!>rt- 
 
5? Q (^ l'.- H.^/. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 Dul<e University Libraries 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/saintsselfeenricOObolt 
 

 
 m 
 
 E 
 
 SAINTS 
 
 enriching 
 
 S'elfe- 
 
 EXAMINATION. 
 
 OR 
 
 ATreatife concerning the Sacra- 
 ment of the Lords S v p p e r. 
 
 which, as aGlaflcor Touch-flone, clearly 
 "difcovers the triall and truth of grace ^ requi- • 
 
 lice CO be looked into daily ; chiefly before W5 
 
 come to the Lords Table. 
 
 By the bte Revercndj Learned, and Godly Miniftcr of 
 
 Chriftjcfjs, Robert B.Uofi, Bachelour ofDivinity, 
 
 and fomecimes Preacher of Gods Word 
 
 at inu^htta In Narthsvipka-jhi'S' 
 
 iCOR. 13.5. 
 
 Examine yeur (elvef, i» hit her yon be in the faith. Troveyom 
 otfTteftives. Kmwj/ee notyonr on^ne felvef^hotp that Jejas 
 Cbrijl if injoH^exccpyee ine reprobates ? 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed by Ame GnffUt^ for Kapha Harford^ in 
 
 Q^cenes-head-alley in Pater Nejfer KotP^ 
 
 at the figne of the Gilt Bible. 1634. 
 
 3^ 
 
 •^'r 
 
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 j« ■■''•. '-'=4 
 
 
 b: 
 
 
c^tasKtaMBMBaeeeiaa 
 
 THE SAINTS 
 
 jelft'^ennching examinatiom 
 
 iCoR. 11.^8. 
 
 Let a man therefore examine himfelfey 
 andfo let him eat of this ^read, and 
 drinke of this (^up. 
 
 •a: 
 
 He blefled Apoftle Saiftt i»rf»/ ha- 
 ving in the former part of this 
 Chapter unto the 17. verfe, ad- 
 vifed and admoniihed the Co* 
 rinthians of a convenient and 
 comely carriage in their out- 
 ward habits, at their holy meetings and pub- 
 Uke aflTemblies, the whole and fumme whereof 
 confifts in thefe twopropofitions : 
 
 1. A man pray ing or prophecy ing ought not 
 to cover his head^ verfj* 
 
 2. It is uncomely for a woman to pray unto 
 God uncovcredj^er/Ti 3.And after added reafons 
 
 IT B promi- 
 
The Saints 
 
 promif^uouliy tor [hem bucii^ buc more i-or the 
 latter part. He proceeds from the 1 7. verfxmto 
 the end to areproofcand reformation of fome 
 abufes, difordersand incongruities which were 
 growne upon them, and crept in amongft: them 
 in the celebration of the holy Sacrament of the 
 body and bloud of Chrift. 
 
 In verf. 1 7. there is a tranfi tion or pafTage unto 
 the reprehenfion and corredlion of the abufes 
 about the Lords Supper, by a correftion of the 
 Preface to the former part. Hee commended 
 them in the beginning of the Chapter for re- 
 membring and keeping the ordinances hee had. 
 delivered unto them 5 hmmverf 17. hee denies 
 ihcm their former praife, beeaufe their publikc 
 meetings were hurtful! and o^enfive^ not peace- 
 able and profitable. 
 
 In verfiS, He reproves them mbr^ generally 
 for their diflentions and divifions at their mee- 
 tings, for (chifme and fingufarity is the fountaine 
 androotofalldiforders, enormities andconfii- 
 (10ns in the Church. He proves this reproofe by 
 areafbnfrom th^greatertoriielefle, mmrf i^. 
 The/emffphe here^fjafrhii^amoK^ym. No mar- 
 veil then though' there beichifraes and diirenti-' 
 iOns. 'And in the fartie verifehe (hewes the end of 
 herefies, that the profeffion of true €hrifHans|| 
 nav be more manifeft andigi^tious. ^ 
 
 Hee dtffeends in^^ierf 20* to a more fpeciall 
 cenlure and reprehenfiort of their pro&nation 
 :6f •Ihe'Doirds Supper : Of which tLicywereguilty 
 
 -irsyr. ' S i. Tliey * 
 
felfe4nrkbing examination. 
 
 5 
 
 1. They (brtedthemfelvesintofadions, and I 
 companies as they favoured and friended each 
 other 5 and every man tooke his owne (upper 
 before, 
 
 2. Someweredrunken,asappeares5e;^^'yr2 1. 
 lnverf.22. he addes reaibns of his reproofe, j 
 
 I, FromtheindecencU. It were farremoreconve- j 
 nient they (hould have their fealts and banqaets | 
 privately at home, than publikely in their holy \ 
 aflemblies. -/t] ,r \ 
 
 2. Prom the deformity : By this meanes they ] 
 made it plaine, that they defpifed the Church of 
 God, which is a foule and hatefull thing. 
 
 3. From theimquHy : They brought fliame 
 and ^riefenpon their poore brethren. 
 
 Thefe difbrders thus ript up, and reproved for 
 reformation and amendment, he recals them to 
 the firftinfVitution, that (b they may follow the 
 Lords example in this (aacd bufincfie. He teach- 
 eth them fourc things, mrfi 3.24.2 5.2^.2 7. 
 
 Firft, the m.wner and0)io» of Chrifts inftitu- 
 tion : He tooke the bread, gave thanks, brake it, 
 and gave it them ^ and fb proportionabiy of the 
 Cup. 
 
 Secondly, the mifleiy fignified by this holy rite : 
 This Bread and Wine, thus broken and powred 
 out, fignified and fealed thebruifingof hisbo«i 
 dy, and fheddingof hisbloudforrheremiffion; 
 offinnes. I 
 
 Thirdly^l^^/'f^s^^of this inftitution and cele-| 
 bration of the Lords Supper, e'er/24,2 5,2^. that j 
 is, the remembrance of the Lords death untUlhe com- j 
 
 B 2 Fourthly,' 
 
 J 
 
The Saints 
 
 Fourthl/j The fearful! danger, and certaine 
 damnation which theyincurre who receive this 
 holy Sacrament unworthily : thejf areguiltj of the 
 My andblouiof thhord. 
 
 Now in this 2 8. v^f, which I have read unto 
 yoUj he teaches and tels them how they may re- 
 ceive it worthily, by a particular and pcrlbnall 
 examination of themfelves. . 
 
 In verf,!^. He labours to perfivade and enforce 
 this holy duty of examination, by the miferies 
 and mifthiefes which enlue upon an irreverent, 
 unpreparedjand unworthy receiving • even tem- 
 porall plagues, and everlaftingdamnation^with- 
 out repentance and amendment. r-^'^ 
 
 That much ill followes upon unworthy recei- 
 ving, hee proves by the event and experience 
 amongft themfelves, verf^o, Heeconfirmcsthe 
 ftme by the equity of divine juftice,?;^^/^ i . It is 
 juft with God that thefe fhould be judged with 
 (everity and rigour, whodoe not examine, juc^e, 
 and reforme themfelves . 
 
 But in 'verf,'^ 2. there fbllowes a mitigation and 
 confblation, from Gods endiind purpofe in in- 
 fliding temporal! judgements to all fuch as have 
 grace to make a right and fandifiedufe of them. 
 They are fent upon them that they fhould not 
 be condemned with the world. He concludes the 
 Chapter with charge to amend both abufes, and 
 tels them how. 
 
 I. They muft tarryand flay one for another, 
 that they may comfortably communicate iogz- 
 ther,e?er/33. 
 
 2. They 
 
/elfe4nriching examination, 
 
 2 . They muft make their fcafts at home, and not 
 mix them with the LordsSupper3^^/34. where 
 he alfo refume s the motive and reafon ufedj verf 
 2 p» taken from the fearfull and dangerous effedt. 
 And promifeth the reftifying of other things at 
 hiscomming. 
 
 You fee with what coherence and connexion 
 theTifAr^rtandsinthe chapter. Examination be- 
 fore we come to receive the Communion, is the 
 meancs to make us worthy receivers ^ whereby 
 wee e(cape guiltinefle of the bloud of Chrift, 
 plagues and judgements, both temporall and 
 eternalljand blefledly partake of all the comforts 
 of grace, ^nd tafte of heavenly glory. 
 -'- .But 'before I come to the do&rine rifing 
 hence, 'I will acquaint you with the cuftome 
 , . of the Church at that time in receiving the 
 Lords Supper, out of fbme of the ancient Fa- 
 thers, which report the fame to us, elpecially 
 ^ ■ oiit o^Itifike Martyr :> and tertnUiaft, 
 
 In thofe times, and this infancie of the Churchy 
 fay thofe ancient fathers , Chriftians upon the 
 Lords day, were wont to meet in feme place(for 
 at that time they had not yet Churches) for the 
 publike exercife of holy duties and fer vices. 
 
 Andfirftof allthey offered up (upplications 
 and prayers for the ftate, profperity and enlarge- 
 ment of the Church, for Kings, Magiftrates, and 
 Ministers of State and Juftice • for thegenerall 
 goodof the^.vo^ld, and peace upon their times, 
 andf)eciall> forGcds graces and bleffings upon 
 thofe who were then bap tized. 
 
 B ? Praters 
 
IChe Saints 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 Prayers being ended, they (aimed one ano- 
 ther with an holy kifle 3 which Paul mentions. 
 
 Then the commentaries of the Apoftlesand 
 Prophets were readjaccordingas the time would 
 permit. ?'•;; 
 
 After the Minifter made a Sermon to the 
 people, and did exhort them to godlineffe and 
 grace. 
 
 That being done, they all rife^indpowreout 
 their prayers agairiej io 'j;tji:i3iifi^: t) : jl-' 3.) 
 
 Thele being fini'fliefdv bread and wine was 
 brought forth, which the minifter taking, hee 
 broke out with interition of voice,, into the, 
 praifes of God and thankfgiving, and thepeoplej 
 with cheerful! acclamations did anfwer, AmeTU 
 
 Prefently upon this , the Deacons miniftred 
 the Communion to thofc that were prcfent^ and 
 it was brought to thofe who were abfent. 
 
 And thus ferre it was much after the inftituti- 
 on and ordination of Chrifl:,excepting fbme few" 
 things. 
 
 After all this was a colleftion of almes for 
 the releefe of the poore, the ficke, for widowes 
 and Orphans, Prifoners and ftrangers. 
 
 Thus hxxGlujim Martyr^ which lived at Rom 5 
 and it is like this was the manner of the Chrifti- 
 ans at Rome. 
 
 But it leemes out of this place of Vaul^ and by 
 Tertullians Apologetically in the Churches of Ajia 
 znd Africa^ there was fome addition to the U- 
 turgk. 
 
 For 
 
"■WPe^WWSHBBWSiSSSBaS^^SBS? 
 
 felfe-inncbing examination. 
 
 For thcfe iacred bufinefles being ended 5 both 
 th€ rich and poore, comfortably and cheerfully 
 together, fate downeto a fealt (fuch refediom 
 were called Love fiafts (^^yiirtu) frugally and mo- 
 derately prepared, anl provide j out of theii 
 coiledions, and there they refrefhed thenifelves 
 with Chriftian conference, and godly Pfalmes 
 and So»f^s, 
 
 It may be they had refpe^t herein to the ex- 
 ample and imitation of GhriJJ5,,wijJ<^a4:iSu^pjSJ 
 inftituted this Sacrament . ;:-r • v-j o -.'! s. , 
 
 It may be they laboured hereby to be like the 
 Jewes and Gentiles. The Jewes ended their ^- 
 critices with feafts. , The Genciies were wont to 
 ,hav€ riotous bancfuets in their Idpll iGhiirches. 
 Chriftians perhaps of tho(e times thought fitto 
 follow the fafliioajj bi^t to avoid the (inj abufes, 
 andexcefle... *'. ■- yjiri-M ■■ - /■'vo!:! .-''.'(y-i 
 
 But S4ta» quicjcly broke in ambngft tlicm'^ 
 empoyfoned their holy exerci(es with rior, ailcr 
 exxeflej and turned their feafts of Charity ioco 
 Fadions, Schtfmes, and lealoufieis. For Xome 
 held uponFaulyibme upon Petety ipmt upon 
 
 •X. 
 
 And thefe feverall fadions laboured lip.prevent 
 one another upon the Lordsday... * .\0 <\ » ; -, 
 ..^ ^yhofeth^ccamefirftnot flaying for the fed*, 
 received by them{tlv€5. And after they fell ^; 
 .their feiifts 5 VVhich they provided too riotouf- 
 , ly and luKur ioufly ^ fo that foroe anwDngft them 
 •weredrunke apfi theiebeingfpeciel^^of the ti- 
 l^dierfori^ theipopifcl were: exc^luided, and hungry. I 
 1^ :r Thar 
 
8 
 
 JDo£f, 
 
 
 *ThePa(reover 
 was a type of 
 thisSacramcnc. 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 That Vaul might root out and remove thefe 
 wretched abufesand difordersj he prefcribes un- 
 to them this Iioly duty of examination, asafpe- 
 ciail and foveraigne prefervative againft unwor- 
 thy receiving. 
 
 Let A man iheref ore examine kimfelfi^ faith he, 8cc. 
 Out of which words I would (pecially teach you 
 this leflbn. 
 
 Examination and triall of our fel ves is a need- 
 full dnty to be performed and praftifed of every 
 one before hee receive the holy Gommunion. 
 Examination is neceflary before we come to the 
 Lords Table. 
 
 The triall of ourselves before we eat of this 
 bread, anddrinkeof this cup, is by expreile com- 
 mandement, every mans precife duty. 
 
 The Scripture is plentifulland pregnant in this 
 point. Before the entring and undertaking the 
 exercife and performance of any holy duty or* re- 
 ligious (ervicejWe ought to prepare and addrefle 
 our lelves, by narrowly fifting and examining 
 our (elves, our foules and conftiences, that we 
 may bee profitable and fruitful! partakers of 
 Gods bleflings in all facred bufinefles. So to 
 thispurpofe, 2 Ghro»,^$,6.^Erckf,$.lam,'^,^o, 
 pfaL/{, Ppil, I ip.5^. ihaieconfideredmyvpayes^ and 
 turned mf feet u»io thy tefltmonv^ (?<//. ^.4. Let eve- 
 ry man prove his owne worke. 
 
 Now as in all other holy excrcifesfome pre- 
 parative is neceflary for the more fiicceflefull 
 working of Gods (pirit upon our foules hy them ; 
 fo efpecially In this high and holy myftery of the 
 
 Lords 
 
Ielje4nrkhwg examination. 
 
 Lords Supper, a more (peciall and particular ex- 
 ijmination is required, as appeares by t his place of 
 the Apoftle. For by it we make our felves either 
 guilty of the bloud of Chrift, or have our ioules 
 vvafht from all guiltinefle by that precious bloud. 
 There we either drinkeourfalvation ordamna- 
 don. Itisthefeaft, at which whofoever wanteth 
 his wedding garment (hall be caft inroutter dark- 
 neflfe. It is a feale which confirmes and conveyes 
 unto every man either a curfe or ableffing, either 
 a crofTe or a comfort . 
 
 Reafbns of this dodrine, and to ftirre and ex- 
 cite us to theperformance of this ncceflary duty, 
 for this time may be thcfe. 
 
 Firft, (uch !s the dulnefle and deadnefle of 
 heart (bmetimesj even in the befl*, that exce^ t it 
 be ftirred up , and furrowed as it were with a 
 (harp iand feverc excu/Iion and inquifition into 
 the irmoft (er rets, and moft hidden and lurking 
 thoughts, with an exad and impartiall examina- 
 tion of the ftate of theibule : It will be very un- 
 fit to receive with comfort and bleffing cither the 
 immort^ll feed of the Word, or the immediate 
 feale of the Spirit. The heart mufl: bee wrought 
 atrefh, new moulded, (bftncd and mollified by a 
 thorow in-fight and fearch,and with the renuing 
 of repentance and faith, if wee looke it fhould 
 receive fweetly and comfortably the divine im- 
 preffion of that heavenly Scale, and holy Sacra- 
 ment. It mult be tried by the pure Word of God, 
 I if we would have it fitted to be the (eat for the 
 1 facrcd Diamond of (andifying grace. For this 
 \ C blefled 
 
 Mac. M. IV)* 
 
 KeaQi, 
 
10 
 
 SUUti fiqal! I'lr 
 
 quefa^tt etra 
 alUtn ctramin-' 
 fudtrity alteram 
 cwn dieraper 
 tetim eommi- 
 fuaiy ntctfjeefi 
 fiquis tamgn & 
 fangnmem DO' 
 miuirecipitjCuvi 
 iffiilaconjun- 
 gatur, utChri" 
 iiu«f'/iipfo,& 
 ipfein Chrifio 
 
 ItiVi^lAtltt. 
 
 Cyril, in loan. 
 
 * communicatio 
 enm^inUiapn- 
 mum In cbrifto 
 fuiiy & ab eo in 
 n9sp^netravity 
 cum homo faiiM 
 ipfe templum [u- 
 um preprio (pl^ 
 rituperunxity 
 atquefanQlifita- 
 vit. Orijoigitwt 
 &vi<iyqHa^ifi 
 
 ^he Saints 
 
 bleiied focxiof the Lords Supper upon an Unpre- 
 pared hearCjis as a (eale prcft upon a ftone or W7,- 
 ter, it leaves behind it no print nor ftep, no ^^af- 
 (age or imprcflion of grace or holinefTc. 
 
 Secondly, the bleilings and comforts which 
 we receive and enjoy, by rightly examining our 
 felves, (the ppoyto vportky receiving) are unfpeak- 
 able and glorious. 
 
 For he that after a found and fanftified prepa- 
 ration, pertakes the myfteries of the Lords Sup- 
 per v/orthily , receives into his fouleChrift, a;nd 
 his holy fpirit, * with all their blefled effefts^ 
 extraordinary motions andftirringsot heavenly 
 delight, and fpirituall ^oy, farre palling the capa- 
 city and conceit c^ all riaturall men • the very 
 Well-fpringof endleflelife, and well- fare both 
 of foule and body. Hee (hall ftde by the body 
 and bloud facramentally prefented the ve y 
 fafte of eternal! life, and vital] power of fiving 
 grace, fweecly feeding and filling every veine^ 
 power and paflage < f the (bule unto immortality. 
 His fbule is as certainly pardoned and purged 
 from the guilt of finne, as if the precious bloud 
 of his gored fide were diftilling even now afrefh 
 upon it. In the wounds of his Redeemer all his 
 ritnfanau parti- ^^^^^^^^^ and infirmities arc for ever buried from 
 l'ipmu^y"&Deo i thefight of God, and (earch of Satan ; So that 
 
 uniiifamus. ( 
 
 Chtifii myficritimt^ : Omnes mm in ipfo fan^ificamwfi ul igitur inttrnoi & Deum^HgU' 
 let unirtty qi<a. .jvis co/porc fimul & an'ma di^amus,medt(in tamm adivvenityCMfi'id patruyt^ 
 patmtutfute congriitnttm : Sn9 tnm corpore credentei per Cowmumnem Ptyfiicambemdi- 
 censy &fecHmy & inter mi ummnos corpus efficit. i^a cmmetSy qui unius fanUi cwpcr'ii 
 umntinuf2» ChtifioHain.funt, ab bac uaturali unmc^iienos^aiabit ? CyiUmlvb.bb.ii, 
 c»p.i6.^od convenit (wn iUo Jpfiol/^ i C«r.i 2.T3 , 
 
 though 
 
 
felfe4nrichwg examination. 
 
 though there bee diftradtions, tremblings and 
 feares on his owne fide j and for all Satans envies 
 and oppofitions contrary to this happineflej hee 
 ftandsas free from the guikinefle and curfe of 
 finne in Gods account and divine imputation, as 
 Adamht£oxt his fall, as any Saint or Angell in 
 Heaven, nay, as Chrift Jefiis himfelfe, blefled for 
 ever^inanholyandfoberfenfe, for he is a lively 
 member of his my fticall body ^ hee is wafiit as 
 cleane from finne, as his bloudcandoe it 3 he is 
 as juft as his righteoulbefle can make him. j 
 
 If thou come then to this holy Table, vsrith a' 
 true, broken, penitent5humblejrepenting& pre- 
 pared heart, thoumaift be as fully and certainly 
 aflured of the enjoyment and pofle/Iion of 
 Chrift* and all the glorious benefits of his meri- 
 torious paflion, asif hispretiousblouddideven 
 nowgufta out afreih upon thy polluted fbule5 
 and that now with his glorious hand hecfhould 
 reach unto thee through thectouds,'thecom-, 
 forts of heaven, and a crowne of immortality. 
 
 Thirdly, the omiffion and negled of this du- 
 ty by which we might become worthy receivers, 
 brings upon us lamentable and wofuU danger 
 and damnation, as appeares by this place. For he 
 that rafhly and rudely rufhes upon this holy my- 
 fterie, and fb receives, unworthily, is guilty of j 
 the body and bloud of the Lord, a horrible guilt, 
 a fearfiill impiety. To be guilty of wicked and 
 finfiill bloud, is able for ever after to make the 
 ftouteft heart to quake and tremble, and to melt 
 awayivith feares and faintings, like the leaves of 
 
 C 2 the 
 
 I " 
 
 Keaf,^. 
 
II 
 
 
 Note. 
 
 The Sam f 
 
 the forreft which arc jfhaken with the wind. But 
 to (hed innocent bloud,addes yet further weight 
 to the burden of conlcience, and to the wrath of 
 God,- what height of horror then, and depth of 
 hell may he expeft, which hath this hand in fpil- 
 ling the guiltlefle and precious b'oud of Chrift 
 the Sonne of God. The burden of his bloud lay 
 heavie upon the heart of inJaf ^ It preft him 
 downe from the Gallowes to the bottome of 
 hell, Mattk 27. 3,455. It lies full heavie untill 
 this day upon the whole Nation of the lewes, 
 according to their owne curfed wiib. Mat, 2725. 
 There is no man 1 afTure my felfe, but both 
 with mouth and heart will deteft andabhorre 
 the barbarous crueltyj and unfpeakable malice of 
 thofe wretched villaines, the murcherersof th^ 
 Lordjefus 5 who with mercileffe fury fcourged 
 him, fpat in face, crowned him with thornes, 
 nailed him to the crofTe, and thruft him to the 
 heart with a fpcare. Af d yet if a man deceive 
 not hib owne heart, hee may clearly fee, if hee 
 come to the holy Sacrament irreverently, un- 
 preparedly, and unworthily, hee is in fbme fort 
 and (t'n(ea (hedder of Chri :1s bloud :^ heeisbro* 
 ther in iniquity to thofe hatefull and abhorred 
 mifcreants, and partakers of their bfoudfhed. 
 A^(/it if not ignorancz^ good meanings company^ fi^ 
 lemmtyofthetime^ or eommomeffeofthefinnt^ that 
 mil excursus in this cafe^ or free Hspom this horrible 
 guilt. Many of che lewes did in their ignorance 
 crucifierhe Lord of life, i:»i^2^.^4.uf5f.3.i7. 
 And the Corinthians in this place, had no 
 
 doubt 
 
JelfeAnrish'mg examination. 
 
 doubt, very good meaning when they received 
 moft unworthily, yett ey were not hereby di(^ 
 charged from the guilt of Chrifts bloud. Nei- 
 ther will acuftomiry, formalij or perfundory 
 preparation fcrve the turne in this point, or free 
 us from accc fTarinefTe to the death of Chrift, and 
 obnoxioufhclTe to the plague of that bloudy fin. 
 .A Pharilaicall wafhingof the out fide of the cup 
 and of the platter, will not make way for the wa- 
 (hing of our (bules from the guilt and polutions 
 of fin, by that favingand fanSifying bloud (acra- 
 mentally offered unto us in this holy myfterie. 
 As for example ^ Many thinkethey have well 
 and worthily quitted themfelves, and made a 
 
 foodly and glorious preparation , if for (bme 
 rawles, grudges, Jealoufies and diflentions ri- 
 fen betwixt them, they feeke/or a fruitleffe and 
 formal! reconciliation with their neighbour, 
 thoug^inthe meane time they make no (earch, 
 examine or take any notice of the great dif- 
 ference and fearfull breach betwixt God' and 
 their owneconfciences, or feekeby repentance 
 and humiliation to be reconciled unto him, who 
 is able to caft both body and foule into hell fire. 
 
 It is I confefTe a neceflary duty to be at charity 
 with all men, and to feeke for reconcilement 
 where there hath beene falling out, and ftrange- 
 neflfe, before we prefiame to come to the Lords 
 Table ^; but except there be befide a narrow and 
 fincere (earch into the ftate of the ibule^a cafting 
 up of our accounts betwixt our owne confciences 
 and the Tribunall of Heaven i a true hearted 
 
 An ordinary 
 deccic among 
 many ignorant 
 ones. 
 
 Hahenimad' 
 hueveluntatm 
 pcenndi gravari 
 magii dico Eu^ 
 cbarifiU penep- 
 tmequiittpu- 
 rificari. Idem dt 
 Ecclefdegm 
 
 I 
 
 c% 
 
 purpofe 
 
14 
 
 * Mutet vitivt 
 qui vultaeciftrt 
 vitam. Ndmji 
 nonmiiietvitam, 
 ad judicium ac- 
 cipmvUam^ & 
 magh eJi ipfa 
 corTtimpiturj & 
 magiiocciditur, 
 quamvivifica- 
 tur^ A'sgSerm. 
 Dom.i .Advent. 
 
 tOffJ.lO. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 purpofe not to continue in any one knowne (in, 
 * an inward, humble and impartiaJI trialJ and 
 preparation of our (elves, to the worthy recei- 
 ving of thofe (acred fealcs of our (alvation, the 
 former is butformall, fruitlcde and Phariiaicall. 
 It is (aid moreover in the Text, that ffe that 
 eateth(i»ddrmketh unvponhily^ eat el h anddrink^thi'is 
 mne damnation* As foone as he hath received the 
 Sacrament, he is prefently guilty of high treafbn 
 to the Majeftie of Heaven, for murthering the 
 Sonne of God. With the wretched (bnne of per- 
 dition hee (wallowes downe the bread and the 
 deviU together 5 and may (ay to hell, thou art my 
 p6rtion, and to the kingdome of darkne(re, this 
 day have I taken poflTefJion of thee, becaufe I 
 have had my hand in the death of my Saviour, 
 and in (pilling and trampling under foot that 
 precious blond which (hould have laved my 
 (bule. As a man that drinks downe ranke and 
 deadly poy (on, without a pre(entcounterpoy(bn 
 todrive it from the heart, and expell it out of the 
 body, cannot poflTibly e(cape temporall death : 
 So certaine it is,a man that receives this heavenly 
 food unworthily^ turning it into a (pirituall poy- 
 (bn imto his (bule, by the diftemper of his pro- 
 phane and unprepared heart, cannot poflibly 
 efcape damnation and death, except by the (b- 
 vcraigne antidote of repentance, reformation, 
 and amendment of life, hee flee unto the Lord 
 upon the knees of his (bule for compa(iion and 
 pardon, and by his after (incerity and obedience , 
 labour to make amends for (b horrible and hate- 
 ful! rebellion. Thirdly, ^ 
 
1 felfc'-mriching examination. 
 
 15 
 
 Th&dlyjbefides acceflarinefTe to the death^and 
 guiltinefTe of the bloud of Chrift, and drinking 
 ofcertaine damnatioHj as is plaine in the Text"; 
 the haft nil. g and heaping upon them all outward 
 croflesj and temporal! plagues, both upon bod v 
 and conlciencej goods and good name, and even 
 dccjth it fclfe, are the juftlotand payment of un- 
 worthy receivers, and prophaners of this holy 
 Sacrament. For thiscaule, faith ?<«»/, many are 
 weakeand fickeam.ong you, and many fleepe, 
 verf.^o. Every finne makes us juftly liable to any 
 f>lague or puniQiment ^ bur unpreparednefle and ! 
 unworthineffe in comming to the holy Commu- 
 nion, hath a fpeciall and particular power to pull I 
 downe upon us, violently and fearfully, worldly 
 croflesj temporall plagues, and untimely death. 
 
 Even the beleever and true Chriftian, if for 
 want of a right and reverent eftimationanddi- 
 fpofition towards the Sacrament of reconcile- 
 ment towards God and men 5 of due examinati- 
 on and preparation of his owne (bule, come un- 
 worthily (for ibhe may) may (though by faith 
 in Chrtft he be freed from eternall condemnati- 
 on) yet bring upon himfelfe many corporall out- 
 ward plagues J as weaknelle, ficknefle, and death. 
 But the unregenerate and unbeleever , which 
 withan evill and impenitent heart rufhes unto 
 this holy banquet, who is ever an unworthy re- 
 ceiver, while he fb continues, maybefide's thefe 
 lookc for eternal! condemnation both of foule 
 and bod V. For inhimprophanationof this ho- 
 ly Sacrament begets hardnefle of heart, dead- 1 miHei 
 
 n'laeo pcior-ejl 
 (iui pecoat'i fibi 
 confciui atctdh, 
 Chrjfoft.inMat. 
 
i6 
 
 ^he Saints 
 
 ' ' ■ H I II I I ■■ 
 
 neffeof (piric, unablenefle to repent, fotha: af- 
 ter he hath received, he becomes twofold more 
 the childe of hell than he was before. 
 
 This may ferve then in the firft place to 
 terrifie and affright all ignorant, prophane, 
 and unworthy commers to the Lords Table. 
 Let them in the name of God tremble and ftep 
 backe, and not prefume to * approach or prefle 
 unto this heavenly banquet. 
 
 I. If they doe, they defperately throw their 
 ownepoore foules upon the (harpeft points, and 
 keene edges of Gods fearfoU plagues and judge- 
 ments. 
 
 2 .Looke to it whofbever thou art^Ifthou come 
 unworthily, unpreparedly, irreverently, and 
 unfandifiedly, thou openeft the gates of hell a- 
 gainfl: thee, thou makeft way , and giveft the 
 raines, to all the powers of darknefie, with all 
 their rage and fury to rufh headlong upon thee, 
 and to take further and full pofleflion both of 
 (bulc and body. 
 
 3. Thou wilfully fearefl* thine ownecon(ci- 
 ence with an hot iron •, thou hardnefl: thine heart 
 like the nether Milftone 5 thou recciveft Gods 
 curfe under feale. 
 
 4. When thou talrefl: with thine unhallowed 
 hands thofe holy figces , thou renteft againe, 
 and riveft afunder thy Redeemers clofed wounds, 
 with a (pearc againe thou pierced his facred fide, 
 
 indtgnef rati j 
 
 et^it corpatis & faagumis DiOunl , iws vtbemtnum ac urribiSus iftdtcaum per rt'/ctUio- 
 
 nem cx^rmturdimduitf ^ui mnducat indigne^ judicium fbi nranducat, Bafil.ferm.i.de 
 
 btipiif.iap.i. 
 
 and 
 
 Ffc. 1, 
 
 * si In lege vetc- 
 ri lates msf!t$ 
 
 M-'tt'TpM (OS pO' 
 
 ftlie fu?itt qui 
 iemere ad eaftt- 
 en accedunty 
 qu€ tsb komim- 
 ins Jennifcan- 
 lur^fjuid dicen- 
 dvmdse',quiaJ 
 tantum ac tale 
 fjiyijeiiitm te- 
 
 Qui'iQ ini>n 
 mijiti e(t aliquid 
 U^fiplii fecutidun 
 Oofsinivoccffit 
 tanio graviiu 
 9C tcrribiliuf e(i 
 IH anifxa impu- 
 rltiiteceKpcu' 
 turn csYpiM Chri- 
 st Utfterecon- 
 tingtre, quam 
 fit accedere ad 
 aricttsveliaw 
 ros daenie Apo- 
 ^eloy itaque qui 
 editpantm^vtl 
 bibitpQCukrn 
 
Ivlfe4nrichwg examination. I 17 
 
 aiid wringeft againe with Icwiih cruelfjj both 
 fbiile and life, from the Lord of Life.* 
 
 5, When thou letft dovvne the Bread and 
 Wihe, thou fwallo weft therewith SaraOj bloud 
 guilcinefle, and thine owne damnation. 
 
 6. And thou departed this holy placej liable 
 and open to all flich evils and miichiefes upon 
 the face of the earth, asa mandefticuceeitherof 
 grace div'ine may commit^ or unproteded from 
 above endure. 
 
 7,. And fc) by thine unworthy receiving many 
 times more thechilde of hell than before, o ; • b 
 
 Afecondufemaybeforadmonirion^ andad- 
 vertifement to all 5 that they would carefully 
 and confcionably try and examine therafelves, 
 according to thecounfefljof thie Apoftle, whe- 
 ther they be fitguefts or no> and worthy recei- 
 ver^3 before they prcfume to come & fit down e 
 at the Lords Table. Which that you may doe 
 with comfortand profit, I will acquaint and in- 
 rtruft; you. what you ought to doe , and what, 
 (hould be your carriage beforeyoucome to bee 
 partakers of the holy Sacrament of the body 
 and bloud of Chrifh 
 
 r. An examination and tri- 
 
 alJof ourfelvcs. 
 2. Premeditation. 
 ^.Prayer. 
 
 Examination which fitteth.and prepareth a 
 rpan to receive worthilyjis an holy worke of the 
 foule, ^whereby it cafteth its eye, and reflefteth 
 ' upon k felfcjand fb looks through it felfe, makes 
 
 D an 
 
 For a fit preparation! 
 hereto, three things . 
 dre fpecially confi- 
 derabie. 
 
 lapvof-nuiit in- 
 
 fiii prodiorcfn 
 indignarii,& 
 CQstra cos qui 
 crucifxctim 
 
 ftdcn Ks tit ^'to- 
 que fis reus cor- 
 poris c^ fofim 
 nii Cbrijii j ]Ui 
 faniiifjlirutnctr- 
 puiUgfil.nunfy 
 tuvtr^t'oUuia. 
 fufcipU anrrKa 
 poll tot btnefida. 
 Chryfof}. Horn. 
 60. ad pff.Aii' 
 tioib.mprixd^. 
 2 
 
 What tKjs cx- 
 amuuiion is. 
 
i8 
 
 Wherein ic 
 confiAs. 
 
 Z 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 nrhe Saint i 
 
 an cxaft forvey and fearch into every comer, 
 and takes a true fcantling andeftimateof ks fpi-, 
 rituall eftate. 
 
 Firftj by this godly exercife of examination, ; 
 a man by the touch ftone of Gods Word, which 
 is as pure as the filver tried in a furnace of earth, 
 fined feven fold, doth try whether his converfi- 
 on be (bund and faving, or copper and counter- 
 feit ^ for none can worthily receive this Sacra- 
 ment, or have any intereft in the bleffings there- 
 of^ but a true Chriftian 5 buthee that is con ver- 
 ted from nature to grace, from prophanenelfc to 
 piety, from his finne toa (anftificd courfe 5 but 
 he that of a prophane and camall maoais made an 
 holy andanew creature. ioi; coo 1 . 
 
 Secondly, inthisworke 'of examination, hee 
 muft finde in himfelfe thofe (pirituall endow- 
 ments, and Chriftian vertues, the individuall 
 companions of a found converfion, which are 
 onely able to fit and enable him with worthi- 
 neffe, profit, and comfort, cocome tothe Lordi 
 Table. They arc thefe ?< f'* 
 
 Firft, Knowledge. 
 
 Secondly, Faith. 
 
 Thirdly, Repentance. 
 
 Fourthly, New Obedience. 
 
 Fifthly, Love. 
 
 Sixthly, Sincerity, apurpofe of notljlngin, 
 or giving liking or allowance to any finne. 
 
 Seventhly, An hunger and thirft after this 
 eavenlyfooi and unfained eameft defire un- 
 to it. ^ 
 
 -.►r - A f 
 
 -10>. Viii.j 
 
j felfe Enriching examination. . 
 
 Thirdly, hemuft revifethefefavinggiks and 1 
 Chriftian graces, and confidcr how they waxor 
 waine, fadeorflouriOi, languilh, or are in life, 
 that fbhe may proportionably prepare and apply 
 ipirituallprefervativcscwreftoratives. Butcfpe- , 
 daily that he may (b compofc and addrefle them 
 towards this holy and heavenly banquet, that 
 every one of them may receive addition, en- 
 CTeafinent, and particular vigour thereby. 
 
 Fourthly5in this glafle of examination he doth 
 di(coverand defcry what ipots and ftaines have 
 light upon hislbule, what wounds or breaches 
 have beene made upon hisconfcience, what in- 
 firmities or frailties, what omiflionsor relapfes, 
 or new fals, have growne upon him fince his laft 
 receiving. 
 
 Upon which difcovery he pre(ently proftrates 
 and powres out his Ibule before the throne of 
 grace and mercy, with groanes and (ighs, for re- 
 conciliation with God, for ref^itution into his 
 favour and protcftioUj for his former peace and 
 comfort of coniacnee,he renues his faith and re- 
 pentance for them ^ for every new finne requires 
 anewadbothoffaich and repentance ; Andfb 
 prepares his truly humbled (bule to receive the 
 alTurance of the remifiion of findes, fealed unto 
 him by the bloud of Chrift in the Sacrament. 
 
 Firft, for converfion. It is that holy and hap- 
 py change wrought upon us , by the effefhaall 
 concurrence of the outward miniflery of the 
 Word,and inward working of the fpirit 5 where- 
 by5of naturalljCarnalljandprophane men, we arc 
 
 D % made 
 
 >9 
 
 Gonverfien, 
 whacitls. 
 
20 
 
 Notes of true 
 convet/Ioii. 
 Att.a(J.z8. 
 l^a J5.7. 
 fzcch.iS II. 
 -^ Joh 3^. 
 
 2 
 PfaLitfS. 
 
 Mich. 6.8. 
 
 I JqImi.4, 
 
 4 
 1 Pct.i.x. 
 
 irheSaintf 
 
 made fpirituall, holy, and new creatures 5 and 
 from the dominion and darknelTe of fin and Sa- 
 tan , are tranflated into the Kingdome of grace, 
 and into the light and liberty of Gods children. 
 
 Now a man may by fiich marks as thefe trie 
 and confider whether hee bee truly and fonndly 
 converted, or no. 
 
 If he hath turned fnam Satan in all finnes,and 
 turned unto Godin all duties. J raeane it thus ^ ! 
 If he hath left all grofle finnes, as Lying,Swca- 
 ring,U (ur7,Drunkennefie5Uncleanne(re,& (uch 
 like, inpraclifeandaftion 3 and all frailties and 
 infirmities,at leafi: in allowance and affedion, fb 
 that with watchful! refiftance, andeameftgpoa- 
 nings of fpirir, he ftrive and pray againft them, 
 and be humbled & kept in awe by rhem^ and that 
 he performe obedience to all Gods Commande- 
 |menc?j though not inperfeftion and height of 
 ■dea;rce5 yet in truth and fincerity of heart. 
 
 if he be willing in all his ptirpofcs, defires, en- 
 devours, andadions, to (et himfeife in the pre- 
 fence of God, and in them to be wholly, unre« 
 fcrvedly, and entirely guided by his Word. 
 
 If he can without (ervile trembling, Or pro- 
 phane (enflefhefle, fee the flavifbmiferyof the 
 wicked in this point 5 with an holy comfort and 
 humble triumph thinkeupon death, the Law, 
 that great judgement hell, and thofe cndkfle 
 torments. 
 
 If he lovingly hunger and thirfVafterfpirituall 
 nourifliment, and growth in grace by the Word, 
 Sacraments, Chriftianconference, by a profita- 
 
 bJe 
 
 I 
 
.11 
 
 5 
 
 iJohn|.i4. 
 
 Mat,io.4T. 
 
 Phil f . 
 
 jelfe'-inricbing examination. 
 
 bleand fincere fantStifying the Sabbath, and allo- 
 ther godly cxercifes, both publike and private , 
 
 If he love truly, and heartily long after thecom-' 
 ming of Chrift,and love fuch as are true GhrifVians, 
 and that becaufe they make conlcience of (inne, 
 and ferve God with iinglenelTe and fincerity of 
 heart. If choudcfiieft thar thy love of the brethren 
 fiiould bee unto thee an infallible marke of (piritu-. 
 all life : Firft, let the principall objed of thy love 
 be, his Chriftianity andgraces,notgiiine,pleaiurej 
 roorall or naturall parts, or any by- re fped. 
 
 Love all the Saints^ He that lores not ajl, 
 loves none aright, yet this takes not away degrees 
 of love. 
 
 1. Either for excellenqr of grace. 
 
 2. Or eminency of refpeds. 
 Love them at all times ; as well in adverEtyjdii- 
 
 grace^temptation^ficknefle^c. J P10.17.17. 
 
 If his chiefe delight and btft comfort be in ho- ' ^ 
 ly dutiesjind heavenly things^and that he infinite- 
 ly preferre them before gold, hor.ours, pleafures, 
 yea, the wtole world . 
 
 ^If hee would not exdiange bis prefent ftation, 
 though never fb bafe^poore, andneglededinthe 
 world, yet accompanied with the ftate of grace^, 
 and Chriftianity, for the moftrich, and glorious 
 eftateof thegreateftraan upon the earth, where 
 there is nothing biar prophanenelTea and unregene- 
 ration.If this whole great world about us were tur- 
 led all into gold. honour, and pleafures,yet in ref- 
 ped of the comfort of grace , it were dung, vanity , 
 nothing, D3 If 
 
 -• 1 
 
 Pfal.i2. 
 Self. 10,, 
 
 Hcb.u.ijjZ^, 
 
21 
 
 8 
 Phil.38,9. 
 
 Jer3i.i8,T9. 
 
 ao 
 
 10 
 
 Kott\6 II. 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 E2cch.l8.30. 
 
 3»' 
 
 The parts of 
 convcrfion. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 If he would not be in the ftate and cafe hee was 
 before, ( though hee then thought that good e- 
 nough ) for any worldly good, for tenne thoufind 
 worlds. 
 
 If hee bee truly humbled with confideration of 
 the long time of his prophanenefTc and impeni- 
 tency , and very fbrry hee began no (boner, nor 
 made greater hafte into the royall and glorious 
 ftate of Chriftianity. 
 
 If thofe finfull pleafiires and vanities bee moft 
 tedious, irkefbme^ and diftaftefull unto him^ 
 which formerly he purfuedvvith greedinefTej and 
 delight. As for example, if as before hee had 
 much delight and contentment in good fellowfliip, 
 and in fuch company as paft the time in idle 
 mirth, and prophane (potts 5 (b now hee cannot 
 endure and abide fuch (infull Io(Ie of time, and 
 prophane companions ; but if hee fall amongft 
 them, he is our of his owne element, ftd anddif- 
 content, and after humbled with repentance for 
 fuchrelapfes. . ihit. 
 
 If hee mourne for the abhoaiinations of the 
 times, grieve 3t the wicked cour(es of others, and 
 be very glad and heartily joy full; when godline(re 
 and finceritygets the npper hand, and when any 
 one IS converted. 
 
 If to the pov/er of hisgifrs.atall occadons^he be 
 ftill plotting, working, and labouring theconver- 
 fion of others with zeale and (incerity 5 efpecially 
 thofe that are neareft about him, any way depend 
 upon him, and belong to his charge. 
 
 The parts of converfion are two s 
 
 Morti- 
 
*? 
 
 Ccl.5.f. 
 RomJS.ij, 
 
 Eph.a X, 
 1 Fee. 2. 24* 
 
 felfe-inrichwg examination. 
 
 Mortification ordying unto finnc, which is the 
 continuall Jeflening and weakning of thepnftice 
 and power of finne.and hboureth all it can to dead 
 the very root J and dry the fountaine of originall 
 corruption. 
 
 Vivification, or living to righteoufnefTCj which 
 is a continuall renewing and quickning to all 
 holy duties, and appeares in a conftant, fincere, 
 andfruitfulldefireand endevour to doe well, re- 
 covering it felfe againe, after flips, fals^ and re- 
 lapfes. 
 "^r hus in the firft place we are to examine and try 
 whether a converfion be wrought upon^ and whe- 
 ther it be true ^ found and (aving or no. 
 
 For no man but a (bund convert, and true Chri- 
 ftian, can be a worthy receiver. For as that body 
 is onely fit to receive nourifhmentiwhich hath in 
 it, life, naturall heat , and power of digeftion, 
 that it may therewith be filled, fed and refrefhed. 
 (ono man ought to eateat the Lords Table, but 
 hee alone which is already infpired with fuper- 
 naturall life, withfpirituall heate, and the power 
 of grace, that fo that divine food may finke into 
 the foule,' to..chcere, ftrengthen, and enlarge it 
 with comfort , confidence, and delight in hea- 
 venly things. If the daintieft and wholfomeft 
 meat fhould bee put into the mouth of a dead 
 man, it would putrifie and rot ^ (b if this hea- 
 venly food bee received into a prophane heatrt^it! b/blpciS m- 
 brings forth nothingbut hardneffe, deadnefTe.and j ^oene body, 
 
 damnation. . , ^ . ^ ^ . incoonefpiric 
 
 * Baptiune indeed is the Sacrament of our in- iCor.u.15. 
 'corporation] 
 
 Fuftvremvift 
 by one fpirit 
 
 \ 
 
I Cor.^.»i. 
 
 Examinacion 
 o: other graces. 
 
 l^he Saints 
 
 II I I ■ ■ 
 
 corporation iiicoChriftj of our initiation andin- 
 vefting into the glorious ftate of Chriftianity. But 
 the Lords Supper was ordained to maintaine^con- 
 tinue, andconfirme fpirirualiJife, and the power 
 oFgrace already planted in the heart. By the great 
 work<e of regeneration fignified by baptifme, wee 
 arewaftied, wearcfanftified.wearejuftifiedinthe 
 name of the Lord jefus, and by the Spirit of our 
 God. Bur by the Lords Supper we.grow in (piritu- 
 all ftrength, we lay better hold by the hand of faith, 
 upon the merits and mercies of ChriO, wee fcele 
 more fbundly and fenfibJy the power and verjje 
 of hisbloud, wee fee moreclerely, and are more 
 fully and feelingly afcertained of the forgivenelTe 
 of finnes^ our confcience difquieted with (ome 
 frailties and infirmities fince our laH- receiving, are 
 fweetly appeafed by thebloudoftheLambe, our 
 inward peace, and f^.iricuall joy is the greater. We 
 gather hold, and winne ground againfl our cor- 
 ruptions, and the power of finne, and become 
 more chcerefull, fincere, and univerfall in ouro- 
 bedience, 
 
 Thefc bledings may be expe^ed, where there 
 isfpirituall life, and due preparation before, but 
 plagues and judgements arc the portion of unrege- 
 nerate and prophane receivers. 
 
 Secondly, in this holy bufinefle of examinati- 
 on in preparation, wee muft enquire within our 
 (elves for thefe graces, the infeparable and in- 
 dividuall companions of a found converfion : 
 r. Knowledge. 2. Faith. 3. Repentance. 4. New 
 obedience. 5. Love. .6. Sincerity. 7. A right 
 
 and 
 
/elfe-inriching exam'manon, 
 
 and loRgirig defire of that heavenly food. If 
 wc® finde not theft holy graces in our felves, 
 wee are not fbuodly coaverted, nor fit gaefls 
 for the Lords Table. Let ns- therefore never 
 refluntili v/ee feelethefe divine and favingven 
 tues fpring. up incur hearts, and flDurifli in our 
 life andadions. Lecus v/ith fincerity-,con(Gience 
 ands^eale, ufe and exerciie a'l thofc good and 
 gi'jcious meanes and motives which God hath 
 ordained and appointed, for begetting and be- 
 ginning them in us, as prayer, importunity with 
 groanesand fighs, the Word read and preaehed, 
 conference and meditation, godly company, of- 
 ten remembring our death, that dreadful! day of | 
 doome, even at hand ^ and the eafeleflfe, en Jlefle, . I 
 andremedilefle painesof hell, and fuch like. Bur 
 if we doe find them in usj though mixed with 
 muchweaknefle and infirmity, with many frails 
 ties, wants and imperfeftions -yet if they bee - 
 ther^ in fincerity and truth, if they bee joyned 
 with a full purpofe, and conn:anc refolution to 
 abacdon the allowance of every infirmity, and 
 urterly to cafhier the pra(ffife of every grode 
 finne, we may by the grace of God, with com- 
 fort, profit, and certaine expedation of a bleP 
 fingi come to the Lords Table, that there wee 
 may flrengthen our faith, confirms our gracesjin- 
 flameour zeale^increafe theafluranceof thefor- 
 giveneile of our finnes, and of Gods favour 5 
 s:row neater and neerer into fellowfhip with 
 Chrift, an 1 communion with the Saints. 
 
 If our graces be true, though weake and full 
 
 of 
 
 15 
 
i6 
 
 Mat.xtiS. 
 
 Mat.i£.xo. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 of wants 5 wee are not to feare, or forbeare to 
 come to the Lords Table, but rather make the 
 greater haOe to that (pirituall refedion. He that 
 feeleshimfelfe wcake, diftempered, fickly, hath 
 moft need of a Phyfitian. The Lords Supper is 
 principally intended and provided for the hun- 
 gry fbule, the broken heart, the bleeding corifci- 
 ence, the man that is weary and heavie hearted 
 for his finnes, and moft fcnfible of his frailties 
 and imperfedions. Chrift calsuntoiall them to 
 come unto him, which are wearie and (ore la-' 
 den, and men moft capable and fir ro receive 
 fpirituall refireftiing and comforts of filvation.; 
 Heetelsus, lJfl{,^*iS, that heewas (en t that hee 
 might heale the broken hearted, and that hee 
 might fet at liberty them that are bruifed. It was 
 foretold of him, that hee ftiouldnot breakethe 
 bruifedreed, nor quench the fmoking flax, till 
 he bring forth judgement unto viftory. 
 
 Jfa man bee truly converted, duly prepared 
 and J3ofleft of thofe graces I now named, though 
 not in that height and perfedion as hee de- 
 fires, but with adherence of wants and infirmi- 
 ties; yetif4ice finde them in hirafelfe in truth 
 and fincerity, if hee heartily defire, and undif- 
 femblingly endevour and labour after increafe in 
 goodnefle and obedience, neither waxing worfe, 
 nor ftanding at a ftay, but daily getting ground 
 of his corruptions, hee may and ought to come 
 unto the Lords Table, that he may receive fpi- 
 rituall ftrength and fecurity, for his crowne of 
 immortality. 
 
 The 
 
Jelfe'inriebing examination. 
 
 17 
 
 Thcfirft of thefe graces, which every worth) 
 and fit receiver mutt neceflarily finde in him- 
 felfe, is : 
 
 Knowledge. Of the neceflity, difference, 
 parts, and mea/ure of which I have fpoken gene- 
 rally in another^Sermon. 
 
 This knowledge is arightunderftanding, and 
 (bund apprehenfion of fupernaturall principles, 
 heavenly rayfteries, and divine truth necelTiT) 
 tofalvation. And this atlcaft muft bee a know- 
 ledge of the fuiidamentall, princJpall, moft ma- 
 terial! , and neceflary points and principles of 
 the Chriftian faith. 
 
 Such as are: 
 
 I. Of Gods Majeftie. 2. Our owne mifery. 
 5, The mcanes of remedy and recovery. 4.The 
 nature, ule, and end of the Sacrament. 
 
 Of Gods Majefties we muft conceive, as the 
 facred and faving light of his pure and holy 
 Word, (hall guide and informe us : 
 
 Thatheisone, infinite, invifible, andindivi- 
 fible eiTence, and three truly diftind perfbns 
 the Father begetting, the Sonne begotten, the 
 holy Ghoft proceeding from the Father and the 
 Sonne. 
 
 That he is the omnipotentCreator andcon- 
 ferver of the whole world, and all things there- 
 in ^ the fearcher andfeer of all hearts and fecrets. 
 Moftholy^ moft mercifull, moftjuft, almighty^ 
 everlafting, without beginning or end ^ prefent" 
 in all places 5 the (peciall protedor and portion 
 ofhischildren^&c. Knowledge of this point 
 
 may 
 
 Triallof our 
 Knowledge. 
 
 5 1 
 
 .u 
 
28 
 
 Eph,i.3, 
 
 t>ik«pag, loi, 
 30J. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 may ceacw us 5 1. Reverence and av/tuiiKhc lu io 
 dreadfull a^Majeftie. 2. Adoration and admira- 
 tion of fo infinite excellencic. 3, Love of (b great 
 and immeafurable goodnelTe. 4. Securefull re- 
 liance and repofe upon his almighty power. 
 
 Secondly, wee muft have a cleare fight and 
 knowledge, a right fenfe andfeelingof ourinoft 
 miferable, finfull and accurfed ef tare by nature 5 
 and that thus : 
 
 Firfl, wee mufl: know and aknowledge, tliat 
 every man and woman, by nature, and in them- 
 ^Ives, and without ChrifV, is a very ftranger and 
 enemy to God, the childe of wrath, heirc of 
 everlaftingperdition 5 enwrapped anJ incorpora- 
 ted into the accurfed communion with theDe- 
 vill and uncleane rpirits,c^/^^.i.!! i. 
 
 Every one naturally hath his underflanding 
 full of blindnefTe, finfulnefle, vanity, pride, fol- 
 Jy^conceitednefle, errours, curiofity, and many 
 fuchlike diftempers. His will full of wiltulnefJe, 
 frowardne(re,rebellion,and inconformity to the 
 holy will of God. His affeftions full oi wilde- 
 neffe, fory, and corifufion. His thoughts full of 
 earthJinefle, filthinefle, and fenfuality. His me- 
 mory ftored with polluted notions,and the men- 
 ftruous reliquesof foule abominations.His heart 
 ful! of deadneile,deceitfulne(le,and iron finewes. 
 Hisconfciencefullof bitings and ftingings, de- 
 filed, and uncomfortable. And befides, every 
 member of the body is inflavcd to (inne and Sa- 
 tan, Kom,i. 1 3. His eyesare full of luflfull wan- 
 drings. His eares full of obfcenc. liftnings, &c. 
 
 Thus 
 
JelfeAnricbing examinaUon. 
 
 Thus every one naturally lives the life cf hell in 
 all the powers of his fbule^ and parts of his body. 
 And he hath a root and fbuntaineof originall (m 
 fticking faft in his bowels, which Aill feeds & fijs 
 his body of death, or rather life of finjwith con- 
 tinual] iupply of new poyfbn, and heJlifli vigour. 
 
 Out of this made of ipiritiiall miferieipring 
 naturally all plagues, judgements, and curfes, 
 both in (ouleandbody^bothiniliislife^indeath, 
 and in the other world, i^i'f r^.r-crr-or^n;-:!" ' 
 
 In this life hereby we are fubjed and liable to 
 inadnefle, tcrrours, and ftrange aftonilhments 
 in mindc^ To all infirmities, difeales, and tor- 
 tures in bddy. To lolle, wrongs, andoppreffion 
 in goods, and our temporall eftate. To (landers, 
 difgraces, and reproaches in our good name. To 
 difcontentments and difcomfort in wives, neigh- 
 bours, friends, children land pofterity. So with 
 what an armic of curfes every wicked man is 
 dogg'd, Z>«#. 2 8 . In death they are to have their 
 poorcandhopeleflc (bules torne and rent wirh 
 much anguirii, and painfull horror, from their 
 finfull bodies, with a delpairfull, comfortlefle, 
 or {enflefie divorce. They are upon their death- 
 beds to lie like wilde Buls in anet* as Efay (peaks, 
 foil of the wrath of the Lord. And in tise Mor- 
 ning thoHJljaltCau xfould Oodit wete Evettj and at the 
 E'venthonJhanjajyWmddGcditvpere Morning^ df*c. \ 
 
 But in the world to come come the height and 
 complement of all wofolnelTe : Not onelyan 
 eternal! fcparation and cafting away from the 
 
 _ - prefence i 
 
 19 
 
30 
 
 The Saints 
 
 prefcnce of God, and the fruitibn of thofe glori- 
 ous and unutterable joyes, but alfb endlefle vexa- 
 tion and torment with the devill and his angels : 
 With infinite horror and anguifh arifii^ from 
 the full feeling of the whole and unquenchable 
 wrath of God, which like a bottomlclTe Sea, will 
 (wallow up the bodies andfbulesof all impeni- 
 tent finners. 
 
 Befides this knowledge oi mansmifcry, and 
 natarall corruption in generally we muft take no- 
 tice 6f thofe (peciall particular finnes which have 
 found any haunt and harbour in our fbules t and 
 foundly, ferioufly> and fenfibly conceive of and 
 confidcr thfeiatolierable curie of God due unto 
 usfbrthefame. :> :;:>':'' ^^rj?. 
 
 Laftly, we muft know how this great mafle of 
 mi(erablc mankind was plunged into this accur- 
 fed ftate of damnation and dczth.Adam and Eve, 
 our firft parents, created in the beginning of the 
 world, planted in Paradife by the hand of God, 
 -and placed in fullpoffeffion of allholinelfe, and 
 true happineflfej did unhappily by the breach and 
 tranlgreffionof Gods commandcment aboUt the 
 forbidden fruit, diProbe anddif-inveft all their 
 potterityof that glorious eftate, and caft us all 
 into this gulfc of linnc, and guiltinefle of darh- 
 nation. 
 
 We were all h^y inMaf» while he {lo6dup<s 
 rfght in obedience to Gods commandements in 
 Paradife, andftiould have beeue inhcritoursof 
 hisperfedions and felicities. And he was a glo- 
 rious creature before his fail. The Fathers call 
 '■.q ')]"/:■ him 
 
felfe^mriehmg eocamination. 
 
 himashe\ra$ in that eftate, the Cedar of Para- 
 di(e, the Pifture of Heaven, the glory of the 
 Earthj the Governour of the world ^ and the 
 Lords owne Darling and delight. But he being I 
 the father of all men, and fbuntainc of all gene- 
 rations following, did fiiftaine the publike per- 
 (on of mankinde, both in his innocencie, and al- 
 (b in his miferie, in his telicity,and in his fall^and 
 therefore we being all in the very moment of his 
 fall in Adam loynes, did both ftand and fall witli 
 him 5 we were both happy with him in his per- 
 feftion, and helplefle with him in his perdition. 
 
 Neither (hould this fccme ftrange and une- 
 quail that we Ihould finne, and finke into mifery 
 in Adams loynes, being yet unborne. For the 
 congruity and equity of it appearcs many 
 wayes: 
 
 By the example of Ahrsham^ in whom Levi is 
 (aid t® have paid tithes to MeHffedecke^ which 
 was not borne fomc hundred yeares after^ 
 
 Of fielecca^ who having two (brines in her 
 wombe, is (aid to have two Nations, Cm-i 5.25. 
 
 Out of the fifth to the Rom4m^(ox even as the 
 righteoufheflcof Chrifl is r€ckoned to tho(e that 
 bcleeye in him^ althongh they never did it, be- 
 caufe they arc one with Chrift^ (bthefinneof 
 Adam is reckoned to all his pofterity , becailfe 
 th^y j^^ye.ifi Iiiip^;apd qf;hip8>- Jind one, with 
 
 ' t By the congruity of nature, for cbmmonly the 
 iLeproufie, Stone, Gout, and other di(ea(es, are 
 
 derived 
 
 Rom.5.i73i8> 
 
 
3Z 
 
 Vfi/ 
 
 .\..ia>: 
 
 ConrtTfiing 
 ihc msancs of 
 ,our4cUvc- 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 —in " 
 
 derived out of di(caled bodies of the parents up- 
 on the children. The flaviih and viilanous edatc 
 oi the father is conveyed unco the pofterity . 
 
 By tlie courfe of humane juftice and equity of 
 
 ftate. If Ibmc great Perfbnage or Noble man 
 
 (hould offend by the hatefull aftof treafon, a- 
 
 gainft the Majeftie of an earthfy King, it is 
 
 thouglit juftj that his poflrerky be both d^ifinve- 
 
 fted of all titles of honour and nobilityj and dif^ 
 
 inherlred of his lands, and temporall happineffe. 
 
 j Hqvv> much more ihould thi^-curfent of ju(lice 
 
 I hoId> ; and haVe his icoarfe/ivhen high tre^fbn 
 
 I is contrived and committcfd^ by a #6rrne and 
 
 wretch, in rdpe^b, againft the infinite Majeftie 
 
 \ of Heavenjandthe goodnefle Q>fGod Alrnighty. 
 
 fMay mtAda^s fihrte be ^^ )\\^\% nay-infinite- 
 
 ly more juftly imputed unto us^ as our UnhQs un- 
 
 ' Knowledge of thi^ pamefbould beget in us 5 
 
 [ li.Aienfeof'ourmiftry. ^M\imt\vtf, 3^. Hea- 
 
 ' viheartedneffe for ourfinfull andaccHf(ed efVate. 
 
 4. Reftleffegroanes and loggings for relecfe and 
 
 reco\'eryv> .•^rioijs '1 ov^i ^vafloji 1) iil d ,pit > v 
 
 Nowinal!hffdplace\^ehTurf bee aVfjiainted 
 witih the rnfi^anes of remedy arid recot^ery, out of 
 that (if nfulkftd ^Gcurffed cftil^ wherfeln^vir^ Tie by 
 nature.- i j-hSi i.v\v\^^ iluw orio D^i^vorii '■][:.:> 
 
 In this pdirif we muft ^Ad# vvhb ?s abl^ to fe- 
 dtemeusfrom liiine^Saran, hell^^nd cvefHfling 
 
 'confciencej and i fart*e mc)te glorious happih^e 
 
 . ..,.thaa . 
 
felfe4nriching examination. 
 
 than wee loft in Adam, And alio the way and 
 
 meanestopurchafeintereft in this blefled Redee- 
 mer, and to partake of thole comfortable benefits 
 and bleffings which belong to eternall life. 
 
 Firft for the former point, our redemption and 
 recovery from oar finfulnefle and curfednefle, de- 
 pends wholly upon, and isonely performed by the 
 fecond perfbn in the Trinity, Chriftjefiis the one- 
 \y fonne of God* 
 
 In whom we muft rightly conceive and confi- 
 der his perfbn, his office, his benefits. 
 
 In hisperfon ^ His Godhead that makcth the 
 Perfbn, and his man-hood, which hathlubfiftence 
 in the perfbn of the God-head, are confidf rable. 
 
 As touching his God'head,he is the only na^urall 
 Son of the moft high and eternall God his Father, 
 his Word, Chsrader, and Iraage,Godcoefrentiall> 
 and coequall with the Father and the hoi v Ghoft. 
 
 As concerning his Manhood 5 Hce aflumcd in- 
 to the fellowfhip of perfon, mans nature ; Hee 
 tooketohimfelfeabody, and reafbnable foule, by 
 the incredible operation and infinite vertue of the 
 Holy Ghoft, Lnki 1.3 5 . fo that he is God and man 
 in one perfbn 5 and that was necefiary for the ac- , 
 complifhment of our redemption. 
 
 Hee was man, that hee might be fiibjed to the j 
 Law, fulfill itj and beare the punifhments of our i 
 tranfgreffions of it ; He was God, that he might i 
 make the obedience of his life^ and miferies at his 
 death, meritoriousfor our falvation. 
 
 He was man, that he might fuffer, die, and (bed 
 hisbloud. He wasGod^ that mi^t breake op(m 
 
 E the 
 
 l_ii 
 
 Aft. 4.1 J. 
 
 Joh.1.14. 
 Hcb.i.|. 
 
 Z 
 
 ;Gal.4.4» 
 
 . I Joh.1,7. 
 
 2 
 
54 
 
 Ad.t.i4< 
 
 
 2 
 Hcb.t.l7» 
 
 3 
 
 Pfal 1.(5. 
 
 Matt.i.»i. 
 
 the barres of the earthy and conquer death, and rife 
 againe. 
 
 Had he becne God alone, {atisfadion could not 
 have beene made to divine juftice, which muft bee 
 performed in the fame nature which oflFended : 
 And if he had beene onely man, he could not have 
 applied unto us the power of his pallion, or made 
 his fufFerings effeftuall for us, for this is the worke 
 of the fpiritj which he gives unro us, as he is God. 
 Secondly, there muft bee aright under ftandlng 
 of the office of our Redeemer, in which reQ)eft he 
 is called Chrift, that is Gods annointed, becaufe 
 theFather did confecrate him to the office of a Me- 
 diatour, and did furnifh him with all meet gifts 
 for that purpofe, loh. <^. 2 7. ^<^ . i o. 3 8 . 
 
 There are three parts of his Mediatourfliip : 
 
 Firft, the propheticall part, whereby hee revea- 
 lethandpubliQieth the whole will and counfell of 
 j God his Father, as concerning mans (alvation. 
 I His Prieftly ftinftion, whereby he works the full, 
 I compleat, and through fiifficienr meafure and merit 
 of our Redemption ^ in his holy conception; righ- 
 teous life, and bloudy.fuffering upon the Croile. 
 
 Laftly, his royall and Kingly part^ whereby he 
 mightily efFe6i:sallthisinus,by the in ward opera- 
 tion of his fpirit, powerfully applies it unto us, and 
 by an outward divine politie^ whereby heeaileth 
 his Church till the laft and great Judgement. 
 
 In a third place we ought to take fpeciall notice 
 of thofe benefits which l{)ring up unto us out of 
 a bottomleflb fountaine of Grace ; In which re- 
 fpcdheiscalledjefus 5 they are infinite, unfpeak- 
 
 able. 
 
(Clfi 
 
 e'lnriching examination. 
 
 55 
 
 able, and glorious , every one of them worth a 
 world of gold, yea, ten thoufand worlds. 
 
 They are thele; 
 
 Participation and union with Chrift^ whereby 
 we are ingratfed into him, and become one with 
 him. Or it is that mutuall inward hold, which 
 Chrift hath of us, and we of him, in fuch fort, that 
 each pollefleth other by way of fpeciall intereft^ 
 propriety, and inherent copulation. 
 
 Reconciliation, whereby we are delivered from 
 the wrath of God, the enmitie of creatures, and 
 flavery to Sacan^ and happily reftored into Gods 
 favour and proteftion, and fo certainly preserved 
 in fafety, from the hurtful! fury of creatures, the 
 rage of Satan^and powers of helljthe^ftones of the 
 field (hall bee at league with thee, and the beads, 
 d<c,Iob 5.21922,25,24. We (hall fleepe, and none 
 (hall make us afraid, tevit.16,6. lob.11,19. Wee 
 (hall not be afraid of evill tidings, PfaL 1 1 2 . 7. 
 
 Remidionof finnes, whereby our polluted and 
 wofull (bules are freely and fairly wafhed for ever, 
 difcharged and enlarged from thcftaine, guilt, pu- 
 nishment, and raigne of finne, by the bloud-fuffe- 
 rings and foveraignty of our blelfed Saviour. 
 
 Imputation of righteoufnefle, whereby our fins 
 are laid upon him 3 and his obedience counted 
 ours. 
 
 Interceflion , which comprifeth in it three 
 things.Prefentation of himfelfe before his Father, 
 as Mediatour and facrificer of himfelfe, fbra full 
 fatisfadion for our finnes. An engaging of him- 
 Telfe to his eternal] Father, that by his grace wee 
 I E 2 being 
 
 iCor,6i7, 
 
 5 
 
 Wc are hereby 
 freed from the 
 filthjguilcjdam- 
 nation,anddo- 
 rainion of fin. 
 
 ^ 4 
 
 iCor.j.io, 
 
 5 
 
 Heb.7.ij. 
 
l^ 
 
 7 
 
 iX J©h.|.i. 
 
 s 
 
 Ephtf. 
 
 
 10 
 
 being partakers, and fcnfible of fb great mercies 
 and merits, will with care and confcicnce avoid 
 finnCj and labour to keepe our felves unfporred 
 and blamelefle amidft a naughty and crooked ge- 
 neration, that (b we be not grievous andburden- 
 fome to fb gracious a God. Laftly, an effufion of 
 hisintcrceflbry fpirit upon ourfbulcs andconfci- 
 ences, which kindles in our hearts^ godly defires, 
 and good purpofes^ for the avoiding of finne, and 
 keeping a good conlcience , and many bitter fighs 
 and heavie-heartednefle, for the bewailing our re- 
 lapfcSj frailties, and infirmities. 
 
 Acceptation to eternall life, whereby wee are 
 deemed worthy an immortall crowne^ and end- 
 leflTe joyes, for Chrifts worthinefle. 
 
 Adoption , whereby of velTels of wrath by na- 
 ture, and firebrands of hell, we are become chil- 
 dren of God by grace, and heires of Heaven. 
 
 Sanftification, whereby wee die to finnCj and 
 live torighteoufnefTe ; Which though it be unper- 
 fedinthislifej and therefore accompanied with a 
 combate berweene the flefh and the fpirit • yet we 
 have fpiritui^ll armour provided, and after death it 
 (hall be perfected with height of purity, and fuf- 
 nefie of all holinefTe. 
 
 Corroboration, whereby w€ are preferved from 
 falling from that eftate wherein God hath placed, 
 and dotli uphold us , and the comforts of godli- 
 nefle ^ and by the power of his might are confir- 
 med, rtrengthened, and ftablilhedin the way to 
 Heaven. 
 
 Glorification-j whereby we are made partakers , 
 __^ of I 
 
felfe4nrich'mg examination. 
 
 of thofe endlefle and urtutcerable joyes^ which nei- 
 ther eye hath feene^ eare hath heard, nor the heart 
 oF any man conceived, and which none bnitGod 
 knowethj and hee who doth enjoy tkem. This 
 knowledge we muft have of our Redeemerj of his 
 Perfbn^ office, and benefits. 
 
 Now furthermore it is required, that we be ac- 
 quainted with themeanes how we may gaine and 
 get right and intereft in this our blelTed Redeemer, 
 and unfearchable riches of his grace. Efj?ecially 
 fich Chrift with his merits doe not belong to all 
 men, but to afittk flocke, and that thcgreateft 
 part of the world, and even of thofe that live in 
 the profelTion of true Religion (halltecei ve no be- 
 nefit by him. 
 
 The fpirit of the Lord Ie(u$ by his infinite power 
 doth knit us wixh a reall conjunftion unto ChriO, 
 by the meanes of a true and fruitfbll faith, where- 
 by wee are infpired and endewed with ipirituall 
 life, and all the bleffings of Heaven ^ God the Fa- 
 ther is as it were the fountaine of this life, Chrill 
 is the Conduit, the Word the Pipe, Faith the hand 
 that opens and tumes the Cocke, the beleeving 
 heart the Cifterne which receives and enjoyes this 
 water of life, wherein it is a Well of water (prin- 
 ging up into everlafting life, M.4.14. 
 
 The Spirit of God by the power of the Word 
 preached, creates in our hearts this faith, which is 
 an holy gifrof God, whereby the fbule is enabled 
 to apprehend and apply Chrift particularly , as 
 hee is (et forth and offered in the Word and Sa- 
 
 I 
 
 craments. 
 
 57 
 
 Ho\yCIirlftI' 
 ans come <o 
 havemtcreftin 
 Chrift. 
 
 Mat,7,2X,»|. 
 
 iCor.^.T}. 
 
 This^ 
 
58 
 
 F/f. 
 
 4 
 * The Sacra- 
 ment of the 
 Lords Supper 
 Is not ordained 
 td be a bare and 
 naked figne, or 
 asapidurcthat 
 puts Us in mind 
 of one that is 
 abfcnt, but to 
 beafeaieaKOj 
 Rom- 4, J I. 
 
 wherebythc 
 Lord doth verU 
 lybeftowChrift 
 upon us, and 
 confirmc and 
 make furc to us 
 the benefit of 
 his paflion. 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 This )uftifying faith ever brings forth a zealous 
 and unfained love to God, his (ervice , people^ 
 Word and Sacraments 5 and an univerlall & fincere 
 repentance and amendment of life prefent, and a 
 willingneffe and longing to die, in hope of a better 
 life : But of faith and repentance more largely 
 hereafer. 
 
 The knowledge of this point (hould bring forth 
 in us : 
 
 Firft, Thankfulnefle for the great worke of our 
 Redemption. 
 
 Sorrow for our (innes, the true caufe of Chrifts 
 fuffering. 
 
 Comfort in his Paflion and Obedience. 
 
 A cheerfiill obedience to the precepts of the 
 Gofpell, faith and repcfitancc. ^ 
 
 Thus farre of the knowledge of Gods Majeftie, 
 our owne mifery, and the meanes of recovery. 
 
 Now in a fourth place wee muft be acquainted 
 with the natures ufe, and end of the Sacraments. 
 
 The two Sacraments, Baptifine and the Lords 
 Supper: The firft of incorporation and ingraffing 
 into ChrifV, whereby wee are enrolled into the 
 number of the houftold of God, and of the Citi- 
 zens of the heaven ly lerufalem. 
 
 The other of our further growing into Chrift, 
 and ftronger confirmation of the covenant of fal- 
 vation, and grace towards us, whereby our fpiritU" 
 aM life is revived, quickned, and increafed in us. 
 
 * Thefe Sacraments I fay are fignes to repre- 
 fent, feales to confirme, and inftruments to con- 
 vey Chrift, with all the benefits of his pa/Son^ 
 and) 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 and bleflings of Heaven unto every bcleeving 
 Chriftian. 
 
 They ferve as bonds of obedience to God, 
 ftrid obligations to the mutualiexercife of Chri- 
 ftian charity^ provocations to godlinefle, preler- 
 vations from finnc, memorials of the principall 
 benefits of Chrift. 
 
 This latter, the Lords Supper, is the fecond Sa- 
 crament of the Gofpell, wherein, by afacramen- 
 tallufe of Bread and Wine, thofe that are already 
 ingraffed into Chrift,are nourifhed,and grow with 
 (pirituall life, and in the (late of grace. 
 
 The fignes and outward matter of this Sacra- 
 ment are. Bread and Wine : The things fignified, 
 areChrifts body crucified, and his bloud powred 
 out. Aboutwhich conceive this Analogic: 
 
 The bread pafleth thorow many injuries, much 
 alteration, cutting downe, threffing, grinding, the 
 parching heat of the Oven, before it can bee fit 
 food : Sotheblefledbody of Chrift was pitifully 
 bruifedand rent with drops of bloudy (weat, with 
 fcourges, with nailes, with thornes, with a ipeare, 
 before it could be a fit facrifice for our finnes. 
 
 As bread hods the body, fo Chrift in the Sacra- 
 ment ftrengthens the fbule. 
 
 Asbread drives away tiaturall hunger, fb Chrift 
 fpirituall. 
 
 As bread is given to the hungry andpoore, (6 
 Chrift effeftually to the broken heart, to the con- 
 trite (pirit, and to the hungry (bule. 
 
 AndfointheWine. 
 
 As the wine is prefled out of the grape when it is 
 . E 4 moft 
 
 ?9 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
40 
 
 2 
 PfaLto4.iJ« 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 The Saints 
 
 moft-faireand flourifhing :; (b was Chrifts bloud 
 out of the veines and heart of his moI\ (acred bo- 
 dy^ iti the ftrength and flower of his age. 
 
 As wine quencheth natiirall thirft, chccreth and 
 maketh glad the heart of man ^ lb Chrifts bloud 
 quencheth fpirituall thirft, refrefheth and comfor- 
 teth the fbule. 
 
 As wine is to l)e given to them that have griefe 
 of heart, Trov. 7,1.6, So Chrifts bloud onely to 
 thcmvvho are heavie hearted for their finnes. 
 
 As wine begets good bloud, boldnefle, and 
 
 ftrength of body^fb dothChrifts bloud in thefbule. 
 
 Furthermore, in this Sacrament foure a(Stions ia 
 
 theMinifter, and two in the receiver are confide- 
 
 rable, and fpccially to be taken notice of : 
 
 The vifibleand outward aftions of the Mini- 
 fterdoereprcfentjthefpirituall, eternall, andin- 
 vilible adions of ©odtheFather^ for the good of 
 ourfbule. 
 
 Firft, his taking the bread and wine into his 
 hands, doth fignifie and reprefent God? fealing and 
 fettjng a part of Chrift for the great worke oir Me- 
 diation betwcene God and Man. 
 Secondiy,hisbleffingofthe elements, whereby he 
 doth defignc and fanftiHethem to be a Sacrament 
 of the body and bloud of Chrift, doth fignifie and 
 reprefent the fending of his Sonne in the fiilneffe 
 of time to performs and execute the office of a 
 Mediatpr, unto which he was before ordained. 
 
 Thirdly, the-breaking of the bread, and the 
 powring out of the wine, doth fignifie and repre- 
 lent the bitter pallion and (uflFering of our Savi- 
 our, 
 
/elfe4nricbin^ examination. 
 
 ouFj and the trickling and ftrcaming downe of his 
 bloud from all parts of his body to the ground. 
 
 Fourthiyj the giving of bread and wine to the 
 communicants, doth fignifie and reprefenc the of- 
 fering of Qirift to all, even hypocrites, but the 
 giving him onely to true Chriftians. 
 
 The tsvo aiftionsin the receiver hath- the/eflg- 
 nifications: 
 
 Firft, . his taking of bread and wine into his 
 hands, doth fignifie and reprefent his apprehenfi^ 
 on of lefiis Chriff by faithj but more generally. 
 ' Secondly, his eating the one, and drinking the 
 other^andibdigeftingandconcodling them, that 
 cheygrov^r into the bod>% doth fignifie and repre- 
 sent the effeduall, particular, and (peciall applica- 
 tion of Chrifl:unto our fbules^ that our true fpi- 
 rituall, rcall union and participation with hini^may 
 become more neare and fcnfible, . 
 
 LafHy5we muft know the end of the Sacrament, 
 which is manifold; 
 
 "Firfi:, the principal] end is, the remembrance of 
 the death of Chrift, which he commanded unto 
 us athrslaft parting from us ; and therefore that 
 ought to ftrcke fafi: in our n?.inds,and to renue con- 
 tinually in our hearts, frefh and feeling ftirrings 
 and motions of compallion & rendernefie. For the 
 lad words of a departing or dying friaid, doe be- 
 get and ftirre up deepeftimpreffions, and dearefi: 
 affedions^iH lovingandtenderhearts. If we read 
 of hisdeathaiidpaflion, that will ftirre and firike 
 ourhearf s wi th fome feeling and fympathy of nity 
 and eoHjpaflioa ^ but if wee have it powerfully 
 
 and 
 
 4» 
 
41 
 
 The Saints 
 
 and paiijonatdy preached^, it will affett us more 
 fenfiblyjbut if we lay it yet nearer to our hearts and 
 let it immediately worke upon our minds by me- 
 ditation, it will yet more forcibly prevaile upon, 
 andpoflefleouraffedions. But to have, asitvyere 
 rcprefentedbeforeour eyes a vifible crucifying of 
 Chrift ^ the bruifing of hisbody, and (bedding of 
 hisbloud, doth farre above all breed moft tender 
 and companionate melting and bleeding , in a 
 (bule (enfible of finne, the truc^caufe of all thefe 
 fufFerings. 
 
 This laftreprefentationj divine wifciome made 
 choice of as a (trongeft means and motive to conti- 
 nue and keep frefli the remembrance of his death. 
 
 God the Father after that great deluge and fear- 
 full drowning of the whole world, left the Raine- 
 bow as a remembrance to mankinde of their falva- 
 tion and deliverance from water. And whcii he had 
 extraordinarily and fiipernaturally fed his people 
 with Manna from heaven, he commanded and cau- 
 Ced a pot full of it to be prcferved in the Arke, as a 
 memoriallof fb great mercy. Wee being happily 
 freed from the devouring floud of fin by the bloud 
 of Chrift, are put in minde thereof by Baptifme. 
 And being nourifhed with the heavenly Manna of 
 Chriftsbody^ have this high and holy myftery of 
 the Lords Supper left unto us, to continue the re* 
 membrance oi his death and paffion. 
 
 By our participation in the grace, fruit, and effi- 
 cacie of his body and bloud, we grow into a neerer 
 and ftronger union with Chrift, and partake my- 
 ftically, yet traly^ invifibly, ycareallyof amore 
 
 inward 
 
I Cor 10. 
 
 fetfe-tnricbing examination. [ 4; 
 
 inward fellowftiip with the perfbn of lefus Chrilt. 
 as well in that he is man as God. 
 ' Befides the ftrengthning and knitting fafter our 
 blefled union with Chrift, this holy Sacrament i 
 apowerfull meanes to maintaine and increafe an 
 holy Communion of Chriftian deareft and ever - 
 laftinglove amongft the Saints^ the true and living 
 members of Chrifts body. 
 
 Hereby wee lay furer hold by the hand of faith 
 upon the merits and (ulferings of Chrift, we feek 
 more foundly and fenfibly the power and vertue 
 of his paffion, and are more fully and feelingly 
 afcertained of the favour of QqA^ and the forgive- 
 nefle of our finnes. 
 
 Fifthly, at this holy banquet, our confciences 
 difquieted with fbme frailties, infirmitiesj andre- 
 lapfes, fince our laft receiving, (a renovation of 
 our repentance and faith preceding) are (weetly 
 appealed by the bloud of the Lambe. Our inward 
 peace and Ipirituall joy is increased. Wee gather 
 hold and winne ground againft otir corruptions, 
 and the power of finne, and become more cheer- 
 full, fincere, and univerfall in our obedience. 
 
 Knowledge of this point (bould ftirre us op ^ 
 With reverence, preparation, and thirfting, to 
 come unto this high and holy myftery, where (b 
 many glorious blellingS' are offered, and to bee 
 enioyed. 
 
 Eve r ro be guefts at this holy banquet, when, or 
 how often foe ver it fliallbe prepared for us. 
 
 Thus farre have I pafled thorow the foure 
 .points, I. Of the Majeftieof God* 2 Ourownc 
 I . mifery 
 
 Vfe, 
 
 I 
 
4'1- 
 
 Mark^ of ra- 
 ving and fan- 
 ctifying know- 
 
 job.'; <» 
 Col 3.J. 
 
 ijoh.5.14. 
 
 Job4r$,<. 
 
 T~ he Saints 
 
 mifcry. 3^ The meanes of rem.^dyand recovery. 
 4. The nature, ufe and end of the Sacrament. A 
 right knowledge of the fubftance of which, is at 
 leafl nee elTarily required of whomfoever comes to 
 the Lords Table. 
 
 I will end all about this firft grace of knowledge 
 with fome marks and norcsof a faving and fanfti- 
 fying knowledge^that a man may be able to try the 
 ftateof his foule in this point. For though know- 
 ledge bee the ground-v/orke of all (pirituall buil- 
 ding, and neceflary to (alvation ^ yet if itbenot 
 (anctified toa man, it ferves but to increafe his con- 
 demnation. And you may know it to be (aving and 
 fandifying, by thefe marks : A glorious Lampe of 
 faving light J and quickning power of fpirituall life, 
 is planted in every mans heart that profits by the 
 miniftery of the Word, and in the myftery of the 
 Gofpell,/^(5?.2^.i8.E;?^e/5.8. iVet.i.p. 
 
 Firft, if it beget humility and lowlincfle of 
 minde • for the more the true Chriftian knowes in 
 the Wofdof tiuthj and the deeper hee wades in 
 tho(e heavenly and facred my Aeries, the more 
 clecrly hee fees his owne blindenefle, vanity, in- 
 ward filthineilc, and naturall corruption : As the 
 n;ore light is let into a fluttifti and filthy houfe, the 
 more the foulnefle and lothfbmnefle of it isdilco- 
 vered, and appearcs to the eyes ^ fo the further he 
 p;rowe3 into divine knowledge, he knowes better 
 his owne mifery, Godsdreadfull Majeftie, divine 
 indignation, and juft vengeance againft fin, more 
 largely 8c fully how many waies he offends againft 
 fo raercifulk Father 5 how farre fiiort he comes in 
 
 holy 
 
felfe^-inricbing examwatton. 
 
 holy duties, and in obedience to his pure and un- 
 defiled law. All which where there is grace, are 
 pregnant and notable matter of humiliationj dc- 
 jeftion, and of taking downeour proud hearts. It 
 is in this cafe as it is in humane knowledge of na- 
 ture and Philofaphy, of Arts and Sciences, the 
 deeper skill, the profounder learning, if there bee 
 an addition of that gracefulland bafhfull vertue, 
 the morallifts call modefty, the lower and humbler 
 opinion of a mans felfe, and a more diltruftflill 
 conceit of his owne worth an J fufficiencie. The 
 reafoHj the more he kaowes, the more doubts, dif- 
 ficultieSj fcrupleSj and perplexities are dilcricd un- 
 to him, aod arife in his minde, which make him 
 more timorous and fearfull in his profeffion^and to 
 thinke Ehafc becomes farre fliortof thathe (honld 
 be, though hee goe farre before thofe that thinke 
 themfelves already excellent. Hence it isthatgrea- 
 teftSchollers are notalvvayes of mo{\ words, be- 
 caufe they ktiow how many wayes they are (ubjed 
 to erronrSj miftakings, and juft cenfure, and there- 
 fore chufe rather to lofe the reputation of dif^ 
 Gourfe, than to difpleafe and enforce their owne 
 humble conceit and diOruftfulnelFe of fufficiencie. 
 Itislbinfbme Ibrt in divine knowledge of fu- 
 pernaturall principles, and heavenly myfleries, 
 where there is grac: amext. The further we looke 
 into the booke of G d and the higher Scho'lers in 
 Chrifts SchoolCj the more lowly minded, and the 
 more humbly conceited we are of our felves. The 
 rcafbniSj theftrongerand cleererfighted weareto 
 looke into the cleare Chryftall of Gads Booke, the , 
 
 more 
 
 45 
 
 The more hee 
 knowes, the 
 moreheknowps 
 to dffitbc. 
 
\- 
 
 46 
 
 A fccond mark 
 of faving know* 
 ledge. 
 
 lJoh.i.5,+ 
 
 of Lcar.p.i6, 
 
 The Saints 
 
 more fyots and ftaines we (ee in our fbules, more 
 purity in his Majeftie, more milery in our owne 
 nature • and therefore by the power of grace being 
 fbrrowftill for the pollutions of our (bules, feare- 
 flillof his Majefty, and fenfible of our owne mi- 
 iery, we willingly entertaine hurailitv^ and a lowly 
 conceit of our (elves. Oneccrtaine markethenof 
 favingknowledgefhallbethis ^ If moreskilfullin 
 Scripture, the more humble in our owne conceit. 
 A fccond marke of iaving knowledge flialj bee 
 this 5 If it be drawne into pradifl, and joyned with 
 converfion of the heart from finne unto God, and 
 with reformation of life from evill to good^ for a 
 found changeof the heart and life ever accompa- 
 nies laving knowledge. Knowledge without obe- 
 dience and (incerity, is fo farre from being (aving 
 and available to (alvation^that it haftneth and dou- 
 bles our damnation. Small reafon have men to be 
 proud of their knowledge without pradife 5 for 
 though for a time they make it ferve their turne 
 for a fhew and a flourifli, yet in the end it will end 
 inforrow and curfes, for they increafe the hard- 
 nefle of their heart, the guiltinefTe of their con- 
 (cience, and the number of their ftripesand dam- 
 nation in hell, according to the meafure of their 
 formall and fruftlefJe knowledge. There are many 
 bafe baftardand degenerate ends of knowledge, 
 which prophane men propofe to thcmfelves, and 
 finally red upon : As pleafure of curiosity ^ quiet 
 of refolution 5 refining andr^ifirig of the fpirit^ 
 victory of wit ^ faculty of difcourle ^ gaine of pro- 
 feflion 5 ambition of honour and fame 5 inable- 
 
 ment 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 ment for bufinefle and imployment. But the Chri- 
 ftian muftmakethcendof his divine knowledge, 
 pfadifeof holinefle in his owne lifcj andconver- , 
 fation and inftruftion of others in the wayes of j 
 God, if he would make it profitable and faving to ' 
 himf^lfe. Kftawledgevpithdutthfe enisis but aflritm- 
 pet or Curtifan^ kept omly fir feftfuaUpkafyre^affdJiK'' 
 fttUlufl^ not for fruit and children. It puffes up our 
 proud nature with more pride and felfe-conceit^ 
 but neither begets life in (bules, holinelTe in our 
 lives, nor found hereof immortality hereafter. ' 
 
 If we know out of the Word of God (and wee 
 ought (b to doe) that every man who will bee in 
 Chrift, muftbeanew creature, but notwithftan- 
 ding lie in the common courfe and corruptions of 
 nature^ follow thecuftomes of the world, and the 
 current of the time : Why then our knowledge in 
 this point is not (aving, but ferves to incrcafe our 
 condemnation. ^^3ni..)j:j 
 
 If we know out of the lad ofthe Ke^eUtion^ that 
 all that either love or makes lies, (hall bee barred 
 everlaftingly out of Heaven ^ and yet continue to 
 cozen, deceive, and circumvent with fmooth 
 talke, and lying tongues : why then our know- 
 ledge is not faving, but ferves to increafe our 
 condemnation. 
 
 If we learne out of He^.13.4. that whoremon- 
 gers and adulterers God will judge. And yet wee 
 foake our felves in luftfull pleafuresi, and fbule un- 
 cleanncfife. Why then our knowledge isnotla-^ 
 vine;, but ferves to incrcafe our condemnation. 
 
 If any man know, (as every man ought) that no 
 '\ covetous 
 
 47 
 
 2 Cor.j.17. 
 
 Revd.ij.Tj. 
 
48 
 
 The Saints 
 
 coYccuUS man Ihail inherit iheKingdv me of God 
 iCor.6.io. and yet greedily and inHiciably root in 
 earth, and the fading and tranfitory pelfe thereof, 
 as though heefhould never die, as though there 
 were no joyes, no immortality in another world 
 to be looked for, and fought after ^ no happinefle 
 but in vanilhing riches^, which fliall not profit in 
 the day of revenge, biit will take them ro their 
 wings like an Eaglejand flie into the heavens,were 
 a man able to heape his gold to th^Aarres, to en- 
 clofe the whole face of the earth from one end of 
 heaven unto the other, to purchafe a Mono, oly of 
 all the wealth in the world 5 yet upoa his death 
 bed all connot profit him ; they cannot procure 
 one drop of mercie, orone jot of comfort ; why 
 then let him know, that his knowledge is notfa- 
 ving, but (erves to increafe his condemnation. 
 
 If any man know out of 2ech, 5. 3. that the 
 curfeof God will cut off thefwearer^ as well on 
 this fide as on that, and yet retainc ftill one oath 
 or other ; let him know that his knowledge is not 
 laving, but (erves to increale his condemnation. 
 
 If any man heare and leameoutof 7/4; 5. 22. 
 a fearfull woe denounced again ft them that are 
 mighty to drinke wine, and ftrong to powre in 
 ftrong drinke ^ and yet be exceffive and riotaus that 
 way :, Let him know, that his knowledge is not 
 (aving, but ferves to increafe his condemnation. 
 
 If a man heare and learne, ler, 17.3 7. That a fire 
 (hall be kindled in the houfe of the Sabbarh-brea- 
 ker, and fiiall devour it, and fhall not be quenched, 
 and yet continue to prophanc it at his plcafure, for 
 
 pleafures, 
 
felfe4nriclmg examinauon. 
 
 pleafures^ profit, or worldly bufinefle ^ Let him 
 know that his knowledge is not faving, but ferves 
 to increa(e his condemnation. 
 
 If a man know out of Makch- 3.8.9. That the fa- 
 crllegious perfbn fhall be cnrfed wi. h a curfe 5 that 
 is, with a horrible curfe, with a double curfe, and 
 yet detaine Gods portion either forcibly, or frau- 
 dulently ^ Let him know that his knowledge is not 
 faving,but ferves to increafe his condemnation. 
 
 If a man know out of Pp/.*i5. Thit thofe fhall 
 not dwell in the Lords Tabernacle, or reft in hi& 
 holy Mountaine, who hate not vile perfbns, who 
 give their money to Ufiiry, and yet is guihy of 
 both ,5 Let him know hisknowlcdge is not faving; 
 bwrierves ro increafe his condemnacioa . . : 
 
 If men knew the worthy praftife of the Saints 
 , of oldj In teaching then* children and families, fe e 
 Ge».iS*i9' Iofu.24,1'^, PfaLioi. and yet have no 
 praying, no catechifing, no holy government in 
 their houfes ^ Let them know that this know- 
 ledge is not laving, but ferves to increafe their 
 condemnation. 
 
 Thus let. 3 man examine his knowledge of Gods 
 Word thorowout, and account it fo farre faving 
 as it is working, and drawne into pradife. 
 
 Thirdly, it is edg'd and eneao red with a longing 
 defire, and infatiable thirfl after more. For the 
 true Ghriftian not refting in the hifloricall, for- 
 mallj and artificial! knowledge of nnregenerate 
 men, and hypocrites, wherein there isnoiweet- 
 nefle, notaOe, no comfort, butdivinginto the my- 
 (ticall knowledge of the myfleries of falvation, 
 
 F which 
 
 49 
 
 A third matke 
 offavingknow- 
 lcdge,chethiift 
 afccrmerc. 
 
50 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 which the {piric of God doth reveale to faithfull 
 Chriftians, doth there finde and feed upon fiich 
 heavenly fwectneflej fuch rich and glorious com- 
 forts thatheeis never well but whenhee is dig- 
 2;ingdeeper into this celelViall Mine, and wading 
 further into thefe holy (ecrets of faving know- 
 ledge.If a childe but once fpie any part of thcjew- 
 ellinthe fathers hand, or but have a glance at it, 
 J hee will never reft and be at quiet untill he (ee it 
 wholly, and have it in his owne hand. It is (b with 
 I babe in Chrifl** after the {ant^ifying^irit of God 
 hath once opened his eyes, and but (hewed him a 
 glimfpe of thofe heavenly jewels of divine know- 
 ledge, he is foravilhed with the unvaluable beau- 
 ty thereof, that he will never be at reft, untill hc-fce 
 made further, and fiilly partaker of thofe rich and 
 (aving treafures. The reafbn why (^ndiified men ; 
 fo zealoufly and ferioufly feeke and labour after 
 ejrowth in knowledge, is becaufe they are perfwa- 
 dedof theneceflity of it, and arc fenfibleof what 
 danger they are in, and how wide they lie open to 
 the deadly blowes of fearfull temptations, and Sa- 
 tans fiery darts, without this fword of the fpirit, 
 knowledge in Gods Word. 
 
 If a man had a cruell and implacable cnemie, 
 that had defperately and refblutely (worne his 
 deathj and to this end fliould ftill dogge him at the 
 heeles, at any advantage to runne him thor6w,and 
 to imbrew his hands in his bloud, how careful! 
 and watchful! woukl hee bee to furnifh himfelfe 
 compleatly with weapons, and skill to defend his 
 naturall life, and to repeli the fury and rage of fb I 
 
 • bloudy I 
 
felfe-inriching examinatm. i 51 
 
 bloudy a foe. Why Satan that mortall and immor- 
 tall enemy to mankinde, hath vowed the cverla- 
 fting death of every fbule, and therefore to this 
 endfollowes every one at the heeles, with all his 
 fiery darts and policies of hell, at every turne to 
 wound their poore naked and ignorant fbules to 
 death 5 how earneftly and eagerly then ought eve- 
 ry one tofurnifti and fit themfelves with skill and 
 knowledge in God Word, which is the fword of 
 the Spirit, that they may both ward his blowes, 
 anrf wound his head, by the faving power of this 
 weapon, and lanftified ufe of this fling, every true 
 Chriftian is enabled to cut off the head,and knocke 
 our the brainesof that huge Holofernes^ and great 
 GoUah of Hell. But every man or woman that wants 
 this faving knowledge oi.t of GodsBooke, ftands 
 a; the devils mercy and devotion ^ even as a poore 
 helplefle Lambcin the bloudy paw of a Lion ; or a 
 filly Wren in the ravenous paw of a Kite. And the 
 mcrciehishellifti malice will ihew, is condemna- 
 tion mcrcilciTe, even flames of etemall fire, and 
 endlefle woe in the bottomlefle pit. Pitifull then 
 and fearcfull is the cafe and condition of many ig- 
 norant people, who bleffe and content themfelves 
 in their ignorance,and if they be told that they be 
 wholly in the power and pofleflion of Satan, by 
 reafon of the ignorance that is in them, they will 
 (ay prefently, they defie the devill and all his 
 works, and they will fpit at him in figne of defi- 
 ance ^ and yet poore fbules while they lb conti 
 nue,they are the devils flaves,whom he leads blind- 
 folded and hoodwinked thorowhis kingdomeof I iCor.4.4. 
 
 F 2 darkneffe' 
 
fi 
 
 Luk.ii,ji, 
 
 TTbe Saints 
 
 darkneUe here on earth, towards thepitof ever- 
 lafting deftru<^ion. Little weighs hee luch weake 
 defiance, Wjhen their owne ignorance gives chein 
 the lie 5 he Jittle regards fuchvaine pro reflations, 
 and 'die words, fo long as he wounds their foules 
 at his pleafurCjand (ticks them thicke with his fiery 
 dv^rts; What is.a man better^ which being-naked in 
 the field flgainft a fierce'andcompleatly armed ad- 
 verfary, gives him bigge words, and tels him hee 
 defies him, and the worft hee can doe 5 while in 
 the nxeane time his enemie works his will upon 
 bijm, and takes away hh life ? Satan is the ftrong ar- 
 med m^Dj all ignorant perfons are ftarke hakcd^and 
 quitebaroofallfpifituall armour, they fet him at 
 light, arid give him ^oule woriSv but in the meaue 
 tiiiae the devillwoilnds their foules ro death* • ylh 
 'J .'.Yea, but will theyfay.v^cTeeleno fucb wburids^ 
 neither doe mad men and drunkards, though they 
 be daft] t and wounded mortally, in their fits and 
 fury fteleany ilich hurt -^ but when they come to 
 ithem(elves it may coft them their life. Soigno-i 
 rant wretches being befotted with ungrounded 
 good meanings, and befide themfel ves in fpirituall 
 matters, and fenflefle by their Lethargic of igno- 
 rance, feele not thbfe feariy impoyfonedblowes^ 
 and deadly wounds, that come thkke and three* 
 fold upon their foules ^ but when upon their death 
 beds they fhall come to themfel ves, and have their 
 cbdlciencesopenedj and their wretched efi:ate re- 
 vealed iinto them, they ; (hall feeje the fmarc, and 
 bieed Unto everlafting death. A' holy greedinefie 
 after^ahd acontinuall growth in knowledge, is one 
 .,;.).. ,4.: ) :■ fpeciall , 
 
felfe-'inriching examinamn. 
 
 fpeciall markethen that our knowledge is faving. 
 " For it is an undoubted charafter of all graces^ 
 " where they are in foundnefle there they are 
 " growing. If we have once tafted how fweet the 
 "Lord isj there will be adefireto increase more 
 '^ and more. There iflues from out the Sanduary 
 waters^ even waters of life, EzecL^y. fee their in 
 crea(e : Firft to the ankles, then to the knees, then 
 to the loynes, afterwards a River that no man 
 could pafTe. The trees growing by this Riverjbring 
 forth new fruit, according to their moneth. 
 
 Fourthly, Saving knowledge is difFulive & com 
 municative of it felfe.It is in the (bule of a Chrifti- 
 an, as the Sunne in his fpheare : It is firft glorioufly 
 illuminated within itfelfe. Secondlyahedothnot 
 confine &,keepe his light within his owne (aire bo- 
 dy jbut he hurlesiton every fide,round about every 
 way, he cafts his light upward, and fo makes all the 
 heavens bright & beautifull about him.Thirdly,H€ 
 throwes his beames downward upon the earthjand 
 there begets herbs, grade and flowers, fruit-trees, 
 and all the beauty and glory of the earth. Fourthly, 
 Nay yet he pierces further, and with his heat hee 
 Aides and infinuates into the bowels of the earth, 
 where there is any the leaft creeke and paflage,and 
 there engenders all manner of metals, filvcr, gold, 
 and precious ftones. Fifthly, Nay yet fijrther, he 
 glides by the fides of the earth w^th his unrefleded 
 beames, and makes all thofe golden fpots, the 
 ftarres, in the oppofitepart of the skie. Sixthly, It 
 is (b greedy of doing good, that it ftrikes thorow 
 the firmament in the traniparcnt parts, and feeks 
 1 F 5 as 
 
 n 
 
 1 Pct.j.j,:: 
 
 A fourth triall 
 of our know- 
 lcdge,itisjc©m- 
 municacion. 
 
H 
 
 T^heSaims 
 
 as it were to beftow its brightnefle and beauty be- 
 yond the heavens, and never reftraincs the free 
 communication of his influence and glory, until! 
 it determine by naturall and neceflary expiratioB : 
 So that he makes as much of his light, and doth as 
 much good with it as may be. Even ib the (acred 
 light of divine knowledge in the fanftifiedfbule 
 of a true Chriftian ^ he doth not inclofe and mo- 
 nopolize his knowledge^ he doth improve indeedj 
 but not cnclofe ^ he doth make much o£, but not 
 monopolize his knowledge. 
 
 It labours after it owne particular illumination : 
 Firft, to inlighten thofe that are round aboHt him ; 
 to teach and inftrudi: his family, if hee be mafter of 
 a family, his wife, his fervanrs, his children, in the 
 wayes of godlinelTe, and doftrine of falvation. 
 
 Secondly, hee defires, and delights to acquaint 
 his kindred^ his friends, his acquaintance and fami- 
 liars, with thofe comfortable leflbnsandwholfbme 
 inftruftions, which hee himfelfe hath learned out 
 of the Booke of God. 
 
 Thirdly, even amongftftrangcrs hee watchetfa 
 opportunity, and takes occafion toinfinuatefbme 
 good talke of heavenly matters, that (b his know- 
 ledge may be fraitfuH, and workingfor his mafters 
 advantage in all places » in all companies 5 nay h© is 
 Willing, if (b they will, that the very oppofire and 
 overthwart, and thofe that oppole themfelves 
 againft goodneffe, and Gods truth, may bee bette- 
 red and reclaimed by his admonition and reproofcs 
 out of the Book of life.Nay,and bcfidesall thisjit is 
 edged with an endlcfle defirc of doing more good 
 
 ftiU,l 
 
felfeAnriching examination. i 55 
 
 ftilL For it is a true principle in Chriftianity : 
 " Ths peformances of Gods children by the grace 
 "of God are many, their endevours more, their 
 " defircs endiefle. 
 
 Thus iaving knowledge is ever (preading, moft 
 liberall and prodigall of it felfe, (hining round 
 about where it is^ and working all the good it can 
 in all places. 
 
 Knowledge in unfandified men, as it isunfaving 
 to themfelves, (b it is many times unprolitable to 
 others, either becaufe it is unexercifed through 
 idlenefle or humour^or becaufe it is not (cafbnably, 
 wifely, and powerfully applied to theeonfcience, 
 for want of fpirituall experience,' or becauft 
 through nicenefle and curiofity , and that they 
 would not make themfelves cheape, it is kept and 
 concealed, like Ibme rare and precious Jewell in a 
 casket, tobcefhewedonelyatcertaine times, to 
 fome (peciall perfbns, vainglorioufly to purchafe 
 credit,and breed admiration^but every godly man 
 holding the converfion of others thecrowne of his 
 credit, and the comfort of his knowledge, is ever 
 free-hearted, open and liberall that way : When a 
 necefEty is laid upon him by reafon of his charge, 
 or where there is hope or opportunity of doing any 
 good, or when he finds himfelfe to have a calling to 
 fpeake ; heavenly treafurcs of laving knowledge 
 in the heart of godly man, have a quite contrary 
 power and property to earthly riches hoarded up 
 in the coffer of a covetous man. Thefe commonly 
 beget in a worldly man niggardlinefle, greedineffe 
 of grafping more^ robbing others, and engroffing 
 F4 allJ 
 
 Note, 
 
^6 
 
 Ifa f.J. 
 
 Micj.tjJ. 
 
 •^ The Saints 
 
 all. An earthly minded man if he onceenrer upon 
 the violent torrent of oppreffion, presently with 
 a fv^/ift and headlong courfe hee is carried with 
 full/aik, even over a Seaof bloud of the poore, 
 thefatherleffeandopprcfled, (b that at length hee 
 may finde an habitation without neighbours, and 
 dwell by himfelfe upon the earth. If he once bee 
 flelht with cruelty in this kindefor gathering of 
 riches, hee is as holdfaft in keeping, asunconfcio* 
 nably in getting. If he once beginne to grindc the 
 faces of the poore, hee'le never ceafe untill hee 
 pluckeoff their skinnes, teare their flefh, breakc 
 their bones^ chop them in peeees for the chaldron, 
 and eat the very fleOi of Gods people, as the Pro- 
 phet (peaks. A covetous griping of this tranfitory 
 I pelfe, doth bring forth feich a thirfting dropfie of 
 engrollingall, that the owners would rather loie 
 their (buleSj than part with their riches. Butcon- 
 trarily ,the lafting riches of (avir^ knowledge,doe 
 ever bring with them a longing and readinefle to 
 beftow them ortall commers, and to open their 
 fountainestoaH drawers, and to enlarge their (pi- 
 rituallpaftures for the food of fbules, and for the 
 (heepc of Gods pafture. A heavenly minded man 
 ever keeps open houfe forinftru6lion in heavenly 
 things fpirituall banquets. The lips of the righte- 
 ous feed many, fii th sdomon^ Vrefo. 10.21. &15. 7. 
 The lips of the wife fpread abroad knowledge 5 
 " , herefbever knowledge is faving, and in (bund- 
 nefle, itisas new Winein veflels, defifousto vent, . 
 and that not vainglorioufly to purchafe the idle 
 flime, and infc(^ious breath of prophane praifes, 
 
 but 
 
 
felfeAnriching cxammMion. 
 
 but to workefpiri mall good, and for the conver- 
 fion of others. 
 
 A fifth marke of faving knowledge is, if ft beget 
 reverence oF that great Majeftie, and love to that 
 holy truth it kno\ves&: apprehends in the V\'ord. 
 Except with an vnfained and zealous affeftionwe 
 love God, his Word and truth, his Sacraments^ his 
 Sabbaths, his fervants, all the knowledge in the 
 world will doe us no good. Knov/ledg^ of it felfe 
 puffeth up the heart, and make it fwell with con- 
 tempt of his brethren^but with love it buildeth up, 
 anJhelpethto convert our brethren. Theblefled 
 Apoftle S* P^^/z/vilifies 6c difallowes all knowledge, 
 power, or prerogatives whatlbever, which are not 
 aduated and (anftified with love,, i Cor. i ^ i ,2 . If a 
 man were (eene into the depths, (ecrets, [and my- 
 (lerics of all knowledge, if hee were able to convert 
 whoIcNations^ if he were fb mighry in miracles, 
 that he could remove the ftony rocks, and flurdy 
 mountaines, there is a(Sive power. If he were not 
 only able to endure difgrace^lolTe of goods.banilh- 
 ment, imprifbnment, but al(b duri-t facrifice his 
 bloud in the flames,, and render up his body to be 
 burnt, for the profeffion of the truth ^ There is 
 power pafJive. Jf he had not onely the eloquence 
 of all theOratourson earth, but even the tongue 
 of an Angell 5 all were nothing, if the divine flame 
 of love were not kindled in the heart, to feafon 
 andiaiiftifie them all, which onely makes us pre- 
 ferre the glory and (ervice of God, before all 
 riches, and the whole world ; and to love and 
 efleeme a true Chriftian farre more dearly than 
 
 all 
 
 57 
 
 A fifth 
 faving 
 Icdgc, 
 love. 
 
 5 
 
 tiiall of 
 know- 
 itbcgcts 
 
 i Cor. 8.1. 
 
58 
 
 n^he Saints 
 
 2 
 
 Trialloffa- 
 vingfaiih. 
 
 Hcb.ll/. 
 
 Dcfinitionof 
 juftifyingfairh. 
 
 allunrcgenerace men^ chough never lo neere unto , 
 us in kindredj or great in the world. And it is both ■ 
 reafbn and Religion we fliould (b doe • for one 
 Larkc is worth a choufand Kites ^ one true Chrifti- 
 anj though never fopoore and trampled upon in 
 the world, isfarrc more worth than all thepro- 
 phaneGallants.and unfandified ones in the world, 
 though they revell it never (brichlyj in their lands^ 
 wealthj and large revenewes 5 or raffle it in their 
 honours, titles^ and worldly reputation ^ This vaft 
 difference betweene neglected finccricy, and ho- 
 noured prophanenefle 5 we may clearly fee in the 
 Bookeof God ; and therefore if our knowledge 
 befandlifiedj it will beget proportionable affcfti- 
 on and love. 
 
 A (econd grace which every worthy and fit re- 
 ceiver muft find in himfelfe, is ; 
 
 Faith. I meanetrue and juftifyingfairh, afpiri- 
 tuall lewell, of un valuable price, the very ftaiFe 
 andlifeof ourfbules, the root and foundation of 
 all true comfort, both in life and death, without 
 which it is impoffiblc that cither our receiving the 
 Sacrament, our offering up our Prayers, Almes- 
 deeds, hearing the Word, or any other fervice, 
 though in it owne nature, and by it felfe never fo 
 good or necellary, (hould either be acceptable and 
 pleafing unto God, or comfortable or profitable or 
 to our felves. 
 
 This favingand juflifying faith I thus define 5 It 
 is a (upernaturall gift or grace of God, infpired by 
 the holy GhofV, whereby the humble fbule being 
 inlightned with the knowledge of the doftrine of 
 falvation, 
 
felfe'inricbing examination. 
 
 5? 
 
 ' falvation andaflenting thereunto, is enabled to lay 
 ' hold or to rely on the meritorious juftice cfChrift 
 and all the glorious benefits of hispaffion^ as be- 
 longing particularly to it felfe. 
 
 This wondcrfull and holy grace is thus wrought 
 and engraven in the heart. 
 
 Firft, there is a mollif) ingand manuring of the 
 heart, that it may be as it were furrowed and fitted 
 for this pretious (ttd of life and divine impreiTi 
 Ion. And that thus: 
 
 ' I. Firft.by the miniftery of the Wordjthere muft 
 knowledge be planted in the underftanding both 
 bf the Law J the powerfull application whereof 
 begets legal! repentance.a necellary preparative to 
 t!ie infufion of faith, andoftheGofpell, afeafb- 
 nable apprehenfion of the gracious promifes and 
 comforts, which drawes on evangelicall repen- 
 tance, whereof beginncs the life of faith 5 what 
 meafore of divine knowledge is at leaft neceflary 
 in this ea{e, I have heretofore figniticd. It is the 
 very firft ftep and foundation ftoneof all fpirituall 
 builtiing,andof the way to heaven. Wofull then 
 and fearftill is their ftat^ that live in ignorance, 
 without the miniftery of the Word, or that profit 
 not by it: they take the very ready anddirei^way 
 to deftroy their ownefbules. • • 
 
 ♦ 2. Secondly, The heart muft give full alTcnt, 
 and be cffedhially perfwaded, that thofe divine 
 principles were revealedfor the falvation of man- 
 kinde, and that they are moft true.thc very fecrets 
 of heavcDi and divinely infphred. This a(fent and 
 perfwafion is called Hifloficall faith , or faith of 
 knowledge. 5 ►Thirdly 
 
 Fide J quid al'md 
 eft quam vd'A 
 Dei copiiiio ? 
 fide enm cogni' 
 liofiiy teftatur 
 idEfaiasd'cesSy 
 pnoH credit it 
 noH imcUiguU. 
 Cyrl'mleh.i. 
 
 .. 
 
 Credere eft (um 
 (fentiofje cogi- 
 
 dre.Aug.Ub, 
 'ie Precltft. San- 
 ilorur»^eap,i, 
 \idpdtmdu9 
 fiqiiirumuT^p}. 
 ^•^, ut bommi 
 credibilia prcpe^ 
 nantur tfecundoy 
 Ifenfui crcdtntii 
 odea qua prtipO' 
 
 ia.iie,qu(fi,0^ 
 
I 60 
 
 Gal.j.M' 
 
 ^he Saints 
 
 3. Third!/, The law beginnes ro workc upon 
 the confcience, and wound the f ule by a cleare 
 dKcoveryjand wide opening of our many ulcerous 
 and ugly fecrer corruptions^ all the vanities of our 
 life, and particular finnes/and by afFeding and 
 preUing the heart with a thorow fenfeand feeling 
 of the fierce wrath ofGod, ready to breake out 
 in unquenchable flames of vengeance and heavie 
 againfi: every finne we have committed. 
 
 4. Fourthly, The heart is ftrickcn thorow with 
 fearc and trembling, it is broken and bruifed quite 
 into peeceswith terrour and rcmorfe, it is preg- 
 nant of griefe and fbrrow, and mournful] beyond 
 the mourning of a Dove. For a man in this cafe 
 finds and feeles himfelfe to bee a moft hatefull 
 and accurfed creature, embondaged and enthralled 
 to the flavery and endlefTe conFufions of Satan and 
 KelI,of damnation and death. 
 
 Thus farre the heart hath beene in preparing 
 and fitting for that rootof all graces, that flower of 
 Paradicej and plantof Heaven, an holy and (aving 
 faith. 
 
 In the fecond place, marke howitfpringsupin 
 the mournfull and humbled heart. 
 
 The (bule of amah being thus bruifed and bro- 
 ken, and rightly prepared with the terrours and 
 dejeftionsof theLaw, is now truly and fealbna- 
 bly fitted to receive the (weet and precious oyJe of 
 the promifes of the Golpell, and con^rts pf ia- 
 vinggrace* '•-'! ■:rri i-^. t "* v :*;-t:^!tr-c /'^h-- 
 
 1 i Firft then, the poore foule , as you heard be- 
 > fore^ Jbeing quite overwhelmed with waters of 
 
 anguifh 
 
i ' 
 
 felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 anguifh and fbiTow, and flicking fait in the deepe 
 my re of feares and terrours, beginnes to looke 
 about for comfort and fiiccour ^ none is to be found ! 
 in any creature, no gold nor filver, nofriendsnt^r \ 
 Phyjiicke will doe him any good ^ no man or An- i 
 gelJ,oranycreature,canadmini(leranyreleefe.For I 
 Angels, in refpectof thofepure eyes which cannot j 
 behold iniquitiejand are now faftned upon irsfoule j 
 pollutions, are chargeable with folly and vanity ^ | 
 the heavens are impure, and the ftarres'uncleanc in 
 Gods fight. No man can deliver his brother, nor 
 make agreement unto God for hira/or it coft more 
 to redeeme a fbule i;\\t mull: let that alone for ever. 
 At laft it happily cafts its eye upon that infini te Sea 
 of Gods mercy,which glorioufly ftreames through 
 the bleeding wounds of Chrift Jedis, upon every 
 truly broken and contrite hea,it • it fettles andfa- 
 (tens it.iight ftedfaftly upon our bleifed Redeemers 
 as he is hanging upon the CroiTe^ftrugling with his 
 Fathers wrath for our finSjand cry ing at laftjt is fi • 
 nifhed.It greedily catches hold on in a ferious con • 
 fideration, and comprehends the wholegracious 
 dodrineof the covenant of life and falvation. It 
 confidersallrhe proclamations of mercy and par- 
 don in the Booke of God 5 as that in 7/^.55.1. //^j 
 everyone that thiyfleth^ comeyee to the vpaUrs^andyse that 
 have nofilver come buy and eat : Come Ifay^ hu v mneand 
 milh^without fiher^mdwHJ^oHt mofiey*knd that out of 
 Chrifls owne mouth, Mattk 11.28. Come nntome all 
 yeeihat are imary^ and 1 r»UleajeyoH^ &c» ^ ^,. ? ; 
 
 2. Secondly, after a full and thorow fight and 
 confideration of the great worke of our redemp- 
 tion, .' 
 
 61 
 
 Pral49.r,8,9. 
 
^l , The Saints 
 
 tion, andot ail the gracious promiies of life, che 
 diftrefled foule beginnes ro thinke this with it 
 felfe ^ that though my cafe be vvofull and accurfed 
 by reafbn of finne, yet by the mercies of God it is 
 recoverable ; though my finncshemanyandhai- 
 nouSjyet in Chrift lefus they are pardonable.Only 
 itnowcafts about how it may have part in thefe 
 mercies, andintereftin his paflion. In thcfe cafes 
 it receives great comfort from fuch places as thefe, 
 LhJ{,^» 1 8. Mat, 1 2.2 o. 
 
 3. Hereupon in a third place it beginnes to hun- 
 ger and thirft after the precious bloud of Chrift, 
 farre more greedily and infatiably, than ever the 
 panting Hart after the Rivers of water, the gapirg 
 ground for drops of raine, or any condemned man 
 for the pardon of his life. It would give ten ihou- 
 fand worlds, ten thoufand lives, for one gu(h of his 
 bloud^ to wafh away its guilt and flaine, Ipots and 
 pollutions 5 for one drop of mercy to qtiench its 
 thirft^andrefrefh its agonies. 
 
 4. Hence in a fourth place ftrong cries.and pray- 
 ers,and fupplicationSjgroanes Sc fighs unutterable, 
 with fuch importunity and panting, that at lafl it 
 cafls it ftlfe upon Gods tender mercies in Chrifl 
 lefus, it throwes it felfe with (bme comfort and 
 confidence into the bleeding 8c blefTed bofbme of 
 its Redeemer, as he is hanging and holding downe 
 the head upon the Crofle : It hides it felfe fweetly 
 and deeply in his (acred wounds, and gored fide, 
 from the eager purfuit of the wounding Law, the 
 rage of Satan, and the ftingings of itsowne con- 
 (cience. And now by tins time the bowels of Gods 
 
 tenderefl 
 
felfe-inricbing examination. 
 
 6\ 
 
 tendered compadions beginne to yearne within 
 him r He who never knew how to brcake the brai- 
 fed reed^ or quench the fmoking flax, takes the 
 panting and weary foule by the hand, receives it 
 into mercy, grace, and favour, takes ofF the bur- 
 then of its finnes^ knocks off the bolts of terrour 
 and remorfe, bathes it in the (bveraigne and faving 
 bloud of his owne deare Sonne, and accounts it 
 pure, juft, and anfpotted, for lefus fake. 
 
 Thus faith hath beene breeding, and is brought 
 forth. 
 
 3 . Now in a third place behold it flourifhing and 
 growing in the heart. 
 
 After that faving faith with unexpreflable groans 
 and fighs, and ftrong cries, hath laid faft hold 
 upon the bitter and victorious pa/Iion of Chrifl:, 
 and all his meritorious juftice, and lb purcha(ed fa- 
 vour^ acceptation, and remiffioniaf fins ^ i.It pre- 
 lently rcturnes this bleiTed mcflage, and comforta- 
 ble n ewes unto the foule ^ that it is certainly par- 
 doned, juftificdj and mofl: undoubtedly entitled 
 by the everlafting covenant of grace^ even frefhly 
 (ealed with the bloud of Chrift, unto a crowne of 
 immortality, and endlefle joyes of heaven. This 
 being done, it is filled with joy unfpeakable and 
 glorious^ and with peace that pafieth all underftan- 
 dinty : But after it come to it felfe out of thefc 
 ftrangecxtafies, and excefleof (pirituall pleaftres, 
 itfoberlyconfiders what great things havebeene 
 done for it, what extraordinary love, and infinite 
 mercy hath bcene (hewed unto it 5 2. And there- 
 upon prefently addrefleth it felfe to Evangelicall 
 
 repentance 3 
 
<s^ 
 
 HdUauJ.follii 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 repentance^ to bewaile heartily allhisfinnes, and 
 former wrecchednefle of life, not fb much for feare 
 of Gods vengeance, and the punifhment of iinne, 
 as he did in legall repentance, but efpecially grie- 
 ving with godly (brrow, for having fo vilely and 
 rebellioufly grieved and otfended to gracious and 
 loving a Father ^ and Co doth refblutely abandon 
 the pradice of every grofTe finne , and at leaft 
 throw out of his heart and affeftions, the liking 
 and allowance of every the leaft infirmitie : 3. And 
 for ever after (etdes himfelfe toholineffeof life, 
 fincerity of hearty a good conlciencej and an uni- 
 verfall and true hearted obedience to all Gods 
 Commandements : By growth in which, and by 
 fenfe, obfervation, and experience of Godsipeci- 
 all favour and love unro him in the courfeof his 
 Chriftian life, and new obedience : His feith re- 
 ceives continuall life and ftrength, untill it come 
 in fbme good meafure towards that height of aflu- 
 rance, and fulnefle of perfwafion with the bkC- 
 fed Saints of old ^ that he is able to (ay with holy 
 David^ IvpUlnetfearethoHih the earth be mffvtd^ and 
 thongh themountams becaft ifnto the mfddeft of the Sea : 
 though the vpaters thereof rage and be troubled^ and the 
 f^ioHntaimsJJjake at thefnrges fthef me^ Pfal. 4 ^. 2 ,3 . 
 Though Ijhould walk§ thdrotf the valley of thejhadovoof 
 deaths IwHlfeare m evilly for thou art mth me ^ thy rod 
 andtl^y flajfe they comfort me^ pfaLi'^.^. And with 
 lob '^ oh that my words mrenovp written ! Oh that they 
 }»erevpritteneven'tnahooke ! And graven with an iron 
 fen in tead^or infton for everFor-iamfure that my Re- 
 XdeemerJ^vethy and that hejhallk the lafl uponthe earth. 
 '.;■ 'V :, . And 
 
felfeAnriching examination. ] 6^ 
 
 A»d though after mpklnr^^x)Porj;iesdeftrC}thh body ^yct 
 
 Jhall I fie God in wyflrf^ : WhomlwyfelfefijaU fee, and 
 
 0twe€ifesjhul'lbeldold^ a*^d erne other for me^ though my 
 
 rdnts ar9 confumed mthin me^ lob 19.21^ &c. And 
 
 chap, 1 3 ,verf 1 5. Loe^tldough hejlay me.^et mill trufl in 
 
 /^^/». Andwich blefled Saint P^^/, K^w^.S.^S. lam \ 
 
 'perfr>paded that mlther deaths e^c. Thefe hig'h refolu- 
 
 tions of heaven, and noble elevation of fpirit, are 
 
 the very natural! iflue 8c prodnccments of a ftrong 
 
 faith. Which if we wouldattaine or prcferve^ wee 
 
 muft watchfully looke unto our hearts, lives, and 
 
 confciences, that they bee pure, unfpotted, and 
 
 tender, we muft cake heed of relapfes, and warily 
 
 prevent fals into finne. For we (ha J findcour faith 
 
 td ebbe ind flow, much after the decay or in- 
 
 creafe-df our holincfle of life, and finceri ty of 
 
 heart. 
 
 Thus I have briefly opened to you thenature, 
 breeding, birth, and growth of faith. And the ra- 
 ther^ left you deceive your owne hearts with falfe 
 Faiths 5 Imcanefaithsunfufficientto (alvation, or 
 wander in the by-paths of excefle or defects of 
 faith. 
 
 I. For firft there bee many kinds of faith, of 
 which none will ferve the turne for falvation . 
 
 T. There isanhiftoricallfaith, whereby a man 
 is endued with knowledge of the Word, and is 1 
 certainly perfwaded in his heart that it is moft true, \ 
 and divinely infpired ^ this isfb farre from being ' ftith. 
 faving faith, that the Devill and his Angjels cxcell | 
 many men herein: For wheras many men are quite | 
 ignorant of the Word, and many have but little 
 
 G ' know- ' 
 
 SttHnauWi. 
 
 The kinds of 
 
 iBfufficicnt 
 
 faith. 
 
 1 
 Hiftoricall 
 
66 
 
 Fabh of mira- 
 cles. 
 
 Imaginaty 
 faith. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 knowledge, and give bur wcake aflcnc to the truth 
 thereof 5 the devils know much, certainly beleeve 
 it, and yet they doe more, tkj fiare a/fd trembU^ 
 
 2 , SecondlyjThere is a faith of miracles ^ which 
 is an inward perlwafion of the heart, wrought by 
 Ibme fpeciall inftinftof the HolyGhofl:, in fomc 
 men^ whereby they arc truly perfwaded, that God 
 will ufe them as inftruments to bring to pafle fbme 
 ftrange and extraordinary thiags. This hach no 
 power forfalvatron, it is common, and communi- 
 cated both to the eledt and reprobate indilFereot- 
 ly : Iifiof was endued with this po^er, and had 
 Ws part herein as well as the reft of the Apoftles. 
 Aad we (kQ^Manh.j,ii .Many worker^ of miracjes 
 ihallbe reje&ed atthe laftday. Many ^itbChrift, 
 will fay unto me in that day. Lord, Lord^havewc 
 not by thy name prophefied? and by thy name caft 
 out devils ? and by thy name done many great 
 works > Andthenwililprofefle to them, I never 
 knew yoUj depart from me yc that worke iniquity. 
 5. Thirdly, there is an imaginary faith^ which 
 deceives and damnes thoufand: And that is a ftrong 
 and bold perfwafion, withoutall truths ground, or 
 warrant, that Chrift is their Saviour, that they 
 have part in his paflion, and (hall undoubtedly be 
 favedj when indeed and truth there is no fiich mat- 
 ter : And therefore it is no true perfwafion, no 
 true faith, but a vaine prefumption, a ftrong delu- 
 fion, a trae counterfeit of a true faith. And this is 
 threefold : 
 Fifft, when men and women living in ignorance, 
 
 with- 
 
j felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 without all faving knowledge, upon fuch princi- 
 ples as thefe 5 that they meane well 5 that they doe 
 no man harme 5 that they pray morning and eve- 
 ning^ build a bold and blinde perfwafion, that they 
 have as good part and right in Chrift, as the beft of 
 them all 5 whereas indeed they lie enthralled in the 
 invifibJe chaines of damnation, and are meere 
 Grangers to the life of Godj by reafon of the ig- 
 norance which is in them. For knowledge in the 
 Word of God, is the ground-worke and foundati- 
 on of all fpirituall building 5 without it there can 
 no true faith be had, no repentance, no new obe- 
 diencCj no faving graces at all in thislife, or falvati- 
 on in the world to come. 
 
 Secondly;, when men entertaine and fettle in 
 their heart a flrong and bold conceit, that Chrlft 
 belongs to them with all his benefits , and ytt 
 nufleand harbour in the fame hearts a liking and 
 allowanceof fbme finnesin themfelves 5 at leafl 
 a purpofe to continue in one f\veet finne or other, 
 wherupon depends their honour, wealthjpleafureSj 
 and worldly happinefles 5 and will not be fiibdued 
 by the power of the Word, to t thorow change 
 of heart, and a found amendment of life. Thefe 
 men thinke they have a reach beyond the Moone, 
 and are wifer than all the Chriflians that ever 
 were, which could never finde.fbfmoothandea- 
 fie a way to heaven : For they fiicke ftill at the 
 brefts of pleafure, and feed upon voluptuoafnefle, 
 vanity, and worldlinefle, as the Hoiileech upon 
 corrupt bloud ^ they ruffk it in the vanity and glo- 
 ry of the world 5 they joyne houfe tohoufe, and 
 
 G 2 land 
 
 ^7 
 
 Imaginary 
 faith tf three 
 forts. 
 
 Efhcn4.i8. 
 
<JS 
 
 A5..IJ 
 
 Rora 10.14. 
 
 The. Saint i 
 
 land CO land, by oppreilion and violence -or con - 
 rinue in one open finne or other, and yet vainly 
 nourifti hope of ialvation in themfeive&5 thinke 
 they are in the ftate of grace, and have asibunda 
 crult in Chrift Jefus, as the pureft and precifefl: 
 amongftthem all 5 but they ^very foulyandfeare- 
 fully deceive their owne poore fbwles, and llrive 
 for impoffibilities , to bring two ends together 
 which will never meetjfinfull pleafores upon earth, 
 and endlefTe peace in the world to comeJ The faith 
 of" chefe men is but imaginaryand countcfeit^ fbrit 
 is everthe property of true and laving faith, tho- 
 rowiy to purge the hearc; and to refbrrae the life 
 wholly ; to exprefle it feife, and toappeare fruitful! 
 aridlively^iathclexiercifes of invocatbn and true 
 repentance, of lincericy and obedience. 
 
 Thirdly, when men conceive a bold and ftrong 
 perfwafion, chat Ghrift is their Saviour, and yet fee 
 light by the miniflrery of the Word & SacrameAts^ 
 embracing the ufe and following the ^xereiie of 
 them onely at their leifure and pleafure, fbfarre as 
 their worldly commodities, and camall content- 
 ment will give. them leave 5 bur not with hungry 
 fpiritiia 11: appetites, ?and humble fubriiifliofl to the 
 power thereof. The faith of the^ meii is but i' 
 vaine prefumption, and counterfeit conceit. For 
 juftifying faith is ever conceived , cheriihed and 
 conftrmedy by a* right religittusy conftantj and' 
 powerfoli'uieiand exercife (^ihe,W^fdandSadr3»' 
 ments.The Ccedi of b wcake faith, (if it be true'>and 
 jufliifying) fbwen in the heart by che Holy GhoiK 
 doth grow by little aiidiitrie to aiixong faith and^ I 
 
 ^h-:d--- ••-D""^ "": fullf 
 
felfe4nriching examination. 
 
 full afliirance ^ but ever by a zealous and profitable 
 purfuit of the meanes of grace and knowledge, 
 preaching, reading, prayer, meditation, confe- 
 rence, ufe of the Sacraments, finging of Pialmes, 
 confcience and faithfulnelTe in our calling, merci- 
 fulnefle to the poore, &c. He that hath true faith, 
 will ever have both an eye and heart to thefe holy 
 meanes, thefe godly exercifes. 
 , 4. There is alio adead faith^which is to be found 
 in many profeflbrs^and thofe that make great (hew 
 of forwardnelTe in Chriftianity : When men have 
 good ftorc of knowledge, follow the Word and 
 Sacraments with diligence, are able to difcourfe 
 with underftanding, and dexrerity of points of re- 
 ligion, have goodrefpeft to the Commandements 
 of the firft Table : But in dealings with their bre- 
 thren they (hame their profeilion, deny the powder 
 of Ghriftianfty, and plainly fliew that their faith 
 is without life, and their life without the fruit of a 
 juftifying faith ^ their fecret and clofe convey- 
 ances for enriching themfelves unlawfully, and en- 
 largingtheir eftates by extortion ard oppreffion, 
 doe cleerlydi (cover the deadneife of their faith, 
 and death of their foules in finne. 
 
 5. Fifthly, there is a temporary faith, which I 
 may thus defiue : 
 
 It is a generall grace of God' wrought in the 
 hearts of fbme formall profelTors, by the minifte- 
 rie of the Word founding in their eares, and by an 
 inferiour operation of his fpirit, whereby their 
 minds are in fbme meafure iulightned and deligh- 
 ted with the Word^ whereupon may follow (bme 
 _____ G g kinde 
 
 6y 
 
 Temporary 
 faith. 
 
70 
 
 The Saints 
 
 kindc of converfion, a fhadow of true regenera- 
 tion, feme outward reformation of life, fb that 
 they may be in their owne conceit well perfwaded 
 ofj and fecured about their fpirituall eflate, and 
 thatthe beft difcerning fpirits can hardly without 
 very neere converling with them, and long 
 triall, difcerne and diftinguidi them from found 
 Chriftians. 
 
 This faith deceives thoufands, becaufe they 
 thinke it fufEcient for (alvatiqu, when as it will ne- 
 ver ferve the turne^or hold out in the day of triall, 
 in the day of vifitation, when the confcience will 
 ftand upon ftrid tearmes^ it will melt away into 
 feares, howling, and end in horror anddefpaire. 
 
 And that men may more (ecurely reft and repofe 
 themlelves & their foules in this temporary feith, 
 as on a fpirituall Bulwarke^ and fore foundation, 
 though indeed it be but grounded in fand^Satan he 
 cunningly gilds 8c burnilhes it over with his ange- 
 licallglory^and makes it as faire incolour,and ftiew,, 
 and outwardnefle of (bme fruits^ as is that other 
 Ipcciall, (aving, and juftifying grace of true faith 5 
 fothat theyappeare to be as like, ascorneonthe 
 houfe top, or amongft ftones, and that which 
 fpringsup in a rich and fruitfull foile, they agree 
 for the time in colour and frefhnefle. But marke 
 the difference which time and triall brings upon 
 them ^ the one fprouts up fuddenly, flourilhes faire 
 andgreenefora while, but after the heat of the 
 Sunne beating upon it, it dries away^ dies, and 
 comes to nothing : But the other being feft rooted 
 in a good ground, and watred feafonably with the 
 
 dewi 
 
felfe4nrichmg examination. 
 
 7» 
 
 dcvf of heaven, growes in ftrength and beauty, { 
 rich and frwtfull, ripe for the harveft, ready for the ) 
 barne. It is juft fo in temporary^ and (aving faith 5 1 
 the former (eated fuperficially in the braine, flou- 1 
 rifhes a while in piety and zeale ^ but if once the 
 heat of perfccution come, and rife uponic, vex- 
 ation, difgrace, difcountenance^ lofle of goods^ 
 fome maine hazard of temporal! happinefle • why 
 then it beginnes to languifh and decay^ to draw 
 backe from former forwardnefTe, to pull in the 
 head for feare of precifcnelTe, and to fall backe to 
 the common fafliions of the world, and formal] 
 profeffion of the time : But this other being rooted 
 in a good and honeft heart, by the fpeciall and ef- 
 feftuall operation of Gods (anftifying ^irit, and 
 watered by the plentifull and powerfiill fhowers of 
 aconftantandconfcionablc miniftery, and cheri- 
 fhed continually with the holy food of the Lords 
 Supper, with fervent and feeling prayer, Chriftian 
 conference, meditation, and a good conftience in 
 all things,doth grow and gather (pirituall ftrength, 
 and in def{)ight of wicked and flanderous tongues, 
 Cwhich fcorch farre more fiercely than coales of 
 Juniper) of all ftormesand tempefts, either rifing 
 out of naturall corruption, or railed by Satan, or 
 ftirred up by the world, and (corafuU prophane- 
 nefife, it ftands upright, and brings forth much 
 blelled and glorious fruit, with patience and con - 
 ftancie. 
 
 Left you deceive your owne hearts and fbules in 
 this point, I will tell you how farre this temporary 
 faith hath power, and may prevaile in working ^ 
 G 4 Firft, 
 
The Saints 
 
 Firft, fome mcafurc of inward illumination. Se- 
 condly, fbmekindeof converfion. Thirdly, fome 
 degrees of regeneration. Fourthly, fome outward 
 reformation and obedience, or outward holinefie^ 
 and it is utterly infufficient for (alvation. 
 
 Firit, By the power of temporary faith a man 
 may be thus farre inwardly inlightned. 
 
 1. Hee may be inftrudted by the Holy (jhoft in 
 the underftanding and knowledge of the Word 
 preached to him. And whereas naturally men know 
 not the things of God, walke in the blindnefle and 
 vanity of their minds, embracing errour fcr truth, 
 darknefle for light ; he may hereby be fo farre in- 
 lightned, that hee may fee and acknowledge the 
 truth of Religion, diftafte errout s, difcerne (uper- 
 naturall principles, and bee acquainted in fome 
 good meafore with the revealed will of God, 
 2 Peif .2. 2 o. Mmh.'j. 1 2 . Matth. i o.i, 
 
 2. Secondly, Hee may approve and afTentnnto 
 the divinity and truth of the Law, in the revelati- 
 on of the finfull ftate of naturall corruption, and 
 theaccurfed ftate of plagues and judgements due 
 unto finners. And unto the truth and certainty of 
 the promifes of ftlvation revealed in the Golpell, 
 and (hining in the face of Chrift Jefos. 
 
 5. Thirdly, He may have a kinde of perfwafion, 
 a confufed truft, a glimmering hope, that he hath 
 part in the promifes of grace, and that Chrift is his 
 Redeemer. 
 
 4. Hee may bee endued with ability in expoun^ 
 
 ding, and with formal I wifdome and skill in apply- 
 
 . ing the Word of God to the converfion and falva- 
 
 ' tionpf others. 5 . He 
 
felfe^inrichmg examination. 
 
 7? 
 
 5. He may have inward delight and content 
 ment in the miniftery of the Word^and fome love 
 and affedion to Gods meflengers. 
 
 6. He may fblace himfelfe with the (weet and 
 comfortable confideration of Gods rich mercies 
 towards his children, in Chriftlefiis. Such as are 
 thole which I have heretofore reckoned unto you. 
 
 I. Incorporation into Chrift. 2. Reconciliati- 
 on. 3.RemilIion of finncs. 4. Imputation of 
 righteoufnefle. 5. Interceflion. 6. Acceptation 
 to eternall life. 7. Adoption. 8. Sanftification. 
 ^. Corroboration, 10. Glorification. 
 
 7. He may tafte of the powers of the world to 
 come, He^. 5. That is, by a meditation of the laft 
 judgement, the future refurredion, the en^llefle 
 joyes of heaven , the unconceiveable torments 
 of thedamned, may drive him to fome good mo- 
 tions and purpoles for throughnefJe and conftancy 
 in fincerity ^ but they laft but fo long as untill his 
 tcmporall happ'nefle and worldly contentments 
 be croiTedj interrupted^ or mainly hazarded. Or 
 thus, he may tafte of the powers of the world to 
 come ^ hee may have a delightfull glimpfe and 
 glance at eternall life, and the glory of another 
 world ; but it is but a tafte, he is not fed and filled 
 with it. For his once looking at a crowne of* glory 
 above, he hath many thoufand delightfull glances, 
 and longgazings, upon his gold and filver, lands 
 and riches, plea(ures,profits, and earthly comforts. 
 But upon whofe heart foever a found juftifying 
 faith hath feized, hee hath his converfation and 
 whole comfort there, with great gladnefle and 
 
 fonging^ 
 
 As Uerei. 
 
 
 Phll.j.ao. 
 
74- 
 
 Pfal. Ii^tioj- 
 
 TZ'^ Saints 
 
 longing ^ he looks from thence for a Saviour ^ (b 
 that this prelent life is not (b deare unto him ^ but 
 he holds it out in his hands to all perfecutions, to 
 finifh the (hort courfe he hath here, with joy and 
 clearnefle of confcience. 
 
 Now in a (ccond place you are to conceive that 
 this temporary faith hath power to worke fome 
 degrees, and fome kinde of change and converfi- 
 on. For degrees of converfion, lee my Sermons on 
 this Text 5 ThyWardisali^^t to mjifiet^ andalau- 
 thometomypaihs. 
 
 Be fides, a morall change from notorioufhefle to 
 civilitie 5 and a fbrmall change from civill honefty^ 
 to an outward profeffion of Chriftianity and per- 
 formance of cxternall duties : And an inward fpc- 
 culative change, in refpeft of generall graces ; as 
 inlightning by divine knowledge^ and a rejoycing 
 in the underftanding, for thofe heavenly myfteries 
 revealed : I (ay, befides thefe there may by the 
 power of a temporary faith fuch a change bee 
 wrought, as is called in Scripture, the uncleane Ipi- 
 rits going out of a min.MauL 1 2.43. A flying from 
 the pollutions of the world,2?e/. 2. 20. A wafhing^ 
 2 Vet, 2.22. A fandification by thebloud of the 
 Teftament, Heb a 0,29, And a participation of the 
 HG!yGhoft,Hf^.^.4. 
 
 Thirdly, a man furniflied with this temporary 
 faith, may attaine (bme progreiTe and degrees 5 may 
 (cramble at in fome meafore, and have fome fhiat- 
 tering in that great worke of regeneration 5 as I 
 confider it, and have heretofore propofcd it to con- 
 fill: of thefe five parts ^ Knowledge, Legall contri- 
 
 tion 
 
 3. 
 
felfe^inmhing examination. 
 
 tionsFaithjSanftificationjEvangelicaHrepenfancc* 
 
 1. Fir ft for Knowlegde. He may attaine a great 
 and large undcrftanding in the Scriptures, and 
 Word of truth, as I told you before ^ hee may ap- 
 prove and acknowledge it 5 confeffeit, and make 
 profefiionof it 5 ftand out for it for a time, and 
 defend it 5 asdid J»</<^xtheTraitour, and Iff IrOff the 
 Apoftata, and yet both reprobates. 
 
 2. Hee may have the Ipirit of bondage, Ro^f. 
 8. 15. which is a certaine gift of God, whereby 
 a man doth difcerne the right meaning, and ju- 
 dicial! ufe of the Law in himfelfe, concerning his 
 fearefiillfinfullcftate by nature, and Gods jufi in- 
 dignation and certaine vengeance due vnto him 
 for his iinnes. Hence fprings legall repentance and 
 contrition, fearesandterroursof confcience, pric- 
 kingSj andhorrours, at the confideration and fee- 
 ling of Gods wrath and vengeance for finne. Falix 
 trembled^A&a/^. 2 6, from hence may proceed many 
 good thing?. 
 
 I . He may confefle and acknowledge his finnes, 
 and the Lords righteoufnefle. So did Vharaoh^Exod. 
 ^.27. AndIud4S:>Matth,2y»^^j^. 
 
 Hee may bee grieved and forty for his iinnes, 
 I Sam. 24'17 Matth,2y,7, He3.12.17. 
 
 3. With humiliation,fafting,teares and prayers, 
 he may fue and feeke for reconciliation, remiilion, 
 and bieffing. When Eliah reproved Ahal^ for his 
 idolatry, and threatned him from the Lord^ it is 
 faid 'j Whe» he heard tliefevpordf^ he rent hh clothe fj and 
 put (mfac^ckth upon Um^ andfafied^ atfdwefftfoftljiy in 
 toksn of m^urmtfgy i King. 21. '2 7, 2^. Efanfonght 
 
 the 
 
 75 
 
 Hcb.Id.i^. 
 
 AftM^,T7. 
 
 Or rather 
 
 femethingltkc 
 the faille of 
 bondage » 
 
7^ 
 
 The Saint f 
 
 i 
 
 tk bkfmg mth tearef^ Heh,i2, 17. 
 
 4. He may defire the prayers of the godly, to 
 be delivered from the wrath of God, and venge- 
 ance of finne. So did Pharaoh, and SimonMAgus^ 
 Exod.io. 17. J^,^.2/{. Hemaywifh, being aiBi- 
 61:ed with the terrours of hell for his finnes, to die 
 thedeathof the righteous, and to partake of the 
 happinefle of the Saints. So Balaam opprefled with 
 the feare of Gods judgements, prayed thus 5 ob 
 that I might die the death of the righteous^ and that my 
 laft end might Belik^ his^ "Numb, 23.10. 
 
 Thefe two firft fteps, knowledge and legall re- 
 pentance, which are onely preparatives, not eflen- 
 tiall parts of regeneration. A man with tempora- 
 ry faith may be intirely pofleft off : Now further, 
 he may enjoy fbme fcamblings, (hadowes, and re- 
 femblances of the three following elTentiall parts 
 of regeneration. 
 
 I. Firft for faith. Though that true^foand, and 
 juftifying faith, that holy, fpeciall, and pretious 
 grace, be peculiar and proper to Gods children on- 
 ly^ which after a thorow bruifing and breaking of 
 the heart, with piercing groanes and fighs doth 
 clafpe faft about the bloudy (ufferings^ and meri- 
 torious obedience of Chrift lefus, and with a 
 powerfull and particular application, appropriate 
 them to the truly humbled fbule, and then after- 
 ward brings forth unfained and (bund repentance, 
 true hatred to all iniquity, an utter cefTation from 
 the pradife of all knowne groflc finnes, a detefta- 
 tion, difallowance, anddifaffedion to infirmities 5 
 and that becaufe they grieve, offend, and difbo- 
 
 nour 
 
felfe-^nriching examination. I 
 
 nourlbmercifull a God. A thorovv fanftification ■ 
 of all the powers of the fbule, inrefpefl: of parts, , 
 though not to the height and excellencie of de- 
 gree, and laftly, a fincere, univerfalJj and con- 
 ftant obedience to all Gods Commandements. 
 Though this faith I fay be onely found in men tru- 
 ly converted, yet a reprobate may by the power 
 of a temporary faith, and by the generall light of 
 the fpirit have. 
 
 Firft,an overly apprehenfion of the excellencie 
 of Chrift lefiis, and the bleffcd ftate of thofe that 
 are made partakers of him by faith, hee may fee, 
 what is the comfort of remiflion of finnes ^ of a 
 confcienccfprinkledwith the bloud of Chrift 5 of 
 free accefle with confidence unto the Throne of 
 grace. Hee may have a fenfe in his heart, whereby 
 he perceives and feelesthe excellency of Gods be - 
 nefitSj notwirhftandinghe doth not enjoy them. 
 
 Secondly, He may have a-kinde of perfwafion 
 that Chrift is his Redeemer. This-may be gathered 
 out of 2 P^/. 2. 1, where fbme falfe Prophets are 
 (aidtodeny Chrift that bought them, becaufe for 
 atime (faith a worthy divine) they prbfefled them-- 
 felves tobe redeemed, and wer^ alfeperfwaded in 
 a generall fort that he had bought them, yet here- 
 in they failed, that they did not truly apprehend 
 the merit of Chrift, and apply it home and efFe- 
 £hially to themf elves, with a thorow change of 
 heart, and fincere amendment of life* 
 
 2. A fecond evidence or fruit of regeneration, 
 is fanftification, an holy worke of the fpirir, by 
 wfeich the whole man, body janid ieule^ and fpirit. 
 
 77 
 
 Or rather a 
 fruit of regc- 
 neiaiion. 
 
78 
 
 l^he Saint f 
 
 Hcb.10.t9, 
 
 4 
 
 is enlarged from the reigne and tyranny of finne 
 iindSatanj and enabled through the fpirit of Chrift 
 to defire and delight in godlinefTe , and good 
 things, and therein to vvalkc aud continue to the 
 end. This is peculiar to the true Chriftian ^ but 
 yet by the power of temporary faith, which is in- 
 (ufBcient to falvation, a man may atchicve (bme 
 (camblings at (carterings of his blefled worke : He 1 
 may put on (bme good afFedlions, though not to ' 
 him, becaufe they are not fanftified by fpcciall 
 grace, yet in their kinde, and fo farre forth as we 
 can judge. 
 . For example : 
 
 ' Love to God, as he is an excellent good^authour 
 of his profperity and temporall happineflc, and in 
 fuch like refpeds. Bur thisaffedionisnotlincefe 
 and faving, becaufe it is not principally, moft 
 dearly, and without other refpeds faflned upon 
 God, as a mofl mercifull Father in Chrift lefus, 
 from all eternity. 
 
 loy in the Word, preaching, prayer, and the 
 happy ftate of the righteous. The ftonie ground 
 receives the Word with joy, Mai th. 17, 20. Herod 
 heard lohn Baptiji gladly, Markz 6. 20. l^umb. 23.10. 
 d" 24.4.5. 
 
 A defire of the prayer s of good Chriftians ; Pha- 
 raoh defired Mofes and Aaron to pray for him, Exod. 
 9.^7. S^imof^ MagHs dtdxtd Peter to pray for him, 
 that none of the things which hee had fpoken 
 againft him fhould come to pafTe, .^5?. 8. 24. 
 
 A reverence to Gods melTenger : Herodknomu^ 
 lohnto be a juft and holy man, feared and rcvcren- 
 ced him, Mark^ 6. 2 o. Zeale 
 
felfe-inriching examinamn. 
 
 Zeale for the Lord of hods ; Come with mcand^ee 
 the zeak that lhav,i for the Lord-:, fzithlehuy iKwg-i^i. 
 1 6. and yet he departed not from the finnesothis 
 fore-fathers, xior regarded to vpalk^ mthe Law ofth: 
 tordGod of jfraelmtb all his hearty verf 3 1. 
 
 Many good purpofes to follow the guidance of 
 the fpiritj and a courfe of fandlificationj but dif- 
 grace danger, endangering temporall happinefle, 
 orfbme fuch crolTe and temptation doth quickly 
 da(h and blaft fuch holy motions, and good begin- 
 nings^ as it was with the ftony ground. 
 
 3. Evangdicall repentance is the third efTentiall 
 part in the great worke of regeneration. And it is 
 a worke of grace arifing from a true faith, and god- 
 ly fbrrow, whereby aChriftianturnesfromallhis 
 finnes, unto God and true godlineffe, with con- 
 ftancie and delight therein. This is peculiar and 
 proper to Gods childe, but an unlandified man by 
 the power of temporarie faith, may make a pretty 
 (hew herein. Forbefides morall repentance,which 
 isdgrieving for having offended againft honefty, 
 hemayinforae degree Theologically repent, and 
 bee fbrrowfull and heavie hearted 5 i. for having 
 offended again ft piety, although not fb much in 
 zeale for the offence and difpleaiure of God, as for 
 feare of the danger and punilhment of linne. 
 2. Be(ides this (brrow for finne, hee may rurne 
 from his finnes of words and outward adions^ 
 but the heart continues full of foule pollutions, 
 andacageof alluncleane birds. He maybeginne 
 toreturnein fbule with fome change of the in- 
 ward powers and faculties thereof 5 from igno- 
 rance 
 
 19 
 
So 
 
 Note, 
 
 . The Saints 
 
 (ranee to knowledge, from the vice to inward ha- 
 bits/rom ftarke blindnefle in the myftery of falva- 
 tion, fofbmegenerall lightnings of thefpirit^ He 
 may leave the praftife of many finSjthough he can- 
 not truly hate them, for conicience fake, and the 
 love of God. Nay in a word, he may forbearc and 
 forgoe all finneSjfave his fweet delightflill darling, 
 and boibme finns. Herod reverenced loh/^ Bapt^^ 
 heard him gladly, reformed manythings^ Markc6.» 
 20. onely hee would not part with his (weet finne 
 of luftfullpleafqres. Agrippa could almofl: beper- 
 fwaded to be a Chriftian, but not altogether, A&, 
 26.2S. Kaaman defireth the Lord to bemercifull 
 to him in one point, 2 Kmg. 5. 1 8. he could not re- 
 (blve to leave his place of honour with his mafter 5 
 only he W9nldbe re/pitedandfparedinone finne. 
 The young man in the Gofpell wanted but one 
 thing tofave his foule^ Mark: io»2i. theabando* 
 ning of his worldlineffe and covetou/nefle^ but 
 that was his (weet finne, he would rather part with 
 Chrift lefiis, than with his riches. Thus by the 
 power of temporary faith many may be free from 
 drujikennefle^ lying, fwearing, oppreflion^Scc. on- 
 ly retaining the foule and hatefu!l finne of un- 
 cleanncfle. ^' Many may be chare jrovi all other groffe 
 ^^ finnes^ omly fufferingtheir hearts to bee exercifid in 
 ^^ coveteufmjje^ ^c, 
 
 4. Laftly, temporary faith hath power to worke 
 an outward reformation of life, a forward profef^ 
 fion of great holinelTe, fbme fruits of piety, and 
 branches of obedience, and fometimes fbme no- 
 table undertakings for the advancement of Gods 
 
 truth. 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 Si 
 
 truth, and furtherance of gcxxi caufes ^ favour, 
 countenance, ^ndrciped to godly Minifters, and 
 
 good men. ! ^T?- -rr,-'. ; hoor; .-: 
 
 A man hereby may doe all things outwardly 
 which true Chriftiansdoe, and may lead fiich a life 
 hereupon earth, that although he doe not thereby 
 actaine heaven, yet his pajnes in hell may be lefle, 
 as appeareth by our Saviour Chri ft, Itlhall beea- 
 ^itxioxtyrus and Sjdony forsodomeand Gomorrhe, 
 than for Capermum^^nd other Cictes unto which he 
 came, in the day of Judgement, MattL 1 1 . 20. 1 am j 
 perfwadedchat thofe who have utterly wanted the 
 wanted the miniftery of the Word^ and thofe who 
 having enjoyed it, have joyed in ity and have in 
 fbme meafiire fubmitted thcmfelves to it, fhall 
 have fewer ftripes, and lefie torment in hell, than 
 thofe who having it long (hining bright upon 
 them, have flill lien fl-arke frozen in their dregges, 
 and utterly blinde in matters of heaven ^ and thofe 
 who having beene often wafht with many plenti- 
 ful! fliowres from heaven , have flill continued 
 Blackmoores, fcornfull and rebellious t© grace and 
 godlineffe. 
 
 Hemay aflemble with the Saints of God to ho- 
 ly exercifes with frequencie and fbrwardnelle, hee 
 may holdcorrefpondence^and talk of good things, 
 fweetly confiilt, and mutually communicate fccrets 
 with them. Such falle-hearted friends it feemes j 
 D4vtdh^, PfaL 5 5. 1 5,14. 5»# it wasthott, faith the 
 Prophetj my compan'on^ tnypnk^ and mm mnefa- 
 miliar frieni : Wttook^fneHconn^elltogtth&r^ andvpalr \ 
 kedinthhoufeofGodasfriendf. 1 
 
 H While \ 
 
 Mat.ii.io. 
 
Sz 
 
 The Saints 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 Afahs heart 
 was perfeft. 
 1 King. I J. 1 1, 
 
 See Vnct M<ir- 
 tj/r, 
 
 6 
 
 While he enioyes, the company and conference 
 of godly Minifters, and good Chriftians, he may 
 doe many good things ^ favour and countenance 
 the beft men, and for the time^ andinfomefbrt 
 / ftand for Gods glory, and good caufes 5 as J»{^ did 
 in the dayes of lehoiada the Prieft, iKmg. 12.2. 
 iCbron,i^,i6. And H^oJ v^zt much better for 
 lohff Baptiftf company ^ but when it came to the tri- 
 all, and they were left to themfelves, they were 
 both naught. ' 
 
 He may difcourfe eloquently and pathetically of 
 God5of his will and proriiifes^reprove the impiety, 
 prophanenefle^ formality, and coldnefle of others ^ 
 withallegations and proofes out of Scripture 5 he 
 may cenfure & condemne the ignorant and dumbe 
 Minifteryjand boaft himfelfe tobeof God,aS/#^^ 
 didj and yet himfelfe vvas hollow hearted/ 2 Chroft. 
 1 3.4.P. 10. I King,i 5.3. Hee may be hot, refolute, 
 and peremptory sigainft idolatry, as /^p the King 
 was, 2 chran. 1 5 .4. i ^. d^ 1 6, 10.12 .and yet he vext 
 the iProphers and Minifters of God, and was mer- 
 cilefle to theSaints, and fb not found hearted, as 
 appeared on his deathbed, cka'ver Vr^v, ir. 20. 
 thinks it was but a fit of frowardnefle in Afa^ to 
 cafl the Prophets into prifbri : But BarHmeHsAn- 
 drea^^ urgeth him as I have done. Yet i Khg,\^. 
 It feemes he was an honeft man. but howfbevcr the 
 thing is true. Take therefore Uhu for inflance. 
 
 Hemayhave (lirringsand flrivingsin his heart 
 and confcience, when he is tempted by Satan^ and 
 entifed byhisowne fenfuall corruptions, to the 
 committing of any groffefinnc^ fo that hee goes 
 
 , .*/-^' ' . '■' ■ " about! 
 
felfeHnrichmg examination. 
 
 ' — — __^ — ^ 
 
 about It with (bmc feares, diftaftes, and grudg 
 ings of heart. Pilatev/SLS troubled in minde before 
 he paft fentence upon Chrift, And tierod was grie- 
 ved when he (aw loh» Baptift was to die. 
 
 When his confcicnce checks him, or the mini- 
 ftery of the Words frights him with judgementj 
 afcerthccomiffionof afinne, he may repent and 
 confefleit. So did /W^/ humble himfelfe with fa - 
 fting and iackcloth.So did ^ Wjyell and cry as Efiiu 
 did. But it is not with true feeling and hatred of 
 finne, andbecaule they grieve God. i'j j. : lii?: 
 
 Hee may die fairely and meekly like a Lambe, 
 without any feares, or violent temptations, with 
 fomeformall good fpecches,tomake his departure 
 more Chriftian-Iike, ''and yet be of the number of 
 **= thofe5that hav e no bands in their death, P/^.73.4. 
 but goe down fuddenly totheir grave,7(?^2 i.that is, 
 (wectly, mildly & eafily, not tormented with long 
 ficknefle, or aftonifhed with feares of confcicnce 5 
 they both meane the wicked. Thefe things a man 
 may doe 5 thus farre a man may goe by the power 
 of a temporary faith, and the general! graces of the 
 fpirit. Why then beloved before I pafle out of this 
 point, if reprobates may attainefo great and ex- 
 cellent things 5 as knowledge of the my fiery of 
 Chrifl 5 apprehenfion of his cxcellencie 5 fbme 
 worthy gifts of the holy Ghort 5 rejoycing in the 
 Gofpell, many powerfiill effefts of the world to 
 come 5 fume kipde of repentance andconverfion 5 
 (bme good affeftions to Gods glory and Mini- 
 flers^ reformation of manyfinnes :^ and outward 
 holinefle 5 and yet for all this have no part in the 
 
 H 2 falvation 
 
Sf 
 
 iCor.tj.J.tf. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ftlvation of the Saints, nor be truly regenerate to 
 a lively hope in. Chrift Jefiis, what need have wee 
 if we have any care to be (aved, to fift and fearch 
 to the bottome our cozening and deceitful 1 hearts, 
 and to examine and try thorowly whether we be 
 in the faith, whether Chriftjefusbeinusor no? 
 If men endued with great knowledge, fome grace 
 oi the (pirit , and outwardly reformed in their 
 lives,may yet have no part inthe firft rciurreftion , 
 where (hall appearethe ignorant, the wilfully pro- 
 phane, the ftubborne rebellious to godly courfes, 
 andgood inftrudions ? What (hall become of the 
 fwearer,the dmnkard,the unclean perfbn,the icor- 
 ner, the Ufurer, the worldling ? If the formall pro- 
 feflbr^thecivill honeft man cannot be (aved, where 
 ihall the defperate fwaggerer,and notorious (inner 
 appeare>If many (hall feeke to enter into the King- 
 dome of God, andjhall not be ahk^ Luk, 13.24. what 
 (hallbecomeof thofethat runne as fall from it as 
 they can, that root in the earth, hunt after the 
 world all their life longhand never fb much as once 
 looke up to heaven^ or entertaine one thought of 
 attaining the joyes and glory thereof? Many thou- 
 fands of poore (bules moft fearefully deceive 
 themfelves in this pointy about the (pirituall eftate 
 of their foules. How many doe not with thatglad- 
 ne(re heare, with that reverence refpe^fl, with that 
 reformation of many things follow the Miniflers, 
 andminifteryof the Word, as Hertfdd\dloh»Eap'- 
 tift ^ How many have not halfe that zeale for the 
 Lord of Hofts, as Ufm had ? How many never 
 humbled themfelves with fafting, or mourned in j 
 
 fackclothl 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 fackcloth for their finnes^ as Ahab did ? How many 
 doe not with halfe that care and crying (eeke a 
 blcfTing^as did £/^;^5(whoyet was rejeded of God.) 
 Hee went to his father, hee fell upon his knees^ 
 he yelled for very griefe • he was afhamed he had 
 fbJighcIy, and at luch a low rate palTed away his 
 birth-right_, and bleflings of heaven -^ he wept and 
 fhed teares. I fay how many have not gone halfe 
 fo farre in thefe points, andyetthinke all is well 
 with them, thinke they are forward enough in the 
 profeflion andpradife of Religion, and make no 
 doubt of heaven hereafter ? But deceive not your 
 felves beloved in the Lord lefus ; The power of a 
 temporary faith, though unfiifficient to falvation, 
 may bring forth a faire fhew of Chriftianity and 
 conuerfion 5 a very caft-away may goe farre in ma- 
 ny things, as you have heard. 
 
 As concerning the Word, hemayheare it, un- 
 derfland it, aflent to it, rejoycc in it, pradife fbme 
 duties commanded by itj and yet all the while but 
 the favour of death unto death to him. 
 
 He may goe farre fh faith, beleeve the truth and 
 power of the Word, beleeve thepromifes, beleeve 
 Chrifi died for finners, yea, and hope he is one of 
 them that ChrifV died for 5 and yet have no part or 
 trueinterellinhim. 
 
 Hee may goe farre in repentance : For hee may 
 confefTe and acknowledge his finnes^ he may feele 
 pricks in hisconfcience, havefbrrowinhis heart, 
 and teares in his eyes for them 5 hee mayproroife 
 and purpofefbr a time to amend, yea and make re- 
 flitution and §tisfaftionfor wrongs done^he may 
 
 H :? have 
 
 «5 
 
85 I The Saints 
 
 have great penfivenefle and terrour after fomc hor- 
 rible £id, for feare of (hame, law, punifhmenr, 
 hell fire, &c. as hadl^^/, Cainej Saul^ Efau^ aM^ 
 and fuch like, and yet come fhort of (alvation. 
 [ Hee may goefarre in outward fhcwof anholy 
 and upright life ^ hee may bee a juft dealer 5 an 
 ordinary goer to Church 5 a good pay-mafter ^ 
 areleever of the poorc ^ abountifullhoufe-kce- 
 per li and yet at lall: be turned into helL Why then 
 beloved brethren, it very deeply and neerely 
 ftands every man upon, to inquire and try whe- 
 ther his converfation bee counterfeit orcurrant 5 
 whether his converfation bee but formally and 
 faireinfhewonly, oriincercand truly Chriftian. 
 And never (uffer his eyes to fleepe, nor his eye- 
 lids to {lumber ^ never to reft and be at quiet, or 
 topleafe himfelfe in any grace or fervices 5 until! 
 comparing them with thofe attainable by the re- 
 probate, hee finde himfelfe to goe beyond them^ 
 aid to afcend to the pitch of truth, and finceri- 
 tyin all his wayes, which no caft-away canpof^ 
 bly comprehend, or ever attaiueunto. Elle un- 
 doubtedly in the day of our vifitation , when 
 our conlciences ftiall ftand upon ftrifttcarmes 
 with us, whether we have beene formall profef- 
 fbrs, or trae Chriftians 5 we (ball fhrinke in the 
 wetting. And then when it is too late^ discourage- 
 ments and feares will ceafe upon us in an unfeafo- 
 nable time 5 and our fiire foundation will bee to 
 lay when the rainc falleth.and the flouds come,and 
 the winds blow, MattL 7. 2 <?, 27. A great many 
 men when they fall downc upon their bed of laft 
 
 fickncfle^i 
 
felfeAnriching examination. j 8 7 
 
 fickneffe, are like them which commit thcmfelves 
 to the raging and tempeftuous Seas in a rivcn^fhip. 
 There converfion is not founds and the ftrong 
 operation of the Lords fanftifying (pirit but hol- 
 low and by halves : Their faith is not true and (a- 
 ving, but only a bold prefumption^ and bare con- 
 ceit, thatthey have a true and (aving faith. 
 
 Many in their lifetime are contented togoca 
 good way with godly men toward heaven, asOr- 
 p./ A went with her filter K»M 5 (heewent farrein 
 fhew^ihe leaves her Country5{he travels alongjfhe 
 weeps as well as Ruth ^ but in the end a few words 
 and realbns perfwade Sc prevaile with her to turne 
 backe.So there are many walke on prettily in (bme 
 meafures and degrees of faith, repentance^conver- 
 fion and converfation for a while with good com- 
 pany^ but when they meet with fomecrofles^when 
 they are utterly to forfake their merry company all 
 their finfblf pleafiires, and their fweet finne, and to 
 be abridged and fcanted of their temporary hapt 
 neile, a few camall reafons^ irreligious friends or 
 familiars^ a confideration of the cuftome of the 
 times, and example of the greater part, doe cafily 
 coole their forwardneUe, and hale them backe to 
 their former plodding courfe of formality and 
 good fellowfhip. But all true 'Naihmeh:, all right 
 Ifraelites, all thorow Chriftians, are like relblute 
 Ruth^ after they have once given their names to 
 God, andtafted of the glorious comforts of true 
 Chriftianity, and a good confcience, come what 
 come can, they ftandfaft, andftickeby it ; though 
 thebloudy fangs of cruelty bee faftned upon the 
 H 4 very 
 
 Ruth. 1. 7. 1 4, 
 
8S 
 
 Ruth 1. 1 ^. 
 
 Ob, 
 
 The Saints 
 
 very face ot their innoccncie j and they be trod and 
 trampled upon with the feet of pride and malice, 
 even unto duft 3 nay, though the Lord himfelfe 
 fhould kill them, yet would they truft in him, and 
 ftand faft in the truth and grace they have recei- 
 ved. They will none of their former pleafUrcs, 
 and finfull courses, they are diftaftefull, irkfbme, 
 and tedious unto them 5 you cannot hire them or 
 hale them to lie, to fweare, to be drunken^ to com- 
 mit filthineflcj to prophane the Sabbath, torunne 
 to their fportsandpaftimes on that holy and blef- 
 ledday, which we ought to conlecrate wholly, as 
 glorious to the Lord : Or the like in the whichper- 
 haps formerly thev have lien, and taken delight. 
 They will forward with godly men, and a good 
 conlcience, whatfoeverbetheiiTue : And (peakc 
 to them, as Rffth to Naomicy Whithey yon goe ImU 
 goe^ aniwherzyou lodge I mil lodge j c^c . 
 
 if ea, but carnall realbn and prophane men have 
 bv this time fome grumblings and repiningsrifein 
 their hearts, and they iay within themfelves, here 
 is a tart, harfh, and auftere point indeed ^ here is 
 fowre, defperace, and uncomfortable dodrine 5 a 
 man may goe fo and fofarre, have fiich and fuch 
 graces, and yet be a caft-away, and yet be damned. 
 God forbid. Let us have mercy, comfort and lal- 
 vation preached unto us ^ Let usheare how Lot^ 
 Davidy sahmjf^yPeter:,*ndothevSd\nts of God, for 
 all their fearefull falswerereftored to mercy, and 
 vcffels of (alvation. Let us heare of the theefes 
 convcrfion upon the erode, and how his repen- 
 tance, though at laft caftj ferved his turne.for hea-l 
 
 ven. 
 
felfe-inrkhing examination. 8p 
 
 veDj and not fuch cutting^tart and terrible doctrine 
 as this, &c. 
 
 I anfwer. Nothing hath beene delivered in this 
 point, but that which hath fiire and everlafting 
 warrant and foundation out of the Word of trurhj 
 and binfecondedby the (bund judgement;sof the 
 beft divines. It may, and (liould be uncomfortable 
 to prophane men, to fuch as are drunke with pre- 
 fumption, profperity and Security ^ to thofe that 
 are defirous to fave their Ibules, and yet are refbl- 
 ved to continue in finne ^ to fuch as will needs have 
 a paradiie of pleafiires here, and a heaven of joyes 
 hereafter^ toaltformallprofeflbrSj carnallGofpel- 
 lers, and halfe Ghriftians. But it is farre better for 
 (tich to hearethe vov'ce of terrour and judgement 
 out of the Law of God, to terrifie and rcforme 
 them in the meane time, than hereafter to be tur- 
 ned into hell with that voyce of vengeance - Coe 
 yee cur fed hto everlafting fire* It is farre better for 
 them to heare of damnation tor their humbling 
 here upon earth, than to endure it everlaftingly to 
 their horrible confufion in the world to come. As 
 for the true Chriftian, this makes his heart dance, 
 leape for joy within him 5 when he finds himfelfe 
 by thefandifying grace of Gods fpirit, pofTeft of 
 thofe fpirituall graces of which no reprobate can 
 poflibly be partaker 5 when he fees chat true hear- 
 ted (incerity is in hii^ inward parts, that impartiall 
 hatred of all finne that carefull refped: and univer- 
 (all obedience to all Gods Commandements^which 
 are infallible marks and charadters which diftin- 
 guifh him from formallChriftians, and all Hrates of 
 -. unrc?ge- 
 
 SjI. 
 
 ^\ 
 
po 
 
 SdcAtterfiU 
 Numb,ti.pag. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 unregeneration. And further, outof coniideraci- 
 onof this point, his holy and happy (bule cannot 
 chufe but melt, and relolve into praifcs and thank- 
 fjlnefle 5 that the great bounty of his gracious 
 God, and the power of hisfanftifying (pirithath 
 carried him beyond the reach and pitch of all re- 
 probates and unregenerate men ; though thou- 
 (andsof* them being gulled by Satan, and beguiled 
 by their owne cozening and deceitfull hearts, 
 thinke they are farre enough in goodnefTe and 
 grace forlRilvation, and need no more for the at- 
 tainment of heaven. 
 
 Laftly, when he duly and ferioufly weighes how 
 farre a reprobate may goe^ what graces and per- 
 feftionshemayattainCj howneare he comes unto 
 him ^ it makes him more zealous, carefull and dili- 
 gent to make his eledion (urc by fincerity and ho- 
 linefle ^ to hie fafter towards the marke, for the 
 price of the high calling of God in Chrift Jefus^ 
 to prefle on more eagerly to the ftreight gz re, and 
 and with greater violence to lay hold on the Kint?;- 
 dome of Heaven. My doftrine then is fuch as it 
 ftiouldbe 5 If it be a cutting corrafive tothepro- 
 phane, and comfortable cord iall to the Chriftian. 
 Many wickedly prefume to finne with the Saints 
 of God, but they never repent and rife againe with 
 them. The fals and infirmites of the Saints are 
 mentioned in Scripture, not to encourage us with 
 confidence and prefumption ro finne, but to make 
 us walke warily, and to workc out our falvation 
 with fcare and trembling. 
 
 ti?/ fell of infirmitie, and no doubt it coft him 
 ^ many I 
 
felfe^inricbing examination. 
 
 many a grievous pang 5 and befides, Gods fierce 
 judgements and fearfull plagues ftill haunted that 
 inceftuous feed. Looke upon David^ crying in his 
 ftrong agoniesa and anguifh of fpirit^ pfal. 3 8. his 
 finne was as fire in his bones^ that made him goe 
 crooked : He had not a good day for a long time, 
 but the gricfe and horror of his finfiill pleafiires 
 made him cry out. You may (ee in that Pialme.that 
 he bought his finne full deare. Veter wept bitterly^ 
 •nd no doubt with zeale in his calling afterward 
 made a glorious mends for his fall of infirmity, ac- 
 cording to Chrifts threefold charge, but thou, &c. 
 
 Salomons retraftation and repentance may bee 
 feene in Ecclefaftes, As for the example of the 
 theefe ; firfl:, the Lord knokt but once by one Scr- 
 mon, and he repented 5 thou haft heard many^and 
 art yet hard hearted. 
 
 Secondly, this is an extraordinary, and but one 
 example in all Scripture. A King (bmetimes pardo* 
 ncth a malefador at the place of execution, wilt 
 thou therefore, 8cg. 
 
 Thirdly, this example is onely for true peni- 
 tents, &c. 
 
 Fourthly, the other theefe, though he (aw with 
 his eyes Chrifts precious bloud (bed upon the 
 Crofle for the finncs of men, 8cc. 
 
 Fifthly, It was a miraole, with the glory where- 
 of our Saviour would honour the ignominie of 
 the Crofle, We may almoft as well expeft a (econd 
 crucifying of Chrift, as fiich a fecond theefe. 
 
 There may another objedion bee made, and a 
 doubt arife out of the point formerly delivered ^ 
 
 for 
 
 9' 
 
 This theefe 
 confefled 
 Chrift, when 
 all the world 
 denied him « 
 
 DiliC of Rcpcn- 
 ii;aiice,pag.i6i. 
 
 Ok 
 
pi 
 
 Sol. 
 
 Pfalm \7» 
 
 & 
 Pfalm.; J, 
 
 The Saints 
 
 for it mayfeeme very ftrange, that God will be- 
 , ftow fuch excellent graces upon, reprobates, who 
 I have no true intereft in the everlafting covenant 
 of mercy and peace, no part in the Lambe, no ti- 
 tle or right to the glory of heaven. It will bee 
 thought, that they are jewels for the cares, and 
 bracelets for the arraes of Gods children alone, 
 and not to be throwneamongft fwine. 
 
 I anfwer ^ It is done efpecially for thefe caufes : 
 Firft, that the glory of Gods goodneflemigh!^ 
 fhine the fairer, and more brightly in the world, 
 and among the fbnnes of men. The whole world 
 is thicke embroydcred,and every where befet with 
 a wonderfull variety of prints and pafJages of 
 his goodnefle and bounty. Every creature in forae 
 meafure or other doth tafte of his liberality. In 
 this great volume of nature round about us, wee 
 may run and read the deepcimpreflions and large 
 charafters of kindnefle and love^ which his merci- 
 full and munificent hand hath made in all places, 
 in every leafe, page and line of it. Now as out of 
 the bottomleiTe Sea, ^nd unexhaafted fountaine of 
 his owne goodnefle, he caufeth his Sun to fhine as 
 well upon theurrjuft as the righteous ^ his raine to 
 fall as well upon weeds, thiftles and thomes, as 
 upon herbs, flowers and ftuit trees. So many times 
 hedeales large doles of temporal! happinefle^ and 
 generallgraces, as well unto the reprobate as the 
 trujeChriftian. Hisdeare, everkfling and (peciall 
 love belongs oncly unto his eleft : But in generall 
 graces aud temporary love, that I rray ^o call ir, he 
 is bountifull many times, even to the reprobates^ 
 
 As 
 
 I 
 
felfe4nrichmg examinamn. i p^ 
 
 As they are content tofervehiminraanythingSj 
 (b hee is willing to conferrc fbme bieffings up- 
 on them. But as they will not part with their 
 Aveetfinne, and their whole heart for his iiervicc, 
 which he doth fpecially require ^ (b he will not part 
 with falvation and eternall life unto them^ which 
 above all things they ought moft to defire. 
 
 Secondly, thefe gifts and graces are beftowed 
 on the reprobates, efpecially for the good comfort 
 and benefit of the eled ; For all things in the 
 world belides the eled, are for theeledlsfake, as 
 the eled in a more excellent and eminent manner 
 for Gods glory 5 and all th ings worke tog-ether for 
 their good. The very temptations o£ Satan, the 
 u(eor lode of the creatures, tjierage of the (cor- 
 ner, the cruelty of the perfecutour, the moderati- 
 on of the civill honeft man, the illumination of 
 the formall profeflbr, affliftions and croflTes,, nay 
 their owne finnes and infirmities ; all thefe^ and 
 every thing el(e in the world makes one way or 
 other for the good of Gods children 5 nay, the 
 worldlt felfe ftandsonely untill the number of the 
 Eledbe accompli(hcd ; For when the laftof Gods 
 chofenbee once called and fitted with ^raccfor 
 heaven, it will prefently flame with fire, the trum- 
 pet will found, and we (hall all come to the judge- 
 ment of that great day. God therefore many times 
 inlightens the reprobates with many gifts of 
 the (piritj and common graces^, that thofewhom 
 he hath defigned to (alvation, may bee the better 
 by them. To this purpofe in the Apoftles time in 
 the Primitive Church J there were many common ; 
 
94- 
 
 I Cor.t>. 
 
 Joh.S;$. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 gitcs ^ as the gitc ot knowledge, the working of 
 miracles, the word of wildome, the power of hea- 
 ling, the di(cerning of fpirits, the diverfitie of 
 tongues , the interpretation of tongues, to all 
 which if there were not addeda juftifyingfruitfoli 
 faith, a true love to God, his Word and (ervice, 
 and to true Chriftians, the gifts of regeneration, 
 a dying to finne, a rifing up to newnelle of life^the 
 grace of hearty prayer, comfort in diftrefle, and 
 {uchlike, which be infallible notes and marices of 
 eleftion ^ I fay without thefe the former common 
 graces did not (ave the owners, but onely ferveto 
 edifie others, and to inlighten the eleft in the way 
 to heaven. I doe not doubt but ever fince in the 
 Church, and at this day, as God by his Almighty 
 hand doth bridle and curbe the fierce and bloody 
 rage of perfecutors, and cruell prophancnefle,that 
 his children may live peaceably by them 5 and as 
 by his reftraining fpirit he breeds a moderation,in* 
 genioufiicfle, civill honefty, and juft dealing in 
 others 5 that they may injoy their owne, and 1 ive 
 comfortably in refped of worldly matter. So I 
 doubt not but he doth furnifti fbme with many 
 worthy and excellent gifts of his inlighming fpirit, 
 though they want fanftifying grace ^ that there- 
 by the Eleft maybe furthered in fpirituall matters^ 
 and guided in the wayes of falvation. 
 
 Thirdly, their endowment with thefe graces 
 
 make them more inexcufable. For whereas the 
 
 Lord vouchfafeth them knowledge, fbme faith 
 
 and joy in his Word, many notable gifts, a glimfpe 
 
 I of the glory of heaven, and a tafle of the powers 
 
 I '■ of 
 
 •rr-iinrrr-T-i - -i~i" 
 
felfe^inricbing examination. 
 
 of the world to come, and yet for ail this they will 
 not be drawne on to be thorow rclblute, and true 
 hearted for Gods fervic^, and fervants -^ but ever 
 when their ehiefe carnall contentments are called 
 into queftionjthey ftart afide like a broken bow ^ I 
 fay they doe herein cleerly judge themfelves un- 
 worthy of everlaO:inglife.,/^(^. 13 .45.andmakethe 
 fentence of ecemall condemnation more than moft 
 juft againft them.How will they be confounded and 
 alhamed at that great and fearfuIJ day, when it (hall 
 appeare before men and Angels , that the Lord 
 in this life gave knowledge and profe/Iion of his 
 truth unto them -^ let them have feme taftes of the 
 glorious comforts of his children, and the unfa- 
 ditig treafores of eteraainife • and told them by 
 the Minifters^ of his Word, if they would utterly 
 and refblutely weane and withdraw their affefti- 
 ons from the world arid earthly pleafores, andfet 
 their hearts upon things above, and become notal- 
 moft,but akogechef Ghriftians •, they fhould moft 
 certainly hereafter drinkedeepe and large of the 
 Wellof life, and River of endleflepkafure : Yet 
 for all this, wretched and wilfull men , they would 
 not part with the pleafures of one bofbme (rnne or 
 other, which they hadprefentlyin pofTedion, for 
 heaven hereafterj though they had the Word and 
 promife of Almighty God for the performance of 
 it in due time. 
 
 Thus ferre of faith rnfofficient to falvatroHjWith 
 which thoufands content anddeceivethem(elves. 
 
 2. Now in a fecond place I am to acquaint you 
 
 with feme by-paths about faith ^ which except 
 
 •'■'•' they 
 
 9i 
 
 Bypaths In 
 faith to be ta- 
 ken heed of. 
 
I 
 
 96 
 
 ,^ • 
 
 ^be Saint f 
 
 they be takenheed of, and carefull/ avoided, will 
 lead us into mifery andconfufion. 
 
 I. The firfl: ftands in excefle, it is credulity. Ma- 
 ny though they be meere worldlings, flaves unto 
 pleafurcs, (old unto finne, and fwim downe the 
 current of the times, laden with corruptions, and 
 many finfiill vanities, yet they will needs threape 
 kindneffe upon God : They would gladly bee 
 thought to have faith in ChrifV, aud hope of lalva- 
 tion, though they were never humbled for their 
 finnes, their hearts never broken and bruifed with 
 t€rrours of the Law, and remorfe of confcience 5 
 though they never repented, never (pent tcare for 
 their lewdnefTe paft, never once groaned or fighed 
 under the burden of their corruptions,yet they pe- 
 remptorily perfwade themfelves that they (hall be 
 (avedatlaft ^ and when all comes to all^ that God 
 will be very loth tocaft away any of his creatures, 
 and to turne them into Hell.But except we be flark 
 AtheiftSjand beleeve not the truth of Gods threat- 
 nings ^ or blalphemous milicreants, to thinke that 
 God is as man, that he fhonid lie, we may allure our 
 (elv cs that the mck^dflmll be turned into hell^ and all the 
 people that forget God^Pfal. 9.17. As thefmokevanifieth 
 (faith Davii)foihalt thou drive them avp4y -^ aud as wax 
 meltetJ) bejvre thefirej f)Jballthe mcl^d perifi at theprc' 
 fence of God^ PfaL 6^.2, Behold^ fai th Malachie^ chap, 
 4. 1 . the day commeth thatpjallburne as an Oven, and all 
 theproud^yea^^andallihettdoemck^dlyjhallbefhtbble-^a'td 
 the day that commethjhallburne them up, faith the Lord 
 \ efhofis, andjhall leave them neither root nor branch, 
 i And God himfelfe thus Ipeaketh by the fame Pro- 
 phet, 
 
felfe^ inrichmg examination. i p 7 
 
 phet, chap. 3 5. Imllcomz neare to puto )udgtmtntt 
 anilmll be afmft mimffe againflthe Sooihfajw, and 
 againfi th adulterers ^ and agatnfl faljefneearers^ and 
 againfl thofe that wrongfully l^epe backe the hlrelwgs 
 wages y and vex the widow and the jathtrhjje^ and op- 
 prejje the fl^anger^ andfearenot t/ie^ faith the Lord of\ 
 H /?/. And how terribly the Lord will comeagainll 
 all thofe which goe on in their wickednefle, and 
 fecure rhemfelves in their finfull prosperity, ifaj/ 
 tdsiis/chap.66,i$^i6. Behold faith hee^ the Lordml/ 
 come withfire^ and his chariots like a wh:rlewindj that he 
 may rtcompence his anger with wrath^ and his indignati- 
 on with aflame of fire. For the Lord will judge wiihffre^ 
 and with his fword all flejh^ anitheJJaineofihe LcrdJfM/l 
 bemUny, Addethat, iTheJf.i.^^^, 
 
 Let no man then with a groundleflejprefumptu- 
 0US5 and tco credulous conceit, bee too bold and 
 build too much upon the Lords mercies ; Let no 
 man threape kindnefTe upon him againfthis truth 
 and juftice revealed in his Word. For it is a truth 
 farre more firme, than either the pillars of t!he 
 earth, or poles of heaven ^ (For heaven and earth 
 ihall paflTe away, but not one tittle of Gods V\ ord, 
 until! all be fulfilled.) That to e'veryone that difobeyes 
 the truth, and oheyesunrighteoufmjjei there fl' all bee in-^ 
 dignaiion and wrath, Tribulation and angmfl:)fldall hee\ 
 upon thefoule of every one that doth eiill 5 of the lewfirfl^ } 
 and alfo of the Grecian^ Rom, 2 . 8 5 p . ^ <^^ ^>'<?« blejfe ;, 
 -himfelfe in his heart' andfay, I flail have peace though /'• 
 waike after the flubbornneffe of mine owne heart : The 
 Lord willnot bee merciJHil unto that ma»i &c» Deut, 
 
P8 
 
 Mirton three • 
 foldSc. ofaiauj 
 
 7 he Saints 
 
 It any (ay, I will goeon in my (inneand yec noc 
 bee damned^ is as if hee fhould (ay, I will dfinke 
 poy(bn and not be choked ; I will goe ifito a plague 
 houfe and not be infeded 5 I will cad my (elfe in- 
 to the bottome of the River, and noc be drov/ned. 
 
 2. Another by-path ftands indefeft, and that 
 is infidelity : Upon this extreame^ upon this rocke 
 of ruine thoulands runne daily, and da(h their 
 (6uIesand(alvationtopeeces. It is a (ecret diftruft 
 of Gods promi(espropounding happinefie to man, 
 relying himfelfe on the mercy of God in ChrHt. 
 This diuruftfull humour, faith a worthy Divine, 
 hath alwayes reigned in the mofl: of all the men in 
 the world, doth at this day^ and will doe as long as 
 the world en Jureth- The grofle hypocrite iJtain- 
 ted with this leproiie, qKq how durft he for repu- 
 tation and advantage, making glorious proteftati- 
 onsand goodly (hew for God and godlinelTe, with 
 his mjuth and outward profeflion ^ deny them 
 utterly, and their holy power, in his heart, life^and 
 the carriage of his affaires ? The Epicure hath 
 drunk deeply of this poy(bn,eire how were it poi^ 
 (ible that he fhould prefer a fewbitter-fweec plea- 
 fures for an inch of time, in this Vale of teares,be- 
 fore unmixed joyes through all eternity, in the 
 glorious manfions of heaven. The worldling is in 
 great meafiire polTefl of this evill heart of unbe- 
 \cQ^Q ^ Heh.y.12. for were hee truly and thorowly 
 perfwaded of the truth of Gods^ Word, of the cer- 
 tainty of endlcfle paines, and everlafting joyes, 
 how were ic polTible that for a little earthly pelfe, 
 which he heaps and hoards together, with much 
 
 anxiety 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 anxiety and anguifli of heart, keeps together with 
 many feares and jealoulles, parts from (and per- 
 haps he knowes not to whom) with much forrow 
 and repining ^ liay, that for a little flich earthly 
 pelfe he fhould fell his immortall (bule to damna- 
 tion and hell. 
 
 But above all others the defperate & prodigious 
 Atheidsof our times (inke dec[ jft into this hell 
 of unbeleefe : For infidelity is their profeffionj 
 and (corning of godlinefle the trowne of their re- 
 putation. They drinke Co deepe and fo long of 
 renfiiall vanities 5 and del]:)erate prophanencfle ^ 
 thejiarefoflirioLifly inflamed with heatof luftfull 
 pleafures, that at length they become ftarke raging 
 tuadin fpirituall matters, ib that they flie in the 
 very face of Divine Majeflic, challenge God Al- 
 mighty^ and bid defiance to his Word : For they 
 (ay within themlel ves, even to God himfelfe, with 
 them in loh 2 1.143! 5. Depart jrom v.s we defircKot ihe 
 kfiiwledgeoftlyrt'a^esWhois thcAlmghiy that iprefwuld 
 Cerjebim^ Andvphat profit Jliionldreec have if rreeJJjould 
 prajtmto him / Andwiththofetowhom i/^inhis 
 fifth Chapters denounceth a fearefull woe 5 Let him 
 ff/a^e fveed Jet him hafie/f his v(^orke that npe p/ayfeeit^ and 
 kt the connfdlof. the Holy one ofjfracl draw nteve and 
 come ^that j!pe /^/ayk»on) it. And whenGod tels them^as 
 it is Malac^. i -^^Tourn^ords have beznfioM agaitiflr^ie ^ 
 Theyanfaer. vphat have vpefpokenagainfl thee .<? God re- 
 plies and Csyes^Tehavefaidit is invaim toferve God-^ 
 and Tfhat profit is it, that npe have f^pthisCommande" 
 ments & thatr^e vpalk^d humbly before ihe LordofHofts^ 
 Thcfe and the like^ are the hateful! blafphemies of 
 I 2 unbelee- 
 
 99 
 
100 
 
 l^he Saints 
 
 unbelcevlnghearts.That we may decline this dan- 
 gerous and delperate by-pach, and happily pre- 
 ferv^e our felves from this fearfull infidelity, and 
 ranke poyfbn of damned Atheifme, we muft bee 
 zealous and careful! to kecpe our undeftandings 
 light with divine knowledge^ Our faith in life, and 
 vigour with uprightnefle and integrity of life 5 our 
 hearts ever guarded with watch and ward againft 
 evill thoughts, and luftfull entifcments ; ouraffe- 
 ons fetled, and delightfully feeding upon heavenly 
 things 5 our confciences ftill awake, tender and 
 fenfible of the leaf): finne. For if we give way once 
 unto finne, and let loofe our deceitful! hearts to 
 range and rove at their pleafures 5 if once we give 
 the raines to our corrupt affedtions^we fliail be car- 
 jried headlong thorovv athou^nd crooked wayes 
 of vanity and iniquities, until! we be thrownein- 
 tp this irrecoverable dungeon of unbeleefe. Satan 
 car\tinually fuggefteth lewd conceits ^ our owne 
 concupifcence, that impoyfoned fountaine^ bub- 
 leth up evill thoughts, if they finde the leaft en- 
 tertainment in our hearts ^ they prefently breed 
 delightjdelight tollethoiiconfent, confentbcger- 
 teth adion,adion brings cuftome,cuftomegrowes 
 as it were itlto nature and neceffity ^ thence an iron 
 finew fprings in the heart. Hardnefie of heart is an 
 accurfed foile, fit for feeds of Atheifme , an J the 
 bitter root of unbeleefe ^ fuch poyfbnous weeds 
 rake root quicklyjand grow f ankly in a hard heart. 
 Let us then in tlienaaae of God rake heed how we 
 liften to the lure, or play witli the baits of finne^ 
 for Satan by tlie aid of our rebellious flefh will {6 
 
 take I 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 lOI 
 
 take occafion and advantage to heave and hoift 
 us up into the chaire of the fcornfoll. And that by 
 thefe degrees and afcents 5 for thus the infinuative 
 poylbnof finne doth fteale upon us. 
 
 1 . At the firftj to an honert difpofition, fear full 
 to ofFendjand formerJy unacquainted with wicked 
 courses, and lewd companions ^ finne feemesex- 
 treamly hatefull, diftaftefull, and untollerable to 
 bee borne. Such an one perhaps will be much vext 
 andaftonifht, when by the cunning of Satan, the 
 confpiracieof his owoe corruptions, arid thecoun- 
 fell of bad company, he is firft overtaken with 
 (bmefoule finne. 
 
 2. Secondly, After chat he hath beene twice or 
 thrice againe enfnared in finnes fenfiiall pleafui es, 
 by cafting himlelfe upon the occafions, and 
 amongftlewd companions, itlofethfomethingof 
 vreighr, it doth not prefle him (b importably, and 
 intollerably as it did before. It isyethcavieunto 
 him, kit not horrible.Hc is fbmething ftd after the 
 commiffionof it, and melancholike ^ but he is not 
 neare (b heavie hearted or wounded in confci- 
 ence as he was before. 
 
 3. Thirdly, by u(e, cuftome and continuance in 
 finne, itgrowes to be light 5 fo that he never takes< 
 it to heart ^ hee futfers not his confciencc to 
 checke him for it any more , but carries it away 
 fmoorhly and eafily, like the adulterous woman, 
 Pr<7Z^.; 0.20. u>ho eatethj and mpeth her mouthy and 
 faithjhe hih not finned. 
 
 4. Fourthly, after hee hath banifbcd remorfe, 
 and brawnedhisconlcience^ heegrdwespaftfee- 
 
 I ; iing 
 
lOZ 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ling : He is utterly deprived of judgement in di{^ 
 cerning the fbulnefle 5 of underftanding, in ac- 
 knowledging the accuriednefle ^ and of fenfe ihap- 
 j prehending the guiltinefTe of ftnne. Though a 
 thoufand deadly blowes light upon his fbule , and 
 many a mortal! wound ftrike thorqw his conici- 
 ence, yethe feeles no (mart, he is never the worfe 
 in his owne conceit. He is like a man in a phrenfie, 
 who though he be grievoufly tormented with his 
 difeafe, yet he f eelesno paine, but dieth laugh ing- 
 lyir Seaman that is gone thus ferre, though hee 
 (eefinnemoft hainoufly, yetheisferrfleffe of his 
 \ fpirituall mifery, and dies in finne with delights, . 
 I 5. Fifthly; When Satan hath once put Do.§s.hot 
 J iron, and feared his confcicnce^ hee more fully, 
 labfblutely and entirely fwallowes downe the plea- 
 Ifures of finne. He delights in doing evilL, as salo-, 
 mofpipGdks;¥mf,i^ 14. and exceedingly rejpyceth 
 ifitiK^ft VilQ perverfiiefle.. ^ -: i J ;,i ix; 1' 
 '■''^. Sixthly; This cur fed deligfirin'finnelKgets 
 liftill frefli ddires, and unfatiable greedinefle to 
 jlheape finne upon finne^.. When he is once paft fee- 
 j ling i and feeds upon (enluall and finfull iweetnefle, 
 Without any- ^eckeyremorfe, or biting of con- 
 ifcienGe - why then he gives himfelfe untowan- 
 ItOHiieife "to worke all'uncleannefTej- even, with- 
 ^reediriiflei • He cm^ot fieep^ except hhitth 'ct6mmlt\ 
 f»M'B!f\Jkep^'' dep^mh'ekccpti fe caujejomstocfally 
 
 .J. Seventhly, He defends finne^ heglorie&and, 
 ^6af^s?nh5i5^htt^fOltVeBdlions/By thistkne hee 
 toatl*i'^(«teniiim ^ fok-head of' brafiei^.4&4.. icr I 
 
 IV'}' .. . '-^ that/ 
 
felfeAnrichingexamination. ) loj 
 
 that he becomes one ofthe devils Prodors, to plead 
 for the works of darknefle ^ and one of the Charn- 
 pioHS of helljto fight in defence of prophaneneffe. 
 Now unhappily at length deceitfuInefTe of finne 
 hath accompliftied the meaftre of hardnefle of 
 heart. Out of which being turned into marble 
 or adamant, it carves a blacke and curfed throne 
 for the (eat of unbeleefe, that there it may rage 
 and raigne, and bid defiance to the Majeftie of 
 God Almighty, and to his holy truth. For from 
 this evill heart of unbeleefe, doth immediately 
 and naturally (pring, a departrngavpayfrom the living 
 God, Take heed brethren, (aith the authour to the 
 HcbreweSj chap, 3. 12. Lefl atanjiime there be in any 
 of you J an evill heart ofunbekefe^ to depart avfayfrem 
 the living God, He therefore that hath climbed up 
 thus high upon thefe hellifti ftaires^ beginnes now 
 to di(claime God, and all intereft in him, to deny 
 the truth of his promifes, accounting them no- 
 thing bnt faire pretences, and of his fearefull 
 threatnings palling by them, with fearelefle con- 
 tempt, as though they were nothing but vaine 
 Scar-crowes, terrifying and fraying none bur fome 
 fimplefcllowes, and religious fooles 5 and (b fall 
 quite away from Cod J and even Ipfofa&o^ as they 
 fty, in the very ad of renouncing God, hee de-^ 
 prives himfelfe utterly of all poilibility of blef- 
 fings from him, and receives at the fame inftant 
 under feale, as great a meafure of Satans curfed 
 malice, as his corrupt heart is capable. If any fub- 
 jed fhould notonely traiteroufly and perfidioufly 
 difclaime and abandon his-foveraigne Liege Lord, 
 
 1 4 but 
 
104. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 but al(b devote himfelfe, and fvveare his lervice to 
 his firli Maftcrs mortall and profefled enemie 5 you 
 know he doth incontinently caft himlelfe from ail 
 thole lands, offices, pofleflions and commodities, 
 which he formerly enjoyed, while he continued 
 in allegeance to his former Mafter. So juft is his 
 cafe, who by infidelity fals away from the God of 
 heaven. He then utterly deprives himfelfe of all 
 polfibility of any manner of bleffings, belonging 
 either to happinefle or holinefle. Hee can neither 
 love, feare , honour or obey God from whom hee 
 looketh, for neither good nor eviil;, neither re- 
 ward nor punifhment. 
 
 I have (laid the longer in difcovering this by- 
 path, becaufe certainly a great part of the world is 
 fearfully tainted with a fpice of Atheifme,and pof^ 
 (eft of a great meafure of infidelity andunbeleefe. 
 For \i men did certainly belecve the truth of Gods 
 Word, that he will recompence and reward every 
 man according to his workes, as his blefled fpiric 
 tels us by Saint Vaul, Rom, 2.^, 7,8. to themvphotjy 
 continuance ia npeU dsmg ftek$ g^ory, and honour, and 
 immOirtaUty , eteymUHfe : But unto them that are con- 
 ttntioHs anddifobey the truth, and obey unrighteoufneffe^ 
 indignation and vpratL I fay if men beleeved this, 
 how were it pollible that they durft follow every 
 one the vanity anddevifes of his ovyne heart, and 
 lie in the common falhions aad corruptions oip the 
 world } (bmt in lying, (bme in fwearing, feme in 
 drunkcnneflc, (bme in undeannefle, fbme in Sab- 
 bath brcakinea fbme in worldline (le, j(bmeinll(u- 
 ^ ry andoppreJffion 5 in one or ocher fiich worke of 
 
 dark- 
 
felfe^wriching examination. \ 105 
 
 darknefle 5 fith the end of thefe without repcn- j 
 tance and amendment^ is mod ceitainjyj if webe- 
 leeve the Word of God, everlaftingwretchedncile 
 and damnation both of body and fbule^ in the lake 
 that burnes with fire and brim ftonc. 
 
 A third by-path isdifpairfulnelTe. 1 know de- 
 {paire is properly and diredly oppofcd to hope 
 and not to faith : But I handle it herejbecaufe when 
 a man is humbled and caft downeby theterrours 
 of the Law, and with a broken and bruifed heart 
 fighing, and ibrrowfull in his legall repentance ^ 
 if he mifle of the right path that leads to the rich 
 mercies of God, and precious promifes of {alva- 
 tion revcaledin theGolpell,ard (hiningin the face 
 o{ Chrift Jefus.. he may be fearefully (wallowed 
 up and drowned in the gulfe of defpaire. Now 
 prefiimption, though it be a contrary courfe to- 
 ward damnation, and quiteoppoiite to that which 
 is by defpaire ^ yet it is thedire(a and hye-way 
 that leads to defperation, when men in the day of 
 their vifitation, and time of grace^ are called opon 
 by the loud cries and earned: invitation of the Mi- 
 nifters , to leave their immoderate love of the 
 world, and (Tnfullcourfes, and to lay faft hold in 
 time upon grace andialvation ^ and yet for all this 
 as the deafaadder ftoppeth his eares, and will not 
 heare the i%ice of the enchanter, though hee bee 
 mofl: expert in charming^ 'Pp?/. 5 8 . becaufe thereby 
 he would not be reftraincd from difperfing his 
 povfon : So they will not entertaine the powerof 
 the Word into their hearts and affedions, though 
 never fo often and inftantly urging unto it, left 
 
 thereby 
 
io6 
 
 a 
 
 The Saints 
 
 I thereby they Ihould be Itaid in their wicked and 
 j worldly courfes, terrified in their confciences, and 
 abridged of their pleafures -^ but theygoe ftillon^ 
 flattering themfelves in their profperiryjas though 
 ic were a certaine and infallible argument of Gods 
 favour, whereas there is no greater plague under 
 heaven, than toprofperintheworld, andyetbee 
 prophane ^ then profperity without grace. They 
 finfully and fearfully prefume upon Gods merq^, 
 either by blefling themfelves with aconceit^ that 
 for all the 'judgements denounced and thundered 
 out againft themjyet they (hall have peace, though 
 they continue in their ordinary courts, or by per- 
 fwading themfelves, that calling upon God, or cry- 
 ing for mercy at the laft houre will ferve their 
 turne^ and fatisfie for all their former rebellions. 
 I (ay, fuch men as thefe when they have runne 
 their race of lecurity, refufed fo many offers of 
 grace, and reached the height of prefumptioHj 
 they are readied to fall headlong into the pit of de- 
 fpaire. For the time may come upon luch, that 
 prefumption of Gods mercy having loofed the 
 raines to outrage in finne, and continuance in im- 
 piety and impenetencie, having waUed and quite 
 worne out the time of'grace, their minds maybe- 
 come fo reprobate, their confciences^fb (eared, 
 their (bules (b frozen in the dregs arfinne, and 
 their hearts lb hardned with the deccitfulnefle 
 thereof, that God will not be mcrcifull unto them ^ 
 (b that though they (hould weepe and lament with 
 Efau ^ make reftitution of ill gotten goods with 
 ludas 5 rent their cloaths, and put on (ack-cloth 
 
 with 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 wich Ahab ^ pull the men of God to comfort them, 
 and pray for them with S^<nl'^ yet all will not ferve 
 theturne ^ they refufed grace when it was oifered 
 by the miniftery of the Word, and urged upon 
 them by the loud cries of Godsmeflengers ; and 
 therforc they can now have no mercy, no blefling, 
 I though they feeke it with teares, as Efan did 5 
 though they throw their fearfuil and piercing cries I 
 into the avre with hideous groanes and veilings. | 
 That this is Gods courfeholdenwithprefumptu- j 
 ous finners, appeares plainly in his Word 5 Becaufe | 
 lha'2^ecalkd^amiye';reffffed^ I fiave firetched out mwe j 
 kmd^ and mmwoitUre^drd. ll^njljall they call upon \ 
 me;hut I will not anjmir -^ thy fhaUfeel^ me early .but they 
 ^allnotfindeme^ Prov.\.'i.(\^r%. The Lord by the 
 Prophet /J^.calsthe people to weeping and mour- 
 ning for their finnes ^ but they utterly feareleffe 
 of Godsthreatnings, fell to (porting and feafting, 
 !to joy and gladneffe, whereupon the finne became 
 unexpiable^ I^ay 22. Surely this tniquity JImU ni4 bee 
 purged fromyoH, tUlyeedie faith tlie Lord God of Hofis, 
 But the fpeciall place i&, Ecsf^^. 2 4. 1 3 . Becaufe (fai th 
 iGod to Jerufalem) I mould have pffrgedthee^, andthoi^ 
 Xfiafi not pwged^thoujlmlt not be purged ^fullhave cdufed 
 'mynpmthtolightnpontke. See to this purpose, Ljtk. 
 1^.41. Thus refufing to be reformed in the day of 
 •grace,' abufing Gods loving kindnelTe, patience, 
 'lonsi-fuffcring, and forbearance and prefiiming up- 
 on his mercy againft the truth of his Word, and 
 fgiory of- his juftice,- make W£ty- for utter rejeftion 
 land defpaire in the diiy o^ rrbubie and heavinefTe. 
 !He that in the flower of his age, and flourifhing 
 
 of. 
 
 107 
 
 \ 
 
 J' 
 
loS 
 
 The Saints 
 
 \ ot his outward eftate^ doth ruffle it in his vanides, 
 '. and runne on in his finneSjprefuming that the great 
 j Sea of Gods mercie will at length wa(h away all ^ 
 ! and the unvaluable price of Chrifts bloud-fhed 
 jwill difcharge the (core of his tranfgreffions , 
 i though never (b many.may in the day of his vifita- 
 ition, inthedayof mine and perplexity, by Gods 
 * ' juft judgement be wickedly perfwaded, that his 
 
 fins are greater than can be pardoncdjand that that 
 i infinite mercy will not remit fo much as his leaft 
 ! (infull vanity. We may fbmctimes take notice by 
 1 wofull and lamentable experience, that (bme ha- 
 I ving runne along and finful! race, inadefperate 
 i contempt of the meanes of their (alvation, in pre- 
 i fumptuous impenitencie , making Gods mercies 
 i a motive of rebellion againft his Majeftie, when 
 I once God beginnes to let loofe the cordof iheir 
 Pfal.jo.xi. j eonfciences , to (et their finnes in order before 
 j them, to place their fecret finnes in the light of his , 
 pfai.jog. countenance^ and to bend the brow of divine ju- 
 ftice againft their prophane and bold prefiimpti- 
 I ons, they prefently defpaireof Gods merry^ and 
 j their ownefalvation, they give over their foules 
 I as alrea-ly condemned 5 and are like that abomina- 
 ble Ufiirer, who having fiiftained fbme lolfe in his 
 goods5by and by bereaveth bimfelfc of his life al(b 5 
 and (b (bmetimes grow to phrenfie and madneffe, 
 or fort unto themfelvcs fearefiill and rufiill ends^ 
 and violent death, fo wretchedly like filly fifh, lea- 
 ping out of the frying pan into the fire^they throw 
 themfelvcs f om the hell of confcience, into the 
 hell of wicked devils. As we defire then to decline 
 
 thcfe 
 
felfe-inricbing exmination. 
 
 109 
 
 thefe wofull miferies, aid feare to fail into this 
 dungeon of de(pa'' re : Let us in the name of God^ 
 in this acceptable time of repentance^ turne uato 
 theLordjandtotrueholinciFejfrom our ignorance, 
 prophanenefTe^ worldlinefle, coldnefTe in Heligi- 
 on, and all other finnes. In this day of our graci- 
 ous vifitation ^ letus (ubmit our (elves with humi- 
 lity and obedience to the power of the Miniftery 
 of the Word, andafruitfull pradife of the fame. 
 Beloved in the Lord lefus, this is your day, this is 
 your Cctd. time, as you love yourowne {bules, fuf- 
 ferthe immortall feed of the Word to finke into 
 the furrowes of your hearts, and there tofruftifie 
 andflourifb, that it may grow from the Herbeof 
 Grace, to the Eare of Glory. Now lay up and 
 flore your felves with heavenly and fpirituall trea- 
 fures 5 you know not what want, what ftormes or 
 tempefl-s may befall you hereafter : And rhey will 
 be fure to holdoutagiinftthe defblations of the 
 whole world, againft wind and weather^ want and 
 poverty y even againft the ruines both of Heaven 
 and Earth •, they will never faile yoUjbut laft ever- 
 laftingly. Take heed of prefuming too much of 
 Gods mercies :• It is thatwide and wofull fnare by 
 which Satan tlrawes a great part of men into his 
 Kingdome oT darkneffe. Hee that here makes God 
 all of mercy, 'fotodifhonour him more fearefully, . 
 and without remorfe, all his life long, fhall mof^ 
 certainly hereafter moH: Juftly findehimtohim,- 
 felfe all of j if^ice, that Co he may glorifie his truth, 
 in receiving the wages of fiJch wiifull impietie. 
 But the chiefe thing I v/ould fpecially advifeand 
 perfwade 
 
no 1 Th^ Saint T 
 
 periwade you to in this poinCj is this ^ When it 
 Hiall pleafe the Lord byanefl'cduall application 
 of the Law, to bring upon your fouks true fbrrow 
 ) and contrition^ true reirorfc and conipunftion for 
 all ycur finnes ^ I would then have youtobe very 
 waricj and looke unto your fclves^ for you fball 
 then have two wayes offered unto you ^ you may 
 either follow ////dz/ to the Gallowcs ; or you may 
 tra^t the Lord lefus, blcfTed foreverbyhisbloudy 
 drops unt-o the Crofle : that is, you may either 
 finkeundcrtheburdcnof your finnes, and fb de* 
 fpiiire ^ or lay fall hold upon the Sonne of God, and 
 fobefavcd. In the name of God take heed, when 
 fpirituall affliftions of ibule, and terrours of the 
 Law fhall feize upon you,to worke you to remorfe 
 and repent ancCj be (ure to take the right way ^ be 
 not afraid, becaufc of the Word of truth ^ ifor af- 
 furedly in fuch cafes to the truly humbled and bro- 
 ! ken heart, Chrifl: Icfas opens hisarmesfarre wider, 
 { for comfortable embracement ^ the bowels of 
 I Gods merciesdoe rowle together, to fhew compaf-' 
 I ffion with farre more tendernefle, than ever the 
 I deareft mother to her fweeteft childe. Oh take 
 j heed of thathatefull andgriflygulfeof defpaire; 
 doe not fb farre gratifie the enenik of God ard 
 man ^ doe not fb much wrong thofe yearning bow- 
 els of Gods tendereft compailions,* which never 
 broke any bruifed reed. Be not fb cruell unto. 
 yourfelves, as to flop the botfomleffe and bound- 
 lefieSeaof Gods mercies from your owne fbules. 
 \ Oh be not fuch Lions and Tygers in your owne 
 ! houfes 5 be not fuch butchers of your owne bowels, 
 1 I as 
 
 
htfe-inrichmg examination < 
 
 III 
 
 as CO ceare, devour, and ftrangie your poore iouies 
 wkhendlefTe and irrecoverable Ibrrowes 1 Ohiie- 
 yerneverdefpaire of Gods mercies. Jc is thoughr 
 that Juhs did more dilhonourGoJ indefpairin^ 
 of his merciesj then in betraying of his Sonne ^ 
 thatdefperate c:<?//? did more grievoufly oftend in 
 Hiving, my finne is greater thin can be pardoned, 
 then by murthering his brother. Doe not then fb 
 farre violate and vex the everiading truth, and fiire 
 promifes of our gracious God, as to deny mercy 
 ioabr7tiftdfpnt^ and contrUe heart -^ a facrificefarre 
 more {\yQQi and pleaungunto him, tha^t the beafts of 
 aihojtjavdhih, and tcfi iho/rfapul Rhersofojk. Doe 
 not, O doe not trample underfoot that unvaluable 
 bloudo of fuch a gracious and everlafling Saviour, 
 by thinking it infufficient foryour falvatlon.Chrifts 
 bloud w^ii^ied even them that ftied it, A6f,2. upon 
 their repentance, what foule then fb (iained with 
 (inne, which being truly humbled, and truly pe- 
 nitent, it w^ill not purge and pardon ? It is a nccef- 
 faryftep towards (aivation and heaven, (as I have 
 often told you, and itismofl-tiue) tobethrowne 
 downe by the power and terrors of the Law, into 
 forrow & anguiOi of hearr^ into remor/e and com- 
 punclionofconfciencepwitii a thorow light ofyour 
 (inneSj and fenfe of Gods jult indignation againft 
 finners. But afcet you have beene brought upon 
 your knees with the heavievveight of \ our (] noes, 
 after your fbules have melted into teares of true 
 repentance, and cloven even to the duft of loweft 
 humiliation : Oh then take heed of liffning to the 
 bloudy temptations of that roaring Lion, that is 
 
 then 
 
 Pfal.JlJ7» 
 
Ill 
 
 PfaLj^o. 
 
 n^he Saints 
 
 then molt bulic lo draw you to defpaire. Doe not 
 by any meanes wound the wounds of your (bule, 
 or afflid the affllftions of yourconfciences, with 
 refufing to be comforted, and vvirb diftruft of re- 
 covery : But prefently by the hand of faith frame 
 a plaifter of Chrifts precious bloud^ and apply it 
 clofe to your broken and bruifed hearts : The wi- 
 der woundsj fbrrow for finne hath made in your 
 foules, the more plentiful! ftreamcs of the /oft and 
 foveraigne oyle of the comforts of the Gof: ell, 
 and promifes of peace fliall be fure to clofe up your 
 fores : Sooner muft God deny himfelfe, which is 
 impoflible 5 fooner muft he difi obe himfelfe of the 
 brighteft beame of his glory, and of the faireft 
 flower in his garland of Majeftyj which is h'n mer- 
 cy, before he deny pardon lo the truly penitent, 
 or refufe to give ea(e tothofe that are heavie laden 
 with their finnes, and weary of the burden -^ or 
 ceafe to meet on the way, and fall upon the necke 
 of what loft childe foever, which returnes unto 
 him with truth of repentance, fincerity of heart 
 and found amendmentof life. If it pleafe the Lord 
 once to touch your confciences with true reftiorfe 
 and forrow for your (innes , and to afFed your 
 hearts with a perfed hatred and loathing of your 
 former vanities, and wicked courfesj bee notdif- 
 mayed toappoach the throne of mercy and grace, 
 for with the Lord is plentifull redemption, and 
 with our God is ftore of endlefle compallions. 
 Though your former lives have beene fo rebelli- 
 ous, wretched and accurfed, that you are able to 
 lookebacke upon a Catologue of finnes, as bkcke 
 
 as 
 
JelfeAnriching examination. i 1 1 j 
 
 as hellj as red as bloud, as foule as Sodowz^ yet if 1 
 now in this time of grace you will faithfulJy turne | 
 unto the Lord, afllircdiy you (hall findeeafe, unto ' 
 your panting hearts, and cverlafting peace unto i 
 your troubled (oules. if a man be divorced from his ■ 
 mje. andjliibzcor/tz another mms.fi^allhretnrtteagdim 
 ufitoher,flwttldmithe land be defiled thereby .<? Put thou 
 haft plaid tl}e rohore mtb many lovers^ and yet returftet/n- 
 tor/;ejaiththeLordjer*i, i. Hence itappeares^that : 
 though our pollutions be many, our abominations ,; 
 hatefullj our vowes and promifes unto him often 
 broken 5 yet upon our unfained repentance he is 
 ready to receive us . But above all others me thinks i 
 there is one place in 7/^ 55»7j8,p. which is able to | 
 put life and frefh vigour into the moft defpairing i 
 (bule ^ and to refrelh the drooping confcience of 
 the truly pcnicent, with farre more comfort, than I 
 this whole great world w ere able to doe, if it were ' 
 wholly turned into gold, honours or pleafures ^ ' 
 nay, than ten thoufand worlds, if there were (b j 
 many. Letthemckedforfah^ his wayes, (faith God by 1 
 the Prophet in that phce)and the unrighteous his own 
 imaginations^ and turne unto the Lord^ and hejf?att have , 
 mercj upon him-^and to our God for ht is very ready to for- \ 
 give : Formythotfghtsare not ax your thoughts^ nor my 
 vpayes asyourwayes^faith tlie Lord:Btft as high as the hea- ' 
 vens are above t he earthy fo high are ttty tpayes choueyour 
 wayes and ffjy thoughts above your thoughts, Yo« muft 
 conceive the meaning thus^that the Lord there la- 
 bours to draw his people to the fountaines of 
 grace, and to drive them from diftruftfulnefle, by a 
 conlideration of his oranfcendent and unlimited j 
 
 K mercies. ^ 
 
u^ 
 
 ^I he Saints 
 
 mercies. It kemeithat they reafonedthu-^j or in 
 the like manner within themleU'es -^ Wee have 
 beene fb wretchedly rebellious, and have (bgrie- 
 voufly finned againft the Lord, that there is no re- 
 turning Dnto him, there is no hope of pardon. 
 What faith God, will you meafure my mercy by 
 your raercie ? Why there is as great oddes be- 
 twecne my vvayes and your wayes^ my thoughts 
 and your thoughts ; that is, betweene my mercy^ 
 and your conceits of my mercy, as there is diftance 
 betweene heaven and earth ^ they areas farredif- 
 ferent, as the utmoft ends of the world are dlftant 
 one from another. Men many times are fo unap- 
 pealable , and implacable in their anger, that no 
 (ubmiflion, no fatisfadion will \tinne againctheir 
 favour and afFcftiqu ; But God almighty of ano- 
 ther temper, though a man have traiteroufly and 
 rebellioufly ftood out long againft him, even 
 againft the honour of his Majeftie, and power of 
 his Kjngdomejyet he hath ev^r a pardon ready^and 
 mercy in (lore, if that wretched rebell hath grace 
 tofubmit himfelfe with true humiliation, and to 
 riie for it with tcares of unfained repentance. 
 What a man is there, that having his fonne cruelly 
 murthered, would be reconciled unto the party, or 
 ever reft fatislied untill hehadhisbloud^ yet our 
 gracious God {(b farrc is his excellent mercy above 
 atSiumane conceit) even fought by the Miniftery 
 of Pf/^r, /^(5f."2. CO be reconciled unto the bloudy 
 murderersof his owneonely innocent Sonne. Af- 
 ter they were pricked in their hearts^ and arnended 
 their lives, hee faved them by the bloudof the 
 ..fr{ Lord 
 
iiy 
 
 felfe^nrkking examination. 
 
 Lord ieflis^ which had fpilled his bioud.Why thcDj 
 
 if there be any droopiog and diftrefled confcience 
 
 amongft you -if there bee any fbule that is truly 
 
 humbled w* ththe fight and (enfe of his finnes, let 
 
 him (hake himfelfe from the duft, and delie de- 
 
 fpaire. Oh tiow foire a thing is mercy in the time of 
 
 anguiihand trduble ! It is likeaclbud of rain c that 
 
 commeth in ch€ time of drought 5 if he will goe 
 
 onwifh the gpcait worke of regeneration, which 
 
 ' the Lord hath happily begunne ittbim 5 if hee wr'W' 
 
 truly hate thofe linnes thatiHdw;(^>^Jeve bis hearty : 
 
 if he will faithfully forfake ihem, and amend his 
 
 life, my fbule for his hce fhaJl be faved. And Wefc 
 
 the finnes of his former vanity as great as the hu-^ 
 
 geft mountaines 5 asmanyinritfmberaB?th§ (ktids 
 
 on the Sea (bore, g^redasfcitrkti^m the VVordof j^^^*^^^^>^' 
 
 life and truth I dare adure him, they fliall become 
 
 as vphite as the driven ffjovp, and as though they had 
 
 never becne. Were his fbule all crimfbn red with 
 
 the bloud of men , as ManajfesVf^% 5 witb the bloud 
 
 of (bulcs, with the bloud of the Saint?, as was 
 
 Vanls 5 with the bloud of the Sonne of God, as 
 
 was theirs, AU, 2. yet it (hall bee as faire as the 
 
 brighteftSun-beame, andas the wings of a Dove, 
 
 which are covered with filver, and his feathers are 
 
 of yellow gold. lam perJRvaded by this time fbme i 
 
 mans heart doth leape and dance for joy within 
 
 him, at the difcourfc and difcovery of this immea- 
 
 (urable bounty, and thefe rich and golden Mines 
 
 of Gods infinite mercie, that hath no part in them 
 
 at all ^ whole conceit that thefe comforts belong 
 
 unto him, is buclike a poore mans drearae of gold, 1 
 
 K 2 which * 
 
11^ 
 
 Pral.68.ii, 
 
 I' 
 
 T'he Saimi 
 
 which endethin wane and misery. For Imufttell 
 j^oq, tha^ I dare not for my life promife fo much as 
 one drop of this mighty Sea ol mercy to any pro- 
 Iphaneman^ toanyimpeRkentperfbn> to anythac 
 ^oesoniqhis finnes : Ifljould fbftrengchen the 
 hands of the wic.edi juftifie the unrighteous, and 
 blefc where God dqthcurfe. This halme belongs 
 onely to broken and bruifed heart3 5 thefe fofc 
 and precious oyles are never vouchiafed but to 
 contrite and wpund^ Jpirics 5 thefe jewels and 
 pe^les aife the wee penitent*, peculiars and the 
 portion of thor(e on^iy that feare the Lord, oitii 
 tfemy^(ttkuw&ifdxi.if4^66.2, LectbemiiJ the same 
 Qf;(5Qdtake-?h^m *ndwearecb(?Ep, let rhcm^feed. 
 \ipm\ %MM themfclwes with the^ glori<c«^ com- 
 fort^, for they are theijE^^aod a thouland moe ; yea, 
 all the mercies of GckI, the uovaluable price of 
 Chrifts bjoudftied, and all the joyes of Heaven 
 af e their^&f qv^. But if there be any now. chat in; 
 itbis tiiiie'of grace will not fubmii? themfcives to. 
 the powejf and p radfci (e of the Word, vw II not pare 
 vvitfi thei? worldlinefle and earthly vanittea, ^^ill 
 not forfake their fwcetfinnes, and take part with 
 godly Cbri£Han$i, hut will aeeds goe on In irheijf 
 own^ wayes, and flUl wander in theby.patha of 
 iniquity ; £ have not a word of comfort -for any 
 (uch notonedropof all thofe merties belongs un-? 
 jtothem ^ hut except they repent and amen -i their 
 |liv€s^ they mav daily, and hburiv aped:^ afire U^ 
 WndlcdiuGocktirraihyWldchJhdUburf^ w$H t>herh»^ta^/ii: 
 lofhell and fiallc^nfumeihtearth with Urixcreafi^ md 
 
 » ; , : For 
 
 J 
 
felfeAmiching examination. 
 
 For as God is all mercy^ and meere bowels of com - 
 palliontoeverytmepenicent^foheisaconfiiming 
 fire to every rebellious wretch, and will certainly 
 at length wou^d the hairie pate of km that TPalketh in 
 hisfmms. Thus farrc of fai ths infufficient for fal va- 
 tion, and of by-paths about faith 5 which except 
 we take heed of, may lead us to much mifery. 
 
 Now in the neict place I come to propolefbme 
 markesandnotesof atruejuftrfying faith, where- 
 by I would have every man to try and examine 
 him(elfe and his (pirituall eftate in this behalfe, 
 and by which the true Chriftian may di(cerne and 
 diftinguilhhimielfe from all fancies, andinfuffici- 
 encies of other faiths^ and from the power and 
 perfedlions of temporary faith, 
 
 I. Firft, We may know our faith to be /bund 
 andfaving, if we finde in our felves that prepara- 
 tion of the heart for the infufion of faith, that 
 breeding and (pringing of faith in the heart, and 
 that blefTed birth of faith, which I have formerly 
 largely laid downe unto you 5 and to that end efpe- 
 cially, that you might not be deceived v/ith falfe or 
 infufficient faiths. 
 
 By the Miniftery of the Word (for that is the 
 onely powerfoll, principall, and ordinary meanes 
 of begetting the precious grace of (aving faith, I 
 fay ordinary, becaufe (bmetimes ic pleafethGod 
 to worke by other meanes^ as by fecret motions 
 and infpirations, by private reading, conference, 
 inftrudtion, exhortation, by miracles, by crofles 
 andafBidions in our parents, friends, goods, and 
 good name 3 by great humiliations, and want of i 
 
 K 3 worldly 
 
 '»7 
 
 PfaU8.ii. 
 
 Mstksof fa- 
 ying faith. 
 
 Of this fee In 
 the beginning 
 of this dif- 
 courfe of faith. 
 
ii8 
 
 The Saints 
 
 worldly comforts : Nay, perhaps fbmetimes by 
 cemporall bleflings, extraordinarily and ftrange- 
 ly beftowed upon men. But commonly God is ne- 
 ver wont to worke miraculoufly and extraordina- 
 rily when the ordinary meanes may bee had 5 and 
 moft of the(e are rather meanes and motives to 
 humble and prepare us, or oncly tohelpe forward 
 the worke of grace. And therefore I (ay by the 
 publike Miniftery of Gods holy Word, which the 
 Lord hath left and appointed, as the principall and 
 ordinary meanes to plant faith in the hearts of 
 mQx\^Kom. i o. 1 4. i Cor, i . 2 1 .There is ever wrough t 
 firft in the (bule that is to be (andified with faving 
 faith, a knowledge of that finfulnefle and curfed- 
 neffe by nature, then upon a fad and (erious confi- 
 deration of this point, it is broken and bruifcd, 
 with true rcmorfcjterrour and compundion. Af- 
 ter by confeflionof its' vvretched pollutions, and 
 condemnation of it ftrlfe ^ it is brought to an holy 
 liefperation, whereby it whollv renouncetb, dif- 
 cbim f s, and dilavowes it fclfe, as unworthy of life, 
 orbreathjorbein^ \ nay, by region of its former 
 lewdnefle and rebellions, even worthy of ten 
 fhoufand damnations in hell fire with the devil! 
 and his Angels. Thus when it is at the toweff, by 
 the mercies of God, itbeginnes to lift up its eye 
 upon the gracious promifes of (alvation, and life 
 revealed in the Gofpell, and fhining mofl- glori- 
 oully in the face of Chrift lefus.Then at the length 
 out of the darknelTe of deepeffc difcomforr, and 
 fpirituall heavinelle, begins to fbine fbmeglimpfcs- 
 of comfort 5 (bme little hope of pardon, mercy 
 
 and 
 
felfe^nriching examination. \ 119 
 
 and recovery, becaule it fees that the bloudyfuf- 
 fcririTis of ChriO, are a plainer fbveraigne enough, 
 and fufficienc to hcale all its fores. Whence imme* | 
 diately ari(ah in the heart, a hungry defire and I 
 longing third: afier the mercies of God, and me- I 
 rits of Chrift lefus. At laft with groanesand fighs j 
 unurterablCj with prayers and ftrongcries, itcafts 
 it felfeupon rhofc yearning bowels of companion, • 
 rhit are ever ready tobinde np the broken heart, I 
 and upon ourblelTed R.edeemer5all gorie-red with j 
 fu.ferings for our finnes. i 
 
 By fach preparations and pangs as thefe, (aving , Gaij.z^. 
 faith is fhed into the (oule : But other faiths come 
 eafily, forrhey are either butmeere fancies, and 
 bare conceits of faith 5 as the three kinds of imagi- ! 
 nary faich I told you off", or eife only floating in the | 
 braine, as the hiftoricall and the dead faith : Or ' 
 Iit;htly come, lightly gone, as temporary faith ^ (b | 
 that ufually they enter, and are entertained, with- 1 
 out any very (enfiblc change, or great alteration, | 
 either before their comming, when they are con- j 
 ceived, or afterward. j 
 
 Thus in the firft place wc may try whether our j 
 faith be true, by confidering the degrees and fteps i 
 by which it growesupinus. It comes not idlely j 
 and eafily, lightly and inlenfibly, but by the power j 
 of the Miniftcry, by a fight and fenle of our finncs, j 
 by an apprehenfion of Gods wrath and indigna- ; 
 tion due to us for the iame ^ by much true (brrowj j 
 remorfe, and heavinefle of heart, for grieving and 
 offending God , by our former vanities, lewdnefle, 
 and rebellions, by anhnngring and thirfting after 
 K4 the^ 
 
120 
 
 Thcfccond J 
 tt iall of faving 
 
 Mar.4,3o,j3. 
 
 Aplchyexpo.. 
 ficion of the » J, 
 PfalniC 
 
 ^he Saints 
 
 themercyandgraceof God inChnftJelus 3 farre 
 more lovingly, than for any worldly good ; thefe 
 are the tore-runners of a-true and fruitfull faith. 
 
 2. Secondly, Growth in ftrength, and a daily 
 (pringing up towards height of afllirance, and ful- 
 nefleof perfwaiion, is a found marke of a faving 
 faith. Other faichs commonly ftand at a ftay, or. 
 elfe flourilh falre and frefti for a while, but after 
 decay and die ^ or elfe they grow oaely in a pe- 
 remptory boldnelTe, and groundleife prefiiraption, 
 not in a true appreheniion^and feeling perfwafion 
 of Gods love and favour, and of the certaine par- 
 don and reraidion, of their finnes ^ but true and 
 juftifying faith grow es from a graine unto a great j 
 tree 5 from a little purling ftrcame -toa mighty tor- 
 rent ^ from a fpaike into a flame, being blowne by 
 thefpiric of grace^ increafed by the waters ifluing 
 out of the Sanftuary, and cheriftied with the dew 
 of heaven. It is weake at the fir ft God knowes/ull 
 of many doubts and <liftradions, nay^fcares and 
 tremblings 5 but after long experience of our owne 
 fincerity, godly life, and good confcience, after it 
 hath beene well exerci/cd with continuance and 
 conftancie in the nieanesof grace and knowledge, 
 by azealous and fruitfull hearing of the Word ^ by 
 reading, conference, meditation, prayer, u(e of 
 the Sacraments, finging of Pfalmes, publike and 
 private humiliations, faichftilnefle in bothcallings> 
 mcrcifiilnefle to the poore, &c. It growes up in 
 time^ and by leafure, to be a ft^ong faith. Let us 
 look^into the ?p/. 23. for theilluftrationsof his 
 Uruth 5 Whe^ the great (hepherd of our (buLes, 
 » our 
 
klfe4nriching examination. 
 
 our blefled Lord and Saviour Cliriftlefus, by the 
 call and cry of his Minifters^hath brought us home 
 from our finfuIlwandringSjinto his fold ; and after 
 led us along into his green pafturesjand ^Qd us plen- 
 tifully with the precious food of his Word, with 
 meditation in heavenly things, with comfortable 
 conference, and converfing with godly Chridians, 
 atter hee hath (weetly many times refrefht us with 
 the pleafant Rivers of waters, with peace ofcenfci- 
 ence, with joy in his holy (pirit, with comfort in 
 erodes and diftrefles, by telling us fbftly and ie- 
 cretly with an inward voyce^ and (acred infpi ration 
 of hisfandtifangfpirit, that we are certainly his, 
 and affured of his everlafting favour. After he hath 
 often reftored and revived our fbules from dead- 
 nefie and difcomforts, which the heavinefle and 
 rebellions of the flefh bring upon themjand taught 
 and trained them long in the paths of righteouf- 
 nefle ^ why then after this long experience of Gods 
 fpeciall love and favour, and exercife in the com- 
 fortable paflages of Chriftianicv and holinefle, 
 fakhbeginnes with an humble triumph, and holy 
 confidence,, thus to revive in our hearts : The 
 Lord lefus is moft certainly my true Saviour, my 
 ftrong Mediatour , and (hepherd of my foule. 
 Whence fprings three right noble and vidorious 
 conclulions ^ the iirft is this : : I ammofl: affured I 
 (hall never want any thing whidi is good either for 
 my body or foule : Though Lhavc but lictkofchis 
 worlds wealth, yet that little I have I hold in ca-^ 
 pi/e, by the right of my Redeemer 5 1 enjoy it with 
 agood conscience and inward peace, and I know 
 
 it 
 
 III 
 
ni 
 
 The Saints 
 
 it is that pittance and portion allotted unto me by 
 Gods eternall providence, whereby 1 am firtcft to 
 glorifiehim, and fave mine ovvne (bule. Thericli 
 men of the worlds and- the opprcfling Glints of 
 the earth, have greater abundance I conft-fTc, they 
 revell it infblently in their revenues and large pof- 
 feflions, they ruffle it in their riches^ row in gold 
 and filver, and h3%- e more than heart can willi f, but 
 they are IHll in poverty and want, bccaufe th.ey 
 want a contented minde, they are udirpers and in ■ 
 traders upon their goods and lands, becaufe they 
 have no part in Chrift ^ their riches are (hares unto 
 themj to intangle them in pride, covetoufneflc, 
 cruelty and opprefiion^ their worldly wealth on c- 
 ly fats them againft the day of (laughter. The fe- 
 cond is this^ in the darkfbme and dilmall valkyesof 
 death, IwHlfeanuofte evitt-^ that is, come what come 
 can ^ the anchor of my hope, the rocke of my com- 
 fort ftands fure. Though the heavens (hould flame 
 with fire, the aireroare with hideous thunder, the 
 earth tremble with dreadfoll earthquakes, the wa- 
 ters of the Seas rage^ and (hake the mountaines 
 with their (urges : Though tyrants Ihould threaten 
 fword and fire, fcorners forae and grinde their 
 teeth, prophaners fcoffeand raUe, friends (hrinke 
 backe, and fall away 5 though heavie afflidions 
 (hould light upon my body, goods or good name* 
 yea, though the griefly face of death were before 
 mine eyes, yet I am refblvedjW/;?? hatt h fixed •, by 
 the grace of God I (hall paffe thorow them all.and at 
 la(t lay hold upon that glorious Crowne, that I am 
 (ure is mine owne, and is already paid for by the 
 ^prccbus 
 
felfe-inricbing examination. 
 
 precious hearts blond of my deareft Redemer.The 
 laftconclufionisthis 5 DouhtkJJekindneJ[fe and mercy 
 fiaUfJ.owm: for ever 5 that is, 1 am aflured of con- 
 tinuance and perlevcrance in grace, unto the end 
 of my life, and of endlefl^e glory afterward through 
 all eternity. Though I be (bmetimes troubled with 
 doubts, and ftagger with temptations, yetlmake 
 no doubt of deliverance outof them, but will ever 
 reafbn with God out of many experiences of his 
 fpeciall favour, and everlafting love to m^ (piritu- 
 all comfort^ as David did in a temporal! conflrd. 
 When it was objeded unto him that hee was no 
 match for GolJah:) too little to enter the lifts with fb 
 great a Giant ^ Tkon art mt able Qzithsanl^ fogoe 
 ^ga'mfl this ?hilifti//:e to fight mth him : fir thou Jrt but 
 a bo) J and hee is a man of war re from his youth. Well 
 (ai th David, i haveflainea Lion and a Beare^ heretofore 
 by the mercies of God, and why tknJIwuU I feare 
 this Hvcircumci^ei Philfiim .«? the Lord hath delive- 
 red mee out of the -pan) of the Beare^ he mil deliver me 
 cHt of the hand of this Philijfim. So though Sa- 
 tan, that ftrong armed nun , throw at mee his 
 fiery dai ts of ditlradions, doubts and feares, about 
 the certainty of my iah^ation, and continuance in 
 the faith, even to the wounding and vexing of my 
 (buleforthetime; yetlamafTured (andlwilldie 
 in the place before I part with this pcr(\va(ion) that 
 that mercifull hand which hath formerly fb many 
 times rcftored me againc from fuch dumps, to my 
 former comfort, and Ihewed mee againc the light 
 of his favourable countenance, will undoubtedly 
 fez mee apon my feet againc, and refrefli my heart 
 againe^ 
 
 iM 
 
 I Sam 17. 
 
U4- 
 
 The Saints 
 
 againc, with a doubled aflurance, and a riidre glo- 
 rious hope of evcrlafting life. Though (bmecimes 
 I want feeling and fenfe of Gods favour^ and my 
 faith dotIT not worke in mine heart with that 
 quicknefle and ftirring as itwaswont, but that I 
 am poilelled with much deadnefle of (pirit, and 
 heavie-heartednefle, and that for the time my 
 (bule is fore difquieted within me 5 yet as a woman 
 that hath once certainly felt thechilde quicke and 
 ftirring in her wombc, though after it lie quietj 
 and without motion for a time, yet (hee is afTured 
 by Gonfideration of ks former moving, that (heis 
 with childe : So though my faith fometimes want 
 'feeling, yet by the experience of former holy wor- 
 kings and ftirrings in my foule, I am afliired that I 
 am ftill the childe of Godjand that the everlafting 
 treafures of (aving grace arc hid and lodged in 
 mine heart. Thus it is the marke and property of 
 a true juftifying faith, to grow in ftrength, by ma- 
 I ny experiences of Gods mercies andfavour, and 
 I by a zealous, faithfoU and confcionable purfuit and 
 pra<fli(c of godly exercifcs, and good duties, and 
 by a -long and conftant following of the holy 
 meanesof increaiing grace and fanftification. But 
 by the way I rauft tell you, that the moft ripe, and 
 ftrong, and flourifliingfaith, may fometimes bee 
 fore weakned, wounded and ecclipfed. Faith holds 
 it height of per fwafion, and fulnefle of allurance, 
 while we preferve andmaintaine thefervencieof 
 ourfirft love, fincerity in our hearts, innocencie 
 and uprightneffe in our lives. But if we grow cold 
 in our profeffion, neglediveof holy duties/elaple 
 
 into 
 
felfe-inriebing examination. 
 
 into fome old finne of our iinregcneration^ or bee 
 overtaken withfbme open {candalousfall ^ we fhall 
 ■finde onr faith alfb to faiie, and to take abruife. 
 Nay, fometimes our gracious God^ that he may try 
 how w€ will ftick andcleavefaft anro himjthoiigh 
 we want feeling of his favour,, and how wee will 
 traflr in him, though he kill us : Nay, out of his (e- 
 eret wifdome, and invifible purpofe^ (uffer our 
 faith for awhile to draw in her beames of comfort, 
 and to lie without fenfe or motion in the heart for 
 a.(eaibnj but markc the difference ; The beft of 
 the other faiths, which is the temporary, as it is 
 but planted in the forraall profeflbr by an inferiour 
 working of the fpiritjand is never through and en- 
 tire in findlification, fb by the oppofition of the j 
 worlds with /bme ftrong remptationsjor fbmc kind j 
 of perfecution,ic may be totally darkned and utter- | 
 ly quenched ^ lb that thofe who have formerly byi 
 the force of temporary hith beene friends to the 
 Gofpell, made a good fhew of forwardncflej 
 brought fonhfom fruits, may utterly fal away from 
 thofe generall graces, embrace this world wholly^ 
 with Dimasj as the onely and beft heaven they 
 ever looke for, and become {corners of fincerity 
 i and godly Chriftian*!. But found and faving faith 
 can never be either finally or totally loft, it is ne- 
 ver quire and utterly quenched and abolifhed 
 in any true Chriftian. It may fuifer a particular 
 eccHpfe ; it may in fome meadire, and for a time 
 be dimmed, as it was mDavid^ Pfal 51. Buf in due 
 time it breaks forth againe, anc^ fti'ne«^ more cleare 
 and bright in the truly humbled and penitent foule. 
 
 To 
 
 U5 
 
ii6 
 
 Thethi dmark 
 of faring faith. 
 
 TT^i? Saint f 
 
 To conclude this point then , and property of 
 faith ; Saving and juftifying faith, as ail other (an-* 
 dtif) ing graces, and as the whole way of the righ- 
 teous, P^ov.^.ip, after i r once rife and peepe up in 
 the heart, it (hines as the light of tfie Sunne, That 
 fims won a^dnjon nnio the perfiB dayy It may bee 
 overcaft with fome clouds of temptations, dark- 
 nedfometiraes in this body of death, which wee 
 carry aboutus, dimmed by our fi ailties and infir- 
 mities^ hid from us for a while, by an unadvifed 
 fall into (ome/canddious fintie. But as the Sunne 
 for all the clouds and miOrs whichobfcure his light, 
 flicks ftill faftinhis fphere, and at length diipels 
 them, and fhines faire againe : So fairh^ though 
 (bmetimes (haken and overfhadowed, yet ftill 
 ftands faft in the (bule, breaks forth at length beau- 
 tiiull and bright, and at lafl: when the day of this 
 life is ended, fets (wectly in the Sea ofendlefle 
 I joyes, and light that no man can attaineunto. 
 
 3. Thirdly, it is proper and peculiar to faving 
 faith, topurifietheheart. God purifieth our hearts 
 by faith, AB. 15.9. Other faiths may purge the 
 underftanding from ignorance, the tongue from 
 railing and bitternede, the outward a(!iions from 
 grolTe and notorious iinnes, but they all leave the 
 I hejjrt at large, to range and rove into a world of 
 I idle and earthly thoughts, of prophane and fruit- 
 lefle imaginations, llnregeneratc men will aft a 
 thoufand finnes in the thoughts and imaginations 
 of their hearts, without anyehecke orremorleof 
 conlcience. They fuffer their hearts to bee excr- 
 ci'fedincovetoufnefle, in filthincfle, in ambition, 
 
 in 
 
lelfe-inriching examination. | u 7 
 
 in malice, in world! inelTe^ a world of wickcdnefTcj ! 
 withoutany great horror or f^ruplCj fith they are 
 butvanifhing and invilible thoughts ; But where 
 the working and purging grace of faving f^iich, 
 hath feizeJ upon^ and feafoned the heart, there a 
 zealous and watchful] care is had, there confcience 
 is ever made of the devifes and defires of the 
 heart. Though no eye of man, noijand of h umane 
 juflice, noinftrument of death can difcover^ cen- 
 (ure, or reach unto the fecret 6c llnf ull motions and 
 imaginations of the heart, yet fith they are good 
 open tothc all- feeing eye of God^ moil: hateful] in 
 his fight, liable tohishigh di^leafure, grieveliis 
 fpiritj and weaken the power of grace, every truly ' 
 fandified man^doth fet himfelfc with (peciallcarej 
 and all good confcience, to bridle and bring them 
 under, to reprefle a'l wicked fti rr ings of the heart, 
 and mainly tooppole againft all luftfull^proud, co- 
 vetous^ ambitious, malicious, or what other irre- 
 gular or exorbitant thoughts (bever, the formal! 
 profeflbur, the halfc Chriftian, is ever more trou- 
 bled and grieved with anopenfinne that doth dis- 
 grace and fhame him in the world, than with plot- 
 ting much wickednefle, and acting many polluti- 
 onSj in his lecret and invifiblethoughts. But the 
 found Chriilian is fbmetimcs more vexed, forha- 
 vinggiven way to fome wicked conceits, and wan- 
 d tin grmaginat ions of his heart, then for outward 
 frailties and infirmities. For itgrieves him to the 
 heart, that fiih God hath ranked him amongft 
 the number pf true Chriftians, and that hee is 
 fo accounted by the befV men, yet notwithftan^ 
 
 ding 
 
u§ 
 
 The Saintt. 
 
 ding he Ihoutd be io tarre tainted with that hate- 
 [(ulliinneof hypocrifie,, as tothe eyeofmen, to ; 
 beunreprovablc, and yet to grieve fb goodafpi- 
 rit, and offend lb gracious a Go.^, by the fintull 
 wandrings and rovings of his thoiiglits, which,, 
 though no man fee, yet the icarcher of all hearts, " 
 and the undefiled purity of Almighty God, doth 
 right heartily hate and abhorre. Let us then trie 
 the truth of our faith, by the change and holinelfe 
 of our hearts. If our inward afedions, and inmoft 
 thoughts be purified, then it is a ccrtaine fignethe 
 power of faving faith hath beene there. Th defire oj 
 the.righieousis omly good , i^ith Salomon^ VrcvA 1.23. 
 By nature the imaginations of wans heart areomljei^iU 
 continHally^Gen.6.'). Yet after the hear the purified 
 by faith,his defires are onely good. But becaufe no 
 man is fb abfolutely good and fandified in this life^ 
 wemuftunderftandit thus. The maine ftreames 
 of his defires, the courfe and current of his heart 
 istogodlinelTeand goodnefle, though fometimes 
 his corrupt nature, and Satans boyfterous temp- 
 tations ^ doe unawares and violently carry his 
 thoughts another way. His inward and fecrer plor5 
 andprojefts^ are commonly fpent for the letting 
 forward grace, and Gods glorie. But if fb be, that 
 out of the reliques and roots of in-bred corrupti^ 
 on, which is never utterly abolifhed untill death, 
 there pafTe him fbmetimes^ and fprout up, rafh and 
 unruly wifhes and defires, after he comes to him- 
 felfe, and takes notice of thcm^ he fends out ma- 
 
 Iny other zealous and fervent after them, fbr hu- 
 miliation and pardon, and purging of his heart. 
 Whereas 1 
 
Jelfe Enriching examination. 
 
 Whereas unfanftified hearts are ordinarily work- 
 ing for increafing wealth, and enlarging temporall 
 happinefle^ or eJfe are worfe occupied. And they 
 are not vext with any conceit or confcioufneUe of 
 the idle vagaries , and prophane wandrings of 
 thoughts, but hold it a point of too much purity 
 and precifenefle, to bee fb ccnfbrious and fevere 
 over the frecdome of imagination. n^^ 
 
 4. Fourthly^ Wee may know our faith to bee 
 (bund aad (aving, if it bring forth a true and tho- 
 rovv Evangelicall repentance. LegaJI repentance, 
 morali repentance, a hollow and balfe repentance, 
 feare and forbearance of (bme finnes for feare of 
 puniihment in outward things, or for the love of 
 God onely, as he is good unto him, may befall the 
 reprobate. But tobewaile our firmes from the bot- 
 rome of our hearts, becaufe they are finnes, and 
 for confcience lake to loath and hate all iniquity^ 
 becaufe itis an eye- fore and heart-fore to our gra- 
 cious God, andmoft loving father in Chrift Jefiis, 
 to crufh the h'^ad of original! corruption , and 
 breakethe heart of our fweetfinne ^ to part from 
 all grolTe finnes in adion and pradife, and all frail- 
 ties and infirmities , at leaft with difafFedion, 
 prayer, humiliation, and repentance : Thcfe and 
 the like are the fruits and ilTues of a true and jufti- 
 fyingfaiih. For no man can truly, fincerely, and 
 thorowly dcteft and abandon all his former lewd 
 courfes, the fenfuall plealuresof this life, and his 
 fweetfinne, before he beafTured by a found and 
 lively faith of Gods marvellous mercy towards 
 hiraj intheforgivenesofallhisfins in Chrift. For 
 
 L if 
 
 129 
 
 A fourth triall 
 et faving faith. 
 
 frcntumcfi fa- 
 nittmitcy fa- 
 ter tfuam tiibil 
 eft, quod borjum 
 fity af^euntiatli 
 
 cmftat in fide-^ 
 e£c fundatemy 
 non enm fsuft 
 dtborbofna malm 
 fru£iuifme : 
 ^anitentiaiiaq; 
 qua non exftdti 
 fnccditf Hiiiis 
 noH eft : {Sie 
 py$iuiJubiaMi 
 ftdtifine^ani- 
 temia.) Ai.g.de 
 vera&falja 
 
130 
 
 The Saints 
 
 if once his comforrable favour fhine and be ilied in- 
 co his heartjhe eafily and immediatlymeks and re- 
 [(blvesintotearesof fbrrowand griefe for former 
 j rebelh'onSjand makesunfained and refblute vowes 
 [ for ever after by Gods grace to throw one of 
 i his heart and life thofe Toads and Scorpions , 
 rhofe vanities and foule pollutions, which kill his. 
 \ (oule and grieved fo good a God. That fenfe and 
 j eeling of Gods favour is a notable and ftrong 
 I meanes to beget thorow griefe, and unfained bor- 
 row for finne, appearcs Ezcc. ^6,26, Sic. Imllalfo 
 kliver you from all your filthimUty and I mil call for 
 corne^i ^^i ^^^^ incnafeit, and lay no famine uponyou. 
 For I vpif I multiply the fruit of the trees ^ andtheincreafe 
 of th fid is, thatyeefhidl hare no more the reproach of 
 famine among th heathen : (You muft under ftand, 
 (that under the abundance of temporall bleffings, 
 he concludes fpirituall comforts) And then faith 
 j he, thenfhallyee rememhryonrovpneippich^dwayes^ and 
 I your deeds that ivere not good^ and Uoall judge pUr felifes 
 \ wortfy to fiave htenedeflroyed for your iniquities^ and for 
 : yourabotmn itionf. Bat a more fpcciall aad pregnant 
 i place for my purpofe, is Zee. 1 2. i o^ 1 1. Ipoure. faith 
 I God, upon the houfe ofDai^id and upon the inhabitants of 
 j leru^dem^ thfpirit of grace andcfcompapon , and they 
 \(haUlook§ upon me vphom tlxy lyavepierced._,andthey Jhall 
 [lament for him^ as one moufAeth for his only fon^4»d be 
 forty for Urn, as one is for ry for his jirft borne. In that 
 ] day fhall there be a great mourning inlerufakm^ as the 
 ' mourning of Hadadrimmon, inthevaUey of Megiddon. 
 When once thefpirit of grace by a livdy faith hath 
 certified our troubled and trembling hearts of 
 
 God 
 
jelfe4nrichirig examination. \ ni 
 
 Gods favour in forgiving our finnes, when once 
 V7e be afluredj that that fpotlefle and (acred bioud 
 was rpilt particularly for our pollutions 5 v^hy then 
 onely vi^ith truly wounded (pirits , and grieved 
 (bulefjdo we begin to looke on him whom our fins 
 hive pierced , then doe we hartily hate our former 
 gracelelTe rebellions^ which by the eye of faith we 
 fee, were the whips and nailes, the thornes and 
 (peares that vext the Sonne of Go J. When once 
 wee fbundly beleeve that his precious bloud was 
 Qied for our finnes in particular, then doe we fhed 
 thofe true teares of compundion and fbrrow, 
 which are indeed the fbules hearts bloud, and the 
 wine of Angels (as Divines call them) right plea- 
 fing unto God, and joyful! unto Heaven, Until! 
 we have a true perfwafion fetled in our hearts, that 
 wee are certainly redeemed from the powers of 
 Htl!, by thedeachof Chrift, wee cannot for our 
 lives truly hare all linnejasit is finne for confcience 
 fake, and for the love of God, wee cannot before 
 abandon both i ( j praftife and allowance 5 our earth- 
 ly mindednefle, and worldly vanities, with the 
 conftancie and ifttegrity of theSaintsof God.But 
 when we once have clalptour hand of faith upon 
 that glorious Crowne in Heaven, which is fure our 
 owne^ andfealcd unto usbythebloudof Chrift: 
 Why then, and not before, are we content to ufe 
 the world, as though wc ufed it not ^ then our va- 
 nities beginnetovanifh, our former pleaiure^ to 
 beunplcafant ^ then beginne wee to difaffeftour 
 earthly afFeftions, to dillafte the taftelelTe revel- 
 lings of good fellowfhip 5 then the fwcetnelTc of 
 
 L 2 finne 
 
IJl 
 
 Afifthcriall 
 of (aving faith. 
 Ncque enim 
 pojjibilecftrtt 
 baiient in (i i)li- 
 qt4i(i inpi(iit'ue^ 
 f^fii jufiiiia re 
 pit(ari,0'ig.ad 
 Rom 4.I.C.4. 
 abiprolixetra- 
 clatbocargum^ 
 
 The Saints 
 
 finne is turned into gall, and the glory of the whole 
 world to the eye of our faith, appeares to be no- 
 thing but dung, vanity, nothing, 
 
 5. Fifthly, Saving faith is the root and fountaine 
 of fandification, and therefore if we finde our 
 felves to be fandified^ we may be aflured that wee 
 (avingly beleevc, iCor,.6.ii» Itisraid3/4^.2<5.i7, 
 1 8. that Vaulv/SiS Cent fo open the eyes of mcn^ that they 
 might turnefrom dark^ejje to light ^ and from the poxver 
 of Satan untoGod^ that they might receive for givemjje 
 ofjinnes^ aniinheritance amo^gthem which are famli' 
 fieiby faith. True and juftifying faith doth ever be- 
 get ia him whom it pofleflethj a fanffcification of 
 all parts, both in (bule and body, though not of 
 perfedion. By this holy worke of fandification, 
 a man fhall finde himfelfe as farre differ from what 
 he was before, as a Valley from a Mountaine, the 
 ftrait from the crooked, the foftnefle of fle(h/rom 
 thchardneffe of flint, the nature of water, from 
 thefabftance of Diamond For it makes a great 
 change and alteration in the powers and faculties 
 both of (bule and body, in all the parts and pa(^ 
 (ages of this life. His underftanding is iniightned 
 with knowledge in the great myftery of godiinen&, 
 and in the fecrets of Gods Kingdome, which are 
 hid from the wife, and men of underftanding, and 
 thegreateft part of the world, Af<7^ 11.2 5. His will 
 is now bent to the beft things : His memory, which 
 before was like a Seive, and let out the water of 
 life as it was powred in, is now a ftore-houfe for 
 heavenly treadires. The ftreameo: his affedions is 
 turned from the world, and purfuit of picalures, 
 
 towards 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 ' ' ' I ' ' I ' " I •" I I r 111 
 
 towards Gods glory, and good caufes, from the 
 'joyes and contentments of finne, into a hatred; 
 feare and forrow for them. His heart is weaned 
 from all her temporary pleafing lufts, and fallen in 
 love with eternall pleaiares^ and heavenly things. 
 His confcience ispHrged, and become watchfoll 
 todifcover^ andfenfiblctofeelethe approach and 
 prickings of the leaftfinne. His hands are wafhed 
 from corruption and bribery, from violence, and 
 the bloud of the poore. His eyes are rcftrained 
 from luftfull wandrings, fi*om beholding vanity, 
 from greedy gazing upon the wedge of Gold, and 
 his neighbour Nahoth Vineyard. His eares are 
 ftoptagainft enticements to finnCgflanderous tales, 
 and filthy talke. His lips are filenced from pro- 
 phanenefle, obfcenitics, bitter speeches, and idle 
 jefts. His feet are fettered by the power of grace, 
 from running any more after thepompe and plea- 
 fores of vaine-glorious worldlings, carnall entice- 
 ments, earthly de fires, deceitfull and unccrtaine 
 hopes, from wandring in the crooked wayes, and 
 accurfed by-paths of vanity and fin ne, from trea- 
 ding any longer in the eaflefleandendleffeMaie 
 of worldlinefle, covetoufiieffe, and earthly-min- 
 dednefTe. Such fteps and prints as thefe wee may 
 finde in our {bules and bodies, if thefpirit of grace 
 hath (anftified them by the power of laving faith. 
 Every leverall part of holinefle, and f^iriruall 
 branch of fanftification, is a figne and marke of 
 the finCerity of onr faith, as the goodheflbof t he j 
 Mt,andf\veetneflc of the ftreame, drivers the 
 foundnefle of the tree, and the purity of the Wdl: 
 L^ If 
 
 M 
 
>?+ 
 
 The Saints 
 
 It faving knowledge, love to Chriftians, feareof 
 Gods dreadfull Majeftie, zeale for his glory, obe- 
 dience to his win, refped unto all his Commande- 
 ments, reverence to his Minifters, )oy in his pro- 
 mifts, humility under his chafticements, a fpiri- 
 tuall hungring after the Sacrament, a fincere long- 
 ing for his Sabbaths, an earneft wifliingand wai- 
 ting for Chrifts comming in the clouds, and fuch 
 other fpirituall graces dwell plentifully in us, and 
 cxprelTe them(elves fruitfully in our lives and con- 
 verAtion s 5 then afluredly the root of life, and 
 fountaine of all other graces, a lively faith is fea- 
 ted in our (bules. But if thefe fruits doe notap- 
 peare, our faith is not a Jiving tree, planted by the 
 Eli vers of Godsbleflings, but adeadftocke, onely 
 gilt and vemifhed over with fome gliftering 
 (hewes, like the glowing and (hining of rotten 
 wood. If we would try then whether our faith be 
 true andjuftifyingorno, there is no better touch- 
 ftone, thanthefcverallfruir sand branches of fin- 
 dification : Let us runne over fome of them brief- 
 ly ..and with uprightneffe of confciene^, compare 
 theiJiwithojirprefentdifpofition. i. Doe wee fa- 
 crifice our whole hearts, confecrateouraffedions, 
 devote owr thoughts, renting them refolutely from 
 earthly pleailitres, and<his valne world; to doe tin* 
 to God faithfully and fincerely, the beftaddut 
 moft fervice wee can ? 2. In refpeft of eloriy- 
 ing God, and hoping a gjo^ c»njcknce in oil iUmt^ 
 2 CorA . i is . Doe we fcorne with an holy Contempt, 
 a 'I prophane fcgffes and centres, all difcoon te- 
 nancy of Bicn^ and the uttcrmoft rage ©f perfe- 
 ' cutine 
 
 i 
 
r I ITT — p [— ^^^— ^— — — ^— — ^— ^— ^— — , III I 
 
 felfe-inrichwg txamination. i i jy 
 
 curing tyraats, 3 . Have we fb caft up our accounts 
 with the world, and are wee at that point with 
 all things under the Sunne^ that we iraw chearful- 
 lyaddrefle and bend our (elves with chearfulneflc 
 andjoy to the purltiit o^ the price of thhi^hcallifig 
 ofGoiinChriftlefuf .<? 4. Doe wee heartily grieve 
 Tor and bewaile our finnes paft, not for any world- 
 ly lofle, feareof punilhmeiit, orftiame they have 
 brought upon us, but becaufe with a long and au- 
 dacious provocation, they have grieved and offen- 
 ded our gracious God, and unhappily reftrained 
 and elbanged us from his grace , favour and fa- 
 miliarity > 5. Doe we loath and hate our prefeht 
 corruptions, efpecially thcrfe which fticke clo- 
 feft unto our bolbmes, and with (enluall fweet- 
 nefle cleave fafteft unto our corrupt nature ? 
 6, Doe wee indifferently and impanially with 
 zeale and truth of heart, cndevour ard fet our 
 felves tomortifie and abandon every finncj though 
 our worldl) reputation bee never fo deeply enga- \ 
 gcd, our temporall happinefle never fb ftronglyl 
 enchained, our carnall aff^ftion never fb much ' 
 endeared unto it ? 7. Doe wee avoid and for- j 
 beare with no lefTe care and confcience, thofe wic- i 
 ked courfes, which lead unto gaine and glory in 
 the world, than thofe which are accompanied with 1 
 (hame and punifhment ? 8. Doe wee not onely J 
 performe ihofe holy duties, and embrace ihofe ' 
 fpitituall graces, which purchafe credit and com- j 
 mendation amongft men, and in rhe world, butj 
 alfb rhofe which are entertained with lowrirg and i 
 difcountenance, and perfecuted with difgrace and j 
 J L 4 fi'ight?^ 
 
 phI.^l^ 
 
 Ezcck.l6.«/^, 
 
 Hof.14.4.] 
 
 Heb.iJ.3{ja5. 
 
 Dan.tf.io. 
 
I}<5 
 
 P(al«i,i|. 
 
 * A fixth triall 
 of faving faith 
 Marsfidei cbA- 
 ritatiifepira- 
 tio : credn in 
 
 ' Chriftutsfae ope- 
 ra Christ \Htvl - 
 vatfiileituajfi- 
 dem tHom dile- 
 dioan'mettpro- 
 bit a^io : n»fi in- 
 curvet itrtcnum 
 9pui, qiicm fides 
 teUftiserigit: 
 qui dUis te in 
 Cbrifto minere^ 
 iiebesficMtipfe 
 
 ' tmhuiavily & 
 tuanbultrej 
 SernSirm.14, . 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 (J>ighc? ^. Doe wee ftiJlfobmicourlelves toihe I 
 
 will of God, as it is more and more revealed unto 
 
 us by the Miniitcry of the Word, though it crofle 
 
 our former cuftomes and worldly deiires ? and doe 
 
 we reft contented with our prefent ertate, becaufe 
 
 moft: certainly it fals unto our lot by Gods good 
 
 [ pleafore, and everlafting providence? io.Doewe 
 
 delight in hearing, meditating, and conferring of 
 
 Gods Word ? and doe we ftandto the profeffion 
 
 and pradife of it, not only when it is good cheape, 
 
 and brought home unro our doores, but alio when 
 
 ft is deare and very coftly ^ 1 1 . Are we willing and 
 
 r^folved, faveonely that wedefiretoglorilieGod 
 
 longer, and to provide more comfort again ft that 
 
 day for any pleafure wc take in the world, to re- 
 
 (igneupour foules at any time into the hands of 
 
 God, and to meet our Saviour in the clouds ? If we 
 
 doe thefe things ? If this be our prefent difpofiti- 
 
 on? If we finde thefeand other fruits of (andifica- 
 
 tion in ourfelves, our foules are moft certainly iea* 
 
 fbnedand favedby a true andjuftifying faith, 
 
 * 6, Sixthly, Saving and fanftifying faith ever 
 workes by love. Gal. 5. (5, 2 ?eu 1.5. i Tim. 1.5. /f 
 pure heart, a good confcknce, faith uttfamd 5 and a 
 true hearted ChriiHan love, ever goe hand in 
 hand. If wee would bee afTured that our faith is 
 found, we muft feele kindled in our hearts, an ho- 
 ly flame of moft deare and fpeciall love. 
 
 Fird, towards God, who of his owne firee mer- 
 cy, hath fealedunto us by the blond of his Son, all 
 the prerogatives of the Saints upon earth, and the 
 bleiied inheritance of the mofl^lorious and ever- 
 
 lafting 
 
lelfeAnrkh'mg examination . \ ^7 
 
 lafting Kirigdome of Heaven. A fenle of whi:h j 
 extraordinary goodneffe , makes us prefcrre his 
 glory, before any worldly goodj the fweetneileof 
 hfe_, or (alvation of foule. Untill our foules bee in- 
 lightned with (aving faith, and the eyes of our un- 
 derftanding unlealed to fee into, and to apply un- 
 to our (elves the myfterie of our particular re- 
 demption, wecannot looke into the rich treadiry 
 of GodsbottomleiTcandboundieiTegoodnefle and \ 
 bounty unto us ^ we cannot behold the beauty and I 
 excellency of (b great Majeftie, which are fpeciall ] 
 occafion, matter, and motives, firftj to ftirre up 
 and kindle in us an holy love : The branches and 
 rifings of which facred flame are thefe : 
 
 I Fir(V, When we are certified by a li v^ely faith, 
 of our reconciliation with God by the death of 
 Chriftle/uSj which is the Conduit-pipe^ thorow 
 which all comforts and graces doc fweetly flow un- 
 to us 5 we bcginnne to love God for his love and 
 goodnefle unto us, according to that, ilok 4. i^. 
 Therefinrpe love Cod ^ kcaufilxlfyvedusfirfl. Forcer* 
 tainlynomancaTifbundlyand fincerelylove God 
 with true zeale, and without by-refpeds, untill he 
 be pcrfwaded in his ovmc heart, that all his (Ins are 
 remitted, an 1 that he is eternally beloved of God. 
 But then every bkding of God is as itwerebel- 
 lowes, to blow the fire of our love to a bigger 
 flame. Then wee begihne to confider with mel 
 tings of fpirir, and pangs of deareft affedlions ,;^ 
 what an infinite mercy of God it wasj. that wee 
 were not cut off before our calling and converfi- 
 bUj in the time of our open difbbedience and re- 
 bellion. 
 
1^8 
 
 The Saints 
 
 bellion_, ia the daves ot our lintuli vanities and 
 fraile delights. 
 
 2. We wonder at the ftrange patience of our 
 merciful! God, in that it hath plcaicd him to cover 
 and conceale from the eyes of the vi^orid, many 
 hatefull abominations donebyusinfecrer, andte 
 keep us reputed as unfpotted and blameleflc before 
 men^ when as we have defer ved for them t0 have 
 hem made an aflomlhmefit and hi^ing^ and bj^spord to 
 all about us ; nay, perhaps to have beene hanged up 
 as fpedacles of (hame and horror to the whole 
 world, of example and terrour to all poflerity. 
 
 3. But we fpecially faftening ourconfideration 
 u^x>n that happy and holy workeof our new crea- 
 tion, to the everlafting glorious admiration of his 
 grace and goodnefle, we muR how by the mighty 
 power of his fand^ifying (pirit, hee hath pulled us 
 o tof themouchof that devouring Dragon^ attd 
 fnatchedufas brands out of ikfrCy to make us (larrcs 
 in Heaven. What a marvellous mercy, kindnefle 
 and bounty is this 5 thinke we with our (elves that 
 wee (hould bee fingled out by the power of the 
 Word, and marked by the hand or Cod for/alva- 
 tion, xyhen many hundreds ab^^ut us are never bet- 
 ter for the Word all their life long, and at length 
 perifli everlaftingly. That wee which heretofore 
 have beene perhapsas miferable, blinde, and pro 
 phane as the worft, (hould now be walhed, beian- 
 (3:ified,bejuftified5 InthenameofthctordJe^w^ and 
 byihtfpnt of our God 5 (hould oee now like a few 
 cleare (ighted, amongft a throng of blinde men^ 
 Like the portion of lacoh in Egypt, fairely inlight- 
 
 ned 
 
felje'-tnricbmg examination. 
 
 ned, when the Gountrey round about is covered 
 with darknefTe, Like Gideon i fl^ece^ atom npatered, 
 with his fpeciall and faving bleflings^ pchikthe reft of 
 i he earth is dry ^^nd deftitute of his grace^that isjthat 
 whereas true Nathamh, found Chriftians are very- 
 feant, and thinly fcattercd, like the berries, after 
 the (baking of an Olive tree, two or three in the 
 top of the utmoft boweSj and foureor five in the 
 high branches ^ here one or two in a family, there 
 three or fbure in a Viirage ^ yet now by the mer- 
 cies of God we are of their number. 
 
 4. From hence we rife in our meditation to con- 
 fider and wonder at the WelUfpring of all our 
 happineflc 5 our elei^ion and choice to be heires of 
 Heaven, out of Gods free mercy, and onely deare 
 love, befi:>re we were borne, nay before the world 
 was made, even from all eternity : And hereupon 
 our hearts fpring and leape within us fbr joy 
 and comfort, to thinke, that as a woman, which 
 loving her childe while it is yet in her wombe, br- 
 caufe it fpranj^e out of her Ioynes,doch much more 
 fweetly fmile upon it when it is borne, and (he em* 
 braceth it in her armes : So if God loved us before 
 we had ^ny being while we yet lay hid in the great 
 lumpe, andunfafhionedMafleof man-kinde, be- 
 caufehe had chofenus to be vefTelsof honour for 
 hisroyall Palace of Heaven ; hee will much more 
 dearly Screnderly handle us,and lull us inhis armes 
 of mercy and compaflion, and hide us under his 
 wings of proteftion and power, now when we 
 arenew borne by the (pirit oftheLordJeftis, ard 
 that hee hath (damped upon us hisowne image of 
 
 holineflej 
 
 H9 
 
140 
 
 77^ Sainu 
 
 holincflej andjeakdus wHh hjsjfmt.agaiHfi the daj of 
 redempiiotf, Thelc and many other bieffings, graces 
 andcomfortsfiovving from them, knit our hearts 
 faft and nearly unto him, after we be aflured by a 
 true faith, and the (pirit of adoption, that they 
 are certainly our owne. But no unregenerate man 
 is really and truly partaker of theft fpiiituall pre- 
 rogatives, and therefore cannot truly and fincerely 
 loveGod. This then is thefirft branch of divine 
 love, when wc dearly and affedionately loveGod 
 for all thofegood things hee vouchsafes unto us 
 through Chrift. He that hath not a (en(e andtafte 
 of thcfe things by a found faith^ commonly loves 
 God principally for his profit, and prolpericy in. 
 the world, not much unlike in this point to a little 
 childe, that (ayes his prayers onely that hee may 
 breake his ^SiH, 
 
 2. Afecondftaireand rifing of our love, is to 
 love him for all tho(e beauties, excellencies, and 
 eternities ; all that incomprehenfible Ma/eftie^ 
 purity and glory, which hee infinitely andeter- 
 ! nally poflefleth in hirafelfe ^ (bme glimpfes, (ha- 
 1 dowes and refemblances of which, hee hath Icat- 
 i tcred and difperfed amongft his creatures. Wee 
 j are not to love<jod onely for the good wee have 
 ; received from him, even in heavenly things, but 
 alfb for his owne goodncfle. and for that great Ma- 
 jeftie, and unapproachable light, which encompaf- 
 feth him in the heavens. Hence it is thatfuch a zea- 
 lous pang of fervencie in thiskinde, and fuchan 
 unquenchable thirft of (anftifving Gods Name, 
 and the advancement of his Kingdome, poflelTed 
 
 the 
 
Ielfe''inrtchin2 examination. 
 
 
 the bleflcd (pints of thole two men of God, McfjCs 
 wdPatfl, that forgetting rhemfelves, they deliied 
 rather to be blotted out of thebook§oflife^ and to le ac- 
 cwfed^ than God (hould not be glorified. 
 
 3. A third branch and beame of thisfpiriruall 
 flame, is when we fo ftrongly love God, before 
 and above all other things ^ that we love nothing 
 in the world but for his fake. 1. Hence it is that 
 trueChriftiansimploy their love unto theirchil- 
 dren,ra'.her in planting grace in their hearts, and 
 in making them Gods fervants^ than in^purchafing 
 for them large pofTelfions^ and making them great 
 upon earth. 2. They love their friends and fami- 
 liars, not for advantage, plealure, profit, or world- 
 ly reputation, but mofl: dearly^ becaufe they love 
 God , and have his image of grace and fincerit y fh i- 
 ning in them. 3. They love their healthy not be- 
 caufe they are enabled thereby with more eafe and 
 contentment to purfihe the world, and more en^ 
 tirely to enjoy the vanities thereof ^ but becaufe it 
 brings them vigour unto their bodies, andliberty 
 unto their minds, to ferve God more chearfully 
 and comfortably, both in their generall and parti- 
 cular calling. 4. They love richesjhonours, know- 
 ledt^e, the countenance of greatnefle, high places, 
 and the like ^ not that they may ruffle ir, and do- 
 mineerein the world, opprelfe and proudly over- 
 looke their brethren ^ but that they may be the 
 fVronger towirhftand ungodly oppofitions, that 
 they niay give the more enlargement to Gods glo- 
 rv, and furtherance to good caufes ^ that they may 
 pcrforme moe good works, doe more good unto 
 good 
 
141 
 
 Liik.i4.i^. 
 
 % Sam.^.tx. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 I good men, and more honourable fervke to the 
 Majeftie of Heaven. 5, They love the Word, and 
 the free and fruitfull paflage of it, not oncly be- 
 caufe it brings outward peace, and worldly happi- 
 neffe, but becaufeit glorifies Gods Name, anden- 
 largeth Chrifts Kingdome 5 fils Heaven wiih 
 Saints, and the earth with good Chriftians. Thus 
 in a man (andified with {aving faith, the love to 
 creatures, and all other things^ is ferviceable and 
 fubordinate to Gods glory. 
 
 4. A fourth ftep and ftaire of our love to God, 
 is tohateour felves for love of him : That is, to be 
 content to loofe our goods, our friends, our liber- 
 tie, our lives, rather than to betrav his truth and 
 glory, in not ftickingtoit, and ftanding for it. 
 The fpirituali heat of this divine flame doth beget 
 in the heart of the true Chriftian, an holy con- 
 tempt of prophane (cofFs, railings, (landers, dif- 
 graces ^ it makes the nobleft (pirit, whii^h naturally 
 is moft impatient of contempt and contumelies, 
 todigeft wi: h patience the fpightfull bafeneso^the 
 prophaneft abjeds, and the railings of the proud. 
 This love burned in the breft of David^ when hee 
 thus anfwered his fcomful! wife Micha//^ I mil jet k 
 more vile tha^ thus. Even Majeftie it felfe.ftooped 
 to the moft difdainfuUcontempt for the glorifying 
 of God ^ and fubmitted his Crowne and Scepter 
 to the (come and cenfare of the meaneft for his 
 (ake. This Jove was hotter in the hearts of many 
 Martyrs, than the (corching flames about their 
 eares : This alone fuftained them amid thtfircruell 
 torments, and edged them on even with their dea- 
 
 reft 
 
felfe-inriching examination. | 
 
 reft bloud tollackethe fire, and quench the thirft- | 
 ing rage of perfecutours. Their bodies were like 
 curs, their ftrength was not the ftrength of llones, 
 their limbs were not oF fteele, nor flefh of brafTe, ^ 
 they were fenfibleof paine and torment as well as 
 we;^ but the heat of Gods love within them, did 
 with fach a powerfuil vigour fo wholly pofTefle 
 their fbules, that it more prevailed to comfort 
 them^tban the flames of lire were able to confound 
 them. 
 
 2. After that faving faith hath planted this fer- 
 vent love of God in our hearts, it ipreads and im- 
 parts it felfe to the creatures, with due refpecT:, 
 merciful] ufage, and moderate delight in them, as 
 wherein appearefbme prints and (liadowes of the 
 beauty^ jwifdome, power and glory of God. But 
 efpecially to men, becaufe they are knit unto us 
 with a nearer bond of brotherhood by creation, 
 and beare about them the Image of the fame Crea- 
 tour ; but moft dearely of all to true Ghriftians, 
 and^anftified men, becaufe they are fellow mem- 
 bersof Chrifts body, and co-heires with us of the 
 (elfe (ame KJngdome.Hereupon it is that Paul Gal. 
 6, 1 o.bids us doe^oodJiftto all mcu-hni efpeciai/j to fUm 
 of the houfiold^ffalth. And ih^iDa'vid tel sus,Pp/. 1 6. 
 3 . That aUhis delight m tlif holy ones vp 'ich are here on 
 earthy avdchkfl) inthofe th^t excell in vertue. This love 
 of the Saints and godly men, is a manifeft marke 
 of faving faith, and aninfilible figne of true re- 
 generation. The fptrit of God hath pointed it out 
 as a ftrong demon flration, and propofed it as a 
 touch-ftone for trial] in this point. We know faith 
 
 lohn^ 
 
 H? 
 
The Saints 
 
 Ttfhfy I Jr;/>.] 14. ihatvfice are tranjkted fi^om death U 
 lije^kcaufe wclo've the brethren. If any man can hearti- 
 ly and (incerely vouch(afe his beft and kindefl: af- 
 fedionsto a true Chrtftian, for thiscaule onely, 
 he being Gtherwifeaftrangeruntohim, rhathee 
 fees the living graces of Gods fpirit Qiiiiing in him, 
 and manifeft iignes of true and nnfained godii- 
 nclfe. Ic is a good argument unto him chat he him- 
 felfe is a true ChriRian, and that thofe (ame graces 
 are f^ated in his owne (bule, \yhich he (b much fets 
 by^lovesand reverenceth in another. 
 
 5. Thirdly, a maniandified by faith, doth onely 
 truly and rightly love himfelfe, but in another 
 meafure, kinde and manner, than prophaue men : 
 I For they make Idols of themfelves 5 their love to 
 I God, to his Word, to their kindred and neigh- 
 j hours, mud: ever yeeld and (iibmit to the love of 
 ! themlelves.They cannot for their hearts love hear- 
 \ tily a true Chriftian^only for his god!inefre:,It may 
 I be they mayafFed him for his gifts, bccaufehee 
 I dealesjuftly with them, becaufe of Ibme natural! 
 i bond of kindred or alliance, or for that they en)oy 
 I outward blellings by living with him: But ever for 
 j his profeffion&pra&ice of fincerity,they hold him 
 i too precife. In deed and truth, ail their loverefts 
 j within theirowne bofomes^ and is cunningly and 
 fecretly fpent upon themfelves ^ Gods glory, (alva- 
 tion of (buIes,good of others, are ferved at fecond 
 hand, and in reverfion after them{elves,and their 
 owne finfull pleafures.In a word,the unregenerate 
 man loves onely himfelfe, in plotting and provi- 
 ding earthly comforts, and temporal! IiappinelTe in 
 
 this 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 this life 5 love of all other things, and all other 
 loves in him^ are (wallowed up in the torrent of 
 this felfe love, as lefler Rivers in the Sea. But it is 
 farre otherwife with every one, which by a fruit- 
 full and working faith is afliired of Heaven ^ for 
 he loves himfelfefoj that he loves God infinitely 
 more, with the deareft pang of his beftandftron- 
 geft atFedic«i , hee Iwcetly embraces ^very true 
 Chriftian ^ he loves all other things with relation 
 unto God, and rcfervation of his glory. His love 
 unto himfelfe is reftified and <iireftcd unto true 
 happinellc 5 not mif-lpent in furnifliingand filling 
 himfelfe with worldly wealth, and earthly plca- 
 fiires, for the body only,^ but is fervently imploy^d 
 in fitting his immortall fbule with grace, that it 
 m.!^y live eternally hereafter in the glory of heaven. 
 4. Laftly^That (peciall and impartialllove which 
 (prings out of nature, orfbmekinde ofneernefle, 
 as to wife^children^kindred/riends, familiars, and 
 where there is no grace, like a great Riv^r, many 
 times ovcrflowes the banks of moderation, difcre- 
 tion^ and reafbn, is happily feafbned and fandli- 
 fied by faving faith, and made thereby more fer- 
 vent, comfortable, and faithfull. 
 
 I.! No man can truly love his wife, but the true 
 Chriftian,and(anftified man ^ he may love her bo- 
 dy, her beauty, her wealthjher birth, her friends, 
 the outward comfort and contentment (he brings 
 with her, Sec. But he loves not her (bule, for hee 
 neither made his choice principally for grace, nor 
 being matched, doth chiefly wifh and worke her 
 (pirituallgood, doth not grow with her in (aving 
 \ M graces 
 
 145 
 
1/^6 
 
 The Saints 
 
 graces^ andholinefle of life, nor walke with her 
 hand in hand towards the Kingdome of Heaven. 
 He loves her not for that (he was put into his hand 
 by Gods providence for his portion, for perhaps 
 he had oneiy an eye and aime at her portion^ pa- 
 rentage, perfbn, andfome other by-re(pefts. He 
 loves her not, as Chrift did his Spouft, and as Paul 
 exhorts, Ephef. 5. 25, with afincere, chafte, and 
 ipirituall love, that he may beget more and more 
 holincfle andfincerity in her^^ prefcrve her un- 
 (potted of the corruptions & abominations of the 
 timejand prepare her for Heaven, that as they have 
 f lived together in the nearefl: bond, and deareft 
 love upon earth, Co they might raigne and rejoyce 
 together everlaftingly in the (econd life. This is 
 not the care and conscience of the unregenerate 
 man towards his wife, and therefore I fty he doth 
 not love her truly. He doth not love her becaufe 
 {hce is all glorious within, enricht with true and 
 lafting graces of the fbule, but becaufe (hee is 
 outwardly deckt in body, that muftrot, and feed 
 the wormes, and becaufe (hee (ervcs his turne for 
 outward comforts, and is his fellow helper for thri- 
 ving and flourifhing in the world. 2. Neither doth 
 any unfandifiedman truly love his children 5 Hee 
 may love them as they are the fruit of his loynes^ 
 the lively images 8c representations of his perfbn, 
 the hope of his pofteiity, the lines of hisbloudj 
 the arches of his houfe , and pillar of his name 
 and family, andinfuchlikerefpedts : but he doth 
 not burne with that truly Chriftian love towards 
 them ^ which begets a zeale and care to plant in 
 
 them 
 
felfeHnriching examination. i i ^7 
 
 them the true fcare of God, (aving knowledge, 
 the power of Religion, and ihat one uccejfary thiftg-^ 
 the graces of falvation. He is Ipurrcd on by his na- 
 tural I afFedion to toy le and tire oat himfelfe with- 
 out meafiare or end , to heape and hoard up for 
 them earthly treafures, but he is cold and careleffe 
 in providing for them durable riches 5 that Pearle 
 of high price, and a Crowne of immortality. And j 
 therfore he loves them afFeftionately^but not con- 1 
 (cionably, kindly, but not Chriftianly. 3. Neither } 
 can any ungodly man love truly his friend^ he may j 
 be linked to him in a ftrong Sc boyftcrous bond of 1 
 Good-fellowfhip, he may fticke unto him in fbme 
 defpcrate attempt, even to the (hedding of his 
 bloud; hcmayaffcdhimfor advantage, for plea- 
 fore, for profit, for a time, for his faire conditions, 
 for his good nature, his civill carriage, morall ver- 
 tues, gifts of knowledge 8c wifdome, noblenefTe of 
 (pirit, longacquainrance,and the like ^ But he can- 
 not poffibIyfaften& knit his fbule unto his friends, 
 as the foule of Jonathanv/ds tied untoihcfouleof 
 Davf d:,th3it is,in the feare ot God,in an holy league 
 for the keeping of a good confciencc, ftandingfor 
 Gods truth, and the advancement of his glory, in 
 that golden knot, and noble tye of Chriftianity. 
 The knot of thatdcareft love betwixt David and 
 Ioaatha»y was tied by the Spirit of God 5 they were 
 as it were (worne brothers in good things 5 they 
 made a covenant, i Sam, 18.3. (for they loved the 
 one the other as their ownc foules) that they 
 would for ever fticke clofe together in the beft 
 things, in defpight of all adverfary, rage and ma- 
 
 M 7 lice. 
 
148 
 
 The Saints 
 
 Sec Burton of 
 €^517. 
 
 lice, and the cruelty and corruptions of: the time, 
 the vanity and abomination of Sauls Court. The 
 Pame therefore of this affedion was a fparkc of 
 Heaven^nev^ertobeputout orquenched^ after it 
 was once fee on foe 5 but of that laft ing and divine 
 temper, that it was to burne in their breft with mu- 
 tuall zeaie and fervency upon earth, and to blaze 
 everlaftingly with Seraph icall heat in the heavens 
 afterward. The dearneife and ftrength of this holy 
 lovebetweene Davfdmdl(?»at^»y^ndro ofChri- 
 ftian afFe(5bion amongft godly men, appcares by 
 chedeareftpangSj and pallionate meltings of D<i- 
 z'/V/ heart, for the death of loftalhaft^ 2 s am, 1,16, 
 Wos is me for thee^ fai th he, »!^ brother lo»ath4n : Pfofl 
 fvpeet hafi thou beem u»lo tne : thy love H»t0 me waf rvm- 
 dsrfftlly papngthtkvtoft^omen. The loveof a wo- 
 man, by realon of the tendernefle of heart, and 
 the exceffeof paflion in that (ex, is moft longing, 
 paffionate, and fervent^ yet nothhig to the love of 
 lomthitt to D^md^ nothing to that flame of Ipiri » 
 tuall affedion, kindled by the Holy Ghoft in the 
 hearts of true Chriftians one towards another : For 
 all other love is e?jthly, natural], finite, mixed in 
 the meane time with many feares, diftaftes and 
 jcaloufieSj with much unquietnefle, interruptions, 
 and ren-IclTe longings ^ lometimcs it is furious, 
 ibmetimes faint, (bmetimes weakncd and weary 
 with the free and eafie enjoyment of the thing be- 
 loved 3 (bmetimes it i&afflified with defpairc, by 
 refiftan€e and difficulty ^ {bmetimes ftrangeled 
 with ftings of jealouHe, left it be defrauded and 
 wronged by partnerfhip, and participation, at the 
 
 beft 
 
felfe4nriching examination. 
 
 beft it is but a bi tter-fweetj and at laft ever ends ei- 
 ther in endlefTe divorcej or in bannings and cur- 
 fings of each other in hell for their neemelTe of un - 
 landiified love upon earth.Or if they be both con- 
 vertedjthey ever after hate and abhor their former 
 wickedloveof good-fellowfhip, and enter a new 
 holy league^and (acred bond of Ghriftian love. But 
 fpirituall Iove,betwixt two Chriftians, is of a more 
 fweet and loving difpofition, of a more laftingand 
 heavenly nature. Their deare embracements in 
 godlinefle, and many kinde offices in Chriftianity, 
 areenterchanged andexercifed betwixt them, be- 
 caufe they fee and know that they are both, i. chil- 
 dren of one Father 5 2. Brethren of Chrift lefus 3 
 3. Begotten againe by the fime(pirit ^ 4. Borne of 
 thelame immortall feed of the Word 5 5. Nouri- 
 (hcd with the fame fpirituall food ^ 6, Of one 
 houlhold of faith ^ 7. Pilgriroes and fellow- travel- 
 lers towards the fame cvcrlafling home ^ S.Soul- 
 dicrs under the fame colours, called to the felfe- 
 famehoper 9, And co-heircs of the glorious King- 
 dome of Heaven. And therefore if once true affc- 
 ftion grounded upon grace, feize upon their 
 hearts ^ if once their two flreames of fandified 
 love, fpringingoutof the fountaine of their love 
 towards God, meet and joyne themfclves in an 
 holy and Chriflian fellowlhip, they grow bi^er 
 and bigger in fincerity and ftrength , towards a \ 
 great torrent^ untill they both fall at laft, and bee 
 fallowed up in that bottomleiTe Sea of end- 
 lelTc love, and higheft happinefle in the world 
 above. The love then of the true Ghriftian, is 
 
 M z onely 
 
 14-9 
 
150 
 
 The Saints 
 
 onelytrue and worthy embracemenc. 
 
 As for the love of unregeneratc men to their 
 friend, though they be never (b wife, rich, or ho- 
 nourable, it is idle, vaine, and tranfitory^ not 
 worth a points end for any found comfort the 
 Chriftian (hall ever enjoy by it, (aveonelyin that 
 it may be a meanes or occafion to worke good up- 
 on them, or give countenance and encouragement 
 unto him in his calling. 4 . Laftly, neither doth any 
 un(an£i:i(ied man love truly his kindred ; heemay 
 have with them merry meetings, fet feafts, ex- 
 change of carnal 1 contentments, but to the bond 
 of nature, there wants the linke of grace, and 
 therefore there is wanting that faving and facrcd 
 knot that is wont to tye together the hearts of 
 godly men, (b laftingly and lure, that no crofie or 
 milcrvj nomanordevillj nor time, nor yet eter- 
 nity can ever untye. His affedion may bee hot to- 
 wards them, becaufe of the fame bloud^ but a mu- 
 tuall intereft in the bloud of Chrift, is that which 
 feafbns and (an(^ifies all naturall affedions. 
 
 5. Onely faving faith is able to beget love unto 
 our enemies, Mattk 5 .44. 
 
 Thus farre I have told you what love faving 
 faith begets in the hearts of true Ghriftians to- 
 wards God, the creatures, the godly^ themfelves 
 and to others, as fliall be led with nature, and 
 neernefle reditiedby Religion. I have but given 
 you a tafte, and yet I have ftayed the longer upon 
 che point ^ becaufe there are many, when they 
 heare of faith rporkiag by Imte ^ they prefently appre- 
 hend and conceive it to be no more butreleeving 
 
 the 
 
felfeHtiriehing examination. i 15 \ 
 
 thepoore. When they are taught that they muft 
 joyne good works to their faith, they prefently 
 thinke^that only almcs-decds are them.Whereas if 
 a man ihouldfeedthepoonmfhallhtfgoddsyi Cor.i^, 
 and yet want a true hearted 8c zealous love to God^ 
 his Word^ his Minifters, his fervants, his Sacra- 
 ments, his Sabbaths^ hisKingdome, his comming, 
 See. it would profit him nothing.If aman were ne- 
 ver fo famous $c glorious for his almes-deeds^ and 
 fhould not have a due refpedt, and (incere obe- 
 dience to all the daties, both towards God and 
 man, enjoyned by the Gommandements, they 
 would ttand him in no ftead at the day of triall. 
 
 And yet the(e men harbouring fuch odde opini. 
 ons,and idle conceits, by reafon of their ignorance, 
 are wont to vaunt and braggc much of the times of 
 Popery, what a world of good works^ and open 
 houskceping were in thofe dayes^and thinke with- 
 in themfelves, that they onely live worthy their 
 profeilion, that love is onely lodged in their bo- 
 fomes, and that they have dipt the wings of cha- 
 rity, to keepe her at home with them, when as flie 
 isflowneaway from themoft places and parts of 
 the world befides. Awd whence rile all thefe glo- 
 rious conceits, becaufe they give now and then 
 (bmething more liberally and bountifully to the 
 poore. And that: 
 
 I. Perhaps which they give is but part of the 
 price of the bfoud") for by indofurc they drive 
 them both out of their houfes, and from the Mi- 
 ni^-lerie) both of thebodies and ibules of the poore. 
 It may be they got in byopprcflionj extortion or 
 
 M 4 ufiirya 
 
m 
 
 Ifa.«I,8. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ufliry , by grinding the faces of the fatherkje^ and tearing 
 thefiejh of the people of God, And fo wretched men 
 thinke to appeafc God, by giving part of their 
 robberies in almes, and goe about as it were to cor- 
 rupt him with prcfents, and call him to take part 
 of thefpoiie. 
 
 2. Or perhaps they pervert and pollute all their 
 good works and almes with Pharifaicall hypocride 
 and vain-glory, not freely and cheerfully parting 
 with them, with a fincere defiretoglorifie God^ 
 icor. r o. 3 1 . and fo they utterly lo(e their reward^ 
 Matth.6,1. 
 
 3. Or perhaps they give hand over head, with- 
 out any difference of parties, or fpirituall dilere- 
 tion : They doe not with an holy careconfider, 
 where their gifts may bee beft beftowcd, what is 
 fitteft to be given, how much is meet for them to 
 contribute, and in what manner they fliould per- 
 fbrmeir, being ftrangers to that precept and prin- 
 cipal! of the Apoftle, forever to be ftridly obfer- 
 ved in all offices of love, works of charity, and 
 alnaes-deeds, Gal.6. Dot good imio all men, hntefpect- 
 alljtothemofthe ho-fjhold of faith, Perb^ips they are 
 free-hearted in upholding (bme old iiipcrllitious 
 cuftomeSj fbmc prophane (ports and paftimes, but 
 very cold ineontributionstogodlyufesa and good 
 caufes. In fuch cafes a little is wrung from them, 
 with noleflc adoe, than if a diftrefle of a fine or 
 amercement were to; be cxaded and extorted from 
 them. 
 
 4. Perhaps for alh the charity they bra^s;© of, 
 they inwardly hate a true Chriftianj as a fePow 
 
 troublefbme 
 
 
klfe^inricbing examination. 
 
 n 
 
 troublefbme, and too preci(e And they refped 
 onely aiideftcemc the good opinion and kindc af- 
 fectation, of good-fellowes, as they call them, and 
 merry companions, tiolding it an oncly way to 
 winne love, to make themlelves popular in pra- 
 difeof fbme plaufible finnes, in (landing for old 
 corrupt cuftomcs, whichever pleafethe moft part 
 ' and common (brr, inyeelding liberty for iicetiti- 
 ous courfes, to them that live under them^ and 
 about them, in procuring impunity to difordercd 
 perfbns, and taking part with Satan andprophane 
 men , againft the courle of fincerity and good 
 Ghriftians, which is a cruell mercy, and murdering 
 love. 
 
 5 . It may be having knowledge, found faith , fin- 
 cerity of heart, a good confc ience, are wanting to 
 their good ivorks, and then their almes-deeds are 
 no better unto them (though in ihemfelves good 
 and neceflary) ihe^ the cnitwg off of a dogger tmh^yand 
 the efferingof Smnts hhnd. It is fcrre eafier for a man 
 to part with thefuperfliiity of his abundance than 
 to part with his (weet finnc, and the (enfiiall pJea- 
 (tiresof this life. Hence it is thatthe hypocrite 
 (braetimes (efpecially if he have any hope thereby 
 to nppeafe the wrath of God,' and fitisfie for his 
 finnes) is content to give any thing to the fervice 
 of God, fave himfelfe, fave his heart and affedi- 
 ons, which are the worlds^ Mich,6,6, " He would 
 «' be at any coft, he would (pare no charges to pur- 
 *'' chafe two HeavenSj one on earth; and another in 
 . the world to come : He woull give any thing to 
 • redeemehisfinncsj if hemighthaveadifpenfation 
 
 to 
 
154" 
 
 iCor.ij. 
 
 Arsons 4. 
 MiC'h.3.3. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 to continue in Unnc. In this point hec would not 
 Oand upon any worldly good, though it wrre<i 
 thnfand Kammes, or ten thonjami Riven ^ cyk : Nay, 
 he vvou.'d give his firft borne for hii tranfgrefiien 5 even 
 thefrmt of his bodyjor thefmne ofhisfouk. He would 
 be exadt and unreproveable in all outward fervices, 
 ?fal.%o. But though he fhould give thefe, and the 
 whole world befidesj if it were his owne ^ though 
 hefljould give all that he haih to thepoore, and his body to 
 be burnt : Yet without love unto God, exprcit in 
 yecldingtothe power and pradifeof his Word^ 
 and ChriftianafFedion to godly men, becaufethcy 
 kcepe a good Gonfcience, and labour to (ave their 
 (bulesj all were nothing. It is the heart, and the 
 finceriry thereof, which is a (acrificc, and (ervice 
 well pleafing unto God. 
 
 I have interpofed this point no way to hinder 
 thereleevingofthepoore, or toftop the current 
 of bounty and goodneffe, in well di^fed minds, 
 God forbid. I had more need in thefe ftony and 
 flinty times, in this age of cruelty and oppreffion, 
 to ftrike at with the rod of judgements, the rockie 
 hearts of wicked worldlings,and covetoas Cormo- 
 rants, tliat fbme fprings of mercy and compaflion 
 might breake out, that they might cafi their bread 
 upon the waters i left they periQi in the Lake of fire. 
 I had more need to minifter a (harp potion, com- 
 pofed and nangled all of plague* and woes, to the 
 enclofing, ingroffing, and opprefling Cannibals of 
 our times, that they might caft upagainc the poorc 
 ilsat thfy havejivalloiped dotfne, and tktfltjh of Cods peo- 
 pkwhichthey have eaten 5 left the raft of that Gold 
 
 and 
 
felfe^nricbing examination. 
 
 and Silver which they have heaped up upon the 
 ruines and defolations of whole families, be one 
 day afmft mtneffeagait^ them, and eat their jfejh as it 
 Tperefire, I had more need to ftrike through their 
 loynes v/ith terrour and trembling, v^ith that fear- 
 fall woe, i/^.5.8. Wo^. u»to them that; )ojm houfe to 
 houfe and lay field to field ^^c, with that in the Vrov, 
 14.;} I. He that doth a poore man wrongs blafphe- 
 fMethhis Mak^r ^ (b we read in the great Bibles 5 and 
 moft terrible to this purpofe is that (though Apo- 
 cry phallj yet moft true) Ecdttfi ^.22,2?. Tl.'e bread 
 of the needfdlis thelife of ihepoore, he that defraude h 
 him thereof is a nmrtnerer. He that tah^th away his neigh - 
 hours living, Jtayeth him. It is feconded and confir- 
 med by Smitlohn, a Canonical] writer, i loh.^A 5 . 
 Whofoefvcr hateth Ins brother is a man -flayer. And what 
 greater meafure of hatred, what more cruel! man- 
 ner of murther can there bee devifed, than to fet 
 him upon the rackej thanby oppreflion,'^ufury or 
 extortion i^ to plucke off his slqnne, to teare hisfleffj 
 from his bones ^ tobreke his bones, and chop them in 
 peecesas for the pot, Mieh.^,2,'^. A man hadfarre 
 better be prefently knockt ith* head^ than by ki- 
 furc and languifhingthus pineaway.There are two 
 wayes yon know of putting out a Lampe, either by 
 blowing it out, or by taking away the oyle which 
 fhould nouriOi and feed the flame ; So a man may. 
 either be (uddenly ftabbed and thruft thorow, or 
 having his living and 11 velyhood, by little and lit- 
 tle pluckt from him, linger for a while in a con- 
 (umptionofhisftate, untill he quite pine away in 
 want and mifery. This latter murthering of men 
 
 is 
 
 15? 
 
 Jam. 5. 
 
156 
 
 The Saints 
 
 is craftily and cruelly prafti(ed by the enclofing 
 and opprcffing Giants of our times, they doc not 
 knocke them downe in the ftreec, and ftrike them 
 dead as they meet them, that were farre moretol- 
 lerable and merciful!, and there were law againft | 
 them. 
 
 But by racking their rents above reafbn, or rai- 
 fing their fines beyond mealure, or wearying them 
 by one tricke or other, out of their ancient poffef- 
 fions, they wring their penfivcfbules from their 
 hunger-ftarved bodies. Kaboth died more happily 
 and eafily than the opprefTed andenclofedof our 
 times, which is a kinde of death^ as farre more 
 cruell and tormenting than the former^ as hanging 
 in chaines alive, than beheading. Who would not 
 hate and abominate with the highefi: ftraine of in- 
 dignation, that bloudy tyrant which fhould torture 
 an innocent man, upon (bme engine of vexation, 
 with a lingring torment, onely upon purpofe to 
 make his paines' more painfull, and fhould onely 
 adde life unto his death, that he might die more di- 
 ftrefTedly ? And yet in cfFed many cruell Land- 
 Lords deale thus with honeft men, though not for 
 thirft of bloud, yet for greedinefTe of gold. 
 
 If the times then bee fuch, I had infinitely, 
 andathoufand times rather be a Prodlor to plead 
 for the poore, than once to open my mouth 
 ae,ainfl: them. And therefore whatfoever I have de- 
 livered in the former point, was only to meet with 
 a falfe opinion, and common errour of men, 
 who ever when they heareof charity,faith, work- 
 j ing by love and good workes, conceive there- 
 
 : ty_ 
 
felfe^nricbing examinat'iGn. 
 
 by nothing but almes-deeds. Which indeed in 
 themfelves are good and neeefljr/^ and -ftiidtly 
 .commanded of God Almighty, Ecclef. 1 1 . i . i joh» 
 3«i7c molt plea fing unto him, 7/^.58.536,7. And 
 highly rewarded by him, Prm). 19-17, Ink. i6.p. 
 Jf they bee ourowne lawfully and confcipnably 
 come by^ given with a heart purged by faith from 
 an evill conlcience, and dead .works,^ with fpiritu- 
 all di(cretion in preferring the Saints in all favours 
 and furtherances^ with feafenableneflej compaffion 
 and chearfulnefle; they are a precious feed fowne 
 upon earth, tlie crop whei'eoffhall hereafter bee 
 glorioufly reaped in the Heavens. But if an holy, 
 ■ flame of divine love to God, his honour^, truth and 
 fervice ^ to jJil good things, godly exercifes, and 
 true Ghriftians, be not firft kindled in the heart, 
 by the fanftifying fpirit 5 if there be not a refped 
 to all Gods Commandements, a delightin all holy" 
 duties, and hatred to all finnes ^ all our alnaes-. 
 deeds, all our good Works arc/Unto. our fclvcs ut- 
 terly unprofitable. Thele ought to be done pro- 
 portionably to our ability, and the other graces to 
 be polTeft in.liacerity, if welooke for faivation, A 
 good man muftnotonely apply feis hand,Butprin- 
 cipally his heart to the exercife of well-doirlg. 
 There is the royall feat of divine love,and the holy 
 olF-fpring of a fruitful! faith, which givcth life and 
 acceptation to all good aftions, without which 
 the largeft doles, and moftglorious hrgeflcs, are 
 butcmleafbnedandunfanftificd (acrifices. Befides 
 the confutation of a common errour 5 the point 
 fcrvcs to comfort pooreGhriftians, to whom tlus 
 
 hard 
 
 157 
 
158 
 
 The Saints 
 
 hard world denieth wealth. For love (the faireft 
 and lovelicft ifliie of a faving faith) is not placed 
 with money in the purfe, but planted with love 
 and kindnelTc in the heart. 
 
 Canft thou mourne with diftrcfled Chriftians, 
 and unfainedly afFeft thy heart with fbrrow for 
 their griefes > Canft thoulpcake comfortably un- 
 to an afflided confcience, and refrcfh a broken and 
 bruifed (pirit? Canft thou pray heartily for the con- 
 verfionof thy moft enraged and implacable cnc- 
 mie, and grieve at their rebellions and foule-mur- 
 thering ftubbornneflc ? Doft thou labour upon all 
 occafionSj by inftruftions, admonitions, feafbna- 
 ble reproofes, to draw others out of their igno- 
 rance and blindnefle, iecurity and finnes, to faving 
 knowledge, and into the waycs of God ? Why 
 then thou art very rich and glorious in almcf-decds, 
 for fothou doeft good to the fbulesof thy bre- 
 thren, one of which is farrc more worthy than the 
 bodies of all men living. Thou fo cnricheft thy 
 brother with heavenly trcaftircs , and (pirituall 
 almes, which arc much more pretious^ and pre- 
 ferred before any good dced^ or comfortable re- 
 leefejCxercifed and conferred upon the body : The 
 very Schoolmen being witneffes, Durdndutlib.j^, 
 dA^.q.'jXon^ule^^Cafliga.folare^remitteifer, ora ^ is 
 better than, Viftto^poto^cibo^redimo^^Ugo^cMgo^cendO' 
 To conclude this point, true and juftifying faith 
 doth' ever in the firft place kindle in the heart a 
 zealous & fervent love to God, and all godlinefle ^ 
 then to our owne (bules, whereby wee are ftirred 
 up to fiirnifti them with all laving graces, then 
 I to 
 
felfe-inriching examination. \ 
 
 tochefbules of our brethren, that they may bee i 
 brought to everJaftkig happinclTe^ then to their } 
 bodies and lives, that we may refrefh and relceve [ 
 them, according to their wants, as the Lord (ball j 
 make us able j after to all creatures, as we (hall fee ! 
 and obferve, to the power, wifdomc and glory of* 
 our gracious God to fliine in them. 
 \ 7. Seventhly, Forfaking the world, is a fure 
 fignc of a faving faith. For no man can poffibly 
 rent his affeftion from the world ^ his (weet 
 'finne, and earthly vanities 5 untill his fbule have 
 received by the hand of faith from the (pirit of 
 God 5 an aurhenticall affiirance of art immoridl 
 Crofcm in tJk. Heavem 5 fealed unr o him by the pre- 
 cious bloud of the fbtinc of God. Every man natu- 
 rally is greedy of joy and ccntentraentj and farre 
 more holdfaftof prefcnt comforts, though wcake 
 andtranfitory \ then appehenfive of unfeene fu- 
 ture happinefTes^ of which he hath no found and 
 c^rtaine hold , though excellent and ; endlefle. 
 Hence it is, that natural! men being in prefent tafte 
 and pofleflion of worldly plealures, and very fenfi- 
 bJc of their fenfu all 9f^ttinQ^Q^ and wanting faith 
 and ailurance of that everlaftingblefTedneflc abovc^ 
 with much greedineffe, and the (Irong torrent of 
 theifaffedions, follow and puriue the prefenf,and 
 will not part with theworld,becaufe they know no 
 other Heaven, they are allured of no other happi- 
 nefle. Howfoevcr they may pretend and proteft: 
 to the contrary, yet indeed and truth, both in af- 
 fedionand pradii(e,they preferre the world before 
 God, earth before heaven, time before eternity, 
 
 15P 
 
 
 TJiefcvemh 
 figne of faving 
 faith. 
 Keb.ii,i4,&c, 
 
 \ . 
 
ido I The Saint f 
 
 a wedge of gold, before a Crowne of Glory. The 
 
 heart of man ever forts and purchaleth to icfelfe 
 
 feme ftay or other of fbme kinde of comfort, 
 
 though it be hxxta br^k^nflaffedfreed, whereon to 
 
 reft and repofe it fclfe ^ it muft have fbme faccour 
 
 and refuge in time of ftormes, though but under i 
 
 naked tree 5 it will ever take fome ^nduary,, 
 
 though but ill fbme rotten and ruinous hold, 
 
 againft erodes and conrradiftions. The heart of 
 
 the covetous wan ueftles itfelfeupon gold, while 
 
 that glifters in his cheft, it leaps and dances ia his 
 
 breft : Thoagh he be abhorred both of God and 
 
 man, though he be reproved of the Minifter, and 
 
 curfed of the poore for his oppreffion, ufury, ex- 
 
 tortiorij hard-heartednefTe^Scc. yet when becomes 
 
 ' home and finds his bagges and bondsfafe,, he bJef- 
 
 feth himfelfe in his heart againft what judgements 
 
 and curfes (bever to the contrary. With his golden 
 
 , wedge hee eafilycutsafiander all doubts^ reafbns, 
 
 ; arguments and objections which can bee brought 
 
 againft him. Hee pleafeth and applauds himfelfein 
 
 ■ his prefent plenty againft all cenfiures andcontra- 
 
 1 didions whatfoever. '^ The (eat of honour is the 
 
 ; ^' ambitious mans Heaven. Though hee bee vext 
 
 with the indignation of good men, with thccon- 
 
 I tempt of inferiours, with thwartings of competi- 
 
 I tors, envies of compeeres, ;ealou(ies of Princes, 
 
 I and a thoufand moe ftings and diftempers ; yet he 
 
 [bin Heaven.and well enough in heart, while hee 
 
 j may dominecrc, and be adored above others. The 
 
 I gracelcfle wanton canbeare away well enough the 
 
 fweakningof his body, the wafting of his goods, 
 
 { the 
 
felfeAnrichingtxamination. i \6i 
 
 the lofle of friendsj and ftaine of reputation^ Co 
 chat hee may fwiniftily wallow in the fbule and 
 brutiQi pleafures of uncleannefle. Thus every un- 
 regenerate and earthly-minded man is ever wed- 
 ded unto the world in one curfed vanity or other, \ 
 untill he be even rent from it by the power of (a- j 
 ving faith : In which if he be once mainly croft^ he 
 isprefentlyoutof the world, at his wits end, and 
 without all comfort. If the covetous man bee tur- 
 ned out of his tieafiiresjhow neare is he toa de/pe- 
 rate phrenfie, or (bme accurfed end } If the proud 
 a(pirer bee ftript oi his honours and officeSj and 
 thrown from his high place, how weary is he of the 
 world ?4iow piodigall of his life ? how impatient 
 of the company of raeni"? Infinite are thewayes,; 
 vanities, and crooked by-paths, in which wretched 
 men tyre themfelves in vaine. They fweat in fin- 
 full courfes, and are faft glued to the mire and mud 
 of the earth, becauiethey want a found afiurance 
 by (aving faith, of better things in the world to 
 come. But if a man be once by faith per(v\^aded of 
 Gods favour, and have his eyes opened to fee what 
 great variety of holy and heavenly delights may 
 be enjoyed in rhe ftateof Chriftianity, in compa-^ 
 rifon of the moft glorious revelling of the richefi 
 worldling 5 if hee be once foundly and (aviHglyj 
 affiired, that after a fewdayes of vanitie^ and anj 
 inch of raiferable time, he (hall live everlaftirigly 
 with God, the holy Angels, and blefled Saints,ana 
 in that ftate, and in thofe facrcd manfions, where 
 nothing but light and blefled immortality, no fha- 
 xlow for matter ofxeares5di(contentmea«$,gr^fe$j; 
 
 N and 
 
1 i6i I 
 
 The eighth 
 ma kcoffavingj 
 faith. 
 
 7 he Saints 
 
 anduncomforcabie pallions to worke upon s, buc a Jl 
 joy^tranquilky and peace, even for, ever and ever 
 doth dwell 5 liay if he be once thns perfwaded and 
 aflured, how willingly doth he bid the world fare- 
 well > How refolntely doth he caft out of his af- 
 fections all greedy thoughts, and exceffive defires 
 ofearth and earthly treafures^HoW" clearly doth he 
 fee and acknowledge that all things here are tranfi-, 
 tory, vaine, and icoie flitting away? If heonce fa- 
 llen the eye of his minde, inlightnedwith the&- 
 credbeamedf anholy and (avnigfeich, upon the 
 unvaluable precioufheflej'and cverlafting beauty 
 of the Crowne of glory ^ it is not the glifteringof 
 Gold, the fplendounof princely thrones, the glo- 
 ry of the whole world, can after give hi many true 
 comfort, and found con tenement : For then he is 
 as Eagle-minded, as he is Eagle-eyed, and fores 
 alofc in his meditations towards the Sonne of righ- 
 teoufrieffe, and feafts already uponthofeendteife 
 pleafures at Gods right hand. HefufFers no more 
 his hope and affedions to ftoope fo low^ as to feize 
 upon the flies of this world ^ or the wide capacity 
 of his foule to be filled with wind, and emptindfe 
 of worldly vanities. Then onely are we willing to 
 (hake hancb with the world, when by the hand of 
 fai th we have laid hold upon the joy es of Heaven , 
 
 8 . Eighth ;y,the conflict betweene the f )irit and 
 theflefh, is a notable mairke of faving faith. Un- 
 fauYifiedmsn are for ch« mal: part mecre %an- 
 s;ers to the troubles oF conicieuce.. S^can like a 
 mighcyGi mt,and an imocrions tyra{it,keeos them 
 Ja hisdiiWttes, without an/ great noi(eor ftirre, 
 
 ' withou 
 
/elfe4nriching examination. 
 
 without any concrolement or contradidion. But 
 if once this Itrong man^ which hath before quietly 
 raigaed is the heart, and fit m the conll ience, bee 
 dikrmed^ and diipoileft of his holds and haunt 
 by the fpirit of the Lordjefiis, and the power of 
 faving faichj then beginnes this fore and laftiog 
 combate betwixt the flefh and the (piric.Satan then 
 doth not oncly faimfelfe rage like a madded and 
 roaring Lion for re-entry, but dothalfbOirreupa 
 civiliandi. ceftinewarreinamans owne bofome, 
 which neverendeth untilldeathjUntill the old man 
 be quite exlinguiftit and aboIi(ht in him. and the 
 new man after many reftlefle oppofitions 8c fierce 
 graplings conquer and be crowned. But left you 
 deceive your (elves in this marke of a true&ith, 
 you muft conceive &: know, that there may be ma- 
 ny inward tumultuous ftirres and ftrifes, even in a 
 prophane and unregenerarc man. In fbme the tor- 
 rent of tin is fo headftrong and violent, that it car- 
 ries conlcience reafbn, reputations the headJong 
 tyde of the afFeftions along with it^ without any re- 
 fiftanceorreludiation at all. Thefe ht^efildthem- 
 fgive: to tvat k^ mck^dnes-jthj Ci^mmitji» wUhgne^nelJe, 
 tkjdriff^ ypimquiiy Uk^wifttr, and feed on earthly 
 pleafores , as the Horfe-Ieech on corrupt bloud. 
 There may in him be a combate and contradidiom 
 Firftabctweene reafbn and afFedion. Realbn many 
 times may dift^afte and ftand againft that which af- 
 feftion doth furioufly urge upon him. In this fight 
 realbn overcame in many heathensjin Reptlus. 
 
 12. Betweene natural! confcience, and natural! 
 pafioDS : * As mfif^t^ the light of his confcicnce 
 N 2 
 
 Id? 
 
 Gai.j.17. 
 
 Roai,7,a_5, 
 
 Ck.o§v»6bA^ 
 of Confciencc, 
 
 checkt '^g-'*»- 
 
i6^ 
 
 13e Saints 
 
 checkt and fnub'd him from paffing Sentence upon 
 Chrift ^ but fcare of C<ep/* Ipurred him forward to 
 condemne him^ 
 
 3. Betweenea defire of preferring his reputati- 
 on unftained in the world, and a delight in fbme 
 open infamous finne : As when a man will needs 
 be an Ufurer, an Oppreflor, a Drunkard, a Swea •. 
 reror the like, and yet would gladly be accounted 
 an honeft man amongfl: good ChriiHans^ 
 
 4. Betweene the feare of fome (peciall remarka- 
 ble vengeance from above, and a purpofe to conti- 
 nue in the pleafiires of (bme (ecret; fweet, abomi- 
 nable finne. SccFosHx^ Ali.i^,verf,2'y,2 6. 
 
 5. Betweene purpofetolive the lifeofworld- 
 linefle and pleafures, and a defirc todk the death of 
 the righteous, S ee Balaam^ Numb, 23.10. 
 
 6. Befides fuch like conflids as thefe in unrege* 
 nerate men, thebeftof them may moreover by 
 the general! aid, and hiferiour workingof the ipi- 
 rit, ftrive againft all outward finnes for a time^and 
 (bme grofle finnes all their life long. BiK bccaufe 
 they are not inwardly and throughly fanftified, 
 because they doe not with conftancy and refoluti- 
 on hold out in combate againft the finnes of the 
 time, becaufethey doe commonly nuzzle in^ their 
 boibmes, fome one pl'eafiircfull, honourable, ot 
 gainfull finne or other, they are not Chrifts Gora- 
 batants and Chamoions in that great and fharpe 
 conflid betweene the flefh and the fpirir, which I 
 make an infallible and individual! marfce of a jufti- 
 fiedman. This in the childe of God is fierce, ani- 
 verXall, cooftanc : It is not for a flouriih, but to the 
 ^__ (her'ding 
 

 felfe-inmhing examination. ] 165 
 
 (bedding of bloud. It is not the playing of a prize, 
 for reputation of vaIour,but for lifeanddeath.Jtis 
 not for the dilplanting of one finne, or two^but for 
 the utter dii-ceptring and dil- throning of all fin, 
 though it cannot bee utterly ban i(ht out of mor- 
 tall bodies. The fpirit in this fight is ever fb farrc 
 conqueror, and vidorious, that it filers not the 
 fleih to raigne and domincere. It may fbmetimes 
 by the auxiliarie forces of Satan be brought upon 
 his knees, but by anewfupply of grace it is ftill re- 
 frefht and fumiflit for a re-encounter. It will not 
 yeeld to auy treaty of peace for all the worlds me- 
 diation. It will admit of no parly ^take no truce^ or 
 liften to any termesofcapitulationjbut is ftill (wea- 
 ting,and tolling, and in bloud to the knees/or the 
 caufe of heaven, and in thequarrellof falvation. 
 And if it cannot fb fubdue and keepe under the re- 
 bellious flefh as it fhould.and dothearneflly defire, 
 it mournes and grieves, it wifhes to bee delivered 
 from this body of death, and buckles fafter and 
 neereruntoit felfe the whole compleat Chriftian 
 armour. When the flefh tickles and flirres, and 
 tempts to the re-enjoyment of the fenfuall pica- j 
 fures of fbme old finne, or goes about to enfharei 
 the Chriflian in the bonds of iniquity, the fpirit 
 ordinarily fuggefts (ecretly untohisheart fuch mo- i 
 tions and meditations as thefe : Miferable man^ | 
 what goeft thou about > what thoughts dofl: thou \ 
 now entertaine > Doe not thofe eyes, which arc-ten 
 thoufand times brighter than the Sunne, fee the i 
 fecrets of thy heart ? Art thou fearlefTe and hard- ' 
 ned againfl Gods judgement ? Hafl thou not here- j 
 - N 3 tofore ' 
 
j i66 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 tofore iek the ftings and bitingsof finne ? Forget- 
 it[\ thou thy vocation ? Wilt thou fo deceive the 
 opinion of good men, who thinkc that thou art a 
 Chriftian ? Why wouldeft thou trouble the peace 
 of thy conicience againe ? Why wouldeft thou fill 
 againe thy faith with doubtings.and thy heart with 
 deadnefle ? Why wilt thou grieve ike go$i jpiritof 
 Goi^ h) which ihot* artfea W u»to the day ofredemptiofK 
 and gratifie Satan thy mortali enemie ? Wherefore 
 wouldeft thou bring a (candall upon thy profelfi- 
 on, and fadnefie upon the Saints } Is this the pra- 
 ftice of Gods people, and the way to the King- 
 dome of Heaven ? Art thou aflared, that being fal- 
 len thou fhalt rife againe > Art thou (urc, after (b 
 many thou(and forbearances, God will be patient 
 ftill ?* For a little fi nfull pieafurCj mingled with bir- 
 terneffe and vexation, wilt thou diflcttJe and dif- 
 joynt, yea, turne otfthe hooks the whole frame of 
 thy fandification > For a little bafe and bruitifli 
 delight of fcnfe, wilt thou lofc the benefit of thy 
 former integrity, peace of confcience, and the 
 hearts of good men ? wilfully bereave thy (elfc of 
 Gods favourable countenance, divine protedion 
 and guard of Angels > Wretched man, bee not fb 
 cruell and mcrcilefle to that un valuable Jewell, 
 thine owne immortall foule,&:c. By fuch (ecret 
 andfacred eloquence as this, the (pirit doth often 
 curbe and fnaffle the heat and headineffe of the 
 fleOi, and ftopfiiddenly a man that is on gallop to- 
 wards finne. But if fbmetimes the (pirit doth not 
 fb thorowly prevaile , but that the Chriftian by 
 violence of temptation, and the cunning enti(e- 
 
 ments 
 
felfeAnriching examination. j i6j 
 
 menrs of his owne corruptions be at unawares fur- 
 prized and overtaken with fomc finne, yet it doth 
 notwithftanding more deadlily bate it afterward, 
 with more ftrongvowes and relbJutions abjure it, 
 and refift it with greater care, il:rength:> and watch- 
 fulnefle ; Sothat ever at length God gives a com- 
 fortable iiTue one way or other in this Chriftian 
 combatCj andatlaft moft certaine vidtory. If it be 
 (b then, that thou feele the combate betwixt the 
 fieOi and the fpirit within thee ^ and after that 
 Gombatc, comfort by the vidory of the fpirit over 
 the flefla ; then afluredly faith hath gone before, 
 God himfelfe is the man of warre, and the fpirit of 
 the Lord Jefus hath deflroyed the power of dark- 
 nefle within thee. 
 
 p. Ninthly, The Spirit of prayer doth ever ac- iThcnimhmark 
 company faving faith. If a man feele this fer- lof^^^i^s^^i^^- 
 vent anclflirring, and faithfully exercifed in him, 
 with groancsand fighs, and flrong cries ^ hee may 
 undoubtedly aflure himfelfe that heis (andified by 
 faith. As for unregenerate men ^ 
 
 1 . Some pray not at all, for they are fb ftrongly 
 and fbttifhly ignorant in all matters of Heaven, 
 and (o fenfleflTe and unapprehcnfive of their finfull 
 and accurfed flate, that they never conceived or 
 utteredgroanes, or word unto God, either for the 
 removall of any corruption, or fupply of any 
 grace. In a cold formall faftiion their bodies may 
 be prefent at publike prayer, but they cannot re- 
 member the day when ever they powredout their 
 ibul^s in private, before th^ throne of grace^ or | Piai.144; 
 prayed with their families. 
 i .. . N4 2. Others 
 
 Rotn.io.if. 
 
168 
 
 The Saints 
 
 2. Ocherii there be, who arc men of gr^ac un^ 
 derftanding for worldly bufinelTes Jolly v/i(e men, 
 and able to diicourfe largely and readily of other 
 matters, and can tell their tale before whomsoever,- 
 as well and wifely asthebeft ^ and yet they have 
 not the hearts to conceiue, the wildome to con- 
 trive^ or the tongue to deliver two or three /fen- 
 tences in feeling and fcafbnable prayer, before the 
 Throne of God : They cannot for their hearts, 
 for their lives hold out a quarter of an hours m 
 ripping up their hearts, and laying open their fpi- 
 rituall eftate before God, in a conceived pray^n 
 They u(e fbmetimes upon occa(ion tobreake out 
 into fo.Tie (hort wiQies 5 as Lord have mercy upon 
 us ^ God be thanked for all his bleflings ^ God fend 
 u«the light of Heaven 5 the Lord fend raine, if it 
 be his will ^ and (uch like ; Bun as for longer diP- 
 ceurfe, or fet exercifes in prayer they thinke it 
 onely belongs to Minifters and SchoUers, men 
 converfantinthe Scriptures, and holy paflagesof 
 divinity. Miferable and wretched men, it is onely 
 the want of the feeling of your miferable ftate, 
 and (pi? ituall wants, which makes you want words 
 to powre out your fbules in fervent and hearty 
 prayer unto God Almighty, and to enlarge your 
 felves in an holy and comfortable conference with 
 him. There is not the molt unlearned or fimple, 
 but if the Lord once inlightenhis conlcicnce by 
 the power of the Law, and affeft his heart with a 
 true tafte of heavenly (vveetneffe, hee will finde 
 words enow toexprefle the wants and grievances 
 of hishungry and humbled (cftile: For the Spirit 
 
 of 
 
Jislfe-inriching examinatton. 
 
 169 
 
 of God givech utterance, openeth theiipSj andun- 
 tics the krings both of heart and tongue, to all 
 thofewhomhe faniSifies by (aving faith, and in^ 
 dues with a figh t and (en(e, true fbrrovv and hatred 
 of finne. Let us fuppofe that the mo t ignorant and 
 fimpleman, fhouldby fome mercilefle enclofing 
 Land-lord, bee turned out of doores, fb that hce 
 had no where in the wide worldto hide his head, 
 either forhimfelfe, wife or children. Now in this 
 ca(eanddi(comforta friend comes unto him, and 
 telshim, there is an honeft religiou? Gentleman, 
 will without all faile bcl'tow a better thing, a richer 
 Farme upon him;,if he can fiifficiently bemoane r , is 
 cafe, tell his tale, and lay open his mi(ery and want 
 before him ; Doe you thinke this man, though 
 never fb fimple and ignorant^, would lofe it for af- 
 king > Or would he come onely bluntly and briefly 
 thus ? I pray you fir give me this Farme ; No, un- 
 doubtedly without any helpe or learning, hce 
 would finde plenty > both of reafbns and words, 
 with many moving tearmes , and paflionte elo - 
 qiience, to unfold his drftrefTedflate, and roflirre 
 up compaflion : He would tell him the flory of his 
 hard and cruell ufage by his former Land-lord- 
 how heehactfirfb railed his fines, then reared his 
 rents, toyled and worne out both him and his 
 teameinhisfervices and carriages, laboured long 
 with many hard conditions, and unchriftian ufage, 
 I to vex and weary him out and at length had quite 
 ! turned him out of all, and had cafl him into the 
 wide and hard hearted world ^ fo that that little 
 (lay thachis fither. Grand- father, and all hs pre- 
 
 deceflbrs 
 
lyo I 
 
 The Saints 
 
 deceiTors had quietly aad peaceably enjoyed upon 
 a reafbnable rent, time out of minde, was now 
 qalce pulled away, and rent from him by the hand 
 of violence and oppreflion : And therefore upon 
 the kiices of his much vexed and broken heart, he 
 begs and entreats that he would be good unto him, 
 el(e he, and his wife, and his many poore children 
 are like all to goe a begging ^ for the world was 
 never lb hard^ the hearts of men (b flinty, and cha- 
 rity (b cold. If it would pleafe him to give him 
 faccour, and a refting place, in this his grcateft di- 
 ftrelTeandmifery, heand allhis (hould be bound 
 to prav for him, and doe him their utmoft (ervice 
 faithfully, fo long as they lived. Want of earthly 
 neceflaries^and defireof temporall commodities, 
 would enforce and furnifh the fimpleft man in the 
 world to fpeakc thus, or in the like manner, and 
 perhaps with many moe, and more effedhiallper- 
 {\vafionS) fit phrafes, proverbs 8c moving fpeeches. 
 How much more then, if he had fenle of his (piri- 
 tuall miferies & wants, and (bund hope of the glo- 
 ry of Heaven,would he find words enow, with fer- 
 vencie of fpirit, to (ue unto the Lord of Heaven > 
 fith he may be more bold with him, and iooke for 
 morekindnefTe and compaffion at his hands, than 
 from the moftmercifull Land-lord upon earth, if 
 there be any left. 
 
 3. Some others there arejpooreignoraFtfbuies, 
 that Evening and Morning doe prophanely poft 
 over the Lords Prayer, the Creed, and perhaps the 
 ten Commandements , thinking that they are 
 thereby fandified and bleft, and that that is fiifii- 
 
 cient 
 
 . 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 1 7 1 
 
 dent feruicc, fuit, andieeking unto God. Buc bc- 
 caule they are ignorant and unexperienced in the 
 true nature, and right pradt ke of prayer, and only 
 mumble over a few good words coldlyjcuftomar^', 
 and {uperftitioufly, without all feeling, faith^or h- 
 ving knowledge ; It is but only lip-labour, and loft 
 labour, nayj hatefull and abominable before God , 
 they Hiurt therefore doe it reverently, as on their 
 kneesin private^or with their faroilie^devoutly and 
 pioufly with faith and repentance ^ and laflly, con- 
 ftantly with zeale andearneftncfle , endevouring 
 withall to lead an holy and an honefHite^ boh 
 toward God jand towards mtin. 
 
 4. Others there are, who if they be vexed with 
 fbme outward croiIes,as ficknes, poverty.dilgrace^ 
 or with inward afflidions, a? terrour of conlcience, 
 fearfulIthoughtSjfeare of death^or when Gods pub- 
 like executioners are abroad, the plague, £imine or 
 fword 5 then they thinke of approaching unto the 
 throne of grace. Infuch extremities they fall to 
 their prayers anddefire more neere acquainrancc 
 and familiarity with God. We may fee this in the 
 Mariners with Imai^ ch.i,-^. But if once the (lorme 
 be overblowne, and the fword of vengeance (hea- 
 thed againe, they are as propbane and praycrlelle 
 as they were before, and grow quite out ofac- 
 qaaintarKC with God againe, and utter (Grangers 
 to all holy conference with him. And while they 
 were in the vaine and humour for prayer, they 
 onelyaymedattemporallbleflings, and at the re- 
 moval! of prefent judgements. If they glanced at 
 heavenly things, it was onely for defire of the 
 
 Crownc 
 
lyi 
 
 The Saints 
 
 Crowneot iifcafcertheplcafures of this life ^ but 
 not for love and longing afcer rhofe fpirituall 
 graces and holinefle of life, which lead thereunto. 
 For many wi(h heartily for the goale of immorta- 
 lity, but they will not take painesj and to\ le them- 
 fclvcsinthe race of ChriUianity. Ihtf defire to 
 behappy in the world to come, but notto be holy 
 and righteous in this world. They would gladly 
 partake of the joyesof Heaven^ but not with con- 
 dition of forfaking their earthly pleafures. 
 
 5 . Others there are, a kinde of out-fide Chri- 
 ftiansj who left of the beft (brt they fhould bee 
 thought ftarkc Athcifts^and prayerlelfe raifcreants, 
 they are content for themoli part to fuffer prayers 
 to be read Evening and Morning in their houfes, 
 efpecially upon good dayes,and when they are nor 
 too full of worldly bufinefle.But this holy bufinefle 
 is performed with (uch irreverence, coldnefle, and 
 inJevotion, perhaps by fbme inferiour, not of the 
 Mafcer of thefamily (who is ever the Prieft in his 
 o w ne houie) that knowes not how to fpeake to the 
 prefent and particular wants, neceflities, and oc- 
 cafionsof the family. I lay, it is done in that for- 
 mal! and fruirleflefafliion, that It may plainly ap- 
 peare that the fpirit of prayer is not in their houfes, 
 nor the power of grace in their hearts, but that 
 good and holy prayers are fouly prophaned a- 
 mongftthem, and ^turned intocurfes and judge- 
 ments, fervingonely to confirmc them inoutward- 
 nefle and formality, not with any fervcncie, to 
 drawdownebleflings from heaven, or to fupply 
 their poverty and wants in spiritual] things. 
 6, Laftly 
 
fetfe'tnrtcbmg examinatton. 
 
 17 
 
 6, Laftiy, (bme unfandified men there are^who 
 mightily deceive even true Chriftians in this point 
 of prayer, i. They are fuch as either havebecne 
 brought up amongft good Chriftians, and godly 
 exercifes ^ and fo thereby like thofe which walkc 
 much in the Sunne, though about their bu fine iTeSj 
 yet receive fomc fwarthinefl^ thereby, by often 
 hearingandobfervingorhersjand being (bmetjmes 
 put unto pradice themfelves, grow into a habit of 
 honeft praying, though irbee but by rore, and 
 without fech'ng and power on their owne parts. 
 
 2. Or they may be formall profeflbrs, who for 
 the time of their temporary faith and profeflrjon3 
 and while their joy in the Word^ and love to the 
 Minifters, ftirreup (bme fudden and fuperficijil 
 flaftrintheheartj mayfbmetimesmakeafaireand 
 goodlyfliewthisway, but in them worldly occa- 
 fions, time, temptations, feare of bein^ reputed 
 tooprecife,6cc. willcafily interrupt and wafte all 
 zeale^ ability, and exercife in that holy affaire. Bm 
 moftof allfome Minifters may much deceive in 
 this^ point even the beft difcerning fpirits for a 
 time, if their readinefTe and dexterity in prayer be 
 onely taken notice of : For by reading books of 
 feeling, fandified, and confcionable divinity, by 
 imitating thofe who are truly zealous in prayer, 
 and by applying themfelves to gi ve fatisfadioUjand 
 winnc the opinion of (bme godly Chriftians, up- 
 on whom they fpecially depend for ad vantages,re- 
 putation, and by-refpcfts, they may competently 
 and cunningly fumi(hthem(elves, with a formal! 
 method, and outward forme of (incereandiandi* 
 
 fied 
 
 J!^ 
 
'74- 
 
 WhatfncvcT 
 outivard good 
 woikchechildc 
 of God can doe 
 by grace, the 
 fame maya wic- 
 ked man doc 
 th ongh pride, 
 as concGivea 
 p.ayer, &c. 
 l'e'l(!us vpon 
 cIjC SeriTKin in 
 the Mount, 
 
 FcrvcKcie in 
 prayer of thiec 
 kinds. 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 tied prayer 5 and they may give artiticuil lifb and ^ 
 adion unto it in the delivery : As we fee Orators 
 doe to their inventions. O the dt^pth of hypocri- 
 fie, and the choufand windings^, turnings, and de- 
 ceits of mans finfull heart ! Thefe may feeme out- 
 wardly more fervent in prayer than (bme of Gods 
 faithful! fervants. * In which point, left wc be dc- 
 ceivedi let us conceive three kinds of ferveiKic^ 
 and three kinds of coldnefle. There is, 
 
 T. A natural! fervencie. Some men out of their 
 ftirring and quicke temper and conftitution, ut- 
 ter and deliver things with much heat, life and 
 paffion. 
 
 2. An artificiall fervencie, when men by art 
 and induftry learne and hhoxxr to animate and en- 
 live their conceits and words, with pleafing, fir, 
 and moving adion. 
 
 . 3. Spirituall fervencie, when a /acred flame and 
 holy zeale is kindled in the heart and affedions, by 
 Godsfandifyingfbiritj whereby a man doth fee- 
 lingly and powerfiilly, with fenfe, experience, and 
 conlciencc, throw out the longings and fcrventap- 
 prehenfions of his heart. This laft is peculiar to 
 the Chriftian, the other may be fonnd in unfandi- 
 fiedmen. 
 
 There may alio bee conceived three kinds of 
 coldnefle : 
 
 I. or difcretion 5 out of which a man may be 
 (oft and (bber in fpeech jbur weighty in his adions, 
 and powerfull in his exhortations. 
 
 3 . Of compledion ; when a man findified and 
 zealous in heart, arrd yet by reafon of his naturall 
 
 indiipofition, 
 
lelfeAnricbing examination. 
 
 indifpofidonj andeoIdniTeof conftitution, cannot 
 exprefle himfelfe outwardly, with halfe that zeale^ 
 heat and fervency as he doth defire. 
 
 3. Of ungracioufhefle ; when a mans ibulc is 
 (b frozen in the dregs of finne , that he is fearfully 
 poflcft with a dulnefle and benummedncflc ot 
 heart, with d^^adnefle and drowfinefle of fpirit. 
 Now certaine it is, that fome unregeneratc men 
 by the aid and power of naturall and artificial! fer- 
 vencies may outwardly carry a fairer (he w of zeale 
 in the delivery of their prayer, and other holy in- 
 ftruftions, than fomefanftified men, who by their 
 nacurall indifpofition and coldnefle of completi- 
 on, arehindercd from exprelling outwardly all the 
 holy gracious heat that lies hid in their hearts. 
 Thusfarre,and in theft cafes the ftate of qnregencr 
 ration doth commonly partake of prayer : But that 
 holy grace and powerful! fpirit of prayer which 
 ever followes faving faith , and doth fweetly 
 fiiftaine the hearts of all Gods children in thegrea- 
 teft diflrelfeSj is another kinde of matter. 
 
 True Ghriftians doe not onely makeconfcience 
 of prayer in publike alfemblies, with the congre- 
 gation of the Saints, and in their private families 
 at home ^ (for thus/arre hypocrites and unregene- 
 ratc men may be drawwe : X but they have alfb ma- 
 ny carneft and hearty groanings, many deare and 
 precious conference?, much (weetand comforta- 
 ble communication with their graciousGodinfe- 
 crer. Nay, and befides their devotion at publike 
 prayer, thetr care in praying with their famines, 
 and their zeale in private prayer betwixt God and 
 
 them- 
 
 175 
 
 L 
 
ij6 
 
 n^he Saints 
 
 chenifcives^even incorapanyj Ne/je*v.2.4.and amid 
 the affaires of their caLing, they have many fud- 
 deB and fervent ejaculation?, upon every ftirring 
 of finne, and lefler aberration in their thoughts, 
 wordsj or carriages. Theyhave many broken fighs,^ 
 and fpirituall (alliesjdarted out fuddenlyjand borne 
 of the prefent occafion, whereby with an inward 
 andinvilible fervencie, thev burnc upthefudden 
 (proutingsofmany fecret lufts.theyrcpell thebarty 
 aflaults of many (iidden temptations and entice- 
 ments, abandon and abominate many fearefull 
 thoughts starting op in their hearts, before they 
 be aware, which for their horriblenefle and hate- 
 f ulnefle, they are alhamed to utter toothers. They 
 have many feaet, fuddenjandinvifiblefpringings 
 and liftings up of the heart. in praifes and thankful- 
 neflTe, upon the receit and fenfe of every bJefling 
 and mercy, even for comfortable thoughts which 
 come into their owne hearts, for gracious fpeeches 
 which proceed from others, for many remarkable 
 palTagesof Gods providence, and bleflings in their 
 ordinary bufineflesand affaires of their calKng.&c. 
 Now to thefe two latter branches and praftifes 
 of prayer, to wit, in iecret betwixt God and a 
 mansfelfe, with many zealous wreftKngs, and ho- 
 ly importunities, for removall of corruptions, and 
 fupplyof grace^ and within a mans owne heart, 
 abroad in company, or amid his bufinefle, as oc- 
 cafionandneceflityis offered, with many fodden 
 fervent ejaculations to the throne of grace, with 
 many earnefV deprecations, and praifeftill exulta- 
 tions of fpirir, extemporall , and occafioned by 
 
 outward 
 
felfe-inrichihg examination. ] ijj 
 
 outward ocurrents, or other feafbnable objejS:?, 
 ofoed either to the minde or eye ; I fav to thofe 
 two pradifes of prayer, in a feeling and a fruitfuJl 
 manner, llnregenerate men are meere llranger? ; 
 It may bethey may have now and then ar fblemne 
 times, in fet places, perhaps upon fuperftirious oc- 
 caffonSj certaine fhort formall wjfhes, but when 
 they come home they areheartlefle cold, and per- 
 fundory, the off- springs of forme arid CLflome, 
 not of zeale and feeling. It may be now and then 
 they may catch a prayer booke into their hands, 
 when they have nothing el(e to doe, upon fbme 
 droufie melancholicke day, when (bmc grievous 
 crofleoraffiidion is upon rheiv family, when rhe 
 Sarramenr is towards. Sec, and there they may po^ 
 over fbme cetaine prayers with artificial! action; 
 but to doe this with inward eeling and power of 
 the (piritjor ef ecially to be abletopowreout rhe 
 fbule in private before Go'^j with truefehfe offpi- 
 ritu.j}| wants, and of the weight of corruptions, 
 in that forme anci phrafe which groanings and mel- 
 tings of fpirit doe in. "ite and frame, is above the 
 ordinary reach and ftraine of the fl-are of unrege- 
 nerarion. I)' fbbe an unregenerate man being ur- 
 ged and moved by the Miniftery of the Word, to 
 this holy d»ty of private prayer^ and particular 
 conference betwixt God and himfeife, fhould fet 
 himfelfe to it forfome few turns,he could not pof^ 
 fibly for his life hold out and continue. "For either 
 ''praying will make him leave finning, or finning 
 '* will m:'ke him leave praying. Either bee will fb 
 turne Chriftian.andbe happily endued^acquainted 
 
 O a^d 
 
 Note^ 
 
178 
 
 The Saints 
 
 \ ' III 
 
 and excrciled with the precious grace of prayeijor 
 • clfe h€ will fall backe to prayerlefhefle, a wretched 
 ; marke of agracelefle man. For heaity prayer unto 
 f Godinfecrct, cannot poffibly fpring from a heart 
 thitmaintaines&nuzlesin it felfc noyfbmclufts, 
 grofTe hypocrifiCj hatred to bee reformed, fomc 
 fecretfweetfinne, or a purpofe to goe on in any 
 lewd cour(e. A fet holy conference and converfing 
 wich God in private, and a delightfiill continuance 
 inanyoneknownefinne, cannot confiftandftand 
 together. They are incompatible, incapable, and 
 impatient oi Ibciety and cohabitation. A mans 
 prayer is to no purpofe, if he have a purpofe to lie 
 in any finne again ft his confcience. And what heart 
 or hope can he have to continue in prayer unto 
 God, time after time^ which ftiil in the meanc 
 time doth willingly and wilfully, withgreedinefle 
 embrace and fnatch at all occafions'^ tore-infeft 
 and pollute againe his fbule in the (enfiiall plea- 
 lures of his (weec finne* Certainly his continu- 
 ance in finne will quickly make him weary of pray- 
 ing, for he will be afhamed to open his mouth un- 
 to God, or to lift up his eyes unto Heave n , fith he 
 fees cleerly , and his owne conlciencc tels him, that 
 he but dallies and diflemblcs with that Almighty 
 Mi/eftie, before whom he ftands. For whereas a 
 little before in his prayer hepromifed obedience 
 and reformation^ prcfently after performcs no- 
 thing but rebellion and contempt ^and whereas he 
 r defired to bee purged and pardoned by the bloud 
 of Chrift, when he comes once into his old com- 
 1 pany, or is by any occafion tempted to his former 
 
 vanities, 
 
felfe^nriching examination. 
 
 vanities, plcafures or profits, hee pre(ently treads 
 under foot that precious bloudas a vile thing, bf 
 hiswillfull, refolute, and delightfnll running into 
 the fame finne. That ftv ingof David doih quickly 
 coole, and quench in him, all afFeflion to prayer, 
 PfaLeS, 1 8. // J regard mckedmJle in mine karty ike 
 Lord mil not hearetffe. So that efpeciaJIytheunrege- 
 rateman faints and faiJes in this point of prayer, 
 to wit, in powiingout his (bule in private before 
 God5with groanings and fervencie. But thechilde 
 of God, who is (andified by a found and faving 
 faith, and by the power and verrue thereof afTu- 
 red that God doth love him, and will grant kis 
 requefV, is excellent, and fervept, well acquain- 
 ted, and much converlant in this moft holy and 
 comfortable exercife of priviate prayer betwixt 
 God and hisowne fbule : He cfteemes it, and layes 
 hold upon it as thefurcf^and fatefl Sanctuary in all 
 hisdiftreilcs. His heart is Aveetly endeared unto 
 it, as the worthiefl: and noblefl jewellof all his fpi- 
 rituall endowments. His heart would even burfl j 
 forheavinefle, amid the variety of prophane and j 
 hcllifh vexations and cruelties, were it not dill re- •■ 
 vived, fuftained, and refrefhed by an hearty and 
 holy conference with God, and with committing 
 his csofe, and caftinghimfelfe upon his providence j 
 by prayer. There is not a Chriftian but he is now 1 
 and then raged againfl by the world, roared at by 
 Satan, railed upon by prophane men 5 not onelyj; 
 great men, andihofethatfitinthegate, doe info- i 
 lently trample upon hisinnocency, but even drun- 1 
 kardsand bafe companions rent and reare his good \ 
 
 O 2 name ' 
 
 179 
 
 
i8o 
 
 name with lies and fldndcrs, and lay things to his 
 charge many times which he never did, hee never 
 knev7. Now in this and the like cafes recoarie unto 
 God by prayer doth eafe his heart with joy un- 
 {peakable and glorious. When he heares what fal(e 
 tales and hatefiill lies are wickedly devifed and 
 fpread abroad of him, what cruelties and di(graces 
 are plotted againft him, he prefcntly cafts downe 
 himfelfe before the throne of grace, as didHcze- 
 chiah and David in like cafes, 2 King* 19,'PfaLy, 
 and there he receive fuch a refrefhingh^at of found 
 comfort, that the whole Sea of malice andbitter- 
 nafle which that roaring Dragon throwes out of 
 his mouth, or all the poylbnous fpighr of fcornfull 
 prophanenefle can never overwhelmeor quench. 
 He is there certified and latisfied by heavenly in- 
 rpirations, (for heavenly inrpirations from above/ 
 and our hearty groanes, and holy defires alcen- 
 ding up, are as fo many Angels of cntercourfe and 
 commerce bstweene God and us) I iayheisther<^ 
 afTured rbat all hii fufTefkigs and wrongs for 
 Chrifts fake, adde weight and glory to his crowne 
 of life.and that at length in defpightofall contrary 
 power and policy. His HghkoufmffePM be brought 
 fm'tb as the light, PfaL^y, a»d Bs^ Jttd^emeht as the^ 
 nooneday. ■"' ' • ' • ' ■ 
 
 Againe, when the true Chriftian is overtaken 
 with any infirmity by the rebellion of theflefh or 
 dragged by the violence of temptation, into fbme^ i 
 (candalous finne, he would not want the ufe and' 
 aid of the Ipirit of prayer for any worldly treafiire. 
 For after any (uch fearfull fall or relapl^, he finds 
 
 himfelfe 
 
' 
 
 fetfeAnrichmg examination.' 
 
 iSi 
 
 hi mfelfe prefently in a very wofull and hcavie cafe, 
 for he hath thereby turned from him Gods favou- I 
 rable countenance, divine protedion, the guard of I 
 Angelsj and the good will of the creatures. God I 
 may jaftly upon it call him to a reckoning for all 
 his former rebe.'lions, draw his fecret hatefull pol- 
 lutions into the fight of the Sunne, and be re ven- 
 8:ed upon him in the open veivvof the vvorldi for 
 his moft hidden abominations. He feesbefides^that 
 by this finne he hath weakned and wounded many 
 particular graces in himlelfejinward peace, fpiritu- 
 all joy, cheerfulnefle in godly exerci(es5Confidence 
 in prayer, zeale in reproving others, boldnefle in 
 his wayes : Thefe things I (ay the childe of God 
 fees, andfeeleSj andfeares, after a relapfc orsew 
 fall into finne : Now in this cafe the comfortable 
 grace of prayer is more worth unto him than the 
 whole world : Hee prefently jals inro hisgroanes 
 andfighsj and ftrong cries, for reconcilement and 
 reftirution into Gods favour. Hee dare not many 
 times for his life ftirre from the place of his guilti- 
 neflcj untill hee have throwne downe himfelfe be- 
 fore the Majefty of God, and by the power of j 
 prayer laid holdupon his mercy feat, wreftledand i 
 ftruglcd with him for anew bleffing, for remiffion j 
 of that finne, and foby confequent for the retnrne I 
 of his favourable countenance, re-acceptance un-j' 
 der the wings of his protcftion^ removall of his i " 
 judgements^ and reftitution to former peace of, 
 confcience, inward joy, and all other comfortsof , i 
 godiinefle. And by the grace of God his faichfuU U 
 and fervent prayer prevailcs for theattaiflment of j!! 
 
 ^3 ''-^ 
 
 O 
 
 fo 
 
ftaMHMHMH 
 i8i 
 
 Pral'143.^. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 (6 great mcrciesj and for the viccgmplifhrnent of 
 fo excellent things, being joyned with (bund re- 
 pentance, true hatred, and a relblute purpofe a- 
 gainft that finne for afterward. 
 
 Infinite moe are the bleflcd fruits and employ- 
 ments of this holy grace of prayer, in the whole 
 courfe, ard various paflages of a Chriftian life, 
 which no unfaithfiill man doth, or can poflibly 
 know, feele or enjoy. The fpirit of prayer doth 
 worke in the heart of a (bund Chriftian many fe- 
 cret exultations, fpirituall raviihments , ftrong, 
 though filent cries, Ex$d. 14. 15. pallionace mel- 
 tings, unutterable ^roanes^zealous longings, which 
 are riddles, and ridiculous to prophane men, but 
 the Paradife and prerogative of Qods children. 
 This blcffed fpirit of prayer ftirred powerfully in 
 Hannah^ when (he fpake in her heart, moving only 
 her lips, her voyce being not heard, i Savhu 
 
 This fpirit polIeffedH«S(?/^4/l, artd the Prophet 
 ifaiah, the fonne o^Amot^ when they cryed to hea- 
 ven in their prayers againft satte'^herib. 2 chro»^ 3 2. 
 20. Such was the heat and fers^cncic of their 
 hearts, that their (uitsand (upplications pierced the 
 heavens, an.f pre(ented themfelvcs with an holy 
 importunity, and humble violence in thepre(enc^ 
 of God. 
 
 Th!s(pirlt of praverfet fuchanedejeandarden. 
 cieupon Davids atfe^tons, that his foule opened 
 it (elfe with an onfatiable grccdineCe after grace, 
 asthci^rflylani. The earth wee know being fcor- 
 ched wkhalongdrought, doth open it felfe with 
 rifts and crannies, and greedily gapes towards 
 
 Heaven, 
 
felfe4nriching examination. 
 
 Heaven, as though ic would dcvourc the clouds for 
 want of moi fture. , A femblable fpif iiuall thirft ri- 
 (eth in the heart, throughly heated with the zea- 
 lous ftirrings of the ipirit of prayer. 
 
 This fo meJted the hearts of the Ifraelitesj Lam. 
 2. 1 $r. that they paoprgd out their foukt Iks ^^^f"- be- 
 fore the face of the Lord. To conclude the point, 
 the gracious fpirii, and fpirituall gr^ce of prayer^ 
 doth many times make requefts in thofe hearts 
 which are jun^ijiedhji faiths Hof^. 8.t ^. vfiihgroams 
 andfighs^ whkhc&nmi h txptjjed^ and is ever a cer- 
 taine and intallible marke of a (bund and favitig 
 faith. 
 
 I o. Tenthly, comfort in diftf efle, joy in tribu- 
 lations, glorying in aft ifi'ions, give norable tefti- 
 monics and aflurance of a juftifying faith. Bdng }*« 
 flijied by faith, faith Faul KW/.5.1.&C. befidcs peace 
 with god,accefre unto hisgrace^ hope of his glory: 
 H'ealfo re)oyce ta tribulation, k^Tfpwg that tribulation 
 brin^ethforthpatience^ and patience experience ^ andeoc- 
 perience bope^ and ho'^e maketh not apamed. By the 
 powcrof this faith the Apoftles, Aci.'y^^i, ke)of' 
 ced that they tfierecdrmtedtporthy to fuffer rebuke for hit 
 Name. Untiil a man hiye made God his Patron, 
 rent his earthly and groveling affeftions from 
 worldly pleaiures, caft himfelfe with humility, pa- 
 tience afld contentment upon divine providence, 
 committed his (bule unto him, as unto afatthfuU 
 Creator, which hee cannot doe for his lire^ until! 
 by the hand of faith hee hdth laid hold upon the 
 Crown e of life 5 I (av until then hce cannot finde 
 true and found comfort in hisdiftrefles. Then only 
 
 Od IS 
 
 85 
 
 Tlie tenth 
 naaikcof (a* 
 ving faith. 
 
1 i84- 
 
 TT)€ Samtt 
 
 IS the ibule armed againft all adverfiry power^able 
 to erufh and countermand all erodes and contradi- 
 dion, whenitHath fweetly and ftrongly repofed 
 k felfe upon the comforts of Heaven ^ and the 
 joyes of another life. If wee faften our affedions 
 to any earthly excellencie, they will ftill be in tor- 
 ture, anguifhanddefpaire, as itihallvanifh, alter, 
 or die ^ but if once we plant oar refuge above, and 
 our comfort in a fweet fruition of God, and a fee- 
 ling apprehenGon of his prefence, it will eafily 
 overmatch any worldly fbrrow, hold out againft 
 the mines both of Heaven.and Earth, being infi- 
 nitely above all cafiialties, and utterly without all 
 uncertainties. This happinefle cannot befall any 
 unregenerate man, becanfe without faith hee can- 
 not bee aflbred of any better ftace after this life 
 than he prefcntly enjoyes, 
 : And therefore when he is mainly crofTed in his 
 worldly courfts, he is utterly caft downe and com- 
 fortlede. It may bee while chiefe carnall content- 
 ment is not fliaken or hazarded 5 while hee may 
 freely enjoy his fweetand darling finne, hee will 
 lioldout reafbnable well againft other miferiesand 
 
 IafHidions 5 but if once he be croft in the crowne of 
 ^ his worldly comforts, and in thatparticuiar which 
 he makes his heaven upon earth ^ hee is presently 
 put of the world as they fay^ and weary of his li fe. 
 Hee i& heartlefle and hopclefle in matters of r ca- 
 ven, and therefore when his earthly ftay is gone, 
 heftampsandceareshishaire, hee raves and rages 
 like a forlome and comforrlefle wretchrFor exam- 
 ple J the CQvetous man can well enough wade^ 
 
 thorow 
 
felfe-inricbing examination. 
 
 thorow other croifes^ while he hath the wedge of 
 go'dtogaze upon ^ but deprive him of that, and 
 how neare is hce to madnefle, making himfclfe 
 away, defpaire^ orfbme other hell of difcontent ? 
 The ambitious man, while heeglifters in bravery 
 and precedencie, can make a (hift to (catter and 
 difperle the mifts of melancholy, and inferiour 
 vexations, butturnc him out of his golden fetters 
 of greatnefle in the world, and hee hath no joy in 
 fhe world ; he rather makes choice of anyconfo- 
 fion, than difcontinuance from! honour and high 
 place. See Haman cro(b in his expeftation of 
 worldly refpeft.H^y?. 5. 13. And LatonusX\\\i% there 
 is no comfart in croiTes unrofaithlelfemen ; Every 
 kindeof affliftionftingshim, but if it light upon 
 theirchkfe worldly comfort, it even ftabsthem 
 to the heart , but if upon their minde it turnes 
 them as it were into, hell upon earth ; For what 
 more raging torment can there be, than the biting 
 of a guilty confcience, without the balme of faith > 
 Thefphitofa fpian will fitftaine his otiisr wfin/nties ^ but 
 aTS^oimdedfpiritvfhocanbeare* Bleflcd then is the pre- 
 cious grace of taithj. which after it bee once plan- 
 ted in the heart, puis out the fting of* every crofle 
 and affliftion that befels the true Chriftian and 
 fweetens all their bitternefles, with the onely at- 
 tention, and certaineexpedtation of future glory. 
 It alone can turne the tremblings and terrours of 
 confcience into triumphs ^ the fcoffes and flanders 
 of a fpightfull tongue, into a crowne of comfort - 
 Io(ie of friends or goods, intoalonging after ever- 
 lafting riches.^ and. the company of the Saints ^ 
 
 weaknefle 
 
 185 
 
 Theater of 
 Gods judgc- 
 
\S6 
 
 Rom.8,1^. 
 
 T7;^ Saintf 
 
 weaknes of bodyjand want of w ealch,into ftrcngth 
 of foule, and plenty oFfpirituall graces. What tor- 
 rent of finite 8c worldly croflcscan fwell (b high, 
 which the hand of faich clafped about an imrnor- 
 tdllCrowne, cannot divert or drie up } What bit- 
 tern efle, what gall can fpring either out of the bot- 
 tomeof hell, or oat of the depth of a prophane 
 fcornfuU heart, which the fweet fruition of (piri- 
 tuall comforts by the power of faith cannot digeft > 
 ThisaflTures the childe of God amid his triall and 
 temptation, that never Goldfmich did fo watch 
 over his Gold in the fire that it wafted not, as his 
 graciousGod tends upon him to give him a comfor- 
 table iflue and glorious deliverance induefeafbn: 
 That he caft him into the fire of afflidi-ion, not to 
 burne and confurae him, but to fine him,and make 
 him more orient in his fight ^ even as the Diamond 
 by often and much rubbing is more bright & beau- 
 tifiill.That this is the beaten path to heaven, which 
 all the glorious Saints have troden before him, 
 and all the fonnes of God muft follow him in to 
 the worlds end. That thus he is made conform ble 
 unto his head Chrift Jcfiis, and ^tttd for the fpirtt 
 and glory of God to refi tepo n hiffti r Vet, 4. 1 4. That the 
 Lordmll never lay more upon him than he l^allheM to 
 beare 5 and howfbever that all the affli&ions of this 
 pref e fit life ^ are ^^(4 nearevporthy of the ^lorj which is to 
 be revealed. That the wholebodyof the Commu- 
 nion of Saints fend outprayers and groynes for his 
 deliverance out of what calamity foever.Such con- 
 fiderations as thefe being apprehended by the 
 power of faitbj doe mightily and {eafbnably com- 
 fort 
 
lelfe-inricbing examination. 
 
 forcrhe true Chriftian in all diftrefTes andafflidi- 
 ons whatfbever. And therefore I make true and 
 found comfort in diltrefle, a fpeciall marke of a 
 (aving faith. 
 But againft this point it may be objefted : 
 Firft, If itbefbj that (uch a deale of comfort 
 be the portion of true Chriftians, and that in trou- 
 bles and diftrefles too 5 how comes it topaffethat 
 good fellowes and prophane men arc many times 
 more merry and pleafant in their carriage and con- 
 verfation than Gods children } and that they can 
 drive away their melancholy heavie-heartednefle, 
 their dumps and dilcomforts, with merry compa- 
 ny, pleafant fports, and the revellings of good fel- 
 lowfliip, whereas tho(e which you call true Chri- 
 ftian55and - odsfaithfullones, by their ftriiSnefTe 
 and preci/enefle abridge themfelves of many 
 worldly comforts, and doe not laugh fb heartlyj 
 live (b merrily, or enjoy the world (o chtcrfuUy as 
 others. ' 
 
 1 anlwer ^ Thereis a rvaphat feemeth right ^nd plea- 
 fant/^ <* prophane maffj but thi- ijfues thereof arc the 
 r»ay&s of death. Even in laughing the Ixart is ferrovpfull , 
 i»dtheend of that mirth is heavinejffe, Frov. 1 4. 1 2, 1 3. 
 i- llnfanftifi^d men take not finne to heart, chey 
 put farre from them the evill day ^ they make no 
 confcience of their company, and prophane pa- 
 ftimes, they make a covenant with death, andan agree- 
 ment mth hell ; and therefore no marreU thou h 
 they rejoyce in the face, make a great bulling in 
 the world, and with their boyf^erous and imperi- 
 ous ruffling, out-fwagger andovei>top others ^ but 
 •_ poore 
 
 187 
 
 Ohjc[{,i. 
 
 Anfq^, 
 
r88 
 
 Sec Syd-Jcs 
 
 /ij^oU.^. a. 
 
 See ivhiUky 
 Rcdcmp. of 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 povjrc iULiieSj ifoeir rejcycmgis dfjdjjff the face:, andfu>p 
 in the heart '^ they have fmiiingcountenances^ but 
 bleeding confciences. A comforrable heart, and 
 coQipoled countenance, may bee Iweet compani- 
 ons , when inward joy and loud laughter may 
 dwell farre enough afiinder^ amidil their pleafant 
 (porrs, andgreateftdelighrSj they are many times 
 twitcht and ftung with inward bitter gripings, and 
 fearfuUflaQics of helliQi torment, e/peciallyatthe 
 remembrance of their death, ^nd of the judgement 
 to ceme. 
 
 It is their property and pradice indeed, becaufe 
 they want all inward and (bund conlforts in their 
 miferies and affliftions, to flie unto outward mirth 
 for eafe and refrefhing, and to remove the di(com- 
 forts of their hearts by worldly delegations. So 
 ^^»/ called for muficke when he was troubled with 
 an evillfpirit. When CamwsiS caft into the hell of 
 confcience, his nephew T'^W was faine to invent 
 mufick, that he might have fbmefolace in outward 
 things. To this purpofc carnall men when they 
 feele terrour of confcience comming upon them, 
 and feare defpaire ^ they u(e their times, their 
 friendsjtheirfamiliarsjtheir meat. their driiik with 
 all thepaftime can bee devifed to rejoycethcm- 
 (elves withal!. They caft themfelves into merry 
 company, that they may put away their dumps, as 
 they call them. But wretched men, for them to run 
 to prophane playes, tafteleffe (ports, outward 
 mirth, merrv company, to drive away melanchiv 
 lyand heavie-heartednede for (innc ^ '' Is as if 
 '^ for the cure and remedy of the tooth-ach, a 
 
 man 
 
Jelfe-inrictnng examination. 
 
 '■^ man fhould knock out his braines ^ or when he is 
 **ftungwith aWafpc, ftiouldrub the (ore with a 
 "nettle^or as ifa fbolifh patient, when hefeeles no 
 " eafeby Phyfickjfhoiild run ro witchcraft ^ eras if 
 **^ a man would cure a fore finger by cutting off the 
 " arme 5 or as if he would cure the blemifli of the 
 ^*^ eye-fight, by pulling out the eyes 5 or as if hee 
 ^' would quench thirft by ginng poyfon to drinke 5 
 *^^or astofave a man from drowning inaboyfte- 
 «^ rous tempeft, he would caft him out of the boat 
 "into the Sea.' Remedies farre more poylbnous 
 'and pedilentiill than th^ malady, for theyeithcrt 
 plunge them deeper and more defperatcly into 
 the dungeon of melancholy, or el(e drawonely 
 over a skinne, that the feire may rankle and fe- 
 fter lender more dangeroufly. ^hus though' they 
 fteere ip the face^ and Jboke bigge in lbs World, 
 certaine if is there is riofbimd comfort, or wvt>ard 
 peace toihmch^d : And while they procure carnall 
 contentments for their mournful! foules; and ia^ 
 hour to uphold their heans with outward m?rrK 
 and finfull pleifitres^ they apply a Venomous plai- 
 ner to their (ore, drinke ftrong' and fan''<e poy- 
 fon for a medicine, and prop up their roofe wiih 
 butn^ng fire-brands. , It isnbt fb with the Saints of 
 God, ^d thofe that arei fanftificd by fatrh; They 
 have indeed (and in that refped are blelTed and 
 happy) many motions, caufes and occafions of 
 (adneflcj which good^f^owes are not acquainted 
 with, or take to heart. • They are man^'ti mes trou- 
 bled and diftrefied in their thoughts' with their 
 owne finnes> with the finnes of others, with the 
 j iniquities 
 
 189 
 
 Were ic not for 
 fisne, what 
 (houjd make 
 fad the heart 
 of aChriftian? 
 SttCbryfo^, 
 
 A 
 
ipo 
 
 .\M^ 
 
 n^be Saints 
 
 
 miquidesof the times^ with the afflictions of the 
 Church) with doobts about fbrae cafe of confci- 
 ence, which byreafon of the prefent Creadon is 
 to be (uddenly refblved upon, with care for a right 
 and confcionabledifchargeofthe duties of their 
 calling : For fbme fecret temptation or enticement 
 Suddenly fuggeftcd, for fbme wicked thoughts ari- 
 fingln their hearts, or fome pfophane^ ofFenfive or 
 unprofitable fpeech, which hath unadvifedlypaf^ 
 fed him ; or other gestures or adions which may 
 bee fcandalous. But CidnefTe ancF folemnefTe in 
 thefe caf^s^ and for thefe caufes, begets in their 
 heart joy unffieakablc arid glorieus, inward peace, 
 and heavens of comfort ^ whereas prophane revt 1- 
 Jngai.^nd finfull delights^ breeds melancholy in 
 the- mindevheavinefTe in the heart, andihevporme 
 l^^^W^\?r<^/eJJ, in the confeifence of wicked men. Is 
 not that forrow a thoufand thoufand times more 
 fweet) which is intermingled with glimpfes and in- 
 ilifion of heav^nry light, and endlefTe joyes, than 
 that, joy which is mixed with the gaule of guilti- 
 neffe, and flafhes of hell fire > The unhallowed 
 difports, and loud laughters of prophane men^ arc 
 rruficke for hell, and the devils wakes. But every 
 tcare of atruc Ghriftian heartily and feafbnably 
 fhedin Gods daufe, orforhis owne corruption, is 
 farre more worth than a Kings ranfome, for the 
 Lord preferves that in bis owne bottle, as a Jewell 
 of Heaven. Let noworldlingthen braggeof his 
 mirth, or godly man complaineof his monrriing 
 (brrow^ For hee thatfonref in tearejfiaU reapem]ey: 
 And he that hath his heaven of worldly pleafures 
 , ;. ______ ^^re, 
 
fcJ/e-inriching examination . I i p i 
 
 here, (liall be (ure aF hisheJI of cndlefTe torments 
 hereafter. BefideSj this is a (peciall priviledgc of 
 Godschilde, that though all the world (hould for- 
 fake him, and he fliould be mainly crofl: in his chie- 
 feft eauhly contentmentSj yet this one conceit 
 of his being an heire of heaven^ and in Gods fa- j 
 vour, doth infinitely more comfort him, than all.| 
 outward mirth, or the fovreraign^y of the whole | 
 earth can refrelh a diftreflcd worldling. Let no ! 
 man then plead for the pleadire of good- fellow- j 
 (hipj {oi thereis ndpeace^ [aith my God^ to the wkJ^J* 
 Let no man take offence at the oarward troubles 
 of the Chndhu, fur ihs cffd of t/jat /yvaff) vvhofbever- 
 ihchCi is peace. 
 
 It may be objeded (econdly, that many wicked 
 men, which have not (b much as a ihadow of fa- 
 ying faith, no fparkeof grace, or any tafte of the 
 true feare of God^ are fomctimes very bold/eare- 
 lefleand confident in great diflFefles, lore afflidi- 
 ons, and intollerable tortures , and therefore it 
 leemes they carry comfort and cheerfulnefle in 
 their hearts, which begets fueh ftrange patience 
 and confidence m their countenance and cariages. 
 
 I anfwer ^ That confidence in aliiidions and 
 vexations which appeares in the countenances and 
 cariages of unfan^tified men, doth not fpring from 
 any true and found comfort in the heart, or from 
 the blefled infpiration of Gods holy ipirit, as it 
 doth in faithflill Chriftians^ but from other odde 
 caufes, orfalfe grounds. 
 
 I . In fome^ from an affeftion of an opinion of 
 I undauntednefle of fpirit, and high rcfolution. It is 
 r reported 
 
 ira.J7.ai, 
 
 OhJQ^.2, 
 
 Anfrp, 
 
ipx 
 
 The Saints 
 
 repoiccaot an irilh iraicourj that wnenhclayin 
 ftrange anguifhon the wheele, an engine of cruell 
 torture^ with his body bruiled, and his bone bro- 
 kenj he asked his friend whether he changed coun- 
 tenance at all or no 5 (b caring as k leemes more for 
 an opinion of defperate maalinefle, and uncon- 
 querablenefle of his tortures , than for the moft 
 cruell and extreatneft rtnting and vexation of his 
 body. ' 
 
 2 . In (brae, from a conceit pf the morall good- 
 nefleof their cau(e for which theyfufFer. But this 
 patience proceeds not from any inftind of Reli- 
 gion, but from the power of morall vertue, and 
 fuch may bee called morall Martyrs. Tfiere were 
 many of them anciently among the heathens. It is 
 ftoried of a certaine Captaine, who had longman- 
 fulh' and worthily withftood Dionyjtus the Tyrant 
 in defence of a City, that he fuftained with great 
 patience and height of fpiritj-the Tnercile(?e fury 
 of theTyrantj ahdall his cruelties. Firft-, the Ty- 
 rant told him. that theday before he had caufed 
 his fbnne, and all his kinsfolks to bee drowned : 
 The Captaine looked bigly upon him', butanfwe* 
 rednorhingbutthisj that they were more happy 
 than himftlfe by the {pace of one day. Afterward 
 he cauled htm to be Oripped. and by his executio- 
 ners to be taken and dragged thorow the City in a 
 mo*tharbaroiisand hateful! manner, xruelly whip- 
 ping him. and belides, which is the utrnoft zv.d up- 
 Oiotof indi8;nities, throwing at him ourragious 
 ■ir\d difdainfiill Speeches : Notwithftanding all 
 wbichj the Capraine as no whitdifmayed, fhewed 
 
felfeAnmhingtxAmination. \ 192 
 
 a conftant and refoltite heart 5 and with a cheerfull 
 and bold countenance went on ftillJoudJy recoun- 
 ring the honourable and glorbus caufe of his 
 death, which was, that he would never confcnt to 
 yeeld hisCountrey into the hands of a crueli Ty- 
 rant. Such power (bmetime had morall verc.ie, 
 and love unto an honeft caufejto holdup the hearts 
 of heathens, amid moft cxquifitc paincs, and 
 bloudy tortures. 
 
 g. In ibme, this confidence in diftrefle doth 
 arife out of a defperate hardnefle of heart. It is to 
 bee feene in fome notorious aiyilefaftors , whoft 
 hearts, a long continuance in prophane villanies, a | 
 furiouspurfiaitofbloud and outrages, and the jult 
 car(e of God upon them,hath fo enfrozen and em- 
 marbkdjthat they arc fcnfiefle & fearlefle of what- 
 fbevcrcan befall them. So that though they bee to 
 pafle thorow the ftreets as (peftacles of (hame and 
 mi(erie, as hatefull monfters, and the reproach of 
 mankinde, to be throwne into a dungeon of dark - 
 nefle and difcotofort, and there to be loaden with 
 cold irons, coldnefle and want 5 from thence to 
 bee hurried to the gallowes, that fhamefull and 
 much abhorred place, from which, without ex- 
 traordinary repentance, they are immediately to 
 fall into the fiery Lake 5 yet I fay fci all this, out of 
 a defperate hardneCeof heart, they feeme ftill to 
 be1n heart, and beare them(elves very boldly and 
 confidently in tlieir countenances and cariages., O 
 the bottomlefle and unfathomed deceits of our 
 rorrupt hearts, and the murthcrous furie of the 
 malieeofhell! 
 
 P 4. In 
 
 I 
 
^9+1 
 
 1^ he Saints 
 
 
 4. in Ibme it may fpringe from falfe groundsj or 
 groundlcffe per^afionsof being in Gods favour, 
 and the ftate of grace. And this may beibmetimes 
 informall Chriftians, inthegreateftof diftreflcs, 
 upon their death-beds : Out of confideration of 
 their former life, which hath not beene ftained 
 with any great notorioufiiefTe, cw infamous (inne; 
 Out of their inveterate prejudice, anddilftafte of 
 fincerityj as of too much prcci(eneffi:_, and per- 
 haps by the unleafbnable comforts of ffeine onskil- 
 fcill, andunfincere Minifter, which minifter com- 
 fort unfeafbnably, or the like, in that laft extremi* 
 tie, (the Lord not revealing onto them the tin- 
 (bundnefle of their (piritaall eftate, and the rot- 
 tenneffe of their hopes) they may bee cheerftiH 
 and comfortable^ but God knowes without any 
 juft caafe, or true ground. Their counterfeit com- 
 fort in this cafe doth as farre differ from that of the 
 true Chriftians, as an imaginary dreameof Gold, 
 from reall pofleffion of Gold. 
 
 5 . In others jafurious milgroanded and unwar- 
 ranted zeale, an impudent and peremptory con- 
 ceit, that rhey fuffer in the caufe of God^ and for 
 the glory of Religion, may b^et great boldnefle, 
 refducion atid cheerfiilnefle amid the tourouTsof 
 death, and in theprefence of their torturers and 
 executioners. This unhallowed filrypofreffcd ma- 
 ny heretikes of old apon this felfe ground ; the 
 Donatifts in the fonrth Century after Chrift, fuf- 
 fered death mod: couragioufly. And fo likcwi(e 
 did the Heretikes calkd Euphemtie, which for the 
 naultitudcof their fuppoled Martyrs, would needs 
 
 be 
 
felfe4nrkhing examination. 
 
 be called M^r/;mfflf. It appeares aifa inHiftories^ 
 thatTurksj and Tartars, and Moores^ both fight 
 and die moft refohitelj, for the blafphemous op\- 
 mon^ o^ Mabcm^U And how the AfTafins, that 
 were a ieft erf" def perate catrthroats^ which would 
 adventure defperately to cft^atch [whomibever 
 their General! would command them to murther, 
 died oftentimes moft conftantly, and with un- 
 dauntednelTeof fpirit .^ and this they accounted a 
 (peciall point of Religion. But ^fpeciaily at this 
 day thePopifliPfeodomartyrs, indeed true Trai- 
 tors, are ftarke mad with this foperftitious rage. 
 ^TheyM drinkc deepeof the empoyfoned Cup of 
 ih^ahon^atiotts of the vekon ofBahyton^ who is her 
 (ejfe already drunk§ mth the Mond of Saints , itad 
 mth the bloui of the Martyrs of lefm 5 and then 
 they grow fierce and furious in greedinefle and 
 thirft after the temfxirall bloud of Kings, and of 
 whomsoever withftands their accuriedfuperftitioDj fj 
 by plotting, and many times ading treafons, Pa- 
 ricides, empoyfonings, mines of whole Nations, 
 blowing up of Parliaments, barbarous maflacres, 
 and a world of bloudy mifchiefes^ which caft a 
 (hame and ftaine nponthe innocencieof Chrifti- 
 an religion ^ and alfo after the fpirituall bloud of 
 foulest by infefbing and empoyfbning them with 
 thdixdoBrines of devils : At laft they come to Ty- 
 burne, or fome other place of juft execution, and 
 !then they will needs beare the world in hand, they 
 are going towards Heaven to receive a Crowne of I 
 • Martyrdome.They will (ecmc already to triumph^ f 
 to contemne tortures, to trample upon the tribu- 1 
 
 P 2 nals i 
 
 Epipba, Her.Zv 
 
 A Brownift 
 told Mr. i»f. 
 and othcrSjthat 
 he bad more 
 comfo; rafter 
 his forbearing 
 our affemblie?, 
 and abftaining 
 from herring 
 the Word with 
 usjthancverhe 
 had before. 
 A lightning of 
 Satans Angeli- 
 call glorymight 
 
 1^ 
 
 flafh 
 hcait. 
 
 his 
 
ip((j The S aims 
 
 nalsof juftice, tokiflethe inftruments of death, in- 
 figne of bleflings prefently to be enjoyed, to throw 
 out many refolute and rejoyciBgfpeeches among' 
 the people, as though they had one foot in hea~ 
 ven already, when alas poore blinded and mifgui- 
 dedfoules, in this wilfull and deiperate abando-, 
 ning their lives, upon a groundlelTe and gracelefle 
 conceits that they (hall purchafc a CrovvTieof Mar- 
 tyrdome ^ they are like a poore wretch; which ly- 
 ing afleepe upon the edge of an high and fteepe 
 rocke, dreamesthat he is made a King, attended 
 with a glorious traine of Nobility, furniflied with 
 (umptuous Palaces, and (lately buildingj inriched 
 with the revenewes, Soveraingty, and pleafures 
 of a wholeKitigdome, but upon tifc (udden (t^r-' 
 ting up, and leaping for )oy, fals irrecoverably in- 
 to the mercilefle devouring Sea, and (b in lieu ofhis 
 imaginary Heaven and happine(ie, kils him(clfe, 
 and loo(eth that little comfort he had in this mi(e- 
 rable life. That accurled and damned paire of in- 
 carnate devils, the Engli(h Fanpkesyand French Ra- 
 villiac^ the one after that in the Popes cau(ehee 
 had embrued his hands in the (acred bloud of a 
 King (for by his murderous hand, the royall bloud 
 of the late French King, is yet frcfh in the (beets 
 of ?mi) the other after hee had done his be(l, or 
 rather his worft, to blow up at once the glory 
 power, wi(clome5 the Religion, peace and poftc^ 
 rity of^ the moft renowned and vidorious dare 
 under the Heavens, were both prod igioudy bold, 
 confident and peremptory. But was this courage 
 / thinke you, in(pired into them by them by the lio» 
 
 I of 
 
J 
 
 felfe4nriching examination. i ip y 
 
 oftketribeofJuda^ already rriumphaat in the Hea- 
 vens, or by that roaring Dragon of the bottom- 
 lefie pit ? A man of an irapartiall underftanding 
 anddifcerningipiric, would (carcely wifh a clearer 
 demonftrdtion of the truth, and Orthodoxnefle of 
 our Religion, thantomarkethe. difference of the 
 ends of oar blefied Martyrs in Queen Maries time, 
 and of thofe Popifli traitors which are fbmetimes 
 executed amongfi: us. They feeme both bold and 
 cheerfull towards their ends, but in thePieudo- 
 Martyrs at Rome, it is (b enforced, formall and 
 artificial! ; Their prayers are (b unhearty, plod- 
 ding, and perftindory, their carriage (b unlike the 
 Saints of God, and without thole feefing elevati- 
 ons oi fpirit , which are wont to fill the /bules 
 which are ready to enter into the joyes of Heaven, 
 that aman feen into the myftery of godlineffe^ and 
 acquainted with the power oF fandification, mjy 
 clearly fee their comfort in thefe cafes to be of no 
 higher ftraine than moral! relblmion, and Urong 
 conceit of herefie can reach unto. It is othe» wife 
 with the true Martyrs of lefus, that have their in- 
 nocent bloud fpiltby the purple whore of K^as??, 
 as we may fee and feele in that glorious Martyrio- 
 logie of our Saints which were flaughtered in 
 Queene Afarksvme. They had (iichanholyand 
 humble Majefty in their carriages, fuchadcaleof 
 Heauen, and fbberun -auntednefTe in their faces, 
 fuch fpirituall ravifhments and joyful! fpringings 
 inthgf hearts, luch grace and powerful! piercings 
 in their (peeches, fuch zealc and hearty meltings 
 in their prayers, fuch holy triumphs, and heavenly 
 P 3 exultations 
 
ipS 
 
 Pr«. 
 Joh, 
 
 T4.ZQ. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 exultations amid the flames, that it was more than 
 manifeft both toHeavcnand Earth, to Men and 
 to Angels, tliat their caufewasthc caufe of God, 
 their murtherer that fnanefjixne^ their bloudthe 
 (eed of the Churchjtheir (bales the jewels of Hea- 
 ven, and their prefentpaflage the right and ready 
 way to that unfading and moft glorious Crowne 
 of Marcyrdome. That which in fidion wasfathe^ 
 red upon father Campion^ was. moft true of every 
 one ofour Martyrs^ that every man might (ay with 
 heavie heart that ftood by^Here fpeaks a Saintjhere 
 dies a Lambe, hereflowes the guiltlelTe bloud. 
 
 Thus you have heard what counterfeit com- 
 forts, what falfe caufes, and (andy foundations 
 there may be of boldnefTe, confidence and cheere- 
 fulne(Ie in mifcrics, a69idicms and diftrefles. But 
 the comfort which in the(e ca(es (prings from a 
 (bund and faving faith, is ever true and fare, of a 
 (bber and (anftified temper, enlived with the holy 
 warmth of the light of Heaven^ mingled with a 
 true tafte of everlafting pleafiires, fupplied conti- 
 nnally with fre(h ftreames/rom the bottomles and 
 boundle(re Sea of all and endlefle comforts. It is 
 not enforced, formall, artificial!, furious, de(pe- 
 rate, mi(ground'^d, ambitious, in the face onely, 
 orforafpirt, (uchmay be found in reprobates. It 
 were nothing worth if ftrangers might meddle 
 with it ^ if men, or devils, or the whole world 
 could take it from us : If it were fuftained onely 
 by any created power^ or arme of fleflk This 
 pearle, this Jewell, is of an higher price, and^more , 
 noble ftampe, than the (tate of unregeneration 
 
 can 
 
 I < 
 
felfe'inriebing exam'mation. 
 
 ipp 
 
 can poffible purchafe or comprehend. It hath 
 its feat a (andified fbule 5 for its fountaine , the 
 (pirit of comfort ^ for its foundation , the fa- 
 vour of God 5 for its warrant, the promifcs of 
 AfTftn, tlMtfaiihjytt andtrnzmtrnfft ^ for its objeft, 
 a Crowne of immortality ^ for its continuance, 
 the prayers of all the Saints ^ for its companions, a 
 good confeiencc, inwardpeace^joy in the Holy Ghoji ^ 
 for its end and perfbdiioTiypt/mffe cf]oy^ andpka- 
 fures at Gods right hand, for evermore. In a word, the 
 Chriftians comfort in diftrefle, rifingfrom an afTu- 
 rance of Gods favour through Chriftjand of e verla- 
 fting happinefle, by a true and fruitfull faith, doth 
 as fill differ from all the vaine and,counterfeit com- 
 forts^ the unhallowed and groundlefle confidences 
 of what unrcgenerate men fbever, as the reall poA 
 feffion of Gold, from an imaginary dreame of 
 Gold : As the true and natarall grape, which fils 
 and glads the heart, from the painted grape, that 
 onely feeds the eye : As the apples of £</?», from 
 tho^QO^ Sodom y which being faire to the fight, if 
 touched doe turne to duft in the hand : As a flrong 
 and mighty Oke,rooted deeply in thecarth.which 
 no ftorme ©r tempeft can difplant or overtume, 
 from a ftatfc or flalke fhicke lightly into the 
 ground, which every hand may fnatch away, or 
 blaft of wind fupplant and overthrow. 
 
 Thus farre of the marks and notes of a found 
 andftving faith, by which if a man beedifpolcd, 
 and fet his heart toit^he may eafily (ee,and clearlv 
 judge, whether hee be endued and fanftified with 
 a true and joflifying faith, or fouly deceive his 
 
 P 4 o\vne 
 
200 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ownc heart, about his fpiri mail eftate, in conten'- 
 tinghimfelfewichfomefalfe faith, or that which 
 is infiiScisnt to falvacion. Yet becaufe a tempora- 
 ry faith may goe farre, makes a goodly fhew, and 
 deceives thoulands, I will fingle it out, and ftt 
 downefome markes of difference in /peciall and 
 particular betwixt it, and faving faith, though 
 all the former marks delivered before, diftinguilh 
 a jufti: ying faith from all other kinds of faiih what- 
 soever. ■: ,;v:-v:i". 
 
 I. Firfl; amanfandHfied by (aving faith v^ll fuffer 
 no (in to raigne and rule in him, he will not lie, and 
 live with delight and willing consent in any one 
 finne whatfoever, though never fb pleafureftilJ 
 profitable, or refpeftfull in the world. Whofoeveris 
 ho^mofGodJtniaethfJot^ (on this faftiion) neither caa 
 iefinm^ becaufe he ishorr^ of God, (aith lohn^ lEpifi^ 
 5.9. that is^ with purpose, pleaftKc, andperfevc- 
 rance : ^^Hee doch not walkeorlieinfinnej hec 
 doth not ferve and obey it. The realbns are 5 
 ; I. TijefeedofGodreff/ameshi'ihif^,iIoL'^i^.that 
 is the hoi V fpirit by a (acred and (andif^ing power, 
 doth wound. the head, and breake the heart of 
 finne, doth fo farre mafter and fubdueit, that it 
 bcares no mare fvvay and foveraignty over him. By 
 hishoiyfireheburnesupamans lufts^ and blowes 
 up the holds of his- fweec- finne, aiid.wrefts the 
 
 •) cJlC. ffjfi! -^frrV- ' ?l'/i ''i;f{ ! 
 
 nobii cbniim ad^nflifattkneir^ mc iritdlius tfi propter pTfcuta m^rai Si fnimhu credo, quomodt 
 j ,Utdiinid,p> quo iUffrrtHlii mertc m?Si hac tredf^qu^ IIU ad ]s^l(icatmerA minmfurrexityquo- 
 m.d'i'iHi.ljiuk f'acitt'lHfilfi(iiiir^oe6iChr\HHi tantHmmodb, ^ui nevatn tm>>i()itinplo nfur- 
 reCiloniiipfufufct^ftunt, &ve^tjht»]^^itjte., atque m^maiuindumentaviUitcakfammoxtu 
 a^jiciuMiy ttc. Or/g adRbmt qu,i,(aj),^_ * ybi re^nat ^rofojitumpecfofulif iijifidncitiPLiflti(or- 
 diiftxhlAtfMgif^. 
 
 Scepter 
 
 Markes of dif- 
 ference be f.vixt' 
 ravi;»g and tem- 
 po, my faith. 
 
 Ezech iS-ar. 
 
 Jam J. 10. 
 Ezcch. 18.10. 
 
 Math. J.I 9. 
 Si coHf.-rnxeri- 
 
 «/? jttliiua cjf 
 in naiUa-evha 
 amlukrntu ^ 
 fecundu] ifliLam 
 viviwu'iifur. 
 rcxii nubuChri- 
 (l!44 a:ljufiifi<.a- 
 Uiin:m ;ioftri»fti 
 (f vt /rjndum 
 de^fiiJiniuvt- 
 tenm hominem 
 tum aUibiii ftiii 
 fed in ihjuliinn 
 vivim'My audio 
 dice} t quod n/a- 
 dntn r if in exit 
 
Jelfe-mricbing examination* 
 
 Scepter out of the hands of naturall corruptionj 
 fb that there is no reigning and domineering of 
 linne inafandifiedman. 
 
 2. H^ that hittkhrs hope '^ that isj which by a lively 
 faith groweth into aflurance and certaine expeda- 
 tion of feeing God, purgeth himfelfe as hee ispwe. 
 Every manmuft be a Puritan in thlsfenfe, if hee 
 v^ill bee faved. Hee muft pull the reines out of the 
 bands of finne, and fuffer the power of grace to 
 wade and confiime his rebellious corruptions. 
 
 5 . Hee hath refpe&toaU Gods CommandemtfiU : 
 Alihislawesanhfonh'mj as D.^^^ifpeaks of him- 
 fclfc, rfaL I S.verf 2 2,-* y,. And therefore heedorh 
 not nourilh and nuzle willingly and delightfulJy 
 any finne in his heart and life, againft the light of 
 hisconfcience, and fight of his Commandements. 
 Hcemay finne of Ignorance, yea, of knowledge, 
 and with Ibme kindeof willingnfelTe too fbmtimes, j 
 for I take the place in li^Jmnoi to bee underflood | 
 fimply of the ad of finning, but of the tenr.ur, 
 courfe^ and race of mans life 5 ib that he doth not 
 Hie, continue anddelightiii anv one finne : He dorh 
 not fuffer it to reigne and rule in him, it doth not 
 keepe him in bondage or flavery to his lufts, for ik 
 feed of G(fd, his fandifying (pirir, and the power of 
 grace remaifieifihim ^ which narrowly watch over 
 the rebellions of the flefh, and ftand at ftavesend 
 with every corruption : And if ar any time he be 
 overtaken with fome infirmitic, or by the furious: 
 craftinefle of Satan, and the finfull infinuation of 
 his owne flefh, be dragged back e to fbme old finne 
 of hisunregeneration^ they never fuffer him to be 
 
 at' 
 
 101 
 
 tJoh.3.j. 
 
20I 
 
 The Saints ^ 
 
 acquiec, or enjoy himfdfcj untill bygroancsand 
 figh?5 and ftrong cries, hee hath turned the mcrci- 
 full Sun-fliine of Gods favourable countenance to- 
 wards him againe^ untill hee hath deprecated his 
 judgements and curfes due unto that finnc 5 untill 
 he be received againe under the wings of his pro- 
 teftion, and refblved upon a more zealous and 
 fanftified carriage af'-erwards. Anduntillby humi- 
 liation,repentance,and breaking his heartjhe hath 
 difmift thit, and all other finnes with morcfpe- 
 ciall loathing and deteftacion. This power then 
 and privilege then hath faving faith in every man, 
 whole heart it hath fully pofleft, and thorowly (an- 
 ftified, that it de-thrones, throwes downe, and 
 difcepters finne from its former raignc and Sovc- 
 raignty. It inspires the true Chriftianwith a gra- 
 cious refolution,nevermorctogivcany quiet har- 
 bour, or delightful! entertainment to any one 
 finne, againft any of Gods Commandements. And 
 if he fall vpon infirmity, it pre(ently begets a thoa- 
 fand times more griefe and (brrow, than the plea- 
 fures and (enfiiall (weetnefleof the fin was worthy 
 and furnifhes him with more care, watchfulneflc, 
 zeale and forwardnefle, for the time to come after- 
 wards. 
 
 But the former profeflbr, who contents himfclfe 
 with a temporary faith, and bath no more fandti- 
 fication than the power of it can conferre upon 
 him, is many times difcernable and fcandalous by 
 one outward groflc finne or other, as worldlineile, 
 fweariug, uncleanreffe, ambition, Sabbath-break- 
 ing, prophanenefle, oppofition to finccrity and 
 
 true 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 true Chriftians, or the like. Or if he be arefuUto 
 ! remove (iich notorious and infamoas finncs, from 
 the fight of the world, and out of the eyes of 
 men^ yetmoft certainly heeever rctaineth, yea, 
 maiutaineth inhimfelfe onefweetlipneororher, 
 perhaps lefTe markable and more fecrer, (both wit- 
 tingly) bccaufe heemay know and willingly, be- 
 caufe he refuieth to obey againft (bme one Co.i> 
 mandcmcnt. 
 
 And commonly hee makes no confcience of lef- 
 fer finnes, and fmaller olfences, as idle jcfting, ga- 
 ming, fmalleroathsa lefTer bribes, 6cc. but rather 
 gives allowance unto them in his owne jcdgf- 
 ment, by his owne example , and by bolftring 
 others up in them. And howfoever he doth fbme- 
 timcs out of his worldly wifdome conceale him- 
 felfc, and not utter what he thinks in that point : 
 yet hee hath at lead: a fecret diflike and diftafte 
 of thorow fanftification, as of too much precife- 
 neflc. To (ay all in a word, laving faith doth bani(h 
 the uie and pradice of all grofTe finnes^ and breeds 
 atleaft an hatred, difal owance and refiftance of 
 whatfbever frailties -and infirmities. But tempora- 
 ry faith cannot poflibly bring a man out of conceit 
 with all finne ^ it cannot breake the heart of his 
 darling pleafures, or make him take part heartily 
 and entirely with the beft Chriftians, in that h<jly 
 and comfortable worke of mortifying every cor- 
 ruption, though never fodeare andfiveet toflefh 
 andbloud, which troubles their inward peace, 
 grieves the good fpitit, or wounds the confcience. 
 Though by the power thereof he may goe farre in 
 
 outward 
 
 20J 
 
 Seac/(f.Pw 13. 
 
lOJ^ 
 
 SccP/oi^.ii.tj. 
 
 Jer-4.i4. 
 
 Alecoad diffe- 
 r<ncebctwixc 
 raving and tcm- 
 
 ^he Saints 
 
 ouc wara reio ma; ion^and would gladly be thought 
 to be in the right way, yet (bmewhat or other is 
 ever behinde, which either for pleafure, or profit, 
 oreftimationsfakehewillnot part with ; there is 
 (bme pleafing bolbme finneor othet^ which if it 
 were poflible^, hee would even carry with him to 
 Heaven. 
 
 2. Secondly, A (aving faith doth cverfandtifie 
 theinmoft, and moft lurking afFcftions, ihefecrec 
 purpofes, dcfires and imaginations of the heart. 
 It at firft ftirres up, and ever after raaintaines that 
 fore and invifible fight betwixt the flefh 'and the 
 fpirit, betwixt the fanftified part of the foule, and 
 theunregencrare. It begets a care and conscience 
 in the true Chriftian of keeping the laft Com- 
 mandement, which is the ftireft touch- ftone to 
 try the truth, and foundnefle of our converfion, 
 whether it be copper and counterfeit^ or currant 
 and fubftantiall ^ for it tries the reines, cenfures 
 and bridles idle^ wandring, and irapert'nent 
 thoughts, the evill motions, lufts and ftirringsof 
 the heart, vvhatfoever they are. Hence it is that 
 the fanftified man hath ever an eye to his heart, 
 and is very much troubled about his thoughts. For 
 he labours that his (ecret conceits and inward de- 
 fires be as well approved before God, as hisout- 
 wfrd converfation and carriage before men : He is 
 as k)th and fearfullto offend God, and grieve his 
 good fpirir, in his heart, which no morralleye can 
 ree,s9in his word and adrions, which are open and 
 liable to the cenfure and inrerpreration of the 
 world. It gOc s as much againft his heart to commit 
 
 finne 
 
fclfe-'tnricbing examination. 
 
 finneinhisfecret chamber^ as in the fight of the 
 fight of the Sun ne. Hee knowes full weW, and is 
 perfwaded in his heart, that without vvafhing the 
 hcartthere can be nofilvatioHjWithout the change 
 and chart icy of the thoughts^ ani truth in the inward 
 partt, there is no true repentance : Jemfak^f, faith 
 lenmiey Chap.^.i^. Wajh thine heart pom nick^dnejjt:, 
 that thou fnaifl hee faved : How lo?fgJljall thy va'me 
 thoughts rmaJm within thee .<? I f all the world befides 
 (hould approve and applaud uSj if not a man upon 
 earth were able to fay unro us Co much as blacks 
 thine eye : Yet if our hearts were not upright be- 
 fore God, we were but -damnable creatures, hol- 
 low-hearted prpfeflbrSj and glorious hypocrites. 
 The true Chriftian confiders thiSjand (ubmirs him^ 
 felfe to the worke of Gods grace, in (andtifying 
 the defires and thoughts of his heart. Hee hath 
 much trouble and toyle^ and indeed a kinde of 
 holy trade in governing the heart, and managing 
 the thoughts, in which the unregenerate man hith 
 no skill. Hee labours to keepetheir fountaine pure 
 andcleere, to fetch their warrant our of ihe Word 
 of God, that they may hold correfpondence and 
 conformity to his will ^ he ever looks which way 
 they tend, that their marke and end be Gods glory^ 
 and the benefit of his Church and people; If ary 
 thoughtsftartupinhis heart, which are not thus 
 qualified and iandified^he prefently takes them to 
 heart, drives againft them^ prayes againft them, 
 repents for them, and is humbled by them - And 
 their is a mvrtery in this refi;iment of thought?, of 
 which it coneernes the Chriftian to take Ipecull 
 
 notice^ 
 
 205 
 
Xo6 
 
 T^/je Saints 
 
 nocice, left he wrongfully accufe himfelfe or Sa- 
 
 tan, lel\ hee unnecelTarily afflld and torture his 
 jowne fbule, if they bee none of his ovvne, orroo 
 ; fleightly regard them, if they be the brood of his 
 Ho'v to diftin- inbred concupiicence. It is to diftinguilh and di- 
 guiiiiSatans (ceme betwixt the devils fuggeftions, and the evill 
 frfm^^heeviii niotiotts of a mans ownc heart. The. grow upon 
 motions of our US by leifure, from outward ob)efts abroad, or 
 ownchcarts. fpring out of ourmemory ; But the other breake 
 in^upon us abruptly, when wee are wholly full and 
 poiTefled of other meditations, without occa^on 
 given , either by outward occurrenrs, or former 
 difcourle of the minde, anel when we little thinke 
 of any fuch matter. Sinfull thoughts of ourowae 
 come upon us enticingly, by allurements, bait?, 
 and infinuations ^ but Satans fuggeftions rufti in 
 violently, forcibly and furioufly, they are throwne 
 into our imaginations like a flafli of lightning, 
 with fuch an unavoidable impreffion , that they 
 M. M* cannot bee prevented by any wit or ftrength of a 
 man. I have knowne fbme which have beene fear- 
 ftiHy vexed and aflonifhed in heart, with horrible 
 land blafphemous thoughts, which were Satans 
 ; owne immediate injedions, and terrours even to 
 nature it felfe : but when tey have beene told and 
 taught that they were none of theirs, and that if 
 i they did hate, abhorre, and withftand them,a?thc 
 I pure fpight and malice of that fiend of hell, they 
 I fhould never beiraputedunto them asthcirfinnes, 
 ! butfet upon Satans (core, who ^by right is cbarge- 
 I able with them, both for horrour and punifhment 5 
 ; and that even our bleffed Saviour himfelfe was 
 I tempted 
 
lelfe-inrivbing examnation. 
 
 tempted m the like maTraer, but was free irom 
 finnej becaufe he withftood the temptation, and 
 repelled the tempter : I fay, after they haye beene 
 thusinftrtu^ted, they have received g ear cafe and 
 comfort. Much blelTcd hearts ea(i\ and fpirituali 
 contentment doth accrew unto a man, upon nar~ 
 -row watch-over the heart : Much inward peace, fe- 
 renityand joy^istobe enjoyed by fufpitioufhefle, 
 experience and exercife, in difcovering, repreG- 
 (ing, and preventing the mutinousand tumultuous 
 JliiTesin the thoughts and imaginations ; An holy 
 care and wifJome for which parpofe is infpired 
 onely, and planted in the fbule by the power of a 
 iaving faith. 
 
 For it is farre ot^erwife with the formal I profef^ 
 four, whichis no farther acquainted with the my- 
 fterie of godlineffe, and fecrets of landittcarion, 
 then temporary faith can lead and inlightenhim. 
 He may proceed farrein outward reformatioPjand 
 make a goodly tew of Chriftianity in his words 
 and adions. Hee may outwardly forbeare grofle 
 finnes, and performe religious (ervices, and bee 
 an out-fide Chriftian without cenfure, exception^ 
 orreproofe ; But heeverfailes in hisrefpe(a and 
 obedience to the laft Commandement, inhispra- 
 dice hee ftill appj:ovcs that devillilh Proverbe, 
 thought is free. Hee is nobody in that great fight 
 for fpirituall life ot death betwixt the flefh and the 
 ■(pirit. He is unfeeneand upexercifed in that trou- 
 bldbmc and invifible regiment of the commoti- 
 ons and imaginations of the heart. Hee will per- 
 haps ftartle and make a ftand ata greifly prodigion, 
 
 thought 
 
 zoy 
 
2o8 
 
 Athirddlffc- 
 rcncebetwixt 
 fiiving and 
 temporary 
 faith* 
 
 nrhe Saints 
 
 thougiit of tiealon, acneifmcj murder, adultery, 
 blalphemiCjUfur/jOppreffionjand fuch like.but or- 
 dinarily without any great Temorle or checke, 
 h e fufFers his heart to runne riot into a world of idle 
 wandrings^ efpecially to fpend many frefli (ucceffi- 
 ons of mi.lions of thoughtSjWith unwearied purfuit 
 of pleafing errour, in the endlefle Maze of earth- 
 ly-raindedneflTe, luftfolnefle, ambition, and allpaf- 
 fages for the advancement of his temporall happi- 
 nefTe, and attainment of earthly pleafures. 
 
 In a word, a manfanaified by faving f nth, hath 
 as well an eye to fee the thoughts of his heart, as 
 the Gutwardnefle of his carriage^ hee makes his 
 aduall finnes his outward frailties and infirmities, 
 as bloud-hounds to trace out his originall corrup- 
 tion, and the hidden root of his rebellions, and 
 there he lirikes, and wounds, and mortifies. But 
 where the faith is but temporary, there care may 
 be had of words and adions, but the heart is not 
 much medled with. It may perhaps be curious in 
 pruning and lopping the outward luxuriant bowes 
 and branches of finne, whicharean eye-fbretothe 
 world, and Scorpions to the confcience ^ but it 
 wants power to digge unto rheroot whic h lurks in 
 the heart and will^ to take notice of invifible 
 thoughts, which neither breed difgrace among 
 men, nor as yet fting with (enfible remorfe. 
 
 .3. Thirdly, there is one ipeciall marke of diffe- 
 rence betweenc (aving.and temporary faith, poin^ 
 ted at by the fpirit of God in the parable of the 
 
 Sower, and the divers grounds, MaitLi^,Mark:^ 
 Liik^ 8. and may be thus thence gathered. 
 
 The 
 
felfe-inrichwg examination. j 2 op 
 
 The temporizing Chriftian, who hath no more 
 fpirituall power, and Chriftian refolution, than 
 temporary faith can powre and put into him, will 
 not by any meanes pafTe thorow the pikes for his 
 proteffiori and proceeding in grace. Me is not able 
 to endure any hot brunt of ftrong temptation, 
 great diigrace, worldly oppofition, or fmarting 
 perfecutioo, for his taking part with true Chrifti- 
 ans, and the pradifc of fincerity. While the way' 
 is paved before him, and the Sunn efhinesfaire and 
 bright, he will goe on merrily with Gods children, 
 and march forward perhaps with as good (hew of 
 courage and undaun- ednelle as thebeft • but if he 
 once meet with fomcboyfterous florme, that beats 
 againft his hcc ^ if the world on* c beginne ro 
 lowrc upon him for his forwardnelle :^ if his way 
 grow roughs crooked at id thorny -^ if he be raged 
 and railed againfl" for his fingularity in fanci:ificati- 
 on, and perfecuted with fpightanddifgraceforhis 
 profeffion of grace ^ he then prefently beginncs to 
 (linke and drawbacke, to leave his former com- 
 panion5, true Chriftians, to finke or fwimme ^ he 
 for(akc5 them, and flies from them, as from the 
 ruines of a falling houfe. For it isever the property 
 of this kinde of Profeflbr, when it comes to the 
 rr all, to the point and pinch, topreferrehisowne 
 p^^rricular before the glorv of God, the publikc 
 good of the Church, and the fpirituall affaires of 
 Heaven. His temporary happineffe , and chicfe 
 carnall contentment is ever more dearc unto him 
 than the comforts of holinrlTe, and thefiire pro- 
 mifcs of a better life : Hee chufes farre rather to 
 
 Q^ fleepe ' 
 
110 
 
 Hce chofe ra 
 ther lo venture 
 his loule upon 
 Gods judge- 
 ments, with the 
 hazard of crcr- 
 nallhappiiieflc. 
 then to fo! ia'<" 
 the flafuresof 
 hisfwtctfinn'; 
 
 The Saints 
 
 lleepe in a whole skinne, than with a goodconfci- 
 ence. Hez-tf^^ although hce reverenced lolm^ heard 
 him gladly, and did many things after his preach- 
 ing, yet when his chiefecarnall contentment was 
 inqueOion, for the (urc feeling of his fweet linne 
 of laftfall pleafures, he cutoff at once tohn Raptifis 
 head, his courfe of former profeffion, his heart 
 from grace, land his hope from Heaven, andibule 
 from lalvation. The young man in the Gofpell 
 went on a good while in outward unblamcable- 
 ncffe, but when hee perceived by the words of 
 Chrift, that hewas to (uffer his heart no longer to 
 be exercifed in covetoufnefle, that his greedy af- 
 : fedions which were faft glued and nailed unto die 
 earth, were to be rent thence, and repofed in Hea- 
 ven, he prefcntly turnes his backe upon Chri/V Je- 
 fus. Heaven, and cverlafting happinelfe, Niatmn it 
 feemes was content to goe along with the Prophet \ 
 in many things, and to be good in aM other^ onely 
 that hoQOurable place he held with his Ma»t«r ,farc 
 very neare his heart : Heeis rather willing to for- 
 feit all his other integrities, an linnocencies, and 
 eeldings unco goodnefTe, and to venture himfelfe 
 though without all warrant or ground, upon the 
 mercies of God, than not to bold his height of 
 phce and honourable re fpeft with his Mafter. In 
 thefe peaceable and flourifhing times of the 
 Charch many thoulands fw.^rme amongft as of 
 fitch kinde of profellbrs. The glorto^is noone-tidc 
 oftheGo(belI fhining npon them through thefe 
 dayesof peace, duth alirr'e war me and heat their 
 hearts, fb that they fall in love and hking with the 
 
 truth 
 
felfe^inriching examination. 
 
 truth and power thereof: They fort and ranke 
 themfelvcsamongfttrueprofeflbrs, they fettleand 
 frame themlelves to the holy bulineiles, and noble 
 trade of Ghriftianity. But wretched men, they are 
 not able long to hold out, they are quickly tired and 
 weary in the waycsof God. The Word is not well 
 rooted in them, their faith is but temporary, their 
 converfion unfound, there is ever one grand un- 
 mortified corruption or other, onebofome finor 
 other, which ftill wa(ics and devours the buds of 
 zeale, and bloflbmes of Heaven, as they (prout ■ 
 and ipring up in their hearts or adiony. Either He- 
 rods pleafurcjorthe young mans "pxo^t.oxJSlaamam 
 preferment, kils and cuts the throat of all grace, \ 
 when it fhould come to proofe in them, and con- 
 founds the power of Religion, that it can neither ' 
 thorowly (andifie, nor finally fave them. Some-; 
 times they will goe^cU forward for a time^ and 
 breed gooid hope, and great expedation in good ; 
 ChrifHans, of their comming on in the wayes of 
 godlineffe : But when they finde by experience 
 that fiich courfes as thefe finde no favour in the 
 world, bringupon them an imputation of precilc- 
 nelTe, caft them from the countenance of carnall 
 fi-iends, amongfi: the number of pboreneglefted^ 
 Chriftians, may much hazard their temporall hap-' 
 pinefle, and ftill frcfhly vex them with one trod-' 
 ble or persecution or other : They fufFer therli- 
 (elves cowardly to be vanqniflied with fiich carnall 
 fearesof flefliand bloudasthcfe : They caft their 
 crowne from them, and the glory of their former 
 profeffion is put outj all their time formerly (pent 
 
 211 
 
The Saints 
 
 in godiineffe is loft. They hereupon bcginne to 
 renounce that goodnelfe which before they (ea- 
 rned toembrare ^ to forfake thetellovvfhipofihe 
 SaintSj with whom they were wont comfortably 
 toconverfe ^ to negledl the duties of piety, where- 
 in, not without fbme joy,: hey have beene former- 
 ly exercilcd ^ rogrov\rftrange unto God and good 
 men; tocaftoffthe care of their families, which 
 perhaps they were wont to inftruft Ihave knowne 
 (ome, who onely by the power, lam perfwaded 
 of a temporary faith, have beene very forward in 
 •Ul religions exercifes, for a good time hath with 
 great diligence and profit, both publikeJy and pri- 
 vately heard and read the Word, ere^ed a godjy 
 order of prayer, and other family exercifes in 
 their houfes, and yet afterward by Ikf le and little 
 the world got (a powerfully within them , and 
 earthly cares fb choaked tlifm that thev caft ah 
 bchinde them tranipled thefe holy pearles and 
 jewels whi h formerly adorned tht-mj under their 
 feet, and turned wholly carnall, covetous and pro- 
 phane world iingSj 
 
 VVorldlineflc, and feare of being accounted too 
 precife now a day cs ordinarily blaft and beat batke 
 the fruits andforwardnefleof a temporary faith. 
 
 Thus you fee the true temper and conftituti- 
 on of a temporary faith : It hath not the heart and 
 Dower to ftand to it, and goe thorow ftitch in the 
 caufes of God, and the affaires^of fincerity • it dare 
 nocaddrefle and addiftit fclfetothatftridcourfe 
 of hglinefle, which onely fks for the ftrdghtway 
 to heaven, for fcare of troubles, dilgracesand per*- 
 1 Gcutions, But 
 
felfeAnriching examination. ) 212 
 
 But faving faith is of a farre more powerfull and 
 undaunted dilpofition, andordinariiy infpiresihe 
 true Chriftian with a truly noble and Lion-like 
 courage, fb that in the caufe of God he feares no 
 colours 5 hce will forward by the grace of God, 
 with all good confcience in his holy profeffioUjand 
 praftice of fircerity againft all adversary power ; | 
 Slanders, difgraces, and contempt are as fewell to ^ 
 incrcafe the flame of his zealcjas matter to enlarge 1 
 the joy and inwardcomfort of his hearty as meanes | 
 to fet and (ettlc the Crowne of Chriftianity fafter , 
 upon hib head. His faving faith is ever feated in a ; 
 good& hontft heartland therefore he brings forth 
 fruit wirh patience. If he profper in the world, 
 he is rich and latfen with variety of froics, of holy 
 duty, and good deeds -^ like a dangling fruit-tree, 
 in a fat and fertile Ibile. If he be croff in the world, } 
 and caft into the f urai^e of affiidtions, yet he fends 
 out at the laft the pleafing perfume of Chriftian 
 patience^ like a fweet Pomander chaft in the hand, 
 or frarkincenfe throwne into the fire ; heeever 
 brings forth the fruits of piety or patience. When 
 atthefirft heewent about his fpirituall building, 
 he kt himdowne before, and counted the coft. 
 When heatfirft entred the fpirituall warfare, un- 
 der the colours and conduft of ChrifV Jefus,againft 
 this world of wickedneffe, and the kingdome of Sa- 
 tan, heetooVecounfell, not with flefti andbloud, 
 but with the fpiri t of truth, how he might become 
 conqtierour, and therefore he is not onely already 
 relblved, in peaceable times to digeft with pati- 
 ence lefTer and inferiour miferies and vexations, 
 
 1 
 
214- 
 
 vtrfS. 
 
 f 
 
 §i»'fi' 
 
 Anftv. 
 AChriftims 
 eftate diftin 
 guilhed from 
 the fecond fort 
 of formaU piro 
 feffbrs. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 for his profeifion and pra<!ti{eof fincerity, as lofle 
 of goods, lofle of friends and reputation withthc 
 world, (landers, disgraces and wrongs, nick-names 
 of Puritane,Precifion, Hypocrite^ contempt, dif* 
 countenance, and oppreffion, and (uch like ^ but 
 I hee holds his (bule as it were continualiy in his 
 I hand, as D<«'/</fpeaks ofhimielfe, pfal, 119. 109* 
 ! ready if need bee, and the times require, even to 
 flied his bloud under the fword of the Tyrant, or 
 I to lay downe his life in the flame?, rarfier than to 
 ' dilhononr fb mercifuil a God, to betray histruth ^ 
 or by his back -Hiding and falling away, to make 
 (hipwracke of a good con/cience, and hazard that 
 Crowne of Glory, which by the eye of Faith hee 
 hath already in fight. Thi5 high refblution and 
 noble courage fiving faith piits into the heartsof 
 thofc whom it dandifies, that in rh e caiafe of God, 
 their Oiriftian warfare, and under the coloors of 
 Chrii>3 they may Oandtoit like mm, paiflemaT!- 
 fully thorow the pikes, conquer andbecrowtied. 
 How then wiHyou diftinguiflia Chrifriinseftate 
 from the £>cond fortof formallprofeflburs,/jy/rti 
 
 Thus ^ The formal 1 profeflbr, after his falling 
 off/ rrfumes his former profeflion, wirhout any 
 remorfe, refolution for more forwardnefle, watch- 
 fulnelTe, revenge upon himfelfe and thofe marks, 
 2 Cflr.7.11. in a cold dull manner. Sec. Whereas 
 Gods chjldc after a relap^ , upon recovery and 
 retnrne, weepes bitterly with Peigr, and labours 
 wkhdnuble ditigeRce, and redoubled zeale, to re- 
 I compencc and redeeme his former failings, &c. 
 
 They 
 
/elfe4nriching examination. 
 
 They may, I confefTe fometimes be faint-hearted 
 and retire upon weaknefle and infirmitiejas did Pe- 
 ter, and other Saints of Godj but after they come j 
 • to themfelveSj and have taken breath, they returne 
 into the field and fight, with redoubled courage, I 
 more eager heat, and refblute valour , to make 
 amends for liich default and defeftion ^ they are 
 content to undertake any extraordinary adven- 
 ture, to fight in bloud to the knees, with an holy 
 dcrperateneffc , (as prodigall of thole lives they 
 have ftained with revolt) to flie more fiercely in 
 the faces of the adverfarics of God, and enemies 
 of their fbules. 
 
 Saint Ferer upon infirmity (a Fearefull fall) deni- 
 ed his Saviour, but how manftilly afrcr, and vido- 
 rioufly did hce enter the lifts againft the whole ^ 
 kingdomeof darknefle^and a world of Paganifme ? 
 what worthy fervice did he after in the Church of 
 God, and how glorioufly at laft did he (ealc the 
 truth which he had taught, with the facrifice of his 
 bloud ? BIcffed Cramnet^ that glorbus Martyr, 
 flunkebacke a littte, and upon infirmity, being en- ! 
 chanted by Popifti Syjens^ fiiblcribed to feme 
 points of their hatefuil herefies : But with what 
 p^c^sof zeale and penetency was hec after reven- 
 ged upon himfelfe, by thrufting that unhappy 
 hand firft into the flame, wich was the inftrument 
 of his ft)ule relapfc ? Thus though GodschiJde may 
 fometimes ftumble, and take a fall in his race of 
 Chriftianky,yet when he is got up againehe makes 
 amends with a more liire footing , and fwifter 
 courfe toward the Goajc of immortality. Let us 
 0^4 ^ lookc 
 
 113 
 
zi6 
 
 xCgm.i?. 
 
 Heb.xr. 
 
 Mj 
 
 The Saint i 
 
 looke 1 pray you into the Booke of God, and wee 
 ftiall trad his Saints in many holv paflages of this 
 noDlenefle offpirit, unconquerablenefle ofcou-, 
 rage, and height of refolution againfl: temptati- 
 ons and oppolitions implanted in their fouJes, by 
 the (pirituall powerjand facred infpirations of a (a- 
 ving faith. Ever when their owne carnall content- 
 ments and temporall happinefle came intoballance 
 with Gods glory, and a good con(ciencc, theyre- 
 fignedup themfelves, and laid weightonthe Lords 
 fide : They did hold that their light afflidons 
 which were but for a moment, were moft unwor- 
 thy to hold (cale with that more than moft excel- 
 lent and eternall weight of glory which was to be 
 revealed. Ever when their owne particular and 
 private welfare came into qneftion with the cau(e 
 of God/ and publike good of the Church, they 
 were at a point to take part wirh Heaven and holi - 
 nefle, againft the temptations of fiefh and bloud, 
 and allcontrary infernal] powers 5 againft whatfo- 
 ever finite and created adverlary. As a man in a 
 trance hath all the powers of the (bule fo faftned 
 .?pontheprefenrobje6i-, that hee is carelefTe and 
 nnapprehenfive of all other occurrents or events : 
 Sorheir faiiftified foulesbya (aving being pofleft 
 of the eafneft of immortality, fb ftrongly and 
 fweecly repofcdupon the favour and protedion 
 of God, upon the contemplation of Heaven, and 
 thofe endl- fle |oy ^s that worldly crofles, di(graces, 
 Crbwnes Kinstdomes, pleafiires , vanitic?, bad no 
 power to poflefTe them, or counrerfway them. Mo^ 
 fis was mightily tempted with the power and 
 '£;•>;■■ - pleafure 
 
felje-inrichmg examination, \ 
 
 pkafures of a Kings Courc^ he might have ruffled j 
 ic amongft the proudeH-, and overtop in refpedi: ! 
 and honour, themoft filken and glittering Cour- 
 tiers ; He might have rowed in wealth and plenty, ! 
 and wallowed in (ofteft delicacies, and courtly da- 
 liance : Nay, hee might have lived in the meane 
 time ennobled and em "aradifed with the tide of 
 young Prince, and thejonne of a Kings daisgktr ^ not 
 without hope of being crowned at length with the 
 Soveraignty and comrnand ofa Kingdome. Strong 
 temptations, povverfull enticements 5 and yet 
 blelTed man, by the power and perlwaffon o'" ia- 
 vine;fairh, Hee chofe rather I0 {uffr aivcrfiymtbihe 
 psopk of God ^ than to m]oy the pkafures dfjin^efora 
 fiafofiy efieeming the rtbuk^ of Chrifi greater riches thau 
 thetreafures of ^gypt ; forhebadrefpeSt to the recofH- 
 pence of the revpord. k Crowne ofimmortaiicy was in 
 light to the eye of his faith, which was more deare ' 
 and precious to him than the power glory and j 
 Majeftie of all the Kingdoiies of the earth, (ith 
 they ftoodupontearmesof prccedencie, and the 
 one muft needs carry it away. His private tempo* 
 rallhappninelTeftoops and vailes bonnet, fubmits 
 and yeelds to the glory of God, and publike good 
 of the Church. Jonathan was fhrewdly aflaulred 
 withtheauthority, Majeftie^andfrowningsof the 
 Kinz and his father, upon the very point of JofTe, 
 or gaine of a Kingdome, to breake off his Chrifti- 
 an love^ and couries of grace with David : then 
 \vpis Saul angry mthlonath^n-^ and faid unto hm-^ thou 
 fonne ofth'- wicked rebeltious woman ', doe not iknoxfi that 
 thoiihafi chofen the fmne ofljhaitothy c&nfujion und 
 
 fl)ame 
 
 217 
 
Xi8 ^be Saints 
 
 fljame of tlyy motkr ? for aslongasihefoNne oflflmli- 
 vethupon i'keafth, thufljaltnet keftdlifl:ed^ nor thy 
 Kingdom:, &c. But for all chis^ chough the piercing 
 and paffionate words of a father fhould ftrike 
 deepe and home into the heart of his childe, 
 though the wfoih of a Ki»g be lik^ the roaring of a Lion , 
 and as mtffengers of death ^ Proz\ 19. i ',. C^"* i6. 14. 
 Though the princely throne of a King be the top 
 and crowncofall earthly happinefTcs ^ yet in the 
 caufc of God fomthan is rcgardielTc, and fearelefle 
 of them allj hee flinks not backe, nor fdrkiks a 
 haires breadth from a good confcience, and de- 
 fenc e of a good man ^ hee is not carried away with 
 theglory of a KingdomCjand beauty of a Crowne, 
 but having his eye fixed upon the goodnefle of the 
 cauft, andinnocencicof the party, with an holy 
 rcDlurion, iican(wers Kisf^xhtrKmg Saul^ti»dfaid 
 unto hi m^ WjjereforeJhaU hee die ^ vphathath he done^ 
 I Sam »2o.'^2. Hereupon the King plaid the Lion 
 indeed, out of his rage and defperate madnefie he 
 cafta {peare at him to hit him. So omragious is 
 the fury of prophane malice againfl: goodnefle, 
 and good caufes, that it devoures naturall affefti- 
 on, common humanity, difcrction, reafbn, wif- 
 dome, and all manlinefTe, and turnes all into gall 
 and rage againft good men : But in loftathan, a fenfe 
 of Gods favour by his (living faith, and of that 
 comfort hee conceived by (landing for D^^iin- 
 nocencie, and Gods glory, did takeaway alirafle 
 of earthly contentments, even of the fUectnefle 
 of dl Courtly pleafures, of the countenance of 
 a father, the favours of a King, of a Crowne and 
 
 Kingdpme. 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 Kmgdome. Hight Koble alfb, and Heroicallwas 
 the courage and cmxd^o^oft Afichmh inthecaufe 
 
 j of God : He had againft him the King, the Cour- 
 tiers, and the whole Clergie, foure hundred Pro- 
 phets, topleale the King^ conipired in judgement 
 againfthim. The Courtier tliat was (enc to fetch 
 him before the two Kings, fee upon him by the^ 
 way with powerfull infinuations, and perfumed 
 eloquence J as ftich creatures are wont, to draw 
 him to the Kings humour, and the bent of the 
 fal(e Prophets : Hee told him , tkat the words of 
 Prophets dzdared good unto the Kwgmth otm accord-^ 
 and therefore prayed him that he alfo would fpeake 
 good : Mkliaiah anfwcrshim with are(blution as 
 high as Heaven, and out of a Seraphicall pang of 
 burning zeale for Cods truth and glory : Now as tk 
 Lordlheth^ faith he i whatfoever the Lord faith u»to we, 
 that mlijfpeak^. In this point he was at a point, and 
 rcfblute, hee neither cared for King nor Ke/ar, for 
 Prince or Prophet, for preferment or puniOimenr, 
 
 I fb« frowninqjs or flatterv, for man or Devill : That 
 me(1ap;e which the Almighty had put into his 
 moDch muft forth, though it bring upon him a 
 worl ! of miseries, a flandcr of fingularity fordi/^ 
 Jeniing from ill the other Prophets, o fiifpition of 
 difloya'tie, for croffing fb peremptorily the Kings 
 pleafure, boihfmti^fg vfith thefiftofmchpdnejfe.and 
 fcorcUngsvptihtmcoaks of Juniper ^ that Js fcornefull 
 tongues/rom his fellow Seers for oppofing agalnft 
 their lying fpirit. Though it threw him into a dun- 
 geon^tberetobefed with bread c£ afflidion, and 
 
 ' water of afflidlion., until! hee had fully felt the 
 
 whole 
 
 \ Kin'.iJ. 
 
220 
 
 The faints- - 
 
 whoie weigHt, of chat implacable indignation, 
 which the fury of an enraged and prophane King 
 was like to charge and inflid upon him. 
 
 Queene Hefter that blefTed Lady^ by the power 
 of her holy faith, and the godly perlwafion of 
 Mordeeai^ put on a higher courage than is ordinarily 
 incident to her (ex, and more zeale than is com- 
 monly found in high places. Atfirft (hee itooda 
 littleoffj as feared with the defperatencHeof the 
 attempt, and danger of the Law, that did peremp- 
 torily upon paine of death command the contrary^ 
 but after (hce had throughly demurred upon the 
 point, and had her ChrilHan courage fc ton edge, 
 and her zeale thorowly heated with the feafbnable 
 and paffionate admonitions of Mordecai^ for the 
 good of the people of God, fhee grew atlaftto 
 this moft noble and refblute conclnfion 5 I will 
 (faith fhe) goe in to theKiog, which is not accor- 
 ding to the Law, A/iJiflpeHfi Ipef/fi. I will fland 
 to it J I will goethorow in the cauleo^ God, and 
 throw my felfc upon his providence, andifj^enp^ 
 1 perffi. But not Co toperifh, is many times everla- 
 flingly to perifh, and to perifh fb is eternally to be 
 faved. Thus was fhe refblved in a good caufe to 
 venture her honour in the Court, and favour vAth 
 the King, her liberty and life, or whatfbever was 
 deareft unto her in this world. And when the gol- 
 den Scepter was holden out unto her, and fhe was 
 admitted into the royall prefence, and might have 
 received at the Rings hand the halfeof his King- 
 dome, yet negleftiveof alltemporall happineffej 
 and her owne particular, fhceonely asked the lives 
 I of I 
 
Jelfe-mnehtng examinatton. 
 
 zii 
 
 of the people of God. I need not dwell on this 
 Doint, theblefledBookeof Godisthicke embroi- 
 dered with variety of glorious Marcyrdomes-; 
 hloudy fufferings, ftrange adventures, and noble 
 acls which the Saints of God endured^ paficd tho- 
 rowj attempted, and happily atcheived , by the 
 power of (aving faith : A compendious regifter 
 whereof we may read, Hek 1 1. When he had runne 
 over a royall and vidtorious Catalogue.the Apoflle 
 concludes thus ; And what fhall I men jay ^ for the 
 tmefvouldk toojljortfor me to tell ofGedeon . of Ba^al^^ 
 anief Sampjon, and of lephte^ and alfo of David and 
 Samnd andofxhe Prophds^whlch through faith fubdued 
 Kingdomes, vorough righteoufnejjeyobtaified tlye prof/ii- . 
 fes ftuppedshe mouths of Lions . quenched the violence of\ 
 fire efcdped the edge of the fword^ of weake wen made \ 
 ftto^g^ waxed vdiant z> batielL turned ta fiighi the \ 
 armies of the alian^ts, &c. To conclude the point , we Tl^e properties 
 m.^y tr:i(^ temporary faith by che/e three prints and ^fit^^'"'"'^'''^'^ 
 properties: \ 
 
 1. Irflill leaves one fweet finne, one branch of See anofhcr 
 natural! corrup. ion, one fecretludor other in life '^'^'^'''^nce, 
 or heart, in the affedions or aftions, unmeddled 
 withjunmortified. 
 
 2. It cannot thorowly and inwardly purge and 
 fan(5ifie the thoughts, imaginations, and purpo£* 
 of the heart. 
 
 3. It commonly hath not power to goe rhorow 
 ftrong temptations, fmarting perfecutions, and ha- 
 zard of temporall happinefle, for profeffion of fin- 
 cerirv, the qrlory of God^ and .keeping of a good 
 conlcienee. But- 
 I. Saving 
 
 Gouge pa^. 240^ 
 
221 , T^he Saints 
 
 1. Saving faith doth ever (b farre (ubdue all 
 finnes.thac it fuffers none to raigne andbeare fway 
 irt him vi^hom it fanftifies. 
 
 2. It e\'er thorowly in fincerlty, though not ab- 
 (blutely, that is, in the height of degree, purifies | 
 the heart, and (andifies the thoughts anddefires 
 which (pring thence. So that the true Chriftian 
 fcares, prayesagainft, and repents for finfull ima- 
 ginations, as well as wicked aAions. 
 
 3. It commonly leads us with good comfort 
 and courage, thorow whatfoever miferies, flan- 
 dets, difgraces, erodes, per fecutions for the profef- 
 fion andpraftice of fincerlty. 
 
 Thus farre of the three more particular and (pe- 
 ciall markes of difference betwixt faving and tem- 
 ! porary faith. But yet I cannot get out of this point, 
 the matter is of fo great weight and confequence, 
 ; for thoufands deceive themfelves, and walke on 
 \ fecurely in the wayes of death, becaufe they doe 
 i not thorowly and fubftantially try and tonfider 
 j what their (pirituall eftate isinthisbehalfe, whe- 
 \ ther they be (bundly built upon the rocke by fi- 
 ving faith, and (b (hall be certainly faved 5 or elfcj 
 by feme flafhes of temporary faith, flourifli onejy 
 for a while in outwardnefle and formality , like 
 come fcattered in ftonie ground , and fo when 
 their finnes are ripe (hall be throwne into the fire 
 of hell, except in the meanetime they come on 
 forward from outward forme of Religion, to in- 
 ward feeling, and become of almofV, altogether 
 Chriftians. You ranil: here remember that I told 
 you before, how temporary faith can worke : 
 
 ,^ I, Some 
 
Ielje4nriching examinatkn. 
 
 I, ^omemeafurepf inward illumination, 
 3. Somekindeof converfion. 
 
 3 . Some degrees of regeneration. 
 
 4. Some outward reformarbn. 
 
 I will onely point at in a word, (bme differences 
 betwixc (avingand temporary fairh^ in thefe foure 
 points : 
 
 I. Firft, for inward illumination^ Itfliouldnot 
 trouble us, nor(eeme rtrange, that a reprobate by 
 the power of temporary faith, and generall grace 
 of the fpirit, (hould be (bme times in great mea- 
 fure inlightned and endued with divine know- 
 ledge and other apprehenlions of Heaven : For it 
 is a truth deare in Divinity, and common in expe- 
 rience, that there mav be the ^jr't of illumination^ 
 cjeitreriry of judgementj plentifull knowledge of 
 ikc truth, the light of the Ipirir, as Divines call ir • 
 where there is vv^ting to thefe, the (pirit of fan- 
 dification, inte^ity of confcience, the life and 
 loveof goodneffe, and ihe li,j,ht of laving fairh. 
 God is trae and good, wee lofl his image of truth 
 andgoodne(Iein/4^</w ^ weemuft either have the 
 light of truth (hedagaineinto ourunderilandings 
 by thefpiritofilluminadon, and thelifeof good- 
 nefle re-in(pircd into our hea; ts by the fpirit offan- 
 fiification, or we cannot be faved. We rnufl: have 
 two wingSjthe on'^ rf Fruthjthe other of goodnefle, 
 if we would /bare aloft unto theSunne, andibve- 
 raigne Sea of all truth & goodnefle, God himfelfe ^ 
 and bathe ourfelves in his ever lifting bliflfe. But 
 many certainly have but the one wing, that of 
 knowledge^and therby make only a faire fluttering 
 
 upon I 
 
 ii? 
 
 Hov farre a 
 cerrporaryfaith 
 may goe. 
 
 Fl'.f^, k may 
 have a great 
 meafiire of in- 
 ward i^u.».ina- 
 tIon« 1 
 
 Of Oivlultjf, 
 
H'he Saints 
 
 upoiieaici), and many godly otters^ as though, if 
 need required5and if they were on wing,wcre able 
 CO flie high enough for cternall happineffe, whereas 
 upon their dearh-bed^when indeed they are put un- 
 to it, they finde themfelves hdlfeunfurnifliedj and 
 utterly unfit ^r that laft and longeft flight towards 
 the Sunne of righteoufheflcj ar d that one wing of 
 knowledge which they (hould then ufejs unhappi- 
 ly entangled in Satans Lime-bufheSjand fo they are 
 fearfully made a prey unto the powers of^^arkncfle. 
 That illumination onely, and generall graces, will 
 not ferve the turne in that great day, appeare?, 
 Matth.-j^^i, Many (faith Chrift; vpHlfaj unto me in 
 thatdaji Lord, Lord ^ havevpeenothythylslameprcpke' 
 ckd^andbytkyNaf^e caftout DerHs .<? andhytlyy tslame 
 dom txany great vpurks ^ And iitn mil Jp'^'ofijfe nnio 
 them^ Ifneverk^evpyoitjdepartyepomme yethatvpork§ 
 imquity. The fame anlwer node ubt. will Chrift 
 give at that day to many learned Papifts, andocher 
 great Dodors, who will thus cryunrohim, Lord^ 
 Lordy have wee not written many great Volumes, 
 CommentariesonthyBooke. cafesof conlcience^ 
 courfes of Schoole Divinity^Storiesof the Churcfi, 
 Controverfies and dilputations ^br the defence and 
 good of the truth ? To many formall Preachers , 
 which will thus crv unto him, Loyd^terd^ have we 
 not done thee fervicc by a long and diligent pcb- 
 liOiingtheGofpell, in opening to the world the 
 myfferiesof Hilvationj by many Sermons in great 
 Auditories^and famous places upon wh^ch we have 
 fpcnttheutmoOofonr wits^ thebeO* of our rea- 
 ding.allour skill in the tongues whatfoever might 
 bring 
 
felfe4nriching examimtion. 
 
 1 iif 
 
 bring porape and glory to thy truth ? To many 
 hollow-hearted profeflbnrs, and out-fide Chrifti- 
 ahs, which will thus cry unto him, Lord.Urd, have 
 wee not beene diligent hearers of thy Word, have 
 not wee loved, reverenced and countenanced the 
 minifters, havewce not read the Bible, and many j 
 good books , becne acquainted with points and j 
 principles of Religion, and able todi/courfe of 
 matters of falvation ? In a word, the very fame an- 
 fwer will be given to all ofwhat fort, degree and 
 condition focver, whofe hearts are not feafoned 
 with goodnefle, and (anftified with (peciall grace, 
 though otherwife they had enclofed and empaled 
 within their owne braines, the variety and pro- 
 foundnefleof all learning .^ though they had pur- 
 chafed a Monopoly of all knowledge ^ though 
 they were able to difpute with the depths and fub- \ 
 tilties of the Schooles, dive into all fecrcts, and\ 
 Jpeak^ withihetongues of men andAngeh ^ If fince- 1 
 rity and ftndification be not added to our inward \ 
 illumination and knowledge, thefe latter will but j 
 increale our ftripes, and double our damnation. 
 That you may fbundly and thorowly trie and exa- j 
 mine your foules in this point, and clearly difcerne 
 whether your inward inlightning with knowledge 
 be (andified by faving faith, or elfe onely the fruit- 
 lefle flafhes , and idle glittering of a temporary 
 faith : You muft call to minde, and confider the 
 markes of (aving knowledge, which I have for- 
 merly delivered. At this time I will onely adde 
 twomoe. ^ 
 
 I. Knowledge in the formallprofcfTour^ which 
 
 R goes* 
 
ii6 
 
 Two other 
 marks of fan- 
 ftifiedknow- 
 kdac 
 
 <6 
 
 Sec Gcrfttt: 
 
 The Saints 
 
 goes with a temporary faith, is like lightning, it 
 dazles perhaps the eyes with aftoniihment and ad- 
 miratioTi of tho(eexcellencics and Majefties which 
 it apprehends and beholds in theBookeof God: 
 It commonly biafts the heart with pridc^ infolen- 
 cie, and felfe-lovc ■ it flaihesout upon others buc 
 foddenly and feidomejfor vaine-glory, andMarka- 
 blenefle. In the night it may iniighten the way for 
 a ftep or two, and a little (pace, but not round 
 aboutj but with continuance^ that is, it may guide 
 us out of the darknefle of finue^ into obedience 
 of foms of he Commandemcnts , and for a time, 
 j but not of all, and with conftancy. But knowledge 
 1 fandificdwith(aving faith, is like the light of the 
 j Sunne ^ it cheerfully opens rheeyesof the foulc, 
 that with comfort and reverence, with love and 
 praisfulnelle, tliey m^y feed upon the particular 
 fweetnefle of the great mvftery of godlinefle. It 
 hears the heart and fiffettk>m with trae, kindly, 
 and diicrect zeale : ft lends ouc its beames fcafona- 
 bly and continually, for the iniightningand refor- 
 ming of others : It lighrens the Chriftian out of 
 all the darknefle of finne, and crooked by-paths, 
 and guides hiai into the holy paflagcs of all the 
 CommandcmenrS:, and thorow every particular 
 ftcpof hsiife. 
 
 2. Secondly, Knowledge in the formall pro- 
 feflbur, which goeswith a temporary faith, is like 
 the fpeculative knowledge of a Geographer. This 
 is purchaled without any great tfiile or travell, 
 without feeling; or experience, onely by reading, 
 relation and difcourfe. Hee fits ina dry chamber 
 
 and 
 
JelfeAnriching examination. 
 
 and looks upon a faire Map and therewith a plea- 
 (anteafe, and delightfull fafetyj doth behold the 
 rotks ami freights, and dangerous padages, with- 
 out darger or difbefie 5 he feedshiscon<:eitupon 
 the wonders of forren Countreyes, and the new 
 found world , with the reftleffe Pinnace of his 
 piercmgdifcourfe 5 hee flies over the moft boi itc- 
 rous, huge andrempcftuous Seas, with the (peedy 
 wing of his nimble wit ^ hee runnes over the 
 woody Mountaines, the fruitfullPiaines, the ffa- 
 tioas Forrefis, the fpicie Gardens, the pleafant Ri- 
 vers, the rich and golden MineSjOr whatfbever t'le 
 whole earih hath besides, wonderful), markable,. 
 and magnificent ; But all this is bur onely in con- 
 ceit and conremplar ion, wifhoutr tall paflage, and 
 vifible enjoyment. Juft foch is tht knowledge of 
 the formall profeflbur, itftandsmon-ir^difcourfe 
 and (pecolation. It beholds afarre off the Ma/e- 
 ftic and Glory of Heaven, the wonders of Gocfs 
 Law, the Myftery of Salvaticjn, the troublefbme 
 Seas of temptations, the Paradift of Chriftianity, 
 and many other holy paiJages of Di vinity, but it is 
 without toylefbme praftife, feeling experience, 
 and (trong imnreffion. But knowledge in the true 
 Chriftian, is like the experimental! knowledge of 
 a traveller : He doth not onely bv his reading, hea- 
 ring and conferring, fill his bratne with know- 
 ledge, and his tongue with dilcourfe of Heaven, 
 and thofc endlefle joycs ^ but with the eye of faith, 
 hee elcerly (ees them, and (enfibly ftcds upon 
 them by the power of his hope. He doth not onely 
 I with an idle iftonifhment, and imaginary fruition 
 1 R 2 gaze 
 
 217 
 
2i8 i The Saints 
 
 gaze upon thewondetsofGodtljiw, and (ccrets of his 
 Ringdomc, buc with the key of his (aving and (an- 
 ctifying knowledge, hee unlocks and opens them 
 wide, dives into theirdepths with fruitfull medi- 
 tation, and by a full infight^ and reall enjoyment of 
 them, makes them familiar untohim,and his coun- 
 (ellours. He takes not onely a gencrall fiirvey of the 
 great ray ftery of godlineflejbut by the (pirit of wif- 
 dome and revelation given unto him by the Father 
 of Glory, Eph. 1. 1 7. He is able in fbme good mea- 
 |{iiretomearure^/je^/^i&^5 thebreadth^ thekf^thaud 
 depth of it, Hee doth not onely quietly fitting at 
 home, or {landing fafe upon fhore, behold the fu- 
 rious rage, andtempeftuous Seas of temptation in 
 other men 5 but himfelfe is tolFed and turmoiled 
 with them, and by the grace of God paffeththo- 
 row them. He doth not onely heare of the fwe 
 pangs of the new birth, and of the ftreight paf- 
 fage lo the Kingdome of Heaven ^ but himfelfe 
 travels with that fpirituall fbrrow, and treads that 
 narrow path. He doth not onely reade of the gol- 
 den Mines, Chri-ftall Mountainesj fpicie Ilands^ 
 the coafts of Pearles, Rocks of Diamonds 5 1 
 raeane the unvaluable treafures, royall preroga- 
 tives, and glorious comforts of Chriftianity ^ &at 
 himfelfe is inriched and invefted with themj and 
 filshisfbulc with their fpirituall fweetnefTe. 
 
 As concerning thefe degrees of illuminatioa, at- 
 tainable by the power of a temporary faith, which 
 I formerly propofcd, they may aH con fill: without 
 the power of grace^ and be found in the reprobate. 
 I -will give an inftance in two of the beft and the 
 . hig heft. 
 
 Stc' C^fuA of 
 
 SpanUli cruel 
 lies. 
 
felfc4nriebvig examination. i up 
 
 highcfl: 5 and difference them from the ftarc of 
 fandifi cation. 
 
 I I have told you before, that the fbrmall pro- 
 feflbur, by the pov/er of a temporary faith, may 
 (bhce himfclfc with the fweet and comforta- 
 ble confitieration of Gods rich mercies towards 
 his children in Chrifl: Tefus. And wholly pof- j 
 fefle himfelfe of them m conceit, as a man doth ; 
 himfelfe of gold in a dreame, A^atth.y.2 2,Matth, 
 2 5. II Rtv ?. I y.lfi.6')*'^. But thuSjand in thisfenfe, , 
 It is as if a man looking upon another mans Or- ; 
 chard, richly laden with all kinde of fruit, beauti- j 
 fied with variety of faireft and (weeteft flowers, 
 full of all pleafures and delicacies, and out of a 
 melancholy conceit (hould fuppofc them to be his 
 owne, and thereupon (houldplotandpiojeft with 
 himfelfe, how to the bcfV advantage, and with 
 the mofl fweetneffehemighr difpofeand enjoy the 
 comforts and commodities rhereof:; fb vainly plea- 
 fing himfelfe with an imaginary fruition of other 
 mens happinefJe. It is otherwife with the true 
 Chrifl:ian : His comfort in the merits of Chrift, 
 mercies of God, androyall privileges of Heaven, 
 is li ke that of the owners of fuch an Orchard, who 
 is rightly entirulcd unto ir, and juftly poflefi of ir, 
 and doth truly ^and really at his pleafare taf>eand 
 feed upon the fruit and pleafures thereof. Or thus ^ I 
 A man many times, when hec hcares an eloquent ' 
 andpaffronatedifcourfe of (bme nohle or worthy 
 ftorv, full of pleafant paflages, and joyfiill acci- 
 dents, doth all the rime of the nanation, put on 
 asitwere the affedions, refolutions, triumphs -of j 
 ^ R 3 thc^ 
 
 Degrees of U- 
 ln>) inacion at- 
 tainable by a 
 temporarjr 
 faith. 
 
1^0 
 
 ^T he Saints 
 
 the adiorsj lees his minde riinne along, partaking 
 and fymparhizing with theva iety of occurrents, 
 and doth in conceit and imagination wholly pof- 
 (cWc himfelfe oFall the happinefle, glory of fiic- 
 cesftill acchievements : Such onely is the comf rt 
 theformall profeflbur hath in the prerogatives of 
 the Saints : But the true Chriftian is as it were a 
 party and ador in fuch a ftorie 5 he truly and really 
 iightSjConquers, and is crowned. 
 
 2. Secondly, I have told you before that the 
 formall Profcflbur bv the power of temporary 
 faith may tajfe of tbepower f of the worii to comz, of the 
 heavenly gift and of the ^oodWordo^Goi : But marke 
 the difference ^ The formall ProfefllDur doth onely 
 tafteof the fweetnefleof Godsmercie. the com- 
 forts of godlineile, andthefiving grace of Chnft 
 in t^e Gofpell, that is, they have fbme lirtlc glim- 
 merinp(5 fuperficiall delights, andconfufedappre- 
 henfion in the blellings of Heaven, in the wa' es 
 of falvation, and of the joves of the world to 
 come. But the true Chriftian dorh feed and fill 
 himfelfe with them , hee doth dail\' and hourly 
 ktd uDon them, by their ftrenajth and vigour is in 
 fpiriniaii health fat and flourifhing in all fpirituall 
 graces. The form 11 Profeflbnr doth tafte them, 
 but when he (hould let them downe fordigeftion 
 and nourifliTient , his prophane heart doth ftill 
 (title and choake them, and the (weetnefle of his 
 bolnntte finne dorh «f ftfiones breed a loathing and 
 dTftifte.Bur the true Chriftian doth not onely tafte 
 themij but with manv (w»:'cr a' d iecrct confblati- 
 OHS receives them into the bowelsof his heart, and 
 
 bofbme 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 bofonie of his (bale, by the power of his fpirituail 
 lifcj and the vitallheatof hisfanftifying (pirit doth 
 digeftthem, and ib is ftrengthned and nonrilhed 
 by them unto eternall life. To conclude this point 5 
 A maine ditference betwixt the formall Pr feflbur, 
 and true Chriftian, in the point of knowledge in 
 Gods Word, is this 5 The childe of God dorh 
 wholly and entirely fobmit and refigne up him(e Ife 
 tobeguided, direded an ^ governed; both in the 
 purpofes and defircs of his heart, and in the a(!^ions 
 andcourfe of his life, by th.it holy a^d divine truth 
 which is revealed, and he? apprehends out of the 
 Booke of God, by the power and light whereof, 
 when his confcienee is once convinced either for 
 the leaving of any finne or thepradi/ing of my 
 holy duty, he yeelds with hum'iity- and obedience, 
 though itfliould abridge him ot hispleafure.^ pro- 
 fit or worldly re(peds, and that wirhoutany mm- 
 cinc:orfhiftingby diffiiic^ion and reffridionjlim'- 
 tation exception^evafion.falfe glofIe,orparti.<ll in- 
 terpretation. But the formall Profeflour, howfb- 
 ever he may yeeld in many things, yet when his 
 (weet finne, his maine worldly contentment is 
 cenfured and controlled by the miniftery of the 
 Word ; when the knowledge and light thereof 
 doth difcoverthe deceit of his heart, convince and 
 confound his confcienee, in that refpeft he flrugles 
 and flrivesagainfV it. Hee would ghdly forger his 
 knowledge of thar point, hee labours to finother 
 and put out that light ; hee would have no har- 
 ping of thar faring : For he is refblved, and at a 
 point, not to leave the finne of his bofbmej hy no , 
 R 4 meaqes i 
 
 2Jl 
 
 
ZJZ 
 
 ixF. M. 
 Di^rcflion of 
 the unlawful- 
 ncflccf Vfury. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 meanes to part with his darling pleaftire, and yet 
 he would not in diredt tcarmes, and peremptory 
 oppofition, ftand again ft the certaine and revealed 
 truth of the Word of Life : Whereupon he beats 
 his braines^and ftraines his wit, to find out one ftar- 
 ting hole or other ; hee leames toniift and Ihield 
 himleife by (bme idlediftinftion,vaine exception, 
 falic interpretation, carnall realbn, that hee may 
 thereby fi de (ome eafe and contentment in his 
 owne h^art, againft the conviction of his confci- 
 ence, and Ibme plaufiblc pretext to iatisfic the 
 world fcM- his continuance in (bme finfull content- 
 ment, which the world doth condemne. 
 
 For example ^ If his finnc be Ufuryjto whichjby 
 reafbnof thefweetnefic ofgaine, his greedy hu- 
 mour is endeared^and he therupon be prciTed with 
 the 1 5.Pp^wherein the Holy Ghoft doth make it a 
 marke and note of a found Chriftianjanda Citizen 
 of Heaven, not to give out his money to uduie ^ 
 and teacheth us, that we muft wholly abftaine and 
 defift from the pradife thereof, as ever we hope to 
 reft in the Mountaine of Gods hoIinefTc ^ he la- 
 bours pre/enrly to fatlsfie the world, and to iave 
 him(elfe by one iVifc or other ^ perhaps hee v/ill di* 
 ftinguifh of uiiiry, and fay, that biting ufury in- 
 deed he approves not, but he fees no recfon why 
 toothleffe ufury may not be lawfull. 
 
 But wretched man. he is to know that this is a 
 covetous and carnall diftinction, there is none fuch 
 tobe found in the Scripture. The words arcplaine 
 and peremptory in that 15. pjal//je '^and Ezcchkl 
 without diftin^ion or limitation^ fjpeaksthusj He 
 
 ihat 
 
Jelfe-tnricbing examination. 
 
 that puf^eth forth 1o Vfury, ortak^thinvreafz^ fhaU htz 
 live ^ Heef hall net live, hee pall die the deaih^ and his 
 blQuipallheupon hini^ chap. 1 8. verf 1 3. Befides, Ne- 
 ^eki, which fignifieth biting, is the common and 
 ordinary name whereby all lifiiry is fignified in the 
 Hebrew congae ^ therefore this word dath not di- 
 ftinguifh one kinde of IKuryfrom another, but 
 ingenerall fignifieth that allTKury is biting. The 
 money which is lent for gaine, is called Nofloek . that 
 is, which biteth, becaufc when it is repayed it bi- 
 tethjJindasit vveregnawethaway (bmc part of the 
 borrowers fabftance for an over-plus or gaine to 
 the Creditor, which is called N^^i?i^ asitwetethe 
 bit : So that certaine it is, all llfury in it owne na- 
 ture is biting, becaufe itbitethorfhreddethaway 
 fbme of the borrowers fubftance. And although 
 perhaps the borrower, by reafonof his wealth,fee- 
 ieth not his biting, or elfe licketh himfelfe whole 
 by biting of others, or by accident is not fenfibie 
 of the fmirt of it •, yet Ufury is a gaine which is 
 bitten and fhred away from the borrower, and that 
 either to his lolTc, or cathe hinderance of the 
 common ^veafth; whofe common profit in all con- j 
 rracl> is e(f)ccially to be regarded. Let a man then ) 
 in the Name of God take heed how hee hazards 
 his cverk'ling falvation, upon fuch a weake and 1 
 wrctchei.l diftindion, forbitingis individual! and 
 eflTentiall, both tothenamsand nature of U'ury; 
 It ever bites and ftings one or other lefle or more^ 
 either the borrower, or the common-wealth : Ei- 
 ther like a Wolfe, in the Evening, it fucks out the 
 life, the bloud;> and the marrow of a poore man 5 
 
 or 
 
 i?i 
 
 onPp/.ty, 
 
 SccDown.ibid. 
 
 •: 
 
*?4- 
 
 Compare D:«;. 
 i3.;9,xu.ancl^ 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 or a Curre Dogge, it fiiarches out a peeceoutof his 
 wea'th ; or a Wafpe it ftings him one way or other 
 in his eftate. Or it may be he will bring an excepti- 
 on outof Exod y 2.? 5. & Levlt,2 5.3 $. that Ufiiry is 
 forbidden towards the poore,and thcrfore it is law- 
 fuli towards the rich ^ bur this evafionis frivolous^ 
 for Deut. 2 3. 19. there is no mention of thepoore 
 but all Ufary is forbidden towards a brother, whe- 
 ther he be rich or poore, meaning by brother^ any, 
 eirher Ifjaelite or Profelite^ or z.%(^kmens Akxan- 
 d-mi^fpGsks, ifM^vhov i ouoymiiiovA. And in the other 
 places of Scripture ,asPp/. 15. Pro,2 ^<»Ezech 1 8.2 2. 
 all llCary and increase is abfbluteiy, a d generally 
 wichojt condition or limitation forbidden 8c con- 
 demned in the(etwopIaces,^/z;.£x«;^. 2 2. and levit. 
 2 5 mention is made of the poore 8c needvjbecaufe 
 the Commandement of loane is efpecially made 
 for their good, and becaule Ufury ^s exa-^cd from 
 them, isafinne more grievous and hatefpll. But if 
 we may thus conclude from hence, we may nor 
 take Ufury of a poore man,therefore we may take 
 it of the rich, then by the fame reafon wee may 
 conclude wrong is not to bee done to the poore, 
 j tothe widdow, the fatherlefiTc: or ftranger ^ there- 
 \ fore wrong may be done to the rich, to the married 
 wife, to the children that have their parents living, 
 ! to thofe who be not ftrangers ; Or when Salomon 
 faith, rob not the poore, becaule he is poore, wee 
 might inferre therefore thou raaifl: rob the rich 
 becau(cheisrich : But the Lord oftentimes when 
 he fpeaketh againft the fins of the fixth and eighth 
 Commandcments.maketh exprefle mention of the 
 poore 
 
lelfe^inriching examination. 
 
 I poore and helplede, becaufeali wrong, violence5 
 j robbery and oppreflion cxercifed towards them, 
 I are very grievous, and indeed crying llnnes. And 
 ' notonely in that refpeift doth the Lord fbmetimes 
 j mention the poore & needy in the prohibition of 
 Ufury,but alfo becaufe thole onely who have need 
 have juftoccafion to borrow : And as the needy 
 have moft occafion to borrow, Co are they mo'f 
 fubjeft to theoppreffions, injuries, cruelties of the 
 wealthy ^ for as wee commonly fay, the weakefl: 
 goestothe wals, and where the hedge is JoweO, 
 there every one gocth ovcr.This anRver I have re- 
 ceived from a worthy and judicious Divine, 
 
 Or perhaps hee will relie himfelfe upon theopi 
 nionof moderne Divine?, whofeeme to give al- 
 lowance toLlfury : For any fhew or (hadowof 
 defence will fervethe turneto fatisfie anunrege- 
 nerate heart, when it is refblvedlv devoted and 
 endeared to a finnc. But this is buta weake and 
 poore prop to venture the weight of his lalvation 
 upon. Why doth he not to the private judgements 
 of tho£' few , oppole the judgements of many 
 more worthy and learned men in this age, the te- 
 ftimonies of all the learned in former ages, both 
 Ghrin-ians and Heathens^ the cenfures of Coun- 
 cels, theauthority of the Wordof God. But in- 
 deed and truth he very fearfully deceives himfelfe, 
 even in this ftarting hole to ^ for thofe few Di- 
 vines which feeme to allow it, doe by nomeanes 
 approve that Ufury which isufually ora(f>if-d in the 
 world. But they deale with it, as Phyfitians with 
 poyfbn, which by mingling and compounding ity 
 
 make I 
 
 H^ 
 
i\6 
 
 of Lying. 
 
 or Siraonk; 
 
 7 he Saints 
 
 make ic whulfome Phy lick 5 they 16 qualifie it with 
 conditions and limitations, that it ceafeth to be 
 Ufury ^ and upon fuch tearmes there is not one a- , 
 mongftathoufand but would rather flic CO any kind 
 of lawfull negotiation and employ mcnt of his me- 
 ny, than venture upon llH-iryfo qualified and cir- 
 cum(cribed. See their conditions D^tt-*^*;?. 2 47. who 
 hath excellently Sc exadly dt^li in this point. Thus 
 theunregenerateman will fhu^fle and fhifc againft 
 the power of the V\'ordj the light of divine truth, 
 and the checke of his owne con'cicncc, for the 
 maintenance and defence of that finne^ whatfbe- 
 ver it be, whereupon his chiefe catnall content- 
 ment, and temporall happinede doth depend 5 and 
 will admit no fitisfaftion to his exceptions, be- 
 caule he hath refolvcd to continue in it. If lying be 
 his fin, and hee heare it cen/iired and condemned, 
 Prov»i2.i2, c^S.i-j. Toh,S.^^. ColoJ/.-^.^Ep/j.^.i 5. 
 Pr^.13.5. hee will prefently haveadiltittdionat 
 hand, and tell us, that there is two kinds of lies, 
 one malicious, whence fprings hurt and mifchiefe, 
 and another officious, w hich may be for the g:ood, 
 fafety and deliverance of himfelfe and his neigh- 
 bour^ andtobacke hisevaGons, he will urge the 
 infirmities and failings of the Saints, that with 
 (bme kinde of pretext and plaufiblenefle, hee may 
 continue inthepradifeof that abomrfiation, for 
 fb is itftiled by thefpifit of God, Trov.ii-i2,7he 
 lytng lips are ahomfmtii>n to the Lord ; but every lie is 
 naught, fee my difcourfe of true happineife. If his 
 finne be Simony, and Simon Maguf hanged up be- 
 fore him as a ipcdacle of terror and aftonifliment, 
 
 he 
 
Jislfe-innebing examination. \ 
 
 hee will prcfendy labour to hide hirafclfe in one j 
 ftarting hole or other, and will have his herefie im- 
 pjy no more but a conceit, that the Holy Ghoft j 
 might bee bought and (bid, as though the buying 
 and (elling the office of the charge of (bales, were 
 a tolerable thing, and not to bee branded with the 
 hatefull name of damned Simonie.If his lin be Bri- 
 bery, and he told out of the I'y^Vfalme.ihzi ablli- 
 nence from rewards is made by the holy Ghoft, a 
 note of the righteous which (hall be faved. And 
 out of P/p^'.i 7.2 3. that taking of rewards is an un- 
 doubted raarke of the wickedjwho if they continue 
 in this (in^fhall be condemned 5 he will tel lyou pre- 
 (ently that his rewards are but gratuitieSjand (igni - 
 fications of thankfulne(re ^ not confideration for 
 the thing, not tainted with corruption.or the hate- 
 full brood of curfed Bribery : But this diftinftion is 
 not able to faveand prc(erve Gebazi .• Belidesthe 
 woes andcur(es upon his (bule, from an everla(ting 
 leprofie upon him(elfe and all his pofterity. If his 
 (innebee inclodire, and hee heare that dreadfull 
 woe, ifa.'S'S* thundered our againft him, fFoe unto 
 thetn that \oym houft to hjHfi^ and lay fiild to fidd^ & c. 
 And that in EccUf :? 4. He that tak^th amay his migh- 
 hours Imng^flaytth him ,W^it\\ that horrible cur(e and 
 confu(ion upon /^^^/^ and /^y^Mj for taking away 
 N<?^^/^/ Vine-yard : He will pre(ently lay hold up- 
 on one (hift or other 5 perhaps hee will tell you 
 that you muft conceive that there are two kinds of 
 enclofings ^ Firft one^ when a cruell and mercilede 
 Land-lord, without rfiercie 8c con(cience, without 
 any juft caufe or rea(bn, tumesout his. Tenants at 
 
 the 
 
 i?7 
 
 Of Bribery. 
 
 Of Inclofare 
 largely. 
 
»?8 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 the expiration of their Leales, laves land to land, 
 lovercurnes tillage, depopulates, plants beafts 
 where men hive been^, &c. This he will tell you 
 he detefts, the reafbn is, hee had the poHcie to goe 
 about it more plaufibly. Secondly5another is when 
 a Towne by joynt confentand preccftation, that it 
 is for the good of all poore and rich Land-lords 
 and Tenants, whether by Leafe or Free-hold^ is 
 enclofed , hee fees no reafbn but this is reafbnable : 
 But by his leave, befides that by woflilland lamen- 
 tabfe experience we finde them in conelufion and 
 ilTue both to prove ftarke naught, even this latter 
 feemcs unlawfiall for thefe rcaibns : Firft, though 
 it (hould make for the good of one Towne, yet it 
 endangers, and endamages the publike ^;ood, to 
 which a private raufteveryeeld andfubmit. In a 
 naturall body, a limbe is rather to be cut off than 
 the whole body (hould be hazarded. We muft hotd 
 a proportionable difcretion in bodies politique. 
 And in this cafe the puWike good is much hinde- 
 red and hurt, becaufe by that meanes (for if ic bee 
 iawfull for this or that Towne fo to doe, the fame 
 reafon will ftand good for others) Markets would 
 be unfurnifhed of come, and what then would 
 become of Cities and incorporate Towncs, for 
 Merchants, Tradefmen, and others of the like 
 ranke and fafliion of life ? And that Markets would 
 be left naked, is too cleare ^ for after men had felt 
 j the fweetneiTe and gainfulnelle of Pafture, and 
 I thatityeeldedmo e commodity, with much cafe 
 1 and lefle charges, they would Till no more than to 
 j finde their owne houfe, they would neither plow 
 I nor 
 
hlfe4nrichnig examination, 
 
 I nor ibw themfelves, nor kt their land co fu-h ab 
 i would Till it, and fbby confequent bring a dearth 
 j upon the land, which is one of Gods plagues, and- 
 publike executioners of vengeance, Ezech. 14.13. 
 They would pull Gods ownc fcourg^e out of his 
 hand, and lafh their brethren with unnecefla- 
 ty poverty and want, who are farre better ihan 
 themfelves. 
 
 2 . It is a meanes to cafi: unneceflarily many peo- 
 ple out of a To wne, for with the decay of tillage 
 their rervlceabieneHc oeafeth -^ one ihepherd will 
 almoftferve their turne^ hereby God is mightily 
 diOionoured : His people are devoured which is 
 his inheritance, asthe Pialmiftteachethus ; Aske 
 me,faltkGod, atid IvpUlgivi iheepeoi'k for thine r-ihe- 
 ritance^ and th uttermofl parts of the utrth for ihy pof- 
 fepM, Pfal.i.%, But inclofures ro enlarge their 
 owne inheritances, by the bloud and ruincs of an- 
 cient Tenants and inhabitants, they deftroy and 
 lay wafte this the inheritance of the Lord^ where 
 God hath beeiie prahed with many mouthes^ 2 Cor, 
 I. u. Thtxcv^^ S^hnteb-o^ks^ Ziimyandlim, and 
 lOte, and jotheruncleane birds make thdrnefts. 
 Or at beflr, the Minifter mav preach unto the wals, 
 and onely a fewinclollires. Hereby alfb the glory 
 of thcKingisleflenedand obicured : I^themulti- 
 tudeofthpeopleisthehomurofaKing:, fiich Salomon^ 
 and forw Ant of people CQmmtth thdtfirti&lon of the 
 Fri«ceiPro.iJ^i2^-AndEcckf'^.$,he tels us^thatthe 
 King confifteth by the field that is tilled, fo that 
 decay of tillage,the curfed broodof bloudy inclo- 
 fures^ and depopulation, are the very cut- throats 
 
 of 
 
 H9 
 
24^0 
 
 nChe Saints 
 
 ot Majeltiea and conhifion of ibtes Imperiall. 
 
 5. Itcurtalsthe maintenance of the Minifters, 
 which chiefly ftands in corne. What fhall become 
 of the Parfbn, when there comes a rot of (heepe. 
 
 4. It prepares the way to abhorred (bllitude, fo- 
 iicarinelTe and depopulation, it opens the bloudy 
 floud-gates of covetoufnefTe and oppreffion^which 
 (weeps away whole Townes, whatfoever at firft 
 maybe pretended and protefted to the coiatrary. 
 The cruell Land-lord fpies a Clofe which lies con- 
 venient to be added to hisDemeancs 5 admit his 
 neighbour it if he will, yethe will give double the 
 worth but he will buy him out : (for God forbid 
 that hce fhould ufe him as Ahab Siud lezahel (X\dNa- 
 bcfth.') And this bloudy thirft of adding land to 
 land, being once on edge, (as we fee by wofull ex- 
 perience) will not bee qnenched, untill hee bee 
 drunke with the bioudof the opprefled. 
 
 5. It doth monftroufly and unnaturally exchange 
 men for beafts ; It turnes out men to bring in 
 fheepc 5 whereas the image of God in one man, is 
 farre more worth than all the ilieepe in the world. 
 And God tels us by Ezechid^ thdihejhcefeofhis pa* 
 fiureare wm.ELfich.'^^.'^i, Neither is the exchange" 
 uponcquall and proportionable tearmes 5 beafts 
 are received into ricn and fatpaft:ures5 butreaib- 
 nable men, who beareGods image, are theirbre- 
 thren^and better than themfelvesjare turned out to 
 graze upon the Common ^ nay ^the Common and 
 all is encloied^Sc they are cruelly caftinto the wide 
 and hard-hearted world, and (b linger and languifh 
 away in bittcrnelfe of griefe, mitery and want ^ 
 
felfe4nriching examination. j %a\ 
 
 a death as far more mercilefle than prefent murde- ' 
 ring, as hanging in chaines alive is than beheading. | 
 Hence icistharftichoppreding Cannibals arefaid prai.i4.4 
 toeatupGodspeophas a man vpoM eat bread, to Cwd' I 
 lovp ftp the foore.Toplftcl^offtheirsklm from thcm^ and\ 
 iheirflepfromtheir bones '^ tohreah^iheir bones ^ andclyop \ 
 them in teeccs aspr the pot ^ and as ffejh mthin the Chal" 
 dron^Amos. 8 . /{Mick 32.3. . 
 
 6. Inclofiireisafoulename, anhatefallandodi- ( 
 ous thing, and of ill report. The wounds are yet | 
 frefhbleeding,vvhchinclo(iire hath made, and the j 
 teares yet ftand in the eyes of the opprc (Ted, and 1 
 the dead carkafles of poore and hunger-ftarved 
 foules, lay not long fince bleeding and groaning in 
 thofe paftures which were inclofed with bloud and 
 wrong : Thofe wretched Caitifes jnftly indeed pc- 
 riOied in their rebellion, vet as Chrift faith, Luk^ 1 7. 
 IVoe be unto them by whom the offence commeth.Now the 
 Scripture teacheth us that wee fliould doe fuch 
 things as arehon'ft, and of good report, prozid/ngfor 
 honeft things^ not onely before God^ but alfo before me»^ 
 abjiaimngfromaU appearance of evilL And therefore 
 if inclofurcj were not it felfe inclofed with op- j 
 predion, bloud and wrong ^ if there were no more 
 in itj but onelv that it is fo odious, and of (b bad re- 1 
 port, yet I doe not fee howanyChrifHancouldl 
 praftifeitwithagoodconfcience. Why, but may! ^^^^ 
 nor all thefeinconveniences,or rather michiefesjbej ^ 
 avoidedjif before they beginne there be a refolute f 
 and joynt proteftation, that tillage (hall notwith-j 
 (landing bee upheld, andthe poore not hurt? 
 
 That was done, and (uchfaire. pretences were 
 
 S made^^ 
 
 PhfU.8, 
 Rora.i»J7S 
 
z^z 
 
 eh. 
 
 SvL 
 
 The Saints 
 
 madcj as 1 am credibly and Chriftianly in formed^ 
 there where thirty three ploughs, are now brought 
 to the great difhonour of God,and the deft rudtion 
 of his people, totheintollerableleffening of the 
 glory of the Kingjand the inexpiable weakning of 
 the ftrength and fi newes of this famous and renow- 
 ned Kingdome. Befides, I appeale unto wofull ex- 
 perience in this Countrey, raoft infamous for this 
 bloudy finne, whether the(e and many more mif- 
 chiefes have not dogged inclofure at the beeleSj 
 and whether the Inclolbrs themfelves have nor 
 beene ftrangely haunted by the markable curfe and 
 vengeance of God. Andimaginefor atime they 
 fbould hold out tillage, vet what bands or chalnes, 
 wtnat fetters of iron would hold the greedie world- 
 ling or if him^ his fiicceeding pofteriry, from ma- 
 ■kingthe beft advantage of theirowne. Afrcr they 
 had felt the Avectof pafture, an I private gainer 
 little would they care for corne, or the publikj 
 good. And chey would eafily learne (for there are 
 enow Dodorsof this craft) that there is more pri- 
 vate adv^antage i i grazing and breeding, than in 
 husbindrvand rUbg?, by a great deale. 
 
 Why, but what lay you to the indofcireof La/^- 
 cafhrre dtnd chfiire. Ejjex Harijordflnre^ Devo^Jkire^ 
 and fuch like wood -land Countreyes ? 
 
 I fiy therein the beg^inning if rhe Woods had 
 not beene encivofed they cou'd not have beene 
 preferved, and (b as it may f^eme, the enclosures 
 there of necefficy have ev<?r (irvce beene continued. 
 Befides, there every Lorddiip is charitably devi* 
 dtd amoHgft the Tenant?, tillage alfb in moft of 
 
 their 
 
felfe'inricbing examination. 
 
 4? 
 
 their Clofes maintained, and Townes nothing dif- 
 pcopied. 
 
 1. Againe, I fee not why ancient inclofures 
 fhould be condemned, which turned bare and bar- 
 ren pafturesjheathy and unprofitable ground, into 
 FruirFull tillage, and there planted Tenants, to the 
 enlarging of the glory of the Kingdomc and Gods 
 inheritance, as hath becne done in fome of the 
 ihircs above named. 
 
 2. It isthegreedynewdevifed inclofiire which 
 is hateful! unto God and man, which digges into 
 the bowels and bloud of the poore.and when they 
 are (wallowed up quicke, isquick-ifetwith the ru- 
 ines and dcfolation of their families, and with 
 rheirdead and devoured carkafles. I fay that inclo- 
 (lire is juftly damned unto the gates of Hell, which 
 Champion and fruitfoll (biles, being good arable 
 ground, to pafturc, (othat where heretofore there 
 hath beene competent living for many poore men, 
 it is now all greedily ingroffed into the ha^nds of 
 one man and in (Vead of one hundred or two hun- 
 dred perfons that had their livings there^ n, they 
 are no more reaf^nable creatures left but onely 
 two or three fhepherds, fo that many poore men 
 more righteous than themfelves, are utterly un- 
 done and overthrowne \^ their e(bte, and in their 
 reputation, in their wife & childrenjand in all their 
 poHierity . God al(b is thereby highly difhonouredj 
 while his inheritance, and the people of hispa- 
 '^ure are dealt with (bcraelly, and unchriflianly 
 (cattered, impaired, and caft out from the f^ce of 
 the earth. Violence is offered to his providence, 
 
 S 2 when 
 
24.4. 
 
 iOfSweav 
 
 mg. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 when mankinde is wafted for the benefits of a few 
 .in this kinde. God in the beginning hidAdamdind 
 Eve increafe and nmlHpl^^ a»d fill the earth j that is, 
 with men, with the image of God, with the pre- 
 cious feed of the divine generation -5c not to feeke 
 (as the Prophet faith) hy joining houfe to houfe^ and 
 land to land, tobe alone upon the earth, -ffe''5» If fome 
 preiidcnts of depopulation fhould bee generally 
 followed and imitated, Gods people, and his in- 
 heritance would be quite banifhed and rooted out 
 of the earth, and onely a few Glants^^onnesofAnak^ 
 and inclofing Zanznmmins would bee left in the 
 world. Againe, if his finne bee fwearing, and hee 
 threatned' out o^ Zacharie ^ that the flying -bool^e of 
 Gods curfeh out againft him, and that every one that, 
 fvpeartth jhall hetcnt off^ as vodl on this fide as on that. 
 And out of the third Commandement, 'that the 
 Lord mil not hold him guiltleffe that taketh hisNa r.eiu 
 vai'!e. I . He will prefentiy fall to mincing the fin, 
 and exc ufin^ him(elfe:Perhaps he will toW you that 
 his cullome is not to fwcarc by God. or any bloudy 
 oaths, buronelv by his faith, or t'oth, by this light, 
 by this bread, or fiach like lighter and trifling 
 oathsjand he hopes there is no/iich great offence in 
 char, and that wee are not eyed to fuch ftridnelTe 
 and precifenefTe in our words. Yes, but wcc are by 
 the words of our blefied Saviour, and every one 
 who hath given his Name unto Chrifl will make 
 .confcienceof it ^ Swearenotatall^ faith he, neilher 
 ly Heaven^ for it is the throne of God ^ nor yet by the 
 I Earth, fir it is his foot -fl'oole^ neither by leru^dem^ for it 
 \ is theCity of the great King 5 neither Jhalt thou fr3>eiire hy 
 I ihive 
 
felfe4nriching examination, i z^5 
 
 ihm had^ for thou canfi not mak^ one haire ri>hite or 
 blacl^, iW<?//^. 5.34^35. Saint James yf\th zcaleand 
 earneftneflc doth iccond his blefled Lord and Ma- 
 rt er, Um 5.12, Before alliUngs^ faith h e, my brethren^ 
 fvpeare not^ tteitUr hyUea'veny nor iye^th, nor by any 
 othroath^ butletpuryea beeyea^ and your nay nay, kfi 
 yonfallinto temptatrov. 2 . Or perhaps he will excufe 
 thatj by telling you that his are not properly oa ths, 
 but fome kinde of odde phrafes , and harmlefle 
 Speeches, GodfineeGodfwill, Gods bodikins^ Ber 
 Lakins, Feiks, Ffikins, bymyFeiks, bymyFei- 
 kins, by my truly, by Cocke, by my Fey, ber La- 
 dy, and fuch like. Bat ignorance andfuperftition 
 are the parents of fuch bafe and blafphemous 
 fpeeches. Men are naturally (enfible of the hor- 
 rourof bkfphemingGods glorious Name, and yet i 
 they have (b inured their tongues tofwearing, and 
 ufedtofill up their {peeches with oaths, that they 
 cannot quite leave them, and therefore they 
 childiftily and idlcly labour to hide iheirblafphe- 
 mies firoaa God, by curtailing and mangling the 
 vi^ords and (yllables. But what is this but lewdly 
 and audacioufly to jeft with holv things, and to 
 mocke the mighty Lord who wiil not be mocked 5 
 as though he regarded the pronuntiation and out- 
 ward found, more than the oath it felfe ^ or for^ 
 bidding with a terrible commination, his glorious 
 Titles and A ttibutes to be vainly named, fliould be 
 content to have them nick- named in fiich a foolifh 
 and ridiculous manner. 3. Or it may bee hee will 
 plead cuftome, and fay, howfbever bee hath got 
 a naughty cuftome of fvvcaringj which he cannot 
 
 S 3 leave^ 
 
1^6 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 leave^ ycthedifallowes it inhiailelfe, and when 
 he ov^erfhoots himfelfe that way, he prefentJy cries 
 God mercy. Why but doth he indeed (crioufly and 
 (bundly grieve at the heart, for (b vexing and vio- 
 lating Gds glorious Name ? Doth hee truly hate 
 and detefl: that wicked cuftome ? Why then un- 
 doubtedly hee would relbluteJy and earneftly ikt 
 himfelfe againft it ^ hee would fet a watch and 
 ftrong barre before his lips, hee would-by little 
 and little unwinde himfelfe out of that wicked 
 cu(l:ome -^ and the Lord by his (aving and fandi- 
 fying grace would give moft certaine (ucceflc to 
 fuch holy defires, and godly endeavours ; yea, but 
 he hath no fooncr rapt out an oath, butheeaskes 
 God forgivenefle. Hatefall bypocrifie ! firft toflie 
 with blafphemies at the very face of God Almigh- 
 ty^and as much as in him lies, with Woudy oaths to 
 teare the precious body of Chrift lefiis in peeces, 
 and cruelly to crucitie him afrefli, and then hope 
 to make amends with a fained, formall and heart- 
 lefTewifh. Is that prayer like to plealc God, or to 
 recurne with fruit and bleffing into his bofbme, 
 which he makes with a purpofe ftill to offend, and 
 and when he defires pardon as a priviledge, by ver- 
 tue whereof hee may more fecurely goe on in 
 (inne ? Is there like to be anyfbrgiveneflewhenit 
 is onely coldly craved with the lips, and thofe full 
 of blafphemies, and red with the bloud of Chrifir, 
 the heart in the meane timebeing unfmitten with 
 griefe and (brrow, and unrefblute to leave /b hate- 
 fall a linne > Were a man for every oath to lo(e a 
 joynt, orforfeit a pound, he would qaickly learne 
 
 to 
 
felfeAnrich'tng examination. 
 
 to breake off his cuftome of fwcaring. Shall the 
 prcfervation of a rniferablc body^ and trandtory 
 pelfe be more deare unto us than the Majcftie of 
 God, the glory of Heaven, and the endlefle hap- 
 pincffe of our ownc immortall fbules : Befides, by 
 the lame plea may not any finnc keepe polTeflion > 
 May not thellfurer, the Drunkard, theXhccfe, 
 the Whoremonger, the Sabbath breaker, 6<c. al- 
 leage that they have fb long followed their finnes, 
 that now they cannot forfake them ? But let no 
 man deceive himfelfe, for aflurcdiy cuftome and 
 continuance in finne doth mightily increafe the 
 punifhmentof finne. 4. Or perhaps be will pro- 
 tefl", that though hefweare nowandthen, ycthe 
 thinks no harme, and all that while he hopes well. 
 But hc.is to conceive, that out of the abundance of 
 the heart the mouth fpeaketh, MaitLi2*-^^ii^. If 
 a mans words be prophane, undoubtedly his heart 
 is polluted 'j if he blafpheme God with his mouth, 
 bee cannot bleflc him with his heart. There may 
 Ibmctimes be faire (hewes outwardly, when the 
 heart is corrupt, but ever when the out-fide is 
 naught, (I meane the words and anions, there ever 
 the in-fide is farre worfe, (I meane the heart and 
 affeftions.) Suppofe (bme lewd companion (hould 
 day after day raile upon the King, with many foule 
 and traiterous termes, and beingcalled in quefiiion, 
 {hould anlwer^that he thought none ill in his heart, 
 what earthly Prince would (b be fatisfied ? What 
 reafbn then is there that the Majeftie of Heaven 
 (hould admit of fuch an excufe ? 5. Or it may bee 
 hcwillfayheefweares nothing but truth, andhce 
 
 S 4 hopes 
 
Z4.8 
 
 Jam 5,14. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 hopes all that while hee may fvveare. But otir blcf- 
 fcdSavioar faith no 5 and his holy Apoftle Saint 
 Jams. Ordinary truths are barely to be affirmed, 
 without addition of oath, orprophanation of his 
 glorious Name. They tell us m the places fore ci- 
 ted, that in our ordinary communication tve mteji one- 
 ly ufe yea, yea, nay^ vay^ for vphatjoever is more than 
 tkjh commeth ofeviU^ indeed from the Devill. 
 6. Why but perhaps hee will fay, except I (weare I 
 (hall not bee belecved. Admit that, it were ftrre 
 betterhe (hould never be beleeved while the world 
 (lands, than diredtly, and againft his knowledge 
 to tranfgrefle the Commandement of our bleflc?d 
 Siviour, who hath forbid him to fwcare in his or- 
 dinary communication. Weare not to lie, to fteale, 
 to murder, to be drunken to winne credit, neither 
 indeed in ordinary communication tofweare, t- at 
 we may be credited. If wc forbeare in this caic, we 
 purchaie comfort to our conlciences, byourobe- 
 dience to Gods holy will ^ and thofe who out 
 i ofcauflefle fLifpition miftruftour words, doedif- 
 cover their owne lurking corruptions, and pra- 
 c^ifes of fahhood ^ for none {o ready tofufpeft 
 tinknowne evill in another, as he who is guilty to 
 himfelfeof hisowne naughtinefle. But the way to 
 be credited without fwearing, is to be true of his 
 ♦■ongue^ unbfameable ia his converfation 5 let him 
 be a Chriftian, and all good men will tieleeve him 
 without an oath 5 while he continues prophane I 
 will bee loath to truft him in any weighty affaire, 
 whether he (wcare or no, except he be (bme one 
 morall Puritan^ amongft an hundred unregenerate 
 
 men? 
 
Jelfe-tnrubmg examination. \ 249 
 
 men : Amongft the faithfull then oaths need not> 
 and amongft the prophane they profit not. 7. Yeas 
 but yet farther, perhaps hee will alleage thathee 
 makes noculiome of itjas (wag8;erers and fcorners 
 doe, but only now and then in hJs choller and paffi - 
 on J when he is Qy vexed by others, that a man can- 
 not poffibly forbeare. Why, but what a gracelefle 
 unto wardnelTe is this ? becaufe a mortal! man rphofi 
 breath isinhis ;??o/?/f//,angers hiai,will he fiercely fiie 
 into the face of Almighty God, who is able, and 
 may juftiy, while the oath is yet in his mouth, 
 flrike him f^arke dead, and turne him into Hell 
 amongft the bannings and curfings of wicked De- 
 vils. Becaufe another man treads upon his toe, or 
 troubles him in (bme toy or other^ will he dit his 
 tongue red, by his blafphemous and bloudy oaths, 
 in that precieus bloud which (hould (ave his fbule ? 
 Becaufe another man pricks him with a pinne, 
 crofles him m his pleafures^ or hurts him in a trifle, 
 will he hazard hisfalvation, and wound hisowne 
 (buie unto everlafting death ? prodigious mad- 
 nclTe! ienfieire ftupidity \ 8. Oritmavbehewill 
 ftiroud himfelfe under the patronage of (bme great 
 men, who many times foulydifgracethemfelves, 
 aiad highly difhonc)Ur God, with fbme one or other 
 fet and fblemneoath, and prophanation of Gods 
 gloriousNarae ^ as now and then ungracloufly to 
 grace their fpeech, and wickedly to give weight 
 unto their words, without any fueh urgencie or 
 nece^ty, they ufe to come out with ^j^^'^C?^?^, or 
 fbme (uch like unfeafbnable and unfandtified 
 ^eecheS) which hardens fbme^ and gives great of^ 
 
 fence 
 
Z50 
 
 The Saints 
 
 fence unroothers : And hee willtejlyou befides, 
 that it is growne now adayes the common falhion 
 of the world, and almofl: the general! cuftome of 
 all, and that there is (carce a man to bee found (a 
 few {criipulous and precipe fellowes excepted, and 
 thefe doc as ill) bnt he will at leaft now and then 
 rap out an oath. But we muft not follow worldly 
 wife men, the multitude Si ceiftome of the world, ! 
 in matters of Heaven, and the affaires offalyation ^ 
 rhouffjaltmt, faith God, fd'orp a muliiinit io dot 
 evilly Exod 25.2. And Vaul tels us, mt man) mfe men 
 after tkfiej}}, mr many mghtj/y nor rrfanj noble are called^ 
 I Cor. 1.2(5. And Chrift lefus fpaice thus unto his 
 Difciple?, /tf/j.15. Tee are notoftkvoorld, hut I have 
 chdfeftpueHtoftkvporld. Followers of Chi ift, and 
 fafhions of the world, are fworne enemies. We are 
 frriftly commanded not to fafhion our felves like unie 
 ihisvporld, Rom, 12.2. But we muft be pure and blame- 
 lejfe and as lights mtke world ^ intbeniHfiof anaugh- 
 ty and crooked generation, Phil, 2.15. If we would hit 
 the right path to Heaven, we muft take Chrift le- 
 fus for our guide, Heis thenpay the truth, and the light, 
 loL i4.^.andnot follow unfandified greatnefle^the 
 multitude 8c fafhions of the world : NowChrifts 
 dired and peremptory charge is, freare not at all^ 
 A^atth.^ g-j. to wit, in our ordinary coramunica- 
 i tion. p. Nay, yet farther, (forthefhiftsandftar- 
 i ting holes of hollow hearts, for the defence and 
 i maintenance of their fvveet finne, vvhatfbever it 
 ' be, are infinite and cndlefle) perhaps he will labour 
 i to fhield himfelfe with fbme fhew out of Scrip- 
 ture^ a defperate and gracelelle pradife, by wre- 
 i fling 
 
(elfeAnriching examination^ 
 
 fting Gods owne holy Word to^veaken and wound 
 his glory .and to make way (or fin^bnt nocvvithftan- 
 dingto thcpurpo(e,itmayhchewiIliir^e/>j^L^3. 
 II. All thatfaeare by himJlaU re'pjce i» hm. Dent, i o. 
 20, And ihoufidt fe^re the Lord thy God^thoujhdt ferve 
 him, thoufi:ah cleave imtohim 4^dj\:alt jrveareLj h's 
 Kawe. lanlvver^ as Satan for conqueii: over Chri/}, 
 (b all his followers ufe many times to vvred: Scrip- 
 tures to theconfufion of their (bules : In that place 
 of the Pfalme^ by f\veanng by the Name of God, is 
 comprized the whole worfhip of God by a figure, a 
 part being taken for the whole. Now fvvearingj 
 which is there meant, is indeed part of Go Js w r- 
 (hip '^ hence it is that Icreme faith chap.^.. 7 .Thoufialt 
 fvpeare the Lord Hvzth^ m tyuth^in ytdgefjient^ a»dm 
 right eoHJ'neffe. i. But this is to bee done in high 
 weighty and extraordinarv matters onelv, concer- 
 ning in (peciail manner the ^lory of God , the 
 maintenance of his fervice,Word and truth. 2 . In 
 cafes of hazard, either of our neighbourSj or of 
 our owne lire_, livelihood, or Chriftian reputation, 
 and the like, and then when all other lawful! 
 meaneSj reaibns and arguments are wanting to 
 cleare a weighty and neceflary truth. :^. And to 
 that end, that God may be, i. glorified in the ac- 
 knovvlcdgement of his omniprefence , omnifci- 
 encCjtmthjJuftiee and power. 2. For the mainte- 
 nance of truth and juftice, in things (ecretand un- 
 knov/ne ^ 5, To put an end to all doubts andcon- 
 troverfieSjHe^.^.i^. 4. For the common good of 
 m^nkinde, both of our neighbours and of our 
 leives. 4. And for the manner^ it muft be done in 
 
 truth, 
 
 ^5^ 
 
m 
 
 
 The Saints 
 
 truhi^ in]ud'^emtni., and in rigLteoHjfjeJJey as lereme 
 bids, and ever with a religious rcfped, and aw- 
 Full reverence to that glorious and dreadfullMa- 
 jeftie, the ilipreme Judge of Heaven and Earth, 
 whom we call to witnelfe as acertaine Patron of ail 
 truth, and fevere revenger of all falfliood : Thus, 
 and in this fenfe an oath is a part of Gods worfhip. 
 But that fwcaring which is ufuall in our ordinary 
 communication, is the Devils (ervice, and to bee 
 ranked amongft the bannings andblafphemiesof 
 Hell : And he that opens his mouth for defence of 
 it, is of a feared confcience^ and Pro6tour of the 
 powers of darkneffe. Thus alio underfland that 
 place in DeHteronomk^ with all other to that pur- 
 pofe, as £>?;?/. ^. I g. 1/^.^5.1 6. /(?f .4.2. //i. ip. 1 8. c^ 
 48.1. But againft fWcaring in our ordinary com- 
 munication, fee MattL 5. 34,35. Urn, 5.12. You 
 fee what a (huffling and fhifting there is vfhen a 
 man is wedded to a linne, and will not fufferthe 
 Minifl:ery r/ the Word to mafter his corruptions, 
 nor is willing to fubmit hirafelfs with hamility 
 and obedience to the Scepter of Ghrift, and the 
 Soveraingty of hisfanftifyingfpirit. And if there 
 be Inch variety of fhifts and excofes for the finne of 
 fwcaring , wherein there is neither pleafure nor 
 profit, what pleading, what fweating will there be 
 for the defence of pleafiirefullj gainiull, andafpi- 
 ring finnes. Our late and learned Soveraigne hath 
 told us in his booke to his fbnne, that oaths are but 
 an ufe, and a finne cloathed with no delight nor 
 gaine, and therefore faith hee, more unexcufable, 
 even in the fight of men 5 other finnes commonly 
 
 have 
 
i5? 
 
 Horn 15, 
 Howiscrer 
 like a condem- 
 ned malcfaftor 
 goin<>cowa(d 
 
 Jetfe^inricbing examination. 
 
 have (bmepleafingbait, (bme ftrong enticement : 
 feut an oath hath no motive from fenfe/nofenluall 
 allnremenr, it is all Devill, ranke, entire, malicious 
 Hell. And as concerning the curfed eftareofa 
 (wearer, blefledc^r^j^^/ss^^, a worthy Authourjtels 
 uSj that he is like a rheefe condemned to die 5 the 
 oath is no fooner out of his mouth, bur thefcn- 
 tence of eternall damnation is pafJcd upon 
 him, for the Lord hach protefted. He mil not hvU ^ theuaiiowes 
 hmgnihle[;ethattaf{ethhisJSlaf/iemz'ame 5 and if the 
 Lord hold him not guilrlefle, who canfavehim 
 from eternall death ? Vengeance indeed is not prt- 
 fenrly executed alwayes, but Jet him know, that I 
 the longer hee is refpitedandrcprived, themore | 
 Itripesand greater plagues are preparing for him, -j 
 except in themcanetimeherepcntandforfakehis 
 finne. If then there be neither pleafure nor pro- 1 
 fit in f\vearing, and the flate of a (wearer fb de(pe- 
 rate and forlorne, and yetfuch fhuffling and fhif-1 
 ting for upholding it, you may con^effure how j 
 loth an unregencrate man^who hath no alTurance of j 
 Heavenbyajuftifying faith, will be to part with | 
 other both delightful! and gainful! (innes. Hence 
 it is, that yet farther, bc(ides diftinftions, excep- 
 tions, and many other evafions and (hifts, ra'rher 
 than the unregencrate man will yeeld to be guided 
 by the Word of truthjagainfVthefenfuall pleafures 
 of his heart, he will turne the point of Gods owne 
 weapon againft him(eife, by oppofing one place 
 of Scripture, with his owne fahc i^loiTc^ and private 
 (enfe, 3gainft the true meaning aad natural! power 
 of the Word in another place ; Asforexample, if 
 . - there 
 
254- 
 
 AKfiOt ^aU^fUVy 
 
 quod at) tmt ad 
 fitpr{mHm&(ccn- 
 dathfr ^uedefi 
 exq/ifs:af>erfe' 
 
 The Sainss 
 
 there beurged againft hisformaiity.coldnefleand 
 luke-warmnede, that Ephef. 5.15. Tal^heedtkref&re 
 ^ lhM)'ee r^all{e precifeljj it is cranllated circumjpiiily^ 
 ',buc the word in the originall will wellb aiethe 
 former^ and that i ld\^.'j. Every vidn ihatha h'.'ope 
 oi {^t'mgGod^purgeih himjelfeas heispure ^ that is, 
 in matter of iar.dilication and holincfie of life, 
 mu!^ be a Puritan, .ind that of oar Saviour Chrift 
 to his Apoftles, loh. 1 5. 10. Tteare cleave or prrrc, 
 btttKotall'^ asif hcfhouidhavelaid, ye arc all pure, 
 (fo (b;»^«£)/, the word in the originall (ignifies) 
 dircdly (I meane ftill in lincerity of heart, and 
 holinefleof life) fave onely one, and h is a devtlly 
 loh 6xjO' that was jW^j*. x^/^t^.^. 'Nat'pareyee chare 
 or pur?:, C^or the word that fignifies pure isul^d 
 th ere agajne) through the wordvpbicb I hamfpoken yn- 
 toyoH ; whence appeares, that if the Word worke 
 powerfully and con(cionably, and by the {an6i:ify- 
 ingfpiritof Chrift, it makes men pure in hoi in e(ie 
 of atfedions, and unfpottednefTe of life ^ I (ay if 
 the fbrmall profeflbur be urged with fuch places as 
 thefe, rightly underfVood, and in their true (enfe, 
 they will much gall him, nettle andftinghim, and 
 hec will ftartle at the name of Puritan and pre- 
 cileneffe, and prefently come upon you with fiich 
 places as thefe, with a lenfe to (erve his owne hu- 
 mour, and to maintaine himftlfe in a plodding 
 courfe of formal] Chriftianity , the places be %ch 
 as thcfe ^ T ere is a gemratiofi that are pure in- their 
 0BS>ne concdt^ and yet an not vpa{hedfrom thdrfilthimfle , 
 ?/•<«>. 30. 1 2. Here will he fay is a place for you that 
 arc fb precifc and pure^ (b finoular and Scraphicall, 
 
 that 
 
klfe-inriching examination. 
 
 thac an ordinary courfe of life, anda reafonable fer- 
 vice of God will not ferve your turnc, but you 
 muft bee perchc up Jike a proud Peacocke^ in a 
 ftrainc and flare of holinefle above your fellowc?. 
 And if a man but fweare now and then, and refrelb 
 himfelfe araongft good fellowes, travell a little up- 
 on the Sabbath, dice, feaft, and dance it at times 
 of the yeare^ as it hath beene the cuftome time out 
 of mindcj and the like, he is preiently cenfured 
 among!\ you to bee prophane^ as though they 
 would have us tobee Angels upon earch, and^hat 
 fleOi and bloud could endure luch ftriclnefTe and 
 precifeneire. Such a paraphrafc as ihis would hce 
 have of the place, whereas indeed the very edge 
 of the Text doth light upon h is ovvne pate^ and cut 
 the throat of thecarnall gofpeller : For it takes 
 hold upon dich which yet lie polluted with their 
 owne bloud , wallowing in the dunge, (fo the word 
 (ignifles in the TcA't) of their owne naturall cor- 
 ruption , utterly without the power of inward 
 fandificationj and yec thefe wiil needs perfwade 
 themfclvcs, that though they be not fb forv/ard as 
 others, yet they hope forfilvation as well as the 
 precifeft ; Oc though they com inue in fbmc groUe 
 finne, asinSv/caring UncleannefTe, Ufury, Sab- 
 bath-breakine - Oppreflion. Ignorance, neglect 
 oftheMinin-eryoFcheWo'd worl ■liDe&jhatred 
 ;^{ Godschi'dren or fome fuch like, and yet they 
 nourifh a conceit that their ftate is good enough 
 ^or Heaven, and that they may well enough goe 
 *or s:ooH Chriftians. '^ For, thinke they with 
 'themlelvres, we have a good catkin other things 
 
 to I 
 
 i55 
 
 -.— 1 
 
i$6 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ^^ ro (erve God^ ic is buc this one thing in which vve 
 ^*^ offend, and we are bur flefh and bloud, we can - 
 ^^not be Angels upon earth, there is no man but 
 '^heliesinonebofbmefinorother,6cc. Thus ma- 
 ny profeflburs of Gods truth thinke themfelves to 
 be good men, and without exception, when in- 
 deed and truth they are very prophane, and in the 
 ftate of wretchednefTe and damnation. Ifhee be 
 beaten from this place, hee will perhaps lay hold 
 on that lfa.6 5. 5 . Stand apart, come not neare to me, for 
 1 am holier than thou, 8cc. See (aith he, how God 
 himfelfe reproves and threatens fuch fellowes who 
 will needs be more holy than other men , they mdfl: 
 be tk Chrifiiam^ and oth^rmtn gooi-fiHoms-^x.'bky 
 muft bcthehretfuenj and allbefides prophaae ^ they 
 onely muft be fincere and confcionable, and others 
 formalifts, andcarnallgofpellers. They cannot be 
 content with prayer and preaching in publike, as 
 others are, but they muft have family exercifes, as 
 they call them : They cannot onely bee content 
 to forbeare grofler finnes^ as Adultery, Drunken- 
 nefle, Ufury, and fuch like, but out of their pre- 
 cife humours, they muft make confcience of ly- 
 ing in )eft, and petty oaths, when a man meanes 
 noharme, honeft recreation of the Sabbath, dan- 
 cing upon holy day es, when wehavenothmg elfe 
 to doe, gaming for our owne money, merriments' 
 amongft good fellowes to drive away the time, ab-; 
 fence from a Sermon now and then, at fbme wakes' 
 or feafts,and fuch like trifles, not to b? flood upon._ 
 This is his corrupt gloflc, and inconfequent infe- 
 rence upon the place^ but wretched man, hee doth; 
 
 noti 
 
felfeAnriching examination. 
 
 noccontfder that the Text may jurtly and fitly be 
 returned and retorted upon his owne head/or here 
 are meant proud Pharifies, and Imperious Hypo- 
 crites, which out of a felfe-love of their owne car- 
 nail wildome, and (uperftitious conceits^ are im- 
 patient of controlmcntandreproofe, bythemef. 
 (cngers and Minifters of God ^ and thinke they are 
 wiftrbytheirnaturall policie, and more holy by 
 their will-worfhip, and civill honefty, than thofe 
 they call Puritans, for all their knowledge in the 
 Word of God, and with all their fincerity^ the 
 fimpler'lbrtbf thefemcn, if rheybe reproved for 
 finne, as theft Hypocrites were by the Prophet, 
 as for (wearing, prophaning rheSabbathj idleneflfe, 
 ignorance, and the like ^ their anfwer is common- 
 ly, (in fenfe and fiibftance, the fame with theirs in 
 the Text) what have you to doe with u5, we hope 
 we have asgoodaconlcirncetoGodasybu^ you 
 will doe wor(e your (eJfe now and then, meddle 
 with yourownc matters, we are better men than 
 yourfelfe. 
 
 I omit here the Expofition which fbme lear- 
 ned Divines give of this place, very probably, 
 which carrieth no fliew nor found any wayes to*^ 
 wards their falfe glofle, that's this, when the idola- 
 trous and rebellious Jcwes were wickedly facrifi- 
 cingin their Gardens, and onhighhils, and under 
 every greene tree, as their corrupt cuftome was, 
 the Prophet would come unto f htm, andfrom the 
 iroutbof God ccnfure and reprove their wicked 
 and abominable (acrifices and fervites, but they 
 being foperftitioufly and fbttiQily wedded to 
 
 T their 
 
 ) ^57 
 
X58 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 their will-worfhipj (as the Papiftsarc atttis day) 
 thought themfclvcs hereby more holy than the 
 true (ervants of God, and would endure no re- 
 proofc and mcdiing with to the coRtrary, and 
 therefore when the Prophet came, they would bid 
 him i^and off, not bee too bufie^ nor meddle with 
 them, if he did,thcy would fpetd him,they would 
 fanftifiehimwirhawitnefle, they woulddifpatch 
 him, even facrifiee him, as they did their bcafts,, Co 
 bloudily and cruelly minded were they towards 
 him. 
 
 If this place then will not fadge and fervc the 
 
 tiirne, rtmaybeebeunllturneyou to that E^ckf. 
 
 7.iS.^a»iyz^tfV*x«?*rA3bet€laithhe the wiCeman, 
 
 after ionge^emnce in rhe worki,atid paiEng tbo- 
 
 [row many courfes and wayesoflife, being now 
 
 i growne wife.and moderate,and ftaycd in maners 
 
 i of Religion, bldsvtsmftto bi)t^ ffs^rmttch 5 nottoo 
 
 I piecile, too ftrift, too imgulaaf, aot ftill to have 
 
 I one tcicke ot otfeet above, o<tes^, but to-holdithe 
 
 jhye-way, and to doe as our betters, andraoftmen 
 
 j doe, 82c* In chi&Commentafy u^niir^nraderftand 
 
 1 by the wajy , by precifenefle, CtnB^m^&, sndr fingUr 
 
 ! larity, howfbevcrkce may deceive hi5^owne hcarc, 
 
 and pretend totbewocldhemeanesifincecity, ho- 
 
 i Imefe, andEndafication. Bfcit the tr\iie meauing of 
 
 i the place as Icalceir, maybe this.- k may either be 
 
 : under ftood' in ire(pediro€ pdicicj, andesiecunon g^ 
 
 i juftice;, thusbe not ovec much, in chat lenfe as ura 
 
 jfay^benotteoliberd^weniean iadeed^bc>ni» pro- 
 
 '1 digall 5 beenot too merci&il, wJien'a maa. pleads 
 
 j for imputtity of propiianneflCi, and pardon of ma<^ 
 
 '^ lefadors. 
 
 •«l*«a<«WlV«HB*M 
 
felfe4nrkhing examination. 
 
 ^59 
 
 lefac^lors, or fpares idolaters, as Saul did Agdg,^ that 
 isj bee not cruel), bee not bloudy to your owne 
 (bules, to the good of the Church, to tne glory of 
 God, in (paringand Speaking for them, in foolife 
 pity, whom the Lords bids root our, {o hen not ]ufi 
 overmuch^ that is, by (landing too ftridly ever to 
 the liccerallfenfeof the Law, and in all cafes with- 
 out putting ditference, by urging fevercly every 
 circumftancc, be not too rigorous, too extrearae. It 
 is a common laying; extremity of luftice, isexrre- 
 mity of wrong, be not then foftriat laced in mat- 
 ter of luftice, as not (bmetimes in extraordinary 
 cafes to moderate and qualifie extremities, with 
 equity and confcionable difcretion. Or thus, in re- 
 fpedof fpirjtuall maters, and the (ervices of God, 
 be not juft over much, thatis^ fith God hath wife- 
 ly and fufScicntly laid downe his will and pleafiire 
 in his Word, and given us there gracious and (pi- 
 ritual 1 rcles and diredions for our lives andcon- 
 veriation, let us not of a /uperftitious conceit or j; 
 opinion of merit, finde out and frame unto oar j 
 (elves will-wbr(hip$, and (ervices which have no I 
 warrant out of the Word -^ away with works of (u-) 
 pererrogation, pilgrimages, hermitages, and all j 
 unfandified vowes 5 and io the Text (hikes a- all j 
 Pharifes, lufKciaries, will- worfhippers, felfc-con- j 
 ccitedferversof God, though thev take never (bj 
 great paines^ the wkkcd take morepainestogoe' 
 to Hell J than the godly to goe to Heaven and that I 
 whether they talre the extreame of ftrid foperfti- 
 on upon the right hand, asyotj may f^ here, or } ^^^ ^^^^^ 
 thcothcr extreameof Rotorioiis finfblncfle upon ipw 13.15.^.44 
 
 T2 
 
 the 
 
2 (Jo \ The Saints 
 
 the left hand ^ fo though they bee never Co padeac 
 of tortures, or exaA and exquifice in their (elfe« 
 devifed (ervices ^fuch were thofe wretched Jewes, 
 who mingled the rufull eyes of their deareft chil- 
 dren with muficke and melodie^, left they fljould 
 bemovedtocompaflion, while they were to bee 
 CJiik inrothe fire to bee burned up in (acrifice unto 
 1 Sara.i y. the. Idoll Molo/:. Such an one was Saul;, when hee 
 
 fpared the beft of thefhecpeand Oxen forfacri* 
 fiee, againft Gods Comraandement. Such were 
 Ba^ Preifts, who lanced and cut their flefh before 
 their IdoIU until! thcbloud gufliedout. Such were 
 the Scribes and Pharifes, who compafle Sea and 
 Land tomakeaProlelice. Such at this day are the 
 blinded Papifts, who out of a fuperftitious conceit 
 of merits whip themfelveSjWafte their goods, con- 
 fume their bodies with wearilbme piljgrimagesj 
 to fee (bme counterfeit relieves, and rotten boney, 
 or to vific accurfed I<iols, and popifh Saints, Such 
 are all filch as conceitedly ail^d, and unwarranta- 
 bly purfije any kind offuppofed juftice & hoiineffe 
 above or befidcs the faaed and fufficienc Word 
 of truth. I doe not fee but the Text may extend 
 tgboth (enfeSj for itcenfuresall exrefleof juftice, 
 intharfenfeas you have heard. If he be given to 
 the world, and earthly minded, and thereupon 
 preiTedwith iCor6.io» where itisplaine, That no 
 eovetous man (hall inherit iheKingdomeofCoi* And 
 with th2.ilam, 5. ^ That tk rnftof his gold and fdver 
 ihaUront day he a mtnejfe ugainfi him, and fhaU eat hi/ 
 fk/h asitwerefire. He will come upon you with that 
 iTfm*y%*lf there beany that provideth not for hit <mne^ 
 
 ftid 
 
fetfe4nricbir)g examination. 
 
 i6i 
 
 a»i namely for them of his houjl^old^ he demeth the faith, 
 and is voorfe tha» an Injiddh And it is true indeed, 
 rightly underftood. But not oneiy the worldling 
 docb, bat the true Chriftian, except hee bee very 
 wary, and keepefrefh in his conlideration the un- 
 fading and lafting trealures above, may beare him- 
 (elfe too bold, and build too farre on that place, to 
 thedilgraceof his prcrfeiTion, diHiini(hinghisl()i- 
 rituall comfort, and lelTening his joy in heavenly 
 things. It is true, I e is worfe than an I/tjidell.rfiho pro- 
 vides not forhisfamilj ^ but he muft doe it conlcio- 
 nably, honeftly, lawfully ^ hee muft not deceive, 
 wrong and opprefTe his neighbour 5 he muft not 
 gather wealth together by ufury, oppreflion or 
 cruelty ^ by ftealing, cozeningjor violence 5 by ga- 
 ming, lying, falfhood, or by any indired mcanes, 
 and unlawfull courfe ^ for he quite croflcs & over- 
 throwes the meaning andpurpofe of Gods Spirit 
 in that place 5 (b hee brings Scorpions and fire- 
 brands into hishoufe, (brrowes and miferies, and 
 thewcrme that never dieth^ into his owne confcience 5 
 crofles and curf: s upon his outward ftate, plagues 
 and woes upon his children and pofterity , for 
 whom hee Co wickedly heaps up his unrighteous 
 M.immon. The curfc of God doth ever one way 
 or other follow ill gotten goods, and his vengeance 
 doth hunt the covetous man to conftifion.It may be 
 the worldling fees an end of his wealth even in this 
 worldj^tbat which is ofotten wrongfully & wicked- 
 ly, being to the reft like a dead flie in a box of pre- 
 cious ointment, or a fparke of fire in the thatch, it 
 fets on fire, waftes & confumes fonscdmcs ercn in 
 
 T 3 fliort 
 
z6i 
 
 He gives wings 
 tothGfegrldcn 
 Angels which 
 have been long 
 cojped up in a 
 corner. 
 
 ^fhe Saints 
 
 fhoTC rpace, all a mans other wealth. As the Par- 
 tridge lay th eggeswhichJJ)ehatchethnot^ (aith leremie^ 
 he th:4 gettei h riches^ a 'id not by righ f ^ Jhall kave them 
 in the m J deft of his dayes^ and at his end JIM be a joole , 
 ler. 1 7. 1 1. Or it may fallout, that he may toyie and 
 tire hi mfelfe with much vcxationjand heart-eating 
 care, in greedily hoarding up riches, kecpe them 
 with much feareand trembling, part from them 
 with greife and, Temporalium amor quantum afficit 
 cum h£ret poJfep&^ lantum quum fubtrdHtur nrit dolor ^ 
 Gregor. anguifh : and, 
 
 1 . Either leave them to thofe who will (et at li- 
 berty and enlarge thofe golden heaps which have 
 formerly beene confined and imprifoned, andfafl: 
 k:pt with iron bolts andbarres, according to that 
 Vrov. 28.8. He that increafeth his riches by vfttry andin- 
 !e/eft, and (b indeed by any unlawful) m?anes, ga- 
 there th for him that will be tfiercifullto thepoore^ JPm;. 
 13.22. lifb ly i6^ij. 
 
 2 . Or after they may be fcattere^ and confiimed 
 byftran9:ers, or the/ know not whom, acco'ding 
 CO rh at, Ec. kfS.i Tl ere is an evill whiih Ifavp under 
 theS 'nne^ and it h wuch among men : 'Afnanton>hom 
 Go I hath given richs ^ nd teafures^ and honour, and 
 A? want'th no'hini^ for hisfouk of all that it dejireih ^ 
 httt God glveth him not power to eat thereof ^ hut a 
 (irange man Jhall eat it up \ this is vanity^ and this is 
 a*f ez'ill (tck^ejfe. And that I'falm. 59. 6, Ecclef^. 8. 
 d^2.r8^ip. 
 
 3. Or the V may brqneat^ them to thtiir children, 
 and the rarfe of i!I gotten good> cleavins: unro 
 theiii, thj'fkay melt avpoy in their hands, arfnjw before 
 
 th? 
 
jelfeAriYiching examination. 
 
 the Sume 5 according to that Ecck^. 5. 4 ^,7 here is an 
 evilljick^ejjethat ihavefeem under the Sunne, tomt^ 
 riches rejervedfir hurt to the owners therei^f^ andthefe 
 richesperiflo by evilltravell^ andhcbeget1etha[vnne and 
 in his hand is nothing. But howfoever, whether ill 
 gotten goods profper orprofper not in the hands 
 of the owner, or his pofterity ^ atTuredly ihe plague 
 and curfe of God doth cleave unto his fbule, and 
 continually haunts and hunts ihatmantodertru- 
 dion, who enrichtth himfelfe by wicked and 
 wrongfull meanes, except betime he repent found- 
 \y^ amend his life, and make reftitution. Heeihat 
 hath opprejffedthepooreand reedy ^ or hath (pfykd by %-io- 
 lence^orhathnot reftored the fledge ^ or hath given jo th 
 upon ufury^i or hath tak^n increafi^ (the fame reafon 
 isalfoof all indirtdVardunlawfi P getting) yZtf///?e 
 live^Hefl all not live feeing he hath dom all 1 hefe abom^ 
 nations, he fl all diethe deaths and Us bloudfl.allbeupon 
 him £4^^^.18.12,13. And rake this by the way, the 
 more a man profpcrs in his outward fhre, by ill 
 gotten goods, the greater curfe doihfiirely cleave 
 unio his fc)ule5and more fearefull vengeance abides 
 him for afterward. They and their pofterity may 
 profper, Pp/. 17. 14. but marke the cur(e that 
 cleaves unto them, They are men of ihe veorld, and 
 have thei^' portion in thit l^e„ Ard as a man is not to 
 provide for his family by any unlawfull or indired 
 meanes, neither is he to doe ic, though his raeanes 
 be juft and right, with a greedy, earthly, and co- 
 vetous heart. If a man take no wicked courfe to be 
 wealthy, but that his meanes bee warrantable 
 out of Gods Word, yet if hee goe about it with a I 
 
 T A worldlv * 
 
i6^ ' 
 
 The Saints 
 
 iCor.y.ji. 
 
 worldly minde, diftruftfull of Gods providtnce^ 
 and enamoured upon earthly things , and the 
 wedge of Goldj he cannot looke for Gods bleffing 
 either upon hirafelfe^ or upon hib goods. Theiamc 
 
 j .4/><7^/^ that (aithj He thatprcroideth »ot for Ins family ; 
 
 lisvporfethananlnfideU'^ bids us in another place »J9 
 this vfoMasthotigh we ufedH not:, for the faflnon of this 
 vfiorldgoeth'avpay. If the wealth of this world come 
 not upon us as upon other men J we are not by any 
 meanes to labour with greedy minds, or unlawfull 
 meanes toenrich our felves, but ftrongly to uphold 
 our hearts, in conferring with ftich places as thefe^ 
 Better isa llttkmth thefeare of the terd, th(m great 
 treafnre and trouble theretfith, ?rov. i^.i6, that is, 
 withfeare, care, fbrrow, and a guilty confcience. 
 Afmall thing unto the righteous^ is better tha^s great 
 riches to the melted and mighty, Pfal. 37. i^. for the 
 wicked and mighty with their great wealth, and 
 large Revenuesjare fatted againft the day of flaugh- 
 ter, while the righteous with their little pittance, 
 are fweetly Sc comfortably led along to evcrlafting 
 happinefle. We muft not meafure and eftimatc the 
 comfort of riches by their heaps and hoards, but 
 by Gods bleffing, and the comfortable ufe of 
 them. A little gold is more worth than a great 
 deale of Led ; A fmallpearle over-valueth a huge 
 rockeof flint : A Barne full ofwHDod is not fo much 
 worth as a box foil of Dlaraonds : That foiafl 
 which the true Chriftian enjoy es, with the blef^ 
 (ing of God and a good confcience, is infinitely 
 more worth and precious, morcfwcct and com- 
 fortable than all the treafures of the wicked, or 
 
 the 
 
jelfe-inricbing examination^ 
 
 265 
 
 theweakhoF the whole world. Ifhee beeaman 
 that hath' his fweet finne ftill beat upon by the Mi- 
 nifterie of the VVord^ but will by no meanes yeeld 
 and fubmic to the power thereof, for ail the judge- 
 ments and certaine vengeance denounced sgainft 
 him, and be thereupon urged with thofe terrible 
 places againft fuch men. Dent, 2p. 1^,20. Ifaman 
 hare ihi veords of this curfi, and bkjjehm^'elfe in his 
 heart, faying^ I Ball have peace, c^c. Tie Lord i»ill;2ot 
 h ntercifuU unto that man^ but then the wrath of the 
 j Lord J d^c, ler 1 8. i f . Speal^ thou therefore unto the 
 ! menof ludahy^c, I prepare a plague for you ^ andpnr^ 
 ^ pofea thing againflyoH:^ returnepit therefore every one 
 from his evillroay^ and make your roayes andyeur wor^s 
 good-^ but they faid defperately^ furely we will walk^ after 
 our ovpne imaginations^ and doe every manafter the flub - 
 bornnefje&f his mch^d heart ^c^c. The judgement fol- 
 io wes, v.if. Ivpillfcatter thefnmthan Baft wind before 
 the-enemie^ ItPfllfJ)evi> thm ihe backjtnd not the face in the 
 day of their ckjlrttUion. And Pf 5 9. '^.Standnp Lord 
 God of Hoftsy tJjou God ofjfrael, to viftt all the heathen, 
 and be not mereifull tmto 1 1: em that offend of malicious 
 wick^dmffe. If he be urged I fay with fuch places as 
 tkefe, whereby it appeares, that God doth in (pe- 
 ciall manner, with particular wrath and indigna- 
 tion, i^thimfelfeagainft theraj whodoe wittingly 
 and willingly goeon in (bmeopen/infamousjand 
 lewd CGurie, though their ftate be many times laid 
 open totheirfaces by the Miniftery of the Word, 
 he will prefently fhieldhimfelfe with that much 
 abufed sindv^refted place which isufually readbe- 
 fore confeffions At'a>kattimeCoe^er, &c. taken our 
 
 of 
 
z66 
 
 SecPiife«/',I9?. 
 
 Kom.8,13. 
 
 Ptrliirti Graine 
 ofrauftardfecd. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 01 Ezech. 18.21,23. But if wee Itrioufly confider 
 rheccnditi nsnecedarily required andexad^edby 
 God on the finners parCj they are well able to cook 
 che courage, and ftop the current of any obftinate 
 prefumptuous wretch, that therefore in the meane 
 time goes on in his finne, becaufe God ibmercifull 
 at any time :, The place runs thus in the Text, and 
 requires this condition ^ iftk wicked vriU retnrm 
 frot^ all hiijim that bee hath committed andl^epeaHmj 
 Ratifies, and doe that vohich is Lvpfull and right \ hefiall 
 furely live a»dfiall not die : All his tranjgre^iens^d^c. 
 Hence it appeares plainly, that il: a man will chal- 
 lenge any right part or interelt in this preciou? pro- 
 mi ft of grace and mercy, hee muft leave all his 
 finnes, andkeepe all Gods ft-atutes, for thefeare 
 principles laid downe in the bwfl: Divines in the 
 dodtrine of mortification. 
 
 1. Firftj a man can have no peace in his con(ci- 
 ence, that favoureth andretaincthanyonefinnc 
 inhimfelfeagainfthis confcience. 2. A man is in a 
 damnable eftate, whatfoever good deeds feeme to 
 be in him, if heyeeld not to the worke of the ho- 
 ly Ghofl-, for the leaving but of one knowne (inne, 
 which ti^hteth againfi the peace of confcience. 
 
 ^. So long as the power of mortification de- 
 ftroyeth thy finfull affeftions as they rife, and (b 
 long as thou artunfainedlydifplea(ed witha'l fin, 
 and dofi mortifie the deeds of the body b^ the fpirit^ thy 
 cafe is the cafe of fil vation. -^ q , -oc} 7 i : 
 
 4. Every Chriftian (hoald carry in his heart a 
 conftantand refolved purpofe nottofinneinany 
 thing, for faith, and the purpofe of finning can ne- 
 ver (land together. ^5. A 
 
le/fe-innching examination. i6y 
 
 5. A good confcience ftands nbc with a purpofe '. 
 of llnningj no not wich an irrefolurion againfl: 
 dine^pfaLi i^.i.Thefeand the like fayin,^s which 
 tocarnall cares tafteof too much ftridnelTe and fe- 
 vericy^ Ipt'wg and have their ground and warrant 
 from this pace, in the Prophet, which is fo much 
 and feareTully abufed by a prophane and unhal- 
 lowed interpretation^ to prefuniption, (ecurity, 
 and defperate continuing in finne : For to an im- 
 partial! and fincere underftanding the fenfe is 
 cleare, and the place pregnantly fhe\?es, that if 
 any man would have his firmes pardoned, his heart 
 purged 3 himfelFe poflelTed oF the ble/Iings of 
 grace, and right to the creatures , he mull not leave 
 fo much as hisfweet finne unmortifiedjUncruflied, 
 and uncaft out, hee muft returne from all his fins ; 
 nay, and befides'hemuft keeue allGodsft^tutes. 
 thtuJJjould I not bee confounded faich David^ r^heyjl 
 hitvorejpe&unioaUthyCommander/ieKtf. Though we 
 cannot perfeftly and exadly in the ftate of morta- 
 litv fulfill the law of God, yet all that arefandi- 
 fied and Gods true fervanrs, with fincerity and firr- 
 gienefle of heart, refped, fcare and ohev all his 
 Commandements.If thou then upon this ground, 
 whofbeverthou^rr deferrethy turning m to Cod 
 untill thy deaths bed. Job 2 7.8.9. i o. tell mee tht n 
 how thou perf jrrneft the condition, and leviveft all 
 thy finnes. for t^^en then they leave thee, ^a*^;'^/^- 
 rurus e. .<? /fuh egifti femte^tram, eo tempore^ ntto d^ pec- 
 care votnfli : Si mt vi vis agere posniteniUm^ ipfam 
 tuttc qudndoHccare nonpoies pec cat a ie dimfermt) non 
 fn ilia. And what fpace flialt thou have to purcha(c 
 
 comfort 
 
 Balone of G'l- 
 
 Kilu^,p.6, 
 
 4^g. toM.10. 
 
 J 
 
268 
 
 The Saints 
 
 conatorc by keeping all Gods Scacuces, whentfiou 
 art piefently going to judgement, for thy many 
 breaches of his Lawes^ and rebellions to his Maje- 
 ftie ? Thus I have given you a tafte, how the for- 
 roall Profeilbur, who hath no mortification, doth 
 ufc to (hift by diftinftions, exceptions, excufes, 
 carnall limitations , falfe GloflTes, oppofing one 
 place of Scripture in his owne fenfe, againfi: the 
 true meaning of another, and the like. And as hee 
 doth ftillopp fe againft the power of Gods truth 
 in one point orotherj (efpecially that which ftrikes 
 at his fweec finne) eicher by profefTion, opinioHj or 
 praftife, or in all, or at leaft in the laft;, fo com- 
 monly you Ihall ever finde him not (b well afFefted 
 to that holy part of divine truth, which thunders 
 out Gods juft judgement againft finners, and 
 therefore his applaule and voice ever goes with 
 thofc Prophets n>bo ctypeace, peace, and which fill 
 the eares of fooles with fpirituall flatteries, and 
 ftand all upon pardon, mercy and compafiion, but 
 asforthem thatdeale faithfully with Gods Word, 
 and feelingly with mens confcienccs, whok^epem- 
 thing hacj^ fi^om them of all the couufell of God, bu t fol- 
 low the right method of faving fbules, fanftificd 
 by the holy fpirit, and praftifed by the Prophets, 
 Apoftl^s, and all Gods faithfull Minifters, which 
 is fir ft to wound and bruife by the terrours of the 
 Law, and then feafbnably topowreinthe loft and 
 faving oyle of grace ^ I fay his heart and affedions 
 are not toward fuch as thefe, becanfe he is not wil- 
 ling to heare of plagues and judgements for finne ^ 
 he is (etled and refblved upon a plodding forraall 
 courfe. 
 
felfe-ttirichmg examination. 
 
 courfe, wedded to the pleafure? of Ms fweet (inBC, 
 TtnA therefore would not willingly be diiquieced,. 
 and caft into melancholy, by being put in minde 
 of tbo(e endleffe torments and vexations^which 
 are prepared and preferved for all hollow-he>.7rced 
 and halfe Chriftiaas. ^ he fiouriilieth in his outvv.ird 
 eftate, pro(pers in the world, and makes a taire 
 griftering in outward profeffioHy and therefore it 
 gals andftings him to the heart toheare of ftieh 
 like places as thefe ^ lab 2 o. 5 ,^5 7. Tbe)oj'ofkj^p9Mt's 
 is but a momenta, ilmfghbij zxcdknck motrnt up to the 
 Hcaveft, and his had mtchtmio the clonh^ jet pall hee 
 perijh for ever like hisdung^ d^c: Pfal,ii»6. Vfott the 
 mck^diheLorimllrmm fnares^fire and htimflom^ and 
 ftorme tempefis^ this is the portion of their cup^ lobS.t u 
 Can a-rufi) grdvf vpithoftt mire ^ or can the graffe grovf 
 T^khoutroater} tlioughitwere yet greenejetjlj. U it rvi^ 
 ther before any other herhe -^fo are-fhe^pnthsof allthst for" 
 ^tGod\ /4nd the l^ypocrices hope pjallierlflj'^ Br confi 
 dence4lfoP)aUheeMtfifj and hhtrufiJljaHbeasikhouft 
 of tkfpider ; befljall leane upon his houfe , but itfiall not 
 fiand^ hefjali hold him pft by it^ y?t fljall it not endure. 
 This vexctb him ro yhehi^artv that whereas he is 
 richly and ftronajly clothed and encompafTrd witH 
 wealth and worldly reputation, yetnotwirhfi-an-i 
 din2,he mud fhortly perilli, etenlil^ his m^ne dungei 
 And whereas in the world hee goes for an honefl: 
 and civill man, and forgone that is moderate ?,nd 
 fober m Religion, onely none of the precifer fort ^ 
 yet in the dav of triall, all the confidence and hope 
 which formality and outwardnefle in Religion 
 bath planted in his hollow heart, fhall prove unto 
 
 him 
 
 26p 
 
U I W J B ) 
 
 %JO 
 
 The Saints 
 
 him hi 4sa Spdersweb, '^ Tht. houle of a Spider 
 " cannoc rtay amun by the way, which is falling 
 ''frotnth?top)of anhoufe : N cither can civiilho- 
 " nefty, or outwardnclTe in Religion flwe thefor- 
 mali PfofelTour from (inking into the bottome of 
 f* Hell, As judgements againft finnes lie in the 
 Booke of Godjhe doth not openly grnmble againft 
 them, for that would fecme to talte* of blafphe- 
 pjous Athcifme, yet what (ecret repinings he har- 
 bours in his heart, Godknowes^ but when Mini- 
 fters prefle them out of the Pulpir, and urge them 
 upon the con fcience, there hec thinks he may be 
 mofe boIH than with the Booke of God, and there- 
 fore then he cries out of too much judgement, of 
 too much preffing the Law, of too raochfeverity 
 4fldimperioufnciie over mens confcience and dri- 
 ving them todefpaire. But let him conceive and 
 underftand, that never any man that belonged to 
 God, and to his cverlaftiog covenant of grace and 
 mercy, was driven utterly fVom God, into the Hell 
 of de^aire, by urging the Law, and Gods juft 
 judgement againft finne : It may bring them into 
 feares and amazements of heart, into anguilhand 
 horrour of confciencc for their finnes, and (b it 
 (hould, and (oGod would have 5 that is the very 
 blefled way which leads unto the glorious comforts 
 of theGofpell, and the Paradife of true Chr iftia- 
 nitv ^ but it never did, it never can caft anyone 
 that belongs to God, either into Cah^ cafe, orlu- 
 </>#^ his Hell. Befides, Ifpeakeenlyformineowne 
 experience ^ I have knowne many good Chriftians 
 who have much complained of thofe who preach 
 
 fo 
 
fe I fe^inriching examination. 
 
 io mercifullj^and ccmfortably (as fome call it) y?/// 
 crjwg peace. peace y&s of mea that do tio good ifi their 
 Miniitery 5 but much encourage prophanenefie; 
 aadaddeflresgih ftnte the hand of imquHy ^ but I fie- 
 ver heard anV true Chriftian rightly inforrned^ 
 finde fault wkhfcafofableurgmg the hm, fuch 
 find-faults are commonly ever obnoxious them- 
 felves^ and galled upon the fore, and tlierefore 
 they kicke and fpurne at the pun and nndefikd Idtfi 
 efOod, and bis faithful! raerfengers, when as in- 
 deed it is their ownecormptkjn5 sfnd hatred to b^ 
 reformed, which breeds all tfeelr n&i(€?fy andirti* 
 paticncie of reproofe. I ipeake not this to Jcrftifie 
 a«d ^ve allowance unto affy iifffealbnal>l^ teri^ify* 
 ing o(my creft±'Uflgcon(cieQGe,poWf ifigth^ V«^^e 
 of Gods wrath into any bTutfed heart jOfa^plyifig i 
 bking corira)6ve toa bleeding ibule. As I dare- not 
 fpcakc peace or promife pardon to any pro- 
 phane man, or ittipeiwCenc (Inner, (b I iriiMce-fy 
 deiirc to poure tih^ fofteflroyky ^riddearieft'prCH 
 mifes of grace and mercy, vmo e^ery broken asd 
 wounded heart, fo as^promifes^of falv^ttion toa 
 worldling-y are like /wiW;* toa^frnk ^ fo^erfburs of 
 the Law to a/ man tiuly humbled, are ^sfik^mi*^ 
 Summdf^ mdmiKPi^ar&t^, botti unfeemly andun- 
 feijfenabic. But untillaffiifiibee co-founded and 
 caflrdowneirrhimielfe^ mA truly humbled^ ;jf/!^«f 
 Godsmi^nyha&d, with %h^of hisf firtnes, ind fenfe 
 of Go(fi wfatliv by a powerSlll aipplicatidn of the 
 Law;;: GJUtr dfwkac ccsflfeiettce ^ €6ifimttndement 
 can a Manb^er of rfrefiffol^ holy im& fuft God, mi- 
 nIftciniO'MriiiComfortaf falvadon, or any hopeof 
 i Heaven? 
 
 t1\ 
 
 ■H— attc ^m I i t » ii i fc TriBCg .)c^a=^gJ 
 
XJl 
 
 The Saints 
 
 Hcuvcii .'' whac gfOLiiid, what warrant is there tor 
 (hch daubiag-i mth fucb untemf^redmorter .<? or what 
 good comes therby to the party ? or comfort to the 
 Preacher ? Oh! could wehearenowthofewofull 
 cries and yellings which many fbrlorne and dam- 
 ned foules willcaft upon the^ces of their faichkfle 
 Teachers, at that laft \nS dreadfull day, telling 
 them that their picafing preaching hath beene the 
 occafion to bring them into the pit of Hell, that 
 their daubing hath beene the caufeof their dam- 
 ning ;&c. then would we change onr minds, and 
 bebeft plcaled with the moft (earching Sermons. 
 Suppofe a man in danger and doubt about the ftate 
 of his Lands, fhould come to a Lawyer to receive 
 information and inftruftion thereabouts, and he 
 perufifig andfearchingthorowly his writings and 
 evidences, and finding them very unfound, and 
 his t'ltle and claime unto them very infufficient, 
 yet notwithftanding tcls.him, becaufe hce will 
 notcaft him downe for the prefent, and difconrage 
 him, or rather becaufe he hopes to^aine by him, 
 that his caufe is good enough, his title (bund, his 
 right unto them without exceptions, and fbdif- 
 miileth him with much joy, hope, and comfort ^ 
 hereupon he foUowes a long and tedious fuit, with 
 good confidence, and hopefull expedation ybat 
 when all comes to all, and the matter to the triall, 
 his titles prove ftarke naught, and fb he doth not 
 oT^ely lo(e his lands, but alfo his whole fVocke, and 
 all his other goods are quite and unneccflarily fpenr 
 upon arotten caufe : Doeyouthirtkefuchdealine 
 as this would make any thing, either fox the credit 
 
 of 
 
felfe^inriching examination. i xy? 
 
 of the Lawyer, or the comfort of the Client? Had 
 it not beene better ibr both fiJes there hadbeene 
 faithfull and plainc dealing at firft > Or imagine 
 one ficke of a confumption (hould come unto a 
 Phyfitian, and defire him ro tell him truly what he 
 thought of his difeale, whether it weic recivcrable 
 or iucurable, if there were no hope that he might 
 prepare himfelfe for another world and compofe j 
 hisfoulereligioully forHeaven^If it were curable 
 that he might fet himfelf toa rourfecfPhyfi k:,and 
 hope for his former health ; and he knowing from 
 infallible grounds and rules of art, that there were 
 no poffibility of recovery, yet to pleafc him for the 
 prefent. and to make way for his owne advantage, 
 tels him there is no doubt to be made, but he may 
 recover if He will be at the charge 5 whereupon he 
 fpends all that hee hath upon the Phyfitiar, and 
 goes thf »row much anguifh and painc^and at length 
 when all is gone, both body and fubftance fucked 
 dry, hee is uncomfortably It ft to the pangs of 
 death, and rhecertaine period of his long and un- 
 neceflary Iangui(hing . Had it not beene better 
 thinke you for the conscience and Chriftian repu- 
 tation of the Phyfitian , and both for fbnie , 
 body and goods of the patient, that the truth had 
 beene told at the beginning ? It is fb in the prefent 
 cafe about fpirituall matters ^-mens fpiriruall 
 cftates are to be discovered by theMinifteryof the 
 Word, the (bundnefle or (ardinef?e of their hopes 
 for Heaven iruft there appcare. It is the part and 
 officcof theMinifler, out of the Law and Booke 
 of God, to refolvcmen of the right or rottennefTe 
 
 V ot 
 
2 
 
 J 
 
 The Saints 
 
 oftheir tide and intcreftj to thaccveriaftinginhe- 
 ' ricance above. Now whether is better thinke you, 
 
 both for the eonfcience and comfort of the Mini- 
 ; fter, and the endlefle good of the hearersj that he 
 I (hould deale faithfuliy in this weighty and impor- 
 I tant point ; that he ihould tell the forraall Profef- 
 llbur, and luke-warrae Chrifiian/that except hee 
 I come on to the forwardnelieof the Saints of God, 
 {and embrace their fineerity, the Lord will raoft^ 
 
 certainly j^ea? him mi ofhU moitih: Thecivillhof-. 
 Ijijen: mais- thatif heoncly confient him(elfe there*' 
 ■; with j there are many of the Heathens m^re hone ft? 
 ;'.tha4i.hiaifelfe already in the fiery Lake ^ the Anm" 
 likardj, the coverous, and (b othei? notorious fin^ ■ 
 
 \. that (b by the mercies of God y if they bdong 
 
 |Unro Q-^d, they may iii^er the Word of Life to 
 
 •iinke into their inward fbules, to-fotren their 
 
 j hearts, tofandifie and fave both their bodies and 
 
 jifcules. I fay, whether ia it better for a Miniflcr 
 
 I thus to deaie faithfully in tke holy bufinelFes of 
 
 ! Godj and plainly with men in fb high and weighty 
 
 !' point, asths endlelTe damnation and falvation of 
 
 ! thfiirfonles, tfrh^ fomf^pilis'infes wtderthelr elbov^zs-^ 
 
 5 hif cryingpact, peace^ ami fn^hiHg^pkafiffga-ndfime^ 
 
 rixgthmgf^ put them into a foolrsParadife, and 
 
 ^oundJefl^ perfwafion of ih e fbundnefle of theic 
 
 fpfrituall eftate, whentndeed and" truth thereisna 
 
 fuch matreF : So that whca the day of trial! comes^ 
 
 Com€%alfitfp§n4hemfiid4c»de^n*iii«ii^ at irav^^knp^ ' 
 
 ^fhawomanvfikh Mdn , a»i ihey-fhall mt efcape ^ and 
 
 thcathcylofe»0£onely tkekfoules, and an ever- ] 
 
I^lfe-vmchmg examination . 
 
 laiting inheritance in Heaven, but alio much vaine 
 hope and expeftatJon, which by reafon of thcun- 
 faichfulnelTe and tinfincericy of their Miniilers, 
 they entertained and feed upon all their life long. 
 
 The Preacher is the Phyfitian of the foules of 
 men, is it cither confcience or honefty thin ke you 
 for him to tell a man that his (bule is in (piriruall 
 health, when it is certainly bleeding ro everhfiing 
 death ; Were it not farre better truly and plainly 
 to acquaint him with his difeaie and danger, that 
 (b (b he might ieeke for remedy and be (aved, than 
 either by didembling or filenee, tolethiraperidi 
 in his finnes, and (6 himielfe incurre the horrible 
 guilt of fpirituall bloud-(hed ? The Surgeon who 
 onely drawes over a skinne^ while the wound in the 
 meane time doth dangeroafly rankle and fefter in- 
 wardly, either wants skill, or honerty., or both. 
 Where is the confcience and (piricuall wifdome o^ 
 that Prophetj IVho cries peace^peace^ volje/t there is nd 
 fedce^ lerem 8. 1 1. Jf^hopaSni over mth th tmiempered 
 mortero^ {pirituali'flatteries,the already pai^^tedse- 
 pulcher^ the glorious hypocrite, vphen as vpithin there 
 Is nothing but rottemejfe and confnfion ? Yea, bur 
 howfoever are judgements fealbnable flill ? muft 
 ftill the law be urged ? muft we heare continually 
 of our finnes ? In every Sermon muft the fwearer, 
 the drunkard, theufurer, thc^ wanton, the world- 
 ing, the ignorant , be damned into the pit of Hell > 
 Ts there no timefor peace ? What peace? faidlehu to 
 lehoram^ in another cafe, vphik ifte xphoredcmes of thy 
 mother lezebell, a»d hertvUchcnffts, are yet ia great 
 nnmher ? So may liay.in this point, what peace 
 " V 2 would 
 
 l/f 
 
^^6 
 
 The Saints 
 
 would you have when there is no peace towards 
 bi4t»oif<' and tHmbl'mf^ of garments in blond^ a»i bur- 
 mng.anidevounngof fire ^ What peace ? while ma- 
 ny crying abominacions, as gr'm ding ths faces of the 
 poa/e, tl&ry, DrunkennefTc, Swearing, llnclean- 
 nefTe, IgnorancCjand the like, with brazen browes, 
 and whoriQi fore- heads, even out-face theSunne^ 
 and rebeliiouily band chemfelves againflrtheMa- 
 j'^ftie of Heaven. If you would not heare of your 
 finnes continually, continue not in your (Tnnes^ 
 in worldiineffe, uncleanncflejluke-warmncflejpro- 
 phaneneflc, and prophaning Gods Sabbaths, 8cc. 
 untillthedeadflcQibe confumed, corrafives muft 
 bee applied ^ while finne reignes it muft bee re- 
 prove-'* 
 
 If the Law bee dillafirefull unto you, rent and 
 breakeyour ftony hearts, that they may be fitted 
 for the precious oyle of grace, and comfortable 
 promifesoftheGo(pell. Was knotunfeaibnable 
 fori/^/^Ainhistime tocry^ woe againft Inclofers, 
 I fVoe unto the^pt tb it joyne houfeto houfe^ and lay fiddto 
 \field, &c. chap, 5. 8. Againft carrowfers, Woe unto 
 them that an mighty to drinkg whCj and to them that 
 anftrong to povpre in ftrong drink^^chap 5.32 A gainft 
 the proud and the drunkard, }Voe to thi cmvne of 
 pride^ the d/*unl^arh of Ephraim^ for his glorioHs beau- 
 ty fhaU be a fading flomre^^ d^c. chap. 28.1. Theyfhall ke 
 trodden Hffderfooty even the crowneandtheprrdeof the 
 drunkards ofEphraim^ '^^'^fl Was ic not unieafona- 
 blefor£2i<r<r^/ff/totell his people, that if any defiled 
 his neighbours wife opprejfed thepoore and needy ^ ga^e 
 forth upon ufury^ ortookeincreafe^ hejhonldnotlrve, hut 
 • fiould 
 
— — —*—— ^ ■- 1 -I 1 1, 1 
 
 felfe4nriehing examination. i ^JJ 
 
 fhoulddk the deathy and his blond (hould bee upon him ^ 
 chap. 1 8. Was it not unleafbnable for leremy ro 
 threaten Jerufakm immediately from Gods owne 
 mouth, that ifth^woddnotjan&ifie the Sabbath day^ 
 the Lord vponld handle afire in. the gates tliereof^ and*H 
 /hould devoure the Taloces oflerufak w^ anditjlwuld not 
 be quenched, cbap,i7,2'j. Was it not unfeafbnable 
 for Zephanie to pronounce a woe againft the pollu- 
 tions of his time, the contempt of the Word, the 
 cruelty of great men, the lewdnefie of the Pro- 
 phets ^ ^t^e^J^i/M^e, to her that is filthy to that cruell 
 Citie, /he heard not the voice, Jhe receivednot corre&ion, 
 fhe trufted not itt the Lord^ fje drevp not mare to her God» 
 Her Princes within her areasroaringtions^ her Judges 
 areas Wohesin the evening^which leave net the bones iill 
 the morrot»*Her Prophets are light and wicked per fons.^her 
 Priefls have foUuted the San^uary^ they have wrejled the 
 tavp^Zeph.'^* Was it not unfeafonablc for /l/<?/<;J;/> 
 to bring the words of God to his people ^ / r^ill 
 comenearet0youto]ndgewent^ and Iwillbeafaiftmt- 
 neje againft the Sooth'fayersj and againft iheadjilterers^ 
 and againft falfefta^rarerSy and againft thofe that wrong- 
 fully keepe back^ the hirelings wages ^ and vex tloe widdew 
 andthefatherlejfe, and the ft ranger, andfearenot wee^ 
 faiththeLordofHofls^y Malach.'},K. Was it not un- 
 (eafbnable for Saint lan/es to tell hard hearted men, i 
 that iherefiaUbe condemnation wercileffe toUm that^ 
 Jheweth not mercy ^chap. 2 . 1 3 . To bid rich men weepe and 
 howle^ for their miferies thatJlM come upon them^ chap* 
 5. 1 . For Saint ? anl to tell wanton s, thai whoremon- 
 gers and adulterers God will )udge^ TJeh, 13.4. To tell 
 thofe that doc the works of the flefli, fuch as are j 
 
 • V 3 mckmnejfe^ 
 
lyS 
 
 ^be Saints 
 
 j^WT— ■ — " ■ I II ^-^ ^_^— .^___^_^ 
 
 uncleamejje dr»nh^nmjje^ hamd^ andptcblfk^^ that they 
 fiall mt itiimit the KingdgmtofGod, Oal.'^. Totejj 
 th e i gnoran t that the Lord Jefus willjkepp him filft from 
 Heaven mth his mightj Angds^ in^arfnngjire^ ^e, 
 2 Theff,i,S, To tell ill prophanemen to their faces, 
 that u»to them that are contention ^ and difobey the 
 truth, and obey unrighteoufKeffe fhaUbe iftdignatimattd 
 wrath, trfbffl tion andaxguifhjha/lbe upon thefmk of 
 e'very watt that doth eviU, oftkelewfirfti andaljooftJje 
 Grecian. Kom,2,'^^9» Was ir not I fay unfeafonable 
 for thefe bklTed men of God in their times to deale 
 thus faithfally with Gods people, with whom 
 rheyhadto doe, or publifhing unto them f^npA^^ 
 connjell of Gedy and his juft decrees againft -their 
 hatefall finucs, that fothey might doe their befl: 
 to drive them untoGod, and bee fure to free their 
 owne (bules from the guilt of the bloud of fbules> 
 And (hall not the (ame holy pradife of Gods Mi- 
 nifters be (ea^nable now in thefe times, efpecial- 
 ly when finne is a thoufand times more finfall ? 
 For our time^ave received all the pollations and 
 abominations which the courle and current of all 
 fbnner ages hav^e carriedinto the (mke of fin,which 
 is now a thoufand times more full and filthy than 
 ever it was before. There was never roor« and 
 more cm^W Indofing never more and more hate- 
 ful! Caroling never more and more abommable 
 Pride, Opprelfion, corruption in all Eftates, Ufii- 
 ry, Druokennefle, Uncleancicfle, Mercilefheflcto 
 the poore. Ignorance in the common people, 
 contempt of the Mi oi rtcryjn a word, there was ne- 
 • ver more HeU upon Earth, never (b large a harvef^ 
 
 for 
 
Jelfe4nriching examination. 
 
 for Satan 5 And yet weenmtt crypeace^ weemuU 
 preach no judgement, as if it were fit toproclaime 
 pardon to open and profefled rebels, as though 
 that fword of Gods Judgements , which couid 
 hardly wound finne m the Cradle, were too (harp 
 and (trong to encounter it being growne a Gyant : 
 As though they were lit Trumpeters for the Lords 
 warre, which would not or durft noryZ-ejy ihpeopl 
 their tran[gre([\otis^ andihe kojtfe of Jacob ihrnjinms. 
 As though thcMinifters of che(c times were not 
 the Embafladors of the (ame moft holy and ;uft 
 God/had not taken xht fame oath of everlafting 
 enmitie againft the Prince of this vcorld-^ had not the 
 Qmc faordffftlie Spirit^ to vpouud tie hJrie ^calpe^f 
 everfouethat gBesoninhis tvick^dne^e ;, were nor fijr- 
 nifliedwith the fame mighty hammer ofhis Word, 
 to brcake in peeccs ftony hearts ^ and the (ame 
 fymtxxdMvfe^^mtocaft dijwfte firoftg holdt-^ had not 
 the lame crying finne and hatefull corruptions to 
 cry againft and confound x^ and were not as it were 
 to ftand at the ftavcscnd with the whole world, as 
 well as the Prophets of old, and all Gods faithfoll 
 raeflcngers in ages paft. Wretched men who con- 
 troll, prefcribe unto, and limit Gods wifdome, a* 
 bout the manner and method of working upon 
 their corruptions , croffe the course of all thofe that 
 ever fet rhemfelves confcionably totheconverfion 
 of fbulcs, and will needs be carried to Heaven on 
 beds of Downc. Thefe men would have have a fu- 
 garandidlken Gofpell, a Church of Velvet, they 
 would feed. onely upon manchpt .and Masna, and 
 tread upon Violecs and E-ofesImcanCathey would 
 
 V 4 be 
 
 279 
 
 They wcuM ar- 
 rive at Heaven, 
 withoHt falling 
 by the gates of 
 Hell : mat is, 
 harcpartintbe 
 bloudofChrift 
 and joycs of 
 Life, witheuta 
 broken fpjrir, 
 andrciHorfcfer 
 Hnnc 
 
28o \ 
 
 nrhe^Saims 
 
 be new bomesWkhout the pan gs of the new birth 
 8cc. And wretched Minifters, who either for want 
 oFskillj of courage or conicicnce, that they may 
 pleafe, be plauQble, or for preferment, (both men 
 up in their finnes, either byfilence, or preaching 
 pleafing things, whereby they futfer them to pe- 
 rilh in their finnes, and thcmfclvcs are guilty of 
 the bloud of their foules, Ezech. 3 3 , 
 
 Some faid , a Divine call thofe that open the 
 Law, and denounce judgement, Englifh Dodors^ 
 and the mofl infufficient agents Chrift employes in 
 hisMiniftery : But they are indccdthemoft glo- 
 rious and magnificent workmen that God exerci- 
 fethin his Harveft ^ for by affrighting and aftoni- 
 fhingthe confcicnces, they may recall men from 
 their evillcourfes, and from the jawes of the De- 
 vil I, by begetting in them remorfe and true for- 
 row for finne, and-prepare them for falvation, and 
 the glory which is to be revealed. 
 
 Thus have I largely hid downe the humour and 
 pradifc of the formall Profeflbr, when his deceit- 
 full heart is difcovcred by the light of divine truths 
 and hee is prcfTed with the power of the Word, 
 againft his fweet finne, or that maine worldly con- 
 tentment, upon which h€e hath inordinately rc- 
 pofed his heart, aifedions and chiefe delight : 
 He is refbl ved not to part with it; (neither indeed 
 can, untill it pleafe the Lord (bundly to convert 
 him, and thorowly to fanftifie him) andyetbe- 
 caufe hee makes confcience of fbme of his wayes, 
 I goes for an honeft man, is good in many things, he 
 / would net willingly for one default forfeit all his 
 I other 
 
[elfe-inricbing ^^mination^ 
 
 ocher.integricies • he is both to loferhe benefirand 
 rewarclof the reft of his goodnefle, and therefore 
 he ftraines the utmofl: veine of his wit, to devife 
 (bme flii ft by diftindion, limitation, exception^ 
 falfegloffej private and partiilHnterpretation, op- 
 pofing in a wrefted fenie one place of Scripture 
 againrt another, or the like, thatfo he may blunt 
 the point of the (vvord of the Spiric, left by woun- 
 ding and vexing hiscon(ciencetoomachj heebe 
 difturbed and difquieted in the enjoyment of that 
 (endiall contentment, in which his chiefe worldly 
 happineifedothconfift ; He (hatch eth greedily at 
 every (hadow and colour of excule, that hee may 
 fbme way comfort his heart againft thcchecksof 
 his confcience, and with more hearts-eafe waike 
 on in a fooles Paradifc, towards the pit of deftru- 
 dion, and endleffe woes of another world. But if 
 he can finde no ftarting hole from the light of the 
 Word, nor furnifh himfelfe with any plaufible 
 iliift or excafe (for this cunning befals but few, and 
 thofe of better underftanding, and more policie) 
 why then this is his courfe, he (brfets fb immode- 
 rately, and drinks (b deepeof thefenfiiall pleafures 
 ofchatbofbmefinne, to which hee is lb wedded, 
 that he cafts his confcience afleep,and /o goes on at 
 all adventures, and throwes himfelfe upon Gods 
 mercies, without all ground or warrant, with fuch 
 conceits as thefe, that he hopes he fliall doe as well 
 as others, who are farreworle than himfelfe; that 
 God no dbubt win be mercifuH to one firine ^ that 
 alibis other good parts and good deeds will coun- 
 tcrvailc and make amends for one infitmity, (fbr fa 
 
 he. 
 
 281 
 
 .Jl. 
 
28i I TThe^Sainu 
 
 he will call it and conceive of it, chough it bee a 
 grofle and grievous finne) that one finne will not 
 require lb great repentance, but chat it may be well 
 enough done upon his dcach-bed, and iuch like. 
 To conclude the whole poinc 5 cheformall Profef- 
 for wich his temporary faith^ doth ever ling N</4- 
 ;5i!?^;??/note ^ But therein the Lord ktnercipU unto thy 
 fervafit'j that is, in this or that (weet finne, in one 
 camall contentment or other, which hee cannot 
 leavCj he will not forgoe : Perhaps he is no Swea- 
 rer, no Lyer, no Adulterer, no Drunkard ^ he is a 
 frequenter of Seruions, a favourer of the Mini- 
 , ftery, and doth many things thereafter^ hut as for 
 jUfury, his eftate doth much depend upon it, hee 
 I knowes not otherwaycs how to provide for his 
 ! children, the Lord moft be mercifiill r nto him in 
 i that point. Perhaps he is no llJurer^no Opprc{!?)r5 
 : nor outwardly infamous with any notorious finne, 
 but as for the fenfuall pleafures of uncleannefle, 
 I and luftftiU fweetneflc of whoredome and fomi- 
 I cation, and adulteries of the heart, they hurt no 
 bodybuthimfelfe, and are fo inbred and naturall, 
 j the Lord muft bee mercifull to him in that point. 
 I Or it may bee hee is not (b haunted with noy(bme 
 \ luftSj or much given toany outward grofle finne, 
 i but as for a ftrid courfe of holinefle which Precifi- 
 onstake, that hee cannot digeft, he muft now and 
 then fpend h's time amongft good fellowes, bee 
 knowes not otherwife how to pafTe the time, nor 
 to pafle away his dumos and melancholy, the Lord 
 J muft be mercifull to him in that point. 
 
 Thus, though outwardly hee make feire (hew, 
 yet 
 
I 
 
 Ictfe-innching (ixamination. 
 
 yet there is ever ooe thing of och er behinde, which 
 for pleafure of profir^or elHmations fake, hee wilJ 
 not pare ^ there isone unmonified corruption or 
 other, which, if ic were podible, hee would even 
 carry with him to Heaven. But the man that is fan- 
 ftifi-'d by fiith, doth whally relignc uphimfelfe 
 to bee reformed and ruled by that holy Word, 
 which hath a'ready powerfully converted him, 
 and wherein Go.;J hath given hisWordj that if he 
 erklwttetht endheP:di he-^aved ^ hee hath refie& t&aU 
 Cods Commafiikments , aU bi4 L,avces are before him ^ as 
 bee (hall receive light and inftrudtion from the 
 V\' ord of truth • he is willing ro leave any finne, of 
 whieh his conlcience is convinced rather than to 
 fall into the rerrours of a feareflill heart, or cisfa- 
 VGur of God^nddanger of damnation , he isready- 
 to perforrae obedience to all, or any one of Gods 
 Commanderaenrs , though not in perfe(^ion of 
 degree, yet ever with truth of Ifeart ^ hee is affe- 
 ftcd to the Word of God, and cgmes to the Mini- 
 ftery thereofwith the fame mindjfubmiilion 8c re- 
 16Iution,as did Cormliw with his friends & family, 
 A^' io«?3. Nono therefore are vpe all here preftnt before 
 God, toheare all things tfsat are commanded the of God, 
 As did the I(raeIires,E;c(?.]^.8. All that ik Lord hath 
 commanded Hs^ x»e vptU doe. Efra chap. 7.10. Though 
 while his flefh is upon him, and hee remaines in 
 his Tabernacle of clav. hee cannot bee freed from 
 frailties and infirmicks yet by the grace of God 
 he doth not lie and continue delightfully and wil- 
 linglv in any one grofle finne, which is difcovered 
 to his confcience by the light of Gods holy Word, 
 
 the 
 
 i8j 
 
 -Matth. 54.^3 
 PIal.;i9.p,l. 
 ITaLlS.JJ. 
 
 C»»^er Amt. 
 
 ^} 
 
184. 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 the favour otGod, and peace ot conic ience, are 
 farre more (vrcet and deare unto him, than any 
 earthly pleafure or profit. Thus farre of the diffe- 
 rence betwixt faving and temporary faith, in the 
 point of inward illuminarionj and about know- 
 ledge in the Word of God. 
 
 2. Secondly, For converfion by the power of 
 temporary faith, forae kinde of change may bee 
 wrought upon a man. Thefe alterations may bee 
 found in the ftate of unregeneration. i. A change 
 from notorious finfulnefle, to civill honefty. 
 2. From thence he may proceed to a formall pro- 
 fe(fion and outward performance of religious ex- 
 erciles. % . Yet farther, he may be in fome meafure 
 inwardly inlighrned and endued with generall 
 graces ^ there may bee thefe converlions and no 
 falvation : 
 
 1. Amorall change from noto- 
 rious converfation, to a (bber and 
 civil! cariage. 
 
 2. A formall change, which is 
 an addition of an outward profef^ 
 fionof Chriftianity, tomorallho- 
 
 Theremaybe nefty. 
 
 thefe conver- 3. A mentall change, whereby 
 
 fions and no^^thenaturalldarknelTeoftheunder- 
 
 falvation^ 
 
 ftanding is in fome meafure difpel- 
 led by a generall light of the Spi- 
 rit, fo that infbmething more than 
 an ordinary manner,for the flate of 
 unregeneration there is a tafie of the 
 Imvsnlj light of the good Word of God;, 
 
 md 
 
felfe-mricbtng examination. 
 
 and of the powers of the world to cor/je^ 
 
 4. A. temporary change^ Rich an 
 one as in Scripture is called the«??- 
 cka&e fyirits going ffitt of a man^ Matth. 
 12.43. Avvalhing, iPeti^iz, 
 But where there is juftifying faith, and the fa- 
 ying power of the fplric, there is a Hipernaturall, 
 full, univerfall, thorow converfion of the whole 
 man, fpirit, fbule, and body, from Satan, finne, 
 and earthly delights , to Gods (ervice , holi- 
 nelle of life^andloveof heavenly things. There 
 is a turning from grofTe finnes in aftionand pra- 
 ftife, and at leafl: from infirmities in allowance and 
 affedion, to oSedience to all Gods Commande- j 
 ments, though not in fulnelTe and pcrfedion, that 
 cannot be while we are covered with flefli, and in I 
 Tabernacles of clay ^ but with truth and upright- j 
 nedeof heart, which is the infallibleinward marke I 
 of true Ghriftianity. There is an abolifhing by 
 little and little, of t'e accurfed imageof Satan in 
 finne, prophanenelTe, and corruption, and a re- 
 nuing of the image of God, in faving knowledge, 
 righteoufnede, and true holineiTe, both in heart 
 and life. This true (bund Chriftian converfion^ 
 which is the worke of Gods ran<fi:ifyingfpirir, and 
 cveracompanionof juftifying faith isdifcernable 
 and differenced from ail partiall, insufficient;, hol- 
 llow5halfecofiverfions, by ics integrity, fincerity, 
 1 growth and corhftancie. 
 
 Firft, this change is ever with integriry of all 
 parts and powers both of (bule and body, though 
 
 no 
 
 185 
 
z84. I J he Saints 
 
 no power or pare hach it full power and abfbiuts 
 perfedion of ran6;ification, nor can have in this 
 Kfe 5 yet every power and part in every true Chri- 
 (iian hath its part and meafure of lanftification, by 
 this happy and holy change : He is changed whol- 
 ly^ univerfallyjin hisfpirit.fbuleand body. 
 J . In his fpirit ; that is, in his 5 
 I. Underftanding : This before being ar the 
 beft but gilded over, and guided with fomc glim- 
 merings, and general! light of Divine notions and 
 apprehenflons 6f Heaven, but fluffed with much 
 pride, prephaneneffe, vaine-glory and vanity, is 
 now inlighrned with a cleare in-fight into the ray- 
 ftery of godlinefTe, and with that particular faving 
 
 I knowledge which is attended with humility and 
 
 I holinefTe. 
 
 i 2. Judgement: This which before being whol- 
 ly pofleft with errour, crookedneffe and perverf- 
 nefle , wa^ wont to put daykyejjefor light, and light for 
 darl^effe, (anftification for fingularity, zeale for 
 precifenefle, andholinefJeforhypocricy, to yiflifie 
 thevricJ^d, andcondemnt the jufi-^ is nowfurnifhed 
 with (pirituall difcretion, to guide himfelfe in the 
 right path, amid infinite crooked wayes of vanity 
 and iniquity, and with the fpirit of difcerning, 
 that he can discover the power of grace in other 
 men ; fbthat no longer he accounts fan^bification 
 preci(enefTe, or that which they call good-feliow- 
 (hip fit for a Chriftian. 
 
 7, Memory : This which before was water^ to 
 receive, p.n "1 entertaine^and marble, roretaine and 
 
 I keepethefrnitlefle imprefliions of vanity and folly, 
 
 ^ but 
 
JelfC'-inmhing examination. 
 
 I but as a Sieve ro the water of iife, and all godly lep 
 fbns, is now greedy of (avirrg knowledge, and de- 
 firous to forget thofe monftrous finfiili notions 
 which he treasured up in the dayes of vanity. 
 
 4. Confcience : This which before was full of 
 fearfiilnsfreorbenammednefle, and hearclefle to 
 i all holy things, is nov; awaked and refrefhed with 
 fenfe and feeling of Gods mercy pardoning its 
 finneSj endued with a gracious difpofitionrolpi- 
 rituall exercifeSj and tendernefej fenfible oFthe 
 leaft iniquitv. 
 
 2. Inhi6SouIe:thatis,inhis 
 
 1. Will ; This is, which before was weddled to 
 I the liberty of the Hefh, to the lufls of men, a»d the 
 Ipruie &f Iffe, is now weaned from all her temporary 
 ipleafing vanities, and fallen in love with eternall 
 pleaftires, and with things of Heaven, 
 
 2. Affections : Thefe which before were carri" 
 ed wichaahveadlong torrent upon theworldj and- 
 purfiiitof pkafures,. doe now turn c their ed^Q and- 
 eagernefl^ towards Gods glory, good caufes, and a 
 crowne of life. They were the mod fierce and furi- 
 ous agents for the (bveraingty of the flefhjbucnow 
 their luftfulne^eiscrucified, their inordinateneffe 
 and evilneffe mortified. 
 
 g . The Defires ind Imaginations of the heart ; 
 Thefe which before were without bridle^ checke, 
 feare or limit, are now turned bv the laftCom- 
 mandetneht, controlled by a tender confcience^ 
 kept! HI awe by a ajn/ideration. of Gods all- feeing 
 •eye, and confined within art holy compaSe 5 from 
 their idle, impertinent, and prophane wandrings 
 and vagaries. 2. In 
 
 1% 
 
 C0I3.5. 
 
28eJ ^he Saints 
 
 I ■ — 
 
 7. InhisBody : Ihat is, hiseyes, his cares, his 
 tongue, his feer, his hands, and all the parts there- 
 of ^ As before they have becne windowes to let 
 in whole troopsof vanitie"^ andnoyfbme luffsjin- 
 ftruments of iniquity, and executioners of many 
 covetous 5 cruell itmbitious, and luftfull defignc- 
 ments of the foule, (b now they arc become as 
 Centinels to difcry the approach of finne 5 well 
 appointed addreft to doe the wi II of God ^ fet a^ art 
 and fandified for the fervice of the New Man. The 
 whole bodvjwhich before was a cage ofaUnnckdnt 
 hhds^ andafpih^oj fttmc^ is now become a (pirituall 
 TempkforthelivwgGodj and an hahitaitonjor ihholy 
 Ghdfi, 
 
 2. As a (bund and faving coverfion is ever with in- 
 tegrity of all the powers both of (bale and body 5 (b 
 it is al(b with fincerity a(wellinthe inmoftatfe- 
 dions^as in the outmoft conver(ation 5 in the heart 
 as in the life ^ in thcfecret purpo(eSj defires, and 
 conceits , as in open carriage 5 in the thoughts 
 and imaginations, as in the words and anions, j^e 
 dejire of the righteorfs , faith Salomon^ is ondy good Pro. 
 1 1 1 . 2 3 . lerufalem^ (aith leremie^ "Dpajl} tkiftehdirtfrom 
 vpkkedfiejJe^ilsitthoHmaipbefaved'^ bono long fl: all thj 
 mck§d thoughts nmaim wh bin thee .<? c bap 4*4. fVbe» 
 their hearts, faith Paul of the Ifradkes^Jhall bee tur- 
 ned to the Lord ^ thtintbevailefl.allbetak^navpay^ 2 Cor, 
 3.15,1^. The heart muft be fandtfied, before we 
 can (avingly fearch iniothewonhrsofGodstaw, and 
 (ecretsof his Kingdom,though the mind be as full, 
 3S the Moone with variety and depth of know- 
 iedge^yet except the heart be thorowly heated and 
 . (bftned 
 
felfe-inricbing examination. 
 
 287 
 
 fofrned with the fanftifying beamcs of the Sunneof 
 righteoufnejfc:, f here can be no falvation. Our con- 
 verfion is never current and compleat, until! truth 
 be planted in the invpard parts^ vrLich is athwgmth 
 Godmttchfit by. 
 
 3. A found conyerfion is fcene by growth in 
 grace and godlinffe, which is ever an unfeparable 
 companion of fpirituall life. Unregenerate men 
 either grow from worfe to worfCjOr Rand at a ftay, 
 or at beft grow in a fhew of godlincfle, or fbrmall 
 Chriftianity, which is like the growth of cornc : 
 It hath not root inanhonefi and good heart, ^ndthcre- 
 fore can never attaine ripenefle for the Lords 
 Barne. Butif once the Firregrowin theplaceof 
 the Thome, and the Myrrh tree in the place of the 
 Nettle, (for fo as I take it , Isaiah (hadowes the 
 powerfoll and plentifull worke of grace, under the 
 Kingdome of Ghrift) that is, after that by an holy 
 and happy chan^ein fpirit, (bule and body, wee be 
 tranjUttd from dark^ejfe to lig^-i, and that the (eed 
 of grace Ipring up in that heart, where the root cf 
 Mtternejffehsithnotgcowne : There and then is an 
 increajingmththeincreafmgs ofGod^ CoLi.ip.agorng 
 on from firmgth toflrength^ tiUnre appeare hefire God in 
 Siony TfaUZ^y, Agrcmngup unto full holineffe in the 
 fare of Gody 2 C^r.-j. i. This growth in grace and 
 godlinefle, after albundandfavingconverfion, is 
 compared in Scripture 5 
 
 I. Tothc growth of a nevp borne haheffntoaperfeli 
 man. i CorAi^.Epb,^.!^. i Cor»i,i2, i ?et,2,2, 2 Fet^ 
 g.i8. If a childe fucice the mothers brealh, and 
 prolpersnoc thereby, itnever comes roproofe, but 
 
 X weares \ 
 
 cap^V^' 
 
z88 
 
 The Saints 
 
 weares away srs they fay. If a man grorp mt ingrace^ 
 afidin the k^dvpkdge of our Lord and Savhxrlefuf ChHJi, 
 by thefincere milk^ of theWord^ he is but a changling, 
 none of the noble and naturall brood of that immor^ 
 tali feed. If wee fhould fee a man of many yeares, 
 and yet in ftature, ftrength, and wit, no bigger 
 than a childe, we (hould account him a Monfter in 
 nature : Hec that growes not in knowledge and 
 godlinefle, is a Monfter in grace, and indeed no 
 gracious man. 
 
 •* 2. To thehying faft in a race, wherein a man 
 gets continual I ground J and if he fall by the way, 
 he takes (urer footing, and runnes fader afterward. 
 P</»/ forall his extraordinary perfeiftionsaand fpiri- 
 tu.dl excellencieSjtels us, ihiX he forgot that tphichvpas 
 hehlnde^ and en^evonred Inmfelfe unto that vphichtoas be- 
 fore^ and foU(ra>ed hard toippard the market for theprkeof 
 the high calling ofOodin Chrifl lefus^ Phil. 3.13,14. 
 
 3. To the growth of c orne in a good and fruit-, 
 full follej M-irl^ 4. which Hrft peeps above the 
 ground, then growes unto a blade^afcer to an care, 
 at length is ripe, and ready for the Barney fo doth 
 the immort all feed of the Word profper, and come to 
 perfedion in the good and honefi Ixart of the tnte 
 c-hripan. 
 
 4. To the rifing of the Snnne, which after Hap- 
 peare in the Eaji, (hines more and more, mih more beauty^ 
 md^rength, unto the Nome tide of thdt^^ Prov,^.iS. 
 So-after the facred li^hr:oF!B;race, and day-ffarre of 
 (avino; knowledge, fprungnpin the hearty they ftill 
 fpread brighter and farther untillthey reach the 
 height of Heaven, aini full gbry of the Saints of 
 God. :_ ^ 5. To 
 
felfe-inmhing examination. j \%q 
 
 5. To theprofpcring of a tree, v^hichis fafieted 
 by the Rivers of water, P/ir/.i . where there being con^ J 
 tinuall (upply of fap and moiftureait faireiy growes, 
 and never failes oFfrunmduefeafo^. So after a man 
 be tranfplanted out of the Ki gdome of darknefle, 
 f»ty the hmftofGod^ then is 4 Paver^vphofeftreimes mil 
 glad his heart, and feed him ftill with the fap of 
 grace, a«d ipirituall life, untill at length hee bee 
 happily brought to taftc that tree of life, and im- 
 mortality, which is planted fy the pure River of wa- - 
 terffUfiy which proceedeth out of the throne ofGod^ and 
 oftkeLantke the righteous^ USih David, fhallflourijh 
 like 4 BJmetree^ audjJ^all grew Uk$ a Cedar in LebanoH^ 
 Pfal.91* SuehasbefUntedinthe kmfeoftke Lerd^fhall 
 flouri/h in the Courts ofmr God^ thefJf:>aU ftill bring forth 
 fruit in their 4ge, the^flallbefat andflouriflmg. But by 
 thewayyoumoftonderftand, chat for all this the 
 ch^ldeof God, and die true convert, hath hisin- 
 firmitiesand faintings, he may tumble, and fbme- 
 times take a fall in his race of Chriftianity, hee 
 I may now and then be flirewdly ihaken withfbme 
 ftormc of temptation, and have his light Some- 
 time darkned with the frailties of his owne flefh, 
 but conceive a!(b, (chough it bee aMyftery to the 
 ftranger, and Parable to the prophane) that even 
 thefe things further the growth, and increaie (pi-i 
 rituall ftrcngthinafandified man. That God ^^^ 
 "briMgsJigk mt of dar^ffe, winncs him glory out of 
 hell, and honour from Satan ^ tprnes^lfo thefrail- 
 tiesand infirmities of the Saints to the comfort of 
 their foules, and their increafment in grace, by 
 working thereby in them a greater hatred of their 
 
 X 2 finfall 
 
ipo 1 
 
 The Saints 
 
 finfull corruptions^ more earncft longings for the 
 comforts of godlinefTejmorc refbhite zealc in {lan- 
 ding for Gods glory, to make amends for their for- 
 mer fall 5 more narrow watchfiilnefle over their 
 way es for afterwards. A ftrong man may fall into 
 fits of an Ague, but after he hath thorowly reco- 
 vered, he (hall findc himfelte ftrongcr, and in bet- 
 ter health. He that runncs in a race may take a fali^ 
 but he looks better to his footing, and runnes fafter 
 afterward ^ theSunncmayfomctimesbeovercaft 
 with a cloud, but it Chines more pleafantly and 
 brightly, after it hath recovered a cleare Skie 
 ac;aine. A tree hath its Winter, but it then gathers 
 ffrength and life, that it may fpreadandfprout out 
 more fiiirly and fruitfully in the Spring time : It is 
 even (b by accident, and bv that grace of God, 
 which turmsdl things to the heft 4$ them thatfean Hffty 
 in the fils and infirmities of the Saints. For they 
 are thereby more feared and frayed fromthe Lures 
 and baits of finne, lay furer and ftronger hold up- 
 on the cpowne of life, and convert the poyibnof 
 their natural! corrupctoa, into a prefervative to 
 keepe them in the waycs of God. Satan intends 
 to foile him by the fall, but it fares with him in this 
 cafej as if fome defperate wretch (hould furioufly 
 runne at another man with his fword and difpatch 
 him quite, but quite againft his purpofCjheemif- 
 (erh the vitall parts, and hitsonely fome Impo- 
 fturae, fo letting out that foule and poyfonous 
 matter, which would otherwifc have beene his 
 death.^^ At th? throw of every fiery dart, Satan 
 defires CO wound the foule ta death, but Gods 
 
 chiide 
 
felfe^nriehing examination. \ 291 
 
 childe cither takes it upon xhtjljiddoffaith^ and fb 
 defeats his fury, and declines the hurt^ or if by the 
 treachery of his owneflefti it faften upon him, and 
 vex him forawhile, yet being pulled cut by the 
 hand of true repentance, it drawes after it fbme j 
 foule corruption ^ which otherwife would have 1 
 dangeroufly rankled andfeftercd inwardly. This^ 
 ipo'mtis^i peark mt fir fiipm, or any prophane man, 
 for fb it mil be trampled in fk mire^ and pe rhaps mi - 
 nifter occafion and encouragement to bee more 
 filthy flill'^ but onely for him that knowes the wayes 
 of God, and is learned in the great myftery of 
 godiineCe, hee knowes the worth and right ufe of 
 it, and is not wont to abufe the rich mercy and 
 grace of God, to a graceleffe prefumption and 
 boldnelTe in finne- But certaine it is, the fals of 
 the Chriftian even furthers their growth in godli- 
 neffe by accident, and by the grace of God, and 
 growth in grace, after a manbe converted, is a fure 
 (igneof a found converfion. 
 
 4. Fourthly, the fbundnefie of converfion ag- 
 peares by the confl-ancy of the true convert , in 
 the courfes of graces and holinefle. Other Con- 
 verts, who are led by no fboner and higher guide, 
 than the power of a temporary faith, are in and 
 out, off and on, to and fro, in matters of Religion : 
 Sometimes they will bee forward and hot, feme- 
 times cold and fbrmall 5 they will come on for a 
 while haflily and fiiddenly ^ for come in ftony 
 ground will come up fboner, and grow fafler for 
 the time, than that in a good fbile, and they will as 
 quickly be gone againe 5 as fbone as they fhall finde 
 
 X 3 their 
 
 Fals, infi-ral-" 
 cics,andfiail-^ 
 ties, a ceo the 
 Chriitian as a 
 growing Ague 
 to a young 
 man. 
 
2pl 
 
 TbeSain$s 
 
 their forwardnefTc mainly crofled, difgraccd, and 
 perfecuted, then prefently fall away^ for if once 
 the Stinne beat hot upon fuch corne, it dies and wi- 
 thers, and comes to nothing 5 there is no hold to 
 be taken of fcch.by true Chriftians they will fecme 
 to be on their fide, and beare outwardly the badge 
 of Chrifi", but when they eome into the field to 
 fight in the caufc of God, or are put unto any hot 
 (ervice for the maintenance of the faith, and the 
 Crowne of Chriftianity^ and with the faithlefle 
 clnUrea of Ephuimi turna thelt backs iff the day of hat^ 
 tell: TheiRr^r;!r/«g/rfr/'ffisoneIypromi(ed n/ftohtm 
 that overcomes ^ but thefe many times quaile the 
 heart at the very firft on-fet, to the great difho- 
 nourof God, the (hams of their Chriftian profef- 
 fion, and the difcovery of their formality and 
 faint-heartednefle. Their courage in good caufts, 
 and their con verfion from ill, is as their faith, tem- 
 Hofj?.^. j V^^^'^y h fheirgoodnejjeisas a mornhg ehudy and as 
 the morning devf that goeth awaj. And of thefe un- 
 wind converts we may conceive two forts 5 
 
 I. Some there are, out of whom the unckane 
 fpirit departs for a tme, Matth. r 2.45. Andhphek^orp* 
 ledge oftkLordy and of tfx Saviour lefus Cbrifl, efcape 
 from thefihhrnejeofthenporldy 2 Pet.2»2o,Andare wa- 
 ffjed, verfi 2. that is, by the power of temporary 
 faith, they become temporary converts, and jolly 
 profeffours for a feafbn 5 bat their foundation not 
 being (ure and (mtidly laid, the Word not faft and 
 deeply rooted in their hearts, their converfion not 
 (bund and entire, the world by little andlittic doth 
 vfopowcrfiilly get within them, and imputation of 
 ;, [ precifenefle 
 
felfeAnriching examination. \ xpr 
 
 preciftnefle laid upon them by the prophane 
 world, fb nettles them 5 their lothnefle to forgoc 
 their former finfiill pleaftires (o vexes them, that 
 they firft begin blaif^hetnoufly to grumble within 
 themfcIveSjWith thofe, Malacb.^, i/^.T^ wkatpnrpofe 
 u it t^ferve God ^\»hat profit is it that rpee have kept his 
 Commandemmts , and thattve vpalksdhtmblj Before the 
 LordofHofts / Hereupon the usclea/fe fpirit hovers 
 about for re-entry, and finding way made by their 
 owne rebellious flefli, tak^tfi'veft ether fpirits fporfe 
 than Bmfelfe, a»d repojfejfeth them 5 fo they tpiththe 
 Dogge, returfteto their ffffffe vomit ^ theyvpallovp vptththe 
 Sawagaineinthemrej andagaine are tangledin thepot- 
 lutio»s of the world J and overcome^ and then the latter 
 tndisvporfemth them tJMn the beginning. And that 5 
 
 I. Firftj In re/ped of God, whofe goodneffe 
 and mercy, with horrible contempt, and hatefull 
 ingratitude, they have fhameftilly abu(ed. If a 
 Phyfititn with great care and diligence fhould mi-' 
 nifter Phyiicke, pre(cribe diet, and ufe all mcanes j 
 for the recovery of his Patient, and he for a little 
 bitterneflc of the Pils or Potions which hce is to 
 take, ftiould be peevifli and impatient, caft allbe- 
 hinde him, and unthankfully contemne and abufe 
 the paines and patience which is taken and endu- 
 red for his good ; how refblnte would (uch a Phy- 
 fitianbc, nevermore to meddle with fiichan im-, 
 patient Patient, where hee fhould lofe both his la- 
 bour and reputation. It is juft foin the cafe of a re- 
 lapfed aeature. For if a man by the mercy of God 
 bee brought to a tape of theheavenly gift 4f the good 
 Wordo^Ood^andoftkpoTPcrs oftk world to fme^zs it is 
 X4 Heh.6. 
 
294- 
 
 l^he Saints 
 
 Heb,6. If hee be pointed and put into the way ro 
 Heavenjtofee the glorious com forts of the Saints^ 
 and have fpirituall medicines put into his hand to 
 preferve his fbuk from everlafting death, and yet 
 for i little bitternefle of temporary troubles, for 
 love of pleafuresj feare of mortall man, or the 
 momentany fmarting of (bme light affliftions, 
 throw away from him thofe holy receits, which 
 {hould keepe his foule in fpirituall healrh, trample 
 underfoot in (bme mealure even the Sonne of 
 God, by fbrfaking his fervice, and taking part with 
 the woxld^ai^ddefpght^m fbme meafurejf^e Spirit ef 
 gra^e. by fmothering and contemning his fecret 
 checksj and holy motions. I (ay it isjuit with God 
 that fuch a man fhould be given over to a reprobate 
 fenfc, and wallowing in the mud and mire of his 
 former fenfuall vanities, without all remorfe or 
 r€COvery , Ezech» 5.20. 
 
 2. In refped of Satan. If aprilbner youknow, 
 having broken prifbn, bee regained againe by hue 
 and cry, he is clapt up prefcntly in the Dungeon 
 loaden with bolts and irons, and of all others he is 
 ever a ter the narrowlieft watched, and ftronglieit 
 guarded. It is fb witha relapfed wretch, if having 
 wrefted him(elfe out of Satans clutches, and efea- 
 ped out of his Kingdome of darkncfic hee bee 
 broughtagaine to his old bent, and haled backe to 
 his former courfes, by the cry of his old compani- 
 'ons, and cor ruptibns of his owne fleflj;, then Satan 
 furely, who isjaylcr to every unregeneratc man, 
 keeps him ever after clofeprifbner, and commits 
 him tofeven other fpirits noOffi tha» himfilfe^ (b that n 
 
 thou(and 
 
felfe^inricbin^ examination. 
 
 fclioufand to one that man lives and dies in the De~ 
 vils Dungeon 
 
 3. Thirdly, i.In refpCLl oFthemfeives -^ for Apo- 
 flates from good beginnings, revolters from pro- 
 feffion area kinde of Moniiers amongft Chrifti- 
 ans.hatefull both to Heaven and Earthjto God and ^; 
 Man, even very breathing Devils ; they cannot 
 offer a greater viilany to the Hvmg Godx^m to tafte 
 of thepkafurcs of Heaven^ and tike part with his 
 children, and after to tume Turks and Traitors to 
 God and good men, and therefore they are many 
 limes polieft with ftrange amazements, and feare- 
 ifulnede of heart, extraordinary evijnefleof con- 
 fcience, depravation of inward peace andfpiritu- 
 alljoy, witbdef)erate thoughtsof fomemarkable 
 vengeance, and other foule (pirits, which make 
 their cafe farre more wofull than it was at firft . For 
 mofl: certaine is it and true, fuch doe finde in them- 
 felveslcfle p>ower to doe well, andare carried with 
 more racing affeftions to doe wickedly, than ever 
 they felt be fore. 
 
 2 . Befides, in the difeafes of the body a relapfe is 
 held moft dangerotis, and rhe recovery more de- 
 fperate, tbanfrom the prime difcale. Areciduati- 
 on is more dangerous than the root of adifeafe* 
 he that fals away from goodnefle and good begin- 
 ning's, is in firre greater danger of everlaf^ing 
 death, than he that nev er knew the wayes of God, 
 though the cafe of both be certainly damnable, if 
 they fb rontinue. To conclude this poiiit, thefc 
 men make many times for a time, a very goodly 
 fheWj but after fall away, and grow notorioufly 
 
 naughty 
 
 295 
 
 
ip6 
 
 The Saints 
 
 naught, and commonly prove atter more tercc 
 oppofitcs to grace and fincerity, than thole that 
 never made any (hewof goodncfle. 
 
 2. Some others there are of unbound converts, 
 who after they have once put on an outward forme 
 of Religion, and fbme other good things, by the 
 power of temporary faith, hold on in its plodding 
 courfeofformallChrifVianityj all their life long, 
 and after die that forraall death I have heretofore 
 defcribed unto you, but for all this their feith is 
 ftill temporary, their converfion temporary 5 Be- 
 cau(e rather than they will hazard their temporary 
 happincfle, thef ftill yeeld to the current of the 
 times, and their owne fenfuall corruptions, thongh 
 they never fall quite tway to their formall notori- 
 oufncfle, as doe the former, but eftfbones recover 
 themfelves untill the next time of triall, of their 
 chiefe carnall contentment, and fmarting pcrfecu- 
 tion 5 thus they are in and out, off and on, to and 
 fro in matters of Rel igion, never very farre out for 
 any long fealbn, and yet never forward enough to 
 (ave their (bules : The inconftant conftancic of 
 (uch converts as thefe, is worth nothing, becaufe 
 it followes and is fafhioned by the meafure of the 
 times : That conftancie which is a note and compa- 
 nion of a (band converfioujis fquared and propor- 
 tioned by the line and rule of the Word of life. See 
 what this latter conftancie is, in the third (peciall 
 difference betwecne temporary and faving faith. 
 Tfeus farre of the difference bctweene (aving and 
 temporary faich in point and converfion. Seethe 
 twelve marks of a found converfion laid downc 
 before. 5. As 
 
felfe-mricbing examination. 
 
 3. Asconcerning the degrees of regeneration 
 attainable by the power of the temporarie faiths 
 and in the ftate of lukewarmnefle, you muft con- 
 ceive that I make five points confiderableinthe 
 great worke of regeneration. The t%vo firft.to wit- 
 knowledge, and legall repentance, preparatives, 
 and necelfary fore-runners^ the three laft, to wit, 
 iaith, fanftification, and Evangelical! repentance, 
 the eflentiall parts thereof; 
 
 1. Asconcerning knowledge, itmaybcplentr- 
 full, as well to the reprobate, as in the Chriftian. 
 For difference in this cafe, fee the feven marks of 
 fiving knowledge, I have formerly propofed. 
 
 2 . And as concerning legall repentance, it may 
 alfo be found in both ^ fordifference wherein,con- 
 fider with me foure kinds of paflagcs out of pangs 
 of confcience, in legall repentance and horrour for 
 Oane. 
 
 I. Some, when by the power of the Law their 
 confcicnccs are prefled with the weight of their 
 finnes, 4ftd the xferme tliat mvtr dies, which hath 
 beene long dead drunke with fenfimll plca/ures, by 
 rfie hand of divine juftice is awaked, and beginnes 
 to (ling, they prefcntly fall into the moft abhor- 
 red and irrrecoverable Dungeon of defpaire ^ the 
 flaraingof eternall fire feizes upon them, even in 
 this life, they are in hell trpon earth, and damned 
 above ground ^ they are fuch commonly, who all 
 their life long have beene contemners of the Mi- 
 niflery of the Word , /corners of the power of 
 godlinelTe, quenchers of Gods good fpirit, revol- 
 rers from good beginnings and profeffion of grace, 
 
 thefe 
 
 297 
 
298 
 
 TheSawis 
 
 the(e who have harboured (omcgrofle fihne, that 
 hive beene clo(e agents for the powers ot dark- 
 nefle, orpiaufible tyrants againft Gods childrenj 
 and their fincericy, or fuch like notorious inftru- 
 hientsof Satan, and infamous rebels to the Maje- 
 ftieof Heaven, which, firh they were fuch, God 
 in his ;n ft judgement futfers their confcience to lie 
 along time inadead fleepe, like a mighty Giant, 
 or a fierce and crueil Lion, gathering puiffance^ 
 power and vigour, V might torture, rent and teare 
 in peeces their .ccurfed (bules when there is none 
 to h€l pe. the wormc that never dies which natural \y 
 breeds in prophane confciences bv their rnfatiable 
 fiirfet in finne, anitheif greed} drinking htqHityliks 
 vpaterj growes to fuch ftrange ft length and big- 
 nefTe , that taking efpecially advantage of their 
 weakneffe upon their deaths-bed, and their great 
 aftoniftiment and fearfulnefle in that laft extremi- 
 tie5it (uddenly furprizes them with the very flafties 
 of hell fire, and ftingsof everlaftinghorrour, and 
 (b cafts them into d^fpaire, conquers them, and 
 utterly confounds tnem. Then would they give 
 ten thousand worlds for onemorhentof that time 
 of grace, which they have wretchedly long abu- 
 (ed, for rhe benefit of the Miniftery which they 
 have infblently (corned, for a drop of that preci- 
 ous bloud^ which by their defperatevillanies, and 
 wilfull rebellions, they have trampled under foot 5 
 but no mercy, no bleffing:, no comfort then will be 
 had, though with prophane EfaUy they (eeke it 
 with teares; and throug;h their rufull and piercing 
 cries into thv^ aire, with hideous groancsaBdyel- 
 . lings, 
 
felfe-inriching examinanon. 
 
 lingSj buc they lie tumbling upon their beds of 
 licknefle, and in the morning thy jay, ttouldGodit uera 
 6Vzning^and aiihtvening^ TOOuldGodittftre mornings 
 f>r thefeares of their hear is which ihey doe fear e^ and for 
 the fights of their e)es pchich thtydot^fee. In their life 
 time they were Lions againli: Godschildrcnj and 
 YikcWohefofihe Evenings, in vexing, perlecutingj 
 anddif^racing the innoccncy andfincericyof the 
 Saints ^ and therefore now upon their beds of 
 deaths they lie in a wofull plight, even iike mlde 
 Buls inaneti as the Prophet Ipeaks^ ifa.^i.i o.fuUDJ 
 thefuryoftheLord : Then they cry out with thofe 
 finfiiil hypocrites J 7/^.3^.14. with unspeakable 
 honour of heart. Who amosgusflyaU dwell with the de- 
 vouring 'fire / vfho among, tfs^ e^c. And there for a 
 while (as an carnelt of hell fire) they are feareful- 
 ly bated, torne and renCj with defpair^ and hor- 
 rour, by the furies of conlclence , and fiends of 
 Hell, as by fb many fierce and bloudy Maftives, 
 and. at lafl: hurried and dragged by them, when 
 there is none to helpe, into the everlafting Lake 
 of brlmftone , fire , and Dungeon of endleile, 
 eaflelTe, and remedilefle mifery. Thus the one 
 paflage out of the pangs of confcience, is into de- 
 fpaire, that Hell upon Earth, and fo forward in lo^ 
 their ovpne place, as is faid o^luias^ which is the 
 Hell of wicked Devils in the world to come. Some 
 arelialfe devils in this life, by their -doggednefle 
 againft Gods children, and are never touched with 
 remorfe, but even turned as it were in the turning 
 of an hand, from railing againft good men upoa^ 
 earth, to rage againft God for ever in Hell. 
 
 2. Secondly, 
 
 299 
 
^00 
 
 iCor.jai. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 " ~' I' Ilia I. ' II' ' ' 
 
 2. Secondiyj Some triereare, who whtii incy 
 feele their fbujcs wounded, their hearts pnckedj 
 and confcienees aftonifhed with the apprehenfion 
 of (in, and with the Urrmrofibe Lord, by ihaxfapord 
 of the Spirit y which, when the Lord will, (trikes 
 thorowthe loynes of themoft rebellious wretch, 
 and makes his prophane andprond courage, lepielt 
 arvayliks miter, and his ftubborne heart to tremble 
 like the leaves 0ft he forreji, fphich areflj^hfin mth the 
 TPhd. I fay then they labour might and maine, to 
 drive away and difpell their inward terrours and 
 afBidlions of (bule,with outward mirth, and carnall 
 contentments. They take thefe fpirituall pang?, 
 v^hich if they were well managed, would prove 
 the very right palT^ge to peace of conlcience, and 
 a preparative t > the great worke of regeneration, 
 to be nothing but fits of melancholy, and tempta- 
 tion to precifeneffe, and therefore they make haftc 
 outof themy and flie unto worldly pleafures, as 
 phycs, paftimes, mulicke. gatoirg iBerry com{:5a- 
 ny, good-fellowftiip, the contentments of their 
 (v^'eet (innCj and fuch YAa^ mifer^bk comforters and 
 PhjifkiaKsdf fSfovalf^e^ that thereby for a time they 
 may allay the heat of their hotrour^ and coole the 
 rage of their guilty confciences ^ but in this cafe 
 Chyrurgions ufe todeale about deepe and dange- 
 rous wounds, which they know not well how to 
 heale^ they d6e not (bitch the bottomc, they doe 
 not put in cents, and apply corrafives, whidhwer« 
 the likelieft way to a found and thorow cure, but j 
 onely make a fairc (hew outwardly, by drawing 
 a skinneoB the out-fideyor pleating theirPiatients, 
 -- -i.-_.:.-,^ -,- by 
 
felfe-mncbing examination. 
 
 by allaying the paine for a while, and bringing it 
 afleepc ^ or they doe as did thofe bloudy Ifraelites, 
 who while they burnt up their children in facrifice 
 to the Idoll Molochy provided niuficke to feed and 
 fill their eares, left by the rufull cries of their little 
 babes, they (hould be moved to compaffion, and fo 
 (layed in the cruell (ervice of that bloud-fucking 
 Idoll. Juft fo thefe wretched men finfully feeke by 
 outward mirth Sc worldly pleafuresgto ftop the cries 
 of their conlciences, while their foules are (acrifi- 
 cing to Saran;,& making fit fuell for the fire of Hell, 
 left by liftning to the cries and controlments there- 
 of.they fliould be ftirred up to take pitv upon their 
 poore immortall foules, and ftopt in the purfuit of 
 their fenfuall vanitiesrBut aflurcdly, while they goc 
 about by the entertainment and exercife of carnall 
 comforts, to draw a skinne onely over their woun- 
 ded and aftoniflied confciences, they fiifFer them 
 moft fearfully to fefter and rankle underneath,and 
 then there inwardly breeds that devouring and in- 
 fitiable Wolfe, which after it want the fupply of 
 carnall plealures upon that confcience which breed 
 it^ it there gnawcs, and bites, and teares, with 
 everlafting rury5dclpairfull horrour, anv^ the ftings 
 of Hell, while they labour to refrefh with worldly 
 delights, the fpirituall forrowes of their mourn full 
 and amazed hearts. They are like the man, who in 
 aburning Ague lets downe cold drinke eagerly and 
 merrilfj becaufe for the prefenr, while its going 
 downe, it doth marveUoufly coole him in his ex- 
 tremity, but after it be dovvne,the heat, th^ paine, 
 atid the danger are doubled upon him* So earthly 
 
 pleafur.es. 
 
 501 
 
 iKing.ij.io^ 
 
^01 
 
 
 Luk.ri.xTAi 
 
 The Saints 
 
 pleafures may for ajitde while ftill the noife&rage 
 of an accu fi ng confcience^and coolc the heat of fpi- 
 ricuall anguiflb, but undoubtedly afterward 9 they 
 kindle (uch a fire in the bowels of thofe mi(erable 
 men, that will burne even tothebottomeof Hell, 
 and is the very beginning of everlafting flames. 
 But checourfewhich thefe men takepleafeth Satan 
 right well, he will helpe forward with might and 
 maine this accurfed bufineflcj of abandoning and 
 banifhing the pangs of confcience with outward 
 pleafiiresj for this is his craft and cunning in thcfe 
 cafes. 
 
 I. .In thefirft place, before all things, if itmay 
 be, he defiresto keepe them unmoved by the Mi- 
 niftery of the Word, and utterly unpierced with 
 the powcrfulnefle thereof, and then like aftrong 
 man armed, he keeps his Palace, which is the heart 
 of a prophane man, at his plealure, and pofiefleth 
 both body and foule with much peace and qaiet- 
 neffe. By this firft endevour he prevailes with the 
 greater part of the hearers of the Word, they 
 heare Sermon after Sermon, and judgement upon 
 juc^gement, and yet in re/peft of any fpirituall 
 good,oraftoniQiment of confcience for their fins, 
 they Are no more moved than the feats whereup- 
 on they fit. 
 
 2. If it fo fallout that the Word beginne to get 
 within a man, ^ndthe fn>o ed^edfipord o£ the Law to 
 wound his foule withremorfe and terrour, fo that 
 he fees him cafl: downe with fl^iriiuall fearss^, and 
 with much heavinefle take finne to heart, then 
 doth he narrovyly watch and attend which way a 
 
 man 
 
lelfer-inriching examination. 
 
 man inclines," that thereafter hee may proportion 
 hismalitious policy, and heJlifh pradtifes. 
 
 1. If he finde him to tavebeene an horrible (in- 
 ner, or of a melancholy difpofition, or much vex- 
 ed with outward erodes and afflidions. hee laycs 
 load wpon his affrighted and diflreflcd fbule. that 
 thereby, ^f it bepoflible, he may drive him to de- 
 fpaire. To this i urpofeheefbarpenstheiHngof a 
 mans owne confcience, and with much f})ightfull 
 rage ftrikes deepe and d^d^diy and impoyfoned 
 Oingof hisowne 5 he addes more horrour to the 
 already fearefull and terrible judgements of the 
 Law, an 1 more grieflinefle to his many hatcfull 
 tranfgreflions, that it God fo permit, hee may be 
 fure to finke him deepe enough into the Dungeon 
 ofdefpaire. 
 
 2. But if he perceive him net to have becne ve- 
 ry infamous for any notorious finne, by naturall 
 conOttution to bee merrily difpofed, impatient of 
 heavie-heartedncffe, and formerly much addi- 
 di^d to good-fellowftiip : If hefpiehimtoftrive 
 and ftrugglc that he may be out of theie uncouth 
 pangs, andfpiriti.all ibrrow forfinne, and labour 
 to re-enjoy his form^-r worldly delights^ and earth- 
 ly contentments ^ why then he is willing and for- 
 ward to follow and h^d his humour, that fo hee 
 may marreard ftifJein the beginning that happy 
 worke vfgo 'ly forrvw^ mickcafffethrepetfta^ce to [il- 
 vatio^j vot to he repef^iedof 2 (or 7.10, A nd to this 
 end he duls and blunts, with all the cunning he can, 
 the fting o^a man? owne confcierce, and quite re- 
 moves hi^ owne. He procures and offers all oceafi- 
 
 Y ons 
 
 ?o? 
 
504. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 ons of ouLward mirth ^ hec furnifties his former 
 good fellow-companions with pernitious elo- 
 quence, and ftore of enticements, to bring him 
 backe againe to their bent and humour 5 hee 
 minifters his owne delitious potions of pleafures 
 and(en(ua!ity5tocafthiscon(cicnceafleep againe ^ 
 In briefe, hee leaves no plot^ no policy or pradife 
 unattempted to make the power of the Law unpro- 
 fitableunto him, utterly to fmother and confound 
 the firft ftirrings of grace, and todrowneforrow 
 jfor finne in drunkennefle with finfull vanities. 
 I This then I make the fecond palTage out of the 
 pangs of confciencc, when a man tempted by the 
 policy of Satan.and perverfhefle of his owne flefh 
 applies a plaifter of wordly pleafures, tohiscon- 
 (cience wounded with (pirituall anguilh, and when 
 it beginnes to be loud and clamorous againft him 
 luls it afleepe with the merriments of good-fe!- 
 lowlhip, or ftilsitfor a while b> dandling it (ofdy 
 in the bofomeof his darling finne. Fa^lix was ftruc- 
 ken with trembling and amazement by the power 
 of Pauls miniftery/or con fideration <?/ tkejuigemeftt 
 /tf r<?«7e,wasa very cuttingcorrafive to his galled and 
 guilty conlcience, and lemembranee of death is a 
 death and hell to every worldling and carnallifl", 
 death, faith the (om\t of Syrach hw bitter is t lie 
 remembrance of thee to a man that liveihin reflrvHh hif 
 poffelpo s unto t eman that hath notlmg to vex hi m^ 
 ani'that hathprofperity in all things I Hee therefore 
 con^d not endure lueh difhirbance of his fenfiiall 
 pcacr, and his agreement with Hell Hee was impati- 
 ent of fach uncouth and e^straordinary pangs, and 
 
 would I 
 
I felfe4nriching examination* i 205 
 
 would none of luch (evcre Divinity, (b full of 
 judgement, tending to defpaire : He bids p/^;^/ be- 
 gone, he was not then at leifurc to have his confci- j 
 enceunript, and his corruptions laid open before I 
 him^ h vpiUmre hmofthat amtUr time ^ and the | 
 conceit of a bribe, a branch of his bofbme (inne, | 
 did preiently drive out and drowne thofe helJifh • 
 flafhes, which were throwne into his heart by Vauls \ 
 thundering out of judgements againft them. I have \ 
 knowne fome, who lying in fearefull horrourof| 
 conscience for their finnes, were diverfly adviled j 
 and fet upon by contrary Counfellours 5 upon the ' 
 right hand and better fide 'was the good fpirit of 
 God, and their Chriftian friends, and their coun- 
 fellandadvife was, thatthis (pirituall affliftion of j 
 (bule, if it were rightly managed, might prove an 
 happy preparative to the great worke of regenera- 
 tion, and therefore would have them by no meanes 
 looke for any comfort but from Heaven, to admit 
 of no plaifter but the precious bloud of ChrifV, 
 to chufe no other by-path^ but to flrike direftjy 
 thorow theftrait paffage, to the (hte of grace, and 
 with patience to pafle thorow the pangs of the 
 new birth, that fb they might be planted in the Pa- 
 radife of ChrilHanity, fiourip inihe houfeofGod^^ni 
 grow up in godlineflfe like a Cedar i» Lebanon. Upon 
 the left hand and worft part was Satan, and (bme 
 good fellowes , (as they call them) with whom 
 there had beene former familiarity and fellowfhip 
 in the wayes of vanity, and thus pleaded they for | 
 Baal^ and maintenance of their prophane anddif-i 
 folutefed^ you muft, fay they, put your felfeont j 
 
 Y 2 oV 
 
^o6 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 of chefe needlefle dumpSj&c plunge againe into the 
 current ofchepleafures 8c paftimes of the times, if 
 you meane to enjoy your felfe and the world with 
 any comfort ^ take heedin the name of God,(for (b 
 they fpeake, though they be the Devils Oratours, 
 andProdlours for rhe power ofdarknefTe) how you 
 entertaineany thought of a new courfc of life, or 
 change of your former wayeSj for (b you (hall fail 
 into the hands of PuritanSp and intotlie ftriei: tor- 
 tures and hypocriticall miferies of precifeneflc, 
 and then farewell all good-fellowfliip, all merry 
 company 5 no more meetings at paftimes. Ale- 
 houfeSj Tavernes, Chambers of good-fcllowlhtp 5 
 no more fct revellings, vying of j e(b, pleafant (in- 
 deed prophane) paflages of wit, which are the ve- 
 ry life of an ingenuous mans life. Then nothing 
 but a fbwre countenance,un(bciable carriage, con - 
 fcience of little trifling finnes, Apoftacie from all 
 oldcuftomes, dumps of melancholy, and indeed 
 a ftace not pafl: a ftep from mad neflfe and dift facti- 
 on. This was their infedtious language; though not 
 in lb many words^ yet T am fure in the fame fen(e, 
 not farre diiFeringfrom thefe two places,E<rr//^/. 30. 
 ^rf 2 r, &c. and fVifd, 2.5, &c. put together, the 
 former being perhaps abu(^d from the true mea- 
 ning of the Aurhor,(forprophaneneGre doth gree- 
 dily fnatch at any (lie w for patronage of their plea- 
 (ures, out of any fhadow of holy Writ) Givemt 
 ovtr thy mink HKtoheavmeJJe, afd vex/toP thy felfem 
 thlmowm coHfifeU. the joy of the heart if the life of a 
 mm aniamansghimjfetsthz "prolonging of hisda^es. 
 Lovethmeownefouk^ and cowfort tUm hsart, drive 
 forrovp I 
 
felfe-inrichmg examination. 
 
 jbrrovp farre from thee^ for fort ovp hathjlaim many^ ami 
 thercis m profit therein. And enr time is as afljadvvp thai 
 pajjtthavfaj, andajteronr end htreis no returning^ for 
 itisfaft fekd:, fo that no mancomwethagaine : Cowii 
 therefore and let ns tn]oyth pkafures that are prefect 
 and lei ns cheerfnllj ufe the creatHrts^ as in youth -^ let us 
 fiUourfehes mth co^iy voine and owtmentS:, and let noi 
 theflen^erof lifepajjebym •, kiuscriwrnenrfehesmth 
 Roje bttds afore i hey be mthered ^ let us all bee partaken 
 of our wanton 'e[je t, let us lea^efme token of our plea- 
 jureine'Deryplace^ jor this is our portion^ and this is our 
 lot. The party affliftcd in con(cience, liftningand 
 yeelding unto luch accurfed and peftiient elo- 
 quence as this, (forfuggcftionsof flefli and bloud, 
 a idfenfuall enticements iinke (boner and deeplier 
 into a mans heart,than godly admonitions and mo ■ 
 tionsof thegood (pirit) caftshimfelfedefperately 
 againe into the current of good-felIow(hip, ftifled 
 the flirtings of ^odly forroro, quenched the firft 
 flafhesof thefpirit, and (b corny certainc knowiede 
 became a rotcriou? yfXttc\\.anitwcemore thechilae 
 hell than hvp.f^ before- And Satan no doubt, feeing 
 him take that way, would doe his befi: to (Hllthe 
 criesofhisconfcience, and to bring itafleepe, by 
 makinghim drunke with fin-ne : So that afterwards 
 I am perfwaded hee was not troubled with any 
 I checkc or remorfe. So it ufually fares with others in ] 
 the like kinde. I 
 
 3. Another paflae^e out of fpirituall terrours and 
 aftonifliments for finne, is into a kinde of artifici- 
 all, un(bund, enforced, and counterfeit peace of 
 conlcience. And it is thus ; Some there are, who 
 
 Y 3 when 
 
 
3o8 
 
 Tie Saints 
 
 when they firft bcginne to taflc the terroursof the 
 Lordj and feele their (bules aflfrighted wkh un* 
 couch fearesj Springing partly from the gaftly and 
 griefly vifageoftlieir former foule pollutions, part- 
 ly from a drcadfull apprehcnfion of that flaming 
 vengeancCj^and damnod horrour, which the wrath 
 of God is inkindltng and preparing for all impeni- 
 tent (ihners, doe prefently ftop the naturall courfe 
 and current of their converfion, and dead the firft 
 motions of mortifying grace, with fomt imaginary 
 and violent comfort, which before it doth truly 
 and {ealbnably belong unto them, they wreft be- 
 fore their time, from fomeabuicd and mifapplied 
 places of Scripture, (uch as thcfe, Matth.iu 28. 
 SfatfL i2.ao,8cc. by a fpeculative, prepofterous, 
 and formal! application whereof, they doCc up the 
 wounds of their fbules, before their hearts be ript 
 and ran/acked to the quicke, their confcienccs (ear- 
 ched and {bunded to the bottome, and their fpirits 
 bruifed and truly humbled, by the powerftill ham- 
 mer of the Law, H»det the migky kdnd of Ged.ThtC^ 
 men, as well as the fecond fort, arc refblvcdly im- 
 patient of fpirituallheavie^heartednefle, and (br- 
 row for (innej of the holy and (bule-faving fe veri- 
 ties of the (choolcof repentance, and trade of mor- 
 tification, and therefore poft out of the pangs of 
 confcience with as great irapaticncie and precipi- 
 tation as the former, onely more plaufible, and 
 with fairer, though falfe iatisfaftion to their owne 
 foules. 
 
 2 . Some there are who pafie outof the pangs of 
 €on(cience, inco fome more tolkrable couries, but 
 
 not 
 
felfe^inriching examination. \ ^09 
 
 not thorowly into the ftite of grace, and commu- 
 nion of Chriftianity. When Satan fees that (brrow 
 for finne lies fo heavie upon a mans hearty and that 
 bitternefle otfpirit, and legall remorfe, the im- 
 preflionsof the fpirit of bondage doe (b unceflant- 
 ly (Hng him with refthfle vexations, that they will 
 needsat length draw and drive him to Come altera- 
 tion at Icaft, and worke out at length (bme mea- 
 (bre of amendment, then doth he bend andim- 
 ploy all his power and policy to make him reft and 
 repofe finally in (bme partiall, infiifficient, and 
 halfe convcrfion , and to content himfelfe with 
 (bme outward reformatioH, and civill amend- 
 ment, &c. 
 
 5. The fifth paflage outof pangs of conscience, 
 and horrours of legall repentance, is into the Pa- 
 radife of grace, and fpirituall pleafuresof Chriftia- ' 
 nity. This'pdi^digQXScdLWtd^The pangs of the nm>hirth, I 
 This doth happily convey and tranfj^orr a man ! 
 quite thorow the kingdome of darknefle, without j 
 diverfion, by-path, or any longer detainment in 
 any pleaiure or vanity thereof. By this he utterly 
 unwinds himfelfe out of hellifh flaveryand bon- i 
 dage, and failing thorow the red Sea of Chrifts i 
 bloud , is fafely fet on (horcin the land that flowes j 
 with fpirituall milke and honey. In a word, this| 
 doth neither plunge a man into the pit of defpaire, ' 
 nor miflead him into the (infull delights of out- ' 
 ward mirth, or leave him in the deceitfull maze of 
 an unfbund converfion, but doth work upon him a 
 thorow,univerfalI,faving,andrupernaturallchange. 
 Th€ mar'- 5 of which I have delivered in two feve- 
 raij_ p[aces before. Y 4 To 
 
 See the en- 
 largement of 
 theft two lalt 
 paflagcs, inin- 
 ftrudions f©r 
 comforting af- 
 fliiSedconrci- 
 encesj/iii^.jog. 
 tojij. 
 
 You niay fee 
 thcdcgiecsand 
 fteps of this 
 paflage before, 
 inmydircourfe 
 of b; ceding of 
 faith. 
 
\0 
 
 T'he Saints 
 
 To applpsiie point to my prefentpurpofe : 
 Marke hence the difference betweene the for- 
 mall Profeflbur with his temporary faith, and hira 
 I that the Lord will fandifie and fave by the holy 
 grace of juftifying faith ; In the point of legall re- \ 
 pentance^ commonly other kinde of men, if they 
 fall into any fpirituall afflidion of foule for their 
 fiimeSj either (inke thence intodefpaire^ or drive 
 it away with worldly pleafures, or flop the cry of 
 confciencewith anhalfeand iinfound converfion. 
 Amongft this third (brt we may ranke the formall 
 Profeflbur^ if at any time he be furprized with le- 
 gall forrowforhisfinnes : But in him whom the 
 Lord will beget againe by the immortall feed of 
 the Word, and the power of his fandifying fpirit, 
 legall fbrrow and remorfe for finne doe therefore 
 breake and bruife the heart, that it may be fbftncd 
 and fitted for the precious oyle o^ the^promifes of 
 grace 5 and his pangs of confcience are a prepara- 
 tive for the infufion of faving faith, and a pafTage 
 thorow fandification and Evangelical! repentance^ 
 into the glorious flare of new obedience, and new- 
 nclTeof iifejfvherein after heeever walks, untill 
 hee happily arrive at his endlefle refl in the new 
 Jerufalcm. 
 
 Before I pafie to the next, let the true Chrifliaji 
 take this Icflbn about this point, 
 
 If it fo fall out, that after hee hath pafled the 
 pangs of the new birth, and bee made partakers of 
 the firfl refiirredion, there come upon him fbme- 
 times new feares and terrours of confcience, let 
 him not therefore prefeptly with needleUe tor- 
 ture 
 
felfe'inrkhing examination. 
 
 ^n 
 
 turesvexhis foule, by Tufpefting the ftuth of his 
 regeneration^ or ftand aindzedandafrouiihed as 
 chough feme (irange thing were come unto him. 
 
 For he muft conceive, and no doubt he finds by. 
 his owne experience, th^t after a man hath utterly 
 renounced Satan and his fervice, and given his 
 name unto Chrift, he rauft upon necellity with pa- 
 tience (ubmit to variety of vexations^, as the com- 
 mon lot of all the Saints of God • he muft relblve 
 upon the truth and triall of that well knowne and 
 praftifed principle in the arc of falv'ation, and 
 fchooleof Chrift^ T/jr^;^^/>;//^<^ afftiCfmis rree mufl 
 enUrifHotheKwgdome ofGocL There is, God bee 
 thanked, fhed into the heart of true Chriftians, 
 together with faving gracesjthat fbveraigne power 
 ftill held in heart, by a lively feeling of Godsfa- 
 vour, which fwallowes up all their (brrowes, and 
 refrefheth their fbules mih]oyH»fpeakableand glori- 
 Qvs , and that fbmetimes amid their greateft di» 
 ftrefles. Yet fo it is, fb fiercely doe Satans fury, arid 
 the malice of prophannelTe hold them totugge it, 
 thatthey have fcarce a breathing while from cxei- 
 cifeinfbme trouble, orwreftling with fometemp* 
 tation. They are commonly continually in chafe, 
 and hunted even Ith^ a V-rtrUge in ihe mamtaims 5 
 cither bv Wolves m ihe evening. hloxxd'j perfecutours -^ 
 or cruel] and currifh dogges, prophane fcorners. 
 Either by fuchas fit in the gate, or Drunkards that^ 
 raile in the ftreets. Either byprofefled enemies, 
 or falle brethren. Either by fightings without,, or 
 terrours within, ontwardcrofles, or inward temp-^ 
 tation. If they tafte butTeldome of fpirituall af- 
 
 fiiftions 
 
 Afl.i4a2. 
 
vt 
 
 The Saints 
 
 tlictiuus ui w^yiiUience, the> otcen drinke the 
 deeper of worldly croffe?. If they efcape ihofe 
 outward calamities which others fcele, they 
 feele thofe inward gripings which others ef- 
 cape : So truly a continuall warfare is the Chri- 
 ftianslifc. Now fith itisfo, lecnochildecf God 
 thirke it a flrange thing, or therefore unfeafona- 
 I bly afflid his (bule with a cauflefle fufpition of the ' 
 truth of his regeneration, becaufc he is fometimes 
 revifitcd with fpeciall horrour of confciencc for 
 finne, or "have the feare of his former tranfgrfffi- 
 ons renued, and charged upon him afrefh : For it is 
 neceiTary many times that Chriftians, elpeciallyif 
 they profper outwardly, and flourifli in the wor'd, 
 be humbled and kept in awe by inward temptati- 
 ons, and fpirituall feares. 
 
 Thus the deareft and befl: children that ever 
 God h. d, ever have bcene dealt with, and that 
 lon^ aftc r their new birth. 
 
 Ezechkf) upon his death bed complaines, that the 
 L0rd brok^ all his boms like a Lion Even as the weake 
 and trembling limbs of fbme lefler and inferiour 
 bead are rentand crulht by the unrefiflable paw of 
 an angry and unconquerable Lion, (o was the 
 poorc (bule broken and bruifcd withterrours and 
 angry countenance of the Almighty. He could not 
 fpeaiceforthebitterBefJeofgricfe, and anguiChof 
 heart ^ but chattered lik^ a Crane or a Srcalloxip^ md 
 mourned like a Dove » 
 
 lob (aith of himfelfe, that the Lord had fit hmup as 
 4tpjark^ tofjoot aty and had discharge dupo^ himeJ^^oj^ 
 fofted arrftres, the vemmevphereofdrank^ up hisfpmt, 
 
 David 
 
Jclje-inricbing examination. 
 
 David begins th us, Pfal. i^oOut of the deepeplaces 
 hofve I called H»iothe^OLor^. He cries ojc as though 
 feme gaping of the earth, orgulfe of the Sea had 
 fwallowed him upquicke, (for fo the word figni- 
 fies in the originall) where there were no fcaping 
 but by a miracle. So cries he, and cals out of the 
 depths of unexpreflabie ferrow unto his God, in 
 the higheft Heavens, that hee would lend him his 
 merciful] hand, to pull him up out of the mouth 
 of Hell, left he utterly and irrecoverably finke in- 
 to the pit of deftrudbion. 
 
 This rcvifitation with terrours of confcience in 
 the Chriftian^ is commonly in thefe cafes : 
 
 I. If the pangs of a mans confcience in his new 
 birth, be not in fbme good proportion anfwerable 
 to the hainoufhefTc of his former tranfgreflions and 
 rebellions 5 If he hath bin an extraordinary finner^ 
 and but an ordinary forrower for finne • If he hath 
 becne very hot in Satans fervice before his calling, 
 and not very zealous for Gods glory after it 5 If he 
 marched furiouflyin thepurfuic of earthly plea- 
 fures in the dayes of his vanity, and creeps but on- 
 ward ilowly in the wayes of godlinefTe after his 
 Gonverfion, why then God out of his juftice and 
 wifdome, upon occafion, may charge upon him 
 greater terrours than at fir ft, and doubled horrour 
 to that he fuftained before, that thereby hee may 
 be througly humbled, that, as it were, by this fe- 
 cond travel!, Chrift may more perfedily k formzd 
 in him, that his heart may bee for ever after more 
 ftronglypofTelTed with loathing and deteftationof 
 his former hateful! life^ and the abominations of 
 
 his 
 
 VI 
 
3'+ 
 
 Job ij.i^. 
 
 The Saints 
 
 thisunrtgcneracion^ and that his zeale may now 
 be as hot in the caufes of God , as formerly his 
 fury was headlong in the ferv ices ot Satan. 
 
 2. Sexrondly, If the Chriftian by the violence 
 of temptation, iind the powerfull infmuations of 
 hisowneflefh, be entangled againe, and re-infe- 
 fted with fbme former fenfuall pleafurc of hisun- 
 regener.-tion ^ orby reafbnof thcremidionof his 
 care, and watchfulneife over his way es, be (udden- 
 ly fiirprized with fome new notorious finne ; then 
 may God juftly, befidcs the particular fting of the 
 prejfent, yjrite even many xnoQ bitter thiugs agawfl 
 htm, and mah^ him poffejfi the imquities of his youth. So 
 that thoft (innes, which in the daycs of his inward 
 peace he looked in the face without feare, refume 
 their former ugly vifages , and fright him with 
 ftrange amazements, and new perplexities. And 
 to this end dorh God fodeale with his deareft chil- 
 dren, that hee may more and more weane them 
 from the world , weaken in them the power of 
 finne and winne them nearer and nearer unto him- 
 {elfej'and thep'eadiresof HeavcH. David, a man 
 uncomparably exercited, and excellent in (piritu- 
 all experiments, and all thefacred pafTages of the 
 great m> fiery of godlinefle, was full well acquain- 
 ted with this point ofrevifitation with terrours of 
 confcience, as appeareth, Pp/. 5 1 . & 2 5. & 5 8. & 
 ^o.'verfii* Hee having committed that hi^h of- 
 fence, and fallen into the grievous finne of adul 
 tfry^ at the (c^mnd and fealbnable reproofeof N<«- 
 than, was ftrucke by the hand of God with fpeciall 
 remorfe and terrour : Whereupon, befides the 
 
 particular 
 
felfe-inriching examination. 
 
 particular ftingand horrour of thac finne,, whole , 
 armies of his former trAnigreiTions, all the finnes | 
 of his youth, even to his cradiej nay, his original! i 
 corruption, at his conception before he was borne, i 
 ranke themfelves againfl: him with great rage and \ 
 fary, and with as infolent cruelty, as if they hid 
 neverbeene pardoned, k is in this cafe wirh the ' 
 Chriftian^ relapfcd into fomeoJd, or overtaken 
 withibmenew finne, as vvithaBankroutarrefted 
 for debt, and throvvne into priibn, for if once, 
 one man hath hold on him by the backe, then 
 prefendy all the reft of his Creditors come thieke 
 and threefold upon him . How watchful! then 
 (houldeverychildeof Godbe over l^is way es, left 
 byhisfall, befides offence unto otliers, and the 
 highdifhonourof Godj he. bring upon hisowne 
 backeaffefh the weight, the Rings and ^uikineffc 
 of all his former rebeliionSjthe (innes of his youth, 
 the pollutions of his conception,, nay, the vt:ry 
 tranfgre (lions of his parents. 
 
 3 . Upon fbme fudden vifif ation with fbme grie- 
 vous finnes, or at the firft falling upon the bed of' 
 death, the Chriftian may have the weight of his 
 (innes lie more heavily upon him, and appeare 
 more griefly to the eye of his confcience than they 
 were wont. For there is a kinde of narurall power j 
 in (icknefTc, forrov/, darknelie, meJancholyj the 1 
 night, extraordinary crolTeSj the bed of death, to >, 
 reprefent the true number and hainoufne(re of our I 
 finnes, with greater horrour, and more unto the 
 life ^whereas profperity, ea(efulnel!e, dayes of 
 peace,doe rather delude the eye of the conlcience, 
 
 and 
 
 15 
 
 SceP/:!/. l?- 
 ! & 5 1. See the 
 Iscoryof J^/. ^■ 
 in mybockefor 
 afflided confck 
 
The Saints 
 
 and like talle and flattering glalTes , make thole 
 foule fiends fceme fairer than they are indeed. 
 Wherefore theChriftian outwardly diRreffed, or 
 extraordinarily vilited by Gods hand, feeing his 
 finncs upon the fudden marfhalled and marching 
 againft him, moe in number, more fierce, and with 
 more fury than heretofore, may for the while be 
 fiirprized and exercifed with unexpefted terrour, 
 until! by meditation upon Gods former fpeciall 
 mercy unto him in fpirituall things, upon the 
 marks and efFeds of his converfion, upon the truth 
 and fincerity of his heart toward God, in the daycs 
 of his health ^ upon thofe eftimations and aflTu- 
 rances which his Chriftian friend can give him of 
 being in the ftate of grace^and fuch like holy helps, 
 hee bee railed againe from the dejeftions oSf fpirit, 
 and recovered to his former comfort^ and aflurance 
 of his intercft in Chrift, and falvation of his fbule. 
 Thus God dealeth (bmetimes with his deareft chil- 
 dren, that the horrourof their finnesmiy become 
 more hateful! to their afflided conlcicnces, and the 
 dearnefTe of Gods mercy more taflfull to their di- 
 ftrefled hearts. Vavii, Pp/. 3 8. being put in minde 
 by his ficknefTe, of Gods wrath againft finne, was 
 fall forely afflided in (bule, fo that hee cries out 
 in a rufull manner ^ ihn is mthmg found m my fiefl) 
 hecjufcof thimaKger -^ neitherHs there reft i» my bones 
 hecauje of myfinne. For mine tniquiites are gone aver my 
 heaij mdas ^weighty burden they are too heavy forme* 
 lambowed^mdcrooh^d'veryfore : Igoe mourning allth 
 day. For my reines are full of burnings and there u no- 
 thing found in f^yfleflj, I amweak»ed and fore broken. 
 
jelfe'inncbing examination. 
 
 I nare fof the 'very gmfe of mi/,e heart* 
 
 4. Fourthly, the true Chriftian may bere-yifi- 
 ted wicKextraordinarytJiTOurofconfcience : For 
 hisowne rrialij that it may appeare even nnto God 
 himlelfe to the lingular gljritying ofhis g^odn^fTe^ 
 Tl al though he ki}l htm^ yet vptll he trufl i/^ him, as hb 
 ipcaks. For this end, as it may feemc Ub was fee as a 
 marke for thearrowes of the Almighcy, and for 
 the terroursof God to fight againft. Or it maybe 
 for the terrour of others, that the world may take 
 thorow and timely notice, and the rebellious 
 wretch tremble and be confounde < at the con fede- 
 ration o^ that terrible place in P^/<?^ 1 Ep/fi.chap.^. 
 1 7, » 8 If] uigement heginne At the honfe of God^ what j 
 fljol-beiheendofthemvphich obey mt the GofpeUo Godl 
 If the righteous [ca/cely bet javed^ if Gods children 
 have their confeiences fcorched, as it were with 
 the flam-es of Hell. Tfhere fhdl theungodly audfinner 
 appeare. ^hur even in the bott me ofrhat fierv Lake, 
 and amid the unquenchable rage of tho(e endlefle 
 flames. Or (bmerimes for the juft hardning of 
 others ; as when a godly man hath lived Jong 
 amongrt rebels,, thornes and Scorpions^ as it is faid 
 EzechkldidyCk^p.2.6. Imf^ane, amid a mughty and 
 €reoh^d genzru^ion, of prophane llorners, profeft 
 enemies, plaufible tyrant^ and open railers a^ainfl: 
 his gracious courses .' W ho although hee fhine a- 
 mongft them a^ a light, yet they are fbfarre from 
 being thereby inlightned, informed or bettered 
 by fuch example, that like (b ma^y hatefull Bats 
 an.-f Owles, imnatieat of allfpirituall light, they 
 either flie from it as farreas they can^ both in afFe- 
 
 dion 
 
 ?'7 
 
5^8 
 
 "^fhe Saints 
 
 dtion biii..i pradtile or ellefHluponit fiercely with 
 their envenomed clavves of fpight and n-ialice^quite 
 topiiroutfuihhol) light, and to dai ken the place 
 where they Jive. Thc-y interi ret his lincerity to 
 be hy pocrihej his holinefTc to be hi.rrour his for- 
 wardntflephanradicalncdej his fandification fin- 
 gularity, and indeed refoive ard combine aga'nft 
 him with the ungodi ones, Wrjd. 2. 12. Letmde-' 
 fraud the rrgbieeus.jor he is rot for our profit^ andU con^- 
 trary to eur doings ^ hecLecl{€thffsforoffefiding dgaif^ft 
 thelarv, and hlameih us as tranjgrejjours ofdijciplhe^ 
 £<c. I fav God mayfutfer lueh a man upon his 
 death-bed to fall into fome more extraordinary 
 andmaikabledifcomfort of conCience, of which 
 thrfe gracelefTe wretches among whom he lives, 
 taking notice, are thereby defperately obfVinated, 
 and hardned in their lewd and carnall courfes. For 
 they v/anting the fpirit ofdifcerningj and feeing 
 Gods hand upon him in that fearefull manner doe 
 then moft peremprorily conclude, as thokmfe- 
 rable comforters upon lob:, that before times he was 
 certainly an hypocrite, and rherupon they become 
 twice more deadly advcilaries to fincerity than 
 were before, they are luielier barred, and (Iron g- 
 lier locked in their ftate of good-fellowfhip a' d 
 formality ;, they merriiy blefle themfelves in their 
 hearts rayinguntorheircompanions^thcfearethe 
 tnen which make fu. h fhew ol forwardneCej thefe 
 are the feliowrs which arelb Scrupulous and pre- 
 cife • you may fee now the defperate er d of ilich 
 hypocriticall Puritans. Thus the glory of Gods 
 jufticeisjuftly magnified, by making themflarke 
 
 blinde. 
 
felfe4tmching examination. 
 
 '- f: 
 
 blindCj who wilfully (hut their eyes agairift the 
 light of grace/ by giving them over to a reprobate 
 fenfCj who would not lufFer their crooked waves, 
 to be reproved and re(fiified by the good example 
 of a godly Chriftian. Thofe prophane wretches by 
 Gods juft judgment are for ever confirmed intheir 
 obftinacie and rebellions, and vvalke on with con- 
 fidence inaperpetuall pre judice againft the power 
 of ianftification, towards the pit of horrour and 
 endlefle defolation. That blefled Saint of God by 
 thofe terroursand aiflidionsof confciencc^ beCdes 
 glorifying God in hardning others, is more tho« 
 rowly fitted and refined for that glory which is to 
 bee revealed. 
 
 5. Fifthly, the Chriftian maybetheoftnerex- 
 ercifed with feares of heart, and agonies of fbule 
 forfinne. 
 
 1. That thereby he may grow into greater con- 
 formity with Chrift in fpirituall (ufferings. 
 
 2. That rafting (bmetime of the bitternefleof 
 the wrath to come, he may feare it the more, and 
 flie the further from it. 
 
 ?. That thereby the incomprehenfible love of 
 Chrift Jefus unto his foule, may finke deeplier into 
 his heart, who for its fake and falvation, dranke 
 dcepe and largejand the very dregs of that cup, the 
 leaft drop wherof is to him fo,bitter,deadly,and in- 
 tollerable. 4. That by fore-times fcnfe of the con- 
 trary,his joy in the favour & light of Gods counte- 
 nance may be more joyfull,his fpirituall peace more 
 pleafant, the pleafure of grace more precious, the 
 comforts of godlines morecomfortable,&c.Or for 
 
 Z fbme 
 
 519 
 
gzo 
 
 The Saints 
 
 fome other fecret and invifible end, known onely 
 \ to the all-feeing eye^ and managed by the glorious 
 providence of rhe moft wife God. Amongft other 
 ends whyMafter/l.G/<?^^r was Jeft a little before 
 his end, of the feeling of Gods favour, biic ftrange- 
 ly revived and recomforted with excefTe of joy, 
 when hee was going to the ftake^ was, thathee 
 might paffe thorow the flames with lefle fence of 
 bodily paine, his (bule being frefhly filled with 
 fpiriiuall plcafiire. Out of this point may fpringa 
 refblution of that doubtjand an anfwer to that ob- 
 jeftion which is fomctimes made by (bme good 
 Chriftians. It is this 5 how {hallthatChriftian/a- 
 tisfie, aflbre, and (ecure himfelfe of the truth and 
 fbundnelle of his converfion, who having becne 
 formerlv a very horrible and abominable finner. 
 yet palTeth thorow the pangs of his new birth with 
 farre more eafc^ and lefle terrour, than fbme which 
 have not beene halfe (b rebelliotis ^ neitheris neare 
 (b zealous in the wayesof goJlinelTe, as many who 
 have beene farre lefle finners in the day of their va- 
 nity > fb that remorfe'for linne, and horrour of 
 confcience, inhisconverflon, was not (b propor- 
 tionable to rhe rebellions of his. youth, and hai- 
 noiifhelle of his former life 5 nor his prefent 
 zeale for Gods glory, anfwerable to his formf tfu- 
 rie in the purfuit of finfuU pleafures -^ what may 
 be thought of iuch a man ? or what is he* to thinke 
 ofhirafelfe. 
 
 I anfvs?er, it may be moe and more fearefull ter- 
 rours arebehinde, and owing him for afterward. 
 The Lord may cake occafion upon his relapfe into 
 
 fbme 
 
felfe^innching examination. | 221 
 
 fome oldjor fall into Ibmc new finjor in the time of 
 f >me outward affliftion, to renew and charge up- 
 on him afrefh all his feares, and ipirituall diftrafti- 
 ons of minde^ all his horrours and anguiflses of 
 heart for finne, upon a review or his dayesof va- 
 nity and former lewdnefle^ and that with deeper 
 bitingSj and more ghaftly horrour than at the 
 firft 5 that thereby his humbledneffe under Gods 
 mighty hand, may bee perfeded, the defeds and 
 imperfedions of his former forrowes for firine 
 fupplied, the great workeof mortification happi- 
 ly furthered '^ adeteftation of his old rebellions in- 1 
 creafed, (pirituall hunger after more holinefle re- 
 doubled, and his zeale in good caufes, and for 
 the glory of God, thorowly heated, and more 
 enflamed. 
 
 That relapfe or fals into finne doeoccafionally 
 breed gnd bring upon the Chriftian new horrour 
 for.oldfinnes appearesby David, pfaL^i. and or- 
 dinary experience of Gods children. It is the pro- 
 perty of the childe of God, when hisconfcience 
 is notoriouflv ftung with any one finne, to make 
 a further and moreJFull fearch and enquiry into the 
 whole f>ate of his confcience ^ and to afFed his 
 heart with a fenfibleapprehenfionof the finnes of 
 this whole life, and of the finfulnefle of his na- 
 ture : To which if the Lord adde his angry Coun- 
 tenance and jufV indignation, it is able to throw 
 him into a new hell of confcience, for thofe finnes 
 which he hath formerly in feme gcod meafure fbr- 
 rowedfor, and rep< nred of, when upon occafion 
 of fbme markable tranfgreffion, he looks himfelff 
 
 Z2 in 
 
l*i_l 
 
 Y 
 
 ^ 
 
 The Saints 
 
 \ 
 
 intheChryftal! glafleof theLaw of God, for the 
 difcrying and wafhing away of that particular 
 ftaines and (pots, it dilcovers alfb againe unto him 
 the foulnefle and deformities of all his formerabo- 
 minable rebellions. 
 
 And fbme great outward crofle and trouble may 
 alfo bee an occafion that the weight of his finnes 
 may prelTe him more heavily and fenfibly, than 
 when they firft bruifed and broke his heart. For it 
 is the property -and praftife of the Chriftianjwhen 
 lie is deepeft in worldly diftrefles, and vexed moft 1 
 with the miferies of this life, then moft curioufly 
 and impartially to looke into, fearch, and try the 
 truth of his (pirituall evidences, and foundnefle of 
 his tide to the Kin^dome of Heaveiij that yet 
 there at leaft and laft hee may bee (ure of reft and 
 peace, and cndleffe happinefle, which Satan obfer- 
 ving and taking the advantage and opportunity of 
 his dejection of minde^ and heavie-heartediiefle, 
 for his prelTures in the world doth labour might 
 and maine to wrong his title, and weaken his hope 
 of Heaven, by a malitious reprcfentation of the 
 abominations of his youth to the eye of his con- 
 (cience^ which though both fbrfaken and forgiven, 
 yet perhaps are not loathed with that meafiire of 
 deteftation, whirh fuch ugly monfters and foule 
 fiends deferve. And therefore for his greater humi- 
 liation Godm^y faff er Satan to fi ft m ^rethorow- 
 ly, and to ranfacke his confcience more deeply^ 
 that pa^ng againe thorowche flames of (pirituall 
 inward affliction, he may be the better purged and 
 purified from earthly drofle^ and encroaching cor- 
 '-_ corruptions 
 
felfe4nriching examination. 
 
 ruptions ^ and more refined and fitted for Gods 
 glorious fervice here, and the glory of Heaven 
 hereafter. 
 
 2. Or it may be fiicha man for Ibme divine fe- 
 cret, invifible purpofe, may bee as it were repri - 
 ved and re (pi ted unto his deaths-bed, from any 
 more fpecial! and markable remorfe and tcrrour 
 for his finnes ^ but then he may be paid home with 
 pangs of confcience, and a fierce frefii aflault of all 
 his fins muftered 8c mar (hailed together with fuch 
 new (tingings and afi:oni(hmentS5which will breed 
 in him feares and doubts, about the truth of his 
 former converfion , and in refped of which all 
 Oirituall (ufferings for finne before, were but le(^ 
 (er frightings and flea-bitings ; They may for a 
 fea(bn (bOrangely blunder and confound in him 
 all his former com forts of holine(re3 fincerity, and 
 a good con(cience ^ his faith, in Chrifi:, hope of 
 Heaven, and adurance of Gods favour, that hee 
 feeles him(elfe already almoft in Hell, he doubt 
 much of his ekdion. He fu(pefts his converfion to 
 have beene counterfeit , his former life ro have 
 beene hypocrifie, his company with Chriftians 
 to have beene for bv-re(peds :, (b that he is uncom- 
 parabiy more afflided in con(cience, then at firft 
 when he W3scalled, and lies in unexprelTable Ago- 
 nies, untill that God^ whofe propertie is to (hew 
 his mercies then greateft, when they are nearefi: to 
 bedefpairedof, doth in the depth ofdifcomrorc 
 and darkne(re (bine glorioufly upon his heart 
 againe with the light of his favourable counte- 
 nance, and everlafting compafiion : And then 
 
 Z -? when 
 
 ?i? 
 
?H 
 
 l^he Saints 
 
 vvijcii tilt; iioraic ib once ovtr-biowne, and the 
 clouds dilppried. he fees clearly that he was there- 
 fore caft intothi^ furnace of fpiriraall.affiiftions, 
 that the reliques of his hateful! corruptions might 
 bee thorowly wrought out of him . that hee might 
 finally difmifTe his finnes .which hang (b h{\ on, 
 with more fpeciall indignation and hatred, his de- 
 parting (bule might clafpe about Chrifts precious 
 wounds J with a fvveer and ftrong embracement_, 
 and become more (enfible and taftef uil of tho(e 
 endlefle joyes, upon which it is happily entring. 
 
 3. Or if (uch a one be (brry, and iincerelv grie- 
 ved that heels not more fbrrowfull for his finnes, 
 and more zealous in holy (er vices, whv may not his 
 (brro w that he is no more IbrrowfuJl, and his zeale 
 after more zeafe,be a xepted, lerve the turne, and 
 latisfie that divine mercih:ill goodnefle, which is 
 wont ever to interpret, and take holy defires -tor 
 the things done, goodly affed: ions for the anions 
 themfelves, longings for grace, to bee very grace 
 longed for, i^ they be fincere, fandrified, and un- 
 dilTembled ? But this I now tell you is a pearle 
 which doth ferveonely to comfort and uphold the 
 fainting hearts of Gods children, in fbmeextraor^ 
 dinary cafs, and extremity of temptations. Let 
 no flranp.er take it up, let nofwine trampleupon 
 it, thele have no part in ir,they know not the price 
 and precioufnelTe of it. Hee doth not loath finful- 
 neffe with (b great deteftation as Pauldid, nor fol- 
 low holinelTe with that ferventy of fpir it as did £)<^- 
 ^U : What then > doth he hate evill truly, though 
 not fo vehemently ? Doth he fer ve God faithfully, 
 though 
 
jelfe-inricbing examinatton^ 
 
 though not fb fervently } why then u-ndoubted- j 
 Iv hee hath faving grace in the fame nature and ! 
 kinde that thefe holy men had, tliough not in the I 
 fame degree and mcafure. 
 
 To conclude the rciblution of this cafe of con- 
 fcience • I would advife a man in fuch a cafe , to la- 
 bour ferioufly with his owne heart, to bring it to 
 that depth of fbrrow^ which may in fbme fort bee 
 proportionable to the height of his former fins^ 
 and to afFed his confcience with that meaiure 
 of remor(e , which may in fbme degree anfwer 
 the out-rage of his former rebellions ; And the 
 more earneflly and eifeftually, becaufe a man is 
 very apt to flatter and deceive his owne heart with 
 thofe hollow, halfe, and infufiicient conve' fions, 
 of which I have forewarned you. And Satan is 
 ever ready, as you heard before^ to rranfportus by 
 his traines and temptations, out of the pangs of, 
 confcience into outward mirth, counterfeit peace | 
 of confcience, or an unfbund change. Lethimalfb 
 continually ^kive with prayer and watchfalnefle 
 asainft the dulnelTe of his zeale, and dead nedecP 
 his heart, and be fare to mike his eleftion fure, and 
 conver(ionf<')und, by diily growth and increafe 
 jn an holy fervency and forwardnefTe, for the en- 
 larging of Gods elory, Chrifts Kingdome and the 
 true com orrs of his owne foule : In a word, let 
 Kimvpo k' out his fahaii >nmthf'a>'e andtremhling. 
 
 Thu>>farreof ihediff rence betwixt the formal] 
 Profcffour and true Chriftianin the point of le- 
 gal I repentance, of which and knowledge, two 
 necefiary fore-runners and preparatives to the 
 
 grearc 
 
 3^5 
 
3^P 
 
 T^he Saints 
 
 great worke of regenerationjan unregenerate man 
 may be wholly polTcfl: and partaker ^ but (b in that 
 fenfe, and with that diiference as I have formerly 
 (aid. 
 
 Now as concerning the three efTentiall parts of 
 regener ation, to wir, laving faithjfpeciall fenctifi- 
 cationja nd Evangelicall repentance 5 they are 
 three fpeciall jewels peculiar to the Eleft, and 
 worne onely by Gods children. Onely the formal! 
 Profeflbur, by the power of temporary faith, 
 may marke a faire flourifli, and formall (hew of 
 them ^ he may put on (bme (hadowes and rcfem- 
 blances, (bme (matterings and outward glimme- 
 rings, of the(e faving and (bveraigne pearles, as 
 appeares in my former di(cour(e. But to their in- 
 ward power and vertue , to their Heaven-borne 
 beauty, invifible and invaluable fairnelTej the be(t 
 unregenerate man is a meere(tranger. For full di- 
 ftindion aud cleare difference in (b high 8c weigh- 
 ty a point, looke 5 
 
 1 . Firftjas concerning faithjthe marks differen- 
 cing faving falthjfromall other kinds^whetherfaKe 
 or infiifEcient, &c. and the three (peciall notes of 
 difference betwixt (aving temporary faith, and in 
 my former booke. 
 
 2. Secondlyj as concerning fpeciall fanfti(icati- 
 on. fee before in my former booke. 
 
 3. As concerning Evangelicall repentance, fee 
 the marks of it , which ( by the grace of God) 
 (hall follow in a large Treati(e of repentance af- 
 terward. 
 
 In the(e places named you may (ee clearly (God 
 
 willing) 
 
felfeAnrkbing examination. 
 
 ' _L J ..--- ■ ^i^- .. ' ' 1 
 
 willing) the difference in thelc three points, be- 
 twixt the formall Profeflbur and true Chriftian^ 
 temporary faith, and that which is (bund and 
 faving. 
 
 4. Nowlaftly, as touching outsvard reformati- 
 on, and thofe degrees of it formerly laid dov/ne, I 
 yeeld and grant they may proceed from a tempo- 
 rary faith, and befall the formall Profeflbur. But 
 whatisa man better^ though he be outwardly clo- 
 thed with Chriftianity, and to the eyes of men 
 put on the glory of an Angell, if he be inwardly 
 lined with luftfull corruptions, and retaines flill 
 a devillilh difpofition in his inward parts. 
 
 That outward reformation, though never ^o 
 exiifiand out-fide Chriftianity, though never /b 
 gliftering, will not ferve the turne or fuffice to fal- 
 vation. 
 
 Thusfarre of that weighty and important point 
 concerning the differences be twixt the powers and 
 perfeftions of tempoi ary faith, incident to repro- 
 bates^ and attainable in the (late of unregenerati- I 
 on, and thofe faving impreffions, and holy infpi- ! 
 rations of (anftifying faith, that fjuntaineof life, j 
 and Jewell of Heaven, which purs us into pre- j 
 fent poflefliOH e>f the Kingdomeof ^race, and by' 
 found evidences of the promifes of falvarion, fea-j 
 \^& with the precious bloud of Chrift lefus, enti- j 
 \\q^ us to everlading joycs in another world. S 
 
 Xhis may fuffice for the triall of our /aith, be-il 
 fore the receiving of the Sacrament. jl 
 
 As for the trial! of the reft of the graces former- 
 ly mentioned, pr7g.24.as necellarily required to a [ 
 ^ _ . right! 
 
 v-n 
 
 Sec nv/ three 
 Reafons In the 
 Difccuifc of 
 1 lUcHappi- 
 
5x8 ^bc Saims 
 
 righc aad omforcablc receiving, viz,, Repeatance, 
 ne v/ Ooediea:e,Lo/e,8incericy,anci a lo.iging de- 
 firc after that heivenly food : The Aathour being 
 iprevented by ficknefT: and death, was hindered in 
 his profecution and trials of them according to his 
 intention. For helpe to Chriftians in the exami- 
 na.ioiiof thefe, they are to u(e the helpe of other 
 worthy Divines in this fubje*^. That which 
 hath beene written, I commend to 
 Godsbleding, and the good 
 of his Church, 
 
 ^~"T ^ . ' i.t " 
 
 -liilOj Jiiu- 
 
 Fi:Niis. 
 
 *«ri 
 
A BRIEFE TABLE 
 
 of the chiefe heads contained in this 
 
 Treatife of the Saints fc^e-enrlclmgi 8cc. 
 
 A 
 
 Dopiton, pag.36. 
 
 iffli&ioftt fling drftah 
 
 ihemch^d. 185. 
 
 Xhey arethe godtkspartien, 311. 
 
 \kdzm flood and fellpr/ff. 5 f . 
 
 IVhat hsew^ mfunwmcy ibid. 
 
 Bm the godly are z^ed^cdafiet 
 
 fds, 2013215. 
 
 AlmcSy on i^^r^wg pounds and 
 Gb]eBs* 151. 
 
 A'f^ves^ commanded ^ comtmnd^d^ 
 qifdified. 1 57. 
 
 Momkjfc men ma) give Almes. 
 
 158. 
 
 Apoftaies cnd.^ -worjx: iha» thdr bs • 
 gimk£ a^^ 
 
 Avalegie betj»ee»e common and 
 Sueramentall Bre^d and Wine, 
 
 ! "B 
 
 BAfe ends of knowledge. 46. 
 Benefits rfiorthy ofrecemng. 
 
 Bf rhrift. 3 5*7?« 
 
 ^ paths in faith. 9 &. 
 
 B'efings temporally hup 4nd why 
 to be loved, 141. 
 
 'Bddneffeintht vpJched^ vi>lienceit 
 «"' 191. 
 
 Bribery 237., 
 
 CAmi$lI mtnpreferre worldly 
 cofftforPsJfefm'efpiritmll^ 
 
The Table. 
 
 am heavenly, 1^9. 
 
 Caupj of^admjjk ■' the goil). \ 89. 
 changes nn javwg and foHftd, 
 
 74,282. 
 
 Thdttfjavwg, 2S5. 
 
 Chrifl^ what he //. 35. 
 
 why man. 33. 
 
 /^/^j' God. 34, 
 
 Combat e in unregencrate , jy/^^*.'-. 
 
 i.i ' 163. 
 
 In the regenerate. 165. 
 Coldmffe in Vrajerythreefold. 1 74, 
 
 Cof^i^ hetvpeene theflejh (tndfpi- 
 rit^afigneoffaith, 162. 
 
 Conditio^ of carnall men vohen 
 their hopes faile^ 184. 
 
 Conftderations tovteane us from 
 ihevfiorld 161. 
 
 Courage in Gods children, 215. 
 
 Converjion^vfibat. 1 9. 
 
 Hor»knovpne. 283. 
 
 Conftancy^afigneofit^ 293. 
 
 Jnconji4nt Converts^ of two forts. 
 
 l/^ *•'• '■'••^< -292,296. 
 
 ' Covttoufnefe. 261. 
 
 Credulity. 96. 
 
 Cr^eZ/y of Land-lords taxed, i $6. 
 Ct^eme^ nopleaforfinne. 1^6'^ 
 
 250. 
 
 Cufiomet cf the Vrimitpve chrch 
 
 in receiving the Ssrrament* $ . 
 
 D 
 
 DAngir'of ^nmorthy recei- 
 ving. '■ ii,t45&c. 
 Daubing condef!ined. 272. 
 Degrees of Jinnr^g. ico,igi, 
 
 102. 
 
 Dejpaire. i o 5 , 1 1 o, 1^1 1 .297. 
 
 Cenjsderations to cure it. 
 
 12,13. 
 
 Difference hettpeene trro Sacra- 
 
 mms, 24525.38,39. 
 
 Differences hetweene fazii/sg and 
 
 temp frary faith, 200.221, 
 
 E 
 
 Elaculations, lyS, 
 
 Endiof the Sacrament, 41. 
 Enclofure cenjured. 1 5 5, 2 3 7jScc. 
 Exawinaiion before receiving, a 
 dutj. 8^Scc, 
 
 Wkititis. \j, 
 
 IVhereinit conjifls, 18. 
 Excuses for fmaring^ anfwered, 
 
 244. 
 Expofition <?f Pfal.2 3.121 ,&c. 
 
 F 
 
 Aitk ^^at. 37- 
 
 luffifyingfaith^what, 58. 
 
The T able. 
 
 H9VPit}iM)indgr^vfies. 59. 
 
 to 6 5. 
 
 How it is k»oi»»e* 1 1 7>^c. 
 HifforicallFiiitlh . 6%, 
 
 Faith of miracles, 66. 
 
 Imasimry faith of three forts, 
 
 66, Sic. 
 Dead Faith. ^9. 
 
 Tep^pQrary Faith defimd, 6^. 
 H{mit differs jromfa'ving^jo. 2 00 
 HoTpfarrc it goes in iUHmifsation, 
 72,73.203. 
 Horf> it differ r from faving Faith 
 
 intUs, 22^5229. 
 
 How far it goes in cotrverfion, 74. 
 Mow it differs from favingi'H this, 
 
 283. 
 Ho^farreimregeneration, 74. 
 Uowfarre in k^ovpkdge, ibid. 
 Jn legall contrition ^ andthefrnitt 
 
 irfit. 74. 
 
 Infaith, 77. 
 
 Infan^ification. 78. 
 
 TnEvangdicall repentance y^. 
 In reformation, BOj&c. 
 
 In ajherf of a hot) life, 86 . 
 
 Faith may he ecclipfed 124. 
 
 How it differs then from otJxr 
 
 Faith, 1 25. 
 
 FalhfAd2im. 30. 
 
 Fals op he Saints, r^h^ mntioued 
 
 90. 
 
 ^h Saints grove bj tU'^, . 2 80. 
 Forfaki.vg th i^rld a figne of 
 
 faUh. , \ 159,. 
 
 Fervency in prayer threefold. 174. 
 Fruits of a true faith. ^67^ 
 
 Fruits of San&ifaation. 134. 
 Fundaimntallpoints of our Chri- 
 
 jiian faith. . 27. 
 
 1 
 
 GOd^whatlkis, 27. 
 
 Grace if^, commumcative. 
 18.24. 
 Goodly men cannotfnm. . 200. 
 Glorification, ^61 
 
 Grovfith^affgne of grace, \ 53." 
 Afigneoffaith. 12 a* 
 
 Afigneof cenverjton. 2 2y^ 
 
 Gron>th ingodlineffe compared to 
 divers things., 2 871. 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 Vmlitya companion of fa- 
 zing knotFledgc. 47; 
 
 IGnorance. 5J»59* 
 
 III' gotten gocds. 262. 
 
 Illumination J har^farre^ yet un- 
 fonnd. 72^23.229. 
 
 ImpHtation of Chrijis righteoufr 
 neffe. 35! 
 
IheTable. 
 
 It^Mitj 98. 
 
 lmercejSio» of rfjf^lfi:,n?haf, 55 . 
 loyintribHlaim, a KUffeaf fafth, 
 ' 183. 
 
 B) ivhat C0»f(deratrm itheaufid 
 l<i0.toi5>9. 
 
 K 
 
 KNowkdge itjmii atii fried, 
 
 what to dee k^^ewhe 'MczMng 
 cod, ibid. 
 
 What this mA^ te4ch us, 28. 
 
 IVhat to tee k^ovpne concerning 
 man, 28j&c. 
 
 what this vporks inns, 32. 
 
 what wee mnji l^i» concerning 
 Chrifi, 33. 
 
 What difpofitions this f{mdedge 
 
 tfiorki* 3 ^' 
 
 what to bee 1\not»ne concerning 
 
 the Sacraments, ibid. 
 
 what this W0rl{siniis. 43. 
 
 Saving k^v^ledge i^ pra&ic4L 
 
 Dejtrous of mere, 4958CC. 
 
 Commumcative :, as the Sunne, 
 
 ItBegdsJovi. 57.SCC. 
 
 It is miverfalL i66» 
 
 Experiment all* 2270 
 
 mm»mmt^l^^ililiSmmi,^Sifti 
 
 LTing, 226- 
 
 Love to Cods children^ hoi» 
 
 qualifiel, 2i. 
 
 Love afi^neoffiitk 13^. 
 
 Love to God^ tkegrmnddMran- 
 
 chesofit. i^S.'kc. 
 
 Lofve to the creatures^ ^f^^(i^ll) to 
 
 the go. U), 143. 1 
 
 Lov^ of a mansfdfe. 1 44% 
 
 Loi)e of friends afiial'idfice. 145. 
 None but Ctheir wives, 145, 146. 
 fan&i^djtheir children* 1 47. 
 men can jtheirjriends. ibid* 
 l<me^ titheir kindred, 150. 
 The ground of true love* 1 49. 
 Lote to our enemies a jmt of faith. 
 
 150. 
 
 M 
 
 \M/insmiferybfmure» 28, 
 
 Meanes of deliverance, 32. 
 
 Martyrs, 197. 
 
 Good meanings not mak^^s good 
 Communicants, 12. 
 
 M earns to beget grace* 2 5 . 
 
 Meants to get fart in Chriji* 3 7. 
 
 Meanes 
 
The Table, 
 
 Mtafs^s of gract 4»i k^mpkdire. 
 
 120. 
 
 Themeinwg of the Sacramntall 
 
 tIk Uedia^wrfliip of chfffi is of 
 threepafts 34. 
 
 The mercies of God difplajed, 
 
 O 
 
 OBf^ihnsagttinftptacUftg^ 
 firiU trnths anfvpend. 
 88. 
 Ob]eWoftsoftk merry Irf: of the 
 vptck^d^ a/ffn>ered. 1 87. 
 
 iilfi of their courage and hold- 
 neffe. 191. 
 
 Tk offices ofchrijf. 34. 
 
 PEace mth onr neighbours^ 
 not sufficient preparation 
 to the Sacrament. 1 3 , 
 
 Poppers of thvforld tocome^ how 
 tafedlythetenfporaries, 73. 
 Places of Script uretfirefiedagainfl 
 Precifenejfe. 24. 
 
 For covet Oft fnejje, 1 54. 
 
 Forproerafiimtion, 266, 
 
 Prnjersofthe nnrtgenentte. 167. 
 
 to 174. 
 
 Private Prayer. iy%ij()' 
 
 Hotviteajethtlekart, 179 180. 
 Prefumpticn. 105 io6« 
 
 BoK> God deaks vithfuch. i c^ - 
 
 icj. 
 
 Preparation of th heart jor faith, 
 
 59 ^c ii7,&c. 
 
 Principles in tk doUrine of mor- 
 
 tijkatloH. 266. 
 
 Pfeudo- martyrs. 191 8cc. 
 
 PmiHcativn of the karta ftgw gf 
 
 faith. 126^200. 
 
 Per fever Off ce 4 companion of it. 
 
 213. 
 Prying of judgements in preach -j 
 
 hg necejfaty. 270.ro 2 80. 
 Pa^ingout of theptsngsGfcBnfci- 
 
 tncefoiitevcayes. 297. 
 
 R 
 
 REconciliation 35. 
 
 Rejoycing cf the Vfiicktd ^ 
 what. ' 188. 
 
 Rehpfcs to ftnne^ and tk effe&s, 
 
 181. 
 Remiponofjtnnes. 35. 
 
 RegemrAiion,mih itsparts, §4. 
 
 75. 
 Repentance E'^angelicall. j<^. 
 It is a figne of faith. 129. 
 
 ReviJ/ta ionty with feares after 
 
 con J 
 
The Table. 
 
 cojffitrpn^ tokn it happew. 
 
 313. 
 
 t0vph4te»d, 319. to 329. 
 
 tiepr«bat€t may have common 
 
 graces^ andwhj* . 9 2,9 3 , 
 
 T 
 
 251. 
 
 SAcramvii ofib Lords Snpftr^ 
 fortfhom 26. 
 
 Sacrammu^ thenHmher^ natnrt^ 
 u^ea»dends^ 38,8cc. 
 
 SanStijicMion. ^^"71- 
 
 Jfit^be thoroppjl if aJigfteoffaiiL 
 132.&204. 
 S4Uffs fuggeftfo»s s andmeiiotfs 
 of our mne hearts differettced, 
 
 206. 
 SAtanscrAjtfpUhmen. 302. 
 Sjmony, 236. 
 
 Spirit iffhndage defcribed, 7 5. 
 Sprit of prayer accompamet faith. 
 
 167. 
 Svaariftg. ' 244. \v{ufy. 
 
 nTHeefes coftverjtott on the 
 
 X Crojfe no ground of pre- 
 
 fumption^ 91. 
 
 tmgs rtquifite to right receiving. 
 
 17* 
 Thughts ntyflbe hokt to, 205. 
 
 trials of coffverjion, 7 o.&c. 
 
 Ofl^kdge. 275 &c. 
 
 4458CC.226. 
 Of faving faith. 1 1 7, &c» 
 
 Of temporary, 2003&:c. 
 
 VNionmthChriJl.what, 35. 
 Vnmercifulnejfetaxed. 1.54^ 
 
 Vmverfall change argnes conver- 
 jion.. 284. 
 
 232. 
 
p 
 
 Faults, in theTreatifeoftheSacrflment, efcaped at the 
 Prcflfej and (brae in the Goppy, 
 
 Age 1 1. line 18. iox fpst'm ficti rctdipMinkufaei. p.8tf.I.i 2 for anverfttm r»coit- 
 Vfrfie7i.]p,\t7Jl. II. Iciyc out ipeiLf I4J.I !5.»Iefcoutp.i J1.I.3X fotinr.it,p.\6f, 
 — l.ii (oTfjfigntex,p^^«vate.p.i77Li6.foTCitaiHec certaine*f\f6.l.$%.lcire9iatby 
 tbcnt. p.ioi 1 16. for ftrmt r. ftrmaU. p 11 6. 1. xf. for by a [awni being i.kya favmg fattb 
 betng.f.xx 9, 1.11 AorpfotittfProfbeur wtra's eftbe Frefbtts, ^tii.l.\6.ior which Cbam- 
 f'wn. x.wljt(b convex tt cbimfiott. ^.iSo.foityrtr.cryes. p. 180. i.^. for Some faidjV.Some^faitL 
 P.X87.I, II. for bath netfftfvfne r. lHtbntrircvpne.f,^9 1 .l>i4. iotfwner r^urtr. p.iyS. 1 3 1« 
 (oTth'fugbT.tbr«t», 
 
 PAgi4<> 1 i2.(or admit bisneigbbMr it r. admit buweighbtur tnaj l^eefeit. p.iSj.Idi* at 
 (»} nt pur in this, m the Up »f the bMfe. p.t^xXio. at Cbriftunity put in this, Theythrvw 
 awiy tbtir md/ont likf (tjvards^ {(c, p.198 . L i o> ac vfgmr put in this, that btini awilffntd ly 
 tbt band of dium jn^ufi &c. 
 
 ^^?^i!;^;^s^^i^'^ii^^?:mm^?^^s?zw^ 
 
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