft fweet-
nefle here upon earth; and fhallblaxe eternally with
Scraphicallhcatcinthchigheft heavens hereafter. la
the meane time, hec makes conlcienceof Sympathi-
sing, both with their felicities and miferics. His
heart is enlarged with lightfoaicnefle, or eclipfcd
with griefe ; as hec hcarcs of the profperity or op-
preffion of Gods people. I the rather here mention
this markc of the true convert, bccaufeitisfomuch.
required ^nay infinicclir c^^aj^ed at our hauds^in thefe
- . .. - heav);
Part. 2 Cap. 2. ji^UedConfciewes, 345
heavy times of the Church. And thercforemay bee
to every one of us an evident Touch-ftone, to try
whether our profefiionbec vitallor formall. If thofe
tcrrours, which I have heretofore many times threat-
ned out of Gods Booke again ft all thofe pittileflc aad
hard-hearted Cambalts^ which take not the prefent
troubles of the Church to heart, upon purpdfc to « Sid^UsproiBipdii^
brcakc in piccesthofe flinty Rock«, which dweilin 'Z/'^!:^^
iome mens brelts, and to drive us all to compaiUo- tonfthutusesiftnendoUs
natenefl'e, prayer, dayes of humiliation and partiDg^r/f;y««ei.HoBi,i5:.er
fromourevillwaycsj I (ay, ifthey have bin thought so.&-forteumUehHen
byany.tohavebecnc prcCcd too precifely and pe- d^H^^f^pr^f^^es.si
remptonly,hcare,whatIhavennce leene m " Ah dsUftuihid.
Jim I and what a peremptory ccnfurchce doth paffco Hcarthowgricyoaft
upon thofe, who want a fellow- feeling in fuch a cafe .* h they complaincof us
Jf theHhafl thii felUjP-feeltnq: thm m of th4t hUffed ^^yo"*^ tlK Seas : ^
Mj.»d ir«hjrh..d,,fJ,,h..^ n« And here,^^-« t&f r:
can! hardly hold, but were It incident, I IhomQ oc- fior4ndaye>iit4pcru$lJd'
fireto cry out with rtZ'Mfi-^ Itfte^uf hkea tr^wpet^g- e^duratioAninmum, *c
gainilall thofe prophane EUut^ fwiaifli Gadarem^f^rfidf'* *am muitoTum
fenfckfTcEarth-wormcs 5 who all tfais while, that lo^^"'"'"'*' /M»-«^^
many noble limbec ot thatgreatbleffcdbody of the i^^^y i^j-^f EyAngtHctsi
Reformed Chuiches have laine in teares and blood, f»oi ^»///an mdU iHd,
o did never take to heart to any purpofc, or trouble quamyta tpfis frextmA^
themfelvesatallwith their grievous trdlibles ; but o-yjwai^uf emmim^^
h.v.io.imy,n^kcmdy\^nc.teafe
to that hoinble curfc denounced again ft -^<f ;*(»«: |,fr^^»riC/''o'fr<fo/»^r.'>
funt, ^ui cotttritione Jom
ftfihi^AsfrAtrumfuoritmeximJerit ifftUntur: quin-imi mAximm tjt terUfft numertUjqui
^ruterutnptctruminftArjfuis dnntaxAt CH^idttAuhm, yoluptatihtf^Mrariti/t &' iniu/iJtU
fetur} indulgent, nen fetiisAe^cumm»rtefadfufe/fg>JfeMt^<itque€umorc«fii>i oft'me fro^
fftXipM, H<ft«r Icfu«<f rajfac. ThcnordimunSto this lenlc: Jt u a wAtitr to beeU'
tnented,nAyy tv bee dtflortdeytn Wftb i>U»dj teares, To£«e fo many {a!fc-heart«d Pro»
te?tants,aiul iud*i likeixi >hc!€fear«*wll aad f©rIorn< tiraes, when the fame horrible ■
cor.fufions hang orcr thew heads jccadytoleizc apon thcin,*Be of thdc yearcs j likef(»
03any bf foircd Beafls, to ply tfecir filthy plcalurcfa profits, prcfcrmenM,aad their ow»e
partjculars m «>ne kindc or oti.et ,(ecurc and careicfie 5 lutitcring the deare (ervants of Z^-
/fc chyfjiy aniJtheii ownc brethren, to finkcj or fwimoae in blood,aQd tcarcf, without any
fclbw-fetliflgataJljCoiaa*iieratipn<wiBuoiir!
54^ I^flru^ioi^sfcfr aright comforting Sf^l.^,'
^urfe yeeCMero^a {fayd the ^n^ell of the Lord,)
curfe jee bitterly thelnhahitantsthereoftBscAtife they.
came net to the helfe of the Lerd againfl the mighty
/»^^45,23.Theyhavcnoi: helped the people of God,
fo much as v;ith any hearty fellow- fee!ing,wraftling
with God in praier, iet dales to feeke the returneof
Gods face and favour,&c. (Jlfe» they Are of the
World,-which have their fortioninthis life-, who feele
nothing but worldly loffcssknow nothingbut earth-
ly forro ws.rclifli nothing but thingsof fenfc. Ifthey
, bee ftung with a deare yeare, rotte of cattell, lofle by
furccy-fliip, fliip-wrackc , robbery , fire, &c« they
houle and take-on iramodecatcly. B:it Wtlofephhee
*</)^>(5?f3/,Godspeopleindifgracc, the Miniltry ha-
Zirded^Chrifi fpohfe fttH the dnfi^ the Daughter of
Zion weepe bitterly, and have none to comfort her,
&c. Andthefemercileflcmcn are no whit aioTedf
They havenotatearc,agroanc,orfigh to fpend in
fucha rufuilcafe. Whereby they infallibly remon-
ifratc unto their owncconfciences, that they are no
living members of Chrifis my fticall body 5 have x\i^
partin the holy fellowfhip of the Saints, no fparke
of fpirituall life, no acquaintance at all with the
wayes of God ; but continue curfedly carelcfle,
wbatbecomesof theGofpdUorGods children 5 fo
that they may rife, grow rich,and flecpc in a whole
- .w« — • ^ \a*<, skinne.
^Jt^'^:"X% Bythinimenow.ishce become the P drw.k^i,
t'iitntfufeYbwum W/o/ji^.table-talketothofcthat fit tn the gate^Muftcke
n)alir$$m bomimm w-togreatmenattheirfeafts, a^7-»(?rd/ to the children
^uiti^mftjfiintre J ^hU fff^ggl^f^^^^ the children ofvtlUines^ men viler then
T -f it^JJl'Z the earth, UofefAthers hee -wmld have difdained to
qmtiite ^rddicatur . ^"^^f fit with the dogges of hts pcke. And what then ?
Ouojtidm & quuquid , r r >
ytlnntyqui€iiHidfetmta'Deeyinluxttri]sfuitCrc»yiy>l\i yftunt Cdnfumtre, m JpeHdcit"
1ft^innugityinforniiatienil'us.ittei>rietdtil>M. In hit vtlunt eonfumert, quo AefiderMU 4-
lundare.ettuncputAKtyqiiid bonus fit Dem^qudud* iSit frdfiat nude ctrrumfantHr. Sed'
Jicet4iqHit,^(C« tempera afftrd/mt, tt a/fmora mnt, Per tfin affemrdprefidt magis
' - - - tw^n
Part. 2 Cap. 2 . ApBed Confciences, 347
Eve/1 thus they dealt with "" Davtd^ /o^, zn^ lere.tcckfi^, proficiunt iUi,
mie- Nay they told the Sonne of God himfelfe, fn '^^j!!!^oZn7/J.fZ'
whom the God-head dwelt bodily, that hee was a Ji^csmTJJi^LfiVZ
** Sumaritane had ADtvell* What man of hX2dn& cuUrUfunt. Sicenimm
then,jthat gives bisnameto Chrift, and lookes to bee torttiUnytts^eturvAftt^
faved, will looke for 1 exemption? Efpecially, rith'"««''«^*^'>^j«'>'«»«w
allthe contumelies, and ccntempts, all tbofe nick- ;7if 7,:7;t;JX'
names of Puritan, Precifian, Hypocrite, Kumorift, „^//^„;„ hmtrnm^ ^W
Faflioniftj&x. with which lewd tongues, arc wont yonitt )ufiifunt, muUis
to load the Saints of God; arcfo many honourable f"^«^'«'"'wi«* "r^or^-
badses of their ^vorthy deportment in the hcly path, i^ffrf4tig4ntut,uunimx
and reloluteitanding on the Lords Tide. Some noble ^;„^^^^/j„^j iadtemd
Romans having done Tome lingular fervice to the tdiematuU meredntur.
ftace ; and after, troubled and handled violently in [Note bytheway^that
fome private Cafes^werewoont to bare their bodies, *»ereA*itMr here makes
and to (hew in open court the fcarres and impreffi- "f ?;f£°l^l'^ffn
r ^ r 1 i-it 11 •!• r«j but oncly intimates
ens or thole wounds, which they had received in asmuch, atpcfint, or
thsir Countries caufe 5 as cbara^ers of fpcciall ho-yMeant, See pMretu his
nour,andilrongeft motives to commiferation. Soe5t"lIfnt Caftigation
many lying imputations, unworthy ufages, and per- ^^^^eUArmmeJet^fc,
Mercri,p/</r;i'«<;WfB;fy?,^«9</poire,valere,&c. zModo eft idem quod Velle,&c. 5 P/tJ
runqueyere idetnquod conlcqui, ohtinztQ,mpetr*reyeti4mgrAtti^Ot. And Hce gives fe-
vcrill inftancesin them all. *Heare^«/?/>»cleare judgement about the Poin'- in ano-
ther Place : Maluit dicerc, GratUAHtem Dei, yitaAternd : nt bine inteUigtrtmut ^non pr»
meritpfmflrii Veum Komi dtcrtum vit^r/i, fed pro/Ma nriferatiom ftodmere, Le gratia &•
li'j. Arb,€2^,g. H;ca!forpeukcsiothefamepurporc,/»P^d/.7o.C5»f.2. And5f>'»;.if.'
PsTfy^.^/fl//. Which Pisces areyindicated from lefuiticail Cavils by Chamier.Tom,^,'
lib.i^.eap.zX.Koli ergodeDei mifcricordiayyel iufiitia de/^erare^quotieste yiderii ai> iniA,
^rtiihowhiil'us faH£AHj/edconfidfraquo:i illi qui te ptrfequuntUi, afudVeum yelut mol/t
et torculttriadepHtAmur. 1h ytro qna/ioliyay et q»a(tuyA iegtUmapAryo tempore preffurAm
makrum homtnum /HflinfrecogerM. Sedpofiea. tUti fine fine rcmAnebit opprobrium ^tufxiiti
ccmmutdtime trAHi7l>fi adrei^num.Au^iiii.n<m\.S .ex 59, * Pfal.79, lob 30. Lameat.g.
^3. ** Ioh.8 48. q ^!ii ergofo^ hnjufmodt yotem (fciliitt Bcati cftis, cum vos ^
maledicentj&c Matj.,) tentAri Je noiijinat? ^iis ai> hommliuf perfequi fe iuftiti/e.
eaufanonopteti Qjiis nontriyuUriyellet} ^uis Je ttenmAledici defideret} ^-—VtinAm th
Dcmiii met nzmen^ atqueiujiitlAmi unci a ihfiddiunj turl'4 me perfequAtur et trilulet. Vtmam
inopprobriPtn meiim fioUdM hie mttndM exurgau &c. — ——Hominum ofprohriA detrABicnef"
quepAticn'er et leviter tolerennts ^ut Domim Uudibuf dtgni ejj'e fofimu/. Namf humAttam
iandemquxri»ttia,divin4mAmttimuf^....—~Sdmin.q!{itti$f ettmpiumefi 3 fttatiytpreeiM
nmmenee detrabi pAtiAriiiqtiipopterti t^nta perpejjw eJi.'m,mJS,yuye/(Anp ehrio^ yoyjufi^ ,
fecutions
3 4 S InflruBisns for a right comforting Secfl. 2
iniuJii^r4ftores,d/iulte- fecutions in any kinde, for profeiTion ofgodlineflfe,
rl, & quUHnqHefuk which thefahWull Chriftian Mi bring tothc ludgc-
i6.»«>e;;^,VeAr^.^4^"^»tfeatcof Chfift ; fo many glonous and royall
& quAna fufflimprK- rcprcftntationsof excellency or fpirit and height erf
faraittaratem*. Tdciot- courage in Chrlftian caufcs, fliallthcy bee accounted
tes»tn<m Domjniyolun. {^the fight ^nd ccnfurc of Almighty God, and the
iatim 'onfu,J,"ou de. ^^^^^^ ^^ .^ . ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ amiable and ad-
confujionis fuHt o;,^^^. mirablcm the face ot heaven and earth.
O qiikmindignmn e^^at-
qttf prtpefiernm ; «r iufiiiSonftendiHtm in ^•Jwr, & fucAtom gloricMtur ittmajpt. Videat
ergo AHtmaDeo devou,ue ittflpUiittupt rtjm edm, autjlulttrum huminHm yan,^itnui JtrmQ
eonfundnt^O' i fuo ffop4jite retrAhat'j iuquo ntiigi* per Mes fmguhr piopeeredehtinme^
lim. Hieron.p 3. Trad li.Bpift.6j. Propter Deumuin^ii ifi* fierpeteyi* , quid fiilicft lim
gem eiut audtj^i. Hoc yero q»e t4»dem digna hontre ptn/xninm tfi ? Quibuf dindemdtihtH
tonferenifM'^ Mihi'vero mugt/ proyemetinimicitiaf /AJiinerepropttr'DeHm^dtqHe cotttnu
nf,fM4in yel AcunUi* regihitt honorarit Chr/foft.inMac.Hoiii. 18.
Sea. 5?
ParM.Cap.i
AjfliBed Confciences.
34P
SECT^l. TATi^.j.
CHAP. I.
Three frinHples »f comfort from mthoMt ui to i^ee
applied to df fitted confctences.
\f/^o^^? /^ Hus much of the Theorie, as it The praAickc part for
l^jfei were,I come now to the Piadicke <:""Ǥ of ailiftedsofts
^mmk parr. To a particular application ^'^*^''^^- *
D^
parr, lo a particular applicat
0^^ of Ibme fpeciall foveraignc Anti-
"^ " dotes ; to the moft grievous ordi-
nary maladies , incident to the
foules of the Saints.
But firllgiven5ee leave to preaaife feme general! x.Groundsofcomfoyij
well-heads, out of which doe fpring abundance of
comfort, and overflowing rivers of rcfrefhingfor all
intencs^asdeftcdls in point of temptation and trou-
ble of minde.
I. And firfttakc a fruitful! clufter, and heavenly i.Prinriples of co«;.
heape of them together ; thofc twelve heads of ex- ^o" *'«« ^^»"S« P"^ '
traordinnry, immeafurablc, comfortable matter for "*'
fpirituall medicines; which I have heretofore cre-
eled, as lb many invincible bul war l».cs againft all af*
faultsofdcfpairc.oppcfitions of Satan, exceptions „. ^. ^ ,
ofdiftruft. - gLs^^c^'X c«^
1, Theinfinitencffcof Gods mercy fvvsetly inti- pajdoa'aU,'^^ ' ^^
3 5Q ' 2nflrudli^ni for aright comforting Sctfl.i
t ksifericorJiA in Deo mated, //Q.55 6.j.%» The m:jcy of God is like
^nuLtaf 'n'^^- '^ '•' himfclFe.inhfiite: All our finises are finite both iti
««rfc/2,f/^«'!rf««^/j^/_n limber and nature: Nowbetwecne finite and inn-
eMs,mfiuSjmi/eriiorse^, nitethcreis HO proportion, and To no poffibility of
Zanch.de natara Dd, rciiftance. And therefore bee thy finnes Jiever fo^ no-
lib.4,cap,4 ,q. 2. ^ torioiis, and numberlcffe, yet in a truly broken heart,
x<^j«o« rf«ff^ ^vrf/L/^^^^'yrefoIvinguponnew-obidisnce, and his glori-
Mtqua^non a^esin, non ousfcrviceforthetiifif^to comc, Can no more with-
T^f ""f 1 r°^^" ^^'""^' ^^^^* or ftand before Gcds mercies, then a little
f Oplifeaaafnft^'the ' fr-^^^^ the bpundleffe and mighty Ocean,thrOvVne.
grcatncffc of thy Cms, i'^tothemiaflcf it, nay infinitely kife.' If » all the*
TO ^4).£eo5 r8 ixiM^ ^^^^^s, that all the Sonaes and daQghtersof Adam
Veil and sgainft tbe havc committed, fince the Creation to this time,
multitude of tlieDtj ^\ Were all upon one fpulc; yet foaftedcd,as I have faid,
5r>)iffo$ T^f olxltp- andputintofuchaWw penitent, gracious temper,
f^^ Dei. As u.^// It iliould bee moftc^ljteinly upon good ground, and
fpe^kej, evcrlafaViglyfafe. riKakcnotthus tomakeanyfe-
H^^'i^^ti?'''"'^'*^^ '" ^^-'r^' jfwaayone finnlt pieafmg arid raigning will
^jjjto^r//,«ff^^<,/wr j.^,-j,^ 3 £^Q^jg forever : Btet to alfute of mercy enough,
JludMrn fcintuu rfaf how great or many foever the infnesnave beeneju
ttitre Ce bubet, tamum thc heart bcenow truly, hiunbled for them all) and
htmnis malitu ad Dei wholly turned heavenward.
fietuentidmpietatemque,
imoyefonmtantummodojfedetlon^e fHpr/t:K.4in et peU^us, umetp Magnum fttyWtnfum
^ff^Kfi^tlDeiverofilememi* et petal menfur^m nonhkht. Rxc dicAm\ mnqHomsde^m
diireSy fed promfmres reddant. Chnfoft^tom. 5 dc pxftir.Hoin.3.colura.84f , u Divina
miftficordiatantae^. »t ftqHk ttmverfa pecc4t4 totins mandi eolnmi(ifJ'e$y et dtltret, tpiod
tamhttHmdominumtHm fuperke offendifttifrmiterqte propeneret amplius tdBinere, Detis
tMemnutiquamdAmnnrety^c Qjiinqj partita con{c.lib.3.cap.44. D^» mfemordU maier
omnium pcccatomm mifertX-hugn^.tvtAme Laurcntio , adverfus dcfpcrat, pag.ioz.
X ^*mini /enthtmmin nolrii ptaatim Utltans, et Sp'irmi repugtans, tdmeu fi non fit
placens & regnans, nontxtiudit fpi/itttatem b4nc y'tyificationem. ^mi(!f e»impece4torum
umyerfMhtollft reatttmuntyerfofumpece^torunt niflr9rum,iafufi9 etMm grAtix huic con~
iunH4t toHit domin>Hm uniyc, forum, Davenant. in expoC! cpiil. ad Coloi. cap. 2, vcrf. 1 3 •
i. The unvaluablciiede of Chrifts meritorious i-Thc unvaluablcneffc
bloodj Whichiscalledrhe^/^flfi of God',zna there- o^Ckiftsblood.
fore bfineftimable price. Vndcrftand me aright .- It
wasthe^/«-iW^C<;^,dotofthe God-head: but of
' ■ •■:■■' ' ^: . ;. hlOS
Pare. 1. Cap. 5.
iy^ffiEied Confciencef^
•567
Jion ciit-ftoodj And that hce will not vouchfafe to
cafthiseyeofcoiJipafiion upon (i)ch z'BUck^more^
and Leopard,as I am ; fo ovcrgrowne with corrupti*
on, and growiie old in Cmnc ; efpecially, havyng/b'
longfJfgUlIcd /& great [ahation^forfaken mine otvmc
Wifr^^folongjandfounthaRkftilly defpifed the riebes
of hh^Qodne^eAndjarbeaYAriCe^Uadir.gmee t9 repen-
tance. I confeire, it is fomething rare, to fee men gone
Gnfolongjandgrowne old in Cnnc, toreturne, and
givewayroaayfaving worke of the. Miniflry j be-
caufe too often \n the mcane time they fo harden their
hearts, that they canfUft repent-^ yet notwithftaodiiig,
bee thou afliiredin the Word of life andtruthjif now
adengththoube truly touched indeed, and wilt come
iijjin earned i the Tatherefrntrcies will receive thee
freely to mercy, and embrace thy bleeding foulc m
the arises of his everlafting lovethroughC/&r//?. For
it is a title of higheft honour unto him, to bee long'.
fi/Jpriag, Hf.G&Wthis'whikyvAited^that hee might i>ee lCsLi^o.\9]
gr»HeioHsumothee\ And now undoubtedly upon thy
fii i? refolution to returne in truth, hee will meet thee
with infinitely ir<oiecompaITionate affedionatenefle,
then the Father in the Golpells, his Trodigall : nho
W/hen heerpinagreat^ay e^,hu Father faW him^aKd
had ccmpajfion^ and ranae, and fell on his necke^ and
k^i^edhtm^O'C, '
4, Ye3,bQt faith another; Though I have beeae a
PfcfefToLir long, yet many times my heartisfuil hea-
vy^ and more loth to bciccve, when I fcrioufly and Tcifiofl»
fen fibly call to mindejthehainoultiefle of my unregc-
ncratetimcjand lee in nay felfe bcfides, iirce I was
iiiighrenedjand wouldhavebehavcd my felf© in for-
wardnefleand fruitfulDefTe for God, anfwerablyto
my former folly ,and furioufnefTcin evill ; fo many de-
E €ts and impcrfecflions every day : and fuch wcakc
dilba^^'.d difcharging of commanded duties, both
to 9?^ ^5^ "«^L^' J^!^^ ^hc/i couafcii and comfcit ia
" ^"'" ■ hk ^"■" this
i
Like
15*
4.Abun<laace ofira-
pctfedions a/ter cos-.
S62
InflrttBionsfor a right comfirting, S C(fl .5 -
this Cafe, by caftingthiae eye npon Gods ki>idnejfe :
*- HDI-^'I* He isaSiUfidnim in * ki'^daeffe : which hath thefc foure
Mril'aj min:rico-di« , prctbus properties : Firft, To bee eafily intr^ated.
■veifnuH- mH'tH.hnig- Secondly, To be intrearcd for the greeted ; Thirdly,
ute, ut o'ume m^^r* fo paffeby involu itary infirmiries : Fourthly, to ac-
nuncigUtiT fteHU fw^ ccpt gr<jciouIly wcakeiervices. cvcnatraile man, it
of a inore noble, generous, and kind difpofirion, will
bee cafily appealed for the unpurpofed offences, er-
rours, and over-fights; and well plcafed with the
good will/yncereiiideavourSjandutmoft, efpecially,
of thofe who hce knowes to bee true-hearted unto
J{i»Mf>^&c. In our la ft
Tranflstion, Gen 24.
49 ^^i* ^^'*' '""'^ ^^^■'
T^tlUi Gdbadiu exf recto him 5 and defire heartily, if they were able, to doe all
1u n Bemgnjtatem But j,p dcfires.evcn to the height of exatflneffe and expe-
J};er*> hindtttp unto the - ° - - - - t
fomej of Barzillai the
Cil(4dite, I King 1.7,
y.Vnworthineirc of thy
dlation|How much more then will our heavenly Fa-
ther d^alefo with his children, who is in himfelfg
eff^^ntialiy kjfsde, and infinitely ?
5. Yea,but faift chou,many times when I reach out
thehandoimy faithjto fetch fome fpcciall promifc
into my foule forrefrerhing,and comfort^and weigh-
ing them well, and comparing advifedly ray owne
nothingneflejWorthlefneffejVilenefre, vith thcriches
of mercy, grace and glory fhining in it 5 and marking
the dif-proportion, Tarn overwhelmed with admi-
ration and aftoniihment 5 and to tell you true, lay
fometimesto myfelf€:Isitpoffibic>thatthis{hou]d
bcfo?Thatfog!oriousthings/}iould belong to fuch
awretchand.worme,asIam.' But turning thine eye
ffoma diftiliftfull,and too much de/efled dwelling
upon thine owne defcrt, to what Chrtfi hath done
forthec,andtothcAliT]iightineffe and All-raerciful-
neffeof him that promifeth $ canGder withall, that
God is alfo abundant in trptth. Every promife in his
Booke is as fure as Himfclfe, fealed with his Sonnes
Blood,and confirmed with his owne Oath.Wtc mud
fooner ccafe to bee God,and deny himfclfe; which is
inore,thcn infinitely impoffible, and prodigious blaC-
pticmie.to imagine 3 then faile in theleailcircum-
' ftance^
Part. I, Chap. 3- JfiffedCs^fciffSces, ___i^
flancejOrfy liable cf his firniearni?J:!e love^sndpio-
frafcsoflifcjtoany cne thatheaitilyloveshim, and
is true of heart. Andthcrefore u-henihy thirfly fculc
iiiaksstowardsthe Well of lifejby venue cf that pro-
mirejiJ^t-.s 1.6./ mil give to kntrnhat ii atkir^^ of the
fsuraahie cf the'^'Merof hfejrecly • And upon furvey
of the cvc} flowing Rivers of pleafurcs and blific,
which cveilailingly fpring thence-, begins to retire
from it,astco-goodnewesto bee true 5 1 fay, then
fteelethy Faithjand ccmfcit thy felfe gloiiouily, by
coxti^zvmG^,o\^^ai^ibundant truth ^ with whichhecs
hath crowned every word of His, ftrcnger then a
Rock of braille, far furcr then thePillarsofthe Eanhj,
or Polesof HeavenjNayJfpeakean admirable thing,
and of unutterable confolaticn ,which cannot be vio'
lated withcutDeftruflion of the Deity, moft bleffed
and §loricus for evermore. And let this everbanifli,
'andbcatbackeallfcrupleSjdoubtes, feares, which at
anytimecfferthemfdvts.and oppofethy unfpeake- -|,^
abl t]oy^ and peace in believing.
<j. Well, (aich another, I eafily acknowledge the ^.Refifling o£ *fet
incomprehenfiblegoodnefTeinthisi^/'^wf'^/Ge'-s/jand mcanw.
hold thera moftblcitedjvrho havcthcir part and por-
tionthcrcin. But for my part,!am afFraidjI come too
latcjFor I have obferved the courfc of the Mimftcry
a ai ongftuSj and the difpcn ration ofGcds mercy in
h. Atfirfi:comming,ourTownebcinghiliot' Igno-
rancCjpropbanefle, and much fuperftitious follies,
having never beforeinjoycdthe Word with any life
or power ,• wee all ftood amszcda good while, at the
Majeftyand Myftcrie of this new heavenly Lighti
Thefiril mefifagcs of the Miniftry founded incur
cares, as the vcyce sf matij water s^ mighty,and great 5
but confuted: not working in us either ;oy or tcr-
rour, but onely an extraordinary wonder, and fecret
acknowledgement of a flrange force , and more
then humane power. But afterwards, when our
Bb 2 fFatchmatB
^jo InfiruSliwi for Aright comforting Se^,}*
fr^tchwAti was better acquainted with our waies,and
had more fully difcovcred the ftatcofo!irfou!es;thc
Word was unto us^asa voyce of a^eat thmder^morc
diftinft and particular ; breeding not only admirari-
on,but feare alfb ; not filling our eares oncly with ai
uncouth found, but our hearts aifo with a terrible
fearching. For the Sermons of every Sabbath came-
home to our confcieoces, fingUng out our feverall"
reigning corruptions J beating punaually upon our
bofome-fmncsi manifcftingclearely ourfpirituallmi-
fery,andcertaine liablenefTc to the excretneft wra^h
of God^andcHdlefiewoe. Whereupon, wee were all
at our wits end what to do, grew weary ©four lives,
wiOied with all our hcarrs,that fuch a Puritane-Prca-
cher had never come amongft us ; told every man;
almoft wee met, that we had a Fellow at our Towne
would drive us all to defpaire, diftra^ion, felfe-de-
llrudion or fonie mifchiefe, or other.That wc heard^^
nothing from.him but of damnation, and hell, and
fuch horrible thi!]gs,&c. Now in this fecond works
ofthc Word, there was a good number, even fome
outof thatcurfedcrue and knotofGood-feilowihipi
wherein I have been infnared fo iong,won unto lefus
^/&?^7?. For being illightnedi convinced and terrified
in coafcience for their former finfull courftsj the
continued piercing of the Word, 2nd workeof the
fpirit of bondage, keeping them upon the Racke,ufl-
der the dreadfuilfenfe ot divine wrath,and their dam ^
nable ftate a good while : at laft^they happily refolved
without any mdre delay .diverfion, by-path, or plun-
gingagame into worldly pleafures, to paffc on dlrca-
ly, by the light and guidance ofthc Gofpe;l,into the
helj foth. And fo undertooke, and hitherto have
holdcnout in Profcflion, and a blefled conformity
to the better fide. But I, and a greater part a great
dealc more was the piuy , hating heartily to bee
Kformedj and abhorring that prccifc r^aj, fo much
Part. I. Cap. 3 . cy^fjli^Ied Ccfifcicues, z ji
fofksn againfi every ^hcre ; into which wee eoncci*
ved,i^uch icvere Miniitcriall ccunicil vvoold have
cor.ducltd us j I fay, wee Wickedly wreHed out of
our vexed conlcjencesjchore kcenearrowes -of truth
and tcrrour, with great indignation j wee unhappi-
ly hardeni^d our hearts and foreheads againfl the
pcwerof the Word, which paiticiilarly purfued us
every Sabbath : Nay, alas/ wceptrrecutcdthe ve-
ry Dieanes, which fhoald fandihs us , and men,
which would have favcdui'. Herethen is my Cafs
and complaint \ r.egleding thatbleiredkaibn,whea
I was firfl: terrified and troubled in mindej when
the zy-tngdl from Heaven, as it were, tro^illed the
Vpater ; and whcnfomc, evert of mine owne Compa-
nions in iniquity, were converted j I amaffraid, I
now' come too late, that the mercy of Gcd co doe me
rpiritualigccd, is already expired J and that the Mi-
niftryjVvhich I havefo wretchedly oppofed, is the
very fame tGnice,thatit was tothe cbfHnatc lerves, .\
If A 6. 9tio. Nay, but yet fay' not fo j though it bee f
with thee as thou haft fayd .• For our gracious God
keepeth Tnercy for thoufands^ h Here you muil know, ^ ^^^^ *'"^'' *'^' "^^"^
that a finite number is put i';«^.^^.f/&;r^//y for an infi- %Tre£him^^^
nite,and an infinite indeed. And ther fore if thou now quifhrafinmerMfiuZ
be in earneil:, and willing to come-in, in truth j and t*** fro ir^nito pnitur.
thofe thine other brethren in Goodfellowlliip, and ^^' yocemmiSe mcdt^-
hundreds,thoufands,millions moevOr any whofoever ^f^^^^^^'^'^^^^^'lf'T*
to the worIdsend,Oodjhatn mercy mftor^; for you »,;i!/;^to]Beuniler,Rhc-
ail ;andiieingaU»tf^'7of all your j5w«v'/,unfainedly tor.Iik1.cap.14,
thir fling for the Well of life j refol ving for the time
tocomCjUpon newcourres,company,and converfa-
tion ; you lliall ali bee moft w^elcome to lefns Chnfi^
Even the laft man upon earth,bringing a truly broken
!]eartto the Throne of gra^e^ inall be crowned as rich-
ly , and with as large a portion of Gods infinite mercy,
andChrifts un-vaiewable merit, as^/^^iijw and £t/^,
orvyhofocverlayd firflhold of thatiiift promil'e :
Bb 3 ri^
5 7^ InflraEliomfor a right coynforting^ Sc(fl, j j
Ti^tf feed of thf woman (7}/Ui Ifruife the Serpents b:ad.
7.Haiaourn«flc of of. 7. Yea, but alas ' I have b&^n no ordtnary finner.
fences. ^ ^ My corrnprionshavecarriedmc beyond the villanies
of the vileft youcan name. Not only variety,butthc
notarioufiieflfe alfo, and enormity of my wicked
wayes, have fctan infamous brand upon me, even in
the fight of the world; beiidc thofe fecret pollationsy
& finfull pra(ftires, which no cye^but that,which is ten
thenfavd times brighter then the Sfittjgverhheld.Hid
I not bceuc extremely outragious, ftayned with abo-
minations of deepeft die,& gone on thus with a high
haiidjl might have had fome hope; But now I know
not what to fay.' Take notice then, to the end that
nothing at all may poflibly hinder,orany way difcou-
rage any poorc foule, that fyncerely feekes for mercy,
and dcfires to turne truly on Gods fide, from affa-
. ^, ^ - ranee of gracious acceptation, and entertaincmcnt at
a '^^Mtotaemm»' his Throne of Grace -, That it h nataraJl alfo to his
Mcipio. Name, 7> forgtve trtt^utty , tratt/grej/ton a»afm»ei
y^^j^dBmlistji qH^yit Thacis, ^ finncs ofall forts, kinds and degrees what-
frayarjcatto, & nbelUo foevcr. There IS nonefo hatefull and hainous ; whe-
dtquedefeSiMs. theraat'.jrall Corruption, or ordinary outward tranl^
^imore,&pnefrJe4i^ greffion, or higheft prcfumption, but upon repcH-
»w//»w-Zanch dcNa- tance, God is molt able, ready, and willing to re-
tttraDeijlib.i.cap. 18. mitit,
^.Tfee infinitfntflc of y, Godthc Fathers compaflfionate pangs of infi-
Sfin^Trf 'nin** ^^^^ sft: ftiou and forwardncfle to entertaine in-
will pardon all pew- , . „ u r. • j r r-
te«M. ' t© his armes of mercy, all true Penitents, ex«////z'<?,
fajth the Lord God, I hxve no fleafure in the death of
the iricked^hm that the vpieked turne from hii rcaj a*3d
live : tPtrnejeey turne jee from your evil/ ^ajes ; for
Vfhy Vpillyee dte, O honfe of Ifrael} Ez,?ck. 33.11.
Woe unto thee, O lernfalem, veilt tboH not bee mAde
cleatte ? When pjdlit once hee ? ler. 13.17. They faj^if
< man putt arvaj his wife, And Jhee gee from him^ and he-
' come another mans , fiAll hee returhe to her againe ?
SbaUnotthAt LAndbe grfAtly follHtcd} Bmthm hafi
Part. I .Chap, g .- jiffiHed Cenfciences, 373_
flajed the h^rlst Vs^ith wanj lever S',jst returr.e Againe to
mcejAuhthe Lord, /fr. 3.1. Oh thai mj fecfle hfid
hearke'ised unto mee^tivid Jfraelhad Tvaikfdin mj tvayesi
I wculd foone have fttbdued their enemies^ and turned
my hand aaaififi their adverfaries. The haters of the
Lc-rd Jhculd have fubnntted thewf elves time himi but
their time jhoitki have endured for ever j Heefhonld
have fed them alfo with the fitiefl cf the Vfheate : and
mth hone J cut of the re eke JhcPild I have fatiified the)e,
7faL 2i» O that theu hadji hear keened to my comvifin'-
demerits^ then had thy feace bten as a River, and thy
righteeufiie^e asiheWaves of the Sea, Thy feed alfo
beenasthe f&nd^andthe ef-ffringfif thy boi&els like the
gravell thereof ', his name (IjaHldnst have been cut off",
nor defirsyed from before mce, //"<«, 4 8 . 1 8 .
8. His merciful! almighdnciTe, in putting life and S.The infinitenelTcof
lightromencfleinto the mc ft dead and darkcft heart, ^is pow€r that caa
Seekehim,{&kh the Prophet, that ma\eth the [even bcale aU infirmities.
StarresAndOrion^andtHrneththe fjadow of death into
the morning, Amos 5.8. Suppofe thou (cttcft thy felfc
to li!eke Gods fact and favour j and art prefently fet
upon with this temptation ; But a!as / My fbuleis fo
biackewithfinne,anddarke with forrow, that it is
to no put pofe for mee to proc€ed,S:c. But now in
this carc,con(idcr5 who Hce is that thou feckeft ; it
isHee, that made of nothing thofe beautifull, flii-
ning,gloriousconftellations, Oy;p«andthe Pleiadee
(andnorhingin thewofld is darker then nothing.)
HeeisHecthatturncth the darkeft midnight into
thcbrighteft mornfngj&rc.
9, Chriils f weetefrjdeareft, moil melting invita- ^.chnftsfweet hKi&
tionsof all truly troubled fouies for finne, unto the tiouj, '
Well of life, and their owne everlafting wellftre.
Ceme mtomeeall yeethat labour, and are heavy ladeti
and l-will give jQHref,Mat.\\ 28.O lerttfalem, /<r-
rnfalem, thou that kiHefl the Prophets, andfionefi them
vphich are fer,tHnto thee ! Hotv often rfiofild I have gathe-
Bb ^ " red
374 * Injtrubmns for aright comforting Seft,j,
red thy children together^ even at a Hen gather eth her
Chickens under her Wings ^&c. M^t.^^.^y. A-idr^hen
he Xi-as corns mere^ he beheld the Ctty, and l^r;/ ovfr it
. ■ f<^]i%\OhtfthoHhsidfikn6-^n€^ even thoa^ at le^Jl U
thtithy^ daj^ the things which belong unto thy peace!
Lnke 19,41.42. In the lafi day, the great Day ef the
TenU, lefw fisod.and cried, faying 5 // any manthirfi
let him come to mee, and dnnke, loh.j. '
lo.Experiencc of the 10 Experience perhaps of ths Comforter^con^rer^
comforter recovered ted from a moTc wickecf and dcfperat- courfc rhrn
from a worfc eftate «.v,« d.^^,u:->./' "- a j- ,". r^'^i- t,ounc,tncn
..henthcPawems, the Pat tent himCui€. Anditdotn not a Iirtle refrcih
rne neartof him, who grievf^ufly wounded in con-
fcieRce, and thereupon fending for a skilfuil , ai^^
faithfuii Meffengcr oFGod;and,whcn he hathopened
his Cafe fully unto mm, to heari;hf 01 fav, when hec
hath fayd all : A/y Cafs "^p as farr ewer fe then yours eve-
ry "deajf : Nay,but bcfidesthofe notorious fins I have
named unto you, I have defiled mvfdfc with many
fecret execrable lafts. Be it fo. faith the fpiri^uall
Phyfition } yet in the daycsofiuy vanity, I have been
guilty of more and more hainous crimes, then any
youhaveyetfpokenof. Yea, buteren no w, when!
nave moftneedof, iLouId moil priz-,reverence and
lay hold upon Gods blelTed^F6r^, Sona^-^d Tromifes •
i ampeftikntly peftcred with many abhorred, villal
nousjand prodigious in jedions about them. Not a
man alive,replies the Man of God,hath had his head
troubled with more hideous thoughts of fuch heiiifli
naturc,thcn l,5cc,.
ij.TkatPatableefthe ii. That pictious Para^^/e, Luk, 15. wherein all
dec^B«ftdepinKit Luca^ ^^^^^^^ ^^"^^^^y^^^-'f^'^idinghtm^whenhee vra4 yet a
imAginem pr^miim pec^. gjefvpay off-^ ht4 compafion , rmmng toyoards hm
Morti luxu p'.rditi , fahmg upon his necke. kijfiag him .fntttna en him the hek
deln^epccc^tori* reftpi- Robe and the Rt.g^ filing' the Uttelralfe Q^^c doe
f:rj«;r.;i:?^: fl^^- that imr^caf^ile, iLr^^Lnilo'ltl
^enf^fhmmttA&mi^^ ^^ God the Father CO every one, that h willing to
cnvap
come.
Part»i.cap.4*
yfflicied Confciences,
^IS
come out of thcDivelscurfed (ervice, into the good /mcirdix Dei exprmif
iVV5(r. Butcomeasfarrc ° £hort of expreflino ic to Bremiusinloc.
the iifcasrhc infinite greamcfle of Almighty God I^^^^IX Tfi4
furpafleth the finite trauty ot a. wcake man,. and ut intefiigamus cmtufh
Worme of the earth. vnatomn ejfe hnitanm
Tkiergams^&' mif<ri^
taYdtam. Ntn igitHr du-
liumefiy fmuUtiiue pctnit(t}ti!i txBi/nma, rjit'in'De ui in grMum ffiAm reiip'iAt. Tim
dub'mm iji^qum fuh hac mAgmsmmnf^'Dii homtKSy C iniomfarabdii indulgenUA whit
p>ig<stur,ne uSa fctl'.rttm atmirtts a/^e impetr4ndtyemA»oi de t err ( At, C^lv,
CHAP. IIII.
Feure conclujiom of comfort drawnefrom thofe placei
ef ScriptfiYc^ "^hich fets forth the Lords dealing '^ith
HSM a father With hii children,.
N a fecond place, Let us take a i.CoHcIufionsofcomi
view of foraeof thofe moft de- filTJh'T.^^.^l
... ,r n^ CL c dcaliBg With u$ as a
!icious,andfv;ceteltftreamesot father vfijh hi* chil-
deareil comfort, which fpnng dren.
abundantly out of that fruttfull
Fountaine of compaflion and
love, rfil* I o g . I ^ . Like as a Fa-
ther fitttethhis Children', fo the Lord fittteth them
thatfearehir}9.SQQ3\(o^DeHt.%,'^. Malaci^lj. /
Hence may wee draw refrcfliing enough to our
thirfty fouicsjinmany paflages of heavy thoughtSj
andgrievouscomplaintsaboutcurfpirituall ftate.
1. Iq thcdiftempersand damps of prayer,thus : i. When wee " caanotc
Suppofe the dearefl Sonne ofthelovingeft Father pray as we ought,
to lie grievoufly ficke^ and out of the extremity
of anguiHijto cry outandcomplaine unco him, that
fece is fo full of painc in every parr, that hcc knowes
3 7^ InpruFtions jsr a rijrht comfsrting Sccl. 3 i
not which wsy to turne himfclfe, or what to doe j
and thereupon intrcaces him of all loves, to touch
himtendcrly, ro 'ay him fof tly, tomoliifie all he may
hispairjeriiIJmirer3',andgivehiai ea(e. How ready,
thinkeyoii, would frxh a father bee, with all tendsr-
nefleand carc,toputto Hi helping hand, in fuch a
rucfulicafe/ Rut yet if het fiiould grow ficker, and
weak sr. fo that hee coa'd net fpeak e at all 5 but oncly
Icoke his Father in the face with watery eyes j and
moanchimfeireursto him with fighes and groancs,
and other diLmbcexprflTions of his increafed paine,
and defire to fpeake; Would not this yet ftnke dee-
« £» fe red*s}um ^ieit perintotheFatherstenderheartj pierce and melt it
E^echioi, ut yocem ar. with iTjoie feeling pangs of companion} and make
ucui*t4vtc^ercmnfo/- hisbowcilsyerne wltbin him, With an addition o£
l^I^Iil^^:!^tZ ^-t^3°^^^"3ry dcaienefle, and care to doe him good ?
A^ttuAm feriexhdUnt. ^ ^^^ j^^ ^^ willthy hcavcnly Father be affc(^cd,and
Hunt tAtnen ohfcurm deale with thee in hearing, helping, and fliewiiig
■vocit fonum 4 Deo ni- mcrcy ; when all thy ftrengthof prayer is gone, but
bihminkxexAudinctf. oj^gfy * aroaKesAndfiahef, Nay, with incomparably
turn e^ t tametft ren/Ht ' a:'^n- n"^ c r 1 u c V^ j •
omnesmp.ri doloye\ccu^ moreaffcdionatsnefle. Forlookchow farreGod is
f*tiftnt^?^prxmartitiA higheithenMan inMajeftisjand greatntfle, which
' pm^YAclufx [Alices^ Do- \s by an infinite difc anc^ and difproportion j fo farrc
mmMUmencoraAnofitA do:h he pafTc him ia tcnder-heartcdneffc and love.
em quam ex/reP,acM. ^^ ^'' ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^0" ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ fpcakeunto God, '
feru ynces.modh 'spirU and 1:1 fomemsafure to Utter thy mindcj yet in thy
ttM adjit, ejul cxcitet in
vobn gemitusiHos imndYr*hiUs^ de quihiti loquitur Paulas 8.^i Roman. M nemo fiorum
^fitqHinonexfer;titiir,HbiTKas'jrait(iu4trillitU ammum eonJirJngit, /^e inter orandumyd
hnUfutireyel prepetKodiim'tbrnutefcere Calv-.ir. capuf jSJfai. Wiww intertor, in (^ho capit
hA(>itareChrr(iw per fidentyyoce fu'd^mnin (Jyepitu Ui>iorum»fed in dffeciu cordi* cUmAt
ad dominum. Hon uk homo audit, ibi Dens ugdii.'^i/i v»ce pulmonumj O" Utertm et iin^ux
elames, homo tenon Audit- Cogitafio tuA, clamor e/f dd DomifHim.AugViii.m Pfal.i4l. Pie-
rumque hoc nigetium plm gemitibus, quam prmnMi^m A^it»r , p^ ^etu, quAm A^Atu.
Idcra.Epifr. 1 2 1. VAlmtioret vocetApad feereti^maf Aurei Deimu fAciuutver^a mftrA^fsi
defider'iA j AttemAtn etenim ytump ore petimuiyttectamiMcordede/iderAtnusicUmdyitts tA-
eemas. St yero de/ideramMi ex tsrde, cfiAm chw are omt'icejcimus j, tucemes ciAmAmtHj Gregor.
inji.cap.Iobjcap.ij.
conceit.
Part. I . Cap 4 . ApBed Ccnfcieaces, %77
conceit, it is fo weakly, coldly, and confufedly, tfeat
thouthinkft; AswclincveTawhit,asnevcrthc bet-
tcr,&c. Take notice here-, that Gods Child is able.
Fir ft, fometiraes to ponre out inito his God with life
and power: Secondly, fomtimesto fay fomething,
but with much coldncffe,dcadncffe of heart, and di- a The moft rJgkeom
ftraaedne{re(as hee » complaines.) without his perfons, are their owne
wonted feeling^andfrcedomeof fpirit : Thirdly, Ac i;";'^*!"^
othertimcSjhecanfay juft nothing, but groanc,and
{igh,and only defirc hce could pray. For this laft,
looke upon the laflpairage. Forthefecond j to wit,
when the ChriPiian is troubIed,that he can fay fome-
thing, and fpeake words unto God i yetit is without
that order, tfficacy, fit phrafc and comming-off (o
comfortably, asheethinkesis to bee found in other
Prof eflbursj&e, I fay, in this Cafe,confider,that as a
Father is more delighted with the ftammcring and
fluttering, as it were ; with thcin-articulatc, and iai"
perfedtalkeofhisownclitrleChildc, whenit firft ^ ^.^^^ auAvteb ri
begins to fpeake; then with the exa^eft eloquence pi^ceatveo, yelpZxil-
of the moft famous Ojatout upon earth : fo ** aflfu- lum^dei^& qnitntoperh
rediy, our heavenly Father is infinitely better pleafed ddeffemr preoi'm i»
with the broken, interrupted paffages, and pe- 'i»'^**^^*i^nf*4iepo^
nods of prayerinanupr!ghchcart,heartily grieved, U,,„, Jifi^n,,^ ,.^,
that hee can doe no better, nor offer up a more lively, ptrfeWonem. ' ndemu^
hearty, and orderly facrificc; then with the excel- yulgo faremes magit
lently-cooipofed, finc-phrafcd and moft methodicall ^f^^^f^ b4il>Htienu w-
peticioBsofthelearned'ftTWf/^^^. Nay, his foule C/J^/f f '""I'^'T
* tilt \ • n ^ I u»tyerfa ehquenttS. Bom
extremely loathcsthc one,and gracioully acceptsthe minum tlo]ue»tipm$.
other in lefm Chrifi. Asconcerning the complaint rtim. Kosomnes ^nod^d
o£ coldaeffej bee affurcd, that though thy prayers '(^^^fi*^ mim^mfanut
proceed our of thy mouth, faint and feeble, cold and f****"*^'^ utinf^mesfcuu
nncomfortabic jyci fpringing from a fynccre heart, ^«,. PaJdHtemnolier
purified by Faith, truly humbled under Gods mighty (alejfismagu okcSiatw^
hand for CmnQ% fecondcd with groanes and griefc, rudttate.ae inf^ntikn—
with an holy anger, aad felfe- indignation, that they T^^^jJ^' /«"«»^ *i««/^,
b£.no^ more f^rv^em and piercing, and offered in ^"1';!, '- "* ^''^-
obedieiice^
37^ !»flr(i Slio-ds for a rtght comforting , St ft. 3
obedience unto God ; aremoft crrtainely, as it were,
by the way fortified, and cnlived with the -pacifying
peiR'dions.and intercelTory fpirit of Jefus Chrijl;
fweet'y perfumed with the precious Odinrs of his
frefh bleeding Merits, and hkflediMediationj fothat
they ftrike the eares of the Almighty with farrc
greater {lrength,andirreliLlab!e i importunity ,then is
ordinsrilyimagined: And ate as fwect-findling fa-
crincesir.hisnoftrils; The very fight of whofc cru-
cified Sonne at his right hand tendering the fuite,caa
calmc his moft angry countenance; and convert by
a facred meritorious attonemcnt, bisdifpleafuresand
wrath,intoconpafliafls and peace. Now blslTcdbce
God,thattheweake prayers, and broken (5ghes of
tempted and troubled fpirifs, have this happy pro-
mife and prerogative: That before chcy pfcfle, as ft
were, into the prefence of God the Father, they arc
mingled in the meanctime, with the foveraigne and
fatisfaflory incenfc in tht golden cenfer ; whence eva-
poratingoutofthe Angels hand, (Imeanethe An^
gel of the (Covenant y for fo thetrueil Interpreters un-
derftand the place j they afcend into the fight of our
gracious Father , incorporated and enwoven, as it
wcrc> into that pretious and pleafing fume: and that
it pleafeth the llepA Spint, m the tieedfull time of
fpirituall extremities, to draw the petitions of our
fometimesfpecchlcfle,heavy and diflrad:ed hearts :
Jefus Chr if}, the gVCit A'^'gell of the (Covenant ^to^p^^.
fefljperfumeandprefentthemJ Hee that by an ex-
cellency, and title of higheft honour, is Mq^ the Hett.
rer affrayers , to receive them into his mercifull
hand, and bofomc of companionate acceptation /
Goe on then poore fou'.c $ Thou that forely droooelt
under the fenfiblc waight of thy manifold weake-
ncfles,andunworthineflc this way 5 and thereupon
fometimes finfully dra we ft back, with fome thoughts
ofgiving-ovcr quite J which is that, the Divell de-
Part.l^ap.^* J§Ucied Confciettces, 37 9
fires^aud would utterly imdoe thee for ever; prefTc
forward in the name of Cj&W/?unto the Throne »f
Cjrace, with a lighter heart, then thou art wont.
ShalltheLordldhs call and cry for a Pardon for
thofCjWho put him tc death j who wercfofarre from
fecking unto him, that like fo many Evening Wolves,
they foughtand fuckthis blood land will he fliut his
eares,thir!fteftthou,from thy complaints and groans,
who values one drop of his bio .^d to quench thy fpiri-
tuallthirft.atanhighsrpricctfeen the worth of many
Worlds ? Comfort thy felfc invincibly? It cannot be.
a . In the faintnefle of Faith^and want of feclingi 3-When not beleerear
Thou beholdeftfometimcs, a Father holding a lit- ^^^e^vould.
tie Child in his armes:now whether, doft thou think, ^ i a r
is.theChiJdfafcbyirtowne,orfaytheFathers(,old ? ^.ir:;:/^^/^^^
It clalpes about the Father with it s • little wcakc -vere mfitu Efi autem
hands,as well asitcan j buttheftrength of it's fafety, conimBio bxc fpirma^
is in the Fathers arme. Nay,andth: Father holds the ^*^-^F^>''j»^lemdico,quu
fafter,whenatanytimehee perceives the Childc to ^^jf — '^t ^'^f^
have leftit's hold. Thou arc ^ tied, as ic were, unto tM4iu , mn per neryos
Chrift by a doubfebond ; firft, of the Spirit, and fe- o-Ug^menUyferquafit
condly,oFFaich.ThoB layeft hold on Chrift by Faith-^ couim&mfiAtorporAlut
and he holds thee by his Spirit. Now thy Infant, ^'^^^biiam'^rT d'
Faith, or afterfome good ftanding in Chriftianity, ^Z]thalo*Jf;itimm/»^
weakened and forely wounded ia thy prefent feeling, umfannumadms: Not
hath loft it's hold-faft •• And therefore thou thinkeif, deindeyiej/^mfidemtttm-
all is gone ^and walkeft dcjededly, and uncomforta- ^'■'"" #«'^/'>'>;*«*«-
bly,as though not airy promife in GodsBooke, or '.t^^^^^/'t:
dropot Chnlts Blood weretnoej&c. Butaflure thy fer Sfhitum fimul &>
felfe, being found at the heart root, and "talking in the fdem j quU c$niunfii»
light ^as God ii in the light, thy heavenly Father in ^■**' "Z'*'''^' P^ fftttt»4,
thisCafc d holdstheelbfaftbyhis Spirit; that no fi,%ZZfoTloci!iiT
han.cap. I «f . d /.<w ctj^nito e« quod h/tu cbrljitu idom Vent fit^ demde fenti tnus nos teneri
eiuiim4tM,/entimHi ms p/triter dppYebendi manHfatru^McDei. Cum autem lentimwHOipfe^
bendirruHH p4tri4 4c Dei,- turn qHidemyidernKmehu ^rmiejje^ & extra emm periculMm
fofitiiataminedumarte Kota fund omentum, in que futtdau cfi yita Atirmi efi autem-
vuinuiillaVtiapfrehendensnei 3 non tammoMH f^fT^ af^rthendemTkHtrtf quam DtimMfts--
«//r«&€W<</«M>iei,Idcm.Ibid cap. 10,
•■ ■ ' ' ' ' Maa
Manor Diveii, oot ail chc powers cf diikiciTe cr
g/ues 9J yeli^ can poiTil: ly i>!uck thee out of his hand.
Nay^he excellency oF his power is moft glorioufly
iaipreved,ar.d mid: mzxt illuftrious it thy grfatcfl
cxtrcmirieSjSndexticmeftfpiriruaii wcakoeffe. And
bee boics it his higheft honcnr , to held thee the
fafk^sfhen thy hold isgone. Hfrcthcn and upon
thi»grour>d,:hoahaic a Calling; a^id luaift comtbr-
tabiy,fcrbe is ever mcft loving & tender-hearted, ia
rimes cf :emp:a:icn jto silthat are true cf heart, eser-
ciie that mof: excelieit act of faith ; To btletve ^tth^
£7a//ff/iy^.TobeIecv-CjWhen the face cf God doth
ihifle upon thee with unllble refreihing, and when
thoa enjoyeic plentifjl! , and prtgnsot proofes or his
favour, ii ao great mitcer, no fuch maiuery.But then
to bdeeve, when all fcnfe cf Gods love is gene, and
thciighrofh is countenance hid from thee 5 whcnaU
goeqaite crcffeand contrary in the appeheufion c^
, carnall reafon : thenisthehighcl^ praife; thisisclie
pcr^dion cf/'i<>^. Th? very duiljenfclefieandroule-
lefTe ear:h: upon which we trradjinay teach us to reft
and depend upon God in (iicha Cafe. It is a mighty,
and maiJy body ..planted in the middeft of thcthinne
aire j and inangsupor.juft nothing in theworid, but
ordy upca Gods Word 3 By thac alone it 15 there efta-
b!iU3edumacHicab1y,ke:pes his place moi^ ilcadiiy,
ne^-er fiirresan ynch from \x.^ It hath no props or
pillars :o uphold it : no barres orb-amsstofaftenit ;
nothmgto ilayandfuppcrtit,butthc bare fVord of
Co{;. a'.OOC. Hit Hfhoiaeth all thifigs by the fVsrd ef
hh p-Gvxr.Ciizh theApoftkjHir^.i.^, Andyetnotall
thecreaturesinthe world can ihake it, or make ic
tremble. Becitro:hen,thar thy F^irh hath left it*»
hcld-fafi; that for the prefenr, thou findeft nefee-
ling; no encouragements of/^, Mtd pea£f w heUe"
vir.7 ; no fe-Tib'epawnes, and pledges cfGods won-
ted fsvcur,acc. Yet for ail chiSj caft thy fcife upon
' xhz
Par t . I . Cap 4 • Ap^ed Co^fdences, S^^
the /ureVecrd of that mighty God, who hath <?/r4^/'»-
fied all the ends of the e^trtb ; and reared fuch a great
and goodly bi!iiding,wherethere was noFour.dacion:
andqu£{iionlefie,thoufhaltbe more then infinitely,
cverlaftinely fafe, and fettled like W5«»f Zw«, v^^i' j^««i«,
cartnetheeremoved,bitt iibtdetb for ever, Wcflioiild.
5, TnfailingsoFnew obedience,
Thcii purft"chy Ibnne intoimployracnt.fet'n him a-
boiitthy bufinefTvS ; Hee improves the utsioft of his
skill; firength and indeavour, to doe thee the beft
krvice heecan,andpieafethee,ifit were po(Hble,to
pcrfcdion; Butyetcoraesfhort of what thou de(i-
reft, aadfailcsinmanypaniculars; and therefore he
weepes and takcs-on j and is much troubled that hcc
can give no bettercontentment. Now tell me,thoa,
whofe heart is warmed with the tenderneflc of a Fa-
thers affedicn, whether thou wouldeft not bee moll
ready, and willing to pardon and pafle-by all defeds
and failings in this kinde? Nay I know thou wouldeft
rejoycc,and blefTe God, that hee had given thee a
Child fo obedient, willing and sfFcdionate. Proper-
tionably,thy heavenly Father fetstfaec on workc, To
beleevc, repent, pray, reade the Scriptures, hearc the
WordjConferre, meditate, love the Brethren, fanfti-
fie his Sabbaths, humbi e thy felfe in daies oi'i^ip^
andprai«r,poureGut thy ibulc, day and night (as
the times reqaire) in compaffion, fwllow.fceIing,and
ftrongcriesfor thcaffl aions oilofeph jthc deftrufti-
on of the Churches and thofe Brethcren of thine,
which have To long lame in blood and teares 5 to bee
indurtriousandfenousinallwoikcs of juftice^raer-
cy,andtru:h>&c. And thou goeft about thefe bltfled
biifinefles,with an upright heart,and obedience un-
to God j but thefeverail performances comefarrc
fhoitof what his Word requires, and thy heart dc-
firesj and thereupon thou mourneft and gricveft, and
ssfflift€ftthyfouic infecrct, b^cwfe thou canftnot
COfllC-Off.
582 h:/!ruPiicfisfc>r a ^tght confcrtittg Se£^. %
coiiie-o9''wich more power and life 5 nor bring that
glory unco God in thy Chriftian walking, which fo
many mercies, mcancs,andrnch a miniftery may ex-
adat thy hands. Inthiscafenow of thefe involun-
tary failings, and humble difpoGtion of thy heart,
therefore bceraoft aflbred, chy All-fufficient Father
TVillfparethee^ as a man fpareth his optse fonney that
ferveth blm. Nay,and with fo much more kindaefle
and love 5 as the heavens are higher then the earth, aad
4Whenvveefedcour God greater then man.
fdvcsforfakcn. 4 ^'i cafe of a fpirituall Defcrtion. ^
c Dim boms uon negli' ' A Father fofaciog himfelffi with hish"ttle Childe,
eitcumnegUgit.Kecob. and delighting in ics pretty, and pleafing behaviour,
hyifcttHr.fedqudfi Mt. j^ ^ontfometifnes to ftep afide into a corner, or be-
-vtfatur^ Ruff, in Pfal. i • j j r ^ • \ • *
TiondefernetUmUdere- "indadore,uponpurpoieto quicken yet more, it's
r4t.inV(z\.90.Mfcon~ Iove,andlongingaftcr him,and try the impaticncy
dttfe fptnfuf cum ^ttt- andeagcmefleof it saftedions. In the mcane time,
ritut 3 ut Hon invtmat hee hcares it cry, runncabcur, and call upon himj and
^rdentm:^uxr4tHf,& yetheeftirresnot,butforbeares to appeares not for
vemytHiat'.uttArdiute wantot coaipaiiionandkinanefle, wnich the more
{tii cMpacior reddita, k takcs OH , the more abounds j but, that k may
mHiiipUctus qitAHd^qt^e dcarclier prize the Fathers prefence: that they may
tnyenutjquodquarehat, ^^^^ ^^^^ oief ril V, and rcjoycc in the enjoymcst of
cao.4. N6« eH ftyttfKt ^^'^^ ^^^'^^ "^^^^ neaitily . Conceive then, and coafi-
s^mftuAdyocem.&yo. dercothiuc owneexceedingcomfort, that thy hea-
tumrevocantis. ^4re> veuly Father dcalcsiuftfo withthecin a fpirituall de-
HtdtfidtrmmcYefidt, ut fertion. Heefornotimcs hides his facc fromthtc/and
frobcturdffeFi^, ut ex. ^ij-hdrawcs faisquickning, and refrefhing prefence
»m.Saneerildtf,muU. for atimcnot for « want oHove, for hee loves thee
tio cft^ mii indig^Atio. freely^ He loves thee with oneverlafting ^Z'*? j he loves
Bera.inCant.Serm.7 ^«
'Konde/eritfUtdeferatur. Simon Caff in Evang.lib.8.cap.37. Deferit potiiti, ne deferatttr.
ideo videturde/erere, quumnyult deferU Hof.14 4.Ier.3 i.g, Iob.17.26. ^*fti dfUEii^
^uknes profeqaiturDeM^pTOpriHoqutHd^^mnuliAeH quamquk filium fuum al^ initio dilex-
st, tit in to ms quoque grdtts ]ibi Cr an. al/iles reddt « f . Cal v . in Lo c . Toh , 1 5, 9. SiqitificAt nm
yulg'tvemdtUi^tonem/'utimerg't ipfas^ r.eque ^lane taUmg qualu ejfe f«Ut dtleBJo a oedturd.
^romanaaSy fed talem {ffe^-quaiii eft cr^Atfirit ipfiiH j & Dei dttior. —.^^Roe e^,in^'
nitw, & imemprektnfiHif* i fitiut longitndi.»eni ^ Utitudinemt profKnditatem & alti"
(Mdinesna aemo jieteji {or^thi»4ire t ^ qi*ijitpif4t amnemc^i^tianim. KoUocmJoc.
thee
Part. I . Cap -4. t^ffiifed Cs»fcieftcer, a.g •
thee with the very fame love, with which Hee loves
lifus Cfer/i? J And that dcare Sen of bis, loves thcc
Tfith the fame lev e^ his Father laves him: B-at to pat
ttjore heate and life into thine afi-t£iions cowards
him, and heavenly things j To caufe thee to rcJi/h
coniHJiinion with lefm Cbnjf^ when thou en;oyeft
it, tnore'fweetly ; to preferve it more carefully ; to
joy in it more thankfully ;andto£hiin tsore watch-
folly, whatfccver might rob theeof it : To ftirre i;p
ali the powers of thy loa!e,and allthcgracesof God
in chte ; to fcckc his face and favour againe with
jnore extraordinary, and univerfall ferioufnefi*^, an-d
indullry .* For W€ finde with pkarure,polIcfre with
fiagular contentment, and keepc with iptciall care,
what we have fought with paine. W e may fee this in
theSpoiifc : Camic. -^^i.^c* under the prcflujre of a
grievous DefertioniPonderevcry particular. By night
en my bed I [ou^thim^hom my foule loveth^ I fought
himJfHt I found him not, I rviU rife »fiW, ^ind gaea^eut
the City inthe fireets^nndw the broad Tvayes ; I ■will
feeke him whom my foule loveth ; I [onght him^ but I
found him not. The WAteh-men that goe altfiUt tht
at) , found mee : to whom I faid j SaW yee him whom
my foule loveth f It ^m but a Itttle^ that I fapd from
them^bnt I found him whom my foule loveth : / held
htm.ar-d ^culd net let htm goe^ unttU I had broMgbt him
to my mothers houfe ; and mto the chamber of her that
egffscetved mee. I charge jee^ Oyee daughters oflene-
falem^by the%oes ,andby the Htndes of the field^hatjee
fiirren»tup^nor awa^emy Love^ttll hee fkafe. And
kftly, that, when the comfortable beames of Gods
lighcfome countenance ilialibreake out againe upon
thy foule,and thy Beloved is returned i thou aaaift
fingjthat triumphant fong of f aithmoft |oy fully; /
am my Beloveds, and my Beloved ii mtne. Defertions
thcn,& dclaics oft«his naturctare fruits of thy heaven*
J;^ Fathers love ^ and ought to be ao difcouragements
C <; ' vsat9
3 ^4 InflrftB'toHsfor a right comforting, Sc(fl. j S
untG thee at all, holding thy integrity. His loue there-
by is intended to wards thee, by the rcftraint of the
inflaencc.asitwercandfcnfeof it from thy foule,
as a Brooke growes big, by dan:)ming it up for a
while : And thy love is more en flanged towards him,
when thou feeleil by the want of it, what an heaven
}ipon earth it is, to have his face fliineuponthec,with
it'squickning refrefhing prefence j rndthat a fenfible
cmbracement of lefus (^hnfi m the armes of thy
Faith, is the very life of the foule, as the Soulc is the
life of the Body j the Crownc of all fwcet content-
mentin this vale oftcareSj and a piece, as it were, of
«vcrlaftingpleafurcs*
CHAP. V.
night ednclujtom woredraiv/tefrsmthe afare^mentia^
ned places i
5
N times oftrialf.
Thou feeft fometimcs a Fa-
ther fctting downe his little .
One upon it*s feet, to trie its
ftreHgth,and whether it be yet
able toftand by it felfc omo |
But withall, he holds his armes
Oil both fides, to uphold it, if hecfee it incline either
way,and to prefervcitfrom hurt. Aflurc thy felfe,
thy heavenly Father takes care of thee with infinite-
ly more reRdcrnefTe, in all thy trialls, either by out-
ward affiiftions, or inward temprations. Though
thoH Jhouldefi fall^ yet fialt thoM not bee utterly caji
tdfiwfte jfer the Lord Mpholdetb thee wtth hiahaad^ Pf^o
^7.24. Never did G^ld-fmith attend fo curioufly,
and punctually upon thofe prctiou* mettalishcecafts
intothefirCjto obftrve the very firft feafon, aodbeo
%e,ichac they tarry no longer in thcfurnacc, thcnthc-
" droSe;
P art. I .Chap, 5. jiffiHed Cotfcietsces, 3 85
drofiibc wafted j they thorowly purified, and fitted
for fome excellent ufe ; as our gratious God lovingly
waits, to take thee out of trouble and teu^ptationj
wbcp. the ruft is n moved froin thy fpirituail ar-
mour j thy graces fliine out, and thou heartily hum-
bled, and happily fitted, to doc him more glorious
fcrviccfo! thetjajetocomejl meane, when he hath
attained the end, which hee mercifully intended in
lovcjand for thy good.
6. In conceits of our un worthineflc. ^. Whea Wee fede ov^
D<«t/?Wcommand€d/5^^, and the other CaptaJnes, ovvneunwwthinefl^
10 entreat the young man Abfdem gently for hu fake^
iSam i8.5.Ar€bcllioustraiterousSon, upinarmes
againfthisownc Father, gracelefly, and unnaturally
thir/Hng out of afurious ambitious humour,to wring
the Regall Scepter out of hishand,and to fetthe im-
periallCrowne upon his ownc head: How dearely
and tenderly then, will the Father of mercies deale
with a poore humbled foule, that lighcs, and fccksfor
his favour, infinitely raorejthen any earthly trcafurc,
orthcgiory of a thoufand worlds ?
7. 1 will fuppofe, thou haft broke fomc fpcciall 7. If wee treakef^l
vow,( which were a grievous thing) made before the ^P*?i?ll!f?)!Tj
Sacramentjupoofomedayof humiliation, or fucho-
theroccafion,- and fo forfeited thy felfe, as it were,
andthyfoule,intothehand£ofGodsjuftice,tobedit
poledoftothedungcon of utf:er darknefle, if thou
wert ferved,as thy finne hath defcrved. And thereup-
on, thou arc much afflid:fcd,& fore troubled in mindc,
to have TufFeredthy ielfe to bee fo fottifhly enfnarcd
againe infuchadif-avowed fin, againft io ftrong a
purpofe. But here confider,whethcrthou,bLing a Fa-
ther, would'ft take the forfeiture of a bond, and ad-
vantage of breaking day, efpecially full fore agamft
his will, from thy deareft Childe, intreating thee
to intreate him kindly j Much, nay infinitely itfie*
will thy heavenly Father deale hardly with thee
C c 2 in
585 In^rnUisHs for Aright eomfortiHg Seft,5»
infuch a Cafe, if thou complainc at the Thrane of
^rsce with a grkvcd fpirit 5 renew thy covenant,and
tell him truly, that thou wilt, by the hclpcof the holy
Ghoft, guard thy heart with a narrower watch, asd
flronger refolution for thetiafje to come. If'^ee conn
feffe eur /inms; hee is faith fftiU>?d$fifl to forgive w our
finrtes.^ I lohn 1 .9. And in fiich a Ca fe, wee ha v e ever a
blcfled Advecate ^ith the Father, lefns Cbrifi thertgh'
teoiu^^ap.2'1*
f»«g;< w^i^r^^irtH^. A Father (ometiaie threatens, and offers to
S;1X^X'^'^^ ^^^?^ ^»'i^t/e one out of his ^rmes : but Qpon pur-
ttnddiisbjcreat. Simon, pofe only to make him cliog clofer unto him . Our
Caff.in EYaBg.Ub. J 4. heavenly Father may feeme to caft oflFhjs Childe,and
leave him for a while in the hands of Satan, for iR-
ivardteinptationi or tothe rage of his bloody agents
for outward perfecution j But it is onely, to draw
himncercrtohimfclfc,by more fcrious fceking, and
fure depcndancein the time oftrouble , and that with
the hand ofhis faith, hee may lay furer held upon his
All-futficiency.
And the Childe, cfpecially, if of riper conceit,
and wiferthoughts, iaughes,pcrhaps,jn the Fathers
fkce,dreadsno danger.drcames not of being hurt. And
what's the rcafon, thinke yeej- Only becaufe hee
knowes,hethatholdshiiij,ishisFathcr.- So thy bca^
venly Father holds thee,as it were, over Hell in Come
ftrongtemptati©n,upon purpofe to terrific thee from
tampering fo much with the Divels baites 3 fo that
thou fcefi nothing about thee for the prefent, but
darkeiieffeanddifcomforts,andthe very horrors of
ctcrnall death ready to take hold on thee : yet for all
this, upon the ground of this loving gracious refcm-
t^lancethou maifl be comforted j and cry confident-
m i^.Jfl. ly with hb ^Though he fl^j me, yet mil I trufiiH htm ,
Kal 23.4. With David,Thcfighlr,Alk^through the valley oftk^
ifei5p.»«; Jhndorvof death, I mllfeare no eviU, fVho « amo»i jon.
» fO!r?rop!}et, fhffearejh the Lord, that ^eyeth
ihs^
Part. 1. Cap. 5» 9y4ffiiEledC(i»fciemet. ^%y
the voice ofhui fervant, that ^alketh in darhntjfe^Mnd
hatb no light} Lfthimtrttfiin the Name of the Lord^
andjiaj upn his ^od,
p. A Son by the feducementof fome diffolutc and p.I^we flWe taclc fel
dimiiVQu Belial sis drawnc into lewd and licentious *9r?!?^6'i*Y®??^^"'^:
company ; ar.d fc plunges prefently over head aud
eares into peflileat courfcs; Falls unhappiIy,to fwag-
gering, drinking, gaming, the mirth and madneflTc of
wine and pleafures J and at length tocxprcfle to the
life, an txi€i conformity, to that compleat charader
of theprofcfTcHirs of Good-fellowflbip, as they call
it, and Epicurifrae 5 both for purfiiite of renfuall dc-
lightSjand perfecution of true profcffours, Wifd. 2. <?,
&c,i i.e^-f. Whereby hee vvailc's his Patrimony,cuts
theheartofhisParents, wounds his confcicncc,&c.
His Father monrnesaud grieves, confults andca^sa-
bout with alllovc and longing for his recovery, and
returns : atkngth out of fcntc and confciencc of his
bafcand dcbdiht behaviour, vile company, diflio-
nouriiigGodibanifliinggood motions,&c. He comes
JO ^f»i?/?//>,intreates his father upon his knees with
many teares, that hee woyld bee pleated to pardon
what is paft,receive him into favour againe ^ and hee
willfaitiifully endeavour to difpleafe hiai no more,
but redceme the lofle of the former, with the im-
provement of the time to come. How willingly and
weIcomely,thinkeyoij,wculdruch a Father receive
fuchafon,intothebo{bmcoFhis fatherly affevflion,
andarmesoideareftcmbraccmenr. And yet fo, and
infinitely more isour heavenly Father merciful!, and
meltingtowardsanyof his relapfed children, retur-
ning unto his gracious Throne,with true remorfe and
hearty griefe,forro going aftray.j|Which isan incom-
parable comfort in cafe of (&4c^^-yZ/<^*«^j whicli yec
God forbid.
10. A Father indeed, will lay heavier burdens f*?- ^^ ^t^. ^^^^^ oa«
MP?? PJ? t9??^9W growne into y eares and itreagtn,
Cc 3 and
felves 1 nable for great
j8^ InfltMUtom for aright comfming. Scd.j;
and puts him to forcr labour, and harder taskes \ But
while hee is very young, he is wont to forbears him
with much tenderntffe and compaffion 5 becaufchec
knowcs,htcisfcarce able to carry himfelfc out of
the mire :Evenfo, but with infinite more aftedio-
nateneflc and care, watchful nefle and love, doth our
heavenly Father bcarc in his armcs, and forbeare, a
Babe in Chrift. See Ifa^^o. 1 1. This may bee a very
f\^eet and precious cordiail to wcake ccnfciences at
their firft converfion : Who when they csft their eye
upon the hainoufnefft and number of their fimes^^hc
fiery and furious darts of the Divell, the frownes and
angry foreheadsof their carnall friends, the worlds
lowringand enmity, the rcbsllioufnefle and unto-,
wardncffe of their owne hearts, prefling upon them
all at once % and fo confidering.that refraining from e-
vill^theym/ike themfelvesaprey^^VQTcady to finkcand
faint ; and feare that they (hall never hold out. For
thty may hence ground upon it ; being upright-hear-
ted, and believing, that Godj who knowes their
weakcneffe full well»W>/5? mt fufferthem to be tempted,
iihove thatthej 4ire ahle | hnt mil rvith the temptation
mlfi make a tvaj toefcafe^ that they may bee able to beare
it. So that over ail thefe adverlaries, and ungodly
oppofitions,they ftiall moft certainely be more then
conquereurs«
fi.lfvfcieoMcihortof 1 1. Whenthouartdeje<fledin fpirit, and walkefl
5ih«f. '" more heavily, becaufethoHcom'ft fiiDrt of ftronger
Chriftiansin all performances, fervices, duties and
fruitfull walking | and thereupon fuffr'ft flavifh
doubtesanddiftrnils, left thy ground- worke bee not
well laid, and beatc backe,and barrc out, all fpirstu*
all joy,and cxpeded contcntmens in thy Chriftian
couifc 1 1 fay thcn,and in fuch a Cafe, Suppofe a Fa-
ther fliould call unto him in bafte, two of his chil-
dren J One of three ycares old, the other ofthirteenc ^
d)ey both make all the haft they cao^ but the elder
Part.l,Chap»5' jiffiiHed CmfcieKces,
makes much more fpeedjand yet the littleone comes
onwadling, asfaflas it can ; and if it had more
itrength, it would have matcht the other : Now
wouldnottheFa: her accept of the youngers utmoft
endeavour-iccording to it*s ftrtngth, as well as of
-the elders f after gat, being flrongcr? I am furc hee
would $and that w ich moretenderneire too, and ta-
liingit in his armt s to encourage it. And fo certainly
wiii thy heavenly Fatherdeale with thee in the like
Cafe, about thy fpirituail ftate, being true-hearted,
and heartily grieving, praying, and iadeavouring to
dee better.
12. Suppofea Child to fall fickcin a family; The n.if ^ee ate Jn any
Fathcrprefentlyretsthcwh^Ie houfeon worke for manner fpirituaUjr ik*;
therecoveryofit'swelfare. SomerunncforthcPhy- ftrcflei
fition,othcrsfor friends a id ncighbouiS; Some tend
it,others watch with it ^ All contribute their feverall
abilities, endevours, and diligence to doe it good;
And thus they continue in morion, aflFedion, and ex-
traordinary imploymcnt about It ; farre more then a-
bcut all the reft that are Vv ell, untillit recover. With
the very fame, but incomparably more tender care,
and companion, will thy heavenly Father vifite thee
in all thy fpirituail maladies and iickneffes of Soule.
The whole blefled Trinity is ftirred, as it were,extra-
ordinarily, and takes ro heart thy troubles at fuch ^
time J Even as a Shepheard takes more paines, and
excrcifes morepittic andtendancficabout his fh<rep,
when they aie out of tune. See Ifa,^o=i it Szech,^^^ « u^^^ft-
I ^. upon which places, heare the Paraphrafe of a
bltficd * Divine, /"/^tf Lord V^iii not he mfalthfttllf
thee , if thou bes upright mth him^ thottgh thou bee
fveake in thy carnage t9 htm 5 for hee kee pes his Co-
venant forever. Z4nd therefsrem Ifaj^c* the Lord
fxprejfefhit thtts^ you (hall know mee, as fhcepe
know their Shcpheard, and I will make a covenant
with you, and thpfj, et»d thns J will dtsle mth yot* :
Cc 4 ~ ^"^
2QO JnfirM^i«»sfor dri^rot comforting Se^,3o
e/fniho^ U thitt ? tVhy the coveftant h not thu4 only j oi
hng^ yen kffpftvuhtit the boundei yUad keeps mihin
the fo^ld 5 Ailovg^M pH gat Along the fathes efrigh'
teonj'^cjfeyapid walkeinthem : butthUid the ^avemn^
that I litU make I Itvitl drive ym according to th4t
j9!* are able to beware : // any be great with yomgj mil-
drive them feftly i Ifihey belome^that they are notable
togoe {(ahthhesj) I wiUcakethem up in mineartnes,
and CiFry them iii my bofome, Jf yon compare with
iE^i'Ub.'^^. fott /hall finde there^ Hee puts do'^ne all
the flips W^ee are fnbjeQ unto \ {^[peaking of the time of
the CoJ pell, when Chrifl ftiould be the fhepheard ) hes
fie^es the (Covenant that hee rvill make with thofe that
are hi4 j Saith he^ if any thing be loft, if a fheepe lofe
itfelfe^thUismy Covenant^ I will finde it : If it bee
drivenaway by any violence oftemptatim^ I will bring
it backe againe : If there bee a breach wade into their
^ hearts, by any occaflon through ftnne and lufi, I will
heale them, and binde them up. ThU the Lord ^illda^
thiiu the Covenant that hee makes. But I was telling
yoii^the whole bieifed Trinity takes on, ( If I (nay fo
fpcakc) altera fpeciall manner, in all the fpirituall
trouble$;,erpecially,of all thofe.whoaretrueof hearts
Gtf/^/^tf/rf/^/rjbowells of mercy yernc compaflio-
natclyover thee, when hecfcesthce fpiritually fickff.'
The.diftreiTcdand difconfolateilatc of thy foule,puts
faim into inch inciting and affedionate pangs, as
«•* .-----J Chefe : Oh fbon afjii^iedy to^ed with tempepj and not
tomforttd j behold^ I -will lay thy fiones with f aire ca-
^Kj,nm^ /«*^/, and lay thy foundations "^ith Sapbires^ c^c. Com'
" fort yee my people^ faith your God^ Speaks yee comfor-
tablytojerufalem^and cry unto her^that her^arfareis
nccompli^edy that her iniquity is pardoned^^c, lefus
C^rifl^out of his owue experience knoweth full welf,
whatitis to be grievoufly tempted : what it is to
have the moil hideous thoughts, and horrible in je-
S^?55 ^!H? wac into the minde, that can bee poflibly
imagined;
* -^rc. I . cap^ « j4^icied Con [denes s, 3 p I
imagined ; Nay,tbattbeDiveli himfelfccandcvife :
%tc MAt,/^.6.^. What an beli it IS, to want the com-
fortable influence cf the Fathers pleafed face and fa -
veur. See Mat.iy.j\f6, And therefore hec cannot
chufc but bee affliQed in our tt^ibhens j and very fcn-
fibly and fwcetly ten^er-bearrcd in all our fpiritualJ
troubles. They pitty us moft incur ficknefles, wha
have felt the fame tbeinfelves./» that hee himfelfe (uf-
fered^ and Vfins tempted^ hee is Able to fucconr them thni
are ter»pted^Heb.2'ld, As for the bleffed Spirit, it is
his proper WGrkc,as it were. To comfort them thAt
moHrneinZion\ To give nntothem hatttj for ttfhes^
the Qjle of jij for moHrning, the garment of prAtfe for
the fpiritof heavineffe. And yet bcfides all this, thy
heavenly Father, inthediftrelTc of thy foule, fets al-
fo on worke the Church of God about thee : Faith-
fall Miniilcrs to pray for, and prepare feafonable
andfoundarguments,rcafons, ccunfclls, and com-
fortsout of Gods blcfled Bookeito fupport,quicken,
reviye,andrccovertheeall they can: Private Chri-
ilians,to commend thy Cafe unto the Throne of grace,
and mercy; and that extraordinarily wich mightinefle
of prayer upon their more fokmne daycs of humili«
acion*.
Thus,and in thelike manner, perufe all the com- f sina qtit feeuM^HPn
pafllonate paflagcs of the moft tender-hearted pa- mfir^mfiUos diUgimit,,
:rly will our heavenly Father (iea'e with all,thataie tr*„^ittr4m.sed n:T cl,^
upright-hearted, in ail their troubles,tj iils.aiid temp- Uyt(tatur n-Mtr injan,
rations. For the dearefl: love of the molt affidionate tem^mfiit, uurtfui^tit
Father and Mother to their Childe, is ^ nothing to tAmtnuomhUytfc^rtui^
that,whicbheebearcstothofer^^M.^.«,//..4P. ^Z^^ii^^^^Zl
CHAP. Vt
39»
InprHciiens for a right comfsrting Sccl.j.
^^aPrmciple of com-
fort from one thing
within usjcven accor-
ding to th« judgement
of.
g Prr4»w inliisGrainc
«fMuftard.r«ed.Con-
h /<ie»iii>IjisEtpofiti-
OBof theCreed,p. i »7.
i Utm npon the Ser-
non in the Meant,
fag.i I.
I: D0WMJi«mhisCiari<
ftiaaWarfarc,cap.4i.
CHAP. VI.
9y4Trmclple gf comfort from femethinq mtbinm,
confirmed from feverall tcftimonics and tafl^Rces of
Serif tftre, and hj we reafon,
Hirc^(y,thereis apretious Pria-
cipk in the myfterfc of falvati-
on 5 which , as a comforting
Cordiall-watcrjfervesto quic-
ken and revive in the fovvnings
and faintingsoF the Body,defc.
Aionof the fpirits, and finking
of the heart i So it may bee foveraignc, to fupporc
andruccourinafRiaionsanddejedionsofSouIcand
wcakneffcsof ourfpirituall ftate: Jc is thus delive-
red by Divines.
S Aconftantand earned defire to bee reconciled f
g^dytg believe, and to refent, if it bee in a touched hearty
« inaccdptationwith God, asrecoHCfliAtion^Faith^repen-
tance itfelfe.
*» A rvMke faith (he'^ei itfelfehj this grace ofQad^
namely^ an Unfained defire^mtonelj ej falvation^ (^for
that the -kicked aud gracelejfe man may have;") But
of reconciliation nith Codw Chrifi. This ts afurefigne
of Faith in every touched and humbled heart , and it is
peculiar to the eleU,
» Thofe are (flexed, rfh9 are dvfpteafed trith their awne
doubting and unbeliefe; if they have a true eamefl de-
fire to bee purged from this diftrufi, and to believe in
God through Chri^,
^ Our defire of grace Jaith and repentance y are the
graces themfelveSyVfhich ^e defire j at leafi in Gedsac-
ceptatian, -who accept eth of the mil for the deed, and of
fiur a^e^ioHsfor the anions*
J Hmgring
Part.I.Cap.^, u^ffldied Coft/ciefices, 595
1 HHngriKgdndthirpngdefires are evidences 0f ^ I D>i^«ofRep«ntMJCffi
repeating beart^ *'P* ' ^
m Tri4€ de fire /irgues the prefenceef things dejired^ m r.T. upon PfaljjJ
and jet arguesnot the feetwgofit, P«g>j8.
n // f»4^ «e? ^ftf d$f[embledj that there Are in the « Byfeildin his Eipo-
</(?<? wfff comprehend m them^ that onely thing^woich is the ^ ,y^i(,M^
chief e fi^y of tbettfands ef the deare fervants of God\
md that is J defires^which may not bee denjed to bee «f
the nature of Faith. I exprejfe ntj meaning thtts : That
Ttfhen A LMan , or vpoman is fofarre exercifed in the fp$'
ritaall feeking f>f the Lord his <jod '^That hee would bee
roilltng to part "^ith the ^orld, and all things thereof^
if hee had them in his owne p^efjiony fo that by the Spi^
rit and Promifes ef^od hee might be ajfuredjthat the
Jinnes of his former life^ and fmh as prefently dee bnT-
then his Sofde^tvere forgiven him '^andthat he might be*
leev-s that Qod ^ere »ot» become hi4 God in Chrift : /
Tvofildnot doubt to pronounce, that this Ter/on ^thue
prizjngrem'tJfioH offinnes at this rate, that hee wottldfell
all tobuytbit pcKle) did undoubtedly believe. Not
onely becatife it is a truth ( though a Paradoxe) that the
"D^fiteto believe is Faith, "But alfobecaufe our Sm^i^
cur Chrifl doth not doubt to afjirme that they are bleffed,
that hunger and thirft after righccoufneflV, bccaufc MatA.jX
they (hall bcelatisfied. ylndto him that is athirft I Revelai.^^.
will give to drinke of the water of life freely, t^fnd
David doubted nottofayjThc Lord hcareth the dc- Pral.10.17*
fircoF the humble.
« I thinke^vfhenfoever the humbled fnuer fees an in. o Ro^tr' of DeihMi
finite excellency tn Q'hrijl^ and the favour of god by "^ his DoSrine of
him, that it is more tvorth then all the world ; and/o fets ^3'*^*P* »•?•&! a8;
bisheartuponit,tkatheeisref$lved to feekfi it "Without
seaftng^ a»d to part Vetth all for the obtaining it^ now I
take itf ts Faith begun.
H^hat graces thouunfainedly deftrefi 5 and eonfiantly
yifi themeanes to attnine ^ Thfu haft^
' - B Thers^
3 P 4 lyijlm^omfor a right comforting Seft
p CM^aScrm.^* p T'^tfrtf isn$ rock* more fnre then this truth ofGvd^
That the hearty that eomplaiKeth ef theVcaM of grace^
deftretha^eveali thhgstke fupplj of that ^iMnt, nfetb
all holy meanes for the frocHrement of that/fipflj^cart'
not bee defiitftte of Caving grace ^ <
\ I5r«i7f?rf»,pag. 144^ q Such are wee hy imputation, a£ yvee bee in affeckvnl
And hee is now no finner,who for the love hee beareth ta
righteenfne^e, nfould be no ftnner* Sftch as "^e bee in de-
fire, and pftrpofe ; fhch wee bee in reckoning, andaccnsnt
With God ', ^hogiveth that true deftre, and holy purpsfe^
to none bfJt to his Children,Whom hee jnfiifieth,
t r>>^6ofSelfc-iccei- r fye mftjl remember^ that God accepts affi'£ling
viflgjcap.i^. yj,^ effeding ; willing for working j defircs for
' deedes; purpofcs , /^y* performances j pence, /i?r
pounds I and unto fticb as doe their endeavour^ hath
promifed His grace enabling them every day to d«e more
and tnorci
I Per^ upon Galaj. f y^^^^^^ beeinthee A forK&wfor thine unbeliefe"^ 4
f '^'*^ ' ivill and defire to belisve ; and a care to increafe in
Faithbytheufeof goodmtAnes I there is a meafure of
true Faith in thee ;and by it thsft maiji affnre ihy felfe^
that thou art the Child of (jod,
% Bi-Wrpag 88. ' ^^ *^ ^ g^^^^ g^^^^ "/ ^''^ '^ f^^^^ '^' '*'*''' ^/
gods graces in thy felfc^ And to hnnger and thirfl af"
. terthem.
h mr.n Faiti, «-!,« "* ^fy'"^ "^'fi'' *'^^"*'^ '^ y'*"' *''^^'*''' ^*'''^*'' '"
9 mijon e&itb, p«i 3 5. ^^^^^ to grace } perceive your fonleneffe nnto a loathing
of yosir felfe $ feare not, fifme hath no dominion over
you,
% J*«/,pag^i84''. * Senfe of Want of grace, complaint and mourning
from that fenfe, de(ire fettled and earnefl vfith fttcb
mourning to have the want fuppliedyufe of good meanet^
with attending upon Him therein for this [apply ^ is fure-
ly of ^ ace,
m>at graces thou unfainedlj defirefit 4Hd conflaHtlj
ufefi the meanes to attaiue ^ thou hafi.
Take it in (hortfrom mec chus :
^ -_ -- [4ttu:
jPart.I.capt^* ^^ioied Confcknces, ^nj
A trne Jiefvre 9J gruce argues a [AvingAnd csmfcrtA- Tbat a trae defreef
^/<? efiate. grace,arguf« an efine
The truth of which appearcs cl£arcIy,By Scrip- •ffaivarion.Profei
tures, ReafonSjBoth ancient and naoderne D ivincs. ty Scripturet.
Proefes.Mat.s^e. BUjfed are they, "^hichdaebm' '•T<ftiaa^ic«;
^(?r 4«^ third after rigb teottfftejfejdr they fhall bellied.
Here lo a ^efire of grace is annexed a Promifc of
Bleffednefle, which comprehends all the glory aad
pleafuresof GhriftsKingdomc here, and all heaven-
ly joycs and evcrlafting blifTe hereafter, /tfifc. 7.37*
Ij an^man thirfi^ let htr» cemeunto mee, and dri»l^^
Ffa/^io.iy. The Lord heareth the defireofthe humm
^/<?,P/^/.i45.l9. Hee "^ill julfiU the defer e of them
that fearebim, Luke 1.55. The Lord fillet b the hnn-
971 vfithgdod thtngjjRev.lt. 1 7. Let him that ii athtrfi
come. iAnd vchofoever wtll, let Htm take the water of
Itfe freely. I fa. 55.1. Ho, every one that thirfieth, eonte
yee to the waters ^&c^ And C4/'.44.vcrf.3. / will f cure
water Mp^ft Him that ts thirfiy^ and fiaods upon the dry
ground*
O Lord, J Ifefeech thee, faith Nehemiah ^ let HO'iV S.Infianceil
thine enre hee attentive to the prayer of thy fervantyOnd
to the prayer of thy fervants , who defire to fean thy
Name, Here, thofe who defire to fcarc the Lord^
are ftiled His fervants J andpropofed as mea quali-
fied, and in a fit difpofition to have their prayers
heard, their petitions granted, their di ft reffes relie-
ved, their aftaires blefled with fuccefTe. And no
doubV'his Man of God would make fpcciall choift
of fuch Attributesandaiedions;which might prove
powerful!, and pkafing arguments , to draw from
GodGoiiipaffion,favGur,aad protedion. And there-
fore a true-hearted defi/c to fcarc the Lord, isa (igne
of His fervanti
y^^rrt^4zw,asyouknaw, ^en,tt, did not indeed^
wbenitcametothcPoint,facrificc hisSoaiAn Angel
from Heaven ftaj^ed his band. Onely Hee had a will,
3 96 JftfirH^ioHS for a right comforting Sccfl.j -
purpofc,and fefoIution,if the Lord would fo have it,
even to flicd thcblood of his onely Childe. Now this
<lefiretopleareGod,wasgraciou(ly accepted at his
feands,as though the thing had been done 5 and there-
upon crowned with as many b!cfli.igs, as there are
ftarrcs in t be Heaven, and fands uponthc Sfa-fliore.
Bjmyfelfe have I fs^orne ^fnith the Lord, BecaMfe
ThoH hafi done this thing, And h/ifi notffAredthme enelj
Sonne ; (and yet hcc fpilt not & drop of his blood, (a ve
©ncly inp'jrpofe and preparedncfTe to doeGods will)
Therefore "^lU I fnrely ble^ethee^and greatly mnlti'^ly
thy feed.astheftarres of the Heaven^ and as the [and
Tvhieh is upon theSea-JhoreyctC 16.17.
Rich men fCP^arke j 2. caft into the Treafury large
Doles, and royall offerings, no doubt. For it is there
faid : LMany that yoere rich, caft in mueh,vcTf,j^ i ..And
yet the paorefVido^estrpo mites, receiving worth and
Waight from her holy and hearty affection, in Chrifts
cfteeme, didout-valew, and over-weigh them all.
Verily , faith Chrift, I Jay nnto yoUy that this pore w»-
dowhathcaji mare iu^tben all they wbtch have eaFitnm
to the Treafury,
ByReafoiifl Reafsns. i .One argument may bee taken from the
tureaccep^tsth^wiflfor ^^ctTednobleneffeof Gods nature, and the incompa-
tfaedcedf ^ rabic fwectncffe of his divine difpofition : which by
infinite diftance, without all degree of comparison,
and meafure of proportion, doth furpade, andtran-
fcendthc ingenuoufnefTe of the noblcft fpirit upon
earth. Now, men of ingenuous breeding, and gene-
rousdifpofitions,are wont to receive fweetefl con-
tentment, and reflbcft fatisfied, in prevailing over,
and winningthc hearts, good wills,and affv.£lions of
thofe, who attend, or depend upon them. Outward
performanccsjgratifications, and vifible ^^GdiS, arc
often beyond our ftrengrh and meancs; many times
minglcd,and quite mard, with Hypocrifies.difguifc-
jQcnts/ained accommodations, and Batcerks ; with
^ . — - ^ felfc-
Part. I Cap 6 • AffliEied Confciences. 397
felfc advantages,by-rcfpefts,and private end* .♦ But
inward reverence, and love, kinde and affedionate
ftkringsofthe heart are ever, and alone in our po-
wer ; and ever, by an nncontroleable frecdome, ex-
empted from enforceraentjdiflembling.and forcnali-
cy. NoRiarvaile then, though the moft royall, and
Heroicallfpirits,prizemoft>and be bcftplcafed with
pofleffion of Mens hearts^ and beingaflured of them,
can more eafily pardon the want of thofe outward
-Aftsoffufficicncy,andrervi€c(moft minded by ba-
it^,. men) which they fee to bee above the reach of
their ability and power* Nowif it bee fo, that even
ingenuous, and noble natures accept with fpeciall re-
fpedl and cftecme the affedionatenclTe, and hearty
well-willing of their followers and Favoumes^
th«ugh they want dextcrity,andmeancs,to expretle
itaftuallyinvifibleefrefts,and executions anfwera-
ble to the it affection : How much more arcfpirituaH
longings, holy afFe<ftiGns,thirfty defircs, gracioufly
accepted of that God ; in rcfped of whofe compaf^
fions, the bowels of the moft merciful! man upoiv
earth are cruelty ; In rcfped of whofe immealurably
amiable, melting, fweeteft difpolitfon, the iogcnu-
oufnefle of the nob/eft fpirit is doggedncflfe and difi
daine. Epeciallyfith Mens good Turnes, and Offices
of lovc,turncmany times to our good and bcnefit,to
our advancement, profit, preferment : But our roeH' pfal.i^.i^
doingextendethmtunteGod, That infinite effentiall Geds glory iiot i©i
glory, with which the highefl Lord, alone to bee ««a^cd by ©ur gooi-
blcfled, adored, and honoured by all for ever ; was, is, ^««<l'stfeat if»
and fhallbe everlaffingly crowmd j can neither bee
cmpaircd by the moft defperatt rebellions j or enlar-
ged by the moft glorious good d^t^^s. Cm 4 man • . --,
(faith e/tphtizto i6b)bee profiui>U unto God j ^s He **'**^*
that is ^tje^ may bee fr op able mto htmfelfe f Is ttAny
flenfure to the AJmigbty,thAt thou art right eons i Or is
it^ameto Hm^ that thou rn^fi thj ^aiesfcrfe&?
3 pS InjlrH^ionsfor a r'tght comforting Scft. 3 •
And Cap,'^'^.6,j,S.If tbon fimefl^^'hAt doefi than a^
gaittfi Him ? Or if thy tranfgrejjiofts Bee m>iltifljed^
vfhat dsepthafi unto Htm ? If thou bee right e^HSy W'hat
giueji thou to Htm ? Or wh^t receiveth bee of thine
hand ? Thy xvick^dfisjfe may hurt a mdm^ as thou art \ and
thj rightegftfnejfe may profit the Sonne of Olfan, Were
all the wicked men upon earth turned into humane
bcafts, defperate "B dials j nay, incarnate Divels ; and
the whole world full of chofe outragious Giants of
Babel ; andchofealfooftheoldWerld; And all with
combined force and fury, fliould bend, and band
therafeivesagainft Heaven -|ycttbey could not hurt
God. The Lord is King, bee the people never fo itnpa-
tient ^Weejittethbetrveenethe Cherubi>is, bee the earth
never fo unquiet. Or, Were all iht Sonnes of mei
• ^uicmque mherZ -^^^'t^-''*^^, or .^«^^Z-i andasmanyin number.asthc
fumfteUrum nHmemm * Star; cs in Heaven 5 and aslhinmg both with in-
t«mfreheni(fe O" con^ Ward graccs,a;'idoutward good deeds,as they arc ill
firipfiffe iaamw^ pcHt vifiblc^Iory jyct coiild thcy make noaddition unco
M^mytlEudoxu4,yci ^ incomprehcnfible Maj^fty above :they could
hu]mcontemnitauth9Yi' "ot coafepfe fo much as One drop to that DoundklTe
»4»,Aug de CificDcij and bottomlelle Sea of goodn£fre,or thclcaft glimpfe
lib. 1(5 cap.2i. unto that Almighty Sunne of glory. Ail mtioMs be^
. . fore Him aye a6 nothings and the) are counted to Htnt
y^Burwhatdoel fay? ^^B^then nothings and vanity. Our finnes hurt him
Hco gcttcth nothing not : Our holineffe helpcs Him not : x It is onely
by us of aU thatwee for our good, that God Would have us good. No
^. AU IS for oar good^no gaine accrc wes unto Him by our goodncffc-
ledge'mcnt^ofHimm' Forwhatgoodcancomeby our imperfed goodnes,
keth Him no fironger,
wirer,jufter,beiter,&c.tfecnHecis.Butin glorifying him, wee glorific ourfelves.&c.
Hecwasasglorious, powerfal!, wife, Juft, happy, and good bciore this World was
madc,as noWjD.F'. Sinocand Rjghrcourncffe, a^eihc two Paths that weewalke inj
Thofeareall thae trouble us j the finnes that we csnamit, and defeds oi our rigbteouf^
TitSc^SMxhHctylf th«H lime^yphdt n that to Uimi ft doth Him no hurt. Agaioe, if
thoufaileinthyrightcoufhcfle, or ia thy performances, it is all on», that way : For it
rcacheth notto Him. Bceanfehee is bleflTed for ever ; Hce hath ^H./nffifiemy in Him-
felfcftcDoftorPre/^sninhisScraionsof Gods AlUfufficiency, Ser(n,4. I>tHi qn/trii
^lofiamfi44)tmnpro^t(rfe^f(l^(r»ltfj^n9*^ti<\\^
to
Part.!. Cap. 7- ty^ffiSledCmfcieKces* jpp
to that, which is already Inifinitly good I What gbry
can bee added Ijy ourdtetRcnetoHim, which is al-
ready incotapiiehenfibly giorioH's ? Every irifinfte
Thing is naturr.lly, and nceeflsrily uncspable of ad-
dition : Poffibility oF which fjppos'd, implies con-
tradidion,ar{ddeiifoy€S ibj;narurtof Infinity. If it
be fo then,thatgood tarnes doegc^d ustoMen jafid
yecoutoFcheir ingenucufnefTc, they moft eflceme
good willsjtruc'heartcdndrc, kindc 2ft£<5lions :' And
can well find in their hearts', to pafTc-by failings, -
whsretheic is heart and gccd will, a^ they fay j To
pardon eafily want ci cxadnefib m pcrlorRiancei
where there ate nnfained purpcfes. Hovv much more
will your gracious God, who gaiues nothing- by ail * GlcrJaDcl& GIo-
thegood workcsin the world", oet of the depth of "^"''° ^" '*/«-%'•
His deareltcofnpalUons, hmdly ]aterpr€t,and accept /^,«;,«. ,^^„ f^if J^
in good part.the holy long!ngs,and hungry dcfiresof umo , & joKftr eiitm.
8 panling,and bleeding Soiile ?Hov/ dearely will Hec »/t^'eti»4ter}tum, lique
lovcthe love of a true-hearted NathanaeU How wil- *"" I'^i''' ?«t'^«'f »
lingiy wiUHcet.k«h?W/forthe ^«^; th.gr,.. ;:^*:/;^i';{-
»iKgj of the Heart, before the %xQZtm S^trtpce ? en. h^hw^tt^Uch mU
But lei"^ you mil^3ke> take notice hcreofa two- fts fuipt co^JtiaH/e
fold Glory: . ^-"7-;:^— TTT*
» 1. Eirentiall,inf?nite,everlafting. Itis iinpoiTi- ,^°ltt.fph'"''^ '
ble that this ihouid either receive difparagemenc, and v* ■ -^— — ^
dimicutioni or addition and encrcafcment by any i^riaDeoammmedMri,
created power. And this I meant in the precedent "^^''^^'^^ sifgtrire fo.
%, The other I may call, Accidentafl,finite..tetn- encreafe.
porary. This ebbes or fiov/es^rhines or is over- Oia- ^^"""■V^^* — '
dbwed, as GoodnefTi: or GraceleftelTe prcvaiiesia *^fi^^'^ ^*^^ '" '/>*
the world :As£htkingdoaie of Chri(!,orpowers of fe«r"'T'^^'r''*
darkncffegettheupperhandamongil-the Sonncs of tempi7 i^cZZr^l &
Mcn.In this regard in deedjUebellious wretches dif- eftextr* De,m&fun-
honour God upon Earth,! confefle^: And Godi'y men ^*^f'**^^ /«»w h/tht "
by their holy Duties,good vvorks,and gratious b'*ha - '" ^*^««'<'«f gloria Bti.
yioHr,ajal;e his Name moreiiluftrious ^^ the world, w S z «p t ^ ^''*"
I>d But ^^ * ^'^'
40<^
InfimUiwsfor a right eomforting
Se^,;.
But what is this,to that effeatiall,infiaite,ererlaftiag
glory, which was asgr eat and full in aU that former.
£$ernity,beforcth€ world was; When God, falcflcd
for ever, cn/oycdonely His glorious felfe, Angels,
Men, and this great Vniverfc lying sU hid,as yet, in
ihc darkcjabhorrcd Dungeon of iV^;^w/ ^ as now it
is, or ere fliall bee?
CHAP. VII.
OfieReafon Tnsreconprmmg th^ trmh of the former
fbfi t;
■ Godj mercy pro.
portionably to his iu-
ilice,reckons a^cflions
foradiom*
■ Affuredly , betwize
the unfaincd defire of
the heart to have, and
Second rcafon may face taken-
from Gods proporfionablepro-
ceediag in his courfes of j j (lice
and mercy. In his executions of
ruftice, and infliaions of.pu-
li/ht^enc; Hee interprets, and
ccnfures * dcfires for the deeds
tl^Jt^r^fc^^^A^^'F^ a^f <aionsfor A(5lions,Thoughtsfor the tbinss^'donc.^
tQc grace dcfired, there tVhoraeTj/-y ultUCUr'.n. / l.' '■"'"gsuwnc.j
is no great diffience f^Y / ' ' «, i^>^^^i««'^«^^^^^ to lufl after
in, Gods reckoning: ''''•>f'^^^ co^^uted adultery with her already in his
No,nomorc thenbc- ^'''''♦^ -^^i^^dsiDtcrprctationjinthefearchandcen-
tmxttheeyill defire of lure<)f divine/iiftice.Heethatlurtsafter a Womm
ofthe«3at the i^^^^^^^^P^'^^^'^f ^"themcanetimr, m\ beefota-^
otiTcr of which, by '^•"»3'^<^* Proceeded agaiuft at that great and lafiDjv
Cfantts ungainc-fay- f^H^^verbatethhn Brother^iu^Iohn.isa Tnan.flJy.
able teftitHony,H.aketh er. An hatcfuU thought of our Brother,oiurthe'S Hioi
guilty of the latter, «—»««"* i.tjc.ar:iim
reg.^d.h«archishcart.&c. ^fcghunbHbrufc T>monfir.^.*^,^lp^^At^^^^ .
and Aftsarcthefameinsind.,diffcri?iaoncl.fin^<.or** «1 • ^ 2-' ^"'""'" VViU
nheartunlawfully, i,adultery inrfSat a'ts^ t^^^^^^^
nnothermansgoodsinordinatelyr/Irftthouph^^^^^
aad
''Partoi.Cap.7. ey^fpiEled CeafdeKces, 401
r.MjL rpilshis blood, ^ the verdi(?l of theblefled Spi-
rit : And a malicious man, at the Barre cf God,goes
■fJjr a Man- flayer. Jfrhisthen bcc Gods property ,arid
proceeding in jnftice, wee may much more confi-
denrly expefl ; Nay, with reverent humih'cy chal-
lenge, way beifig made by the mediation of Chriftj
the lame proportionable meafure in thofe His moft
fwcct, and lovely incli ations, and expreiHons of
mercy. Shalialewdedefireaftcra woman fall un-
der the axe of Gods ji}ftice,asit it were the gro0c
Adl of luil? And {Lall not a longing dciire after
grace, be graticufly embraced in thcarmcsof mercy,
as the grace it felfc ? Shall an angry thought invifibie,
immatcriall, kiitfull oniy to the heart which har-
bours it, be charged with adluail blood/licd ? And
flialincta panting thirft ota broken, and bleeding
So»le after Chrtjls faving and fanftiftng blood, bee
bath'dand rcfreiht in his preticusblcud?Yescertain'
Iy>aq^ inuch rather. ^01 Gods tetidermeraesare over
A/lhismrk^x/Pfal,i^5.^, Aodwf/'C'; with an holy
exultation triUOTphctb, and reioyceth agAi'/ifi iudge-
mentjam.t.i %*His mercy is great unto the Hexvens^
PpiL^y. 10. He doth with much fwectconpfintment,
and as it were, naturall propenfion, cncline to the
gracious e;^urions of m.eicy. He deltghteth in mercy,
faith /^£<:^^,Cap.7,l S.He is pafllagly plcafcd and ex-
alted moil:glorioufly,w hen He is pardoning of fin*,
purging of SoukS)puIlingout of the Divels Pa Wjpou-
ring in of grace, (hininginto fad and uncomfortable
hearts,favingfromHe!i,&:c.This makes Him fo paCi
fionate in an holy fenfe, when H:e hath no Paffagc
forhislovc,Df»^5.29.iy.8i«r3,//i,48.i8.^<«;.2^
37eZ«;i.ip.4i,42.Butnowontheiother fide,H€eis
hardly drawn,not without much relu£lancy,delaics,
forbe3rance,andj as it were, fomc kind of violence
offered, by exceffe of multiply ed rebellious provoca-
tions, to cxercife His j uftice, and to panilh rer finne.
~ ^^ ^ - -- 5^
^02 In firuUiwf for Aright eomfortittg Se^«j.
See 2 Chron,^6.i6»Hof,6.^ e^e.lt zppc^r^s^Zeph.t^
t^h tr 'h Peperit, i.by ihecmphafisofthe * Origiiia! I, that in this re-
ipe^tjin a right and fober fence, God is like a woman
with Childe. When the cry of our (ins comes firfl:
to Heaven, Hcedo^hnoc prefeitly poure upon our
heads fireanci Britnftoncaccordlog to our dcfert:But,
** ^iDEhfuiHumani- as loth to enter into judgement with us, H- then but
tu: d'clum, lu'n. b.gins to conccive, as it were,' wrath, which Hcc
TioflerMtDeus/eqh»- bcareSjorrathcrforbearcsfuli many and many a mo-
d4mn.od« s»yitum tegi i^gti, j ftiU vvaitin2,when upon our repentance, Hu
,,iLdas, /umgeLtu ^^ghf^e graaof^ unta US ^ untillitcometotnat ripe-
^H»dammi»4tur. ^U neirebytherulnelTe and intolerable waight or our
mm n:hu ei magtt frt- fins,that Heccasi poiTibiy beare no longer. And then
friumeft qu4m henefa. alfojwhsa Hsc is about to bedcHveredof hisjuftly
''''•■?*;/'""j!l'';f''conceivcd,andlong-forbornevefi2cance;Markehow
iUt certumeftprdyiu^ Hee goes about It : Jh! faies Hee,occ. 7/^.1.24.
teno^rAhucadtgiyqHU ^* This afpiratiou argucs a corapaffionatePang-of
«it(s hemjicmux itberum grief ejfpeaking after the manner of men, to ppoceed
cHr/Hmmn^trmhtmus: ggajj^ft His owncpeople,thoughth;y had pro^keH
jJefiadMshLIn,ur Himasenemics. Hew Jhdil give thee m,Ephr^tm>
tfASlAndoi,& dumyidet Hovfi Jhall 1 deliver thee^ Ifrael} tio^ fhdl I make
indttlgentU fux mn effe thee di ^dmnh ? HowjTtal/ Ifet thee as Zcboim ? Mine
dtnpliuslocumj quafi irU ^^^yi f, tHrfted mthfft mee^mj renentings are kindled tih.
^:f^:::!^t:^ g^^^^er^Hofu.^. when Hcc ctae againit Sodome
frobAiurhoc hco doientU and gomorrah, the moft prodigioufiy wicked people,
tjjeyotm : ^tia Dtut that everthe earth bore 5 What a miracle of mercy
fcedtrU fui memoT^Uen- ^^35 jj ^ ^[jgt pf^.g f^^ould bee brought fo lo w, as to fay;
UT eWo pop»lo farce, j ^-^^ ^^^ ^n -^ r^ ^^^^^. r^ g^^^ g g -
txcluderet chfiimtio^ IS then,thatmjrcy tiowes naturally and ealily from
Calv.inIoc. yndecollu God, andhec is mod forward, aad free-hearted in
gimttsy quanta (it eitu granting Pardons, and reeeiviug into giace and fa*
wi/'mW^/z^^o-^^fw^H;. vour.-Butjudiceis ever, asitwcr^-* Violently with
*^Kn^mifiAt"&{ln. c^rt-rcpes0imquttj,pmtd?rouk\iim, Hev'isprelTed
gultutejitturquammlit ^'ittsOUt^m,^ OS acHrt iiprejjedthac ufuMofJheaveS-,
tugnam O-memmpecea-
toiUift^ tit magueonfertatur O" yiydt^ E«k. 1 8 a^.OecoIamp.in Inc. * Optiift^ iutt
tontextuiiftdicamtti Ecct eg& cenji,ingor fub yoitt^ quernad'Hajitimf cjfcnfit fU^ijirum ple^
Ktimi*^Mif^ulU)he*e^^e^Mmhi irtto^mkles j^iWuhialoct
"" ' before
Part.l.Chap»7« JiffiUed Confctences, 4^3
before wee wring frcm bim the vials of /uft wrath,
and wrcft out of His hands,the Arrowcs of defcrved
indignation. That you crre not in this Point, con-
ccivc,thatbothGodswfrcjand*i?^7?i:f<? arc originally
and fundamentally, as Gcd Himfelfe, infinite, Both
of the fame length, height, bredth, ard depth 5 that
is cqua'ly endk ffc, boundleflfc, bottomckfle, unfear-
chable. Yet, if wee confidcr the exercife and execu-
tion of them amongft the creatures, and abroad in
the world; /T/frcr, that fweeteft Attribute, an dmoft Godsfliercy e«rcifc4
prctiousbaulmetoallbruifedhearts, dothfarrefur- ^'^^^^'i'^'; '"^ ^^S
psflfe and cut-fiiine the other, though incompara-
ble exreilencicsof His divine nature, and alltheper-
fccflions, which accompany the greatnefle of God :
As appearcs, i?;t<?<a/.2o.5.<5. Gen,i^^^i, leelz,^^,
lemh^,!, Tfai^^6. and 103. 2 C^rs^.ii.i^. His
influences and bcanaes of mercy are fairciy and plen-
tifully fhed into the bofomeof every Creature, and
fhine glorioufiy over all the eanh, ' even from one
end of Heaven to the other. The whole world is
thickcfet, and richly embroidered, as it were, with
wonderfull variety of impreflions, and Paflages of
his goodnefle and bounty. In this great Volume of
Nature, round about us, wee may runnc and reade,
the deepe Prints and large Cbarafters of kindncfTe
end love, which His merciful! and munificent hand
hpthleftin all Places, in every leafe, and Page, and
Uneof it. If mercy then bee fo gracioufly magni- , ^^^^^^ ^^. > ^
hedoverg allhisworkcs,wec may more ttrongly munde.cuiiiemnonad^
build upon it 5 Thatif thehandof luftice feizeup- ^f fiti prtyidmuA &
on an hatefull thought, as a murthcrer, and ftained f»f/fricorMa,o-e. Nem9
withblood;andarraignealuflfulIconccite,as guil- % uTT- T""
tyot adultery, and aauall poUuticn j His armesof ^fpt/emn tffe partui-
mercy will moflcertainely embrace, and accept of a pm mifmeorMa Dei.
fynceredefireof the deed done j of hearty affedions Zanch dcNaturaDei^
fcrtheA(^ions; and of a grieved fpiritfor the grace "^«4cap.4 <j|.
itgroanesfor.
~ ' Dd 3 Yea,
404 Infiru^Urts for aright comforting Se^«^.
OhieS, Yea, bat may fome fay: If mercy bee To fairc a
How his mercy exceeds flowcr in the garland of Gods incomprehenfib'e
liis jufticc, vvhen the grcatneffc ; if it fo farre cxcell his other Attributcsia
numaer of his cUctis • i , rr n i • tt
finaller .hcnof the rc- amiab.erKfl'e amongft his creatures ; How comes ic
probatej, ~ topaffejrhacthe number of His Elect is io Imall ;
andthe fway of the multitude finkcdowne Hinder the
burden of their iniquities, tranfgrcflions and finnes
kto the Pit of endlefle Perdition f How comes it ta
pafle,tbatoutof the great heape, and made of all
laan-kindejthercare made but fo few vefifels of mer-
cy 5 and thatfo many veffels of wrath are juftly for
theirfinnes,filledbrim-fullwith the vialls of cvcr-
lafting vengeance. See^<«?^.7.i3.i4.and 20. i^,
'^Anfpitl Some matter of Anfwer to this Point, would yec
} Aqmn.p.i.'q.a^: thinke it / may bec taken cven from the ^ Schoolc-
art.j.Adtcrtium, m-p.
TScaure of thegrcat-. ^^ wcconfidcr, fir ft, The unconcciveablc eminen-
Bcffe of what is grven. cy, and unvaicwabic worth of the Crowne of glory j,
> -V" * which dothfo farre, and difproportionably furpaflTe
rid er e v eumjer ejfeti' and tranfcend the common ftace, and condition of
'^fwhat buiesit. ^ o^r'^aturc. Secondly, The prctioufnefle of theefFu-
v..— ^..^^....O fionef the blood of the deare and only Son of God,
tUmeftfupra nAmrMn, for the purchafing of that fo glorious a Crowne,
von folunt hominisa /id
m4momnuere4tHr£.ii/t q,^.art.^. Hearc alfo that incomparable Confoundcr of all
Popery J whom notall the lefuites in Chriftcndomeftiall bee ever ablcto confutCjCiiher
inthis World, or the World to come. Etjiomms hsmines Detu d^mnArei uno excepto : t^u,
tne»4dhnc mater ejfet mi/iffcerdu,qM4^m iudicinm. "iiimiriimyquianullum fitjudit^ divi-
nieffeffum^nifi praftermeritd eorftmjiiHi dMnMntur : At mi/encerdia nuttainytnit merit a^
Chamkr,to(n.3.hb.7.cap 8.
'j.Theeverlattingneffe xhirdly, * Thenece^ary,and inevitable defeaibi-
^^the^^wiWulmffe of J»ty of the Creature. Fourthly, The mod free, and
3ie Reprobates. wiifuU Apoft acy of Adam, and in Him ,of ait his Po-
y The hortibleneflcof fterity. Fifthly, The abominable and villanous na-
their finnes. ture, and ftaine of finne,&c. Why flr^ujd wee not ra-
* Demnonpotnitprodu. ther wonder at the unfearcfecablenafc of Gods mer-
S«T;:r tt cy, for advancingone Soule to that enc^. lie bulf. m
miiyit^^U nw (rm»^ M!!I?!? ? ^!}50 E2 !^P,^.9? !^ ^'^^ ^^^^^^i - . ^^^ i^.
iS
Part. I . Cdp. 7. v^ffiiEied C^.Hfciewes, 405
if Hecfiioiild liave *> fiiffered all the polluted and »*f'«' >Athomims inqutf
Cnfulifcnnesof .^iZ/^/^jto palTc from the Maile of ■^^^ff»^^^''''*« »'"'««"
crr?apticn,into which they freely fell.on their own ^'^fj^^'f^^/^.^^^;'^';
accordandcui led cnaire,thorovv a rcDc!hcuslitc,into engduncneoididtjftt.st
the endlclTc inifcries of their dcfei ved confufion ? f«/w 4Jitercre4ti eff'enti
Would it not have beene a greater aiarvaik, to have "^'^f^i^niohiUsy & im*
feeneany one, clcsrely convinced* and found euiity '^"f"^*^'' ■/"« yQj^/j
of that moft horrible vihany, that ever was bred m «,/,, cPmfam.ieicL
Hell, or h^aid of in the World j 1 mcaiiej tht Popifh atari ftio vioi Jllud fieri
Powder Trealbn, pardoned 5 then 2)1 thofe dcfpcrate KOHMtiit, Rccferim-.
^jf^^/tohaveiuRIyperifhcd in their (o abhorred s»' f^^^it^'ft debuit i
andexecrablerebellion? And it is utterly un-imagi- ",':':? /Ltl? T*
nabk euherby Man or Angel!, what a deaie of mercy mmeffet^ atermm a^
doth flow out of the Bowels of Gods deareft com- lud (jfet j ft gtermm^in^
paflionsjthorowthe hea^ts-b'ood of his onely Son, J'»ff**''"ii!f«fimtHm,tio>i
tothe waOiingand (alvation, biitofoae Soule.' homo,^Hgtim^a»tmA-_
autem (t folut, mw^ bonHs^mpn^tui r.ottcjty Dew ntntfi j ciimde alioy quam de Deo &
iUeinpmtui,qUi ihjimtum lacievaay nmi uiienuifacere pcjjet^ turn tnn.Jinito ^mon.nW^
EtHHnqtitd Omitipoiem Detn inaliud Omnifoie/iJ, ^ued fctcnt'iA fbi Aqualejorety omtthctctt^
tiam [uitm exercerefo(?it'i In ihcfi n:eA Oxon. ccufrmMta. Pcccatum prjEVjflim non eff
csufarcprobationis. ' ^dtxecutiitiem decnthqtifd ita fdciumin aterrapradefiiiutio,
nC'iinutranique fAtiem tOKCurruKt media^qnaipU »oh fcjuut^ *io*t/ulijti prddejiinatkni.
tiic ergo y era f&iuliaefi ciamn^tiori* caufa fr({MHK3 -.^umfe quiAvtme^Aut d4n.natus fit
imqtiAm^Aut danirietMr,aut datundrtiiuj/it^nffi propterpcccAth».: 41 prewdeire,aFittqfte,PrAte-
dentefcccAto: quod inrAfttomne gtntubHmAyium^itd ut,fi lil>eret,fcff(tDttt!Ahfque uUd itu
iuflitU nota^on.ms homines ntdloftnitui cxiepts'm Attrnum igriewpr^f/'/itareOuo iure eqiffe
WAnife^utninomKet^r'gelos mains. ChaTrier.Tom.s.Iib 8.cap.i« j)Uit tilviM^tion iUe
Ifcarietes^'] Mfratny qucdummodo, quod liim tantA jit grdtia Domini^ iinen (xlexdAt e4m
Ad unlyerfam mmdtim, Jed ad paucos dttntAXAt aiie^-nos. Sic mirAtttftr hotnir,es quetidi?
ciimhoc Admit Atlons fit dignum petitii,qr.ed Dcmr.M yel pntm aluuitu mi/eudtur turn
omnesineodem fintreAtu. J^^Augcli ddrntTAntur tantant Vei mifertcord/Atn^ dufiiintMntw
myfleritfm [Alutit human* ',& pjj omnes ma^ii ad id ohfiupefcftnt, quodyideant Beum tr%A
fe tniferkordem, qukm quid rideant & /ciAHt reiefjes ejfs ali^i (opttlftui, Rolloc. in lo-
han,c3p,i4.Y€rif.za« "" "
Dd 4 CHAP. VIII.
4«>5
InflruBionsfor n right comforting, Sed. :
♦God ha thp f omifed lile
ttfttooutdelijxs.
3-
CHAP. VIII.
The former PrincifU confirmed by tmo more tea-
fens, and bf authority*.
Third Reafon may bee taken from
ii*spart, andintcreft in the Fomh-
taine of falvation, 2ind Rtvsrs of /*'•
vifig ^ater, Hce that thirds after
grace, is already enrightcd to the
Well of life, and fulnefle of hea-
venly blille, by a promife and protcftation from
Gods ownc mouth, ^^t-f-Z-aLd. I^illgive to Mim,
that is athirffj of the Fountaine of the iVater of life^
freely. In that Place, after God himfelfe had confir-
med, and crowned the truth and certainty of the
glorioufncfleof the holy City 9 and the happineflc of
the Inhabitants thereof, with a folemne affeveration
of his owne immutability and everlaftingneffe; Itii
done. lam iy^lpba and Omega y the beginning and the
end , Hec then notifies, and defcribes the perfons,
to whom the promife, and poffelTlon of fo great and
excellent glory, doth appertaine ; and thofe alfo
which (hail bee eternally abandoned from the pre*
fence of God,andburnedinthe Lake offireandbrim"
j^flwf forever.
Inhabitants of Heaven Ble(fl;,arc.
It Humble Soulcsthirfting after grace, Gods fa-
vour, and that bleffed F<7«»/<»;w opened to all broken
hearts for finne, and uneleanneffe,
I^ill give to himthat « athirfi^of the JVelUfthe wa-
ter of life freely, V erf, 6,
a. Chrifts champions here upon earth againflthc
powers of darkncffe, andconqucrers of their owne
corruptions.
Bee that ever^ommethf pall inherit aU things j and I
Part. I. Gap S. AffliUed ConfcieMces, 407
l^illbeehii Gody And hee fiallBee wy fomeyVCtCj*
BmthefearefMll,(^c» are mark'c out for Hell:
verfe 8. Fcrallthatcurfedcrucandflavcsoffinne,
are overcome cf Satan and their owne lufls, and fb
carried away captives into everlafling tnifery aod
Woe.
Caft not away thy confidence then, Poore
beart / No, not in the lowcft languiftiings of thy
afBi£led foulc ; If thou bee able to fay fynccrely
witb DavidjPfa/. 143 ,(Jlfjf faule thirfieth after Thee^
us a thirfty Landi If thoti fecle in thy affedioDs aa
hearty hunger after righteoufnefle, both infufcd, and
imputed; aswellafter power againft, as pardon of
finne ; Bee aflured, the Well of life ftands already
wide open unto thee, and in due time Thou flialt
drinke thy fill. Thy foule fhall bee Ifully fatisficd
with the excellencies of lefus Chrift, Evangelicall
}oyt%,ZSmthmarr6T»^and fatnejfe -y and thoufihaltbc
abundantly refrefhcd out of the river sfbis fleafftres.
4. That which Panl tells usin the Point of com- ^-^lafoH,
municatingtothe neceflitics of the Saints • to wit, /^'^" ^V^ almcsf*
If there ^ce firfl ^ miingmind,, tt it accepted accor. ^'iVof^G^Sl" * ^"'
diftg to that a (JMan hath^ and not according to that He
bath Hot^t Cor. 2. 11. holds true alfo, in all other fcr-
vices/and divine duties: So that wee arc accepted
With the Lord according as wee are inwardly affe-
fted, although our anions bee not anfwcrable to our
defires. Hee that hath a ready, and refolved mindc,
to doe what Hee may 5 would undoubtedly doe a-
great dcaIemore,if aoiiicy wercminiftrcdjGod/aitb ... -.
Paul^yvorkethhthtdmll^and to doe, if both be His ^^'^t.VfJ*
owne workes ^ thedclire, as wellas the deed j Hcc
mnfl needs love and ike both the one, and the o-
ther, both in i e/peifl of ace. ptation and reward. Da-
vid did hut cncnve a pftrpofe to build God an houfe ;
And Hee rewardedttv^iththe bHilding,and eHMipjing
*l ^1 ???f ??^/f i * SAm,j.i^,He4id hit cotteeive a
4© S InflruBto-rtsfor a right comforting Scft. 3 .
i I fiid, or tlsou^ht] 1 purpefe to confejfe H^ yJ'iwc ; and ^ods eare r&as in kii
Tfeacis I piirpofci,,! hsArtM^re Davids cc^ejjioncoula hee in Hk tonetiex
teCoU'ci. Taylor tn h:f c-r^r / rr- n I }r "^J*
mj to true m^^imjle, W'^l^S^ To pocre Beggers , that v^mcd food for
Tdff.i S7. thtmfelves, C^rtfi fjdl fay at the laff day j 7et have
PronHnciab© adver- fed mee^ W-hen I was httytirvy, only iu reirArd of their
film me injuftitiajme- flycrg affe^ions, if theyh^d had meanest The Trodi^
^^?°"'*'^^ ^ *" "■ fall Chtld^rvhenHeerv.tsbm canccivin^ aparpereofre^
dis \Ai\^,\l6n]>lm fro- tn^nmg^As preventedby tits tather,firjt commtngto
runcUt'^ fed promittit Him, Nay, rtinning towsrds Him. £»^.i 5,^0. '^od
fe premncUturHtn , & yvill anfvvcr US, bcfofc wce ca!l : Ifa6<, 34, That is^in
iSe i4mdmmi t.MteH. ottr purpofc of frayer,&c,
b7 authority of £i2 Bdides Scnpturcand reafonsj I adde ancient and
vines. moderne authority ; not for any other confirmation,
^ -V^"— " — ' but one!y to fhc w confent,
!■ Ancien t. yj, dejiye the helpe of grace, is the Beginmng of qrace\
... ]r7""V f^ith ^ AH(iin»
due fr4tret, mazM* res: ^ , Z - ... t ^ 1 ^ .„ /./.
dixi proHuneiato , »on Onelythonmufi mil, and God ^illc3metfhtsoVs>»e
dixi, prtH»nciayi, & ttt accord • faith * Bafl.
dimififti. Dixiprtnmci- Hge that thirds fet him thirjl more , and hee that de-
^^"'T^^^od^^T'Tfo ^*^'^' ^^^ him yet defire more ahuniantly : 'Beca»fe ft
nmcUT, ofknkeiltd ""^'^ ^ ^'' '"^ ^'h > f° '"^^^ Hee flmll receive.
-., ^ - "» Bernard,
i.Modcrne. C^r^y?, faith ^ Lather, is then truly omnipoteMt^aad
^'— -\r* " '— thr/i truly rat ones in tM -when Wee ure To Weakest bat tvee
fed corde fromnctAye- J "" o J i> -^"
tdt- Hoc ipfum dicerepmutnciaho,Pr»nttnci4reefitideo^tM remi(t(li impietatem cordie
met. Cenfe(?io vero mea adot mndittn yene/dt. Dixeram enim pron:indAl>o Aiyerfum me,
yeruHtamenVeuidu^iyityotemcirdUmti. Koxmeainore nondum tr^t, fedaurisDei Urn
in corde erat.AxLj^M^ inloc. Remififti impietatcra peccati mei.] Attende quant-* fitinduU
gentU yitalis yelocitM .quautd miferifordU Dti commeudatifj ut eon^tenlit defiderium comi'
tetur ye»Uf'--~4nt^ iremil?/o ad torperyenidt, qtiim emff^ta in yocem erumpat. Greg.Tbid.'
k Deftderare Auxilium ^ratideji iHittHmgrAtU Lib.de corrcprlone & gratia.cap,i. Kthil
tdm facileefi l>ona yolmtati^qudui iff'tft^i, &hxc fufficitDeo. DcKmp Scrm.48 Corondt^
Dtttt imuibondmyolHHtdtem^ul/inon inyenit faeuUatem. In VhtiO/^.^ Moyov Uh^ffoy,}^
6 ^iog TT^cUTAnu. T'tntummudo yoles,c^ipfe Deus Hltrooecurret.Serm. i^Paetiitcnaa.
« Bear i quicfuriant & fitiunt jiift«iam,&c.] UHleftfrit^efufiAt ampltHS ; & qui de^derat,
a^indxntius ddhuc deftderet i^ueniarnqHantumcitttque deftderare potutriuidntttmefi aece^*
inrm Im« vcrouon fecnndtim imperfHlontm modtimTfe defideri']i&t.Di ledionc Evaagc^
iica, Serma. «Tom,4.pag.ii4.
? Againe.
Part. I .cap. 8 * j4§iicled Confciences. 40*^
® AgnntyThemere^ee findeom tinrfisrthinej^e'^And. * IHd.fol^oo*
thelejfg^ee ^nde the premifes to belong unto ut j the
more yvee mnfi deftYe them : beingajfuredy that this de^ •
fire doth greatly plenfe god j ^ha dejirethy and willeth
th/u His grace jhould ^ee earneflly de fired t
when I have 4 good defire , faith P KemniciHS^ ' I^C. Com.par^«
thsHgh it doth fiercely (hew it felfe in fome little And
fienier figh^ I mnfi bee Af[Hred, that the Spirit of ^od
is prefe?ity afsd werketh Hts good rverke.
Faitbyiskh * Vrfin^inthemoft holy menin thisltfe^ * Catechi&j
tsimferfeUand '^eake : yet neverthele^e, vnhofoever
fesles in his heart an earnefi defire^ and ^riving againfi
his naturalldohbtings Jboth can, and wufi ajfnre Httn*
felfe, that Hee is indued with true Faith .
If thou /halt feele thy felfcSakh * RolleCyto beleeve * Si fenftrit km ie }ri»
infhrifi,and that for (^hrifi lorat leafl, if thou canfl derein chrlfinm, tt'um
not forthwith attaine that ,^If thou feele thy felfe ^^ ^^^.^^^
"^tlUngtobeleevein Chrijtjer Chrijf; and wtlltng t9 ptim 43 e^Mi,{ut omnia
doe all things for Gods Jake , and fyncerely ; Tho» hafi naturi nolfi* ipjis fitmui
certainely a very excellent argument, both of ferfeve- *ddi£li ) fi fen/em
rancein Faith.and of that faith, which jhall lafi for y^tietecttiertinChrU
9 J J 7 •' J J jff,^ propter Cmt/tum^
'^"*' 1 , r J /- t yellettomnUfdeere Dei
Our faith may bee f& fmall and weakf,vi\u\ 1 Taf- irdtiiyCrexdnimoybam
fin, M it doth not yet bring forth fruits^ that may bee bes prpfeEiofgregitminu
lively felt m us 5 but if they which feele themfelves in /"'"*' ^rffimentum fern
fucheflate^defiretohavethefe feeltngs\namely ,of Gods j^rTjpeZLl'^L
favour and love^ ] if the j aske them at ^tds hands by *j(>r-«.InIofean.cap»y.
frayer ythisdejire and prayer are tefiimonieSy that the ^ In His Matkcj o^
fpirit of God is inthem, and that they have Faith alrea- ^^^ Childreo.
dy ; For is fuch a defer e a fruit of the jiejh , or of thefpi-
rit ? It is of the holy Spirtt, who bringeth it forth onelj
in fuch, as Hee dwells in.c^,
Isit poftble^isiith ' Haoker, fpcsking of Valenti- t Lib,j.S«a,j^o2
»M»the Empcrour,out of tyimbrofe, that Hee which
had purpofely the Spirit £iven Htm to defire grace ,
^ould not receive the grace, which that fpirit did
defire} "''
4IO
InfirnSiiens for a right comforting SC(5l, 2 •
^ ^^^'^ ^ where -wee cannot doe^hAtis inioynedus^ GodAC"
cepteth oHr Wdlto doe, in fteai of the Dtedtt felfe.
I arxt tronbled with fcar^y that my Jlitnes are not
* A&sandMonam. in pardoned, (kith (^are/ej, Tfjcjf are, ^niw^rcd * Brad-
9r4^McttcvroCarc. £^^^ . for God hath given thee a penitent, andbelee^
k$. la the ftory of „ » • 1 1 t i ^ ,
earths pj^^.2 10 J, '^^*'l Heart : thatis^ an heart, wh$ch defireth to re*
> o „ • fent^and beleeve. For fuchanOneistak^nof him (^He
accepting the Will for the Deed ) for a pement and
heleeving hearty
The foracr true dc-
firesknowne by thefe
aarkes. lu
iJCs fuperaaturall.
CHAP. IX.
IBy-tvhMmArk^strHedefiresof grace i»\Hs\maj bee
h^oyvnci
lEfbrelcomctothcufeof this comfor-
table Point, left any couzen themrelvcs
byanymif-conceices about it| As the
Hotorious Sinner, the mcere Civili
Man, and the formall Profcflbur, may
all doc very eafily; take notice of fome Markes of
thisfavingD<f/;rtf. Itis :
X. Supernaturall. For it followcs an effe<?luall con-
vidion of finne, and co-operation of the fpirit of
bondage,withthepreaching and power of the Law,
for tLthoTovj cafiing2i Man dovene in the fight of the
Lord, (hewing and convincing Him to bee a Sinkeof
(inncj abomination and curfe; Co bee quite undone,
loft and damned in Himfelfe. ( Which preparative
worke, pre cedent to the defire, I fpeake of, is it felfe
above aaturc.) Whereupon the Soule thusillighte-
ned,convinced,and terrified, being happily leadun-"
to, and looking upon the glorious myftery of the
Gofpell, the excellency and offer of lefits Chrifi, the
fweetncffe and freeneffeof the Promifes, the heaven*
Jy fplendour,andiichcsof the^tf4r/(P of great frice^
Part.l.cap.p* jd^icledConfciences, 411
&c. doth conceive by the heipe of the holy Ghoft,
this</i?y»'<?5 and vehement longing. Which you may
then know to bee faving, when it is joyned with an
hearty willingnefle , and unfained refolution to fell
aU ; to part with all finne ; to bid adiew for ever to
outditrling. delight ^&c. It is not then an cffcd oncly
of felfe-love ; nutan ordinary with ofnaturall z^^Z'
titQ,\'\\^tB^^Unms, Nttmb.t i^io. OFthofe who de-
fire to bee happy, but are utjwiUing to bee holy »
who would gladly be fav^d , but are loth to bee faa-
aified.
2. It ever {prings from an humble, meeke, and zJcproceei* from aii
bruifcdfpirit; Veryfenfible, both of the horrour of humble rpkit.
fin, and bappineffe of pardon j both of it's owne
cmptineflc^aiid of she fuInciTe in Chrift : Never to be
found in the aflfedion sofa Selfe-iguorant, Seife- con-
fidentjunhumbled Pharifie.
3. It niuft be conftantjimportunately greedy after 5. It is confianfll ^
fupplyandfatisfaaion. NotoutofaPang,orpaffiDn ! I" » twmgcof coa^
onely jorbcgotbythetempeftof fomeprefcnt ^cx- Hecis toldofHcaven,
tremity,Hkea Bafli of lightning, and then quite va- Hee could bcc contenj
niihing away, when theltormeof terrourandterap- tokapeoutof hisskin
tationisGver. Forif afynccrethiiftarterChrift..b€ ^oget Hea^n,aadu>
once on foot, and takes root in an heart truly hum- ^)^^J^lu\,^^J S!
, , , . . , . . .,/,._ artertnis n over, nee
bled,!tnever »> detei mines, or expires, in this life,or cannot away with this
the lifeto come* confcfliag of his finne*
infecrctjwlththfs ren-
ding of feisSouIejVTiththis earned contending with God 5 and with this eroding of
his owncnature, and fighting againfttheluftscf His flefli, evcnwith ibis labouring fot
therighteoufnefieof ^odiho-^zdiMtMmgSiJyhaulyyGcdiHuih.capi^. ^ Lrageaterii
a fitifatieiifis a fxtutAtefAjitdiMm'^quia ftiemes jAttneAhimur^O' fatUti fitknius* Auguft.
deSper. cap.ap. »
4. Ici3cverenIinckt,aHdcnIivedw!th8Continu- 4-It i$Bufieftia,ufi«g
ed^andconlcicnablculc, aRdextrcifcofthemeanes; ihcmeaae*.
and drawes from thcoi by little and lictle fpirirual!
ftrength, and vigour ; much vicall ethcacy and ia-
f reale : Not idle, iguuranr, un-cxerciicd. It wcrs ve-
ry vains atd abfurdjto hcare a Man. taiks of H is dcfirs
4^lt InfirHctiortsfcr aright comforting Seft.3
to live 5 and yet would neither cate nor dri'nkc, nor
fleepe^nor cxercife.nortakc Phyficke, nor iifc thofc
mearies which are ordinary and neceHdry for the
maintenance of life. It is as FruitlefTt; and fooli/li for
any one to pretend a defiicof grace after Chrifi^ and
to befavedi and yet will not prize, and p!y thefaith-
fnllMinidry, the word preached and read, prayer,
ntieditationjConfcrence.vowcSjdayesofhumiliation,
the ufe of good company, and good bookes, and all
divine Ordiaanc£s,aiidbleired ineanesappointed,and
lanftifiedbyGod,forthc procuring and prefcrving
agocdrpirituail ftate,
iXt is eager* 5» It is nota lazy, cold, heartlefle, indifferent de-
fircjbutearncft,eager,vehfment,cxcrcmelythirfting,
as theparched earth for refrefliing fiiowresj or the
hunted Hart for the Heater- Brookes, Never was Ah^^
more ficke for a Vine-yard j %Achel more ready to
die for children ; StferA^ or Samp fort for tliirft ; then a
truly humbled Sonle after /<?/»/ C^;'^/?, after bathing
in.Hisblood.and hiding it feifein His bleflcd righ-
tcoafnefTe, This defire deads the heart to all other
defires after earthly things> gold, good-fcl!owfliip^
* Then will H^e fay,l pleafures, faPnions, C7cn the delights of the bofome-
^wne muS^'-'^mr o! finne,&c. All Other things are but droffc and dung,
vcrty an/i^M«flc' vanity and vile, in refpccS of that objCiH: it hath now
and I have found a «= found out, and affeds. As AaroKs^o^, managed
Trcafure , chifi itfta miraculoudy by the hand of divine power , fwal-
andbti righteoufntfe: [qw ccupaluhe Other Rods of 'P^rfrrfi^^i Sorcerers:
Itfliallgoehard but I ^
will get it. Yea, but
th<;ic is a price put upon ir. It muft coft theedeare j agrcatdealcof forrow, trou-
ble,and other croflcs. Tufe. tell mec not of any price, fpeake not of thar; whatfoever
I have (hall goe for it. I will doe any thing for it. Why, wile ihou curbe thine affciSi-
ons? WiltthougiveupthyIife?Wilithoubeecontentto/fif dU th^t tho» h4fi,&c. I
wildoeit wim all my heart. I am content to lell all that I hare Noehingit fo deare un-
to ince,but I wjII part with it ; my right hdnd, my ri^t eye-y Nay, if Hell it fclfe fhouii
fiand beiweene Mec and ihrifi j yet would I pafle tkorow the fame unto Him, This is
that violcntaffedioc.that God puts into the hearts of f^/fj wh» ftek^ Him intr^bt tbac
Aey wiilhave cbnpf vrhatfocvcrit coft thew.D.^
S3
Part. I .cap.p ♦ ^gii(ied Confcienccs* 4r J
So this fpiritual de(irc,planted in the heat tby the ho-
ly Ghoft, cates up, and de vourcs,as it were, all other
defires^and over-eager affedions after worldly con-
tentments, as worthleflb, vainc,tranfitory iasemp^
ty Clouds, Wells without water. Comforters of no
valew. Wee that deale with affliftcd conlcience?,
hearemanytimesfomeexpreflions of this impatient \
violent defi re in troubled mindes. / have borne nine
children^ faid One, nnth as great paiue, I thinke, at
other vfismcn: I nvoftld ^ith all my hearty beare them all
ever againe, andpajfea^ainetherew th:fame intolerahie
fangseveryday^aslongas I ItvCy td bee affuredof mj
fartwleffts(fhrifi. Complaining another time, that
iljee had no hold of Chrift, it was faid unto Her: But
doth not your heart dcfire, and long after Him I Oh!
fajes fhee^I have an Husband and Chtldre'fi,md many ^ „ •'•"»■ -
ether comforts ^I >^eHld give them all.and allthegood faint w!fhi?g and w'
/ jhall ever fee i^his PFor/d^ or in the JVorldto coine^ to diflg,— .But a mighif
have my poor e thtrfty Soule refre(ht with that fretioHS anel effedoall dcfire,
blood of His^&c. '. ." ' '^""" ^
d. It is growing, from appetite to ^ endeavour 5 ^- \^* gro wi ng.
from endeavour to a£tion j from action to habitc ; that d»th bring forth
from habite to fome comfortable perfe<Sion and tall- an endearour.lt make*
nefle in C^wy?. If it be quite Quencht andcxtingulhed, J??^P"l.^°"!l "j"-
w};enthefpiritualiangui(ha:idagonyisover,orftand Scd/Het^^^^^^^^^
ataftay, never tranfcending the nature of a naked ©bey , as a re^lutc
wifh, it is tobee reputed rootlefle, heartlefle, grace- Souldicr wiflteth vi-
lefle. There ar^Chriftians that lie as yet, as it were, ^oiy, fo as Hee wUl
ftrugUnginthe wombe of the Church; who for a H^'J^' 'I' and dravt
. ° v I /I I- /- • • 11 II • • ni» weapon, and meet
timcatthekaft, live fpmtually,onely by gnevings hi,enemy in ,he face,
and groanesjby hearty dcfircs,eager longings, and af- and hazard limme and
fedionateftirringsof fpirit,&c. There are alfo Babes life, and give and r«.
in Chrif} ; youne mcnin Cbrtfi.arona men in Chri^y cciveblowei and leave
VoldChriftians Aperp«uallmf«,cyargu«^^^^^^^
hty of found and faving Chriftianity. Tiie Cnilae thinke of, for the at-
that never paffeth the ftature and ftate of an In- chicv«naentofviaory,
fsnt, will prove a Monfter ; Hee that growes not by "'bately , Gods Hmk
- ^. the "/•*^?
4M
IfifiritUfo-Asfcr a right CowfcYting Seft. 3 *
thefyncere miike of the Word is a true Changeling,
not truly changed. Hce thai; refts with contentment,
i?pon a di-fire onely of good things^ never defircd
themfavingly. Buther^j l.ft ^ny tender confciencs
be unneceflarily troubled,! muft confeilc • It is not
fo growipg, as I have faid, or not fo f^nfibl/ at cer^ !
taine times j as while thcpangsof tjie New-bifttl
arc upon us, Li times of defertion, tcropratioi::,&:c. .
Though even thenjtgrowes in a;i holy isipadeiicy
raftle(iicffe,longing,&^« Which is wdl-pleafitig unto '
the^ather ff mgraes in the meanctim::: aa^ which
Hee accepts gratioufly, uiitill fee give more flrcn'^thi
CHAP. X.
TweePpeeiAll times therein the former 'PnncifU is
toheapp/leiit
ningthefedc^rcs to be
aptpUcdo icjfr in timet
H E Point thus cleared , is very '
fweet and foveraigne j but fo, that
nocarnall Man mud come neere
it, noftranger mcddic with it|
much k lli?, S wine trample upon it*
It is a le well for the true-hcsrted
Naihamels wearing alone. Nay,
the Chriftian himfelfe, m the time of his Saulcs
health, height of feeling, and flour fhing of His
; Faith, mtift holdoff His hand : OnelyJet Him keepe
it frtfh and orient in the Cabinctof His memory, as
a very rich Pcarle againfl; the Day of fpirituail di-
ftrcfle. Aspretious and cordiall waters are to bee
given onely in fwounings, faintings, and defedlion
of thefpirits: fo this delicious MaiHia is to bee mi-
BifteredfpeciaIly,andto bee raadcufeofjin theftraits,
and-
and extreiBitiescf tbeSoLile. At fuch cfmcs, andin
fijch Cafes as thefe: In,
£. The ftrugglingsoFthcNew-biith.
2. SpirittsallDsfeinons. •
^3. Srrcngtempiations.
.4. Extraordinary troiibles upon our /aft Bed.
I. Foi the firft. WlKn thou arc oncecome fo fairc, StngUngs atx-fceNew-
as I intimated before; To wit, that afisr a thorow '''^^^'
cc.'ivifticn cf finncj and found humiliation ucdtr
Gods Eaighty hand.upon a timely and fcafonablc re-
velation oi the glorious Myftery of CbriihHis cxce!-
lencic'S, invitations.. His-triitb, tender- hcartednefle, o
&c. (Forthedefire.I fpeake of, is an tftedl andaffe-
dion wrought ever immediately by the Gofpdl a-
lone;) I fay, when in this Cafe thine heart is filled
with vehement longings after the lord of life : If
thou bcabls to fay vj/ith DavU^My feule thtrfictb af- Plii, i ^^,6,
terthee^diiithufiy j^ukcI: Ifthou teclein tiij/ felfe an
hearty hunger and third after the favour of God, that
Fountaincopcnedfor iinn'e,andfor uncka-anefle, and
feiiowfhipwidi CM-/? 5 AlTuredly then the fVell of
///"^isalrcady opened unto thee, by the hand of thy
faithfuii Redeen3er,and in duetimc thou dialr diinkc
thy fill.Hethscis Ai^ha and Omega , the Beginning
and the Endjtheeteraalland unchangeable God hath
promifed it. And ainidfl: the forxowes of thy trem-
bling heart, and longings of thy thirfiy foiije, thou
mayttevcnchalkngeitatHishandSjWith an humble, / s«erhcPi€face wric-
Ibber and zealous conSdcncc. As did that ^ Scott ijh ten hyo.M^tt Do-
Ftnitent, aiittle before his Execution : .He freely con- aor of Diviuiticj be-
feffedhisfmh^tothejhame^isHQZ&l^yefHtnsfglfe^ foic the Examinati-
a?id to thefiameofthe Divcll.buttotheglorj of God. ^'; ^"'^^^"^f g*" ®^
Hec acknowledged it to bee fo hainous and horri- AiT^autbpagjs^**
ble, thAt had hee a thoHfuKdUves, atsd coa/d hee die ten
thopifanddeathsyHeeconld net make futiiJAUion. Not*
"^itbfianding, faid hec, Lord, than hafi left mee thit
comfort in thji fV^rdithMthofi hafifaid ^ QemHHtomee
£ e all
A 10 InfirnUknsfor ar'i^tjt comforting Se^}«
All jeCythat are ■>veAry andUdcHyAnd I veill refrefhjQH^ .
Lsrd^I amv^earj/^ L')rd, I am b&avilj laden ^ith myi
jin'4es,tvJokh ^rstnnHmerabh. 1 47fi ready to fifikf^Lffrd,
even to Hdlt'^tthont than in thy mercy fttt to thine hand,
and deliver mee, Ltrd^thohbafl fromifed ky thine oivHe
i»(ird,oHtofthineew»em6Uth, thattbon ^ilt refre(h the
rveary foitle. And with that, Hce thriUls out one of
hishandsjandreachingjashighasKee could, with
a louder voyce , and a flraincd, cryed ; / challenge
ibee^ Lcrdfby tb&t JVord, and by that Fr&ntife which thffi
haft made ^ that tboH ferformet and make it good ttnto
° mee, that call for eafe and mercy at thine hands y&Cm
Pfoportionablyj when hcavy-heartcdneffe for fiane
hath fodrycdupthy bones; and the angry countc-
nanceojfGodfo parched thiae heart, that thy poore
foulc begins to gafpe for grace, as the thirfty Land
for drops of raine 5 thou mayft, though dull and
a(hes, with an holy humility thus fpeake unto th/
gracious God : OmcrcifolllirdGod.thouart Alfh4
^ and Omega^ihc beginningand the end.Thou fay ft ; Ic
is done, of things that are yet to come ; fo faithfull
and true are thy decrees and promifes. And thou had
promifed by thine owne word, out of thine ownc
Reieloa J ^ - mouth | that unto Him that U athirft^tbou ^ilt give of -_
— ^^ -■-' - - theFoHntaineof the veaterof life /freely*. O Lord, I
fhirft, I feinr, I languifli, I long for one drop of mer-
cy. Ai the Hart fanteth for the water broo^es^ fo fan-
teth my foule after thee ^O god,md after the yeraiHg
bowels of thy wonted companions. Mad I now ia
polTeffion the glory ,tbe wealth, and the plcafures o£
the whok; World | Nay, had I ten thoufand lives,
Joyfully wouid I lay them all do wne, and part with
tliem i to have this poore trembling foule of mine re-
ceived into the bleeding armes of my bleffed Redee-
mer. O Lord, and thou onely knoweft it, my fpirif
, within me is melted into tcares of bloudj my heart is
feiv;erf diatopceccs .• Out of the very place of Dra-
■
Part. I. Cap. I Ot oAjfined C'^nfcieKces. .^,j-
gons, and fliaddow of death, doc I lift up my
ehoiights, heavy and fad, before Thee .* the remem-
brance of my former vanities, and pollutions, is a ve-
ry vomitistoiKy foule; and it is full fordy wounded
with the grievous reprefentation thereof. The very
flamtsof HdljLord .'the fury of thy juft wrath ; the
fcorchingsof ittineowncconfciencejhavefo wafted,
and parchedmjnc heart, thatrriy third is infatisbJc^
My bowels are hot within mce ; my dciire after le/ks
Chrtfi^ pardon and grace, is greedy &s the grave, the
coles thereof are coles of fire^ v. hieb hat hawofl vehement
flame: Ai:dLord,in thy bleiltd Booke thou call'fl
and crieft : Ho, tvery One that thirjlcth ! csm? jce to iniLyj. r^
the n>Aters,ctc. /« that.gr^at day cf the FeaJ}^ Th&u
.p9oa'H,mdcry(tft with thine owne mouthy jaytKg '^
Jf anymanthtrfi^Let him csnse ttnto mce^Ar.d drmke. *^ 7*%7»
Andthefearc thine owne words; Thofe who hupsger Match, f.f.
md thirfl after right eoti[ne^€yJfirJL bee filled,. A chal-
lenge thec Lord, in this roy extremeit thirft after
thineownebIe(IedSeIfe,and fpirituail life \^ Thee,,
by that Word, and by that Promifc, which thou hall
made, that thou pcrformcs and make it good unto
niee,thatiie groveling in theduft, and trembling at
thy feet, Oh .' Open now that promifed iVdl «f Uf^
?or I niuft drinkcjor elfe 1 die.
Hearc then,and ina word, is thy comfort; I» theft
hnngrifffS and thirfltngi of the fotile^there iiyOi it ^ere^
~thefpaT»ne of Fatth^Umci fidei.^ -there is ahquid fidd
inthem; as excellent Divines, both for learning and
bolinefle, doe affi: me : Howfoever, or in what
phrafcfoevcritbee cxpreftjfurelam,/^c^ defiresft
^tialifiedy 4S before^Jhail bee f'Alflledy f^tisfiedt aecom" ;
f)lt/ied,pofeffed of the Well <?////>, and that is abun- '
dant^to putthethirfting PiTtic into a comfortable
and faving ftate, as I faid at firft. The words of
Scripture are pun£tuall> and downe-right, for this
Whichliay : BUffed are they^ tvhicb doc hnnger and
Ee » ' thirf
Infiraiikns for aright comforting Sea^Ji
::
thirfl after right e sufne f[e , for they fhail bee filled
Mat. 5 C' If <»»7 «''•" thirfij let htm come mto mee^and
drinkeJoh:7il 7. The Lord heareth the deftre ef the
humble^ ?faU lO.ly. Hee mil faffill the deftre of ther»
that feare Htm, Ffal. i/{s.ig. The Lord fillet b the
hungry wth good things. Lnke 1. 55. Let Himtbatis H"
thirfi:,come. nAiidivhofoever^iU^let him tak^the wa-
ter of life freely^%ev.ii.lj,Ho^ every One that tbir^
fieth, come yes to the rvaters^&c^ I fa. 55-1. / wiil poure
- wafer upoK him that is thirfly^ and flsttds uptn the dry
ground \C^}A^>Z' T^^4^ longings and dcfires, this
hunger and thirft,before a fcnfible apprehenfioh, and
eiijoyment of Chrift, arifefrom a fenfc ofche neceffi*
ty and want of His bleflcd Perfon, and pretious
bjoodfhed ; which the affi£led Soule now prizcth-
before ten thoufand Worlds ; and for whofc fake, is
moft willing ^oytf//<8//, and to abandon wholly the
DcvUsfervice forever: Thofe, after a full entrance
into the holy Path, and joyful! grafpingof the Lord
lefus in the arnies of our Faith, trife partly from the
former ftatc of unutterable fweerneffe wee found in
•Him ; partly from the want of a more full, and fur-
ther fruition of Him, efpecially when Hee bdepar-
tied, in rcfpe^l: ©f prcfent feeling ;as in times of dc-
fertion,extraordinary temptation,&c. In thePafTage
that is paft, I undcrftand the former 5 m. thofc that
follow, the latter.
.'>.®f dtftrtioasi *• Secondly,Conccrning defertions I intend a lar-
"- - '- * gcr,andmore particular difcourfc \ and. therefore I
paflebyxhem,hcre,,.
CHAP. Xt
ParM.Chap.ii ; jSffitiled Confciences,
41^
CHAP. XI.
■ T'A'o other efiecUH times therein ufeiste besmAde
of t^e former 7rindple,
S'm
Kirclfy,We€ir.ay have recourfe
for comfort to this pretious
Point, in fame fpeciall tcmpta-
^:| tionsof doubtfulncflcjand feart
^41 about our fpirituall ftatc ;
Whcnfpiriruall lifeisrunacas
it were, intotheroote,in(bme
particulars j anda^uallabiliticstoexeicife feme gra-
ces, and difcliargc feme duties, arc returned to no-
thing for the prefent, but groancsjdefifes, and Ion-
ginss to doc, as God would hav e us.
Forinftance :
Thou art much afBided, becaufs ihou feeleft the
fpirit of prayer not to flirre anid workc in Thee with
that life and vigour, as it was wont 5 but begins to
ianguifli in the inward man, for lack e of that vitatl
hsate and feeling, in the mutuall cntcrcourfe, and
commerce becwecne God and thine ownc Socle §
which heretofcre many times warmed thine heart
with many fwect rtfrefhings, Springing fiom a com-
fortable correfpondencebctweene thy holy efacuia-
tionsj^ndhis heavenly infpirations ; betwecne thine
humble complaintsat the Throne of Grace, and his
gracious anfwers;* Nay, it may bee, thou throweft
downe thy felfe before His Scatc of mercy, in much
fcittcrneffe of fpirit j and for the time, can fay little,
or nothing; the prefent dulntfle, and indifpofition
of thine heart , flopping all pafiage to thy won-
ted pr'ayers, and damming up, as it were, thy ordi-
nary coiirfe of thy moil blcfl'ed heart-ravifliing
:y'~' " ' '■ Eej conference
j.Of ffrca^tcfflfcasU
4 2 o .. InfvrnBmsfor n right comfort tag, S c 61 . j 5
conference v,^ich thy God infceret. But tell mec truc^
poorc Soulc J Though at fuch a time, and in fucb an
uacomfortable Dampe, and fpirituall deadnefle.thou
feelell not thine heart enabled, and enlarged for the
prefentjtopoure out it fclfe with accuftoaied fer-
vency and freedoms 5 yet doth not that heart of
thine, with aniinuttfirablethirft and defire, long t©
o&stapQVitohisThrtHff of Grace, thy faites and Sa-
* TiOKetf! fenftu mnes cfificesdf prayer, and praifes. With that heartineffe
wjiri dehre ucufdtt^Kt, and fccling, with all thofe brokea , and bicedi ng a^-
ttpr^mefiitik (intprx- dions, whichagrigvedfenfe of (inoCj that hangsfo
tinUfMtcts.VomtHKit*^ fafton,sind an holy sreediiieffe after pardon, grace ^
7J/^%7!^1rTex: «'^d neerercommunion with bis heavenly Highncirc, :
auiit.imofiM cfficknt^ are wontto beget in truly-humbled Soules Hf fo 5 '
qfidmexprejfs crMfmd AfTurc thy felfe, this very defire is a prayer of " ex-
yodiimoi^o fpiritus ad. fraordinary ftrength , dearenefle and acceptation
ft, 9«, excitet mrnb^ withthy God. I fay, With that,thv mercifull Lord
%', de quihtu /ojKi/wr ^odjWnoisastarre more eompaluonatcly, and io»
•PauIm ad Rom cap.2, vingly afFcfted to his Childe, then the kindcft Fa-
jcnmofmum e,Q»qf^i thcrco his dearelieft beloved Sonne; as the infinite
''TTtiXtl^^um K^eofa tender-hearted Gad, doth furpaffc the faint
^mfitiH^j^J^in'terTM- affccSionofa fraiIe,andmortallman. Suppofe thy
dHm,yetl.til>:mre, rel deafcftChildc Were in great extfttnity, and (hould
^opemodum obmHttfcert. at bft grow fo io w and weake, that it were not able •-
Calv inlfaj.cap.js. tofpcake,but onely groaae.andiigh.andcaft it*s eye
7«9«>^«< agitur^plus fe. "^^P^ * VYouId not thine heart melt over thy Childc
tv^tjuiimafdtu.kug.E^ a great dcalemorc in that mifery, then ever before,
pift. 1 1 1. CoiitAtio ma ^vhen it was able to expreffeit's minde ? I am fure it
tZ:I?tlZTr- wouM. Itisjullfo inth= prcfen: Point. Ur.likt
Pial . I o 3 . 1 ? . 04 a t at her ftmeth hu children : fe the Lord fittteth
* Si not qui fecHHditm them that feare him. Nay, and much ''more, if wee
ttdturamdtligtmns filM, confiderthcmuchne{fcand quantity, Forlookeho\^
~'^2u'imT'Zhil^l ftrreGodishighenhea man in M^jefty and great-
iUtMgit y quldt^it °^^^.» ^^^ch is w itb an in fin ite diftaice, and difpro-
,Wtr4 naur4m. Cbry- pottion jfofsrredoth H'^epalfehim in tendcr-hcar-
jioft.in Ma|ih.fe«w.ii._ wdaeffeandmcxcy. See//^.jj.8 j.
- Tboa^
Parr. i .C|iap» 1 1.- Jffi£led CoHfcienees, . 42 1
Then may ft fometiinesupon tht awakening, illu-
^inaticn, and fearch of tby confcicnce, after fome
drouzie repofc, ^nd deeper fleepc upon the bed of fc-
carity; fome fouler enfnarenient, aad longer abode
infomeknounefcandalous finnej after the Canker
of earthly cares, and teeth of worldly- miBdedncffe
have, ere thou bee well-aware, with an infcniiblc
pleafing confumption, ^aren top farre into the heart
of thyZealc,aiidcthcr«races/In the appichenfion
ofronieprefentteircur,arifiDgfroma more ferious*
andfenfibk furvajrofWhe now abhorred villaniesj
and abominations of thine iinregenerate time; or
irorethegrievedreniedR.iraiKeof chy falls, ami fai-
litigsjof thy (inneS) and unfervvce-abkneiTe fincc
-thyconveirion(vvhichIam perfwaded, trouble the
Chriftianmoft, and gee neereft to his hearr,&c.) I
fayjinfuchCafesjas thefcjThou aiaiii fecle fuch a
fearefulnetTe and faintncde to have furprized the
hand of thy Fai:h,that it cannot fo prefently and ca-
fily recover It's former hold $ nor clafpe about the
glorious juftice, and nieritorious blood of Chrijlt
with that faftnefTe and firmencfTe of affent, with that
comfoit and confidence, as it was wont. So that for
a time, Thou may ft lie under the torture of an heavy
heart^uncherefuineilein all thy wayes, and fome de-
gree of hcrrour ; becaufe thou canft get no better
hold-faft. ( But mere is thy fault : For never did
deareft Father fo lovingly entertame into His greedy
armes, a penitent Sonne»recurning from going aftray :
then our roercifullGod, upon thy renewed humilia-
tion, is willing to (hine upon theeagaine, with the
refreftiingbeames, and blcffiugs of bis wonted fa-
vour.) Yet tell roec true, deare Heart, Though for
the prefentjthatpreticus and happy p-rayer of PW
fotthzRcmam, The god &f hepe fill yen vnth Ml icy ^•m.j$if,
And peace tK hieeving , bee not fulfilled upon thy
Sculej Though thy ioimer joy fiill feelings be turned
?5 4 ^^^
^l 2 InflrH^ionsfor a right comforting^ Scdl.g-f
intodiftruRfuUfcarcs : yet doth not that heavy hearr
ofthinc dcfire farre more to bee re-comforted with
the prelcnce, and pleafed face of thy Beloved-^ then
crowned with the glory and plcafures of many
worlds I Wouldeft thou not much rather, fcele th€
hand of thy Faith faftned againe with peace, and fuH
perfwafion upon the Pcrfon, PafTionandpromires of
the Lord lefHs ; then grafpc in thy bodily hand, the
richcftlmperiallCrov^nc, that ever fate npoa any
Crf/itr/hcad ? If SatansfpitefKll craft, taking a cruell
advantage of thy prefcnt d^dioa of fpirit, doe n»C
hinder thy trembling heartfrowtelling the truth 5 1
know, thou canftnot deny this. And then I muft tell
Thee ; Thcfe hearty longings, and longing defires in
the means time, untill God give more ftrength, bee
right deareto that tender-hearted Father of thine ;
which doth infinitely more efteemc one groanc or
Cgh from a broken fpirit, then athtttfand rammes^ or '
teme thoufand rivers of ojle ; and are moft pretious
and piercing to that compaffionatehearf, that poured
out it*s warmeft Snd dcareft bloud to purchafe the
falvation , and refreOi the fadneffe of every truly-
humbled Soule. Ground upon it then, and bcpf good
chcerc; If thy troubled fpirit fild with the fenfe of
the wantof it*s former, fweet, and joy fall feelings,
finde in it felfe a true and hearty longing after the
fupply of that want; a conftant, and co-ifeionable
purfuiteofall holy meanes for the procurement of
that fupply ; I can affnre Thee \x\ the Word of life,and
!I»fal.i4 j.ip^ . truth, in Gods feafon^Thou (haltbcfatisfied. Uee mil
fulflU the de fires of them that feare Him : He alfo will
heart their sry^ and reiil fuve them. And this bl'cfled
promife, for the accomplilliraent of thy defire, is as
Airely thine, as the breath in thy Body.Hee muft foo-
nerceafeto bee God, and deny Himfelfe ; which is
m:)re then infinitely impofiible, and prodigious blaG-
pjjcmy toimagine^thenfailciutheleAcitcumftance,
, ' OS.
Part. I. Cap. 8,
ApiEied Confciences,
42?
or fyllabk of all His love, rnd promiTes of life to any
One, that heartily loves Him. All the facred Sayings
in His holy BQo^e,and all thofe promifcs of falvati-
on,are figned with the hand of Truth it felfcjand fca-
Jed with the bloud of His beloved Sonne ; And fo arc
farrcfurcr.then the Pillars of the Earth, or Poles of
Heaven: F^r Heat^nand Earth mufi pajfe Arvaj^ he*
fore Any title of His Word full unto thfigreund. And
therefore, as Hee will raoft certainly poure upon the
hairy Pate of every One, which hates to bee refor-
med^ all the plagues and curfesthreatned there, even
to theleaft 4>arke of the flames of Hell § and the lafl
drop of the full vials of His infinite, endlcfle, ua-
quenchable wrath : fo will Hee abundantly make
good to every upright SouIe,{yncercly thirfting after
lefusChrift.inthebefttime, all the promifcdgood
in His blefftdBookc, and that above all expe(3ation>
cxpreflion, conceit*
4. Fourthly, Thou may fl bee diverfly diftreffed
upon thy Bed of death*
I. Cafling thine eye backe upon thy whole life,
all thy finnes from (»W^<«w to that houre ;and willing,
asthoumuftnow take thy farewell, fo to take thy
fill of repentance; They appeare to the eye of thy
confcicnce farre more in number, and m<n^ ougly,
then ever before. And nomarvailes for bwingnovv
fequiftred for ever .from all worldly comforts,
and company 5 diftracflions, and divcrfions, and
theclcudesof naturailfcarc, raifcd by the dreadfull
circumfisccesof approaching diffolution ; uniting, ■
asitwercj& coiledingthe fight of thy Soule, which
imploiments in thg. world jCommerce amongft men,
and Sun* ihineofout ward profperity, did before too
much difperfejdazlejand divert ; chey arereprefenred
far more to the life,and in their true colours. Where-
uponjCompanngthcpoore weaKe not! iiignefle, as
thou now apprchvndft, of thy godly forrow, hatred.
4 l^tmotdiMrf troi
hies upon thy dcath^
bed.
i.Becaufe of xkj ii»u
}. .
I P ■ I I II ■ ■■iW
424 Jn^rHBiam fer A right comforting St&.^^i
and oppofition againft chew, with thy prefent ap-
prchenfion of their hainoufneflV, hatefulncffe, and
horrible number j Thou beglnft to bee de/efted, and
knoweftnotwellwhatto thinkeof thy Sflfe. I fay
then, for thy comfort, confult with thy fanAificd
heart ; and thou iLalt findejand feele an inn nice hear-
ty defire, that thy repencanccfor them, deteilation of
them, and heart-riting againft them, hadbeene, and
now wercasthorowjfouiidjand refoIute,asevcr was
in any penitent SouIe,tbat breathed the- life of grace
upon earth.
_ ,^ 1. Secondly, Revifing now, thy whole Chriftm
»|Beeaufe of toy fai^ convcrfationsfpendingofSabbatbSjpouringoutpray-
^^ ers, reading Scriptures, hearing the Word, love of
the Brethren, daycs of humiliation, workes of mer-
cy, receiving the Sacrament,godly conference,living
by faith in all eftates,&c. Thou mayft fee them in
this laft, impartiall, clears, retired examination of thy
corifciencej ro have been peftercd with fo many fai-
Hngs,impcrfedions,de2dne{re of rpirit5diftra(flions,'
diftcmpers 5that thou bcginft to fcarc and conceive \
As well never avfhit^as never the better^ as they fay,
&c. Inthiscafeairo,rcfi££lupoq the holy habituall
difpofition of thy heart i and thou flialt feele it thir-
fting,andlongingiinfainedIy,thatall the holy duties,
andgood deeds, that ever paffed thorow thy heart
end hands, had beene done in anfwerable exadneile
to the rules of divine Truth 5 and if it had (o pleafed
God,with abfolutc frecdome from all infirmities.
l.Bcaufe ©f thy fmall Thirdlyj Thou may ft bee troubled at that time $
ftaading ia godlinefle. bccaufe, being ptrhaps, as yet, but of little flanding
inProfeffion.thou haft done God io little fervice;
and in that fhorttimCi haft not ftood on Gods fide
with that courage and life, nor walked in his holy
wayes,with that watchfulnelTc and Ztale, as thou
mighteft. Audit cuts thy heaitthe morej becaufc
thou baft fpentfo much of thy time, in ferving thy
Part. I .Cap . 8 • j^ff,iSied Corfckwit. 43f
felfe and Sattn j and cxpcdcft now , to enj«y im*
iDcrtallioyes and a Growne of cndlcife bliffe. But
feereisthycomforfi It is the unfaincd dcfirc, and,:
refolutfen of thine hearty If the Lord would bcc '■.
plcafed t& allow Thee a longer time in this li^:;^ !
and adde many moe yeares unto it^ Thon woul- I
deft double thy diligence, and improve allopportu-j
nitiesjto dot thy Godevery way farremorc glorious
fcr vice, then heretofore all the day es of thine appein- '
ted time; Ob / then thoa wouldefl doe fo, and
foj&c. . \
Aflfurc nowthyfeire,in thcfe three cafes, and trou-
bles upon thy laft Bed J this fyncere defireof thine
upright Soule, will bee eracioufly accepted of bur
luercifull God, in the ^^me of Icfus Chrift : As
though, firft, Thy repentance had beene to the full :
Secondly, Thy obedience to the height : Thirdly,
Thy prefent promiTcs, vowcsand rcfolutions, for fu-
ture forWardnclTe and fruitfulneffc performed to the
utmofl. Forwh€nallisdooe,/<?/'« Ckrifi is AllU
t/^//.'Hce alone is the onely Saadwary, and Tower
ofeverlaftiDg£kfety,for every wuly humbled Soale
to ^y unto,bothia!ifeand death r Heeis made unto
m mfedome, nghteouJiie^effAnUi^Mm^itHd Tej^mf^^
SeBȣ
k — , — ^ #/
425
In^rnBims fer a right comforting Scd.5 ;
ii«Paf ticuUc ^aU^es^
». Cafe of anworthi-
neffe to entcicaine
ChnftolTccetl.
SECT. I. TATIT.2.
CHAP. L
T/^fe" ;/?ri? particular mAUtiie fet dofvne Vfitb a ge»
nerall Principle for the Chre of itd
"^
i^@w^
■ ^pt^??\lM>
^ ii/^^g^^^\
V^^K^]f*
jl|^^^^?\
— r»3^^;^^
^^^^^^.
Conicnow,asI promifed,tofbme
fpeciall Cures,and particular appli-
cation of comfortable Antidotes,
to divers fpirituall Maladies,- d
which, Chriftians cfpccially com-
J5laiiie J tothofsterroursandtemp-
tations , which are wont moft to
afflid (in'troubIed,and truly-humbledSoules*
I. I wiliruppo(e,Thouarteffe£luafIyand faving-
ly wrought upon, by the Preaching and power of
the Word j illightned , and convinced to acknow-
ledge, and feele thy felfc to bee a moft finfuliand
curfed wretch by nature § loft and forlorne, damned
and utterly undone in thy relfe,&c. And upon the
opening of the glorious My fterie of the Gofpell,and
offertherein of the Pcrfoa, and pretious meritsof Je-
fas Chrift Sot tht prefent landing up of thy broken
heart, and endlcffe bleftcdneflejThou ar t ra vifht with
extraordinary admiratioH and affeftion, after that
hiddenTrjAJHiy and Pe^rle of gr^at price -^ holding
thy
Parr.i.cap.l* ^^icteaConfciences. 427
thy felfc happy, that ever thou waft borne jaii^ made
for cver,iftbou canft getpodtffionof it; buta gone-
in3n,ifthoucanftnotgctir,and ancverlafting Caft<*
away. Mcft wiliingthereforeartThou?* fellallthat
thcu bafi-y prizing it infinitely before the-riches,
glory ,and pleafu res ofthew hole earth^&c. In which
i}ate,thou haft aftrong, dircd,and fptciall Cal!ing,JO
fillthinchungrySouiewith/^/^jC^r//^ ; to lay hold
upon his Perfon,5"ft:jffn»^/, promifeSjandall the jich
purchafesof his dcarcftLbod, as thine own for ever^
To rake Him, as thy mfedome^ and right eoufnejfe^ and
fAnEiificatioa^andredemptioM 5 thatfo unffeakeable uy, i Cor u-^ol .
and fhil of glory jfeace which pajf^th allfinderjlanding^ i Pet, 1,8,
"Evangelical! pleaftires, which neither ej/e hath fem^ Philip. 4.7,
mrcArs heard^ neither havs entred into the heart of ' ^^i*^*
i^Z-'/w, might abundantly flow into thine heart, from t- u -r u
ingjthatthouarttncunwGrthielt Upon earth; the vt- beamc$,that a brokcn-
IcftofMenjNoheait fo hard as thine; thy finncs heamdlinncr ought to
farreabovc ordinary ; of an abominableand moft ab- 'm^racc mercy fo
horrcd ftrcine 1 oizfiarlet andacrmfin die: for thou ^/°"?^y ^"x'^^' TI
naft done foandio ; linned many and many a time a- the heart (hutteth ic
gainft thatDivine,nay,and even naturalUightj which feifc more againft, then
ftocd in thy Confcicnccjlike an armed Man jperfecu- ihiSiCfpeciallv iafenfe
tedtheSaintsilivcdinSoaomeAc.And that which ^^^^f^'^^p ^^^^^,
troubk&thce raoft of all, for all thefe finnes, thy for- ^^^ g^g*" " ''/'*???'
row is very poore and (cant, in no prpportion to thy " '
former hainous provocations. I fay , upon thefe, and
thelikemiftaken grounds, Thou very unadvifedly
profeffsftibut againft tbine ownc Soulc, That as- yet.
Thou canft not,thou das'ft not. Thou wilt not, med-
dle with any mercy, apply any promife,or beperfwa-
dcdj that lefHs C hrift bdonosuQto Thec.What?Such .
a vilcjun worthy , abominable wretch as thou / to ex- .
pedfuchglprious things ; to come neer€ fo pure a ■
Gad; to lay violent hands upon the Lord of life, ,
aad iooke for cvirlafting bliffc / Aks ! Say what y ou . -
^i8 InJlrtiElions for a right comforting Seft.3
will, faift thou , as yer I cannot, 1 dare not, I will net.
Whereupon Thou wilfuliy,asic wcrc,!icft ftiil upon
thcRackc of much {piriruallcerrour,andcroiibk-of
fl)inde j And which is a mifcrabic addition and mif-
chigfe^for which thou maid thank e thy felfej artall
the while farre more liable,andlicft much more'open
to Satansmod horrible in/edions,& cruellei^ tsmp*
tationsto fclfe-deftrnQionjdefpairejplunging againe
. , into formsrplcafares of Good-fel!ovvlliip,&the like,
formSc'afcby"' ^^ S"^^" "'^ coconfider.how fearefuUy and faifly
thou deceived thine owne hear^in a point of fo great
«> rt cuifcue 4iUStlf?i. importance,tothymuchrpiritu3Tlhnrt,and furthec
wus erity tdntum ah^ horror. Why, therefore art thou mod welcome to
^in difperationis cAufd lefhs Chnfi ; becaufe thou art fo fenfible of thy ^ fpi-
fitfitAfamerm^Htinde rituallinifery,andbeggcry ; becaufc thou art fo vile,
^XJ Id chr7Z f<^ abominable, fo unworthy and wretched in thine
^Sendum. Sedmemi- OWncconceit. * Th9fethati>ee\\'bole^need notaPhy,
lurimtu tion ulios cenftri pcian ; ^Mt thej that Arefic\e. Chnfteame not t9 call the
]>4Mj>ttes^ni(i«iHi ^biif' e righteoHs,bHt finners. And in this r:fped,Heei8
fre^n2'!!'!Mn[cAn *"fi » ^"^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ '^'^^ fi'*'^" themfelves hfii
JMat.cap.ii. ^ And therefoie, that which thou mak'd thy greateft
* Mat.p.ii.i^. difcouragementtocomcuntoChriftjOiould feecand
« ^iX^fHh ^^'^' '"^i intruth iSjthe greateft encouragement, to caft thy
^tti fh iufj iyidm ur, (gjf^ ^jj.j, confidence into the bofomc of His love.
A^TJI^ll rrinci^, "^^^ ^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ fpeake more fully to the
That hcc which is truly Point, Letme premifethis Principle :
weary of his fins, hath When a Man is once fyncerely humbled under
a comfortable Calling Qods mighty hand, with fight of finnc, and (tnk of
tolayholdonChnft^ divincwrath j fo that now all his forme* wicked
Jtrequife iajiosefefoni'
ni»nti quodfuit Pharifaorum dogtrnt : quilmopfetiUHtur peeeatoreiiidefl^^i futrumpee'
t4t»rnmfen/i*yHlnerdU 4.d untm'Dei miferit9rdi*m cenfitgimnt.Bezi inLoc. " Rohi.4 ^.
« 1 Pet,?. I S. * Forourcncoura^emcnttoa thorow *f orke of brui(ing,and pacienca
under Gocfsbruifing of us, let us all know, tfiat none are fitter for coi;fort, thenthore
thatthinke themfelves furtbe{loEMen,for the raoft part, are not loft enough in their
ownc feeling, for a Saviour. A holy dcfpairc in our f«Ivei, i« the ground of true hope.
^Ji9Shr Sihbss Sruiftd l^f 41,^1*
Wayes,
Part.a.cap.!* J^ioledConfdencts, ^^p
way es, pollutions, and provocations of Gods pore
eye, lie fo heavy upon Kis -heart j that Hee is truly
weary, willing to bee rid of them all, voFainedly
thirlHng after the bloudand holineflcof CAr/^ t And
there fore as well content to take upon him Hisfwcet
andeafieyokCjfortopIeafeHim in New-obedience
for the time to come 5 as to partake of the merit of
His Paffion, for the prcfent pardon of His fiancs; I
fay, then Hee muft conceive, that Hec hath a^ found,
fcafonable, and comfortable Calling, to lay faft hold
upon /(?/?« C^ri^ 5. and to bee undoubtedly perfwa-
dcd,thatHce hath hispart and portion in Him, And
befides,that Gods bleflTed Word determines it, Hec
may the rather alTent unto the feafon, and the more
boldly beleeve ) Becaufe Hee hatb now found, and
ftelesby his owne experience, the pra^fc of that
double policy of the Divell, i^o dften difco vered unto
Him heretofore by Gods faithfiiU Meflengers,to wit j
TbatwhcrcasHee wasaIong.time mod induflrious
to keepc His heart refolutely ftubborne, and unftird
againftthc might and piercing of the raoft power-
fullMiniilry jandwhenatany timeHcc once percei-
ved itto begin to worke upon Him, raifed all poffibic
oppofitionagainft His yeelding ; So now, when Hee
is trulytoucht indeed, and tefolate to abandon His
Hellilh flavery for ever ; Hec labours might and
maincwith all reftUfTe cruelty and malice, to keepe
His confciencecontinually upon the Racke. To this ^
purpo(e,Heeobje(fhafldurgethto the utmoft, the
hainoufnefleof H is former finnes, the fiercenefle of
Gods wrath, which Hee cunningly concealed before;
thelittlenetreof Hisforrowf His unworthineffe to
meddle with any promite.and the likc^ And what's
the reafoHjthinke you, that Hee, who was fo daw-
bia|before,is now fo do wnc- right $ Hee, that was ib
indulgent before, Is now fo defperately bloudy, and
for nothing b^dcfpdre anddannatlen? It is cafie
4^0 InjirHciioyiifcr a right cemfortinq Seft. 3
totcl! ; Forth:: foule, Fiend knovvcs full well, ifa
pooieSouIe in the flippofed cOfe, and fuch a tm^y
.humbled flatc-jdiallbut come now, when ChriR calls
Hitu,an;d fst to Uk feak^that Qodts true ; which not
lodo£,flial]ever bee an unaaannerly midneflfe, and
wilfull cruelty to a mans owne confcicncejHeisthcn
quite gone out of His kingdoms of dark nt lit j and
animroortallSoulcispuli'd outof His Hdtiih Paw
for ever. This is the true reafon, why Hv? fo rageth»
when Hee fees a weary Soule make towa-rds Ufns
ChnJi^Qiit^l have often foretold yoa of Satans
.raethode,and malice, in managing His temptations
in this kindc. 5 that being fore- warned, .yee may bee
fore-armed# Hee plots fir ft, and prevailes withmoft
among{lus,to keepe them from ccrrour and trouble
for fmne. But if they bee once happily wounded thac
way,th£nHis ncxtplot, is to allay, and takeaway
the fmartby outward mirth : cr -iav^be, and draw
over a skinae onely with unfound and fupsrficiall
corabrt. Butif Hee.iinde,thatit,[Ale£dsflill,and tyill
notbeeftanchedjbutenely by the bkxia of Chrifl ^
and that no earthly pleafure can any whit affwagc the
paine j then in a third Place doth Hee call: about, and
contend with all cruelty, to keepe the poore Soule in
a pcrpetuall>fad,'{lavifli trembling 5 that it may not
dare to meddle with aiv/ coinforc, or gpply thcprc-
mifes ^utcheri{liing.the bruife, againft chc counfell
oftlieProphcts.bleedinwardlyftill. And this Point
Hee plies with morceagerneire and fury, becaufe the
very next ftcpjtowitjbut even reaching out of this
fpirituallGulfeand gricfe for finne,tbwards thz incr*
cifallhand®f Chrift,holdea outtohelpeHim up, is
the next and immediate Ad,by which a man is quite,
and for ever puli'd out of His pow^r, and put into
theParadife of grace.
Or in a word; and {horrcr thus; Though thou
commeft (rcftilj out of aa Hell of hainous finnesj
and
Part.2.Chap,I. A§i^ed Confaences, 431
aiK^ hitherto, haft neither thooght, or fpoke, or
dune any thing but abominably ; yet if now with
true rcmorfe thou groaneft under tfee mall, as an hea-
vy burden, and ryrcerdy lengeftforthe Lord Inffts^
andncwneflcri lifej thou art .bound prefently, if fa
/rffif^,as they fay^inlnfiediatly after that Ad, and un«
fained rcfolution of thy Soule, totdke C/?ri/?Hkn-
felfcjandailthepromifcs of life as thine owne for
ever. All dclayes, dcmurrcs, exceptions, objections,
pretexts, (landing out, fcruples, diflrufts, and con-
tradidions to the contrary, arc difhonourable to
Gods mercy ard ^itt grace, difparagemCHt t® the
pfomifes , derogatory to the Truth and tcnder-
heartedncfle of Ieft« Chrift 5 an unneccfTary detaine-
ir.cnrof thcSouleintcrrours and onely a gratificati-
on of that rearing Lion , whoffi trade is to tearc
foules in picces^and torture^them all Hcc can. For
:is fooncisv;ce ate poor eift fpirif, wee are prefently
(flelfed, C^at. 5,5 . As foonc as v;ee are weary of out
finnesjthe Hand of Chrift is ready to take off the
burden, cJ^<rMi«28* As foone as wee thirif, ia
the fenfe I have hid ^ the Fountkine of thewdterof
life, is fet wide open unto us, !]^?'^/. 21. 6. As foonc
as wee hrvegcrt contrite and hnmlfle ffirits^ wee
become royall Thrones , for the iJtgh md Ufiic
One thM inka^itcth etermffc , to dwell in foe ever.
1: f CHAP. II.
43*
InfirH^hnsfor a right comforting
Sea,j,
a, Particular argu--
mcncs*
CHAP. II.
The fiefl Tarticfilar argument to he€ n^^liei for
thecftre of the former Ma^adtc,
Nd now cotnc and take abundintiy
mighty Arguments, and i.ivincible
mjtives». which neither Man, nor
Divell, nor.naturall difttitft canc-
ver^:)y waies po(Rbly dilablciNot
to lie any longer, being in the pro-
pofcd and fuppofcd ftate, upon the
i. Chrifts goodneffc rack€ of terror ; but to/sy. hold upon the i?oc^'^/^/<?r*
which isfecfle lo that, „jfj, J mcane,to reft and eftablifli thy trcmbh'ng heart
upon the Lord lefnt^ with everlafting peace and fafc-
ty 5 and after walkc watchfully and fruitfully in the
holy way >U!)till thine ei.)ding hourc.
1. And. fitii:, take notice, that lefuiChrifi^God
kle^ed forever Jfeefes ah of en honfe for all fuch hungry
and thirfty fonlcj. Let bim that if athir/f^come. And
k ^eviedo Jich , ^tti . "ivhofoever will^ let him, take the Water. of life freely^
"^ult i quumiflthi dieat Rev»ll.iy. fVhofoeverxpflL] Iii whofe heart fbever
chrifiti^iNermytnitaJ tiigfjoiy a Ghoft hath wroughtan eft'edTiall, ^ caN
ZflZTeJuoht «eft, hearty will; that fupernatur^all fyncerc defire
44.Ef PAuhitdicitinen eli yolentUtHiqtte current it, fed miferemit Dei\^o.^. \6^efpSic hqui-
tur lohttnnes^mnquodin hominis Arl/itrio [izum[itpr«prtk ffonteAUtdtre &hAvfrvrt *q^*rn rim
VXhrlfti* ready to
cnccuaiae all.
urn
onA
•9aluntatei?bUz.\i.M.i^CixZt.\tll:oQ Chrili,togethcrwithbiddingl4;^<<rMComcoucof
his gravcjinfiired into Him pewcr ro rife. ^ fyho/oeyerwill'} Ic maybe here faid ; Who is
itjthatwculd notbcedred ? Men indeed love to Wilke in wicked waics,— bat they love
ROt damnation j wilbn'^ij^ woal«khey befivcd : Haw cben is u faid here ; Let Him, that
^jUjtaliCof the wa-ersof life freely? S .rely here is no more, thtn that he laith bcforcj
He will give to HiBVchat is athirlt,ofthe waters of hfc ^reeIy,Cap. 1 1. tor Hee that thir-
ftethjhathaWilljandHccthatthirtiethnotjhathnotaWill.Forihisycemuftknow.that
theWiUis not hciep'm for every light dcfire, or for every wifh, thata Man doth nt(h in.
His heart; whcn,asIfaidbefore,HeewaIkethtnthevvayof deftru3ion,audcoiiifliitteth -.
,t^( (lyings thiitdcrerYcdaqiigauoajaad yctvTouldbeidYcd«^c. Gtff^trd in l»c.
Parto *. Cap.l . ty^ffiSIed Cenfcknces, ^23
defcribed before, which prizeth the »V// sf life be-
fore the whole world, and is evcraccompaniedwith
an unfained refolutien to fell ull^ for the FcArU if
great frice ; I fay, fuch an One may come, and well-
come,and that without bidding, and drinkehis fill cF
ihe Rivers of all fpirituall plealiires. If tht re were no
dnorejbntthiSjihisis more then enough to bring Thee
to Iefns Chrijr. If a Proclamation iliouid bee made
that fuchjOr fiich a great Man kept open houfe for all
commcrs, there need no more to bring in all the •
poors,huDgry people in the Countrey, without any
furtfjcr waiting or inviting. Bat here above all de-
grees of comparifcn,thc hunger is more importunate
and important; the Feaft-makcr more faithfull and
furcof his word ; the fare more delicious and raviHi-
ing ; And why doeft thou refofe ? Thou haft a war-
jant in finitely above alkxception. The Lord of life
keepes open houfe for all that w;// come : And thou , •» t n x^ -, -
fcnoweft in thine owne Confcience.and canftiiot de- ^vcn hce that is aihuft
ny,but that Hee hath already « honoured Thee wich for the waters of I/fc,
that Angular favour,as to plant in thy Soule a »<// this let Him give all the
way,witha witnerie,asthey fay 5 For what woul- P"ifeto^cd,whobath
deft thounotpartwith.to have alTuiance ofthypart gr^^e ; a^d ""]« him
in lefus Chnfi ? What wouideft thou not give, if it kncw/thn were it not
mightbebought;toheareHimfpeake peace uniethy ior the grace of God,
Sou]f,and fay Iw' eetly unto k ; I am thy lalvation ? f^«; ^o»''^ "^v" bare
And therefore if thou come not in prefently.and take , 'i!?/^^''^ ?.''*'";
the comfort of tnispretious Place and Promiiej/fN ^;Vi
ting to thy feale that God is tvue ^ Confider by the prc-
miflesjvvhcfherthy terrours and temptations bee not a Hee invites,
juftly upon thee,in the meanetime. * ^ ?*'*'" finptndafie^
2. If this will not ferve,which Godforbidjthcn ^Ztw^'I^^t^' '■'
jn a fecond Place, Thou art wt/if^^^folemnly, by the ZiL^-^Zl^rZfeft
Feaft-Maker, as it were, Himfelfc with his ovvne di^nanmri dhipp, ro^
mouth, which is an infinite mercy, ^ honour and iA»iH>,Mt4tdtumyenire
common '.romemto me all jeethHtlabeptryandarehcH- ^'2"""*''* ^«f- De
vjUden^4n<i J will give yvnrcfi^ ^^Ml.28. Htie Veib.sDoroini.vcnke,
Ff 1 ' " is -
4J4 InfirMUions for Aright ccmjorting, Se<fl,gf
is no exception of finnes, times, or Perfons, And if-
thou fhouldeft reply, Yea, bat alas .' I am tbc'unwor-
thicftinaninthe world, to draw iiccre unto (b holy
aGod; to pre {I; into fo pure a prefcnce j to exped
upon the fudden fiich gloriousjfpirituall, and heaven-
ly advancement ; cnoft iQipure,abominabIc,andbtaft-
ly wretch, that I am ' readier farre, and fitter to finke
into the bottctac ok Hed , by the infupportablc
• waight of my manifold hainaus fi.is : I fay then, the
Tcxttellsthceplaincly, that tho.i mightily miftak'ftj.
For therefore onciy ait thou fit, becaufethou fcelefl
io fenfibly thy unfitnefTe, unworthinclTe, vilenelTe,
wretchedncffc : The forcr and heavier thy burden iy, .
the rather {}\ou!defl; thon ccmerin a word,it appearfj, ,
by thine owne words,expre(Sng fuch a penitent ap-
prehenfionof thy fpirituall poverty 5 that thou art
the onely man, andfuch as thou alone, which Chrift
3^wiAvit«mthc»r, here fpeciailyaimes at, invites,and accepts,
e >n O.Hem y,cAndi, S» Truid.y, H^e knowing onr frame, our fliiggifh^
ief^%.i Buxtorf. duH and heavy difpofitionj our fpiricuaUlazinsffe, na«
f Ett^ fmtcuU excU. turall neglcdi of our owne ralvation,and loachnelte to
iw«w<^,Zechar a.6. ^ believejaddes in another PIace,to ordinary invitation, .
t!^4!ifwi!Tcfah! ^/^^"^f^^^ompaJJiomte^a^d^Hicknifig « compe/Une»,Qt
5^.1. MH Oomnisfttf. rather, ^ exclaaaacion ; H,7,raith Hee,//^.55.i . Every
fjjjjPagniti ExcUmat oneth^t th'trfiethyCome yeeto thevfa'ers^f^:^ And left
Fro}>heta, ytkti conten - any thinke He fhall come 10 His cOil,or fhould bring
tZyBce,Heu,: qm^uiu any thing in His hand, Hec calls upoH ?/»w/^^/;^^/6
ut Mile (it admokm ^omonej j andthusdoublfs His cry-- C^me jee, bnj
tQi excitaii.^—StMpe~ and eate^yeayCome^ i>Hy '^ineand miik£ T^itheut mo-
vemifihrawdgnli cUm»- fiey, and without price, O moft blelTcd and fweeteft
ril^& Aptdukfxcuu ii,)^s.' So fuUof love and longing, to draw us to
"'"^y^^S'LTZ' ti''C Weil of life J that befides that holy pang of com-
trumpiprittts ^ qui dd paition,dndexcitation, oojHce cries thrice, Cowe^
btiac txhortMiommppr^ Come^Cewe ! Yea,bat mayflthoufay, Alas.' I am
difunt^ytltdm acriter fo farre from bringing any thing m my hand, that
&imuUtUt>rporifuoad. j^y^j^g a world of wickedaelfe upon mv heart;
^^w«/^r»/.Calr,in ^j^^j fhac afcovc ordiaary, both in aotoaoafneffc.
Part.i.Cap.i.
ty4fJlUted C&iifciences,
435
and number 5 and therefore I am aSfraid the hai*-
nculhefle of my Cimts will hinder my acceptation ;
though the invitation bee mcft fweet and pretious *
Beitfo; yst the Spirit of God in the fame Chapter
doth purpofeiy meet with, and remove that very
Icruple: Lttthemcked^ faith Hee, fsrf^^ His ^ay^
And the mrigbteons mA'fi His tbeughis : (And this is
thy Cafe; Thou art unfainedly icc againft all iinne
both inwaidand outward,) 4K<3! /^r himreturne »mo
the Lon^y and Hee m/l have msrcj upon Htm, and to
9fiKjGodffor tJeemll abundrntly pardo'/ti vcrfc 7. Hce
will not onely h^ve wercy ptpon thee,bn% Hee willalfo
altindmly pardon. Hee will ^ multiply His par-
dons,according to thy provocations, and that with
g fHper'abundarice^ Rom. j,ao «
4. If all this will noc yet doc ; Hee descends out
cf the infinite riches 0/ his ^ace to a miracle of
further mercy. For the mighty Lord of Heaven and
earth fend; Ambalfadours unto us, duft and alhes,
Wormes and no men, to befeech hs to hee reconciled PtH-
to Him. iVtfU? 4 hen wee are jimbajj'adffftrs for (^hrifly as
though God did befeech you bj us j tvee pray you in
Chrifis fleadj bee yee reeoneiled unto God^ % Cor,^.io,
What man can poflibly ponder ferioufly upon this
Place J but mufl: bee tranfported With extraordinary
admiration^ oay, adoration of the bottomleffc depth,
and infinite height of Gods incomprehenfible, evcr-
hfting 3c free love: We mod abhorred, vile wretches,
aretheOffenderSjTraitors, Rebels and enemies jand
oughttofeek & fueunto Him firft, upon the knees of
ourfouIes,treniblingin chc dQft:& if it were poHTiblc,
with teares of blood ; and yet He begins unto us, in-
trcatingus by Hisown Son.and Hisfcrvants the Mi-
nifters,tocomein;acceptHis favour and grace, enter
into the j**/^ &good w^i^j which is ^ pretious ipro^table,
honorable jandipleMfAnt y that He may hereafter fet up-
«n our heads eveilaiiing Crownes of glory and blifle,
Ff I Aa
efi'multipUcdre,
h MjUdf t/sI, iTti^lTti'
piostvffti «x*P'5*'
Grand e Cetlo tanti uZ
pik fuit e§uf4^ut ffttdm
lummn dtquSirit fKodi^
fedttUm infnitU favti-m
btu fuferhtt . Bcza.
4,HeeintK^ef.
41^ Injhn^ionsfor a right comforting, Se<5l. 5 f
An earthly Prince wculd difdaine, and hold it hi
fbulefcornCjto f«nd unto His iifcriour for reconcile-
ment; efpecialIy,whohad b-havcd Himfelfebafcly
& unworthily towards Hiin,&juftly provoked His
reyallindignatioi!. Would net the King oi Spring ^
5 Thefe?^4«/W^ibe- thinkeyoii,fogicata Monarch,ho!d it an inexpiable
ffl^ mecre ftrangcit, difhonouraDdiiidignity,tofcndEnibaffadoursnow,
grfnlelrTotm'' '""^ ^^^.^intotbe HolUniersSo farre below Him, for
»ftcm to thf ma-ntc- ^^concilemcnt and peace 3 promifmg and alFuring
nsacc of thofe Coun tfteai,of an entire reft itution, and exercifc of all their
tries and people, in ^ ancient rights, pri'/iledgcs, liberties and funda-
2ri7nn??o<^"k"" ^^"fallLawcsithatthey fnouJd not need to f eare,
peaceab!elivin^,asthc ^^^^ g^^'^^^^ *^'t j r Amy, md fever efl ktnde of perfeeutt^
moft Noble and w»ii ^''* *'«^'?'' heaven , the SpAmfh iHqmfiUm ; that HcC
Erap«roiir<:^<jr^,.ye*a^ wouldrefume His former ™ Oath,the Popes difpca-
Md^as lir^; Son Philip ration, for which begun all the trouble,&:Ci Rather
- .ccife ha • whileft then Hee would dec it. He hath paid already, a good
Countrics,and iifed the Counfells o( the Spates, and Natir csof the Countrief , aot vio-
lating the ancient liberties of the Countries; but contrariwife,thcrc Spanidtdi being cjU
alted to abfolutc go/ernment, by ambition, and ior private lucre, have violently brokea
thcaneicntLiwes and Liberties ofali the Countries, and in a tyrannous forthave ba-
niftied and Jeftroyed, withoutorderof Law, withiathe fpace of few moncths.many of
the moft ancient and principall Perfom of the naiurall Nobility, that were moft worthy
of governmenr. Andhowfoevftinthe beginning of thefecruell perfections, the pre-
tence whereof was for the maintenance of the Romifti Religion j yet they fpared not to
deprive very many Cafholickcs, and Ecdefiafticall Perfons of their Fraochifes and pri*
vilcdges: and of the chicfeft that were execated o( the Nobilitie,-.non€ vfas in the
whole Countrey more afFeded to that Religion, then was the moft noble and valiant
Count of Egmondyxht very glory of that Coamrey; who neiihsr for His fingular Vi-
•itories^inthefcrviceoftHeKin^of ^/jrf/^f.canbeeforgotteninthctrHcHiftoriesj not
yctforthecruclty ufeJtor Hisd.faruftion,tobee but forever lamented in the hearts of
the natur all people of thatC'Jantre^^. Stea Booke intitakdj,^ DtcUmianef the ea:4fis,
rmyingtbe ^cene of Ettgl/ndto n-vtaide to thedefemeof the people dffliStd dU oppreffei
iHtbeLow-c^t{t$tries,paz.<;,6.._ » pbaittru^ and His fciloiw-tyrants, come farre fljort of
tbefebloud- hounds. Hf>/m.^ jz, m p^,///^thefccondof S^4«m, after many preceding
vaftations and prcflures, did laflly by ftrong hand, and maine force, attempt not onely 19
makehimfdfe an abfolucc Monarch over the Hollanders ; but Turke-like to tread uni
derHis feet, all t^eirNitionall and Fundamenta*! Law^s, Priviledgcs, and ancient Rit«»
To cffea v*hich, aftesHcehad eafily oJjtiittcd from the Pope a difpenfation of His f«-
aneroathesCwhichdifpenfationwas the w«c caufcof thewari-cf aad Wottd-ibsd fince
Part. 2. Chap, 1. Affiled Confciences,
437
while fi^GCi " A(>o>oe an hundred fniUionSiand the ltv£s
ef abive fcurc hfty^drcd thcufand men • And is ftiil
fpijidjngabundancccf goldandblood. Itisthusin-
^ecdwithwormes of the earth, in tvh^m there is y.s
helfe, and whole breath is in their noftrills 5 But it is
ctherwife with the King dt Kings, i«*^*y5//f/^ upon the
Circle ef the 'Earth, and the inhiiih'HAms thereof Hreia
^rajhoffers^andthe N Attorns the drop of a Bucket ^
)^hobringeth theTrinces to Nothings a»d Tuaketh the
fudges of the Sarth as vanitie, H '- e is coMcnt to put
Up at our hands, this indignity and dfi^crnt, if I may
fo fpcake; Hecis glad tofncunto usfirfi, and fend
His Ambaflaboursday after day, bcfteching us to bee
reconciled unto Hiro. O incomprehenlibfe Depth of
unfpeak able mercy andencouragcment tocome in,
and truft in his mcrcy,in cafe of Ipirittiall n[iilery,ablc
t»traBip!c under foot tfiumphaatlyjall Oppoiitions
of the moft raging Hell, ordiftrulitull heart/
J . Nay Yi^t commands us^v^mA thu ii ha CommaH-
■demefit/haf^ee/h^uldhelgeve onthe Name of hk Son
Jefm Chrffi-i /o^. 3, 2 5. This command alone of tfec
All- powerful! God,{houidinfinitcly out- weighj and
prevaile againft all othercountermaunds of Heaven,
orEarth J fiefli and blood, Satan,nature,reafon,fenfe5
the whole Creadon f all the World: It ftiould fwab-
low upallfcrupIeSjdoubt8,feares,defpiircs. Com-
mingtoleffis C^iftmiw broken hearts, according
tothis Commandement; Itwillbeareusoutagainft
all oppofitions, accufations, weaknelL s of faith in
the evillcimes,in the houre of temptation, upon our
beds of death, at that laft and greate ft day. It will be
a plea at fuch times, utterly above all exception, a-
gainflallallcgationsjtcrrours.andtemptationstothc
contrary, to fay ; I was humbled under the burden of
finne,and (encc of my fpirituallmifery : Gf»d in mer-
cy cfFercdmee His Sonne leffu Chrififnely, in the
•M^ikric of the Gofpell, by the MiniftiV of the
Ff 4 Word 5
" The King ef S^dint
hath paid above an
hundred Millions; and
the lives of above
fcurchundrcdthoufand
ChriUians/or thclolle
ofallthofcCcuBtricjj
which for beauty gave
placet© none i and (9t
rcvcnewTfidfqHallHis
Weft If dies : for the
iofle of aNatioJijWhich
moft willingly obeyed
Him J and who sk this
day alter forty yeetcs
warre.are in defpight of
all his foi ces, become
fr<e tftates, and farte
more ncfi and power-
full chti; they vfcrc,
when H c firft begun to
imporerifh &opprefie
them iMm.lind.
M^^ Injim^ionsfom right contforttMg Se^j«
Word : I thereupon thirftcd infinitely for His Pci>
fon, and pretioasblood,that I might thereby obtaine
pardon and power againft my fiiines : Heecallcd up-
on raccand commanded tnee to di inkc my fii I of the
fVateref Ufe freely, I accepted His gracious O^er^
andaccordingtoHisCommandement cart: my fclfe
uponthe LordC^r»(i, againft all the contraditflions
of carnal! reafon, and Sophiftry of Satan j and fines
-Ob hecomman ^^^"i^^> Hcc hath given me power to lerve Him in
acmcm,* which corni fynccfityof heart. This is my ground and warraat
ojandj thee to believe, €ven the Commandement of my blclled God j Thtis^
againft all unbeliefe, tadr'mkewhenl Wi^f ^^^^y?; : Againft which,the gates
andabeveali bcliefe. ^f Hcllcannevcfpoflibly prevaile. Intby Cafethen,
h^'e^hatt'nintS J^^o thirft- eKtrcmdy, a.dupon free Ofter yet re.
dcubtings, to believe } rHleitrodrinke,coiiuder how unworthily thou difi
inalldefpaitejtohcpei honouFcftGodjand wrongftthine ownc Soule; by
and when all rcafons, fufferingtheDiveis cavils, and the groundleflc exr
ir-Sarc mminXyct ceptionsof tbincownediftrufttiili heart, to prevails
to ^believe ontly',"be- With thecagainft the dired Command of Almighty
caufe God comniands Godf « which thou oughteft to obey againft all rea?*
theefotodQc.Thoiigh fon,ienfe, fcares,doabts,dcrpaires,and HcUiftifug-
"TnTxhyllfhtlnfvI §^^»«»s. ^^r4^4»?, the Father of the Faithful!, did
ISthlciffcifcates'andall rcadily,and willingly fubmit to Gods Commande-
creatures forbid thee fo mcnt ; even to kill His owneonely deare Sonne with
to doc/ayingjT^-*/ thj Hts owne hand J naturally, matter of a great griefe,
Pengthdndho^e itu, ascouldpoftiblypierce the heart of amortall man.-
fji. /Y^tobVJnd : And wiltrhou being broken- hearted,, ftandofffrom
bclicvV none ojt'hcfe, belecving, and refuCe, when Hee commands Thae
but Gods Comman- toiakc Hiscwne only deere Sonne j efpecially fith
(d?ment. comnianding,thoutakeft with Him, the excellency and variety of
thceto believe his pro- ^j^ 5j,,fjj ^ 5^th of H^iav^enand Earth j a Diibharae
mife againu them all, _ o . n- ^ c>
and fotohonour Him from € very moment a the cvcrlafting pames of
asGodjabovcthemall Hell} Deeds fcaled with His owne bloodj of thy
in power, mcrey, truth . Kight tothe glorious Inheritance of the Saints in lights
andfaithfulncfic rtr»^- ^^^ word,e ven p all things, ihz moft glorious.Dei-
v^prton ./ FMb.fAg. ^^ .^ ^^^^-^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ enjoyed thorow
i.ltcoui,%%y. ^^t withunrpeakeablc ^ cndUfle plcaiuie thorow
Part.2.cap.2« jllffliciedConfcie»ces, 43 p
al! eternity? Prodigious Hmadne(re,cruelty to thine ** y^fllum tpittt infipH
ownc Souk, or fomething at which Heaven and *»"*'"M">'<'f.(«/^»
Earth, Man and Angell, and all Creatures mayftand i%ZJcolt ''**''**'
amazed, That thou fhonldeft fo wickedly, and wil-
fully, ferfake thine e^nc mercy ^ and negletl fo. gre^
fulvAtion.
6. Laftly, (eft Hee fhould !ct paflfe any mcanes, or ^^^^ threatens;
bee any waycs wanting on His part to drive us to
ChriH^^Vi^ fettle our Soules upon Him with fure and
eve^Iafting confidence, Heealfc o threatneth: aAnd 'HicUuninetuuTim
to whom fvoare Hee^that they Jhettld not enter into Hid tfiamiitrifeJecefiyiHJ
refiMi'>tkemthatheleevednot?H^[^A.l'i,WhtK' m^rW^ inttrmwsm
in He cxprefleth extrcmeft anger ; unquenchable m/kam requiem, j^^
and implacable indignation : Hee fweares in his bufnAmytrl} -nonfMl
T^r4;^,thatno unbelcever fliall ever enter into His •^ni^«* -.fed /elk Hit
reft. IntheThreatsoftheMoralILaw,thcreisno ""Z'^^^ZlZ^^um
fHchOath,buta fccret refervation of mercy, upon Z^cveiimermimu!nm
the fatisfadion of divine juftice fome other way. incumytre^fimnobeii^
Buf herein the Lord is peremptory, and a third way ttsi^to^per B.y*ngelmnk
(hall never bee found, or afforded the Sonnes of Men. ^»^^»^'^ ^^f-*"?'- Pw^ig
Neglcftof fuch a gracious Offer, of fo great falvati- -• •
on, muft needs provoke, and iifcenfe fo great a God
extraordinarily % For with prodigious ingratitude
and folly,it flings, as it were, Gods freegrace in His
face againe \ and finnes againft His mercy. Suppofe, a
mighty Prince paffing by all the royall and noble
bJoodinChriftendome, many brave and honorable
3-adies (houldfendtoapooremaidc, bred in a bafe
Cottage,borne both ofbcggerly and wicked. Parents;
offer her marriage,andto make Her a PrincefTe ; and
fticetheniliou-dfoojifhly rvfuie, and rejeft fo infi-
nitely undeCervcd,andunexpefted advancement. As
ftie mightthercLiponbejnftly branded for a notorious
Bedlam I fo wouid not fo great a Prince, think? you,
beemightilycnragj:d, at fuch a dunghill indignity,
and peevifti affront ? The Vrince offeace^ upon whofc
tbifih hmiVL^siKing of Kings, And Lord of Lords i
440 iHfirttdlims f^r a right csmforting Scdl. j f
'The ftatc-of Man- ^ paffing by more cxceikat ar»d noble creatures,
Itinkc i^happy, in re- (g^^jg ^^^^ -j-j^^^. ^ ^vbofs pAther t4^crrftfU9»^ zndike
%hiihi.\\\Lno^oi y»>f^' thy mother and fkyper-.mdvjho l^ refpe(a
tbeinare, or flnli ever o» thy ipintu^llliSSe.^hdt pol/fttedtK thin.'lTV'if tUod^
bee rcftored lo their ^r. And offers tirhtrcth ^ rh e nn^o Hmfelfe in
former ttate. — A» righteoftfne^CyAnd in ifidgeineyit^nd in loving kifidHejfe,
?ftcre''and W* hRoc^ ^""^ '" *''''"^'' * "^^ Crownc Thcc witli alUhcriches,
LoT dcepe^pit'^or both of His kingdoaie of grace and glory, &c,
GuWcjcannot paffibly Now, if thoiiftiouldcfl (land of!-"^wbichGnd forbid;
fcfcApe death} whereas as thereupon out of pcrfc£^ion of madnellp, thou
one,whofe fall is leffa, forfakcfttfiineowncfalvation ; fo thou moit iuftly
ncSScIik! cnforceftthatbleffcdLordtofwcare in his wrath,
ked Angclf. whofc fin thatthoulTialt never be faved.
Wcoiay truly call that
VBpardonablefinne committed agaioft the boIyGhod. If its objeded,cbatthe Angels
inayrepentjandroobtajncfalvation: Weeanfwcr,Firft,thatit is impoffible, byrca-
fenof the nature of their (iimcj beiug thefinne againft the Holy Ghoft, tharthey ihoald
«vcrtrulyrepent:and fecondly,that if they could after fomc fort repent, yet they are
altogethsruncapableoffal/ationjbecaufeGodhathnot takenumo Himfelfe the nt-
tul-e ot Angels,as Hee hath done the nature of Man j and fo joyning it to Himfelfe,who
Vi life i t felfcj made it a li ying and holy nature. HertoHt Of the thrtefold jUtt of M*n,cdf^ t .
Sta,i. I HQf.a.i^.
Thas thou haft hetrd, how 5 Firft, Hee keepes c-
■penhoufe to allfuch hungry and thirfty foulcs. Rev,
a 2. 1 7. Secondly, Hce v\viX.tSyCM4th, 1 1.*8« third-
ly. Invites with an awakeiiing and rouzing compel-
Iation,//4.55.i. Fourthly, Intreates , lO^y.io.
Fifthly, Commands, iloh.^.z^. Sixthly, And
threatSjHif^.j.sS. How cruell then is that Man to
Hisowncw^undedconfcience, who in his extrccRc
ipirituallthirft, will not beedrawne, by this fixfold
mercifiiJl Coid, to drinkc His fill of the FsuntAtne ^
thevpAterofltfe j to caft Himfelfe with confidence,
and comfort, into the amies of the Lord Jefus?
Which is more then infinitely able to tic the mofl
trembling heart, and that which hangs off raoft, by
"rcafonorpretendeddoubtSjfcrupIes, and diftrufts,
to thatblefTcd Saviour of His, with all full glTurancc
• Ifai.^.|; and ; perfca peace* How isttpoffibleibutthatall,
"" " "■ cf
Part.S.Cap.j.
Affiled ConfcieMces.
or fome of thefc fbould bring in every broken heart,
to believe 5 and caafc every one that is weary of his
finnes,tordieupon the Lord of life foreverlaftir^
Welfare? '
441
CHAP. Ill,
The fecondTdrticfiUr argument to beeufed fortbi
cure of the former Adalndie, Ftve farts of that M-gm*
mentUiA of en* Thefirfi kranch of the fifth ^Mrt,
iVt that which I de(ire principalfy to
preffcfor mypurpofej in the Point at
this time, is this ) Thy confcience is
now awakedjtcrrified, and troubled;
and therefore, as If uppofe, tender, and
veryfenfible, atleafti for a time of the leaft finne*
Every finne lies oowupon thy Soulc as heavy, as a
naountaine of leade ; and therefore thou wouideft
norwiUingiy adde, unto thy already infLipportable
burden, any more waighr. AU thy youthful! lufts,
and abominations, flare in the face of thy eonfcience,
with gricfly and horrible lookesj and therefore for
the pre(ent,erpecially, thou art notably feared, froma
willing provocation of Gods anger, and wounding
it afreA with a new finne. Well, it being thus thenj
If it appeare unto Thee, that by thy flanding off, in
the Cafe, I have fuppofed thee, from taking Chrifl
^sthiaeowne, applyingthc promrfcs, as moft cer-
tainely belonging unto Thee, andfo putting to tby
fe Ale f that God u ^/•«<? jThoudifh^nour'fl Him extra-
ordinarily in many refpeds : Mee thinkesthcnj thou
ihouldcfl bee mightily moved, without any more a-
doCjtocaflthy felfe prefently upon the Lord lepts
withcomforc and much o^uraocti £i^iskliy, fith
• " ^j
z.Motlve*, AIne oflenet
ifthoH take him QOtjol
thactho»
^'t^fT
4 4 2 I^fifH^ionsfor a right comforting Seft. 3
thyfo-yedcU:igtotheLavVof faich, is for thy iafinice
good : And affurethy Sdfc, thou offendcft, iu the
meane timc^raany wayes ;
liAtt unnaanncrly. i* By a fowre, and relfe-wiil*d unmannerJincffe
towards Cbrifl 5 in not comming, when Hee cal!s
^ J' u- J'( f '^^^ \^~M^t. 11,2%. It is pride J and high pride, faith a
vZSa. worthy * Divine, «^f to come ^hen thsu art called.
Jt isrudene^e^and not good manners ^ not to doe as thoH
Art bidden to dee ; yea,fo eft en and earnefllj charged to
doe. It wouldbee a foule fault, and unmannerly difo-
bedicnceforany fubjed to this kingdorac, though
never. fo ragged and tattcr*d, or pretending never fo
much His unfitncffcand unfinencfle to piefle into (b
great a prefenccjUot to come unto the King, if Hee
' • iliouldpkafecameftly to call upon Him. Difobedi-
cnce to the Law of faith, and re jeding Gods graci-
ous offer of his Sonne freely, is the greateft, and an
inexpiable finne. Hee hath f worne in his wrath, that
(ijch a Refufant {hall never enter into His reft.
a.Doeftprercribe him ^* Byafaucy prcfcribiog untoHim, upon what
conditions. teroies Hee (ball take thee : Ha^ faycsHce, every One
IfaJ.fjf. that thirfieth i come yee to the waters • and Hee that
hath no money : Come yee^ buy and eate -^yea^ tome buj
yvineand milke Wit horn money y and without price, Nay^
faift Thou, I will either bring fomething in mine
handjOrl willnonc. Whereas it appearcs in the ci-
ted Place, that Chrift calls not ondy thofe that arc
thirfiy ;. but alfo fuch as have no money,
|, Doeft undcrvakw 3. By undcrvale wing the unvalewabk worth of
thcwonhofhis blood. }^[s^yetUu4 blood. As though thy finncs had cxcec-
dedthe price, that hath been paid for them. Where-
as it is called, a/^5?.2o.i8. (jods orvne blood. And
therefore no want initi to waih away aay iinne, and
forever.
iDoeftdHpaMgethe . 4- By ®ffe"ng disparagement to all the promifes
pronufer of ggds in Gods blcffcd Booke j Every one whereof doth
bookc. ' now Ayeedy, and upon good ground, invite chee, as
•*"' ' '^^ " """" ' it
Pan.2.Cap3. AffitSledConfciences, 445
jt wercto repoft upon it, as upon a furc Word of
God, witli evcrlafting reft and rafery. But thougi-
vingtoomnchway to the Divtls lies, and the di-
lates of thine owue diftruftfull heart, kecpeft cff,'
and retireft; as though they were too weakc, tofup-
port thy HOW troubled, and trembling Soule, efpeci-
ally load en with fo many,and hainous finncs.Where--
by, confider hov^ givat indignity, thou offered to
fuchpromifes, and Places, as thefe, 7/i.i.i8. Szek^
^6.25>Ifii'^5-7'S,p.&.^j.i 5. ETpecially^bcingfo
flrongly backt by Gods bkired Oath •• ^cd -tvillixg
msre Ahnndantlj to Jherv unto the heires of fremtfe^ the
immut^iUty of H»ccufife/^^ confirmed it hj an Oath:
That bj two immutable things yin which it y^au trnfoffihle
jffr (jod to He^^ee might have a flrong confelatien^ rrh»
have fie*! f»r refuge to lay held upen the hope fet before
«/.J/(r^. 6. 1 7. 1 8* What a mighty ftrength may that
moft gloriou's fpeechof our a!I-mercifuli Godjinfufe
intoourFaithjf'«f^.3^»ii. e^j//fw,c^r. Asif He , ^^^^^^ di itj)t k
fhouldhavefaids As ''furc, asl amthe True, Etcr- »m uheyllcrc.i L^Lt
nail, Living,and Omnipotent God,&c. to ccrtainely, pe-fytt*m '(uaw, Hefi,
I havens j lea fur e in the death of the wicked i But I Dettatu {H,tat(rnam ef-
7 have pleafure.thzt Hficihould come in I take my ff""/>«> '"-'"fMent^^m,
Sonne, and bee my fervant. Vndcrftand the fame Lt^I^l^lTS
proportiorwblyof every prcmife: As fureas I have r^/, ^»/» eertttm ty
aneternallEflbnce, and Bceing.of a God-head,&:Cr imm»tum hot efl^ quid
So certainely Willi give freely to every One, that is >»->'<J»»»g»,Gr/iw yertu
truly » ^earyoi all Hisfinnesjand '^ tf^^^P ^^f'^i' X^ThVJ'^tZM
nedly for mercy and grace,eterHaUr£ft, and refrelh- lihultl^llmekaga.
inginthecver-fpringingFountaine of all fpirituall, hu cert.tudints <r^*.
and heavenly pleafurcs. And foof the reft. »«"• amtfr h/tc pra^
mi(!i« Laurert.^dver-
*fBS deTperationem* T Vt >iv», dtBum Domini Uhova, non deleBtr morteimprobi*
Jed delcAor, ^uum reytrtrtnr^&c.lun. Pifcar, Si qMshmr ginmjm* "Prophet a fenfut^
tMMUm ffitm yemd Cr yit<e refpi/tentHus fddt , fe ut tUit non fit dui>it4KdHm,^uiMP0li
pardttts fit /gm/certtCre. Volsaiinloc » Mauh.n.iS. » K€«cl,»i.^.
In a word i whnt an unworthy thing is this ; That
allthf precious pKomifcs in thcBookc of God,coii-
^4f 4 InflrH^ionsfor a fight comforting Seft. 5
fc ne4ti ^umu4 , quorum firmed with hisowne ^ Oath, and fcalcd with His
eaufiDemiM^jedmi. Son:;esblood, (]iou!d fuffsr difhonouranddifparage-
^^iurJl'cHidemcieii. mcnysit wcrc,by thy diflruO: : As though fo many
■•Mf^TcmUl. mighty Rockesof mercy and truth, were not aole to
{a[iaineapoov.c&rf*ifedRefde?
j.Doeft difhoncur to, 5. By difablingand dif- honouring :
I.Gods free lore. 1. Gods free love. StGH'jf.i^.^Jer.^t.'^,Ezfch^
16, Detit.j.j,'^.Iob,i.i6,Eph*is*
ilfGod would not give us CA^-f)?, without fome
* mattcrand mocivesin us; Without fomething done
byoarffclvesiirft;itwereroincthingto ftmd out in
Tuch a cafe : Bu: he gives him moft freeIy,without a-
ny rcfpeft, or exp. Nation at all of any precedent
workejor worth on our partt Onelytlaere is requi-
red a predifpoficion in the Parcie, to take Chrift, le-
gal! dtj'edion, fight,rcnfe,and burden of finne j wee
muft bee truly wounded, fenfibleoftheDivcls yoke,
feeleourownemifery ; wccmuft priZc him above,
» SecIul£C4:i8. and *thirft for Him more then the whole wor!d,&c,
» iieut mi, qui morhm A « man will not fcrioufly feek after a Phyfition, be-
«,f ^^«»^««/^, wr /e««. £-^^g j|g fgg|g Himfclfe to be ficke j for care,bcfore He
T^^nel'qu^Zm, 'Z ^l^ P^eft with the waight of His burden j for a plai-
appltcMti tta gratuU fter,betore He be wounded; ror heavenly riches, bc-
t4m imftrtcordUm Deij fore Hce be fcnliblcof His fpirituall beggery jfor en-
^M4in cbrifio fropoMi- lafpcaientaadpardon, before; Hce finde himfelfe in
tunmrn^UtU^at^e^ prilbnjfoi mercy, before He fmart with fenfcof His
tsr 4mp\t8it»r, m/t qui miiery . b uch dijpolitions then as theie ler ve onely to
M^itionejenfu , & pa- drive US unto Chrtfi^nd to let us fee and fiele a necef-
yorepeeeatorumy o-irx fi-y of Him ; But they ar« infinitely, with more then
Pel aJyer/su pte(at4
f$ntritt*s O" perttrrefd.
ftuicji- Lexenita p4d*goguiefiiHr^tHS Cr impeHem di qudrenddm grdtidln Dei mcbri/l«t
Eterdediyinuteji^quod ynltqutdem Eya»geU\4/ey ftdpauftri^M j yuU f4nare,f€dcontri'
ttS'^yuit prMditare dtmi^tonem^fed CAfttvii; yult educeft& lii>erarej fedviuSioi^beee^,
ffj> /eeC4tfi c$H(lt(/as i yM(t fovftUri^/ed contriftdtet Cr lu^entes'y yult refpiure, fed 4dcen~
ftilum fpmtu\ SenepUcitHmefi Domino, fed fttper tmenteseum 'y& in eu, qui /per4Mt fmper
miferiterdideim j yuit rejieere,fed l^»ra.nus & cneratos j yult €oron4/e mijfirieord/i Qr mi-
j'erftti»Mii>u4jfed cdput humiltdtuin, non turgidum-y yult infundtre ^lenm mifemorditj fed
>»Wrx/>ir,c^c,Chcmnit.£zam.p.2.DcContru.
a»
Part.l.cap.3* jtfficledConfcieHces, 4^5
3n utter iropolfibility difablcd, by any worthinefle,
to draw on Chrift. Hee is a {7«//, R«m.s, 1 6» M»3 .
I6. Andwbat isfreerthenGiftS Nothing is requi-
red at our hands, for receiving Him ) but emptie
feaadednefle, andfenfiblcnelTeof our owne nothiDg--
nefle. OurHeavenly Fathernevcrdid, or ever will
fell His Sonne unto any luHicUrie } or any, that wiH
needs bee fofncthing in Himfelfe : Hee ever did, and
ever will give Him to every poore Soule, that is vile
in Hisowne eyes, nothing in HiojfelFc ) Itibours^ attd
w ^Mt^ /4^(?«, and willing to take Him as a i'<»'a'w*r,
and a Z^r^. A fiillhand can hold nothing; Eitheric
muft bee cmptyjorweecannot receive Chrifi, Firft
thirfiy and then ^f*Jf i^ithaut money ^ And mthout priefg
Meethinkes- ^ fhrjfgfiome doth fomewhere fct ^ siye mto ydutrit aii
out fweetly, the admiiabiie,and adored frankncflc of folrri orndtUifiyt drmU
this divine bounty 1 Xt>'S£''^^rJr
^ Jfthofimlt bee 4id0rned with mj comeline^e, or ^^Zt^lnilri\ [h]
bee armed ^ith mj weapons, or put en wjf garments, itfr meumfer*gtre, pye
er (fee fed "^hb my dainties, or fimjh my igurney^ cr i» ciyitdttm feryenirey
come into that City, Tvhofe Bnilder and CMaker I am, "*'ut 4rtiffx&co»tiiter
cr^ui/d an Houfiin mj Countrej : Thofi matfl fo doe '^['JT'^'"" 'VJ^'*"'
Ail theje things-^ that I yftU not oneiy not exact of thee itdhac omntdfacertft^
any price, or paiment for any of thefe things ) but I my tes^ut netr modi nuUam
felfe Tvould beeaDebtouruntothee of a great Reward, *^^feharnm rernm om»
fo that thou wonldefi not difdame to ufe my thmes, my f^^J»^f^^f»'^*ig^'»,
{\XQn%th,^\ks,2,iZCt$»mat canbeeever fomde^Hall ,j^ mereedu dtbittr ^
to this bounty ? dutmodo uti reim nuis
If God then bee fo Lifiiiitely good, as to offer ""» ahminer*/. i^^
His Sonne fo freely ; And thou lo fitted to receive ^^J^^'^^j^l^^^ 'S^J
HiRijbyfenfiblenefleofthy fpirituall miferie, thir- infa^MaXHH*-
ftiiig for his blood,refolvingupon His fervicc for the niit77,
tirnctocomej&c.How unaaviftdly cruell art thouto
thine owncconfci£nce,and unmannerlily proud,that
wilt needs flaud oft'ftil] from taking the Lord le-
«/} aad fwffer ftill chy poore trcrat?ling Soule to lie
MaatcciXaiil|?y
^6 InjhftBiens j.rntrigktcemforung Scifl.^
iinnccefTarilyupon cheRsckcof tcrrcnr? Sith tlwstt
gecflar.G g.aineftiiotl:ing thereby; but, firft, Gods
oifli^noLir: fecondly, Thine owne wilfuil torture.*
thirdfysGratificstion of Satansmaiicious cruelty.
CiieSIyU Butwi^re it not fitter for mse, maift
thou lay, fi* ft tc amend my life; to doe fome good
workes^to haveeTcperlencc of the Change oF my
converfation ; to grisve legally longer, &c. Before I
bee fo bold, as to lay hold upon Chrift, and apply the
PiOQ^ifcs ?
« As for thy doings, ^«/** ThoumuftfirftbeeaUve^beforethoucanft
thou niuft have that c vvcrkcjThou Hiuft have fplrituali ability Infpircd,
powerfrom God after ^.f^^e jj^^u ^anft wslkc in the d g»9d way j Thou
t^rcSelZHA and Di'^rt bee juftified.beforethonbeefanaified. Now
tkoufhaltdoeaftcr.7^0- fpiritualHifeisonely thet>, and never before, or by
gersDedb4tmfioanneof any Other mcanes infiifcd | buc when wee reach out
¥aith , fxg, I JO , ari « empty hand, and take Icfus Chrift into cur
S'thc'^c^i'/^em'! tumbled Soules. When apoore Soule weary of aM
XelvMjDuttbefc cromi- ^nne, according to His ^ C^//, Commdndement, and
x« from them: Bui ra- CofinfeU^xoWts itfelfe,ajitwere,and 6 leancs upon
uhcr in admiration of
Godjwonderwllgoodneffc, mercy, and cotnpafiion upon fach utnvortfay1'Vretcfaes,to
give glory unto God, in Be^ecring and accepting this mercy To freely oftffred> which
-they muftdoe,befbrethey flialifecfuch a chorow change of kearc and lifeinibem, as
. they earnefilydefire,andibr want whereof, they thinkethcy ought not to belcevejvrhich
ii«o(iich,if natthconcly, yetthechicfeft I :t and hindrance frdtn faith ; vfbereason the
other fide, when irfliallpltafe Godsfpirit, by thefc his free promifes, todravrthetn to
Belierejandthoughweakly,ycttralytoftaytli«mfclire»upon Gods great mercy, fore-
vealedtothcm: thcnaflurcdlyflialhhey fee, and fceletkis change in their hearts, that
thjy know nopiivhatto fay.or th'.nkc of Go:^s raercy,inpardoningfBch,as they feele them-
felvcstobe. Tkij cannot bat breed an unfaincdiore in them to God.Mrieh aneameft
dcfirc, and true purpole to glorifie Hfm j which be thcchiefcparts of an holy life^andfu.
reft proofcs-offaving Faith; which can no more want thefe, then true fire can wint
'hcate,Cthou«;h too many carnall Gofpellers thinke othetwife) and To raiferably perifh.
^Ci4hm)fU)fFaith,f<ig,iio. <* iChrO.^.zy. = Inauftbringuntothercceivin^ofChrift,
an empt hand : Thatit may be of^r^w, God will make us let fall every thing, before
we {hallrtkehold of Him: Though qualified with humiliation, I muft letalliail, not
truftingur^toit, as to make me worthierto receive Chrift (as fomethinkcj) I fay, when
thas at fiH} for ray juftification I receive 1^ im, I mufl let f all anv thing I have, to lay hold
onHimjthatfo^ecmiyfindcmeinmy >%fr/,asitwere,iBmy tioad.D.y. ' Matth.ii.
a8^ I loh.jAj. R(reU2«i-S. s ThouwtU kftfe Uiminptrfi^ f^c^h*ftmindiitfi*yfd
Eart.l.cap.3* y^ffiicled Confciencer, ^^^y
the Lcrd lefus; then is fpirituall life firfl: breathed «»thee,l>ecan/eHeetnim
into it ; The vitall operations of grace in all holy du- .A^* '" r*''» I^ai. if-j.
£ics,soed deeds, amendment oHife, holy Walking, tfFi^?''^Z'l'Z:
univcifall obedience, &c. mult appeare afterward, i neD M*w, »«»)*)«
Z<?f^<?«/ received lefpfsChrifl firft into his heart and fm,intuhuit. Bu«orf<;
houfe, before Hee was able ro reflore, and difirOifttt. ^'^'^ iSd froftrti Jteitur,
Csftingourfclvesupon the Lord of life with truth V'Mctns^^uXintHmki^^
af heart; asour onely Icwell and loy wee have in ^T" ^3^? *^ 'L
heaven, cr inearth, With whom wee are reiolvedto /:;/«,t,;j. Amefius McJ
liveanddie jdrawesfr^m Him into our foules that dul.Thco!ogJib«i.cap»'
heavenly veitLieand vigour, whereby wee are afcer- aySeftij. CnJert'in
wardinabied to excrcife all the fundions of fpfritu- ^"^ ^^ cnJtttdo 44hA^,
alllife,and to di, tothe world,and a)l worldly pica- "^J^^Ti^'^
fures for ever. Herein is thy fault and raihng, thou qum in yita ae faiutt.
conceiveftnotarightofGodsfrec grace; but thirtk'ft mfivk mni fuffkitnt^
thoufhalt not bee welcome, except thou commeft Deut. jo.ao- Adijac-v
withthy h coft. WhereasGod ever givcsHis Son «n<io"JNamipfecft
c- \ jL-j I. J I 11 Vita laa. Idem Lib«i«
freely $ andbids thee come, and welcome, and huy Cap.?. ScA i<. r Ad-
mthout money ^ and without price^ hxtcrde"] ^p'2'i tUft^
Obie^l.i. Butwillitnotbee pBefumption inmee, 4<//&;e/?^Buxtor.]=^«#irf
having no good thingin me at all,to bring with raee j ye''^f^t'*^fe'i«rJrH^
bitconimingnow.asitwere,fre£houtofHell,from J/^^;2J
amoflv/icked,impure,abominableiife,totakeChrift e>tDe»mit$f$/mrJm&'
as mine ovvnei and all thofe rich aadprstious promi- ej^ffa frmai/edprout
fcsfe;iled with his blood ? ~ reffUit Dtum m c*«j6^»,
e^»yV. Enough bath beene already faid^ to meet ^^ ^^I^rf/L'^^lir^
with this objediori. Itisnotprcfumption,butgood i^,'/,s^zi ^ - *^
manners to come, when thou art called. How can He fc Many defpaire c^
bcefaidtoprefume,who isboth iftvtted^ and intreO' hclpe,becauie oi their
ted^cemmanded ^nd thredtnedlo comziniSiC* OF ®^^ unv»orthinefie j
which fee before. Thcumuft nowia tliisextreame nokrecf c?dl m«!
fpiricuallthirft:ofthine,drinkeof the "^ater ef life, cy, except wec*bn?g
fo freely offered, that thou mayft receive fome tiea- inooip^ift, aadpawse
incur lundsto Him t
But this wetc to difcrcdJtthc Lords mercies, and to bring into credit otir mertsj and
rather tobindethe I^orduntou:, th.nusunto Him : Butif ouriinnesbcegieac, oor
tedcmptionis greater jTiioiigh our metks bcbc^^^eily, Oods mercy is arkhncrcyi]
&^,Gri<nh4mfnhtiGr4veC»unieli^j^4g,^-, ' " ""
G g vcniy
4 4 S Iftfyff^iem for a right comfort ittg Se(!^. 9
V^*.\'\H vcaly ftfengtb to b:c goid, and * fower to become
the Some of God. Thou muft throw thy finfull
S'wieupon lefus CAn/?, bleeding and breaching out
his la ft upon the Croire*, as the Body of the ShMna^
mites Ch;ld;; was appiyed to the ^lo^hct firetsh him-
/ei^^«/?vsf^ ;. Thatthouoiayft thereby bsc qjickaed
^her.5.19; ^ witj:i deiired iruitiulneiTe , fi/Ud by iiiitle and liztie-
Iob.1,16. -with a/hhe fuheffe of (^od^ieceivinqgrAee for grace:
- '^'*^' I amtherefHrreftion^and the ftfey {^ith Chn/r : Hee
t hat hltevethimffffffy though Heg "^ers dead^ yet fimll
.-■- lieeltve,
s . /'v'"' Icwereexecrab1eprefumption,foranyMan, who
Pofc'offi«"n g*!"'^: " P»'P°''«h tcgoeon i„ the wiliing pna.fe. or al-
ver ftand altog-thcr, lowancc or any one knownclinne, to believe that
Perl^ni Graine ^ Ht*-^ Chfift is HtS right eoufneffe and fanElification. But
^4 /ifdfCMclH,^* wherealifinne is a Burden, every promife as a world
of gold, and the heart fyacere for a tie w way j tht re
aH^n may bee bold. For thee to have pretended
part in Chi ill, wallowing yet inthyfinneSjhad been-
horriblcprefiiinptionindeed: and for mee to have
appiyed the Promifcs, and preached peace unto thy-
remorieleffe confcienee , before the Pangs of the
New-birth had feazsd upon thee, had been damnable
dawbing: Burin the Cafe 1 no-v fuppofe Thee to
bee ^ it is b or hfeafon able, and fiirely grounded 5 for
ffieetoaifurc thee of acceptation and pardon : and
for thee to receive /f/«/c^r»/? without any more a-
fcjintothe arracs of thy humbled Souie.
CHAP. IIIL-
.Parc.2>Cap.4» AjfltEledConfciences, 449
CHAP. nil.
T^v6^rancbes more of the (ifth part ef the former
Argfiw^hty Afid the f^ver^U f articles rvhtch belong to
thf:{e,eoniiof thcm^
Is fweec Name \ Sxad,^^y6,y* »,Hisfw<«tN2m6.
Wherein is prevented, whacioe-
ver may any wayes bee preren-
dtd for (landing out in this Cafe:
as appeares fully before, pag,^i 5.
/ifie 25.
3. His glorious Attributes. S^His glorio«s attw^
. I .; His Truth. Hee th^.t C>eleeveth^ hath fet to His ^'""s, fuch arc
^Seale, that god is trHe,Ioh,i,i^ 3 . Hee that labours /ind »*""«"'"'
is heavy laden with the burden of fii, coaies toChrift
for eafe^ when He is called i takes Him for his Savi.
Gur^ and His Lord j and thereupon grounds a refolute,
unfliaken,and everlafting confidence, that hee is His /
forerei!:/?»/ir5H!:ji'tf»//e, that CfiiiiUs true; thac
Hispretiouspicmife, Cc-v?^ ««r«» meeall yee thatl^-
hur^ and Are heavy Uden^ and I ^ill give you rejl^ ^ Sttu»ipendeatex?itfZ
J/«Mi.i8.isinviolable-WhercbyChriftIefuSjblef- '^^ I'^^'J^ vei-»erl>o &.
fed for ever, is ^ mighrily honoured, Hiscruth glo- ^.l^f^^'twl'"''^ ^iZ
rifled, and thine o vvnc toule with extraordinary blef- Kl^rArX"^od}^!ne A-.
/edncltl*everlaftinglyenlived. But Heenovvcliatre- Inahamum iegiw^m^ qid
tirts.in this Cafe, and holdes off, mak es Him, who is cemrtf ffem/ub />«■ ere*
Truth it relfe,a ly'ar : Bcetbat beUevah not G^d^ hath ^■^^*'> ^'«'», quod pro-
madcHm a Lyar^ i loh.s-io. T^''"*' ^'''*H T"*
-- . -^ c r n ■ • • • 1 • • n. f jiiere.ac pyotrdeolori^
NowAynat-arcaretuUiaaignityis this c'gamlttfae amDeotih-^e d%itur:
—— P'oluit hof>i»cm ex
fer/kmferfeSfiomfytKfjrmiutfS/fC iniferUJu4iferpetuOy per f dent Chttfii, ccHj,-e_erf.id rr4'
tiihss il!4* prom\(?i9nesin ch/ijio kjut O" ab tllii ; r ar/jt, pende; e^ci quifpe re cxiflio. a y ? jy>/9
q:!amm.tximi glortjicaTt.'.^-^lHiiitt* tlUcbrifit xittna noopf mfutata^trdier efi ii.Bitikho^
mmum& Jiagel rum omnium: O" yita^^tt/eefiexilU iuit ttkty minor ejl yitaek (jutfifjfitex*
iufiitu eperum, (i pngat Ad^twum ptrfUtjfe imlio JitttHnmoumtdi m qao tuin^riwhnt cxtHm
twf^jlvolloc.inlohan.cap.j. , <•"
Gg 2 Lord
4y® Iftflrueiions for a right comforting ScGt,^
Lord God of Truth ? Wee fee too often how mifera-
blc mortall men, wormcs of theearth,take (iich an af-
frontatthe hands one of another: For many times,
* Jmphs extreme hUf. fortheZif given them, they throw therafelves dc(^
fhtmUrcot fdch , ^W4u.peratcly upoH the irrccover able ruinc of their lives,
Vtumwttuianf*r^u$mt: ftates,foii!csandpoftcrity, by chakn^ing the field,
rr^^rf^TLt'^ andkilUngcach other. Which c difhanour to the
^uartHtiUiUi Mr9c'm "'gn^y i^idof heavcn andcarth,isthegreater,and is
iniurUt feripoteji squint much aggravated by the infinite infallibility of the
^um hochinoref^tlid. promiics. EorbcGdcs His J^tfr^, whieh Were mofc
TnfJ^\ncite! ^tZ' '^^" immeafurably fufficieat,Hce hath addeda moft
TnltHm 7TJ)r4rh%' i^okmneOnth forourfakesjthatwemighthavegrea-
j ^ ^ terafruraHce,and [[longer cettfeUtim,
^^smetfy. 2. HisMercy,moft dire(!^lyandfpecially. Andto
' . "rr*7y^ ! ' faynothingof the freeneffe of His mercy • which
mniacemhomkli 5 iprmgsoncly out of the nchesofhis infinite bountic,
')Cr txeetAnd* impUtJ., S^n^ the good flea fure of Hts^tll-. of his rcadineffe to
5«irf tutuqtted iUi maxi- forgive ; Other wifc the death of Chrift fliould bee of
mifroprmm efi y eripi. jjonc e^ca, His bloed (bed m vaine; the greateft
Tn;iyl7i!'ZTsfe' workeloft, that ever was done : of His deUght in
in quo £>^ mkl^t^Ax ^^^'^J* ^^Mich.j. J 8. Mercy in roan i^ a qiiality^in God
^& fdtiu yutt hahern itisHis ^ natureandefffnce. Now wbatwedoena-
»-^W/■r4r«^»»•W«5«/, cur turaily, wee doe willingly , readily, unweariedly :
'^'**optre vem fi<iem As the eye is not weary of feeing, the eare with
V0nitaenaet. cur tarn fe- u • %, « a ts" - i «
yirtdAmttHThcrJuif. heanng,&c. « A Bee gives honey naturally, nevtr
^ds. ^tqtti htc yertitur ftings, but provokcd : When God is angry, it is but,
fHiwndDei gloria. Ndm asit were,by accident,upon occafion; drawneunto
€MmfrMcifuumyefit4tM it by the violent importunity of oui;^muJtiplied pro-
t,ln:tl:3i vocati<«s;butHee delights in mcrcyAc I fiy.to
tHi fAtium reliqmmt ^^y nothiQg of thele j this one confideration may
^uicuttque ehUtum ;L convuiccus of extreme folly, in refufirig mercy ia
iic Chrifium rt/fuunt,
Cair in loc. In'i^niter Deim inlur^t&'ctntttmtlp afff'ctufrttqui itytrhis ein* ditbit4nty&
irederetnordntur ■.m-^Uagnm Dei (uUt*f, fides: magHamDet/!nl>Ufphemia,mredutitas. Na-
ogcor.Ibid, <* Deute^ n'tferuoys ful atemk Cr fimpliti tffeutia, nenAittem qudttAte alii^
mtiittUment'um^ tdti um f4cilif efi 4d tgHofcenttumpecc4t9ril'HtiQi\i,\Xi B4icfa«aro,cap.7.
Pait.*.Cap.4« iAffiSledjC^nfcieyiccs. 45 1
fiichaCafcfor all the hatnouffiefTe, dr number of
ouifinncs:towit,Thatno finnes, cither for num^ f CogttafcmiBdm,f!'m
bi^rjOrnotorioufntiTej in a truly brol<en heart, can f^^rececf^erft.Honp^e^
make fo mnch icfifcancc to Gods infinite mercies, 25 ^j^ ■Z^'""^' '*'^' 't/^arere.
thclcaft f fparkcoffirc,tothcwhoIeS<:3, andthat 2^Tr'"l f''"""* "^
IS little enough. Nay, as inhiutely Icfle, pjs an mfinite hominu mdlhil ad Dei
thing exceeds a finite. Bccvvvenewhich there is no eUnjenttampetate^que-y
proportion. imoyerOuoHtantura »♦-
3,HisPdWcr.Forthot5art very h'ke thu§,or in the '^'u^''^^' — ^""^
like inanner.coreafon with thy fclfc, and cavill cru- magi^f/inr^vvhctfof
elly againft thine ovvne Sruic : Alas / what talke yon compare
of taking Chrtjl^ the piowiifes of life, a Lid heavenly '^^-""•■v^— — — '
lightfomneffe ; my poore hc2r:isasdarkeas the very ^^^^'^ ^ ^*^i' hfri*
middleofHelijff.uchhardei thena Rccke of Ada- ^\^ZffitK-m7rl
mantjascoidanddeadj as the laifelelle Center of ncipititeiyi^{dZ!i'^\
the earth ; as uncomfortable and reftkfTe, alraoft, - as ti* & fitta- n.enfuram
defperation it ftlfe,&c. Tt is 'more then in'fiitifely im- *^'"' ^'*^''- H^f du^my
poffible,chatfucha darkc, hard, dead, comfcrtlcfle """^""^ "^" «/W/.
Thing fhould everbee enlightened, foftencd, quicke- chIy7!"T^[ " ^i
Bed, and eOablinied with joy>&c, Pcenit.
But markc how herein,thba una^vifedly vnderva* § Credo in Deum p4t/em
lewcft^and unworthily fttd bounds to the 8 -unh'mi. "^^^'^'we^.r/^.^nr^w
KdpowcrofGed. Whcreasthoii (houideft imitate '!!J!'T'%V"T"*
ty4hrAh({}9j^ the Father of all them that beUeve^ ^he g^ . tieMpctepAte^V^ter
fla^gerednet atthePrsmtfeof God thr9»gh unbelief e : bomtnu. ^atn fxUtti
hit Vt%w firong in faith ^giving glorj to gad : Ar,dbei)^g f^^'-** j ?«' Vtmimm no.
fnllj perftvadfd^thatTvhat Hee h^dpromtfed, Hee rvas ^^^ ^^^'^ '^^j^
Beeadviftd in this Cafe: , /\ ,
|. To compare thefe two things together: 7%^ »• The cresting of
m^kvif of the feven ^tarres.ar.d Orim, and turning the ^^f ^f '" '^^ »kie,and
r, J ^ r , 1 ■ I A J .u • • r of light in mans hcair,
jhadoxvof aeath into the worntng^ And the inrunon v ,. _.
of heavenly li§ht into thy darke and heavy heart: />jf«, miferuerdut pr«.
mi ttarBftt, ,^u »n. ttip»^
ttHi ePJdeo ht Deum P^itrem omtiip(tefste/n tredimu* tiemo dicatyKonpotef mihi itmitttrefecc*^
t* QtiomodoMonpetejlofiniporcnsiSeddieiiiCgomulttitn peccayi.E} 1^0 dtco,ffd iBt emnifettni
■tfl.Et tUyEgQtatt4feccatac60)niifi^undelihrari &mundari nonpOjJHm. Reffondto^fedikeiTn'
itifmnieJix^-^yidkH nt^ii f^Om omnipoieittM ntcejfartx. Auguli.Dct^mp Seravi i^»
Gg 3 And
4 > * Inftrfi^Uomfor a, right comforting, Scd. j J
And doeft thou notthi*ikc, that the fccond is as cafie
asthefirft,tothc fame omnipotent Hand ? Nay,itis
cafitr in our ovvne conceit (to the Divine Mijcftie
nothing is difficult or uneafiej) For thofc glorious
fliining Conildlatioas were created of nothing; and
nothing hath no difpofition to any 'Seeing at aU,mMch
lefTetoany particular exiftencc J Buta Soulc fcaGblc
andwcaryof it*sfpiritualldarknefle,is intheneercfi:,
and fnofi imn^ediate paOlve difpofition, if I may fo
fpeake, to receive the whole Shme of righteoufne^cm^
Reach but out thy hand in this Cafe to lefusChrifi^
offering Himfelfe freely unto Thee, as a Saviour and
Lo' d jand thou fhalt prefently take poftefliaT of the
Kmgdomeof Grace ^di,^ undoubted Right to the c-
verlaitingKingdoitie of Glory. The Prepht^f»9s
j.S.prelfcththis Argumentof power for foniefuch
purpofe. And it may fer ve excellently againfl: all pre-
tences and couBtcr-pleacs for a fuppofcd impoffibili.
tic of being iliightened, ajid refreflied in the depth
of fpirituall darkntfle and diftreffe. It may be,Thou
maycft fay unto Nice, You advife mec iadecd to CeckQ
Gods face and favour>&c« But alas / Mine is not an
ordinary heart, it is fo fuUof guilty fadneffc, and Ijor-
iourforfinne,thatJ have licclCvbopc,&c. Yea, but
confider, Hee that Icoudfell Thee to feekc, madethg
feven Starres and Or ion, and turneth thefhadcnv oj death
into the LMormng : and will doe farrc greater won-
dersforthy So'ciIe,iftr)OU wik i^eliive the 'Tropbetx,
that thou majieji frofper. If thou wi!t truft in Him,
Hee will quickly tunc the tuiiwltuous roarings of
thy confcience into yerfeEl peace. Then tvtlt keepe
Him in perfe^- peace ^hofe minde fsfiajed on ihee : he-
canfe Hee trnfieth iit Thee, If at. 1 6,^* The Prophet
therefore, to prevent all fcruples and exceptit^ns in
thiskind^jCallsuponthemchus: Seeke him thatma^
"Tkek' • hoAc K^^^^^^ P'^f^Sf^r^^f A^td Orion j^c,
wk©f «ui"?Xa ^ - 5!?29^^y»'^i' ^^^ ^wo cogcther : Toeing honj
Parr.2.Chap,4. Af^i^ed dmfcunces.
451
cm ef the Rockey and oj-le out of the flinty Rockf, Dent,
32 15. And to mollific thine heart, even to thine
owne hesi ts^ciirc ^ in which there is already fome
roFtnefTejeife thou coul^Hl not fenfibly and fyncercly
cbinplairteof it'shardncfTe. And thou rauft needs
3c!cnow!edge,that they arc both equally eafic to the
latncAlm'ghtyarme. •
3. Thirdly: thou may ft well conHdcr, that ft ht
hue g'-eatcr worke/s maks-Heavfn nnd Earth ; thcri
to put fpirituall life and hghtfbmeneflc into thy tru-
ly humbled, and thirty Soule, to which fo many
pretious Prcntifcs are made. AndHee, with whom
Thou haft to doe, and from 'whom thou expedeft
htlipCyisH^eithatmade Heaveytand Eftrth^ the Sea^
nyidnllthAt therein is : nhich kcefeth tr»th for ever.
Which openeth the eyes of thebhnde, — and raifcth
them that arc bowed downe, TJal,i^6.6, jyisich
istaUth the l^rskenin hearti a»d htndeth up theirvponndsm
- — who tiiketh pieaftire in them that feare Himi m
'ihsfet that hope in Hii mercy ^Tfal. 1 47, 3 . 1 1 .
4.1n fuch an extremity of helpkfnefte, andhopc-
JefnefTe; In this trembling and ^tcrr our of thy heart,
thou ftjouldeft call to minde For thy comfort; That
Vi^tvc>hgeJiahlifi)ethM£l the Ends of the Earth, Prcv,
3o.4» and hath hfing that mighty and osaflie Body
-upon Nothing, 1 0^ 26,7. can raoft ealilv ftay, and fta-
blilli the moft forlorneand forfaken Soule, even fin-
king intdche mouth of defpairc. Hee that faid at
firfttothe Earth,. Stand ftill upon Nothing, and it
never ftiri'd outof it's place fince the Creation, can
eafiIyuphold,fortifie>andrcfrenithmc heart in the
depth ofthe moft grievous fpiritusll mifcry. Even,
when in the bitternefle of thy fpirit, thou cryeft. My
firength^and my hope is perished from the Lardt Z4-
nunt*y\%»
4. Evefi bis Iuftice.C^r{/?J blood \% already payed,
as a price, for thv pardon of the (inoesof thine husi-
Gg 4 bkd
comfort cut «f thjf
heart.
i .Tfee Creatida of tfie
tvorld, with puninglxfe
^ Tfae bplidl^Bg W
the earth with <^ Ai»
ftainiiigcftiice.
4«Iiis/ill^
^54 IrtfiruSiiofisfor aright comforting Sc^^gi
bkd Soolc J and thou wilt needs pay it over againe,ot ,
elfe thou wilt not enter upon the Purchafc.-Aschough.
Goddidcxp£6^andexadthedircharg«;of the fame
dcbttwicc^ which to imagine, were a tnoLiftrous in-,
tolerableindignitytothemsft juftGod. You know
fiill wclljwhat conceit weefliould hold of that Man,,
who having a debt fully difchargcd by the Surtty,,.
fhoiilfl prcffc iipon the Principall for the payment or
tije^aieagainet Wee fli3uld indeed thinkc Him t3k
bee a very crueil>hard- hearted, and mercilelle Man >'
WeefhoaldcallHiaiaTurke,a Gut-tbroate, a Can-f
. . Riball j farre fitter to lodge in a Den of Tygcr5, then
^ ^""H^'JrcZuf^ toUveinthefocietyof U^n.WhitikztMidifho'
^gJj^^u^^fUmmm' uour then isitto themcrci(ulh and mighty Lord of
w«A 0^ iictm ithenttm Heavcu and Earth; To the righteous ludgeof allthc
te»^cJatyn(quetffum/o' World,toconceive, that having received an exadJ;^
ttw, ^gj^^'*^^^^;,^!. ** and full fatisfadion for aU.ourlianeSjbjr the hearts-.
^tmJilnol&fAmuloZ ^ood of His ownedcaie Sonne, (hould ever require
ytnitnsytTQ Misu quif- thcm againeat our hands ! Farre be ic then from eve-!"
j/iamyqui MH/oiiim/sl' yy One,who w«auld uot offcr extraordinary difpar
y4t dttem tScs nummoi, ragement,evcntoGodsgloriousIuftic3(:,toentertaine
l^.fC;Z;iSj:r. anyfHchthoi^ht;ErpccialIy,nchvvehav^HisWord,
^HtinsigAimdttUmin' HisOath,andthe Sealcof His Sonnesbloodforfecu-
dHCdtyCTinthrmumexm rity. Andaffuredly, weeraaybuijjduponit, as upon a
ttUifmifriiuifitmcon. Rocke ofcternall truth j that when wee coins unto
yit ffitndoritfdnktfm Him, andthrowingourfelv.es Upon Him, asSalyati-.
tfftiaty Urn mn peterh .onitfelfe; refolvcdtotakc upon us His fweet and
dmfUuj fcemratordecm cafic yoke for thetimc to come ; Hee do;h prcfentlyj
'^'^^Lt^wr. as Hcc hath proraifed, takeoff the burdcn^ad free
aumt% mtlf^Hidm . "^ cvcrlaft ingly/rom the guilt and ftainc ; damnation
fiurA quam iebtAmusy audreigncof alUuifinties. .
^ifittt fro nolfi* f«lvif>
tMHiojMeplitr4yquantoguttuUmex'tguaxn feUgw exittlit immenfam. T^li itdque difpJtrtfO
hmtiOyCkm tMtM {>onorHnidiyuita ytdt4f^ neque folicitua inqutvAi qusmaticftimtSulAiUM mtr-
lif 4tqHe^tcutlytant9 ^tdonorunt fHfermduclo mart (oluu & f*?;«(^/<,ChrynHom i i.in 5.
ad Rom. Sitantd in^qHoiitM freti} O" rtdimj,u, ejantd immenfi mtim & mifu gnttuUx
"'"'" ""^ ■■" Bug
Part.2.cap.4 ♦ jifficlcd Confciernes. 4 j 5
But now, if thou wiltc*ft thy felfe upon leftts
C^rifi, rolle thy feffe upon the Pfomifes, being (6
humbled, fpirituaily thirfty, and refolved, as thou
haftraid,andIluppofcdaE the firft* For wee, who
arc Gods Mcffsngcrs, comfort and affuFC of pardon,
in fuch Cafes, oncly upon fuppofition, that the heart
andfpceches ; all the Promifes and proteftadons of
the Party andPatient, wedealc with, befynccrc eve-,
ry way; Ifay, if thou thescaftthy felt^ upon the
Lord iefus,zndi the promifes of life, having a well-
grounded, ft rong, and feafonable calling thereunto,
being, asappcarcsbeforc,««W(r<i, imreated, comwan-
ded.&e, ThecafcwiU bee bldiedly altered. Thou
(halt not doe, as God would have Thee | and mighti-
ly honour the unvalewaWe, and » infinite dignity of ' concedmwfktiifamil
HisSonnespa(fion,andblond,thepreciousfrecneire ^^ finim^m^hi 2
OHercyiTower^Iufiice^&Cy Thou flialt alfo cut off, chTfliit»»*ma,imin$fi»
anddefeatetheDivelsprefcnt fiery darts, and Pro- "'^^ MgmtMtn tffeyU
jeds of further cruelty jdif-intangle and unwinde *'«™« Ibid.pag.14j,
thy fdfeout of the irkcfome Maze of reftlelfe ter-
rours, and trouble of minde j crowne thine owne
foule in the meane time wi/A peace that paffetb-ail «»• Philip^.7 ;
derjlanding , ^ith ioy unffeakeahle, and fftll of glory ; * P«^i.8.
with Evangelicallpleafurcs, fuch as ««>^<?r i-^tf ^^f^ xCor.a.o.
feene^eartheArdiOr have entredinta the heart of Man^
andhcreafctr beemoft certaincly received by that
fweeteft Redeemer of thine , into thofe glorious
LMatffions above \tvhere nothing l?Htli<fht and ble^ed
immoTtalitie^ no Jhaddorv for matter ofteares^ difcon-
temments^oriefeSiand uncomjortable pajfions to ivorl^e
upon -^btit -all ioy,tra>fqPkilhtyand peaceyeven for evet^
and ever ^dothdwelU
CHAP. V^
45*
lnpruSti$m for d right csmf^rting Sct^.j •
s.Cafe .©f not feeling
COiSlfofC.
Cart in thU cafe to
cooGder.
X. Againtl unfibafli^
nefle, if thoa beefl
mily humbled. ■
♦Matter ^♦ifir.r of Dcd-
ham.
a.Tf thou nourlil) an/
CHAP. V.
Tht fecond MAUdieof confcience. Three eenfiden^^
timsAgtinfl t*nfoHnd»e^€ fropofed for the cure ef thi4
A£4li*die ; and three more agmnfi Ptfi4dvifed»ejfe,
Ha, but fr?ay another fay, T, in the Ca(q
iropfjfcd have catl my felfe accor-
ding to your counfcli , upon le/M
Chrifi ; and there , by the mercy of
God, am I refolved to ftickc, come
vvhatcoiiiewill 5 and yet no comfort comes : What
docyouthinkc>(hou!dlthinkeof my i^\k^ in this
Cafe?
Ithinkc in fuch a Cafe, it may be ce>nvcnient,and
that fuchati One hath thereupon fomecaufeand Cal-
ling, fcrioufly and inpartially, to fearch and trie His
fpirituall ftate. For which parpofe ponder fcrioufly
upon fuch confiderations as thefe: fome of which
may difcovcr unfoundneflc j Others His anadvifcd-
nelfe.
1. It may bee, the Party is not yet come in truth,
to that found humiliation, eontrithn, fpiritualU/!?/>-
ftifig» refolution to /el/ dU,^c. required by the reve-
rend * Authorinrhatmoft profitable, and piercing
'DoSirineof Faith, qaotedbefbre: butonely hath pal-
fed over them overly,not foundly; fuperficially, not
fynccrely; and then no mar veil, though no true and
realicomforrceme. Infi-^rmethyfelfe further in this
Pointjand thatthou mayft moic fully know my mea-
ning inir,and bee guided aright in a matter of fo
great vvaight, Ibtd,Caf,l. Of the ^Author and mcAnes
of Faith, And Cap,^, Of the difficulty of Faith,pag,
2. Or it may bee, howfoever Hee proteft other-
wife, and for all Hispartiall Leg^li tcnour, and trou-
ble
Part.2.Cap 5» jipUedConfciences, 457
bicof mindCjHis deccitfull heart may ftill fccrctly
harbour and hanker after fomc fwcetfinnc, as Pride,
Revenge, ftrange Farhions, Worldlineffc, Luft,
Player, Gaming, Good-fcilowfliip, as it is cali*d,&c«
FioiD which, it doth not heartily yeeld,rcfoIve, and ^ ^^^ ,, ,^- y j,l
endeavour to make an utter and ^ fioall <^^^^'^^<^^ tp tg^ftlntid^ amtt
and divorce. And affuredly, that falfe heart, which mufti afidui fi*<imtnt
regtirds, and allowes any mcksdne^e in it felfe,hr wfo- tjjc ptctatores^ & uweH
ever it may bee deluded with feme AnahaptfliCAll '"^^'*<: tUa dehBAt ft€^
flarnes:y«fl,allnc.erbec triolrrcfrcflKd with ioy Z-]:.it^/Z"':.
tK the htly Gboji, w
3. k Slay bee, tfcougli there was fbtne probable 3. If it were not foe
and plaunblefiiewes,that the Party was principally ^°'^^ earthly difcon-
Ccftdownc,and affcded wich the heavy waight of J^J'^blJlT '^°" "***
finne,andhorrour of Gods wrath for it; yetthetrue s - ' «
predcminantcaufeof' His heavinefle, hcarts-gricfe, nim4i,nen/A»4tur. Pr«m
and bittereil complaint, was fomelecret earthly dif- mmuitPr o^tntA^ n«n
contentment, the reltlc lie biting of fome workiiy *o^it»r.Pamtentumttr'
mng. AfKl in fuch Cafes, remove this, and you re- 'Z2 o^'':"Jr dH.
move His painejCojufort Him about his Croflejand ^uatido fie pxnitet^ ««
you fet Him w here Hte was. And therefore, as in al/ v6>,Mmarum faput in a»
thisHee continues a mecre Granger in a^edion to nima , quoi mte duUe
the fwcetnefle, amiablenefle, and excellency oilefus ^*' ^^" //^'^JJf, ^7^^^^'
Chrift ; foit Js impoflible, that Hee ftiould bee ac- pZl^fJm te''crZlt7n
quainted with any found fpirituaU comfort, meHte, &f. Aaguft. de
Bu^Iwillfuppofe alito bee lyncere; and as it Tcnip.Sernj.7.
Ifeuld bee: Let mteadvifeThee then to take notice ^^gaintt unadvifcd-
ofthineowneunadvifednefTe. " jf thou hall not be«
I . Tnoa art, perhaps,io full or the want of fee- anthankfull.
ling, fuch a ftranger to fb ojuch expected, and dcfired
iojt ar.d peace in behevsng , and by confequcnt, {o
drownediathcunncccflary diftraftions, anddifteaj-
pers.of a lad heart, that thou utterly forgctft to give
thankes^and magmas Qods lingular, andincomprc-
heiifiblc mercy, tor iliightening, convincing, and ter-
rify mg thy confcicnce j offering his Sonne f raifing in
thine heart aainfatiable thirft ift^r Him j and siving
Th«Q
^ 5 8 Infiru^ionsfor a right comforting Seft.-J
Theefpintuallabilicie to reft thy weary Soule iiporx
Him J Andwho knowcs not, that unthankfulnefle
kcepesmanygoodrhingsfroinuSjaiidis a* unhap-
py blocke in the way, to intercept, and hinder the
comfortable inflt3ence,and current of Goi^s favours
and mercies, from being fli :)wred downe (o frankly
andplcntifiilly upon His people. And Hee is more
likely td bee the more provoked in this Cafe; be-
caufc thou fiiffereft thine heart to bee iockt up, and
thy Tongue cied,by Satans cunning and cruell malice,
from pray ft ng the glory of Qodsfree grace ^ ^ot fuch a
worke of wonder: I meane,chat mighty Change oi
thine from nature to grace j in extolling of which,
wereail the hearts and tongues, of ail the Men and
AngelsinHcavenandEarth, feton workc induftri-
ouflythorow all eternitie, they would ftill come in-
finitely (liort, of that w hich is due and defer v€d .
fc.lf not gifcn way to ^. Qr it may be,when fome One of a thmfani, up-
thc^Diyel. f"gg«ftj«ns^ ^^ ^j^y complaint,that no comfort comes, doth feri-
cBmrary to oufly labourto fettle thine heart in peacc 5 prcfling
upon Thee forthatpurpofcinvincibleand unanhve-
rablc Arguments out of the Word of Truth j to open
it wide, that over flowing Rivers of Evangelical!
joy cs, which may fpringto Him that is adviftd,aud
^^/»tfw/r^^7'rfl'/?^(ff/,abundancly,evenfrom the wea-
kcft Faith, to refreOi and comfort it : Telling thcc,
that as thine bumbled Sonle, leaning upon Chrij^^
drawes much heavenly vertue, mortifying power,
and fandifying grace fro m himj fo it may,aad ought
alfo to draw abundance of fpirituall lightfomntffe
from that ever- fpringingFountaine of life,&c. Yet
notwithftanding all this, thou fuffereft fome malici-
ous countcr-blafts, and contrary fuggcftions of the
Divell,rodifpeifeand fruftrate*llthefe well-groun*
ded and glorious MclTagcs. And therefore it is juft
withGodjthatthoufaretheworfeat his hands, and
fail (bort of thine cxpe^ation } becauf c thou givefl
more
mamei^B'- iij j *\
Part.l.Cap.5. ty4ffUSledC9nfcienc4t» ^^p
more credit to the Father of /yes, then the Lord of
Truth. Sitb thou fpil'ft all the Cordialsjthat arc ten^
dered unto thee in the Name of C^rijf by His ^kh*
full Phyficions, thou art dcfcrvedly deftitute of com-
fort ftiljir Many in fuch Cafes, while Gods Mcffcn-
ger, who can rightly declare His waycs unto them,
ilands by, opening, and applying the rich treafures
of Gods free mercy, in the my ft eric of the Gofpell^
aad with prcfent replies, repelling Satans Cavils,are
rea'biably well ehcaredjand revived j But when Hc€
is gone,they very wtake!y,and unworthily give way
againetothatfoule lying Fiend, Co caft adilcomfor-
table mift over the tender eye of their weakc Faith,
and to domineere as Hee did before.
Tell mee true j If thou wert in doubt and diflrcfle
about thy tcmporall flate , Tenure of thy Lands,
foundneire of thy evidence 5 Wouldcfl thou advife
with, and take counfeil from a Foole,a Knave, and an
enemy ; or wouldefl Thou makcchoifc of an boneft",
wife,underlhnding Friend i I doubt not of thine
anfwer : And wilt thou then fo ^arredifparage divine
truth,gratifie H til} and hurt thineowne heart, as in
thatwaighcieftPointof thyfpirituallftatej to con-
fuk and refolve with the Diveli, a Liar,a Murtherer^
and fwome enemy to Gods glory, and thy Soules
good i And aegled God Himfclfe, bieifed for eveif
5)eaking unto Thee out of His Word, by that Mini-
ftei-, wh eh in Cuch a Cafe durfl not falfifie, or flatter
Theefora World of gold ? Shall many thoufands of
worldly- wife men,give credit very readily ,& round-
ly to DdTvhrs Vcttb u/itemferedmorterf upon a falic
and rotten foundation,tothe moil certaine, andetcrf
nail ruine of their Soules; And fhall not an humble, an
upright-hearted Man, believe the Trofhet upon good
ground J that the bones, which the heavy burden of
fi^^hath broken, may reioycc ? God forbid* i« '* *« '«^wii SIA
^ ^*Nay,but(uppofcthe party bfcvuly humbled, 'jaite.tJiat tfcou »aift
_ ^v6iy. ;--
v4^o
Irtfirn^ioHsjor a, right comfsrthi^ ' Sc(fl.3^
n.Morcthirft;
^Mcrc patience,
very thankfuil, rcfolurcagainft all linne>labcm- to ^^
lievetheProphetfyO'c. Aad yct no cothforttotnc? *
fay then , thjre is no ocher Oucy €Xp€c5tcd at thy
hands, right pretious aid pbafng unto God.* And
that is w4;>/«^. By which G^d '^ouid,
I . Set yet a fharpcr edge and eagcrnEflfe more hun-
•gringand thirfting, greater Ionging,and panting af-
ter the ravifhingfweetneffe of His comfortable pre-
fence 5 with which melting, earncft,crying dirpoficix
ons, Hee is very much delighted ;
a^Caufcus with peaccand patience to fubmit un-
to,and depend upon His mercifull wifedome, in di-
fpofing andappoinTir5gtimes2ndfealons for our de-
liverances and refr^fhings. ForHee well knowesj
that very Pointand Period of time: firft, when His
piercy (hall be moft magnified: fecondly. His chil-
drens hearcs moft feafonably comforted, and kindlily
enlarged,topoureout themfelves in praifcfuineffe :
thirdly,His,and our fpitituall enemies mol^ gloiiouf-
ly confounded :
3 . Qmc{cen,andfet on worke with extfaordmary .
fervency, thefpirit of prayer 5 Fright us further from
Qnneforthetimetocoms J fitusforamore fruitful!
improvements, of all dfers and opportunities to
doe our Soules good j to make more of ioy and ftace
in ^tf/fm«^, wheirwee enioy it 5 And to declare to
othersin like extremity, Gods dealing with us, for
tkeirfupport, &c.
Wcemuftlcarnethcn,toexpe(fl,and bee content
with Gods feafon.- And hold up our hearts in the
mcane time with fuch confiderations, as thefe ; firft,
weperforroea very acceptable lervice, anda Chriftir
an Duty,rightpleafingunro,& much prevailing with
God,by Jv-aiVw^jSee 7/4. 40, 5 1 . and 644* And 49,2 3 .
a-WeincreafeoRfovwi l^m^i^i^. Secondly, By our patient dependance
jcom ort. w^on God in this kmde, wee may mightily encreafe,
aad multiply our comfort* when His cime is come.
For
§.Morc fervency.
Andtkatbecaufein
Waiting.
i.WetervcGod.
Part. 2 .Chap. 5. AfiUed Confcitnees^ 46 1
■ r
EorHeeiswont to recompcnce abundantly, at lafl:,
Hislongertarryingwith excciTe of ioy, and ovcr-
fiowJngcxpreflionsofHisIovc. Thirdly, wee muft j.Hijfcafoais Mttet
ever renaenaberrtiiat all the while Hee exercifcth us laxa.^ '""^
with voAitingi that (eafon is not yet to come, which in
Hismercifiill wifcdcme, Hee holds the meetcft to
magnifie the glory oF His meicy moft, and wifelicft
to advance our (piricua'l good. Fourthly, And that 4.That if he ne^r aC
which is bcftof"all,lf the true Convert, rcftin^ His taine corafort, yet he-
weary Soule upon the Lordhftts, andPromifes of ^^'"otniiffc of hea.
life, rhouid bee taken away, before Hee attaine bkdVw^e!"'^'^ '
His defired comfort; Hcc iljali bee certaincly faved,
and undoubtedly crowned with ererlafting blefTed-
nefle. For, Blefsed are all they that rv^it for Htm^
Jft.^o, 1 8. A Man is faved by Bdieving 5 and not by
ioj and peace in believing : Salvation is an infeparablc
companion of /"^w^; But ioj/ axd peace accompany
it,asafeparab!€ accident : As that which may bee-
removed from it 5 yea,there is caufc why it fliouid
bee removed. Tfee light w^uld never bee fo accep-
tablcwercitnotforthacufuallcntercoarfe ofdark-
iwffej&c.
Take here notice upon this occafion ; That as a tru- Dr aw«« from Chrift,
ly humbled Soule receiving Chrift.t'n the fenfe I have
faid, hsthpowey given Him thereby te become the Son
c[ Cod 5 fo Hee dorh draw a To frcm thar glorious
obied of Faith,iofuliot allamiablcatflejexcellencyj
and fwcctnefle,
l,S^m'etiincs,by the mercy of God, averyfenfi- i.Eitheranunrpeakea^-
bk, itirnng, aisdravifhing ioy, mfjCAkeahU^ andfuU ble though ihortiojaor-
*/ «?^*'7 ' which, though it be many times very ihort,
yetisuautterably fwcet.
2,Ifiiot lb yetanhabiruall cahneneffe of confci- ,,Anbabitual q«l«c/
euce,it I may (ocah it. Which though wet doc not coaukncc. '^
markeit fo much,or magni/ie Gods mercy for it, as
we ought,' ycr it makes us differ as far by acomforta-
yeireeduuic fiom iQ4iiyflaviih,g4iIty twitch. s,&: an
utuvcriail -
^(Jl Infiru^wtf/oranght comforting Sed«3«
univer {all contented! icfTe in all our courfes, and Pa^
* ^xmtm inter tran. fages thorow tbis vale of tcares, frrm the worlds
quiib^imnm intereftftr- dcarei^ MinioH, and iHoft adinircd Favouritfjas * the
tuM^&marefempeJljto^ ifigjje^recrionoftbe iyftreS:omt\\Qrefilege andracrivi
CMoT"^ "* ^.4. Efpecially, if that unhappily happie wr54
^_ 'a have a waking confcicncc.
3. Heavenly vigour up- 3. Or at leaft , cver a fecret heavenly vigour,
boldingitiwal lEgatw . whertby the Soule is favingly fupportcd in what
** hU ii^Z 1 ^^^ foever ; though it bee under thcconrinued preG-
thdt fcjireth^^^^Urd, ^uicsof moft hidcous temptations. The tythe of the
th4tchcj<tb the yojce terrour whereof, would make many a worldling
»f Httfery4ntytbxti»4[. makcaway Himfelfc, becaufe Hee wants this ftay,
kttB m dirh:tfft , and ^„j fuppofe they flio^Id laft unto the laft gafpejcvea
^^""l? J/'n^I! "^^to thincending houre j Nay entrance into Heavenj
if the L»ri^ andfiay ** yet notwithftanding, thy fpirituall ftare is not
ufn bis Ged, i/4i 50, thereby pre/udiced, but thy falvation is ftill moft
10^ Here it appears, furejandthy firfttaftcofthofe ctemall joycs (halbc
t:GorXlt thefw^ter.byho^ much thy former tcmptadnns.
Mddrkvt^e, and hare and trials have beenc the lorer. ror wee muft ever
miight of* comfort: hold fai^ this blefTed Truth; * That , wee arc jufti-
Andcbat fuch an One
may beccertainely faved,byj?xj/»g upon h'u (?»</. By lean 'ng upon Him, as One leaneg .
upoa a flaffe. Ty^ »;;i, itnutt,incum^ere, ".yU^S TH' H vj? Imamheifat haSn (u^^ncha*
tififf*peThAll4mfH4rfiiX^zm.\.6 Buxtor« * Tholethat areafflidcdinco0(ciencc,bc«
cau^ they want afllirance of falvation, have no caufe of dtfpairejorof difcouragementj
aslongaswithanhcaryladenfeulcjhungringformercy, they croft in Chriftj andcaft
thcmfclves wholly upon His merits for falvation, according to the Gofpell. For the
condition of the Gofpell, required offinnersto falvation, is not a conifcrtibut a Du-
ty j not an ainirance that ibey are faved j but a truftjn Cbfift, that they fhali befaved. So
^t,asIongastheyreftonChnfts meiits, fccketono other tneanes, but with fuch aa
he«^t,as hachbeenraid,tofeeketoChriliforfalvAtion} as fooncas they have believed
in Chriftjtheyarejuftihedfinncrs, though they doe nocprefentlyfeeleby thewitneiTeof
the Spirit, a fuUaflurancejtbttthey arc fayed. chihAld iahis Tr^ff vf F4 tb^lb i cap 4.
px^'i^'i Wherefore comfoTtyour:elve?,0 yc,that arc tender-hearted, and troubled-
minded Chriftlan?, becaufe you fecle not the affj ranee of your falvation iin asmuchas
\ht condition 3f ibc Gofpell is n»t j That Hee that belcevei in Chrift,(haU bee aflured
of lalration^ buttbat Hcc thaiibee (aved : lo thai though thou never have in thine o\vae
So'jleafcclingofailur!dperfv?ifio«,thatthou art laved; yet as long, as with a heart
mourniftg after Chriil, and gafping for Him, as the idrren Land for vidttr-y thou cafts thy
felfeuponHimjiiidhangft on Him ftill for falvation, with tnift unto the merit* of Hi8
^*^^ ^ obedience^oa ^1^ in the cod aad c^tm,ccruiflcly be laved;^^ U^Uf^g ' ^ 7.
Mi
Part.2.Cap.^. jifft^edCotffciences. 4^3 .
f!ed,bycAftingourkIvesuponCbrift,not by ccw- Th«e fcee that doe
fo.-tibyFaitb.notbyf«;mgibytrufti„g the lure ^^^^^^'o iS:
Word of God,not by a£iurance. jf j^^y ^.^ij jbgn
"^> -^^t?* '.V '••--• . die J that yet are not
come to bfcpeHwadcd^^tChiifi tstfacits.&c. Kogers if Vtdbdm mHij ^j^ff ff f^
CHAP. VJ.
T'wfl anfidirAtions mare Agdin^ Mnddvfftdnejfe^ fef
the cnre of the former M^iadtc,
jVc I defire to come yet neerer to thy
Confcicncfjand to prelTe comfort up-
on thee with fuch flrong, and unrcli-
ftable Arguments, which all the fub-
lilric of the inf^rnall powers, will ne-
ver bee able to diilblve,
ThcufayeftjandlfuppofefojThatthou art^^*«- 3.T0 conSdw Go^
)j6f all thy fins, bungcr'ft and thirds after the righ- pjonairci.
teoufneffe of Cbriftj prizcftHim before all the
vvorldjhaft cad thy feifeupoa His Truth,andt€nder-
heartednclTc for cverlalling fafcry ; And yet Thoir
feelcU nofp.ctail fenlible/oy inthine heart thcreup^
on. Bee it fe ; yet upon this cccaGonTake my coun*
fell, and at my rcqueft,addrcirechy Selfc againe, and
have rcccurf;; afrcfli unto the Fronnfes^ Settle thy ^
Souleupon them feriooily, with fixed medicationj
and f. rvent prayer : Set thy fclfe Purpofely with ear-
ncftnelleand induftry^tofuckefrcm them, their hea- , j«A^^;„i^,,;
venlyfweetnjilIe^Andchenjnow^s It poflible, that ^gudtAmm e^' ^etuy
thine °» humble uprighcftcart,(houldnTakercfitbncc"^iMfw»r«/w<iw,^/^?M/r(»-'
tofhofe mighiy torrents of fpirituail joyesand refre- •'' <^>'"^^ captiviw
(hingsj which by a naturali,&: neceflary confcquencc, j^n, Scral!'^"^
fpring abundaotly from the ^nluing comfortable *^"°^"--^- -*'
H h Conciufions,
4<!^4 InJirHHiomfor aright comforting Seft.5
Conclufions, grounded upon thtfitre Word ef god,
andthineowne inward fcnfe, andmoft ccrtaine un-
deniable experience ?
"Whoiotwcv hungers Andthirjis after rlghteofifneffe,
w ^/^jff^^ from Cbrifts owne mouth, ^(*?,5. 6. And
thisblcffcdneflecomprifcthanabrolute, and univcr-
fall confluence of all excellencies, perfedions, plea-
' furcs, and feticides in this world, and in' the World
to come ; bcgunin Come mcafiire in the Kingdome of
Grace; and madccompleatcin the Kingdome of Glo-
ry jthorov/ ^11 eternity, .
But J, may ft thou fay, out of evident feeling, and
experience, finde my felfe to hnnger and thirfl after
rlghteopifiie^e I
■ Therefore I aovmoftccrtainely^/^/f^'df, and inrer-
efltcd in all the rich purchales of Chrilt dear eft blood
^nd nserit, which is the full price of the Kingdome
.- , ^ . ufHeaven> and all the glory thereof,&c.
:ffv?4ThXScf , ..Whofpeveris' *M.Ah,thhisPartin thcF«„.
pa.?77.1in.3i3&c. t^^^eof the water of life -^Rev^iuC, and 22.17. Iih,y,-
i7'-Ifa.5^^U
But I,mayft thou fay, cannot deny, dare not belie
my felfe, but that my poore heart thirfts unfainedly,
tobcc bathed in the heavenly ftreames of Gods free
favour,and Cnriftsfoveraigneblood ;
Therefore undoubtedly,! have my parti^ the Well
-^InieliMoiUop^anu ^^if^cverlaftingly. Whence what dclicicusftieaois
wifi*ffirUintmrram^ of deareft « j[oy doc fwcetly flow ? .
dr gandium ineffabiU \ W hofoe v er Ubenrs, and ts heavy laden, may /uftly
wirifitieoadim*ntHr,fu. chalcngeatthehandsof Chrift. r?/? and refre/hin"-
^i^it^cTtitl^o^fifUni ^^\ ^ ^^clc all my finncs, an intolerabk burden up-
tnAmre.%o\\oq ia lo* On my wounded Soule i and moft willingly take Him
|»n;Cj<p.8^ag 5s^, as a Savieur,and a Lord :
Therefore I have my portion in His fpirituall, and
etanallreft.
TM ^*g^ ^^^ ioftieGrte that inhahiteth eternity^
< Tfohofs
ParM.cap.^# jifficled Confcienees, 4^5 ,'
, -. : . — — — ■ • ■ — ■ I | . 1 " I 1^ '
■ffkofe Name is Holj^znd who dwells in the High and
hly Place ; dwcUcth alfo in every bumble andcontrite
ffirit^zs iaa royall Throne ;( He hath asit weretv/a-;
Thrsnes; One in the Empyrean Heavenjthc other va
abrok«nhcast,)//^.57.i5. ^
But my heart hes groveling in the duft, humbled
under the mighty hand of God,and trembling at his
fecc&c. ■ ui.-^ .'iJnft r
Therefore it \% the manfiori of [ehova , blclTcd'
forever. ' ^
Whofot ver tfe»/<?/^?^ Andfeffakstb hitfimkt^flfMl
have mercj fProv ,1.%^ 1 3 . . * : " •' '
But I confeffe, and abominate all finne j rcfolved
never to tftrne againen? fo/h.
Therefore merq^ is moft cereainely mine*
Hecinwhofc heart the holy Ghofthath enkindled
akindly heateof afte£lionto?^ff Brethreny hath paf-
fed from deathtolife, I M.3. 14. • • o? i5v»3 t
Bt.i by the m(>tcy of God, my heart is wholly fet i P<^t#lf;
upon the 'Br<'/W'^op^, which! heartily hated here-
tofore :
Therefore I hav€ paffed from.dcath to life*
ThcfCjand tbelike Condufions,arein themfclvcf
as full of found j oy , and true comfort 1 as the Sunnc
oflight or Sea of waters. Open but the eye 6f thine
biimblsciroule, and thou maift fee many g'erious
chinas in them. Crufh them but a little with the hand
ofFaithjand much delicious fwectncit^of fpiricuali
peaccmaydiftilluponthySoule.
Laftly/uchconfiderationsas the rc,may contribute ^^ e«nfid« blcai
fome matter of comforc,aud iiipport,to Him of wca»
keftapprehenfionjin this Cafe r
I. If Heeconfulcwith HisowneConfcienceHee y.Altacd £^ h^
(hall happily finde in His prefcnt fy nceic refolution, o^nc cyill,
an impoffibility toturne backeagaine to Hi* former
finfull lite , pleafures , go«d-feUow(hip > fcnfiiall
xourfesi €oaip«ny .* Hee (ayes, and thinkes ic, chac
-» - Hh z Hce _
^ — »-■< >»
^6$ In^ttSttpm f^arightcsmforting SCifl.*
Hec will tathcr die, then lie, fweare, prophane the
Sabbarhs 5 put to ufury, doe wrong, kccpe any ill- .
gotten goods in his hands, Haunt Ale-houfcs, Play-
houfeSjCaming-houfes j or wllingly putHisJacarr,
t orhandtoanykindof iniquity, asHec was formerly-
wont. t/4nd deth nAtPire, thmke jotijiee^e Him back^ }
er gracey and Gods Spirit }
^Grieved tt the cvill *• ^ ^ ^^ ^ould now hcare, and have his earcs
oiotjiert, filled with oathes^blaiphemics, ribald talke, rotten
fpcfches, filthy fongs, railing at Gods people, fcof-
fingat religion, jefting out of Scriptures^&c. His
heart would rife 5 He would either reprove thcm,or
bee ridof thcflGijasfoone asHe could ; whereas here-
tofore, Hec hath been, perhaps, a d<;lightfull Hearer
of thcnijif not a notorious A flour Hinifelfc. y4»d
\ Vcheftce doe you thinks doth thit arife, ^mjromthe feci
of God remaining in Him i '
I^Refolrcd hcY« to 5. Thirdly, If-when you hcare Him complainej
^ciuwc. ^ That howfoeverHee hath caltHimfelfe upon ^^r//?,
asthe'7'r«?/?6^//havccounrelIedHini J yctfith there-
upon Hee f ccles no fuch comfort, and peace in "Belie*
ving as other Chriftians doe 5 H* begins to doubt,
whether Hee. hath done well, or no : and to con-
ceive, that Hee hath layd hold upon the Promifcj
toolbolie : Nay, and it may bee upon this difcon-
tent, doth thuvsfurthcr enlarge His complaint : Alas /
my finnes have formerly becnc fo great, my heart it
at this prefentfo hard, my forrow io fcaat, my fai-
lings fo many,&c. that I know not whaj to fay to my
<Selfc. Meethinkes,! can neither pray, conferre,love
the Brethren, fanftifie the Sabbath, rcjoyce in the
Lord,&c. as I fee other of Gods Children doe. And
therefore, I am affi-aid,alHs naught: What hear tcan
1 have to hold on? I fay, if toluch a fpeech, thou
ihouldcft for tryallgi ve this reply : Well then,if it be
fo $ even give over all, ftrivc no more againft the
-^^^mCj trouble thy fclfc ao longer with , reading,
sili " "'^ T'."^.T ' " prayer.
prayerjfollowingfermons, forbearing good fellow-
(liip, and chine old companionSo And (ith no com-
fort comes by cafting thyfelfe upon Chrift,caft thy
fclfeagaine into the qurrent of the times, courfc of
the world, and mefr'y company ) For there yet, -is
there Tome hctlepoord^plealure to bee had, at Icaft:
Oh / No, No, No, would Hec fay ; That will I irc-
.vsrdoe,whatfoever comes of me : I will truft in my C ^v.
Chrift,thouijh H ee fliould kill mee j for all thefc ^ii- '. ^"t
couragements, i will by no meanes, caft away my
confidence. I have beenefofreflily^ung with their '
guiltjthat I will rathcrbecpull'd in peaces with wild
horfes, then plunge againeinto carnall pleafurcsj I
will put my hand to all holy duties in obedience co
God; though I performe them never (o weakely 5 1
will, by the mercy of God, kcepc my.face towards
Htaven,andbackcto<S'WiWtf, fo Jong as I breathe i
come whatcome will,&c. Amt vfhence^oejou think^,
fprmgs this refeiHti&ny but from afecret favittg fewer ,
fupforting Him in the moji defter ate temptations^ andaf»
f^ultsofdifirHfi^
Now this {it^^fecretfdving power^ by -which an
humble Soulelcaningupon Chrt_^ is fupportcd. when
itisatthe lowtft j (econdly. The feed of god, and
thirdly, f re fence ef grace ; doc every one of them ar-
gue a blelled ftatcin which thou (halt bee certaine-
ly faved ; and therefore thou mayft lift up thine
heart and h^ead , with cooifert unfpcakeable and
glorious.
Hhj CHAP. Vlli
4^8
hJirttBionsfor a right comforting Scft. 3 ,.
CHAP. VII.
The third LMaladie of confcience^ The dauber of it
ThecAHfesof it. Two things fro^ofed for cure of itt
^.Cafc of not feeling
forrow anfwerablc to
iheirfinnes.
\t^^ ^<m)mk, difproporcionl
there
are.
A Many are ft ill que.
ilioning of their begin
who
ine of the great
fproporcion bet weene the no-
torious wickedaelle of their
formes life, and their lamenta-
ble weakneffe of an anfwcrable
bewailingit: Between the num-
ber oi their finnes,and fewnefe of their tearcs ; the
hainoufnclleof their rebelh'ons, and little meaiure
of their humiliation. A ad thereupon, becaufethey
didiiot findejand FeeJc thofe terrours, and extraor-
aingsj and though they dinary troublcsof mindc in their turning unto God 5
^anic to Faith & com- ^i^^^^ violent pafiions,and pangs in their New-birth,
^e^fllletingr'th" which they havcfeene, heard, or read of,orknownc
«hey have net begun in in othcrs, perhaps , farrc leffe Qnncrs then them-
«uth,or that they ave lelvesj they are much troubled with diftradions and
not in the right way,or doubts about the truth, and foundneffeof their con-
verfion. ^ Whereby they receive a great deale of
hurt and hindrance in their fpirituall ftate. For Satan
TThedangcrofthisper- gainesvery muchbyfucha JuggeiHon, and grounds
fwafionby it the divell. iiiany times a manifold mifchiefc upon ir. For by
A J , . y^'T^, . keepfn^this temptation on foot; thefe doubts and
And thiSjbecaufc their ^ u! • .u • • j u *u .u i_ . -i
corruptions bee (o troubles in their mindes, whether they bee trnely
fifong, and that they
cannot doe as they would. But corruptiont/elt, hated, and driven agalnft, arc no
iMaikcs that wee are not the Lord* j but the contrary. It is thefabtilty of Satan,to kecpfi
ihemever at the beginning, that they may never get forward. True, itis g,ood to bee
very carefullin laying rhef'^unvfationof our houfe j Butif vree be ever pu ling up, after it
islaid, wceftiall nevergMflihebuiHing. AU(ier Rogers of DeSam^Doflr of Faith,Citp,2 .
fag T77. ForatfHcChriftian lodeniTthewoikeof Gods^ractin Himfclfe — dotbnc
good o H.m 3 But interrupts His pi lycrs, hinders hi& hamiliation. eftrangeth Him from
Go ',andturne h godly (orr.w for its (irne, into delperatc lorxowfor the puaifhrnens
?f-^?{**.' ^*fi<i**^hAtelj,GodiHH)lfA»drjyCAfij„ _ ~~
converted "
aooke comfort, ere it
belonged tmto them.
. — -^ •
Part.*.C3p.7# j^jpictea Lonjciences, 4oP
converted or no ; He^iaboius, and too ohen prc-
vailcs :
i.To binder the Chriftian in His fpiiituall Bull- i.Hincfcrs from doiiig
ding. With vvhathcaitcan Hceho!don,whodoubts gpo<i.
oFcliefcHjndnefiejandrure-laying ofthe foundation?
What progrcffe is Hcelike to tnaks in Chriftianity,
who continuslly terrifies Himfelfe with fcareful! ex-
ceptions and oppflfitions, about the truth of His con-
verfion i h man in a long journey, \v ould jegge on
but very heavily, if Hec doubted whether Hce were
in the right way ,cr no,
a. Toabatejleflen^ and abridge His courage in. 2 From filtering f«
Handing on Gods iide, patience under the Crofle, good,
fpiricuall mirth in good company : To keepe Him in
dulneffcof heartjdeadnefie of affcdions, diftradions
atholyexercifes, and undes: the raigne of almoft, a
continuall fadneffe, and u ricomfcrtablc walking : To
make Him quite negk^, and never looke towards c Takc'hced of ftlfi
thole fweet commands of the blelTcd Spirit : Ri- rcafoning; As becaufe
ioyce evermore ^Reioyci^ and I fay agnw.c^Reiojee.Bee our fire doth not blaw,
clad tn the Lord,reio)ee, and (hout for it) aU fee. that o'^^^s other s,therefore
^- /•' ^ J . J J •» wcchavenofireatan«
■4trenpngbttnioeart, ' _^ /y ^
3. To faften a great dealc of « diflaoncurupon 3. Mak« him difhoL
God; when Hee can make the Chriftiandifavow,as nour Gods worke in
it were, and nullifie in conceit, fo great a workc of h'"^^'^^^^' ^
oercyandgrace,ftatnpt upon His Soule by an AI- ^nd by falfcConclufiJ
mighty hand : A worke ror wonder and power an- ©ns to finne againft
fvverabIe,ifnottran{cen.dent, to the Creation of the the Commandemcnt.
World. To the produaien whereof, the infinite ini^^nngfalfevrimjc
mercies ofthe Father of all mcrcv j tHe warojcft ap«nft<>arfclvfs. The
i_ .^ t . J r-TT- » f- » ■ t • a «> I'roaigal! would not
hearts. D:ood or His oneiy Sonne atheraignticit^tf^ ray,Heew2sno fonne;
'vi»ffoi the b'efled Spirit were required. Now what but that hce wamot
worthy to bee edited 4
Sonne. We tEuftnciihsr trufttofalfe evidence, ror deny iruc ^ for fo we fi-.ould difiiofto&r
rhe Worke of Gods Spirit inus,3ndlofethc helpeof that evidence, which wouldchc-
riftiouilove tof^ri/?,and3rmeusagainftSat3n$difcouragements. Somcare fo faulty
this w.-iy,a$.if they had becnchitcd bySatan, the \4ccufe,- of the Brethren^ to plead for
H h ^ an
47® J}iJ}fft&i0HS for 4 right comforting SCift. %
anindfgnity,and difparagement offered unto fb glo-
rious a Wotkf man, and blefled a worke ,to affcnt and
fubfcribe unro the Diycll,a knowne Liar, that there is.
no fuch Thing ?
;i,Make$ him gsilty 9f 4, To double, and aggravate upon the Chriftian, ,
infidelity. the grievous fime of unbcliefe : Not to believe the
Pfbmtfes,astheylicinHis Booke, is an unworthy,
and wicked wrong unto the Truth of God * But for
aMantodrawbacke, and deny, when they arc all.
made good upon His Soule, makes Hfmworfc then
7'i6o;».i<j-theApoftIc: JBor whenHt^e had thrufi Hir
hand into ^hriBt fldejHccbdkved, But in thepre-
fentCafc, a Man is ready to renounce, and difclaimc;
Though Hee have already grafpt inthearmesof His
Faith, the crucified bleeding Body of His blelTsd'
Redeemer. The facred and Taving vertue whereof,^'
hath infpired into the wholeMan a new, fpirituali, '
fanflifyinglife,aad a fcn(ible,undeniable change from
what it was:
'j.Gailty of ingtatl- 5*T6difcontinue,ordetainethc heart lock'tap,
«i.4?.. ~' asitwtre,ina.perpetuallbarrenncire, from giving of
thankcs ; which isone of the nobleft, and mofi: ac*
cepta We Sacrifice, and fervice, that is offered unto
God Now what a mifchiefe isthis ; that an upright
heart fliould bee laced up,and His Tongue tied by the
Divels temptation,from magnifying heartily the glo--
ry of Gods free <^rMe, for fuch a workc \ I meane, the
New-Crcacion ; at which Heaven and£arth, Angds
and Men,and all Creatures may Hand evcrlaftingly a-
mazed* Sofweetit is and admirable, and makes an
wnmortall Soule for ever,
r • f sof thl$ pcrfvfa. ^"'^ to1<eepemy felfe to the Point. Thofe who
^* ^ complainf, as 1 have faid: That becaufe the pangs of
their New-birth were not in that proportion they
defire,anrwerable to the hainoufneffe of their for-
mer peftilent courfes, and abominableneffe of their
b6a.% life bef<^e, many times lofped themlcives,
" ■ ' and-
Part. 2 . Chap. 6. A§i^ed CoTifciences, ^y i ■
and are much tronblcd about the truth of their con-
verfionj may have their doubts, and fcruplescncrca-
fed, by taking notice of fiich propofitions astbefe,
which Divines both ancient and nioderne, let fall
fomtimcs in their Penicentiail Difcourfes.
OrdiKOyilj men ArevxsMnded in their Confcierces at' i. Speeches of Divints;^
thevr converfion^an^roerablj to the wtc^dfteffe of thffir'
fcrmer C6fivsrfaiten;
Contritionintrue (^^nverts^ is for the ntofipartprt-
fortioniti'le to the hamcHfnefe «/. Their- forwtr"^
courfes*
^ The msreyiiicked that thy former life hath beefi^the t Homil. of Repcpi.
more fcrvsntandearnefij let thy Repentance^ or retttr' tanc€,pag.i.
ning bee,
S Sorrow muji bee -prof ortionable to our [iftnes^The' ^ 0% of Rcpemanctj .
greater our fnne^ thejuller mnfi bet our forrow, cap. 4.
h jiccordtngt&theWatght of fmne upojt the- coftfii- h SeettndUm esnTcumia
^nce^oughtfenuentforroTv to beevpatghty. molem txh-.btndA e(i
» Heethat bath exceeded wfintte^Uibim exceed al- font'temiit wagnitudo^
fiinforroW. . ^^^'' «^ ^irg. corr.
k Looke how great cur frmei are, lei Hi fo greatly "^J; ctdp<im txaggtr^
lament thim yertt ; exdggerci' eudm
i Letthemindficfev^ryOnedrinkeupfontmhofthe fenitentiam. Idem ie
leares of penitent compmtltsn^as Hee remevihers Him- P<*^«\^'b.i.cap.2.
felfe to have mthered from God by mck^ed^efe. cumJ^^TgrJitrr
^ grievom fimtei require mofl grievoHs Umenta>t Jefieawttt. Cypr. de
ttans, Lspfisadfin*
. " Themeafureof yefuffmurmtitrmtifl beeasreeablei * y»"ffiMii/<^Tie mens
Ofui proportionable to the Jinne. tnntum fcenitcndo com^
ndwemaylecthekrulesrcprefented unto us m UihrywAs , ^w^waw
thcpradiftof ili4»<«/^ivwhobeinga moft grievous /? i Dto mimnit am-
(inner,* C'hrofi.^-^,6MumhkdiYlm(t\h greatly be- # /"* cuipas. Grc*
forcthcGodofHisFathers,vcrf.i2.JntheWoman S°''- P«^o'- C*""*;
. P^g 3. cap.jo, Tdnto
^ 4rHwrirntt»u fotnlteHtia
was 4 p»Suti«net(rgeftdM efi,qu4mo fe fer confenfiimtwiffuit fordidmiinqmn>itam Idem
in^.cap lob. ^ Gravu fece^ta ^layi^imU Ummitindigtnt^ Aag.adFratr.in ercoao.
» Gitcnh.Grave Counf. psg. I d.
wha
47«
IttfirHctfQHsfor a right comforting
Sea.5,
* KotTctyy]r6J, ?*«-
%.Tht nature of a new*
Ijr inligbcned conici-
ence«
whoiscalleda J'»»;<?>', Lftkij,ij. Keifi' t|o;^j;yj as they
fay,by akindeoffinguJarity ; and therelore takes oa
extraordinsrilyjverr.gg. So that (hee »i/>tfj C^p-//?/
feet mth teares. In the idolatrous Ifraelites upon theii:
turning unto the Lord, i S^im.y.^a. "Opho drew water,
find fottredit out (fefrre the Lord. Ja the Hcarcrs of
ZV^<rr, who having their coniiiences all bloody with,
the horrible guilt of cructfjing thcLordof life, Asi.
«.3 3 .3 6. were f ricked in their hearts y verf.j 7. wkh
fuchhorrour and raging anguilli, as though ib many
empoifoned daggers and Scorpions ftings fluckc,
and were faftned in them * punaually. In T^atil^
whohaving beene an hainous offender, a grievous
Pcrrecuter,«^(r/.9, whereas theother ^pfiles^ as
■ O^t^Z'j^S^h ad beene konefi and fo^er {{[her-men ts-
{kcd deeper ©f this cup then they. For Hee tells' us,
iJow.7.1 i.ThattheLaw flsvp Him,Hcz was ftrange-
ly ataazed with a voyce from Heaveu,ftruckc downc
tothc earth, and ftarkeblinde, Hee trembled^and -^.ti
aftonijhedi^ot three dnjes Hee did neither eate^ nor
drinke,&c^%/iEh.^. , ^-.. -^f.,,.. .fv^V •*
And there is good rcafbn for it* For ordinarily the .
newly-illightenedcyeofa frcih blcedingConfcience,
is very (harpe, and clearer piercing and Gghtfuli ^
greedy to difcouer every ftaine,andVpot of theSouki,
Todiveeventotheheart-roote,tothe blackeft bdt-
tome and ouglicft nooke of a Mans former Hcllift
courfes jtoIookcbacke,withacuriousJurvay, tho-
rp w the pure Perfpedive of Gods righteous Law,
overhiswiiolelifeto His very Birth-linnc, ando^-
dar0»s rebtllion. And in this fad, and heavy fearch, it
is vetyinquifitivc after, and appreheniivc of all cir-
cumftances, which may adde to the hainoufnefle of
finne, and horrour in his heart. Itisquick-fighted in-
to ail aggravatingconfiderationsj and quickly barne*,
andlookcs upon all tliofe wayes, degrees, and clr-
cumftances,by which (itKies arc made mprc notori-
ous
^lt.2.Cap.7. iy4ffliEiedCr4fciences, • 473_-^
ous and batefull. And what thefpirit of bondage, in
af.arefullheart,may inferrc hereupon, you may ca-
fily judge.
Now CO the Cafe propofcd ) I fay, firft J Remcdic in this cafe,
I, That bet wecnefinnc«nd forrow, wee cannot '-Knovy that fin anj
cxpcaa prfcifeadequationjnotan Arithmeticall,but q*aiUut3beepr2
a Geometricail proportion : Great finnes fhould bee pomo|\abIe, "" "'
greatly lamented 5 yet no finnc can bee fufficiently
forro wed for 5 Though it may bee favingly. When
wee fay, the pangs of the New-birth maftbeanfwe-
rable to our formerfiiifuii provocations; wee meane
not, that wee can monrne for finne according to it's
mcritjthatisimpoirible: But great finnes require a
great deale of forrow. Weeinuftnot thinkcjibat
wee have fqrrowed enough for any finnc, though wc
cin never forrow liifficiently* ..,-,.
Before I proceed to a further, and fuller fatisfafti- ^^P'*** /"« *n tfifa
oninthePoint,IetmeetelIyo^ytheway,howdif^
comfortable, and doubtful), thePopifh dodrine is romcTnaie
here about ; that the truth of our 7V»^? may appeare
the more pretious,and taft. morefwcet.
Hhd'.^itrmoftand Cojttritien^^s I takeit,differa
as our Legallarid EvangeHcall repentance j i.Inre-
fpeft of the objeft . Comntton, as they fay, is forrow
for finne,as anoffenceto ©od : Attnuon is a griefc
for finne.as liable to punifhment. 2.1nrefpea of the
caufe. ContritMn anicth from fonne-like, iyittritisn
fromferviiefeare.[Stc V dent, D iff. y. ^. Bccon-
tnt,funU.2, ]
This Contrition is the caufe of the remiflion of
finms.[ BelUrJii'.zJefmit.eaf, It, Arb, At Cath^^
Im \ & Alij pajfim. Well then, thou art a Papift,and
troubled m confcience. Thou fcnowcft well, that
without. Contrition no r!.miffion ; But when com-
nieftthouto-that meafure and dagree, which may
givethccfome contentment about the pardon of thy
^?9?^i 5^?BB!9^!l?®^0 this Point for refolution
and
■•i.I»/<«/»y c fummdm.
• Multo minus reqmrere
futimdn4 DeM <r/>« w* do-
iettmus dc feetAtB^dolore
fimP licit er fumms , quo
nullM intenfioT «Qe,fofm
fit,ut HidrtMf** re qui'
rere y'ldetur. Tom 4.
.-difp.j.qu.S. Decoatn-
. donepund.f.
474 Ififtrn^ioHS for a right com f&r ting, St&,.^'i
.atid relit tc, and choa gxft unto a Rickc. Gotifolc
withlh^ixiZhSL^lcis^ds qHAnttute conthtion^, of the
iruchncfle of forr o w, and they arc able to.confouad
thee vvkh-many defperacediitiaftions.
!♦ Looke backc upon the elder Schoolemcn : and
you fii ill have ^drjan[^^^^n.a.dffpce'Ut,^^oMi^,'}*.
(iArtici, ] and other sxell you ofaGoatrition iMtenjU
vefumwa J iiithehigheft ilreine j and to which no-'
thingcan bee; added, as * ZJaient, reports it. This
opinioa Vtgfi refutes [de juflif, HB, ig. cap.i:!^. ad
princ^] And BelUrmine diflikcs it \De foemt.lib.z.
c4p*ii,Art,deniqpie fifammHi.\ Note by the way,
how fvveetly they agree : out concord is Angelically
iii refpec^ of their coo^fions.
. i,Gotix.QScQtH6[ /«4. Sent, 2>i/?.i4.^l«] and
his Followers. And you ihali finde him to talke oVa
ceitainei«ftfw//(?» of contrition ) which is [ fohDeo
cogMita] onclyknownc unto God: but this C?r<r|«</tf
X^^i/pw^ccnfures as vcryfalfc [T'l'w.^. Co/. 17.24.]
You fccagainc, as th^rcis no truth in their Tenets 5
To no con ftancy, no concord; and by confecjuent, no
comfort to a truly troublcdfpirit.
3. ComeatleiigthtotheiatterZfff«/fr,roirjeMo-
.dernelefuites, daw bcrs over gf their fuperftitious
luines^with many rotten diftin£tions : I mcane Bel'
/ar, Greg.de Valent, and their fellowcs : And they
"dare not (land either to the trnJi^ovone inteftJioHoC Sca^
tm^nov that of highefi fitch ^ which Hadna» holds:
But come in with a forrow for finne, appreciattvi
fummiis. And whatisthaf,thinke you i
Hence 'BelUrmine [ for V^tient^ fpeakcs more
•warily in the quoted place , jirt, Neqtte vero.\
Tet very wcakely too (for infuch Cafes, the trou-
bled minde is not wont to reft upon gencralls onc-
.ly, but will ( will wee, nill wee) bring us to particu-
lars, howfoevcr SsstHs^ Ntivar^ and U^^na, adviCe
thccontraryO
Sorww
?,jip^etiatiye funt'
Part.2.Ch2p,7-' Aptied Confcienees, ^y ^
Sorrow forfinne,fa'!th ^ he«, is th^nfi/mwus ap- ^ J>oior e0 /amm'm *^-^
trectative ; ^h(n the vnll dctb more efieeme the detefia- /«"''*"'>^ > f «W« >•-
tionof nHne.thentheattainent^m of any eood, or efca- ;«J'*^.;/«'^ '/?f»^«^f-
fingauyfU: And fo by conlequcnc, ( for as 1 mtima- quim cu]uftu^que ida
ted, a troubled confckncc in fuch a Cafe, is very cu- etn/etptionem, 4ut altt-
rious, and inquifitivc; and will not fiay onely upon ^**^^^lityitatientm.jyt
confufed,andgenerallnotionsGfgoodandiiI,butea- ^*"'o* '*^'V *^^P "•
filydefcendtc Particulars, to know it's (late more Zl' ^'""'^'P^®P°^-
pcrfedly, efpecially in a Point of fo great impor-
tance.) A man maftfinde his heart firft to prize the
hatrcdof fifine, before the happinefleof heavenly
joyesjor avoiding helliili paines; before he can come
tocomfortoftheremiOicnofhis finnes. What a * JfycaviU/ngRo--
•^ ^ , 1 J ^ . .• r- ,1 • 1 nianiit except. and lav.
torture were It to a troubled fpirit, to fall into the that this do&rine may
handsoffuchtruePharifieSjWhoIay heavy burdens open a way to flothV
upon others, but will not touch them themfcives l«him heart his owne
U'ith the leaft of their finger?. But bleffed bee God / 'J'^^.^*^ -. p«s{rtn4
.weetrulyteach,thatitisnotfo c^uchchemeafure ^;4:^^^^^^^
and muchnefie,asthetruth.andheartine{fe of cnrfor- tmmjiddftbiHt fon/atn-
row } which fits for thepromifes of life, ;and pardon "'*' ^^*g^^ c(mjoUtur,cr
of finne. Yet I muft fay this alfo j Hee that thinkes,he 'V^"""-'^'*. dum tr<ui
^h«hforrovvr«ffidentIy,neverrorrowed truly. And f:iLr'''",.;:Sr
ihkc ^ ^^/WwwlaftPropoCtion well in the fore- bnmi c^k^x ^dDt^
cited place; If it bee thus underftood : That wee umtrpeccAtwn ex. At».
diuft defile, aime, and endeavour after the highcft *"" ^"^M'«*^**— -/"*-
pitchof godlyforrow, wbichcanpaffiblybeeattai. l^DXSi::^^
ned. But itisonetbmgto fay J either, juft fo much ,6,Sca.sXt. Adcx-
meafureor forrow^or no mercy ; fuch a quantitie of tremumO
contrition, orno remiffion : An other thing to fav, ** f^f'^'^'*»t^**n4mtfte0,
we mull long and labour tobring our naughty hearts P'^^^^H"*^^ tfW4»/?*-
toth;s:E«ntobeevviningrathertolief„H;il,thc„2^;T.r;;::::
toiivcmlinne. Pertcdtions of grace arc aimed at in foliim Mppretuuyi ,ftd.
this lire, notattained. etiam mten^e. & ex--
4. I conftfrefome of them fometimes, by reafon *'"^^^»f fi^ co^u4mMr:, ,
of k-eedomeintheir Schooles over- ruled like ^^»- /«'""'^'^'"/'<^''r
fha4, orover-mafteredbythe clearenefle aud iavin-
S^!S!}!£s£E!]£Hy5&?^* ^pe*^e ^<>H»^thing more
47^ I^firaftisfisfor ari^ryv comforting Seft^j,
orthodoxally. AsinchisPuinf, Ve^a. Itb.'^.cap^i'^,
• P<»nUtHt^iionceiH$f. Art^t^d qU£ ace edit 1 I^id»/lrt»EtSHcerdotes\Tolet^
tdturb^hreiujfic.entem Inflrnfi.Sttcerd. Lib. 2.f4i/. J, Art. ^Hannm dubittm \
dotorem,d6ledt/et4lefn , j^^^ar.Cap.i, N^m,\'^,Efliuf. in^.Sent, dti.i6.
iMpoJiersa^nonpccuye. Stct.y.Art.AddecjHedjifitmmHS,} ^ gr^tians Mo^
tr Ahfolyatttr. thers Confef[ottr,
' Grdtianurm , Lombdr* But you ICC them ftill likcthc fourc wiades/ blow
JumjCamefiorcmfr^ms jnoneanothcrsfaces. ^
cbtX.i^^TlmT/ ' Hcreuponliiavcnianytimesmarvailcd,thatun.
tr(M inextrcmii conf- derltaRdingPapiIts looking into the Point, are not
tentem ntgijfe peffe fM plunged into dcfpcraCc perplexities j ccnfidering the
iifpUcerefeHntum-^quum g vaiietieof Opinions, and uncertainty of the degree
fiUoyicUhtep km»d of forrow,requitedtotheir Contrition. But when I
Ecdehx : hint ctnfeUt- nr.j i jt'-i n
WW, Si non habev'w- Fcfleded upon another rotten dawbmg trickc of
^«//f, tantum dolo- theirs J rather wonder at the depths oftheir Anti-
rem, quantum exfgit Chriftiancrafrjiufopoliticklyjandplaufibly patching
tamliorrcnclum fccluf, together their Popifh Paradoxes ; that they may Itill
. quodnonpotcsdolcre. keepe their damnably-deludcdDifcipIcs m content-
Rcfcrcme Chamiero, ment,and pleafc them ftill,at leaft, with fomc palli-
Tom,5. Dc Satijfac, ate curcs.- It IS this I meanc jThey hold alfo, (prodi-
- pcoprijf, Lib.i3. Cap. gious infatuation / ) it is impofliblc, that the learned
^'' A 1 on the Popes fidcf' but that, that curfe is jullly upon
ilnd in thatl5fo~of ^hcmiZThef.Z.io^ii, Becattfe they received not the
changing attrition in - isve of the truth^ that they might bee fAved : God fends
to Contrition. them flrong deliifion , that thef Jhould believe 4 lie )
• /cTTT"^ j"*~ (liould ever bee fo arofTely blinded .• I faVjChey hold-
M Sutdam Ai c»ntrttto- , ^ ,. °i'i ri.-ni
nmreqmridr-untrHm. t'^atamaQ *» ^A'4rtm^,by thcpowcrof the prieftly
mnmcmatiimhominifjtdeofjMedoioremdehre ejft iuxtAviret homintf eiuimmaximi inttnfum
^lijcertttm qusndum grAdftmiateM^onii^itemqheteruin qttantitatemexten^onif feu continue
Attorns in Contrinene rtquirunt. j4dj Miter o^tnd»tur* yierum hdc »pimo?tumyarittAteowi(?4,
^f. Andfoiicecoimsinwitaanewoncof hisownc,E/?j.W4«^;)? i<5 § 7- ^ Aftritit
yirtmtecUyium fitcontntio "Biomini. Corrcftores GloiT, Gratiani depoenir^Difii.iB
princ. ^ttrit0t yirtute SActAtnenti fitcontritm.Nairzr. Man.Cap. i . Num 3 8 . itatjue em-
nini femtndum tfl in propo/ite , Chrtfimm per indnuffonem (Uyinm yeluijfe infirmtAtt k
tmtm
mMtttttA/MifyeHire-^utcum y Altoqui mn^effent remi^tonem peciat»rMm,m^ pery«t£mc«i$~.
tritionem^qitAdtf^eik^ie ffalxtur^olKinere idltufn pr/eterei hAberent m^dttju^qwyttiam dtfm
quteiiipnoduontritione dtvinAm gratiam ctrto tmftqueremur folk Attritione^beuefici^ fote^,
pAtis cUviutuinufitSacrAmenti,Grcg.de Valent.Difp«7. q.S.de Con«itionc,pun^ ^♦'
• A(C<At(jQe bscoi^uiB] ^ ^iif^pirn, Somf later Schoolimea Ubour iairaine,to make
' ' , abloiutipn
Part.».Cap.7. t^ffiiSied^Confciences, 477
abfoItrtioH , is made •> contrittts ; and that ex ejiere ope- ^^^^ PointappeBre not
r^rif, as 'L'rf/^»^aJ3irmes. Which lapon thcmatrer is fo exrremely ab(urd,bjr
thus much :Tha* having but only Attrition, Legall mincing.nay, bybea-
repcntance,that fnitlefle forrow, which may bee ^'"'''T''^" ^f^
found in a ' Inaas^z Latomus i and which a repro- f,uiwrem/eaumeJi)tW%
bate may carry with him to hd I, is, by the verrucof v?ord ^ttritio, ufterly
th^\tfzinz6SAcramentyl;ytheSMramentatlaCiof Ah- unknowne to Scrip-
y^/«fie»,asthtycallit,m^ctruly,aRd favinglyCon- turcs and ancient Fa-
^itc,andputintoaftateonumftcation. Heareitm *';„V^J-^^^^^
the words of that great and famous light ot ^ Ire- ^ Mtritiwu nomtn
Und^ and for ever abbcrre allfuch Popirh impo- s'trt^tMrx o- Vatrilut
fturCS : when the Priefi ^'ith his fsvftr of forgiving ineogmtum,dSchoUDo'.
finnei mterpefethhmfclfcm the l^uftne(fe,they tell us, f J'^.«' ^^fiif^or>H&
Jc^/Attntionjby vertucot tbeKeyes,is madeCon- ium,o-s.'\ by vexing,
trilion ithAt IS tofajy that a fffrro)^> ari/fKg from a fer- and violent diftinfti^
'iJile feareof pMnifimsnt, and fucb a frftitlefe rept^n- oufj of which it is uc-'
tmC^^M the reprobate may carry With them to hell z by terly uncapable : and-
1 r .1 ij a Lr / .- J r r ..} n thcnloietnemrelrcs in
\ ■vertsieef thei'rtepahfoltitton, ts made Jo fruttf^ll^ ^^^ miftscfthem EfiU
thM it-Jhall ferve the turne for cbtaining for given f^e ,« is ghd to diftineufh
of ftnnes\ astf it had beene that ™ godly lorrow, lo long, untill he flatly
which worketh repentance to falvation, not to bee ^^^^A**rtt^o,C6ntrition
repented of. Bytvhtch fptritKallcotifeftaze^many poore l-^'*^** m'»* ge»er»f
foules are moftmtferably deiftded^ WioUe they perfrrade inA^i(t.i6.§ a Iw^^
them/elves^ thatMpcn the reeeit of the Priejls acquit- hoyriedknlousandab.
tatJce, upon this carnall forreV^ of theirs, all skpresare furditif>eyery Childc
cleeredHntillth4t dayiand thenbecinmna upon a new ™3y judge AndhovM
reckomng,theyfinneaf,dconfeffe,eor>fe[seandftKnea^ his argument w the
frefhy and tread this round fo Ung.tiU they pm off all contrary ? which mor
thought of favtng repentance ; andfo the hltnde foil o)i>» thus : ^«rttm prtmcipia
ine the bltnde, both at lafl follow into the ftt. Or thus a ^""* ^'''^^* «»""«»> ««-
jitfritiem pr'mtipitun
?j? iimor fetyilit^ eoktrhinni autem timer flidliCy ergo Mtr'iiionen pettil feri Contritio,
SuppI.j.p.q.'.Art.j. ^ Matth.iy.j. * Inhisaniwer toibc leluiteichallcnge,pag.
J45«aRd ifO, 1 Heiepti^fmum e(ialiorMn omnium Theolo£orum 4xtoma, quod SAcramen*
turn fttpf/eat ex opere optrHttdefcBum Contritttnis, Diij)ut7.q.8. De contntionePund^^, ^
»a Cor. 7, JO,
^78 Inftrnciionifor 4 riglft comfertiitg, Sc^. j :
It hath been c.lwijes obfervedfor afpeciall dt^erence ^
■ Odirunt feccATt hni bet^sxt good 4»d bad me»fth4t the one " hated finjte for
-virtutit amtre , Hor. the love of vertue^ the other only for the fe are offuntjh*
Lib.i.Epift«i <^. ment. The Uke diference do£ our Adverfaries make he^-
- FMtemtir 'f'*r'f' i^vv^.v^ Contrition, 4«^ ^ Attritioa: o' Thatthehdtred
tllud,qu9dex amor( Dei of /t»n:tvtt}e one, proceedeth from the Uve of Goddam
)Hjihix<ptef>mcd)t', O- of r'ighteotifnefse in the other ^ from the feare of phniji*
tdti dtioremfiye tdium jnent, »And yet teach for ai^this,that Mtntio (which
etc timore fxn* conuf. ^^ confefse, t9onld not other rvife fu§ce te jufitfie a man)
w;«.««^.Bdlarm.hb.z. bemgiojnedw^ththePnefis abfoluiton u fuffc^ent for
dc Poeait. cap. 8. Arc that furpofe i Heethat^asattt'lK, being by vertue of
H^fpondeo^fi ddtiittere^ this AbfalHtionytfuide contrite j andinfifiedi that ist9
rtmat.'] fayyhee that ^at led only hj a fervile feare, and tonfcA-.
* '*^^'"' quentlj'^ AS to bee ranked among diferdcred^ and evill
ferfonSy being by this means s pat in as good a Cafe^ for
the matter of the forgivenefse of hisfinnes^ as heethat
loveth Ged fyncerely^ For they themfelves doe gr4nt^
f Mgummum ^ern^ f^^f p j^^^y ^^ ;,^^^ ^^,^ /^rx^t/^ feare, from a>hence At-''
fery1Ll^"bJm!ZrZ tntionifffieth^are to beeaccounted evil/,and dtfordered
HMtosdrmnloi efe,&c. me»,&c^
lb. Ibid. Art. Refpon- But leaving thcfe blinde Phariflcs in the endlcflc
deo»argumcnt«in.] ^^^e of their inextricable erroiirs ,untill it pleafe the
Lord toillighten them,and by a ftrong haiid pnll them
out, which I heartily defire, and will ever pray } I
come to proftcute mine owne Point .
v««.„ • ^t-r. •«» *• Secondly, If youaske mec, when trouble for
when true and true "onc is laving:! would anlwcr,when it IS trnc.Ir you
%3fh<n it * brings to further demand, when is it true : I would fay ) when
Chrift. it drives Thee utterly out of thy Sclfe, and toy^//^//,
in the fenfc I have faid before } and brings thee with
afyncerethirft.andfctled refolutionto lefusQhrifi^
to live anddie with Him, as a Saviour and a Lord^
and isaccompanied with an univerfall change in Bo-
dy^ SoHUtOnd Spirit^
CHAP. VIII.
Part.2.cap.8«
ji^icled Confcienees,
^79
CHAP. VIII.
The third iHray of ^ffrir£ the former UMaladis* One
ihnfp to heeceKjIdered te that furfofe,
Hirdly,take notice of fuchcoii-
fideracions, asthele:
I. Gcdbciiigamcft freeA-
\ gent, doth noi ^ tie Himfclfe
oonftautly, ar.d unvariab'y, to
ordinary, expC(fttd.rct,aEd the
fame formes, meafures, tinies,
proportions of his waics, and working? upon his
Cbiidicn. For Hec iswife without Iimit,and abo^'- c
tneafurs j and therefore hath many fecret and glori-
ous ends, and aimes, which, according toHis good
^ pleararc, much civerfific themeanes ferviceableand
lubordinate there unto. Frcoi whence mayfpfing
^htfe three Coiiclulions ;
. I . Bee mayjcr themofi pdrt, create «« the heart of
■thetrtte C onv ert^t err 9hr sand trouble i sf Ccnfcunce \
ttmazcmefits and mcHrm>:g, arfW'erfible in feme good
meajpire , to the vanettej VAr.ity, and vilUny of Hh
former vcicked Vpajes, and UWd life, Asappeares be-
fore in UMaKA^es^ the ft^ffiU Woman y IdoUtrsMs
Jfraelitesy Hearers cf T^eter^ and many in thefe
daycs, if it were convenient to name them. For the
fMj} part ^fikhz great Divine, the violence- efhnmu
iMtion in the Calling of a Jinrer^ is according to the
comimta*:ceayid greatxegeof His aQualltranfgreJfiens:
eyfccordnjg to the fame ^u the rent in the torfcience and
SoMle, Therefore^ tf there bee uny^'^ho hath beene a
great and grievoHS ftmer • axd hathr.ot With violence
been pulled from hk [tme^Heemaydoe-mllto fnfvelX^
^r^fimhHimfelfefQHndl), "'" '
g.CbnnJertliaei
I.God tics net Him-
fel{e to a mcafure
whence it foUons that,
s I giant, the Lord,
who is the icoft free
Agent, takes libcny>
and workcf as \t pica-
fethHibi J arid there is
o^dcs and dificrence
/ortime,niMrme, and
fucb thjBgs: But for the
generall, always s the
fame ; By ham Ming
firft,thcu comforting,
&c. Majicr 1\»gerj-»f
I.God may work cfor-
row in a man aafvvec2«
ble infcmiemulurtttt
hisfinae^ . ""
48 JUjlruUiomfor a right aomforting Seft. 5-
'■2,. God may recall a 2. Hec mA) fomctimet fuffer a notorious (Inner to
man wich any great ^^^jj-^ fomethinq^ more cAfilj, and mterribly thorow the
S^'lghtin°him,X'' '^^^5'''/ '^'^'"^'^ ^Z;'^^. Butthenfuchaaieis worK
' to walkeraore humbly before G3d, all His lite af-
ter J for that Hee was not huaiblqd v^ith morere-
maikeableiitflcof penitent remorfe , and fpirituall
anguilh in His converfion : And fo extendonand
contitiuarjceof Godly griefc, that Hec was not mors
grieved, makcsupasicwerc.thatdcfiredintenfiDn,
and extreojity of pangs> which might juftly have
pained Him,ia His pafling from death to \ik. Every
hca:ty,and fenfible complaintj-that the Pangs of the
Maybet^oubledaff'clh. New- birth were not more painefuU, and proportio-
nable to the pollutions of His youth, is, as itvfere,
and in the fenfel have faid,a Pang of the New-birth,
Ox elfe upon fomcoccafion afterward in His Chrifti*
ancourfe, Hee may bee revifited, and vexed afrcfli,
with more tcrrour and trouble of confcience, then in
s.Ifbe^falliI^tofon!c His firft change; As in fuch Cafes as ihefc : firft,If
ffandaloui ilnw, Hee ihould, which God forbid,by fomc viDlent en.
ticemenf,and fnaring opportunity, be entangled a-
gaine, and re-infedcd with any former fenruanplea-*
fureof Hisunregeneratetimejorby neglcdt of His
care, and watchfulneflc over His wayes, becfiiddcn-
avlf into fomc great ly furprifed with feme new fcandaious finne. Second*
tcpiftation. \y^ w^on the affault of fome extraordinary frighting
temptation, or prefling of hideous thoHghtSiipoa his
fto^nc"***'^**"* ^"" melancholicke imagination. Thirdly, when fome
?x>/w«/,PA/38.being ^^^^^ *" crofle, or fickncffe, after many profperous
^ ' >^ _^ dayes,{hallfei2e upon Him, which may lye rorc,and
4 Vpon hsdrath-hed. Vn%* Fourthly, Upon His Bed of death ; efpeciaiiy,
. - v^ "" ' if Hec fall upon it iajmediately after fome relapfe,
&efleo;God/wraeh back-il:ding,ornew wou^dof Confci-nccjhareis
aga*nft Gnae, w,;$ full ^ Kinde otnaturail power,o£lidest>ods ipecialihand,
lorely affldcd in in fickneifc, forrow , darknelfe, melancholy, the
S'bulc: So (hit Hee night, extraordinary croffes, the Bead of death, to
Part.l.cap.8, AffltcledConfcieHces»- 481
"With greater horror, and more unto the life : Where- ffifyneavgtrtveith&r
as profpcrity, health, anddaycsof p€ace,doe rather (^'"'"^ L^^/Z^f '" f^
^zh\d.Q the eyesof theconfcieiKc 5 and like falfe and r„TnJne%ui^fs Z't
flattering g'alfes,ma'Kethore fouleFiendsfeeme fairer gpneoytr wimhca^t m
thcnthey are indeed. And therefore the Chriftian, -«» he^vybwcitn^ they
€fpecially,that 1 fpeakecf, being outwardly diftref- '"•« *" bearj fir tree,
fed,caftupor.HisBedof dcath,oranywaves extra- TZ^T/""'^^"''' ^1 ^,
,. ., ^ -r ji^ji jr-L-'r t'owea acvpne !!r catty j I
ordinarily vifited by Gods hand, teemghistinnes lip- gotrnopming % theday
on the fndden niar(halled:and marching againft Him j i»ng. — inm fcdk, And.
•aire in number, and mrw-e fiercely then heretofore, /e'ehroknn hAycroxx
fliay for the while bee furprifed and exercifed with '^jj^3' Jjf ■*/«" of ^*f '^f-
iinexpeaedrerrc»riUDtin,by meditation upon Gcds '^^'^{ffZ,^\ Z1!^
former fpeciell Riercy uftto Him, in fpiritiiall things; maliyblforemt^
upontheroarkesandefFe<^scf HisChange jupn the
uprightcefTe of Hisheaft towards God in the dayes ->
of health ; upon thofe teflimonieSj and alTuranccs,
which His Chrifiian^icnds can give Him, of His
being in a gracious llate jwithujchhkshoiy helpesj
Andfo in cold bk)od,-and above all, refolving to
fticke for ever faft to the Lord /^/»j, though Hee kill ' Buthow miy tin's ^e-
Him;HeebeerairedagainefK;inruch dejedions of vifitation , with .is
fpiiir,to,;the wonted conHdence,andcomfoitofHis g'-f «>»fnotgi eater ter-
• n • *-i •/! jri • c \j- c I TT roHfSjihenat firfttuif-
intereltmChsiltjandialvation ot His Soule, Here nini.umoGod,conr<ft
bythewaVjletnonethinV^eit ftrangc, that even the wuhtliar,i^m.8..jy.
de2rertrervantsof^'^;i'//raiay bee ^ re-vifited with Y« haye not rueiye^
mere horrour of confcience afterward, then at their ^^^f^f^^t »J ^'^''^''^jf.^
firf^ turning on Gods fide. As appears in hh.Ez^echiah^ k^mt[\!^^^on this
D.ivid^m Mi(i,Brgttergh^W.Peacr'ck,,(^c, Seebefore, niuch;that GodsCliilJ
pag'.8.4. 1.11.& 3 i.Befides theptopofed Cafes : this <■ ■ - >A . ;i j ii i y
rcvifitation may befall them alfo.. Fifthly, For their y^Forhi strya H. ^ ;
owntriall.This wasthe .«= endasitmay feeme, why ,,,,i,,,lf (^i, ^f.
Iot> was let up as a markeior the envenomed Arrows bondage no more after
ofihe Almighty to aimeat,and whr>learmies of ter- Hehathoncc received
rowrs to fight againff. Hseapproved Himfelfe to bee th«fpirit of ad9ption $
ilceleto the backe, as they fay, by that viaorious "vealing, andeviden-
f .-^ j^ rri I Tj n . n^T cinguntoHim, that
t]^cn\zmn,Cap.ll,l'i.Th&t*ghHeeflayme,jetmUl h^I is a Sonne, ^ni
^r*/?^»/ijlw,WhercbyGodwas mighcily honoured, tfe«tGod«HwFatW?'
li « " Satajs "
4 ° ^ Ifijim^ionsfor a right comforting Se£V. 5
In anftrer : The fame Satan Utterly conFoaided, that controverfie, whether
Spiri^roduceththcfe jokf.arsd God for mught^erno .^glorioufly ended on
6. For to conformc Gods fide, Sixth'y, That they aiay grow iiitogrca-
iiratoChrift, ter conformity wjVi theirbleflcd Saviour in fpiriruall
7«To fright hiip from fufferings. Seventhly, That taftingagainefoiiietimes
?'"* ^' thebittcrnefle of divine wrath for (inne, they may
- ^ bee the more frighted , and flee further from it,
8. To make him faftc E{ghthiy,Tbat thereby the incom.prehenfibic love of
tfaeforrowesof chrift Chrifl toward thejn, may finke deeplier into their
J^^"- _^_^ hearts j who for their fakes, and falvations drunkc
^_^ "y deepand large 5 and the very dregs of that Ojp ; the
^Tofeelc th€ Jove"of l-a^^tdrop wherof,{sto them fobitcer and intoifrabici
God the more. Ninthly, That by f^mctimes, fenft! of the contrary,'
""^""""^ their jojtinthefavourand light ofGodscounenance
iTTTadmoS;'^ may bee roore /oyfiilU Their fpirituall p:ace more
thcrs. pleafant, the p'caftire of grace more pretious, the
i^—— -— 1^^/^— p.— ' Comforts of godlines more comforiable,&c. Tenthly,
contrary eflefts: By the Foradmonicion to Others : To draw duller anddrou-
^^i^'oftdi '"'eace' ^^ ^hriaians to more aridntfTe, watchfalneHfe aud
and praye7[F4m S ^^^e j by obfei vifig the fpirituall troubles & terrors
fpiriiiasDmrArmjeryi' of thofc , whrO are farre more holy and righteous
tutii & Aioptimii^ & then themselves. To intimate unto formal! Profef^
h^u^cmfanatri^Httef, fours, that ail is certainely naught with them, who
jeFtaytteu ^ued fint duo ^
Spm:uf,fed qwdeiu/dem iyirhiM diverfA & coHtt^ria firU effe£ia,p'er Legem fii'pvfEynigem
tium.Ver Legem enim Sf>iritu4j4nHui Argmt mundnm depcccato, eit ira Dei,Cr mdediciione jt-
^'■"^^'^•^^riiLocJNowatthcfirftrakinga Manin hand to totutneHjm unto the
X.ord,thcfpirit ol bondageby the worke of the Liwdoth teftifiennto the Soule,tIut it \i
jnavYfscched,anddamnab!efl3£e,boundovcrtotheguiltont80wn<in,and Gods fiery .
VTfath.to death and Hcll,and damnationfor ever j that fo it may be driven to lefM chriji
for rcIcareaRdpardon.ButarterthcpIantationofFaith,aadprcrcnce of thefpiritof adop-
tions it never teftificifoaga;nej bccaafc it would be an untruth. It may afterward worke
an apprchenfion,thai; God is angry 5 but not.that H eis not a Father. The hiding of Gods
faccwiuch may oftea befall His Childjthcdarkncffcofour ov^nfoirits thertfupon^which
may teWve all tbeold gUiltagaine,and the DivcU cruell preffing uponus,u?on iuch ad-
vantage$,raifctherc hideois miftiof horror Ihave inhandj&iuch ifter tempefts, which
ar€rotcmbk.Ofwhich,ourOnelywire,and AU-po/?erfalI God makes excellent uft,
both tor ourfel ires and others J andattaines thereby His owncmoftij;lo<jous,(ecri-t, and
fasredcndi asappearesinthe following Piflage, « Koh fe attfitt efi lolf dkere f»e'peceate.
^pu/(SauiriH9ntft-pHnimHrJed»t pr«^<irc/«r^ugaft,roai.p-p.j pag.1487,
'"" ' " " - -■-■- ocdinariiy'.
Part.2.Cap.8, AffiiSled ConfcieHces. 48}
ordiaarily are meerc grangers lo all alflidios of Soulc,
'and forrQW for fin. Eleventhly, Forterrourto many, j x .Toterrtfic mtnf,
who going on fecurely in their fenfuall courfcs, sr^
wonc to cry do wne all ih^ycan, the power of prea-
chin^,bycryingto their companions thus, or in the
like manner .; fVellfor dllthu^ wee hepe^ Hell is mt fa
hat, norfir.ne 'fo heavy, mr the Divell fo hUcke^mr (jad
fo unmerciftdl , oi thefe frscife Tre.uhers tvotild wAke
them,&c.'SAQ^ may (uch asthefebee affrighted, and
terrified upon this cccation, with pondering upon
that terrible Place, i Per,4,iy.iS. If judgement begin
atthe hofife vf Qod^ ivhat jh£l the end bee ofthem/hat
obey not the ^ off ell of God ? AndiftherighteoHs[4Arce»
lyiee favedr, If ©ods Children have their conCcitn.'
ccsfccrchedjas it were, with the flames of Heil,|
"^herejhdl the ungodly and the finner affeare '? But c-
veninthebottomeofthatfitry Lake, andamidftth:
unquencbable rage of thofe endlelfe flames.Twelfth- 'a.To harden foniir
lyjForthejufthardeningoffuchashatetobe refor*
iBedjandaredcrperatelyreloIved againfl tlie laving
prccifenelle ofthe Saints.It may bee in this manner :
A godly manhath lived long, amongft Rebels, thornes
and J6-tfr/j/(W/,rcorncrs,raiIers,Perrecutours j who,aI-
chough Hee hath fhincd all the while 04 4 Light ^in the
midfl of a crooked and perverfe generation ; yet they
were ever fofarfe, from being heated with love of.
heavenly things,by His holy life|pr wonnc untogood
by His gracious example: that like fb many Bats^nd
0-wles^ impatient of all fpirituall light, they did either
fiiefromic,asfarreas they could in aftcdion, pra-
dife, if not in Habitation j Or fell upon it fiercely
with their envenomed Clawes of fpite and cruelty,
toextinguifliquite,ifit were poffible, fuch blelTed
beames of laving Light ; and to darken with Hellilh
mifts of ignorance, and ill life, the Place where they
live. They wilfully blinded themfelvcs with a pcfti-
icnt conceit J That His fincerity was nothing but
_ - j^ ^ Hypocrifie
L)i
484 InJlrnSiionsfor a right comforting Seft.'j
Hypocrifie § "His holineflc, onely humoar ; His fcr-
wardneiTejPhaiitafticalneffci Hisfanftification, fin-
gularity. Aid rhere upon refolved, and Loifteioufly
combincdagainft Him. with all their policy, pur/es,
and poffibilitits jlike thofc ungodly ones, tPifd^^\.et:
nslietnseaitfor the righteous', becanfeliee is not fer
cur t fir lie, snd Hee ii cieane contrary to our dainas -
Hee upifrAidfth us mth our ojf ending theLd^, and oh-
je^eth to our infamy, the trAnfgreJJi/igs of our educAti"
t»,&c. 1 fay, now God may fufftr fuch a Man upon
His Deaths- bedj to fall into fome more exrraordin?-
ry, and markable difccmfort, and diftreflfc of Confci-
cncc: Of which thofe graceleffc wretches taking
notices may thereby bee dcfperately obftinated, and
hardaed in their lewd and carnallcourfes. For fee-
ing Godshand upon Him in that fearefull maimer
and wanting the fpirit of difcerningi they doe con-
clude moft peremptorily, that for His great fliewes,
Hecwasmoflcertainelybut .1 Counterf eite. Andfb
themfeIvcsbecoaie,uponthat occafiori, many times
more, moft implacable enemies to gracCjand atl good
ftien ; They are ftronglitr lockt up in the armcs of the
Divelljfaftcrnailed to formaUtyjOrgood-fcHowfhipi
and which is the pcrfcdion of their madncfle and
trdfciy,i>Ufeth»mfehefifi their heart s^ faying merri-
ly to their Brethren in iniquity : Im fee n<m ^hat
tbefe menare^whichm^kethemjelves fo holy^ and are
fo hot in religion : Thefe are the fello ti>es, which pretend
to ifee fo ferupuloHS and frecife : and ef that fingular
fireine of fanUtty^ that they thinke none fhall bee Javed
but themfelves^&cOfou feein thUCMan the defferate
tndsoffuch hyfecrittcail "Puritans, Thus the glory of
Gods juflice is jHftly magnified, by letting them
growftarkeblinde, who wilfully iliui their eyes a-
gainft the Light of grace J by giving ihem over to a
reprobate minde, who (o aialicioufly hated ta.bce
f^rwdj And (b tog oftciij they W^lke oa for ever
::!- l>
ParM.cap.8* Jffitled Confciexees, 48 j
afEer^ with ConfidencCj and hard»effe of hearty -which
€Anmtre^ent^m^^tt^zxm!\\ prejudicesgainftpumy,
and the power of godlincfie j unto the Pi: of Hell,
Wheteasby thcmtrcy of God, and inviolablecon-
ftancyof HisCovenant,that bicfTcd Man, by the(c
terroiirs,andaifli^ioi3sof Confcience, bdjdes glo-
rifying God in faardeniqg others, is^ as it were, the
more thorowly fitted and refined, for that glory>
which \s pi efcntly to bee revealed.
3 . Createfl hnntilntucKs dee not ever Mrgtte, and im- j.Tbjt the mofi hvieR
portthegreatefiSimers.VQtCmiKS * arenoralwayes Wed hate not alwayc*
theeaufeof our affliftions, particularly and direftlyj *><^«»«the grcateft fiat
But ibme times, fomc other Motives» tA^hroiham a^k./^^^ ». ,
■w as put untothat heavy Taske, of takingaway His ttMufLfjiBi^^/^
owne onelv dearc fonnes Iife,principally for the triall fenMu yei mflrd^-pti^m
of H is Faith : /^ WBS vifited with fuch a matchleffc ^'^'<'
variety, and extremity of afflidions, upon purpofe ^-^^'^'"^-"^'^^^e^tm/r,
to end that controveifie betweene God and Satan • mJ'"'*cdHtT tdf^*"
whether Hcq ffdred Ged for nought^ or nof Gods ^.Tert^a detUutur 2
heavy hand was fomctimesupon David, efpecially, ««^» il^tu ptttnUM ac
for the manifeftation of His innoccncy. Sec Pfal, 17. ^•f'^^'f*' Vei. Muic. in
.3. Nay our bleffed Saviour , infinitely free from j!!?:"!^'?'"'"^^"-
finne, was notwithftandmg tempted and tried by mi»especcd'nesfint„m
Satan and tlie world j that His heavenly vertues, tamen omnts affUaiones-
anddivinecxcellencies might appearc, and bee made p>^ftrptce4t»r»mmerU
more illuftricus. And Himfelfe tellsus, Map^S. '^^»t!"gfre.K4mDe»A
that the blinde man was fo borne ; neither for ji^J^XTfT;^/":^
Hisownelinne, nor ror the linnc ot his Parents 5 dlttrumin petcata^MiteS
But that the vporkes of God fiottld bee made manifefi rum in /ka„ ghrldrnj
■in Him, """ ^' l^^i^m/uMn mi
For the partici^ar I have in hand : To prevent ^l^l^f^^l^^^^Ttl
feme finne, into which H^e Icestlis Cnilde inclma- r'ummanifeftanddm.sic
ble, and like to fall 5 by reafon of fome violent occa- 4fftxit lo/efhum, i/rae^
fion, natural] propenfion,ftrongtemDtation,induftri- ^'f^ i» ^gyft»,cr€,
ous malice of the Divell to difgrace Him, and His ^'«"""» ^^•
ProfelTion fcandaloufly,&c# God in great mercy,
iJiay giv^e Him a tafte, nay a deepe draught of the
li 4 unexpreffabic
a85 InflruBions for a right comforting Se(fli»
* Now whether a Man, unexpreflable tcrEOurs of a troubled minde ^ againej
afterHecisin fiaic of that thereby, Hcc may bee taught betime, to take
mu^H«a»?rcV is njore heed, walke more warily, and ftaad upon His:
Tqueftion with feme, guard with extraordinary watchfulnefle, agaiuflthe
through their weakc- vfryfitftaffault, and leaftiiifinuation of Gmie. There
ncflcs Though if vfcc is preventing Phyfickc for prefervation of health, as •
confultwith Scripture vvell as that, when the-difeafe isdangeroufly upon--
ixrcoVc^^^^^
fiion. L«f, an the/e inthe flejh^&c. If wec Will take the interpretation-
tbiugi((MthElihft tru- of fome learned Diviucs, A wound in the fpirit, the
\y), warkf^ God often- p^^^ ^y Confcience , frejfmg him^ dorpne to the nether"
t^'^ay'^uT^Zt ''''^ ^'^^''* msfenre^thatw^s^rfiiaker^uf to thebigb-^
Uk swte from the Pit; 'fi Heavsft^upon purpofejleft Hee fliouldfwell with'
Examples arc frequent, fpirituallpridCjbecpuk Up,4W tf^<t//<?dl ahve mea-
^c^Scldttr itthii s^S^S^, PfYff^y^l^\^xht a^ftndance of reveUtions, If wee well
1 1 &l^d^'. w eighths admirable (lory, of that gracious and holy
fcrvantof Chriih Millris Brett ergh ; wee may pro-
. bablycoiKeive, that a principaUend,why thofe mofl-
grievous fpiricaallafflidlionsof Soi}le,upon Heriaft
Sed,werc laid upon Her, was in Gods /aft Judge--
OT.ei^.Cjtoblindeyet morcthofc bloody Papifts about
Hcr;andbecaufe they wilfully fhut their eyes a*
gainft that gloriousLight of true religion, which (ho
fo blefiedly, and fruitfully exprelb in her godly life •
to letthem thereby (inkc yet deeplierintc/row^ de*
tftjim; that they might fticke ftiii more ftiftely to
Popiih lies : According to that Prophecy of the ^^-
•* tichrijiiitns j. % The/.z^io.l 1. 1 1, Becanfe thej receim
vednot the love of the truth^that they might heefaved I
Tsr thi4 CAufe^ God Jhall feud them firong deluftMy tk4A
they fhouldhdteve A lie s That they all m^ght bee dam-
nea^Who be/ieved mtthe truth^d's; Which wee fed
at this day verified, with a witnefife, in Popidi Oo-
ftours, even their greateft Schollcrs; as BeUarmirtei
and other PolemicallWriter^. And therefore let us
never marvaile, that though they bee leaden with
oQi^ch learning I yet that they {l:joi4id lie egregioufly,
aiid
Fart.2.Chap.p. Affiled Confciettees, ^g^
and defend with infinite obfHiiacy,and clamour, the
Voarine ofDiveis^lhitzcoitkAHydraofH^xt^Ks, '. ^^j* «<»tnnknownc
intheirvoIummomDanghil.. Now God. ju^ge- Sorfer/^dCauctf
mentinhardningthemncrcby,asl bavciaidjwasthe hcrHusbandswCTckil-
moiejuft 5 becaafc they w^e io farre from being IcdHponHis groundyj
wrought upon, and wonne by Her heavenly conver- jj* thenighe moft bar-
facion 5 that rhcy were extt-aofdinarily enraged- a- rail timers b^ W^''^'
gainft Her goodneflc, and Profeffion o> the Gof pell, ry Pricft<no quXn)
Asappearcs,inthat, bcfidcs their continuall rayling, and Rccufams.thatlur-
and roaring againft Her, as an emisjent Light, like to Jccd tlKrtabouts. And
many furious Bedlams; they barbaroufly wreckt J^"" a lofleand fiin-
their mahce and rpite,upon the dumbe, and innocent H?m"cing Xhc Jiock
creatures, ^ bykilling, at two fcvcralltitaes, Her HchadonHisgtoundr,
Husbands Horfcs and Cattell in the night. to any purpofe. /« the
That her fiery Trialijthorow which Hiee paffcd, Mj^f^' holy life dnd
as purcft gold, into ^krabamj bofome, did thus KaTeZ'tmSf^'^
hardcnthcm,iamanifeft by the Event. For, a*. the 5, ■" '^^ ^''^ >f'*S*
reverentPen^nian of that ftory reports; ^ Thofe of * v^/WinMaft. uj^^ '
the Rcmtjh fa^ion l>mgged\ at thsHgh an Oracle had ^oftfcript to Pajpilts*
come from Heaven, to prove them CathoHcks , and
its Hercticki, Prodigious folly/ Daainable . dtiu-
Oon/- ■!-('•. .'>rj; .•■,. .li > --.. * ^t(i peft/ttuminqpii
Itisfothen,thatGod=inmsinffidine of sfflidi. ^^'/'*"'f^i^'«*t^"^f
ons doth not ever ^ aia.e atiinne, as atthe princi- tl:^:;^^^^
pall end. And yet doe- not miftake: Though Hee mgmsiu x tmtn nm
punifliesforoetiffl€S,aijd Dotfor fib ; yetTjerer K^ith- Jm^er ftuatifceM^nis
Gutfinnc ; eitherinherent> or imputed. There \z ever '^ ^' V*^^ intftttur er- ?
inatterenoughinourfinfullSou!e5,.and Bodies, and fcf^i ^ - ^'
lives,-to3tBia us infinitely. Thgotftof us brought f^klat I'^J im^Himk
withusintethiswbrld, chat- corruption, ^ which mtrita] nullum eftni^l
might bring upon as 'alUhe plagues of 'this,and the o- ^"g'*" /upptitium^ quo
thcriife:Ev'trymanhathinHimfelfe,fufficientfew- ''"" ""'"° ^jfigmar
ellforthefircofGodswcathto wo A e upon- full, if ri/A-TJS
it'plcaied hjm injuiihcero let it enframe. Asinthe dud^us. Si enimDws,
prcfenf Point of Ipirituali terrours, and troubles of fniqurtatem obfcrvaTc
-ffiindjif God fliould out cf His juft & caufefuU indig- "^ ' S"'* Tufiinebit 9
uatioDjpuuhefuii iUng butjfutoihckaft linjitwere foh^^^^L^*-- ^" "
" ~ able. — 'P'^i'^
488
J»firuSiffiHsfararigftt eop^&rting
sea,g.
able to put a mail into the vqry mouth of Hell. ( But
I fpcakc of Gods more ordinary wayes,and<iealing«
withtheSonncspf men.) And To I lay, Ged may
fometimes,for forae hiddca.and holy ends, feeoe,aiid
feeming good to His heavenly vvifedome, bring «
leffebainous finoer, thorow extraordinary horrour,
out oi' his nacurall ftate, into the goad >^aj.
CHAP. IX.
KC
a.Then conGder that
forrow of heart may be
s .From Tome prepara-i
tloas to the New-birch,
at
t. Sornt greatcrofie* ^
s.Xhfon<3 ;.H«
iL.Soi»« bodily At&m'
fat.
\Afecond 4ttd third thing to hce cenftdered for the
can of thf former MaUdiei
fGgravation of horrour is occa*
fioned ; terrours and troubles
maybeemultiplycd, and enlar<
ged in our enlargement , from
the ftate of darkenefle, and
Chaines of theDiveU,by,
I . Some precedents, and pre*
paratives, which Godfometimesin His unfearcha*
ble wifedome doth immediately premife; orfuffer to
fall out. As",
I, Some heavy croflc, and grievous afflicflion ; to
makethe power of the Law more paflable, and fall
more heavily upon our ftubborne, and ftony hearts.
This wee fee in CUa»afes, who was, as it wcre,fired
cutof His bloody, and abominable cour fes, by the
heavinelTe,and horrour ofHis chaines 5 And fo was
hmuhled greatly iefsre the God fif Hit Fathers. Gods
extraordinary angry vifitations, make men many
times cry with troubled, and grieved hearts; Come^
LetMsturHettntotheLord', Hec hath refunded w,(2^^
*. Strange terrours (bmctimesanfi'ig from exter-
nall Accidents; yea, hidden natural! caufcs ; uncouth
vifionsjandapparidonsjfullof axnawmcotand feare %
" -Bodily
Part.*. Cap. 9» t^ffU^edfianfciewes. 489
B^>dily diftefnpers I horrible injciSions, hideous
rhoi ights,&c. Whereby they are mightily affrighted
before hand, and prepared to paffc thorow thePangs
of the New- birth more terribly*
3. SomchainousandcryingfinncwhichHefijf-' j^Somegiieyoiis inJ
fcrsfbme to fall into, and immediately upon it a-
wakes the Confciencc. That Almighty Phyfition,
whoisablcto bring health out of poifon^ life out of
death ; Light out of darkencffe j Heaven out of
Hell ) may by accident, as they fay, prepare One to
converfion.by giving Him over to the heightof fomc
One, orinoe abhorred abominations, and crimfon
finnes: As wee may fee in 'Peters Hearers^ AS.t»
^aul^ mi^affety the (kfuU fVoman, Publicans and
Harlots I left to the killing of Chrifl, fpiliing the
blood of the Saints, thofe horrible outrages, extreme
fflth, extorfions, pollutions. PhyfitioDs, by rrpening
difcafes, make way to healc theia \ For ficke mattes
is never more eafily removed, then when it excec-
dethinripene(re,and quantity.
4. Lying long in ignorance, feafuaUty, and diflb- ^XongWag inkoD^
lutelife ; without profitable,aBd powerfiill meanest ranee. ^^
In this Cafe upon the fk^ awaking, and afliighcing
the Confcicnce for finne, it may bee cxpofed to ma«
ny terrible perplexities, and longer coatinaed teti^
roars. For the light of Natarall Confcience, bred
with them in their owne bofbmesi may in the meane
fimcferve to enrage, and torture ; as wee fee in many
guilty Heathens ; but there is no naturall light, to lead
ustoChrifl, and Evangelicall comforts. The com*
mandements have ground in nature ; but the myfte- -
rie of the Gofpell is wholly fupemacurall. We findc
itbymaaifoidexperieBcc^whatanhard, and heavy
Taske it is, to undertake a poore ignorant Soule,
troubled in mittdc. The Cure is many times very dif^
fi€u!t,dan|croasjandlonfg. The darkocffe of their
ignoraace; being fiow diftrcflcd in Coofci^nce, is
4i>o
^ii -.. ..iiigg.-noS,
^.S«me clrcumRances
of the Ncw-birthj
g. Sad confiitucion of
the perfon.
a.ThecviHdi(i>ofition
ofhisnatqre.
I.Hich condition of
his cihce.
4.great cxcellencic of
InfirHi^tonsfor a right comfsftiaq, Se(fl. 3 j
yery fit, and fearefuU matter, for Satan to worke i«
bidfoufly ;,and to play his peftilent prankj^s of mo.ft
grofTe impoftures, and much Heliifli ctuelty. His
malicious maine Plot againlKuchj ordinarily is, zxA
His utmoft endeavour; to'drive thetn to Selfe-de"
ilru4ftion, if • jt be poffible, before they get underftaa*'
ding in the wayes.of God j or wcecanget any com-
petent Iight,andcomfort into their conlcieiiccs.
2. Someconcurrcntcircuinftances: As,
I. The melancholik«, and fad conftitution of.
the Patty. Thatliiimaur doth naturally give extra-
ordinary cntcrtainement, and Xi\gQ to terrpuis and
fbrrowes.
3. Thecrabbcdncire,and crookedneffc of Hisna-
turall dilpofition, which muft bee tamed, and taken
downcwithmoreadoej with much violence, and
renting. An hard and knotty Blockc, muft have ar»
hard wedge. An angry word, or frowac, will worko
more with fome difpcfitions; then many fore bio wes
upon a croflcand fturdy Ipirit. Ged is here wont
fwectly, and wifely to apply Himfeife to thcfeve-
rall natures, conditions , and difpofitions of His
Children,
3> Hcightof Place, and Happincfle to have for
thislife, what heart can willi. Whereby it comes to
wfle,that men are fo deepcly drowned mfeofuality,
Epicurifmc, and earthly-mindcdnefle \ that for a
thorowChangt, they have need many times to bee
taken do wnethorowly withadccpe fenfc of legaU
terrours. ,?
*4. Excellency of naturall, or acquired Parts, and
endowments ; as wit,learning, courage, wifedomc,
&c. wretchedly abufed^nd long mif-unpolycd,upon
wrong and wicked objefts. Much adoe, many times,
and a great meafurc of humiliation, will hardly frighc
iiich vaineover-valewcrs of themfelvcs,and Idoli-
zersof tbeirownefiUfici^pcies, from (h^ir admired
Parr. i. Cap. 9» v^ffUSIed^C^HfcifMces. 491
follies. And here alfo Satan interpofcth moft furi-
oufly, and binders this happy worke all Heecanpof-
fibly. For Hee well knowe?,That,iffLichnoble,and^
worthy Parts (boald bee fandified to the Owners,
and turned the right way ; HisKingdome wouldfarc
the worrc,andHec (hculd bee a great lofer. Snffofe^
a ChrtflfAfS Prince pjould with bit jirmy ^reake into the
Tftrkesdomimen ; Tf^finU not the Tnrket fortifie thofe
Cfi-jfles be^^outof -which beingrconne^theenemj might
doe Him vtffi harme ? Se ivhom the Dive/l feeth to bet
the likebeft Ir^ftruments for the overt hniv of hi; kini*
dfme^if oytcetbey becomeTcm^lesnf the Holy (jhofly
thofe Hee is lothefttelofe^nndlabotirs mightily to keepc
in His flxveryflill. And therefore Hee oppofw with
all His power, and policy ; rayfing as many lempefts
of tcrrour,as Hee is able ;tbat He might cither drive
them backe in their Paflage to the holy Path^or fwai-
low them up into the abhorred gulphc of dcipaire,by
the way.
J, A more fearching,and piercing Miniftryjwhich ^.AmyfMrcWngMif
is ordinarily wont to awake the conlciencc with nilkry.
more terrour 5 to irradiate, and fill it with more imi-
verfall, and clearer light, to quicken it with more ap-
prehenlion } and {o proportionably, to aftect and rf-
Aid it with a ajorc fueling, and fearefuU fenfe of
Gods moft juft , and holy wrath againft fihne.
Whercuponthey become excellent, and everlafling
Chrifiians.
6, B/tingitin,as they fay, and not opening the ^r^^S «0''»«alios «(-'
wound of Confcieuce bctioaetoromeskilfulISoule- n»»»«i'^®*»
Phyiition,maybccanu'ibappy meanes, muchto en-
large, both the coiitinuanccand extremity of a Mans
fpiritualltroub'c. Shame, baflifulneflc, pretence of
wantof opportunitj'jhopetogct thorow by Him-
felfe,&c. are ordinary keycs to locke up his tongue at
luch a time. But fare I am, Satan hath a chiefe ftroke,
andprincipallpartto perfwade concealement. For
A,^2 InfiruElieKS for aright comforting S€lft,3«»
alas/ Hcc winnesbyit wofully. Alithe while Hee
plies with great advantage, and much fubtilty, his
nideous temptations to Sslfe-killi?5g j defpaire of
mercy, returning again.e to folIy,&c. And it is to bee
feared, which is a moft grievous things that fome»
cmies, by this crusll filencc, Hee conquers, and cafls
fomepoorefoul€S,upfjn the bloody, and moft abhor-
red villany of Selk-perifhmg. Let fuch an One then
beeeverlurjemoft refolutelyj tobreske thorow the
Diveisaccurredfnarcinthiskinde ; and to poureout
His Soule-fecrets betim.c, intofome faithfull holy
bofome,! have heard manyjafter they havecfcapcd,
tell what ftrangetricks, and variety of devifes Hec
praftifed, to difcourage, divert, and difable them to
difcover their ttiindes, as they purpofed 5 even whea
they were come, wirh much adoe, into the prcfencc
The CA !«. °^^^^^P^"t"3^'Phyfition.
ttids for wilich^God ^' The ends to which Godprepar^s, and fitsfomc
. calls men, which occa- .^Y their fore travaile, in the New-birth, and longer
fiongreater fortow w languiiliing under His vifiting hand in this kind.God
fomcvvhoarc, may purpofc foasctimes in fuch cafes:
for Gods o^fe"^"''" I. To 8 imploythem,asChriftsmoft.refoIute,
8 Godj Children arc afidundan»edChampions,in more worthy fervices.
bruifed Keedcs before Inmauaging whereof, remembrance of their havi'ig
their converfion, and bccnc oncc, as it werc, in the mouth of Hell,and fcor-
often-tjmes after: Be- ched with flames otterrour, ferves as a continuall
tore Coavcrfion . all. ^ ,. . ^1 1 ,, j^
C except fuch ac bcin^ ^P'-^''^^» ^''^ incentive unto them, to doe nobly, and to
brcdupintheChurchI fupply chem, bom timeto time, with mighcineflfe of
<5odhatb delighrcd to courage, height of rcfolutionjandemincncy of Zeale,
(hew himfclfe gracioHs in thofe glorious wayes. As wcc may fee in thofe re-
»';«?; a,*"^ no«ne<ip.llar, of the Church, AM«,Ln,h,r,^c.
degrees, as God feech ^ "^ "^g^r and greater tbebHildwg 14^ the deeper mujt
xnaet.i and as diffe- the foundation ifee/atd in the earth,
rence is, iu regard of
temper, p-^rts, and minaer of life • fo Gois intendment of imploymcnt for the
time 10 cooie : For ufually hee empties fuch of themfclvcs, and makes thena no-
thing, beioic il«« wiU ttie tns^ in »ny great (crvrecs. l>9^or S^blns, Braiftd Rttd,
■Part.i.Cap.9. ty^fftiUed.Confciences. 493
z . To make them afterwards of excellent iifc, and jXomfoKcw to t^
fpeciall dexterity, out of their former experience, to **"*i?'?J
fpeake unto the hearts of their Brethren, ready to
finke into the fame gulphe of horrour, and danger of
^efpaire joutof which) the good handof Godsgra-
ciciisprovidence,hathby fuch, andfuchmeanes, fo
mercifully pulled, and preferred theai.' The fame
keyes, which did open the locks, and ioofe the fet-
ters, which Satan hungupon their heavy hcartsjmay
happily undoethofe alfo, which Hee hath faftened
upon the^bufes of others,
^. Torenderthemtothe Church, as remarkable lEsampIes of mottig
Precedents,andMirrourscf mortification, Selfc-dc- ^^atio^;
nialijheavenly-mindedneffe, and holy walkins with
God; forotherstok^okeupoD, and imitate, Mind-
fulneffeofthcirformerwraftling with the wrath of
Godjdefpaire, andthehorroursof Hellj makes them
for ever after, more roindlefle of earthly things, wea-
ned from the world, ftartling at every appearance of
ivill, greedy of godlineflejConverfing in Hcav-en,cx-
celicnt Chriflians indeed. Maftcr lehn Glover, aftei;
fivcyeares horrible afHidionsof SoHle, was framed
thereby,faith Mafter Foxe, to fuch mortification o£
life,^s the like lightly hath not been feene; in fuch
jfort,as Hee being like one placed in Heaven already,-
and dead in this World,led a life altogether cdefUallj
fifCs Sec ui^ and O^onftments^fag^i 8 8^5
CHAP.Xj
4^4
In^ruEiionsfor a rtaht comfomncr
Sc£^,j,
CHAP. X,
The fcmth and fifth eonftderntion rvhich belongs U
the third -vpay of Coring the former. Afaladj, Z^lji
the fifth heloe font hy Advice^ ^
4.TbenconGdcr what a
is reqaircd in repen-
tance.
N found Contrition, and favlng Re-
pentance, let us for tlie prcfenE
rake notice,
OF, firft, a fcafible fmart, and
a iguiGi cf the heart. .Secondly, a
^ diffike, hatred, and averfion in
>• ^uamyU re(tfiifijetaM.
doloretnfemperfecum 4d-
ferat de PccutU frxte^ w—w^** -- - amii , . ,
yitiszypraftntil>M-yno}i tbcWill, Thirdly,a change of the miudc, lilighte-
tarn frofri^ tamcn *nt ned,andnow enabled to giv£ ftronger reafons out of
tffentuuter tonfliif in Gods Bookc, love of Chnft,&c. againft any flnne,
't^7,. ZZZt then carnall rcafon, the Divell Him(clfe, or the dr un-
in fimo pfopefito- i>eKi Kcndoquencsor Hisoid Good reuow companions
/yo/e^fwii.Amosv.14, caniliggdltothe contrary. Fourthly, an univerfall
ly.Odio habcte ina^ bppcrition,ahdconrtaat endeavour agaiijft all man-
\Zl.Vit!!l^^u^: her ofimquity. Fifthly, an hearty foriovv, that wee
"""' ' " "* arc not more forrowfull.
Now, fay I, If thou fhou'deft not Feele in thine
ticartthac ftirrmg griefe, and violent renting, for
thofe many rebellions, and horrible filth of thy
-naugbtie htiart, and former wicked life, which thou
. hcaitily dcfireft 5 their hainoiafncfle exads at thine
ha«ids,and many lefler finners, then thy felfe have
por.SaiiBj8i.c3p lo. ^yu^.d ;_y£tif thoufindeit an iinfaincd hatred, and
/wflXm""'^^"" ' difpIeafednefreinthyWiIljafettledrcfolutioniti
* If ihoubctruIy,and thy minde jawatchfullttsiving in all thy waycs, a-
-unfainedly gr.cvcd for gainft all finne ; true "^ gcfcfe, becaufe thou artiioc
this^thatthoucaDftnot moregricvedi Thouart^oynomcanes to cafl: away
thy confidence, or bee difcotnforted therefore, as
though thou wer't not truly converted : but onely be
advifed,aiidfakc occafion thereupon, to \yalke more
humbly
AmefiusMcduU.The
ol«lib.i«cap.z6. Sed*
And V¥hat fuffices.
' Kc»»otent ptccatdprtt-
urk*»finonpUient prx'
/e»/M.Augufi:.De tem<
bee grieved, thy humi-
liation il23ll bee accep-
ted. PerkmSiCdfe of Corf
Fair.* 'Cap. ro« Jff.iti€dConfcien€es. ^55
buiTibly before thy God : v,'ith fynccrity and con- f^/^z. tioUdt qu-iqtti^c
O2.iicy,toopporca!l things which may hinder; and rj'^^f;*'My^ Diumef*
purfue all mcanes, chat they may further the fl^ore ^^i::}/:!:';t!::^
Ifindly melting of thine heart, lenlibk forrow, and fape nttweriemtn fit,ut
htarty mourning over Him, whom thou haft focru- Deo magis pUctaty &
elly ptercedmth thy youthfull luftj, and aboHiina* f^'^^^i^t^ttiiMi^ttre^eep
^ "L ^ ..'»;^i.!i eMtrit»ntyaut deveiunf,
" • ' ^4m fei-tire conmtium
_. ntvf 4ut deyotionem:
'^uidyelie hah'if & HO}i h>ihere genirdtdfJiiSfltlumiirdU : Tt4quedole, ettr^/fere tihiipftjM-
qpt 4lan,mtyihm te iutlic>ty o^Uid ftctayertt ^tt quhd roit dol(4s qUMfjHwdeifOi D c ConloTafcj
pufillan. jd d«hr(!*t contmiovii, fertmtetiam hoe deiertt cjuhdntn ff^mntm deftccAteJtk'
iisdoUrt, Eein,jho ftcciiornmmn faiiiet txputgnitudi^y ftsfticUiUii et txerito c«Ktittior.k,
fed excheaientM ei f4ti!f^liier,cch)-illitjide afprehtvfa. Chtmn ExamiDe Contrit. T>efe^
Buf trtfinU^ahtdcUriiinappctitH feujitiyo^nontji certtcm mdicimn it^fgrnttKiia^ muhoque^
winiii defeBHsbihrymdrtim. NftrnftimhAcyhlttiinreliinUte pt ifotiflak/qHtniotitdppttii MS
fenfitrvie^^erceri : ^uod etum fafs fj, >f/, i. fropttr fmftti ^Itoqui hel^etudimm -^ yel z«
.frfpter fpirituaiem dtle&ammm^ ^UAf» exdty'tndcmumpLitienein fp/oetiemdoi'-re depttidtit
quavdoquc homo ftrcmt^&c^umetUm faltitAte ejijfrtfsiimtintifitmiiui hmn/mtiifiii*
fiitt4mtquantutN emit fajjunt^in fejeexcitaie,
5, Left any true-hearted Chnftian, lying in no fin y.Thcn con/T<Jfr theft
dgainftconfcicnce, and labouring fyncerely tcpleafe »efcmbianccg ©f,
Godinall things, fheald bee unneceffarify troubicd
and dcjed^d with flavifti tcares and j c!oufies,left He
bee not truly turned unro God j beciuie Hefeeles not
fnHimfelfe, that boy fterous, vehement converfion,
that extremity of pangs, and horrour in the New-
birth, which (omerimes are to bee fourvd in {bmco-
thcrs ; Let Him p-Snder upon thefe refenriblances :
1, Thou may ft have thy Byle, or Botch, opened ,.APiIeinoh;«jpene<i
with thi Point of a Needle-, whereas another Man withaNecdlc inano-
<*iiduresthcflafhingof a SurgecnsLancerjyetif ;hc thcn»»«haXanc«r«
;COrrupiio;3,and putriF.ed mectcr bee let out by this
eafiermeanes,and thy {eifetheifcby thorowly cured,
I hope tlwahaft no ^reatcaufe tocomplaiiie. It may
bee io in the prefect Point.
2. Two Soiines arc punilhed for their offence; lj,^"j/^*** ''**|'"
The piie,cries, and roarcs,and takes on cxtraoidina- ^,^^^^1 Ti^oiist
rily : The Other wakes no great aoilt, but refolves mends but roaxegaot,
ikk filcntly
4p5 , Jnflru^ioHS fsr 4 right comforting St^, i
filentlywithHin[ifelfc,andinfynccnty,upon a new
coiirre,as well as the former: Is not the change and
reformation of them both equally welcome, and ac-
cepted of the Fatherj who onely airats at,and expcfts
their amendment 2
T. One Malefaftour 3- Two Malefa^ors equally guilty of h{gfe trea^
pardoned before his fon ; both apprehended their dagger ; acknowledge
conQcmnation,another that they are Utterly undone i hold thcmfelvcs for
juftatthcumpof €xc- ^cadMen^&c. To the One a Pardon cptacsi n.otycc
.'.S*y?Oi caftjcondemnedjor cairied to the Place of executi-j
on : To theother, ready to lay dowae His head upon
thcBIockc I There is great dift>rcnce in alfh^ely-
hood of their tcrroursand dcjc(5lioas : But they have
equall parts in the Pardon^ and both their lives are
faved,
* 4:One Seafaring man 4' Two Men are arrived at their wifhed Port :
" broHght home With a The One was tolled with many roaring tempers,'
tempcft another with and raging Waves ; The Other hath a reafonable
fffienil^yvinie.,- ^almc PafTage : Howfoever, they now ftand both
ftfe upon the Ihore, and have both efcaped dcftrudli-
onanddrowninginchat great mcrcileile devounng
Gulfe*
lfd"*«i;lorr: S- SuppofeaHm de.dfor fomed,y«, and the™
living and walking a- revived jHepcrceivesHisGhaJigcwitha WitncfTes
mong the dead. An Other IS not (o, bat H imfeUe oneiy alive, walkes
Thofewhoarefohap. aoiongfta multitude of dead men ; Hee alfo m^y
py asby thebcnefitof ^^^^^^^ enough fee the difference, and both acknow-
; ^dly family, goodc-v^age,andpriifeGod tor HisUte*. .
, ^ucation under pow- • :
erluUm«neSshaveneve|:cntred iiponasiy BOtoriou^eiTci but by Gods blefilag upon
thofe nneancs have fuckt in grace in thci r younger year e$, as is faid of Ttmothy ; And luch
alfo, as after a prophanc cout/chave bcenc curnedanto God, foracwhat more eafily,tilera
ordinary; And io bothcomplaineof the want of that teftimony of teiriblc Pangs in
thcirconverfion.which.they hcareothcrstalljcofj yet Ifayj beTJig now upright hear-
ted, and in the fea/yPa/fi ,- they may take comfort by comparing tlierafelves withj
and caxliog their, eyes upon- a world of unregeneratc people about, chcmj. from
which by the, nvsijcics of God, ihey differ as ferrc , as living Men frosn a
number ^ of ^ s?i^?9 ^?4 ^?^"**'^' » snd fo ^y afiure thsmfeivcs of iound-
Part .2 .Cap. 10, Ajfli^ledConfciences, j^9j
Yet for cortclnfion $ Itc all thofe who have paffed ^*^^ *'y advifed wli«
thorow the Pangs of the Ne w-birth, not io terribly , ^^H^^^^ onT""^^
but more tolerably, efpecially, having becTi formerly j,]^**^* ^ "
notorious; takecounf€li,andbeeadvifed,to ply aio/c i, t© continue thcit
carefuily,the great and gracious works of huiniiiati- humiliation.
en Mltohfim^h themfehes in the Jiaht of the L&rd^ "* AlmefiDcu/yhumi^
yetmote and more untothdr dyin« day; " The 'H/H^T^^il^t
huiBbkftChriftians are ever higheft in favour, and myiUehHmtiis ft.uag^
neereft in tarniliarity with Almiglity God. They are, nd myfign4,fr4tres,De»f
as ic were. His fecond royall Throne, wherein Hee >^''»' <""*»'* ^ft ♦ ^'''5*
fweetlydwdlsanddaights. S-e/>.57.ic. and(>(J. 'J.er«.« ,//«« M;.^yj
1.2,-PM34i8.and5i.i7. And they are alfo of the ^f/fW«, Auguft in
filoft fweet, amiable, and in-offenfivc carriage a- Pial.34. 1 DdmelDyi^e,
fnongO: the people of God. Heare that excellent InHiTreatifeot rc^
* Artiftin the fp irituall Anatomy of mans deceitful! pc^fance op.j.
heart : Humilidtion is the procurer of all other gfaces, '^' ^*
♦Godrefilleth the proud, and givtth grace to the
humble. — iy^nditts the preferverof grace procuredm
t/^nd therefore cem^ared to AJlrong foundation, up-
hoiditig thi Buildiag agai^j} the force of winde and
^iAther, Oiielythgfe ,p-e4mes of grace held out, that
f,oTve out ' of the troubled JFomtatae of a bruifed fpi^
rit.i^H unhnnihled Proje^our qHick/j fiarts hacke^ €-
. ven tu a hroken Egge , or ^hef-nut leases out of the
prn Grace ts fto ^here fdfe, but in A found and honefi
hjiart* Now^onelphe humble heart is the' honefi heart*, Hof^eHeorinte^rHm'tHht
bnelja rent and broken hearty is a "^hole and found ^ ftjopm*
heart. The drofe ca^.not bee purged out of the gold^but
hy melting, ^rooked things cannot bee firaightned, but
' hj wringing. Now kumiltationis tbat which yprwgs^ and
melts »i 5 and makes us efdroffie^ pure ; of crooked^-,
firaight and upright j andfo/ound, durable, and perfs"
vering ^hrifUans,
And letthem conflder and examine, wherhft nee- ^ Tocorfidfrwliarc2
leaof tmsholyend.ayour, I now exhort them to, ^^^f ^'^ "' F^^-^ ''J ^J^'s
may not bring upon the^ much fpirituali mifcry r "oaTcm^^ "^
JV^hethwthey aaay noctherefore, be the rather expo-
Kk ^ Icdj
49^ hfirnBrnnfor a right comforting Seft. 3'
x.Vcxing doubts, led j FirO, To many irkfome intr ufions of very vex-;
ing doubts and ftares; andfoiiethifigflivifh q'jcfti-
onfngs of the truth , and foundneffe of their con vcrfi-
i,Dcadaffeaioa«^ on all their life long. Secondly, To much deadnefTe
ofaffc^ion and hftlefnefiTc 5 many dampes and di'
ftempers in the performance of holy durit Sj ufe of
i?!*^«"ittpfl€^, tht Ordinances, and religious cxrrcifes. Thirdly,T6
greater variety of CrofiTes, and a heavier hand upon
their out ward ftatcs J purpcfely to bring the eye of
their Confcicnce tolooke backs more heavily, and-
with heartier remorfe upon the loathfcmcnelTe ^n<i
^Eafincffqof backc- fifthof their youthfuUfl^lIv.F^^arthly, To more eafi^-
- "*S ■ nefle of re-entry and farpriie, by the afTaults, and vogi.
finuation of old (innes in their unregenerate time, e-i
fpecially thatof the bofome 5 which is an hcniblft!
Thing. For the leffe fianes are forr owed for, the £00*
ncr doe they re-infnare us with their fen^uall delight,,
5,FooU& opijii jn5., andre-poUate with renewed A(fls. Fifthly, To the
entcrtainementatlcafl, for a time of uncomfortable .
andicandalousgiddin£flc,andfome Phanta/licallTe-
ncntsof new and naughty opinions; which many
times fearefuliy infed our chicfeft City i and fomc
proud companions^ and ignorant Lozcis there, and:
dfc-where,areevcrrcadytoIayhold upon : whom/
you may 01 dinarily difcerne b- cheir Lucif erian pride j :
and iewd Tongues, to the gre^t hurt, and hinderancc
of the power of godlineiie, holy obedience to the
bleffed Law of God,andhjmble walking with Himj
if any willbe fb miferablcand mid> as to liften to
fuch petty and paltry traih, idle and cheating
di€2itMS^coHtrarytothe doEfrine which they hAvelenr-
ntd, or (bould have learned ; (f n thefe fellows- were
never wellcatcchiied j) if Profcflburs will bee C6*^
dren ^\\\,toffed toaud frOt Andcai^rted about vith rue-
ry made ofdob'irinf^^y the jlnght of ^JHen^ and chh-
mttg craft inejfe^ xfbertby they lie in tt^»/ to deceive:
^l^tuds Gdd forbid- f o{ if itbee poOijlc^ that any
Part.i.cap.ii<
j4ff,icled Conferences,
499
true heart bee entangled, I hope Hee will quickly in
celd blood, dif-infnareHimfelfe. Asthefe Tfire-jer»-
^/thcmfclvcsarcordinarilyvcry fupcrficiall inMi-
mftcriall abilities 5 fo, for the moft part, their difci'
pies are oneiy the /W^/^'L'rrg/w/, and unfound Pro-
fcflburs of the Places , thorow which they paflfe.*
Sixtly, To danger ofc fome future grievous defertion, ^.Grievous fjcfertlatt*!
extraordinary temptations;orre'vifitation with farre
greater terrours then they tafted^at their firft turning
into the wayes of God,&c.
CHAP. XI.
The pmth Uf^^Udiffo Tvfo cattfes of thU Uifd*
Udin
nN a fourtli place,! come 'to fpirltu-
al/defertian^ which puts the Ghri-
flian, for the prefent, into a mofl
o darkc and difcoioifortablc con-
dition, I meane , when the moft
wife God, for fome holy ends fee-
ding good unto Himfclfe, retires for a time 5 and
With-holdsfromthehearrof hisChilde,the lighc of
Hiscountenance,the bsames of His favcur,and fewfe
^f Hislove ; Whercuponthough the toot offpiritu-
ai llife,the HabiteofFaith, and fundamental! power
of ralvation,andeternall fafety^remaine ftil\,9nd furc
iaHisSoulejnevertobe Ihaken, or prevailed again{f,
no,nct by the very gates e/Hell, or concurrent forces,
and fury of all the powers of darkneflc j yet for the
ticne.Hecfindes and fccles in Hin>fclfe, a fearefull
deprivation, and difcontinuanccof the fe€!ifag,and
fruition of Godspleafcd facei cxercife of Faith j
pVdofi of finnej inward peace § joy in the holy
^h >'^>cheercfuinc,^ein wci-deing,and godly duties^
■&i|^ -3 coafideiat€
The fourtli n& of ^>
ritualldefercioa
• TenUtiodtfertiomefi
tmnifim gr^yj^ima i &
dictftUtfHfpeuliogrAtkti
agon couftteMtu^anxie^
t*s ittferriAiis . Alft,
Thcolog. Caf. Cap.jta
tfittm inftftf^hMm,
5^0 ^ InfiruSlwis f&r 4 right comforting Sc^,9
confidence in prayer ; affunince of being in a faving
F Bat how is it poffi. ftgtc&c.So thatHeemayjadge P HimreIfe,tohave
bifjthat Ke ftiould en- been formerly an Hypocrite j aad for tb« prefent, can
icrtaineany fach con- very hardly, or not at all, difference and diftinguifli
ccit^fithHcebiowes His vvofull condition, from thatof a Caa-avvayTThis
5^ecauftsofdefmi- ^^cret and wondcrfull worke of fpirituall dcfertion,.
09, ' doth God much exercife and praftife upon His
V - ^ i— ^; Children,in many Cafes, for many *i Caufcs.
V ' ' -^ ■■ y I, Sometimes upon a rC'enrnarcment in fbmefe-
fomcVofomTlX '" fecretborome-Iuft> which was their Darling andde-
;}f~-^^-^~'.. light, in the dayes of their rcbelh'on : Relapfe into
in His ownc confci- which, Satan labours indiiftrioiifly to procure, with ,
«nce,that He bath for- much adoeby all his Devifes ; For Hee gaines grcat-
of"!rfil^ne 'rSoi^'f ^ FcrfofheNew-.Convert, confideringin
thcmjandhbottredto cold blood what Hee hath done, may bee caft upon ^
pUnfc, God in all fiich complaints as thefe : Alas.' what have 1 done
thingt' i infallible
IsotesofaNewMan? ^»yw. In height, and he? tc of temptation, Hee may thinkeg
tb?t all the good Hee did,wasin pride and Hypocrifie; So did M.P. and that Hcefcr^
fcore finnc,onclyioifl.vviflifeare: So did G,^« And yet the darkencffcof Hishor-
rour and crrourdifpeiftjHeccomcsagaincro Himfelfe, and fees deerdy, that though
Withmachweakenefle,yet Heedidboththe oneandtheotherinfyncerity : as did both
thefeblefledSaincJof God afterward. 1 Seean heapcof thcmcoachttogether in Aum
guflin: $ed nttmtM^O fftnj4y ne de/peres, ne txijiimti te contcmni^ ft pdulifper tiln fu£>'
trdblt /ponfits faciem fuam. Ovmia ijia tooperantur ti^i ia bonum, & de acicj[u,&receJJ»
lucrum AcquiriiiUbiyenit,tilfi& recedit^ Kenit ad con/oUtianem^ ret edit ad cauteUmytie
Wdgnitudo con/olationu extoUat tCy ne ft ftm^er Apud te fu fptuf^y incifiae contemnere /»• -
daUss&bMcc$nttnii4myi[it<itionemnon)am^rAt'u4ttributttffedtiatHrA, Hancduttm ■
iratiamtui >«//, & qnando yult/ponfutf attrihHt,MU jure hxrediimo po^idetur, VuLm
pare pYOterhium efly qftdidnimiafdmiUafitat p4rit eontemftum, Kettdit crgjo ne forte ni^
tnii 't^idttttt t9mentnatnry& diffens mtigis dtfideretur, dejtderdtut ayidms qu^ratttr ; diU -
auxjittutaMdemgrdtiusinyeHiatur. PrAtetea qux ejipire/ens yittt? ^£ refpeffu faturdglo-
rtA^qti^reyeUhitiirmnoyis^AnigntaticaeJii quamtiuncex fArtecognofdmrn. NdmhUctyi-
tdttmmanentemmnhnhemmifed inquirimm futiiram. 7^ ergi exiUumdeputemm pro pd^
trid, arrham pro prct^ tirmnd-^y^mt fponftn, & recedit y'tcif^im, uutic eanfoldtionem dfereMSf
nunt untyeffum ftdium n-jfirumi* infirmitdtetn comntutans. Tanlffper nos penmttit gn^arej
auam/>*<iy*f fft> &^nteqtidm pleue featidrntct ,fe ful'tr<ibit\ & itd audft dlii expA^H fuprd
jMyoUtdnSiproytcatnoj <idyolandttm : qm^ Seaty Eeee fid, am .gH^k^k,jttmd»ltti :fed ft
yuitiipltnif*tHrartbkcdulcedine, currhe pt^we in odorem »ngm»toium wearunty haicntes
furfumcordd, nbiego ptmmdextraDtipdtriSy ubi yidebttfimtinoiipir fpetidumin anigmdtt^
fedf^cle adfaekmi&ubifUnigdtid(bfn»ryeJirHm,&g*ttditmye^r(mnefH9t»lletdy9itff»
3;om.i>.p,2.pagVy
!♦ now?
Parcl.Cap !!• jiJfUaed Confciences* j6|
now i This peftilcns old polliitionjwhichfowofully
wafted my confcienec in time paft, hath fcarcfufly
re-inFcftednaynt^vly wafhedSoule: I have againe.
Woe is mc ! fallen into the abhorred Sodome oT this
foole finnc: I have grieved that good fpiric, which ^'"''•" ' ^'^'r • "-
waslatcly come to dwell in aiee : All the former ^*'*"' ^^«^««*5.
homours charge afrcfli upon ray hcait, ftoai which ..
I was happily Treed, even by fome glimpfcs of hea-
venly ;oy: I have wretchedly letgoe my hold j loft
njypea-ejhrokemyvowes, and bleifed communi-
on with my God,&:c* Ah.' wretch that I am, what
(liallldoef And thereupon may fall upon a tedcipta-
tron of returning to His dif-avowed fenfuall De-
lights jout of this conceit, AsWell everhoteSy as over
Jhooes : Doe what I can,! fee I can never hold outj&c.
Or Hee may plunge into this fiavifli {)erplexity: I
darenotgoetoQodjIhavcufedHiia lb villanoufly
after fuch immcafurable kindnelTe> and provoked
t\\t eyes of hii glory ^^Nkh fuch prodigious impurity,
after I was purged ; I dare not fall againe te gocd-
fcllowfhip and former courfes, left I draw foinc rc-
jiiaikcable vengeance upon mec in the mcane time,
and beecertainely damned, when I have done: So
that Hee can neither take picafure, upon the right
hand, or the left : Or, which is moft for my purpofe,
and that which the Divell fpecially defires, God
therefore may hide His face from Him, and leave
Himto thcdarknefieof HisownefpiritjfothatHc
mayfor alongtimewialkc on heavily, ftarke lame,
in rerpe£^ of thofe comfortable fupporters of the
Soule J affiance, hopCjfpirituall joy, peace of Confci-
enec, fcnfeof Godsfavour,boldiiciTein His wayes,
courage in good caufes, delight in the company of
theSaincs,&c. Such adampealfo, anddefertion may
come upon the Soule, efpeGally after a Fall into Ibqic
new, open, fcandalous finne 5 whereby not onely
their owne Confcienccs within are grie vouly woun-
~ "" Kk 4 " " dcd^ '
^^^ i^firnUions far aright contorting Seft.3
dcd J but alio for their fakes andrinne,the Profcfijon
of Gods truth abroad fcandah'zed and difgraced ; the
common flare of goodneflcquelHoncd and traduced,,
^he heait and glory of Chriftianity hurt and diftai-
XU F^'"'** '"*"' ^"^"^ ^" ^^"^ dealt with in Gods juft fudge-
♦ImcanejHeebeiag ^cnt , after Hi* ino;>ftrous and * matchlefle foil.
%d«d«arc Ciui4c, ^^^ gpo^J Spirit had richly crowned His royail
heart with abundance of fanftification aad purity ;
and hadgracioufly filled Him aforc-rime, with the
fruits andfcclmg thereof J and thereupon many hca-
venlydf awcs,no doubt,of fpirituail joyes, had ma-
ny times fw€ttly refreOied His bJeflfed Soulc : But h^
thehainous fcandaloufncffeof His hateful I fall. He fo
gricvedthatgood Spirit, and turned the face of God
from Him, that Hce had neither feace of the com*
fortsofibeone,noroftbcfavoiirofthe other. The
JpjritBaIIIifeofhisS6ule,theeyeof His judgement,
light of confcienccjlightfomneffe in thpholy Qhoft*'
and the whole grace of fanaificauon, were fo wa-
tt]ed,daze|cd,coiifoHnded,Wcakened,rak€d u/iderthe
a{hes,as it were, and rtmne into the roote -, that hee
fpeakcMsifHehaduttcrlyloftthem.andfo ftoodin
5. In hnft.^^ J I ^^i ^ "^,^ infufion,and creation th£reof,7'M5i.
l':u7f^SZtl ;^^:f "tbytheway conccivearight of Dw/ fpf^:
femper fermanft Spirit '?*" condition ac thistim?: Thongh inhisowncfec-
tw:JHxts^u4fJ4myeri «"g.and prefent apprchcnfion, Hee fo complaines
receff^rHsyenif,& ytn. andcricsoutfofa Ncw creation, as though all were'
yiZZiur!!! A §^"^5y«evenwhenHcwasattheIoweft,aad worft
Srtjf:?;;^ ^^eSouIeandfubftance,thatI may fo fpeakc, of fa!
tur, UuBh, Sfirttm in ^"!f ' S/ace and f al vation did abide ftiil rooted, and
tUsierum fuwum torit^ refident i:\\As heart. Which once cmplantcd by Gods
t'ZTHt'mZ}. """"'P™'"' """"full hand, iaanhumbie S<«le,
SV'^fc 'e'X'^L"t""::-^*^r^' '!' °- ■^'■""^ "'fm-niuhru.iH. .
^.Z,e,,T! .1, I r "I "" I"''"' '' l"'"" f-xl" "- t'"», S,m,u .
.2.
anc)
S^rt.i.Cap.ll. ty^ffiiMedConfciences* joj
andtakingroote, it there ftickes faft for ever, farre ,
more unmovcabie- then a thoufand C^<>uni Zions, oa thTfame Thwmc!
The ^ bloffomesjbudsaiidfruitsjnayfometimcsbe inPwmCafc
foulcly cankered, as it were, by our own corruptions; e/ >V ^ 7im fxt*
fhrewdfy nipt by thefroft of fomeearthlyaflFtftionsi Kpoy /u^AAg/g aaAcu-
blaflcd by IJharpertempcfts of Satans tempratjon* : S^r*^, dXA' t-x«i cV«
But the foundation ftandetb fure, groimdcd> and «Tcx«jiKVaTAj;Ti»-
founded upon the uucliangeable Nature of God, and jMctrct ^ 7Ti<;tu$
immutabiityof Hiscoanfell J and therefore mauger xccv ra pii)^A tipi^%
the malice of ali, both mortall and imaiortall rage, 70 miufjA rSl^m*
there IS ftill Hfc in therootej which in due fcafoa ftd^onoft (^m* h it"
willfpringout againe, aud grow up to tverlafting ^*S>»; % *^k iMj/Vfrt
lift. a 7nm ay.Rcgavi du
To the prcfent inftance : All purity, and cleannefle ^" chnfim^ut non^tficU
of heart was not utterly exiinguiflit and abolifiit in ^^M-» ff<^ ^tfi tnint
I.* SomelittIe,and leaft, was left, which deicrico, finne. ■
aud difcovercd thofefpots and pollutions of filihi- '^ — *— — -v ' ^ •'*
ndle and impurity, which had lately cvcr-growne foflp^ulo loncuticndsts
it. For grace dircoverscorruption,noc nature. A fen- '^i„ffj-'^["'£^f!^''
Gbie complaint of ha rdneffe of heart, and an earned y]Tjelu*JetHrlTrHy7n.
delireafttrfoftneirejisaSigne, that the heart is not tas in/tdtAntU^ [For
wholly hard: A fyncerecrying out againfl impurity, 7rnviA9.is here more
and hearty, endeavour after purity, argues the pre- tralyjaad properly rcnj
feaceofthe purifying Spirit. p .
2. And how was this holy ejaculation, Qreate in *' "'"*
we acleanebeArtfi ^ed ; andreney?a rtghtfptrit with- ^tcdymMJ,thenfp:ri*
z«zwf<?, created,.* but by the Spirit of grace and/up- tm, as it is ordinarily
flfcattons ? Which bleffedfanaifying Spirit, was all "^n^^ed ] t^minra^
the while rooted, and rcfident in D^i^*^. heart, by a %]^l!!j„^'^'^:J^^^^^^
TiitM,htcefiyKe»fote(ititnefeJeJiatet,}ljems efi j ititus */? yiriditasin r<r^r<e. Auguft,'
' M<*'~fiJ}eScmcr\DtiinDayiiieiMpoireii//a tefiatttmfiat: id enim fufcitattcm K^thdnii
tmciotie : Tu yir file mertff ; mcx ettm in ionf(fiion(m crtmink^doloriii & refifificntJAfrorum'
fere, & erLiUwdre feat : Peccavi* Malum feci : MilejeicmeiDe'asfecundummagnitudi*
nem miferationum tuatum id femtnprec/itur fii>imnauferrii Spiritam tuam fandamnc
auff ras a me : Erge fpmtHm fanSium non amijerat femtHJ, quoad tmnU dond-.a/iejuinecittt
free4riintcre[ipi/ier€ potKijfet. PareusadverfusBellar. Dcamilf grat.& ftatpccc. Lib.i
Cap.y.DavKlihcaruoBWriotprayforcicaiincfiCjifttwcre, notfomcwh«clcane,£'l?/^^
faWng
jOA Jftfirft^iotts for a right comforting, Sz&,^z
faving exiftenoe there 5 tbough not fo fully by an ^f*
fediia!roperation,andcxercire. Divines, about thw
Point,con(iderj FirftjTbsiafinite/free, ande:ernatt
:: love and favour towards His Childci with which,
whom Hce loves once, Hee loves for ever. T^f gifts
and cAlitngof God', that isy as beft Interpreters afl
firme, the<3ifcsof effcc^uall calling, cfteds of His
-^ . - - , free ^race, arc fuch as God never r^;v»r^;^<y^ or ta-
■^r^rSZT/&7eZ kcthaway. Secondly,His fanaifying Spirit, which
iramwintHs ttrmituf, Hce givesuntoHim. Thirdly, The habits 6f graces
jtrit pgeilk decUrat, created in his heart by thatbleffcd Spirit, juftificati-
Tuncfrgbtuptex corde on, regeneration, adoption. Fourthly, The feeling
f/tufJTlr-!r*t1 exercircs,and Aasofthofe graces, with many fwcct
cantei filtos tton penitUt ^^^ glorious refrcOiiogs ot fpiritiaall ;oy iprmging
dbi]citymHodity»oitabdi' thCnce. Thethrcc firft, after wee bee once Ghrifts,
4dt etemtnis ^o6gcr/(2. are oursforcvcr; " Thelaft,iiiaybeerurpended,and
/ " . -/^^ s furceafeforatime.
JiS^ " * ^^°''*- 3. By wayof interpretation, inthe latterpart of
■»>~^i^.^^ ~^^ the verfcHee calleth the * (jeation of the grace of
Je4'e4fiigatio»'ii>fuiHyi^ Sancflification in his heart, a reuouatiofj, andrajfing
.■dmrevoc4f,corri£it, re- thereof to the fame decree , Vcbereiffit was in former
4.Noi to take away ^' Hec cries unto the Lord j Not to take Hli holy
the Spirit from him. Spirit from Him^verCii, hnd ^ thcreforethatblef-
*'~""~-v— — '— ^ fed fpirit was not gone. It were very abfurd and in-
toncUmionk fenfum ^ congruous, to dcfire the liot taking away of that
^J^SS"^' thing,which wee have not. Heecertainely hath the
rm'BAternnenMhocfActt^ut flium ^rayiter delinqventem mex d«mo diminsttexhxreiem
faciat : quxmo minta id pAter calefiis fueit filiyi ques Ante jAfld^nunJifMndarnenta in Cbri^
fio elegit^ ddoptayit ? Par Ibid.Sed:. Ad tertium .] A Creattng, to fpcake properly, is to
iftakc of nothing : fiiit is ufcd here improperly, the Prophet fpeskcth according to His
ownc feeling, and prefcntjadgemrntotHimrclfe, as though Hee had loft all, and had no
goodneflc in Uimfclfe, No doubt the Prophctsheart was in part clcanc, though not fo
muchasHecdefirqd.E^iJj'./^/i. ^ £t Spiritum faftum tuum nc aufcras a me ] Eflentm
^iriitu /anBuiinconftewe. Nitm ad dontm SpiritM fanUi pert'tnet, juU ul>i difplicet quod
^fi^\^i,ImmundofprituipeetdtApkccntyS4nBodi/plkeHt, Qaamyit ergo adhucyettiam de*
frecerffatAmetfexaUd pdrte,qui4ti&idi/pl/ceemalutn,quodcommift/ii Deo, conjungerU. Hoc
'^(Srtii'idtj^licetqiiod O' tlii,'''tmKecait,S^irituin/An£lu)n tumu d* milji t /edncAuferAf
belX
mn ex-
Part.2.Cbap.i I." Affiled Confcienees, ^05
holy Spirit, which heanily defires, Hee may not bee
taken from Him.
Z)/«z//W/defircthcnof a cleane heart, did not ar-
gue, that it was utterly unclcane, and wholly turned « jQtutl prprfia
intoalumpeoffilrb. ( « Sandity,anduncleanncfre c'rduvt dJanBitate &
of heart is never cleane extinguiflicd in any Oiie ^'^opiiont. Suffra. Col-
oncetruly Sandificdi it was net in ^^z^^, in T^eto-;) ^^ilf^''^'J,^llt^'
Fut Hee was foeamcft after it : Firft, Bccaufe that b»/ ^h4t fay yon then
little which was lefr,was(carce,ornot at all fenfibic uurt.ie^.
in His fpirituaU diftrclTe ; where the glory of the Aniw. »*f»<Ae MtUlt
Sunnehath lately been, the fucccOion of a candles /f'^^^<^ »>fy depart
lightis little worth. Secondly, And bccaufe nov^ ^^l^uLTJJf
Hee vehemently ihirlteth after a great deale more, ced ctUed Auordntg to
then Hee prefently had. learned and Rich men, f^rfofe.mAyfgrtfytfrom
thinke themfelves not learned and rich, id refpedt of '^^ MreSHom of erAce
whattheydefirc When the Sunne begins to peepe Z^'^f^nZfllS^
up, wee gaze no longer at flarrcs* Gods c©mforting fmet.out of whuhthty
Spirit began a little to warme His heart againej areithrayfedtyKtptno
whereupon Hee grew fo eager, and greedy of that f^-'e-jMtdm^tkntbej
heavenly heate,thatHeethinkes his heart Key-cold, aoff/i^f/'^d^'*'
except it iiamc to tht height. That dampe and dark- A^fin.paV? jT. I'A*/
nefleof Spiriti into which Hee was fallen, by reafon litfidtiArtinUt m Hy-i
of His grievous Fall, had fo frozen His aflPeftions ^frnia regno dmhwitAtt
withdifconfolatedeadneflejandheavincfreof heart, ^'g'^ fro^k'**^'^ «/•-.
that alittleglimpfeoFfpintuaUlife, and lightfome- ::;;:/fi„Xr;:&
nefle, is prefently fwallowed up, as it were, and de^ Epifc. Sarisburienf. la
vouredjandfervesbatonelyto Set an edgeto his Thomf. PiatrAam,
defire^tpwhethisftomacke, andftirrcupHisappc- 9P'*7r
titeaftera more full, and further fruition of thofe
comfortable graces, and wonted communion with
His God I a re-taft and returne whereof, is fo fweet
and deare unto his Soule.
Take heed theD,ihat you doe not miftake : Whea
I fpcake of a ipirituall dcfertion,! meane it not,either
inrefpcft of a total], or iinall derelidion, and for-
fakingon Gods partner a total], and finall falling a-
^ay on the Saints fide j t^ hold fucb an 4^9ft4cj,\WQ
505 Infirutligns for aright comforting Se^,3«
^ About the fame time, a ^ ft%xciw^\\Apofia€j : ButOiiely in rcfpe^^ of the
one Bertim,3. Schollcr cxerci''c,aiid Operation orgrace,of prefent fenfejand
l;t!,h.Ml'nti fcding,.sIfaidbrfore, ' Life Iks ftUl in thctoote,
age, that infeaed L«>- andupon thcnritbreakingoutor the heavenly, and
denmih Hcrcfie, was hcaiiiigbcamcs Upon the Soiile, from the Sunne of
fo itnpudem^j tolcnd nghtcoufnefle, returning in mercy,piits forth againc,
Bi^o"'*? ^^4t^i^' andprofpers. Z^^i//^ being aftonicd.asthcyray,with
^^khlZoiTiZJcd\ a mighty blow of temptation (As f ^smArdi'dtm-
T>e^pofl4(uSanticrum. blesit,) lay fof a tittjc,asitwere, in a fwoune : But
•—The title whereof upon the voyce of theProphetrounding in his care,
onelywere enough to Hscavvaked,andcame toHimfclfe. As wee fee ia
fofLngZfi'al!;: heated water, theaire's^
declaration agdmji Vor- ver, and icduce It to It s former naturallcoidnetle, by
ftius ^nda little dfter the aide of that h'ttle remainder of refrigerating po-
thuj : What need wee^ wer,which IS originally rooted in that Element : So
Searro"LT^ofthcfe by the4Jy^%(?/r)f;tf Northwitid.m^commtngaf th^
Hc«dckso?rathcrA- *S*«'^ i I t«cane,thcbIclTed Spirits breathing afrefti
theifticall'scaaries a- Upon D^Wj heart, Scofched dangeroufly with the
njon^ftyoa, when one
of them at thisprcfcnt, [remaining in your Towncoflx'^^^, hath not onelj prefumed
topubhfliof Uiz^^\>\dA.f\KfiiOMs^ookZiOf the jSpoflttfecf the Sdints; but hath befidci
bcehfoitiipudenr,as tofctidtheotherday,a Copy thercof,asa goodfy prefent'to ottC
Arch-Bifhop of Cdmerhtify ^io^zthn with a Letter: wherer'nhcisjnotaflianied (asalfoin
IiisBooke_)tolieIogrofirefy,astoavow,thatHis Hcrclics contaJncd inthc faTid Book^
are agreeable withtheRcligionand profeffionofouiChuich ol EngUndjl^id. ^ Spiritus
SanSinsdeLtuit inD4yide, eum admtft ad»heriuin3& homicidinm^ficHtyti*'m plant4temp9^;
rehyemali. .Etji /Uus yit-es mnexeytiit^nec t amen freffm fait sthfni^ i>n/Sii:jtenimquo mi^^
muHAvid totoaniiHi ^iudioinhjecincumhret horrenda. fidgitia. Do6iot^Hol/*o4, Divinity^
Pr6feflcurin-pxfGrd,mod€ratinginchisqutftion,holdenncgativciy. An^nfii fidespote^
W tempMsamttiiOtii fthtliter dejin'.re ? ThcLofdschoi'enaiay fall from their outwatd
prerogacivcs,and frona the fruites t but that divine nature flilUbideth in them : And it is
onely withthcirgracc,as itisw.il:thcmindcin diScropersof Melancholy and Phrenfic 5
with the Sunne in Ecchpfes; with the tree, when leaves and fruits faileitj with thenatu-
rall Jifc.whcn it movetn not, ne yet breathcthlenfibly j which la difeafcs of the Mother is
cficndifccrned. Theirfairhisncvetwfailing Faith jtheirlifc,an eternall hfej iheirfeed,
a feed abiding in theoi . P.B^ing^tnaUofA ch^i^iumjhte, p-tg.^. ^ Tetrus cum peccdflt
charitAtemnon 4mt(lt3 quiafeccavitpstiMS tHyeritatem qu2mi>icharit4ieff>.-—Sic&D'tyid
cumj>eccMvit,chiirit4tem mn pcrdtdit 3/ed objluffuit (jiioidrnmedem eo chxrudfyddyehememem
teatdtionk tfifim;Etch4rft4ti3ineo>ieqH4qu4mf4B4eji 4^olitie,/ed ejua.l» qu^ddm foferdtiif^
^^u/tmoxHt 4d yacemdfguentifVfOfthetit eyigiUyit,contim9 in ilidm 4rdemi^im/t th*fit4tk
c^nf commit u^it : Pccc^iriDomino^Dcnac. Stdignit, Aniorisdivini.cap.6o
Part. t. Cap. 1 1, %/4ffmedfioHfaences, ^07
fireofluftjby ftirringup and rcfreihing the retired,
andradicaUpowcj- of grace 1 that immGtt^MSeed vf
Ged.mvcxtoh^ loft, did fwcctly, and gracioufly
bring it againe to it's former fpirituall, comfortable
£cmpcr,andcor)ftitiition,
a Sometimes the Lord may for a time retire thf j7a ftirriiigof thep«B
light of His countenance, and fenfe of His graces, fonnp to rake a more
from His Ghude,- that Hcc may bee driven thereby ^^^gw T^w of hiV
totakeanewjandmorcexaftrevifeja mofl ferious; *-
thorow-furvay of His youthfiill fiunesj of that
darkeand damned time, which Hee wholly fpent
upon the Divell;and fo put againe, as it were, into
tht pangs of His New-birth, that Chrift may bee
more pcrfciflly formed in Him .- That He may agaiac
behold, with fearc, and trembling, the extreme
loathfomneflei and aggravated guilt of Hii old abo-
miaableluds I and fo renewing His fcrrow,aHd re-
pairing repentance, grow into a further dcteftation
of them J a raoreabfolute divorce from His infinua-
ting cJ^jwtf«-W<r//gA/ 5 and bee happily frighted a-
frcfb,andiiredfbr€ver from the very ^^r»<?«ryJ7or- \ -''■;•
Udof the fle/^jZnda/£ appear awe of eviUp That upon
thisoccation,Heemaymakea new inquifition, and
deeper fcarch into the whole ftate of His confcience,
feverall pailages of His con vcrfation, 9nd every cor-
ner of His heart ; and foforthetimeto come, more
carefully cut off all occafionsof finne jand with more
reloiution, and watchfulnefle, oppofe, and fland at
ilavesend with every Iuft,paffion,diilra(5licn in ho«
]yduties,entifements to relapfe, fpirituall lazinede,
lukewarmenefle,worldlinsfle,&c, with greater feve-
lityto crucifie our corruptions, and ever prefently
and impartially, execute the law of the Spirit agaiall
the rebellions of His Helb.
This,itraayfecme,wasoneendof Ztf^ifpirituall 4,[n r,^;
aiBiftiofl in this kind,Incap.i 3 .23 .He is earneft,aBd
imponufiate with %d, to know* what bee thofc
ro8 Inftrn^wm for n right comforting, Scft.jr
miqitit$is^trfi.nfgreJpens,And //»«<?/, which bid turned
Histaceand favour from Him jinthat fearpBili oaan-
ncf, asthough Hee was a jneere ftrangcr, dirathcr, a
profcll enemy uflto His Majcfty. And Hc^prcfijntly
apprehends the burdenj,and bittcrncfTeof chc iniqui^
- tifhfifHisjg^thiTijeu^rtteJ^yi&izhHeQMfterthivgt
frq'iJio^. againfimee'^ andmt*\efimeef9^el[etbeimq!iituese>fmy
' 7o»f^. At all liich times, when God thus hides His
tacctromiis,andIeavesus to the darkenciTe of our
ownc-Spiritsj the finnes of our youth arc wont to
lie moft heavy upon oar he^ty. and exaft at our
}rn*tdufd,eut^tfee. hands a more rpeciallrenewrng, increafe, andperfe-
Z(r,^MTZ ai"gofpeni.e«rforrow = For \ they arc a*dwich
tdte yehementiores fint ^"6. very ftrcngth of Corruption, m the heatc of icnfii-
(Hpiditates^proptereadi- aUty, and height of rebcUionr Hencf it was,that even
cmrtnPfftlma^Quttutm Z>4Z'»^ H^mfelfecricsout, * Rjimemhr ttotthefimes
dingciadBiefans y,am of my youth ^ind Co doth manv moe, Hway times
iumtuum, 0,,^,^, withmuchbiternefleof Spirit.
yenibM fouui qnam de ' It IS fo then,chat G'xJ may deale thus in mercy, c-
^ifs fit mmioi nmpe vcn With His deareftScfvantSiEfpcctaHy,ifp€nitenc
quia H4tHt4 hum4na, grigfe, and trouble pf ' trynfcience in their converfatt-
payrtnlc maxtmif- <^>^e*^c riof in ^oine good meafur€ anfWerable to
itdUt^&c, CalT.C©nc. ^^^*^ formcrabomiaabl e life,and finf ull provocations;
ji.In rob. if they have been extraordinary finners, and but or-
* ?(*^i^ h 7i dinary forro w ers for finne ; if they vvere formerly fu-
rious in the fer vice of Satan, and now l}ut fometbing
faint-hearted inftanding on Gods fide j If heretofore
they marched impetuoully,likeM«, in the purfuitc
of earthly pieaiares, and now creepe but flo wly for-
ward in the wayf^s of God 5 or if they beginto looke
back againe with {omeunconcrcled glances after dif-
avowed delights, and abandoned company,&c. I fay,
infuch Cafcsi the Lord nray withdraw Himfelfc in
difpleafure; leave them for« time to the terrours of
their owne hearts jalhheir old finnes may returneto
iheeyeof theirconfcicHCC.^,as unremitted -&c. That
io their regeneration may be, as it wcre,regcnerated-;
'ar..2.Chap,i 1. Jfft^^d Confiurtc^s.
509
their Ncw-birth,Ncw-bornejtheirfinncs now for-
lowcd fcrjthc hatcfiilnctle, and horrour of their
youthfoll pollutions^more batedand abhorred. And
in concIuGon (For all the worke,and waves of God
with Hischofcn,arc ever in kvc, and for their good,)
that the ftorme being difptrft^rhe comft rcable bcaios
of divine favour may (hinc more amiabfy upon them,
then ever before jandbytheceFedualirtirringagaine,
andftronger influence of the Spii-it, Spiritrjall life,
thatwas hid in the heart for a feaion, may fprout cue
^frcrh,rprins,andrpread abroad more flouriflaingly,
and fruitf ully for ever afterward.
. .'^
CHAP. XII.
ToureCaufesntore of the former LMaladU, '
Hirdly, FortriaH, quickening; j. The exaclfiug ©f
and exercife of fpirituall gracesf their fpuituall graces,
that they may put forth them-JN; .•• ^^
felveswith more power, m- ' tJ
provcmcntjarid illuftrioufneffe.
The cold comfort of a defertibn
in this Carc^beinguntothcm, as
watercaft upon the Smiths Forge, to make (bme t£
themcfpecially, toburne inwardly, as it were, in the
tneane titnewith more intcnffon and bcate^andall i fl^rmesnintCiiriftl
afterward to breake out, snd fiamemoreglorioui}/, makes as though Hcc
There are many gracious difpofitions, and endow- heard not C to wit, the
i»ient*in the Chrilisiis heart, whi^h would never fee Woman of Canaan,)
■the i1rght,atleaft,with fuch crninency, were it not cericS'tu^i^XcIj
for this darknefle/fhe brightneflc of lamps langurfh binct of Her heart;
in thfiightjbut they fhine elcare in the darkc T the migbrbebroughtforth
fplcndourand beaut V of the S'arres would never ap- toIight.p«»^orWor(hip
;peare^were there no night. ^ Ton have heard of the ^» ^^ ^"'»»«»*'^» iM**^'
.y4/j^»f^*/y#^,fai<h/^«^f:Andwecrcadealf6ofhis iVamfj'r^ '
5xefciicRt]Faitb,\vhertHcraidj*r/&w^& Hf^;w^^^ * Jobi^ij*
^iO InflrH^imt for uri^^t cc.i^orting Se^v?
^* m , Vm — ■ jT"- — —
jet mil I irnfftHtiim : But wcc had neither heard
u "bftbr admirtd thcwie, or the other ; had Hcc not
ibeen^ffiifted both with outVard troubles, andia-
»Wardterrours. It is thcbigheft, and moft Heroicall
v> ;^Aft of Faichvdrjd it is improved to the iitraoft, and
1^59.19* 1 '* proved fttelc to the backe,asthcy-fayjThento*r«/
* .%nthe Name of the £:ofd^and t9 flay upon our Gaii^
r^/vhcXiWceT^alhindetrk^elfffjaftd havens Ughtt God
, Is beft pkalid, and moft honoured, when we reft up-
j; on Him, without any fenfiWe comfort i Imak&no
i ( doubtjliit that admirable ejaculation of /«^ J TA«i«gA
■■ ^ Heejlaj mee, ^<r.did hold fcalc in Gods acceptation,
^>j withaUthofcianocencieSjintegritieSj&gratiouscon-
i^, Ibrmicies to His holy Law ; bleffed fruits, I confefle,
VV of His invincible Faith enufnerated.^4;).3i,N3y,did
■\^ incomparably ovcr^ weigh them ; A^r^ms^el^-
% 'ving again fi hpe^vj^s farre above,andof infinite more
worth with GodjChen theiacrificc of His Son, or all
J^His other glorious fervices.lt isnofijch great matter,
A or maiftery,tobe confident; when wee arc encoura-
'"^^cdjHand hired,asitwerc>with;/'7 W pett^in b.dee-
^ ^*«^ jbutthen to ftickctp C'^r;y?,and His fure Word,'
./when we have againft ijs, fenfe and reafon, fleOi and
|}Ioud/earcsand feeling} Heave^i and Earth, and all
';! .Creatures 5 That is the Faith indeed | there is it'sex^
cellency; thereis the true, and orient fparkllng>a9d
fpiendourof that heavenly IcwclI.Thatprayer is tru-
ly fervent,fulleft of Spirit, and enforced with mod
unutterable groanes, which is poured out for rhe re-
covery of Qods pleafcd countenance, after it hath bin
turned away from us for a time. That love is moft in-
duftrious and a3ighty,groweth//'(7»^4/ deMhyV^di vm*
to z mo fl vehement fiamc, which is enkindle^l in the
upright fbulc,when Her deareft Leve is departed, in
rcfpcfl of feclingortd fruition. Oh / then fhc pi iz:th,
andpraifcth His fpirituali beauty and €xceUency>as
oaeoKCccdingly M^^^^z^r^ and cakes on extremely*
' ^': "~'- ■ As
Parc.l.Cap 12. AffiiiiedConfciences, 511
, , „ "'
As you may fee, Cant. ^,10 &c, I opened to mj Belo--
%>edy ym mj Beloved hjid ^ithdraiivne Himfelfe^ tind
was gone: (.^j fouie failedi^heft Hcs fpake i IfoHgbt
'Htm hut I conld not jiiide Hirtt ; / called Him^ hnt Hee
gaventeeno ^Anfwer -.The fVAtchmen that W'ent ahut
the (^itj fottndmte^thej fmate ifnee^thejvpottnded w<f j
The Keepers of theroallstooke a-'vaj my vAtlefrom nte :
J charge jnu, O da^ghten ef lerujalewy if yee fi^de
my Beloved^that yeetell Him^that I am JtcJ^e of love^
what ii thy bsloved, O thou fair ejl amonff fVomenl
fVhatii thy 'Beloved i9i6rp then another beloved^ that
thou doefi fo charge us ! Mj Beloved it white and rud-
dy ^ the chiefefi amongtenthoufafids^ His head u as the
mofljiMegoLtc^c, Thatthankfuliedt, which fprings
fromafcnfiblcr^.enjoymentof lefusChnfi^ and re-
tame of the fenfe ot the favour of His good oint-
ments into the foyle; hath farrc more heart and life,
then the free andfullpclTenionof all the vifible glo-
ry jandnut ward comfort of the whole world, could v
pomblyputintoit. That joy which makes om;;hearts.'^
ieapewiftiiiiuSjitpon there-gaining of the wonted
workings of grace , and our heavenly feelings, \%
much more joy full,then either that,which followed
thefirfttafte,or the after free- enjoyment of theoji
ExCelleat and extraordinary good things, taft.dand
loftjdoc beget a iarre greater i^Xi^a of their fweetnefTc
and comfort, upon their recovery, then if they had
been eithcrnevertafted^or never lofLThatSunfliinc
is moftf air e an-d amiable, wjiich breakcs out after
fomcboifterousflorme,or grcatEciipfe. Rcltittition
to fenfe of grace, after fomc defpairc-fuii fiduefle for
Gods departure may produce a deeper imprtflionof
fpiritualipleafure,i!Vthc recovered Patient, then th»
fifftplantatioi of it. Thus doth our gracious God,
who when Hee picafe, can bring light out of darke-
nefle jlifeoutof^deatbj fomething out of nothing;
MwvcnoHtof Hell; even come ncercr unto us; by
^ " — ■-- XI departing
Vi^'-^'
vVf
512 InflrttEiionsfor aright comforting Seft.3
departingfrom us. By the dead winter-time of a fpi-
ritualldefertion,Hemaybring.by His blelTed hand
ofmctcy, and quickening influence, more ftrength,
adivcneffe, lively exercii'e, and excdlency into our
graces, a id fweeteft fruits thereof.
4. The prevf ntlng h( 4.Fourthly,thc Chriftian, as he growes in know*
fpirituall pride ledee^eracc/pirltuall abilitics,fcr wardnetle, fruitful,
Lct^XJSln" ncle,a^dfurtherftomHis Ncw4.irth, except Hec
they would have proud be very watchrall over nis heart, mucn practiled la
\jfi^xts:,Hm.f*g.(>^. the excrcifes of humiliations often excrcifed in the
fchoolcof afflidlionSjterfifiedfometimes with hide-
ous in jedions, and w^i^^^w^^ y^ith hit god:^ (hall
havebyafli€,and infenfible infinbjation, privy pride
to grow upon Himjconfidencc in His own ftrength^
too much attribution to themeanes ; a Selfe-conceit
of an independant Handing upon his owne Bottoiae,,
as it were^and by the power of his pfefentgraces. And
therefore our wife God doth fometimes take a courfc:
to take downe his felfe confideBce,by with- drawing
His countenance jand to bumble His fpirituall pre-
^fc ^. *, fumption, with a fpirituall defertion, I meane,by ta- ,
^^ kingfrora Him the I'enfe of grace, and feeling of his-
favour j by cutting oflf, as it were, for a time thofe.
ftreames of comfort, which were wont to diftillup--
onhisfoule, by ufe, and ordinary influence of the.;
meanes,Meditation,Prayer, Conference, pabliki Mi-
niftryjSabbaths, SacraRients,Daies of humiliation, &
luch like J doth mercifully force him to have recourfc
unto,atlength,witb much longing andthiril, and to
repofe upon,with more reverence, & acknowledge-
ment, the everlaftmg Fountaine and Founder of all
graccsjcomfortsjcompaflions and lifejeven his o wnc .
§lorious,mcrcifall,and Almighty felfc. See this in the
, beginning ofthe third ^'^^//er of the C-Jwt^c/w, at the
2hich*hiTins k.ft her ^^tter endof C*^2. The Chriftian loule is fwectly
BcIoTcd eocf andfceks ^''^wned with a glorious over-flowing confluence cf
hixh^ all fpirituall confolations j rapt extraordinarily with^
- " •" unutterable*.
P^rt.2.aftp.i2i
^ff,icled Cortfciexees*
5«3
unutt€rable,and joy full rav'ihment of Spirit,upon the
Beercreffibracementof her deareft Sponfe, and more
•fenfible grafping ci refrtthing graces. She lies fb
peacefully in His armesot mercy, and under the Baa-
r.er of His icve^th^l fhce fwectly (ings unto Her feife,
ijlfy beloved h tnine^and l^m His, Bat in the begin-
ning oftbetbird (For thedaiesof Gods childe after
coijveifionjarelikethedaifsoftheyeare jSome^faiis
andfliiningiSamejtcmpeftuouEand cloudy j Some,
happy with heavenly Hony de vvcs, as it were, of un-
ipeakeable joy, and unconceivable peace 5 others
moredifmallanddifaflrousjif Ifnay fo fpeake, for
"Want of an amiable aiped from the Throne qf gracesO
I fay,a little after, the cz^o. is feai fully altered with
Her : For {he lies ftrugJing, and diftr cffcd in the irko-
foniejandcomfowlcfiedefoIaticnsoFa fpirituall dc-
fe'rtion. Her Spoufe is gone, the very heart, and life
atl Her lightfomencffe in this World, and the World
to cdme. No fenfe now of the Savour of Hfs good
ovftments 5 no feeling of the alTurance of His favour.
Nothing left of all that former heaven, but onely a **'
fad and wofullheartrwhich hadbeenc happy. In this
••ufull Cafe, Sbee catts abouf for recovery of Her
V'onted comfort: Affaies thofe meaiics, which were
accuftomed to convey unto Her with joy, freili
flreatDts, and ftpcngtli from time to time, eutef the
fVtlit of Solvation.
I. Firff , (hee feckes her Spoufe, and former refre- x-By private lPcay«t^
filings of Spiritjby fecret praier, meditation, experi-
mcntallconfiderations, calling to Mmdc former affu-
rancesof bislovcjrefltfting upon the fbot-fteps ofa
ftving worke, unf ained c han ge, and fweet communi-
on with Him aforetime; and other (iIent,Sclfc-inqui-
&ion$, and inward exercifes of the heart: 'But fhet
•found Him not^ v erf. i«
i. Secondly =Shec encjuircs iabroad, and hath re*- 2, By etniuiriwg »f ^
Cii^uifeuntogocilychriftians j efpecialiy dich as have thtr^odlyChriftia^is;
il % been
5:14 JnflruBisns for A right Comforting Se<^.»
becnemoft exercifedjandbcft acquainted with triafs.
tcmptationsjandmyfterifsof thei^o/yW?4j<; to fee if
Shcc can get any comfort,any new hold, and hope by
their counreIi,prayers,inftru^icns,outoftheirowne
lam.fiifii expericnce:(Forin fuchCafcs>Gods Children may,
and ou^ht co confeffe their finnes, and Gods dealisg
with them,one unto another ; and pray one for ano-
ther.) But (hec fiiides none,verf j.
'j.By goingto the Mi. ^, Thirdly, She addreflfcs Her ft^Q^ and rcforts to
^^"! fauhfuU Miaifters, Gods publikc Age its in the
Church,aboQt the affaires of Heaven, aud falvation
of Souies^to receive fro3i them fo-nelightjand di-
rt^ion to regaiiie Her Love ♦ But it will not yet bee,
vtrf.?» No comfort comes by all, or any of thefe
mcanes: No feeling of Gods favour, and former
pcact; for all this various and follicitoasieeking, and
purfuite. ForGodmiy fomeftmes, upon pur pofe,
reftraincHisquickning infliie'tce from the mcanes ;
afldrecall,asit were,tothe Weil-head, thofe re^e-
IhingRivers of comfort, which ordinarily flow tho-
row His ownc holy Ordinances 5 as (o many bleflcd
Conduits of grace, into humble hcar.ts, That wee
may fetch them more immediately from the Foun-
taine,the bouiidlcflc Seaof all heavenly treafurcs and :
tme peace jand (o with more humility, Si^nfe of fdfe-
cmpti!ieflc,rcvcrence,and praiie-fulnelTc, acknow-
ledge from whe:xe wee havcthtm.
ItT»ai.butAhttle that / p^fedfromthem, {aith the
dcCtrti:dSo\llc,ButIfom€iHi>f3yWhommjfffu/eiovah^
verf. 4. Wlien no roeanes wouldbring Hjin, but rhac
She had paft thorow the ulCjand cxcrcUe of them all;
and Hec would not bee found : 4:.e aft r, at length,
comesupon hisowne companionate accord, andil-
lighteneth Her darfce, and difconlblare itate, with
the Aiming beames of Hrs glorious prelcnce ,• and
j?//i Her plentifully yoith toy and heteeving agaiVwi
T.hatfojno uie, variety ^nd cxcelieiicy of meancsjbot
Part.i.cap. 1 2 ♦ JjjiicledConfcfe^ces, 51-5
Hisowne frecmercy and goodncflej might be crow:*»
ned with the glory of it :
Let every Chrlflian by the way, take notice of,and
treafureupthis point jit may ftctd him in Tome fpi-
rituall extremity hcrcaf^tcr : God wayfcmetimcs W'tth-
draw and del^.j His comfort ytodrd'\> His eh$ldyeH rho'
rtfVV a// the mennes : ts'hich, ^be/i they bazepafed^th- -
out pi^evnii/ifig ; Hee^fter^ and imrKediatelj, vehenHee
fleafe^ futs to His helfing h^nd, thai they TK/tj not nttri-
hnteittothe meanfSythoHgh never fo excellent^ but to
the mercies of Goc^y the ontlj fVcll-fprivg, both of the.
firfi flantatton^ coyiti»fiaf7ce, and everlafiingne^e of all
fprituall graces ^and trve comforts in ail thofe hapfy
Ones J which PjaH hee faved.
Why doth the Lord let us u(e all the meanes 5 and j
yetnotfindeHimintheini
That wee may know, Hee only commeth whca
Hce will j ttcthing moving Him, but His ownc good
pleafure,
5»Fifchly,The world fometimes, that rtilghty ene- $.The puniihlng them
my totheKingdomeof Chrift, aided under- hand by fomotpriiingtcefiuf.
the covetous corruption of our falfe hearts, and the '^o"^^I«^«Chrifi.
Divels craft, (For ordinarily inall AflauIcs,andover-
throwcs, Satan is the BcHovves; the World, the
Wild-fire ;ourcorruptionstheTinder,and the prcti-
cusSoulesofmensthofe goodly Frames, which are
fearfully fet on fircandblownc up) doth wraftle fo
defperately, even with fome of ^«r//?x Champions j
thatfurprifing their watch, cooling the fervour of
their iirftiove>andfteaIing away, by little and little,
theirfpirituallftrengthjitfupplants them at length,
and throwes them-upon the ea. th.Whcron it labours,
might and ma!ne,to keepethem down, and dotingj
that fo they may root in .the mud and mire thereof,
with immoderation & carking ; to the great difgrace
oi divine pleafures 3 their high and excellent Cal-
lin^jaad fo railing the fpirit of railing in unregenerate
LI 3 ' ' meiij
Jl5 Inftru^iBHS fer4rightC9mf«rting Sc(fl.»
men, to caft unworthy afperfions nponthe glory of
profeffion, for their fakes. Nay, too often by it*s fut-
tlc infiiiuations, ^xidiSirens SonGS,it lullsthcm Co long
upon Her !ap, thatthey are caft into a heavy (lumber, .
even of carnal Ifecurity. Andthatfodeepe anddan-
geroufl/jthatthough the Lord Ufuiy the Beloved of
their Soule,cry aloud in their eares, by the fhrill and
piercing found of His fpirituall Trumpetcers j and by
the more immediate, and inward motions of His
holy Spirit, iatreatethemfairely upon all loves, for
His owne dearc palSoni fake, and allthofc bloody
fuffcrings, to (hake off chat carnall drouzine(rc,and to
delight againe in @od; to let the earth fall out of
their miadesy and againe to miade heavenly things:
^2afl«'<^ Of <?» to wee my Sifter ^ nty L9Ve^ my Dovcy my undeftUd',
'" * F or my head is filled with dew ^ and mj lac k^s ^ith the
drop of /)&tf»/^i;;: yet for all this, full loth they are to
leave their Beds of eafc : and therefore frame many
lhifcs,?xcufes,anddelaycs,topa(rc by, and put off
thefecompaflionate calls of lov e, and merciful] iw-
poj;i;upitieSi/ havepnt off my coat e, how fiall I put if
en? I have wa(hed my feet ^ how Jhall I defile them f
Whereupon their bleffed Spoufe fo unworthily re-
pell ed with fome notorious unkindnefTc and ingrati-
tudejfcatteringonelyintheir hearts feme fenfc,and
glimraeringsof his fpifituallfweetneffe and beauty ;
to breed the more fliamc and forrow for fofoule neg-
lect, departeth from them for a time J withdrawes
the life andligtfomenelTe of His gratious prefence;
hides,asit were,inan angry cloud, the comfortable
beamesof His formcrfavour ; and fo leavesthem to
the darkneflc of their owne fpirits, and in the com-
fortleffeDampeof ajuftlydeferveddefcrtion. That
thereby, they may bee fchooled to prize lefusChrift
before gold and filvcrj and to pr-^ferre, as \^ moft
meet, one glimpfe of His plcafed face, before the
iplcndour of all carcbiy Impcriall Crown^s.* To liften
" " '^ "" witb,
^f-fi
>
Part.l.Cap.l2. ^ffliHtdConfciencgf, 517
with more reverence, cheercfulnefle, profit and holy
greedinefle,to His heavenly voiccin the miniftry of
the Word ; and to make more deare account of god-
ly comforts, when they ftiall recover, and re-in/oy
them. ForthepurpofejWecmay findc^^ta/.y. The
chriftianSouleJaidtoofofCjand lazily, upontheBed
of eafe, and earthly BiindcdneflTc j and dipt into a
flumbcrof fecurityand rclfe-love,verf,2,Her »^//-
^^'/owc^knocksjand cailsupon Her .• Nay,b€rpeake«,
and intreats upon all the termes of deareft lov^e, and
for his paiatfull fufferings-lake, to rife, and open un-
to HimJ^id, But {he mofl unworthily puts him ofE,
with feme Height cxcufes, and delayes of floth ;
verf.3. whereupon Hee drops into Her heart, fomc
tafte of iiis fjveetefi ointments^ to fet Her affl (5lions on
edge, and eagcrnelTe after Him,v£rf.4. 5. Andfo de-
parts, and leaves Her in Her fad and Iblicary dumpSj,
for driving iway Her Deare ji, by fuch intolerable
unKindnefl'e, and fliamefuU negkft,verf.(5« Which
perplexity, and trouble of fpirit for His dcparture,be-
getsinHcr,agrcatdeaIeof zeale, fervency, and pa-
tience to follow after Him, verf.7. 8. An extraordina-
•ry admiration of His amiable excellsncies, and hea-
venly faircneflc,verf.io.&c. And no doubt, afarre
neercrembracefficnt,anddearereftf€me of Him, up-
on Hisreturnejand enjoyment of a morefuU, biclled
jcommunion with Him,againc,C«/.^. 3 .
6.SixchIy,The graces of falvation, are the moft ^. The teach -hg them
prctious, and woorthfull things, thatevcrifllied out « o prize God4fayow«
of the hands of God by creation. The deareft of
His infinite mercies, the hearts-blood of His Sonnei
the nobleft worfse of His blelFed Spirit, d©e all fweet*
lyconcurre movingly, meritorioufly, efficiently to
the produ£^ion of them- No racrvaile then, though
it bee right plcafing unto God, that fuch rare, and
incftimablelewells, fhould bee rightly prized, and
holdeninhigheflefteeoaejbythofethac have themi
L 1 4 That
# 1 8 Inftrumomfor a right comforting Sea. J
That they fliould ftill appearc, and prcfcnt thcm-
felvtstothofeSoules, wherein they fliine, in their
true excellency, orient faireneflfe, and native beauty.
Now privation of excellent things hath.fpeciall po-
wer to raitt our imaginations, to an higher ftreinc of.
eftimationof them^ and to caufe us, at their re-
turne, to entcrtaiiic them, with much more longing,
farredeat-erapprchenfions, and embraccment. Ab-
fencc,andinteniii(Tion of the moft dcfirable com-
forts,addca great dcale of life to the love of them,
and waight of pretioufneiTe to their valewation-
The goodneirc of whatfoever wee enjoy, is better
perceived by viciffitude of want, then contiauall
fruition. Sleepc is more fwcet, after the tedioufncflc
of fome wakefiall, and wearifomc nights : Liberty,
and enjoyment of the free aire,and feces of men, af-
ter rcftraintand imprifonment ; The glory and
fairenclFcoi the Sunne, after a blacke day, orboi-
fterous ftorme,&c. So Gods favourable afpcifl i&
much more acceptable after an angry tcmpeft, and
hiding his /4c* for a feafon ; And the graces of fal-
vationfarre more amiable, and admirable to the eye
of His humbled Childe, after the darkeneffe of a
fpirituall defertion. Wherefore our gracious God
doth many times, in great mercy and wifedome, de-
prive His dcareft fervants, for a time, of the pre-
fenccof theirSpoufe,thcaflruranceofHis love, and"
fence of thofc graces \ that the abfence thereof, may
rcprefentthc glory of fuch an incomparable happi-
nelTc, and thofc heavenly Pearks, more to the life j
gnd difcontinuance of their en;oymcnt , may in-
flame, and affe^ their hearts with more holy gree-
dineffe , and eager purfuite afirer them j and (lirre
up in them that height of efteeme, and heate of
iovc, which may ia fome good meafure, bee an-
swerable to the/run vale wable excellency and fwcet-
nc^c-. Sucba dulneifeof heart, de^dueaie of afieai-
^ " "' " '"T ' ' " on&j.
Part.*. Cap. i^. v^ffUSled^Confciemes, ^Ip
onsjanddeclmstion to the world, may grow fome-
timesuponagood manj that Hce may finde Iktle
moreconteHtmentincommunion with lefatCbnfiy
then in the profpcrity of His outward afl&ircs j
which is infinitely unworthy an Hdre of Heaven.
But now in fuch a Cafe, Let God make Hirn but to
rcpoffeffc the inicjuities of His Toutb , and fight a-
gainft Him with all His tcrrours fora while ; and the
£nac Man with all His heart, will preftrrc the re-
conciled face of Gcd and peace of confcicnce, be-
fore the So veraignty, and folc command of ail the
Kingdpmes upon Earth. While wee have a free,
and un-incerrupted recourfc unto the Throne of
Grace, wee are apt to under- valcw, and to conceive
of thatmiglirygraccof prayer,butasof an ordina-
ry gift : But if once the Lord pleafe, to leave us to
that confufion} and aflomihment of Spirit, that ouc
ejaculations doe iadly rebound upon our heavy y and
un- heated hearts, without anfwer, or encourage-
ment from Heaven j wee fhalleafily then acknow-
ledge the Spirit, and power of prayer, to bee one of
thefaireftflowersinthe Garland of all our graces j
theveryarmeof God to doe Miracles for us many
times,aadeverto fettle our troubled Soules in fwee*
teft peace and patience, araidfl the greatefl preffures
and perfecutions , either of HelJiih, or earthly
enemies.
CHAPiXlIL
•20
InftrnBionsfor a right ccmfsrting, Scd. j :
f. The coftterming
themtaChriftWus.
CHAP. XlIL
7'-09 ntore Cunfes of the former LZ^aUdie,
gEventhly, lefns C^i/?,Himrelfe,
bleffed for ever, drnnke full
deepeotchc extremity, and va-
riety of forcftfufferings, in ma-
nykindcs; not only to deliver
His, from the vengeance efeter*
nail fire', but alfo lovingly to
fearne out of the fcnfe of that fy mpathy, and felfe-
feeling,to fliew Himfelfc tender-hearted, kinde,and •
corapaflionatc unto them in all their extremities ; and
never to fuffer them to Gnkc in any trouble or afflidi-
onjthouf^h never (b fullofdefpcratcrcprefenrations,
or apprehcnfions of impoffibility to efcape; or to bg
tempted at any time above their power and patience.
And many are the mcanes, and Methods, by which,
Hee is wont to eafe, and mitigate their many paine^
full mifcriesj efpedally, that extremelt of Martyr-
dome. Firft, Sometimes Hee refcues them by His
♦ Let no_ Chriftian owncmighty,and immediate arme, out the mouth
then afHia" his Soole of Lyons j and pulls them, by ftrong hand, from be-
with any "^'"'Jpj^^°^f tweenethc teeth of bloody perfecuting Wolves,'
fi«y"tfmw?A&thy zT*f»'W7' Secondly, * Sometimes Hee takes a-
felfcjif God call thee to way ,or Ic (Tens the ftin g, and fury of the torment and
fufFerinthatkindejHe torturers. The firc had no force atall over the bodies-
will ^acioufly give un. ^f thofe bleflcd men, Dan g.17. And nodoubt ia
raith, aMartyrs^patU Q^eHC^^^Vx dayes, of moft abhorred memory,
euce, and Ctowne of Hse many times mollified, and fweetncd the rage,
Majrtytdomc. and bitternefle of thofe mcrcileflc flames, for out
Martyrs fakes. Thirdly, Sometimes he rupports,and
fupplies them with fupernatwrall vigour, and extra-
ofdinarycoiirageoverchefmart, and rigour oi the
moii
Part.a.Chap.ig.'- ApSled Confcienees. ^21
mod terrible, and intolerablctorturcs; The heart of
that holy Proto.Martyr, Steven^vj^s furnifhed, and
filled with thofe heavenly infufions of fpirituall
itrength and /oy § when the Heavens o^^ening^Hee [Atv Aft 7.yy.5f.
the glory of God, and lefus fianditig en His right hand |
which were glorioufly tranfcending, and triumpant
over the utmoft of all corporal! paine, and le^ijb
cruelty. And fo gracioully dealt Hee with many o-
iher Marty rs in fucceeding ages,as wee may readc in
Ecckfiafticall ftories. Fourthly, Hee may fometimcs
alfo, out of His merciful! wifdome, put into their
hearts fuch a deale of Heaven before-hand, and ra«
vifhing comforts of the world to come j that the ex-
cefTe thereof doth fwallow up, and devoure, as it
were, the bitterneffe of all bodily inflidions, and
fufferingsof fcnfe. Thus mercifully dealt Hee with
that worthy Martyr^Maftcr Rsbert Glover, even whea
Hee was goingtowards the Stake. Hee poured into
His Souleupon the fuddcn,fnch overflowing Rivers
of fpirituall joy es J that, no doubt, they mightily a-
bated, and quencht the ragefull fury of thofe Popifh
Eamcsj wherein Hee was facrificed for the profcflli-
onof the Gofpel! of Chrifl, and Gods everlafting
tmth; And affuredly, that comfortable Sun-fliine of
unexpreffeablc joy, which, by the goad hand of
God,vvas fhed intoMafter F eacock/ CoxKovjiaW heart,
in the depth of His darkenefleanddefertion, a little
before the refignation of His happy Soule into the
hands of God ; did make the pangs of death, and
that dreadful! PafTage, a great deale leflc painefuU
and lenfiblej if not very lightfome and pleafant.
Nowinboththefemen of God, a wofull fpirituall
derelidion ^ was a fit introdadion, and immediate
preparative, to the tfluGon of fucha fuddcn torrent
of {trangcexu!tations,andravifhmentof fpirit, up-
pniheirfad and heavy hearts. Conceive the Point
tbeuchR5:ThcLordrQmetime$ evenin tendernefTc,
,_ __ and-
.§2z'^ Infirurti9ns for aright comforting Se^^j
- '* '"
and loveto His ovvne deare Children, whom Hccde-
(igncs for extraoidinary fufferinjgs, may purpofcly
poffellc them with fuch a Paracnfe of divine p!ca-
fure$,as a countercoinforc to the extremity of their
paincs; thatjbtfidcs their owne private i^frefliing,
and fupport, their couragious infenfi.5ility,aed vicfto-
rious patience thereupon, may bring a great deale of
terrour to their tormentors, glory to their Mercif ull
Mafter, credit unto the caufc, and confufion to the
enemiei of grace, And that there may bee an additi-
on of more heart, and Hfc i:o fuch joyful! elevations
oT fpirit; and, that Hee may make the excellency of
thatfpirituall joy, proportionable to the exqiiifitc-
n^flcofth^ir tortures and trouble, Hee may m His
uafcarchable wifcdome make way thereunto by a
fpiriruall delertion. As Hee did in the fore-named
glorious Martyr, Mafter Glover, For want of the
f enfc of the comforts of godlincffe for a feafon,doth
make our Soules a thoufand times more fenfible of
their fweetneffc^upon their re-infufion.
e*The enabling them 8. Eighthly ,Thus may the Lord fometimcs dcale
to comfort others.' with His beft, and dcarcft Children ; even, by with-
drawingthe light of HiscountcnancCjleavethem for
a while to thele inward conflids, :ind confufions of
fpirit I that thereoy they may bee fitted >and informed
with an holy cxpcrimentail skilhto fpeake feelingly,
and fully to the hearts of their Chriflian Brethren,
which may afterward bee tempted, and troubled, as
they have been. Fo^God is wont at all times in His
Church, (b gracious is Hee, purpofely toraifeup.and
fingle out fbme Ipeciall men j whom Hee inftruds,
and enables in the Schoole of fpirituall experiments,
andaffii^ionsof Soule,with extraordinary dexteri-
ty ,andArt,tocomfortandrecovcr other CM^ttrnert
in'Zion^ in their diftrefles of confciences, ftronger
temptations, fpirituall dcfertions, decaies of grace*
^lapfes, Eciipfes of ©ods face aad favour, wants of
* '. forjuex
Part. 2.CIiap. i g ' AffiUed Confciences, ^ ^y
former comfortable feelings § in cafe of horrible
thoughts, and hideous injeSions.darknefTe of their
owne fpirits, and fuch other Soule vexations. And
fuch a biciled play fition, which is abletofpcakeex-
perimentaiiytoadt/cfted fprrcwfull heart, out of
pra^life and rpnfc in His owne Soule, is farre more
worth, both for -« true ftarch and discovery, and
found recovery and cure of a wounded confcience,
thtn an hundred meerefpecu'ativc Divines, Suchaa
One, is that One of a thoufand, fpokoi of by lob^
which can wifely, and ftafonably declare unto His
Soulc- lick Patient, thefecrct Trackes, and hidden
Depthsof Gods dealings with a ffliftcd rpirirs. Let
us takeinftance, in thofe expirimtntall abiliticsj
which DavU gained for fucha purpofc, by Hispaf-
fingtho<;ow that moft grievous, fpirituall dcfcrtion,
7y^/.77. TheCafcof rfiatChriftianwcrc moft ru-
full, both in His owne fcarefull apprehenfion, and to
theun-;udiciouseyeofthe Beholders | who haviig,
(pent a I ong time in a Z ealous profelTion of the Truth,
W' al king with God, and fccrtt communion with le^
/;»/C)?'n/,fliouldcome to that pafle, and fall into
thofe wofullftraights of fpiritualltrouble : Firft,That
Hee ihould fcare, not without extraordinary hor-
rour.ltft the mercies of God were departed from
Himf r ever I and that the Lord would never more
bee intreatcd, or ever fbiine againe with His favoura-
blecourjtenar ce upon His con tounded Senile. Second-
ly, that the very remembrance of G^d, which was
wonttocrowne his heart with a colAu ncc of all
dtfirable contentments, Oiould even rent it afunder,
. and make it fall to pieces n His boiomc, like drops
of water. Thirdly, That the pouriig out of His
Soule with pittifull g*oanes,a id . o.npiai» its in fccrct
unto His God, which heretofore diu fet wide open
unto Him, heavenly flood gates of gracious refre-
fim^^ Iho^ild QQW qu^t. over whcUnc Hisipirit^With
mucU
^A. InfiruSlions for Aright comforting Se^«j
much diftraded amazement and feare. Fourthly^
That,thathearcofHis,whichhadformerIyful!rweet-
. ly called chofebo!ypIcafurc5, which farre pallc the
coasprchenfion of any carnallconceif, (hculd now
be (o brim- full, & dammed ap with cxcede ofgriefe;
chat nc vent, or paffage (hould bee left uito Hi«
fpeech. Fifthly, And which, Mcethinkes,is the per-
fcdionof Hismifery in this kinde, that amidft all
thefeheavydifcomfcrts,HisSouIe (hould rcfufe to
bee comforted^That though the Minifters, and Men
ofGodftand round about Him,bring into His mind,
and prcCTe upon Him the pregnant evidences, and te- '
ftimonics of His owne godly life jtheenchangeablc-
ncfle of Gods never-failing mercies to Hisjthe fwect*
neifeofHis glorious Name 5 the foveraigne power,
and mighty priceof His Sonnes blood; the infallible,
and inviolable pretioufncffe, and truth of the promi-
fcsof life,&c« Yet in the agony,and anguidi of His
grievedfpiritjHcepiitsthemallaway from Him, as
none ofHis,nor as properly bclongingto His prefenC
flare. He is readier out of His fpirituall diflcmpcr,
to fpill,as water upon theground,thegoIdenviallsof
the water of life, and fovcraigae oyles of Evangeli-
call joy, tendered unto Himby thePhyfitionof His
Soule jthentoreceivethem with wonted thirft and
thankfiilnes,into thebruifedbofomeof His bleeding
Confcience.Though they afTure Him in the Word of
life andtruth,having had (for that I fuppofe ) trueaud
found experience of His eonveriion, and former fan-
ftifiedcourfes,from Ifai,^/^>2t. That as the heate,
and flrength of the Summers Sunne,dothdifperfe and
difTolveto nothing,athickeMi t,or foggy Cloud :ro
thcinfltin«dzealeof(»ods tender love, thorow tie
blood lilt d of His ownconely deare Sonne, hath done
^yviy iUhis offences i Htt ifiiejimtjftravfgreJJlofifaMd
y»«»*,as though they had never been. And Mtch.y.jgl
Thatiihat godjWhichdeligbteth in mercy, Verf.i 8.
hath
Part. ». Cap. l j. v^ffiiEied^Confciewes, - 2 -
hath caftallhiifinnes into the bottnme of the Sea;
never to nTeagaine,cither \n this World, or in the
World to come. The Prophetalludes to the drow-
ning of the Egyptiaii^ntheRedSea. And therefore
they afTure Him, that as that mighty Hoft funke
downeinfothebotrcme,Iike<»j?o«^,£;ttfi^.i4r.j. Or
#*/ £r4^, Verf. 10. So that neither the Sunne of Hea-
ven,nor Sonne of Man everfaw their faces any more:
SoccrtaineIy,allhisfinnes arefo fwallowed up for
ever, in the Soule-faving Sea of His Saviours blood,
thattheylhali never more appeare before the face of
God or Angcll, Man or Diveil, to His damnatioa or
fiiame. Yet for all this, lying in a rpfrituallSwoune,
Hec findcs His hearteven key-cold, and as it were,
ftarke deadiin refpeft of rchihing, or receiving all,
or any of thefc incomparable comforts. The Cafe
, thus propofed, may feeme very deplorable, anddcf-
perate: yet confidcr, what good Z)<«wWi experience
might doe in fuchdiftreflc. Whata deale of life and
light were it able, to put into the very darkeft
Dampe,aiidmofthcartlefrc famtings of fuch a dy-
ing Sj|le, to have fuch an One as David, even a
ManafrerGodsowne heart, remarkeably inriched,
and eminent with heavenly endowments j One of
the highefl in the Booke of life, and favour with
God.toafTureit, thatHimfelfc had already fuffered
as grievous things in His Souie, if not greater;
and paflTcdthorow the very fame paffions, and pret-
furesof a troubled Spirit, if not with more variety,
and forer pangs. That propcrtionably to his pre-
fent perplexities, Htecryedout with a mofl heavjf
heart : Firft,fr»//>^tf Lordcuji offfsr ever} And will
hee Bee favourable mo more ? Is His mercy cleane gone
for ever I Doth Htspomife f ail e for evermore ? Hath
Gcdforgettentdbee gracious f Hath hee in anger pjut
npHis tender mercies f Vcrf. 7.^.9. Secondly, That
Tiihen Heeremem$redGodf Hee wat troMd, Verf,}.'
-' Thirdly-,
^j5 InfrPtEiions for a right comforting, S'z&^y.
Thirdly, That when Hee prayed unto God, and
cdmplMned, Hts fptrit vpas overwhelmed* Ihid. Fourth-
{'^^'XhSiZVit&rpasfotr.H^led than Hee could not fpeake^
Vvrr.4. Fifthly, That Hn SouU refufed to bee com.
forted^ Verr.2. Which paincfull parages of His fpi*
ntu2lldcfertion,anfwcrexaftly to the c^mfbrtleflc
Cafe of the fuppofed Soule- grieved Patient. Nay,
andbcGdesafruranceofthevcryfamenefll' in appre-
hcnfionsof fcare, and thoughts of horrjur 5 David
alfo out o( his owne experience, and precedency,
niightfweetlyiifornic,anddireiflfu.h aponrepan-
tiRg Soule in a comfortable way, to coaic out of the
. FUceof Dragons, and depths of forrow j by tea-
<;hing,andte.IingHim the manner, and meaiies of
hisri(ii}g,andrecovery. Meditation of Golsfifjga-
largoodneffcandcxtraordinary mercy t<:) HimfeTfe*
his Church and Children aforetime, gave the firu
lift, as it were, to raife his drooping Soule out of the
daft. And no doubt, ever fince the fame confiderati-
on, by the bleflRngs o^ God, ha.h brought a<^aine ma-
« inhde cogttAiione run ^yabruifedrpititfromthe very Gates of Hcj^and
duhiHmeflprmumye' brinkcof defpaire. « And in bis happy p.rafSll of
M*mum^ qui fuo fee- ancient times, and vjods companions or oid j it is
iAtonon fe tdntitmy fed very probably, that His memory firft met with «^-
teumpoiUriutemintri- .^^jw^aright wondcrfull, and matchlfcfle Patceme of
fiif?^m4m mgrtem, & Gcdsrarcft mercies.to a B^oftforiomc Wretch. For
&tm»nuctpt*^4.lle Heewas-wofuUy guilty by His tranrgrpilioii, of ca-
tngratiam^ cr reftitu- ftingDoth Him(t;lfe,andall his Sonnes and Dangh-
tm.—~Po[lcA reli4}U4 e- ters, frocB the Creation to the Worlds end, out of
turn exemUlthetMi0. Paradifejnto thePitof Heil: andalfo ofempoyfo-
;rN!;^7':XA' nic^S with th.curftd contagion of or.giuall conup-
milta /er-»4tftr tn itiiu. tjon.thc Soulesand Bodies of all that cvci were, or
rietqutd.opulmifrae fliailbecbomeof Woman» the Lord lejas oncly ex-
jit$cm tnge^ti .mir4cuto ccptcd. And yet this Man. as bell Divifics fuppofc,
eduntMT '1^pr<>^& though Hec had caft away Himfelfe, and undo;i€ all
^w</^-«rortd«w/be)---^^'^^'*^*> was received to mercy. Let never poorc
r/nuU MthUfrf/t wn ^^'^^ E!?!"^ Y^^'^ ^^^ ^orld ialh, upon true and
Part.l.Cap. 1 3 • Affiled Confciences, S^7
timely repentance, fufferthe bainoufnefle, and hor- ^J^'^l'^JxZ'a'^^&t
rour of His former finnes, what (c ever they ^^^^ tji!^ ifrMuiuM morlt
been, to hinder bis hopefuli aceeflcunto the Throne trn^4tUtif cr fremm in
of Grace, for prefent pardon of them all ; or at any de/erto4dyerfMDeum,et
time afterward confound His comforts, and confi- iiuimmfiroj,nentotuf
dcnceinGodsgracious Promifcs. Thus, no doubt, J'"^^^*;^^^^^^^
the weary Souleof this Man of God waded further, ^^^^^^^^o^;^^^. -po.
into thofebottomlelle Seas of mercies,manifefted,& Jlremo/Mot qme^ne //'^«-
madc good from time to time upon His ftrvants:His r4tione>, wquibm ante-
heavy hartmightfweetlyrefrefliArepofeitfdf up- ^^^'^f^'l'^^^jf^n'l'^ex'
•onthccontcmplation of Godsncver-failing copaffi- ''^^t.memmi tepe!!^
on5,incbtcafting-offyf4r^«ev€rIaftingly,forHisfali Moller lnpral77.Re•
^ntornofthor^ibk^doIatry: Innotfiiiferingthcmur- cdgitavi dies ami-
muring, and rebellious Icwes to pcri(hall,and Utterly, <l"°s ']Prt9rumtu9rHm,
.iathcWildancffejconfidering their many prodigi- '»?«. f» ^'";;^"»'r f !'
ous,provocations and impatienciesjccc. But at length, uyiqmequ^-AtAfivt an
as wee may fee in the fore-cited Pfalme, Hi&^oulc maioret nojiri hneficu
fctsittriumphant.S'^/i*)^ upon that great, andmiracu- to»feqmtti^ ijHomoSi
lousdtliveranccattheRedScaj oneof themoftglo- ^Z"%^uom»Tm4
rious, and vifiblc Miracles of mercy, that ever (hone yZh!!^tZTcn),^&
from Heavenupon the Sonncs of Men ; and alfo a qumodoterrAm ^rtmif^
blefled Type of the falvation of all truly penitent /«<w <tt//</wr.
and ptrpi<x€dSoults from the Y{^Yi\([\Pharaoh^zvid
ail lafcri-ati powers, in'che red Sea of our Saviours
blood. flowfairelynow,^nd feelingly might thtfe
experimentali infirudlion*, and this P^flegc of
proore,trodcn,and chalked out byrhis holy Man, il^'
lighten, and condiift any, ?6>«; ^alketindarknefe, and
hath no comfort, out of the like diitraiflcd horrour of
afpiritualldcfcrtion? Let Him-in fuch a Cafe, firft
caft backeHiseyc upon Gods former manifoldjmt r-
c'lfulldealingswiihHimlelfc. If HisGodmade His
Souleof the darkeil nook e of Hell, as it were, hy
rcafonof it'ifinfulnelTcandcurfcdnefre, as faire and
beautif»ll,asthebrightefl Sun-beaxnc, by thit f'ove-,
raigne blood, which gufht out of the heartland thofc
ptQtious graces,which fliine upoait^^om che face o£
2 * Injirttaiomfor a right conffming Sc^. j'
His Sonne, that never fetting Sunnc ofrightcoufl
ncffe ; Hce willundoubtcdIy,in due feafon^difpcli all
fhofcMiftsof fpirituallmifery, which o\rer(Iadow
the glory and comfort oi it far a time. If Hee upheld
Him by his mercifiill hand, from Gnking into Heli
when Hcc was an horrible tranfgrcffoui of all bis
Lawes with greedinefle and delight 5 Hec will moft
certaiaely, (Though, perhaps, fora fmall moment,
H?e hide his facfifrom Him) bindeupHis Soulc in
theBsindleof the living for ever; now efpecially
when Keepreferres the love, and light of His coun-
tenancebeforelifej andwould nor willingly offend
Him, in the leaft finne, for all the WorId,&c. Lee
Him yet proceed further in VdvUi foot-fteps, and
ftrengthenHisfaintingSouIcwith all that heavenly
M^inna of richcft mercy , v^'hich Hce hath heard
read, or knowneto have been fhowrcddov/ne at a-
ny time, fromthe throne of Grace, into the heavy,
humble, and hungry hearts of His afflit^cd hidden
Ones, LctHimreftefb Hb memory, with conlide-
ration of D<iz/»^j deliverance, by this mcanes, froia
deeper diftrefle^ of that moft memorable, and tri-
umphant refurredion, as it were, and recovery of
thofe three worthy Saints of God, Mafter ^/<>t/^r,
^i^ihBrettergh^ Mafter Teacocke, ixom grcateft ex- -
tremitieinthis kindc,into moft unutterable joy full
cxultationsof fpirit. And fo,of others within the Re-
gifter of His obfcrvation, remembrancc,and reading*
But principally,and above all j Let Him li ve,and die^
let Him reft, and recreate Himfelfc for ever, with
furcftho!d-faft,and fweeteft thoughts,upon that hea-
venly , and healing Anti^tyfe of the Red Sea, the
prctious Blood of the L9rd lejus. And let Hira
grounduponitjthatthoughSatanwich all His hcl-
life Hofts,and utmoft fury,purfue hisfcarefuU Soule,
V^^^Tanridgein the mount aines, even to the very
^l9 !55 ?? <^paif«,and mouth of Hell ; yet even then
whso;
Rllt.l.cap.14* ^ffliciedConfciencet. 3^9
wbenall refcue and deliveranceis ncercft,to be utter-
ly defpaired of ( For it is the Crowne of Gods pri-
ons mc*ey to fave, when the Cafe fecmcs defperatc,
and thereistK>hopc of h umane helpe, or poifibility
of created power to comfort ) I fay, then that Soule-
favingSea ot His Saviours hcarts-bloud, will moll
tcrtainely, and fearonably open it felfe wide unto
Him,as ic did to thofe above-named blcfTcd Saints 5
and fwallow up into victory, Hell,Death, the Grave,
Danination,thcprrfcr.:wofalldefertioD, with all o-
ther adverfary power : and at length, make Hiia a
fair e and pleaiant paflagcthorow thefwcetned pangs
of death, kito the heavenly Canaan- which flowes
with joyes and pleafures, unmixed and cndleiTe-|
more then either Tongue caa tcll,or heart can
thinkc*
CHAp. XIIIL
The ninth dnd t enth Caufes of the former
MalaeUt*
^Inthly, a fpirfttiall defertion may ^.To piiiUb tltei? ^^
fcemeaproponionablc, fit, aadmoft ftrtiagolbim. "^
proper puniihtsent , and meanes to
corred-, and recover tbe Chriftian |
which out of infirmity and fcare, dc-
(crtsthe Lord /tf/«/,andthc Profeflfionof His bleffed
Truth and Gofpell. Ifanybeeafhataedof HitHi re- ,^
fiifeto doe, orfuffcr any thing for His fak«, who
hath given uncous His owne hearts-blood |icismoft '
juft, that in fiich a Cafe Hce withdraw Hioifclfe^in
refped df all fenfe and feding of divine favour, and
fruitesdfgrace,or any comtcrtable inSuencc at all»
upon the Confcieoccs of fuch Cowards ; that fo they
beinglcft to the daiidicfle, of their owne fpirits^
Mm ft and
53© InflruBions for aright comforting St^.y.
»i^d by coofequent, to the taftc even of Hsllifh hot*
rou^or the time ; they may bee brought againe to
thcmfelves, and taught by fuch terrours to returne ;
and become infinitely more willing to embrace the
Stakc,if the times (hould bee fo cruel! ; and kifle thei
inftruraents of death, then langmfh any longer in the.
defpairing extremities of fuch a dcfertion % to ac-
knowledge it incomparably better to paHetho'ow
the temporary bitterneiTc of. Popifli fire, then to bee
abandoned to ev^rlafting, flames : Nay, and that
which is thc.grcaterHell,to bee robbed of, and rent
from Him ; in whofegtorious prcfeace alone, is noc
onely hfc,and all lightfomenelle even in thiilife, but
. " 2\Co f*tl»ejfe of Uj, and pleafffres for evermare, in the
life to come, Thi> Point appeares, and is proved by
Godsdealingwithfome of our Martyrs in Queene
s Inthe Story of r^<». Maries tim^x
»j&;/;W/,firft,tCcam.ng , , y-^^^^ fyhitteil,zh\t^t^iLMnrtjro£lefus,yN2^
and then repemmg the , , • i jr n- c r r/ -n i .»'^"
fame* by.the Wicked fuggefticns or lome Popilh • mcar-
«» God fuffcredmeeto nateDiveIs,drawneto fubfcribc to their Hcllifti Do-
faintjaod failc through ftrinc ; But confidcring in cold blood, what, Hee had I
humane mfirmiuc, by donc,was horribly vexed; and, as Hce reports of
Arch^nenw^ in His Hia)felfe>/<p/f Hdl in hu confcienceyand SdUnreadj to .-
4vyo;;n« Souldicr^ the devoure him. Which terribl(? defercion, and trouble
Bifhops.and prieft*: ofmindc, made Him quickly returae with grcatcon-
In whom fo lirely ap- ft^ncy and fortitude, and turne a moQ: invincible, and
lirftape o7siwl! unmoveable^^f/r.Hearefome palTages from Jlis
that a Man (if itwcrc OWne P^n.
not pr'. jadice to Gods . The night after I hAd/H^feribed^ I was fore grieved,
^ord) might well af- and for forroT» of cfnfcienee could not fieepe. For in the
firmcthcm to bee pi- deliverance pfmy 'Body om of houdsMtch I mtaht hav£
tels mcarnatc, as I by , , . /jrj ' ^ r . l a ft
CTpetiencedoe fpeakc, ^'«'^»^ ^^'^'^ H^«* '^7> nor comfort ; i^m fitU was tn
^j /t»d Hotmmtm J, . ^y confciencfi tormented mare and more^^c, .
f4^'Z0,i$* u4ndl faidto[li^rpssfk\6^ic.]rhatmy^oHfcience
had/o accftfedmee,through the iff fi tudgf meat of god,
and His fFord^hat I had felt Helltn my ^onfcience^and
SatanrjadpodevvpreMcc : %/indthereforeJfrayjotft
. Mailci
Parc.2 . Cap. 1 4 • AffUSed Confciewes, 53'
Mafter Harps field, ( [aid I ) Let mee hsvi the 'Bill a^
'■gaine,j@r I roillnotfiArdtoity
fVhentheX»rd h*d led Mee to Hell in my Confsi"
efice, throH^h the refpetlof Hii fearefftll mdgemcnts 4*
giiinfi weeyfor my fearefulnt^e, TK'firufl, And crafty
cloinkixginfuch fpiriiuall^tindyrei^htj matters \ jet H^
Ifrottjht tnee from thence agAine^t^c, . , - ^^..^ .. , , ] \ --*'
See alfo the Story of lames ^^'^^s^ani^boJ^H' ^ *
'bridge iGn]i.kmQn'iy^^*a»d CMcmmentSypag^i^S^"
"2246. ■'" ■ ,. ^ . --'■■• -
10. Teiithly, God IS many tim^sibrced by their 10 The retoVwjfife
£rov;ardnefle > [iike-warrotncflc,wGililIy- minded- '.^^m »*^5i '!^^^'!%v
- reffe, cowardlineffe , Selfe-ccnfidence, falling from ''"SV ^ ' .1;^ ■»*'.«.'«
their^r/?/c^^J<f, and other fuch fpirituaU diflempcrs; - -^ '-v*
to vifite^and exsrcifc His Ghildren with variety ,and - ^^''"
Sometimes, fevsrity of crcflcs and corre<£lions 5 as
lofles in their outward llatc j affljftions of Body ;
difgraces upon their good name i oppreHion by great
■Ones^difccmfortsin Wives, Ndgnbours,FricndS| i
Chi!drcn,&c. upon purpcfj to put lib, quicknefle, J
fruitfulnene^andfor'.vardncircinto the ai^that there-
by, they may bee more glorioiifly ferviceable to
Hfrnfelfe ; more profirabie to others ^ and more f
provident to treafiire up peace unto their ownc l
Soulcs, againftan evill Day. godhptmhlethus, faith •
a worthy Divine, ^j? ajJU^ioas^ and pricket h the f^eU ;'
ling ef 9flr pride. Hee cutteth^ and lo^feth us, to the end^
Tvee may bring forth the mare fruit, Hte fillet h m ',
fvith hitterne^e tn thi<s life j to the end^ nvee might long ' "I
for the lifeto come, Forthofe,tvhGm God^§ltciethgriem
voftfly in thiijWorld, leave it with lejfe grtefe, Hee^vph§ - ■
hatb formtd Hs to fentre Him^knoT»etb^th(it our praters
arejlacke and ccldtnprofpertty,(is proceeding from a fpi-
ritythat is cooled by fuccejfeiandwhich are endtted&y cm- i!
fiome^ Thecries^vphich oHrotvnewill prodficed,arefee» \
ble^ tn compArifon of thofe, ^hich grief e exprejfeth, No^ |
^bingfoingenioMSto pray n>ell, at forroiv •, ^hich tn am I
LMm 3 inj}af» f^
S^\ IiiflrHBiom for a right comforting Ssft.J
inflant formeth the fld^eji tongues to nn holy eloquence^
and fftrnifieth tfs ^ith fighss, Tvhich c4wot hee exfrefm .
^Medi:uieli^4dhucbu~'fi<ii^^* But now many timeSjthis Phyficke, which
tre hahes nefcto qntdy pincbcthonely the Bodyja.-id waftcthiisbutin things •
cu n.u; sedadbucfct^i^ ^f this World, doth not fo worke, as He would have
%"XtZr^. itiandthtrefore H.e aconft«i„ed • in lovo. and
ttr, Etenim mditm for our good, to ptocced to morc iharpc, and fear-
trHdeiU efl^ ^uitxaudt chingMcdicinesi to apply mare ftroag,-and ftii?ing
hommem, cr)areit vhL ^u'gcSjVvhich immediately vexethcSouIe: As horri-
'*'ui'^I{2t'''^^''Z' ble,2:id hideous in jcaions J Afpicitual! Defertion;
2S*^?/X^«^t^ anaotbera5iigbtirtg,aridftinsing temptations. Hee
'^onaeparvult clamMn't dealeswIththeiTiin tI'JisCafc,as^^/^/*»9 with/54^ ,"
i»:(rmantiitdrttm}i[ia whenHcewcJuldnotcomeAt Him by fending once,
trgo CTudtks runt, ut andagainej Heecaafes his fervants to (a His field
'^TuTryZ^'^'^Ztn ^^'«''^^; oBfi^«>andtheii there was no need tc bid
fltnA fuHtfietaunttL ^^^ ^^"^' ^^'^^^ iaferiout miferies, and other meane*
mtn ciagtam fueri , &> willnot doeit^ Gpidrets, as it Were, their Soules Oft
notteU farcitHr, sicO" fitc wich flamesof Horrour, in oiie kinde or other |
^r^ J^/y P^ntu eji andthciitheylookeaboucthcm indeed, with much
twmnex^Hd^rt ut L care, and fcare, fearching and fynccrity i They feckc
ntt, o-p*rcdt infempi. ^im then with a Witnt0e5earrje{l!y, and earlj. For
jf^««w,AiJgoftjn Pfal. ifflhflicnsof Soulcsre very foVcraigne,and have fi:7=
I^V .. guIareffiifacVjtoftirrejand quicken extraordinarily;
vLZf!!*- /*"''*"^'*''» to weane quite from the world,- and kecpe a Man
rnrtnttiQt ligantur (td x r ^ \ \- • /^ j t t i_ i
t^rnenumqne omanLt, cloicand dinging unto God. How many, though
^im.inp/ai,^^, ' perhaps , they tbinkc not fo, would grow proud,
St mAlum morhifontht worldly,Lukc-vvaraiCj cold ill thcufc of the Ofdi-
"Z'un '*'*""''"^'"^'^''* nances,Selfe. confident ,or ibmcthingthac they fliauld
W«r/«/,S^'^/''^*>* not bee 5 it chey were notforat:tim€sexefcifed with
oemmf^ foltcttd fortius ^ ■ n r ' 1 1 t /jol-^ j l
ftwedicindopftnif.afoe. tnteutonj of ttrnble tboughti ? By this htiy dart, the
rfcO^ipetus ingeruntur Divcll defircs^and endeavours tod ftroy,andundoe
muiri-.crf eonvaluerit them quite | But by the mercy of God, it is turned
maJum,cri^»^4S,hc^ to their greater fpintualisood. Itrsin this Cafe, as
/l^re^/«^•rw«^, Firajic.de • 1 tj- Li' i a l- . l t, j
error. GencJ SecLc- ^vasWithHimj \>ohoth'/uJtwghfs enemymto the Body ^
iik\%C, ' T^i^^ ffi^i pfffpofc to have killed Hifttf Unsed the ulcer ^
which HO P hjjittoft was able to atre-y And let out that
corf H^t matter ^\hatvfOHld hiivfcofi Htm his hfex By
repretcnutiQG.
Part.a.egp.14* AfjUcledConfciences, 52 a
rcprcfcntation cf fuch hcrroor, out of Satans crad-
left malice, they are hsppfly kept more huitoble,
v/atcWnll, earned in prayer, eager after the Mcancs,
weaned from the World, comp?flionate to other*,
&:c, Hiding of Gcds face from Him, and Iraving
Him to the da kncfleof His ovvne fpint,did put and
i^t^kwtyiz^ict lohnGtsver in a moll zealous, holy,
and heavenly life for ever afrer.Heare the * ftory; * ^*>*. In tbc Story 6f
This gemleman^einic tiled by the Itabtcf the holy ^^^f'^l *;*«"* Gi^^er^
Sprtt,tothe knowledge of the Goff ell : And havt^gre- B^othct,/-*^.i88f.
cei'ved a v^oKdrcMS Jweet feeling of Chn^s heAvenh
Kifigdome: His minde after that,f Ailing a little to [owe
cogitationof his former Afair(>s,h(longm(t to His zeca-
tten^^egnn by atr.d by to m'.(aoubt h'-mfelfe, ufon eccufi<>n
of thofe vpords, Heb.y.^. For it is itnpofTib.c^&c. Vp'
oncsnfideratiensof'')i'hichvrr'rclf^\it\v2iS fo farre dc-
fefted,astobec perfve/tdedjhat HeehadjtKnedagAififl
the helj Qhsfl g even fo muchy that if Hee bad been tn'
the deepefi Tit ef Hell^ Hee comld almofl have defpairej
no more ef Hts falvation — Beiva yoti»g, faith Foxe^ 1
rememher^ I vMsonct,or trvicevritb Htm \wh*m v^tly
by histati^ey I perceived^ and partly by mine e'^eeyefy
fawtabee fo vrorne and confumed^ by the fpace of five
yeares^thatneitberalm^Ji any brooking of meat e^ qui-
etfteffe of fieepe^ pleafure of Itfe-, yea, and almofi no
kinde of fenfesrvas left in Htm. — Who in fach intole-
rable griefes of minde, although Hee neither ^rf^>»^
could have any ieyef His meate; yet^as hee compel^
led teeateagainfi His appetite^ to the end, fo defefre
the time of hts damnation^fo long as Hee might ; thi»^^g
Vciti} Himfelfe no lejfe^ but that Hee fftuji needi bee
thrft^ne into Hell^ the breath being otfce mt of the '^ody,
Albeit (fhnfiy Hee tbongbt^did fifty bis cafe^ and y»as
forry for Him : yet hee could not ( as Hee imagined Jf
helpejbecanfe of the verityof the '^ord^hichfofd : It is
impoffiblCj&c.But what wasthc happy iffuc,& cflfe(fl
of thefc excracrdinar)' fpirituall terroms,and terrible
Mm 4 defettioa?
594 InfiruSlUns for ti right comfort ing SC(f^* j ■
dcfcrtion i The fame blcfled Man of God,who \^rites>
the Stoty, an3 was himfelfe with the Party,tclls us : {
qyil^eit Hee fuffered many year es fo Jharfe temptati-
ons^andjirong bhjfe tings of Satan : jet the Lord, who ■
gracioHJlj freferved HimaUthei9hile,notoneljat laji '
did rid Him out of all dtfcornfort^ bttt alfs framed Hint -.
thereby to fuchmorttf cation of life, a^s the likf lightly ■
hathmtbeene feene 5 In fnch fort as Hee^ being like.
oaepUcedin Heaven already, and dead in this World %
hdthin^rdaad f»editatioH,led4life altogether celefii^
all, abhorring in Hfs tninde aU prophane diings^ Thus a
ipirituall deS;rtion,orfome other afflnflioaot fpirit,
dpth that alone, many times ; which variety, and a ,
Ipng continued fucccffion of ordinary outward croC»,'(
feSjoneupon the Nccke of anotherris not able to .
cfied* For troubles ofSoulefoonertake, andareof a
quicker, and Ihonger operation j then thofc which)
afflfttheBody. Thefpir$tofa man mil fftfiatne his^
infirmity: Bnt a wounded fpintytvho can beare? 'Trov^
l8«i4* All other afHidions arc nothing to this^,
Theyarebutflea-bitingstothe fiery Scorpion* The-
ftoutnefle of a Mans fpirit will ftand under a world
ofout ward mifcries, many times ; But if the eyc>.
which is the light of the Body,l)ec in darkcaefle;
hpw great is that darknclTe ? If the fpiric it felfe bee
crulht, which (hould fiipport, the whole man, hovVj.
gceatistheconfufion? Henceit was, that faithfull
David wadcdthorowa world of troubles ; yet all
tkst tttn^^no malice of SahU no hatred of the Phili-
ftines, no rebellion of ty€bfalom , m treachery of Ahito^
fhel, Hografhng with a Lyon, no fighting ^ithaBeare,
■nothreatmngcf avannting ^oUah^ could [0 mnch dif",
eparageHim :Butwhenataay timejHc.iuffcred ioi-
jnediately in Hi$fou!c,.ui>der thewratliof .^od, O I
then his very ^tf^x.the mailer-timber of His bod V, arc:
broken in peeccS. Hseroa^es all the day,Z{\-^ Hts moy^
fiffre ii tttrnedtpto the drought of Snmmr^ Then Hcc
-. . fpeakes.
part.2.Chap.i 5; ApEled Confcientxs, yj^
fpcakcsthusunto God { H^hntthoumtb rebukes doefi
ctrreUnMnforinujmty^ihoHmAkffi hii betiMtj to cqiu
fttmeaypayUkeaLMoath.
CHAP, XV.
T^o heipesfor the C*^ing (f a nrnn troubled with the
firmer CMAladie,
^pHus leaving difcovcred the Cafes, ThcCurcmtW.C.re;
^^-^ and CauCcs of fpirituall Defertion i i.From the di^encw-
^^^i\ I come now to the comforts and ofdefertions, .r r: rij
^^ the cure.
I. And let us firfi take notice of a
double defertion : firft.Paflivcj i.paifivc:
when God withdtawes Himfelfe
from us ; fecondly , Adivej when wee withdraw our ^ j^/wyc'
felves from God. And they are both twofold : firrt, *
Temporary : and fecondly. Final!.
i.Paffi.vedefertiontanporaryjAsinZ)«':;^^,7'/&/.- - . . . . ,
ry-HemAntheE^ahUe,PfM%dck, Both the ^/». ^^l^o^T'
'Vers, Sec theirftory, <i^<5f/ and (Ji^onpitnents, i88j.
1 89 1 . Miftris Brettergh j Mafter T^eacocke-^ And ma-
ay moe of Gods Children.
2»Finall,Iomany,afterawofuII,and wilfuUabufe -. „
of many mercies, meanes of falvation, and gcnerall **''"'*"• ^
graces. hsSattl^iuda4,&c. Such ashaveoutltood all
opportunities and ftafons of grace, and all thofc,
i'rof. 1.24.
I.AaIvedefcr.^oatcmporary^A$iq^«/«».;,,&c. A
2.F]nalljasinthofe5//e'^.iQ- i.Tempoiaiy;
Now in the prefent Point, I underf^and onely a- i-FinaU.
Pjflive temporary Defertion. And thtrefoie in that
Man, which is truly ingrafted intoChrift by a /u«i- ForitisaPaffirewaii
fying Faith,aiidre§sneratediwhocan nevcrpoffiblf pora ydcierimn ondy
cixhtrioriakefinallyjorbctolly forfakcn of Godl ""^"^^^odhcrcjwhofc
- Qf •""'?^*
5j<J Inflrtttiwts for aright comfortmg h^^t^t
* In hit Sermon trpou Of wbpm Hooker thus <peaK«S. * Bleged for ever
this wee know wcarc the^PUUrs ef tKeWerldmaj^trembls under us '^ The
Boc deceived, neither ccH^tenAneeof the~Heavenrntghtheea,^pAled :the^um»
can wee deceive you, r»4yhfe bi6 light ; the ^St a/rrfs, thi^ gtorj : But conccr.
Ac^Faitr wh«e"b wee ''^"^ ^^' ^'"'' ^^"^^ '^^.^-^^^ *" 9'^y 'f ^^^ ('^^ ^'•^'^ f"^-
are {zlmt^\I^ot ctAOfiedikfiif^.mtilfhy^mHck^tofmge d.^haire of
failejitdid not ia the HUhead^ If Lyons ^ heafls^ rnvenom Ifij nMure, a/rd
Prophetjit fhall not in ^ene n>ith hunger ^ being fet to devonre \hdve^ Ai it ^ere^
yoH, iy^\pAg.6. Tfeey rH^kMf'ad^rH thv ^rtrj ftifi^c^'thefairhfuIIr.^Maft^
J»t.fiiVJfc.'«itfacrmrhit ^4tJl4kc''aiK.(kefyaria^atM^£hange fi^bearf;^
or in !^ny .^v^^zayoi^rihrmHiafaitb^A'terhii^^eSiton towards God, or
(uchlin, as doth quite theaffeSion of god to Htm}. Nay aYid beftdeS, iuh I
extingmfligracej clean oneiy underftand a temporary paffivc Derertiofi, J
clift lTrus°teSift-^^^ft^»«I^^*«*^^^ HimaWo^whoiWsfuIi w^li,^;
the feed of God abi- cJotbadihowledgefrom vvbsnce tf*e fsfallchjisV'e-
deth in them, aixd doth ry fenfibieof Hislpirituaiiloflfc , afflifl:;!dm':ch with
ftutldthemfidmre'cel- tbeabTcnceof thequickrrfng, and comforting influ-
Snd"^The™*^Fiiti!^ ^"^^ of grace j and grieved at the heart- rOote. that
vfbeniiiis »f- ^rongcfli" ^^ c^net doe HijGod ieivice j-and performe holy
is but weaiifi^a ^vpn, dutiiss witHthfft life, powcr^ a>}d Hglitro:hencrre, as
then, when it i» at the Hce was wo»t : and thereupon refolves to give no
wcake^t,io ftrong that feft anto His difcontcntcd Soule from cries, coir-
?t?et';eXthS plaints,andgroanesi until}Godsf^eaidfavoorb.c
gethcrjnojnotintheM, tiirtied towards HitBagaine'f and brt»g with it tor-
who riiinke it utterly" ixlerfcelingsand Fruitfulneflc, now fo "highly prized,
exrmguiihcd in them- and heartily prayed fotr * Which bleffcd behaviour
felve5,p4^.7. doth cleatelydiftercnce Him fromche Back- Aider? a
rm\,cj^HamS^u*d^Ym4, truly rat ferable, and right wofull Creature indeed .;
,«»«««/|«aj)i>yingut^^*_ wJTOmitn^fibly falls from his forward efle.firfl lore,
gilt. 1 4 i. ' intimatcfellow/hip with the SaintSjandaillively life
and txcrcifeoftheordiuances.and divine duties and
yet is never troubled, to any pjrpofe; neither doth
.ti>; challenge or judgeHimfelfe for it at all. Forweeare
r ' •' to know, that the prtfcnceof fpirituall wcakneflcSf
decay cs, and wants J and abfence of due difpoiitions,
accuilomed
I^lt. * . Cap. 1 5, nyiffiiBed^Coi^ciettces, 537
accuftomed feelings, and former abilfcics of grace,
oncly rfieA argue a Bick-flider, andareevill fignesof
a dangeroufly declining Soule ) when they arc wil-
lingly carried without remorfe, or taking much to
heart ; withoiitany eager defire,orcarneft endeavouir
after more heate, and hca v ea!y mindedncffe. A Ghri-* ^
ftian may be without Gods gracious prcfence, and
comfortable exercife of grace in prcfent feeling ; and
yet no Forfakerof God, butrathcr left of Him for a
time (Tiis heavenly wifedoaiei^fcr fome fccret holy
cndsfodirpoling j) whi.'eby grieving, ftriving, amf
ftrongdefireSjHeeunfaincdIy thirfts after, and fcri-
cufly purfaes bis former acceptation and forward*
nefle. Herethen is comfort, God hath hid his face
from theefor a fcalbn, and thou art kk to the darkc-
Hcfle, and difeomforts of thine owne fp5rit j aod
thereupon artgrievoufly dejc(5led, think'fi thy Selfe
utterly undone; yet takt notice, that In a fpirituall
Defcrtion^properiy focailed,lhou doe ft not Willing- « Vw ^e/erityetUm/tJ^
ly fbriake God, but God forfakcs Thee ^ * or rather, /trfre yidtatmMondeft^^
as Divines truly fpeake, /eemes to forlakeXheej ^" fj**»>fi '^eferat. Aiu
( For Hec dcaks with Thee in th sCafe, as a Father %,)-j^ ^r^^ quoT'
withHisChiide,. wh^ fometimes upon purpofe, d*m dcfirere yLetMrl
ftiil leaving Him extremely, hides Himfelfe from Ambr.TnPfal,ii8, ^
lent ends, and ever for thy endlelfc comfort : firft,To uTo wotke Faith,
trie, whether Thou wiittruft in Him, though Hce
flay thee, as /<?^ did. Every Cock-boatecan fwimmc
in.aRoverjevery Sculler fay le in a Calmc ; Jn ordi-
nary gufts,any man of meaner skill, and lefTerpati-
sncccanftterearigbr, and hold up the head : But
when the black tempt il comes, a tenth wave flowes
Onedeepe calls another i when the tumultuous dark-
nefle of the sky,theroaringof the rcftlefle Creature
reprercr,cstcrxiblethings,andH€avcD andearth are
' blundered ~
'" «88 ~ IrrftrnSiiensforarightcomfartMg, Scifl.g:
biandcred togetbcf, asic werci with horribk^ confu-
fipas } wheo nature ycelds,fpirits faint, hearts faile;.
then to f Und upright and unlliakcn $ then to fay with
VaVfd ; / mli not jeAre^thongh the e^rth bee remo'
ved . and though the m&ftmAines hee carried into the
mdde^aftheSfa: Though the^ Tvat£rs thereof rearCp
4.td bet trotthUd j thou^ the MonmAtnes pjoke rvith
ijhe fvoellmg thereef^ SeUh : I fay , that*s the Man,
which is ibaodat the heart-roote indeed, and fttclc
(pthe backe : and then \sx)m invincible (night, and
iricpoiparable valour of Faith made knowpe wicha
ivitncHej whoever hath Gods fure Word for th*
GompaiIc,and the Lwd lefuszx. the Helme. Then
d9ththisglorious grace {hine,aiidtriumphabove na-
ture, fenfe,reafoQ, worldly wifedome, the arme of
ficih, andthfrwhoIcCrcation. In fuch dcfperatc ex*
tremities, and forcft trials,it (hewes it felfe like the
*Ex4priy*t.^ So.' * Paim^trce,thatyeeldsnotto the waighticlt bur-.
yj^Xfib^dimo.^dmd'^ denjthc Shoote-AncHor, that holds, when other
l^i^:l>mcfdat. tackiingsbrcakc 5the cile,that ever ovcr*fwims the
*\-p4i,n4non teiit foH" greattft^quautity of Water wee can poure upon it*
^tiiM trnntur* eT^f' ^"^ ^"^ ^^*^ improvement of the extraordiriar\/
fyZin^Tttiis. *Hiw4^ powetof fdichjGodisexcecdingly welUplcafed,and
^Hayf'erejfuttyi^rJ/c highly honoured. Secondiy/Toxnure thee cq pad-
mfil»e,Ht 4pp4ret exA-' ciKC, obedience, and fubmillion. to His blcfied Wd!
pocai.'/«v,9.Alft, jj-j gygjy thing,even cxtrenielt fuffenngs, if Hee fo
t DcXioaol fin* P^"^^- Thirdly,To workc in Thee, a deeper dete-
*"* ., ^ K. ,.'.r §^^ionof{inne, and harthcrdivorce from the world.
..ToquiUcn fomc pQurchly^l^o quicken, improve, and exercifc fome
fpcciali graces. Tpeciall graces extraordinarily. Thoudtdfi hide thf
Pia], |0,7,8, fafej(iv.[\Davtdj4»d/ Was tronWed. Jhsn J crted
HntoThecy L'lrd^c^c. Then was thefpirit of prayct
pit to it indt td ; and fo was the grace of ^attence^
jr,To tcschhim to )V^/f/»o^,a.id the like. Fifthly, To caufe thee to priz6
pijic Gods tavour. mc>redea:ciy,a id to kecpe more circfuUy,. when it
comes againc, God&i^lorious p> efencc,and th~ quiek-
jiiog infiucuceof Hw grace and comfort. Wee nev«c
Part.2.Clriap,l5- Ap^ed Confcienoes, j^p
apprehend the worth, andexcdlency of any thing (o
well,asbythewantofit. Thcan-inctrrupted,andrc-
cureenjoymcntof the beftthines,andcventho{e that
pleafc us beft , without vieiflitudc , and entcr-
change, is wont ro breed iuch cheapne (te and faticty^
andfodulsthe Soulcsappetitcithat it is neither foaf-
fe£kcd with their pretiousrwcetnefTc, nor thankfully
raviflied with the prefcnt poffeflionof them, as it
ought. Health is then highly vale wed, when Gck^
ncflc hath made us fenliblc of fueh a )cwell : wee
then leb'ih our food extraordinarily, when wee have
faftedionger then ordinary ; Reft doth then refrefli
Us moft> when our bodies have been tired, and over-
travelled. Sixthly, To cnake thee conformable in fr To make like co
fomemcafurtjtoChriftsimoieafurable fpiriruallfuf- ' *
ferings. Seventhly, To jainifeft, and make illuftri- 7,Tomanifcft hii po*
ous. His mightinefle and mercy in thy deliverance, **"
and the power of ChnJIs refrrre^itoft, }VilttboH jher» Pfal.88.io.
wonders to the Bend ? faith HemAH, Shall the dead>
arife^^nd fraifethee ? Selah, Thofc, whom the mer-
cir'uilhandot God hath lifted up, out of the depth
tof afpirituill defertion, willcaiiiy acknowledge ir^
as omnipotent a worke and wonder, as to pull out o£
the mouth of Hell, and railc the dead mzn out of
the grave. Eighthly, To reprefent unto thee, the 8. To declare the difTft^
difference ofthy condition in this Iife,and that which '"^"^ of ©nr prcftm
is to come. This isouttime of nurture, not of Inhe- ^"^0""'* *^"**
ritance. Here wee "^Mke hy fAttb^ not i^j fighr, Wee Habbak.^l,
lw^hjfMth^v\oi\>^ ftcling. In this vale of tearcs Rom.i.ir.f
jwf are killed all the day long : But heavenly glimples Galat. j.x X,
of unfpeAkeable and glorious toy, and ipirituail ravilh* ^^'^•^oj^-
merits of Soule are ^^feidome and niort:Theirfuln€flc, ^"^elimUneDm r*:
an iconftant fruition, is rcferved for the next life. rAhora,crhtyism<^4,
He re we are trained, a' it were, in a fpirituall warfare ^"^^ f -^'^w juAyijsC
againft the Wcrld,the Flefli,and the Diveji $ weeare ^^^J'dgufiatm rATi^>^
excrcifcd unto New-obedience, by manifold crof. "''*^«^^
fc^troubIcs,aadccnipcacioas : Sauais fbowtimes fet
upon
jf^o InfiraEiiVHs for Aright comforting SeA^
-I , \ — — —
Upon us, to afflidlus with His owne immediate Hd-
liflifuggcftions| Sometimes our owne fmnes gric-
veiifly affright ws, with renewed reprefentations of
horrourj Sometimes our owne God frowncs upon
us Himfclfe, with His difpleafed and angry counte-
nance ; and in love leaves us a while, to the ter^
roursofafpiritualldcfertion : Hce foraetimes layes
His vifitinglmnd upon our Body es, and cafteth us
dowHe upon our Beds of (ickneiTc ; Sometimes Hee ,
fends heavy croflcs upon our outward States, and
breakestheStafteof our profpcnty 5 CofttinuaHy/af-
ffloft, Hee fuffers many malicious Currcs to barke at:
us with (landers, lies, difgracefull imputations; and
all the enemies of grace, to purfiie us bitterly v/ith .
_ much malice and difdaine : Thus are wee trained,
9bT« dfijrewGod. and entertained in this*^»orld 5 Our Crowning
comes in the World to come. Ninthly, To
caufe thee to have recourfe with more reverence^
thiift, and thankfull acknowledgement tothe Well-
head of refrefliings s if God once withdraw the
light of His countenance, and comfortable quick-
niagof HisSpirit; wee (hall finde no comfort at all
in any Creature, no life in the Ordinances, no feeling
ofourfpiritualllifcjand therefore wee muft needs,
to the ever-fpringing Fountaine of All-fufficiency,
&c, WhichbleiTcdendsand effects, when thegood
hand of our God hath wrought ; Hee will as ccf-
tainely rcturnc,as ever the Sunne did after the darkeft
Mid-night; andthatwith abundance of glory, and
fwcetncflc, proportionable to the former dcjedioii,
inddarkncfTcof ourfpirits. The lowcft ebbc of a
fpirituall defertion, bringsthe higheft tide of fpiritu-
all exultation. As wee may fee before in Miftris Bret*
fh.^, tf 2.Whatisthcreafon,thouartforad,andfore af-
wygrwgrmc. ^ fliacd,fotthe abfencc of thy 'Behved; and with
Chnftr°*^^^^ want of the wonted gracious, andcomfortablewor-
* _- -- - - - j^ingj
kings of the Spirk i It is bccaufe Thou haft fotmti"
lygrafpedtheX^^-i^iif/^/fweetlyjandravinglyjinthc
armesof thy Soule j been fenfiWy refrcfticd wV^ the
fiitvenr^f His good ointments % ravifhed extraordina*
rily with the beauty of His Pcrfon, dearenclle of His
blis^pd, riches of His purchafe, and glory of his king-
dodae % And haft heretofore holden Him, as the ve-
ry life of the Soule, and chiefefl and onelj treafare ;
ejaculating, with Z>4wW, unfaincdly from the heart- Vt^\.i7.x^
roote yfVhom b Ave I in Heaven bmThee} Andthers
ismneu^onSi^nk , that Idefire^beftdcs Thee ? ( Earth
is an Hell, and Heaven no Heaven, without lefas
C^»'//?.)^^^y'^heprefentgriefe, thatthy well-bclo-
vedis now gone, argues evidently, this former en- A flrong arguacnr
joymentof His gracious prcfence. And then build thatthoufhalt not bee
upon'c,as upon the (ureftRocke: Ome Chrifis, and ^Jj^®" ^*°* '^' ^*'«
Ht$ for ever i The gift sand calhng of god, are mthm ' ' ^
CHtrefentance : fVbem Hee loveth once, He e Uvethun- loha ij.riJ
titheend: Hccisno changeling in his/ove; I am the Malach,^.^,
Xtfr^,faithHec,/c/&4»g^»«/ : therefore jee fonnes */ ^.;^J*f ele&uSyfemfiet:
Jaeo^ are mt confumed: * Once eie6ied, ever i^ehved: i RtnAtusnon dcMdreii
Once* New-borne, and borne to eternity: if once tttr.sidevtoceneeftrte,
the fanftifying Spirit hath feiz'd upon Thee for lefus certmmt fortnt tumg .
C^rifi, thou art made rure,and lockt faft for ever, in ««»«''> --V^aAugHft,
tfaearmesof his love, with cvcrlafting barres of b ^ i^/^y^i^/zf/a,.
mercy and might, from any naortall hurt, and advcr- iSeyh^&J^^H sH^l
iarypower.Thouraaift then caft down tife gauntlet serif tura, tmotonfidem
of deiianceagainfltheDiveli,and the whole world 5 ^ffotftitideeottidma^
and take up with Panl, that viaorious challenge 'j)A«^j,^'">^'*>»^-
unto alienated things: ^ I am perf.aded. that nl td:^:Z^
therdeathynorhfe.norfiAngels^nor Prtncipa/$ties,nor aorumfiJes eodimfmm
forvers, nor things frefent, northings to come, nor height ddintnto fromi^ionam
nordefth,M9rany other Creature^ jha^l hee able to ft. dtyinArttmMititHr.uietn.
cur Lord : Hee may htde His face from Toee for a furk> ve grdtUfripria^
while J but thou haft His owne fure, and inviolable ^ rtmi^tone ftmao*
JVfordfiom His owne mouth. That Hee will re- rimM,p4yid,vauiut»
..___. — ^ (ertofwfdtre{mm»t^>
*^|1 IffflrttEHonsfor g right comforting, Sedl^f?
*', ^{t demtnfirAtum : Dt tumcand wtth evcrUJltng kt»d»e^e have wercyoH thee,
'^dtm iptuf& aUi/4n. n^f. < may frowne upon Thee, Iconafle, for a fea-
Bellar, dc luftificat. in tnyprercntapprencnfion^tnou wcrtalolt Man:
Lib.3,Gap.?.Se<a.Stat But Hee never wiU ; 4cc cannot poflibly foriakc
igicur. ^ Erih,inqu4my th&t£im\\y»'lhave ^ f^orneoncebymj holine^e^that
Zlit^ imo&^Jefel tiinc> thy former fceliogs of the motions of the Spirit
rit.ira/x qn'kttqHAgtfimt and grace, doe give cleare evidence, and afliirancc,
qudrttt Adpundumm that Ipirituall JiTc is ftill * rcfidcnt in thy Spule j
modico dercliqui te» though iunne,as it wcrc, into the roote, and though
& in ^'/'•'•'''""'^•^ it'sffiorelivrlvoperari^^
pA»»yige%tfeciiHdo, for a time. ^ The Wj nan, that hath once felt the
Dcusmeus, Dcus mc Child ftirre in Her wombe, is moft aflared, thacflice
us, quare dercliqyifti fj with-Child; that an immortall Soulc, and nattirail
*^L^2r '"''wfi^?^ ^'^*' *^ *"^"^'^^ *"^° ^^ ^y theomiiipotent hand ofGod,
Da ii?XS/o^ thoughat other times, 111 °c perceive no oaotionatalf:
effe,qu4Adverrttt itt^s Itisfo in the prcfcnt f oi.it. And thy grieving alfo,
n^tUd (itunquam i*uh groaning, and panting after Chrtft, is an unai(wcra-
t0rrepti»mfi<iu£ om»i^ blcargumcjjtythat thouart alive fpirituaily. Lay the
bmcowmHnif.mnfctit. waight of the whole world upon a man, that k
yi^His t umfque umen ftarke dead, and Hcc Can neither ftirrc, Cry, or COM-
fnfter ptccit4t Eodtm plaine.
modty &.de/irtio iuili-
taada '.Temporalis y4utretem<t^lBayC}uyh»mi}tipertfiittit ditentpm luB4fi cummdloi mtet'
dumculpXifapttu paemtt : UxCiqux tfjdem UxAthdhetus^at 4 peccdtu $n peccau delafiji, pcttM
denturtdemxterrms. Hoc modo tuft os, id efiyfideles nunqudm de/erit Deui : fed illo tdnttim.
ChamierTom.j.Lib, i r.Cap i8fSea.6, * f^tfidef certths nhi promi(iioni pefiity Den*
ytrciurando fadm fftum fdncitydtqaeiftibecilltt/tti natur/c eonfultt. F'alde enmd'jjicilee^ in
kaccafttUm(ir4 im^ectllitdteyCr inhtif peccMorum & /trumndrum tn»le , quiiftu oppreflifu-
mUyretmerehdHC fidem,quod (imtttm ^^dtta a^ud Deumy & quod tile 4nimu,m/uu>H trg*
nosmnmntetyetiamfi fe in pcenU irdfclnrnnunquum efienddt^SeaexcitandMefifdestn hdtlu-
Sl4y cm^dcrdUMC )Htis j urdtidi, qtto Den* prom>(Si6Mem ctn^raidt. Hiditu enim a Deo jprdfldri
n»np»tefi,qHdm qu9d /*crM*tt fHumnowtnddhibetyilUidqHe tdnquam ptgmri* rice ^rtmt^to^
ni^di]ntyMollfv,in Locum. « ^cctdttinterdum^ut chrtfiuminnolfU fentidtttm ,quum fenfifS-
ilttco atdlus fit'y Ksffdet Umeninnohit,»t dnimd tn (orpore dormitntisy licef ttee tppt, nttmtU
eim«peramfenttdtury%^\aAc]\x^it,Cht\^i * AiHlierfatum conteptHm nm fimper moU»
tdntem fentit iMJfi tmcnfemflt &" iftrum /enjtt , fr/t^ndHttm ft efe hm amiigity I-.
deoi.Ibtdt . _
CHAP, XV?«
Rart.2.Chap,i^. Affiitled Confciencts, j^^
CHAP. XVI.
T'^o other helves for the (^mifig of the former
On (Her that fome "graces afe more Tub-
ftandalliiuhcmfdves, more profitable 5. From d/iTcrencne-
Co us,& of greater necefficie for fal vati- ccffijy of griccs feme
en 5 as Faith, repentance, love, New- ^^^^^^^^^Y*
Sf'^^SJ obediencsr, adive and paffive^ Selfe-
denialljvilencffeiii our ovvne eyes, humble walking
WiLhGod,&c. Others arc not lb, or abfolutely ne* ^'Some not fo abfo-
ceffary,but accompany a laving ftate.as feparablc Sf«our''fo 'f«'
ZC^\dtV.tS'y2kS io) and fcACtiH^elcevi}ig^{zx\{\b\t com- * Of which, fee my
fbrtinthehoIyGhor>5 comfortable feelings of Gods DireSihm for 4 nfr't.
favour, rejoycingin hope, a ifvelyfreedomc in pray- <^'^»'f^^U W4/«^
cr, * afTurancc of eviacnce,&c. And from hence ' nT"^"] — "^
mayefl thou take comfoit in two refpeas: i.Firft, not oVIhe^hnSl
Dvfertion dcpiiv;:s thte only of thefe comforiabk graces,
acceffaries j but thou art lliilpolTeliof the Principal!, ^*^ — -v — '
and fub/^antialis of falvaticn : Of which, not the ut- i*'>^^^o4pag. j ip.
moftconcurrenceof aUhdlifh,andearthIy rage,can ^f/IfXXtS
pofliblyrobthecj And therefore thou art well e- ei^mm atemidur^tm
noughinthemeanetime,ands.-^ fafe^asfafetyitfelfe , — -— -a!« — .«^'
canmakethee. 2. Secondly jLoffe of thtfeleffeprin- ^' I-offc of thelefle
cipaligracesf which by accident, is a Gnsular ad- P^'l^'P?'/ drivcsncc
^ =' 1 ^ N J • ■ 1 ^ r r ^^^^'^ Chrift, by
vantage and game) drives thee neerer unto lejMs v -^ »
Chrtfi,2X Icaft, by many nnnutterable gioanes ; every nU^quodin '^sfdis repe-
onewhereofjisaflrongcryintheeares of God; and "*'*''• /"f'» Scripturit
caufech thecbetter to prire,and ph'e ; t d exercifc,and Vf^T ^^^^'^ '"j^",
improve morefmitrulIy,tbofe other more neccffary ^i'/.M, 5 1^
graceSjV.'ithoutwnicnthoucanitnot befaved. It is a immortale,! pet.i 2?.
wife, and honeft pafTage in Miftris luxans Monument y Vndio mancns, i loh.
fng.6o. Shee commpted fatthffill to the cndy in the i*7« Scrmo infitus.
mofi fHiffiantUll crracet. For hoMoever (hee mourned- Ja"-i-^i- Vitus m
•> ' ■' i ■' •' habitans, iCor ga^.
f ons aquai falicmis \a v«am xterRam, lob. 4ti4.Amer.Coion. Arc.j.Cap.i,
N n ~"' for :^
5 44 Inftru^iensfor a rtght comforttng Seft. J
for the want of that degree of %@j^ vi"- i hfbee had felt in
former time s\ yet /het covttKHed in rejiemance ^ in the
fr^Mife of ho/i»ejfe^4fid rightecHfneJse \ittatenderlove
of ged^and tohtsfVerd, and Children j in hdj Keale^
a»dfrmtftilt)cffe^eveft to the lafl period of her dajes,
ty^fid indeed jherypant of f nil ioy rpoa fo fantiified UKta
her^that it was ttfurtheraticeto a(;etter grace ; Mamelft.
torefemance^And felfe-deniall, andbafe eflcemeof her
felfe^ And I callrepntance, abetter grace then toy, be-
caufe^hovpfoever ioj^U amsfi excellent gift^ff^eSpi"
rit^jet nnto us, repentance is more profiable^ For.t
make m qnefiionJjHt that a mourning Qhri^ian may bee
favedWithoutraviJhingioy '^ and that Chrifi mayVPipe^
aVPay his teares in heaven : but no Chrifitanjhall bee fa-
ved without repentance, nnd felfe-deniall. Forinftanc^:
j.BxfrdfiagowFaiML The darkncfie of our Spirits in fpirituall defertions,
fets our /^4*>^ on worke extraordinarily. In fuch a
Cafe^it hath recourfe with more love, and longii^
toallthefountainesof lifej ThePerfon and Pallioa
of C^rif} J all the ProHjifes j Gods free grace ; His
fweet Name, and furvayes them more ferioufly |
fesrchcs and founds them to the bottorae 5 that by
fome meanes, at leaft, it may fubGft: and hold up the
head in fuch an esrill time, and amongft fo many tcr«
fours, and boifteroustempcfts. It is now put to the
improvement, of the very utmoft cf ailit*s heiavenly
vigour and valour j and inforccd to put forth it's
higheft,andmofl heroicallAft jeven to cleave faft to
the ffire fVordoi God,againfi;allfenfeand feeling;
againftaliterrours, tricks of Satan, and temptations
to the contrary. And by thie extraordinary exercifc
findwraftling,it is notably {lengthened, and ftec-
led for the time to come. For asfloth,idleneffe, and
1^ wantof eincrcife, doth much eraafculatc, aud make
"'^' our bodycs more unatSive, and unabla ; but hard-
fhip^ agitation and iraploymetit, doth much quicken^!
ana fqxtific them ; So it is in the prcfenc Pointo
- ^"^ " Without
Part,*.cap. 1 6« jiffiicied Conferences, 545
Witboutoppofitions at^d affault, faith Unguillicth,
andhes hid 5 but when ftormes, aiid i^rituall trouw
blesaire towards, it ftiircs up it felfe ; gathers it*s
ftrength, and forcestogethcr.; cafts about for (libfi-
diaryafliftance by prayer, Minifteriall counfell, me-
ditation upon Ipeciailprdmircs for thcpurpofi? $ ex-
pcritri€nraJI recotintipg lormer deliverances, mercies,
and favours upon our klves, and others,&c. And fo
bcccmesfarremore excellent and vidorioHs, for fu- c j, . ,
tureiiiccuntcrs., It furthers alfo Re^nunce : In re- p^nc^'^eTn^liyin^g '^^
^edof^ firth Sight of -fibocs. Forthorow tii7e glaflfe x. a fight of finncf'
of ipirituall afflidion \('€c fee more', and them more
inonijtroufly vik. The clouds of inward trcubfc c-
fptfcially,unitc,asit were, and colled the light of
our^fiulcs jandforeprcfent our fins more to the iifef
andiitheir true colcuis : where as the gUfterifig oi
profpcrity, is vvoi-Jto^i^p^rfe and dazle if .Secondly. uA, fenfc of ^ikk;
pfffnfe:^w?e are then more apprehenfive of divine
wrath, and weight ot fin; when we are terrified, but
withatallecfthofc immfafBrabk Seasofbitteriiefle,
andicrrour, which it infinitely merits at the hands
of God. Thirdly, Of hatrrdiand oppoiidon j \ve then j. A hatred of fione,
grow intoaasoie hearty loathing o^th:ktfvpeet meat,
which wee are too apt totumbieinto our mouth, and
hide under oar t0ngue', whenweefeele it aceoinpani* i<i^zo.x^,^
ed with fnch fo wer iaucc, and tutned into gall and
gravellU'r/^tw us. Wee Ihall after wards be l^rre more
warcbfull , and afraid to give enteitainement, or
warmth in our bolbmes to thafc Vipers, which have
fo bitten and ^lungus. It mzk&Selfe-deniall more i^'^Y^^T^^tming xxsm
reloluteandthorow.Fofthcdcarcft and moft defi- """ ^«««'d«n«Il.
rablethingsofthislife,coraparedwith ChnJ^^y/ciQ
nevcx vilerdung in our elteeme, then at fuch atime,
Wethenfindcthatmoft true; That though all the
Stars {Line never fo bright,yet it is Hill uighr, becaufe
tfaeSun is gonej But the alone prcfenceohhat Prince
of light,aeatcs;^ comfoitabk & glorious day jthough
N« 1 never
If ^6 Injirft^ians for a right comforting, ScSi.^:
iicvera Starre appearc. So,lct us enjoy the Lord lefks-
and no matccr^though all the creatures in the World
beturncdintoBeaTcs,orDivds aboutus; Rutif hee
withdraw him fclfe^ and che light of his countenance
(ecoutofourfightjthc confl'uenceoFaU thecomforcs,
4>Ttquickheth new q- they^hole Creation can afford,w ill d^e us no goudat
i^Refpcft of holmefle ^^^-^^ quickneth notably our Ne^-ehdfewe. In re-
to God, fpe<5l ofjfir fl:,H(j/*«<?/<r towards C/W,and reverent hea-
fc Chryfoftomus akat- vcnly behaviour about the firft Table. A general! tafte
kUocit'iSAtmtphng} gndtriall wercof,wemay take, by comparing Marri-
/!;S«t^?^" nerMn,ftorme,^da™ved in:a Haven, * Prifonj
»» Thextrif yerfari. With Theaters i Dunalls with Banquets; Beds or
^tiifpiam fsf} ingndi- fickneflCjand expedlation of death, with ftrength oF
tuT carctrem fupetbui ^ youthjand profperous health ; and, which ispunflu-
exhdcmipmmoi >«- allformy ourpofcjfits of temptation, with times of
mdnfuetftt; ingredtt»r Ipintuall wcll-fafe. Foras mthconc Itate, wce may
Mluaitu,ixitf*tienin». obfcrvc too much preflimpttana and putrhigfarre
feridriiM^O't, F'erfi ri- from US the cvill day, forgctfulnefle of God, fccutk'^
teje res h^btt in Thea. g„^ ^^^j^ . ^^ j,j ^^^^ ^j.^^^.^ Trouble, danger aad di.
«1,^/?!:;tT* ^''^'^ "'^h '^''' '^'^^'^'' ^'^ ^^" ^^^" ^^«
witii , exit in furorem thcm, bitterly bewayhng their former (innes; trcm-
frojtBus & tTAgadtM 5 bling in the duft, fccking early Gods iiLCt and fa-
m^rederis anmo mde. vour| falling to prayer; vowing better obedience I
ZZIX^^tS: »^ P"-""'"!' "?- ^-Jr^^f ■ ■""^'^ holineffe,
Meii&c. I -am furc I and a happy change. What migncy groanes of fpi-
retainc chrjfo^omes rit proceed from the deftrtedjandfuch a Cafe,wbich
ftofe, arctheilrongeft prayers, thaigh in that agony thsy
falfely complaine.thatthsy cannot pray ? How gree-
dy arethcy ofgodly conference,coanfeiiand comfort-
GutoftheWord,dayesof humiliation, of the mod
{';'arching Sermons, godiiefl company, prcfence and
prayersof the preciicil Miuilicrs I How fcarcfuii are
they, to heareany worldly talke upon the Lords day ?
How feniible of the kail fin, any diilionoar of God,
2 Of compaffionate- and all appearance of evill ? Ina word; how btifie are
neffe lb others, they about that One necej[ary thing? Secondly, Of
~ ' cem^ajjiwatcne^e towards other:* Sclfc-fuffcrings
- fpftets
' ■ ll' l I I ■ ■ ■.
Tan.l-CaD i6, Affii^ed Confciences. 547
■fbften mens heaits towards their Brethren: Perfonall
•mifcries make them pittibli, and paincfull to afford'
ail pofliblc helpein times of diftrcfle. Experience of
tourowne weakeneiTes, wants,dangerto Unke under
thcvvavesof Gods wrath, and dif-ability to fubfift
by our (elves, begets a fwcet mildneffe, and gentle
bchavicurtowardsour neighbours j whofe afliitancc,
vifitation andprajers wee now fe^j wee rtand in
need of inextremitieSiand evill times. Profpcrity is
aptofitfeifejto produce fcorneFuineff^-, infolcncy,
feffc'Ccnfidence, and contempt of others ; But Gods
hand upon us, efpecially in sfflifticnsof Soule, tea-
cheth u5anothtr lefTon ; to wit, how fraile, wcakc,
andnrtworthy wc are. Jhixd\)\Oi felfe-knovniedge. In j OfknowWge ofout
times of peace and calmeneflc, looking thorow the lelve*,
falfefpc^acles offclfc-Ioveandconccitedneffc, wee
are ready to ov£r-w^ene,and out-prize our gifts j to
miOake (hadowcs, for fubftances j fmalleft Mites of
vertues, for richcft talents J the infant beginnings of
gTzce,^oTta/luefe in Chriji' : But remove thcfe decei-
ving glafles, and let thetouchfloneof fomc forer tri-
all reprefent our felvcsunto our felves $ and wee (hall
moreclearelyfceourrpirituall abilities, in their true
nature and proportion. Then all unfoundfemblances
offclfe conceited rufficiencies,and former flouriflie*
of unhumble affurance Cwhich like gilded Papers, or
Ports, {he wing gloriouily in the Sunfhinc, and fce-
mingpuregold in out ward appearance) will vanilh
quiteaway, andcoiue fonothingin the fire of fpiri-
tuallafRiflions. Then the weaknelTeofour^oomach
vaunted of, Chriftian valour, will bedifcovercd un-
to ns,and acknowledged of us ; when we arc put to
wraftlc with the Wrath of God, and left Co the hor-
rourof fome hideous temptation. ^,
4.HearcMafteriFf9o^<f>', a man of great learning, 4, ^rom a faying of
and very found in this point:(l varic fome words,but ^^tsRc^,
No J * ^ m4Hf
54^ Inftru^ionsfor aright comforting Sc£t.3
VMniCafe^ v^hofeCoule bj i»^4rd tlefe/atioH it humhled^
then hie, ^hofe hg^rt «, through ahnridance of fpiritfutU
deltght^hfteduf^AndexAltedAhovemeaftire, Better ii
it fometimes togeedarPfteitito thepit^ithhim^ rohobe-' ■
folding Jar l^neffe, and bewai/ifig the /offe of inrrAr^ toy
ttndconfoUttoft^crteth from the bottome of the Ifmeji
hell^CMy god, My ^od^rvhyl^fl thutt jerfttk^eK meef
Then continually to zi>(tlkearmeinarme mth ^yfagehi
to fit ^06 it r»tre^in ^Abrahams bofome ; and to have ne
thoHgbt or cogitation^buto? peace, znd 'ohf^nghxiH'
feifc in the fiigularitj' of alTuranccabove other men $
5 p4rei tffe piutit m to fay, I dcfiie no other blilFe, hue only duration of
th/tr,ta:ecor4mDeo:& j„y preftnt c©mfortablc feelings, and fruition of
tlXXurtt, God: / ^.ntmkng, bnt eventhrufitng *nto beaveny
qui ei priydtttr. Into fi and the like. For in the hdght of fpirituall ravilh-
dilige.terffen/eturymMgii ments.thou aft in great * bazird of being exalted a*
fencUtAft peterity <jui bove neafure 5 and fo may bee juftly expofed to a
deyottmuduLedtncfrut^ j^ornetntheftejh, the CMe^enger of Satan to buffei
nti^atttv. Ratio,' ^«J ft /«^^, whschis a very heaviecale : But now on the o-
so»/oUtio»e hitiufmeM. thei (idc, the lovvtft dcgrec of humiliation under
fttngem de s^Mtta tali Gods mighty hand, is the ncercft fteptorifing, and
mtfid4t ,.&fuiimerfe- extraordinary exultation of fpirit,- Tbcextremeft
ertt Deo}ottus remotttr^ mediately before the glorious Sun-rile of heavenly
^uam proqin^Mtr prop, light, and un-utterablc lightfomencffc in the foule.
urfHdm ffAfumpm^ D<«z/ju^fccurely.pleafing,and applauding himfelfc in
nm&^tH4m confi. hisprcftntfUbility, andftrong conccitof th« conti-
Rcmed.contrapufiUan. ""*"<^^ ^^ "*S P^^^^> brake owt thus ; / /hall never bee
Pfal|o<J.7. movedi Lord^bj thy favonr thou hafi made my moptn"
fc SiJuraxifttfen/umfa- taineto ftand firong iButhccw^S quickly thrownc
>orii o- bentyolentia downe, from thc top of his fuppofed unmoveablc
Xer^TXl'^hTnWot- ^'^^ 5 ^^^'^ ^^ ^^°« ^^= ^«^g^^ ^^ ^'^ Confidence,
tmiratHm iermrem, it4 ancJ lay trembling in the duft. Thon dtdfi hide thy.
tandmeuufJMtti tmhi face ^ and I Woi ^ troubled. But now that , fwectcfl
Meyeter>fU4» ^omens rapture of incredible joy Cforfohee fpake. The toy
^^'^■n'*^Z'lmctser "^^^^^ ^ f^'^" '^ ^^^ ^^onfctence is incredible ) did arilc in
mZ^&hm^iis M<rter 7r^4rp^i^ heart, whenh^ was iicvvly coine,as
Part.».cap.i<5« jijjiicled Conferences, 549
\ro4rmg^tUernege, as OiCC called It. ,, ,„/^,^'»'erc Z&^re.
What large eflfufions of the Spirit, and overflowing wm ell tUaunftttnittit,
rivers of heavenly peace, Vv ere plentifully fhowred ^ ^u* hk U^mtitr^
downcupcoi?<7^«'rC7/(?'yfr J troubled rpirit, after the MoIlcr.iaLoc.
heavicft night, in all likelyhood,that ever hce had in
this world, by reafon ot a grievous Defertion i
CHAP. XVII.
TWO more helpes for the Qnre of the former CJ^»
l^Jitet
I Ay,hearc the Spirit of all truth and f-"Froin 1 Teftinaonje
comfort Hin,fc«e immediately :>P«. IcttJ&.f "»
u Among J OH that ] ear eth the Lora,
that ohjeth the vojce of his fervant^
that Tvalketh in darknejje , and bath
fio tight ? Let him trufi tn the Name of the Lordy and
fiay upon his God* Whence wee may draw a double
comfort in time of Dcfcrtion : firft, Becaufeinthy 'ft^t bcwdb w^ are
prefentapprehenfion,thou find'ft, and fceleft thy nGwinciarkneflc,therc-
felfc in darknepy and to have no light | thou art ready fore wc<. fhall fpend the
thereupon to^conceive, and conclude unncceflarily tc^o\ out life in daric*
againft thy ownc foale,that Gods favottr^ lefus^hnfi^ ^^^ ^****
^r<2fff,yi?/x^<irw», and a{),aregonc forever* And this
asthemoftcuttingfting,andforeft pang, whichgric-
vouflyaffli(5ls,and rents the heart in pieces with ' ^'fperdtio iufiext
reftlefreaaguiOi in fuch Cafes. Out of what dopth l^^»^or^ri4,qu4mfi.
of horrour,dccyouthinkc,didthefe heavy grcunes, tur,€Hmd<.Uttlnti ihfer^
andalmoftifnot « ahogethcr for the time,derpai- niimund^ntHr&tefrU
ring fpeechesfpring, in thofc bkflcd Saints mentio- UimaximAnm tewtatl-
uedbefore i ^ tViUthe Lord €afi off for ever ? syfnd ^'^^^'n I^H4,ferptt^u€
r^tU hee bee favour able no more? is his mercy eleane 7n^\^!lZLntur[^
gone for ever} Doth his frsmife fatle for evermore ? qH^SexanimofitMnqitsm
No 4 -« fVh^e "^
550 Injiru^itons fsr 4 right comf fining SC(5l.f-.
tumtnmcx duxilio grd- . t While I ftiferthjterroursj am diflraSied. \ ama-
^fiiJ'^'sfnm''' ^o^ mazed,confounded,aadaimoftmaawithfcarc,leafl:.
ttr tonfcUtiomm Strip- "^y^^ulc ftiould bee fwallowed up, wich the hor-
tHTAfHtn , fide, yiyi roursof etemall death : ^ I am afraid lefi t hi Lord
fuptrdntiUtAmque Cd- hath utterly mthdravpne hit wonted favfi/tr from meet :
Ufirophen, forttuHm : g fTae.ypce^-^oe^&c, <iAT¥eake,a ^ML awretched.s ■
89,10 &zi 1 &7i« P^f'^k^**^^^^ ^ ° ^ havem more {enfe of grace then
xifSic. & at'wHm ele> thefecttrtaines, Oh\ho^^rPofHUand miferahleif mj €'
Uorumexemfh eompra- fi ate, that mnft thus converfe with hellheundsl It u a»
idtuf.i.BnAlis^nihiU' gaiufi the courfe of ^ods proceedings t^ fave mee,^c^'
tiudcfi, ,«;«. pect4t4 But aow herein, the-ddereed in the faife I have laid.
afiimarcy oMAm grdtu are»nuch dtceived,andextrcincry wrong theirowne
diyinky&mtmopl^Dei roulcslafuch extremities 3 notconfidering, thatthcir
remittietexpiari queatn rvcilkiKg in dark^ejfey and having m light, may mods
^.^Nottfxpe^dre gratL certftinely coufift with a favingeftacc, and a Beeing
'fcilluZlllp.Zd^ inGodsfevour,thoughforthcprercnt notperccivcd,
/e.^i&fl/>-iW//f»i/«V/e Dfl» Which appearesplamely by the quoted place:
et metu juturs dhiefiio - W herein, Hce thatrpalketh in darkeKeJfe^ and hath ns
nii in dterruu peenoi et llght^ IS fuchm One as feareth the Lord, and oheyeth
wommtreptd4reetim^ the vojcesf hi4 fervant. Ho^thtfeareaf God,%nd
'Denviunfiam crudeUm
St tyratfnmne^borrefctreycJfJJe^itiUfphemaye, Alfxipliar.advcrdis Defpcratjpag.ijj&cJ.
* Vial. 77 .7.8. O^endit, quilei fittfint cogitationei dmmi /»Bd»:t) cum tra Dei: et cnm de*.
Jptrationtl eiim enirodJoynonrenntteret^etiamfi multd, qitx dd enm fedandHtn faffurdyim
dth4ntttryammo{oUigeret,fedfn.bindemagit mteaderetMr et cnfctrst % tdndem pett'e frdHue
ma^nitudtne ef mora talamitatt4,erumpu tn hdsyocesy An in fccula repeUit ? H/ee epitafit
eff buiuitertdminuy in qua pAmm alffnit d defperdtiotte- ytdei>at huUu remediji hASienm
feddYt potmJfedoUrtm. ideo dtabAus tmmittit et hm cogitAtioMcs '^ fTuflya euro relpuere Ad.
iTAtia^ etmtfefitordiamdhimm: qiiiaird Deiitadccen/a^et efttfi^ty.ut/eddri dutextht^
gui pofthdcnonpo^it: neere/fArealiud quAm trifiemddmnati nii feituntiam^ qux expect A»dd
/f/,Mollcr.inLocu-n. « Pral.88 15, TSlpnahextemdAUqudcalAwtntei qud tokrdride
yiitci mrmuhquAni, Prdfirtim d piifs potefly eram ht dolores j fed d fen/u tyx & fttdicij dt vi^
n't yqui fenfm initium^^quAfi gujituefl mortis tetertid^r—- 4 ftg*>o magmtudmem fui dolorie
$Rend(tyquo4 perpetui fuerh non tdntumfdcte^fed dnimQcofifiernAfo,A»xit & dulftOyutneft
(tret quid agent ydMt quo fefey.erteret^ atqueut fides huttldM dgitatd fempenn metuytr-
jdtUYi ne mex inter fuos dolores extingutretur^ id enim propria ftgmfiidt yerbum I'g),
Idem IB Loc. f Ads and Monuaicms, pa|^,r89i. s The Chrtft an hfe an^
death ctf^ MiAxis Pre;fr/^^, pag^i^. ^ DiiCOittKc of JMaiter Ptacoil^s Oeferti^
obiedienc€
Part.2.Ckap,i 7« A$t^ed Confcientxs, 55I
obedience CO the Miniftcry, arc evident markcsof a-
gracious man. Hence it is, that when the fcrvants
of God are fomcthing come againe unto themfelvcsj
they (te, and cenfore their owne unadvifednclle in
that refpt£tjdiravoWj& difdaime all termcs tending
thatway,whichthey let haftily fall from then), ia
hcate of temptation. aAnd If^U^ faith D^vid, this
is my infirmity: i>tit I "^ill remember the jeAres of the
r$ght hand of the moj} Htgh. » Truly, faid Mader i Ifcy.
*2^eacock^i my heart and fonle have betne farrt ledt
and deeply troubled wtth tewptsttoHs^ and flings ofcoH'^
fctence \l>Ht I thanke Gsdithey are eafed in good mea*
fare. fVherefore I dtfirejhat I hemtl>randedmththc
noteofaforlorne reprobate^. Such ^Heflt9ns,OpfofitionSy
^nd ail tending thereto, I renonrjce. Here then is a'
great dcalcof comfort, in the grtaceft darkneile efa
fpiritualldeftrtion : for wee may affure our felves;
that God by his blcflcd Spirit hath a f^i-cret influence^
and faving worke upon the loule of his G >iildc: when
there is »<?/*^^ or feeling of his favour at ail. The
Sunnc,wceknow,thoughhee leaves his light upon
the face of theesrth, yttnotwithftandinj^, dcfcepds
byarealUfJeftualinfluenceintorhcbofom^^^
keft bowels thereof ;and there exerciletb a mcft ex^ Sermon upon this
celleni worke. in bcgtt:i:)gmettals, Gold, Silver, and Text: Bth«lddndfee,tf
other pretious things. Ic is proportionably fo in the tbmbteanyfmi>)»lt^
I'f'^'Iff Apcorefo«leijayliegroveling;nthe ^^J^^'^^^ „,,^j
dun,^fflicied,toged wtthtempefi^ and in prcfent ap- might bee vyanting to
prehtnfion, havem cowfcrt -^ And yet bUffedly par- make his forrowes be-
take ftiliof thefweet influence of Gods everlaftin^ V^^^ neafurc lorrow-
iovcof a fccret faving workecf erace, and almighty j"^'' ^" Fathrr with-
r ^ i ►u r cll ■ r • • I . I * drcwfionihim thatio-
fupportof thefanaifyingSpi.lt. Let us icokeupon hcchce was worn to
.the Lord /^/jtf/hicifelfe: * His holyfoule^ theueh hee findein God. Titld of
yeas Lord QJ Heaven and Earth^upon the Crofe^ronts e- theihutch^lib^ca^ \%
vettasa fc»rchedheath-groHnd,ri>uh^Ht fonthch /is any ^** father, by divine
and yet at xhe «me ciojc, hee was g.orioufly fuflaintd cAr(/?/ .<i«»;.
- - _-- - - bj5
5y* InflruSlions for aright comforting SeA«.|
by an omnipotent inHuencc : And God W,u never nee*
rerunto Him^ than then '^ net her Hee^ ever [9 obedient
mo God, AtKJlmakcnod©Libr,butthat the judici-
ous eye of the wdl- experienced Phyfition, may
. ' many times cafilyobferve it. in thofc troublcdjCemp-
tedanddefertedfoules, which they deale, and con*
vcrfe with, for fccovcry and cure. This feaet and
favinginfluence(irpeakeoF; might bee evidently
difcerned in Mafter Teatoeke^ even at the vvorft.Some
reverend Miniftcrs ftanding by his bed of Ibrrovv,
asked him, if they Should pray for him .- Marke well
hisinCwcr^TakenottheNameof Ged in vtune (faid
hesjbjf praying for a Reprohate. Which words well
weighed, feemeto imply, and reprefent cleerelyto a
fpiritualldifcerningjudgcmcntjlomc good meafijre,
even of the highelt degree of divine iovcj preferring
the glory of God, before the welUfere of his ownc
foule I rather willing to have the mcanes of his faU
vation ncgleded, then the Lord di/honoured. One,
meaning a godly man : 7^/, faith hee. Why ? For his
goodnefe. Another comming to him upon the Lords
* In a gloomy Day ^I/j willed him to put his hand to a note of certainc
there is fo mach light, ^^''^^^ '■ T^" ** »ot a day for that, faid hcc. And at the
whereby wc may know fame time, hee would hardly fuffer any to ftay with
by Hcc may bee difccr. ^9ftld pleafe god, I had rather then any thinointhif
nedtobccatrue Belie or other three thonfand fVorldil By thefe wee Hiav
iBccrc darkneffc inthe ourbielied Ood had a fecret working, and faving in-
flate of Grac« , but "uence upon bis foule, even in the depth and hideous
, fomebcameof light, darkncfleof his moft grievous defertion. Here is
If vaileth Bot. v,a»f ^^^^^^P^ionuatohis Children, and that for bis 1-
siUts Britf/cd Kid^ ^^%^ ihining in them j thirdly, /o^tf untahis Sab'
i'<5gaoi. bathsftnd falvation of others -, iomhiy,vehemeMt de»
fires
Part.l.Cap.iy. t/4ffliSied Confciewes, 555
/yrj after grace and Godsfavonri All which, were
undeniable demon Orations of anundamned fUte^to
every underftandingeyc. Nay,unqucftionable argu-
mcnts of fpirituall life, and defignation to cternall
bliffe. Whereupon, my refolution was then,and pro-
teftation, upon good ground : That if all the powcr-
full eloquence, which rcfted within the reverent bo^
(broe of mine ownedcare Mother, the famous Vni-
verfity of OAr/W,iiiana«ed by the Scraphicall tongue
of thehighcft,andmoft glorious Angdl in heavcn,-
bad bccne induftricufly fct on worke for that pur-
pofe J except I had heard my i^itpd Redeemer faypi
willrendamembcrfromroy Body, and throw it a-
way;The WjyJ^imfay,! will pull my feale from
thatSoulc, which I have favingly fandified j my
gracioHs and mercijull Father fay, I will this once
failcjandforlake One of mine; 1 could never have
beenepoHibiy perfwadcd,that, that foule of his, fo
richly laden with heavenly treafurc,and^»/>/ of God, ri ^^etf/irjuecm |u|^
never to bee refented oj ) Co fy nccrcl y exercifed in the Tot/^TxnTsu
wayesof God,andoppofition to the corruption of J.Thoughweebeeand
thctimeSj&cftiouldpofliblypcrifih/ Secondly ,fup- ^ouW bcc all ourlif*
pofethoufhouldcft ivalke in darkriijfcy and have no f^^^T®' W^**^
light^in the fenfe of the Prophet, forthc refiduc and ^^^''^ -
remainder of thyfewandevilldaycs in this vale of
tcaresjnay, and dye fo, before comfort comes ; yet
bee not difcomfbrted, Icot fearing gody and being up-
right-hearted, thy Soule fliall moft certaioely be pre»
feryedinfpiritHallandeternallfafety, by fiaytHgnpoH
thy God ; though thou bee without any fenfe of joy,
and peace in believing. This life, though never To
longjisbut a rmmMt to the life to come . Bat the
k^tndniffe ts everlaflmg^mihvjhich hee willha^e mer^
ty^n tbee. Thy fufferings are but (hort, whatfbevcr
they bee j But thou haft eternity of joyes in the
World above^ purchafcdand prepared for thee, by
tl^hcarc^blood of that bleficd §avioar of thiae,
uppn i
' "" ^54 InflrnBi»ns for Aright comforting, Sccfl.^j
upon whom thy fcule relies. Ic is theDivels policy*
Cay Diviaes, to procureforhisflaves.allche favours,
honours, and advancemtnrs ; ail the profperiticsand
pkafuresheccanpofflbly j left if hee fliould net fol-
low, and tilfilichcir humours this way, theymighc
tbinke upon feeking after, and fcrvi ng-a new M after:
lSotcaririgtovexc,ormolc(lthcm in this World j
becsufeheekiiowesfull welljheeftiiii have time e-
nough hereafter to torment them in Hell. And wilt
not thou centrarily , bee contcnt,if God fe pleafe, to
, pafle thorow this vale of teares, even with Hemans
horr our: P/kL^B.i j.Sith Heaven is Co neere at hand|
and thou liaft a little before thee, an e vcr lafting time,
to roweinchebottomle(Te,and boundleflTc Ocean of
all glory and biiflc; in an endlefle variety of new and
freih delights, infinitely excellent and fweet, above
the largeft created cbneeit ?
^,From comparing the a. Let us fuppofe a Chriftian in thcfe three ftates :
thrceeftatcsof aChu- '(And it is no uncouth thing to thofc who obferve.or
^"' . fecle Godsf(?crct,and unfeaicbable dealings with his
Children.;
1. PirftjinafaireaadcGmfortablccalmcandSun-
(hine, after the tempcftuous troubles, and travaile in
the pangs ofthc New-birth ; when the light of Gods
countenance; the firftrcfteilang warmth of his fan-
ftifying Spirit j thefrefti fweernelTc and vitall ftir-
rings of grace; the ravifling confcioufneflc of his
happy convcrfion, doc fill his Ibule, as vW;« mafrow
jutd fa(»e[fe ; and feed it with a kindly, aud more
lively difpofitiou to all good and godly duties, a. Se-
condly, in a fpirituall Defenior? $ when the fcnfe of
JQ 3ds favour, love, and wont. d prefenccjthc com-
fortable ufc, and exercifc of the Ordinances, graces
aud/pirituall affaires ianguilh^ and leave him for a
time. 3. Thirdly, In the ftateofrecovery,andr,fti-
Cution from fuch a fearefull Dampe, and deprivation
of divine comfort^uuco former. /oy full feelings, and
rc-enjoyoaent
Part.2 .Cap . 1 7 » AffUQed Confciences, f j 5
rc-enjoyrnent of \v\s '^ehved^ fo that his revivedf ~ '
fouk may fweeeiy fing, Oltj 'Belovedis mtne^andlam
his, Now,I doubt not, but that the middle of thefe
three cftatcs.beingaccompanied with hearty griefe,
and groanes for CAnt/^jabfencc; refticffe pantingfc.
and longings after a new refurredion, as it were, of
the fenfible, and fruitfull operations of grace j renew- * MUm ^ fpiritualU
eddefires and endeavours, for re^ainement of accu- ^tltedmisyacunstdttA^
flomedfurer hold, by the hand of Faith ;patient,and T/Z T'T fll
prayerful! waiting for the returne of Gods pleafed fgciens -, lUct cerdt qu4
face,&c. isaspleafing and deare, if not <= ojore, to }rieUo& fpirhu te^ido
our mercifuli Father, as either of I he other two. Doe debitum fuum Dio fol-
you not thinkc, that the Fathers of our ^^/y are as [q. .-'^^^ "**»/»* ijp^^yi'i-
vingly afRaed,and meltingly moved, to heare the %"JZuZJ^fiZZe,
obedient Childe lighandlob,cry outandeomplaiac, ^cterif propter fui humi.
becaufe they looke not kindly upon him; but foir ltatio»emD(o muhofore
trial! of his aflPedion, have hid for atime, tha much '^"/'^'o^Gcrf.Trac^de
defiredbeamesof their fatherly favour, under feme ??'i"^"';P n *
^ _ , c > 1 • • 1 Sspenumero fit ut Deo
afftaed angry trownes; as when things are carried m^iit pUceJ & bommi
oiore currestiy, and comforubly betwixt them, utiitusft.yelte ejjeton^
without any great diftaftc, and dilcontcntment, or trttum, ant dtvotumy
occafionto difcover the mutual! impadsncy &( their ^"^'" ^''^""^ cintritio^
lovesone unto another ? Andfliallnotthe * Father "^^^y^hJ^l'T^
ef cfir Spirits ^v/holoVSS us with the ^ fame lov^, hAhre gemrdt afiliaio.
with which he loves the Lord lefns himfelfc, fuc- «'»« cordu. — Hmc ctn^
palTeasfarrc inaffedionate compaflion towards us, ''''"" *^^f^ ftnftyHu
in the like Cafe, as an Almighty God doth a mor- "iZurutrZ'ZZn
tsll Man ? Hee cannot chufe \ becsufe the word is aK ^(iunm}1!fficiTddl^.
ready gone out of his mouth ; Lihe as a Father pit- luttm.Egoenim (in^ith
tietkhis Childe ifi the Lord fittieth them that feare Deus^ yefiram dtte»d«
him,PfaLioy.ii. lam pafwaded, Godsbowclsof '^//^"'"""'^'^r'"''"^"
Jisrtatem^nec alio medo lend yGluntatidtfferdvdHm efi, quijttumlttut cordis ftmidtdridittu,
tern feu. ftigidiattem, tjuando yelletfe non peccaSe^ [idtuitquefrpptti me, pofihac nolle fee-
e^rfjLanfpcr.apud Blof.de confolat-pufillan, ♦ loL 17:16; ^ VileEiio^qui nos Pro/em
quitur DtutiProptie loquendo nmdUd eft j qndrnqud Tilmm fimnt ah initio dilexity utineonos
qudqne grdtes fiifi O'dWdbilesreddertt. — •InnfitWdl'ile ^dei friytlegiMm, quid ftimut diU^
Sium ftii^ecbriHum dfatnnoftr'tietiuj^j iitttujdem amork efemni conjones^ &perpetuoS''
iB/^jC^.Iv.inLocj '
companionate
55^ InfiruBiont for aright cemfortiftg Seft^j
^
tofp^aiflionate tefidcr-he^cdtteffe and /cve, did
N^hrnc wicbfn him tbwards M, wich mdre deari-
i lob 1 }. I fi tif lie ind delight, at that cry, « Though hee fl4y me»^
yet "mil I trt*Jimhtm\ then at any time elfe, even irt
/he Spiingof his fpirituall profperity, dr fulleft ride
tf mdft heavenly Mings. Here th'ch-'ii coniPcit,
w.v. ,: '5t»S«^K, -morcthenthy heart can hold/ if thoti wilt bee coun-
Cdlidby the Priophets, that ihou waifi profper. For
when thouthinkcftjthataH is gone^ that, thou art a
loft man, ^nd utterly forfakeii ; even in t h a deptii c(f
thy rpirituail darkne/fe, ^ thoa fe?fhg 'ib^ IJDirmi'a/ly
Idilpofed, as 1 hive fsid, and whfch thoii canft 'not
deny) I fay, even then, (arid thou pughteft J b to
apprehend and believe) the love or God u^ as it
wciJe>doiibIcd towards th??;, mucfi" ftiare'^nde^red,
by f^afcii'^oPth]^ di%j[rey^fi4'<^i^%^^^^^
"breakestjut many tithti Into cxtridfdinary pangs,
and exprcifions thereof : As wee may fee, 7fa. '54.
i«tti II, Vh ! then aff.i^ed, to fed with tetnpefi, and mt
-KA^Sltl'fc 5.Vt. <W-U»'.
WR»>W\V
'"•tomfdrfU^^d , And into prbfefllori of refolutioH j
andufaiting todoe us good 5'which hce will fup^f-
ibundandy performc, in theteft time, "Behold^ I will
Idjthy ftdne'i Vfith fairecoUui^s, dnd lay thy found a* i'^
onsi»ithSA^hires^Vo\d,iy^ndthe^ref6Ye\mllthel^()rd
' "^uvtat H'A^i ^'^^^^*xih^^^^^,^^y. ^ee graciiHS UHto' you \ and there'
■ '"^reve'ill heeheeexalted^thatheemdy have mercy upon
joH : For the LO RD is a God of indgemeat. 3lef-
fed are all they that ivait for himJfii,io*l%. Retiring
theefFedSjandexsrcifeof our Iove,From him whom
wee love dcarely, makes it returnc with redoubled
fervourintoourowne bofomes; and there growes
into a more vehement flame, which never refVs,
untillitbrcakc out againewith dearer pangs upon
the beloved Party. Even as when the Sunne fuffcrs
an Ecclipfe, and it*$ bcames are driven backe, and
rcfleded from the face of the Moone, interposed di-
rc^ly6etW€caeitat)d our light, fo fhat they fhine
' ■*■ ■ ■ ^''~"' "■"' " ' not
Part. i. Cap. I /. ty^ffliSietl Confciences. 5 j 7
not upon U5; then is the * heate, and lighe thereof, * Or at leaft, vertuall
multiply ed , and much iatcnded toward the Foun- Pow«oih€aiing.
taine ^ which afterwards is (hed downc upon us
againe morcamiabiy and acceptably, when the dark-
iieffe is done. And let us further take notice, that
Chrtfi, our eldcft Brother, blcfled for ever, dealcs
with us in fuch Cafes, as 7<?/^;?^, a type of him in ^ y^^g^^^ i<,f,ph^Ni%
many * refpe(f!vS, dealt with his brethren : hec ftrang*, & rough unto
frowned upon them, handled them roughly, and bis Brethren to nake
frighted them extremely ; oneljr, to humble them them rcmcmbw thdr
thorowlys butin the meanctime, andmidftof his f^h'Butinthemeane
menacing carriage, fai« heart wa$ fo full of natufall f^dd^ without montiy,
affedion , that hce was enforced, by the exceffe and aft<rvfard« com-
thereof, to turnc afide and weepe, and fo return e fo«cd them, G«n,^ti
to them againe. ^And hee turned himfe/fe AhoHt St mheMMehri^^
from them .ni -^eft, 4nd r»H.nei u them ,g^i, ZZjSS''^'^
geH»^i,i^. SothcSonneof God, as well as God r4Meof»tcrey^4nmJ
the Father thorow him, though fometimes in a lit- ft*nt hnmhu miButiM
tie ^ath hee hide bis face from Ht | yet as hcc will \^' '"'*"' *"*"> *'' **
certainely, after 4 >^// moment, gstheru, >^ithgre,t Z\tZlTdZ
merctesyCo in the meane time, Hee it affli^ed, and mtytillweefettkefte^
ujoft tenderly aftefted towards us w all mr ftjjUUi' Hng rf fttd ctrnfm^
9iis,SecIfa,02.Q, ' aCoM.j* jrf»y?/i^»5
CHAP.XVXIL
55i
litfirHuiiont for a right comfortif^g Se (fl. »
CHAP. XVIII.
The UH helfe for the C firing of the former
AittlAdie*
^Venthly, Thinke it not flrange^
hat thou arc falkn into this
<indcof fpirituall affliftioB, of
though f&me fimnge things ot
hac which doth, or may not
oefall the deareft fervants of
God, had happened unto thee ^^ot
y.From conGdcration 7-
ofche examples of o-
chers iathe hke cafes,
especially the example
ofChriftjVfho
' Lhthertu yir /4»Hm
,A)i»9 I ^ij.inhutM ten-
tAtienii pAroxyfmo con^
fiitutttffiidaifit, &*M- y^f^xtixi thou bccoramefi: conformable to as holy Men,
Zl':.%:;$f^ aseverthewoddhad, M,D..,^ ff.^.«. ^ Lu.
certfolltmed: Sematie fher^Scc* Nay, to the Some of God himfeitc; From
irt ^nfuitdilSimo csrccre whofe example and precedency, let the Chriftian,
tdftiyum teutri^perto^ cvcn in the darkeft horror of a fpirituall dcfertian,
urn yUmMmiquam ^^^^ ^^^ is afraid, left God hath forfakcn him, fetch
JeuHo fujiinere. CzL. abundance of comtorc,andfupportoutot luchcon-
Tent.Sch.3,Cap.2. fidcrationsasthefe:
I. Was in the fame cafe* t-C^rifi himfelfe was intliefame Cafe : Beiidcsa
8 lies nontdntumpcenas „uniberlclle variety of moft barbarous crueltiSs,infli-
tl&-^^"'"'"'' acdupontbisble(red^.W7,bythc mercileire,andim-
Omnts foenx 'a mhU placable malicc of the IcweS} and, by confcquenc,
tommeritAtttkrdu funt fy mpathy upon his glorious foule ; Hce fuftered alfo,
ichrifiox ^ g ia fouic immediately , intolerable, and (favebi^
jlt ftea^ animx erdttt 4 '
mhtfetturttfrite : Eridstttn^ dnimdiQhn^VAtolerdyit : Certi^ dntequam corput patere'
lufi Chrifiutipfe teflabatur fudm animgm cjje fenurhatam , & tjutdem ufqne Att mortem,
Chamieri thatgreatglory of France, and the Whole Chriflian World j in whofe hands,
BtUrmme^ that GoliAh tf Komc, is but a r«ry Chjl ic^Tom i ijl>. 5 -Cap. 1 1 . ^'u tdtn ex-
iutyUtmtucfultemHon yidtdtbuin* dr^umeah ctrtttMdinem ? Si Chnllm, ndtnrdUiUo fenfi*
Md^ horrnh mertem , quam ullttt unq»dm hominum : Turn ytl moUior fnit rtli'
tfuii omnihtu t "vf/ '» morte dpfrehendtt altquid p/ttter mtrtem i ^t ille yebementiiis
harrMtt : &" tAmen non fnit melllor reliqtw , two yeri coHfid»t(«r ; ergo dpptehendtt
in fMrtefttd dUqnld grdy'm* mom ctrfsrf^tidcta Sc Ibid.Cap.i j«
himlfelfc)
Jbioi(tlfe) unconquciable torments and pain e, Hte
grapicd with the iierceft wrath of his Father for our
iinties I and fwcat bicod , under the fenfc of his angry
countenance : Nay, this Crnfle upon his foule, inii-
niC'v'ly more waighty, then that which heecarricd up-
on his ftiouldtrs toward CMverie^ did not oncly caufe
ftreaERes of grtat hUcdy drop to fail d<i^Ke ts the
ground ; but alio preft from hinsi, that heavy gfoane,
(JHt4t.l6ti$. My foule is exceeding fsrrcrpfull^ even
unto death : and that laft rufull bitter cry : C^ji Ged^
n>jgod^Vf>hyhaflthoHforfiitksfimee,cap,2y.^6.UChrffi ^, ^ «•" ^ a i
jr*/«^himreifethcn,bie{rcdforever,the * Son of the ./>J|^'^ *5^^^
/^4/;!;^r//tfz/^,the Prince of glory ; Nay, the glory of **^?^'S?'r.** « 3 •
heaven and earth, thebfightnefleoteverlafting light, " •" '
Ax* In whom*hee profeifeth himfclfe to bee 'ivell-
fleafedyznd for Vv^'hofclake onely hee loves all the
fbnnesofMenswhichfiialibeeraved ;wa8thus|>lun-
ged into a mathcUflc Dtf pth of unknowne (brrowcs,
and moft grievous dcfertionjLet no Chriftiian cry out
in the like fpirituall defolation (but ever iromeafura-
blyrhcrtof his) and in hij feare of being forfakee,
that his Cafe is lingular, defperare, irrecoverable i
For theonely,dfare,ifinoe€nt Sonne of God, was farrc
worfeinthisrcfpedlrand ingrcatercxtremity, then /^..
hce is, can, or ever fliallbec. ' ^-Was tfrcrc/brt in it
2. Secondly, Atnongft other ends, for which the hbw to coS ''"*'''
L^rd lefmdiunVt fodeepe, and the very dregs of thcrs inthchker***'
that biher Cup ofhisdeareft Fathers heavitftindig- * ^r^m i„ fi^um ne tut
nation,rhis.wasone:Thatby a particular, and per(o- 9*^'^'* ditimm',Htfifer
hall pairing tborow that infinite Sea, thofeextrcmea f "^"^ • /^ ^''""''«
dreadfuilhorroursof divine wrathfor ^ om Cinncs i ^tTh^jJi^l^^/Z
which weall moftjuftly deferved j and, would have y^»tqmdtm n»n;mermt
caiifed any mecrc Creature to have funkedowncun- .cMw,^frAS^ w^«*,
der it, into thebottome of helljand by an experimen-^?'^'^^^*' '"*'^'^"*'-M
taU-feare,andfbeUngofthatbjterandbloo'dyAg^
iiy,which melted, as It Were, hi,s bleffed foule into ' rum omtuit.m. cap,
diat: mournfull Cry : c^ God^j God^ y^hy haft thou '4.
, 6o InftrH^iensfor a right cemfortUg, Sc(fl .g :
ftare. for millioiu of forfakenmeei (Thecomfortableinfluenccofthc Dei-
Men to defpaire, was ty, being for the time in * roaicfort retrained, and
to ?«rr Il-Nmr retircdfromthebumancnaUirejchatit might be c*-
Maa was Vo afraid of pable, and fenfi'.ile of that anger and angui(b, which
the tormcnu of Hell^ would have holdcn both Men and Aigels, and all
MChrift (flanding m created Natures uiidetcvcrlartingcaiamity and woc.)
our roome) of His Fa- j fay^thatby his ownc fenfe,and experience of fuch
T^Z%rm.n,f4g^t paincfull pafiages, hee might learne, and know with
' Chriftwasivot torJa- afflore fellow fcclina, and pittifull heart, to corn-
ken any of thefe fourc miferatchis poore afflifted Ones in their fpirituail
wayes ; .^<*r ihe cf- dciertions j and with a fofter, ai>d more compaffio-
^^"fc^ri^l°^^'t "«e hand, to binde up their bleeding foules, with
excluded from chrift ^^^ fwecicft Baloac of tender- heartedneflb and
theMan, but it-dwelt love ; when m fuch horrible ^ depths, they fliiU •
inhimat all times ful- thirft,andIong,andgalpcfor drops of mercy .and his
lyyCoUff.t.^. Secondly,
thcpcrfonallunionoftheewoNaturcswas never diflblved : and ib the perfon of the
Sonne never forfookethehumamcy of Chrift* Thirdly, the power of the God- head alfo
was alwayesprelent with hijn, enabling him to beare the full viall of Gods wrath.
Fourthly, The gracious ai^ftanfe of Ggds Spirit was never wanting, inabling Chrift
ivithouttheleaftinipaticn(y,diftruft,&<:4 tobeiu-e^whatroever was inflided upon him
forourfinnes: Butheewa$f6rfakcn,Firfl,PoStivcly5 In that God the Father poured
uponhinitheinfiniteSea.of hwwrathjVfhichhcc now felt. Secondly,Privatively: In
that hee was bereft, andforfakenof all comtortable prtfcnce 5 the God-head for 5 fcafon,
ihadowiHg it fclte under the Cloud of Gods wrath, that the Man - hood of Chrilft migkt
fecle the intolerable bardent hereof : And thus Chrift beingdeftitute of conlohtion,
complaineth that hee was forfaken. But Chtift being thus forfaken, hee fullamedthc
wratnof God,ftrivedwithit,and lubdurdit,thatis, Hee dcliuercd both himfelfe and us
fromit, andfoperfcSIy finifhcd ihcworkeof our Redemption. The hngbt Morning Surre,
fig 5 1 ,&€. * I .De»it»ttjiimati*r a noi>u rete^iffe no/qtte defermffe,&e. iHinc prtieH't
fumHsinAhy^tim irteCrliUuii diyini, qu4m /tntiences terremury cjuafi pUne ftmui irA &
infiitU diyin/tftuSlilfUS ati^ue procetta demergendi Cr hofibtU ytlm yora^tne dbf^ttendi.
:^,E.xh4cAbyffo prXcijfitamnrtnprofuHditdtemdolorMTn etnfctenti/t^ cjU<t pfofter pettdu &>
ir/cdfyin^ fenfumnot contra teftatuKi dccufat^flageliat. totquet^ & ddmn^t ■nnle peet^rutn
oi»rMt4^ CMfxs hdbet confctentta dolorttm muiiM -. profpiciem atern^s pctnM dolor il>uj terte
excrucUtUK Indt ipfi diyffusz^ yorxgo f(»rmidai>UH . 4. E-xhac demitm profunditMeinalu
timdMbolic4mal)y(?u>*>dtUyimurit(lh'fHg4tt,&yi*lniYati Diaboli tgni.u i qniliHi foluitxmur
ad Deumi^Ufphemaadum, fttgiendum , abmegandmn Inde profiliunt ah quam profutd/t &
in tmii ammi fedtlms Utitantes cogttationis^quaiiAtdn Mfiiliaf, HttwpeBat mi/eros bomintt
ad ktaffiKmi4m^dtfptrAii9mmi*d odfftmPef^ad frtmiiMM ndnrfus I?f*WjCaIm.Scfaol.a«
Fathers
«lin> I '<lft»Amt
P3it.2.Chap.i8.- AffiiSled Confci€»cei, 5;?L__-_
Fadlcrs pleafedfece. For in that hee himfelfe hathfitf'
fired hetng tempt ed^ bee is able tQ fnccoftr th^n9ythat .
<ir^?fffl>/>/;<rfi,Hf^,2>iB. A woman, which bath bet . >
fclfe with extraordinary torture, rafted checxquifite
painescf Childe-birth,is wont to bee a great deals
cnorc tenderly , and mercifully afftiied to aa other ia ,_
like cafe; thenlhee, that never rtried, v/hat it is to
beetcrrified withthe {uddennefie.unavoidableneflTe,
and terrible pangs of a womanstravaiie ^ and is more
skilful), ready, and forward to relieve in fuch di-
ftrcffc.. And ib aUb all others, who have becne
iTjoft afflided,either with outward troubles, or in-
ward tcrrours, or both; are ever moil fit, and fee-
ling* to fpcake unto the heart ; to put to their helping
hand J and iiaake much of comfortlelTe and mifera-
blemeB,troubIed,and'tempted,aschey have becne.'
And fuch was the Cafe of our blelled Saviour in his . /
fufferings for our fakes. Hee wasexercifedall his life
jfonpwith variety, and extremitie of cruekiesj iR-^* CooldfceefoiJuretlie
dignities, and ail manner of vexationsv beyond mea*' ^cord«ng flames of the
fcrre,grievous,,bitter, and intolerable. Hecdrunke '^"'lio^l^isPath'rjthe
fafldtepeof the Worte diWr the Divds ma^^
IiceitheraaeotgreatOiiesjthe conteinptjandcon- thofe horrours of
tumeliescf the vilefl; the fcorqefuU infukations of Soulc j and doth hee
hisefJCmieSiforefH^frcringS^i fr<5w*//^i>^«^it/^H<?<^- "ow (hrinke at his
V<r«; Ear!h:)^nd;Iieii:Xii theiipinchiQ/paOioflS, «h.rft ?No/io,&c. rt.
L i.i • n. ^" •' A* TL ji ■ '^ f . t now BSop of Exceter tH
hanger,tbirft,wearincflQ5of bodiJytoriures,hideous fe^P,^,c« 5.rm«^^^.
temptations, agonies 'of Spirit j .^ even of^ the full 12.
Cupo^ his Fathers fi^y jWra^, and "■ horrours of " Heefawtheburdca
jSitile/or ourlinaeSitp the'y«^:'yJaft drop|which went *^^^^ particular finncs
^foe bcyphd:hisQthaoi»cwa.^extremities, ^ the S^j^lK'tl
Scfi/e goes beyond the body 5 Gods utmofi anger, the thers w^-ath ms mea-
mxtkeof men : Whereby heeis now blellcdiy fitted, furcd out unto hirr,ere
and enabled excellently to [nceour them that are temp- **" coucht this Potion:
fif^.TCGnfcioufnefTeofhisowneCafeinthc^^w^/' jhifCupwa. foil; and
.4,^MisakeeneiWativetohisholy,andfaeaven: ':^^^^^^^
lyfoUtejinoreireaMbly and foone,t® take pitty upon, Uft.i^« ibid.^ag.^u
Ooz and
^ — — .^^l^^^^^W ■ ■ " ■■■-■■■ — WMIIIMI W l ■■■ ■-■ ' ^^p»^^^^»-
»6l InfiruBiensfor h right comforting, Scd.j :
and eafe thefcverall nscefli:tcs,troables,forrows,and
foule-affliftions of all his Children.
3I.Wasfn it that hec 3.Third!y,Asthisevcr-b!c(!^dRfdceint;rofoiirs,
might cicliyer othcy* wasinhimfelfemore then infinitely free, and more
omofit, thenfarreeno'jgh frojialt (innc ; fo by confequcnt,
frotn anyinhcreiit caufcof the Icaft crolle; or*iy
fhadow in the World, of his deareft Fathers difpxa-
fcd countenance. For originaUy5 Hee was of a tnofl
pure, harmelefle, and holy nature J all his life long,
kiade,fweet,and gracious to every Crearure $ ofFc;n-
<^ng none, doing good unto all } In his death, incom-
parafelypatient,^rfl»!^^r<« an imateMt L^mbe td that
bloody jlaMghter-y net 6pemȣ his mshth, for all thof^
bafe, and barbarous provocationsof the cruell, and
mercileflcMifcreants about hioiifwimminginblood,'
burningin zeale, wraftling in prayer, even for thefal-
vation of his enemies. Sothat his guiltleffe, and un-
fpotted loule had no need at all of any paHlon, or ex-
piation. Alibis forrowesandfufterings, were volun-
tarily under- gone, onely for ourr3kes,ai:d finnes.Had
not the pretious hearts-blood of the only> dearc, na-^
turalijCternallSoane of God, been poured outas wa-
'■ . ter upon the ground, where-at the whole Creation
- wasaftonifhed ; the Earth trjembled and fliDoke, he»
Rockcs clave afundcr, her Graves opened , the Hea-
vens with-drew their light,as not daring to behold
this fad and fcarefull fpeftacle j never had the foule
of any fonne or daughter oi tAdam been favcd. It
was not the glory and treafures of the whole Earth,
notany-flreaaiing facrifices of pflfeft GoId> f^ot
\' thelifc of menand Ai^dsj no notthepower, and
proftration of all the Creatures in HeaV;?n and Eartl^
or x>f tcnne thoufand Worlds befi3es, could hive
prevailed, fatisfied, and fcr ved the turne in this Cafe.
^vihzn\vi Heir e of aU things muft die, or wee had
aJi been damned. Is the h':'arc thenoFaiy (JHjftr-
ncrinZmhQivYfZnd ready to brcake for forrow ;
bewufe
Part, a.cap. 1 8 ♦ Jjf,u::d CoKfciences, 563
becaofeheebafh left the light of Gods face, feeling
ofhis !ove,andconro!ations of grace? Sotbatthe
darknefieef bis Spirit thereupon, frights him with
re- poficfiicn cf bis pardoned finnes, temptations to
dcfpaire,and feares, leit bee bee forfaken : O thea
let him hie, and have fptcdy reccurfe unto this hea-
vealy (^ordifiil : when our Lord, and our Love felt
thecurfeof cur finnes, and his Fathers hotteft wrath
eomming upon him in the Garden j without any out-
ward vioienceac all, oneiy out of the paineof his own
thoughts ) blcdthoiow the fltfli and skin, not feme
faint deaw, but even folid drops of blood j snd after-
wards in the bitterncffe of bi» foule, cried out upon
the Clc^tyMy God^my ^edyVfhyhafl thoH-forfak,€n me?
And none of all this for hiinfelfe 5 For no ftaine at all
didcleavetohisfacredfoule 5butalkhis,(thelcaftof .
»i which, wee can no more exprefle, then wee could 1; J A''!! ?* JiI'Ia
. s /- t r t in • t 1 / /7 *^f^ linncs or almoffi
undergoe) tor thy lake andlalvationjalone^Who/tft'^^ infinhcmcn, commit-
mrLordlefus-Ckrfflj'tn f^r:Ctritj. i^nd therefore ted againft an infinite
ground upon it as upon the fuieftRccke, even in the Majefly, dcfervcd in
hcfght of thy heavie-beartednelTe.and depth of a fpi- 'f^'i'!' '^"T'J" \
■ ^11 1 , • I. ^ L /- J 1 cr I 51" this in the ftiorc
ntualldefertion- that thole depths or lorrow,wh ere- time of hii Paffiondid
oFour-ccnccitscan finde no bottomci thorow which hee fuftaiac,'7^«./^t4j.
hec waded in hrs bloody fweat, cry upon the Groffe,
and paictfuilfufilrings in foule, did mdft certainly,
o free thee evcrlaftmgly from theguilr,v€nome,ar<i * "^"^ffl t^iUn^gr.km
endlcflevcnseanceotallterroursofconicience, A- ^'f^^'f^''^ «♦/?" H*^
gomes of Spirit, temptations to defpaire, and damna- „, ouUn lufflm^^uippe
tions of Hcll.The righteous ludge of all the World eratut (it ttmanoptsHo^
will never txpcc% or txaft at the hands of any of fir<u /uu tematiauthir
his Creatures double paimcnt, a double punifh- ">"«'"'''> A'«' '"•♦y?
mcnt. OurdeareaSaviourhathfatisfiedtothc ut- ZcrZWe^Tcttt
moft, with his owneploodjthe rigour and extremi- Horn. icJ. in Evangel,
tyof his Fathers lufticetn thy behalfe } and there-
foieit is utterly impo(Tible,thatthoufhouldeftever
finally perifh* Inward Affli^ions, and troubles of
miade, may for a ciinepreife thee Co fore, chat thou
9? 5 °^*^S
^ 5^4. I nflrHciiensfor a right comforting. Sc<5l. ? j
maift bee ready to finkci for ' chailiT^ment, ^ triall,
' prevention offline, * perfeft.'ng the pangs of the
New-birth, ' example to othersj&c. But in dcfpite
of the iinitedrage, and policy ofail inferna!! povversi
« Mit^horte4 tfi ie, Thou (lialtin due tim^be: raifed apaine, by that vi
■y/M. fij-^a cdputferpm. **^*/ ^^'^ »^m^/^ pjt , i>eefet upo» a Recki, ^arre a-
tumtdtdtal^ettpotenti, bove thercachof aii hellifli hurt,or ft-ngof horiour
am,fAyni4m, & ng- Inahttletvrat'hl hidmy facefram^theejoramom^J
V^fl'ooun, ^r ^;V^ .^.r/.^.. A^W../. ^,// / h.ve mercy upon
;Halo4o.2. tbee,faubtbe Lord thy Ksdeemsr^Ifa.s^,B.
CHAP. XIX.
r^.#^ ^^lfeofan^jfl,EiedC^nrciencexTh.
firflofCunng tt, M isfpecuUtive, ^nd the fir/}
part of tbAt fvay tvhich is ^j confideration.
ThcEfthGafeofblaf. 5* ^^^^^ Here is aaother ccrribk ffe-,>
,h,5ousthou,h„. f^m^ dart^diptfoll deepe 2uhe vti^^
raakcft poyfon of the infernall
piti which, though It bee not
muchtalkedofabroad,nor ra-
ken notice of by the World •-
*— -^ yet IS kcmly fuggerred and m»
^.^«.«.3i;/?r;^;^,«o« t^^tT^ ext,ien3efimalfcea.d c^,?Ity, i^^hc fil
«6;^..«,r;«^./«^.<«r- ^nt boromesof GodsblededO.ies. ^iThemopVo
w- ;«/^«;^4/^ ;7«r4f«, yi'^^^^^^'^ "i^^y "tnesiTioli hauntcd w/ifh fh.cV
.-in.0 y2.^^«.^««^«,o^.- left fiend. Strangers to the wave, nf CnH u "'
/-/«n Bern Lib. d« T,^,f r t .^^^^
confc- Demultip,va. ^ichfuch honours. Satan, as t faid befr^e makes as
mg, that hee harh time enough, even e^err j I ^ ^
"« IS
: _ : — —^ : — > . T .
P«irt.2.Chap,ip. Affit^ed CoMjciences, ^^6^
isnotwontjtd wdd this terrifying W«pon againft
them, fave only at (erne dead lift, or upon fomc fpe-
cial! advantage ;a$ under (bms cxtraordiiary mjfe**
ryjOriacxccfTeof melancholy 5 todrivcthemthfrc-
by todii^raftiODj or defpaire. -Oi-j it may bee, Cod
may fufFerhim to ifflicl thus hidfeouily, focie gtic-
vous fmncr, which hce is about to bring in ; to pre-
pare him thereby ( thdugh the DIveli himfclfe mea'
Kstb mt fo)wr the pangsofthe Nevf -birth, deeper
-hjmiliatibns,and more vehement defiresro getun-
dv:rthe wings of C/jr//? From that hdlilhKytc Or,he
may fomptimcs mingle thefe hon ible flings, withthc ^ Huitu nequl^imi hoU,
terroiirsoffpirituall travel! 5 upon purpofeco *i hin- fi**4iii*yelfrtniacaL
der,cor;ver(ion,by adivcrfioninto By-wayes, or ij.^^'^'^^rsM pUr,4,
frighting backe agameto foliy and former conrfe^; rates aHimJ^etnoyeflit
But furc lam, the ordinary obje<^, and rpecialiaimc m^fo^ofito wtmihu* de
of Satans malice in this Point J are only thofe, who ipfamerdum ttnytrfd^
have happily cfcaped out ol- his clutches already; and ^'°*'i '*^f , f '^/•'"'f»'>
are fuHysandfor ever heed rromhis damnfimg b^ty Jfeaudctme.xur^nt.
and all deaoly hurt. And! krtow not, whether there i««,,^«,«, mtUamat^
be any of thelej which doth not leffe, or more, at one fofffoyetit^ itx^uefoUe
time, or other, fatter under thiihorrcur. And yet e- ''*"' Mdida^ mnmn^
vcryoneofthenithinlishimtelferinou'arin this fuf- 9«'"".^"^/''«'^^>--
knx^% ; and that it is not uf uail for Gods -Cnildren, to ^«/ unUm, dum fuum
have llich prodig:x)ufiy fbule and fcarefull thoughts tHud futdt tfe qusdco*
putiitothcirheacis; which they dare not mention g*'^'> dmrimm fe per
foi-heirabhorredmonftroufnefle, neither reraeiabcr fr'y^tummmundumpro.
^vi^^GUt rre;r;bUng. Now by this drcadfHll engine of '^cBuixmukhauepHrL
tljcDivel/jwhich ithus tallse of, before I tell you rtmAntmamhiiimJfife
what it is 5 (and no marvaiiej for what heart woiald credit ycum adhuc res
not vviliinelv retire, cr can chuf^ but tremble, intica- ^"^^K "'"'"'''' '- "^^^ f'
tins upon liich a Tbeame 1 ) UiimK-htde,^siHumo»s, ""!!]!?■ ^"'^"^ '
hcrnbiethdKghts^blajphsmoHS SuggejUons,m6nfiroHs hormemfropofuiexde^^
^ , ■ fperaiione facsre fitH&t'
i4ti* : ut eot ohfdente triflitiAietj'i a prtpofltomn reyocatiC&te retiaeat a profecrUy Auguft,
Epifl. I42« * Ogitathomo'^lcruuiqMternlpUude fide^ h6rrfl>tliade divmtate^&perphartr,
.t4jmatacorporeArnmim4gimmnatifieU[i4st ii/aJemit,qHa yd in certpfivm Cjomre ^(tca^
/*rc»«rJ/wwi&ofW,13etnaf.IocofMi»racttaco4 - -
$66
InJirH^ionsfor a, right comforting Seft.' 3
'i.Curtiathis caTefpe-
culacive.
X .Bj confideration,
i^Of Chiift who fele
jhclikt.
conceits of the moft holy ,pureand cvcr-gloriousGod,
HisWord,divineTruths,the Lordhfus^ bleflfedfor
cvcri orfomc way, or othcr.aboutfpiricualland he**
venly things; framed immediately by Satan himfelfe,
and with furious violence throwne into our mindesj
infinitely againft our wills ; at the gricfclintffe whcrc-
of>notonIy Religionjbutalforeafon; Nay,cven cor-
rupted nature, and common ftafe, ftaad aftonifht 5
ftirugandthriakebacke at the horrour, and abhorre
themexuemely, Sqmc of G^ds dearcft Children,
aqdtho/c that love him bcftj (Would youthinkeit?
yet it is too truc)^e fometimes fo peftred with their
irkefprnc intrufions. 5 thatwhatfoever they fpeakc,
doc, heare,reade,9rthinkc upon, is wreftcd,perver-
tedj^ndhellifhly empoifbned with this temptation
of blafphcmy. And they arc ordinarily preft upon
them with moft importunity and impetuoufneilc,
when they arc bcft feufied, and excrcifed in the holieft
duties J asinprayer,hearing, or reading the Word,
finging of PfalmcSjday es of humiliation,&c.
la the firft place : For a comfortable fupport in
fiich a Cafe, pcrufe,pondcr vM\ upon, and apply fuch
conHderations and counfcis as thcfe :
i.In this terrible temptation alfoxhou becomefl but
conforniabletothy Lord and Mailer, which bought
thee with his dearcft bloodjand to many of his blef-
fedSa:nts. Wasthereeverfuggeftion in conceit, or
word, or any pofifibility of being like unto this in ex-
ccrabiencire and horrour : That the Kwg of Saints, m
whom d^e/letk^l the fnlneQ'e of the Godlsead i>odily^
fliould fall dcn^neand ^orfhif the Prince of Hell,and
vileft of Creatures i And yet this moft horrible
blarphemic,wasin>e(flcd into the moft holy imagi«
nation of leffts^rtfi^ with which it was infinitely
more impollibh to be any wayes tainted, orftaincd,
then the faireftSunne-bcamc with the fouleft Dirt.
Bat hcc eadarcd it, and conquered .* And that for ourv
^ - ■-— - - -. — -<- '■" ■' fakej!
•*^<j
Part.X.Cap.ip. ^^ffiiUed Confciewes, s^j
fakes only, and fafcty, even for fuch excellent ends as
thefe i firft,That when wee arc fct upon by Satan in
the fame kinde, and fo hideoufly affaultcd, that upon
the fiift fenfe, we arc ready to finke under the fudden
fright : and to thinke, that none in the world arc fo
but wee 5 yet in cold blood, we may comfortably rc-
coverour felvcs, and prcfently conceive, that our ' BlafpHcmous
Cafe is not fingalar, and incompatible with a (aving tbo»gJ»« not oonftn^
fiate;forevcnthc Sonne of God himfdfe furpaff«) it^Xi'h^T.Z
usinthelameluffermg. Secondly, That hee might M<n muft not fcare
take the venorae,fting,and guilt from thishatefulljand tho(e kind of thought*
horrible tcmptat/onrfbr all His, to the Worlds end. over-ieuch— .Bccaufe,
Thirdly, that having himfelfc taftcd the Divels ma- i?"^'!:" Jt'*^ '^'\ ^'*^
f L - L • L° rif c V A *""*^ cioflcs, yet are
hc.eherein,he might out of His owne reeling and ex- they not thdr pcrfo-
pericnce, more tenderly take to heart our troubles, , — — .^'V^. ^
and terrours that wayj more mightily fcrtiiie, and 2.0f learned men who
freeourfpirits,a2ainftthe invafion.and furprifc of """^VS*"!! ^^"S'*"'^
ur u J- • • rL- A a n. r fj n *'« diilike them nOt
all. men prodigious injeftions,and nalhes ot Hell. our fins butcroffes.
2. It is the concurrent judgement of f teamed.
nallfinnes, for which
theyihallincnrre the wrath aad difplcafure of God. PtrkimCd/ts of Coitfdenee, Lih.x,
Cd^..io.$eB.z. W«c are to know and con(ider, that they ate not our owne
thoughts, butSatansfuggcflioas-j and therciore they (hall not bee laid to our charge,
as being our ^nses; but&allbee kt uponSatans lcore,unto whom of right they doe
appertaiae^togecherwitb the punifhrotm due unto them •—If wee withftand and ab-
honethcra as wicked, and Diabolicalljlhcwirigno kinde of hking of theni,they fhallne>
ver bee imputed to u8,as our finnc&,but unto Satan, who is the Authour of them. Devfm
H4m. CbrifiJ^4rj\Lil>.^.Capn . This may comfort thofc,that being vexed witli feare^
full fuggefiicns of Satan, as to tbi?iJ<^e amijeof Ged htm/etfe^&c, doe therefore thinke
a:iniSeofthem;elvcs, as if they were therefore moftTtie wretches. But tbeymaftre-
mcmbcrjthatthis is ndmorexheir Iinae, if they prefently beate it backe j then if a man
bkethem, fhouldwifh themto thelike. Satan muiianfweriorthishim(ehe,D4»/(/Dv4e
in hii Michael And the Dra^^eny at his Dtd. jill tcmpt/ttiom are imjinnet in the tempted.
The true believer deteiisfo the Divcls motions, upon the (udden mjedion (onrietimes,
that hee IS wuhi-ut taint of finne by them; jet it is an afHidion with vidciy,as itwas
without Saviour temptedby thci3ivell,iow»hom God lent Angels for his comfort jyec
our corruption confidtred, it is axate thing, mifm in his helpes to f^nh, pag.t^o^ in
mis cogitattenihtUitittA repugnanti C inyito Animo JuggeruntHi^quiliiu mtm tutu hsrrore
qu6d*mremtttur4c rtfihit. — TSion ^ ftcc4tum finectnjenjumtnti*. Auguft.Hp1lf.i4t. (.inn
iHeinfatidhlii homtcidd ab txtertne ftnJudlttAte Je yidtt excbiJum^interioiA tokeBti ytriHts
4^nd'tHr^ Sed Jpmtuttifi htmej ^Ht fmrna wdtCAt^ illim 4jjnti4« mn t^horM, TLtptmit
and
S^S I/i(frPfStt€ns f»r a riglot comfortini; Scc^, 5
quod pote(i : quod autem an.^ holy Djvincs, that tbeff moTtflret^fl^ bUfphemoui
mnfoullreprimrtjoie. rW^r/,aiid fatanicall fiiffgcftions, rcfifted, and not
€4hU T'^fi^nct, mrftm Confentcdu ito,arenot e»»r y?««^/, but ourcrsfjet. Of
»»/» w/»<rr, i4/,-^r f^/w fuppofe,there vvoaid be an v tainture on cur parts^yet,
cumfHggerit : tmcptro condcmningtheiii in our judg^meits, and abiiorring
mordtty citm ad cnfen- i\\q^ vvith our hearts % we may b£ moft aflTurcd/chac
t^f7tiVfr 7r thebloudof ^>/ C^r//?is ii.finitd/ more aiighty
/$>,/««<: «7rt rtilS^t, and foveraignc, to takeaway the veno.-^ie, and vile-
/ed coronat: quiaetfi/eH- iiefleof thcm ; then the Divell malicfoiis, and fubtfle
CoarcCap. D*emul- and fuggcflcd thus: JVee are plotting, and purpofe t9
tip. varier, Cooicat. ^^^"^ A^ ^^^ Parliament mtb Qan-pewdsr : To defiroj at
Ruiujhedt co^itatioties one Blowthe Kvig^^tteene, Prince, Nobilttj^^Ctit/indL
execrdnU, klAfphemU afterward^ to cat the throats of all the Proteftants in the
nmX^nt.MU , fesi XiK^dome; toroote the Gofpcllout of it for ever.&c,
und&,ne£ rmpuiabunuit And then to Uy the fault uponthe ^ T'Hutanes.lhtk*
homim ad demerituntj and the like. Were inje^ioHS of much horrour, and
crc^^qui^d nempe monftrous nature : For thus, men learned both in the
hmiHem ajjl'.gtt comta ^vy^^rv^/CAn/^^anddeprhsof State, (pok« of that
pUcet,nccde}e^at,mn pi«at thattimc: * Remember but thcl^o^vder-Trea.
.fii'tie in talil>MS tentator fo^, the Httermojl point of all vilUny 5 beyond vphich it if
nncert potep, Gcif. terra incog'jita ,«<? w?^« c-^^ devtfe^ ^hat fhauld bee
Tiaft «3cRcmcd, con-
tra paiiilan.p/«f«/;ne u/tqu^m'tibiift^turpit cogitatio^. Ab^ty inquitmc : nammaxime mihi
Jemper difplhuit. Et ait fanclus p4tir: M/taifejium eftergo,qifod tu (timnenagisifed paterit
antiqiio hofie pracurAnte, & te ut acc/peVc tandem ^ per difperatiorum pojfet, iu fAtignnte.
/i^Cf?«demoda lehabendi contra malastninif, ^li fio.ttfmshifte & AdfeHt'tJjs cogitu^
tioniuuf non nfjent^tnur, n«nfum nofir* pcccittit npntandA^fcd Di;tl>oli, qui ilUs fuggerit.
Alftcd,Theolog,CaUap.24. Apious Souk isKomorcguiity'of thsm, then BmMw;m
oi loftp^Cup, put imoHibS2ckc^DoBorSil>i>eiyBirujfedliecde^p4g.ii^. ^ Inthe Pow-
der trcafoHjit was the Papifts plot aad purpofe, after the ftroke,toIaythtfault(if Gods
rccrcyhad not prevented thfirnialice^upon the Furitancs, (asnow they have gotten a
trickc for their advantage,toNickc-name evengoodtProteilants,)andaccordinglythey
had drawne a Proclamation to that effcdj ready for the ^rcfic Wherein they charged
thcPuntancsCnx'an(nghcreby,2llhoneft men,ch3care not hkethcm) with that odious
andcxecriblcfait jandwiththisdraughtthcy wctcfounc', and taken in the manner, be-
yoad retracing, or I'hidowiPg.D/oi/.D/'.T^. J 7. I huvd .tVrojejJour in the f^niver/ttte a^
yoxchfrom the ch^irc j thu hee/dwwtib hts oxpne eyes a SpAnifh l^oo}\e, i»h:ch reported; that
thePurit^ueswire thi comnygri of the Vowdrcplot- * Doilor H'hite in hts Sermon at
vctwecnc
.Part.2 -Cap. 1 9 • Affit^ed Coyifciences, $6^
BetrveeneHelUKdit. 1 Cenfider (>mth^ day .the Birth- " Dofier TyttUy in hit
day, 04 1 may tearme tt, of oar Comtrey -^in )Xhtch, both Strm<,n4tT.C,fag.67^
Frmce ar,d Te6ple c^me^ a^ it roere^anevp into the fVorld^
delivered from the fsurefnll Towder-Vault^ the very
Belly of Hell andconfufton^oi [onab fomstime did from
the'Belly of the Whale. ^ htho\d,that whtchfs ma»y '"'D'ltwKinginhitStt:.
ff>illt£»sof ejeufmcethoferoindorces vperefirfl cpened m ^'^J^ ^* Jfrnte^HAll*
■the bead of man, to behold the light of Heaven 5 Ifay,fd * '
many millions cf eyes tn their fever all aenerations, ne\i(f
funke dorineintothcir holes , and coafumedWifhtn their
Tabernacles, never. fA^ : never thofe glorioHs and con*
Jiant Lightsof the Tirmawent^th&fecleareandQryftal-
line eyes of nature, Vi>hich tvalke through the whole Worlds
and give no rejf- to their temples ^ the Stinne that tpande*
rethhyday^aKd the Moone that Waketh hy night, they j g-^ g^^^^^ philips,
never faw the Uke,&c. It 7 was of fuch prodigious jnthe^eceedmgi agak:^
imm^ity, that be for eno^yt he tongue ef lidan never de- tbe UttTtAyters,
Isvered ^ the eare of Man ne^ver heard; the heart sf * J'*" Edward Co\e,
Jl^an never conceited ',n»r the malice of hellffb^or earth- 1, jijg p^^r. gf \y ft,'
ly Divellever praStfed. * It ts beyond all example, hamptonjbid^
yphetherinfaH, orftlion', even of the tragicke Poets^ ^tfas e^ edi^eyiros
Vpho did beat their rvits, to reprefent the mrfl fearefhll, /««»«/?«? uejandHm ,
and horrible Mnrders. a The T>ht, rvhere^fUvk J^»'^"^>h<>rrcHdum,^H»
fpeakes, of dtfpatchtng the Ti^hole Senate of Ronte tn an ulU tnlit tellus netp4f
houre; thedevtfeat Carthage, ?(5f«M]f an whole fa5ii~ Aufuve /eeundum,qu6d.
en, by one enterprife : the eenfpiring of BnituS<««<^CaIii- f«* attentatHtnyix ata*
USit<> kill CxCzr in the Senate uhe proieEi of defirojina ?°^'^* c>^edAt,^Ks»
$n one Conclaveythegreatefi part of the Cardinals ithe „,„^^„, ^^^^^^^ ^^,
SiciWzn Even- feng, and the Parifian Mattifts: nay,the totieUudimur orbi,ab^
VPtflj of Nero, that Rome had but one Heady rehteh hee fittlcrint nohis. En qui
mipht CM of at one blow, came farrefhort of this iwveyi- pe^^^xem Anglos, patt-
,.., ■^h.chff..ed .euher .£,, [e..,'mr de^^s. T::^^^f^^
7)es nc{afios,qui fcclere aufuque t'mmsni Parliamenti jauipridem habcndi domum, pul-
vcrc Bombardico evertcre funt machinati fcil.quintoNov(mbri8,i6oy.pag.4.5, Faei-
nuitdm tttrum tarn ftrdnm, tarn dirum, & dirji omntb»j devovendum ', ut /)iferet perre fdem
ne^ram,qu> tameptpfi vidttaus: VofierUAsquidem eerte (credo^ yixfidem adbibcbii,fuigt
mnqiumtn ffecie hamAnatA'cs exin^man/fue AbjJJo lo;uftas, qui t*m iyfanda csgitarm*
Wincon.Opufc, pofthu,pag 6-f,
Well
570 Jnflru^ions for aright ccmforting Ss^j
Well then, if thauihouldcft have approvcd,andcon-
fentedunto the ftiggeftion of this mofl execrable,
«nd unheard of villany ; for which, Hell hath nor a
fit Name, nor the World a fujJicient punifhment ;
thou hacjft made thy felfe the moft prodigious Beaft
that ever breathcfd, an abhorred Monfter of Mankindj
and iuftly merited to have palled prcfcntly,from moft
cxquifice tortures hereto cndlerte torments in ano-
ther World. But now, if all the while the motion
was making, thy heart had rilcn againfl it, with in-
dignation and loathing ; thou proteftcd*ft to tht Par-
ty, thy abominating any thought that way, from the
heartrootctothe pit of hell ; a id immediarely run-
ningto the King, fhouldelt have difcovered,anddir-
claiDicdit,asa moft detefta:>le and hellifli plot j Uay
then, what man could have /uftly blamed thee, or
wherein could thy confcicnce anyway accufe thee?
ItisfointheprelentPoint. As that other incarnate
DivcUinhiskinde, fothc Divell himftlfe throwes
intothine imagination, mofl hideous thoughts, and
horrible blafpnemics, even againftthc dreadful! Ma-
jefty of Hcaven,the thrice b/cffcd and ever glomus
Trinity, the holy Humanity of the Lord /'/«/,&c.
To which, if thou flii^uidcll und;iftandingly aflent,
and approve iideed J thou mighteft expert moft wor-
thily, to become ten times foulc", then the ougiieft
Fiend in Hell. But (ith thou knoweft in thine owne
confcience.that thy heart trembles with horrour and
amaz.daelfe, when they arc off. red; nay violently
thruftinto thy minde ; That thou relills,and re/edV f},
them, with all the power and prayer thou canft poffi-
bJyi canft notchuie,Dutout ofapangot infinite de-
teftation.andheart-rifingjturne thus, or in the like
•• Thefe very w»rJi were manner upon the Tempter: *» (Jlfofl mattciotit ene-
fortedyh furjf eftenf^ ^- f^ ff^g glory of my God, a»d good of my Soule j thofi
ZTkhZT ' trouhUfithyfelfeandmee tnvatne, I doe infinitely 4C.
ktfOTvlcdgemjIfleffed Cre^toftr^ Redeemer fOffd SAMSi"
ParC.2.Cap.l9» A^tUedConfciencis. $Jl
fier, to bee one ine^mfrebenfiyty glorietts^ mj^^ gracioHf \ r^^^\\^i.«^.>'A
^od:Hoaventol;ee'^hollyfiUedyem^9idered, impaled
ivtth nothing but hoUne^fi andhAfpinefel All the Crea-
tnresto be go9d^4ii thej iff tied out of the hands ef ged^and
RemembrAncerstousof bu fewer , yfif e dome, And goed-
fiejje : Gods b/ejfed Bosketokeeallmofiholy^ moft true,
arieh treafftrj of heavenly '^'tfdome, and pfveetejiknow-
ledge ^&e. *j4nd thjcnrfed jelfetobee the onely e^«-
thoHYy and Brocher of all fnne, hurt, and Mncomelinejfe :
jindtothee^andthtne^alonethej belong, OHingle not
then thy malice ^tth my h'^liefl^ moft deare^and reve-
rend tbotights of my Fat her, T» J Saviour ^my Comforter^
&c. And thou art alfo wontprcfcntly to prcflc in pri-
vate, into Gads glorious prcfeoce, and proftrate thy
fclfe before his righteous Throne j thereto difcover
thishellifli malicejtocomplaine how villanoufly the
Divelldeales with thee; toprotcft thine innocency,
and infinite hatred of thofe horrible blafphcmics j to
cry heartily for pardon, patience, and power againfl
them. And therefore it b€<ng thus with thee, thou
maift,upon good ground,be more then infinitely affu-
red,that they are not imputed unto thee at all ; bat
wholly fct upon Saiansfcore. Henccitis, and from
this groundjtbat I have many times told fome, thus
tcmpted:That when they havepaflcd aday,preft up.
on violently, and peftred, with the furious intruaon
ofiuch unutterably foule, and fearefull in/cdions t
they have, in all likely- hood fpent that day,witb farrc
leffc dmc h their thoaghtsjand morefreedome from
guilt ,and provocation of divine anger, then if chey
bad been free : Becaufe they being fo earneftly, and
vehemently deprecated J withftood with fuchaverfi-
oaaad loathingjprotcftedagainft Qnfainedly,andth«
upon fuck termcs, that they would rather bee torne
in pieces with wild Horfesf die ten thoufand
deaths 5 doc, or fufferany thing j thenyecld the leaft
aflent, or approbation thcrcwnto : they are then,
^ ^ i
57a InjirnBions for 4 right comforting Sc<5lr}
« Komunquam AluMiui fay,not their < trAnfgrcfftms^hutA^tHtons ■^t>l(^ti\\^\i
fffffnflurin.um con- ipiquuiaybvit mtfertes-^ Not ihtii finnes, bat crifjffs.-
ZgZm faLrum Z Nay,andFunher for their comfofc, if they fhouldbc
t//Tfium cogitatmum bauntsdby them,nntilithcir ending houre ( which
mhUitudinem immitten. God foi bid, and biacbackeiuchaccurfedjandhatcfuil
d»,itthk/econtinu9pcc- fu^htfroaievcry humble foule; ) yet cleaving clo[e
e^rccredaf, oicitfm ij^to the Z<jr^ Icffis , hatmg all fmne, and having
(UmUgendo&Dcochfel re^pcato all Gods commaiidementsj they are not
qutndo hit fogiwmwci able at all, neither can any. whit hinder , hurt, or any
ddyeniuns, — ut qui vvay prejudice thcit fpiiituall ftate, and evcrlaftlng
r-^' '""- A , , ^ falvatioa.
i-^'h/v" "cfot: , 3- " E'.^y fevant of Chrift hach his (hare in
aiid this is thine. iomeatniaion,or Other j and is ever made, m fomc
*^ — — -vr-— — ' good mcafure, conformable to him in his fuftcrings.
H$n ciimimpix mtnttm jhofe, whohavcthcraincs laid, and left upon their
c.g,t4mnestangunt,fec. ^^^^ without cu'bc Of corrcdion, are 'Bafiards^
cum en confennmu, : ,d ^'^^ not Sonnes. They may, as the holy Ghfi tells lis,
tji^qtundo mii yoii'.ntai profp^r iu this World, and paff;^ peaceably out of it,
ftoHraf^tytf^ludndoeas and have f)o ifandt t'i their « rt!tf 4^6, like other men:
ipftt turn delectattoHe ffj^y j^^^y * n^ug^ a/id hcome old^ and bee mighty in
'^ptTJtTZ'^T.P?^^^^ Their feed majbee efiabUJhed tn their fight
diu yeri h^ ftbi dtfpii- yvjth tfjem.dndthar off fprtng before their eyes : their
tentylihtquejunthorreri boptfesm^iy be fife from feare^ neither may the rod of
dc tdio, mBum efi nexd godbe fipn them : Their BhU m4j gender, avd fai/e »or,
^TverT^ra^^'^^" "^"^ /&^/r Cr<7)v^^^(;^/z^^j W«<?f r4.^/,tf^- Ca/fe /theyntay
* rfMnfittrtohiCferbere fe}^ forth their Uttle Ones like a jioek*, and their Chtl'
dffl'tgmtur e/eSfi, Mt d drendiuife : They m^y take the Timbrell and H^rp^^
j>rt(vitate fdgclfa corri- ' . '
ganttquoipaternafietAs dih/treditatcm feryAt, "Runc etemmHdgclUtur iu-StUi&yerbtri
dif.ipUn/t (orrigitur^^uii adaterik h^reditdtis pxtrifneniumjrttpdrktur. Infuisauttm >«.
lHpt4tibuireUx4turtntuPms<iitWtAmQ ei te»pt>r4lia betia {J^(tHnt,ijtfdftii "4tera4 dewJ
gAtitut. miufiui dd dtbitammer-tem (Mrr(HJ,efr4n4tif, ■voUiptAfiifia ut'ttur, ^uid Cr- yitUli
qHimaBAndtffiHti»UberUpdjlibftinilirtqi^Hnttir..At tent/a iufitM i dfleBAtteniftrdnfittrix
w<:n»diuterePrtngituryt]u1^ & Himhtcti yitulm dd Ubcrk ufuru yitx deputatm /kb iug«
xemctur.T:ieganti4r eknifinhdc yhA fexa ter raid i quid O" xgrU qi'thua fpes yhendi tji^
ffgqUdqMdm d medico cuHcJs^qvauppefant iMtcduntur.DatJturdute'nreprs^fS (fond^ qtta in
h4cy't4 dppetunt-^quid&^jefperdti-i itgruomneifuod defiderdnty u^nnegdtur, Grcgor.in
3 I. cap. lob cap,4, « Hftiet? merimitttr.Trdnfgwttiifyolv^tate & fudy:tafe did iixoSfyiJ
tdmAiuiity& traducmt fuayem^ iHcknddwi dd a*ortim,u/que. jit uH uiors advenitjelid^
Urtidw O" ftfiyiter mmHntttriHtyixvrMt, jld fettcitatm enimetf.4m msrtU ctn^itio re-
Part.2 .Cap .19. Affit^ed Confcte>tccs. 573
andreiojiceatthe feund of the Organ : thej may fj)end qulritur ^^Stc de iSu
thurdajesin^ealtk^attd in a moment C9t downe u dUit,TUlm.7:^.}JtqM
I ^ -' »toi- «i-i tL u emm /tint TftncitU m»rt$
rile Grave lAthix die even * like a Larabe, as they ^^^^^ ^^^ j^^^^ ^^
fay. But when all is done, they are utterly undone, lobcap.ni
and cverlaftingly j By rcafon of the horrour, and aa- * lob 1 1 .
guiili, that ftiall come upon their fouies 5 the MQi- * idj»,flieiur bukeo
€»,the^orme.ri-9od, and the call : for horrible is the h^.'fi^^h ncn ^md alii
end if the HHnghteous generation: they are immcai- jnfefna defcendunt
atclythiownedownc ftomthctop of their imagi- fufi in locum fuppik^,
nary felicity, and untroubled bed of ("eeraing peace, Nibilenim defuturd yi^
lothe depth of estrtiiieft mifery, and botcome °^ fJl'J'J fjZ'te^fJllii'
the burning Lake. But it h not fo with the fervants utmZJ^or^MduZ
of God. * Hee fcourgeth every fonne, rvhomhee re- /umfocioi ofiendere,ijui'
ceiveth. Hee % hath oncly one Sonne yfithout [inne, Im ad eumMhm ftlici"
none mthout /nferinay faith an ancient Father. But ''*'^> f**^ yttamutdm
hcretakenoticcthalinthisdirpenfation of fatherly T^^S'' ..¥*'•
corrc^tionsamongft his Children, Hee ever out ot -piiyf/W mrimn^r, !•
his unfearchabic mcrcifuU wifedome , fingles out, dcm.ibid.
and makeschoifc of thofe, which are moftpunduall, ^"ffrim imfrthi exul^
and fimply the fitteft for their fpirituali good.. And 7^% j^^'^*"''^
therefore both for the kinde, and particular | lee us ^Zadmmmy^iJ^
ever humbly 5 and thank tullyfubm it, and wholly re- quafi ex yeto yiientw
ferre our fel ves, to the fyveet and wife difpofing of our ^i* »» obtreiium ^ua§eM.
molt loving, and dearefl Father: Who ever knowes ^*'** ^^» Calvin, ia
beft,whatisbeft for us in fuch Cafes j both in re- *Heb.ii 6.
gardof hisfervice^andourfuflfwringsjhisgloryand g Beutmiatmbdhtt €^
our gaine j what we arc able to bearc $ How hec hath Ht*m fme fiecdto^ nullum
flirnilhed us before-hand with fpiriruall ftrengtb, to f»<> Jl'^gf^l"- Aug. sym^
goe through temptations and troubles, what fpiri- ^sTyJt^'tZ ^'"'^*
tuall Pbyficke is moft quicke, and operative, and ap- fr««» "^Sam pm'J^ttL
ted to the prevention, cure, and recovery of our cumfictC. "^ ""
foule-fickenefles,diftemperSjanddeclinations J How
wilelj to proportion, and mercifaily moderate, in re-
fped of meafure, time, and working 5 and when Hij
hand is heavie upon us in one kinde, tenderly lo take
care, that wee bee not oppreft with other extrc.iw-
to alfo : As appc^cs by that fwiet obftivation
574 Injirttdiism fer a right comfsrting SC(f^. |
Pag,ta8<J, ofMaftcr FoATf inthe * ftory of the two^'ot^^r/.*
yod in hts holy providence ^feeing his old and trufly
fervant ft msnj yeereSy^Uh fe extreme ^andmnnj torm
menttyhoketiand dried ft^\ y^suld in no Wtfe heapeto9
many forroVfes upo/t one poore filly wretch ; neither
)^9ftld comrmt him te the flames of fire ; rvho h^d heene
already kukfd^andfcorched With the /harpe fires of in-
Tvard ajjli^ion j and had fuflained fg many bHrning
darts ^andconfiitls of Satan fo many ye ares, ^od there '
fore of his divine providence ^thinkmgit toe much y that
' Ofteman Jhottld ^eeftm^chever-chargedywithfe many
fiagpies and torments, did gradanfly provide } that %9.
kert his ^rother^being bsth fironger ofbody^and alfo bit'
ierfHrnifhedWtthhelpes of leamingti anfyver the /id"
iv^-'^v - ^^'^^^f'*f^f^^Jb9uldfHfiaf»ethecor7fli0, Itmaybcc, our
uWv. .. ttnelyWi/^G^^^jpurpofethtocxercifeus extradrdina*
rfly with fptrituallconflic^s, and troubles ofconfci'
encc; and therefore doth mercifully give us more
profpcrity, and comfort in cur outward ftafe : Or
,>. pftiiaps,toaffli<5l-iis with variety oFworWIycrofTes 5
and" tnerefore doth fwcetly, and compaffionatch',
giue us more peace and comfort at home in ourowne
hearts : or it may bee,Hee meanes to make us eminent
Ob/eds of difgrace, reproach, and flaader in the
World jisnd evt nfrpni thoife,'wfio fit in the gate Jet
ourforwardnefle a'rid'excellency ofzeale ; aidtherc-
for^outof a gracious tender-heartednefle, gives us
both more calmencifre in confcience,and contentment
in outward things * Drj^perhapSjHe may layallthcfe
upon us,- fuffcfHS to bic tried with ill tongues, with
troubles witbout, and tcrroars within ; why then un»
doMbttdlyf his grace ^^all be fiifficient ferns. So wife,
and fo mercifuil \s pur blcffed God. Only, firft, kt us
lakc-beed(Ehofigii'1n Our owne apprehcnfions and
fiaif(d<tftii4Ygi'^em^t>retcnd, and except never fo
^l^fibIy)tbatW«neveirprcfcribeuhto him ;How,
ift what ftinw^ or mdilurc face (hould afflid us,
'^^ ' ' * ' - -^ ^ - - Sccoodly^
I ~
'.T ft-i^ %^
■ ■• ,•
vjr.W.U»;>^ •
1:1 fll
•■ftVir - '
:wviv
^WW !
-n; !-
Part.2.Chap.20. Af^i^fd Coxfiienca, ^y$
Secondly, That wee never ward, or put off any blow
from his owne heavenly band, Men, or Creatures,
with the woundof Gon(cicnCe ; yet never decline «.-
ny ill,by ill nieanes.Thirdly,Thatuce learne,ai)d la-
bour to profit by, andmakethe right i\(ii of all his
corre^ions. Footthly, And ever tnagnifie the glory
of hismtrcy,andwildomc,in1parir)gusany way;
histender- hearted taking notice,wherevveearc wea-
kert,andnotfoablecobciJrc his feverer vifitationsi
buLfpeciallyjthat hecevcr, pitches upon thacaffli-
dion,whichdoth our fouiesmoft good ; at«f feives
moft pundualiy to piocure,prottft,and proftiotetlie
foundnefl't, fafety, and flourifliing of cur fpirituall
ftate. Wellthtn, ferinypurpore,and thy fupport;
(ith our mcft holy God dealesthuswithail, that arc
not damned ; to wit, forts out unto them, thofc feye-
ralicrofresandcorredions ; which, out of his unlcar-
chablc wifdomc, and fpirituall ncceffity of their
foules, hce ices moft fit to kcepe them humble, obc-
dient,andinawcj Take thou up, and in good parr,
this croffe of thine, while it plealeth God to exercife
thee withit, as thy portion. Others, tho free from
this,yethave their proportion and proper Potion ;
and that, perhaps, in a bitter Cup, and from a more
fmartingkod. itmaybee,itgbeswell withthee,xn
« other rcfpeas -, in which, wert thou yet crofled, h^y IS^?^^
thcphyficke would nottake, nor worke fo kindlily . this"kinVand m 12
Our all- wife heavenly Phyfition koowes, this dread- iomc tc(pcQs, as oue-
full dart will ondy doc it. Whoknowcs whcthcr,if wardly mifcrable, as
thou wert net haunted with thsfc foulc Furies, I "nbcci-uagincd: but
meane,furiausinjcaionsofthcDiveIsowneForgc, ZZmvomt 'of
thou mightcit grow worldly,luke-waime; too paffi- God is mightily im-
onatc, proude , fecurc ; or Ibmething which God proved for cxtraordi-
would not have thee, and would bcc infinitely for ""^ f"PPo»i«
thy hurt.
P p CAP. XX.
57<5
InfirhSlions for aright comforting Seft^j.^
"■"•'♦
l.Bycountell.
I. Never meditate oa
them, but fome other
iiaattcr.
' Ofurofiactgitauonesm
aniftu ihfU flloi Acd^d
(^uil/mreftfitreyH-lt, &
lamen nonpoufi,ftdyem
litjnolit irrutt in ochIos
mentis mufcAtum IE-
^yptfpffitleHtMi 0- fer^
[P'tptitit rAH/t in peae-
trttlibut tordii eiut*
Bcrn.hb.deConfc dc
multij). varict.cogit»
CHAP. XXI.
Thefecand pdrt of the fpecnlative ytfuy of Curinm
the former CM<dadte^ rvbichis bjcounfell: twothmt^^
ivhiehmenmufi bee coHn[elledto traUife^
|E E Thou therefore paticnfunderthcmi
humbled by them . make a holy and
profitable ufe of them j comfort thy
felfem them, by thcfc conflderatioiis
commended unto thee for that pur-
pofcjand learnchovv tobehavethy fclfeabouttbemy
by the following counfclls.
I . Asat their (irft approach, and ofter, thou ough-
tsftto ibrreup, ^Vi^ aeelcthy heart j to improve the
tengthand ftoutnefilc of all the powers of thy foule
tomakea mighty and forcible refiftancc j lifting up'
atthe fameiufUntthy heart,in a bitter complaint, a-
gainft the crnelty and malice of the adverfary | »
flrong cry for the rebuking of him, and reftraint of
his hciliOi fpight, with extreme deteftation of aU
luch ^iy^lXi^ HJth j io take heed, that thou never re-
vel vcifi the minde, up.^n thofe his blasphemous
temptations. But fay with Lmher, a Kite, or Cor-
morant may fiyovermy houfe, but fufejiljall never
rooftjor ne[ik there. Or, asanother j a ravenous and
hatefull Bird may begin to build im mine Arbour, I
cannot hinder itj but I will never faile to pull it
dovvne, asoihn as (he btgms. The Di veil will iii/ca,
whether tfaou^wiit or no: But rdblve to fuff.rthcirj'
by no mcanes, to have any rcJt, or rcfidince in thme
imagination. If thou bee a Minifter ( and the holicfl
menareSatansfpeciallmarke, thathec would glad-
lieft hit with his ficric darts,) take advife,which hath
proYcd ioveraigae and iiclpfull, to beatc backe.
l^art.l.Cap.ii, t^ffiiSied Confciences, 577
-and banifli thcfc temptations of biafphcmie. The
Eninde ofevery manof God.^>y?r»^/^i?/ to the King-
d^me cf heavefjjiSyAil Tuppole, ftil! digging into the
rich Mines of divinetruth ^ diving into the great my-
.ftery of CAriJ} : ever difcourfing in it felfefor, cr do-
ing^fomt thiKg for the advancement of the worke of
the Lord, their Mintlleriall atfaircs, and welfare of
Souks. Temporize rs indeed, (eldome and felfe Prear -
chers, are not much troubled this way, neither take !„~;" "^P* take this
,^,. ru T-Lz-i ^j terme ill: For our
chciethingsioto heart. They leekemorr to advance church hath fct thi«
thctn-reh cs, then ravefpules; their chiefe itudy is, brand upon foch Ale-,
if they b::c not downe-right « good feiio^'€s (z'i houfc hanntingcompa-
they call them J either to grow rich, or nfc ,- and io ";°"'' /" /'^«? .^^-f «-
u n II- .' • ■ • J A • t\ u ^ u Jfwee laike Chnfiy that
^they are ftiilnegotiariPgindufirioufly about the one, i to /ay,the s*yio**rof
or plotting aaibitioufly tor the other, Dlit were they e«r /buiet and hoMei^ we
of '?<!«// minde ; * tV^eisunt&mee, if Ifre^.chnot the /haj^notfindekitn in the
tremble, when he tooke into ccnfideration, thofe J,f,e' Mou/e! or^T&
WOtdSyHek I 3.x 7* Fer thej watch over jour JqhUs^ a^s yernt^ among} GooiU
■they that mnfi give ACCoHitt-'.Qi AHJimsxtdcXuXXon^fox fellowes, m they call
^not meddling in worldly matters j wherein todcale, ff^em^^cHom. of the
he i deemed a very tiring, and tedious vexatiohjand I'y'f^l ch»rth^
.wasncverweU, but when bee was wading in the * iCoro'i^.
<3;pthsof Cbrifli&n Religion, and buGcd about the « yiti yero defu»B*t
tliingsof God.I fayjif they were thus afteded, they queaiHam qu^/e in mo.
would be liich as they out^hr^nd as I now fuppofe: to "^"^ ^'* ^ "'^^fereifur,
■ , . ■' F r u • u 1 I <7/^* turn fer cna4 crunt.
wir,hevemany webs,*sic wcrc,of their holy worKc ^ J^ ^^^y,,., *
,-iiuheirh^.adsaiIatonce jmanyMinifierialiTaskesin ^j ^gitUtim smKi&ut,
agitation, and on foot ftiU : Some part of the day , they qui }]9i>ts cenaeditiftie'
vWouId, perhaps, ftirchj andpiercw into the pith, and rim,ratmemre^derecom
marrow of lome Scriprure-ttxt^ at another tisr.c, S^««'-?«^?«"«""^^^^-
f^ ' ' csru untum, at<jue tg-
mrnin'me ^annjtd etittm Aterm fuppUe^ mulB* nos illic expeBat ? lHud emm \ f arete ys qui
J>r4/mtye^fi Cr contedite: Mm iUi yigil'int froAnimUyeliriiitameifipriuiiamAme dtEium
eflit^menue HuMC quidemyuieel'o. HuiuJenim cemrnimfienu terror ammuif} wfhtceoniitftfD^
SacerdotiOj Lib. o ,pnnc. ' ^pgAtM qnoque k mmm^U m eorum temper ah^ut taujiseptjfe-^
Iffaddtverfosddhdt. Sed bdncfnam occHpatknemtanquamangariam defutAhAt,Jti(tyern/tm»
fer habens de 1 j jj qu/t Dei funt, yel eoSotutioutmi'ftl AHocutionem frdtervit O^domeflil/t f4mU
/Mm4;^,Pofi^donius de rita Augufiini.
Pp X wraftle
mjZ InftrnBidnsfwdrightcomfeyting, Sccfl.gS
, '-1 ■ -n ----- -- - * — — ■-.
wraftle with the difficulties, aod knotty diftinftions
offomePopifhjorNeopelagian controverOe; At a-
nothcrjdifcuCTe.and drive luito a refolution/omc per-
plexed, and intricate Cafe of Confciencej&c. Well
then^for my purpofcjthis fuppofed j Vpoi the very
firft propofali of thefe moaftrous, and hideous
« Tenttth iSa vrayU thoughts,ptereatly^divcrt,andrefortto the hardeft ^
eyturfubUiphemU/'tu of ai! thofe irons, thou haft in the fire^ifl may (b
quxtttnque alid, quA in ipeakc j& that which hath needof moft hamcncringjl
fo/a cegitatme adhuc meancto the moft diificult aad waighcy Points,of all
'^'''''''^\J'"T^'Z thofe fcverali fpirituall bufincffes, thouhadftlaftin
(ommuntter vnaius earn , , . iV . i • i i • i i »
contmn'^nh t ohUykni thy braincfand lingieout that particular, whjch did
tradettdo ,&fe deed ex. moft pu2zle,and put thy undcrftanding CO it; Whcfc-
cHtit-:do. cradalia for- abouts,whtn the ftrengrh, heat, andintenfion of thy
tfer tnentem retrahcn. ^y hole foulc IS fpsntjand improved: notonely other
itrniugando,npH^n4n- impertinent wandrings, and vagarics, but thefe idle
do &■ difput4tid9y Gerr. andtrkcfomeinje£^ionsalfo,will moreeafily vanifh,
dc medo hab. contr* and be gone. 'Let others alfo proportionably upon
aiaU.imniiff* , f^^ j^ occafions, bcHdes other helpes ; have recourfe
tothemofttroublcfome and over-maftering part of
their honcftimploimcnts; tothc chiefeft; and need-
a.PifputenotwitIi,but fullcftaft'aireof their law fuU Callings.
rejcdtheDirell. %, In temptations of this nature,never(et thy felfc
i^Ath if^cAxt^ huvM. J.Q 1 cli(putcwiththeDiveJl5bei.ranoldSophifterof
^lii^/kfflM^ Imith sbove fivethoufand yeares ftanding,in the Schoolc of
sxtingutre magnum ig. hideous temptations, and hellifli policies, and thoti
nemdtnpimt-.Detdntoig. artbuta Novice. Hee hath many Methods ^ Devices,
nii in^inmefcit reUe- gnd Depths ^whkh thy (hallow forc-caft cannot pof-
X'^i^Sr^S fibly fathome.DireajoppoGtion bv reafons, and re-
c«M/«W«^'r-<J. plies,ftirrcthuptheoutragiousBlaiphemGurtogrow
4tur fAcilheriM hk, & morefurious : And hereby wc pivc him greater ad-
ntnnimis immo^ihtert&' vanragCf more matter of molcftation and Hiifchicfc;
^u4ti ex dtreBo tu *e» ^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ piunge our felves further into an i)irrica:e
iT^jt'perLTet!^, ma2eofhorrour,andcoafufcddiftraaions. Ourblcf-
MUdyidehcetin co£it4tu fcdGaptaine,C^r//?/e/;.'/,may beea pattcrne for as
ftrtiter a^^rehemcndo y in this Point. Whenhce was tempted, /cy^Z/jaftfw/jtf
idem.IbiiU mdvforjbh Satan-, hee teafoneth not the Cafe;
JPart.i.Cbap,iO. A$i^cd Ce»fciencts, 579
Jbtitrepells bins with vehement txrraordinary dece*
•lkn<ic afid diidsinc : yi'^'.o*^ SKtAn. Ic will therefore
beeourbcft wifedorr.Cjatfucha time,totiirnefroiii
him jand as H(ze!^ah Ipread his Dlalpliemous letter,
fo to lay open his tuiy before the Lord: crying migh'
tilyunto him,aadintreatinghim, even for his ovvne
hofeoursfake, to vindicate the purity of his great
Majefty-jand excellency ot hf§ iinfpo: ted glory, fioin
this hellifh filth, and horrible villany of his damn<d
vileftCrea^fc J That hce would caii it, as dung, up-
on cheTcmpiers face: and in thcPaflioii and Blood
^f Ghfift, f-ree fully, and for ever,our pocre lcu!es.§
crcmblinguncerthchidecufnefle of his n?alicc and
cruelty, from the guile, iiaine,t€rrourj and afian't of
€11 fuch abhorred, and prodigious blafphenicln that
other terrible temptation ailo> to Se/Je-Mnr^her^nw
ny much vvrongthcmfelves this way. In managing
this fiery dart^thc Advcrfary deaies 'i^y way of argu-
ment toe, and preiTesreafonSjfuch as they are, upon
the tempted 5 (bmetimes extremely abfurd, efpecial-
ly, if the party bee ibmething more Qmple and ignb- ';
rant ; (ometimcs, exceedingly futtle, iF hec bee of
better uftderliandmg and capacity. And. thus ; It is
foone done^ And thefaine qutckelj^afi : thm art/t^etbut
toUn^ilh^Andttetnmlferj/all tbjf Ufe long : The Ion*
ger thet4. Uvejl , the larger Wtll bee the fsore of thy
finneSj And fo thy torments tn hell more hornble her*"
after: If it hee once done -, it ^'ill ap^eare tobuvebeen
beds decree I And I hope theft >nlt not eppofe the ac* ^ ,, ., ,
campltfimemafthati « DoewtjatthoHcanfi^thoumlt ^^^^^ yea. but in the
beedamKedl^henall isdone,&c. Now in this Cafe, if recanetimcitis better
thou debate the matter with the Divell, and begin to to ^P^^*^ ^hc remainder
coDterre I thcu art like enough to be more and more °^ ^^ ^^"^ ^u 1^'^
confounded,& intangled with inextricable aftonifli- JffilfhrmU r *]y4
meRts,and danger to be uticrly undone, and fudden- But to'thou fhaJiin-;
ly blovviie up by the mine of his foule-murdering creafethyfimbae,?n4
lophiftry. But if according to the precedency, and by coufcquem th> hei-
ego Ittfirft^ions for aright €otMforti*tg Seft,g>*
to which if thou re. pradife of thy Lord and Maftcr, who htith begua
joyne : But the hai- onto thcc in this bittcr Cup, « Agaaedin all thy af-
noufncff^of lelfjmurr p^^-^^^ g^d ever ftands by thee as a viaorious
oer, and i]ornDlcncue •' ', , •nz-iiTi
of defpaire may ]ap. commander, and conquerour in all Inch alfauitsj
pcarc more vile and ex- fitft,abominatc,andbeatebacke,thisbarc and bloo-
ccrable in the eyes of ^y motion, with infinite indignation and loathing ;
God. thenall the other ^^y ant Satan : And then immediately lay hold on
t:\"l'7^:T7:^y thcfwordortheSp;rit,andkcepe him at the point
naturali courJe ; Hec ^^ it ; and then airuredly,allthe Divels in Hell can-
may then hideoufly notburtthcc. Tcil him, that againfthis^'Vile and vil-
rofire : But, fo thoo lanous fuggeftion, and all the fwbtikies, and fophi-
Sfith'rfrs"^3 ftry with which heefeconds it; this isthy onely aa-
makeawaythy felfc at iwcr, even the precife, holy and cverlaftingcountcr-
lafl ; and where art mandof his,aiidthy Greatour,the mighty Lord of
ihouthenf&c.Iknov? heaven and earth : T^ff» y7Wr »*r -^///. Now if it .be
l^m to have thus a crim(on,andcryingfinncs the moft deadly oppo-
inw7rcmbling heanl! fice,andderperatecut^throate of charity, to kill an
one after ano:her,vTith other; and faftneth ilich a deepc, and inexpiable
extreme fubtflnfffc and ftaineupontheface of a whole Kingdome ; that it
cruelty. And therefore cannot bc razed out,^«/ hjthe blood of him tbatjhediti
or conference with and what depth or Hell, and hc^htot horrour, doth
himsBBt uponthcvc' that abhorred Mifcrcant deferve, and may expeft;
ryfeftaffaultCforwho who makes away himfetfe ? For the Rule ofchari-
T in*'* n'"'^'''*' ty, whereby wee love one another^ is proportioned
ihat will tell never z d \i. ^ v. • u l i iT • r 11:. 1C
true word, and is thy '^y ^"*5 charity, whereby a man loves himfelte. It
fworne bloody ; eac* the DivcU bce abic to diflol ve, and difanull the moft
myObc cvcrfurcpre ablblute, pcrfeft, and juft Law of the moft High^
^l"'.'r®i'^!j?H"1°" who, though all other things bcfideSjand fomcthing
trj^oi X^:^ in poITibilitie, which as yet they are not inaa^ yet
wbkh icrves like a' himfeifcis adualiy, and everlaftingiy, whatfoevec
/iror</, not only for hcc m^y bcc | and Cannot hercate bee that, which
defence, as all th« o-
ther pieces of armour , but alfo for offence. Beate backe with undauntod re-.
folution and confidence thisDivelUlh dart ; and ibp for ever the mouth %i the
Tempter with the cootrarv charge of the naoit holy, and «U«powerfuli God % TbtM/bah
ptt^ ■-'- —- -- ■■- - — - ^'^ -■
now.
Part.!. Cap. *o, %y4fpi^ed Cenfeiencet, 5 Si
nowheeis not; and fo by conftqucnt, iswithotic
zWvariahlenejfe^ «r p}ado-tv of turf>i»g: I .fay, if the
PrifTCf efdt^kne^e can rev crfe thi>La w of the Father
of Lights I Thou fhak not fntirder ^ thoa maift WeH
' lay,thou wilt then tbinkeofanother anfwen But,
till that bee^whicb is snore, then iaHnitdy impofiible
cvcrtGComctopaflfe jthou wilt rather licinthe mi-
fericsof Heil upon earth (which indeed were in-
comparably better,^ then breaking Gods blcffed
Lavv,goedowneinto thegrave in a bloody coffin,
made by thy owne hands, onely at thC'Divels bid-
ding. Can this madneflc ever bee oiatched i iot a
nian,bcfidesSelfc-fcvcringthcfouIe from his body
before the time, by a more hainous and nnnatnrall
vlljany, then murthcring of his owne father^ ( for •
crcry man is naturally next unto himfclfc;) and fen-
ding it fuddenly, all goare-blcod, by becomming his
owne Butcher and hangman, unto the drcadfullTri-
bunall> of thcall-powcrfull God} the" moft ccrtainc,
and fevere Revenger of all blocdihcds to bring alfo
abundance of unneceff^ry fliame, griefe and hopclcflc
mourriing upon Friends, Kindred, Husband, Chil-
dren, Parents i a reproachful! ftaine and brand, upon
Houfc,Name,Burialli Poftcrity .&c. And that mccre-
Iyatthcinftance,andupon the mod abfnrd, ridicu-
lous,aQd fen fek lie fuggeft ion of the Arch- mwtherer^
thy mort4ir,and immortall enemy \ againft fenfe,rca-
ron,naturet,rdigioH)Scriptuie,Godsdire^command
to the contrary, even Heathea Philoibphy, Heaven
and Earth .'
Pp ^ 9HAF. XXL
,g^ InfirnBiensfor Anghtcomfffvti'Kg, Sidl.js
CHAP. X XT.
Three other thingi "which men mu^ he conn*
ffllM'to fra^h/efir,£he Cnre of the former <JWa»
-. •• . ' ■ ' . " '. ' -■ <
>4l€ncae,&c. '^^^mS^^ ^^^ much fecrecy J three maifTC
' adva^nageS' fop the adverfar/i
v/hich h'ce watchfully appreherri
ding, and plying induftrioufty ,
workes a world of mifchiefe upon
affii^edfouleajin their rpirituall miferies. IdlenefTc
iayes a aiah ofseit -Cd alt helli fh (nares and temptati-
ons; amkcs the heart, likunmanurcd ground, fit for
notbine»bat the wildell, and ranked vvcedes of luft,
luxury, lewd CDHipany.theonivcrfall indrdinateneflTc
of Orfginall corruption, todotiineere, rage, and doe
wbac-it will : Like ftandingPooles,naturally prepa-
red,' and pregnant to breed, and feed the vcrmincjahd
venoHKof vilert thoughts,and unnaturall filth : Like
^^oHefi^li^'^eegh*' Thorow-faircsjfor Satansmoft hideous, *> andhoN
tiqt4mtur^tii44>n^h. ribieinfedions, to wandcf and wa'ikeup and downe
er*nd4yqui mninve- I'J.WKhout reltramt. Or remedy. Solicarinefle. bc'-*-
ntdt ot]i(itis, N4m c«f Gdcs ic s natiT e propertic and power, t'ct make fad,m-
y4CAni: '9efi4d'^- cipeare melancholy^ and aggravate fcariesj; dothin this
f4rMr!-^ -quodcum Cafe, oiore ths iany,bfing- an hcavic /^(^^ J *■ fVite'
T ^'i"*''.TJlZZ tohim,thtt,s\tlonei Fj>rif the weake Cbriftian«^
incoHtinHtmotHefi, mo- hee hathnot another to helpe himuf, Hemay thercbee
iit et con/ttmit feipfutiy
ttU>n4d lotdlc'Ti fHiionfutif^tiontm tt de^niEi^i^ntm^ nip prohlbe4tuf al'CHm diligentiX. Et
aqui cito moht 4dvoUfttis foe. Us mnfcM (icat j^r.t ma -i decorum 4dipes : prxfemm^ cttm
funrn $tcoftti/iuhm3lere etmn^uitfcert^ neq;i4,ju4myer9 quod moUttfive i>onuift, (iv^ m4.
inndifcerHsre tt eligere foufl, . mf ytgeat^ prov dentia ^iui CMUt d}[pntre. Gerli Dc
«aoiohal?uadifc con.tr* 5^l«'i5'?'fl» * BccIcC4.io,,
- -- -- furprizeJj
Pait.2.Cap.8i« AffltSiedCon/ciewes. 583
furpxhcdt y eeld,and foil'd, before hec get into fiich
company, which might happily have prevented it,
or fupportedhim in the temptation. Too much fc-
crcfieandconccakmcnt, maycaufc the wound of a
terrified ccnfcience, to bleed inward,rankle,feftcr,
and grow dcfperate j whereas feafonablc difcovcry,
might havecured,andcomforted it :Horrour arifing, • xft^wt oistW*;? j>
from the apprehenfion, of fuch uncouth and raon- *" '
ftrous thoughts, kept clofe, and dainmM up in the
mans owne breft, may fwell fo high, that the poor«
foiile may be in great dangerto be wof ully drowned,
and overwhelmed by it ; which had it had vent be-
time J eafedjand emptied itfelfeinto fomc holy ai»d
Faithfull bofomcj mfght;,by divineand difcreetcoun.
felljby little and little dried up quite. Ihaveknownc
him,whodid bite inland keep clofe in hisbo(bme,this
temptation of blafphemy the fpace of about twenty
yeares. All which while.the Divcll did tyrannize ex-
tremefy,& keep him almoftin continuallterrour. He
thought there was never man had fuch vile, and pro-
digious thoughts^as he: And iftheWorld knew whaC
they were,hewo«Jdbeabhorr'd3samonfterof m«n,
and the loathfommeft creature upon earth ^raoft wor-
thy to be utterly exterminated, and rooted out of the ^^
fociety,andconfincs of Mankindc. And hereupon ^
many ^nd many a time, when hec apprehended an/'
opportunity,orhadanyraeanesoflrercdtomakchim- ~
felfe away, hec was tempted thereunto j principally
upon this ground, that it was pitty,fuch an horrible
Blarphcmcr(rorfoheefuppofcd) (houidany longer
brcathe.Butat laft,hesringt)ie naturc,manncr,and re-
medy, of thefe hideous injections difcovered by the
Mfnifteryj afterward privately informing himfclfe
furthcr,& more folly from GodsMtirengcr,was hap-
pily taken of the rack for the time to corac,and moft
wondcrfulty refr^^edi And therefore take heed
^8^ InJhuQionsfor tiright comforttng Seft.j,
of kccptngtheDivelscounfell. The tempted in this
klndemay doc wdl , to bee ftill convciTant in ir-
Iigious dntics, honeft workcs of their lawfull
Callings, company o? skilful! experienced Soulc-
phylttions , or one or other comfortable imploy-
ment.
4*cWr«toeiitmain« ^. Settle ifi thy heart, a peremptory, tmpreg-
"?thout"" ^n A°^ fifablcrefolution, never to entertaine any conceit of
hit W<w7.*"*"' ^" thit great Ma/efty, and glory above | of the moft
holy and ever-bleffcd Trinity, or any thing there-
about $ but fuch onely as is revealed , and repre-
fented nnto thee in Gods Booke. Whatfocver is
obje<5ledbycarnaU rcafento the contrary j or inj&;^
^ed by the Divell, any way es ro deprave the divine-
neffeof that glorious Truth, ought to bee rejcded
ascurfedjalftjandexccrablci And therefore, when
that hellifli Nimrod fhall at any time bunt, and
chafe thine aflfrighted foule, with thefe blafphcmous
Mell hounds; beefurc ever to takcSandluary in the
Orac/esof (rfli,andkccpe thee clofc and fafe under
chis Covert, Whatfoevei is not comprehended
tvithinthc Confines of that facred Pale } warranted
by ^«/f ffr»r,thefoveraigne Touch- ftonc of all hea-
venly Truth ; kt it bee abhorred , and retorted as
dung upon the face of the Tempter. That /enfe
and apprchcnfion ©f the Deity, and divine things,
which isnot fuckt from the brefts of the two Tc-
(laments, is in this regard to bee reputed dranke
poyfbn; repelled^ and abominated with infim'te in-
dignation and difdaine. And for further helpe
herein, when thou Rndtfk thy felfe thus followed
with the violent , and inceflant incurfions of this
furious folly j call often, and feriouHy to minde, that
accurfed brand, which the Booke of God hath fee
upon the Adver(ary, that hec is the Father •f lies^
andlccchac (liU coi^nuc a more refolute rcje<^iori
Part,2.cap.2 1 ♦ JffiUied ConfcieHces, 585
and cohtcmpt, of wbatfocvcr comes freai him.
Suppofea ragiiig Bedlam fhould follow thcc tip and
dew ne, ail the day long, and tell thee, that thy fa-
ther, orfp«ciallfriend,wereaStone,a Bird, aTrec»
a Toade, or whatfoevcr h viler, of more abfurd :
would'ft thou hercDpcn cntertainc, and harbour ia
thyminde, any raif-impreffiouj or monftrous pcr-
I'wafion of the party \ I trow not : ( onely hw
fenfclefle clamourj and reftlefle raving would bee vc- -
ty irkefomc, troublefome, and un welcome j efpcci- •
ally (ith thoa art furnifhed with a cleare demon*
ftrati ve light out of naturall Philofophy,that hee is ■-
a reafonable Creature; andthyfclfe (eeftinhim, the
face and favour, the fhapc and proportion of a MaiH -
Proportionably, Satan, that bloody Bedlam of Hell, .
cut of that madnefTc, at which Heaven and E|rth •
may Aand amazed, folicites thee to admit fuch^ and
fuch horribleaud hideous conceites of thy dearcft
Z ORD, bis Sonne, attdficred iVgrd^ ('Ah curfed
Fiend, that ever thou fhouldeft difcover fuch prodi-
gious malice againft thy glorious Maker.') Now
God infinitely forbid, that this Hiouldcaufc the leaft
alteration, or any diminution at all, of ihy lowlieft,
meft reverent, adoring , and divincft thoughts of
fb great a God.^ Forhaverecourfeto the helj Re
cordsoi all found, fupernaturall, and faving know-
ledge ; I meane, the Word of life, with which thou
oughtefl to confute J and to which onely thou art
confinde in this Cafe ; and theu ihalc finde him to
bee, ^ Onely^ ^ one <■ hving And ^ trueG^d^ « r- " 'i4rf$tUs •/ He^eti^
ver/afting, ^ ^tthottt hdy^ furts or pa/pons i i of in- -ArM.
f «,. f,«>r , » mfim. md ' g»d«e![e ; the maker p^^}^^*J-f^-*lf,
iCw,%./[i^ * PfdJm. 34,1.1 e»r ^6, 16, * i(bro.i$.^.Ier^iO»LO^ loh-i';.^. tTbi/^Ug^
« P/ai ioi.i4.i6.z.j.Dan,6.z6. * P/aUi04,i^O-c.I»l)^4.i4* l dr.3.17, 1 54im.15.29.
B4r-J' *'P{*i'^o6tU0- 197.1*
5 8(5 InjirH^iens for a right comfi/rtir^ SC(ft. »
und preferver of nil things both 'visible and inviji-
i>Ui ^ftd in unitie of tbts God head there bee three
fsrfons^of one fuhfixnce^p^veryAnd eterrtitjy tb^ Fa-^
fc By his owne Wotd, ther^the S^nne^nHdthehdy Ghofi\ And befldss, thou
and by this vifiblc k QjaypfgcafpeT^as jc ^Y^jg^aod icele bttwcene thy.
World, is God pcrcti. Angers, as they fay, even in every Crcaturw% His
Ite°r"j„dtftood g^^'"? andgoodaefle,Maiefty ar,d might, pc-
language of the All- wer and providcnCC In the glonms Lights efhea-^
noightyjvouchfafed to ven^ faith a nobic Writer, voee ferceive (I Jh^ddi^
allhisCteatutcsjwhofe of hU divine c^nnten^nce \in his frsivifim for aU that
Hkroglyphicall Cha- Uve^'^jis manifold gosinej'e ', tAnd lapy.in cremng^
numb?ed ^t'ires^, "!hc ''^^ ""^^""g ^^'/^^^^ '^^ WorUmivsrf^ll^ byUe af>l
SunandMoonc, wnc- filme aArt of his owns fVordy his fewer, and ^AU
ten on theie large Vo- mightine^e ; rehich Tower , Light, TJertue, fFtfedome^
lumcs of the Firma- ^nd Goodneke, beina all bnt zAttributetof one fimpU
by the letters of all f^^^ difcerne pt^r Ipeculum creatlirarum, that it in
thofcliving Creatures, the difpofition , order , and variety of Celefltall and
and Flaws, which in, TerrefiriaU hdjes : Terreftrmll in their firmns^
habit,andreede there- ^^^ m^nifdd dtver^ties r C^UfiiaM in their beaut j
WtritLub i»c4s/i» ^**'^ magmtude-^ tvhtcbin thetr conttnHall^aHd contra"
' ry motions, are neither repagnant, intermixt^ or con'
founded. 'By thefe potent effe6ls, ^ee aporcach to the
know/edge of the Omnipotent caHfe,and by thefe moti^
' ens^ their lAlrmght) mover, Whcnfocver therefore
that moft implacable, and cverlafting enemy to
Gods gloiy, and the good of his Children, (hall
goe about to pervert, and croffe by his blafphe-
mous injedions, thefe fober and facred concepti-
ons of the thrice glorious, and ever-bleiled Deity ;
planted in thy minde, by his owne Word, aiad this
vifible World ; bid him, by the example of thy
Lord and Maliei;>4'z/e»<j/tf <«W <it/<«;if 5 trample upon
his htlli(h fpite; appcale unto Gads righteous
Throne , with protcftation of thine innocency ;
damning them unto the Pit of Hell in thy Judge-
ment;
Part.2 .Cap. 8 1 • AffliHed Confciewes, SSy
mciic; and hating them, not without horrour, from
the veiy heart-roote; and fotruly refiftingthcnijCry-
iiigmightily unto God for pardon, whcrein-foevcr
thou (hiltfaiie about them ; and for power againft
them ; and then pofTeffe thy humble foule in patience
ardpeacco
5. Bung humbled by them, making an holy ufs ^ ^^^^ h»tfiiIiaii<Mi
cfthcm ; peru/ing, and applying the conftderattons for them v«e not thy
Andconnfeb in hand, for comfort in theiPj and con- feift about them,
queftovertbemj doc not by any meanes continue
to affli(?t and torture thy fpirit about them. * Let • inien(i4nt qusque pt»i
them now pafle away, and bee packing $ abandon fi^fjifJ" /irupulojf ,^
thcmwithanholydeteftation,contempt, andfligh- f'^'^/«"»'"^«'. ^«""«;
tmg. Without any fuch dilmayednejle snd terrourj tomnem)ercoriktntur'
as moft unworthy of any longer taking to heart, or ftfUnhtrum cogitatk"
noticeof : muchlefle of that carking and trouble, »«»», vtlutUn oipdio^
astoterrifie,in-di(pofe,anddifable theeforacKlarc- «f «''^'«"»>«^ ufiroYHm
fulldifchargecf cither of thy Callings particular, .tl/r-wLri?:::
or general! J Divines hold even godly forrow un« cum tenet repemM
feafonable,whcni£unfittctb the body or mindc to /Irephu quempUm^ yt(
good duties; or to a good, and chearefuU manner hBtraremtmmittlt^tjtutii
of doing them 3 how much more would they not ',"f J'f^i,C»/lI«t
have chefc beliilli diilradions and intrufions to ,y«, trnj^ugMtomJu^^
tionum dgere tonfiteye'^
runt : & quemtadmodum iocuUtersj & trufAtoreJ fuerit horrorem mufitatis fuit gtfittnf
incutere myerunt : IntendAttt inqudm , quod t4li4 roa curent , t$eque tnultum cttm his
Utigentjfed potiiis irridednt 5 ditmtei turn tUo Vdtre tn yitis ?dtrujn ^ in tAtims e»m
ferto : lnimu*!dttf4 tua fuper tt D^nten : Dominttt mihi 4dtutor^ non te tir/ie^.^id
tmm^ immundtfi fpirit us ti , vmmunditi4 tptti tuftm eft. Item terrorts tuos non timeot
quia euwy t^ui yenturM tfi 'iudic4re yivoj ^ mortnoiy & /tculum ftr tgtietny Defenfo*
rem ha^eo Gcrf, Rcmcd. coait; pufilK Si antem ntc fie , infern4lts tdlei mufl
€£ pi/ngitiy4 p4icm permtferint j optimttm rimedittm ejl , ut hom* nihil de eii amfUiiS
€f4ret, Jid fMb dtvina c»»ftdtntta p4tie/iti4m hihedt y & ft feeurw ^ quod non ti no*
uyuntf Idem dc tnodo Ic haben. Com, Mai. immiF. Frequenter hx ccgit4tiom
nes meltut yintuniur i fi eat mbili ptndimm y 4Ht <m'4mm ^ Jed 4lp in rthns ee-
supAtKtu 4nimHm , (^ukm fi e4f yi nit^miH' ^ropelkrt , Ucm de <Uver» Tea*
tat, -
dii^hcartca
5 88 InJirH^ionsfor a right comforthtg Se£t. g.
■ diOieartcn thee in this kind e ?ButlealVof all, of that
peftiJencprc7aih"ng,astofil thine heart with extra-
ordinary aftoniiTimcnt,horroiir and doubting J whe-
■ thcr fuch mor.ftrous injeftions bee incidcnr to fan-
'difiedtaileSja faving ftate,and habitation of the he-
Ij (jhofl J and (o to put thee into a habit of heavy
walking, and fecret I'adneffe ; by reafon of continuall
qaeftioningthe foundnefle of thy converfionj the
<;onftancy of Gods love unto thee ; formeralTurance
-of ai>iminorrallCrowne J and whether it bee poffi-
feIe,that/^/«/C^r;f/?fhouIddweliina foiile haunted
with fuch horribit thoughts. Procureraentof which
mifcries and moleftations, is the Adverfaries only
aime. For foimTieafurably malicious is Hee, thatif
^r9 n{l Mutem h/tc firs hecannotplungctheeintothepitof hell, and everla-
"Jimfioram, utnoyitiH fling flames in the World tocomc ; P yet will hecla-
fingHUmomentatemati, ^oyj might and maine, to kccpe thee L^pon the Rackj
;':f7flSr/.»;: »<^'■'^«™h'^'■•°"^«h.<canpofGbly allthylife
fermittit satAHy qui ex 'o^gjin this va'eoftearcs. Suffer then this advifc
noflfkperditione maxi. to finke feriou ffy into thy heart : Being iilightned,
mam y$iupt4tent idpete rightly informed, and dircded about them, let them
r|:t,S.:r^ nolongcraftomlh thy (pirit , detains thee in hor-
ie.m%mmm e^erti koh tour; hurt thy heart, OF hinder thee in any duty to
ffeffe, iucuftdum tdtncn God Of man; or inanh^mbje,comfortabIe,andcon-
•/^■ efiyji CM difqua ex fidsnt Walking with thy God, as thou art wont | or
fm^Xr'cuK of t^y^ora3cr{^.vcet communion with lefus Chrifi.
Luccap^S. 11001,84/ ^^^ ^^^ rather becaufe ; Firft, it is the Tempter*
carneft end, only out of pure fpite, to put this impo-
ftare,anduiinecc{rary vexing perplexities upon thee.
Secondly, The more thou art troubled with them,
and takes them to heart ( for that is it hee would,
have,)chemore violently and villanoufly, willhcc
prelFe them upon thee, and terrific. Thirdly, They
are not>thine, but his feaicfull fiuncs j He alone muft
anfwer for them, at that great and laft Day, and
thou goc free, is is his malici;?u8 madncffe, of
iiich
Part.2.cap.3 2f. JffUctedConfciences. $^9
fach a prodigious nature, and netorioufnclTe , as
is beyond conceit, and above all admiration : onc-
ly fit for a Divcll ; That H ee may trouble thee
temporally, Hec mightily aggravates hisowne etcr-
nall torment/
CHAP. XXII.
The exferimetttall ^ay of Curing iht farnur
t^oUddtff,
Nafecond place, let inee tender unto i.cureof iJte forma
thee an Antidote '9 which hath bcene "fe«pcrimentall<
found foveraigne,and fuecesfull this
way.
Thefurameofitisthiss Let the % P^ttin^ on goed
tempted Cbriftian labour to worke, "^from "heft wrSl
andextracft, fcytbebleffingsof Gcd, fomefpirituali jionw "
goodjout of the horrible hell of thcfe moft hatcftill,
abominable, blalphcmous fuggeftions* And if Sa-
tan once fee , that thou fuck'it honey out of his
poyfon ) comfort out of his cruelty ; medicine out
of his malice; hcc will hav« no heart, or hope to
goe on ;-no courage or coRtentmcnc to continue the
temptacioi?.
T&ke it in the fenfe,ifnotin thefame words,with-
outanyvariatioPjOr enlargement, as it was applied
and profpeiM :
Spitefulland malicious Fiend ; curfed enemy to
heiaven and earth ; by the mercies of God (though
thy ptirpofe bee moft peftilent ) yet thcu flialt noc
hurt, or have any advantage againft mcc hereby ?
-. ^ - -- - Thy
590
I. More hate to the di-
rels malice,
2. More honour to
Godi gfory.
I.Moreufc of prayer.
4<Mote bumiliatioa*
J A ftrong argument
againft Atheifme,
1 If yourAtheift vrill
not believe his owne
eyes, beholding the
firange judgements of
God xQ otheri} but
InftrtiUMHS fsr Aright comforting Sed.j
Thy bafe and dunghill inie£lions ceading to the
difljonour of my Qod, and my Chrift,&c. fliail
mak erase:
X. More hate thine infinitely hstcfiill, aiid rc-
vccjgefiiii malice, againft that thrice glorious, aad
cvcr-b'eflTcd Majslly above.
I- Withinoreftcliag and dearcni(Te, to adore,
and tove the glory and fweetncfle of my G O D,
and my R.decmer. For the more cxcedi/e and
endlefle, I fccJe thy fpite agatnft Him ; the more,
I know, is his iucomprehcnfiblc cxccUeacy and
worth.
3. To pray ofrjcr, and more fervently, that
my GOD would rebuke tbec , and caft this ex-
treme malice of tijioe, as dung, up jn thmc ownc
. 4« To bee ftill more humbled under the hand of
my mighty Lord ; becaulc 1 cannot bee more hum-
blcd,aiid with morercfolutio.i and abhorrence, 'abo-
minate, and abandon iucb prodigioufly-fenkkfl'e^
and hellifli blafphemies of His ( fori am fure they
arenoncof mine) intothe bottomlcffe bottomeof
that darkeft Dungeon : In the blackeft horrour
wh.rcofjthey were moft malicioufly,and monftroul-
\y hatched.
5. To take up a ftrong argument, and anfwer, a-
gainllanothtr oi thy curled injections, tending to
Atheifme , and the not being of thofc endlefle
;oyes above. Becaufe I moft piainely and palpa-
bly, fecle thee, an invifible fpirit, cafting into my
imagination fuch horrid, abfurd,and ridiculouily im-
pious thoughts ) 'vvhich cannot poflibly fpring ordi-
narily, ornaturelly from any power, orpoITibiliticof
mincownefouldknow <l thereby, and allure my
fclfe, that rhert isalfo an infinite, mofl vfife,and gla-
rious Spirit, which cieatcd both met and thee; And
" wiU
Part.*. Cip.l 2 . %/4ffUlied Confciences, 5 pi
will indee time chaine Tbec up for ever, in the '^ "tber gite h\»
Fit of Hell, ana bring mee at length , by the Sl^^^r^tkt.c t£
blciTed merit of his only dearcftSonnes blood- inithoftheGod-hcad:
fried, intothcbofcmc of his ownc glory jand ever- lethimbutby fonieia.
laihng biilTe* jarioi«dced,orcontO«
melicus word, proroke
f»me Witch of Eni^orj that hath the temporary power over fome Spiritjiip«JCon-
^ition,thathetflial!haycctcrna!l power over her; and it 1$ like enough' ( he< being
fovd of allfaith} andfcfileofGod^andiooatof bis prorc6ibn^chacheeihali fcek
CO bis cofl.aadconfcfle to bis Ihamc, that there is a poller over, a"d bcfidejthe or-
Anarycourleof natuic. Gent. IndcedthefcAihcifti thardenyGodjdoeahodeO/,
ihacihere iieithcr DivcU or Angellj and 1 thmke will confelTe them all^ as (oone, as
anyone. Morton of the nature of 0»d, ^<*^. I. p^^. j 4. I quote thu onely, /• hiferre, th/tt
XfhenSdTM doth thu» cie^itly difioyer himfei^ely dctttdcnt *vd ^confeauentyhte hMifhtt
*U tboHibtsof jitbei/mei or »f en at Udfi jto dnjundtr^andingMan^ m tyident <<rg*»
mtntM^din^ tt.
6» To confirms mineowne heaiT, with firon- <5.Gr«at confidence of
gcr f afuirance.( which is no mcane bencfic ) ^'c^'^J^^^'^'.'^fhm^^
that I undoubtedly belong ointo God, and am in luJk^ XifJ^'horrT^d,
a gracious fiace. For thou well knoweft, and fo ^nfx,tur^ cr mjanx
doth mine ownc Soule^ that thou never troubled^ tv'^tuHeotcurrtrit'jnon
terTtdtur , nee tnf.ttur
ftr/nutdeyotd fropterti nimiitmi ru^e crtddt ft frofttr tdlcntd Deo dtrtiiclttm — fed,
nutorem pdaciam ft pertinendi oA DeuWy inde acctftdt, Gerf, de mod. fe babendi
contr.mal.immif. ^utddm futdnt ft eSe defertotd Deoyquia ntn ddt eiitptktitnd ten-
tdti*nihti : quitm fotius tentdtio ftgnumdiyiHi dmorujit. hLdtifUemtio tentdtiotium fg-*
tium €0iqued dli^uit de mdjiiktu Ddtntnum eydftrtt, J>um aiiquk eS in circerey unituTn
bahtotflodemyytl duoj I pyero eydferit, omnei eum tnftquHntur. Sic dum dltquif cdpm
ttttefifdDidSolojtiontdntMmeumdamonts ferfequnntur ^ qMdmumy qnum eydferit,
Gtegor, ^i* ptrttneni *d Chri^umnon yariji tentdtisn'ihtu dgrtdtur , & quttidii
dgit eur» tlU Vidholm & .An^eh tii*t , ut ^rrertdtur qudlilnt cufiditdte, qunliiet
J**ggefiione \ dut promtftone Uteri, yel terrore ddmm yel ^^m.^iont >it4i yel ter*.
rott m«Ttit i dut aliCMitu Pottntts inmicitiyy dutdUemm Potentk *tnuui')ii Ommhtt
modis infiatDidiiolMi, qiiemddmodum dti]Cidt Auguft. in Ffal.6i, Ho^ti nojler d^dhut
in bdc yitd ms pofttoj , qudoto mdgn noi pbt rehBdre ctnfpicit , tarui am»
fhhi txfugnmre contendit, Eot enm fulfare ne^Ugit, quos quiet iure fcfitdi re fe fttu
titt Contid M9S yero ei yebememiut imitatur , f ko ex corie ntflro qudfi ex )»rt
froprite hdntdtithit expeUitMr, Hoe enim Dominm fub quddam difpenfdtioTie fifft*
rayit,qu$ didiohtm nen nt(i pofi Bdpttfmd fe ttntdrt ftrmi^t I ut figmtm ntihi* quod^
4Um [utHtA co0T<rj$»n«r irsMtrtt quid mtrnhd tttu f*flqmdnt dd Dotm fr^ffcrtm^
rgi ' InflrptBtens for d right amfortittg* Se<fl.jS
tune dcriores temati*^ iDe/toany purpofe) wkh thcfe ougly blafphe-
w»m in/jdi.u toltrateBf. mOus thoughts, whilc I yet lay ftarkc dead io.
^::Z:S;::i:;;i ^nnes and trefpaffes^ and drowaM full dccpeia
iU , qudtn unufifHi/que Vanity aiic luft ; m carnall loorcnclle, and len-
fer jludium ttttverfi*- fuall cojrfcs. Then thou being the ftroig Man,
w« aiHofcity bdc fttuyf poffelfedll oaee wholly, a-id all was quiet : bc-
dafH(>mt^r : quia nc^ caufcail wasthinc ; Bu: being" now happily ref-
MfolrAtHT, impulfuten- cucdojt of thy clarchcs.bya migntiathcn Thou;
tatioaii ef^titur. Et and havjng bUlIcdly broke the Prifon by the
^uideM ijmfjMe in ip/o helpc of the holy Ghoil; Thou, followed mec
tmverfiom mth w4g- with this fieric oialice, and the moll prodigious
li^irZ^ar. y/lingsof thatiafemaU pit. And I m perfwa-
/sd durum lAl?9rim pcH. ocd, K IS a peiiileit peccc of thy decpclt cunnings
iMoiAna experitur /w- very rarely tovexc civill vyorldlings ; thofc chat
b4ii»nit* Grcgor, 'in lietnanygrofTefinnc; or any, which thou keepeft
3f};^t.^'X;: ^'^^ ^"^ ^'^^."/f i--^hy fnares, with fuch aflfrigh-
fariJvubolHi, niHex tmgand greifcly temptations. For thou craftily
b4c ,ciMA yidet ithrts, fcarcft, left flriking that horrour into the heart
^ms tentiat dnte c4pti' of a natural! man, which is wonttoarife from
ifiSi.^Hta ^idtt/a^os, ^^j^h hdliOa fo^ses^and bUfphemous filth ; thou
i::f%Xtrt;:L- iliouldea thereby gi^.c him o.cafion, to re
I W« y4iri denuo im- HO jnce , dctclt, a id drive him out ©r thine ac-
mortalitate,quos mda. curfcd fla'k?€ry,aiid caulc him to caft about for a
yer4tfrcp$nand» iniqui~ ^icw Mailcr.
tatem , quU Mufcij>ni4
etuf commiitMA Cr »oi emti fifmaa, ? Aagufi« De (ymb. ad Catcchum* lib.j*
7.jpeclall care of our y. To take notice of fome fpcciall corrup-
comipuom, tion,luft, pafllon, or fpirituall diiicraper in
one kinde or *cher ; over which I have not
hold«n that hand, hatred , wakcfall eye, as it
were nicere. For I am perfwadcd, my Q QD
out of bis mercif^ll goodnelle ,, aimcs at, and
intends fome fuch good unto my foulc, by en-
hrgin^ thy chains 5 and fiittVring chce at this
time
time to ifflia ttiee; in this uncouth manner,
r ifeith thU hilKmpoifoncd dart , fomcthing ex^
traordinarily. i^^a^c n6tr bcenc £o fenlibfc of
tbv other temptations , ^rre more enfaanng m
r graeidus LORD a^.av^ lufl^r th.c at this ^ ,, ,,„^.,.,
tifflc thi^totbruftoutthy'WncS/ascheyiiys ,. %, ^,/;^.
, In thiS'ittciii horrible , aftd^ out^agfous encou^ , .,„, ^
' fcr^ tbatlniV bee throughly 'tidvertiled,whja ««^
tharke hm. , for feare oJ^Ei.H rcacranj^ U^^
' dcri miic^iefe , by my Security and ncgb^i
twd m^k^uiakncd to- aa. untv^erfaU-v^^atcMul-
, nefle ^galnftatl bis U^^xAi'*^/ i^ Z>^tf.*^, ai.d
De-p^frx^-as well his* fubcilc , aiid flic infwuaff.
/ «,ns«»^^^I^^> */^«'^^^'^^' *' his imperu-
ous and fSifeus alTaulb in tbo^fliape of a toulfe -
" Fiend. Some trouble, croffeiheavie accidctiti
diferac?!,4ifcohtcntment 5 fomegreat and waigh-
tySfeirc on ^oote,anfeafonablecntertaJnetndity,
fad ncwes^ofn aoread, orfomethina hatli tod
oftdi^ftolne my heart from chat full m^ frait-
K full attention to holy duties , Wliich -fi^^
'^ and that <^vcn tipoq the Lords p : -Artd ^can
nowremembct , and niy^ccfcienne ceil tn eel
iteon this^occafion , that I have i-i<G)6 hatched
!'' ijfe^he rti^ny idle, impertinent wandtin^s^^^
vateritisof my imagination , as I oiight; birt
si^eA-fofarirc a wayrttito then*, thstchty have
deadnefifeof^a^^e^aion, WremKlkand dllpoli- ,
tion in the ufe of the ordinances ; and convet-
fins'with GOD by Meditation, Prayer ,^liea-
rinlot the Word, (raging of Pialmes, exattii-
nationof the Confcience, and other religious Ex-
Qsil * erciresj
T 594 InfiruSHonsforMrigiH comforting Seik^^Jt
/ ~ — ^r-.— : -'
crcilcs ; and I knew not,into what further fpiri- 1
tuall miferiethey may leade mtci and therefore
in great mercy the moft wifc^God goes now
gracioufly about, to correct, and mortific the
vanity, worldljncffc, diftracflions, and mif^ija-
ploymentof my thoughts; even by thcterrours
of rhefc thy m'>ft torriblc, and helhib fnje<5ti-
ons. Aid by the htlpe of God, I will follow
the meaning, and condudl of his holy Hand
for a right ufe of them , and attaining that
happy end, ^vhich hce.doth To mercifully in-
tend. .
Sv Greater ability of 8. To gather skill, experience, and dextcfi-ty,
^; «Qa>torun^other»« for the raiting, and reviving of others hereafter,
' hanging downe the bead , heavie- hearted, and
snalicioufly haunted in the fame ki nde. By diC»
covering unto them thy bootelefle malice, the
foveraignc medicines I have met with m the
Miniftry of the Wordj and the good I gained
to my foule hereby ; By the helpc of that Al-
mighty handt v;hich can turns the datkeil mid-
night into the brighteft morning, and produce
a Medicinable Potion out of therankeftpoifon.
Mec chinkts this beav:Cn , which by divine
blcfling, I e^tratfl oyt of thy hell ( this healing
vertuc, which I draw from thy vilcft vcnomei
this fpirituaU- good , which 1 gather from, chf
divellirh (pitCjihpuid make tbce weary of this
way, and pull in thy. homes. I truft in. my
God, it wil fhortlycaufe thee to caft away this
•-wcapiw, and quit the field quite,. For thpueyec
infinitely hatelh and hinderil all thou car)fl,:the
glory of GOD., all cxcrciic and increalc of
grace i and the welfare of my pocrc.foulci
Vi^|)ichby accident} an^ Jbn> fdn^i^ing power,
who-
- I ■ n il II II I ^ Wi^''
Part.a.Cap.3j* JjUciedConfcUnces, 5^,
•who* everturncs all things to the beft, to thcin
ibat love Him, are all happily advanced, flirthc*
jred, and enlarged by this ragingiSind peftiknt raa-
courpf. thine.
And who would not thinke/wcrc not the in-
CTcdilc depth of thy malice^nd madneflc, equal- ^^^ '^ SMnff^rum
]y unfathomable by the wit of Man ; But that ^J^Z!l!tt'%l'!t'%
thou (houldeft the rather furceafe j becaufc theft jMrnnMnoHhaugmtmMm,
Satanicaliruggeilions,toniee, that refiOs, are but ,~^De mm ^Mtdem
crofies and correaions; but in tbcc, moft out- fHMlitU /us Damtvenn
raglous and execrable blafpcmies | which will ]Tt>^ ^'7ic^"^'u!dm
inightily hereafter addfi^to thy heavineffe and .Vn'^JnuminU^^uZ
horrour of thine everlafting chaincs of darkc- do tUaiyitunnt mdU,
neffe and damnation ,4f r^tf »W^«»*»?o/r^tf ^rf<i/ ^ue'te/tUmt, /tdi b*-
•^ tfti tdtttjMdm durum in
fofiute ptJrdntHt :, ilUyerl frt rtffiM. fuig«^ione fuumntur, Greg, in liReg,
i- 1 N 1 S.
m^n ;'■■•
S'
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