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BRIEFE 
 
 DIRECTIONS 
 
 UNTO 
 
 A  GODLY  LIFE: 
 
 Wherein  every  Chri- 
 
 ftian  in  furui&ed  with  moft 
 neceffary  helps  for  the  furthering 
 
 of  him  fa  a  godly  courfe  here  upon 
 
 Earth,  that  Co  he  may  attaine  Eter- 
 nal! Happineflein  Heaven. 
 
 Written  by  MT.Paul  Bayne, 
 Minifter  of  Gods  Word,  to 
 
 Mr.  Nicholas  Iordane  his 
 
 Brother.  I 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed  by  A.  G.  for  I.  N.  and  are 
 
 to  be  fold  by  Samuel  Enderby  at  the 
 Starre  in  Popes  head  Alley,  1^37. 
 
i. 
 
 ^w 
 
 To  the 
 
 R  I  G  H  T 
 
 Worfhipfhll,  M'. 
 
 Nicholas   Iordane 
 
 Efquire,  and  one  of  his 
 
 Ma/efties  Iuftices  of  the 
 
 Peace  and  Quorum jin  the 
 
 County  of  Suflix, 
 SIR, 
 
 T  batb  beene 
 an  ancient 
 cuflom  to  re- 
 feree (ome 
 liyely  repre- 
 sentation of  worthy  friends 
 deceafedy  therby  to  continue  i 
 
 A  ?  t be  . 
 
I. 
 
 THE    EPISTLE 
 
 I 
 
 the  remembrance  of  their 
 j  venues,  fsrfons,  and  bye. 
 This  holy  Treatife  enfuings 
 bath  ferVedyou  to  that  pur- 
 pofe^and  that  $ery  fifty ;  for 
 herein  you. have  a  true  re- 
 prefentation  and  remem- 
 brance of  your  mo  ft  worthy 
 and  lowing  Brother,  effect- 
 j  ally  of  the  mo  ft  noble  and 
 worthy  part  of  him,  I  meane 
 of  his  excellent  under  ft and- 
 ingin  the  myfierie  of  godli- 
 nejfe:  his  moft  jealous  and 
 earneft  will  and  defire  of  aU 
 menspratlke  ofgodlineffe  j 
 And  hisfinpere  lo<ve  unto 
 youjnparticularftnto  whom 
 hee  primarily  diretled  thefe 
 
 Directions 
 
DIDICATOR.Y. 
 
 -*» 
 
 Directions  unto  a  godly  life  -f 
 which  as  they  do  lively  ex- 
 preffie  that  he  bad  put  on  the 
 new  manycreatedandrenu- 
 edin  knowledge \  right  eon f- 
 neffe  and  true  holine/Je  :fo 
 is  it  mofi  worthy  of  our  re- 
 feriPAtion.j  both  for  the  re- 
 membrance and  imitation  of 
 him*  Tea,  I  may  confidently 
 affirme,  that  this  faithfu'J 
 remembrancer  is  mo  ft  wor- 
 dy and  fit  alwales  to  h 
 carried  about  us,  and  daily 
 to  be  look  don  by  in:  for  it 
 will  helpe  w  well  to  put  on 
 that  new  m.m,and  to  be  con- 
 formable to  our  Head  lefiu 
 Chrijly  arid  to  walke  before 
 
 A  4  the 
 
^»-v 
 
 ^P"" 
 
 \ 
 
 THE  EPISTLE 
 
 the.  Lord  in  bolinejje  and 
 righteoufneffe  all  the  dates 
 of  our  life.  For  there  u 
 this  difference  between  thoje 
 former  corporall  Images  of 
 earthly  bodies  and  thti,  that 
 men  ypitb  too  much  bye  and 
 ufe  of  them,  eafily  fell  into 
 <  fuperflitious  wickednejfe  9 
 but  thy  the  more  it  it  loyed 
 and  ufed  of  men,  the  more 
 will  aQ  wickednejfe  be  rooted 
 out  of  their  hearts,  and  the 
 more  will  they  glory 'fie  God 
 by  a  holy  life  and  conyerfa- 
 tion.  No'fr  haying  receiyed 
 thii  holy  Treatife  at  your 
 wor flips  hands  topubliflj  it 
 unto  the  WorldJ  am  bold  to 
 
 re- 
 
DIDICATORY. 
 
 returns  it  unto  you  for  fafe- 
 gardt  both  that  the  World  J 
 may  know  unto  whom  it  is 
 obliged  for  Jo  excellent  a  mo? 
 numentf  as  alfo/or  the  great 
 benefit  that  /ball  be  reaped 
 thereby.  So(Sir)  accounting 
 it  a  wife  part  in  him  that 
 cannot  jpeake  wellfofay  but 
 little ;  /  commend  you  and 
 this  Treatife  to  Gods  Grace 
 which  is  able  to  build  us  up 
 farther i  eyen  to  doe  won- 
 droufly  aboye  all  that  wee 
 can  aske  or  tbinke. 
 
 Your  WorfhJps  humbly 
 at  command, 
 
 N.  N. 
 
 Mr  ■- 
 
 As 
 
„ 
 
^£S^ 
 
 Briefe  Directions 
 
 unto  a  godly  Life :  where. 
 in  every  Chriftian  is  furni- 
 
 (hed  with  moft  neceffary  Helpes 
 for  the  furthering  of  bins  in  a 
 
 godly  Courfe  here  upon  earth, 
 
 that  Co  hee  may  atuinc 
 
 eternall  happinefle  in 
 
 Heaven. 
 
 lire  it  is,  that  ic 
 was  not  thus  with 
 man-kinde  in  the 
 beginning  as  now 
 ic  is. 
 
 God  created  man 
 happy,  yet  mutable ;  but  Sacan  by 
 deceit  did  caft  him  from  that  hap- 
 py condition;  whereby  befiiesthe 
 lofic  of  that  felicicy,  he  was  plun- 
 ged into  extreme  nufery3  which 
 confifleth  in  two  things,  . 
 I  "         Fi-rft,  \ 
 
 m»>    ■*»  ■    >Wf 
 
 \ 
 
Britfi  VntBiont 
 
 Firft,  in  finne. 
 
 Secondly,  the  curie  following 
 upon  it. 
 
 Firft,  our  finoe  is  not  onely  that 
 firft  tranlgrcffion  of  -/**/«*;*  wher- 
 by  we  are  all  guilty,  but  alio  that 
 in  fe&ion  of  foulc  and  body  arifing 
 from  the  former.  Hence  it  is  that 
 the  underftanding  is  filled  with 
 blindneffe;  the  conscience  woun- 
 ded, (eared,  and  defiled j  the  ra- 
 mory  forgetting  good  things  or 
 not  remembring  any  thing  aright. 
 
 The  will  eaptive,  of  no  ftrength 
 to  good,  but  onely  to  evill  •  the 
 affs&iocs  all  together  disordered. 
 
 The  cogitations  about  heavenly 
 matters,  are  errour,  falsehood,  and 
 lies. 
 
 The  wifhes  and  defires  of  the 
 heart  arc  earthly,  and  fleihly.  The 
 outward  behavioui  is  nothing  clfc 
 but  a  giving  op  of  the  members  of 
 the  6ody  asinftrumentsof  finne. 
 
 The  curfe  maketh  him  fubfcft 
 in  this  life  for  his  ufc  of  the  crea- 
 tures tocftarths,famine,8tc.For  his 
 
 body, 
 
unto  a  godly  life. 
 
 body , to  ficknefleand  other  paines. 
 
 la  his  feafe  for  his  friends  to 
 the  like  calamities;  inhisfouleto 
 vile  affc&ions,  to  blindnefle,  hard- 
 nefle  of  heart,  defperation,  mad- 
 nefle,  &c.  In  both  body  and  foule 
 toendlefle,  and  eafeleffe  torture  in 
 the  world  to  come.  Yet  fomc  may 
 objeft  thar, 
 
 All  are  not  in  this  cafe  or  eftate. 
 To  which  I  anfwer : 
 
 Ail  are  fubkft  by  nature  to  the 
 fame  wrath  or  God;  they  which 
 fecle  it  not,  thek  cafe  is  no  better, 
 but  rather  worfe  than  the  other. 
 
 Thconely  Efficient  remedy  for 
 the  laving  of  man,  is  to  fithfie 
 Gods  juftice^  which  by  finne  is 
 violated  His  juftice  is  (aclsfied  by 
 filtering  the  punifhiient  due  to 
 Gnne,  and  by  the  prcfent  keeping 
 of  the  Law.  Therefore  it  is  not  to 
 be  fought  for  in  our  fclve^  nor  in 
 any  other  creature.  It  being  ap- 
 pointed by  the  Father,  was  under- 
 taken and  wrought  by  Chrift,  and 
 is  fealed  in  rr-ens  hearts  by  the  ho- 
 
 ObjeS. 
 
Brift  Dtre&hns 
 
 ObjtB. 
 
 Anjvf. 
 
 I 
 
 ly  Gfaoft :  but  it  -may  be  deman- 
 dcd : 
 
 How  did  Chrift  his  redemption 
 become  ours  ?  I  anfwer : 
 
 God  the  Father,  of  his  infinite 
 
 love^gave  bim  freely  to  us, with  all 
 
 his  whole  workc  of  Redemption. 
 
 This  Divine  Myfterie  is  brought 
 
 toIightbytbeGoipell. 
 
 The  ufe  whereof  is  to  manifeft 
 that  righteoulhcfle  in  C  h  r  ist3 
 whereby  the  Law  is  fully  faisfied, 
 and  (alvation  artained. 
 
 The  remedy  and  the  tidings  of 
 it  is  received  only  by  Faich,  which 
 Faith  is  fo  to  give  credit  to  Gods 
 Word,  as  he  reft  thereon^  that  hee 
 will  fave  him ;  and  is  wrought  by 
 che  miniftery  of  the  Wordj<revca- 
 ling  this  mercy  and  truth  of  God : 
 and  by  thefe  the  holy  Ghoft  in- 
 lightening  him  to  conceive,  draw- 
 ing him  to  believe^  and  fo  uniting 
 him  to  Chrift. 
 
 The  knowledge  of  the  former 
 things  is  not  fufficient  for  him 
 chat   will  come  to  .happiudTe : 
 
 bin 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 but  this  knowledge  workech. 
 
 Firft,  he  is  dra  wne  by  the  fecret 
 worke  of  chc  Spirit  of.  God,  to 
 be  perfwaded  that. the  D  -ftcine 
 taught  doth  concerne  him  :  hee 
 fu;h  wifdome  given  him  to  ap- 
 pjygenerall  things  particularly  to 
 himfclfe :  CW.  1 .  9.  as  firft,  the 
 Preaching  of  the  Law,  and  the 
 threatned  curfes  of  it ;  whereby  he 
 teeth  himfelfe  gailty  before  God 
 of  CiCrnall  puni&ment  and  wrath. 
 
 Secondly,  the  Lord  dire&eth 
 him  to  enter  into  further  confije-, 
 ration  with  himfelfe,  of  and  about 
 his  prefcnt  eftate,  and  confulceth 
 what  to  doe  in  this  his  ex  remity ; 
 and  that  not  lightly,  butferioufly, 
 as  a  matter  of  life  and  death, 
 /irr.8,6.  £#^7.15. 
 
 If  he  be  not  able  to  conntell 
 hirnlelfe,  hce  asketh  counfell  of 
 others. 
 
 Thirdly,  from  the  former  coa- 
 Citation,  he  commeth  to  this  re- 
 folution,  that  hee  will  not  returne 
 to  his  old  waieSjbut  h  all  humility 
 
 and 
 
Britfc  Dm&ions 
 
 I 
 
 aad  meekncffi  and  brokenneffe  of 
 heart,  fay  with  ?*«/;  Lord  what 
 wiltthouthatldoe* 
 
 Fourthly,  by  this  meanes  hce 
 corameth  to  an  unfained  defire  of 
 forgtvcneflfe,  which  alwaies  pro- 
 ceedeth  from  a  (bund  hope  chat 
 God  will  be  in  treated  of  him. 
 
 This  hungring  after  mercy,  and 
 long'ng  after  Christ,  is  very 
 earned  and  fervent,though  in  fome 
 with  more  timoroufneffe  than  in 
 other. 
 
 This  miketh  the  Gofpell  to  be 
 glad  tidings,  and  the  feete  of  them 
 that  bring  it  to  be  beautifull  to 
 him. 
 
 Fifthly,  withcameft,  humble, 
 and  particular  confeflion  of  bis 
 finnes,  hee  poureth  out  prayers  to 
 God  for  the  pardon  of  them  in 
 Chrift. 
 
 Sixtly,  he  having  found  out  this 
 pearle,prizeth  it  as  it  is  worth  i  and 
 therefore  fclleth  all  thathee  hath, 
 biddeth  farewell  to  his  fweeceft 
 delights  for  she  attaining  of  it $ 
 
 which 
 
which  affc&ion  is  not  for  a  mo- 
 menr,  but  is  written,  as  it  were, 
 with  the  point  of  a  Diamond,never 
 to  be  rafed  out  againe. 
 
 SeventhIy,Then  hacomraeth  to 
 apply  the  Gofpell  to  himfelfe,  as 
 before  he  did  the  La  w,and  fealeth 
 up  his  falvation  in  his  heart,  rea- 
 foning  from  thofe  gracious  promi- 
 fes  which  God  hath  made  to  fuch 
 as  he  is. 
 
 Thus  by  often  and  deep  weigh- 
 ing the  truth,  unchangeablencfll 
 and  perpetuity  of  the  promifes,  he 
 commeth  at  length  to  be  fettled  in 
 Faith  •  this  Faith  uniteth  him  to 
 Chrift,  and  bringeth  him  to  happi- 
 nefle.  And  it  is  wrought  inward- 
 ly by  the  Spirit,  while  men  obey 
 Gods  Ordinance  in  the  hearing  of 
 the  Word,  the  outward  mcanes  of 
 falvation. 
 
 Now  the  markes  of  Faith  tobe 
 feenein  the  belecvcr  by  himfelfe 
 or  others  rare 
 
 i.  If  he  (hive  againft  doubting, 
 I*dg.6.  17. 
 
 2,  If 
 
8 
 
 Briefe  ~DinUions 
 
 2.  If  not  feeling  Faith,  hee 
 t:omplaine  bitterly  of  the  want 
 of  it. 
 
 3.  If  hee  feeke  fervently  to  be 
 fettled  in  beleeving. 
 
 4.  If  he  defire  to  ftarch  out  the 
 finne  which  may  poffibly  hinder 
 him,and  endeavour  to  expell  it. 
 
 The  raa?ne  caufe  why  lb  many 
 doe  want  Faith,  is  the  Di  veils  be- 
 witching, and  blinding  of  men,  [ 
 2  Or.  4.  3,4.  Wherein  mans  fault 
 is,  that  hee  opener h  his eares,  and 
 giveth  credit  to  Satans  deceitful! 
 fuggeftions. 
 
 For  the  preventing  therefore  of 
 this  danger,  the  Lord  hach  given 
 watch-men  to  \yarnei  the  people 
 ofthsperilL 
 
 The  reafon  therefore  why  men 
 doe  not  avoyd  ir,  is. either  in  the 
 Minifter,  that  hee  doth  qot  warne 
 themjslright,  or  <\k  in  the  people, 
 that  they  doe  not  receive  ic. 
 
 pi the  Minijitrs : 
 x.  Ifchey  teach  nq:-acall. 
 
 2. 
 
 If 
 
untoagedlyLife. 
 
 2.  If  they  teach  feldome. 
 
 3.  Ifthcy  teach,  but  not  plainc- 
 ly  to  the  capacity  oft  he  hearer. 
 
 4.  If  by  Catechifingthey  doe 
 not  teach  the  grounds  of  Faith  in 
 right  and  good  order. 
 
 5.  If  rhcy  be  not  ready  by  pri- 
 vate conference  to  (atisfie  their 
 doubts. 
 
 1  6.  If  they  have  not  a  Chriftian 
 care  of  giving  gnod  example  by  a 
 holy  and  blaaielefle  life. 
 
 But  thcMinifters  muft  confi- 
 der  their  duty  laid  forth : 
 
 Firft,  by  Tides,  as  Watchmen, 
 Labourers,  Mttth.g.  37.  Salt  and 
 Lighr,<&/4*.  ?.  13.  14  Shephcards, 
 lob*  21.15.  Good  Scribes,  AdMth. 
 13.  Stewards,  iCor.  4*  1*  Nurfes, 
 lTbeJf2,j. 
 
 Secondly,  in  Commandements, 
 i/f£ti20.  28.  iTimotb.  4. 2.  For 
 their  better  incourageraents,  they 
 rauftconfider: 
 
 Firft,  the  honour  vouchfafed  to 
 them,  to  be  God.  his  Atnbafla- 
 dours. 
 
 Secondly, 
 
10 
 
 Brief*  Directions 
 
 Secondly,  the  comfort  of  this 
 labour* 
 
 Thirdly,  the  good  that  they 
 may  doe* 
 
 Fourthly,  the  great  reward  pre-  1 
 pared  for  them,  Van.  1 2 . 3, 
 
 The  lets  that  are  in  the 
 People ^dre : 
 
 Firft,  if  they  efteemc  lightly  of 
 the  Gofpel,preferring  other  things 
 before  it3  Luke  24. 
 
 Secondly,  if  they  imagine  it  an 
 impoffible  thing  to  get  aflurance  of 
 falvation  in  this  life. 
 
 Thirdly  ,if  they  think  iyhoogh 
 not  impoffible^  yet  not  any  way 
 neceffary. 
 
 Fourthly,  if  they  thinke  it  both 
 poffible  and  neceflary,  bac  too 
 hard  to  come  by, 
 
 Fi&hly,  if  they  be  carelefle  and 
 ignorant. 
 
 Sixthly,  if  for  feare  of  lofing 
 other  pleaftres,.  they  forbeare  to 
 fcekeafrerthis. 
 
 Seventhly,  if  they  prefume  of 
 
 their 
 
unto  a  godly  Ltfe* 
 
 II 
 
 their  Faith,  living  ftill  in  their  Cms. 
 
 Eighthly,  if  there  were  never 
 thorow  brokenaefle  of  heart  pre- 
 pared to  receive  the  Gofpell. 
 
 Ninthly,  if  for  feare  of  not  con- 
 tinuing ,  they  will  not  begin. 
 
 Tenthly,  if  they  doe  worke  it 
 upon  themfelves,  but  doe  deale 
 flightly  with  ir. 
 
 I  Eleventhly,  if  they  content 
 themfelvet  with  fudden  flafhes 
 that  (bone  are  out,  and  doe  not 
 (eeke  to  be  fettled. 
 
 A  naked  and  baredefire  of  fal- 
 vation,  now  and  then  ftlrred  up  in 
 a  man, is  not  to  beleev*. 
 
 Firft,  true  defire  cannot  bt  fitif- 
 acd  without  ic,and  therfore  giveth 
 not  over  till  itobtaheir. 
 
 Secondly,  it  maketh  high  ac- 
 count of  it,  as  of  a  precious  Faith ; 
 and  vetoing  of  it  according  to  the 
 worthineff:  of ic :  He  fcekcth  wil- 
 lingly and  readily :  He  iectlerh  his 
 hearc  upon  the  proroifesof  God. 
 
 Hee  meditates  on  Gods  Com- 
 1  mandementsj  that  hse  fliould  be- 
 
 j  Iccve :  I 
 
 •  -  —  - 
 
I 
 
 leeve:  by  thefemeanesheecom- 
 methto  be  fettled.  Which  done 4 
 hee  muft  beware  of  all  ocafions 
 chat  may  unfctcle  him.  Againe, 
 efpcially  that  he  doth  pot  give  too 
 much  place  to  flefhly  reaibns  and 
 caroall  donbcings,  nor  hearken  to 
 evillfuggcftions. 
 
 BEcaufc  the  children  of  God 
 after  they  have  believed^  are 
 ofcen  drawne  from  their  hold,and 
 caufed  to  fnfpcfted  chemfclves,and 
 fo  fall  into  much  feare  and  doub- 
 ting that  they  arc  none  of  the 
 Lords,  they  mnft  therefore  learne 
 to  ftrengthen  themfelves  thus : 
 
 i.  They  muft  know  that  in 
 God  there  is  no  (hado  w  of  change, 
 and  therefore  that  it  Utheir  weak- 
 nefletoenterraine  fiich  thoughts, 
 Tfalm.  77.  13.  For  hee  ought 
 not  to  at  ft  away  his  confidence, 
 Heb.  10,35. 
 
 2.  Hee  may  perfwade  himfelfe 
 that  hee  labouring  after,  and  gro- 
 ning  to  reft  his  wearied  heart  on 
 
 the 
 
thepromifes  of  God,  (hall  never  be 
 wholly  forfiken,  chough  fome- 
 times  deftituce  of  feeling.  Now  if 
 any  aske, 
 
 Why  doth  God  differ  hischil- 
 dren  to  fall  into  (uch  feares?  Icis 
 for  this; 
 
 Left  by  a  .fudden  abfolure 
 change,  they  fhould  become  fe- 
 cure  ox  prefiimptuous. 
 
 3.  They  muft  know  that  the 
 roote  of  our  comfort,  is  not  in  the 
 ftrength  of  our  Chriftian  life,  but 
 in  the  free  grace  of  God  in  Chrift; 
 and  therefore  the  weaknefle  there- 
 in ought  not  to  bring  us  into  doub  • 
 ting  of  our  falvation.  Ic  may  be 
 weake^  but  it  (hill  never  be  ex- 
 tingui(hed$for  he  that  is  new  borne 
 can  never  die. 
 
 4.  They  muft  call  to  mind  that 
 they  be  yet  but  children,(ub  jeft  to 
 manydifeafes,  andfomeof  thofe, 
 foch  as  may  take  away  fenfe  of  life; 
 which  muft  move  us  not  to  difpair, 
 but  to  feek  wth  al  diligence  for  the 
 cure  of  them.-wherasif  any  objeft, 
 
 ;  ':  '•    Many 
 
 Sg'ft- 
 
 Anfvt. 
 
M 
 
 Briefe  D'ire&ions 
 
 £a<P- 
 
 Anfw< 
 
 arc 
 
 Many  of  the  faithfull 
 brought  to  that  paflTe,  that  being 
 pcrfwaded  that  they  are  repro- 
 bates, are  neerc  unto  defperacion ; 
 they  have  a  feafe  of  God  his  wrath, 
 and  are  in  great  anguifh  of  consci- 
 ence :  how  ihall  they  ftay  them- 
 felves  in  this  cfhte?  I  anfwer 
 them. 
 
 i .  They  may  be  aflbred  of  this,, 
 that  they  are  not  without  hope  of 
 mercy,  becaufe  they  hare  not  fin- 
 ned againft  the  holy  Ghoft ;  for 
 they  have  not  malicionfly  fit 
 themfelves  againft  the  truth  of 
 God,  they  have  not  wilfully  per- 
 fecuted  it  againft  their  conscience, 
 bat  doe  love  the  fame  and  defire  to 
 be  partakers  of  ic# 
 
 2.  They  muft  learne  to  know 
 from  whom  this  dclufion  com- 
 meth,  even  from  Satan  who  Iabou- 
 reth  either  to  wring  their  hope 
 from  them,  or  elfe  to  weary  their 
 lives  with  hcavinefle  and  difcom- 
 fort.This  heattempteth : 
 
 Firft,  by  fpirituall  fuggcftion,he , 
 
 being 
 
 J 
 
=*■ 
 
 un  0  4  f^udly  Life. 
 
 15 
 
 b<*ing  a  fptritjand  helped  al/o  with 
 the  long  experience  which  he  hath 
 had  of  this  rr?<fcj  and  therefore  fir; 
 he  be  irgalfo  full  of  malice,  and  of 
 u  fearchable  fubtihy,  withexcec- 
 dir  g  ftrength,  and  therefore  ready 
 thus  to  trouble  us. 
 
 Thus  he  inciceth  as  to  fins,  nor 
 onely  which  by  nature  wee  love, 
 but  even  to  thofe  which  wee  have 
 no  inclination  unt^*  and  when  be 
 hath  thus  fattened  upon  many  a 
 man,  then  he  labjureih  to  dimme 
 his  knowledge  and  Uiiderftandkg, 
 that  hec  may  lay  no  hold  on  any 
 truth  that  may  comfort  him ,  or 
 make  benefit  of  any  promife. 
 
 Secondly,  by  outward  obj-fts 
 and  occanotis  forcibly  per fwadir  g 
 to  finne.  New  becaufe  thtfe  thing* 
 proceed  rather  from  Sathan  than 
 fromthemklves,  thereisnocaufe 
 why  they  (hould  be  difcouraged. 
 
 Thirdly,  they  mufl  call  to  mind 
 that  God  calleth  and  enc  :>urag<  rh 
 us  to  truti  and  believe  in  him j  and 
 therefore  it  muft  needs  difpLafe 
 
 B  him 
 
16 
 
 Briefe  'DittUitns 
 
 KJ» 
 
 ObjeB. 
 Anfir. 
 
 Anfi*. 
 
 him  that  they  arc  removed  from 
 cheir  faith,  to  give  place  to  the  fpi- 
 rit  of  error.  And  how  if  they  feele 
 not  the  fwcettafte  of  God?  grace  > 
 i.  Yet  they  muft  not  meafure 
 themfelvesby  that  they  prefently 
 feele,  when  the  foule  hath  loft  her 
 feeling;  but  by  the  time  paft,  when 
 they  were  free  from  temptation. 
 
 2.  The  fruits  of  their  faith  are 
 often  evident  to  the  eye  of  others, 
 whenthemfelves  cannot  fee  them. 
 
 3.  They  muft  bee  acquainted 
 with  the  waiesof  God,  who  often 
 doth  bide  himfelf  for  a  fcafos,  that 
 they  may  with  more  carneft  defirc 
 feeke  for  his  wonted  grace,  and 
 wich  more  joyfulneffe  of  heart 
 praHehim  whsn  they  have  obtai- 
 ned it  againe.  And  if  this  hinder 
 thcm,becaufe 
 
 They  cannot  live  as  Gods  chil- 
 dren doe,  or  as  he  requireth  ;  they 
 are  to  bee  encouraged  herewith, 
 that 
 
 They  are  plants  which  take  sot 
 tF.c  r  full  perfeftion  at  once,but  by 
 
 little 
 
um 7  a  godlj  L  fe* 
 
 17 
 
 little  and  little  with  daily  watering 
 anddreffing :  and  that  Patience  and 
 conftancie  with  a  refiktt*  minde  U 
 heart  Gods triad \  mi  ttririga-good 
 end  in  nB  temptatienf. 
 
 THat  every  Chriftiai)  may  fee 
 his  cftate  to  bee  good,  itfhall 
 be  profitable  to  confidcr  how  farre 
 an  unbcleever  may  got;  And  fo 
 whether  hee  hath  gone  further. 
 
 1.  An  unbeliever  may  bee  terri- 
 fied with  hisfinnes,  his  conference 
 terrified  by  the  fpirit  of  bondage, 
 
 2.  He  may  bee  penfive  after  fin 
 committed,  iJftwg.21.7. 
 
 3.  He  may  findejoy  and  delight 
 intheGofpell,  and  in  tbe  exercifcs 
 of  Religion^iWif .  1 3.20. 
 
 4.  Hee  may  have  atafteofthe 
 life  to  come  with  Balaam. 
 
 5.  He  may  reverence  the  Mini- 
 ft:rs,and  obey  them  in  many  things 
 as  Herod  did,  and  yet  never  be  fta- 
 led  up  to  etcrnall  life.  Many  that 
 have  made  great  and  glorious 
 fhewefj  and  fcemed  to  have  beene 
 
 B  2  very 
 
Briffe  DircStions 
 
 •^ 
 
 very  forward,  havr  after  either  in 
 profjrricy  waxed  fwamonyor  in  af- 
 fliction* wearie;  nay,  ma^y  which 
 have  (hi  n:d  as  lights  for  a  (eafon, 
 have  fallen  away  even  bcf  re 
 trouble  canr.Many  have  had  grtac 
 griefc  of  minde,  and  fo  fcemc  unto 
 themfelves  to  have  repented ;  but 
 yet  have  deceived  themielvesa  be- 
 caufe  they  never  fur  ntfh  chemfclves 
 with  true  faith,  a  pure  heart ,  a 
 good  confidence,  change  of  their 
 life  through  the  love  of  God; 
 their  hearts  are  not  upright,  nor 
 they  will  not  deale  plainely  with 
 the  Lord*  B^t  if  wee  would  nof 
 loft  all  our  labour,  wee  muft  goe 
 further  than  any  uarepentaat  p«r- 
 fbn  can  goe ;  wee  muft  never  ceaft 
 till  wc  have  more  humility,  fincc- 
 rity  and  truth  of  heart,  and  cerraine 
 roarkes  and  tcftimonies  of  our  Sal- 
 vation. 
 
 They  will  heare  the  Gofpell 
 diligently :  but  we  muft  lay  our  e- 
 (Hte  with  it,  and  receive  the  print 
 of  it  upon  our  hearts  and  lives,and 
 
 bee 
 
 ■ 
 
pgnto  a  g^dly  Life. 
 
 be  caft  into  the  molde  of  ir3and  fb 
 finde  ic  the  power  of  Salvation. 
 
 They  will  refrainefrom,them» 
 felves,  and  drive  out  of  their  fami- 
 lies rainy  finnes. 
 
 But  we  muft  willingly  be  re for- 
 med in  what  parr  of  our  life  fbever 
 we  can  bee  joftly  challenged :  and 
 notblemifh  our  profcffion  in  any 
 thing. 
 
 ALcbough  the  love  of  God  & 
 Chrift,  the  worke  of  the  Spi- 
 rit applying  then^and  faith  appre- 
 hending them,bec  the  chicfe  caufe 
 of  our  converfion,yet  becaufe  they 
 are  not  fo  eahly  felt  of  us3  as  they 
 are  fare  and  infallible  grounds  in 
 themfelves  of  Salvation ;  there- 
 fore it  is  neceffary  to  adde  fbmeo- 
 rherefFefts or  rather  properties  of 
 true  faith,  thatdoaccompaniethe 
 love  of  God,  and  of  Chrift  Jcfus 
 in  us;  and  are  the  workes  or  fruits 
 of  the  Holy-Ghoft  by  the  Go- 
 *fpell,  which  may  more  clearcly 
 bee  perceived  and  difcerned  than 
 B  3  faith 
 
 IP 
 
20 
 
 Briefi  DireliioHs 
 
 ObjeU* 
 
 faith  ic  (clfe  ;  and  will  cleaiely 
 tcftifie^thac  where  chefe  bee^  there 
 (hall  that  be  found  aJfo. 
 
 The  firft  inseparable  companion 
 of  Faith,  is  joy  and  comforr,  glori- 
 ous and unfpeakeable,  Ali.%  8. 3  9. 
 Butitwillbefaidjthae 
 
 Some  true  believers  are  even  (ad 
 and  forro  wfull* 
 
 Indeed  they  mourne  andgroane 
 for  a  while  after  that  which  may 
 make  them  merry  for  ever :  and 
 in  this  mourning  they  areblcflcd. 
 Mtth.  5.4.  and  their  eftate  far  re  to 
 be  preferred  before  the  laughter  of 
 the  ungodly  which  is  but  madnos. 
 
 u  The  childc  of  God  being 
 converted  cannot  but  admire  this 
 change  of  eftatef  andeven  be  afto- 
 niftied  at  the  love  and  mercie  of 
 God :  What  fhould  move  him  to 
 beftow  fuch  happineffe  upon  fo 
 unworthy  a  creature,  lob.  14.22. 
 Pfal.  1 1 6.8. 13934. 
 
 2.  This  holy  and  reverent  ad- 
 miration muft  not  bee  oncly  at  our 
 firft  converfion,  but  ought  every 
 
 dw 
 
unto  4  godly  life. 
 
 day  to  be  rcnoed  in  the  Lord,  who 
 doth  every  day  pardon  our  finnet % 
 Pfal.nS.S.  and  doth  al(b  upheld 
 us  in  our  confidence  and  integrity. 
 
 3.  The  true  believer  feeling  the 
 love  of  God  to  bee  died  abroad  in 
 his  hearty  114th  alfo  withjin  him  un- 
 fained  love  kindled  towards 
 God,  Pplm.  116.  i.  Luke  j.  47. 
 Which  love  of  God  muft  fhadow 
 1  he  love  of  all  other  things  what- 
 foever. 
 
 4  Hee  cannot  but  have  his 
 heart  iolarged  unto  thankfulneffe, 
 andpraifeGod  even  in  afflictions 
 themfelves/P/j/.  1 16.12. 
 
 5 .  There  is  begotten  a  holy  and 
 earned  defire  ro  have  more  com- 
 munion with  God ;  even  to  cnjQy 
 his  bhfled  pretence,  and  to  fee  his 
 glory,  2.  Corinthians  5. 1. 
 
 6.  The  former  gracr  maketh 
 him  to forfake this  World,  to  be- 
 come a  firanger  and  a  pilgrime 
 htere,  and  (oto  have  r.o  more  to 
 doc  in  frs  World  than  hee needs 
 mu(t;  Not  that  he  leave  the  necc£ 
 
 fary 
 
 21 
 
Marie  dwics  or  forfeke  his  calling) 
 but  that  hee  is  doc  fo  tied  co  thefe 
 thiog$,buc  that  he  could  willingly 
 leave  them,  and  fo  being  ready  to 
 die3ismadcficrolive- 
 
 7.  Hee  cannot  but  lament  and 
 be  afhamcd  of  his  former  uokind- 
 nefle  to  God,and  is  ready  to  be  re- 
 tenged  on  himft  lfe  for  ir. 
 
 8.  Ir  cannot  bee,  but  knowing 
 out  of  what  milerie  hee  hath  efea- 
 ped,  and  unto  what  happincfle  he 
 hath  attained,  he  pittie  others  that 
 are  as  he  was,and  wi(h  and  Ltbour 
 to  make  them  as  he  is. 
 
 One  means  whereof  is  edifying 
 conference.  TV*.  10.21. 
 
 1 
 
 F  any  man  hath  taftcd  of  that 
 happincfle  which  comroech  by  a 
 true  faith,  and  doth  therfore  ddire 
 tokeepethefame,  and  fe wet  h  the 
 loefing  of  it,  hee  muft  for  his  con* 
 firraation : 
 
 I.  Nourish  within  himfdfe  dai- 
 ly that  high  eftiraaticn  and  account 
 making  of  his  grace,he  reuft  think 
 
 it 
 
unto  a  gaily  Life. 
 
 it  hischicfcft  happinefle  and  moft 
 precious  trcafurc  ;  which  they 
 chatdoe,have  their  hearc  ever  up* 
 on  it;  they  feare  the  forgoing  of 
 if,  they  regard  it  moft  of  all  other 
 things. 
 
 2.  He  muft  both  by  prayer  dai- 
 ly and  oft  beg  this  of  God,  and  al- 
 fo  (erioufly  meditate  on  the  graci- 
 ous proraifes  ofGod,  their  nature,* 
 truth,  and  perpetuitie :  for  want 
 of  this  calling  to  minde  of  things, 
 many  do  Ic  fl'pout  oftheir  minds 
 thofegrouads  of  faith  by  which 
 fbmetimes  they  have  found  com- 
 tort. 
 
 3.  Hee  muft  helpt  himfclfeby 
 ordinary  and  reverent  hearing  the 
 glad  ridings  ot  S  *1  virion  preached 
 unto  him ;  as  alio  by  the  holy  u  fc 
 of  the  Sacraments. 
 
 4.  He  muft  carefully  retaine  a 
 viewing  of  his  finnes  by  right  exa- 
 mination^ the  fight  of  them  will 
 kecpe  him  from  taking  offeree  at 
 theCrofleof  Chrili,  nay  the  tart- 
 Defieatid  bitter  efle  of  hif  femes, 
 
 will 
 
 /■ 
 
 23 
 
 •to 
 
H 
 
 9  " 
 
 Briefe  VinUions 
 
 ~WI  ■' 
 
 will  make  Chrifts  death  moft 
 fetet  and  pleafan t  unco  him. 
 
 5.  Hee  rauft  libour  to  fettle 
 himfelfe  even  by  the  experience 
 which  he  hiroftlfe  hath  found  of 
 God  his  goodnefle  towards  him, 
 and  his  working  in  him. 
 
 6.  Hee  may  cenfirme  hirofelfc  j 
 even  by  the  examples  of  others, 
 who  of  weak,have  become  ftrong, 
 and  of  luch  as  bee  is.,  have  become 
 fuch  as  he  defirerh  to  bee :  by  thefe 
 meancs  Gods  children  come  to 
 have  a  holy  acquaintance  with 
 God,and  to  know  his  will  towards 
 them;  the  Lord  difpofing  even 
 their  weakeneflc  unto  their  good, 
 that  they  may  by  their  falls  bee 
 humbledjand  God  by  their  uphol- 
 ding may  be  glorified. 
 
 One  efpeciall  thing  is,  alwaies 
 to  begin  the  day  with  deepecon- 
 fideration  of  God  his  gracious  fa- 
 vour towards  us  5  which  if  wc  doe 
 nor,lhtk  can  bee  looked  for  in  the 
 day^buc  either  uofavory  lightnefle, 
 and  fo  to  be  deceived;  or  unprofi- 
 table 
 
table  care,  and  fo  to  bee  diftjui 
 eted.  \ 
 
 By  that  which  bath  bin  (aid  be- 
 fore,it  is  to  bee  obfcrved^  chatal- 
 thoughtrue  faith  bee  in  fubftance 
 oneard  the  fame;  yet  that  there 
 are  three  degreesof  it,  kis  plaine. 
 
 i.  The  firft  is  the  weakeftand 
 leaft  meafare.,  when  there  is  a*yet 
 noafluranccin  the  beleever,  and 
 yet  infeparable  fruitSjjtnd  infalli- 
 ble tokens  of  if, 
 
 2.  Thcfecond  degree  is  when 
 (bme  aflurance  is  wrought  in  the 
 beleever  at  (bme  time,  bur  very 
 Wcake ;  and  is  often  to  feeke  and 
 wanting,  and  recovered  againc  by 
 entring  into  due  confederation  of 
 hiseftate,  and  of  the  truth  of  God 
 who  hath  prorciifsd  it, 
 
 £•  The  third  is  the  higheft  de- 
 gree of  itj  though  more  ftrong 
 and  better  fetled  in  fome  than  in 
 other ;  and  this  hath  aflurance  ac* 
 companying  it  for  the  moft  part 
 ufually,  unlefle  the  beleever  doe 
 quench  the  Spirit  in  himlelfc  :  Or 
 
 • 
 
I     26 
 
 Btiefe  DirtQtom 
 
 ^^ 
 
 the  Lord  (co  (hew  him  that  hec 
 ftandetb  by  grace )  doth  leave  him 
 to  himfelfc  for  his  owne  gIory,and 
 the  better  eftablifhing  of  him  after- 
 wards. 
 
 It  having  bin  (hewed  hitherto 
 who  are  true  beleevers*  it  follow- 
 ethtofhewbow  a  beleevcr  is  to 
 behave  himfelfe  throughout  his 
 whole  convention. 
 
 i.  Wherein  is  to  bee  layed 
 dowa,firft,  the  grounds  of  a  godly 
 life,  ate,  that  it  is  grounded  on 
 fairb,  and  proceeding  from  a  p  jre 
 heart. 
 
 2.  The  parts  of  ir3  which  is  to 
 fly  evil^aud  doe  good. 
 
 VNfained  faitb,and  a  godly  life, 
 are  inft parable  c  mpanions. 
 I.  Firft,  godlmefle  cannot  be 
 without  true Iziihjam*  i.i&HeK 
 1 1  6.  Gen.  6. 5..  the  fountaine  be- 
 ing evil],  the  rivers  which  runre 
 from  it  cannot  be  good*  (o  where 
 faith  is  not  in  the  heart,  there  can 
 I  no  godlinefle  bee  kt  the  life  •  by 
 
 which  i 
 
 —... 
 
 "    '        mm     , 
 
I 
 
 unto  agodly  Life. 
 
 which  wee  fee  how  many  d^e 
 deceive  thcmfelves,  thinking  they 
 feare,love,and  ferveGod  ;  and  yet 
 havcnofaiih,  nor  no  conftanc  de- 
 fire  of  it. 
 
 2.  Neither  can  faith  bee  with- 
 out godlineflkjfor  as  no  man  liveth 
 godly  which  beleeveth  not  ;  fo 
 no  man  which  beleeveth,  can  live 
 wickedly  -bui  as  he  is  new  borne, 
 lb  like  a  new  creature  followeth 
 newneflTe  of  life  and  obedience; 
 al'hoiig1]  thig  doeth  not  appeare 
 nuhr.t  at  the  firft  beginning  of 
 his  conversion  >  nor  in  the  ve- 
 herrency  of  temptation,  Tin  12. 
 Neither  doth  fiuh  worke  a  bare 
 wandring  <iz&tz  to  pleafe  God, 
 but  it  tomes  alfo  the  man  unro 
 1  if,  andreAcheth  him  infome  true 
 I  and  acceptable  meafure  to  goe  a- 
 bo  t  ir-  and  weenie  is  overmatch- 
 ed v%ih  flr(hly  corruption,  yet 
 tc  rafe'h  fighings  and  ftrivings 
 in:hc  h-arc,  til!  it  beefubdued. 
 So  that  as  ihey  are  deceived, 
 which  pad  torn  a  little  forrow 
 
 for 
 
 27 
 
28 
 
 Brief e  "Din&ions 
 
 forfio,  tojnewneffeoflife,  ascbey 
 imagioe^without  faith,  the  begin- 
 ning and  worker  of  all  new  life  i 
 fo  they  alio  are  no  lcfle  deluded 
 that  pleafe  tbemftlvef  >  thinking 
 they  haue  faith,  when  their  lives 
 arc  not  only  filled  with  offeofivea- 
 &ions,but  alfb  with  cuftome  &  co- 
 raonneflc  in  the  fame.For  he  that  13 
 honoured  with  the  title  of  a  belec- 
 ver,  muft  be  knownc  by  the  livery 
 o  fan  uncorrupt  life  :  and  the  true 
 iervants  of  God  dare  no  otherwifc 
 beleevc  their  (inncs  to  be  forgiven 
 thcm3than  they  waike  humbly  be- 
 fore God  and  man, 
 
 W  Hen  faith  h  laid  to  bene- 
 cefifiry  to  a  godly  life,  we 
 muft  not  onely  underftand  by  faith 
 to  be  Gved:but  that  the  godly  man 
 muft  labour  to  believe,  that  all  the 
 promifts  of  this  life  and  of  the  life 
 to  come,  (  whether  the  great  and 
 principal!,  as  of  the  graces  of  the 
 fpirir,orthefmallcrj  as  of  bodily 
 fafety  and  preferration  from  dan- 
 gers 
 
unio  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 \ 
 
 gcrsfoferre  as  they  (hall  bee  good 
 for  him)doe  belong  unto  him:And 
 befideshemuft  beleere,  that  both 
 all  the  commandements  which 
 teach  obedience,  and  the  threat- 
 nings  (  because  they  reftraine  the 
 contrary  )  are  fet  downe  for  him 
 particularly  to  bind  his  conference 
 thereunto,  Row.  15.4.  Thashec 
 rauft  depend  upon  the  whole  word 
 of  God:  many  who  have  fnpeto 
 be  (aved  doe  not  thus :  ,fome  finnes 
 they  make  no  conscience  of:  fbme 
 promifes  they  looke  not  at  ;  by 
 meanes  whereof  they  are  not  fo 
 well  fenced  as  they  might  be;  but 
 hold  the  very  promife  of  Glva  ion 
 itfelfcvery  weakely.  This  com- 
 mcth  to  pafle  partly  becaufe  they 
 are  not  taught  the(e  things  aright: 
 partly  becanfe  b^ing  taught,  they 
 do  not  digeft  and  work  them  upon 
 their  conferences.  This  bringeth 
 doubling  and  unfetledn^ffe  crcn 
 rogoodChriftians :  therefore  hee 
 chat  be  let  yeth  to  be  (aved3muft  be- 
 leevcalfo  that  hee  (hall  befinfti- 
 
 fied, 
 
 29 
 
3° 
 
 Brief e  Viri&ions 
 
 i 
 
 fied,i  CVr.i.  50.  that  hee  (hall  rc- 
 j  ceivc  grace  from  God  to  bring 
 forth  fruits  of  amendment  of  lifc^ 
 and  that  he  (hall  be  inabled  to  caft 
 off  his  old  conyerfttion,  and  alio 
 have  grace  to  goe  through  trou- 
 bles,,^ deliverance  from  them: 
 for  afliftance  and  bletfing  in  God, 
 he  muft  depend  on  God  his  Word ; 
 this  is  the  obedience  of  faith^  Rom. 
 1*5  which  if  behave  as  a  foonda- 
 to  uphold  and  r courage  us^  ir  will 
 greatly  availe  for  the  furthering 
 of  us  in  a  godly  courfc  -  by  this  we 
 (hall  (boner  rcadethrough  doubts, 
 and  grow  out  of  fear?  •  whereas  o- 
 cherwife  wee  faint  and  fcarc  oft- 
 times^ar.d  be  without  helpe. 
 
 Many  examples  wee  have  in 
 fcr\  pture  of  fuch  as  thus  beleeved, 
 efp^ci^Hy  fee  dowue  in  the  it.  to 
 t»e  ffrfcwwjHefc.i  1.16.38.0*/. 
 2,19.  When  men  doe  not  thus 
 W3?kein  theftrcngth  of  God  his 
 •word,  if-caufeth  tedious  troubles 
 
 hem,  and  indeed  the  offenfive 
 tvvS  of  many,  and  che  ftarring  a- 
 
 fidc 
 
unto  a  godly  Ltfe. 
 
 3* 
 
 fide  of  fandry,   come  from  this 
 want.  But  it  may  be  objeftcd,chat  ^..  ^ 
 P^Whimklfefeemcdto  wancthis,      Jc  ' 
 j  for  hec  found  no  meanes  to  per-  • 
 forme  that  which  was  good,  as  he  j 
 complaineth3R(?w.7.i8.  Ianfwerj 
 hereunto,that 
 
 He  coroplaineth  not  chat  he  had  Anfa. 
 no  promife  of  ftrength,  or  that  bee 
 had  no  faich  in  the  famc;for  he  faith 
 the  contrary,  Tbil.  4, 13.  but  hee 
 complaineth  that  for  all  the  hope 
 of  helpethat  hehad,yet  the  rebel- 
 lion of  his  flcfli  did  mightily  ftrive 
 andrefift  thefpirit.  And  this  rouft 
 every  faithfull  man  looke  for 
 while  he  live.  j 
 
 NOw  for  the  fountaine  from 
 whence  a  godly  life  doth  pro- 
 ceed, icisfrom  the  hem,  which 
 therefore  muft  bee  purged  and 
 cleaned. 
 
 For  this  wee  are  to  kaow,that 
 the  heart  of  m  w,before  it  be  emp- 
 tied, is  a  dungeon  of  iniquity ;  be- 
 ing 
 
32 
 
 Briefs  ~DreUions 
 
 m& 
 
 folreitbe  inlighcened,  a  denheof 
 darkencffc ;  before  it  bee  clcanfed, 
 a  puddle  of  filthinefife  :  and  chat 
 which  Saint  J  Amis  (peaketh  of  the 
 tongue,may  much  more  be  (aid  of 
 the  heart,  that  before  it  be  tamed, 
 icis  an  unruly  evilJ.  Nowiffuch 
 an  heart  bee  the  guide  of  our  life, 
 how  monftrous  and  loathfome 
 muft  that  life  needs  bee?  ofnccef- 
 fiey  then  the  heart  muft  be  purged 
 and  changed. 
 
 This  purging  of  the  \\tixi  is  a 
 renewingin  holinefle  andrightc- 
 oufheffe  by  little  and  little  of  all 
 true  beleeuers,  they  being  fir  ft 
 delivered  and  freed  from  the  ty- 
 ranny of  finne  and  feare  of  damna- 
 tion; for  then  doth  finne  receive  a 
 deadly  wound,  and  the  power 
 thereof  is  abated  and  crucified, 
 which  is  (hewed  by  the  hatred 
 of  fiane,  and  a  delighting  in  good- 
 ncfle. 
 
 Although  this  change  bee  but 
 weakc  at  the  firft,  yet  if  it  bee  in 
 truth,  in  willand  defire,  it  is  an  in- 
 
 fallible 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift.  33 
 
 fallible  mark  of  Gods  clcftion  and 
 love  towards  him.  This  grace  is 
 often  dimmed  and  even  choked  ia 
 many,  because  God  dorh  ihength-1 
 en  and  continue  this  gifc  of  holi- 
 ncflc  and  fanft;ncauon,  as  it  is 
 nonrifhed,  cfteemed,  fet  by,  andas 
 men  doe  ftirre  ic  up  in  themfelues,^ 
 by  asking  afcer  ic  when  they  doc 
 miffek,  and  provoking  theraiclvea 
 to  pray  for  fiich  good  affe&ions 
 and  cannot  bee  fatiified  without 
 them;  as  David  did,  Pfal.+$  5. 
 103,1.  Thus  we  ought  to  chirifh 
 and  blow  up  the  fparkles  within 
 us,  which  will  not  ordinarily  faile 
 us,  cfpecialJy  for  any  long  time 
 (except  in  time  of  temptation)  un- 
 Uffk  it  bee  through  our  default  and 
 folly.  As  for  the  manner  how  this 
 is  done,  wee  are  to  know  it  is  the 
 proper  and  wonderfall  worke  of 
 God  by  the  power  of  the  holy 
 GhoG/ABs  1^.9.  Tfi.i  1*2*  He  that 
 hath, with  faith  unfained,  an  heart 
 fanfiified,and  purified  from  his  na- 
 tural! corruptions  and  wicked  dif- 
 
 pofitior; 
 
34 
 
 ObyB. 
 
 Anfwt 
 
 Britfe  DireUions 
 
 mm 
 
 difpoficion ;  as  he  is  not  co  account 
 it  meane  and  little  worrh,  ic  being 
 an  euident  worke  of  the  Spiri  •  •  Co 
 neither  is  hceco  (land  at  a  ft  ay  in 
 this,  it  being  but  the  beginning  of 
 that  worke  which  (hall  follow  it : 
 Bat,  I 
 
 How  doth  God  purge  our 
 heart*,  when  as  faith  is  did  to  doe 
 ii>jt8s,i$.9A*Job.$.'). 
 
 Faith  is  truely  laid  co  doe  ic : 
 bccaufe  that  men  noc  yec  affurcd  of 
 thehappinesof  hea?en3not  know- 
 ing, nor  feeling  any  bectt-r  delights 
 doe  feekc  after  thole  which  their 
 blinde  and  deceitfull  hearts  doe 
 dreame  ef here  on  earth. 
 
 But  as  (bone  as  they  are  affured 
 of  Gods  favour  through  faith,  fo 
 (bone  are  their  heartschanged,  and 
 their  ifFc&ioos  (ec  another  way  •  fo 
 that  faith  may  well  bee  (aid  to  pu- 
 rine and  clcinfe  the  heart,  iTet.  x. 
 4,  but  not  as  the  chic  fc  and  hjgheft 
 caufe,for  thatis  cheholy  Gholi;but 
 a  the  inftrument. 
 
 Thus  from  faich  and  a  pure  heart, 
 I  dorb 
 
unto  4  g$ily  Lift. 
 
 35 
 
 doch  arife  a  good  confcience,  a 
 (w*et  pcace,and  holy  Ctc  -'ricyj  ha- 
 ving received  from  God  a  miad  to 
 know  htm,  an  heart  to  love  him,  a 
 will  to  pleafe  him  ;  and  ftrrngth 
 alio  in  fome  mealure  acceptable  to 
 obey  him. 
 
 From  her  ce  doth  proceed  that 
 true  repentance,  which  is  a  par- 
 pofe  of  the  heart  ,  ^ff/n.23. 
 an  inclination  in  the  will,  PfM.  1 ?  9' 
 44.57.  and  a  continuall  endeavou- 
 ring in  the  life*  Ails  a  4. 1 6.  to  caft 
 off  all  evili,and  obey  God  both  in- 
 wardly and  outwardly,  according 
 to  the  meafure  of  knowledge  in  e- 
 very  one. 
 
 So  that  this  (bund  purging  of  the 
 heart,  is  that  ftrong  foundation 
 bipon  which  only  a  good  life  comes 
 .0  be  bailded.  For  God  will  have 
 our  whole  heart,  not  a  piece  of 
 it,  for  that  is  neither  befceming  hit 
 grearntfle,  neither  fit  for  1  hem  to 
 offer  who  receive  (b  great  good 
 things  at  his  hands;  many  indeed 
 are  hardly  brought  to  this,  and 
 
 therefore 
 
36 
 
 Briefe  T>treft$ons 
 
 »«i    i  ■» 
 
 therefore  all  their  f  ire  fhc  wes  and 
 colours  doe  vamlh  away,,  and 
 come  to  nothipg,for  ra(b  and  hafty 
 purpofes  arc  no  fafficient  founda- 
 tions to  beare  up  Co  great  anc 
 weighty  buildings,  as  the  whole 
 ccurfe  of  chcir  lives  to  bee  wholly 
 pafied. 
 
 But  if  men  at  their  firft  irobra* 
 cing  of  the  Gopiell,  did  give  their 
 hearts  wholly  to  the  Lord,  then 
 (hould  God  have  more  honour, 
 and  chcmfelves  more  abiding  com- 
 fore. 
 
 NOw  having  (hewed  the 
 ground  and  rooteof  a  godly 
 life,  viz*  faith  and  a  pure  heart :  it 
 rtmaincs  to  fpeake  of  the  part* of 
 ir,  which  is  a  renouncing  of  all 
 finne,  and  a  care  to  walke  in  a  new 
 life.  And  firft  of  the  former. 
 
 The  party  beleeving  is  brought 
 to  this  powcrand  grace,  that  he  is 
 oat  of  love  with  all  ungodlineffe, 
 and  not  with  foroc  part  or  kinde 
 oncly,  but.loatheth  the  whole 
 
 courft 
 
uxtoagidlyLift. 
 
 37 
 
 courfeot  iniquity,  which  was  his 
 onely  delighcaod  pleafure  before: 
 neither  doth  hee  this  in  fome  good 
 moode  onely,  or  when  fora?  Oume 
 or  danger  approach,  then  to  (hew 
 fome  roifl  ke  of  it ;  bat  in  good  ad- 
 vifement  hee  is  refolvcdtoc*ftoff 
 fuch  behaviours  a  loathfomeand 
 and  ragged  girmt  n*,  H0/4.  9  Epb. 
 ^iqMatbaS  24. 
 
 For  want  of  this  fetled  denying 
 of  oar  fclves,  divers  never  atcaine 
 true  godlintflc  :  fome  never  con- 
 ceiving the  Doftrine,  others  for- 
 getting, andfi  mefcorningit,  but 
 themoft  receiving  it  coldly,  and 
 going  about  ir  prepofteroufly. 
 
 Whereas  the  fervants  of  God 
 leave  not  finne  for  a  time,  nor  by 
 conftraint,  for  or  company,  and 
 firare5&c.  but  being  at  utrerdefi- 
 ance  wirfi  it,doe  abiure  it  for  ever; 
 l^bem*  10.  29. 
 
 But  in  all  thefe  they  troft  not  to 
 their  owne  Hrcngth  :  bat  daily 
 conlidering  what  caufe  they  have 
 ccdotfo;  how  infinitely  they  arc 
 
 bound 
 
3» 
 
 ObjeB. 
 Anfi*. 
 
 Br'ttje  VireBions 
 
 bound  to  God  to  difcharge  it,  be- 
 come firmely  pcrfwaded,that  God 
 who  hath  made  them  willing^ill 
 al(b  make  them  able  V  ►  do  it,  Phtl. 
 4.1%.  Rom.  9.  31.  andtherfore,al- 
 though  they  fee  not  that  helpe  pre- 
 fect with  their  eyes,yet  they  hope 
 for  chat  which  they  fee  nor,  and 
 therefore  wait  patiently  for  it,  till 
 it  can  b?  granted  them.  Thus  both 
 both  faith  and  hope  being  nouri- 
 fhed  and  ftrengthened  in  them  from 
 day  to  day,  they  tfoe  fiude  both 
 will  and  defire,&  ftrength  (though 
 imperfeft  )  to  accomplifh  to  the 
 peace  of  their  hearts,  that  which 
 they  let  upon  and  attempted.  In- 
 deed it  is  not  obtained  without 
 (hiving,  but  it  is  no  iuft  caufe  of 
 difcouragement  tous,totake  paine 
 for  (b  great  a  profit,  when  we  are 
 fiireof  it  before  wee  goe  about  it : 
 and  if, 
 
 The  faithfull  doe  not  alwaies 
 prcuaile  therein. 
 
 As  it  is  true  that  in  fome  parti- 
 culars they  are  overcome,  yet  that 
 
 doth 
 
 I 
 
»—     m 
 
 unto*  godljLife< 
 
 39 
 
 doth  not  cut  off  all  comfort  from 
 them:  for  howfoever  they  doe  not 
 account  light  of  any  fall,  yet  thofe 
 very  fals  turnc  to  their  gaine  af- 
 terwards; for  thereby  they  come 
 rokoow  themftlves  better,  their 
 prime  pride  is  much  afiwaged, 
 they  have  experience  of  God  his 
 grace  towards  them,  and  they 
 cleave  more  nearer  unto  him  after, 
 and  are  more  circumfpeft  in  loo- 
 king to  their  waics  :  remembred 
 alwaies  that  this  belongs  onely  to 
 the  true  belccver,  who  having  the 
 Lord  for  his  teacher*,  is  become 
 both  slulfull  and  able  to  doe  this ; 
 which  to  the  naturall  man  (  in 
 whom  is  no  dram  of  goodncfle  )  is 
 altogether  impoffible. 
 
 AS  wee havefcene  that  finne  is 
 to  be  renounced,  and  in  what 
 manner- fo  we  muftconfider  the  di- 
 vers kinds  of  evils  which  are  to  be 
 
 renounced  :and  they  V  nw     * 
 are  of  two  forts,      ^^ 
 
 C  Firft 
 
4o 
 
 Briefe  DireHiens 
 
 I 
 
 U  Comma** 
 
 Firft  by  inward  evils,  is  not 
 meant  the  native  infe&ionof  the 
 heart,  but  the  fruits  and  efe&s 
 thereof,  Umtsi.  14.  Col  3.5.  and 
 that  infuch  asprofeffe  Religion. 
 
 Amongftthefe,  the  rooteof  all 
 the  reft  is  infidelity,  Hebrews 
 3. 12.  From  hence  growes  out 
 three  arraes  or  boughes,  of  the 
 which  every  one  fhooteth  forth 
 as  branches.,  innumerable  world- 
 ly lufts. 
 
 1.  Impious  againft  God, 
 
 2.  IniurioustoMen. 
 
 3.  Moft  hurtfull  to  our  felves. 
 Firft,  forthofeagainftGodand 
 
 his  honour  and  woi  (hip  in  the  fill 
 Table. 
 
 Againft  the  firft  Commandc. 
 meat ;  as  (touching  the  Maidiy  of 
 God  ;  (  their  hearts  are  &11  of 
 blindeneffe,  covered  with  darke- 
 nefle ;(b it  goeth  againft  them  lobe 
 taught  the  true  knowledge  of  the 
 true  God  ;  ic  is  death  to  them  to 
 bedrawneoutof  their ig*  oracce  • 
 theyciHr;ot  abide  to  hcareof  his 
 ,  iudgr- 
 
 I 
 
unto  4  godly  Life. 
 
 4* 
 
 iudgemenc  day ,   lob  13,  t/ffts  \ 
 24.25. 
 
 AGd  whereas  heerequireth,that 
 confidence  (hculd  bee  put  in  him, 
 for  continuall  defence,delivcrance 
 and  (uccour  in  foule  and  body,tbey 
 are  carried  with  diftruft,  as  with  a 
 whirle-wind.  In  adverfiry  they  are 
 eichcr  overcome  with  a  fervile  and 
 defperate  feare,  or  boyling  with 
 impatience,,  or  elfe  (welling  a- 
 gainft  God  inobftinacy  and  con- 
 tempt. 
 
 In  profperity  there  is  little  or 
 no  thankefulneffe  yeelded  to  God 
 by  them,  their  reioycingiscarnall, 
 and  oftentimes  they  are  made 
 drunke  with  pleafures,(b  that  they 
 are  lovers  of  thera  more  then  of 
 God,  and  become  infenfiblc  therby 
 and  pall  all  feeling. 
 
 And  as  for  the  fecond  Comman- 
 demenr^hey  rebell  againft  the  fpi- 
 rituall  and  true  feruice  of  God, 
 and  that  which  they  yeeld  him  isa 
 will-worfhip,  even  that  which 
 fantafie^  cuftome,,  orflefiily  wif- 
 
 C  2  dome  1 
 
 -»- 
 
 i.C^W*'/* 
 
42 
 
 Brief*  Dirtttions 
 
 cmman. 
 
 4.  Cumrnvu 
 
 dome  teachcth  them^  Iot>.2 1  •14^15 
 Matthi*)?.  Many  are  carried  by 
 fuperftition  and  blinde  deuotion, 
 into  falfc  worfhips  ;  and  other 
 uhichretaine  the  truth,  yet  in  the 
 ufe  of  religious  excrcifes,  their 
 hearts  take  no  delight, 
 
 So  alio  againft  the  third  Com- 
 mandement  through  thecourfe  o£ 
 their  private  converfation,  their 
 hearts  are  alcogether  vaine,  pro- 
 fane and  diflolute.,  they  have  no 
 pleafurein  pleaSngGod,  though 
 it  fliould  be  their  meat,  drinke  and 
 paftime  ;  his  moft  fearefull  judge- 
 ments they  paffe  over  lightly,  fo 
 far  are  they  offfrorn  expellicg  hy- 
 pocrifie  and  other  finnes. 
 
 And  as  for  the  Lords  Sabboth 
 and  other  good  meanes  appointed 
 on  the  fame,  to  ftafon  and  change 
 their  hearts,  they  (enfibJy  loath 
 them,or  find  no  favour  in  thern,nei- 
 thcr  is  it  any  part  of  their  thought 
 tofceke  any  confbrc  by  them. 
 Tayic  2 . 
 After  thefe  wee  may  confider 
 
 thofe 
 
unto  a  giMy  Life. 
 
 43 
 
 thofe  unbridled  worldly  Jufts., 
 which  carry  men  after  the  hurt  of 
 their  neighbour. 
 
 What  unreverent  contempt  and 
 obftinacy  appeareth  to  bee  ia  the 
 hearts  of  many  againft  their  bet- 
 ters, dirainifhing  that  authority, 
 creditiand  eftimation  which  God 
 hath  given  to  them ;  (o  that  place, 
 yearcs  and  gifts,  are  had  in  meane 
 acconnt  ofthera  :  what  unthank- 
 f ulnefle  in  men  to  them  which  la^ 
 bour  for  their  good  and  welfare 
 enter  in  corporall  ox  fpirituall 
 things5&c. 
 
 How  againft  the  good  of  their 
 neighbours  foulcs^  many  doe  re- 
 ioyce  to  fee  them,  nay  to  make 
 them  fall  into  fioj  what  unappeal- 
 able angcr3  deadly  hatred,  and  bit- 
 ter feeking  of  revenge,  there  is  a- 
 mengft  me^how  readily  occafbns 
 are  taken  to  thinking  evill  of  o- 
 thcrs,  how  lightly  men  efteeme of 
 hurting  others  :  how  none  alrmft 
 
 x  will  with  Abraham^  Cm.  13.  8. 
 
 i  pafle  from  their  right  to  avoid  dii- 
 C  3  fention; 
 
 S .  Common* 
 
 6'Cwmi.i* 
 
Briefc  Dlrt&ions 
 
 7.  cmman* 
 
 < 
 
 *•  Comwtn. 
 
 9-Commin. 
 
 \  fention ;  how  there  is  no  meeknefik 
 or  mildneffe  to  ferbearc  others,  no 
 burying  of  offences,  no  pacifying 
 of  wrath,  no  fellow-feeling  of  mi- 
 fery. 
 
 How  men  let  loofc  their  hearts 
 to  filthy  anduncleane  thoughts  and 
 defires,  how  they  are  inflamed 
 through  every  obieft  that  pkaftth 
 them  5  how  they  delight  to  blow 
 up  thofe  burning  luftes,  byallun* 
 clcanctalke,  and  tofeede  their  a- 
 duherouscycB  by  wanton  fpe&a- 
 cles,  andtorcforc  tothofe  places, 
 where  they  may  be  incenfed  by  all 
 provocations,&c. 
 
 What  greedy  and  unfitiable  de- 
 fire  there  is  of  gaine,  nay  of  other 
 mens  goods^though  it  be  bydeceit 
 
 ^ind  wrong^whatyrepining  at  other 
 
 I  mens  getfings,  What  pilling  and 
 flcf  cingjoppreffion  and  ufury  in  all 
 eftates. 
 
 How  rare  thole  are  that  take 
 well,  and  interpret  in  the  becter 
 parr,  things  done  or  fpoken  doubt- 
 fully, what  miftakings,  fufpitions, 
 
 furmifes 
 
nnto  a  g^dly  L$fe. 
 
 45 
 
 farmifesdoe  arifeagainftour  bre- 
 thren ;  even  as  Saul  againft  David 
 &  J$t7ath*H)i  Stf.22.S.Alfb  what 
 deriding  there  is  both  by  word  and 
 writing,  what  (landers,  and  repro- 
 ches3&c. 
 
 And  laftly ,  how  their  defires 
 tend  not  to  good,ncither  lead  them 
 to  God;  but  arc  for  the  moftpare 
 taken  up  in  wifhing  fomewhat  of 
 their  neighbours  to  their  hurt. 
 
 The  evils  alfo  that  concerne 
 thcmfelves,  are  neither  few  nor 
 finall:  inaboundance  of  outward 
 chings^fttting  their  hearts  on  them 
 aad  delighting  exceffivcly  even  in 
 the  abufe  of  them,  and  ioyfeg  be- 
 yond meafare  in  things  tranfitory, 
 which  is  the  very  pride  of  life. 
 
 Gontrarily,  fretting,  murmu- 
 ring and  vexing  themfelves  when 
 they  fall  into  exrremicy,  or  unto 
 frowardneffe,orfjllenndIc,  v;hen 
 they  are  crollcd  or  difplcafed,  de- 
 ceiving themfclve*  with  defies  of 
 things  unproficable,croblingchem- 
 fclves  wuh  curious  medii-ng  in 
 C  4  things 
 
 io.Cemm* 
 
46 
 
 i: 
 
 "Brief e  "DirtUions 
 
 I 
 
 things  impertinent,  blind-folding 
 
 (tbemfelvcs  with  foolifh  love  of 
 themfdvfSj&c.  • 
 
 The  lufts  wherewith  the  hearts 
 of  men  doe  fwarrne,  and  are  even 
 burdeaed  and  Ioden,  may  eafily 
 perfwade  us,  that  it  is  divine  pow- 
 er and  grace  from  above  that  muft 
 purge  theft  and  fach  like  unfivou- 
 ry  draffes  out  of  them. 
 
 And  yet  theft  and  many  other 
 fuch  like  are  renounced  as  they 
 come  to  bee  knowne  of  Gods  fer- 
 vants,and  refifted,according  to  the 
 wifdome  which  God  hath  given 
 tbem ;  although  in  others  they  rule 
 aodr&igne,  and  the  obrainingof 
 grace  to  doe  this,  is  a  fpeciall  part 
 of  Chrifiianity,  Efhefians^  2  2.  Co 
 that  hee  that  exercifcth  himfdfein 
 obferviog   theft   his   foule   and 
 flusmfuH  lufts,   when  hee  hath 
 beene  led  away,  and  deceived  by 
 them,  which  of  them  doe  mott 
 trouble  him,  and  ofceft  prevaile 
 with  him,  and  fb  by  the  helpes 
 which  God  hath  given  him,  doth 
 
 refri 
 
unto  j godly  Life. 
 
 rUift  thcrn^  though  bacwe-kelyl 
 zni  unpcrfttt!y,he  need  not  doubt  • 
 b'.;t  rhac  he  is  occupied  h  the  god- 
 ly life. 
 
 Thus  all  Gods  children  doe  re- 
 nounce and  overcome  their  wic- 
 ked lufts,  though  not  all  in  the  like 
 meafure,  yec  of  the  weakeft  they 
 are  hated  and  ihiven  againftj  whea 
 they  are  once  feene  and  perceived 
 A'lare  not  fo  meeke  as  Mofesy 
 Nam. ii.  13.  fo  faithful!  as  Abra- 
 ham yfo  continent  as  Iofefh,Gcn.  3  9 
 1  j.fo  zealous  as  Ddvid,  nor  fb  full 
 of  Lveasthe  woman  in  the  Gof- 
 pell :  Luke  7.47.  yet  thofcthat  be 
 behind  others  (fo  it  be  in  crtJth  that 
 they  indeavour )  are  not  to  bee  di£ 
 couraged^  for  all  heleevers  have 
 not  their  part  in  the  dme  degree  of 
 moreificmon,f>me  receive  thirty- 
 fould,  fome  fixtyf  fonie  an  hun- 
 dred, and  indeed  thole  who  ar^ 
 moftofall  troubled  for  being  be-  . 
 hindeothcrs,  doe  declare  plaincly^ 
 that  they  love  the  grace  that  they  ! 
 monrne  for,  and  bate  deadly  the  j 
 C  *  corrnn-  i 
 
 1. 
 
 47 
 
48 
 
 Briefc  "DmUiom 
 
 corruption  which  theycomplaine 
 and  cry  out  of,they  indeed  char  fuf- 
 fer  chcmfclvcs  to  bee  ruled  and  led 
 by  their  lufts,  can  no  waxes  claime 
 any  pare  in  a  godly  life,  for  he  chat 
 is  fo  minded,  cannot  be  buc  carnal, 
 eftranged  from  God,  and  a  bond 
 man  of  Hell. 
 
 But  the  weake  Chriftians  that 
 doe  flrive  againft  tbofr5and  decline 
 them  in  their  meafurc,  may  ftay 
 tbcmfelves  for  their  comfort  on 
 thefe  three  fpeciall  grac  v  s. 
 
 i  .That  they  have  a  clearc  know- 
 ledge of  their  (alvarion* 
 
 2.  That  they  account  it  as  their 
 chiefe  treafure, 
 
 3.  That  they  be  fecled  forward 
 in  fome  plaine  and  good  courfe  of 
 life,  whereby  they  may  grow  in 
 faiths  and  the  obtaining  of  God, 
 though  with  forae  (triving.  But  if 
 they  walkedeftituceofanyof  thefe 
 three,  they  Qiall  bee  faar^d  much 
 with  feare  and  unquiecneflir.Thefe 
 therefore  muft  beearucftiy  l*bou 
 red  for,bt  ing  of  ail  things  moft  ne- 
 
 ceffary 
 
I 
 
 unto  a  gedly'Life* 
 
 49 
 
 Ctffiryeobclearred  offuchas  have  j 
 attained  already  co  the  knowledge 
 of  true  happincflk  by  Iefus  Chrili : 
 for  as  a  nun  knowech  nothing  pre 
 ficablc  unco  falvarion  before  he  be- 
 licve:h;  fo  after  he  bclieveih,  hce 
 knowech  nothing  profitably  to 
 grow  on  with  comfort  in  his  Chri- 
 ftian  courfe,  without  thefe  three 
 faithfully  andcarefully  looked  un- 
 to and  prefer  ved. 
 
 As  for  the  greater  increafe  of 
 fiich,  knowledge,  ftrength  agaioft 
 fi:me,  comfort  and  (uch»like  fruits 
 of  the  fpiric  •  fbmetime  the  Lord 
 doth  withhold  them,  either  be- 
 cause he  fceth  them  in  fame  refpcQ: 
 not  to  bee  good  for  us  for  the  pre- 
 fers, as  2  Cot.  10.  9.  orelfe  to  try 
 u^whether  we  love  them  fo  well , 
 that  we  willfceke  afcer  them  ftill 
 or  no  ^  but  for  the  moft  part,  if  we 
 grow  not,  it  is  moft  iuftly  to  bee 
 \  imputed  to  our  owne  fault  as  our 
 ownc  ignorance,  lloch,  favouring 
 I  ofoarfclvesinfia  :  or  if  thefebe 
 not  the  auks,  then  it  is  our  ownc 
 
 timer  ouf-  I 
 
 •^-^ 
 
5<> 
 
 Qut&Qft 
 
 /Anforer* 
 
 *^ — 
 
 Briefe  VireSionr 
 
 wmorouf  tfl?  and  aobcliete,  fea- 
 ringthatfuch  grace  as  wee  dcfire 
 (hall  not  be  given  unto  us ;  where- 
 as wee  ought  to  belieue.  Nuther 
 need  we  feare  left  bybelicuingthis 
 wefliouldbetooboldor  prrfcmp- 
 ruous,  for  God  hath  promifed  ir, 
 and  commanded  u>  ro  truft  in  him, 
 lam  a.  6.  And  if  wee  faile  no:  iau- 
 fingthemeanes,  flaying  upon  the 
 Lord  by  faith  •  aflur  telly  hee  will 
 not  faile  nor  difappoint  us ;  but 
 wee  (hall  have  grace  co  guide  our 
 ker,tori(twhenwearefilIcn5  to 
 returnc  when  wee  are  ftepped  out 
 of the-way*  and  to  walke  in  meft 
 fweet  (ififcy  under  Gods  protecti- 
 on all  r  he  day  long,  2>**f.  33.  12. 
 Aad  finally 3  our  gaincs  (hall  bee 
 ftch,  asfiiallcaufe  us  tomarvaile 
 at  Gods  goodnefle,  in  giving  us 
 more  than  we  would  have  asktd. 
 
 A  Queftton  here  may  bee  mo- 
 ved, how  che-sMndes  and  hearct  of 
 the  believers  are  taken  up  ufually, 
 feeing  they  renounce  in  ward  lufts? 
 
 Th^f  thoughts ase  according  to 
 
 fbrr 
 
 I      '   »■! 
 
untoagvdlyLifz. 
 
 5* 
 
 their  divcis  growthes  and  ages, 
 which  are  three, 
 
 i;  The  higheft  degree  is  old 
 age,  or  the  experienced  eftue, 
 which  yet  is  not  the  perfeft  age  in 
 Ghrift,  for  that  (hall  not  befall  us 
 till  the  life  to  come,  buca  firms, 
 
 !  conihnt,  and  fettled  going  03  to 
 that  perfefiioi?. 
 
 2.  The  ftcond  is  the  middle  age 
 la  Ghriftianity,  in  which  3S  young 
 Tien  in  wreftling,we  have  courage 
 :gain(tour  iiifulllufts.bac  yecafcc  ' 
 
 '  unco  them  who  have  many  foiles, 
 
 i  wee  arc  ofceatimes  cookd  in  our  j 
 courage,  though  wee  fometimes 
 prevaile,   ever  growiog,  though 
 flowly. 
 
 3.  The  third  is  childhood  or  in- 
 fancy, the  bweft and  thclaft,  the 
 which  is  principally  difcernedby 
 an  carneft  defirc  of  the  finccre 
 milke  of  the  Word,  and  nameIy,of 
 the  promifes  of  forgirenes  of  fins ; 
 which  alchough  fome  of  thefe 
 deare  children  of  God  cannot  with 
 
 j  fullafliirance  lay  hold  of  5  yet  this 
 
 their 
 
 I 
 
52 
 
 w_ 
 
 Briefe  DireUions 
 
 i  ■  i  «i  n  i  - 
 
 their  hungring  defire  after  it 
 (which cannot  be  facisfied  without 
 it)  ivi^h  a  feufiblc  feate  to  offend 
 God3is  a  true  figie  thereof. 
 
 The  fir  ft  fort  are  fuch  a  s  through 
 long  experience,  and  much  ac- 
 quaintance, with  thepra&iceof  a 
 godly  life,  have  obtained  grace  to 
 guide  themfelves  more  conftantly 
 than  others,  and  to  keepe  within 
 bounds :  they  are  much  fresd 
 from  this  bondage,  and  ftldome  lb 
 grolfrly  holden  under  of  corrupt 
 lufts  as  others  :  which  efate, 
 chough  it  be  to  be  aimed  at  of  a]] 
 godly  people^yet  it  is  not  obtained 
 but  of  fuch  as  have  accuftomed 
 their  minds  to  the  heavenly  courfe, 
 and  to  whom  good  meditations 
 and  thoughts  to  fliunne  and  aroid 
 evill3  are  become  a  pleaftre ;  and 
 are  as  well  able  to  difcerne  the 
 fame  by  their  undcrftanding  and 
 j  jdgeaient,  as  to  have  their  will  jn 
 good  fort  at  commandement  to  fol. 
 low  the  good  and  fhun  the  evilK 
 Now  tbeie  have  their  mindes  ufu- 
 
 ally 
 
unto  agodly  Life. 
 
 ally  fee  upon  fomc  one  or  other  of 
 the  infi  lice  heavenly  inttniftioos, 
 which  from  time  ro  time  they  have 
 treafured  up  in  their  hearts:  where- 
 by,although  tbeybenot  q  jickaed 
 upas  they  would,  ordiirecobe 
 yet  chey  are  held  from  much  evil); 
 they  are  often  coifider'ng  of  Gods 
 urutcsrahle  kindneffe,  of  mans 
 morcallity,  the  tnomencary  cibte 
 of  all  things  under  th;  San  e,  the 
 blcflcd  eft  ate  of  the  E  left,  the  end- 
 leile  woe  of  the  damned,  and  facb 
 like^hey  areofcen  behold  ing,and 
 meditating  of  God,  h?s  \fcjefty, 
 P.jwcr,Wtfdornc,EccrnicyJufiice. 
 Patience,and  ling  ftiffering,  and  of 
 his  care  over  them;  but  a  great 
 pare  of  their  daily  thoughts  is  this, 
 I  how  chey  may  have  a  good  confei- 
 J  ence  in  all  things  pleahog  God,an  J 
 how  they  may  be  prepared  for  the 
 crofle;  alfo  how  they  may  hoi  J 
 out  conftantly  the  profeffioa  of 
 their  hope  into  the  cod  with  joy ; 
 how  they  mayrtfift  all  •  ccafions 
 ]  of  evill  5  whaw  lees  they  {hall  findc 
 
 from 
 
 53 
 
 L 
 
54 
 
 X—. 
 
 Brtefe  Directions 
 
 from  without  aad  within.  Aad 
 Mly^  how  they  may  order  well  | 
 their  particular  aftions  in  their ! 
 callingvhac  they  may  makea  good  j 
 account  at  the  end  of  the  day,  and  ; 
 Co  at  the  laft  end. 
 
 This  the  firil  fort  are  exercifcJ,  ■ 
 yet  not  wholly  freed  from  evill ! 
 thoughef,  and  vair.e  defires,  for  I 
 Ttfa/wasnot,  2  Cor.  12.9.  Ron.j. 
 24.  and  God  will  make  them  fee  t 
 their  weakneflc  from  time  to  tiaie,  j 
 eipecially  to  fubdue  pride  in  them5 ! 
 and  to  hold  them  under. 
 
 The  ftcond  fort  compared  to  ! 
 young  men3  are  neither  fotxpm*  j 
 enced  in  Chriftianity  as  the  father, ■ 
 nor  yet  utterly  unacquainted  ther- 
 with,  as  the  new-borne  babes. 
 
 The feareefpscially  occupied  in 
 fighting  againll  temptations,  and 
 refiftingunruiyIuftSjZ#/>.2.4.  For 
 knowingby  the  light  of  the  Scrip- 
 tures, what  corruptions  they  have 
 in  them^they  watch  their  hearts 
 diligently,  they  pray  againft  them 
 ok  and  eamtfllv-  they  are  alwaies 
 1  .  Jn 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 55 
 
 in  fcare  left  they  fhould  be  over- 
 come, and  cafling  how  they  may 
 avoid  the  occafions  of  finne/o  chat 
 fane  becomes  odious  unco  them, 
 yec  doc  ever  over-come  of  them, 
 but  often  unfetled  aaddiftempered 
 and  as  often  reading  the  covenant 
 with  the  Lord  to  pleafc  him  better; 
 fometimc  difcouraged,  but  rife 
 againe,  glad  to  ufe  all  good  helps, 
 both  pubJike  and  private,  and  ha- 
 ving prevailed  againft  greater  cof 
 ru prions,  are  earneftly  let  agaioft 
 the  fm  alter,  and  fuch  as  feeme  leffe 
 dangerous;  as  the  idle  roving*  of 
 their  braine  which  do  not  dire&ly 
 fo  much  carry  them  after  evill,  as 
 hinder  them  from  good,  they  are 
 holden  under  (bme  inficmities,that 
 they  may  be  more  humble  and 
 not  forget  what  they  were  in  times 
 paft,  to  that  this  fecond  age  and 
 growth  inChriftianky  is  a  ft  riving 
 rather  betwixt  fcare  and  hope, 
 forrow  and  j  jy3  than  a  (uperioricy 
 over  unruly  affeftions;  an  eftate 
 ftanding  in  ocedeof  counfell  aad 
 
 help, 
 
help,  rather  than  ficced  and  expe- 
 rienced to  connfell,dire&  &  fettle 
 others :  but  the  more  fare  t \  iey  be 
 of  their  falvation,  the  more  ex- 
 pert they  fbould  be  in  thebattell. 
 
 The  third  fort  compared  to  little 
 Children,  who  hang  upon  the 
 breft  and  doe !  labour  for  know- 
 ledge of  their  Father  in  Chrift,  and 
 defire  the  meanes  ot  their  fpintu- 
 all  nourifhment,  i  Pet.  2.  2.  their 
 thoughts  are  taken  up  in  thefe 
 things^  and  their  keeping  them- 
 (elves  that  they  may  not  offend  or 
 difpleafe  their  father-  they  are 
 cheerfull  while  their  fmall  faith  is 
 upholden,  by  cleaving  to  the  pro- 
 mife;  and  as  uncheerfull  when  as 
 faith  faileth,  moaning,  and  pining 
 if  it  be  long  wanting :  where  they 
 rauft  take  heede  of  two  perills. 
 
 The  firft  is,  left  upon  pretence 
 of  (eekiog  continuanceof  comfort, 
 they  negleft  their  lawfall  bufi- 
 nefle ;  for  Satan  appeareth  as  an 
 Angcll  of  light. 
 
 The  fecond,Ieft  in  want  of  com- 
 fort, 
 
unto  a  godly  Ltfi. 
 
 fore,  they  be  driven  co  any  di£ 
 nruftfullor  defperate  feare ;  forfo 
 the  Divcll  appeareth  as  a  roaring 
 Lyon. 
 
 Thefe  muft  grow  daily  out  of 
 their  childilhnefle,  making  all 
 fuch  faults  as  they  fpy  in  them* 
 felvcs  and  purge  therafelvcs  from 
 them.  With  thefe  the  Lord  dea- 
 leth  moft  kindly,  not  (hewing 
 them  all  their  corruptions  at  once, 
 which  were  enough  to  difany 
 them-  nor  how  many  affli&ions 
 abide  them,  which  wtte  like  to 
 |  confound  them. 
 
 Thus  we  may  fee  in  thefe  three 
 degrees,  how  for  the  moft  part  the 
 purged  hearts  of  Gods  children 
 are  taken  up^the  weakeft  of  which 
 doe  farre  differ  from  the  fecreui 
 hypocrite,  which  of  all  unifor- 
 med, ours  come  neereft  tjiem. 
 
 THus  having  (poken  of  inward 
 lufts  and  finnes  of  the  heart, 
 and  (hewed  how  they  are  difliked 
 aid  renounced  of  all  the  believers : 
 
 The 
 
 57 
 
5* 
 
 Briefs  VireUiens 
 
 The  like  is  to  be  (hewed  of  out- 
 ward finnesof  the  life,that  they  be 
 abhorred  and  (hunned  alfb :  which 
 is  the  rather  co  be  confidered3  bc- 
 caufe  many  boa  ft  they  have  true 
 hearts  to  God,  when  their  lives  are 
 wicked ;  but  to  re  Joyce  either  a- 
 bout  their  falyation,  or  the  good- 
 neffe  of  their  heart :  if  their  beha- 
 viour be  fiained  with  outward 
 wickedneflr,  and  their  holy  pro- 
 fefflon  blemiihed  with  open  and 
 flumefull  (ins,  is  vaine :  for  none 
 can  be  truly  godly,  that  doth  not 
 indeavour  to  walke  free  from  of. 
 fenfire  evills,  if  hee  doe  know 
 them  to  be  fiancs,  which  may  be 
 (hewed  abundantly  in  the  Scrip- 
 tures by  Doftrine,  i  Samuel  7. 4. 
 Hof.if.p.  t  fir.j.u  2?et.2.2o. 
 /rf/H.1,25.  Rom.  6.2.  By  example, 
 Iofepb,  G&.ip.  10.  JHofefyHei.il. 
 24.  Zjchceu^Luksip.u  of che fin- 
 fall  woman,  Luk.  7. 37.  Thefe  for- 
 (aking  chofe  finncs  which  by  na- 
 ture they  Iov~d,  and  bycuiiome 
 they  had  long  lien  in,  doe  plainely 
 
unto  a  gtdty  Lift, 
 
 »«•«■ 
 
 59 
 
 (hew  that  they  believed  in  Chrift, 
 forfeking  their  old  finnes,  though 
 they  were  never  fa  pleafiat  unco 
 them. 
 
 NChwithftanding  the  former 
 Doftrine  be  moft  plaine  for 
 Scripture  and  reafbn,  yet  there  are 
 many  that  hope  for  falvation,  and 
 \  yet  renounce  not  open  finnc^and 
 outward  offences. 
 Thefe  are  referred  to  fourc  fort?. 
 The  fift  arc  grofie  offenders, 
 whom  every  vile  perfbn  doth 
 fcorne,  becaufehee  doth  fee  their 
 hypocrifie  by  open  and  often  com- 
 mitted evilh,  and  hath  ChriiVian 
 Religion  ic  felfe  in  meane  accouat 
 for  their  caufc;  for  prophane  men  I 
 when  they  fee  any  walkc  Gncercly 
 indeed3  §c  without  jjftcaufeofrc- 
 buke,*re  little  moved  at  their  ex- 
 ample, neither  greatly  reverence 
 them,or  take  any  good  by  the.but 
 reproach  c hem  rather ;  bucthatU 
 becaufe  they  fie  (b  many,  who, 
 befidcsfbmc  outward  appearance 
 
 of 
 
6o 
 
 Briefe  Viutttms 
 
 of  zeale,  were  little  better  in  their 
 lives  than  themfelves,and  thcrfore 
 they  are  hardncd  to  thinkc  fo  of  all 
 the  reft;  which  wilfull  blindnefle 
 and  hardnefle  of hearr,though  it  be 
 a  fearefull  figne  of  God  his  venge- 
 asce  to  them,  yet  this  in  great  part 
 maybe  jnftly  afcribed  to  the  lives 
 of  thofe  who  profeffing  gcdlines,in 
 their  deeds  deny  the  fame,  2  Tim. 
 5, 6.  for  whom  it  had  beeae  better 
 they  had  never  made  any  profefTi- 
 onat  a!l,fuch as SauUi  Sam.22, 18. 
 The  fecond  lore  are  fuch  as  be- 
 ing rud<i  and  ignorant,  are  altoge- 
 ther careleffe,  flattring  thcmfelves 
 in  that  groffe  and  brutifh  eftatc, 
 who  have  many  fpeaches  alfo  fu- 
 table  to  their  lives^which  lay  open 
 their  hearts  to  al]. 
 
 A  third  fort  are  fuch,  as  becaufe 
 they  kecpe  within  iome  civill 
 courfe  of  honcfty,  and  are  free 
 from  grofle  crimes,  tbinke  them- 
 felves  to  be  in  very  good  eftate, 
 I  though  their  open  faults  be  many: 
 f:me  of  thefe  (as  alio  of  the  for- 
 raer) 
 
HKt0  4g$dtjLifc, 
 
 61 
 
 mcr)  are  fometimes  pricked  in 
 conscience  for  fiane,  or  rather  for^ 
 the  punifhment  of  it,  Exod.  9.  27. 
 and  feme  kind  of  change,  Mtrl^S. 
 19.  Hof.  6.  4f.Micb.6.f).  hey  will 
 fometimts  make  vowes  and  cove- 
 nants to  doe  v?e\l,PfaLjS.36.thty 
 wil&arply  reprove  oc  he  r$>Pf.  50. 
 16.  they  have  fomefuddenflifhes 
 of  grace,  &  yet  do  want  true  god- 
 lincfl?,  and  therefore  have  their 
 /en cence  pronounced  byourSavi- 
 ouXjMattb.21.^1.  and  5.  20. 
 
 A  fourth  fore  of  profeffers  are 
 foch^as  for  their  feeming  zcale  doe 
 thicks  Co  well  of  therofelves,  that 
 they  cannot  brooke  or  abide  any 
 other  that  differ  from  them  in 
 judgement,  they  are  tauncers,  ray- 
 l.rs  and  fluiderers  of  their  Bre- 
 thren ;  yca,moft  (harp  and  unchari- 
 table and  proud  cenfurersof  their 
 brethren  and  betters;  who  are  Co 
 fboneripein  their  owne  conceit, 
 that  none  is  mcetecaoughorfuffi- 
 ciencto  teach  the  n,  fame  aifo  in- 
 ordinate livers,  lit.  3.  worfe  in 
 
 thr 
 
 ^^ 
 
62 
 
 Briefe  VinZtiws 
 
 their  dealings  than  menwhopro- 
 feffc  no  Religion,  etrthly,unquier, 
 andftch  like. 
 
 The  life  thus  led,  is  not  the  life 
 which  Godrequircch,  neitherarc 
 thofc  works  which  faith  affordeth, 
 fo that  howfoever  God  gathereth 
 "'  his  Eleft  out  of  all  thefe  kinds,  yet 
 are  none  of  them  to  be  accounted 
 as  his,  while  their  hearts  abide 
 ftaioed  with  fach  corruptions,  or 
 their  lives  defiled  with  fuch  trea- 
 chery* 
 
 AGainft  this  that  hath  beece 
 faid,  fbrae  will  be  objefting 
 and  asking,  why  fuch  difference  is 
 made  of  men  ?  have  the  godly  no 
 faults?  arc  they  without  infirmi- 
 ties? are  they  not  like  unto  other 
 men  in  finning  ?  if  it  be  fo,  why 
 fhould  they  be  fhoalcd  from  the 
 others? 
 
 I  anfwert  that  as  for  differences 
 of  men,  they  are  put  by  the  Lord 
 himfelfe,  both  in  naroe3converfati- 
 on,  and  reward,  Tfal.  i.  2. and  50* 
 1 6.  1  Tbef.  19.  and  the  end  of  the 
 Miniftery, 
 
unto  a  g 
 
 odlyLife. 
 
 Minifteryis,  to  fhoale  GodsEleft 
 and  b,  loved  ones  from  the  World, 
 and  ro  bring  them  to  his  fbeepe- 
 fold.  Where  it  is  demanded,  if 
 they  be  not  partakers  of  the  fame 
 finnes  rhac  other  men  are  ?  it  can- 
 not be  denied,  but  the  godly  arc 
 foracwhat  infe&ed  with  common 
 corr nptionSjli ving  where  Satan  is ; 
 and  further3it  is  poffible  they  may 
 alfo  lie  llill  in  the  fame  loathfbme- 
 neffe  for  a  feafon ;  but  yet  fo,  as  it 
 appeareth  plainly,  that  they  were 
 not  given  over  like  wicked  men  : 
 for  when  they  come  tothfmftlves 
 againc,  wefcehow  ftrangcly  they 
 are  amazed  zt  thdr  offence,  how  I 
 they  tremble  to  thinlce  what  they 
 have  done,  and  can  have  no  peace 
 within  themfelvts  till  they  returne 
 home  againe  after  they  are  gone 
 out  of  the  way,  and  Co  are  made 
 more  vigilant  and  wary  againft 
 cue  like  another  rime/he  which  of 
 the  wicked  cannot  be  (aid ;  be- 
 iides  the  falls  of  the  godly  are  but 
 when  they  are  fecure  and  takeli- 
 
 65 
 
 D 
 
 bcrty 
 
 ■- 
 
66 
 
 Briefs  Dirtttions 
 
 bercy  onto  themfelves,  2  Sam.  1 1 . 
 4.  and  give  over  to  fence  them- 
 selves as  they  are  charged  jfft£.  4.1. 
 and  3*  1 2.  As  forrcprcachfulland 
 flagitious  falls, we  muft  know^that 
 it  is  poflible  for  us  to  be  prefer ved 
 from  them,  aT^.i,  5. 10.  fo  was 
 Enoch,  Abraham,  Caleb,  and  Jfo- 
 /&*  j,with  many  others ;  but  yet  as 
 many  rare  and  deare  feivants  of 
 God  have  fallen  into  fhamcfull 
 fins,fo  may  we :  for  God  fuffercrh 
 bisfervantstofali  fo  dangeroufly 
 forthefecaufcs. 
 
 i.  For  the  humbling  of  them. 
 
 2*  That  they  lee  his  exceeding 
 faountifulneflc  in  pardoning  fo 
 great  finnes,  and  fo  love  him  the 
 moic,  Luke  j*  47. 1  An  21.15.  and 
 
 3.  That  others  farrc  weaker 
 than  they,  yet  faithfully  maybe 
 encouraged  to  beleeve  that  their 
 finnes  (hall  be  pardoned,  and  their 
 weake  iervice  accepted  of  him,  as 
 I  Tim.  1.  16.  which  other  wife 
 rr  ight  be  difcouraged.Out  of  theft 
 cafes,  if  we  hold  fa  ft  our  faith,  and 
 
 fland  ] 
 
mim 
 
 $tnt$A  g$dljLife. 
 
 — . — — — —  — ——       i  «■— — %— ^ 
 
 ftand  upon  our  watch,  wecneede 
 not  feare  falling,  for  God  caketh 
 no  pleafare  to  caft  them  downc 
 who  dcfire  to  ftand,  but  to  raifc  up 
 them  that  are  fallen,  Pfal.  130,  jt 
 to  he! pe  oar  wcaknefle,  tofapply 
 our  wants,  and  to  deliver  us  ftora 
 fuch  dangers  as  we  feare*  fo  farre 
 ask  is  expedient  •  or  elfe  make  us 
 able  to  bcare  them. 
 
 Now  concerning  infirmities,  it 
 moft  be  granted,  that  becaufe  they 
 have  ftill  a  body  of  finne  within 
 thera,  they  muftneedeibefu6je& 
 to  infirmities,  and  this  is  properly 
 a  fnne  of  infirmitie,  when  partly 
 of  knowledge,  and  more  through 
 frailcty,  an  offence  is  wrought  to 
 the  difpleafing  of  God :  and  when 
 of  fuch  a  one  it  is  committed,as  be- 
 caufe  he  hath  his  heart  fanftificd 
 would  not  doe  it ;  and  yet  becauft 
 the  power  of  corruption  at  that 
 time  is  greater  in  him  than  the 
 ftrength  of  Grace,  therefore  hce 
 was  foreed  to  yeejfd  to  if,  fo  that 
 in  theft  alfo  the  godly  doe  much 
 
 D  2  differ 
 
 <7     1 
 
 ■ 
 
68 
 
 Briefs  DireQiow 
 
 ta^«— *« 
 
 differ  from  all  wicked  :  for  ic  is 
 their  greateft  care  that  they  may 
 not  fall,  their  greateft  fbrrow 
 when  they  are  overcome^nd  their 
 greateft  joy,  when  they  doe  pre* 
 vaileover  theirfins;  none  of  which 
 are  to  be  found  in  the  wicked. 
 
 THe  heart  once  purged,  as  hach 
 before  beene  (hewed,  doch  re- 
 quire great  care  for  the  keeping  of 
 ic  Co  in  good  plight  afterward5 
 Prov^  2  3%  which  is  done  by  wat- 
 ching, trying,  and  purging;  wee 
 muft  watch,  ldi  we  fhould  for  the 
 want  thereof  be  deceived  with  the 
 baits  of  finne ;  wee  muft  examine 
 and  try  it,  becaufe  no  man  can 
 warch  fo  carefully,  but  that  much 
 evill  willcrecpeinj  and  wee  muft 
 pui;ge  out  that  fikhy  droffe  of cor- 
 cupiicence  which  wee  fiade  by  ex- 
 amining, that  it  fee  not  our  will  on 
 fire,  to  fatisfie  and  pcrforme  the 
 de  fires  thereof,  Pfal.  1 iy. 9. 
 
 This  indeed*  is  no  idle  worke .• 
 for  he  tiutgocth  about  it  muft  be 
 
 con- 
 
mto  a  g*&ly  Lift. 
 
 69 
 
 concent  and  glad  to  weanc  his 
 heart  from  many  unprofitable  and 
 wandring  thoughts  «and  dcfires: 
 andfoftufbn  them  with  holy  and 
 heavenly  meditations.  But  wee 
 may  (ceby  Scripture^  P/«^3  2.4'y, 
 6,  Heb.  10.  38.  and  by  experience, 
 (noavithlbndingouraiFeftion^be 
 ftfor-g,  unruly^  and  molt  hardly 
 'fubdued)  wi  h  wbateafewemay 
 renounce  and  forfake  them,  and 
 have  power  over  oar  will  and  ap^ 
 peckes,when  our  heart  be  thus  re^ 
 nued  and  kept  mattered :  Whereas, 
 the  lictlei  acquaintance  and  ill'  go- 
 verning of  the  heart,  by  fctcing it 
 loofe  to  folly,  waudring  and  need- 
 lefie  phantafies,  is  that  which  cau- 
 (cth  it  to  be  furfehed  with  al!  mar> 
 tier  of  iniquity, 
 
 Againt-jif  our  hearts  be  KD€  thus 
 i  carefully  looked  u  .to,  wee  (hall 
 riot  hive  them  ready  to  any  duty. 
 And  from  hence  ic  is,  that  many 
 mens  hearts  arj  fwarviog  ufualiy 
 wic'.vaine  thoughts,  even  whiles 
 they  are  in  hearing  a  id  pray  fog, 
 D  3  be 
 
I 
 
 ■J 
 
 I 
 
 Briefs  DireBions 
 
 - 
 
 becaufe  tbey  doe  noc  conftantly 
 throughout  the  day  watch  over 
 them:  for  the  onely  way  to  curb 
 our  lufts,  is  to  lookc  to  our  hearts,, 
 by  it  we  (hall  not  onely  have  help 
 and  furtherance  to  worfhip  God 
 arigh  t,but  in  our  common  a&ions, 
 affaires  and  buGnefle,  we  fhould  fo 
 behave  our  felves  as  would  be  a 
 joy  unto  thofe  that  fhould  behold 
 u$j  and  an  ornament  and  beauty  to 
 
 I  the  Gofpell  which  wee  doepro- 
 fefle. 
 Thus  therefore  wee  ought  to 
 looke  to  our  hearts  in  all  that  we 
 doe,  both  keeping  out  evill  that 
 would  enter,  and  purging  out  that 
 which  by  ftealth  fliall  creep  io, 
 and  not  by  fits  oncly,  when  the 
 good  mood  taketh  as  (which  as  it 
 is  too  common,  fo  it  is  moft  dange- 
 rous) but  alwaies,P/*/«  1.2.  lEph. 
 y  \6.  which  if  wecfhalldoe,  al- 
 though our  hearts  being  purified 
 and  cleanled  but  in  part,our  defircs 
 therefore  cannot  be  all  good  and 
 pleafing  to  God,  but  unperfeft, 
 
 that 
 
unto  a  giily  Ltfe. 
 
 Nr    71 
 
 that  is  to  fay,  many  of  them  eviU, 
 and  many  which  are  wholly  mix- 
 ed with  cvill  and  corruption ;  yet 
 to  have  our  hearts  thu$  changed 
 but  in  weake  meafure^  Co  as  it  be 
 in  trucfys  a  benefit  of  greater  value 
 than  the  who'e  World:  and  he  that 
 hith  ic5isby  infinite  degrees  happi- 
 er t^an  theraoft  glofingprofeffbr 
 that  wanretb  ic. 
 
 THas  farre  of  the  cfebewing 
 of  evill :  Now  for  the  doing 
 of  good. 
 
 Where  firft,  certaine  rules  muft 
 bee  learned  and  obferved,  which 
 becaufe  they  are  not  followed, 
 many  that  would  gladly  live  well, 
 attain*  to  ic  in  no  good  fort  to 
 bring  in  in  credit  with  others,,  but 
 mcecewith  many  unfetlings,  di£ 
 couragements^and  cooling  of  their 
 zrale,  yea  oftentimes  dangerous 
 out-ftrayingSj  neither  findc  the  go- 
 ing abou:  it  fo  pleafant  as  toile- 
 fome  and  tedious.  Now  the  ge- 
 (nerall  rules  are  thefe. 
 
 C  4  Firft 
 
72 
 
 Brief e  Virc&ions 
 
 Firftjknowledge  ofducie,  with  a 
 /delighting  therein, 
 
 SecondlyDpra£tife  of  that:  which 
 we  know ;  which  is  that  living  by 
 faich,or  labouring  to  kcepe  a  good 
 confcience,  fo  often  commended 
 unto  us  in  Scripture. 
 
 For  che  firft,  wee  muft  under- 
 ftand  by  knowledge,  fuch  an  in- 
 lightening  of  the  roinde  to  under- 
 ftand  the  will  of  God  about  good 
 evill,  that  wee  have  with  it 
 fpirituall  wifdome,  to  apply  and 
 and  rcferre  the  fame  to  the  well 
 ordering  of  our  particular  acti- 
 ons 5  that  wee  reft  not  in  feeing  the 
 truth  only,  but  approve  and  allow 
 of  it,  as  that  which  is  fir  to  coun- 
 ielland  guide  up,  but  yet  (b  as  hee 
 that  hath  moft  of  this,  may  grow, 
 and  he  that  hath  leaft,  may  not  bee 
 difcouraged. 
 J  This  knowledge  muft  nor  hee 
 weighed  and  cfteemed  of  us  as  a 
 thing  common  and  of  no  va!ue3 
 but  loved  and  like  J,  othcrwifeno 
 fruit  will  follow. 
 
 For 
 
 , 
 
unit  j godly  Life, 
 
 73 
 
 For  the  iecondpra£tice,isthat 
 feckiogto  walke  worthy  the  Lord 
 and  pleafe  him  in  all  things,  CoUf. 
 i.io.  which  muftbeeboth  inward 
 and  outward. 
 
 Inward,  when  as  in  relbhuion  of 
 our  mindes  ami  defire  and  pur- 
 pofeofour  hearts,,  we  are  prepa- 
 red and  ready  to  bee  (ec  on  worfcc, 
 and  ben  im ployed  in  any  good  fer- 
 vicetoGodor  our  brethren,  Pfil. 
 1 1 9.10.  Alt  sir.  1 2.  this  mud  bee 
 often  blowne  up  inu«j  for  if  this 
 bee  loll  through  forgecfulneffe, 
 flo:h,  and  careleflTe  negligence^ 
 or  ovcr-vpheJraed  with  ibrrow* 
 fore,  or  foch  like  paflions,  or 
 dulled  and  made  blunt  in  us 
 through  lightneffc  and  vanity,then 
 are  we  unfit  to  honour  God  in  any 
 fervice. 
 
 Outward5when  in  our  lives  wee 
 expreffe  and  declare  the  fame,  by 
 endeavouring  at  Uaftro  pleafe  God 
 in  one  comman dement  as  well  as 
 in  another,  Aft.  9.3. 
 t    Thus  much  of  the  .rules.  The 
 
 D  5  vertwes 
 
74 
 
 Brief*  VireEtiow 
 
 — *« 
 
 ■i 
 
 . — ■»■». «  linn  ii 
 
 vermes  which  farther  us  herein, 
 follow. 
 
 Firft  uprightneflTe,wben  in  a  An- 
 gle, and  true  heart,  we  love,dcfire, 
 and  doe  any  thing,  efpecially 
 becau(cGodcommandech,and  for 
 that  end,  Veut.  i8* 1 3.  Ephtf.6. 14. 
 /0&.i,47«Manya&ioriSothcrwife 
 fervent  enough,  for  want  of  this 
 fincericy,  are  but  froth(as  were  the 
 hoc  cnterprifes  of  Ithn  agaioft  I- 
 dolaters)andcaufethem  who  have 
 longpleafedthemfelv?*  chercin,to 
 cry  out  of  their  doings  (  though 
 admirable  to  the  eyes  of  others )  to 
 fay  they  were  but  hypecrifie,  for 
 many  are  the  ftarting  holes  in  the 
 den  of  our  hearts,  and  many  waies 
 wee  can  deceive  our  felves  and  ci- 
 thers alfo  by  falfepretcrxcs  in  good 
 aftions:  we  ipiift  therefore  labour 
 that  howfeever  our  beft  aftions 
 are  mixed  with  corruptions  9  yet 
 wee  may  have  the  fame  reioy- 
 cing  with  the  Apoftle ,  that  in 
 finglenefle  of  heart  wee  ferve  the 
 Lord, 
 
 The 
 
I 
 
 unttagedly  Life. 
 
 The  fccond  is  diligence,  where 
 by  a  man  is  ready  to  cake  all  occa- 
 sions and  opportunities  to  the  do- 
 ing of  (boie  good,  and  to  fhunne 
 idlencfle  and  unprofitableness,  i 
 
 The  third  is  conftancy  in  nou* 
 rifhing  all  good  defires,  and  holy 
 endeauoursj,  untill  his  latter  yeares 
 bee  better  than  the  former,  and  fo 
 finifh  his  courfe  with  ioy . 
 
 By  thefe  two,  great  matters  are 
 brought  copafle  :  and  for  want  of 
 thefe  two,  and  through  the  con- 
 trary3  floch,  and  inconftant  un- 
 fetlednefle ;  euen  the  moft  of 
 the  godly  doe  not  finde  the  fweet 
 fruit  in  their  life  which  is  to  bee 
 found. 
 
 Fourthly  in  humility  and  meek- 
 nefle,  all  our  duties  muft  beepra- 
 aiftd,  if  wee  will  follow  Chriff, 
 Mstth.i  1.29.  Thefe  two  are  not 
 particular  vermes,  which  fomc- 
 times  onely  may  haue  ufe,but  fuch 
 fruits  of  the  fpirit  as  necefforily 
 are  required  in  all  a&ions,  lb  that 
 
 at 
 
 :(• 
 
 75 
 
76 
 
 Britfc  VireQtons 
 
 at  no  time  humblencfie  of  minde 
 and  naeekencfife  of  fpiric  may  bee 
 wanting.  And  therefore  they  arc 
 oft-times  in  the  Scripture  fetdown 
 together,as  ^£.4.2,(70.3. 2. and  fo 
 urged,as  doth  (hew^thac  although 
 there  bee  many  goodly  gifts  in  a 
 maivyet  if  he  harhnouhefe,  they 
 fhallloofe  their  credit  and  beauty 
 amongft  thofe  which  behold  them, 
 and  withhold  their  commoditie 
 from  him  who  wanteih  them. 
 
 By  all  this  that  hath  becne  fold, 
 it  is  evident  that  the  life  of  the  be- 
 liever is  a  continuall  proceeding  in 
 the  departing  from  evilly,  and  en- 
 devouring  after  duties,  and  a  fctled 
 courfe  in  repentance,  and  a  con- 
 ftant  waiking  with  God :  not  an 
 idle  and  uucertaioe  Rumbling  up- 
 on fome  good  a&ions,  whiles  a 
 great  part  of  his  life  is  negle&ed 
 and  not  looked  after.  But  fomc 
 may  {ay  here,  wee  have  a  defire  to 
 doe  thefe  things  ,  but  wee  want 
 power  and  ability,  whercunto  I 
 anfwer  that. 
 
 The 
 
 ■  II. II    ■      I    »l»      I    li    -.I'.*-.; 
 
 -■'  •        ri 
 
tint  o  a  godly  Lift  t 
 
 11 
 
 Thcbeftdefire  is  invainc,  ex- 
 cept wee  have  with  it  an  aflfurance 
 of  God  his  favour,  and  hclpc 
 through  faith;  ror  it  is  faith  that  o- 
 vercommethail  les^i  J0^^ this 
 leuethus  fee,  that  he  which  hath 
 fcvedus  from  chcgreateft  danger 
 of  hell,  will  much  more  five  us 
 from  the  leffer,  of  being  overcome 
 of  our  corrupt  lufts*  A<id  if  any 
 (hall  Qy,that 
 
 Saint  Vatil  himfelfe  did  nor 
 finde  power  ro  overcome  the 
 bodyoffiane?  Ic  is  evident 
 
 The  holy  A  poftle  did  nor  over- 
 come all  rebellion  of  the  old  man, 
 to  the  end  he  might  alwaies  have 
 amarke  of  his  unwonhineffe  and 
 fiane  remayninginhim3and  there- 
 by remember,  that  it  was  of  onely 
 mercy  that  he  was  pardoned,  and 
 the  grace  of  God  that  kept  him 
 from  falling  away  from  him;  and 
 that  for  both  thefecaufts  he  might 
 bee  aba  fed  and  kept  humble  un- 
 der Co  great  grace  as  hee  had  re- 
 ceived :  and  laft  of  all,  i hat  bet 
 ';  might 
 
7» 
 
 Brief e  VireUUns 
 
 might  from  time  to  time  finde 
 jfweetnefle  ftillin  the  forgivencfie 
 ofhisfinnes. 
 
 But  although  hee  was  not  per- 
 feft  here  as  an  AngelJ,  yet  was  not 
 hecarryed  of  his  lufts  into  grofle 
 iniquities,  for  God  his  grace  was 
 fufficient  for  him ;  and  (b  (hall  it 
 be  for  us,  if  wee  doe  as  oft  and  as 
 earneftlydefireit-  for  every  chri- 
 ftian  in  his  meafure  may  looke  for 
 the  like  grace  that  Tail  had,  even 
 ftreogth  to  performe  in  fome 
 good  for t  the  dudes  which  fccme 
 fo  difficult  and  impoflible  unto 
 him. 
 
 Which  is  not  (b  to  bee  under- 
 ftood/as  if  every  godly  chriftian 
 doth  fecle  or  obtaine  this  (  for 
 that  might  difcouwge  many  )  but 
 ro  (hew  what  God  his  children 
 may  confidently  looke  for,  and 
 how  their  cftate  may  bee  bettered, 
 and  their  fpirituall  liberty  increa- 
 ftd.  For  many  good  people  doe 
 not  know  what  their  heavenly  fa- 
 ther htth  provided  fo*  them,  but 
 
 onely 
 
unto  agodfy  Lift. 
 
 7? 
 
 oncly  receive  fo  much  light  as 
 whereby  they  fee  the  way  to  bis 
 kingdomcjuccordingto  the  know- 
 ledge that  they  have  of  his  will; 
 thereafter  they  declare  and  Oicwit 
 forth  in  their  lives;  but  nothing 
 as  they  mighr^  or  as  fomc  others 
 doe. 
 
 THus  of  the  rules  and  vermes 
 which  helpe  us  to  the  pra- 
 ctice of  a  godly  life.  Now  to  friew 
 wherein  it  doth  confift. 
 
 The  dutiit  arc  theft.  Fir  ft  that 
 fcrtaine  to  God. 
 
 Commavdcmtnt  u 
 
 For  we  muft  defire  to  know  him 
 as  his  word  doth  reveale  him  unto 
 us,  in  his  nature,  properties,  and 
 workes,  wee  rauft  acknowledge  ic 
 is  allowed,  and  in  heart  yeeld  and 
 confent  onto  the  truth  of  thole 
 things  which  wee  know  of  hicn, 
 that  then  we  may  fafdy  and  bold- 
 
 *+m 
 
i  80 
 
 Briefe  VireUiens 
 
 ly  beleeve  in  him,  and  cleave  un- 
 co him.  Thus  knowing  oar  fclves 
 to  be  fafe  under  his  wings,we  rauft 
 grow  co  pnc  our  confidence  in  him: 
 and  from  hence  will  arifcanother, 
 even  by  hope  to  looke  for  chac 
 helpe  which  in  confidence  we  at 
 fare  our  fHues  of  from  ths  Lrd, 
 and  through  this  confidence  and 
 hope,  wee  muft  become  patient  in 
 in  afliftions,  and  ioy  full  in  every 
 condition  oflife.  Further,  becaufe 
 wee  know  all  good  things  to  flow 
 unto  u$  from  God,  therefore  unto 
 him  wee  lift  up  our  hearts  for  the 
 obtaining  ofchofe  things  which  we 
 wanr;  unto  him,  we  render  thanks 
 for  all  bteffings  received,  and  are 
 affe&ed  with  all  our  hearts  and 
 ftrength  to  love  him  more  than  all 
 the  world  bcfides,  and  defire  to 
 enioy  the  more  full  fruition  of 
 his  pretence,  in  the  meane  time 
 walking  before  him  in  all  reve- 
 rence and  uprightnefie  with  a  holy 
 and  child-like  feare  as  doth  be- 
 come us. 
 
 Gom- 
 
 \**  *» 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 Si 
 
 "  !■    ■ »» 
 
 Commandetnent  2. 
 
 ■ 
 
 Now  bcfidss  thefc  duties  of  ho- 
 lincfl?,  which  wee  owe  dire&ly  to 
 the  perfen  of  God  meerely  or 
 fpiri.uailandinward:  there  are  o- 
 
 ther  whereby  wee  worflup  hhn 
 outwardly.  | 
 
 Where  i9  to  be  kno  wee  that  h^e 
 will  allow  of  no  other  meanesof 
 worftiipping  hira  out  W3rdly,than 
 he  hach  appointed  and  prescribed 
 himfelfciahisword:  Astheprea- 
 [  ching  of  the  Gofp^l],  and  admi  li- 
 ft ring  of  Sacraments  by  Minifters 
 lawfully  called,  publicke  prayer, 
 fails,  and  thankfgtving§j  together 
 with  the  cenfuresof  the  Church. 
 Theft  in  publike.  In  private,  there 
 are  anfwerable  ro  thefe,  as  talking 
 &  conferring  oi  the  word  of  God, 
 in  mutual  inftrufting3adaionifhing 
 exhorting ,  or  any  way  e!fe  which 
 is  fit  for  edifying  ;  in  all  which 
 duties,  as  in  many  other,  that  arc 
 good  and  godly, great  care  maft  be 
 
 had 
 
82 
 
 Briefe  Di'tUitns 
 
 ■»■ 
 
 had  that  they  bee  not  performed 
 lightly;ra(hly,falflyf  hypocritical- 
 ly, and  un  profitably,  for  that  were 
 abominable  to  Godasadead  bctU 
 fice ;  but  contrarily,  wee  muft  ufe 
 them  with  all  high  reverence,  be- 
 ing prepared  rightly  before  5  well 
 aff&ed  in  theufiigof  them,  and 
 aiming  at  the  moft  profitable  end 
 which  he  hach  appointed,  that  fb 
 we  may  be  approved  and  allowed 
 ofhira. 
 
 Commandment  3. 
 
 j  Th  ere  is  al(b  a  farther  duty,  that 
 1  not  onely  in  time  of  his  worfliip, 
 but  alfoin  our  common  and  ufuall 
 fpeech  and  a&ions,  wee  declare 
 what  a  worchyand  reverent  efti- 
 mation  we  have  of  the  Lord.  As  by 
 fpeaking  all  good  of  his  name, 
 word^and  workes,  and  in  our  law- 
 full  callings,  by  ordering  and  be- 
 having of  our  (elves  wifely  and 
 gracioufly,thatall  which  live  with 
 .us  may  (ee  that  oar  religioa  is  ioy- 
 
 ne<t 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 H 
 
 ned  with  the  power  of  godlineffe : 
 and  thac  this  bee  done  of  us  in  all 
 eftatesand  condition*  of  ourlifr, 
 both  in  profperity  and  adveifity  : 
 labouring  alfo  to  perfwade  others 
 to  the  fame.  Now  as  in  all  things 
 God  muft  be  glorified,  fo  more  e- 
 fpecially  in  an  oath,  which  muft  be 
 ufcdas  with  high  reverence,  {bin 
 truth,  in  righteoufnefle,  and  in 
 the  beholding  of  Gods  workes 
 v**h  heaven  and  earth,  with  their 
 furniture ;  taking  fweet  feeling  of 
 God  his  Maiefty  and  beauty  which 
 (hineth  in  them,  reioycing  with 
 reverence  that  he  hath  given  us  this 
 cleere  glafleto  bshold  his  face  in 
 for  rather  his  footftoole)  which 
 fliould  move  us  therefore  in  ail 
 our  Aftionsto  beware  of  hypo- 
 crifie. 
 
 Commandetncnt  4. 
 
 Vnto  all  thefe  is  one  more  to 
 be  added,  viz.  that  upon  thefea- 
 venth  day  all  our  workes  bee  laid 
 
 a  fide 
 
84 
 
 BriefeDiteUiens 
 
 «•*" 
 
 o! 
 
 \ 
 f 
 
 afidc  as  much  as  b  poflible,  and  the 
 whole  day  to  bee  beftowed  in  his 
 worftipandfervice,  and  in  things 
 dire&ly  tending  to  the  fame. 
 
 Here  for  the  avoyding  of  that 
 tedioufhelfcin  wel!-dcing,where- 
 unto  our  nature  is  prone,  the  Lord 
 hath  left  us  variety  of  holy  exer- 
 cl&SyViz.  all  publike  and  private 
 duties,  more  freely  to  bee  perfor- 
 med than  at  other  times ;  which 
 wife  and  mercifull  regard  of  his  o- 
 ver  us,  if  it  cannot  move  us  to  give 
 our  (elves  to  praftife  this  part  of 
 holin$fler(whatfcever  our  excufes 
 bee  )  wee  plaindy  (hew,  that  our 
 raiades  are  earnail,  and  that  we  do 
 j  but  favour  our  felves  in  worldli- 
 nefle  or  prophaneneSjidlencfTe^and 
 eafe  when  wee  reafon  agaisft  it,  as 
 being  too  precile, 
 
 AFter  the  duties  DTholinefle  ' 
 cowards  God,  follow  thofe 
 of  righeouibefle  to  men,  for  thefe 
 two  are  j  oyntly  commanded  of  the 
 Lord,  and  ought  not  of  anycobe 
 
 <iif- 
 
untoagedlyLift. 
 
 iif-joyncd  irt  praftice,  as  they  are 
 ctf  many;  Come  delighting  in  the 
 Rrft^boc  oegledHag  the  other;  (bme 
 Following  afrer  ihe  £cond,and  de- 
 ftkute  of  the  former. 
 
 Now  the  ground  roote  from 
 which  ail  chefe  duties  muftfpring, 
 is  love  towards  all  men,  even  our 
 greaceft  enemies.  Vnto  which  muft 
 bejoyned  brotherly  kindnefleto 
 Chriftians,  which  is  a  holy  and 
 elpeciall  love  of  one  faichfull  bro- 
 ther towards  another,  i  Pet.  2.7. 
 
 Commandment  5. 
 
 The  iirft  of  thefe  are  fuch  as  be 
 due  betwixt  inferiors  &fu per iors 
 mutually,  vtz.  in  generail,that  ia- 
 feriours  in  their  whole  courfe  ho- 
 nour  their  faperiours  by  voluntary 
 fubjeftion  to  them,  as  bjfGods 
 ordinance  and  appointment,  and 
 reverence  them,both  inwardly  and 
 outwardly;  and  likewise  that  fu- 
 periours  for  their  parts  carry  them, 
 (elves  towards  them  as  brethren  in 
 
 all 
 
86 
 
 Briefe  Vtrt&ws 
 
 all  curtefie,faving  their  authority; 
 and  further  al(b,  that  they  goe  be- 
 fore them  in  allinnocency  and  ex- 
 ample of  good  life. 
 
 In  particular j  fbme  as  Superiors 
 bycivill  authority  as  Piinces,  o- 
 thersasNfagiftratcs  and  Minifters, 
 to  whom  inferiours  both  fubie&s 
 and  fervanrs  muft  (ubmic  thera- 
 felves  in  bearing  their  rebukes 
 and  receiving  their  correftions 
 willingly  and  without  refinance, 
 and  in  yeelding  obedience  to  all 
 their  la wfull  commands. 
 
 And  they,  if  they  bee  in  higher 
 place,  are  to  provide  that  the  peo- 
 ple under  c  hem  may  live  a  godly^ 
 honcft,  and  quiet  life.  If  they  bee 
 Minitters,  they  are  charged  to  be 
 good  and  bountifulljiuft  and  equal 
 unto  their  fervants.  Some  are  Su- 
 periors by  nature,  as  parents, » to 
 whom  children  doc  owe  very 
 much,  as  forwardnes  in  imbracing 
 iheirwholefome  inftru&ion^  re. 
 verence  and  obedience  unto  the 
 end,  the  difoofijg  of  their  eftare 
 
 by 
 
H*toagidty  Life, 
 
 *7 
 
 yy  marriage,  orocherwife,  thatic 
 pe  not  without  their  confcnr,  and 
 readnefle  to  helpe  their  neccflicies 
 pec.  They  are al  fo  bound  to  teach 
 them  from  their  youth,  to  kecpe 
 :hem  from  idlecefle^otraine  them 
 up  in  Tome  honeft  and  lawfull 
 *ade,togovemethem  wifely  and 
 kindeIy3to  provide  for  their  nece£ 
 Sty  of  marriage,  and  to  minifter 
 things  need  full  for  this  prefcnt  life 
 is  they  fhall  bee  able,  and  as  they 
 may  doe  it  rcligioufly  and  law- 
 fully. 
 
 Some  by  gifts,  as  chiefly  the 
 Minifter, to  whom  double  honour, 
 reverence,  and  obedience  is  due, 
 for  his  wcrke-fake,  forheeisnot 
 Dnely  a  teacher,  but  a  father. 
 
 Secondly  the  ftrong  Chriftian3 
 fthom  God  hath  endued  with  a 
 liberall  portion  of  knowledge, 
 wifdorec,  experience,  and  other 
 heavenly  graces,  more  than  others 
 af  their  brethren  :  theft  the  wea- 
 ker muft  not  iudge  rafhly,  they 
 muftbearc  with  their  infirmities : 
 
 fo 
 
88 
 
 Sriefe  Dittftions 
 
 fo  thole  that  exccll  in  any  other 
 gifcSj  arc  to  bee  had  in  honour  and 
 account  for  the  Cme  :Some  by  age 
 of  the  gray  bead  and  ancient  in 
 yeares,  who  of  the  younger  fore  j 
 are  to  bee  had  in  reverence  ande-i 
 flecmed,  neither  are  we  to  ncgleft 
 our  equalls,  but  their  dignirie 
 and  worthinefle  is  to  bee  regarded 
 above  their  owne,,  Rom.  12.  10. 
 Thcfe  duties  we  owe  unto  the  per- 
 fon  of  our  neighbour,  to  which 
 nwft  bee  added  a  care  to  maintaiae 
 curowne  reverence  and  credit  a- 
 mongmen,  byacourfe  befecming 
 our  holy  profeffion  :  now  follow 
 fomc  dutks  towards  his  life. 
 
 Cornmaidtmcnt  6. 
 
 Firft  for  bodily  life,  itisrequi- 
 red  that  our  neighbour  fuftaice  no 
 hurt  by  us  or  any  ofours,  as  farre 
 as  we  can  hinder  ir,neithcr  hee  nor 
 bis,  foas  his  life  might  bee  mad  ? 
 unpkafant,  yea  though  hee  ftiould 
 provoke  us,  yet  wemuft  fiiffer  for 
 
 rather 
 
»r 
 
 rn**** 
 
 -*-*— 
 
 uni$*godlj  Life. 
 
 rather  then  bee  angry  in  ourowne 
 caufe,  fecme  it  never  fo  weighty  to 
 us,  for  that  is  no  better  than  folly 
 and  rBadncfle:nayjfunher,we  muft 
 be  wife  and  carefull  both  in  words 
 and  in  deeds,  to  cut  of  all  occafi- 
 ons,  and  to  avoyd  all  difcordjyea, 
 though  it  be  with  departing  from 
 fome  of  our  right,  as  v^hraham 
 did, Gen. 1 3.7.  Thisinnocencicis 
 accompanied  with  meeknefle,  pa, 
 tiencc  and  long  fuffering.  AHo,  he 
 that  is  har  meleffe,is  gentle,  tra&a- 
 ble,and  foone  intreated,  peaceable, 
 communicable,  and  fit  to  bee  lived 
 with  :  but  yet  befides  the  not  hur- 
 ting of  men,  it  is  further  required 
 that  wee  (hould  dee  them  good  ; 
 and  indeed  our  whole  courfe 
 (hould  be  fuch,  as  that  wee  mig  x 
 makeeafieas  many  mens  burthens 
 as  wee  can  :  to  men  that  are  in  mi- 
 fery,  we  rauft  be  pitifull  and  com* 
 paffionate;  as  by  (hewing  mercy 
 unto  diftreffed  fcrvants  and  fuch 
 like,  whom  we  mfeght  oppreffe,  as 
 being  not  able  to  refift  us ;  by  vi- 
 
 E  (icing 
 
 8? 
 
 ;  - 
 
 *- 
 
po 
 
 Briefe  DircUims 
 
 firing  the  ficke,  and  relieving  all 
 that  arcioneedc  ;and  finally,  wee 
 tnuft  be  helpefull  unto  all3  to  pro- 
 cure  and  raaintaine  their  welfare, 
 fbfarreas  necefficy  fhall  require, 
 and  our  ability  can  performe.  This 
 helpfulnefle  hath  adioyned  unto  it 
 mercy  and  tender  compa(fion,kiod- 
 heartedncfle  and  goodnefle,  and 
 fuch  like  amiable  and  commenda- 
 ble vermes. 
 
 Secondly,  fortbe  fpirituall  life 
 of  our  neighbour,  wee  muft  give 
 good  example  of  life,  we  muft  take 
 all  occafions  of  winning  men  to 
 God,  of  confirming  them  chat  are 
 wonne,  of  peace-making ,  of  re- 
 conciling fuch  as  bee  at  variance, 
 of  obfcrviog  one  another,  and 
 provoking  to  love  and  good 
 workes  :  and  fnally,  of  inftn> 
 fting,  exhorting  j  admonifhing 
 and  comforting,  and  fiich  like 
 duties. 
 
 Com- 
 
Htito  a  godly  Ltfgt 
 
 9* 
 
 Cemmandmtnt  j% 
 
 After  the  life  of  onr  neighbour 
 in  the  next  place  we  have  charge  of 
 his  honefiy,  or  ehartity,that  by  no 
 meanesicbe  hurt  or  attempted  by 
 as :  for  the  better  obtaining  where- 
 of, it  is  required  that  both  our 
 mindes  bee  kept  pure  from  un- 
 cleaneluftsjdcfires,  andthoughrs 
 tending  to  unchaftnefle,  and  our 
 Sx>dies  in  honour,  free  from  all 
 rxecoting  of  all  fuch  uncleane  de- 
 lires  by  any  ftrange  pleasure, 
 which  God  condemneth,  and 
 therefore  that  all  the  parts  of 
 our  body  bee  kept  continent  as 
 well  as  the  face,  eies,  cares 3 
 tongue,  hands  and  feet  bee  carri- 
 ed from  fuch  occafious  as  may 
 kade  us  thereunto  :  And  this  is 
 commanded  both  to  unmarried 
 and  married. 
 
 E  a    . 
 
 Cm. 
 
S>2 
 
 Briefe  DireUiom 
 
 Cemmtndement S. 
 
 Another  part  of  righteous  dea- 
 ling with  our  neighbour  is,  that 
 they  bee  not  iniured  by  us  in  their 
 goods  :  ft)  that  where  the  cafe  is 
 plakie,  [that  any  thing  is  another 
 mans,  wee  cannot  Co  much  as  lay 
 claimcto  if^  but  God  is  dclpifed 
 of  us ;  but  if  there  be  acontrover- 
 fie,  then  in  (brae  cafes  we  ought  to 
 forgoe  fome  part  of  cur  right  for 
 peace  fake  ;  but  if  the  doubt  dorh 
 arife  by  the  fubtilty  of  either  par- 
 the  damage  ought  to  fail  on  them 
 from  whom  it  came,  and  if  it  be  o- 
 thervvifefo  difficult,  thatitcaanot 
 bet  wixv  i  herrfelves  be  deiermrned, 
 let  other  men  of  wifdonic  take  it 
 in  hand,  or  at  tbcfattfctft,  iffuite 
 cf  Law  cannot  bee  avoided.,  let  it 
 be  profited  in  love.  This  mi  ft 
 be  obferved  in  general!:  but  there 
 are  fprciall  duties  accord  irg  to 
 the  dm  rs  (latcsof  men;  for^bme 
 are  meerdy  poore  men,   and  by 
 
 God' 
 
nnto  a  gtclly  Life. 
 
 93 
 
 God  his  appointment,  doc  live  by  \ 
 almesrotherg  cia  in  forac  fort  pare 
 ly  maintainc  themfelves,  but  not 
 without  the  helps  of  others,  by 
 borrowing  of  them.  And  the  third 
 fort  is  able  to  lender  to  giv?,  or  to 
 doc  both. 
 
 ij  For  the  firft  fort,  they  know- 
 ing that  their  poore  eliate  i s  allor- 
 ted  tbem  of  God,  they  arc  to  live" 
 ia  ic  with  contentation  ;  which 
 contentednefle^  will  flow  from  the 
 aQuranceof  the  favour  of  God  in 
 Chrift  Iefas  ;they  muft  not  gruJg- 
 in  any  (brt  at  the  aboundance  of 
 otber  men,  but  ack«ow!c  Jge  them 
 as  the  inftrumenta  and  hand  of 
 God,  whereby  hce  mniftreth  to 
 their  nec.flirics,  for  the  which 
 alfo  they  muft  bnhankefull,  and 
 take  encouragement  from  thence 
 tolivegodly  and  obediently,  re- 
 membring  alfo,  that  as  much  as 
 they  bee  ab!e,  and  their  bodily  in- 
 firmities of  age,  blindneflej  lame- 
 nefle^  and  fuch  other  will  fuffer 
 then?,  that  they  (hun  idleneflk,and 
 
 E  3  all 
 
9+ 
 
 I 
 
 Brief c  DireEiions 
 
 ^ 
 
 all  evill  and  unprofitable  paffing 
 the  time, 
 
 2  For  thefecend  forr>  they  muft 
 not  borrow  without  need,  as  to 
 maintaine  themfelves  in  play,  or 
 idlenefle,orfimply  tomakeagaine  i 
 of  it  cither  by  Vfury,  or  by  taking  I 
 moredea)i:>giatotheirhands,than 
 their  ability  will  fcrve  unto;  and 
 when  they  have  lawfully  borrow 
 ed ,  they  muft  carefully  purpofe, 
 l  and  faithfully  endeavour  the  refto* 
 I  ring  of  that  which  they  have 
 (borrowed  at  the  day  appointed, 
 and  that  with  thanks ;  the  contra- 
 ry whereof,  is  both  a  fiane  a- 
 gainft  God,  being  a  kinde  of 
 tbefr,  and  an  iniurie  to  tho/e  chat 
 have  neede  to  borrow; for  a  chiefe 
 caufc  of  little  lending,  is  evill 
 paying, 
 
 3.  As  touching  the  third  fort, 
 thofe  that  are  more  able,they  muft 
 regard  both  thofe  duties  which 
 concerne  giving  and  lending,  and 
 alfb  thofe  rules  of  righteous  dea- 
 ling, which  they  muft  follow  in 
 
unto  a  g*dly  Life. 
 
 getting,  increafmg  and  ufiog 
 their  goods, They  muft  give  freely 
 and  cherefully  forcharicy  and  con- 
 fcieoce  fake,  as  the  necefliry  of  the 
 pocre  requireth,  and  their  ability 
 will  give  leave. 
 
 They  muft  lend  alfo  freely  to 
 fuch  a  borrower  as  is  before  de- 
 fcribed,  not  onely  for  the  appoin- 
 ted time  ;  but  if  nccellity  urgently 
 rfquireth  for  farther  fpace,  nay, 
 (bmetimesto  the  forgiving  either 
 ofaIl,or  fome  part  of  it.  That  men 
 may  be  Enabled  to  this  duty,  they 
 muft  be  moderate  in  waftefulkx 
 pencts  upon  themfelves,  or  o- 
 'hers,  where  they  need  nor,  nei- 
 ther doth  any  charity  binde 
 them. 
 
 In  furet ie-  (hip  they  muft  not  be 
 rafh,  neither  may  wc  bee  fo  hard s 
 but  to  know  and  approve  Chrifti- 
 ans,  fo  f  me  as  we  are  able  to  bcare 
 che  burthen,  wee  may  with  good 
 advice  bee  helpefull  even  in  this 
 kiftde. 
 
 Now  as  for  our  common  dca- 
 
 E  4  ling* 
 
 95 
 
96 
 
 Briefe  Dirt&tons 
 
 \ 
 
 lings,  wee  muft  firft  fee  that  our 
 calling  be  la  wfoll,  then  that  wee 
 deale  lawfully  in  every  part  of  it, 
 that  righteoufoefle  may  be  prcfer- 
 ycd  by  us,  in  buying  and  felling, 
 hireingand  letting,  and  in  partner- 
 flbip^&c.Carc  mutt  be  had,that  one 
 parcy  alone  be  not  regarded,  but 
 indUferencyufed  (as  much  as  may 
 be)  for  themutuafl  good  of  both : 
 and  therefore  VTury,  wkerein  the 
 common  benefit  of  both  is  not  re- 
 garded, is  altogether  mlawfull.- 
 
 Concerting  Annuities,  they  are 
 of  two  forts,  the  one  is  a  veerely 
 fum  of  money  for  yecrcs,wncn  the 
 feller  hath  no  fuch  Aunuirie,  but 
 as  he  hopeth  to  make  it  by  his 
 labour  and  commodities.  The 
 other  is  a  certaine  revencw,  rent, 
 or  pare  of  rent,  which  heeinpy- 
 '  eth,and  is  willing  to  forgoe  it. 
 
 The  firft  kindc  is  full  of  dan- 
 ger>  much  like  forehand  bar- 
 games  about  Hdppcs,Corne,  &c. 
 which  feldome  ends  without  jirs 
 and  controrerfies,  neither  ought 
 
 to 
 
 "  V  la. 
 
 ■  i  i.»ji'.  ■'  i  \%\ 
 
 WMi 
 
1 
 
 unto  a  godly  Ltfe. 
 
 97 
 
 co  be  made,  bat  of  cho(e  who  are 
 both  able  to  beare,  and  willing  to 
 ftand  to  the  utterraoftof  the  hurt 
 which  may  befall  men ;  ic  is  nor 
 therefore  fafe  for  thofe  that  are 
 wife  and  peaceable,  to  meddle 
 with  thisfirft  kindof  Annuities. 
 j  Thcftcond  kindeisnotunlaw- 
 1  full ,  hjwibever  it  may  be  often 
 I  abufed  on  the  fellers  bchalfe,  by 
 fraudulent  and  crafty  Scaling  on 
 ihe  bthalfe  of  the  buyer  ,when  hee 
 taketh advantage  of  theoihers  ne- 
 ctffi.y,and  Co  grinding  and  griping 
 him  worfe  than  if  he  had  tooke  tea 
 in  the  hundred;  for  the  redreiling 
 whereof,  bistobeknowne,  that 
 the  buyer  of  fuch  an  A  wuitie,  if  it 
 be  of  a  rich  man,  fo  as  there  be 
 plain-dcaling}may  fafely  enpy  the 
 benefit  which  the  otfuruff:re£h; 
 butifitbeofapooreman,  or  one 
 that  is  in  debt,  hee  muft  give  the 
 urtermoft  value  without  feeking 
 advantage;  a  good  token  whereof  i 
 hefhallfbew,  if  hee  be  willing  to  Lj 
 tclcafchinaaftcrwtrdssthisdclsr  ^ 
 
 E  5  Finals  J 
 
 1  ■     i       «  ^  i    i      ■  i .  .       i  i   ■      ■        ■  »-  ---.T      L 
 
 ■  j 
 
 \ 
 
9s     ? 
 
 Briefe  ViftQtonr 
 
 Finally,  that  all  may  come  by 
 and  inioy  their  right ,  truth  in 
 words,  equity  in  deeds,  and  Am- 
 ple meaning  in  purpo&s  and 
 thoughis,rouft  be  firmely  ac  d  con- 
 ftantly  retained  ;  ar.d  where  that 
 hath  not  btene  praftifed,  fullrefti. 
 tucion  is  to  bee  made. 
 
 Commaxdemett  9. 
 
 As  to  the  perfon  andgoods  of  our 
 neighbour  ;  Co  to  his  name  alfo, 
 there   are   many  duties   belon- 
 ging- 
 As  that  wereioyce  i  lour  neigh- 
 
 hours  credit,  an#forrow  for  their 
 infirmities,  to  hope  with  pat  knee 
 for  better  thing?,  to  cover  their 
 faulcs  through  love,  of  whom  we 
 have  hope,  yet  not  by  fluteryor 
 diflembliog,  but  by  Chrittian  ad- 
 monition and  rebuke,  not  to  be- 
 wray a  fecret,  when  it  may  fafc- 
 lyand  without  di/p'eafing  of  God 
 bee  kept  iri;  for  ev^ry  truth  isnot 
 alwayestobe  uttered,  though  all 
 
 kinds 
 
 —  — r 
 
 > 
 
unto  J  godly  Ltfts. 
 
 99 
 
 kind  of  lying  and  fl  Hindering  be  ac . 
 all  times  to  bee  abhorred ;  their  f 
 fatilcs  we  muft  not  (peak  of  after  a- 
 ny  manner,except  firft  we  have  ufed 
 all  meaies  thacweecanto  amsnd 
 them,  and  then  they  are  with  a 
 bi  id  of  anwillingieffe.,  and  loving 
 faith  fulaelfc  to  be  opened  ;  onely 
 to  ftchasarclikeftand  fi'tcrtco  re- 
 forms them,  and  not  to  plcafeour 
 felyes  therein  ;  neither  to  ad  nit 
 of  all  reports,  but  ihoU  onely  thac 
 have  f  nne  ccrtainecy.  We  are  far-  j 
 tber  rcqaired  to  uphold  and  de-* 
 fend  the  good  name  of  oar  neigh-  \ 
 bour,cogiveccftin1oiy  alfo  unto; 
 him  by  word  and  writing.  And  fi- 
 nally, ft  is  our  duty  and  upright- f 
 neflk  of  heart  and  idodnefle*  to  in»: 
 terprct  all  ftch  fayingsaid  doings : 
 as  may  bee  well  taken  in  theb-lt 
 part,  rather  centring  our  felves  j 
 truly,  than  others ra(hly;yet  not  to 
 be  fooltflily  credulous,  as  to  iu  Jgc  r 
 well  of  them  which  give  open  ce-  J 
 ftiraony  of  their  badde  anJ  pro«  ! 
 phane  hear:*.  1 
 
 r 
 
V 
 
 I.  -it>o 
 
 Brief?  VmEtions 
 
 0  ii  i  ■    >■  ■»  *»— ■■ 
 
 ! 
 
 Ctmmdr:  dement   10. 
 
 The  laft  part  of  dutie  towards 
 our  neighbour,  is  co  acquaint  our 
 hears  with  tke  thoughts  and  de- 
 fires  of  his  good  •  or  wbatibevcr 
 wee  arc  in  the  five  former  com- 
 roanded  to  performe  to  birr  j  the 
 fame  by  yertue  of  this  we  ought  to 
 wifLdefire^and  delight  in ;  and  the 
 contrary  Iuftings  mt'ft  be  caft  up 
 and  avoyded  of  us.  This-  duty 
 (though it  belittle  regarded  ofthe 
 n-cft)  ought  to  find  the  more  care 
 in  us  fortheperfonsanceofir,  be- 
 ciulethatthe  wel  regarding  of  this 
 will  make  us  the  better  able  to 
 fcrve  our  neighbour  in  all  the  reft. 
 
 H  therto  of  the  d  uric  rof  holi- 
 nefle  and  righteoufnefTt  •  to  which 
 if  we  addc  thofc  of  fobriety3which 
 concsrne  our  fclves^i*.  that  wee 
 moderate  our  ,aff  ft  ions  in  the  ufe 
 of  la  wful  libiitkssip  that  we  fctve 
 northern,  but  they  us,  that  wee 
 may  feivc  G#d  the  better,  wee 
 
 (hall 
 
 "Willi  I         »«■» 
 
*nt  o  ag*dly  Life. 
 
 I 
 
 (hall  have  all  things  necefHri:  to 
 a  godly  life:  from  hence  we  may, 
 fetch  light  to  (hew  us  the  way, 
 and  matter  to  fcafon  oor  hearts 
 and  lives,  when  we  waxc  empty, 
 barren,and  forgctfull. 
 
 Here  for  avoiding  of  errour , 
 wee  are  to  know,  that  this  god- 
 ly life  defcribed,  the  fruits  of  re- 
 pentance,  and  the  living  by  faich, 
 are  bat  (b  many  fundry  manners 
 of  fpeeeh  wherein  the  Scriprurcs 
 doe  lay  forth  the  life  of  the 
 rgbteous,  or  a  Chriflian  conver- 
 facion:  for  the  bringing  fonh  of 
 the  fruires  of  amendment,  or  of 
 repentance,  is  nothing  elfe  bat 
 for  the  perfon  who  Is  adlircd  of 
 Salvatioa  through  the  forgive- 
 nefle  of  his  finnes ,  to  turne 
 unto  the  Lord,  and  to  come  un- 
 der his  governement,  from  the 
 power  of  Satan,  and  finne^  and 
 in  full  purpofe  of  heart  to  la- 
 bour to  be  reformed  irom  day  to 
 day  more  and  more. 
 
 A  godly  convention  is  even  the 
 fime, 
 
 ioi 
 
 ) 
 
 _ 
 
102 
 
 Bricfe  UireBions 
 
 |'  fame^  viz,,  an  endeavouringcolive 
 after  chc  word  of  G  ^d,  which  tea- 
 ch«th  us  10  believe,tha?  he  will  in- 
 able  us  thereunto  D  and  b!e(D  us 
 therein.  So  alfo  living  by  faith.,  is 
 no  other  but  relying  upon  the 
 word  of  God,  wich  fall  purpose 
 to  bee  guided  by  it,  either  by  re- 
 tting upon  his  promifts,  or  obey- 
 ing his  comonandements  :  which 
 life  of  faith,  is  a  rooft  glorious  and 
 rich  prerogative :  for  by  this  wee 
 are  conti  Jeor,  and  reft  quiet  about 
 our  Saltation  from  time  to  time  : 
 by  this  wee  walke  in  newncfle  of 
 life  in  all  the  parts  of  ic ;  by  it  wee 
 are  aflurcd  in  our  prayers  to  bte 
 preferved,  to  have  the  rage  of  our 
 ttrong  lufts  weakned  /by  this  wee 
 arc  delivered  froti  many  fharpe 
 and  bitter  affli&ions,  and  have 
 grace  co  bearethe  reft  with  great 
 meckenefle  and  patience ;  by  ic  we 
 goe  thorow  our  callings  more 
 eafi'y.  And  finally,  wee  attaioe  to 
 that  quiet  cttate  and  fweet  peace, 
 which  chc  caraall  wifdome  of  man 
 
 (hall 
 
 *  i  ■  **-  -1 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 03 
 
 Qull  never  finde  nor  enioy  :  with- 
 oat  this,  any  life  is  moll  mifenr 
 Me. 
 
 HAving  after  a  fort  declared 
 what  the  Chriftians  or  be- 
 lievers life  is-  it  followed  to  fhsw 
 fome  reafots,  why  th*  believer 
 (h  juld  leade  his  life  thus. 
 
 Firft,  there  is  great  canfe  why 
 this (hould be /ought for;  brcaufe 
 by  this  God  is  higblf  glorified  : 
 for  if  he  bee  honoured  by  the  con- 
 verfionofafi^ncr,the:imi:chiHore 
 by  his  life  afterwards.  Itwasjfr 
 great  part  of  Salomons  honour^ 
 that  hcegave  filver  as  floies3  and 
 goodly  Cedars  as  the  wildc  Fig- 
 trees  :  this  mart  *eics  bee  a  great 
 honour  to  God,  whenheegiveth 
 graces  and  pofl'effions,  which  nei- 
 ther filver  nor  gold  can  purchafc, 
 and  an  habitation  that  neither  C*- 
 darnor  Almond- tree  caa  make  re* 
 (emblance  of  *3  this  honour  the 
 Lord  jjarh  in  all  ages  from  the  out- 
 ward convcr  fatioa  frf  his  fervancs; 
 
 and 
 
 J 
 
(  " 
 
 Briefe  VireUions 
 
 aodyec  their  bsft things aie  with- 
 in,  and  cannot  be  feene  of  men, 
 I  Pet.i.  \2. 
 
 2  Another  reafon  why  men 
 fhould -with  full  refolution,  ad. 
 dceffc  them  ft  Ives  to  paflk  the  time 
 of  their  dwelling  here  with  reve- 
 rence and  feare,  is,  the  good  that 
 comes  unto  thcmfelves  by  it, 
 and  the  danger  which  they  are 
 in  without  ic,  Trov^*  \o.  for 
 bee  that  hath  fethimfdfc  tofeeke 
 the  Lord,  and  is  willingly  weaned 
 from  unlawfull  liberties,  and  hath 
 made  his  paftime  to  be  well  oc- 
 cupied^hee  is  al  waies  fafe^  where- 
 as for  want  of  this,  many  fall 
 where  they  little  feared  3  for  it  is 
 not  enough  that  wee  purpofeno 
 wickednefle  nor  cvill,  but  we  mud 
 be  firongly  armed  alwaies  with 
 full  purpofe  againft  it,  efpecially 
 that  whereto  wee  are  moft  prone, 
 and  wherein  wee  have  had  by  wo- 
 full  trials  experience  of  our 
 weakr effe ;  for  while  we  doe  cotr- 
 mit  none,yet  wc  make  a  way  for  it 
 
 to 
 
 » %  ■' 
 
unto  *  godly  Life. 
 
 105 
 
 I 
 
 ■».■■"■    *■ 
 
 o  enter  into  us  afrefh,  while  wee 
 [become  fecure  aod  improvident* 
 This  is  manifeftly  to  be  fecne  in' 
 (the  example  of  Peter,  of  the  Pro- 
 phet ofBitbeLofluda^ho  did  all 
 pnrpofe  well  in  general!,  yet  not 
 fearing  their  frailety,  nor  arming 
 themfclvesagainft  the  lame,  they 
 were  foonc  overtaken. 
 
 3  ThisaKo  may  move  us,  that 
 no  exercife  of  Religion  nor  godly 
 meaacs  of  the  beft  fort  can  do  them 
 any  good,  who  will  not  refolve 
 themfelvestocometothisfaithfull 
 praftice  of  a  godly  Iifc4>This  is  ex- 
 emplified fufficiently  in  chelewes 
 pra&ice,  and  proved  in  the  Pro- 
 phets complaints;  experience  alfo 
 dothwirneffe  the  fame;  for  wee 
 ftc  many  frequent  the  exercifesof 
 Religion,  who  btcaufe  they  pro- 
 pound  not  with  themfelves,  to  be 
 caft  into  the  mould  of  holy  Do- 
 fttine,  and  to  be  fafliioned  after 
 ic  ia  their  lives,  doe  get  rather 
 harme  than  good :  whereas  o- 
 thers  at  the  fame  time,  ufing  the 
 
 fame 
 
io  6 
 
 Briefs  VircBions 
 
 ^M 
 
 fame  meanes,  doe  receive  muchp 
 bleffing  from  God  thereby,  (uch 
 woe  ic  is  that  prophaneneffe  of  life  ( i 
 bringecb  with  ir. 
 
 This  is  notfpoken  for  thediG 
 couragcment  of  aiy,  that  they 
 ftiould  give  over  the  ufe  of  any 
 good  rncanes,butto  ftirre  us  up  all 
 for  to  ficke  the  true  fruit  of  them  ;} 
 for  Gods  deare  children  when  thew 
 ( grow  carelefle,  loofcthe  fruit  of 
 good  exercife,  when  they  waxe 
 weary  of  reverent  attending  upon* 
 God  (as  all  good  things  the  flcfh 
 doth  (bone  turne  to  wearincfle)and 
 be  gin  after  the  manner  of  men  (with 
 whom  they  live)to  feeke  their  un- 
 lawful! liberty  fome  way,  not  be- 
 ing circumfpett  enough  about  the 
 keeping  of  the  beft  things  in  price 
 and  estimation  ;  the  Lord  feeing 
 this,  takech  from  them  the  privi- 
 ledges  which  theyenioyed  before, 
 hee  dimmeth  the  light  of  their 
 miodcs,that  they  fee  not  fo  clcere- 
 Iy,  (hutceth  up  their  hearts  that 
 they  delight  not  in  the  mat- 
 ers 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 °7    I 
 
 jeers  whichwere  wont  to  beof  giea- 
 reft  account  and  reckoning  with 
 them.By  all  whichic  may  appears, 
 that  much  more  they  that  worfliip 
 him  with  tmcJeane  hearty  never 
 wjftied  and  purged,  cannct  re- 
 ceive into  them  the  fweet  and 
 wholeforoe  liquour  of  bis  grace, 
 by  what  outward  exercifesfocver 
 they  prefenc  themfelves  before 
 him :  and  if  this  be  the  ftare  of  ma- 
 ny who  draw  neere  uoto  God  out- 
 wardly- how  fearcfull  then  is  their 
 condition^  who  neither  heare  his 
 word,  nor  are  acquainted  with  his 
 waicsatall? 
 
 NOw  becaufc  this  ftreight 
 courfe  isnoteafily  yielded  un- 
 to, therefore  fome  things  areob- 
 ic<5ted  againft  ir,  which  muft  bee 
 anfwered. 
 
 This  life  camocbee  led,  or  at  ohtU. 
 leaft  not  with  any  ioy  > 
 
 It  may  fteme  (b  indeed,  becaufe  j^nfw 
 that  after  they  have  begun  this 
 courfc,  many  have  kept  at  a  ftay.or 
 
 elfe 
 
 i 
 
ioS 
 
 .  ■ 
 
 g 
 
 Brief c  Vire3i$ns 
 
 ^» 
 
 clfe  being  driven  backe/omecora 
 plaine  of  much  tedioufiiefle,  and 
 fttong  difcouragemears,  fearefull 
 doublings^  and  fmall  comfort  in 
 it  •  divers  others  account  ic  a  mo- 
 *pi(h  life.  But  for  the  Anfwer  of  all 
 >thh,  wee  are  to  know,  that  this 
 Chriftian  life,  confifting  not  in 
 fome  good  aft  ions,  but  in  the  kee- 
 ping of  our  hearts  finccre,and  up-; 
 rightly  bent  to  walke  with  the 
 Lord  in  all  his  Commanderaent^ 
 throughout  our  whole  courfe,  ac- 
 cording to  our  knowledge,  is  not 
 only  poffibte,  but  required,  as  the 
 Propherfceweth,PjCi.a.&ii?. 
 9. 97 j  9%.  where  he  tcachetb,that 
 he  which  is  happy  and  godly  in- 
 deed, endevorcch  to  this,  that  his 
 mind  may  delight  in,andbe  poflef 
 ftd  of  good  matters,  or  rightly  u- 
 fiog  lawfall,  or  carefully  refifting 
 thofc  which  arefinfull,  Pbil.3.20. 
 The  extmpleaKb  ofEtoch^Abra- 
 hamyLb^Mofesy  David,  with  other 
 godly  men,who  were  not  without 
 their  infirmities  no  more  than  we, 
 
 doe 
 
uxtoagtdfyLift. 
 
 109 
 
 <k (hew  chc p^ffibilicy of  • his hfc$ 
 eithrr  is  ic  a  ftate  unpleafaiit 
 o  the  ^iriiuall  man,  whom  the 
 oly  Ghoft  dir.  fteth^  buc  eafi?, 
 weete,  and  comfortable,  though 
 it  be  a  yoakc  to  the  corrupt 
 lufts  not  yet  fubdued  :  for  as  eve- 
 ry one  excelleth  another  in  the 
 graces  of  the  fpirk,  thereafter  is 
 his  mealare  greater  in  the  privi- 
 leges of  a  Chriftian  than  others, 
 and  with  more  fomd  and  cooti- 
 nuall  comfort  doth  hee  puffe  his 
 daies,  and  free  his  life  from  re- 
 proachfull  cvills;  and  the  more" 
 that  any  godly  man  incrcafeth  in 
 goodnefle,  and  gocth  beyond  that 
 eftare  wherein  he  hath  fometimes 
 bio  in  knowledge  &  high  etfiiiuti- 
 on  of  ir,8c  ihe  right  ufe  of  i  he  fame, 
 the  more  fhal  his  iife  b:  filled  with 
 matter  of  found  &  pure  rcpycing. 
 Howfbever  there  were  fane  in 
 the  tircc  of  thofe  fore^  fcrhcr3,  yet 
 niw  wee  fee  none  live  after  chat 
 fame  manner. 
 
 Alchough  the  life  of  the  moft  be 
 
 in- 
 
 I 
 
 Obhtt. 
 
 Anf&. 
 
I  10 
 
 Brie  ft  tytn&iom 
 
 »ndecd  vary  loathfome,  yet  their 
 are  fo  many  godly  lights  amongft 
 us,  )  the  Lord  multiply  the  num- 
 ber of  them,  and  the  graces  which 
 heehutfi  given  them,  athoufwd 
 fold,  and  bee  highly  pray  fed  for 
 them)  with  whom  to  live,  is  next 
 to  heaven  it  felfe.  Thty  do  not  on* 
 ly  not  faint  or  give  ovcr>but  grow 
 from  untowardncflfe  to  Gocsfer- 
 vice,  to  a  holy  cheert^ulncffcand 
 delight  in  the  fame,  which  growth 
 isfeene  alfo  in  the  duties  to  men 
 as  well  as  to  Gi  d.  Thefe  howfo- 
 ever  they  be  but  ft  w,  in  refpeft  of 
 them  who  fee  themfelves  to  up- 
 hold the  corrupt  eftate  that  the 
 world  hath  evcrltenin*  yetfbme 
 fuch,  God  hath  fet  amongft  us,  to 
 farre  more  great  and  lingular  pur* 
 pofes,  than  many  carnall  eyes  can 
 fee  or  difcerne :  we  muft  therefore 
 be  wife  to  difcerne  them,  ready  to 
 love  their  per fjns,and  to  reverence 
 thofe  precious  things  that  are  in 
 them,  and  by  frequenting  their 
 companies,  karne  to  imitate  their 
 vertues.  You 
 
Attfw. 
 
 You  that  urge  this  ftri&  kind  of  Obiett. 
 ife,  doegoe  tof*rre,  and  brag  of 
 hat  which  is  not  in  you,  not  re- 
 nembringhow  many  have  fallen 
 which  were  more  like  to  have 
 food  than  you;  itVavid,  Teter, 
 kc.  It  is  good  for  all  toprofeff? 
 no  worfcthan  others  doe,  andio 
 heir  fals  (hall  not  bee  fomuch 
 wondered  at. 
 
 By  the  grace  of  God,  bragging 
 s  f arre  from  us,  neither  doe  w*  go 
 too  far  the  word  being  our  war- 
 rant ;  but  we  are  not  afraid  :o  utter 
 that  which  we  know,  nay  wed  ire 
 doe  no  otherwife,  though  it  bee  a- 
 gainft  our  felves  dS  much  as  others, 
 if  wee  (hall  fet  light  by  it  at  any 
 time;  neither  are  we  any  thing  the 
 nigher,  but  much  further  from  fal- 
 ling, by  fpeaking  the  truth  bold- 
 ly. If  at  any  time  we  fall,  wee  looke 
 to  feele  the  bitter  fruit  of  the  fame 
 being  afiured  alfo  that  we  (hall  rife 
 agajne.  In  the  meane  time,  God 
 will  have  this  holy  life  prattifed 
 of  others,  whatfoever  become  of 
 
 us*, 
 
I  12 
 
 Briefe  ViuBtons 
 
 us*  his  ttuthremaineth for  ever: 
 the  true  worfh'ppers  of  God  muft 
 depart  from  iniquity  %2  Tiw.2.19. 
 As  for  thetal1  ot  V*vidy  Peter  J  &c. 
 They  ariie  from  Jccuricy,  and  the 
 wane  of  this  watchfull  courfe 
 which  i$  urged,  and  therefore 
 fhould  be  motives  uuto  us,  the 
 more  carefully  to  looke  to  our 
 fclvesjeft  we  alio  be  overtaken. 
 
 Men  cannot  now  live  oihcr- 
 wife  than  they  have  done,  efpeci- 
 ally  after  this  manner  •  fo  that  nei- 
 ther husband  nor  wife,  nor  one 
 neighbour  with  another  can  be 
 merry  together. 
 
 As  for  change  of  eftate,  there  is 
 no  cauft  why  wee  fliould  feare,  or 
 be  unwilling  to  change  for  the  bet- 
 ter :  as  for  delights,  there  are  none 
 more  fweet,chan  thofe  which  have 
 ground  in  Religion  :  but  tho/e 
 that  cannot ftand  with  a  godly  life, 
 let  them,  in  the  name  of  God,  be 
 broken  oSfot  they  may  as  well  be 
 fpared  as  the  paring  of  our  n*iles, 
 and  therefore  not  fufficjenc  to  juftle 
 
 out 
 
 >■ 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 oura  godly  life,  from  the  praftice 
 of  any  true  Chriftian  and  Believer. 
 
 THe  Chriftians  life  being  thus 
 described;  now  becaufe  icis 
 upholders  by  meanes,  it  is  fit  to 
 know  what  thefe  mcanes  are,  and 
 how  they  may  be  ufed  aright. 
 
 Thefe  raeanesare  fuch  religious 
 cxercifes,  whereby  Chriftians  may 
 be  made  fie  to  prafikife  a  godly  life. 
 They  are  partly  ordinary,  and 
 partly  extraordinary  5  and  both  of 
 thefc  either  publike,  or  private. 
 The  publike,  arc  fuch  as  be  ufed 
 in  our  openaflemblies :  ordinarily 
 thefe  are  three. 
 
 Firft,the  Miniftery  ofche  Word. 
 
 Secondly,  thcadminiftrationof 
 the  Sacr3menrs. 
 
 Thirdly,  the  exercife  of  prayer, 
 with  thankefgiving  and  finging  of 
 Primes. 
 
 Of  private,  fome  are  to  be  ufed 
 alone  by  our  felves,  as  watchful- 
 neffe,  medication,  and  the  Armour 
 of  a  Chiiftian,    ymh  experience. 
 
 F  Some 
 
 113 
 
H4 
 
 Briefe  Directions 
 
 Some  are  to  be  ufed  with  others, 
 as  focicty  of  conference,  and  Fa- 
 mily- exercifes-  fome  are  com- 
 mon to  both,  as  prayer  and 
 reading. 
 
 THe  firft  and  principall  is  the 
 Word  of  God^ead^Preached, 
 and  heard^as  the  Lord  prefcribeth. 
 That  this  is  a  Angular  helpe,  wee 
 may  fee,  ifweeconfider  the  truth, 
 authority  ^  ibfficicncy,  and  phinc- 
 nefle  (through  the  Mioiftery  and 
 tranflations)  which  is  ia  the  Scrip- 
 ture. 
 
 To  fpeake  therefore  nothing  of 
 the  benefit  which  it  bringeth  unco 
 the  unregencrare,  untowhomicis 
 of  might  to  convert  them.  The 
 tries  arc  many  and  daily  which  the 
 regenerate  people  of  God  have 
 by  it. 
 
 Firft,by  it  they  are  cleared  from 
 errour  and  darkenefie,  about  Reli- 
 gion and  manners,  and  are  made 
 more  fouad  in  the  knowledge  of 
 the  truth,  and  fee  more  particular- 
 
 *y 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift, 
 
 ,i.5     I 
 
 ly  into  the  way  and  whole  courfe 
 ofChriftianity. 
 
 2.  They  grow  fettled  and  efta- 
 blifhed  in  their  knowledge  from 
 |  day  to  day. 
 
 3.  Thry  are  by  this  quickened 
 in  their  drowfincfle,  cheered  in 
 their  heavineflfe^called  backe  from 
 their  wandrings,  railed  up  when 
 they  are  fallen,  and  counfelled  in 
 their  doubtfull  cafes  of  advice, 
 
 4.  They  are  by  it  fettled  in  a  god* 
 ly  courfe,  and  taught  to  keep  well 
 when  they  are  well,  rather  than  to 
 befickli  &inconfiant  in  good  car- 
 riage of  th  mfelves,  as  many  are. 
 For  by  ir,as  by  a  Sunne  that  giveth 
 light  in  all  places,  they  efpy  their 
 weaktntiP,  and  how  they  are  hol- 
 den  backe  when  they  are  fallen, 
 and  which  is  the  right  way  of  pro- 
 ceeding: By  it,  as  by  a  rule,  they 
 are  taught  to  frame  all  their 
 ifttons. 
 
 5.  They  are  brought  to  beftow 
 forae  time  in  pofuable  reading. 
 
 6.  They  are  framed  fo,  as  they 
 
 F  2  be- 
 
i\6 
 
 Briefe  Directions 
 
 Imitm 
 
 become  lights  and  examples  to 
 others :  fo  that  wee  may  boldly 
 conclude,  that  the  ordinary  prea- 
 ching of  the  Word,  is  a  Angular 
 Hieanes  provided  for  the  perfefting 
 of  Gods  Ele#,  and  for  their  grow- 
 ing in  a  Chriftian  life.  And  whom- 
 ever liveth  where  there  is  a  good 
 order  of  teaching  with  diligence, 
 skil,love,and  plainenefie;if  he  find 
 not  this  fruit  by  it,  ic  is  becaufc  he 
 is  not  attentive  and  reverent  in 
 hearing,  hee  is  not  prepared  be- 
 fore to  heare,  or  elfc  doth  not  ap- 
 ply unto  himfelfe,  nor  willingly 
 digeft  that  which  hee  hath  heard ; 
 but  is  forfeited  of  fome  dangerous 
 qualities  in  his  life,  or  corruptions 
 in  his  heart;  among  which,  this  is 
 a  (pcciall  one  among  the  people, 
 that  as  they  thinke  of  the  perfbn 
 that  teacheth,  fo  they  doe  of  his 
 Do&rine,,  and  not  othcrwile. 
 
 AS  for  the  Sacraments,  they  are 
 helps   neceffarily   adjoyncd 
 unto  the  former :  for  they  doe  vifi- 
 
 bly 
 
unto  a  g$ily  Life. 
 
 "7 
 
 bly  confirms  and  pacific  that  which 
 chc  Word  dcth  teach,  and  the  co- 
 venant bcewixc  God  and  the  belie- 
 ver made,  is  moft  furely  fealed  up 
 and  effectually  on  both  partiesby 
 them, 
 
 Firft,  the  Lord  for  his  pare  hath 
 granted  to  every  faithfull  perfbn, 
 that  he  will  never  call  his  fones  to 
 a  reckoning,  but  will  be  his  God, 
 and  love  him  to  the  end  through 
 Chrift;  for  the  ratifying  whereof, 
 hce  hath  put  to  his  /eale  :  fo  that 
 the  Sacraments  mufi  needs  remaine 
 efFe&uall  to  the  faithful  I,  both  for 
 the  ftrengtheningofhis  faith  in  the 
 promife,  and  alfo  for  removing  of 
 allcontrary  doubts  which  through 
 weaknefie  might  arift.  So  on  the 
 other  parr,  every  believer  foi  his 
 owne  part  hath  covenanted,  to 
 truftinGod  alwaies,  toindevour 
 to  walke  before  him  confeionably, 
 in  righreoufiefle  of  heart  andin- 
 nocencie  of  hands. 
 
 Now  of  the  truth  of  his  heart, 
 the  Sacrament  is  a  figne-  which  he  . 
 
 F3 having  1_ 
 
n8 
 
 Brief c  DireBions 
 
 having  received,  hath  openly  pro- 
 ftfled  thereby,  that  he  hath  given 
 and  cunfecrated  himfelfc  unto  the 
 Lord,  and  is  now  no  more  his 
 owne  to  live  as  his  carnall  will 
 would  defire;  (o  that  either  the 
 prefent  receiving,  or  the  frefh  re. 
 membrance  of  this,doth  fpurre  him 
 forwards  to  keepe  his  covenant, 
 andincouragehim  againft  tempta- 
 tions, weariforanelTe,  and  allhin- 
 deranccB^efpecially  believing,  that 
 ftrength  in  meafure  (hall  be  given 
 him  of  God  to  performe  that 
 which  he  hath  promised  and  fealed. 
 By  all  which  we  may  feefthat  how- 
 foever  the  Sacraments  be  unto  the 
 unbelievers,  even  as  amyfterieor 
 hidden  thing,  yet  the  believer  ha- 
 ving been  foundlyinftrufted  there- 
 in^ beholdcth  much,  both  for  the 
 ftrcngthening  of  his  faith,  and  his 
 incouragementin  a  godly  life, 
 
 Firft,  this  may  be  fcer.e  particu- 
 larly in  the  two  Sicraments :  for 
 thefakhfull  Chriftian  which  hath 
 beene  baptifed,as  he  by  his  hgraf- 
 
 fing 
 
 171* 
 
nnto  a  g*diy  Life. 
 
 ng  intoGhrift,  is  onewithhim; 
 and  therefore  while Chrift  liveth, 
 
 uft  live  alfo :  fo  he  having  there* 
 by  prepared  union  and  fellowfhip 
 with  him,  doth  draw  ftrcngth  and 
 grace  from  him3even  as  the  branch 
 from  the  Vhe,  viz,  The  power  of 
 his  death  for  the  mortifying  of  tin, 
 and  the  venue  of  his  rcfurrc&ion 
 in  railing  him  up  to  newnefle  of 
 life.  So  that  Baptifme  throughout 
 .his  life,  muft  needs  be  a  forcible 
 meanes  to  helpe  him  forward  in  a 
 Chriftian  courfe,  as  ofc  as  hee  doth 
 dulyconfider  it. 
 
 2*  Likewife  that  the  Lords  Sup- 
 per is  an  excellent  helpe,  we  may 
 fee  in  three  fpeciakies :  viz*. 
 i.  In  the  preparation  ro  if. 
 
 2.  Intheprcfentufcofit. 
 
 3.  In  the  time  which  followeth 
 afcer. 
 
 1 .  The  fi-ft  confifteth  in  the  tri- 
 al!, thac  every  man  ought  to  rake 
 ofhimfelfe,  concerning  his  know- 
 ledge both  generalland  particular, 
 his  faitiT  in  Gods  proraifes,  his  di- 
 
 F  4 ligent 
 
 119 
 
 iii     ■  an 
 
120 
 
 Brief e  DirtBions 
 
 .. 
 
 ligent  indevour  for  the  removing 
 and  fubduing  of  all  time,  and  fot ' 
 readincfle  in  any  duty,  his  love  to- 
 wards  all  men  :  and  Iaftly,  con- 
 cerning his  hungring  after  this  Sa- 
 crament, and  the  berefic  which 
 God  offereth  by  it. 
 
 Theft  properties  if  heefindeto 
 be  in  himfelfe,  hce  is  a  tic  and  wel- 
 come gueft  to  the  Lords  Table; 
 but  if  through  floch,forgetfulnefle, 
 darkaefle,  corruption  and  weake- 
 ned, theft  graces  be  weakned, 
 dimmed,  and  decayed,  he  may  not 
 rafhly  put  forth  himfelfe  in  that 
 caft3  but  fpeedily  fteke  to  recover 
 himfelfe  againe,  by  ftarching  the 
 ground  and  ftrious  renewing  of 
 his  faith  and  repentance.  Which 
 things  being  fo;  it  cannot  be  but 
 that  this  kind  of  preparation  muft 
 be  a  lingular  helpe  to  thoft  that  in- 
 joy  it. 
 
 So  likewift  at  the  Sapper  it 
 felfe,  where  hee  may,  and  ought 
 to  meditate  on  the  dainties  of  the 
 banquet,  and  the  love  of  him  that 
 
 ordained 
 
 ■  *i 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 121 
 
 ordained  it ;  on  the  CommunioQ 
 hefiaTFTwlfhChrift^ndhisgracc*;^ 
 and  on  the  outward  figncs  what 
 they  affjre  him  of;  and  on  the 
 Word  preached.,  which  fheweth 
 him  all  this. When  as  by  the  apply- 
 ing of  thefe  chiogs  hecommech  to 
 be  comforted  and  rrudeglad3  or 
 rather  to  be  revived  andejjickned 
 in  his  (bale  wkh  the  fpirkuall 
 dainties  which  by  true  faith  hee 
 feedeth  upon;  how  can  hee  but 
 praifeand  bleffe  the  author  of  this 
 banquet  ?  howan  hebutbs  much 
 heartned  8c  fet  forward  in  a  Chri- 
 ftian  courfe  ?  Ic  is  alfo  of  the  fame 
 force  after  the  receiving  of  ir^ 
 ( where  right  ufe  is  made  of  it  ac- 
 cording to  Gods  appointment) 
 through  the  remembrance  and  due 
 confidcration  of  the  kindnefle  of 
 God  therein  offered  and  reaped, 
 eafily  to  carry  on  the  fervant  of 
 Godi.ia  fervent  defire  of  all  well 
 doingjbe  heartened  an<iftrengthe- 
 ned  thereunto,  even  as  a  man  wcl! 
 ref  refhed  with  meat  is  ma4$  ftrong , 
 
 F  5  to; 
 
 «■■ 
 
122 
 
 Briefe  "DinUions 
 
 I 
 
 > . 
 
 ! 
 
 f 
 
 1' 
 
 I 
 
 to  labour  :  (o  that  hee  which  is 
 noc  made  more  able  to  conquer  his 
 lufts,  and  weaken  the  ftrength  of 
 fione,  and  is  net  more  heartened 
 to  the  life  of  godlinefle  bythefe 
 Sacraments,  doch  abnfe  them,  and 
 feeth  not  Gods  purpoft  in  ordai- 
 ning them. 
 
 THe  publike  prayers  folemnly 
 offered  to  God  in  the  Con- 
 gregation, and  praifing  of  him 
 withPfalmes,  is  another  of  thefe 
 publike  helpes  :  for  when  befides 
 our  owne  private  (upplicacioDs 
 and  thankefgiving,  wc  hive  by  the 
 Lord  himfelfc  appointed  thefe  al- 
 io in  publike,  and  that  in  (b  fo- 
 lemnea  manner,  the  whole  aflem- 
 blyconfenting  with  us  in  the  fame, 
 and  Godprefent  among  us  toaffift 
 us,  as  he  will,  becaufc  the  very  or- 
 dinance of  God  doth  promifc  a 
 bleffing  thereto,  as  oft  as  wee  are 
 partakers  of  them,  £b  that  if  wee 
 come  with  reverence,  feeling  our 
 wantSj  eatneftly  defiriog  and  mi- 
 ffing 
 
untoag$dlyL'tfe. 
 
 123 
 
 -| 
 
 fting  to  obtaine  the  things  we  pray 
 fcr,together  with  true  repentance, 
 J  wee  (hall  receive  fruit  of  them  ac- 
 cordingly, even  that  good  refreflh- 
 ing,  whereby  in  private  we  (hall 
 be  more  cheerefully  bent  to  ferve 
 him. 
 
 So  that  neither  any  prejudicate 
 opinion  concerning  the  Minifters 
 perfon  (chough  hee  be  dumbe,  or 
 orberwife  offenfive)  nor  yec  any 
 rafh  judgement  of  reading  a  fee 
 forme  of  prayer,  or  any  thing  of 
 the  like  kinde,  ought  to  hinder  us 
 from  thefepublike duties  5  neither 
 ought  the  private  helpcs  to  be 
 neglefted  of  us  upon  any  pre- 
 tence^ without  the  which  the  pub- 
 like are  but  cold. 
 
 THe  firft  private  help  is  watch- 
 falneffc  :  which  is  a  carefull 
 obfer  ving  of  our  hearts,  Prcv.q.  2  5 . 
 Diligent  looking  to  our  waies, 
 Pfal.  3  9. 1 .  that  they  may  be  plea- 
 fir  g  and  acceptable  to  God.  The 
 neceffry  of  this  help  may  appeare 
 
 man? 
 
1*4 
 
 Briefe  VinStonr 
 
 many  waies,  for  without  this,  fo- 
 briery  is  lotf,  i  Pet,  5.7.  and  the 
 force  of  our  prayers  abated, 
 Mattb*26.  1.  and  for  want  of  this 
 (as  experience  ihewerh)  many 
 Chri  Aians  are  not  acquainted  with 
 a  well  ordered  and  fettled  courfe, 
 but  out  and  in,  off  and  on,  never 
 ftaied;and  becaufeof  the  contrary 
 carelefneffe  and  fecuricy,  many, 
 not  evill  mco  are  plunged  into  fun- 
 dry  noyfome  temptation?,  finde 
 many  wounds  in  their  foules,  and 
 want  many  comforts  in  their  lives ; 
 fo  that  fome  are  as  untrufty  as  Cjc- 
 bazi,fomc  as  hafty,  furious^  and 
 unlbciable  as  T^alal  wa  s  * 
 
 The  manner  of  this  watchful- 
 neffe  is  fee  downe  by  the  Apoftle, 
 1 Tim. 4  5.  to  be  in  all  things, 
 and  at  all  times,  and  by  all  occafi- 
 ons^in  all  places,with  all  perfons^ 
 and  that  constantly,  fo  long  as 
 wee  be  in  danger  of  temptation, 
 Marker^  33. 
 
 All  of  us  tljertfore  that  defire  'o 
 walke  with  God  in  peace,  mtaft  go 
 
 about 
 
umo  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 about  this  duty  to  purpote,  and 
 fee  our  minds  and  delight  upon  it  $ 
 our  evill  lufts,  wherewith  wee  be 
 full  fraught,  doe  carry  us  head- 
 long into  fundry  iniquities,  in  fo 
 much  that  wee  can  gpe  about  no- 
 thing but  we  may  feele  (if  we  can 
 difcerne)  that  fome  one  or  other 
 of  them  is  in  our  way  to  hurt  us, 
 and  at  band  to  moleft  and  difquiet 
 us :  if  we  be  occupitd  in  fpirituall 
 duties,  wee  have  fhame  and  hypo- 
 crifie  on  the  oac  fide  to  hinder  us  5 
 dulndfe,  wearinefle,  untoward- 
 nes.&c.on  the  other  fidg  to  breaks 
 us  off.  In  thingslawfull,we  are  fe- 
 cure  &  careleflc  what  the  maner  or 
 end  be:  in  evilljWe  have  eyes  open 
 tofeethefecming  pleafurejor  pro- 
 fit they  promift, and  reafbn toex«- 
 tenuate  the  danger;  but  we  have  no 
 eares  to  receive  the  ftrongeftdif- 
 fvvafions  that  can  be  brought.  We 
 therefore  muft  be  kilfulltoknow 
 thtfe  difbrdered  lufts  diligent 
 to  efpy,  prevented  avoid  them ; 
 wee  mult  abftaiue  and  weaneour 
 
 (elves 
 
 "5 
 
 %  \j 
 
 -n* 
 
I 
 
 126  Brtefe  Vire&ipns 
 
 -  — 
 
 felves  from  that  which  our  hearts 
 would  naturally  dciire  moft3 1  Pet. 
 2  10.  wee  muft  not  dally  with  the 
 baits  of  finnes,  weemuftnotbefo 
 bold  as  to  venture  upon  all  com- 
 panies, to  fall  into  any  talke,  or  to 
 take  liberty  in  any  defires  without 
 re/peft.  And  mto  this  care  wee 
 muft  adde  prayer,  as  that  which 
 doth  quicken  and  put  life  to  it,  (b 
 that  ip  may  be  continued  with 
 much  cheerefulneffc  and  little  te- 
 dioufnefle. 
 
 It  is  further  alfo  to  be  mar- 
 ked, that  becaufe  the  firvants  of 
 God  have  fomefpeciall  infirmities 
 wherewith  they  findc  themfelves 
 more  troubled  than  with  any  o- 
 ther,  they  muft  be  moft  fufpicious 
 of,  acd  vigilant  againft  them:  and 
 where  they  fee  Satan  moft  likely  to 
 winde  in  himfelfe,  there  they  muft 
 carry  a  more  narrow  and  ftreight 
 ye,  avoiding  tbe  leaft  occafion 
 that  tends  that  way,andbeftowing 
 more  time  and  labour  inthcroo- 
 iing  out  of  thefe  corruptions, from 
 
 the 
 
 ! 
 
mxoagMfyLtfi. 
 
 \ 
 
 the  which  moft  danger  may  be  fea- 
 red. As  in  troubles  we  muft  watch 
 agaii  ft  impatience ;  in  profpericy, 
 againft  wantonncfle.,  becatife  theft 
 arc  Iikeft  to  enfue ;  and  when  wee 
 have  broke  out  of  our  conftant 
 courfc  a  little,  and  that  our  con- 
 fcience  begins  tochecke  us,  then 
 wee  muft  cremble  to  thinkeof  it, 
 reeurne  ipeedily  againe,  and  wee 
 muft  feire  afcer,lcft  wee  (hould  of- 
 fend. 
 
 This  may  feeme  unto  many  to 
 be  too  ftrift,  that  our  hearts  may 
 notra ^ge  where  they  lift,  nor  our 
 delights  be  fattened  where  wee 
 pleafe,  but  that  all  powers  of  our 
 minds  and  members  of  our  bodies 
 muft  be  holden  within  compafle. 
 But  unto  thofe  who  are  acquainted 
 with  it,  and  fee  what  fafc  peace, 
 andfwret  joy  it  bringeth  to  their 
 life,  it  is  no  tedious  bondage,  but  a 
 (pirkuall  and  heavenly  liberty  .On 
 the  other  fide,  thofe  that  will  not 
 be  perfwaded  to  cntcrraine  it^they 
 muft  looke  to  live  deftitute  of  a 
 
 chiefe 
 
 12 
 
u8 
 
 *■— 
 
 Briefe  Virettiens 
 
 i 
 
 chiefe  pare  of  godlineflV;  or  if  it  be 
 but  now  and  then  in  fomeefpeciill 
 aftions  and  parts  of  our  life  re- 
 garded and  looked  unto,  it  will 
 make  the  godly  life  in  great  part 
 to  be  bereaved  of  her  gaine  and 
 beauty. 
 
 The  fecond  private  help  is  Mt- 
 ditatim  5  and  that  is  when  we  doe 
 of  purpofe  ftparateour  (elves  from 
 all  other  things  and  confide*  as  we 
 are  able, and  chinke  of  fome  points 
 of  inftru&ion  neceffary  to  leade  us 
 forward  to  the  kingdomc  of  Hea-r 
 ven,  and  the  better  ftrengtheniog 
 us  againft  the  Divell,  and  this  pre- 
 ftnt  evill  World ;  and  to  the  well- 
 ordering  of  our  lives.  This  hea- 
 venly communion  with  God  and 
 our  fcl^es,  is  that  which  the  Fa- 
 thers called  their  Soliloquies: 
 which  muft  bed'ftinguifhedfrom 
 the  ordinary  thinking  of  good 
 thiogs,andpondring  of  words  and 
 anions,  which  yet  in  the  Scripture 
 is  called  meditation,  Jojb.  i,  8,- 
 T/i/ 1 1 9.  97.  for  that  ought  never 
 
 to 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 129 
 
 to  be  wanting,  being  a  pare  of 
 watchfulnefle3  andisexercifcd  to- 
 gether wich  prayer ;  bit  this  is 
 more  folemne.,  when  a  man  of  fee 
 purpofe  doth  ieparate  himfelfe 
 from  other  bufimffe,  to  folace 
 himfelfe  in  thefe  holy  and  heaven- 
 ly thoughts. 
 
 The  matter  of  this  our  medita- 
 tion may  be  on  any  part  of  Gods 
 Word,  of  God  himfelfe,  on  his 
 workes  of  mercy  and  judgement, 
 of  our  owne  eftate,  of  the  vanity 
 andmifery  of  this  world,  and  of  I 
 the  manifold  privileges  which  wee  J 
 withthereftof  Gods  children  en- 
 joy: but  cfpecially  of  thoft  things 
 which  wee  have  mod  efpeciall 
 neede  of. 
 
 The  gteit  and  neceffary  ufc  of 
 this  duty,  may  well  appeare  even 
 in  the  heart  of  good  Chriftians^  in 
 which  there  is  much  naughtineffe; 
 fo  many  rebellions;,  and  ioathfome 
 filchineffrjthae  k  rnaketh  fomc  de- 
 fpaire  of  reforming  it,  and  there- 
 fore they  ceafe  to  endeavour  it ; 
 
 yec 
 
Brief e  VireUicns 
 
 yet  if  fuch  noifomc  poifbns  be  dif- 
 fered to  lurk  and  remaine  in  them, 
 they  will  not  only  as  fower  weeds 
 choakc  the  plants  of  grace  within 
 us.  but  alfo  grow  up  themfelves, 
 and  bring  forth  moft  noifome  and 
 dangerous  fruit,  as  by  wofull  ex- 
 perience men  feeleand  cry.  Now 
 for  the  weeding  ofthefe  out  of  the 
 ground  of  our  hearts,  there  is  no 
 means*  Co  availeable,as  the  confi- 
 dering  ofr^and  deepe  meditating : 
 vi*.  co  finde  out  what  fwarmes  of 
 them  doe  lodge  in  our  hearts ;  al- 
 fo to  bring  them  into  a  vile  ac- 
 count, to  be  weary  and  aftumed 
 of  them  3  and  (b  to  entertaine 
 better  in  their  roome  ;  for  al» 
 though  by  the  Word  wee  know 
 our  corruption^  by  conference  we 
 revive  the  remembrance  of  them, 
 and  by  reading  we  doe  both*  yet 
 all  this  will  be  but  of  (ball  force, 
 except  they  be  )oyned&  fcafbned 
 with  medication.  For  our  hearts 
 are  (bdcceitfull,  that  if  once  wee 
 can  but  commend  that  which  is 
 
 good 
 
 I 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift, 
 
 131 
 
 I 
 
 good,  and  fpeakeagainft  evilly  we 
 are  ready  cothinkethatonrelhce 
 is  right  marvellous  good ;  where- 
 as ye^  if  there  be  not  in  the  heart 
 a  hacred  of  the  one,  and  love  of 
 the  other,  wedoe  but  deceive  our 
 felve?.  Now,  when  wee  doe  of- 
 ten gage  thefc  hearts  of  ours,  and 
 fift  our  thoughts,  and  deale  truly 
 (in  accufing  or  excufing)  as  wee 
 love  our  foules;  though  wee  finde 
 finne  to  fit  neere  and  faft  glued,  yet 
 by  Gods  affiftanceand  blcffing  we 
 (hall  breake  o  AT  and  chafe  away 
 theft  curfed  fwarraes  of  prophane 
 thoughts  and  defires;  we  fhall  be- 
 come better  armed  againft  them 
 afterwards,  and  our  heart  being 
 thus  mollified,  anirelentiig,  wee 
 (hill  furnifh  them  more  gracioufly 
 with  holy  thought?,  and  heaven- 
 ly defire^  and  draw  them  inco 
 more  neere  and  heavenly  commu- 
 nion with  our  God;  taking  heede 
 of  the  ftgred  baius  of  earthly  de- 
 lights, and  tranficory  pleafurcsof 
 this  world.  In  (umme,  the fruir  and 
 
 bene- 
 
132 
 
 Briefe  "DireUions 
 
 ■»• 
 
 benefit  which  by  oar  medication 
 and  private  prayer  wee  rcape,  is  fo  j 
 great  (the  Spirit  of  God  changing 
 our  hearts  thereby  from  their  dai- 
 ly courfc  and  cuftome  more  and 
 more,  and  bringing  the  heavenly 
 life  into  more  liking  with  us,  and 
 making  it  more  eafic  and  fweete 
 which  wich  the  men  of  this  world 
 isfo  irkefbme  and  unfovoury)  that 
 none  canexprefle  and  conceive  it, 
 but  hee  which  hath  felt  the  fame. 
 Therefore  it  is  that  the  men  of 
 God,  who  are  mod  commended 
 for  their  piety,  both  of  old,  as 
 MofesJ)avid,?aulfiLc.  and  in  our 
 times  alio,  are  moft  taken  up  of 
 this  exercifc;  and  others  that  are 
 ftrangers  to  it,  though  they   be 
 good  Chriftians,  want  much  fruit 
 which  by  it  they  may  reaps. 
 
 The  lees  which  are  enemies  to 
 this  duty,  they  are  of  two  forts; 
 for  either  they  are  fuch  which  hin- 
 der men  altogether  from  going  a- 
 bout  if,  or  elfe  ftch  as  keepe  them 
 from  taking  any  good  thereby 
 »       -  when 
 
 ( 
 
 i 
 
unto  ag$dlyLift. 
 
 133 
 
 hen  they  enter  into  ic.  Qf  the 
 brmer  fort  there  are  three. 
 
 1-  The  firft  is  when  a  Chrifti- 
 n  knowing  this  duty  to  be  requi- 
 ed  of  him5  gocth  about  ic>  but 
 ee  is  fo  empty  and  barren  that  he 
 ath  no  matter  to  beftow  the  time 
 and  his  cogitations  about.  Now 
 for  the  remedy  of  this,  there  (hall 
 be  rules  and  examples  fit  downe 
 hereafter:  but  in  generall,  it  (hall 
 be  expedient  for  him  to  pro- 
 pound unto  this  his  meditation 
 thefe  foure  things, 
 
 i.  Firftj  of  his  unworchineffe, 
 vilencfle,  finnes  and  corruptions 
 
 2.  Secondly,  thegreatnefleof 
 Gods  bounty  in  his  deliverance, 
 
 3.  Thirdly,how  he  may  be  gui- 
 ded throughout  that  prefent  day, 
 according  to  the  rules  of  dircftion, 
 elpecially  in  the  hardefl  points. 
 
 4.  FourthIy,of  the  (everall  parts 
 of  the  Chriftian  armor  which  God 
 hath  appointed  for  his  ftrengthe- 
 niog. 
 
 2.  The  fecond  impediment  of 
 
 this 
 
*34 
 
 Brieje  Virt&ions 
 
 \  this  fort,  is  an  unfit  mind  unto 
 fpiritaall  and  heavenly  duties, 
 through  feme  unfctledncffe,  fl  Jth- 
 fulneffc,  or  other  corruptions. 
 
 Now  the  beft  remedy  for  fuch 
 a  one,  is  to  meditace  of  his  prcfmt 
 unfitneffe,  loofentfie  of  heart,  and 
 earthly-mindednefleto  count  itan 
 heavie  burden  to  accufe  his  heart, 
 and  Co  to  bring  it  to  relenting,  by 
 confidering  howfarreoffit  ispre- 
 (ently  from  tha^  mildneffe,humble- 
 iiefle^  heavenlinefle,  andreadinfle 
 unto  duties  which  have  beene  ia 
 him  at  fome  other  times :  but  let  no 
 man  give  any  liberty  in  any  fort  to 
 his  evill  heart,  when  it  isturned 
 away  from  chceref  nine  fle  and  wil- 
 lingnefle  in  any  part  of  Gods  fer- 
 vice  to  goe  forward  therein,  for 
 that  were  to  bring  him  to  utter 
 bondage. 
 
 3.  The  third  let  is,  want  of  op- 
 portunity by  reafon  of  neceffary 
 bufinefle  taking  up  the  time;  or 
 for  want  of  convenient  place,  as  it 
 failed)  out  to  fea-men,  and  thofe 
 
 that 
 
unto  a  g$dly  Life. 
 
 *35 
 
 ;hat  havefmall  and  poors  houfcs  : 
 boncerniog  which,  it  is  noc  to  be 
 ienied  but  chat  there  may  fome- 
 :ime  fall  out  fuch  bufinefleasmay 
 sxcufe  us  in  the  omiffion  of  this 
 duty;  and  this  muftberemerobrcd 
 rbat  the  ordinary  duties  of  our  cal- 
 lings muft  noc  put  this  dutie  out  of 
 place,  for  if  chey  doe,  ic  is  through 
 unskilfulnfle,  or  untowardneffe  cf 
 them  who  commit  this  fault :  one 
 of  them  is  appoiured  of  God  to 
 e  with  the  other,  and  both  of 
 xhem  ftand  together  in  upholding 
 of  their  inward  peace.  If  any  man 
 b^  rich,  hee  hath  theleffecaufe  to 
 be  holden  from  it  by  worldly  care; 
 if  they  be  poore,  they  have  the 
 more  need  of  it  to  moderate  their 
 care,  that  ic  exceed  not,  nor  carry 
 them  to  unbeliefe  :  but  if  any  in- 
 tend, or  pretend  extraordinary  bu- 
 fincfle,  they  muft  take  heede  that 
 they  feeke  not  cloakes  for  their 
 do-  h :  yet  if  any  have  neceflary  lets 
 iadecd,  hereby  they  (hall  appearc 
 to  be  fruitlcfle  if  at  any  time  God 
 
 be 
 
 _    I 
 
iS6 
 
 Briefe  Uire&ims 
 
 ■«-%. 
 
 be  remembred  feme  other  way  as 
 foall  be  mod  convenient1,  and  thisj 
 duty  fupplyed  when  the  hinde- 
 rarce  ispait. 
 
 Of  the  fecond  fort  oflets  which 
 may  be  called  abufes,thcre  be  espe- 
 cially two. 
 
 i.  Thefirftistoufcitflcightly, 
 and  (o  to  make  a  ceremony  of  it : 
 the  remedy  whereof  is  to  hold  our 
 mindes  wich  taking  delight  in  it ; 
 for  this,  and  all  other  good  helpes 
 willbeunfavouryuntous,  except 
 wee  (hould  fallen  a  love  and  liking 
 on  them. 
 
 2.  The  fecond  is  when  although 
 we  be  defiroustoufe  meditation, 
 yet  our  heads  are  (b  full  of  trifling 
 and  wandringfantafies,or  worldly 
 matters,  that  we  cannot  mind  hea- 
 venly things :  the  cauft  of  this  is 
 the  letting  looft  of  our  hearts  all 
 the  day  difbrderly,  without  wat- 
 ching over  them,  or  keeping  them 
 within  an  holy  compifle.  Fofcthe 
 remedying  of  it,  wee  muft  there- 
 fore carefully  fct  our  (elves  agairft 
 
 the 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 i     »37 
 
 : 
 
 • 
 
 he  corruptiorts  of  our  hearts,  la« 
 >ouringtodry  ;}d  thole  fwimiBing 
 oies  with  the  flame  of  heavenly 
 md  fervent  afFc£Uou$ ;  wee  muft 
 :ie  up  our  loofc  hearts  throughout 
 he  day  from  their  deadly  cu^ome 
 ;f  ranging  after  vaine,fond,and  de- 
 :eicfu]l  thought*,  dreames  andde- 
 ight8;this  whofbeverdothornoc 
 t  all,  or  feldome,  or  coldly,  they 
 ofe  a  great  part  of  their  f  wect  and 
 )ltflcd  living  hcre,noi  in/oying  the 
 enthp^rt  of  thofe  privileges  and 
 ibertics,  which  God  h;th  provi- 
 ied  for  them  in  their  PiIgriimg-% 
 
 The  Rules  of  dire&ion  in  me- 
 litating  bethefo 
 
 i.  Hec  who  dtfireth  to  have 
 ifielpe  by  meditation,  muft  weigh 
 how  flippery3  fickle,  and  wande- 
 ring his  heart  is  infinite  waies  to 
 his  exceeding  hurt;  and  that  hce 
 innft  of  neceffity  appoint  fonie  fet 
 time  to  check>rcclaime,and  weane 
 :t  frcjoi  the  fame,   Unm.  17.  9. 
 
 2.   Hce  muft  warch  over  r 
 
 G  heart  < 
 
l$% 
 
 BritfsVircttitnt 
 
 —»— 
 
 »*"——•  *• 
 
 heart  (having  bccne  (b  often  de- 
 ceived by  it  through  hit  whole 
 life)  and  have  it  in  fufpicion,  that 
 fo  it  may  be  more  fie  to  be  drawnc 
 to  iuch  heavenly  cxercifes,  and  at- 
 tend unto  the  fame. 
 
 3  •  This  being  obfer ved,Iet  him 
 draw  matter  of  meditation  and 
 prayer  from  bis  owne  wants  acd 
 infirmities*  from  Gods  bencfics> 
 from  the  changes  and  mortality  of 
 this  life,  &c.  cfpecially  of  that 
 which  is  moft  availeable  for  this 
 prcfenr. 
 
 4.  If  hee  cannot  doe  that,  let 
 him  reade  fbme  part  of  the  Scrip- 
 ture, or  other  booke  fie  tofeafbn 
 and  well  afFe&  bis  minde,  that  Co 
 his  mind  may  be  quickened  to  the 
 performance  of  this  duty. 
 
 Particular  meditation  concer- 
 ning duties  to  be  praftifed. 
 
 No  man  (hall  be  fit  togoverne 
 himfelfe  aright  before  men,  if 
 hee  doe  not  ufuaily  acquaint 
 hitnfelfe  with,  and  feme  hirafelfc 
 vtfter  that  Chriftian  tour  (e,  firft  be- 
 I  fore 
 
 ■  <W 
 
 ^■■P • 
 
unto  a  g§Mj  Lift. 
 
 I     x3* 
 
 |Forc  Gcd.  Yet  no  man  rouft  reft  in 
 Iprivare  txerciks  of  Religion  with- 
 out a  wcl-ordered  life  before  men. 
 Every  part  of  our  calling  mnft  be 
 (6  carry ed j  as  wee  may  have  peace 
 thereby;  if  a  man  be  fallen, hee 
 muft  not  lie  ftill,  Itr  .8. 6.  but  re- 
 tume  unro  God,  though  with  dif- 
 ficulty, Exod.  33,  8.  the  breach 
 muft  be  made  up  in  our  confeien- 
 ces ;  which  if  wee  doe,  God  is  not 
 farreoff,  iSam.y.y.  10.12.22. 
 
 If  wee  rejoyce  oaely  in  prospe- 
 rity, it  is  x  ligne  that  Gods  bene- 
 fits, not  his  favour,  makes  U8  mer- 
 ry. It  is  a  good  thing  to  re pyce  in 
 the  Sabbaths,  and  in  the  communi- 
 on of  Saints ;  yet  wee  may  not  reft 
 therr,  but  in  this,  thstGodisour 
 portion  alwaies,  Ffalm.  noc  57. 
 2  Or.  5.  16* 
 
 In  crofles  wee  muft  ufc  great  (6- 
 briety,  other  wife  wee  fhall  be  wi- 
 fe t.  Jed  by  them  :  to  this  end  wee 
 muft  prep  ate  and  looke  for  trouble 
 before  it  come,  and  ink  we  muft 
 meditate  of  the  beft  privilege  that 
 
 G  2  God 
 
140 
 
 Briefe  DireUiom 
 
 God  hath  given  unto  us,  1  Sam.  30. 
 6.  yfal.77. 
 
 Wee  ftldom*  keepe  unlawfull 
 commoditics,or  rt  Joyce  too  much 
 inlawfull,butthe  Lord  doth croflfe 
 us  in  them.  The  moft  vexations 
 in  oar  life  become  annoyances  un- 
 to us  through  our  owoe  default; 
 in  that,  wee  either  prevent  them 
 not  when  wee  may,  or  beare  them 
 not  as  we  ought,  or  make  not  ufe 
 of  them  as  wee  might  doe.  Whea 
 matters  of  more  importancee  than 
 our  Salvation  ia  come  in  place, 
 let  us  be  occupied  in  them  with , 
 more  fervency  than  in  that :  but 
 not  before.  Thepra&iceofgodli- 
 nefic  is  a  rich  and  gainfull  trade, 
 Prcv.$.  14,  but  if  it  be  not  well 
 followed,  it  will  bring  no  great 
 profit.  To  haue  a  willing  tuindc  to 
 be  well  occupied,  and  matter,  a. 
 bout  which  wee  may,  and  time 
 to  bertow  therdn,  andfre^deme 
 from  lets  therefrom ,  is  ao  eflate 
 m*fch  to  be  made  of.  gud  yet  for 
 the  raoft  part,  criey  v.  hkh  havcal- 
 
 moft 
 
 ■^v 
 
nnto  a  g*ty  Life. 
 
 I"  rnort  all  outward  incourapcments, 
 cannot  tell  what  to  do  with  them. 
 
 Whatfoever  meafiire  of  graces 
 wee  have  gotten,  yet  ic  is  cenaine, 
 that  God  hach  much  more  (or  us 
 than  we  can  thinke  of>  if  thofe  be 
 the  matters  which  wee  have  in 
 greateft  price ;  but  being  fee  light 
 by,  and  the  raeanes  neglected 
 which  prefcrve  them,  ttay  die. 
 That  is  a  good  eftate,  when  wee 
 have  not  o/,ely  )  ;y  in  heaven- 
 ly thirgs  at  the  tirft  hearing  of 
 them,  butincreafnginjoyjasour 
 knowledge  and  experience  increa- 
 fe  h ;  *nd  when  wee  are  not  oncly 
 delighted  in  thefe  prefan  duties  of 
 Godsfervice,  but  alfo  as  joy  full  to 
 thinke  of  them  which  are  to  come, 
 accounting  that  the  more  they  be, 
 the  better  ihty  are,  Tfr  more  lure 
 the  u  art  of  God  his  favour  by 
 far.b,  the  more  humble  thou  art 
 alfo,  Mdttb.  15.27. 
 
 They  aic  worthy  of  great  pu- 
 nifoment  who  fee  light  by  thr 
 plenty  of  that  grace,  the  crummee 
 
 G  3         where- 1 
 
 141 
 
 > 
 
4Mb 
 
 142 
 
 Rriifi  VireQions 
 
 •^•^ 
 
 . 
 
 i 
 
 whereof  Gods  hungry  fcrvants  do 
 ftf  great  ftore  by.  When  wee  are 
 rffl  fted,  and  the  wicked  (pared, 
 our  eftate  fcemeth  to  them  mod 
 vile ;  when  we  are  both  in  profpe- 
 rity ,  they  feeme  more  happy ; 
 when  they  and  wee  bebothaffli- 
 £hd,  then  they  account  our  eftate 
 happier  than  their  owne,  bate  fpe- 
 dally  when  they  area ffi&cd,  and 
 '  we  (pared,  Evod*  1425. 
 
 Wee  may  not  affigne  the  Lord, 
 in  what  place,  (late*  condition, or 
 in  what  company  wee  would  live, 
 but  as  Grangers  wtit  on  him,  even 
 as  the  hand-maid  on  her  Miftrefle, 
 for  whatfoever  hee  will  allow  us : 
 wee  arc  ready  moft  commonly  to 
 be  called  away  by  death,  before 
 we  befit,  or  have  learned  how  to 
 lire,  Looke  what  care^onfeience, 
 leak,  lore,  and  reverence,  eftima- 
 tion  of  good  thing?,  thouhaddeft 
 when  firft  thou  embraced'il  the 
 Gofpell-  the  fame  at  leaft  retaine, 
 and  be  fare  thou  keepeft  ftill  after- 
 wards.  The  more  knowledge  that 
 
 thou 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 thou  ha  ft,  take  heed  chou  beeft  roc 
 more  fecure ;  for  thas  ic  it  with 
 many  at  this  day,  who  therefore 
 doe  fmart  for  ic. 
 
 Wee  (hall  not  er  py  the  grace 
 which  wee  had  ac  the  firftj  except 
 wee  bz  carefu<l  now  tokeepcic, 
 as  wee  were  then  to  com:  by  ir. 
 
 Keep  downe  carnall  liberty  ,and 
 the  fpiriruall  liberty  fhall  be  great, 
 and  reft  oa  God,  and  ic  (hall  make 
 thee  overcome  the  hardeft  ching3. 
 
 Wee  rauft  remember  to  ferve 
 and  walke  with  God  by  daies,  not 
 by  weekes  and  moneths  onely, 
 Pfal.  92.  12. 
 
 As  Husband-men  wait  for  their 
 fruits,  fo  fhould  we  for  that  which 
 wee  pray  and  hope  for$  andtbit 
 woidd  make  us  j)y  full  when  wee 
 obtaiaeic. 
 
 If  we  can  rejoyce  at  the  conver- 
 sion of  a  finner,  then  arc  we  Chrift 
 his  friends,  Lukf  15.6. 
 
 Ic  b  a  folly,  yea,  a  madneffe,  to 
 
 be  heavie  to  the  death  for  any 
 
 earthly  thing,  when  yet  a    mm 
 
 G  4  defireth 
 
 M3 
 
. 
 
 144 
 
 ♦-I 
 
 Briefe  ~DirtUtons 
 
 I 
 
 I  defireth.  nothing  more  than  life 
 
 All  our  life  ought  to  be  a  provi- . 
 ding  for  a  good  end,and  a  keeping' 
 away  of  wo  which  commctb  by 
 finne. 
 
 The  fLfh  would  faine  pleafeit 
 felfe  in  fome  unlawful!  liberties, 
 when  wc  have  pleafed  God  in  foroe 
 duties ;  but  a  wile  roan  will  keepe 
 well  when  hee  is  well.  The  more 
 grace  wt  perceive  in  a  iy  man,  and 
 conftancie,  the  more  hee  is  like  to 
 God,tbe  better  we^  ought  to  love 
 him,  7^.13.23.  JP/i/.  1 5 -  4» 
 
 Where  there  is  wilfulrufle  in 
 finning,  there  is  great  difficulty  in 
 relenting,  and  alio  no  power  nor 
 boldnefll  in  believing.  Many  be- 
 ginning well  in  godlinefle  have 
 fainted  and  quailed,  or  beene  juft, 
 Iy  reproached  before  their  end^ 
 that  others  may  the  more  fcare 
 their  owne  weaknefle:  where  new 
 knowledge  isnotfbnghr,  there  is 
 the  lefls  favour  in  the  ufe  of  the 
 old-   and  when   men  make  not 
 good  uft  of  the  old,   the  fee- 
 king 
 
king  of  the  new  is  but  noveltie. 
 Men  having  experience  of  Sa- 
 
 I"  cans  malice  and  con ciniull  dogging 
 of  them  to  doe  evilly  it  fliauld 
 teach  them  to  truft  better  in  their 
 armour,  and  Uffk  to  therafelves. 
 
 Where  we  fufpe&  thac  corrup- 
 tions grow,  if  wee  goe  net  about 
 to  pull  chem  out,  arid  plucke  them 
 up,  they  will  be  too  deeply  faftned 
 in  a  fhort  time. 
 
 Though  man  pray  and  medi- 
 tate, and  keepe  a  better  courfein 
 his  life  than  fbme  do?,  yet  if  hce 
 doe  it  bucfl.ighcly,  that  the  flefh 
 prevailech  iruch  in  hindering  the 
 well-performing  of  ic,  all  will 
 fuone  come  to  nought  -  it  may  be 
 perceived  in  che  fway  it  bearenh  in 
 other  parts  of  che  life,  and  then  let 
 it  be  fpeedily  amended. 
 
 Ic  is  good  (b  to  cafte  our  fclves 
 with  duties,  one  or  ocher,at  11 
 times,  and  in  all  places.,  chat  Co  do- 
 ing, wee  may  cut  off  occafions  of 
 rouchiinoe. 
 
 Let  no  fione  be  flnghcly  pafled 
 
 G  5  over 
 
146    I 
 
 Briefe  D'tnUims 
 
 ^  **■ 
 
 1  r* 
 
 ;'i 
 
 I 
 
 I  over  or  omicced,  for  when  it  com- 
 racthto  remembrance  in  trouble., 
 it  will  fee  an  heavie  burdenr  and 
 pinch  us  to  the  heart. 
 
 THc  third'  private  fielpe  is  the 
 armour  of  a  Chriftian:  con- 
 cerning which  foure  points  are  fit 
 tobeknowne. 
 
 1  £irft,wbat  it  is,  and  which 
 be  t  he  cbiefc  pa  rts  of  it , 
 
 Icbthat  fpirituall  furdrure of 
 the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  holy 
 Gboft,  by  which  God  doth  deli* 
 ver  his  from  all  adver&ry  power 5 
 and  bringjhem  to  the  obedience  of 
 his  will^2  Cor.  10.4*  the  parts  are 
 fee  downe,  Ef>bef>6. 1 4. 
 
 r  WhcrcofJiefirttisfinceJty, 
 which  is  the  general!  grace^where- 
 by  a  Chriftian  is  made  Ample,  and 
 without  fraud,  or  hypocrifie  bea- 
 ring (way  in  him,  both  towards 
 God  and  hia  neighbour,  P/i/.ja  2. 
 
 2  The  f  cond  is  righreoufiufff; 
 which  is  that  gift  of  the  Spirit, 
 
 where- 
 
 ? 
 
MXtoagtdfyLife. 
 
 f47 
 
 whereby  our  hearts  are  bent  to  all 
 manner  of  goodnefle,  and  righte- 
 ous dealing,approving  of  it  as  raoft 
 excellent,  defiring  fervently,  and 
 delighting  in  it,  and  that  becaufc  it 
 is  good,  and  d  diking,  and  hating 
 of  all  naugbciaeffe  and  evill,  Pri. 
 28.  i,  ffkiX.j. 
 
 3  The  third  is  the  (hooes  of 
 peace,  which  h5  that  having  re- 
 ceived the  Gofpell,  and  found 
 the  fweetneflk  of  it,  wee  are  now 
 thereby  as  cney  who  are  ready  to 
 take  a  j  :>urney  (hod  and  prepared, 
 ready  to  deny  our  felves,  and  to 
 take  up  out  croflfe  and  follow 
 Chrift,  through  this  our  pilgri- 
 mage, Rpw.5. 1.  Lukt  21.  33.  57. 
 Phil,  4  7.  lob.  16.33. 
 
 4  The  fourth  is  the  fliicld  of 
 faith :  which  is  to  build  our  per- 
 wafionon  God  his  faubfall  pro- 
 mifes,  that  Chrift  Iefas  is  ours : 
 and  thit  Godhathgiven  him  to  us, 
 to  obtaine  forgivenefle  of  our  fins, 
 and  feWation  by  him,  yea,  and 
 til  other  good  things  alfo  naeece 
 
 for 
 
 I 
 
*4 
 
 8 
 
 Briefe  Vire&ons 
 
 for  thispretenc  life,  Colof.  1.33, 
 
 5  The  fifth  his  hope,  which  is 
 a  joyfull  bnging,  and  itedfaft  de- 
 firc  and  looking  for  the  perfor- 
 ming and  accomplifhiog  of  all 
 thofe  mercies,  reroporall  and  eter- 
 nail,  which  God  hach  promifed, 
 and  wee  by  faith  are  afjiircd  of, 
 Lu\.2.^o.Tet.  1. 13. 
 
 6  The  fixth  is  the  fword  of  the 
 Spirir,  which  is  to  be  well  inftru- 
 Ged  in  the  (bund  and  living  know- 
 ledge of  the  Scriptures,  androdi- 
 geft  the  fame,  and  aUb  (eafon  our 
 uuderftanding  withia  us  :  in  fuch 
 wife  that  weemaykaowthewtli 
 of  God,  and  have  the  forae  in  re- 
 membrance in  the  things  which 
 moft  concerne  us,(as  we  can:)hit 
 thereby  wee  may  at  ail  cim*$,  and 
 in  all  edes,  be  readily  led  by  ic, 
 PfaL  1 1 9.  105.  Where  it  ig  ro  be 
 reniOnbred,  char  Hee  which  hath 
 mofi  knowledge,  i^'hee  be  not  gui- 
 ded by  that  he  underftji,derh,  hec 
 fenowcth  nothing  as  hce  oughr, 
 10.3,18-  Prtfv.^6*  leb^^.iy. 
 
 The 
 
*iu«Ag*lly  Lift. 
 
 M<? 
 
 TKc  f  cond  generall  point  is 
 rhe  r.ec^  ffi  ie  of  this  armour, 
 viz,  that  wee  (h  :>uld  cloath  and 
 furrjifhourfouk-s,  with  every  pare 
 ofit:  wh;ch  is  fo  great,  that  the 
 right  Chriftian  life  cannot  ftand 
 without  it :  for  to  venture  upon 
 the  manifold  tribulations  of  this 
 life  without  the  {booes  of  prepa- 
 ration, is  as  much  as  to  goe  bare- 
 foot amo  gthornes,  or  to  ranne 
 naked  upon  the  pikes. 
 
 To  bs  deftitute  of  this  fliield 
 of  faith,  is  the  undoubted  way 
 cither  to  defpaire  utterly,  or  clfe 
 in  deadly  presumption  axlfecuri- 
 ty,  to  drowne  our  felvea  in  per- 
 dition. 
 
 To  leave  off  the  breft-plate  of 
 righteoufneflc,  is  to  expofe  him- 
 (elfc  into  the  danger  of  every 
 temptation  -  for  hee  that  doth  noi 
 from  time  to  time  afrefh  indent 
 with  his  heart  againft  ail  unrighte- 
 ou(oeflc,he  may  Luk  to  be  carried 
 iaco  thofe  unlaw  Full  a&ions  which 
 
 (hall 
 
i5o 
 
 *>•-. 
 
 Briefe  DireUicns 
 
 (hall  bring  difgace  to  hirafelfe, 
 and  his  holy  profeffion  a  Wo, 
 i  Cot%  6. 4.  5. 
 
 Hee  chat  hath  notthefwordof 
 Gods  Spirit,  fo  that  hee  be  able  to 
 lay  in  temptations,  it  is  written 
 to  the  contrary,  (hall  never  be 
 able  to  cut  in  (under  thofe  bonds 
 of  finne,  wherewith  hee  fliall  be 
 conipafled. 
 
 He  that  hath  not  all  thefe  gir- 
 ded to  him,  whh  finccrity  and 
 truth,  (hall  bnt  deceive  himfclfe 
 and  others  alfo. 
 
 Hee  that  hath  not  true  hope  of 
 (alvation>to  keepclife  in  bis  foule, 
 how  can  hee  be  void  of  fainting, 
 irkefomnefle,heavincfle,diftrafti- 
 on^dumpUhncile,  andfundryfoch 
 difcouragements?  Or  how  can  he 
 have  any  cheerefulcefleinhislife, 
 or  contcntedncfle,,  that  hath  not 
 this  hope  of  pafiing  his  afflifting 
 daks,  under  the  wings  of  God  his 
 protc&ion? 
 
 So  that  wee  may  well  affirme, 
 without  this  compleatc  armour  of 
 s  God 
 
unU  *godlj  Lift 
 
 iud,<hat  the  Gbriftian  life  cannot 
 continued. 
 
 THc  third  point  is,  how  this 
 Armour  fhould  be  put  on.  For 
 e  anflver  whereof  wee  are  to 
 ow,  that  it  is  not  wholly  wan- 
 ing in  any  rrue  Chriftian :  for  eve- 
 ry true  believer  at  his  firft  conver- 
 fion,  is  made  partaker  (chough  in 
 weake  rreafurc)  of  all  things  ap- 
 pertaining to  life  and  godlteeflfe, 
 iPet.  1,4. 
 
 What  then  raeanech  the  Apoftle 
 when  he  b'ddeth  us  put  on  this  ar- 
 mour? His  meaning  is*  char  wee 
 fhould  not  have  it  u  mea  in  the 
 time  of  peace  have  their  bodily 
 armour  hanging  by  them,  unfit  f  r 
 ufe ;  but  as  fouldiers  have  theirs  in 
 battel! ,  wemnft  be  fare,  that  in  all 
 pUceSjand  upon  all  occasions,  we 
 have  it  with  us  fo  fane  as  wee  are 
 able,  werauft  licdowne,  and  rife 
 up  with  k ;  becaufe  our  battell 
 lafteth  ail  our  life  long,  and  our 
 /enemies  be  deadly,    and  all  our 
 
 ftreogth 
 
 I5i 
 
 •*rv* 
 
152 
 
 Vp. 
 
 Britfe  Virettions 
 
 — 
 
 ftrcngth  is   by  our  armour. 
 
 N>w  to  put  on,  and  alfo  to 
 keepe  on,  and  to  have  the  feeling 
 of  every  part  of  this  armour,  (faith 
 againft  diftruft,  hope  againft  fain- 
 ting, uprightnefle  againft  hypo- 
 crific;  knowledge  againft  thed?- 
 ceitfulnefle  of  fm ;  rigfreoufnefle, 
 againft  all  kindeof  iniquity,  and 
 the  preparation  of  the  Gofpell  of 
 peace,  againft'crofl&s)  to  have,  I 
 (ay,  this  armour  in  areadineflV,we 
 muft  ufe  continual]  watching, 
 hearty  prayer,  ana  frequent  medi- 
 tation about  them,  Matth^b*^ 
 
 Here  is  to  be  obferved,  tha?  the 
 fwordofthe  Spirit  hath  two  bran- 
 ches, viz*  that  knowledge  which 
 wee  get  out  of  the  leer er  of  the 
 Scrip*  urc  onely,  and  lb  have  it  but 
 by  rule:  and  tht  knowledge  which 
 wee  Iearneby  proofe  and  triall  for 
 the  bettering  of  us  :  for  a*  in  all 
 trades  and  fciences  there  is  great 
 difference  bet  wixc  the  experimen- 
 tall  knowledge  of  them,  and  bare 
 or  naked   skill  of  them ;  fo  is 
 
 there 
 
unt§  a  godly  Life. 
 
 there  great  diftance  betwixt  one 
 that  bach  onely  attained  fo  much 
 knowledge  as  will  enable  him  to 
 girc  account  of  his  faith,  and  him 
 who  hath  had  the  proofeof  this 
 knowledge,  how  it  hathbeene  ef- 
 fe&aall  in  him.  Hee  confidereth, 
 obferveth,  and  applieth  the  things 
 which  heheareth,  fecth,and  doth, 
 to  his  owne  ufe  :  and  by  things 
 pafttfaus  duly  regarded,  heelear- 
 neth  and  getteth  widiome  to  ad- 
 vift  and  guide  him  for  the  pretend 
 and  for  the  time  to  come* 
 
 This  is  experience,  which  ma- 
 kethuswifein  all  things  that  arc 
 profitable  to  godlineflc  and  eter- 
 nal! life. 
 
 The  observation  of  the  reward 
 of  evill  will  make  us  avoyd  it ;  and 
 experience  of  the  fruit  of  a  godly 
 life,  is  the  belt  meane  to  continue 
 it:  our  owne  friall  how  sffl  ftions 
 may  be  of.lieft  borne,  and  come 
 tobdtend,  is  our  bfft  rule  forever 
 afcer.  Thr.  example  w*c  have  in 
 T>Avid,  Tftlm.  120,  i.  I  Sjm.\j* 
 
 34- 
 
 »53 
 
 - 
 
154 
 
 Ohjcfr 
 
 Briefe  VtreOknr 
 
 34.  VfMm.jj.  io.  Tfalm.y?.  37. 
 Li  furoroe,  as  in  all  Trades  the 
 beginning  is  hardeft,  and  experi- 
 ence bringetb  facility;  fo  it  is  in 
 the  pra&ice  of  Chriftianky.Woe- 
 full  therefore  it  is,  that  in  this,  of 
 all  other,,  men  will  not  labour  for 
 experience.  I 
 
 4.  The  fourth  generall  fruit  is, 
 the  benefit  of  this  armour,  which 
 is  not  fmall,  for  hee  that  putteth  it 
 en,  and  goetb  cloathed  with  id 
 thorow  the  day,  though  the  Di- 
 vell,  and  his  inftrumentg,  doe  a£ 
 fault  by  craft  and  deceit,  or  by 
 force  and  might,  hee  (ball  mighti-  j 
 ly  prevaile  againft  th  m,  and  pre- 
 fcrve  himfelfe ;  he  {hill  be  able  to 
 live  with  comfort  in  all  eftatesthat 
 God  (hall  fet  him  in,  and  in  all 
 places  which  hee  (hall  bring  him 
 to  •  and  change  by  no  occafions3 
 but  hold  out  until!  an  end  be  made 
 of  all  difficulties  and  uncertainties. 
 
 We  may  (erve  God  well  enough 
 without  putting  on  this  armour  af- 
 ter foftrid  a  manner. 
 
 n 
 
unto  a  godly Life. 
 
 155 
 
 It  is  true  indeed.,thata  Chriftian  |  Anfr*. 
 trrving  God  may  be  ignorant  of 
 ihis  armour;  but  hte  cannot  then 
 ay,  bt  fcrveth  God  wellenougft ; 
 
 csufcthatkindoflifemuft  needs, 
 
 wandriog,  unfettled,  and  not  to 
 ibe  refted  in. 
 
 '     Ac  icaft  it  is  not  expedient  to   Obittt. 
 impofe  (b  heavie  a  burchen  upon 
 weakeChriftians. 
 
 The  childe  of  Godisnofboner  Afljy*. 
 borne,  bot  he  defireth  to  continue  , 
 in  tbat  eftate  of  life  and  falvation, 
 to  p'eafc  God  in  all  things^  and  to 
 roaincaine  peace  and  joy  within 
 himfclfc;  all  which  iJcffc&cd  by 
 the  ufe  of  this  armour. 
 
 NOw  to  come  to  thofe  helpes, 
 cither  by  our  fdves  alone,  or 
 others  alfo  (for  the  other  kinde 
 \  (hall  have  another  place)  thef:  are 
 prayer  and  reading.Firii  of  Praier. 
 Prayer  is  a  caling  upon  God 
 accordlingto  his  will ;  it  hath  two 
 'parts,  Thankefgiving  and  Rcqueft, 
 k  whereunto  isadded  the  Confcllion 
 
i5* 
 
 Bricfe  VireUions 
 
 of  iinnes.  Thankefgiving  is  t 
 part  of  Prayer,  in  which  we  bci 
 comforted  by  fame  benefit,  whicfc 
 in  favour  God  beftowethupon  us, 
 are  drawne  to  love  and  pra  fe  him, 
 and  fhew  forth  the  fruits  thereof. 
 In  thisdire&ica,there  are  to  be; 
 obferved  three  things  and  three! 
 motives  unco  them. 
 
 "  i.  The  firft  motive  is  kncwl 
 ledge  and  doe  cenfiteraion  of 
 feme  particular  benefit  received 
 or  promifed  us,  i  Sam.  25.  32J 
 Gen.  24. 27.  Lnkc  17. 1 5.  With- 
 out thefe  three  can  be  no  true  *nd 
 heartie  thankefgiving,  howfbever 
 in  words  there  be  a  protection 
 forfafhionfake. 
 
 2.  The  (econdis  j  ^y  and  glad- 
 nefTe  of  hearf,for  the  benefit  which 
 wee  thinke  of,  or  calltorninde, 
 Pfalrn.  116. 1.2.  Except  wee  finde 
 this  fweetnefie  in  the  mercic?,  no 
 dutyofthankescm  in  good  fort  be 
 performed  by  them. 
 
 3,  The  third,  is  a  perf ^afionj 
 that  the  benefit  for  which  we  givq 
 
 thankesj 
 
UKtoagtdfy  Life. 
 
 *57 
 
 nkes,  comracch  to  us  from  God 
 
 fatherly  lore. 
 
 This  is  a  farre  greater  caufe  of 
 adneffe  than  the  benefit  it  felfe, 
 al.  116.  J. 
 
 1.  Ilr  tirft  dt'fy  is  a  continu- 
 ceofourlovetoGod,  P/.12& 1. 
 
 2.  The  (econd  i$  a  defir--  to  fee 
 rthhis  g'ory,  anJ  in  w;rdsto 
 of  (Te  and  confefle  his  good- 
 
 ;  forif\veelovedv:Lord,wc 
 nnot  but  be  carried  with  this 
 rventdchrejtoadvsr.es  an  J  ring- 
 ed hioi,  PfaL  116.  12  and  1 11. 
 
 3.  The  third  is  a  further  prc- 
 :eding  in  obedience  and  walking 
 rorrhy  his  kindntfle  :  this  one  if 
 be  wanri^gfroro  the  reft,  maketh 
 
 lem  all  lame.,  and  maimed,  and  as 
 dious  to  God  as  the  mortlings 
 fhrch  were  offered  to  him  in  fi- 
 rifices,D/«/.6.i  0. 1 1 .  P/j/.  5  o.  1 6. 
 If  in  this  manner  wee  (hould 
 rame  our  (clyes  to  thankefjlnsffe, 
 rmuftneedes  be  a  mighty  and  for- 
 ible  meanes  to  mollifie  the  hard 
 
 ii 
 
 tfart3and  to  hold  under  the  ftrudy 
 *  corrup- 
 
corruptions  of  it,  fo  that  they  may 
 be  ful j  tSt  to  God ;  yea,even  when 
 ftrong  provocations  doc  draw  co 
 thecoDtrary. 
 
 Thus  much  of  Thankefgiving : 
 Now  for  Confefliot?.  Conftffion  is 
 an  acknowledgement  of  our  felves 
 f  o  be  guilty,  and  worthily  to  hare 
 deter ved  Gods  v.  rath  for  our  grie* 
 voos  offences;  together  with  a  free 
 and  humble  bewailing  of  them  be- 
 I  fore  the  Lord  :  fuch  as  are  un- 
 kno  wne  to  us  in  a  gcnerall  manner, 
 but  thofe  which  we  do  know  (ac- 
 cording to  the  nature  of  them)par- 
 ticularly. 
 
 To  the  right  practice  of  this, 
 there  arc  fourc  things  reqaired. 
 
 i  The  firft,  that  wee  feele  our 
 fr.nes  odious  and  burthenfome 
 tou?. 
 
 2  Secondly,  that  we  accufe  our 
 iclv  ;S  of  them  to  @od# 
 
 3  Thirdly,  that  we  ftand  at  his 
 mercy,  having  dcfeived  condem- 
 nation. 
 
 4  Fourthly,  that  wee  abaft  our 
 
 felve^'I 
 
 ***! 
 
unt§  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 '59 
 
 (elves  thereby,  and  fo  are  weak- 
 ned,  and  our  pride  abated. 
 
 All  chefc  are  in  the  confeifion  of 
 David.  cPfal.')i.oiDamil  9.  of  the 
 Prodigall  foa,  Lmk,.  1 5  1 7. 
 
 Now  this  Gonfcllion  being  from 
 time  to  time  often  made  unto  God, 
 wiilnotfufferustogoe  farre,  and 
 lie  long  in  any  finne,  but  hunt  if 
 oat  before  it  be  warme  and  neftled 
 in  us;  and  therefore  it  rauftnecdes 
 be  of  great  force  to  ftrengthen  us 
 in  a  godly  life. 
 
 The  hit  part  of  Prayer,  is  Re- 
 queft ;  it  is  that  part  of  Prayer, 
 wherein  wee  carnsftly  poare  out 
 our  futes  unto  God,  in  contri- 
 tion of  hearr,  according  to  his 
 will,  with  comfortable  hope,  that 
 through  Chi  ift  we  fhall  be  heard, 
 and  therefore  forfakiog  the  finne 
 which  might  hinder  our  futf . 
 
 In  this  du*y  alfo  there  arc  fours  I 
 things  to  be  oblervcd. 
 
 1  Firft,  that  wee  fhe  w  this  con- 
 trition of  heart,  by  being  preflcd 
 with  feeling  our  want*;  unwor- 
 
 thincfle,  I 
 
i6o 
 
 Brhfe  ViTcUums 
 
 cbintffc,  zniferable  eftate,  and  ma- 
 nifold miferies,  earneftly  cfcfiring 
 co  be  pardoned  ar  deafed,  i  Sam.  i. 
 
 I*  this  be  (o  (as  will  (bone  fol- 
 low,upon  right  confdlion)  wee 
 (hall  neither  pray  in  l.p-laboiir, 
 
 bichGodabhormh*  northinkr 
 o;:r  felves  too  good  to  wait  Gods 
 le ifurtj  if  ar  firft  hee  grant  not  our 
 requefty,  but  continue  them  as  he 
 
 11  T»andech# 
 
 2  That  wee  asfce  onely  thofe 
 things  aswsthave  a  word  for^and 
 in  fuch  fort  a?  hee  nathprumifed 
 them,  1  fob.  5. 14. 
 
 3  That  wee  qui'  keo  our  felyes 
 to  come  in  faich  and  confidence, 
 and  eft. times  to  come  chearefully 
 co  this  duty,  Jam.6.  i.  fob.  16.24.. 
 
 Now  to  the  end  we  may  come 
 with  chearefull  delight  unto  this 
 duty,  let  us  confider  thelites, 
 which  are  cfpecially  three, 
 
 1  Firft,  that  by  prayer  wee  are 
 made  in  a  fort  acquainted^  and  fa-  j 
 miliar  with  God,  and  know  his 
 
 roiody 
 
unto  a  g*&ly  Ltfe. 
 
 161 
 
 m:r,d  and  will,  and  hew  he  is  affo- 
 rd to  us,  being  admicce:*  ro  fpeak 
 unto  h'lm^lMm.^Z.Ioh.  16.26.  Rev* 
 3  10. 
 
 2  Secondly,  that  it  giverh  life 
 to  God  his  graces  in  us,  which  be- 
 fore lay  halfe  dead;  as  w ee may  fte 
 in  the  example  of  Sficr. 
 
 3  Thirdly,:treachcihonttous 
 in  our  greateft  neede,  the  good 
 things  and  ^ifes  of  God  which  our 
 fdvesdefire,  Mtttb.  j.j. 
 
 4  The  fourth  and  laii  property 
 of  prayer,  isy  thit  wee  bring  not 
 with  us  the  tins  which  will  curne 
 tway  the  eares  of  God  from  hea- 
 ung  us ;  (uch  are  any  fanes  not  re- 
 pented ofj  butlycoin,  fecretlyat 
 the  leaft,and  not  rcaouaccd,  frov. 
 28.19.  PfaL  7.4. 
 
 Thcfe  are  che  puts  of  prayer, 
 which  if  they  be  reverently  and 
 humbly  adjoined  together  (as  they 
 ought)  accompanied  wkh  the 
 tore-mentioned  properties  j  if  we 
 be  falko,  they  will  raife  us  up ;  if 
 
 :  be  heavie,  they  will  comfort 
 
 H  usi 
 
 I  ■!■-■!.  ■    ■  ■      I  I     II  .  1      — »— — ^— — ^— 
 
\6^ 
 
 BritfcVireUhns 
 
 us;  ifwe be dull,they  will  quicken 
 us;  they  are  a  prefent  remedy  to 
 the  oppreflfed  heart,  apreferverof 
 the  godly  life,  a  giver  of  flrength 
 to  tneweake,  an  efpeciall  meanes 
 to  make  a  man  live  in  every  eftare 
 wherein  God  hath  fee  him  :  there- 
 fore prayer  muft  needs  be  a  ftrong 
 and  mighcy  help-to  the  godly  life ; 
 for  if  we  pray  well,  and  keeps  our 
 felves  in  caie  fit  to  perforce  this 
 duty,  we  (hall  not  need  to  feare  in 
 our  life  any  great  annoyance. 
 
 THe  next  helpe  is  reading ;  the 
 general!  rules  for  if^are  thefe : 
 i  FirP^^atthebcokesotGod 
 be  roc  laid  aficte  and  nrglcftec^ 
 butreidon  as  oft  of  every  one  t% 
 may  b? :  other wife  much  unfivo- 
 linelTe,  unqiiictmfle»  anfruitful- 
 ntfft,  and  uncheerefuineffei  will 
 follow  even  In  the  be(h 
 
 2  That  all  fikhyjkwd^and  wan- 
 ton bookes,  yea,needlcfleand  tin- 
 prc/kib!e  be  avoided.  ( j 
 
 I     3  That  in  che  Scriptures  there! 
 
-I  —  I        ■  111, 
 
 unto  a  g*d!j  Life.  j 
 
 be  a  conftanc  going  on  in  order, 
 an  d  not  here  and  there  a  Chapter : 
 and  of  otherAut  hours,  rather  lee 
 one  or  two  be  read  'Well  and  of- 
 ten^  than  many  fleighcly. 
 
 Now  as  concerning  the  manner 
 of  reading, 
 
 i  It  muft  be  with  hearty  good 
 will  to  learne  and  profit  by  ir,  de- 
 firing  God  to  prepare  us  with  re- 
 verence, &c. 
 
 2  We  muft  fettle  our  (elves  for 
 the  time  to  be  attentive,  and  (o 
 to  abandon  the  wandring  of  the 
 heart  as  much  as  may  be. 
 
 3  Wee  rauft  be  carefull  to  ap- 
 ply that  which  wee  reade  wifely 
 to  our  fclvcs ;  as  perfwading  our 
 fclvesthat  all  duties  arc  comman- 
 ded us3all  fins  foibidden  us3and  all 
 promifes  to  be  .believed  of  us: 
 likewifc  wee  rauft  lookc  that  all 
 exhortations,  and  admonitions 
 quicken  i*;tll  reprchenfions  check 
 us;  and  all  threats  caufc  us  to  feare. 
 If  reading  be  thus  ufed,  it  will  ma- 
 ny waies  appcafc  the  confeience; 
 
 H  i  in- 
 
 i<53 
 
 ■■  ^^  ■  ^  ■ 
 
 w~ 
 
164 
 
 BriefeViretttoPts 
 
 inlightcn  the  judgement,  inlarge 
 .  the  heart,  relieve  the  memory, 
 move  the  afft&ions^and  in  a  word, 
 draw  the  whole  man  unto  God  j 
 and  therefore  muft  needs  with  the 
 reft  be  a  Angular  hdpe  and  furthc- 
 rancc^o  a  godly  and  Chriftian  life* 
 
 Hitherto  of  ordinary  helpes, 
 extraordinary  are  efpecally 
 two. 
 
 1  Firft^Solemnethanlcfgiving, 
 
 2  Aid  fccondly,  fading  with 
 prayer  more  than  ufuall  adjoyned . 
 
 Thcfirfti*,  when  infomerare 
 and  unlooked  for  deliverance  out 
 of  defperate  danger,  we  doe  in 
 mofl  fervent  manner  y^cld  praife 
 tr/God  for  the  fame,  and  re  Joyce 
 heartily  in  the  remembrance  and 
 confideration  of  if,  tying  our 
 klves  in  a  renewing  of  ourhcly 
 covenant  more  firm  ly  to  the 
 Lord:  «nd reftifyingboch fhrfc by 
 fignes  and  Qnfaincd  go»>d  will  ro 
 oar  brethren.  AH  which  are  to  be  kj 
 fe^Dt  meft  dkardy  and  lively  in  P 
 
 ±*% 
 
unt$agodljL'tfe. 
 
 i*5 
 
 | 
 
 that  moft  famous  example  of  £y?*r 
 and  M^rdccay^  Efter.  9.  Ic  is  to  be 
 uCcd  acco;  ding  co  the  occafion : 
 fvheo  the  occafion  of  ic  belongs  to 
 a  whole  Churchy  and  ispublikeiy 
 performed :  ic  ought  to  be  accom- 
 panied with  the  preaching  of  the 
 Wotd9  for  the  qutekenhg  of  the 
 aflembly.  If  the  occafion  be  pri- 
 vate, it  is  to  be  ofed  privatdy,with 
 P/almf  s  praifing  of  his  Name,  and 
 fpeaking  of  his  vvorkes,  and  rea- 
 ding Scriptures  tending  to  that 
 end. 
 
 The  fecond  extraordinary  help 
 is  fading :  and  this  is  a  mqQ  earneft 
 profc (fiun  of  deepe  humiliation  in 
 ibfiinencc,  with  confelfion  of  fins 
 and  fitppl  cations  (tor  thegreatcft 
 pm  of  the  Jay  at  the  Jeift)'oGod, 
 'o  rurnc  av7ay  fome  fore  calamity 
 from  is,  or  for  the  obtaining  of 
 (bmeipcchll  blclfiug. 
 
 !r  mi  it  b  'Lk  I  arcordingtooc- 
 cafio;  s,  asc'ieo.her;  but  neither 
 muft  b:  taken  in  hand,  without 
 truerepenrance. 
 
 ___  H  3  Now 
 
— .f" 
 
 H»*tMMM»«M> 
 
 1 66 
 
 I 
 
 Briefe  Vin&ions 
 
 \ 
 
 Nowifwc  weigh  the  force  and 
 ufe  of  theft  exerciieSjhowrihe  one 
 raifeth  up  a  pyfull  recordirg  of 
 Godhiswonderfullkindr.cffejche 
 other  bringeth  us  low  tor  our 
 cwne  viIencfle9morccfpecially  rc- 
 membred.  Both  of  them  doe  ex- 
 ceedingly draw  our  hearts  to  more 
 love snd obedience  to  God;  wee 
 mu ft  needs  cocfefle  them  to  bs  cf- 
 fe&aall  mcanes  for  thefcttirgus 
 forward  in  a  godly  life. 
 
 NO  w  that  a  believer  is  defined, 
 the  godly  life  described,  2nd 
 the  helpes  thereunto  ad  j  >yned  t  lc 
 rcmaineth  in  the  next  place,  to  di- 
 refirthe  weake  Chriftian  in  the 
 right  ufe  and  applying  of  the 
 raeaaes*  For  thofe  dudes  of  godli- 
 ncSs  are  not  left  to  mca  (bmetimes 
 to  bepra&ifed,  and  at  other  times 
 to  be  negle&^dj  nor  generally  on- 
 ly, but  particularly  in  all  their 
 a&ion*;  and  every  day,  and  tho- 
 rowouc  the  day,  to  be  looked  un. 
 to  and  regarded.  The  meaning  is  [ 
 
 nor.  (^ 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 \6j 
 
 7 
 
 nor,  that  the  felfe-fame  particular 
 aftions  and  duties  fhould  be  every 
 day,  butyetthatallevillbeavoy- 
 ded  every  day,apd  fiich  good  done, 
 as  in  onr  calling  and  life  (hall  be 
 occasioned. 
 
 i  Firft  therefore  to  declare  thar 
 the  believer  muft  have  direftion 
 for  his  life  every  day  out  of  Gods 
 Word;  it  is  manifcftly  proved  our 
 of  chefe  places  of  Scriptare,  i  Pet. 
 1,17.  4.2.  Heh*3. 14.  £04.1.75. 
 
 2  Tbc  Scripture  doth  commend 
 unto  us  a  certaine  courfe  to  walke 
 in  with  God,  and  a  particular  di- 
 rection of  our  !i  ve s  ss  may  be  £en, 
 T/i.;.  r  1  p.  p.  Prt*io.9.CjdI.  6a6. 
 
 And  60c  further  require  the 
 fame  to  be  daily  kept  and  follow- 
 ed of  us,  Pnv.  21.14.  1  tim\  5. 10. 
 Pfil.  119.97.  P/J/.7 1.15.  ^£2.2  4. 
 1 6.&c.  24.  7.  P/*/.  145.  2.  There- 
 fore Chriftian  j  murt  be  guided  by 
 fomc  daily  direftions  in  the  lea- 
 dingofcheir  lives. 
 
 3  Furthermore^  fo  many  parts 
 of  a  daily  dire&ionaswilliuffici- 
 
 I   H_4 emly  1_ 
 
II  ■  ■•  I  I 
 
 1 68 
 
 ftritfe  VireQ  ois 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 ently  dircft  a  man3  be  en joyned  in 
 the  Word  oi  God  co  be  daily  ufed, 
 as  in  the  parts  of  ic5  and  thchelpes 
 unco  ir.  In  prolperity,  Iam.%. 13. 
 I  Tbef.^i^.Iam.  2.23.  In  afflicti- 
 ons, lam.  1.5.2  Chr.  2  0.34.  Lam., 
 3. 2j.Pfal  $2.6.2  Sam.  15 .  26.Luki  \ 
 9. 23.Ptttf.3312.  Mmh.26.^\. 
 Among  the  helpes  for  Prayer^ 
 Pfal.tf.16.  &  X  19.164*  ?r*.6,22. 
 For  watchfulnefle,  Pfil.  1  19.  97. 
 For  reading,  lofh.  1.  8.  and  as  for 
 J  publike  hearing^  Prcv.2. 33.  ^7j 
 
 I  4  B:fidcs,  if  wee  confider  the 
 danger  that  fo!!oweth  the  neglett- 
 ingof  thisdirtftionf  by  taking  un* 
 lawfulJ  liberty,  that  will  be  a  rca- 
 ion  to  (tirre  us  up  unco  the  imbra- 
 cingohhis  cruhj  for,firftweare 
 caught  prefewly  with  the  deceir. 
 fulnefleof  lilt  fome  Way  or  other, 
 Mat.  2641.  Htb.$*  13*2  Tim.  4. 5 
 Prov.  28.  1 3, 
 
 2  Secondly,  GOD  WmfdCe, 
 »h M}g\  he  kcepe  his  children  from  I 
 many  eyills  while  they  defire  it  J 
 
 , 7£fl\ 
 
1 
 
 unto  &  godly  Lift. 
 
 169 
 
 tm 
 
 yet  if  they  be  fecure,  hce  leaveth 
 them  to  themlclves,  aad  docb  pc- 
 ni(h  their  finnc  as  hee  doth  other 
 mens,  2  S*m.  7. 14.  2  Chro.  1 6. 9. 
 prw.  10  9  *P/i/,  Sp  j,  and  we  all 
 know  that  Satan  wacchech  all  op- 
 portunities to  hurt  us,  Mattb.  1 3. 
 
 Tatbtfcteafons  may  be  add'd, 
 
 5  That  this  daily  dire&ion  is 
 the  beft  meanes  co  keepe  us  well, 
 while  wee  be  well,  and  to  rail's  us 
 up  being  fallen. 
 
 6  That  the  very  tenComman- 
 dcmcnrs/nj  lyningdutLs  towards 
 hi  nfelfc  generally  on  fixe  daies  in 
 three  commandments,  and  efpe- 
 cially  on  the  fevench  in  the  fourth, 
 but  towards  men  on  alidads,  doe 
 lead  us  to  this  daily  dire&ion. 
 
 7  That  Gad  hath  forbidden 
 fuch  differences   co  be  mad^  of 
 daies,  as  that  in  one  wee  fhould 
 be  carefull,  in  others  caicklie, 
 </<*/. 4  10.  CJ.2. 16. 
 
 H  %         8  And 
 
170 
 
 BrUJe  Virtilitns 
 
 8  And  laftly,  thac  our  whole 
 and  daily  converfafbn  rnuft  be  in 
 
 Therefore  as  a  man  thac  haih  2 
 long  journey  to  travel^  wiHnot 
 count  this  fofficsnt  dire ftion  to 
 goeonEfttararJj  or  Weft  w  a ;d,  or 
 fuch  gcnerall  rules^  but  will  take 
 a  particular  note  of  Toymes  and 
 paifages  :  Co  ought  wee  to  learne 
 wifdome^  that,  having  a  great  pil- 
 grimage topafle,  wee  content  not, 
 ourfelves  with  gcnerallsa  but  fol- 
 low thofe  certaine  particulars^ 
 which  may  helpe  us  for  warcUnAhe 
 kingdorae  of  heaven,  . 
 
 Ow  it  folio  wes  tofhew  what 
 this  daily  direction  is.  It  is 
 a  gathering  together  of  certaine 
 roles  cut  of  Gods  Word,by  which 
 we  may  be  ioafc>!ed  every  day  to 
 live  according  to  the  Will  of  God 
 wish  found  pe^ce. 
 
 And  therefore  the  foilowingof 
 fuch  direction,  is  a  fuithfull  and 
 so&fi$nt  enckvaar  to  pIeafcGod<r 
 
umoAgidtyLift* 
 
 171 
 
 in  al!  things  every  day  as  long  as 
 wee  live  here,  co  the  peace  of  oiir 
 o  wne  conference,  and  co  the  glori- 
 fying of  God.  In  the  description  is 
 co  bt  obferved : 
 
 1.  Thatic  is  called  an  endevour 
 only,  becaufe  perfection  is  neither 
 required  of  God^  nor  co  be  looked 
 for  of  the  b:ft  Ghriftians.  Thus 
 ftch places.as  Pfa/.\i9>i.Lul{.it. 
 28.  which  feeme  co  require  per- 
 fection, are  co  be  expounded  by  I 
 chofe  that  fpea Ice  of  endevour,  as, ' 
 Chro.2$.j9  Hof.6.3.  A&n^lb 
 But  this  endevour  b  3n  infeparable 
 fruit  ofthefeare  of  God,  andmuft 
 be  in  our  hearts  continually. 
 
 2.  That  this  endevour  muft  be 
 hearty ,not  coaftrained,  or  hollow, 
 but  conftant,  that  we  faint  noc^  but 
 hold  out  therein. 
 
 3.  Whereto ictendeth^/^.  co 
 pleafc  God  in  all  things,  Lnb^i  6. 
 1 3.  CV/.I.IO./W.13  18. 
 
 4.  Laftly,  hacthismuft  be  daily, 
 and  continue  to  the  end,/^7. 2  4.16. 
 7^,4.26.  Aft.iCj,  2 Cor.  t.l  J, 
 
 ***** 
 
i7i 
 
 Briefe  Utrctbms 
 
 Tbevccejjarjf  psrU  oftbedrilj  di~* 
 reUion  atctbejt  eight, 
 
 FIrft,  every  day  wee  flioulJ  be 
 humbled  f  r  our  (Line?,  as 
 through  due  cx^mi  arion  of  our 
 IvesbythcLaw  otGod  wee  (hall 
 fee  them,  Pf*lm»$.  j.  Epbef.q  16. 
 lob  U  5. 
 
 2  Every  day  wee  ought  to  be 
 railed  up  in  allured  hope  of  f  jr- 
 givemff  ofihtm  by  the  promifes 
 ot  God  in  CbrW ;  this  is  n  Vir  fr~ 
 para  cd  fir  m  the  foTmtr,A&.  2.38. 
 Hof  1 4. 2.3.  that  word  in  the  pe- 
 tition this  day  doth  teach  us  io 
 much* 
 
 3.  Every  day  we  oug^t  to  pre- 
 pare our  hean  s  to  ft  eke  the  Lord 
 ftill;  and  kecpe  them  fie  and  wil- 
 ling thereto,  Hcb.$.  12.  De**,  5, 
 a 9.  Mat  1 2. 37  Pro  4. 18. 
 
 4  E vei  y day  wre  mult  itrongly 
 and  relblu  tly  arme  our  fe  vesa* 
 gajuift  ah  evill  andfinne.,  fearing 
 maftaf  allto  ogend  Gad.  1 
 
 K  Ever  5  \ 
 
 ***** 
 
■  ■■       ■  »■      I   lb  1-1MU    »■    n       .         . 
 
 I 
 
 5  Every  day  wee  muft  nounfh 
 our  feare  and  love  of  God,  and  joy 
 to  him  more  than  in  a  vf  thing,  and, 
 erdcvonr  to  pleafe  him  io  all  du- 
 ties as  occifua  (hall  be  offered, 
 
 6  Every  day  our  thankes  bee 
 contit  u^d  for  benefits  received., 
 a.«d  (till  ccrraioly  hoped  tor,  Lam. 
 3.23.  Pfa/m.  318.7,  aadic33 
 1  77*/  5,  18. 
 
 7  Eevcry  day  wee  ought  to 
 wafch  and  pray  for  fteadfatln^fle, 
 andconftancy  in  ail  thcfe,£/?^/r. 
 5.17. 
 
 8  Every  day  hold  and  keepe 
 our  peace  with  God,  and  fo  lie 
 downe  with  ic,  a  CW.  1.  n.fbil^ 
 4.  \Tkef.<).i6. 
 
 Thefearc  all  neceffiry,  as  with- 
 out  which  we  can  never  be  fafe,  we 
 can  neve r  taftc  of  true  joy.  But 
 here  two  extremities  are  to  bea- 
 voidedia  conceiving  of  thcrrn.One, 
 that  wee  chinkc  it  not  fafficic nt  to 
 regard  rhffe  duties,  tome  one  time 
 in  the  day ;  for  wee  rauft  have  this 
 
 pre- 
 
 *73 
 
 — 
 
*74 
 
 Briefe  DireUims 
 
 prcfcnc  with  us,  and  our  hearts  fca- 
 foned  with  them  thorowouc  the 
 day.  The  other  is,  that  wee  doe 
 not  take  occafion  from  hence  to 
 (hakeoff  our  callings,  or  neg!e& 
 any  pare  of  them ;  for  in  our  ordi- 
 nary and  meaneft  workes,  we  may 
 aad  muIWerve  Godjby^doing  them 
 in  takb,not  for  carnall  refpe&s  on- 
 ly :  and  avoiding  the  common  fins 
 chic  prophane  ones  joync  with 
 them. 
 
 Concerning  outward  a&rons, 
 co  certainc  rules  can  be  given 
 in  particular,  becaufe  they  arc  va- 
 riable and  infinite;  yet  fome  out- 
 ward duties  there  arc  3  although 
 notneceffary  to  be  done  daily,  yet 
 commonly  to  be  obferved,  \ery 
 profitable  and  hclpfull  to  live  well « 
 aad  happily^  by  fettling  us  in  the1 
 pra&ice  cf  a  daily  direction  •  fechf 
 are  thefe  that  follow. 
 
 i  That  wee  walkc  with  God, 
 that  is,  that  as  fooneas  wee  have- 
 broken  off  our  fkepe,  wee  let  God 
 before  our  eyes*and  our  hearts  uj - 
 
 OQj 
 
nntotgodlj  Life. 
 
 ••— • 
 
 '75 
 
 w 
 
 on  him,  rcfolving  Co  walke  with 
 him  that  d$y,Prcv.6  22* 
 
 This  accuftoraing  our  fclves  to 
 good  thoughts,  at  our  firft  awa- 
 king, by  fee  ting  our  hearts  upoi 
 fomeholy  and  heavenly  things, 
 would  te  a  good  entrance  to  the 
 well  fpeading  of  the  day,  and  a 
 preventing  of  ftndryevills. 
 
 2  That  infolemne  manner  (if 
 it  may  be)  before  wee  enter  upon 
 other  affaires,  wee  ofRr  up  our 
 morning  prayer  to  God,  confefc 
 fing  our  cfpeciall  fr  ties,  remem- 
 bring  his  particular  favours;  re- 
 queuing both  pardon  for  things 
 paffed,and  affirtingHS  with  bUfc 
 fings  for  time  to  come,  efpecially 
 forihatday,  Van.  6.  io.  For  the 
 helpingforwardof  this  duty,  it  is 
 fit  chat  fbme  holy  meditation  be 
 jjyncdwiihic :  thisbeiogjoyncd 
 with  a  hearty  renew*  ng  of  our  co- 
 venant wil  fo  leafon  us  in  the  mor- 
 ning, chat  wee  (hall  rcraine  the  fa- 
 Vor,and  hold  the  ftrengch  of  facha 
 graci ;  us  beginning,  all  the  day  af- 
 cer. 
 
 That 
 
 ( 
 
m       ■ 
 
 I7<$ 
 
 1  ^^»—™  -  ■  ■  ■    ■  ■  ■■ 
 
 Brsefe  DiteUlom 
 
 3  That  then  (if  itftiallbcmoft 
 expedient)  we  with  our  minds ftill 
 kept  well  ordered,  betake  our 
 kfvesto  our  calling  and  vocation  j 
 wherein  wee  muft  not  Co  much 
 minde  our  profir,  that  wee  coolc 
 any  grace  thereby,  or  quench  holy 
 afll&lons  in  us,  Thac  wee  muit 
 h^ve  acallirg^e  Cjen.^ig.fyk  4.' 
 1 3.  2  T^f/3.  6.  That  wee  muft 
 labour  diligently  therein,  fee  1 
 Or  7  20.  1  Thrf$  &.  io*  Pro.  j  3« 
 41 1.  &  lS.p.  &24.30. 
 
 But r  hat  the  walking  in  our  cal- 
 ling diligently  may  pleaf;  God,we 
 nmft  fo  ufe  earthly  dealings,  that 
 wcenegkftnot  fpirituall  duties ; 
 wee  muft  avoid  worldly  minded- 
 1  eflcoo  the  one  part,as  idlenes  on 
 the  other :  both  of  which  we  fhall 
 be  encouraged  unto,  if  wee  con- 
 fidenhac  it  is  the  Lord  who  fttcerfc 
 11s  in  our  callings,  and  hath  pro- 
 mised to  be  with  us,and  to  give  us 
 ^oodfucccflein  them,  and  to  help 
 us  to  beareall  tedioufoeffe  therein,, 
 and  further,  that  hee  willech  us  to 
 
 doe 
 
 K 
 
wnt$  agodly  Life. 
 
 doe  all  fuch  duties  for  his  fake,  in 
 fjch  manner,  as  if  wee  did  them  to 
 him-  and  from  him  to  looke  for  a 
 reward, /*/&.  1.8. 
 
 4  That  io  all  companies  we  be- 
 have our  (elves  as  wee  are  taught 
 of  God,  and  as  it  beconmeth  us, 
 e fpecially  Co  as  wee  leave  no  ill  fa- 
 vour behinde  us.  Wee  muft  not 
 therefore  rufh  unad  vifecily  into  it, 
 j  as  moft  men  do,  but  determine  be- 
 fore to  doe  good  unto  others,  as 
 we  be  able,  or  to  take  good  oj 
 others  as  nccaiio  i  is  off  red,  C0/.4. 
 6.  Iofk.iS    i  rim.^  i*.  we  muft 
 take  heed  of  dirges  to  come  by 
 tacmilticfc  and  b)r/fcS talking 
 apd  behaviour,  which  in  moft 
 companies  wee  lhall  raecte  with- 
 all. 
 
 Occafioos  of  good  fpeeche* 
 muft  net  only  be  rake  nfn  it  fought 
 andwaitedf  r,  sift.26  28 
 
 If  the  company  be  G  ciefperate, 
 that  the»*e  is  no  place  for  God,  yet 
 *wee  muft  keepe  our  fclvts  from 
 liihrir  unfruitful!  workes  of  darkc- 
 
 l77 
 
 \j 
 
 nefl\ 
 
178 
 
 Brief e  VireUians 
 
 riefle  3by  giving  of  apparent  tokens 
 of  our  diflike,  leaving  them  al(b  as 
 (bone  as  wee  can,  and  (hunning 
 them  afterwards  as  much  as  wee 
 may  conveniently. 
 
 Amongft  others*  wee  mnft  be 
 ready  feafonably  to  give,  or  Chri- 
 ftianly  to  receive  reproofeycxhor- 
 tation^comfor^&c 
 
 1  In  particular  for  our  recrea- 
 tions, wee  mull  firft  looketo  the 
 time,  when  it  is  ncedfulL 
 
 2  The  kinde,  that  it  be  honeft, 
 and  of  good  report. 
 
 3  That  wee  forget  not  God*  in 
 the  ufe  thereof. 
 
 4  Ti?c  RSSSt*,  tnat  it  be  With 
 moderation  of  affe&ion  every  way 
 
 5  Our  affociares,  that  they  be 
 fuch  as  wee  may  have  cemfort  of, 
 
 6  Our  end,  that  wee  may  be 
 fitter  to  the  duties  of  our  calling. 
 
 la  bargaining  and  o*her  cove- 
 nants, they  ought  to  be  without 
 hollo  wneflc,  deceit,  undermining, 
 and  fuch  other  uncontcionable  dea 
 Hog;  that  fo  wee  may  be  fimpR 
 
 a 
 
nmoagtidljLife. 
 
 and  our  meaning  good,  our  words 
 pliine,our  agreements  rcafonable, 
 our  promifes  kept,  our  covenants 
 performed^  advantages  not  rigo- 
 roi-fl*r  taken,  &c. 
 
 Finally  ,wc  rauftobfcrve  and  re- 
 verence the  graces  of  God  in  c- 
 thsrs  where  wee  lee  them,  and  by 
 that  meanes  labour  to  chafe  away 
 from  us  frivolous  and  hurtfull  fan- 
 tasies, faiotneflf ,  difcouragements, 
 and  wsarincfie  of  well-doing: 
 That  we  may  hold  the  profeihon 
 of  our  faith  with  joy  unto  the  end. 
 
 That  when  wee  be  alone,  wee 
 have  the  like  care  of  our  felves, 
 that  our  behaviour  be  unblame- 
 able,  and  that  our  thoughts  be  ei- 
 ther about  things  jawfull  with  mo- 
 deration to  drfpofe them,  orfpiri- 
 tuall  with  delight  to  enjoy  thcra,or 
 elfeevill,  with  hatred  and  detefta- 
 tion  to  overcome  thm; 
 
 i  A*  firft  in  things  indifferent, 
 we  muft  take  heed  that  we  doe  not 
 fcufic  oar  felves  in  other  mens  mat- 
 ters needkfly,  1  Tim.  3. 15. 1  Cor. 
 ^0.24.  2  Second- 
 
 er 
 
1 80  Briefc  VireQwjf 
 
 2  Secondly,  that  in  our  ownc 
 we  be  not  drowned*  that  our  love 
 and  delight  be  drawnfcaway  from 
 better  things  1  7 1*1,6.9. 
 
 1  In  things  holy,  wee  muft  be- 
 ware, firft,  left  by  the  common 
 ufing  of  good  duties,  wee  come 
 to  have  tbem  in  lefife  reverence^ 
 M4ttb.6.6.U  15.8-  Maith.2^  12. 
 
 1  S:condly,tbatwethinkcnot 
 over  well  of  our  fdves,for  that  we 
 doe  fomew  hat  more  in  the  fcr vice 
 of  God  thanothers,  Pbil.$.  1 4. 
 
 3  In  things  unlawful!,  *ve  mu^ 
 creful'y  beware,  that  while  wee 
 thitikei  four  Sanes^or  other  mens, 
 with  indent  to  grow  in  ba  red  of 
 them,vsf  be  not  even  by  thac  occa- 
 fion  tickled  wirh  fbme  define,  or 
 drawne  into  force  fxrec  liking  of 
 them,  is  many  are. 
 
 4  WerruO  never  in  (olitariuefle 
 bz  unoccupied,  becaufe  of  thac 
 danger  which en(uetb,as examples 
 doe  teacha  2  Sam,  1 1.  2.  Gen.  3. 
 Matth.  4.  and  our  owne  experi- 
 ence confirmetb jwho  are  no  foonq 
 
 Moi\V 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 I      l8l 
 
 -%. 
 
 alone  and  idle,  but  fwarmes  of 
 yaine,  foolifli.,  noyforoc  and  peril- 
 ous thoughts  and  defires  are  fbli- 
 citing  and  offering  themfelves  un- 
 to us. 
 
 5  That  we  u(e  our  profperity, 
 and  all  che  liberties  which  are  la  w- 
 full,  of  this  life,  foberly,and  fo  as 
 wee  labour  to  be  better  by  them. 
 How  hard  this  is,  itappearethby 
 experience,  wherein  it  is  Co  found, 
 thasthe  more  a  manhathofthefe 
 earchly  commodities,the  Iefle  he  is 
 ioriched  with  fpiriruall  graces; 
 and  as  they  are  focreafed  and  mul* 
 tiplyed,  fo  this  decayeth  and  is  df- 
 miniftied.  Few  by  earthly  things 
 are  drawnc  on  and  encouraged  to 
 the  love  of  the  heavenly;  which 
 yet  is  the  end  that  the  Lord  hath 
 in  giving  them;  few  doe  as  they 
 did,  which  are  mentioned.,  Ati.y. 
 3  f .  Moft  make  riches  thtir  ftro.  g 
 towers,?  r<7.i8,n.  whtrebychey 
 are  imbold  ncri  to  do  many  things 
 wilfully,   which  otherwifc  they 
 
 cur  ft  not. 
 
 y 
 
 Now 
 
Brief e  Uireftfns 
 
 Now  that  *  wee  may  cfE  ftthi^ 
 not  withftandingall  diffi  :Qlcies,wc 
 jnuftccnfidcr  that  inordinate  love 
 which  is  in  ns5  to  the  liberties  and 
 bladings  of  this  life-  and  this  wee 
 rruft  by  all  meaoes  pofliblc  wea- 
 kt  n  and  abate ;  to  which  end,  Firrt 
 we  muft  often  and  earoeft'Iy  weigh 
 howmementraty  and  flectirg  all 
 things  under  the  Sunnc  arc,  and 
 how  uncertainc  hold  wee  have  of 
 theii^  Ecclef.  i.  2.  1  £V.  7«  *9> 
 Luke  \2.l$.cProv  23.  4. 
 
 2  Secondly,  wee  mutt  confider 
 faioufly  of  the  danger  that  corn- 
 met  h  to  us  by  them  :  in  which  re- 
 gard they  are  termed  in  Scripture 
 fnares,  thornes,  choakes,  becaufc 
 ihey  inrangle  us,  pricke,  holding 
 and  (mothering  the  raaine  graces 
 of  God  in  us,  that  they  bud  not 
 out  and  fruSifie,  Maitb.  13.21. 
 1  Tim.  6.  io» 
 
 3  Wee  muft  often  record,  that 
 thefe  earthly  thirgs  arc  not  our 
 owne,  bnt  borrowed,  and  Co  as 
 they  may  every  day  be  requi- 
 red 
 
-        ■  ■         ' 
 
 unto  a  gedlj rLtfe. 
 
 -**• 
 
 i83 
 
 red  againe  of  us,   L*kei6*  12. 
 
 4  Wee  muft  remember  what 
 hurt  they  have  done,  as  by  caufing 
 diftrafticns,un(ettling$:&c. 
 
 5  We  muft  often  meditate  up- 
 on examples  of  fcch  as  have  en- 
 j  jyed  che  like,  or  greater  commo- 
 dities, and  what  have  becne  their 
 end. 
 
 6.  It  will  be  good  tovifiteas 
 others/othofc  alio  io  their  ficke- 
 nefle,  which  have  had  thefe  out. 
 ward  things,  that  fo  we  may  both 
 fee  bow  little  they  can  helpe  at 
 fuch  times,  and  alfo  be  put  in  mind 
 of  cur  latter  ends,  which  cannot 
 but  fomething  weane  us  from  this 
 world. 
 
 7  That  we  be  ready  to  receive 
 our  afflictions  meekdy  and  pati- 
 ently, Lam.  3.  33.    1  Cor.  11.31. 
 Jam.x.2.  \Pct.i.6.R*m.5.<y. Af- 
 niftions  we  muft  expert,  1  Pet.  4. 
 12. Rsrn.S.iy.  2Tiin.$.i2, 
 >    Howfocver  therefore  wee  be  of 
 ourfelves  ready  to  fhiinkebacke 
 it  the  hearing  of  them,  loh.\  1.8. 
 *  Htb.  1 
 
 U'     • 
 
184 
 
 Brief?  DiTt&i*n$ 
 
 Heb.  12.  1 1.  )ccucemaft  prepare 
 our  (elves  cobeare  them  meekely, 
 and  chcereFully,  and  that  in  our 
 youth,  Lam.  2. 27.  knowing  that 
 Satan  will  be  ready  to  fccke  our 
 mifchicfeeyenbycrofTes,  Ub\%6. 
 For  preventing  whereof,  wee 
 muft  every  day  armeour  fdvesa- 
 gainft  the  feare  of  fuch  troubles  at 
 may  come,  and  againftimpauer.cy, 
 by  fuch  as  already  are  come  upon 
 us,  Luke  9.  23.  Jam*  5. 10.  1 i« 
 and  that  not  enly  in  great  troubles, 
 but  even  in  thofe  which  are  cooi- 
 non. 
 
 This,  if  wee  doe  with  obferva- 
 tion,  wee  (hall  get  e*perience,and 
 by  experience  hope,  that  will  not 
 caufe(hame3&?»i>5.  $•  ffil*  102. 
 1.  Otherwi(e,ifweenegle&thiSj 
 every  rffliftion  will  unfettle  and 
 bring  us  out  of  frame,  in  which 
 eftate  vvc  (hall  be  both  utterly  uq. 
 fit  for  any  fervicc  of  God,  and  al- 
 fo  unmeet  for  any  Chriftian  foci- 
 cty  with  men  -  and  (b  both  adde 
 new  troubles  unto  the  former, 
 
 and 
 
Hnto  a  g9&lj  Lift. 
 
 and  make  them  which  God  fendcth 
 upon  us  farre  more  grievousthan 
 other  wife  they  fhould  have  beene. 
 
 8  Thatweconftantlykecpethe 
 exercife  of  prayer  &  thanksgiving 
 in  our  families,  and  ftch  other 
 helprs  (as  Readings  Catechifing, 
 Cofifirrcnce  ac  times  convenient) 
 co  roaintaine  the  knowledge  and 
 true  worfhip  of  God,  and  of  true 
 happinefie  amongft  us ;  to  have 
 prayer  twice  in  the  day  is  lictle 
 enough,  P/j/.5$.Z)jtf.  6. 10. 
 
 I  Firft,  our  neccfllties  doe  re- 
 quire this  daily  ferving  of  God, 
 though  we  beofthebeft  fbrr. 
 
 z  Secondly3thy  family  being  a 
 lictle  Church,  there  (hould  be  a 
 trimming  up  and  a  fitting  for  the 
 publike  worfliip,  efpecially  feeing 
 that  experience  tcachcth  thatall  is 
 little  enough. 
 
 3  Thirdly,  by  this  meanes  wee 
 
 have  communion  with  the  Lord, 
 
 and  therefore  we  (hould  often  and 
 
 checrefully  performe  this  duty. 
 
 #4  Fourthly,  wee  (hould  caufe 
 
 I  our 
 
 — — — mm*  I'  '      —***———— 
 
 185 
 
i86 
 
 Brie  ft  VireUUnt 
 
 *-* 
 
 +<**• 
 
 our  conversion  to  favour  ot  the 
 Lord  and  bis  graces,  whereas 
 ctherwifc  earthly  dealing;  will 
 c&ufc  earthly  minds. 
 
 5  LafUy,  wee  have  many  ex- 
 amples, Gm.  18. 16,  /fa,  24, 15, 
 Act.  10. 2. 
 
 9  The  ninth  and  Iaftduty,is, 
 that  we  doe  ar3  or  before  our  lying 
 downe,  looke  backe  and  view  the 
 day  palled  :  that  where  wee  have 
 bad  bkfliiigs,we  may  be  thankfull, 
 and  proceed  in  thciikecourle  af- 
 ter :  where  wee  have  faulted  and 
 failed,  we  may  reconcile  our  fc!ves 
 ?o  God,  and  fo  lie  downe  in  peace^ 
 Ephef.^26.2J* 
 
 The  ufe  of  all  thefe  duties  is^chat 
 every  day  we  wcaneand  withdraw 
 cur  hearts  from  any  noifome  baits 
 or  provocations,  as  fufEr  us  not  to 
 arife  in  the  mornicg,  to  walke 
 through  the  day,  and  to  lie  downc 
 £t  night  in  peace  and  fafcty  under 
 £3ods  protection,  of  which  wee 
 muft  be  carefiill  al  waies,  but  espe- 
 cially when  unufuall  occafioni 
 I       ■  ^11, 
 
unto  a  g$dljLife. 
 fall  out  which  may  uafcctlc  us. 
 
 THc  Rules  formerly  defcribed, 
 ifchey  be  well  followed,  will 
 be  (iifficienc  to  bring  a  Chriftian 
 (chough  not  to  perfect  ion  in  thi* 
 life)  yet  to  fuch  aaeftateas  he  (hill 
 finde  reft  to  his  (bule  daily,  which 
 others  (hail  want.  Yet  b:caufi 
 many  dangers  will  be  in  the  way 
 that  may  hinder  the  weake,  there- 
 fore it  will  be  profitable  to  know 
 the  letrs  and  hindrances  which  may  | 
 hold  us  backe  from  peace  with 
 Sod-  that  Co  wemaylearnehow 
 to  prevent  them  before  they  come 
 ind  hurt  us;  or  elfe  how  to  rife 
 when  by  them  wee  arefallen;  or 
 bow  to  turns  into  the  way  when 
 by  occafion  we  are  gone  ou% 
 
 Now  themaiae  andchiefe  letts 
 ire  the  Divell,  with  all  his  force, 
 libtilcy,  and  malice,  and  our  cvill 
 learts,  (o  £<rre  as  they  arcunre- 
 brmed ;  and  by  meines  of  both, 
 ill  things  in  the  world,though  not 
 n  their  owne  nature,  but  by  them 
 
 I  a  made 
 
 187 
 
 ■■in  ■ 
 
 1 
 
 »■■*» 
 
88 
 
 BriefcVireUionr 
 
 made  occafions  to  as  of  falling,and 
 offending  God. 
 
 FIrft,for  the  properties  of  Satan, 
 and  his  attempts  agaiuft  us  in 
 generally  he  is  a  mighty  enemy  ,and 
 c  ruell ;  for  which  caufe  he  is  called 
 a  great  red  Dragon,  and  theacct- 
 fer  of  ihe  brethren,and  al(b  fabtile, 
 and  vigilant,and  maliciousras  he  is 
 ftrong,  to  bee  befetteth  all  people 
 (chough  he  belittle  obfcrved)and 
 moft  of  all  Chriflians,  whom  he  is 
 openly  and  refblvedlylecagaiaft. 
 He  doth  not  onely  kindle  the  con- 
 cDpifceoce  that  is  within  us,  and 
 cur  owne  lufts,  fetting  them  en 
 fire  to  doc  the  evill  which  wee  arc 
 inclined  unto ;  butalfbbaiteththe 
 outward  things  with  poifon, 
 which  wee  dealc  about,  that  he 
 ir.ay  dazcll  our  eyes,  and  caft  us 
 from  our  hold  j  that  is,  that  wee 
 may  not  kecpe  ftill  in  theChriftian 
 courfe.  Our  hearts  cannot  Co  fbonc 
 be  ranging  (chough  it  be  never  (b 
 little)  but  he  is  ready  to  meet  withf 
 
 them, 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 j 
 
 i hem,  and  fee  them  forward  in] 
 feme  evil!,  fattening  our  afft  ftionsl 
 upon  ic  before  we  be  aware  :  weef 
 cannot  be  about  any  outward 
 thing,  bur  hte  is  ready  to  ferve  us 
 with  it,  knowing  howtoufe  all 
 outward  obje&stoour  luarts.Yet 
 for  all  this  wee  ought  not  to  be 
 difinaied  ;  for  howfocver  thele 
 things  vex  us,  yet  by  Gods  grace 
 they  (hall  turne  to  our  good,  to 
 make  us  ftt  more  ftore  by  Gods 
 proteftion,  and  more  cirehilly 
 co  kecpe  under  his  wiogj.  Hcc 
 hath  not  left  us  unarmed,  for  his 
 ownc  ftrength  is  for  our  defence 
 and  prefervatio:),  Colof.i*  u.  So 
 that  howfosverweemay  notpre- 
 far>p  uoi.fi/  abufe,  yet  wee  may 
 wuh  boldnefle  (Le  unto  him  for 
 helpe ;  neither oughtwee to fearc 
 that  for  our  infirmities  wefhallbe 
 fhiken  off,when  as  G  jd  hath  made 
 knownchis  Will  to  the  contrary, 
 Luke  i  j,  6.  Rather  they  muft  re- 
 member  chat  they  are  the  children 
 of  God,  and  therefore  (hall  not  be 
 
 I  3  unna- 
 
 i8p 
 
wtt  m  *mm 
 
 I?0 
 
 ^— • 
 
 h 
 
 Brieft  Vin&ions 
 
 unnaturally  forfaken,  or  left  to 
 themfelves  in  their  neede,  andne- 
 ccflky,  but  may  perfvade  them- 
 G  lves,that  waiting  on  God,  theft 
 combates  fball  rather  turnc  to  their 
 further  exerGift,  than  to  their 
 deadly  overthrow.  Thus  depe?  - 
 dingonGodinallevilI$,thcy  muft 
 by  experience  get  wifilome. 
 
 In  particular,  the  aflaults  of  Sa- 
 tan are  either  againft  our  faith,  or 
 elfe  againft  godlinefle  in  our  life; 
 Srft  of  the  former.. 
 
 HOw  many  having  difcon- 
 ragements,  he  prefleth  down 
 the  wcake  faith  of  new-borne 
 Chriftians,  appeareth  by  that 
 which  our  Saviour  faith  to  Petery 
 Luke  22. 31. 
 
 Sometimes  hee  terrifieth  them 
 with  their  owne  wants,  ignoran- 
 ce tynfirajiues,and  un  worth  ineffes : 
 forae  with  fliasne  of  fearefull  falls, 
 which  it  feemethto  them  they  are 
 unlike co  avoid  :  to  which  end  he, 
 bringeth  to  their  remembrance 
 
 fuch 
 
 ■■'«*^ 
 
 ••»•*■ 
 
 *>* 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 ■I    « 
 
 fuch  good  (ervancs  of  God  as  have 
 fallen  in  like  manner  before  them, 
 and  feareththemrthac  for  all  their 
 care  they  Hull  never  hold  out  in 
 their  faith  and  holy  courfe  of  life 
 unto  the  end;  but  either  by  afifi&i* 
 ons,  or  otber  provocations,  they 
 (hall  be  turned  backe.  Byallthefe 
 meanes  hee  Iaboureth  inftantly  to 
 deprive  them  of  all  hope  and  c  xi- 
 fidence,that  they  may  conclude  re* 
 folvedly,  that  they  have  no  faith. 
 For  the  refifting  ofthefe  aflaulcs, 
 theymuft  grow  better  acquainted 
 with  the  nature  and  property  of 
 God  his  promlfe?,  viz.  how  true, 
 unchangeable,and  perpetual!  they 
 be,  even  as  God  himfelk  is ;  ihey 
 muft  prize  thera  above  all  other 
 things, and  (end  up earnert  prayers 
 to  God  daily:a  id  ofi^  for  this  faich 
 to  be  rooted  in  them  :  they  mud 
 give  daily  attendance  upon  the 
 Miniftery  of  the  Word,  ready  alfo 
 to  receive  helpe  privately  from 
 thofc  which  are  experienced,  me- 
 ditate on  Gods  promifes,  (uch  as 
 T  4  are 
 
 i<?£ 
 
 i 
 
■■  ■» 
 
 rtH— M»^l4*i«fti  I— fc*>M»m  i  il»i 
 
 I?2 
 
 I 
 
 Bfiefe  VmUtons 
 
 lie  Matt kj.j.&L  9.20.  Ltt^.22.3  i.J 
 Now3  when  by  Gods  blcflfing 
 upon  their  diligence  they  have 
 gotten  feme  Ihy  or  reft  uuo  their 
 foules,  they  muft  beware  that  they 
 are  not  carried  on  the  other  fide  to 
 prtfumption,  crtooboldtrufting 
 in  God,  without  a  certaine  ground 
 ofhispromifes:  for  by  this  fubtil* 
 cie,  Satan  doth  pre  vaile  with  ma- 
 ny, and  by  thatmeanes  bringeth 
 them  to  dciperate  and  dangerous 
 fall?. 
 
 BVc  if  hee  cannot  prcvaile  (b 
 farreby  his  fuggeftions,  and 
 temptations,  as  to  bring  us  to  utter 
 unbeliefe,noryet  to  preemption: 
 yet  hee  will  labour  to  hinder  us, 
 that  wee  (hall  never  be  rooted  nor 
 eftabliflicd  in  faith;  weefhallnot 
 fecle  the  fweetneffe  of  ic  by  pof 
 (tffii)g  ic  daily :  b  which  kinde  he 
 J  doth  Co  farre  prcvaile  withmoft, 
 even  of  the  faithful!  themfelves, 
 that  they  are  ofcen-times  fo  dif- 
 couraged,  as  they  have  fcarcely 
 I  any 
 
any  great  ufe  of  laich  ia  refpeft  of 
 that  which  they  might  have, ' 
 Which  deceit  of  our  adverfary  we 
 muft  wiiely  efpy,  and  labour  to 
 afmeourfeivesagaififtit,as,wP/i/. 
 12  4  5.  and  27. 1.  lob  13*15.  We 
 mult  cake  heed  that  our  hearts  be 
 not  ftollen  away  with  worldly 
 chi  igs :  wee  murt  preferve  and 
 cfrnifh  an  high  eftimation  of  the 
 Gofpell :  wc  rauft  deny  all  world- 
 ly wifedome,  thit  wc  m;y  be  wife 
 to  the  Lord,  and  kcepeourfaichas 
 we  would  our  life. 
 
 THc  like  malice  doth  Satan 
 (hew  in  hindering  believers 
 from  godlineflc  of  life.  For  as 
 he  Iabourcth  to  keepe  the  unrege- 
 nerate  altogether,  from  pratt'fiag 
 godlineHc,z/i*.by  keeping  in  them 
 a  heart  Co  accuftomed  ro  evilly  that 
 it  cannot  fubmit  it  felfc  to  the  will 
 of  God  in  one  thing,  as  well  as  an- 
 other, by  holding  them  h  pre- 
 emption, by  keeping  them  from 
 fcrious  confidcration  of  their  eftacc 
 
 I  5  and 
 
194 
 
 !■■■■■■  I         I  ■»  ■        ■■  ■        ■—  »l 
 
 Sriefe  UiTefttms 
 
 and  a&ions,  by  diflwading  them 
 from  couniing  the  godly  lift  beft  ; 
 and  finally,  by  fnaring  them  in 
 dangerous  opinion?,  fottifh  ignc-* 
 ranee,  or  clfc  in  hollow,  loo(e»  and 
 wilfull  minde*;  (b  dath  hee  pre- 
 vaile  fo  farre  even  with  Gods  peo- 
 ple, as  to  hinder  them  from  pro- 
 ceeding in  godlinefle,  and  that 
 chiefcly  by  theft  mcanes. 
 
 ^i  By  keeping  them  in  wane  of 
 fomegood  things,  without  which 
 theycaonotconftandy  proceed  in 
 a  godly  life; 
 
 2  By  prefllng  them  with  foroe 
 evitf. 
 
 3  By  unfettliog  them  through 
 occafion  of  things  lawful!. 
 
 Of  the  firft  kinde  arc  three 
 maine  Iects. 
 
 i  Firft  when  Chriftians  arc  hol- 
 den  from  a  conftant  courfe  of  god- 
 lined;?. 
 
 2  When  thejr  fall  frona  th:ir 
 firft  eihte,  or  &cii  love, 
 
 3  Whci  they  want  a  fuffictent 
 miaiftery,  Of  the  firft  fort,  there 
 
 >to< 
 
 -*■■■ 
 
 are 
 
 - 
 
J 
 
 unto  ag$dly Life, 
 
 *95 
 
 are  many  which  chinke  ic  not  meet 
 co  tic  themfclvestoany  dire&ton 
 of  hading  their  life;  buc  are  con- 
 tent with  fome  generallcareanl 
 good  meaning;  than  whomthefe 
 arc  not  better,  which  forafcafon 
 keeps  frme  good  order ;  buc  by 
 licdeand  little  they  fall  to  doe  k 
 fl;ighcly  :  even  for  fafhion  in  a 
 great  parr ;  and  rather  through 
 Cjftomc,  thin  with  delight  and 
 comfort;  and  all  becauft  their 
 hearts  goe.  not  wirh  their  aftions 
 conftantly^eicher  doe  they  regard 
 or  looke  to  their  consciences  in 
 one  thingas  in  another,  that  they 
 might  beicept  in  peace. 
 
 The  Remedy  agaiaft  this,  is 
 faithfully  to  endeavour  every  day 
 to  be  well  fettled,  according  co 
 the  rules  formerly  mentioned.  We 
 muft  especially  labour  by  fatch^ 
 even  to  fecde  upon  the  promifcs. 
 which  God  hath  made  for  the  pre- 
 (ervation  and  protcftion  of  his. 
 children;  heartie  prayer  muftoft 
 be  ufedj  and  watchfulnefleagaiurt 
 
 our 
 
 • 
 
i$6 
 
 ••»»—  • 
 
 Briefc  Dtrttttons 
 
 our  c/peciall  infirmities ;  It  muft  be 
 contiuuall,  together  with  oft  and 
 due  con  Adoration  wba*  a  precious 
 treafure  this  kindcof  life  i*.  And 
 if  through  negligence  we  doe  fid!;, 
 we  rouft  not  lie  (U'l  in  hardncfie  cf 
 hearty  butrtmrnetohiroastocur 
 Fatherland  hee  will  hcale  us :  and 
 chough  wee  cannot  prefemly  hive 
 t-hat  confidence  which  fometim^s 
 wee  havehad3  yetletusrcturne, 
 chough  with  fome  fhamefaftneffe, 
 even  ftanding  afarre  off,  with  the 
 Israelites,  £#*<£  3  3vS.  10. 
 
 He  fccondfpeciallLetarifing 
 from  want,  is,  the  leaving  of 
 oar  firff  love :  for  at  our  firft  con- 
 verfion9  when  the  exceeding  love 
 of  God  in  Chrift  is  (hed  abroad  in 
 our  hearts,  fo  as  it  makcth  our 
 fclves  admire  j  this  conftratneth  us 
 to  love  him  a  gaine  moft  fervently 
 anddcarelyj  his  Woraaad  Mir>i~ 
 fters,  with  all  our  brethren,  moft 
 fenfibly  and  heartily:  and  this  in 
 Scripture  is  called  oar  gift  love, 
 JRev.2.4.  Noy 
 
unto  a  godly  Life 
 
 \ 
 
 Now,  when  this  (hall  wax  cold 
 through  dulnefle,  (bthfulnefft, 
 and  fcrgetfulneff%&.  ic  muft  need 
 be  a  hainous  thing  in  the  fight  of 
 God,  who  lookcth  that  our  works 
 fnould  be  more  at  the  lift  than  at 
 the  fir ft,as  our  knowledge  is  raore, 
 and  cxperi -nee  greater,  Rev  2.  21. 
 Yet  this  corameth  ofc  to  pafle  both 
 in  Minifters  and  people,  to  their 
 great  ftumie,,  though  otherwife 
 they  kcepefbmecjurfcin  fcrving 
 God,  Rev.  2.  2.  which  they  fhew 
 by  wearinefle,or  at  leaft  wife,little 
 pleafare  taking  in  the  publike  Mi- 
 niftcry,  negltft  of  private  prayer, 
 conference,  Muruall  exhortati- 
 on, &c.  untowardnefie  in  good 
 workeg,  abating  of  their  Jove  to 
 the  brethren,imbracing  the  world, 
 e.iteraining  of  ill-cocupanifhipj, 
 wi'h  heart-burning  againft  the 
 Minifies  that  tell  them  the 
 truth.  By  ihefe  and  fach  like 
 figrie*,  ma  ny  doe  (h:w  how  much 
 'hey  h*ve  1  >il  thsir  firft  love, 
 whereby  they  give  great  occafiM 
 
 of 
 
 197 
 
 ( 
 
 —•—•—- 
 
298 
 
 Briefe  DiteUims 
 
 of  discouragement  to  the  w*akc, 
 and  of  lamenting  to  the  beft. 
 
 This  was  fore-told  by  our  Sa- 
 viour Chrift,  Mittb.2^  i  2.  where 
 al(b  hec  (hewed  how  hard  it  is  to 
 keep-,  and  harder  to  recover  our 
 firft  lore.   Thirdly,  admonifbing 
 all  found  hearted  Chriftians  to 
 looke  hccdfully^  and  carefully  to 
 nourilli  and    prefcrvc  that  holy, 
 pure,  aad  fifftfpark  of  grace  kind-- 
 led  in  them,  againft  all  chat  may 
 come  in  the  way,  to  quench  and 
 put  out  the  firac  And  although 
 the  worke  be  hard,  yet  wee  hive 
 the  C^mmandement  of  G;>d  for 
 our  warrant,  and  his  promife  for 
 our    encouragement ;    therefore 
 ought  we  not  to  faint  or  flkeke  for 
 any  imped inaent,but  ft  tour  hearts 
 daily  to  count  it  our  grcateft 
 worke,  tokeepc  our  fif ft  love. 
 •THHe  third  let  of  thisfcinde,  if, 
 X  the  want  of  an  ordinary  and 
 found  Miniftery  of  the  Word  of 
 God,  whereby  the  way  to  falvati- 
 on  and  godlineQe  is  plainly  and  in 
 
 good 
 
 U. 
 
unto  *£idlj  Life. 
 
 good  order,  with  love  and  dili- 
 gence taught  fo  ofc  in  the  weeke^ 
 as  the  people  can  conveniently  at- 
 tend  upoQ  the  farce.  This  is  the 
 light  of  the  wosrld^nd the  Sunne 
 J  which  vaarmeth  all  the  creatures 
 I  of  she  earth  with  his  influence.;  (b 
 that  thofe  which  enjoy  k  not5tnoft 
 needes  be  as  the  foado  wed  places, 
 which  either  bring  forth  nothing, 
 or  that  which io  fowie  and  unsavo- 
 ry* How  the  Divell  hath  laboured 
 in  all  ages  and  Nations,  to  hinder 
 the  paffage.  of  this  Gofpell,  may 
 eafilybc  perceived,  if  wceperufe 
 well  the  A&sof  the  ApofUes,  and 
 other  Hiftories  of  the  Church: 
 how  he  doth  prevaile,  ourowne 
 eyes  and  eares  caa  wimefie :  The 
 remedy  therefore  is  for  fuch  as 
 want,  to  relieve  themfelves  with 
 it,  where  they  may  with  moft  con- 
 veniency  enjoy  }tg  aud  to  foe  ear- 
 neftly,  that  they  may  live  under  if, 
 (which  (hould  be  more  generally 
 granted  of  God,  if  by  fervent 
 prayers  and  other  Chriftian  indea- 
 
 vours,  j 
 
 a 
 
 «3- 
 
 l9f 
 
 i    » 
 
Br'tefe  DircUiom 
 
 voursic  we  r:  fought  for.)  When 
 they  doe  enjoy  ir,  then  mud  they 
 prize  it  above  all  chat  they  have, 
 or  ever  can  enjoy  in  this  world ; 
 for  thofc  which  efteeme  lightly  of 
 ir,  muft  heare  what  the  Scripture 
 (peakech  of  them,  MAtth.%.  11,12. 
 AmasK.i  1.12. 
 
 Thefe  arc  the  cMcfe  lefts  that 
 men  have  by  wants;  whereun- 
 co  may  be  add:d  thofe  troubles 
 which  fbme  good  Chriftians  have 
 through  feare  of  their  ownewanrs^ 
 though  without  caufr.  For  reme- 
 dy whereof  (chat  they  be  not  fWal* 
 lowed  up  through  deadly  heavi- 
 nefle)  they  jmuft  take  unto  them 
 godly  boldnefle,co  confider  that 
 there  is  great  caufe  of  repychg9 
 even  in  that  for  which  they  are 
 heavie,!^*.  in  their  feare,  cate, 
 hungringand  chiiftingjPr^S*  14. 
 Mattb.^  3.   and  therefore  they 
 ought  rather  to  be  thankefull  for 
 that  thsy  have,  than  utterly  to  be 
 discouraged  for  that  they  wanr. 
 Of  (mail  beginnings  come  great 
 
 *» 
 
 *« 
 
 pro. 
 
 *v.  i    ■■ 
 
unto  a  godly  Lift. 
 
 201 
 
 proceedings*  of  one  little  fp^rke^ 
 
 a  mighty  flim-j;  and  the  tall  Okes1 
 were  fbraeiimes  but  (mall  Akorns: 
 hce  bath  wellbegunne,  that  hath 
 in  truth  begunne ;  and  hec  hath 
 much,  who  feeleth  that  hee  wan* 
 techmuchj- 
 
 THc  fecoad  kinde  of  generall 
 Lets  are,  the  unmodified  af- 
 feftions  wherewith  believers  are 
 opprefled.  Concerning  which  in 
 general!,  ic  will  be  profitable  for 
 every  one  to  marke  with  what  hee 
 is  moft  incambred,and  moft  eafily 
 overcome  of,  and  by  whatoccafi- 
 ous  he  is  readilieft  drawne  to  them; 
 that  hec  may  the  more  diligently 
 and  wifely  labour  to  prevail  a- 
 gainft  them. 
 
 In  particular,  onekfnde  isfearc 
 and  doubt  of  perfevering  by  means 
 ofaffli&ions,  &c.  Thisdoth eafily 
 take  hold  of  weake  ones;  there- 
 fore the  Scripture  fore-warnech  of 
 it,  M.uth.  io  28.   Phil.  1.  28. 
 
 This, 
 
 -1 
 
202 
 
 Brief*  TtireUUns 
 
 This,  if  ic  doe  prevail  cannot 
 but  feeble  utterly  the  powers  of 
 their  minds ;  and  10  with-hold  the 
 inftruments  of  the  body  from  pra- 
 <5U(ing  well  any  kind  of  duty. 
 
 The  way  to  remedy  it,  rauft  be 
 fought  for  in  the  Scripture,  PJ*/.  30. 
 5.  2  Cer. 4.1 7.  Hcb.i2. 1 1 .  a  Cor. 
 p.  10.  Iam.\.$. 
 
 Another  unmodified  affefition, 
 is3  pride,  and  ovcr.wcening  of 
 themfdves :  examples  whereof  we 
 have,  ftraf.3.17.  1  Cor.  4.8. 
 
 This  maktth  men  waxc  weary 
 of  learning,  reroifle  of  their  dili- 
 gence and  care  for  good,  to  ac- 
 count meanly  of  thofc  which  arc 
 loole  and  irreligious ;  or  elfe  fall 
 intofe&SjfchifmeSjand  herefies,or 
 at  feaft  bring  themlelves  in  an  ac- 
 cused melancholy  and  folitary 
 life. 
 
 The  rcmcc'ie  is  laid  downe, 
 Rrv.  3.  17.  1C0n3.18.and  4.  1, 
 Pfal  119  12-  We  muft  diligently 
 examine  and  confider  our  waies, 
 till  wee  have  found  out  our  finnes 
 
 unto 
 
-1 
 
 unto  agvdly  Life. 
 
 / 
 
 unto  true  humiliation ;  wee  muft 
 compare  our  (elves  not  with  the 
 worft,  but  with  the  forwardeft 
 Ghrifttans,  and  holicft  examples. 
 
 Another  uamortified  aff,  ftion  is 
 (loth  j  the  remedy  to  fiade  out  the 
 roote  and  fountaine  of  this  miP 
 chicfej  and fo remove  i^Trcv.  u 
 ?2%&  1 4.12.  Encouragements  we 
 havefromGod>2<?/&.i.9-£p£,3  19. 
 
 AMongft  other  unftaid  aflfe&i- 
 ons  which  are  inward  lees  of 
 god'hefle,  tucVie  or  peevifh  fro- 
 wardnefie  is  not  the  leaft;  when 
 men  are  fretting againA  perfbos  or 
 things  that  doe  croffe  ns^thougb  it 
 be  but  trifles.  Thas  many  are 
 caught  upon  the  fudien,  which  at 
 other  times  could  eafily  wichfhnd 
 greater  provocations,  as  we  may 
 fee  of  David,  if  wee  compare 
 1  &W.24. 7.  with  2t.  13. 
 
 This  i9  a  high  offence  to  God, 
 a  needleflc  trouble  to  our  fclvcs, 
 a  bereaving  us  of  godly  wifiom?, 
 yea,  and  ofcommon  reafon  alfo. 
 
 THere- 
 
 203 
 
 "■»    L  I 
 
204 
 
 Britfe  VbeBUns 
 
 ***• 
 
 Therefore  wee  muft  make  dili- 
 gent fearcb,  and  inquire  whether 
 wee  be  prone  to  theic  ftr vile  paffi- 
 ons,  or  no,  and  Co  if  wee  doe  la- 
 boar  to  prevent  it  5  but  if  wee  be 
 at  any  time  overtaken  with  it,then 
 wemuft  (as  (bone  as  may  be)  fit 
 our  (elves  apart,  ferioufly  tocon- 
 fider  of  the  unfcemelinefleof  the 
 thing,  &c.  until  1  wee  can  (hake  it 
 off,  and  after  take  more  care  that 
 it  returne  not  againe  upon  us. 
 
 Another  troublefome  affettlon 
 is,  that  men  through  ignorance  or 
 unbeliefe,  grow  weary  of  procee- 
 ding in  a  Chriftian  life,  oratleaft 
 in  (peciall  duties  thereof:  the  dan- 
 ger of  this  may  appeare  by  the 
 contrary  forewarniogs,  GaL  6.  9. 
 1  Or.  16. 13. 
 
 This  Sacan  labonreth  to  e&ft 
 by  reproach,  &c. 
 
 Wee  muft  therefore  get  aflu- 
 rancc,  that  God  his  grace  (halite 
 fuffic  e  it  for  us,  Mdtth%  1 1 . 3 1 . 
 
 Many  other  aff^ftions  there  are 
 of  the  like  nature,  and  alike  to  be 
 
 fliunned 
 
unto  s  godly  Lift t 
 .-■     *■  '      •       >^— — —    , 
 
 ffaunncd ;  as  unjuft  anger,  hearr- 
 
 barnings3loofenefleand  Iightnefle 
 
 of  hearr5rafhnefle3  haftineflV,  lum- 
 
 pithneffe,  and  melancholy,  with 
 
 divers  fuch  like  ;  the  beginning 
 
 and  firft  rifing  whereof,  alchough 
 
 our  o  woe  hearts  doe  bret  d,y  ct  t  he 
 
 ftrength  of  them  is  of  Satan. 
 
 BEfides  the  f ore-iiamed  evill 
 iffrttlonSj  there  are  other 
 worldly  lulls,  wherby  many  Chri- 
 stians arc  much  difguiftd,  as  name- 
 ly carnall  pleafare,  and  inordinate 
 defire  of  riches. 
 
 For  the  firl>,  many  are  drowned 
 infmfualky,  and  the  fbtttfh  plca- 
 fureof  the  body3  Co  that  they  be- 
 come even  blfad  and  impotent :  for 
 when  a  man  giveth  his  heart  liber- 
 ty co  defire  ftollen  waters,  and  to 
 count  them  fweece,  not  cafting 
 thera  up,  and  arming  bimfelfc  a- 
 gaintt  them  as  he  oughr;and  giveth 
 his  eye  leave  to  feed  it  felfe  with 
 vaoity,  by  little  and  little  his 
 prayers  become  weake, and  unable 
 to  drive  out  fuch  foui!hnefle,but  it  . 
 
 Iodgeth  I 
 
 205 
 
 i 
 
206 
 
 Briefe  DireUians 
 
 lodgeth  in  him3  and  fo  is  made  a 
 flivc  unto  ic.  Aa  example  we  have 
 of  Sampfo*,  J»&g*  1 5 .  Nay, fome 
 goe  fo  farre,  rhac  they  are  ftnflcfle 
 at  the  fight  of  ir,  when  as  they 
 ftiould  tremble  to  behold  in  what 
 ftate  they  are  :  for  their  prayers 
 arc  dead,  their  burthen  of  Confer- 
 ence importable,  their  lofle  of 
 grace  unfpeakeable3  the  gricfes  of 
 the  godly  unutterable,  andthem- 
 feives  become  as  fooles  in  Jfrael, 
 and  fpcftaclcs  to  the  prophane 
 world  to  movepaftime. 
 
 i  Firft,  for  the  avoiding  of 
 theft  mifchiefes ;  we  muft  make  it 
 our  greateft  care  to  abide  in  the  fa- 
 vour of  God,,  and  holjfafttheat 
 furanceof  it  from  d  \y  to  day. 
 
 2  Wee  rauft  be  willing  to  fub- 
 mk  our  fcivca  to  the  yoakc  of 
 Chrift. 
 
 3  Wee  muft  hold  in  oar  lufts 
 and  imaginations,  as  it  were,  with 
 'but  and  bridle ,  that  they  range 
 not  after  burtfull  and  poifoned 
 bakes. 
 
 4  We 
 
 i  «■*■!  »w  %  im  <i  w 
 
 i  tmn.m 
 
4  We  mi'ft  {hun  and  avoid  all 
 the  cccafions  and  objeftsof  fuch 
 Irrrifchiefe.  And  efpecially,  we  muft 
 pe  fufpicicus  and  fearefull  of  tbofe 
 .fimio  which  wee  know  our  felves 
 to  be  nioft  prone  and  inclined. 
 
 THc  other  worldly  Iuft  isnoy- 
 foine  care  about  the  things  of 
 this  life,  which  is  a  common  evill 
 under  the  Same;  for  it  creepeth 
 upon  men  (b  fecretly  and  fubzly^ 
 that  hardly  Hiall  one  perceive  the 
 danger  of  it  until!  wee  have  taken 
 hart  by  it :  yet  the  danger  is  dead- 
 ly, forwhcreworldlineflefaftneth 
 ujon  a  man,  it  devourethgodli- 
 neffe,  as  i i  i  here  had  been  none  be- 
 fore; it  fuffireth  no  good  thing 
 to  grow  by  it,  but  choaketh  it,  and 
 overfliadoweth  any  gift  of  God 
 wharfoever,  and  fo  changeth  even 
 good  mcn,that  they  are  not  aware 
 of  ir5  that  they  become  moft  unlike 
 themfel/es,  iTim6,\o. 
 
 By  this,  men  in  worldly  dea- 
 ling! become  greedy  of  profic,ra(h 
 
 i  at 
 
2o8 
 
 Brief*  Dire&ions 
 
 i;i  nuking,  aad  carelcffc  in  per- 
 forming of  covenants-  coo  much 
 Ioofcnefik,  earthly  rejoycing,  and 
 fretting  when  we  thrive  nor;  over- 
 laying our  frlves  with  worldly 
 dealing?,  (b  that  no  time  is  fie  for 
 better  ufes. 
 
 For  the  redreffingof  this*  fbure 
 things  are  required: 
 
 i  Let  every  man  looke  careful- 
 ly that  no  man  be  hurt,  or  fuftaine 
 any  lofle  or  danger  by  hint,  i 
 Tbefa.  6.  by  this  he  (hall  be  freed 
 from  all  the  fins  againft  our  neigh- 
 bour, commanded  in  the  eighth 
 Commandemenr. 
 
 2  His  care  muft  be  not  only  to 
 doe  no  hurt,  but  al(b  to  doe  good 
 to  thofc  whom  wee  have  to  doe 
 whb,  Rom.  13.  8.  as  to  the  Mi- 
 nifter  in  maintenance,  to  our  fami- 
 ly in  provifion,  to  the  pocre  in 
 reliefer  &c* 
 
 3  Hkede  muft  be  taken,  thar 
 riches  hurt  us  not5  that  they  be 
 not  meanes  to  draw  us  unto  fin, 
 Eccltf.  $.  12 . 
 
 4  We 
 
unto  a  g$ilj  Lift. 
 
 '+*>*' 
 
 I      2*9 
 
 4  Wee  muft  provide  that  wee 
 be  bettered  by  our  wealeh  cowards 
 God  his  fervice.  DeHt.i%  47. 
 
 As  for  the  poore,they  (hall  beft  ! 
 teflifie  tha'  they  are  noc  tainted 
 with  this  finne,  if  chey  hold  faft  in- 
 nocenciescontentatioD,andthank£ 
 giving .  Reafbns  to  move  us  to  the 
 avoiding  of  covctoufhefle,are, 
 
 1.  Firft ,  becaufe  wee  camot 
 enjoy  them  long,  but  either  they 
 fhal  bee  taken  from  as, or  we  from 
 them ;  3nd  yet  this  fhort  lime  is  al- 
 fo  uncertaine,!,*^.  1 6.2. 
 
 2.  Bee  mfe  they  are  not  our  own 
 but  borrowed,/^.  16.1 2. 
 
 3  If  wee  bee  not  faichfull  in  the 
 fmaller.it  is  an  argument,  Jthat  wee 
 will  be  much  leffe  in  the  greater, 
 
 4  B?caufe  wee  (hall  give  an  ac- 
 counts of  all  other  thing*,  fbe£ 
 pecullyof  our  getting,  uSng,  and 
 forgoing  of  cue  goods  and  com- 
 modities, Matib.2^  14.  Lu  1^6.2. 
 
 THcrc  is  a  third  kinde  of  lets, . 
 whereby  many  beleevers  are 
 K  hindred  1 
 
 I 
 
 ■^^ 
 
I       210 
 
 BricfeViteUhnf 
 
 hindrcdfrom  going  on  in  a  godly 
 courfe^is.  All  kindcs  of  outward 
 I  things  which  of  themfelvcs  arc  not 
 cvilljbnt  are  made  by  Satan,occafi- 
 ons  to  hart  and  wound  our  foules. 
 
 i  Affli&ions  thongh  fent  of 
 God  for  our  great  good,  as  is  to 
 becfeene,  jy^.12.7.1  \3tfaU  119. 
 ji.&  1C0r.11. 13.  Iam.1.2.  Yet 
 are  by  Satan  and  our  owne  corrup- 
 tions, made  occafions  of  impati- 
 ence/rettingjpenfivenefle^and  ma- 
 ny other  evils  •  againft  which  we 
 rouft  arme  ourfelves  before  they 
 come,that  then  our  unruly  pafltons 
 may  not  break  out  Co  impatiently, 
 John  16.33. 
 
 2  So  in  prosperity  hefubtilly 
 maketh  drunken  our  hearts  with 
 loveofourgood,  puffes  them  up 
 with  pride  and  high  mindedneffe, 
 &c 
 
 To  thele  dangerous  evils  (hall 
 the  godly  [hcmfelves  taedrawne, 
 except  xhey  carefully  prevent 
 them. 
 
 It  is  therefore  a  fpeciall  point  of 
 
 u  f  > 
 
 1 
 
mme  a  g$dly  Life. 
 
 2lt 
 
 wifedome,  in  time  of  peace  that 
 we  beware  chat  wee  leanc  not  up- 
 on outward  things,  for  then  wee 
 (hall  cafily  beecaft  downc  with  e- 
 very  blaft  of  adverfity. 
 
 3  Another  occafion  of  nnfetling 
 our  hearts  are  houfhold  affaires, 
 and  things  that  conccrne  our  main- 
 tenance, by  the  unwarie  ufe  wber- 
 of,  men  become  unquiet,  way- 
 ward, diftrafted,  and  unlike  Chri- 
 ftiang. 
 
 A  wife  man  therefore  will  un- 
 burden hirafelfe  of  theft  multitude 
 of  worldly  dcalings,which  wil  not 
 fuffer  the  raindc  to  bee  freed,  and 
 will  fo  fubdue  his  affe&ions,that 
 he  may  have  them  in  order  as  well 
 in  one  thing  as  in  another. 
 
 4  By  change  of  company  ,d  wel- 
 ling, and  acquaintance,  men  re* 
 ceive  much  hurt  fien.  19.30. 
 
 5  The  fight  of  godlincfle  to  be 
 contemned,  and  licentious  courfes 
 to  be  maintained,isa  great  fcandal  1 
 Pfal.73. 
 
 6  Familiarity  with   the  wic- 
 
 K2 
 
 ked! 
 
I  . 
 
 ked   is  of  great  force. 
 
 Many  other  occafions  there  are 
 byourfenfcsconveieduntous,  a- 
 gainft  which  wee  mutt  daily  ftrjve 
 by  keeping  on  our  Armour,  Han- 
 ding on  our  watch,  following  that 
 direction  which  Gqd  hath  given, 
 and  depending  on  that  grace 
 which hec hath  promifcd;  cverre- 
 membring  that  we  doe  not  cafl  off 
 feare  of  danger,  for  occafions  of 
 finne  (hall  never  bee  wanting,  no, 
 not  in  things  lawfull  and  good ; 
 nor  Satan  waiting  upon  them, wji  h 
 fecret  extenuations  oi  finne,  and 
 hiding  the  punilhtucnt. 
 
 NOW  becaufe  there  being  Co 
 many  lets  in  the  waies  of god- 
 lirefie,  and  thofefo  hardly  psftd, 
 and  difficult  enrerprifes  are  al waies 
 commended  by  the  good  that  fol- 
 ioweththem;  ic  is  neceflary  that 
 the  great  priviledges  \shich  be- 
 long to  a  godly  life  (hould  bee  ex- 
 plained •  that  fo  the  godly  may 
 know  their  owne  happincfT',  and 
 
 ihivc 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 21 J 
 
 ftrive  to  enjoy  ic ;  the  wicked  may 
 ftc  what  great  good  things  they 
 deprive  themfelves  of;  and  to  all 
 men  the  Chriliian  liferafcybeein 
 better  account,  which  now  of  all 
 forts  is  too  much  underprifed,  and 
 fonegle&ed,  and  of  forne  contem- 
 ned and  fcorned. 
 
 To  omit  therefore  all  thofc  be- 
 nefits which  are  common  to  them 
 with  the  wicked  (although  thefe 
 ajfo  are  farremore  fweeceand  Sa- 
 vory to  the  godly  than  to  others) 
 and  thofe  alfo  which  are  proper 
 to  fome  of  the  faithfull  jia  refpect 
 of  their  callings,  thofe  onely  (hall 
 bee  nanacd  in  which  the  wicked 
 have  no  part  nor  portion,  and  yet  ' 
 all  the  faithful!  may  polfefle,  one 
 as  well  (chough  not  fo  much)  as1 
 another, 
 
 Thefc  are  either  fuchas  are  gi- 
 ven us  in  this  life  to  be  er>  J  )yed  tor 
 our  encouragement,  or  elfe  thofe 
 which  God  hath  in  ftore  for  us  in 
 the  life  to  come. 
 
 K3 
 
 The 
 
»eamt 
 
 214 
 
 \ 
 
 Briefe  VirtUtons 
 
 THe  firft  and  chicfcftof  them 
 which  are  given  us  in  thislifr, 
 i%  that  all  true  Chriftians  may 
 know  thcmfelves  to  bee  beloved 
 of  God,  and  that  they  (hall  bee  fa- 
 fved.  1  J^.3.1.^5.13.  Iob.1.12. 
 and  that  by  better  evidence  than 
 any  man  can  have  of  the  things  hee 
 holdeth  in  this  life.  This  is  not  fo 
 well  knowne  at  the  firft,  but  after 
 experience  gathered  of  the  un- 
 changeable love  of  God  towards 
 U5,our  confidence  is  increafed;  yea 
 the  longer  wee  enjoy  this  privi- 
 !cdge,the  better  wee  know  it;  nei- 
 ther can  it  be  loft  wholly  or  finally. 
 Ok  Some  of  ©ads  Children  af- 
 ter they  have  beene  thus  perfwa- 
 ded,  hare  fallen  to  doubting  a- 
 gaine. 
 
 tdnfiv.  True  C  Wftians  are  re- 
 newed but  in  part#  and  therefore 
 fom  t  ace  by  the  fubtilty  and  malice 
 of  Sathin  brought  to  thenegleft 
 or  carelefie  ufi  )g  of  the  meanes 
 whereby  faith  is  confirmed)  and 
 Co  to  doubting;  and  many  not  (6 
 
 offending^ 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 ai5     | 
 
 offending,  doe  too  coo  eailly  giv< 
 place  untodiflruft,  thereby  depri- 
 ving thcmfelves  of  this  great  pri- 
 viledgc. 
 
 This  priviledge  is  the  greater 
 becaufe  of  the  unfpeakeable  glory 
 and  cverlafting  joy  which  it  brim 
 gech  with  it,  whereas  other  de- 
 lights are  but  fleecing  and  momen- 
 tarie. 
 
 Which  greatnefle  will  eafily  ap- 
 peare  if  wee  well  confider  the  un- 
 fpeakeable woe  and  horror  offuch 
 defperate  perfons  as  fecle  the  want 
 of  this  happinefle  either  here.,  or 
 in  hell. 
 
 AFter  God  hath  vouchfafedthe 
 fairhfull  this  honour,  that 
 they  may  know  themfclycs  to  bee 
 beloved  of  him  hcre,and  that  they 
 ftnllbefived  hereafter;  heedoth 
 not  then  leave  them,but  is  al  waies 
 with  them,and  ha'hafpeciallcare 
 of  them  above  others,  nay,  when 
 he  is  angry  with  others.  Rom.  5. 5. 
 
 K  4  1  Tim. 
 
»am 
 
 mtmimmii*  *""  t^h— *■»■ 
 
 ■  il  mi 
 
 -*»■■» 
 
 216 
 
 #r*>/*  Vinftions 
 
 $.&2$*K  &I0.8,3 1.0"  23.   iStf.j 
 
 He  eftceroeth  them  not  oncly  as 
 his  houfhofd  fervants,  but  as  his 
 friends,  leh>i<$. i5.his Sonnesand 
 heires.  Rcrn.S.  17;  his  precious 
 jcreafare,  EaW.i^.yca^he  hon~- 
 jreththemfo  farre,  as  hec  calleth 
 them  and  makcththem  kings5E.*v. 
 1  p. 5.  AH  which  is  both  cercainc 
 aid  conftati?  unco  the  fiithfal^but 
 ic  is  not  fo  with  the  wicked*  fo 
 chat  by  this  ic  appeareth,  that  the 
 ftate  ofthe  pooreft  child  of  God, 
 is  farre  better  than  the  bed  of  the 
 ungodly,  yea,  better  than  them- 
 felves  fom^cimes  would  have  as- 
 kedpr  thought  of.  I 
 
 TH^fe  who  are  thus  cared  for 
 of  God,  receive  grace  from 
 him  to  live  according  to  his  Will, 
 that  at  death  they  miy  enter  into 
 hisglory  •  for  he  teachetbehem  to 
 be  fruitful  I  in  good  Iife,and  alfo  to 
 avoide  the  foulc  offences* 
 
 As 
 
 ■  ■  ■  ■ 
 
unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 Aiforthefirft,s>i£;.  a  holy  life 
 whereunco  God  enable :h  his  by 
 his  owee  power,  ic  is  a  great  pre- 
 rogatiue,  in  chat  they  need  not  ac- 
 count the  Cfariftiati  life  comber- 
 fome,  uafavory,  heavie,  and  tedi- 
 ous, as  many  d  j;bac  an  eafie  yoake 
 light  burthen,  and  plcafant  race  : 
 this  is  in  the  Scripture  called  ble£ 
 fednefle,  as  cPfalm.i0  2.  &  84.2. 
 
 Many  indeed  there  are,  even 
 good  peopIe,wcl1  in  great  part  goc 
 without  this  privilege;  but  the 
 caufe  is,?hat  they  draw  not  by  faith 
 daily  ftrengthfrom  lefus  Chrift  to 
 fubdue  their  lufts,  buctruft  either 
 to  their  owne  ftrengeh  or  in  other 
 meanes,  until!  being  ftuftraredof 
 their  defire,  they  either  fall  into 
 great  vexation,  or  elfeplaiue  f.cu- 
 rhyand  loofeucffe.  F,>f  the  reme- 
 dy whereof,thcy  muitlabourtobe 
 fledfiftin  fairh,  not  yeelding  unco \ 
 diftruft,  but  learne  to  know  that 
 God  who  hath  taken  care  or  his, 
 will  not  leave  them  in  their  infir- 
 maries. 
 
 2I7 
 
 ■•  I 
 
 ^^ 
 
"*«»  ^1 
 
 1 
 
 2l8 
 
 Bfiefe  "DtreUtmt 
 
 mitics,but  according  to  his  all-fat- 
 ficicn:  power  will  fuccour  and  de- 
 liver them,  which  \i zkey  once  be- 
 lievers God  rcquircth  vvc  ihould) 
 then  (hall  they  fee  themfclves 
 mightily  ftaidahd  upholden  until 
 they  b:c  {ctzt  great  liberty,  and 
 that  it  was  the  divell  who  before 
 held  them  in  feare  and  bondage. 
 
 Ch.  We  dare  not  believe  that 
 G  od wil  I  give  us  foch  grace,cxcept 
 firft  wee  could  overcome  our  fpe- 
 ciall  corruptions. 
 
 Anfwi  Wee  have  no  ftrength  of 
 ourownetoanyfuch  worke,  but 
 wee  muft  obcaine  it  by  Emh  which 
 is  alfo commanded  us.  IW&3.  23. 
 and  rill  we  doe  fo5  we  fliallbehol- 
 dca  from  our  right  by  the  craft  cf 
 $atan. 
 
 AS  for  the  fecond ,  viz.  that 
 the  faithfull  are  taught  and 
 enabled  ofGodco  avoid  great  falls 
 and  reprochfu  11  evils;  chat  is  plain 
 Pro  19.23.  Pf.i  1 9. 10  11. A  id  the 
 tX4\\\kAt%  jt  Enoch,  Abra^arn^M*- 
 
H*to*g9dty  Ly*. 
 
 ■*■-*.* 
 
 219      t 
 
 [esjofbud^amael  and  Da'iiel3Job^ 
 with  others  who  for  the  time  of 
 :heirneeracquaintancewith  God, 
 rommictcd  not  any  fuch  hainous 
 Jcrefpafles^s  were  common  ftaines 
 [and  blots  in  the  livesof  others. 
 
 By  this  Co  excellent  and  invalu- 
 able a  priviledge,  the  doing  of 
 good  becommeth  meat  anddriake 
 unto  the  faithfull,  ft  that  they  can 
 (ervcGod  even  in  a  good and ioy- 
 full heart  in  all  things,  Vettt.i** 
 18.  &  28.  47.  minde  heavenly 
 things  without  that  eedioufnefle 
 which  is  fcene  in  others*  performe 
 earthly  bufineffes  with  heavenly 
 minds,  andalwaics  rejoyce  before 
 the  Lord. 
 
 Not  that  they  have  no  rebellion 
 in  them;  for  they  fi  id  a  ftrife  al  way 
 &  are  in  part  led  captive  o^ic,  that 
 theymight  no:  triumph  before  the 
 viftory  5  partly  that  feeling  their 
 owne  weakneffe,  they  rmy  mere 
 wholly  depend  on  God;  md  partly 
 chat  their  future  vift  >ry  mjy  ap- 
 peare  more  glorious :  but  all  this 
 
 while 
 
 —ir* 
 
*M 
 
 *  iffii 
 
 220 
 
 I1 
 
 Briefe  TtirtUions 
 
 \ 
 
 while,  though  many  wounds  be 
 received,  the  Chriftian  is  never  fo 
 vanqui/hed,  but  chat  recovering 
 againe  by  the  power  of  God,  hee 
 gocth  on  with  ftedfafi  j  ^y. 
 
 A  Further  Liberty  i*,  that  if 
 the  godly  doe  by  any  occafi- .j  j 
 on  fall  from  their  foled  courfeinto  | 
 any  offence,  whereby  their  con- 
 fcienccs  are  wounded  and  accufe 
 themfelves ;  they  may  returne  a- 
 gaiae  onto  God,  with  ccrtiine  at 
 iurance  of  being  received  of  him, 
 lohn  2. a.  Without  thispriviledge, 
 there  were  bat  fmall  encourage- 
 ments for  any  Chriftian3  becaufc  of 
 oar  ofcen  falls. 
 
 Therefore  the  Lord  doth  not 
 onely  permit  us  to  doe  thus,  but 
 calleth  and  waiteth  for  ir,  yea,he  is 
 highly  offended,  if  wee  doe  not, 
 ler.%,^  and  for  the  effc&ing  of  ic 
 hath  given  charge  to  the  Paftours, 
 asEs^f^aadtoocherSjG*/  6.  i. 
 how  grca;  a  priviledg  this  is,  they 
 kacw  full  well  who  have  experi- 
 ence 
 
 7-^^~—  "3*=^S  - 
 
unto  a  godly  Life* 
 
 -=*= 
 
 221 
 
 enceof  an  afRi&ed  confeience,  to 
 whom  no  tiding?  can  be-flnre 
 glad fome than  this,  ifit  be  rightly 
 applyed.  It  draweth  from  fuch 
 many  thanks  and  praifes,  and  (o 
 bringeth  muchhonoar  to  God. 
 
 Bat  this  rr.uft  be  warily  and 
 wifely  received,  that  wee  neither 
 take  occafion  hence  to  imbolden 
 our  felvesto  fiine,  or  content  our 
 felvcs  wtthfMght  repentance :  for 
 Gods  mercies  rouft  be  inftaotly 
 (ought  for,and  then  his  favour  may 
 not  be  doubted  of,  as  appeareth  by 
 
 thatexampIejE^.io.  i. 
 
 So  that  here  two  extremes  are 
 to  beavoided/e/isr.  that  neither  we. 
 prefame  upon  fleight  and  jhollow 
 repentance,  norlanguifhindefpe- 
 |  rate  ard  unfruitfull  forrow,  but  ia 
 found  humiliation  hope  ftedfaftly 
 for  pardon,  and  dy  to  our  fouleg, 
 as  Vavid  doth,  Pfal.  43.  5. 
 
 The  fame  that  is  Ipoken  of  aSu- 
 
 allfinnes,  muft  al  fobs  under  flood 
 
 of  dulnefli,  id  leocfle,  unprofitable 
 
 .iarrenncifeofche  heart  3  and  iiich 
 
 1  other 
 
 ^-a= — : 
 
 '■'    II 1  H 
 
222 
 
 Briefe  DireStims 
 
 4  '   *  ■    ■>! 
 
 other  corruptions  which  arc  wont 
 co  quench  the  workc  of  God  his 
 Spirir,  and  to  be  the  feed  of  maay 
 curfcd  evills.  The  Lords  will  is, 
 that  from  he^ce  we  fhould  expeft 
 in  faith  as  well  ftrength  to  weaken 
 them,  as  mercy  to  forgite  them. 
 
 T  He  very  helpes  themfetves 
 which  Gad  hath  given  to  us, 
 to  farther  our  faWatioD^  are  great 
 priviledger,  &  fo  to  be  accounted. 
 As  that  by  Prayer  we  may  have 
 acceffe  onto  God  to  breake  our 
 miade,  lay  open  eur  griefr,  and 
 that  with  confidence  :  and  that  by 
 watchfuloeffe,  wee  may  efcape 
 thole  dangerous  (hares  of  Satan, 
 wherein  fo  many  are  bungled , a  id 
 chat  wee  may  in  the  end  of  every 
 day  make  up  our  accounts  with 
 J  :>y,and  kecpeall  ftreighc.  For  un- 
 co thefe,  and  (uch  like  helpes^  God 
 hath  proraifed  a  bleffing,  and 
 we  muft  by  faith  lookc  cooftantly 
 for  the  fame  5  for  there  is  do 
 fruitc  of  the  beft  help:s  if  wee 
 
 ufe 
 
 ! 
 
**» 
 
 I  !■■ 
 
 unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 »•    -     ™  *— — — —  i-         ■■  ——»»—'        ■    ■ 
 ufe  them  not  in  faith,  lam  \.  6. 
 
 Thefeare  great  privilcdgcs^nd 
 howfoever  ofmany  through  eanh- 
 linefle,fbth,and  way-wardr.efk  of 
 their  hearts  they  be  not  fo  eftee- 
 med;  and  therefore  either  not  ufed> 
 or  elft  formally  or  fl:ight]y,  yet 
 wee  (hould  account  the  more  of 
 them;  albeingfo  glorious^hat  the 
 dim  eyes  of prophanc  peribns  can- 
 not behold  them  :  and  praife  God 
 the  more^  who  maketh  them  Co 
 fweet  and  gainful!  unto  us,  which 
 unto  fb  many  are  ?ery  gall  aod 
 wormewood. 
 
 22$ 
 
 ANother  great  proiledge  ig3 
 that  the  Lord  tcache:h  hi$3 
 how  to  carry  themfelves,  and 
 keepe  their  integrity  in  all  eftates 
 of  life. 
 
 As  firft^  in  peace  and  profperity , 
 when  a  man  hath  riches^  Honour, 
 health,  friends,  delights,  and  plca- 
 fures,  &c.  This  is  a  flippery  cftate 
 in  which  no  man  of  himfelfccan 
 ftand,  and  therefore  isanoccafion 
 
 of 
 
 mr§  ■  — • 
 
 m~m0 
 
r 
 
 ■  i  1 1  f  ' 
 
 224 
 
 Brsefe  Dirctlions 
 
 of  falling  to  wioft  men,  bucGod 
 ceacheth  his  to  ftandin  this  flp- 
 pery  way.- 
 
 For,  firft,  whenhecaufeththe 
 Dcftiinc  of  coccntation,  fobriety, 
 and  the  contempt  of  this  world  to 
 be  taught  unto  them,  then  hee 
 dnweth  their  hearts  inwardly  to 
 attend  unco  ic,  believe  it,  love  and 
 pra&ifeir,  Bsfides  this,  God  cau- 
 feth  them  oft  to  fet  before  their 
 eyes  the  daily  changes  of  all  things 
 under  the  Sunne$  and  by  the  oft 
 and  deepe  consideration  of  thefe 
 things  as  they  obferve  them,  their 
 lufts  are  appalled,  and  th*  pride  cf 
 life  is  greatly  abated  in  them,p/*/. 
 
 102,  22. 
 
 So  thatby  thefe  means  the  Lord 
 fo  frameth  his,  that  they  defire  no 
 more,  nor  no  longer  than  their  j 
 heavenly  Father  feeth  expedient  j 
 toufe  thefe  outward  things,  as  if 
 they  u&d  them  not*  and  yet  fo  to 
 ufe  them  as  that  they  may  be  helps 
 to  themfclves  and  others  in  the 
 way  of  godliucfle. 
 
 All 
 
AH  which  is  not  Co  to  be  vander- 
 flood,  as  if  every  believer  had  this 
 grace,  but  that  God  hath  bequea- 
 thed, and  doth  offer  this  to  all, 
 though  oncly  they  have  if,  which 
 doe  efteeme  ofitandfeekeforir, 
 in  faith  at  Gods  hands. 
 
 SO  Iikewife  in  regard  of  af- 
 flictions,  the  prerogative  of 
 God  his  children  is  great ;  firft,he 
 holdeth  many   tribulations  from 
 them,  which  otherwife  by  their 
 fianes  they  doe  plucke  upon  them- 
 selves, P/S/.52. 10, 1 1 .  which  muft 
 need 2 s  be  Co,  becaufe  affli&ions 
 fpring  from  finne,  aad  therefore 
 where  lii  is  greater  or  leffer,  the 
 affl'.&ioas  will  bz  proportionable. 
 The  truth  of  it,i/i*.  that  they 
 miy  be  freed  from  many  troubles, 
 is  plaine,  becaufe  Co  many  doe  fill 
 thtmfelves  with  in  ward  troubles 
 of  mhde    and    conference,  by 
 giving  place  to  their  unbridled  af- 
 feftiais,  which  br^rde  many  per- 
 turbations! and  by  caking  licenfe 
 
 to 
 
226 
 
 Briefe  VireUuns 
 
 co  themfelvcs  in  things  which  are 
 not  ftcmely.  They  bring  alfo  ma- 
 ny outward  troubles  upon  them- 
 felves  by  their  fins,  as  flhame,  po- 
 verty, difeafcs,evill  children,  &c. 
 All  which  may  often  be  avoided 
 by  the  grace  of  God,  iffinne  were 
 taken  heed  of  and  refitted,  and  if 
 by  labour  and  watchfulncfle  the 
 unruly  heart  wsre  fubdued. 
 
 Whereby  the  way^we  may  ob* 
 ferve  how  un wifely  they  doe,who 
 (hun  the  fincere  pra&icc  of  religi- 
 on, that  they  may  be  freed  from 
 troubles,  when  as  Religion  doth 
 f re^a  maa  from  fo  many  ♦ 
 
 AS  the  faithfull  are  freed  whol- 
 ly from  troubles  •  fo  when 
 they  are  in,  God  delivereth  them 
 out  of  many,  when  asthe  wicked 
 reraaine  in  theirs,  ?r*.  1 i,  8.  Ex- 
 amples both  of  the  Church  in  ge- 
 nerall,  and  of  the  faithfull  in  parti- 
 cular, are  fufficiently  knowne  to 
 all  that  know  any  thing  in  the 
 jScripturcs :  all  which  are  recor- 
 ded, 
 
nntoagodlyLift. 
 
 cd,  not  to  (hew  onely  that  the 
 
 ithfull  have  beene  delivered  out 
 f  trouble  (for  that  were  no  fingu- 
 ar  thing,  but  commoa  for  the 
 picked)  but  that  they  are  delive- 
 red in  the  fatherly  love  of  God,  is 
 %ppcareth  by  the  meanes  which 
 they  ufed ;  as  prayer,  faftlng,&c. 
 ~~his  the  wicked  have  never,  nor 
 always  the  godly. 
 
 Oh  The  Fathers  had  particu- 
 lar promife  for  their  deliverance, 
 but  Co  have  not  we. 
 
 Ah.  In  'he  maine  andchiefeft 
 thiogs,God  hath  fpoken  as  plainly 
 and  fully  to  us3  as  to  them ':  wee 
 may  al  waiesafftre  oar  (elves,  that 
 God  hath  a  mod  tender  and  father- 
 ly care  over  us,  and  that  hec  will 
 fie  w  the  fame  in  the  time  of  our 
 need,  either  by  delivering  us  ifhe 
 fee  it  good  and  expedient*  or  elfe 
 by  giving  us  that  grace  which 
 (hall  be  fufficient  for  us.  The  not 
 teaching  or  not  believing  of  this 
 do&rincjCiufcth  much  nncheerful- 
 neflc  &  di&ontent  in  our  troubles, 
 
 as 
 
 217 
 
228 
 
 Brief e  VireBi&u 
 
 as  grudging  againft  God,  unlaw- 
 ful! (hifcing,  carnall  feares,  &c. 
 wheras,if  it  wereotherwife,  much  i 
 hcaycnly » comfort  might  be  rea- 
 ped in  our  lives,  which  now  is 
 wanting.  j 
 
 When  it  pleafcththe  Lord  to 
 lay  anyaffliftions  uponhi>3  they 
 may  allure  themfelves  it  is  for  their 
 exceedinggoodj  which  peifw* fi- 
 onifitibfefetled,  and  the  contrary 
 power  of  carnall  reafbn,  checked 
 and  fuppreffed^  we  (hall  have  wif- 
 dome  to  looke  for  affli&ions  daily, 
 and  be  ready  to  receive  them  from 
 God  thankfully,and  meekely,  this 
 wxfedorae  muft  be  (ought  for  of 
 
 NoWiif  wee  would  take  good 
 by  affliftions,we  muft  firft  receive 
 that  word  with  full  affentj  which 
 \$yRom  8.28.  All  things  worke  for 
 the  beft  to  thofe  which  love  God : 
 and  then  confider  ferioufly  how 
 great  reafon  there  isj  that  wee 
 fhould  yeeld  up  our  felvcs,  our 
 wills,  and.  all  that  w*e  have  unto 
 
 God 
 
 ( 
 
 1 
 »/ 
 
 1 
 
' 
 
 unto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 -**■ 
 
 j>od  his  will^nd  thinke  thac  good 
 for  us  which  God  thinketh  good  • 
 JbrGod  fendeth  affli&ions  Co  his 
 Children, 
 
 I  Firft,That  they  may  have  ex- 
 perience of  his  iovc  in  delivericg 
 :hem. 
 
 2  Secondly,that  they  may  have  J 
 proofe  of  their  faich  and  patience. 
 
 3  Thirdly,  thac  they  may  not 
 b:c  condemned  with  the  world. 
 
 4  Fourthly,  that  they  may  bee 
 
 I  purged  from  their  finncfulldrofiV. 
 5  Fifthly,  to  weane  them  from 
 this  world.  If  thefe  things  bee 
 knowneandb^leeved  of  us,  wee 
 (hall  find  them  fo  to  our  exceeding 
 comfort;  and  though  foraccimes 
 in  mall  we  may  feemc  to  bee  neg- 
 IcQcd  or  forgotten,  yet  wee  fhall 
 fecaclcngth  rtatitisnothingf}. 
 
 Ob.  It  afflifl ions  (hill  turne  to 
 our  good,  then  wee  need  take  no 
 further  thought  about  chem. 
 
 Anfw*  Thjt  promife  doth  not 
 warcanc  us  to  be  careleiT  •  f  jr  if  we 
 behave  our  fdves  wilfully,  block- 
 
 y 
 
 ifh'- 
 
ago 
 
 i 
 
 Brief e  Virt&hns 
 
 -«■ 
 
 ifhly  or  foolilhly  in  affliftions, 
 they  will  nunc  to  our  great  hurt 
 and  vexation:  but  if  wee  mingle 
 that  Scripture  with  faith,  it  Willi 
 caufe  us  to  receive  all  crofles  from  i 
 God  as  fent  in  lovejnot  to  murmur 
 at  them,  but  thankcfully  and  pati- 
 ently, and  alio  with  examination 
 of  our  felves,  If  lb  bee  that  any  fin 
 hath  brought  cvillupon  us-  and 
 then  we  {hall  have  proofe  of  Gods  i 
 grace  in  us,experienceof  his  favor 
 towards  u$,prcfervationfrora  ma- 
 nyfins .increafc  of  humiliation  and 
 thankfulneflc,  preparation  for  the 
 bearing  of  greater ,  with  (bme 
 comfort  at  Ieaft  in  the  end,  and 
 hope  in  the  midft^  which  (hall  not 
 makeusafhamed*  Whenwefinde 
 not  this  doftrine  fcvorie  and  fweec 
 tons,  nor  the  uftofkinouraffli- 
 ftions.  Jet  us  not  charge  or  chal- 
 lenge the  Lord  for  ir,  butconfider 
 what  we  have  loft  byunbeleefc, 
 
 NOw  befides  all  the  former 
 privileges  feverallyDtherc  is 
 one  that  refpe&cth  them  all  of 
 
 great 
 
unto  a  godly  Ltft. 
 
 -^•~ 
 
 great  price^  and  thac  is,  incrcafc 
 and  growing  of  all  thofe  graces : 
 orGod  givech  to  his  greater  every 
 way,than  they  would  have  (brae- 
 times  either  expe&ed  or  asked, 
 Ccl.  i.  9. 
 
 An  example  whereof  we  may  fee 
 in  Mofes,  if  we  compare  his  later 
 times  with  his  former  >  and  in  the 
 Apoftles.  This  priviledg,  if  it  bz 
 duly  confidered.addech  great  cou- 
 rage, and  yecldeth  much  comfort 
 to  Gods  children  :  when  they  (hall 
 know  thac  this  grace  is  offered 
 them  of  God,even  that  like  plants 
 they  (hould  grow  and  increaft  in 
 Gods  Houfe,  and  as  the  Sunne  they 
 (hould  Quae  more  and  more  untill 
 Midday. 
 
 Aad  bowfoever  the  Divell  ray- 
 feth  many  occafions  of  fainting, 
 (loth ,  deadnefle  of  fpiric,  and 
 earthly  mindcdnefle,neglcfting  of 
 meanes,  &c.  yet  may  wee  not  be 
 di/couraged,  but  prefle  forward, 
 depending  onGodspromifej  and 
 j  following  his  dirc&ion. 
 J  Ail 
 
 23  i 
 
 J 
 
*32 
 
 Briefs  DireUwis 
 
 A  S  hec  that  makcih  a  good  be- 
 **ginniDg,{hall  increafe  &grow 
 in  goodndle,  fo  he  that  increafech 
 daily,  fhall  make  a  good  end  at 
 length :  for  all  true  believers  fhall 
 conch  ue  to  the  end  in  a  good  and 
 godly  couT(c/Pfa.tf.$7.PJ!;i/.u6, 
 lob  6.39.8*  10,28.  which  as  in  ic 
 felfc  it  is  a  great  priviledge,  Co  hit 
 the  greater  inthatGcd  makethit 
 fcnowne  to  his  children,  and  draw- 
 eth  their  heartsto  believe  the  fame, 
 even  when  the  fee  no  ground  for  it 
 in  themfelves,  1  Fc**<\  5.  1  lob.1}, 
 13.  iThef.5  9. 
 
 This  is  a  treafare  invaluable, 
 mightily  reviving  &  gladding  the 
 hsartsof  Gods  children,  and  in- 
 couragingthem  withcheerfulncfle 
 to  follow  the  gedly  life,  and  ali 
 meanes  of  proceeding  in  if.  For 
 they|wbich  takecccafion  from  this 
 deftine  to  waxeflothfull,  world- 
 ly,  idle,  vaice,  &c.  they  know  not 
 what  it  meanetb,  but  pervert  that 
 wh'xh  they  know  nor,  to  tfrrir 
 ownedtftruftion. 
 
 The 
 
 m*= 
 
The  truth  and  certainty  of  this 
 pri? Hedge  is  not  to  be  doubr  ed  of, 
 though  wee  ice  good  men  at  their 
 death  to  ftiewlcnail  tokens  of  grace 
 and  of  a  happy  departure  :  for 
 there  may  be  many  impediments, 
 and  howfoevcr  ic  may  feeme,  yet 
 this  is  certain?  $  of  a  good  life  com- 
 meth  a  good  death,  Pfalm.5j.27. 
 Sometime  indeed  for  conreft  ton  of 
 fom  e  fin,  or  for  example,  the  Lord 
 may  fetid  fuch  a  death  as  is  lefle 
 comfortable,aiin  Ufa  1  King.  13. 
 24.  and  in  the  Prophet  that  was 
 fent  to  Urobotm  i  yea,(bmetimcs  a 
 good  Chriftian  may  offer  yiolence 
 to  himtelfe,  not  [knowing  what  he 
 doth*  yet  being  formerly  of  a  holy 
 and,unrebukeable  convcrfaion,  he 
 is  not  to  be  judged  according  to 
 that  one  a£ion,  how  unwarranta- 
 ble and  dangerous  foerer  in  it  felfc. 
 
 Much  lefle  ought  perfection  to 
 ftemefo  grievous,  as  that  it  could 
 not  ftand  with  a  good  eftate,  and 
 finall  perfeverance,  efpccully  fee- 
 ing we  hare  much  incouragement 
 
 L  to 
 
 • 
 
 Mm 
 
 J 
 
*3* 
 
 Britfc  dirtciims 
 
 co  the  fuffering  ofic,  by  examples, 
 promifts,  and predi&ous  in hc]y 
 Scripture. 
 
 This  perseverance  then  being  fb 
 precious,  and  yet  fo  cercaine*  lec  us 
 then  nourifh  the  hcpcofitiaour 
 feives  dailyby  keeping  ia  us  a  wil- 
 lingnefle  to  die, 
 
 2  By  frequenting  medication  of 
 the  vanity  of  this  world,  and  all 
 that  therein  is,  CV.3. 1. 
 
 Thirdly,  by  holdirg  faft  our 
 rejeycing  inChrift,  iCr.5.31.  by 
 mortify ingot  lb,  and  keepirgour 
 hearts  frora  the  love  of  ir,  {fW.3.5. 
 
 Laftly,  by  inuring  our  felyes,  to 
 beare  fmaHaffli&iocs,arid  foco  de- 
 ny oiir  i;\vcs,thac  we  cay  the  bet- 
 ter undergoe  greater  when  they 
 ihall  be  fent. 
 
 NOw  that  wherccn  all  the  for- 
 mer doe  depend,  and  where- 
 at  they  aime,  is  the  ur:fpeakeabl. 
 glcry  which  was  prepared  for  is 
 before  the  beginning  of the  world, 
 begun  in  rhisiifej  aud  to  be  fully 
 ana  peril  ft. y  er.j  ;yncc,  id  the  Bfc 
 
 ro 
 
untp  a  godly  Life. 
 
 to  come,  This  for  our  capacity  i* 
 (hadowed  out  by  many  earthly 
 companions  and  referabhnces  of 
 chofe  chinas  which  dot  moft  dc- 
 light  us,as  honour  ,treafure,iiche?, 
 beauty,  friends,  plcafure,  joy,  in- 
 herirance,&c. 
 
 Our  company  there  (hall  be 
 Chrift,  with  his  holy  Asgcils, 
 bleffed  Apoft'es,  Prophet?,  Mar- 
 tyrs, Confcffbrs,  &c. 
 
 The  habitation  it  fclfcispemn- 
 nent  and  everlaftiog,  and  Co  are  all 
 the  tteafures  that  arc  enjoyed 
 therein. 
 
 The  eftate  of  Pri.:ce3  is  not  to 
 
 be  compared  with  that  happinefle. 
 
 All  the  glory  which  waa  in  this 
 
 world,  even  before  the  fall,  was 
 
 but  a  Shadow  in  refpeft  of  this,  the 
 
 glorious    aod  unfpeakeable  joy 
 
 j  which  Gods  children  hivehetcis 
 
 j  great,  i  C$r*  *•  9*   an d  nuking  a 
 
 I  day  of  their  life,bettcr  than  a  thou- 
 
 '  (and  of  och?r  meo8,  T/*/.  84. 10. 
 
 yet  this  is  but  a  tafte  of  that  which 
 
 is  to  come.  Fot  then  ail  teares 
 
 L  2  I  /hall 
 
 235 
 
 V 
 
 •. 
 
1      %l6 
 
 Briefe  d<n&uns 
 
 <*m, 
 
 *mcmm 
 
 (hall  be  wiped  from  our  eyes ;  for 
 fin  and  death  (hall  be  no  more. 
 
 Thispriviledge  added  untoall 
 the  former  doth  Efficient  com- 
 mend the   happy   coodi  ion   of 
 Gods  children,  cfpecially  to  thofe 
 that  know  theft  things  to  belong 
 to  themfclves^and  find  the  comfort 
 of  them.  But  this  cffcftuall  Know- 
 ledge of  Gods  willi  to  apprehend 
 them  by  faith  in  particular,  is  a 
 particular  gift  of  God  tohisElcft; 
 not  enjoyed  of  any  other,  no  not  o( 
 the  grcatcft   ana  mod  judicial! 
 Clarkesand  Divines,  Mmh*  ij. 
 1 1.  which  doth  indeed  make  this 
 gift  more  precious,  in  that  Gods 
 children  have  grace  to  draw  down 
 ill  good  from  God  in  his  promift  • 
 which  naturall  men  cannot  doe ; 
 for  flefh  and  blood  givcth  not  tkis 
 to  any.  But  God  draweth  his  chil- 
 dren to  the  knowingand  believing 
 of  it :  Firft  by  his  Word,  and  Se- 
 condly by  their  owne  experience, 
 which  bringeth  moft  neereand  fa- 
 miliar communion  with  God  by 
 
 his 
 
 ^■IM«I 
 
 «Pi 
 
unto  *  godl]  Lift. 
 
 237 
 
 • 
 
 his  Spirit.,  from  whence  fpringcth 
 moft  uofpcakeable  joy. 
 
 T^He/e  being  thegreatPriviled- 
 *ges  which  our  God  hath  ap- 
 pointed for  hi*,  and  called  them  to 
 partake  of;  moft  lamentable  it  i* 
 that  many  {hbuld  be  ft  ignorant  as 
 not  to  defice  to  know  them,  (b 
 careleffc  as  to  rej^ft  them/o  obfti- 
 nace  as  to  tread  them  under  £ x>ce3 
 and  fo  to  leade  a  life  foil  of  mi  fe- 
 ry  for  wine  of  therm 
 
 TbeChriftian  lite  is  termed  io 
 Scripture,*  pilgrimage,  a  fowixig 
 in  teares,&c. 
 
 Therefore  we  hadneedof,  nay 
 therfore  we  have  thefe  privilege?; 
 for  otherwise  wee  could  never  un- 
 dergoe  the  tribulation  which  wee 
 flu!l  meete  with;  and  the  afflicti- 
 ons do  rather  increafc  tfun  dimw 
 nilh  their  happinefle. 
 
 We  fee  no  fuch  glprioas  ihiagsf 
 iiChriftianf. 
 
 Tfeefcarefpiriruall  :hir^*  and 
 thcrtore  no:  eafily  difcirao^Dsjng 
 epecially  inward ;  hskir  s.wickc^ 
 
 Okucl. 
 
 Anfy. 
 
 OhUU. 
 
 Aw 
 
 I 
 
 *!i 
 
•a 
 
 II      !»■■* 
 
 ***m 
 
 238 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 Brief*  Vireftions. 
 
 men  will  not  acknowledge  that 
 glory  which  they  fee;  hecaufe  ic 
 reproveth  them. 
 
 Againe3  thefe  priviledges  are 
 more  inward  feeling  than  out- 
 ward appearance.  Moreover  there 
 are  many  infirmities  in  che  lives  of 
 profeflburs,  which  the  world  doe 
 more  gaze  upon,  than  upon  their 
 Ghriftian  convocation  otherwife. 
 Sat  yet  their  lives  be  glorioui  be- 
 fore God,  zni  (hining  lights  to 
 them  that  can  fee  and  difcernc, 
 whileft  they  that  carpe  at  them 
 (hall  be  moftloachfome  andabho- 
 minable, 
 
 A  Gainft  the  former  Dircftions 
 many  thiog*  may  be  obj  -flted 
 both  by  carnall  cavclleis,  and  alto 
 by  weake  Chriftians. 
 
 Of  the  Grft  fort  is,  that  there 
 needeth  no  pther  dire&ions  to  bee 
 prefcribed  be  fides  Gs?ds  word.  To 
 ^hich  there  needeth  no  other  an- 
 fwer,  biit  that  by  the  fame  reafon 
 all  pf^chiogwercnccdlcffe;which 
 if  ic  bee  «  iC  (hould,  is  out  of  the 
 
 Scrip* 
 
 1  -j  mi  ■" 
 
l  »  m 
 
 unto  s  godly  Life. 
 
 Scriptures  :  but  befides  there  is 
 great  need  of/uch  a  Dire  ft  ion  a* 
 this  to  be  penned,  by  rcafonofthe 
 great  weakenefles  which  are  in 
 Ghriftians,  fome  being fbwofca- 
 pacicie,  others  (hart  of  memorie^ 
 othas  very  foone  unfetled  for 
 want  of  good  dirc&ion,  areafha- 
 med  or  unwilling  to  open  their 
 griefes,  or  elft  have  no  fie  man  to 
 flbew  them  unto:  fo  that  befides 
 other  great  harme  which  follow- 
 eth  the  want  of  dire&ion,they  are 
 deprived  of  much  communion 
 with  the  Lord,  and  comfort  that 
 arifeth  from  it. 
 
 IT  is  further  obje&ed,  that  no 
 fuchdirc&ioacan  bee  obierved 
 daily. 
 
 But  if  it  wercimpofiibl.%  why 
 doth  the  Prophet  call  them  blefled 
 that  follow  fucha  courft?  Pfs.1.2. 
 and  affirme  Co  much  of  hirafelfc, 
 Pfal.  1 19.  97.many  fuch  examples 
 alio  wee  have  amongft  us.  even  in 
 this  age, who  doe  not  make  them- 
 
 feWes 
 
 239 
 
240 
 
 - 
 
 -^ 
 
 Briefe  direcliws 
 
 M» 
 
 felvesftrangersunroGod,  to  hcare 
 from  him^or  to  fend  vnco  hinnnow 
 and  then ;  bat  to  watke  with  him 
 daily ,as  all  are  commanded  to  doe. 
 Nay,  many  there  are,w  ho  of  expe- 
 rience hare  fonnd  this  way  not  on* 
 ly  poffible,  but  eafie  to  them,  and 
 fall  of  comforr^who  ihoBld indeed 
 be  pacternes  unto  other?;  for  :he 
 beft  pra&ifcrs  are  the  beft  teachers: 
 neither  can  any  idle  profefibur 
 looke  for  fach  eafe  and  comfort  as 
 -the  painfull  Chriftian  that  hath 
 bcene  taught  by  long  experience, 
 
 IT  will  be  &id,that  howfoever  it 
 be  poffible,  yet  it  is  very  toyle- 
 fome  and  inconvenient,  depriving 
 men  of  pleafure^  and  hindering  la- 
 bour. 
 
 Bus  the  truth  is,there  js  no  plea- 
 fare  or  comfort  in  the  world,  like 
 unto  it:  thati^heientenceohhe 
 faolyGboft,  Pftlm.  1 19,  9py  1 00. 
 Pr.v.S.  n.  Neither  is  this  meant 
 offming  God  at  times,  but  con- 
 tinually, even  all  the  day  long. 
 
 And 
 
 # 
 
uttto  a  godly  Life. 
 
 And  vvh  jfoerer  bath  any  know- 
 ledge and  experience  by  praftke, 
 whac  reward  there  is  in  ftrving 
 God  ,  doth  j  aftifie  this  to  be  true : 
 for  why  alfo  fhould  fo  many  Chri- 
 ftians  part  with  all  fjafaH  pleafures 
 which  they  might  enpy  wicho* 
 thcrs,  and  fpeod  fo  much  time  and 
 painei  in  Gods  fervice*  if  it  were 
 foirkefome} 
 
 It  is  not  indeed  a  pleafare  to  all* 
 but  to  the  upright  in  hcart,it  is  the 
 onely  delight,  chough  m  this  life. 
 there  be  fome  refiftance  °  nay.,  it 
 fcafoneth  and  fweatnech  all  earth- 
 ly liberties,alfo  making  them  truly 
 plea  fane  to  the  godly,  which  to  o  - 
 thers  are  mixed  either  with  bur- 
 tbenfome  tedioufnefle,  or  hidden 
 poyforu 
 
 Neither  would  this  hinder  la- 
 bour and  c hnfr ;for  all  godly  thrift, 
 Chriftian  gaining;  and  la wfull  pro- 
 fpering  in  the  world,  doth  arifc 
 from  hence ;  even  when  a  man  go- 
 eth  to  the  workes  of  his  calling 
 with  a  minde  at  peace  with  God, 
 
 com* 
 
 241 
 
24* 
 
 firiefc  Dire8iv;j. 
 
 commending  his  affaires  to  Gods 
 providence,  aimes  ac  his  glory, 
 loofces  ac  hie  promi(e,and  fo  waits  I 
 for  a  blefirng:  and  for  want  of  this, 
 many  in  great  toile  and  paincs  find 
 no  ftcceflenor  bleflbg  ofGodjand 
 others  that  feemc  to  profper  have 
 their  wealth  but  as  Indus  had  his 
 fopjami  the  Ijrdelites  their  quailes, 
 to  become  their  banc  and  poy  fon. 
 
 Ji  S  caufelefle :alfo  is  their  feare, 
 *-  who  fiy,that  the  following  of 
 thistlircftioD  would  breaks  ofFall 
 fbciety  and  fcllowfhip  arsoogft 
 men.  For  this  would  breake  off 
 none  but  evill  fdlowfhrp,  fuch  as 
 it  were  to  be  wifbed  were  abando- 
 ned all  focieties  of  Ohriftians; 
 which  ificfteraeftrange,  it  wiJl  be 
 oncly  to  fuch  as  the  Apoftle  Pettr 
 fpcaketh  of  ih  his  firft  Epiftle,  4.4. 
 
 BUc  ic  is  fit  to  fctisfie  the  doubts 
 which  weake  Ghriftians  arc 
 like  to  propound- 
 As  firft,  how  they  may  attaine 
 
 and 
 
■  I    M  • 
 
 nntoAgedljLift. 
 
 *« 
 
 and  kcepe  this  Cod r fe  ? 
 
 For  che  anfwcr  whereof,  thus 
 much : 
 
 i  There  muft  bee  an  earned  de- 
 fire  wrought  by  the  confideration 
 of  the  ncceffide  of  if . 
 
 2  There  muft  bee  a  ftrife  againft 
 untowardncfle  and  £hth. 
 
 3  Ail  earthly  afie&ions  rauft  be 
 moderatcd^nd  not  clog  us. 
 
 4  There  mufti  ifaih  be  expe- 
 ctation of  fruit  farer  above  the  la- 
 bour, 
 
 5  It  will  -begood  at  the  firft  that 
 doubts  which  arifeb:  imparted  to 
 others  of  experience;  and  chat  che 
 proceeding  be  marked,  that  wants 
 may  be  £ipplied3  and  good  things 
 continaed. 
 
 This  if  wee  doe,the  nutter  will 
 notfeeme  £>  difficult  and  tedious 
 unto  us;r?eithsr  are  lawful!  c  illings 
 any  lecsumo  this  Chriftian  courfe. 
 For  holy  cxerci&s  and  Uwfuii  bu-  j 
 (ine(Te,a  heavenly  mind  and  earth- 
 ly dealing^may  very  well  Hand  to- 
 gether. 
 
 Some 
 
*44 
 
 Briefc  dirt&ionst&c. 
 
 SOmc  arc  alfo  moved,  with  the  \ 
 erodes  that  they  (hall  mcete 
 withallin  the  world. 
 
 Bat  they  needc  not  be  troubled 
 fa  as  to  goc  backe,  but  rather  to 
 ftt  forward  thereby,    Vent.  8*. 
 
 The  end  of  all  this  if,  thatfuclr 
 as  have  rectived  the  Gofpell,  and 
 that  have  not  beene  carefull  thus 
 daily  and  perpetually  to  .walke 
 wichGod ;  if  it  was  of  ignorance, 
 they  muft  not  be  difcouraged,  but 
 onely  (hew  that  ignorance  was  the 
 caufe,  by  amending  now  upon 
 knowledge.  If  it  wasofevillcon- 
 fdence  againft  their  knowledge, 
 their  fin  is  the  greater,  especially  if 
 they  have  fallen  from  the  firft 
 love:Therefore  :ime  it  is,tbat  they 
 fhould  returne  and  feeke  peace 
 with  God^maimaining  the  fame  by 
 carefull  watching  over  themfelves 
 throughout  the  day,  that  they  of- 
 fend in  nothing* 
 
 FI^IS. 
 
 : 
 
Chriftian  Letters 
 
 OF 
 
 Mr.  Paul  Bayne. 
 
 Replenished  with  di- 
 vers Correlations,  Exhortati- 
 ons, and  Direftions,  tending 
 
 to  promote  the  Honour 
 ofGodlinefle. 
 
 Hereunto  is  added  a  fruitfull 
 
 Sermon  for  the  Triaffof  a 
 
 Chriflians  Eftatt. 
 
 He  br.  5. 13. 
 
 Exhort  one  another  daily  ^  while  it  U  called 
 to  dijfy  left  any  of  you  he  hardened 
 through  the  deceitfulneffe  of  finne. 
 
 LONDON, 
 Printed  by  E  G.  for  /.  N.  and  are 
 
 to  be  (old  by  Samuel  Endcrby  at  his  (hop 
 in  Popes-bead*  Alley,  at  the  figne 
 of  the  Starre,  1637. 
 
J 
 
 ! 
 
«=*-s^ 
 
 •^•<— 
 
 <s£>  <&»  *&>  <&*  <&*  <>5i  <*ir>  *&* 
 «*^>  <<jv  «^>  *^>  *£*>  c*j»>  <$>  cj> 
 
 THE  RIHGT 
 
 WORSHIPFVLL, 
 
 and  Chriftian  Ladies,the 
 
 Lady  Weld,  and  the 
 
 Lady  Lennard: 
 
 Grace,  and 
 
 Fcacc, 
 
 Ight  Worfhip* 
 full  and  wor- 
 thy Ladies,  if 
 there  bee  a- 
 ny  one  thing 
 wherein  I  make  fingular 
 account  of  my  friends  love, 
 it  is ,  when  by  feme  good 
 meanes  they  are  fetting  mee 
 forward  in  the  wayes  of  fal- 
 
 A  2         vati- 
 
f 
 
 MB 
 
 The  Epiftk  Dedicatory. 
 
 j 
 
 vation:andon  the  other  fide., 
 1  cannot  (b  rejoyce  in  an* 
 improvemetof  my  beft  love 
 and  fervice  co  them,  as  when 
 mutually  I  may  bee  a  helper 
 forward  of  their  faith.  I  write 
 not  this,  as  favouring  any 
 ingratefull  burying  civil!  and 
 humane  kindnefles  in  oblivk 
 on,but  as  giving  the  preemi-j 
 nence  to  theworkeof  love,! 
 which  eipecia'ly  is  imployed 
 in  advancing  that  good  part, 
 which  as  our  Saviour  inri- 
 mateth  to  Martha3Q\z\\  nor  be 
 taken  awav  from  us.  Let  it 
 not  therefore  I  pray  you(my i 
 honored  good  Ladies)feeme 
 ftrange  5  that  in  the  defire  of 
 rhe  beft  good  to  your  fouler 
 I  prefent  to  your  view,  and 
 infcribe  by  particular  Dedi- 
 cation to  your  LadifhipSjthi 
 enfuing  Bundle  of  Letter t 
 
 par 
 
The  Epifik  Dedicatory. 
 
 partofthewerkesofa  reve- 
 rend Divine,  who  living,  fhi- 
 ned  as  a  bright  Scarre  in  the 
 Church  of  God.  For  1  am 
 perfrvaded,  with  Gods  blef- 
 fing^vhich  is  all  in  all,  that  if 
 you  attentively  reade  this 
 Booke,  you  fhall  finde  many 
 fweet  Motives  to  heavenly- 
 mind  dnefle,  effV&uall  con- 
 federations so  qcalifie  the  bit- 
 ternefie  of  lbrrowDwhich  of- 
 ten befalleth  us  in  this  vale  of 
 Teares;  andlafHy^nofmall 
 attra&ive  to  draw  up  your 
 mindes  from  thefe  vanifhing 
 delights  below  ,  to  thofe 
 hopes  and  joyes  of  an  inheri- 
 tance incorruptible,  undefi- 
 led5thatfadeth  not  away,re- 
 ferved  in  Heaven  for  you.  I 
 will  not  enlarge  my  felfe,  to 
 fpeake  in  commendation  of 
 the  Author  of  thefe  Chriftian 
 
 A  3  Letters \ 
 
 j 
 
1fc*a 
 
 The  Epiftle  Vedtmory. 
 
 Letters^  who  no  marvell  hee 
 (peaketh  tofeverall  points  fo 
 gracioufly.,  who  felt  heavenly 
 ftraines  in  his  Meditations  (b 
 plentifully.  This  prefent 
 Booke  will(as  his  other  Wri- 
 tings have  done)  fpeake  for 
 him  J  doubt  not.ftfficiently, 
 One  part  of  which  hath  been 
 tranfcribed  while  the  Author 
 li  ved,  and  the  Copie  was  not 
 to  bee  had  in  Print,  in  my 
 knowIedge,fuIl  many  a  time^ 
 yea,  hundreds  of  times,  or 
 neerer  a  thoufand  times,  if 
 fbme  godly  perfons  have  not 
 mif-reckoned.  Now,  why  I 
 chnfe  your  Ladifhips  ,  in 
 whofe  name  to  commend 
 this  Worke  to  the  Church  of 
 God  5  though  I  might  al- 
 leadge  other  reafbns,  yet  for 
 the  prefent  ht  this  fuffice, 
 1 'hat. as  you  are  Sifters  in 
 
 na- 
 
 ^w 
 
 "— ■>  ■  '■ 
 
The  Epijik  Dedicatory, 
 
 nature,  fo  you  are  neerer  Si- 
 fters in  grace,  and  therefore 
 well  may  bee  joyned  in  one 
 infer iption,  whom  God  hath 
 linked  in  fo  holy  union.I  will 
 not  by  longer  Preface  hold 
 your  Worships  from  the 
 Booke  it  felfe.  Readeir,my 
 refpe&ed  good  Ladies  5  and 
 the  Lord  give  you  under- 
 flanding  in  all  things.  Febr* 
 22.   1620. 
 
 Tout  Ladifhipf)  readie 
 to  all  fervice  in  the 
 Lord, 
 
 Ez.  Ch. 
 
 .1 
 
 A  4 
 
^*" 
 
 * 
 
 &&&&&&&&&&&&$& 
 «r  •  &  &  o  e*  «*  &  o  o  o  £  o 
 
 CHRISTIAN 
 
 LETTERS: 
 Containing  Divine  Inftra- 
 
 ftions,Ex  hortatlons,  and 
 Coofblatioos. 
 
 Letter    I.  Dite8crj. 
 
 kM 
 
 f^Sggg^OoD  Miftrcffc  5. 
 
 we  muft  not  think 
 ic  ftrange,  wben 
 need  is,to  be  made 
 heaviewichmany 
 sffli&ions  /orchis 
 hath  ever  beene  the  portion  of 
 Gods  Children.,  who  through  ma- 
 ny Tribuluions  have  entrcd  in* 
 to  his  Kingdome.  Hee  that  will 
 not  let  the  fhew  and  livdefle 
 PiftureofGodlineflegoCjWichout 
 affiyln  g  aad  overturning,  how 
 much  more  hach  hce  an  aking 
 Tooth  at  thjc  Grace  which  is  on- 
 
 A  S         fained? 
 
 I 
 
 w^ 
 
faincd?  Wherefore  bee  net  dit  | 
 maied,  if  Changes  and  Armies  of 
 Trials  fhould  fucceed  each  other; 
 rather  re  joy  ce,  thatbyoccaGonof 
 thefe  things,  you  may  fee  your 
 fclfecobcbuildedon  that  Rocke 
 which  none  can  prevaile  againft, 
 though  it  bee  never  fo  afftyled. 
 When  the  Windes  blow,  and 
 Sformes  fall.,  then  wee  may  fee. 
 what  buildirgs  have  fure  Foun- 
 dations :  then  ihofe  that  are  other- 
 wife,cannot  be  hidden.  Our  whole 
 care,v\  hen  temptations  follow  u«, 
 ftardahin  this:  Firft,  wee  rcuft 
 judge  aright  of  them,  and  the  end 
 for  which  Gcd  doth  frnd  th^m  : 
 Secondly ,  wee  nmft  fecke  vtife- 
 domc  and  ftrergth,  which  may 
 make  us  undcrgoe  them,  to  Gods 
 glory,  and  our corrforrs.  A}!  evils 
 which  befall  us  in  (ouk,bodic  and 
 condition,  fhey  are  medrcinahle 
 forrowes  fenc  of  God,  that  the 
 foule  holpen  by  them,  as  by  bitter 
 potions,  might  by  renewed  re* 
 pen;aiiC€  more  and  mure  purge  it 
 
 felfe 
 
QUtfclviS  inaffliliiQns* 
 
 felfe  of  cbac  true  Soule-ficknefle^ 
 that  finne  and  corruption  which 
 dwdlethinit.  If  wee  were  as  in- 
 nocent as  Job-9  yetmuftwehura- 
 b'eour  felvts  under  the  hand  of 
 God,  whenhefendcthadverficies.. 
 V  Vherefore^  in  all  renewed  occa- 
 iL-nsof  chiskinde,  let  us  judge 
 our  felves5and  ^row  more  vile  in 
 our  o wne  eyes  •  that  thus  humbled 
 under  Gods  mighrie  hind  p  wee 
 may  further  acd  further  receive 
 his  grace,  for  the  cxaldng  of  us; 
 Aud  this  is  the  end  of  God^why  he 
 at  miny  times  briogeth  many  and 
 divers  advtriities.Thereafonis: 
 this  exercife  of  a  broken  fpiric 
 may  ftillbee  renewed  tffctfually 
 in  us :  even  as  Phyficians  ,  to 
 bring  away  ficke  matter  more 
 fully  and  fafely,  are  forced  againe 
 and  againe  to  open  the  veine , 
 u  kifig  away  now  fome  bloud,no  w 
 ether  fome,  as  the  partie  mtf 
 btare;  to  doth  God,  not  at  once, 
 but  many  times  bring  away-  this 
 corruption  which  dwelleth  in  us : 
 
 And 
 
 ] 
 
 \ 
 
4 
 
 dfjHBiotts  though  biteer, 
 
 And  as  Phyficians  now  give  one 
 thing,  now  another,  left  naiure, 
 ufed  ftill  to  one  ,  (hould  doc  bee 
 moved  5  fo  God  doth  (bmetimes 
 in  bodie,  fomeiimes  in  minde, 
 fometimesin  our  iftaredealewith 
 us.hecaufe  hce  doth  fee,  that  the 
 longer  wee  arc  ufed  to  this  or  that 
 croife,  the  kffe  it  worketh  with 
 us.  Bat  left  wee  (hould  bee  fwal- 
 lowed  np  of  evils  ,  wee  meft 
 jnyne  witheare  of  humbling  our 
 (elves,  that  wifedome  and  ft* ength 
 which  may  make  us  hopeful!  and 
 joyfull,  even  in  the  middeft  of 
 our  affii<5Uor.$.  The  things  that 
 befall  us,  wee  muft  not  looke  at 
 them  by  outward  appearance,  but 
 wifely  confider  how  they  are 
 changed  in  Chrift,who  hath  taken 
 away  the  poyfon  which  would 
 bee  in  the  evils  wee  fuffer,  and 
 made  them  ferviceable  for  our 
 good.  As  Children,  through  want 
 of  Wifedome ,  are  troubled  at 
 Bug-beares ;  fo  wee  are  much  af- 
 fraid  of  things  which  caanos  hurt 
 
 us. 
 
 mmmmmm 
 
ytt  rphokfome. 
 
 ,Wa 
 
 us.  This  wifedome,  which  doth 
 make  us  truly  to  difcerne  things 
 asinChrifttheyare,dothmakeus 
 comagious  in  bearing  cf  them,  Ic 
 is  betcer  with  ihe  body  when  it 
 feedeth  on  bitter  hearfcxs  which 
 breed  good  bloud,  than  when  it 
 feedeth  on  fweet  meais,  which 
 ingendcr  bitter  vomits  and  mor- 
 tal! fiefceefles,  Agaioe,asall  fwcet, 
 without  any  tart  intermeddled,  is 
 notfopkafing:  To  if  in  the  tenor 
 •  four  lives  wee  (hould  not  (omc- 
 time  know  diftafement,  our  com- 
 rns  would  when  we  enjoy  them 
 beroth'ng fb  taftefull  to  us.  Be. 
 fides,  witedeme  will  tell  us  that 
 thcic  thiogs  come  andgoe  as  the 
 raine  on  cur  cloaths,  which  in  a 
 ,whifcdriem  up,  and  all  is  as  be- 
 fore: fo  when  hca^intlfcis  with 
 us  inthe  evening,  wee  fcc  joy  rc- 
 ai  Hgeven  before  the  morning 
 often.  Did  wee  not  through  falfc 
 glafles  tee  thirgs  otherwise  than 
 they  are,  they  would oot  caft  113 
 downefomuch  as  the  doe.  Wee 
 
 I 
 
 there- 
 
 5 
 
 -+n%+m*f    n    ||  r  I  a» 
 
 H  ■*».»» 
 
 MP 
 
Chrifi  cur  ftrength 
 
 \ 
 
 therefore  wifely  obferving  how  \ 
 many  wayes  the  grace  of  God  our 
 heavenly  father  doth  change  thefe 
 things  into  our  good,  even  as  the 
 art  of  the  Apothecary  doth  make 
 a  poifonfull  Viper  into  a  whole  - 
 Come,  Triacle,  we  muft  choofe  ra- 
 ther aflfli&ion  than  vanity.  Now 
 we  want  ftrength  ,  wee  muft  be- 
 ing confeious  of  it.,  come  to  him, 
 who  maketh  u*  able  to  doe  sH 
 things  through  his  ftrcrgrhenirg 
 of  them,  who  ftrengtheneth  his 
 in  the  inner  man  to  long  fuff*- 
 ranee  with  joyfulneflc,  who  hath 
 faid,  Sjch  as  looke  to  me,  ftull  re- 
 new ftrength.  Our  ftrength  is  to 
 clafpeChrift,  and  hold  to  him  as 
 the  perfon  in  whom  is  all  our 
 ftrength.  TheCofiiesarea  weake 
 creature,  but  they  diggc  in  the 
 rocke,  worke  themfclves  holds 
 under  the  earch  where  they  may 
 beinftfety:  we  are  fet  to  fchoole 
 to  them  to  karne  of  them,  that 
 whereas  we  are  weake,  we  privy 
 to  it,  would  by  faith  worke  our 
 feives 
 
in  all  afflictions. 
 
 \ 
 
 felves  inco  that  Rocke  Chrift  Je- 
 fus,againft  whom  the  gates  of  hell 
 cannot  prevaile.  When  the  Apc- 
 fiks  had  received  bis  fpiric  of 
 firength,  they  made  a  play  of  all 
 their  fufFerings  and  labours;  even 
 as  in  bodily  things  Wee  fee  men 
 that  have  ftrength  and  courage,  a? 
 thefe  porters  and  fuch,  they  will 
 make  a  (port  to  bcare  fueh  bur- 
 thens as  a  weake  creature  would 
 tremble  to  kft  ar.  Want  of  this 
 wifedome and  ftrength,  wha>  voy 
 ces  doe  they  draw  from  us?  Even 
 fuchasthek;  Were  ic  anything, 
 faith  one,but  this,  I  could  hop-  to 
 re ceivc good  from  i  ;  Were  it  a- 
 ny  thing  but  this,  I  could  hope  to 
 beare  ir.  Whereas  did  wee  put  on 
 this  fptfticle  of  wifedome,  wee 
 fhould  tee  that  there  were  no- 
 thing Co  fit  as  this  to  doe  us^ood^ 
 which  Go  c'mftth  toufe  before 
 other.  Did  wee  in  confcicncc  of 
 our  imp  tercy  fteke  to  Chrift  to 
 mike  us  able,  wee  fhould  not 
 doubt  but   to  fiade  ftrcngih  e- 
 
 noagh 
 
 — i.^i 
 
8 
 
 I- 
 
 Cbriji  ourflrengtk. 
 
 nough  whereby  tobeare  that  com- 1 
 \  fortabtyj  which  wee  thioke  moft 
 intolerable.  Wherefore,  as  I 
 know  you  fabjeft  to  (bme  exerci- 
 (cs,(bl  wifliyou  more  and  more 
 communion  with  your  Chrift,  on 
 whom  reftcth  the  fpirit  of  Wile- 
 dome  and  ftrength^ihat  you  may 
 beare  them,yea  be  more  than  con- 
 queror in thenu 
 
 I  doe  defire  to  remember  you 
 with  the  firft  of  thofe  whom 
 God  by  his  providence  hath  en- 
 deared to  roe  above  others.  Being 
 not  fit  to  continue  long  in  wri- 
 ting, with-  my  hearty  commenda- 
 tions and  thanks  for  all  your  love, 
 I  commit  you  to  God. 
 
 Yours  in  Chriflian  affc&ion* 
 
 Faitl  B4jm. 
 
 My 
 
 «MP 
 
 .»■■■»     ■■ 
 
 m  ■    ■  ■ 
 
2.  Hortatory. 
 
 MY  Chriftian  Friend,  being 
 much  indebted  uoto  ycu, 
 for  the  kindnefle  I  hive  received 
 from  you,  I  thought  good  to  let 
 you  fee  that  1  dot  not  altogether 
 forger,  what  I  cannot  fo  fully  as  I 
 would  reqokc:  wfc  cannot  fo  diA 
 charge  this  debt  of  love,  but  that 
 we  mud  ft  ill  ftand  indebted  one  to 
 another.  Now  bethinking  how  I 
 may  bellow  my  felf  for  your  good, 
 I  doe  noc  know  any  meane  more 
 fruitfull ,  than  that  of  Chriftian 
 exhortation,  by  which  wee  pro- 
 voke each  the  other  to  love.Wher- 
 fore  give  mec  leave  to  ftir  you  up, 
 but  to  labour  for  the  prefent  fruit 
 ofyour  affliftion  forcpaffed,and  to 
 prepare  your  felfe  againft  future 
 tryalsj  if  God  fhouldbe  pleated  to 
 prove  your  patience  yet  further  in 
 time  to  come.  Wee  (ee  the  earth 
 then  having  endured  the  nipping 
 ftorme8  of  the  Winrer  feafon  ,  it 
 commcth  to  receive  into  herbo- 
 fomc  the  beames  of  the  Sunne 
 
 now 
 
10  Deliverance  from  AffliUion 
 
 now  more  approached^the  earth  I 
 (ay  before  fuitIefle,doth  put  forth 
 and  become  fruitfull :  thus  wce^ 
 chough  in  the  winter  of  our  temp- 
 tation,whi!e  the  favour  of  GO  D 
 feemeth  to   have   forfiken  us, 
 chough  in  this  taking  we  finde  it 
 enough  to  doe  to  keepe  life  at  the 
 root ,  yet  when  now  Gcd  doth 
 warme  our  hearts  with  the  fcnfe 
 of  his  love,  which  is  better  than 
 life  it  felfe^  then  we  muft  labour  to 
 put  forth  both  bud  and  bloffome, 
 yea  to  bee  filled  with  the  fruits  of 
 tighteoufheffir,  which  arc  to  the 
 praife  of  God  through  Jefus  Cbrift. 
 I  When  the  Devil!  cannot  longer 
 hinder  our  deliverance  out  of  any 
 evill,  yet  he  will  labour  to  keepe 
 us  without  underftanding  hearts, 
 that  wee  fliall  not  bee  able  to  ac- 
 knowledge God  in  that  hee  hath 
 wrought  for  us:  by  which  meane 
 the  fbuie  is  kept  from  being  bet- 
 tered by  that  it  hath  received.  If 
 with  our  hearts  wee  underftand 
 not  the  loving  kindneffc  and  faith- 
 
 fuIneflTe 
 
i 
 
 fulutfle  which  God  hath  (hewed 
 coward  as,  then  cur  love  to  him 
 will  not  be  increafed.,  for  we  love 
 him,  beaufe  we  finde  him  ro  have 
 loved  us  firft ;  our  faith  will  not 
 be  ftrengthened,  if  wee  have  not 
 obfcrved  how  crufty  the  Lord  is 
 to  all  that  beleeve  in  him  :  for  this 
 growth  we  take  in  knowing  God 
 by  his  word  and  works  5  this  doth 
 make  us  grow  in  bcleeving  on 
 him  according  to  thar,They  who 
 know  thee  .,  will  truft  in  thee. 
 Wherefore  this  being  an  enter- 
 prize  of  Satan,  when  hee  cannot 
 defeat  us  of  good  things,  then  to 
 keepe  us,if  ir  b?  poflible/rora  the 
 fpiriiuall  fruit  of  them,  let  us  bee 
 wifctofeeke  untoGodwho  hath 
 (aid,!  am  he  that  teacheth  thee  to 
 prcfit,that  he  would  be  pleafed  to 
 give  us  his  fpirir,which  may  teach 
 us  to  know  what  hee  hath  done 
 for  us.  If  this  bee  obtained,  then 
 the  benefit  will  follow,  both  of 
 our  trials  and  deliverance:  Oar 
 finncfhallbe  more  purged  out  of 
 
 us, 
 
us ,  our  graces  (hall  bee  more 
 ftrengchened ,  yea  they  fhall  bee 
 morea&iveandftirringm  us,  ma- 
 king us  more  ready  to,  atid  plenti- 
 ful! in  every  good  word  and  work 
 rban  beforctimes  w?e  havebeene. 
 Thele are  the  chiefe  ends  for  which 
 God  fendcth  all  our  vifications  : 
 as  the  end  of  bi'tcr  potions  is  to 
 purge  forth  ficke  matter  from  the 
 body  5  (b  all  our  griefs  tent  of 
 God,  are  medicinabk  bitteroeflfe 
 to  deanfc  our  foules.  Now  as  tb« 
 faculties  are  ftrengthened  in  us 
 when  we  are  rid  of  fach  ficke  ha- 
 moursas  did  fo  offend  them,  (b  all 
 the  graces  are  the  more  confirmed 
 by  how  much  finne  is  more  remo- 
 ved. In  the  third  place,  a  bodie, 
 when  ficknes  doth  not  weaken  the 
 faculties  of  ir,  is  full  of  motion, 
 found  bodies  love  to  bee  ftirring, 
 especially  if coldneffe  doe  not  be- 
 numme  the  members  and  make 
 them  unfit  for  motion.  Thus  the 
 foule,  when  God  hath  fcattered 
 the  cares  a-nd  lufts  which  did  op- 
 
 prefie 
 
andfoftrengthens  Grace* 
 
 13 
 
 prefle  it,  and  by  his  love  fted  into 
 ic,  diflblred  that  frozen  coldnefl? 
 which  is  an  eneaay  to  heavenly 
 aftion,  then  ic  doth  in  1o*q  and 
 zealetohis  glory  beftirre  it  lelfe 
 diligently,  both  in  the  duties  of 
 the  gcnerall  calling  of  Chrifti- 
 ans,and  the  particular  callings  in 
 which  wearefci  refp^ft  ofour  out- 
 ward condition,  Thefc  being  the 
 fruits  which  fhould  follow  affli- 
 6tion,  give  diligence  to  find  them 
 in  you  more  and  more  :  ic  is  the 
 feale  of  that  elcftion  and  calling 
 by  Gcd,  according  to  the  purpofe 
 of  life,  when  you  feele  that  things 
 vvorke  thus  together  for  your 
 good.  Every  bafemetall  maybe 
 patintothe  tire,  but  that  which 
 abideth  ia  it  and  commeth  forth 
 more  rt  fined  by  k,thac  is  precious 
 and  of  much  account.  Every  man 
 may  bee  put  into  the  furnace  of 
 aflfliftion,but  if  wee  endure  cha- 
 ftifements  and  come  forth  more 
 and  more  purged  by  meanes  of 
 them,  then  it  is  a  fure  fignc  we  are 
 
 veflels 
 
14 
 
 Prtparalion  for  evill timet 
 
 .«-*- 
 
 vtflel*  of  Silver,  and  vctfels  of 
 Gold,  ordained  ofGodco  glory 
 everlafting. 
 
 Now  I  come  to  tbat  fecond 
 taske,  I  did  undertake  of  provo- 
 king you  to  prepare  againft  times 
 to  come.  Though  great  fickneflcs 
 breed  fometime  long  health ,  yet 
 it  is  true  on  the  other  fide,  that  no 
 winde  but  may  blow  raine  when 
 God  is  fo  pleafed  ,  no  ftate  fo 
 calme  which  may  notfoone  turne 
 tempeftuous3  ftiould  not  the  Lord 
 bee  more  gracious.  The  Divell, 
 when  now  God  hath  made  us  get 
 the  upper  hand  of  fbme  grievous 
 temptation,  doth  lie  in  ambufh, 
 and  bend  all  his  forces  to  draw 
 us  into  pride,  at  leaft  into  fecurity 
 and  preemption  touching  things 
 which  may  hereafter  befall.  Whcr- 
 fore  feeke  to  God  to  make  you 
 ready  for  every  thing  wherewith 
 he  (hall  try  you.  In  peace  we  pre- 
 pare for  warre:  wearing  a  weapon 
 docb  not  make  a  man  the  fooncr 
 let  on,  nay   it  preventeth  this 
 
 danger 
 
juvjjcs  profitable* 
 
 danger  (bmetimes,  and  alwayes 
 makes  a  man  ready  ce  defend  him- 
 fclfc  when  he  is  affailed.  God  doth 
 fee  us  to  learne  of  the  Ant  this 
 poin t  of  Wifdome : that  fm  all  crea- 
 ture gatherech  and  hoordethfood 
 in  Summer,  which  may  befuffici- 
 ent  in  winter  feafbn  :  and  when 
 we  have  that  providence  in  Sum- 
 mer to  make  proviiion  of  Hay  and 
 fodder  for  our  beafts  againft  their 
 need^  how  fliould  we  be  worthy 
 rebuke,  if  wee  fliould  not  now  in 
 peace  ftoreupin  our  hearts  thofe 
 things  which  may  bee  ufefull  and 
 hclpfulltousintimeof  our  trou- 
 ble? Now  this  praftife  ftandeth  in 
 three  things  chiefely.  Firft  Jn  gee 
 ting  a  watchful  (agacity,by  which 
 our  (boles  doe  difcerne  aforehand 
 what  kind  of  events  and  exerciies 
 they  are  fubjeft  unto  in  this  vale 
 of  ceares.  Secondly ,in  learning  by 
 due  confiderations,  to  know  how 
 wanting  we  are  in  wifedomc,how 
 weake  in  regard  of  tfnc  ftrength 
 which  maketh  us  able  to  ftand 
 
 when 
 
 15 
 
i5 
 
 Faith  in  Cbrift>tbe 
 
 when  wee  are  tryed.  Thirdly3In 
 flying  to  God  by  faith ,  holding 
 him,  as  who  hath  beene,  i$,  and 
 mcft  be,  the  rocke  of  our  fa!  viri- 
 on :  looking  to  Chrift  the  author 
 andfiniflKrofou'faich,  who  hath 
 received  thiscommandemeot  from 
 his  father,  that  he  would  not  only 
 call  us  and  briogusinto  the  ftate 
 of  grace  ,  but  fccepe  us  in  it  and 
 raifeusupattheLftday :  who  is 
 a  great  Saviour  >  keeping  his  (as 
 Trf#/faith)from every  evillwork,  i 
 to  his  heavenly  kingdome.  Now 
 when  by  faith  wee  thus  hang  oo 
 God  our  Siviour,  then  we?  are, 
 as  it  wercio  aftroDgTower,wher. 
 in  the  gates  of  hell  (hall  not  b?e 
 able  to  hurt  us,  much  tefle  to  pre- 
 vaile  againft  us,  God  doth  fee  us 
 to  fchoole  to  the  Conies,  that  of 
 them  we  might  learne  this  leflon : 
 they  are  a  weak^timorous  creature, 
 yet  they  have  this  wifedome  to 
 worke  themfelves  holes  in  the 
 earth ,  burrowes  to  which  they 
 may  reiuruc  for  (h  Jccrjand  though 
 
 ^cy  I 
 
' 
 
 Reck^of  our  Salvttio*< 
 
 l     *7 
 
 they  goeoutfometimes,  yet  they 
 dill  returns  ever  and  anon  unto 
 their  holds.  Oh,  (b  rauft  wee, 
 confcious  of  our  weaknefle ,  by 
 faith  worke  oar  felves  into  the 
 Rocke  Chrift  lefts*  and  though 
 (bmetime  wee  are  abroad ,  as  it 
 were,  in  many  other  matters,  yet 
 wee  muft  ftill  returne  and  renew 
 our  beltcfe  towards  hire,  I  may 
 not  profecute  theft  things.  The 
 Lord  teach  you  by  his  Spirit  fb  to 
 acquaint  your  fclfc  with  him,  that 
 you  may  with  much  more  confi- 
 dence and  boldnefle  refortto  him 
 in  all  your  ntceflities.  Moreover, 
 I  have  fent  you  a  Soltloqitiey  which 
 I  did  longfince  pen,  that  ic  might 
 bee  an  Introduction ,  leading  by 
 the  hand  a  wcll-difpofed  Chriftian 
 to  take  up  a  forme  of  wcrds  be- 
 tween God  and  his  foule  for  the 
 increafc  of  his  dcvotion.Thus  with 
 my  hearts  deftre  to  Gcd  for  you,  I 
 take  my  leave. 
 
 B 
 
 77;. 
 
i8 
 
 >•■* 
 
 Temf  fattens  rvorke  fir  good 
 
 3.  Confblatory. 
 
 The  God  ofconfolation  andcompaf- 
 fion  be  withyoH)  my  good  and  lo- 
 ving Sifttr  ,  and  rcmaine  with 
 jot*  for  ever. 
 
 I  Know  not  whether  I  ftiould 
 write  of  gratulation  unto  you, 
 and  thanksgiving  unto  God  for 
 your  deliverance,  or  clfc  of  fbme 
 comfort  again  ft  your  troubles,  if 
 you  yet  rcmainc  in  them:  Confi- 
 dcring  the  Lords  ordinary  dea- 
 ling, if  you  be  not  already  delive- 
 red, your  deliverance  cannot  bee 
 farreoff.  But  forafmuch  as  the 
 wayes  of  God  with  his  children 
 are  diver?,  w  hofe  fteps  wee  can  no 
 more  find  out,  than  know  the  way 
 in  the  aire  where  the  bird  hath 
 flowne ;  I  know  not  whether  hee 
 will  hold  you  in  the  Schoole  of 
 your  grievous  temptations.  Well, 
 lam  affured  that  the  iflue  (hall  bee 
 good,  aflured  alio  that  the  length 
 and  grievoufhefle  of  them,  (hall 
 Accordingly  addc  unto  the  weight 
 
 and 
 
 -~*^ 
 
 ■>!    * 
 
to  them  that  ftan  God.  1 9 
 
 and  fhining   brightncire  of  the 
 Crowne  which  in  Chrift  lefts  is 
 prepared  for  you :  affiired  finally 
 chat    the  comfort    which  thofe 
 which  are5or  (hall  be  cemp:ed,wi)l 
 bee  much  the  ftrongerand  deeper, 
 as  they  (hall  underftand  chat  you 
 which  have  beene  fo  long  and  fo 
 fharply  exercifed,  were  atthclaft 
 io  gracioufly  delivered.  Be  there- 
 fore of  !',ood  comfort  (my  good 
 Sifter)  although  the  Lord  plunge 
 you  into  the  Ssa,  yet  he  will  goe 
 downe  with  you  thither  to  keepe  j 
 you,  tint  you  (hall  not  bee  drow- 
 ned :  although  you  pafle  thorow 
 chefire3you  (hall  not  beeconfu- 
 tr.eJ,beciufe  he  is  with  you:  al- 
 though hec  leadc  you  from  one 
 Seatoacother3yectheLord  which 
 commands  both  the  teas  and  the 
 fire  (  as  all  other  creatures)  frill, 
 for  his  dearc  Sonnes  fake,  worke 
 that  fire  nor  water  fhall  not  onely 
 noc  hurt  you,  but  profit  you  in  fi- 
 ning you  more  and  more  from 
 the  droffc  of  finne,  and  wafhing 
 B  2  yo  i 
 
 > 
 
20 
 
 Temptations  cannot  hurt.        \ 
 
 you  from  the  common  filth  of 
 the  remnants  of  finnc  which  arc 
 in  you.  What  doe  Ifay  that  he  will 
 be  with  you  in  fire  and  water  ?  Ic 
 is  bat  a  fmall  thing  in  his  eyes.  If 
 you  were  brought  to  the  gates  9f 
 hell;  If  hell  gates  had  (hue  her 
 mouth  upon  you ,  yec  there  his 
 hand  will  be  with  you,  and  from 
 thence  his  arme  will  deliver  you. 
 Yea,  if  hell  had  fwallowed  you 
 up  into  her  bowels,  yet  it  muft  in 
 deipite  of  it  render  you  up  againe: 
 Her  ftomackc  cannot  long  hold 
 you,  no  more  than  the  great  moa- 
 ftrous  Whale  could  brooke \lo*4s3 
 which  if  hee  had  light  upon  the 
 wicked  Mariners,  hee  would 
 have  devoured  and  digefted  twen- 
 ty of  them  in  lefle  (pace.  And  this 
 is  indeed  the  promife  of  our  Savi- 
 our, tMatth.  6.  That  hell  gates 
 fliall  not  prevaile  againft  you. 
 They  (hall  fight  againft  you,  but 
 fliall  not  prevaile.  Whereof  I 
 wrote  unto  you,  for  that  our 
 fiiend  Mafter  C.  wrote  unto  rae, 
 
 that 
 
7)ifiruji  &  refnfall  of  comfort  a  fin. 
 
 21 
 
 that  fince  my  laft  letters  you  have 
 bcene  terribly  fhaken  by  a  forci- 
 ble Tempeft  which  the  Enemie 
 hath  ftirred  op  againft  you,  wher- 
 vvkh  hee  had  railed  fuch  a  dufi  in 
 your  eyes,  that  ycu  had  in  your 
 judgement  loft  all  fight  of  the 
 grace  and  goodnefle  of  God 
 in  lefts  Chrift.  Butbcnotdifimi- 
 ed>my  Sifter,  for  my  part  I  am  in 
 good  hope  that  even  as  a  little  be- 
 fore day-breake  the  darknefie  is 
 greateft :  fo  thefe  grand  Piece? 
 which  hee  kcepcih  in  ftore  until] 
 the  cafe  be  defperate,  be,  with  the 
 clappesthey  give,  and  mifts  they 
 fend  forth,  meffer  gers  of  your  de- 
 liverance,  which  is  before  ihe 
 doore.  The  truth  is,  that  as  to  be- 
 leeveGod  to  be  your  merciful!  Fa- 
 ther, is  a  precious  thing  before 
 God,  (b  to  doubt  of  his  goodnrffc 
 towards  ns,is  a  great  finnc.  When 
 further  wee  refufe  the -comforts 
 and  admonitions  that  bee  offe- 
 red out  of  his  Word,  the  finnc  is 
 yet  increafed.     If  blasphemous 
 
 B  5  words 
 
 -~~i 
 
21 
 
 Cjods  mercy  in  Cbrifi  infinite, 
 
 [ 
 
 words  efcape  us,  yet  fiune  ii  made 
 one  ftaire  higher.  If  your  finnes 
 for  the  height  of  them,  reach  the 
 very  hcavcns,3nd  for  their  breadth 
 fprcad  themfelves  from  South 
 to  North,  and  their  length  from 
 Eaftto Weft:  yet  the  rrerciei  of 
 the  Lord  our  God  in  lefus  Chrift 
 ovcr-r'ach  them  every  way.  For 
 u  pon  us  all jthat  are  thus  over  f  aken 
 by  Satan,  ic  is  alfo  verified,  which 
 the  Apoftle  faith;  chat  where  finne 
 doth  abound  3  there  grace  doth 
 more  than  abound.  Thcfe  large 
 promifes  hath  the  Lord  made  us 
 to  our  everhfting  comfort,  which 
 he  hath  fct  out  by  the  meafure  of 
 the  obedience  and  fuflL-rings  of 
 hisdeare  Sonne  lefus  Chrifr,  the 
 height,  and  breadth,  and  length 
 whereof  (as  you  know)  is  infinite,, 
 not  onely,  becaufe  hee  was  in  fuch 
 anguifti  of  minde  for  us,  that 
 through  griefe  hee  fweat( which 
 was  never  heard  ofydropsof  bloud 
 which  came  from  him,  and  cryed, 
 My  God,  my  God,  why  haft  thou 
 
 for. 
 
1 
 
 a  gnat  Comfort  to  great  fivners. 
 
 forfiken  me?  but  alfofor  that  his 
 obedience  is  the  obedience  of  the 
 eternall  God,  and  for  that  his  fuf- 
 ferings  are  not  onely  the  fuffe- 
 ringsofa  mortal!  man^  but  of  the 
 immortallGod;,  which  as  the  A- 
 poftlefmb,  with  (bedding  of  his 
 owre  bloud  redeemed  us :  not 
 that  the  Go  ihead  could  (offer  the 
 fheddingof  bloud^but  becaufe  of 
 thcunfpestkablc  unity  of  the  two 
 Natures,  bound  together  in  one 
 perfonj  that  which  was  done  to 
 Chrifttheman,  i%  toourfinguhr 
 eomfort,  laid  to  bee  done  of  the 
 etcmallGodr 
 
 Now  for  the  keeping  of  our 
 pare,  which  we  have  in  the  obe- 
 dience and  fufferings  of  our  Savi- 
 our Chrift,you  muftjrurn  your  ek  s 
 frcm  your  frtfr9  at;d  from  your 
 owne  workes, unto  the  EIe6Vion 
 and  calling  c  f  God.  For  as  the 
 Lord  faveth  u$3  not  becaufe  of  our 
 good  workes,  bee  they  never  Co 
 mar.y :  fb  hee  will  not  condemne 
 us  his  Children ,  becaufe  of  our 
 
 evill 
 
 23 
 
*4 
 
 ^r— i.fc      M 
 
 TLUUion  the  ground  of  Gods  love. 
 
 cvill  works,be  they  never  (b  great. 
 Hereunto  the  Lord  callcth  us  by 
 the  Prophet  Efaj,  chap#45.  where 
 dealing  with  the  rebellious  Israe- 
 lites, he  faith,  for  Hrael  his  cho- 
 fen  fake,  and  becaufe  they  were 
 called  by  his  name,  be  would  con- 
 firme  them,  and  doc  them  good : 
 becauie faith  he,  I  loved  thee,  and 
 becaufc  thou  were  precious  ia 
 mine  eyes,  and  becaufc  I  cfleemed 
 thee,  I  will  doc  this  and  this  for 
 thee:  as  if  he  would  fay  ,although 
 thou  lovedft  not  raee ,  nor  eftec- 
 medft  not  me*  As  for  the  Lords 
 calling  towards  you  whereby  (as 
 by  a  ladder)you  may  climb  fafely 
 unto  the  couniell  of  Gcd  co  know 
 your  EIeftion,and  what  his  fecrcc 
 decree  of  you  was  before  the 
 world  was  made,  I  referre  you  to 
 that  which  I  wrote  to  you  before; 
 the  markes  are  many  and  cercaine 
 in  you,  you  ncede  not ,  I  wis,  to 
 hare  had  Co  many  and  long  temp- 
 tations: to  have  thrown  you  head- 
 long into  cvcrlafting  defpaire,  if 
 
 you 
 
 ;=-= 
 
Grate  voorkfith  not  aUkfi  alw^jum  I       25 
 
 you  had  not  belonged  to  the  Lord. 
 For  as  the  Children  of  God  are 
 
 conquerors  over  many  temptati- 
 ons, (o  one  onely  temptation  (and 
 chat  a  ftiort  one)  is  able  to  finke 
 the  ftoutcft  among  the  Repro- 
 bates into  the  bottomlefle  pit  of 
 hell.  Neither  rouft  you  think  that 
 the  grace  of  God  worketh  al  waies 
 alike  in  his  Children.   When  you 
 walke  in  the  fields  at  winter,  you 
 fee  not  onely  no  good  fruity  but 
 not  fo  much  as  a  leafe  on  the 
 Trcesj  inibme  alfbrhe  very  trunk 
 or  ftocke  appeareth  to  be  dcad,yet 
 is  the  fappe  hidden  in  the  root3 
 which  in  due  time  will  ftiewthat 
 the  tree  was  never  dead.Howbeit, 
 I  need  not  lead  you   into  the 
 fields,  you  have  an  example  at 
 home  within  yourdoores:   For, 
 when  yom  fire  is  raked  up,  there 
 appeareth   oftentimes  a   fert  of 
 cold  and  deadafhes,  when  there 
 are  underneath  certaine  fparkes, 
 ]  of  which  you   may  afterward 
 mkkeafirct  And  fuchmheefute 
 
 B5  of 
 
 mmmm 
 
1 
 
 26 
 
 Cods  Children  brought  to  great 
 
 of  the  Children  of  God  ,.  when 
 through  thefinncs  they  doe  com- 
 mit, and  wherein  oftentimes  they 
 flecpea  great  while,  they  appeare 
 unto  men  as  forfaken  of  God, 
 and  remcdileffe.  How  much  more 
 ought  you  to  bee  of  good  com- 
 fort, in  whom  the  Lord  hath 
 fet  fuch  notes  of  your  etcrnall 
 falvation  in  Jefus  Chrift,  that  all 
 the  ftnoke  which  the  enemy  hath 
 caft  out,  cannot  take  away  the 
 fight  of  them  from  us,  or  once  fo 
 much  as  bring  us  in  doubt  of  it  >  I 
 grant  you  your  (elves  think  other- 
 wife  •  but  as  in  ficke  pcrfonswee 
 fteitcommethtopaffe,  that  they 
 thinke  there  is  no  hope  of  life  y 
 when  the  Phyfician  and  fianders 
 by  fee  certaine  acid  undoubted  to* 
 kens  of  health :  So  is  ic  oftentimes 
 in  theft  fpirituall  fickaelks.  You 
 fee  David  through  the  affliftions 
 which  the  Lord  ftnt  upon  him, 
 J  wreftled  oftentimes  with  despe- 
 ration, was  oft  brought  into! 
 doubt  of ;  his  falvation  3  as  ypu  | 
 
 **ay  1 
 
doubts  of  tbtir  falvttion. 
 
 may  reade  in  the  42.43.77.and  88. 
 TjW/Bf/.Whcreyou  (hall  perceive 
 that  he  conceived  of  God,as  of  one 
 in  extreme  anger  and  rage  with 
 him^as  of  one  that  had  forgotten 
 him,and  had  taken  his  mercy  from 
 him.  There  are  al(b  (I  grant)  voy- 
 cesof  hope  mingled  with  them, 
 tecaufe  in  one  and  the  felfe-fame 
 Pfalme,  hee  changeth  the  whole 
 courfe  of  hisMeditationSjhowhe 
 floated,  now  up,  now  downe,now 
 funke,as  it  were,  in  thencathcr- 
 moft  hell,  now  appearing  and 
 (hewing  his  head  above  the  waters 
 againe.  The  Son  of  God  himfelfe 
 through  extreme  anguifti  was  (as 
 I  (aid)  brought  to  aske  of  God 
 why  he  had  forfaken  him  I  If  the 
 force  of  Temptations  could  bring 
 him  which  had  no  finne  of  his 
 owne,  and  was  the  onely  beloved 
 of  God,  and  which  had  received 
 thefpirit  of  fortitude  above  mea- 
 fare,  to  fuch  a  hard  exigent  and 
 terrible  conflift,  we  ought  not  ta 
 raaryelLif  the  Children  of  God, 
 
 which 
 
 « 
 
which  have  fionc  dwelling  in 
 their  mortall  bodies ,  which  are 
 not  beloved  for  themfelvcs,  but 
 for  his  fake  alone,  and  which  have 
 received  butafetvdroppesof  the 
 Spirit  (whereof  he  had  the  whole 
 Sea)  bee  fometimes  plunged  over 
 head  and  eares.  And  wherefore 
 did  onr  Saviour  overcome  that 
 fearefull  conflift  of  temptation^ 
 but  that  it  ffcould  be  our  medicine 
 when  wee  arc  overcome  of  ic  ? 
 Wherefore  in  this  moft  great  cc  n~ 
 fli&did  he  not  only  reraine  faith 
 in  his  heart,  but  in  calling  him  his 
 Lord,  proftffed  it  before  men 
 wiih  his  mouthy  but  that  it  fhould 
 be  our  remedie,  when  wenotone- 
 lyfeeleno  faith  inwardly  in  our 
 hearr^but  deny  alfb  outwardly  be* 
 fore,  men  with  our  mouth ,  ttm 
 we  have  any  hope  in  him  ?  There- 
 fore our  Saviour  Chrift  in  S.  John 
 placeth  not  our  comfort  in  that 
 we  our  felves  have  overcome,  but 
 biddeth  his  Difciples  bee  of  good 
 €hearea  becaufc  hechad  overcome 
 
 the 
 
againft  temptations* 
 
 the  World;  that  is  to  fay,  all  con- 
 trary power  to  the  will  of  God. 
 Therefore  alfo  S.  Iohn  in  his  firft 
 Epiftle  fikh,That  our  Faith  is  that 
 whereby  we  overcome  theWorld: 
 not  onely,  becaufe  through  Faith 
 we  vanquifh  the  Temptation^  but 
 efpecially,becaufe  we  by  it5as  by  a 
 Hand ,  apprehend  the  righteouf- 
 nefle  and  viftory  of  Chrift,  as  a  fi- 
 tisfa&ionofthat  wherein  we  have 
 plaicd  the  cowards.  Asforintcm- 
 perate  /peeches  ( if  any  were)  it  is 
 (b  to  be  con fidercd, that  they  were 
 notfpoken  (as  theyfty)  in  cold 
 bloud,and  of  a  malicious  purpofe, 
 but  in  a  paffion,  and  of  a  troubled 
 and  a  broylcd  minde,  which  the 
 encmie,  when  hee  hath  you  upon 
 the  wracke,  wringeth  out  of  you. 
 And  not  onlyftch  fpeeches^but 
 even  fome  kinde  of  Blafphemie 
 againft  the  Sonne  of  God^  the  Son 
 of  God  himfclfe  forgiveth.  Effe5 
 I  pray  yoi^what  (hould  become  of 
 the  holy  man/^which  opened  his 
 mouth  fo  wide  of  God;  all  which 
 
 curies. 
 
 29 
 
 J 
 
ao  Cr^/  dedreft  children  impatient. 
 
 curfts,  fent  out  agiinft  rhe  crea- 
 tures of  God,  returned  upon  the 
 Creator  bimfdfe?  And  although  in 
 the  beginning  he  opened  his  mout  h 
 againft  the  Lord,  as  it  were,aflope 
 andindire&lyofinjuftice,  as  may 
 appeare  both  by  his  difcourfef,  & 
 by  the  Lords  owne  anfwer,  which 
 hec  maketh  in  the  end.  Of  the 
 which  man  3  notwithftanding  all 
 this,  note  ( I  befeech  you  )  what 
 S.  lames  faithjCbap.  5,  Tort  have 
 heard  (faith  he)  of  the  patient  man 
 Job.  Here  you  fee  that  heecalleth 
 him  fo,  notwithftanding  all  his 
 frowardneffe  againft  his  friends, 
 (which  were  good  men,aad  came 
 of  good  will,  although  they  were 
 not  in  every  point  fo  well  advifed) 
 notwithftanding  all  his  impatience 
 againft  God  inwardly,  notwith- 
 ftanding all  his  accusations  and 
 curfes  open!y,which  proceeded  of 
 impatience.  Ifyouaskchowthefe 
 can  (land  togetherjthey  Sand  well: 
 forafmuch  as  the  Lord  forgiving 
 and  covering  hi*  impatience  in 
 
 1&* 
 
Cbriftmzkj  eve*  between  God  &  us  ;       31 
 
 -  i 
 
 Jefu$Ghrift,reckoneth  with  him 
 as  if  he  had  fpunnc  (fb  to  fpeake) 
 an  even  thred  of  his  patience  all 
 the  time  of  his  Tcmptation>wher  - 
 as  notwithftanding  hec  made  fo 
 many  knots,  and  brake  his  thred 
 fo  often.  Even  fo  (good  SifterJ 
 will  he  deale  wch  you  :  for  par* 
 dening  all    your    incQnfiderate 
 fpeeches,he  will  make  his  account 
 with  ycuforJefusChrifts  fake,  as 
 if  you  had  prayed  to  him,and  pra> 
 fed  his  Name,  at  the  dayes  of  your 
 remptation*  If  (brne  one  which 
 had  borne  you  good  will,  and  fpo- 
 ken  much  good  of  you,  deceived 
 by  cvill  company,  (hotild  happen 
 afterward  to  revile  you ;  I  would 
 askc  you  this  Q^eiiion  ,  Whe- 
 rhery  if  fuch  a  one  were  forrow^ 
 full  for  hisfaulr,  you  would  for- 
 give him  or  no  ?  When  you  exa- 
 mine your  ownConfcicnce  herdiij 
 I  dare anfwer  for  you,  you  would 
 not  refufe  him,  nor  tumc  your 
 face  from  him.  Shall  you,  which 
 havcj  in  companion,  but  afparkc 
 !  of 
 
..     I 
 
 32 
 
 I 
 
 J14m  merciful!,  Cjodmuch  more. 
 
 -+* 
 
 oflove,(hcwthismercie;  and  not 
 the  Lord,who  is  nothing  elf  e  but  a 
 fire  of  Charitie  towards  them  that 
 cry  him  mercie,and  as  the  Apoftle 
 Saint  John  faith j  Charitie  ic  fclfe  ? 
 Shall  your  fpark  confirme  the  for- 
 feit againft  you,  and  (hall  not  the 
 bone  fire  of  the  love  of  God  in  le- 
 fts Chriftj  dry  and  licke  up  yours  ? 
 Shall  the  cooling  and  refrefhtng 
 waters  of  roercie  and  companion 
 bee  foand  in  a  little  Channel],  and 
 the  Fountaine  &Head-fpring  from 
 whence  itcomraetb,be  dry  ?  Con- 
 sidering ,  that  in  this  relpeft,  the 
 Lords  cogitations  are  as  farre  dif- 
 ferent from  ours,  as  Heaven  from 
 the  Earth,  And  the  truth  is,  that 
 the  Lordhath  therefore  taught  us 
 to  pray5  Forgive  m  our  trefpijfei,as 
 m  forgive  them  that  trefpajfe  agamji 
 m ;  to  this  endjtha t  when  wc  feelc 
 our  bowels  of  coropaffion  opened 
 to  thoft  which  offend  againft  us, 
 We  mighttake  that  as  a  fare  pledge 
 and  undoubted  token  of  the  for- , 
 givcaeffe  of  all  our  finnes^  how 
 
 _ g«| 
 
Chriftian  love  edifies. 
 
 great  fbever  they  be.Therefore  to 
 make  an  end  where  I  bfgan,  Beef 
 good  comfortjdeare  Sifter,you  arc 
 the  Lords,you  have  coft  the  Sonne 
 of  God  too  dearea  price,,  to  bee  a 
 caft-away. 
 
 4.  Monitory. 
 
 LOving  Coufin,  ic  is  my  defirc, 
 while  our  lives  are  joyntly 
 continued  in  this  flefh ,  to  teftifie 
 my  Chriftian  love  to  you  in  fiich 
 dacics  as  tend  to  build  you  up  in 
 your  holy  Faich  :  it  is  a  common 
 debt,  but  yet  fuchas  we  owe  one 
 another  fo  much  more  abundantly, 
 by  how  much  we  are  linked  more 
 n  rerdy.  I  have  thought  fomctime, 
 tint  I  would  not  bee  fo  backward 
 tothisbufineffc;  but  then  ic  hath 
 come  unto  my  minde,  that  you  are 
 well  able  to  draw  on  others.  A- 
 gaine ,  becaufe  I  know  not  the 
 things  which  in  yourconfl&ing 
 courfemoftoppofeyou,  whether 
 wants  of  Graces,  or  prcfence  of 
 evill  Lawes  within  us ;  becaufe  I 
 knew  not  theft  particulars,  I  (aid 
 
 with 
 
34 
 
 Hunger  after  Grace  the  figne  of 
 
 with  my  felfe  ,  I  (hall  but  fhoot 
 without  a  marke>  and  fit  a  fhoo  to 
 3  foot  I  know  not.  To  what  pur- 
 pofe  fhall  I  wrire>   Indeed,  wee 
 cannot  prefcribe  fo  pertinently , 
 who  know  not  the  cftate  exaftly ; 
 and  we  prevent  our  felves  in  tbefe 
 fruits  of  Iove5who  make  norelati- 
 on,and  pcrfonall  rcporr,nei:her  in 
 letter^  nor  by  word  of  mouth  3 
 which  might  helpethcfe  that  mi- 
 nifter  to  us:but  halfe  a  Cake5is  bet- 
 ter than  no  bread;  and  a  general!, 
 fafe,  and  profitable  praftife  muft 
 not  be  negle&edjbecaufe  we  fee  a 
 morefruhfull  ccurftj  which  wee 
 cannot  aitaine.To  come  then  once 
 againe  unto  you  in  general],  till  I 
 (hall  know  fome  specialties ,  to 
 which  I  might  fpeak  morefor  your 
 advant3ge;therc  is  good  hopr3that 
 body  wil!  doe  well,  which  hath 
 the  ftomack  right  affe&cd  :Hunger 
 is  a  figne  of  healch ;  fo  that  foule 
 which  hungercth  and  thirfteth  af- 
 ter righteouftes,  there  is  no  feare , 
 but  it  (hallbee  welUiking,  and 
 
 profper. 
 
a  heahhfullfiule.  -Motives  to  it. 
 
 55 
 
 ^w 
 
 profper#I  will  therefore  cndcvour 
 to  give  a  (purre  toyour/pirituall 
 [appetite,  that  you  may  come,  by 
 meanesof  ir,tobe  filled  with  the 
 fulneffc  of  God,with  the  replenish- 
 ment of  his  grace.  Now  as  in  the 
 body, when  the  ftomack  feeleth  the 
 empuacfie&  (licking  of  other  parts 
 whofenourifhment  is  waftedjthen 
 it  furrhcr  craveth:  fo,  when  the 
 foule  doth  feele  how  errptie  it  feJf 
 is  of  grace,  then  the  appetite  of  it 
 is  edged.Wherfore  think  with  me, 
 how  wanting  you  are  in  theft 
 points  following,  that  fo  you  may 
 bee  (harper  fet  upon  thofe  graces 
 wherofyou  feel  your  (elf  fo  empty. 
 Firft  confidcr,how  farre  you  are 
 (hort  of  glorifying  God  as  you 
 ought :  We  (hould  fan&ifie  him  in 
 our  hearts, words,  and  works,  up- 
 on all  occafions,&  it  (hould  grieve 
 us  to  Hre  him  difhonoured.  Wee 
 (hould  doall  things  in  him,  and  for 
 him:In  hira,thatis,having  his  war. 
 rant;  which  we  have, when  by  ftith 
 we  know  that  it  is  welKpleafing 
 
 to 
 
3* 
 
 How  vpe  ought  to  glorifie 
 
 i 
 
 co  him,  we  (hould  doe  this,or  that: 
 yea,  havingaflurance  of  his  graci- 
 ous pretence  with  us,  to  enable  us 
 roall  fuch  workes ,  in  which  wee 
 know  it  is  his  will  that  wc  (hould 
 walke.  We  (hould,  Ifay,doe  all 
 things  for  him,  by  making  his  ho- 
 nour the  mark  we  (hoot  at,  in  eve- 
 ry thing.  No  w,how  little  doe  our 
 heairs  thinke  upon  him ,  admire 
 him, py  that  wc  know  him,afcribe 
 unto  bimWifdorac/rrutkMercy, 
 Power,in  his  daily  works  he  wor- 
 keth  for  119,  while  wee  are  pafling  J 
 thorow  the  barren  Wiiderneffe  of 
 this  prefent  World,  unto  the  Reft 
 I  which  he  hath  prepared  ?  It  (hould 
 not  be  thus,Coufin.  If  we  fee  any 
 man  that  doth  any  thing  more 
 wifely,  that  doth  (hew  a  faithfull 
 parr,or  a  merciful!  office,  we  think 
 highly  of  it,and  give  it  within  our 
 (elves  the  due  confederation:  How 
 much  more  ought  wee  to  rhinke 
 honourably  of  God,  In  the  daily 
 works  he  (hewech>  What  a  Power 
 I  is  tha^  which  keeper  h  us  to  fal  va- 
 
 tion, 
 
Gods  Wifedomt  And Power. 
 
 tioo,who  have  Co  little  ftrengtb, 
 and  leffewi/cdome,  whereby  wee 
 might  ftand  in  feare  of  our  fpirl* 
 tuall  enemies  and  dangers?  What  a 
 Power,thatdoth  make  the  world, 
 and  the  Tcntations  of  it,  dead 
 things  unto  us;  which  are  fo  mSgh- 
 tie,  that  the  moft  are  taken  prifo- 
 oersbythetn.andwefhouldlieas 
 Captive  Thrals  before  this  or  that 
 creature/if  God  fhould  not  fubdue 
 them ,  and  hold  them  under  us  ? 
 What  Power  is  that,  which  killetb 
 finfolILuftinus-  athingofitfelfe 
 (bftirringandmightie,  andinfati- 
 ableinthecourfe  ofh?FinalIy5that 
 upholdeththe  life  of  grace  in  us? 
 To  fee  a  fire  buraingon  the  Sea, 
 and  to  keep  in  fire  on  the  Waters, 
 werea  powerfull  fatt:  but  to  keep 
 the  life  of  grace  ia  a  ibule  which  is 
 dead  in  fins  and  trefpaffeg,  isforre 
 greater.  What  Wifdome  doth  he 
 daily  fhew-,in  making  al  the  things 
 which  befall  us,  ferve  for  fbme 
 good  end  ?  in  tempering  our 
 eftateSjfo  that  we  are  neither  oat  of 
 
 meafure 
 
 37 
 
 «*«• 
 
38 
 
 Gods  Truth,  ConftjKCy,  and 
 
 I 
 
 meafure  opprcfled with  grievances, 
 nor yetirumored  over-much  with 
 the  lufhie  fwcetnefle  of  this  prefent 
 Wof  ld:That  doth  by  little  &  little 
 lead  us  forward  co  perfe&ion,yea, 
 and  to  Offerings,  accord'ng  as  hec 
 keth  we  are  preparfd  by  nis  grace, 
 and  made  capable  of  thtm?For  his 
 Truth  and  Confta:cie,  !^e  doth  re- 
 ftiSeic  abundantly  :  for  wee  are 
 every  day  to  fcekt:  co  him ;  yet  hee 
 ftikth  not,  though  wee  iyeupon 
 him,  a  fuse  friend.  Againe,  how 
 many  advantages  doe  we  gire  hioi 
 againft  us?  How  doe  \vc0  by  our  Co 
 Iicrk  profiting  and  mending  what 
 
 J  wekaowamiffe3provokehim?Buc 
 he  ftickech  ftill  faft  to  u$,ardall  his 
 wayes  arefoll  of  mercy:  hee  leech 
 how  weake  wee  are,  and  doth  fo 
 fhieldus  with  his  favour,  that  out 
 of  pitie  he  will  not  let  the  Windc 
 blow  upon  ns.  When  we  catch  our 
 daily  fals,  hee  fends  torus  by  his 
 Spirit,and  makethal  whole  again. 
 When  ftrength  beginnethtofaile, 
 hee,in  pitie,  putteth  under, and  re. 
 
 neweth 
 
 \ 
 
Mercy  to  bis  Children. 
 
 39 
 
 newcth  oar  ftrengch.  When  wee 
 areheavie,  and  poure  out  oar 
 hearts  co  him^  telling  him  how  it 
 is  with  us,hce  doth  make  us  feelc 
 his  peace  and  confblation.  When 
 he  feeth  that  evill  things  would 
 grow  opon  us,  he  doth  Cnd  feme- 
 thing  or  other ,  which  may  brwake 
 theNeftof  foch  matter,  and  pre- 
 vent the  mifchiefe.  Wee  finally, 
 which  have  (bales  that  are  al  fores3 
 fee  his  mercie  even  in  this  $  that  he 
 vouchfafeth  ro  handle  our  leprous 
 fyirits,,  and  hy  renewing  our  re- 
 pentant fcnlc  of  miferie^  and  our 
 Faith  towards  his  falvation  in 
 ChriftJdothhy(as  it  w<?re)  eve- 
 ryday a  newPlaifter  upon  them. 
 Now  then ,  not  to  obferve  and 
 profecuce  wich  due  honour,  fach 
 Power,  wifedome,  Truth;  Mer- 
 cie is  a  defeat  to  bee  lamented. 
 Wee  take  ic  for  a  token  of  an  ill 
 mindc,  when  one  will  not  give  to 
 men  of  parts,  that  which  is  their 
 due.  What  mindes  have  we,  who 
 give  God  no  more  in  our  hearts, 
 
 who 
 
 •~^ 
 
4o 
 
 We  tnuft  prochime  Gods  Gle'ry 
 
 T 
 
 —_•« 
 
 who  is  (b  to  bee  advanced  in  thefc 
 and  fach  like  re(petts  as  I  have  na- 
 med? And  this  not  acknowledged 
 of  him,  in  the  daily  experiences 
 which  we  have  of  him  theft  waies 
 doth  make  us  as  much  to  feekcj 
 when  trouble  commetb,  as  if  wee 
 had  never  beene  acquainted  with 
 him.  Whereas3did  wee  acquaint 
 lour  hearts  with  him  in  thefe  his 
 wayes,we  fhould  finde  it  as  eafie  to 
 reft  on  him,inany  triall  and  neceffi- 
 tie,  as  men  doe  one  with  another  : 
 they  preiume,  (uch  an  one  wil  not 
 be  wanting  to  them3who(e  truftie 
 kindacfle  they  have  bad  ful  proofe 
 of,as  which  never  failed  them.  In 
 the  £cond  phce,  as  our  hearts 
 fhould   with  b:feeming  afRftion 
 inwardly  honour,  fo  our  tongues 
 fliould  tell  of  himj  making  known 
 fuch  things  as  we  know  of  him :  to 
 fmother  thefe  things,  is  his  dif- 
 honour.Thoicthat  belong  to  great 
 perfonages,  they  delight  to  tell  of 
 the  valour  ,policie,bountie  of  their 
 Lords:yea3wc  will  do  one  another 
 
 this 
 
in  oust  Wirls  and  ASHons. 
 
 ——— 
 
 this  crcdit,to  tell  what  more  mark- 
 able  parts  we  cfpy  eachfri  other. 
 Why  fhouldour  God  fee  forth,and 
 not  have  a  word  lent  him  this 
 way?  Finally,*  hatfoever  We  doc, 
 
 wee  are  to  fee  his  leave  and  pre. 
 fence  with  us ,  and  to  intend  his 
 glory  in  it.  We  arc  not  our  owne 
 mcojbut  the  Lords  fervants,bought 
 with  a  price.  Now  wejaftly  deem 
 it  irreverence  in  thofe  that  live  un- 
 der government,  if  they  prefirae 
 to  doe  any  thing ;  much  more ,  if 
 tbeyrunacourie  upon  their  owne 
 heads,  not  caring  to  take  us  with 
 them,  and  know  our  pleasure.  A- 
 gaine,men  doe  iooke,  that  fuch  as 
 chcy  keepe,fhould  doc  them  hone* 
 ftie,*nd  be  for  their  credit:  And  we 
 fee  the  Retainers  of  Noblemen  fo 
 add'&ed  this  way,  that  they  run 
 themfclves  into  Books,  and  ont  of 
 faire  PatrifDonks,and  all  to  raain- 
 taine  a  Gallancie,  which  they 
 (though  falfly)  thinke  much  ma- 
 king for  their  Lords  glory  .Now  if 
 Wc  i-y  thefc  together,  we  (hal  find, 
 
 C  tfot 
 
 4i 
 
 \ 
 
 +  m 
 
 -~m 
 
 J 
 
42        Wt  do  not  boner  tbtLord  as  wc  ought. 
 
 m  i  »r  ■■  .       ■       ■■  i—  •  m>  11  i 
 
 that  we  in  thcfe  wayes  have  much 
 been  wanting  to  our  dutie.  How 
 little  do  we  fee  and  pofleffe  our 
 hearts  with  the  referent  and  affe- 
 ctionate observing  of  that  we  dai- 
 ly receive  from  God,  and  Co  of  chat 
 we  find  to  bee  in  him  towards  us  > 
 Oar  hearts  lie  afleep  this  way. 
 Little  doe  wee  joy  to  bee  telling 
 others,and  letting  forth  our  Lords 
 honour  unto  therryhat God  might 
 be  glorified,  and  they  thus  provo- 
 ked to  feeke  the  fame  fervice  with 
 usrand  who  doth  feele  this  dutiful 
 dependance  towards  God,  which 
 makes  him  looke  up  to  the  Lord, 
 that  hte  would  witnefle  to  his 
 (bule,  by  his  own  holy  Spirit,  that 
 his  wayes  hee  takes  in  hand  are 
 pleafing  to  him^that  he  will  be  our 
 fufficienciein  them? Alas, we  begin 
 our  courfcs  according  co  cuftome, 
 and  thinke  no  more  of  this^than  as 
 if  we  were  not  tied  to  fach  homage. 
 We  are  as  if  we  had  pnrcha&d  the 
 Lordfhip  of  our  felve9,  and  had  in 
 oar  own  hands  the  power  of  oQr  \ 
 ■   _  .  _.   1        wayes,! 
 
 *"*^*»^  *»-^w— •  m 
 
1^ — —  —  —  — 
 
 Oht  Failings  drive  us  to  Cbrift. 
 
 ->— 
 
 43     j 
 
 wayes.  Now  theo,  if  you  difcerne 
 how  you  have  failed  in  this  great 
 Comimndemcn^of feeking  to  glo- 
 rifie  your  God- and  if  your  trying 
 yoqrftrcngchs,  in  labouring  the 
 fpirituall  Obedience  which  tbefe 
 points  decipher  unto  us3  finde  your 
 uflfiifficicncie  tbis  way ;  then  you 
 (hall  find  the  emptineffe  of  Righ- 
 teoufneflf:,  which  (hall  helpe  you 
 fomewhac  the  more  to  claipe 
 Chrift,  your  Righteoufiicfle,,  that 
 in  him  you  may  fee  your  forgive- 
 nefle;  and  Chriftyour  Santtifkr, 
 that  he  would  doe  that  hee  hath  , 
 promifed  you,  even  put  his  Spirit 
 in  you,  and  make  you  keepe  thefe 
 Commandements  more  and  more, 
 in  thefe  Branches  above-named. 
 And  if  the  Lord  (hall  give  any  four 
 to  your  Dsvocion^any  encreafe  to 
 your  Repentance  and  Faith ,by  this 
 meanes.,  I  ihall  haye  caufe  to  re- 
 )  jyce  with  you.  I  thpught  to  have 
 thus  gone  over  f.  me  other  H  ads, 
 to  have  helped  you  to  ice  your 
 want  of  Faith  9  and  rejoycing  in 
 
 C  2         God, 
 
44 
 
 Wearhsejfc  in  *ur  vuytt&c.       I 
 
 God,  and  (b  to  have  couched  thofe 
 feares  of  future  events,  and  poffek 
 fing  your  peace,  and  thatuncom- 
 fortablenefle  which  doth  hang,  in 
 pa  (Ting  our  t  ime^abou  t  os.But  read 
 this  other  Letter  I  iend  you,  again 
 and  againe ;  and  for  the  la  ft,  know 
 that  the  Lord  doth  but  hide  from 
 us,  and  let  us  feele  wearinrfle  in 
 going  on,  that  Co  he  might  make  us 
 more  depend  upon  him,  and  fceke 
 to  him,  to  fhine  upon  our  waye s, 
 and  to  carry  us  on  in  them ,  when 
 we  feele  ourinabilicy  in  our  (elves. 
 ButfheLord,I  hope,  will  enable 
 me  at  fbme  other  time  to  performe 
 foraeduty  to  you  this  way.  i  let 
 this  beginning  come  to  you,which 
 lay  fo  long  written  by  mee.  You 
 rauft  not  thinke  much  I  write  no 
 oftner ;  for  fincc  my   comming 
 
 |  home,I  have  had  neccflity  to  write 
 very  many  wales.  I  thanke  you  for 
 
 all  your  lovc^  and  wifliingyou  the 
 fweet  lovfe  of  our  God  fhed  into 
 
 your  heart,  I  take  ray  leave  this ' 
 
 fixth  o£D$cember. 
 
 5  •  VmUory. 
 
the  tffcll  ofomjhmcs,  to  bumble  us. 
 
 ^^p^^-___^_j  _.  «        » ■  ■  —  — * 
 
 5.  DircBerjh 
 
 LOving  Friend,  wheras  in  your 
 Lettersyoucomphine  of  tedi- 
 ous wearifomenefle^which  in  paC 
 fivg  the  day,  doth  «rc- while  cloze 
 with  us,  of  which  we  fpakea  litde 
 tooether.The  truth  h5thoughGod 
 doth  fomtimes,  only  to  humble  us3 
 Ietfuch  a  wearifome  vanity  follow 
 uSjthat  hence  wee  might  confider, 
 what  our  fianc  agaioft  God  hath 
 done :  how-to  wk,it  hath  thruft  us 
 I  out  of  Paradife,  to  a  laborious  and 
 1  irkefome  condition  of  life-  that 
 thus  w* e  might  be  quickned ,  to 
 begin  ChriiltbatblcfTiog^which 
 doth  mitigate  thofcevi!s:Though 
 againcit  fometimedoth  only  pur- 
 file  uSj  becaufe  of  performing  our 
 duties  of  devotion  with  toomuch 
 overture ;  for  this  maketh  God 
 loath  us  :fo  thar  we  find  finall  ca  f c3 
 till  wee  rccurncagaine,and  fhake 
 our  fel  ves  up  better.  Yec  the  com- 
 mon root  of  this  gricfc3  above  na- 
 med, is  the  want  of  confcionable 
 1  dependance  upon  God  for  his  blef. 
 I  C  %  fing, 
 
 45 
 
I 
 
 4$      j    Wt  arc  f  rone  te  jetfc-JMfficiency : 
 
 ■^-^ 
 
 fing,and  ftrcngth  to  carry  us  on  a  1  i 
 the  day  long.  Doc  you  feelc,wheo 
 you  rife,(uch  a  fenfe  of  your  ownf 
 weakneflfe,  as  maketh  your  hear- 
 to  looke  to  God, 1  hat  he  wou  Id  be 
 your  ftrength  and  your  cotafori 
 throughout  the  whole  day  ?  Ala% 
 wegoe  or>,  as  it  there  did  need  no 
 fuch  matter.  The  Divell  told  our 
 firft  Parents,  they  ftiould  bee  like 
 gods :  and  though  it  is  falfe,in  re- 
 gard of  any  blcffed  conformities 
 yet  it  is  too  true,in  regard  of  fitiful] 
 prefumption,  with  which \v care 
 fecretly  poy foncd.  For  we  doe  na- 
 turally live3  and  hold  on  ourcour- 
 fes  ,  as  if  wee  were  gods  within 
 our  felves,  not  needing  to  looke 
 higher  for  comfort  orflrength,  in 
 which  wee  might  proceed.  Now 
 this  maketh  our  God,  when  wee 
 feele  pwtrfnUy  (b  little  need  of 
 him,  to  let  wearineflc  and  uncom- 
 forrablenefle  overtake  us,  which 
 might  make  us  come  to  new  rec- 
 konings within  our  (elves ,  and 
 more  affeftionately  to  fecke  unto 
 him, 
 
rvee  ought  toVtay  AgAinjiit. 
 
 >— ^— iini       »—   ■    ■  — — — — » «— — — — ^ 
 
 him,that  he  would  be  with  us,  and 
 carry  us  on,  a  d  refresh  us.  Now 
 if  you  difcernCj  that  there  is  in 
 you  futha  fecret  Sclfe-fiifficiencie, 
 and  that  yoor  fpirit  awakencth 
 not  with  fueh  poverty  in  ir,  which 
 maketh  you  looke  up  to  God, 
 with  confeience  of  your  infirmi* 
 tic,  and  confeffe,,  that  if  he  be  not 
 your  ftrength  and  comfort,  you 
 cannot  pafleon^  hourc  over,with- 
 out  wearifbmeheavinefle  :if  you 
 ifiude  that  this  is  lurking  5  then 
 you  rauft  tume  you  to  God,  and 
 wrcftleagamft  it,  faying*.  I  need 
 not  mufe  much  at  this  I  finde: 
 howflhould  Ibut  know  fainting 
 anddifcomfort  in  going  on,  who 
 amfoaffc&sd,  as  if  I  would  goc 
 alone  s  and  had  not  need  of  thy 
 belpe^O  Lord,  at  all  times,  ar.d  in 
 every  thing,with  me  ?  How  (houl- 
 deft  not  thou,  that  fmgleft  out  all 
 pride,  as  the  finnethou  wile  re- 
 lift  y  bee  much  incenftd  at  this 
 hidden  Selfe-lufficicncie ,  which 
 .  doth  pull  thee  out  of  thy  Throne, 
 \  C4  mi- 
 
 — ! 
 
 1 
 
^8      j    'Prajfir  agtivjl  Stlfc-confidvice. 
 
 makingthee  no  God  to  us,  while 
 re  feck  no  need  of  thee-  but  are 
 readie  to  goe  on ,  as  able  enough 
 within  our  felvcs  to  walke  on  in 
 our  wayes  ?  Wee  farther  confefle, 
 that  though  we  fee  the  indignitie 
 of  this  behaviour,  yet  the  frame 
 of  our  hearts  is  fb  eut  of  order, 
 that  of  our  felvcs  wee  have  no 
 power  to  amend  it:  far  ars  by  na- 
 ture wee  are  fallen  from  faith  on 
 thee,  fb  wee  arc  filled  with  Selfc- 
 cofidencejwhich  makes  us(t  hough 
 we  know  it  not)  reft  in  our  o wne 
 ftrength.  Now  then,  what  fhall 
 we  doe,but  look  to  thee,  that  thou 
 wouldeft  make  us  (b  poore  in  Spi- 
 rit, that  we  may  with  foch  feeling 
 tod  lowlinefle  depend  upon  thee, 
 for  all  our  ftrength  and  comfort ; 
 that  thou  (who  (hewett  grace  to 
 the  humble  ones  )  mayeft  delight 
 to  nynifter  them  both  abundantly 
 unto  us,  that  wee  may  walke  up- 
 right,  firong,  and  chearefull  in  thy 
 ftrength  >  O  Lord,  weaske  it  the 
 bolderjfor  thou  haft  proraifed^that 
 
 thou 
 
grayer  againji  Stlfc-co*fidence. 
 
 thou  wilt  circuincife  our  Selfc*con- 
 fidenc  hearts,  (o  chat  we  fliall  have 
 no  truft  in  the  fle£h>bat  have  al  our 
 rcjoycing  in  thee.  O  Lord  cell  us, 
 we  beftech  thee,  make  our  hearts 
 heare  ic ,  that  thou  who  arc  not 
 wearie,  nor  mayeft  nocfainr,  wilfi 
 be  onr  ftrong  Armc  every  mor- 
 ning-r(ay  to  us,  that  thou  arc  our 
 Gedy  who  wik  leade  us  to  death : 
 What  joy  can  we  have  to  fee  a  foot 
 forward  any  way,ifthou  doeft  not 
 kt  us  fee  that  thou  arc  wich  us? 
 Our  hearts  thinkc  what  thy  fervant 
 fpoke :  if  wee  may  not  have  thee 
 in  thy  Word,  teftifying  thy  pre- 
 sence tvich  us  (for  thy  Word  is  out 
 cloudie  Pillar)  it  wert  better  fo* 
 us  never  to  move  further,  than 
 to  goe  on;not  having  thee  with  us* 
 Following  God  with  thefcthingf, 
 youfhalJfiudcit  notinvaine.  Fi- 
 nally, this  exercifc  of  bewayling 
 our  want  in  forac  one  thiogr  doth 
 rnuke  us  fee  what  need  wee  have, , 
 that  Chnlt  fliould  be  made  o(  God 
 our  righteoufheffe^nd  doihrnake 
 
 C  5  ui  ] 
 
 49 
 
 *m 
 
(W 
 
 50 
 
 We  tnuft  fbcw  f§rtb  Gods  Gracu 
 
 1 
 
 us  come  feelingly  to  fee  the  tor- 
 givenefle  of  all  our  finnea,through 
 him  our  great  G^d  and  Saviour, 
 who  hath  wa(hed  us  with  his 
 bloud.  I  will  leave  off,  though 
 abruptly :  my  Letter  groweth  in 
 my  hand,  and  if  1  fhould  goe  on/it 
 would  be  more  than  ycur  handful. 
 The  Lord  Jefus,  who  is  the  au- 
 thor and  fii  flier  of  all  his  graces 
 ihus,perft&  you  andallhischo- 
 fen  more  and  more,  that  in  this  life 
 we  may  fee  the  joyes  ofholinefle.. 
 
 6.  Monmrj. 
 
 CHriftian  Friends,,  Forafmnch 
 as  it  is  ourdutie,  who  have 
 bin  undc  r  Gods  hand,ro  teach  t  ho/e 
 that  are  under  rhe  fime;  and  feeing 
 we  that  have  rafted  grace,  are  ef- 
 fectually to  fing  the  mercies  of 
 God  rewards  others:  in  this  re- 
 gard, my  Letters  (hall  open  thefe 
 two  things  untoycufo  farre  as  J 
 am  able>  if  von  arc  alive  ro  receive 
 k.  I  know  not  whether  I  ftallj 
 write  you  another  5  if  nor,  it  (hall 
 
 returne 
 
 m  ■_■■"' 
 
 imm 
 
 ■  i  »» 
 
The  Sptntjtot  afflifttd  vporkj  repent, 
 
 rcrurnc  into  my  bofbene ,  that  Ss 
 written  unto  you,  The  end  of 
 thefc  affiiftions,  fo  bitter  and  grie- 
 vous, is  to  bore  the  eares  of  thofc 
 that  are  the  Lords,,  that  they  may 
 hearethisCommandcment,  of  re- 
 turning from  all  iniquitie  ;  and 
 therefore  we  are  bound  inchaines 
 ofafBtftion,  that  the  eyes  of  oar 
 mindes  may  bee  opcned,to  fee  our 
 workesand  finnes,  thewhicharc 
 migntic.  Now  it  is  not  the  evils 
 thsmfelves ,  but  the  prefence  of 
 God, by  his  (pirit  working  in  them, 
 which  doth  thefc  things.  For  the 
 mightie  God  fin  the  fifth  Verfe  of 
 that  Chapter^  is  made  the  princi- 
 pal! worker  of  thefe  things^by  the 
 means  ofgrievous  calamities.  Now 
 this  is  a  great  mercie  of  God  :  for 
 if  wee  were  not  thus  brought  to 
 repentance,  wee  would  neither  fee 
 good  daiesher^nor  fcape  the  con- 
 demnation of  the  world,  i  Cor.  j  i • 
 Confider  therefore,  what  evils  of 
 our  lives  the  Lord  would  have 
 us  rip  up  and  be  waile  before  him 
 
 and 
 
 5i 
 
 »-^ 
 
 mmm 
 
 mm 
 
 mm 
 
 i 
 
and  it  is  in  generally  our  difloyall 
 eftranging  our  hearts  from  hiai, 
 that  our  hearts  and  delights  have 
 been  more  on  the  finfull  pleafures 
 and  profits  of  this  Worlds  than  on 
 cbe  Lord,  and  on  ourmoftbleffed 
 covenants  of  dying  to  finne,  and 
 living  with  Chrift  rifcn,  in  new- 
 neffe  of  life.  I  know^good  friend, 
 though  you  will  not  bolfler  your 
 felfaltogether,yet  you  will  hardly 
 beperfwaded,  that  your  life  hath 
 beene  no  better  than  a  /pirituali 
 Fornication  from  the  Lord :  for 
 comparing  your  felfe  with  men^ 
 you  may  fay,  that  you  are  not  the 
 worft  •,  that  howfoever  you  have 
 failed,  yet  you  have  had  fomc  care 
 of  good  duties,  asdfbmel6veand 
 acknowledgement  of  Gods  chil- 
 dren ,.  before  others.  Gonfider 
 then,  tbat  God  may  have  glory 
 in  our  abaftmont ,  what  were  the 
 dayes  of  your  prime,  and  man* 
 hoed,  but  fpiritu^ll  Fornication 
 from  the  lord  >  Doubtleflc,  I 
 would  not  revive  my  old  ffcamc, 
 
 hue 
 
 ms* 
 
 m  pinip 
 
 1 
 
godtvbippeth  the  abufe  of  our  Peace.  I       5  3 
 
 bncco  hclpc  you  in  the  pra&iceof 
 repentance,  which  without  thcie 
 particular  considerations  ,  is  not 
 eafiiy  taken  up.  And  fihcc  that 
 nature  it  felfe  hath  declined  fbme- 
 what  from  this  courle ;  alas,  have 
 you  not  fet  your  hart  on  the  things 
 of  the  world?  hath  not  your  love 
 beenc  toward  them,  and  your  de- 
 light in  them,  and  heavenly  matter 
 which  fliould  bee  (ought with  all 
 diligence,  yeain  the  firltp!ace,have 
 wee  not  looked  on  thefe  as  rd ufe- 
 wares,  out  of  r*qucft  ?  Thisabufe 
 o^ourpe3ce,Godwhippeth.  For 
 whereas  our  peace  fhjuld  have 
 turned  hither,  to  have  been  an  oc- 
 cafion  to  edifie  us  more  freely  in 
 faith,  love,  patience,  and  ro  have 
 walked  onward  in  the  feareof  the 
 Lord,  declining  tvill  ,  and  doing 
 good  (hould  have  been  a  meanes 
 of  (filling  us  wuh  the  comfort  of 
 the  Spirit,  wee  have  neglected  to 
 build  up  our  (elves  ia  thofe  graces, 
 28  if  there  never  faould  have  come 
 a  time  to  ufe  them  :   wee  have 
 
 had 
 
 j-^, 
 
 1 
 
 /, 
 
I      « 
 
 We  grow  carn*Uin  ProfptritU. 
 
 had  no  feare  in  our  hearts  of  wic- 
 ked companions,  yea,  of  commit- 
 ting  with  them  many  wicked  a ftK 
 ons,we  gave  our  (elves  to  caftc  no 
 joy,  but  carnall :  for  this,  God  ma- 
 kech  us  eate  our  bread  with  our 
 lives  in  our  hand ,  that  feeing  wee 
 would  not  in  the  fruicion  of  thefe 
 liberties,  yet  weroight3with  Jeru- 
 Jalem  in  the  daies  of  our  affliftion  , 
 Remember  the  pleaftnt  things 
 which  we  formerly  poflefled  (£.*- 
 mcHtations  the  17.)  And  what  is 
 kin  a  word,  that  bringeth  forth 
 all  thecurfes  of  the  Law?  It  is  this^ 
 becaufethat  in  our  abundance  and 
 plenty,  wee  ferve  not  God  with 
 good  and  withcarefallhearts5Z>e#. 
 28,47,  I  doe  not  remember  thefe 
 thiugs  to  grieve  you,  for  I  have 
 done  no  otherwife  with  my  felfej 
 before  thefe  occasions  came  on  me. 
 What  then  if  one  have  ft  rayed 
 thu$3is  there  no  mercy?  yea  truly, 
 there  is  me*"cy  with  the  Lord  in  Is- 
 rael (in  his  Church)  even  for 
 theie  sourfes  1  though  wee  have 
 
 taken 
 
 i 
 
■         -~    -    it 
 
 tJMtrcjfortbt  greatejl  finners. 
 
 taken  ftrange  wives,  let  us  renew 
 our  covenant  of  turning  from  all 
 cvilljand  following  righreoufnefle 
 and  bolinefle,  and  the  Lord  will 
 be  gracious.  Read  Ezra  10.  and 
 the  55.  of  E/iy,  the  6*7.  and  8. 
 though  our  finnesfh^uld  appeare 
 fo  great  that  wee  didthinke  them 
 unpardonable,  yet  when  wee  re- 
 tur^Gods  thoughts  are  notour 
 thoughts.  If  a  mans  wife  (hould 
 goe  a  whoring  with  another, 
 thorgh  (hee  (hould  come  backe , 
 he  would  not  receive  her  5  but 
 chough  wee  have  ftrayed,  yet  the 
 LORD  biddcth  us  to  returneP 
 as  ready  to  accept  w,  Je  emie  3.  1. 
 How  fweet  a  balme  is  this,  if  our 
 /pirit  bee  broken  ?  now  to  draw 
 toacordufioo,  the  foule  is  ofc 
 ten  in  fuch  plight,  that  it  would 
 turn",  but  knoweth  not  where  to 
 finde  ability  thereunto:  ifthisbe 
 your  condition,  thai  you  comt  to 
 groane  under  the  hardi:e(Ic  of  your 
 hearr,  which  willnotlet  you  bee 
 forrowfull  as  you  dtfire^  remem- 
 ber 
 
 — 
 
wu  we  j-m*fj9f  yj  *^cv¥wc*ni,f9 
 
 *.— 
 
 bcr  to  your  comfort,  that  this  is 
 the  voy cc  of  God  s  children^  yea, 
 his  children  repenting;  Turnc  us 
 O  Lord,  and  wee  (hall  bee  turned. 
 Jerern*  31.18.  Remember  further, 
 that  CHRIST  JESUS  your 
 Saviour  is  raifed  up  of  God,  to 
 bee  our  Prince,  to  give  to  us  re- 
 miffion  of  fames  and  unfained 
 repentance :  hefitteth  at  the  right 
 hand  of  God  ,  by  his  Ipirit  to 
 touch  your  fpirit  with  unfained 
 repentance.  Now,ifthat  the  Lord 
 doe  gather  you  notwithftanding, 
 forget  not  the  confolation  which 
 fahh,  that  fbrthe  abufe  of  the  Sa- 
 crament many  did  flcepe,  that  is, 
 they  were  fmittcn  with  tempera- 
 ry  death,  yet  in  all  this  they  were 
 but  chafiened  of  God  3  that  they 
 might  not  be  condemned  wlih  the 
 World.  Yet  I  hope  other  thing?, 
 becaule  fmall  is  the  number  that 
 fearedim,  Thus  having  fignified 
 my  mird  at  IargeJ  defire  1  he  Lords 
 bkfling,and  ycut  diligent  ponde- 
 ring of  ihefcthk3gs,ior  in  them 
 
 flan- 
 
InJbxQiop  in  Affittton. 
 
 I 
 
 ftaodeth  your  everlafting  peace, 
 A#*d  thus  commending  me  in  true 
 lovetoyou  and  your  wife  3  I  doe 
 betake  you  to  the  fatherly  prote- 
 Aion  of  my  God.  Farewell,  this 
 u.ofStfumher. 
 
 Your  loving  friend, 
 Taitl  %ayrte. 
 
 GOOD  Miftrejfc  P.  when  I 
 thinke  how  I  might  (Lew 
 yoa  fomc  dutit  of loye^  I  find  no 
 fitter  way  than  by  writing  unto 
 you  and  inftru&ing  you  concer- 
 ning your  duty  to  God  under 
 this  his  holy  hand,  and  hft  graci- 
 ous purpoft  to  you- ward  in  this 
 hisvifitation*  A  letter  will  dwell 
 by  you  and  talkc  with  you^  (b  of- 
 ten as  you  reade  it  attentively,  yea 
 it  will  be  ready  vvhenfoevcr  you 
 arc  the  fittcft  for  fiich  bufinefle^ 
 which  conveniency  my  comming 
 to  rifit  you ,  cannot  alwayes  at* 
 taine.  To  fpeake  to  the  firft  point- 
 When 
 
58       ,  Humilitie  under  Gods  Viftmion. 
 
 When  Gods  hand  is  upon  us,  wee 
 are  fcbjeft  to  two  extremes .  the 
 one  is,not  truly  to  lay  to  heart  the 
 band  upon  us :  the  other  is ,  to 
 droope  and  be  too  much  ditaaied 
 under  if. 
 
 Now  wemuft  walke  betwecne 
 thefc,  tmly  humbling  our  felves 
 under  it;  yet  as  who  have  hope  in 
 ihefaichfull  mercies  of  our  God, 
 and  therefore  faint  not*  Now  the 
 divelljwholaboureth  ftill  to  tun* 
 us  out  of  the  way,  will  tecretly 
 worke  with  your  heart,  to  ward 
 offthe  (mart  of  this  blow  by  im- 
 pertinent meanest  fb  that  it  (ball 
 not  come  kindly  to  prrcke  you 
 unto  repentance.  To  this  end  he 
 willfogge&,  that  you  (hallweare 
 this  matter  off  well  enough,  hold 
 youtofuchand  fuch  things,  that 
 one  is  provided  for  >your  care  is  fo 
 much  leffenedjthat  you  have  many 
 behindeyer.  Sometime  you  fhall 
 findeyourfelfc  inclinedto  nap, as 
 it  werej  in  fuch  a  courfe  as  may 
 make  you  forget  forrow  for  the 
 
 pre- 
 
Hnmilixit  under  Qods  Vifitatio*.  1        5p 
 
 -  w-»- 
 
 prefenc.If  you  fiadc  not  your  heart 
 dtjzfad  and  turned  out  of  it  felfe, 
 as  it  were,  that  it  may  meet  God 
 inthishischaftifemenr,  then  you 
 muftthinke,OLord,  not  to  have 
 a  heart, thorcwly  caftdowneby 
 (b  ftrong  a  vifitation>,  this  is  a 
 greater  plague  than  the  plagae  it 
 fclfe.  If  ftrong  phyfickebe  given 
 us,  and  it  tvorke  not  with  us,  it 
 doth  poifon  us :  O  what  (hall  I 
 thinke  if  my  heart  bee  not  taken 
 downe,  and  throughly  emptied  3 
 with  this  (o  ftroog  a  potion,  which 
 thou  in  thyWifedome  doeftprc- 
 fcribe  unto  mc !  Againe ,  fay  to 
 your  felfe,  What  doth  mychilde 
 get  by  playing  hide^barc^orcaftiog 
 up  the  hand,  when  I  correft  it? 
 Often,  as  much  more  as  it  might 
 have  fcaped  with :  (b  Lord,if  I  doe 
 beare  off  thy  blow  in  this  manner, 
 I  fhall  but  force  thec  to  double  my 
 Corrc&ion.lf  a  Parent  fee  his  fickc 
 childe,  not  the  better  for  one  me- 
 dicine, he  will  feeke  forth  an  d  get 
 him  another:  fo  if  I  take  not  thy 
 
 worke 
 
6o 
 
 The  divill  labours  to  mal^  Gods 
 
 worke  fo  to  heart  as  is  meet,I  (hall 
 enforce  thee  to  fend  me  morfcand 
 more  grievous  things  £l£  it  may 
 he)  of  this  nature.  Looking  up  to 
 the  Lord  Jefus  ,  in  fuch  like 
 thoughts,will  be  a  good  preferva- 
 tion  againtl  this  fecret  Folly  and 
 Hardneflc  of  Heart,  which  di£ 
 inableth  us  duely  to  waigh  the 
 Lords  rebuke  aod  bee  caft  downe 
 under  it*  Now  if  the  Divell  fe# 
 that  you  are  inclineable  togriefe, 
 then  he  will  turne  his  courfe  to  the 
 other  band,and  will  labour  even  to 
 drench  you  infbrrow  and  make 
 you  walke  hopelefle,  and  to  faint 
 under  it.  To  this  end  he  will  hide 
 from  your  eyes  the  remembrance 
 of  fuch  things  heretofore  in  which 
 youmight  take  comforrDyea  keepe 
 you  frem  tafting  the  mercy  of  God, 
 with  which  his  afftiQing  hand  is 
 intermeddled.  Secondly,  hce  will 
 amplifie  before  you  the  prefent 
 band  of  God,  and  all  old  matters 
 which  may  ferve  for  circumftances 
 that  make  it  more  grievous*   For 
 
 example. 
 
Children  faint  under  Affliftion. 
 
 example,  hec  will  whifper  whofe 
 ftace  is  like  thine,  the  pooreft,now 
 you  muft  pray  and  pay  them,  aad 
 they  wil  not  be  gotten: the  boothc 
 in  the  garden  that  was  wor.c  to  be 
 the  place  of  yoar  folace,  how  is  it 
 become  a  place  of  feparatioa  for 
 the  infe&ed,  it  may  bee  ?  every 
 mouth  filled  with  th\s,Tbe  PUgm 
 U  at  Adifirefe  P.  the  fervant  that 
 (hould  eafc  you,  being  a  grievous 
 burden.  A&d  here  bee  will  prefle 
 fore  all  yoar  weafcnefle  in  your 
 govetnement  over  yoar  children, 
 which  may  make  this  ftroke  of 
 God  (among  them)more  deepely 
 afteft  you.Fmally  will  he  (ay,Doe 
 not  you  fee  what  comfort  com* 
 metntoyou?  Thirdly,  hec  will 
 hide  from  your  eics  all  the  hope  of 
 iflbe^  which  God  is  raoftfaithfull 
 to  give  in  due  feafdn. 
 
 Now  if  you  difcerne  that  the 
 matter  hangeth  on  this  fide,  then 
 you  muft  thus  prevent  your  firin- 
 ting,(ay  with  vour  feIfe^Lord3why 
 fhould  it  be  tnus  witfe  raee  ?  doth 
 
 not 
 
 61 
 
6 1      |    Wt  tnnft  notfdtnt  under  aflliRion, 
 
 «■■* 
 
 doc  my  child  cake  bitter  orfweec 
 which  I  give  ic ,  and  (hall  not  I 
 take  this  cuppc  from  thy  hand  ? 
 Shall  I  take  good^  in  good  worth 
 from  thee,  and  not  evill?  Art  thou 
 not  as  mercifull  in  providing  us 
 Phyficke  forourfbules  health,  as 
 in  all  thy  other  daily  benefits? 
 Meat  is  more  neceflary  than  me- 
 dicine,in  the  fcafonof  it:  and  what 
 are  tbeie  evils  thou  fendeft,  but 
 phyficke  of  our  foules  health?  For 
 the  good  of  our  bodies  wee  take 
 things  agiinft  which  our  ftomack 
 rifeth,  ourflefh  (hunketh  as  wee 
 take  them,  and  we  labour  to  keepe 
 them  their  time.  O  Lord,  when 
 thou  niiniftreft  for  our  foules 
 N good,  yea,  our  bodies,  eftaces,and 
 pofterities  after  us,  (hall  we  not  be 
 as  willing  both  to  receive  and 
 rctaine  in  thought,  thy  courfes  to 
 this  purpofe,  I  meane  which  tend 
 to  our  (pirituall  good  t  Secondly, 
 youmuftnoc  dwell  in,  butturne 
 your  thought  from  fuch  particular 
 circumftanccs  as  doe  but  weaken 
 
AffliElion  bitter  but  mdicinabk. 
 
 you,  looking  both  ac  rhinggpaft, 
 prefcat,  and  to  come,  which  may 
 minifter  comfort  unco  you.V Vhen 
 wc  have  a  bitter  potion  todrinke., 
 we  doe  not  (ifwebremoreaveile 
 from  medicine)  tafte  every  drop 
 at  the  tongues  end  3  but  turne  it 
 in  by  great,  and  we  thruftinfbme 
 T^cfate^ov  Mantu  Cbrifli  after  it : 
 and  we  chink  upon  the  afcer-healch 
 of  our  body,  to  which  it  worketb, 
 and  thus  we  get  it  downe,  though 
 otherwifcwee  have  no  mind  to  it. 
 The  Lord  give  as  this  wifedome, 
 forourfoulef,  that  wee  may  not 
 dwell  too  much  in  exaft  (canning 
 fuch  particulars,  by  which  the  de  - 
 vill  fceketh  to  winnow  our  belief, 
 that  we  may  remember  his  fweet 
 mercies ,  and  thioke  of  our  foulcs  I 
 health,  which  God  worketh  by 
 them.  Now  whacfoever  things  ape 
 objefted,fuch  as  are  true  muft  bee 
 granted,  but  fo,that  hope  bee  not 
 therefore  weakned,  in  this  wife ; 
 Lord,  it  is  true,  that  I  have  many 
 wayes  provoked  thine  anger,  but 
 
 thou 
 
 63 
 
thou  arc  a  God  that  wile  not  kcepe 
 anger  for  ever3  thou  wilt  not  have 
 man  lb  nourifli  difpieaiure  in 
 himfelfe  ,  that^tbe  Suwic  (honld 
 go  d  owne  in  his  wrath,ho w  much 
 kfie  wilt  thou  fce  iweconcileablc? 
 O  no,thou  art  as  quicke  in  forgivc- 
 neffe  to  a  contrite  heart,  as  (low  to. 
 conceive  a  wra tfi  againft  us ,  of 
 which  we  have  good  experience 
 daily.  And  Lord^  it  is  true,  thy 
 hand  is  extraordinary  and  many 
 wayes  heavy  upon  me,  but  I  have 
 learned  that  I  muft  nocchufe  my 
 owoerod,  with  which  I  will  bee 
 beaten  3  but  leave  that  to  my  Fa- 
 thers wifdorae.  Again,l  know  that 
 my  need  doth  require  it  all, we  are 
 made  heavy,  when  need  is,  with 
 fiindry  tentacions ,  faith  Ttter.  A 
 wiftPhyficianwilnotgivea  rtroog 
 thing,  where  a  leoitive  and  gentle 
 matter  is  enough,  wich  lede  woul- 
 cfeft  thou.  And  I  further  confefle, 
 that  I  may  bee  juftly  upbraided,! 
 with  my  former  wants,  but  Lord,l 
 beleeve  there  is  mercy  with  thee, 
 
 rea^ 
 
m  a 
 
 fflrtlio 
 
 »• 
 
 reaching  to  forgivsneflV/h-cchoo 
 maieft  be  feared,  and  that  this  is 
 j  cbiefe  glory , there  is  none  like 
 to  thee  in  forci  veoefle,fei  pafling  by 
 the  fi-ines  of  thy  people,  O  Lord, 
 v*hat  neede  I  thy  grace  and  mercy, 
 if  I  were  not  in  my  felf^  ill  defer- 
 vi  gaudmiferable?  and  though  I 
 fedenoc  the  comfort  I  defire,  yet 
 I  doe  bt  leeve  thy  nurcy  no  Icfle  in 
 Chnft  r  a  Fattier  doth  not  greatly 
 pifty  hisc-iilde,wfcen  hefeeth  him 
 fickc  of Phyficke  ^ewly  taken;  for 
 hee  knoweth  that  if  it  fhould  not 
 worke  with  him,ic  would  doe  hi  n 
 no  good,  and  bee  kuoweth  tha?  his 
 childe  (hall  be  welhenough,  to  hen 
 the  working  isover.  So  dolt  tboa. 
 Lord;  Vvhich  maketh  thee  hide 
 wh^n  Wee  arc  troubled,  and  not 
 o n'ch  oaonc,  became  thou  feeft 
 there  is  no  hurt  toward  us,thotigh 
 wee  feeme  to  feck  the  contrary, 
 chough  ic  might  fccm  we  fh*U  ne- 
 ver have  day  again.No  w  then  both 
 the  by-waits  bring difcovercd,  ic 
 will  be  more  caSctoinformc  y-  d, 
 
 D  c<  n 
 
 _i 
 
66  Hew  to  walk*  tbtt  we  may  have 
 
 concerning  the  righc  way  in  which 
 ycu  nmft  walke  that  yon  may 
 come  fafe  forth  of  thefe  troubles  .If 
 you  ask  bow  you  are  to  walk*  thac 
 you  may  have  happy  iflue  ?  I  an- 
 swer in  few  words,(b  that  you  joyn 
 with  repentance  hope  cowards 
 God,that  he  will  beale  thefe  things 
 and  love  you  freely.  Firft,bcnot 
 affraideto  remember  finnes  pad, 
 God  will  make  triacles  of  theft  vi- 
 pers. Here  if  you  have  becne  fub- 
 jeft  to  great  unfruitfulneffejament 
 it;  for  we,  the  more  we  beftow  on 
 our  gronnds,  looke  to  reape  the 
 more  from  them  •,  If  to  diftruft  in 
 your  heavenly  Fathers  care  over 
 you,  if  unto  too  much  neerntfle, 
 which  is  often  a  daughter  of  di- 
 ftruft,  if  to  quicknesjf  to  any  infir- 
 mity (for  the  fpiric  of  man  know- 
 eth  what  is  in  man)  recount  it  with 
 your  heart,  judge  your  felfe  wor- 
 thy to  be  cut  off  for  fuch  waies 
 wherein  you  have  fwerved,  if, 
 God  fhould  deale  in  jufticr,  and  ' 
 not  in  mercy.  Secondly,  ftrike  a 
 
 new} 
 
4  happy  iffm  out  of  offli8$3n. 
 
 £3 
 
 jew  covenant  with  God  for  the 
 :ime  to  come,  that  through  his 
 grace  you  will  have  care  more  and 
 nore  to  mortifie  every  evill  way, 
 ind  to  be  fruitful!  in  every  good 
 worke.  Looke  Esni  the  lo.Chap.  1 
 a^.Thirdly^youmuftlooketo  the 
 Lord,  as  who  only  muft  hcale  you, 
 hoping  in  his  mercy ;  He  is  the  hea- 
 ling God ;  He  that  lay eth  the  rod 
 on,tnuft  take  it  off}  and  if  a  debter 
 will  be  forth  of  danger,  bee  muft 
 :ompound  with  his  creditor,  who 
 only  can  free  him  from  feareof  ar- 
 reft.  And  here  you  have  great  canfe 
 to  watch  over  yonr  heart,  that  in 
 ufc  of  means  it  be  not  withdrawne 
 from  the  liv  ing  God.  We  are  fuch 
 crceples  that  we  can  hardly  reach  a 
 Crutch  into  our  haids,  but  that  we 
 will  walke  alfb  leaning  upon  it. 
 Now  God  onely  is  your  life  and 
 length  of  your  dates,  thefe  things 
 without  him,  will  ftand  as  in  no 
 (lead,  it  is  not  the  Apothecaries 
 drugge,  but  the  ufe  of  it,  which  the 
 art  ot  the  Phyfician  teacheth,  that 
 
 D  a  hea- 
 
 * 
 
*  ■■< 
 
 68        Our  wants  muft  drive  m  t*  C^tifi. 
 
 l«VMv«M»  III  ■  ■      i.l  ■   ■   ■«     ■  ■  >.        ,  i  , 
 
 healeth  a  difeafe.  So  much  more 
 may  we  fey,  it  is  not  the  creature, 
 but  the  Lords  ufc,  and  application 
 of  it  to  this  or  that  purpofe,  which 
 ftandeth  U9  in  ftead.  Yea,  I  would 
 with  ycu  not  to  meddle  much  with 
 things  ofthis  intention,  left  while 
 you  prevent  the  plague  (which  \t 
 may  be  God  will  never  lee  come 
 nigher  your  per(cn)left  I  fay  while 
 you  doe  this3you  caft  your  ielfe  in- 
 to  the  burning  Fever,  or  fome  di- 
 ftemper  oi  that  nature.  Now  wfcen 
 you  finde  your  ielfe  unable  to  doe 
 thefe  things,  yoiTmuft,  grieving  at 
 your  wants,  looke  unco  Ghrift, 
 who  doth  give  repentance  and  par- 
 don of  fin  tohislfrae),  and  who  is 
 both  the  beginner  and  finifhsr  of 
 their  faith*  Now  toaddeaword 
 concerning  Gods  item,  it  is  ever 
 gracious  to  us  that  are  his.  When 
 be  frowneth^be  is  a  Father,  no  leflc 
 than  when  he  fmilech  upon  us.  A 
 {  man  willbeare  much  when  he  /pi- 
 eth  thiSjthat  it  commethfrom  love 
 it  fclfe,   and  from  love  procee- 
 ded 
 
*     ■  >  ■ 
 
 The  [met  fruit  of  tfft&tons. 
 
 deth  every  courfr,  he  pafleth  upon 
 us,  as  well  this  of  adverfity,  as  chc 
 other  of  profperity.  Whom  he  lo- 
 veth  he  chafteneth,  faith  the  Scrip- 
 ture. Ifwemarke  what  God  doth 
 by  them,  it  is  more  apparent:  for 
 hee  fitteth  us  by  faflfcring  a  while^ 
 to  receive  all  good  thing?,  both  of 
 this  life,  and  that  to  come.  What 
 doth  a  Chriflun  heai  t  defire?  That 
 ic  eould  beleeve  on  God,  giving 
 glory  to  his  Word,that  it  had  more 
 Urength  ofgrace^that  it  might  fecle 
 adecayof  finne,  andbeprcferved 
 from  failing  into  it :  that  it  might 
 grow  up  in  acquaintance  with 
 God>  and  come  to  tafte  his  love, 
 more  and  more,  which  is  better 
 than  life.  Now  thefe  things  God 
 worketb  by  afflictions.  For  he  ta- 
 keth  one,  and  putter h  him  paft  the 
 helpe  of  all  the  creatures,  to  no 
 other  end,  but  that  he  might  leirne 
 to  bcheTeon  God  the  Creatour, 
 who  giveth  life,  2  Cor:  1.  For  fuch 
 is  the  wickednefle  of  our  hearts, 
 that  they  will  ccver  make  out  to 
 
 D  3  pur- 
 
 69     \ 
 
 I 
 
 \ 
 
«■» 
 
 7° 
 
 jiffiRiovs  purgative. 
 
 -*~ 
 
 purpofe  unco  God,  while  they 
 have  any  fcnfiblehelpe,  in  which 
 they  thinke  Co  finde  fijecour. 
 
 True  ic  is,  we  fcele  faith  rather 
 weaker  for  the  time,  boc  fliaking 
 the  Torch,  which  fortheprefcoc 
 k  emeth  to  put  ic  out,  doih  make  it 
 blaze:  Phyfick,which  for  the  cine 
 weakens,  doth  tend  to  ftrengthen 
 the  body,  the  feme  may  be  Aid  in 
 this.  Secondly,  thefc  through  the 
 worke  of  God ,  purge  out  our  cor- 
 ruption :  asthefireiatadrofle,  (b 
 are  thtfe  to  the  remainders  of  finne 
 in  us.  True  it  is, we  fcele  more  ft  ir- 
 ring  of  corruption  under  them 
 fometimes  for  a  wh?le,than  before: 
 but  as  Phyfick  thenexpellcth  faul- 
 ty humou^when  ic  worketh  upon 
 chcm3  and  maketh  us  complaine,  ;s 
 feeling  them  more  than  when  they 
 wt  re  let  alone,  fo  dot  h  Gods  Phy- 
 ficke  to  che  fcule :  even  ic  h  dri- 
 viag  our  corruption  then,  when  it 
 makes  us  fcele,  andcomplaincot  ic 
 more  than  ever,  God  by  thefc  doth 
 make  us  partakers  of  all  grace  and 
 
 holi- 
 
Godafjli8s  teprevextfime. 
 
 holtnefle.  Wee  wHb  chat  we  were 
 able  co  do  thus  and  thus,  but  when 
 God  doch  come  to  us  in  this  kind, 
 then  hee  furthcrcth  thofc  defires : 
 for  a$  feedputteth  forth,  by  means 
 of raioe,  which  fecmes  to  drowne 
 it,  Co  doth  the  feed  of  God  grow  in 
 us,  by  meanes  of  fuch  troubles, 
 which  one  might  thinke  would 
 overwhelme  it.  Thefe  againe  are 
 fenc  co  prevent  the  future  brea- 
 kings forth  of  our  corrupt  natures^ 
 For  as  you  give  your  Iitrie  ones 
 Cordiallsnow,  not  that  they  have 
 the  fickncfl?,but  that  you  may  keep 
 them  from  taking  infe&ion:fo  doth 
 God  putthefe  cups  into  our  hands, 
 not  fa  much  forfinnepaft,  as  for 
 preventing  finneco  come.  Finally, 
 we  come  to  acquaintance,  and  to 
 feele  Gods  love  more  abundantly 
 bythefe:  adverficybrccdcch  pati- 
 ence; patience,expcrience  of  Gods 
 loving  helpe  to  us  in  due  feafon: 
 experience  of  this  love,  hope :  and 
 as  lovers  are  never  greater  friends, 
 than  after  their  fallings  out :  fo  it  is  ] 
 
 D  4  with  I 
 
 —  -  — -         * 
 
 7*     \ 
 
72 
 
 God  trUi ,  before  he  trttfts. 
 
 wichGodand  the  faithful!  foulcs : 
 thus  is  it  with  ycu.God  doth  now 
 prove  you,that  he  may  in  your  lat- 
 ter do  you  good  (I  hope)  through 
 lefbs  Chrift :  for  as  men  will  firft 
 try,  before  they  commie  any  great 
 matter  of  truft  •  fo  doth  God  with 
 us,  he  doth  come  and  try  our  behi- 
 vieur,when  he  is  willing  totruft  us 
 withhishle9ing,and  with  benefits 
 both  fptrituall  &  corporall.  Wher- 
 fore  looke,  good  M.  P.  with  your 
 Saviouratthcend  ofthecroflcy  hat 
 will  fweeten  the  bitternefle  of  it. 
 Wee  never  greatly  ftickc  at  fuch 
 trouble,  which  we  know  will  pay 
 well  at  the  parting.Thusfhall  thefe 
 your  troubles  (  waitii  g  on  lefts 
 Chrift  the  Lord)through  whom  all 
 things  worke  to  your  good.  It  may 
 be,you  will  chinkc  this  is  true,you 
 could  believe  it,but  that  you  fee  no 
 fach  likelihood  of  mercy  toward 
 you.But  this  is  as  if  you  fhould  fay^ 
 I  would  belecve  on  Chrift,  if  I 
 might  fee  him,  and  put  my  fingers 
 in  his  woundsJno :  we  muft  not  be 
 
God  angry  mtb  bis^  jet  loves  ttem. 
 
 Tbomajis^box  pray  God  to  increafe 
 our  faith,  that  wee  hope  againft 
 hope,  and  beleeve  that  wee  fee  not 
 thac  To  at  length,  wee  may  fee  the 
 things  we  belceve.  I,  but  yoa  may 
 think  God  cometh  in  anger  againft 
 yoa.  I  anfwer,  Gods  anger  is  not 
 without  love,  when  hee  dcalcth 
 with  his  children ;  from  love  it 
 cometh,  and  it  reideth  to  your  re- 
 newing of  love.  Againe,  as  I  told 
 you,  he  is  a  God  thac  will  not  keep 
 anger,  we  looking  to  him,  in  that 
 Sory  n  whom  he  is  well  plea  fed.  If 
 one  of  our  children  ftiould  (ay  ro  us 
 when  we  are  juftly  moved,  Father, 
 you  meane  me  no  good/for  you  arc 
 angry  ;we  would  anfwer  5Becaufr  I 
 meane  thee  good,  therefore  I  am 
 angry. Looke  to  him  that  hath  Cid, 
 Though  I  correft  you,yet  my  love 
 will  I  never  take  from  you.  Wait 
 upon  him,  who  though  hee  make 
 heavie,  yet  will  returne  8c comfort 
 in  rhe  multitude  of  his  mercies, 
 Lj/w.3.  32.  AnitheAuthourand 
 Finifher  oi  our  faith,help  your  be- 
 
 D  5  leefe 
 
 73 
 
 -  - 
 
 ! 
 
 1 
 
74 
 
 Vnty  ofhve  to  ddmmifb. 
 
 leefe,  andhee  that  givcth  wifdome  \ 
 1  without  upbraiding,  give  you  wtf- 
 Jom«  to  carry  this  prefent  cxercKe 
 of your  patience  co  his  glory,  and 
 the  great  iocreafc  of  your  after 
 comfort. 
 
 8,  Expiftulatorj. 
 
 DEarc  Madame,  I  bavebeene 
 long  unable  to  fee  pen  to 
 paper,  which  hath  kepr  mee  from 
 performing  the  beft  office  of  lev* 
 J;at  is  wkhin  the  compaffe  of  my 
 abUity,but  fiwee  your  love  did  get 
 ihe  flare  of  mee  by  preventing  mee 
 with  your  kinde  remembrance;  it 
 hath  been  a  fpurre  further  inviting 
 me  tothisduty,whichI had  with- 
 in my  ftlfe  voluntarily  vowed.  My 
 mirde  is  to  advertifc  you  out  of 
 love«pf  fomedifeafes  which  [  fcare 
 grow  upon  your  foule,  and  to  give 
 you  occaf  on  through  Gods  ble£ 
 fang,  of  renewing  your  repentance 
 unto  falvation.  God  comandeth  to 
 exhort  one  another,  left  our  heart* 
 bw  hardened  through  ihcdeceuful- 
 
 nefie 
 
I 
 
 True  love  cannot  flatter* 
 
 nefleoffinne,  and  toconfiderone 
 another,  that  we  may  provoke  to 
 love.  As  this  imboldencth  mee,  fo 
 I  am  encouraged  from  hence  not 
 a  Iittle,that  I  know  the  patience  of 
 your  eare  to  admonition,^  &  moTC 
 adornet  h  the  inward  man,  than  any 
 eare-ring  of  Gold  can  grace  the- 
 out ward.  But  Ihould  your  L.  take 
 that  with  the  left  hand,  which 
 I  reach  with  the  right,  this  fhould 
 not  bz  a  SvptrfedeattQ  mce,  com- 
 pelling mee  to  defift  from  per- 
 forming my  purpofc  :  for  I  ac- 
 count him  a  covetous  flatterer,, 
 which  for  the  good  of  thole  he 
 owtth  duty  t*>,  will  not  venture 
 a  word3  which  may  adventure 
 (for  a  time)  the  loflc  of  his  fa- 
 vour. Wherefore  profcffing  be- 
 fore God  my  love  to  your  L.  Soule 
 and  Name,  and  afluring  my  felfc 
 that  bee  will  be  my  all-fuffident 
 reward,  while  I  walke  before 
 him  in  uprightnefle,  give  mes 
 leave  to  tell  yon,  what  I  have  a 
 longtime  fufpetted.  The  grace  of 
 
 God 
 
 75 
 
 »-* ^ 
 
 ■*.-  ■»■ 
 
 I 
 
!- 
 
 76 
 
 I 
 
 Iheway  ofthtrighttouiiil^  theJHn. 
 
 _  —  ■      .  »  '  *  ■    ii  ■ 
 
 God  teacheth  all  fiichas  tafteit5to 
 live,  (hs  wing  forth  godlinefle,  fo- 
 briety,  and  juftice,  ia  this  prefenc 
 evill  world :  and  the  way  of  the 
 righteous  fhould  be  like  the  Sunne, 
 which  rifingmoredimly,dothftill 
 increafe  in  the  light  and  heate  of 
 if,  till  it  come  at  the  higheft.  Now 
 my  feare  is,  left  your  godlinefle, 
 which  hath  beene  fbmetime  very 
 confpiciousin  you,  befbmewbat 
 abated,left  the  care  of  remperancy, 
 and  equity,  which  you  owe  re- 
 ward the  meaneft,  be  diminifh- 
 ed  :  left  fbme  fpice  of  the  con- 
 trary breed  about  your  foil  ley  as 
 a  ficke  humour  :  which  thcughie 
 cannot  quire  choake  and  excin. 
 guifti  the  lifeofgrace3yetit  hinde- 
 reth  rhar  growth  and  thriving  of  ir 
 whichiscobewi(h?d#  If  I  fhould 
 feare  beyond  that  I  have  ground 
 for,  yet  you  are  to  cenfureit  as  a 
 fruit  of  love,  while  it  ftirrech  mee 
 up  to  any  good  office  abourycu,as 
 I#£\r  feare  about  his  children,  is 
 m^nifcii  to  have  flowed  from  his 
 
 fiogular 
 
The  hfe  ofgodlwejje. 
 
 I 
 
 71 
 
 Angular  love,  by  the  (acrifice  it 
 movetb  him  to  offer  in  their  be- 
 balfr.   Buc  how  juftly  my  ieareis 
 conceived,  I  will  leave  it  co year 
 con(cienc5  to  judge,  when  I  have 
 madenarration  of  the  particulars 
 following.  What  (good  Lord) 
 rtiould  (hew  forth  the  life  and  po- 
 wer of  your  godlinefle>  Is  it  not 
 thecarefoll  getting  of  fiich  meanes 
 a?  may  further  it  in  you  and  yours? 
 is  it  not  the  reverent  and  religious 
 ufing  of  the  m?Is  it  not  the  cleaving 
 to  tbofc  more  af£&ionatly  than  to 
 ochers,  who  are  before  others  in 
 godlineffcMf  in  yourcourfe  theft 
 waitrs  be  considered,  it  will  ap. 
 pcare  that  eveo  in  chip  regard  there 
 i>  fuch  defed?  asyou  mu!t  diligent- 
 lylabourro  fapply.  The  meanes, 
 nrx'  to  the  publike,  of  promoting 
 gcd'inefle  in  you  and  yo'r  family, 
 isthep*efenccof  one  whoispru- 
 derrtto  Jwowyourcfbte^rd  faith- 
 full  to  advertife  accordingly.  The 
 flyiug  exerciiQs  of  men  that  come 
 andgoe3  doe  not  fee  forward  this 
 
 plough* 
 
 • 
 
■  ■  I        ■  ■         ■  1       ■  I  ■  I 
 
 78         Rtmijfenefft  infelhwtng  the  meanes 
 
 ■  ■      ■        —       . ».     «  ■        -»» 
 
 plough,  like  as  the  conftant  pre- 
 tence, word,  and  example  of  one 
 who  knoweth  you,  and  is  knowne 
 of  you,  Now,when  you  arc  where 
 publikemeanes  may  be  had,  fueh 
 as  your  felfe  eftecrae  powerful! ;  is 
 not  your  L.more  remiflely  aflfe&ed 
 toward  them,  than  becommeth  a 
 zealous  godly  minde,  yea,  than 
 fometime  you  have  beene,  when 
 ycu  (bould  frequent  them  dili- 
 gently, though  fixe  times  more  re- 
 moved than  now  they  arc  >  For 
 though,  when  naturall  flrengch 
 failetb,  there  may  be  an  omiffion 
 of  fome  outward  meaoes,  with- 
 out prejudice  of  inward  devotion  $ 
 yet  God  hath  given  you  fo  able  a 
 habke  of  body,  at  your  yeeres, 
 that  you  can  venture  as  farre,  ci- 
 ther for  exchanging  civill  tour- 
 tefies,or  for  refreshing  your  felfe 
 uich  fuch  contentments,  as  the 
 civill  communion  of  friends  doth 
 affoord.  For  the  private  meaaes, 
 the  conftant  refidence  of  one,  who 
 might  bee  as  a  private.  Steno  you 
 
 and 
 
 -; 
 
of Salvation,  an  illfigne. 
 
 m  i  ■     n      i-  i  ,  -    ■ 
 
 and  your?;  have  you  profecuted 
 this,   with   that  devotion    you 
 ought  t  Then  fhould  not  want  of 
 a  Bed,  have  kept  mec  this  Win- 
 ter from  beiog  with  you ;   then 
 
 |  could  you  not,afcer  yon  had  tafted 
 my  Dj&rine,  and  feene  (for  ray 
 
 ;  meafure)  fimplicity,  and  inoferv 
 fivenefle  in  my  conversion,  you 
 could  not  (I  fiy)  with  ftch  o- 
 verturc  have  reinvited  raee.  To 
 fpeake  fparingly,  I  have  obkr- 
 ved  in  you  an  affe&ion,  fuch  *$ 
 is  in  thofe  who  cheapen ;  who 
 would  have  the  thing,  but  for 
 coft  ;  contrary  to  the  Merchant 
 fpoken  of  in  the  Gofpcl,  who 
 would  fell  all,  rather  than  not 
 carry  away  his  commodity  with 
 him.  Whercfore^layiog  your  hand 
 on  your  heart,  bethtnke  your  telfe, 
 where  is  that  dne  affr&ion,  to 
 the  bed  meanes  of  building  you 
 up  in  grace  :  If  this  one  thing 
 were  as  much  in  your  defire,  as 
 Dtvidj-  you  would  not  reft,  till 
 you  fa  w  your  foule  pofleffed  of  it : 
 
 the 
 
 «-  .   -4 
 
 79     ! 
 
 . 
 
•- 
 
 .— — — — —  '  ■■!■■■  II  II  "It. 
 
 8  o       j  Wc  mujf  be  hatneft  after  the  wants. 
 
 the  wife  Merchant  doth  not  ondy 
 account  of  the  pearle  &  Treafure, 
 bat  hee  fclleth  all,  to  purchase  the 
 field  in  which  the  Treafurc  is  hid- 
 den; (o  highly  hee  reckonech  of 
 meeting  with  fuchan  one,  who  is 
 as  a  VeflcJI,  in  which  his  Chrift  is 
 contained  andcooveyed  unto  him; 
 The  violentreceivethe  Kingdome. 
 The  Lord  keepe  us  from  following 
 that  which  belongeth  to  his  bu- 
 finefle,  with  a  cold  indifferency.  Ic 
 may  be  you  thinke  •  Why  >  I  am 
 notdeftkute,  I  have  the  Labours 
 of  many  Chriftian  men,  as  they 
 may  be  procured.  To  which  I  an- 
 fwer  :  Ic  is  not  in  bringing  for- 
 ward Chriftians,  as  icisinraifhg 
 other  creatures.    Change  of  Pa- 
 nares \a ill  make  fat  Calve?;  but 
 changing   of  Preachers,  neither 
 knowing  you,  nor  knowne  of  you, 
 will  never  bring  your  foules  to  be 
 weli-Jikmg,  and  take  incrtafe  be- 
 fore God,- 'as  they  ought:  it  will 
 not  helpe  the  B^bes  growth,  to  get 
 it  a  weekly  change  of  Nurfcs.  Be- 
 
 fitted 
 
 —    IHW  > 
 
Change  of  Preachers  unjtmtfnll. 
 
 fides3whcH  ftrangers  corocthey  fee 
 the  faireft  piece,  the  out-fide  only  > 
 and  if  (in  fume  one)  they  heare 
 fometKing  not  good,  yet  being 
 foonepoflefled  with  that  great  and 
 good  report  of  you  and  your  Fa- 
 mily,they  rather  count  it  a  lingular 
 exorbitancy,  than  any  thing  cufto- 
 msry  in  your  fervants  prafttce. 
 Hence  it  is,  that  they  come  and 
 goe,  foraetinae  giving  commend*, 
 tions,  feldorae  touching  the  Iocall 
 griefes,  the  fores  of  your  honftiold . 
 Wee  will  not  have  one  make  us  a  I 
 (hooe,  who  knoweth  not  ftrft  the 
 length  ofour  foot  :  and  were  wee 
 to  ufe  the  phyfician  daily,  wee 
 would  not  ftill  commit  our  (elves 
 to  new  ones,  who  never  had  obfer- 
 ved  our  bodies.  If  wee  are  to  ufe 
 counfcll,  wee  k^rpe  to  fuch  who 
 have  the  beft  infight  iato  our  cafes. 
 So  in  the  Phyficians  of  our  Souje, 
 it  is  a  great  advantage  to  have 
 them  to  minifter  to  us,  who  by 
 their  conftant  obfervation  art  beft 
 acquainted  with  our  neccfliebs. 
 
 V"here- 
 
 81 
 
 I 
 
82  Take  httdhevp  we* 
 
 Wherefore  execute  you 
 lb  long  fince  fettled;  me 
 neth  ac  home :  Will  yo 
 to  many  other  Churche 
 the  Church  in  your  ow 
 But  to  leave  this  Head, 
 the  beft  raeancs,and  a  li 
 fidcr  the  manner  of  i 
 meanes  as  you  enjoy : 
 ftandethnot  in  bare  he 
 in  hearing  like  Cormliu 
 Bereans,  in  taking  heed 
 heare,  that  wee  may  j 
 That  iscrue  Divinity,  r! 
 theCnriuiiu*  nojwhi 
 but  how  wee  doeit,do 
 to  our  fou\c$>  that  we 
 Ghriftians.  Now,  goo 
 little  fufpefl:,  that  you 
 thefe  duties  in  fuch  f 
 fort  ere- while,  as  if  tc 
 the  worke  howfbever, 
 dent.  I  am  afraid  you 
 after  thefe  exerctfes  g 
 thatpowerfull  worke, 
 ingall  fi.ifull  lufts  and 
 in  pra&ice,  in  ftrengch 
 
Wt  muJlprsBife  what  we  heart*  83 
 
 conforming  fpiritualcie,  in  ma- 
 ng  you  heavenly  minded ;  I  feare 
 yoofindenot  thiseflicacie,  which 
 theWord  hath  where  it  isdaely 
 mingled  wich  beleefir*  I  have  ob- 
 served in  your  L.  a  readinefleto 
 hearealwaies,  but  not  a  proporti- 
 onable care  of  chewing  the  C  id,of 
 digefting and  incorporating  it  into 
 yourfoule,and  pra&ifingihethings 
 you  have  heard.  This  maketh  the 
 Wordyou  have  heard,  vaine;  and 
 nothing  feene  of  ie,  in  regard  of  al- 
 teration, or  augmentation  cauftd 
 by  it,  in  him  who  is  the  hearer. 
 And  at  they  who  know  not  what 
 it  is  ro  pray  confcionably^vill  call  j 
 moft  readily  and  freely  for  prayer  j 
 (b  many  will  call  freely  to  heare, 
 not ihat  they  feele  fpirituall  hun- 
 ger, but  becauft  they  confider  not 
 what  goeth  to  hearing  confeiona- 
 bly,  in  regard  of  preparation  be- 
 fore, watching  over  our  fclves  in 
 it,  that  wee  miy  feck  it  fruhfull 
 in  us,  Againe,  I  have  feene  you, 
 in  prayer,  without  caufc  of  any 
 
 extra- 
 
 ■ 
 
 tfam^mm 
 
*4 
 
 ^*— • 
 
 Godsfctvtce,  net  to  be  done  Overtly* 
 
 ■■■■  i  •  m  iii,  i  ■ 
 
 extraordinary  weaknefle  rife  from 
 kneeling  to  fitting  *  which  kinde 
 of  liberty  doth  n<#  well  fu:c  with 
 that  Religion  reverence,  which 
 befeemerh  Gods  fervants,  while 
 they  worfhip  before  him.  Yea, 
 I  have  heard.,  that  It  hath  beenc 
 talked  in  houfes  where  ycur  L. 
 hath  lodged,that  my  L.  7^,  would 
 have  her  roan  reading  a  Chapter 
 by  her,  and  her  (elfe  be  fome- 
 time  talking,  (bmetiine  fouling, 
 yea,  now  and  then  chiding,  at  the 
 fame  time.  I  cannot  hide  it  from 
 you,  I  heard  it  wkhgriefe^  and 
 whether  it  be  true  or  faMe,  you 
 have  need  to  make  ufe  of  ir»  Deare 
 Madame,takehced  how  yon  heare, 
 looke  to  your  fcet^to  the  afFcft ions 
 of  your  heart,  wheo  you  come  be- 
 fore God.  Hee  will  be/anftified  in 
 fiich  as  draw  ncere  unto  him,  or  he 
 will  do  as  he  did  to  Aarons  fonncs, 
 hee  will  glorifie  hirafelfe  in  judge- 
 ments on  them*  One  raay  heare, 
 call  others  to  heare,  give  com- 
 mendations to  the  things  and  man- 
 ner 
 
Lnflslnnder  the  benefit  of  the  Word. 
 
 rimer  of  fp-aUng,  welcome f he  per- 
 elfon,  faften  a  gift  on  him ;  and  yet 
 in  all  this,  be  devoid  of  life  and 
 power  of  Religion,  in  hearing. 
 Endevour  to  txpell  thofe  laits, 
 which  clogge  and  pr-ff  dowue 
 yourfoale;  then  the  milkc  ^the 
 Word  will  bepleafar.r,  and  profi- 
 table. To  take  fuften^ace,  while 
 the  ftomacke  is  fircharged  with 
 (upe4  fluitl.  s,horcth  the  b<x!y :  fo, 
 till  we  labour  to  emptic  our  fdves 
 of  t^e  lufts  that  hang  abour  us,  the 
 I  benefit  of  the  Word  cannot  be  per- 
 ceived. And  againe^when  you  h^vv 
 heard,  labour  that  you  may  profit 
 by  it,  that  ynu  may  feek  all  finfJI 
 lufts  weakened jgraceftrengcheoed, 
 faich  &  knowledge  encreakd,your 
 praftice  bettered.  Should  any  care 
 never  (b  much^  naleflfr  he  digeft  it3 
 turne  it  to  bloud^  diftdburc  ic  into 
 thevehe?,&c#  what  is  the  body 
 the  better  for  that  which  ic  rece* 
 ved?  For  the  third  evidence  of  a 
 godly  heait,  towir,  the  cleaving 
 more  affwftionately  to  thoft  who 
 
 arc 
 
 ^»> 
 
Wt  mujl  git  m  grtchKi  firvantf. 
 
 are  more  godly,  than  others;  I 
 would  there  were  no  defeft  in  this 
 regard.  I  have  obfeived,  that  you 
 can  equally  impart  your  favours. 
 If  any  have  points  of  fcrvice,  and 
 can  apply  themfelves  to  your  hi> 
 mour,  though  they  have  fmall  ac- 
 quaintance with  Godj  they  (hall  be 
 countenanced.  This  raaketh  your 
 family  Liofie-woolfie,  confirmeth 
 the  haunts  of  forne  in  their  care- 
 leflc  courfe;  this  makech  thole  that 
 are  good,  more  remiffe  than  they 
 would  be :  (houH  they  finde  from 
 you  greater  encouragement.  1>j- 
 vids  delight  was  in  the  Saints ;  hee 
 did  purge  his  family  of  fuch  as 
 were  unprofitable,  and  graceieffe : 
 fuch  as  laboured  to  pleafe  God  in 
 all  thing«,not  fuch  as  could  get  the 
 length  of  his  foote,  were  precious 
 in  his  eyes*  Can  a  loyall  Wife 
 take  pleasure  in  (uch  men  who  are 
 dbfervanr  and  officious  about  her, 
 and  be  devoid  of  all  refjpeft  to- 
 ward her  Husband  1  Are  you  be- 
 trothed to  your  God,  in  Chrift* 
 
 and 
 
Tajli  of  Gods  goodmffey  mams9&c. 
 
 87 
 
 and  can  you  abide  thejr  (trvice  a- 
 bout  youj  who  are  carclefle  in  duty 
 toward  your  Lord,  with  whom  you 
 arecomra&ed?  This  flieweth,that 
 godlineflc  is  much  decayed,  yea, 
 that  God  is  put  downe,  and  our 
 (elves  (et  up  as  God,  in  ourowne 
 hearts ;  whtn  we  can  like  of  men, 
 not  as  we  fee  them  fincerely  ferve 
 him,bui  as  their  behaviour  is  more 
 or  Iefle  plcafi  ig  and  contentful!  to 
 our  (Uves,  But  to  leave  this  firft 
 point,  (in  which,  defire  of  your 
 good  hath  made  mee  more  prolixe 
 than  I  intended)  and  to  come  to 
 the  praftice  of  fobrktie,  which 
 the  grace  of  God  teache'h  us  who 
 have  rruely  tailed  it  :  even  as  a 
 man  who  hath  tooke  in  the  tafte 
 ofchebeft  creatures,  cannot  forth- 
 with feed  on  that  which  is  meane, 
 cour  fe^and  no  way  to  be  compared 
 to  it ;  fo  a  Chriftian,  who  bath  ta- 
 fled  the  goodies  of  his  God,  which 
 is  better  than  life,  cannot  affeft,  as 
 fometime  before  he  did ,  thele  fe .1- 
 fuall  delight?,  which  carnall  men, 
 
 who 
 
Inttmpcrwe  in  law  full  liberties. 
 
 who  know  iio  Detcer  (likr  as 
 Swine  do  /will)  follow  wun  gree- 
 dineffi  •  Now  I  feare  me  here  alio, 
 ltit  thole  ipiri  tuU  fweetneff-s  be- 
 ing foracwhac  cciipfed,  intempe- 
 rate cherifting  the  b^dy,ar«  dear  s 
 oithc  world  (partly  through  fruits 
 voutavetraverfed  partly  through 
 1  k»nd  (upportsof  many)  doe  fte«le 
 upoo  you5  and  win  ground  mure 
 than  they  h*ve  done  heretofore.  I 
 biow  Goddoth  keep  your  Lirom 
 €xctffive  curiofay  ,fronn  open  glut- 
 tony/omdu  kcneife^biitasin- 
 jnftice  is  noc  oaely  in  unlawfu'U 
 ftcahh,but  in  cevt  tou*  f jllowing  a 
 Iawfulicalling:So  intemperancy  is 
 not  onely  in  thef* outrages cxp  el- 
 fed,  which  are  openly  unlawful!, 
 but  alfo  in  the  lt(T  holy  temperate 
 and  reverent  ufe  of  our  lawful!  li- 
 berties and  repafts,  in  eating  and 
 drinking  wee  muft  labour  to  tecle 
 ourthankfulneffe  renewed,  as  the 
 e  ff  fts  of  our  heavenly  fathers  pro- 
 v'deixe  are  renewed :  ve  muft  la- 
 bor to  be  heavenly  minded/celing 
 
 cbe 
 
 MJfJIW 
 
The  funds  9  as  well  as  the  r*skf)&cm 
 
 .m  m* 
 
 the  gracious  pretence  of  God  wich 
 our  fpirits  at  our  fweeteft  fcafts :  it 
 is  a  fpor,  when  wc  feare  not  in  our 
 feafts,  as  who  are  confcious  of  the 
 fiare  that  is  in  every  creature,  and 
 ourownc  weakaeffe.  Finally,  we 
 eate  intcmpctately,when  we  keepe 
 oot  power  over  our  own  appetite; 
 when  we  putnot  our  knives  to  our 
 throats,  upon  feeling  any  inordina  • 
 rie  moving  in  as  towards  this  or 
 that:  like  as  David  did,  who  Sa- 
 crificed the  Waters  which  hee  had 
 fo  importunately  defired.  Happy 
 are  they  who  fiewe  not  in  lawfull 
 things  in  eating,  drinking,  buil- 
 ding, fcc  A  Ship  may  mifcarry, 
 not  onely  by  hard  rockes,  but  by 
 fofc  finds ;  which  (hough  they  are 
 not  Co  violent,  yet  they  are  no 
 leffe  dangerous.  To  (cede  often 
 liberally,  not  refraining  any  thing 
 to  which  ones  appetite  leadeth,  to 
 be  gratifying  the  ftomacke,  now 
 wich  one  thing,  now  with  another, 
 alas,  what  doth  it  ?  It  diftempe- 
 reth  the  fl~(h  with  lull,  it  doth 
 
 E  make 
 
 «n 
 
 »■» 
 
 w^ 
 
 I 
 
99' 
 
 Wtmufi  wiani  o*rfctvesfromy&c. 
 
 ^«- 
 
 make  the  very  (bule  fltfbly  a  fla- 
 tted, itindifpofethusco  thofctx-'i 
 crcifcs  which  arc  performed  by  the 
 minder  maketh  us  fit  to  be  kindled 
 with  wrath,  or  any  filch  like  paf- 
 6on;  Finally  it  taketh  up  the  mind 
 with  thoughc,whatit  flbal1  nrxf  be 
 -iersred-  with  in  this  kind.  Wher*- 
 forepart  Madamef  ifany  fpiric  of 
 humane  frailty  hach  cloven  to  you 
 this  way,  remember  you  are  a  tra- 
 veller, ncerer  your  j  >urnies  end, 
 than  when  you  firft  beleevcd.  Gird 
 up  your  loynes,  tuck  up  this  traine 
 of  lufting,  which  will  make  you 
 unfit  to  take  one  ftep  this  way, 
 without  hinderance.  The  houres 
 grow  on,  wherein  thefc  things 
 will  yeeld  no  dcligbr  •  wee  muft 
 weane  our  felvcs  in  time^that  our 
 laft  weaning  may  not  feeme  too 
 bitter  and  grievous  to  us.  If  wee 
 didtonour  God,  by  unweared  ufe 
 of  thefe  things,  the  Lord  will  pay 
 as  home  in  our  owne  coy ne,  and 
 icourge  us  by  that  fdfe-fame  in- 
 temperate praftice,  by  which  he 
 
 was 
 
Intttnferanct  hurts  Joule  and  body . 
 
 i  i  -  — —    —  ■ — 
 
 wasdifhonoured  inns.  How  ma- 
 ny hugge  themfclves  to  death,  and 
 by  powring  on  too  much  Oile, 
 quite  put  forth  the  Light  of  Life  ? 
 I  am  no  Phyfician  for  your  body, 
 ycc  I  doubt  notj  but  the  driving 
 with  your  felfe,  to  ufc  your  law- 
 full  Liberties  and  Repafts  more 
 holily,temperatly,  and  reverently, 
 (let  him  that  is  holy,  be  more 
 holy)  will  be  very  beneficiall  to 
 your  body.  For  feeding  the  fto- 
 mackefiall,  lb  as  fuperfluities  are 
 engendrcd  ^  this  breedeth  the  mat- 
 ter of  the  Stone,  and  augmenteth 
 it  where  it  is  breed,  warming  the 
 ftomack  now  with  one  thing,  now 
 wich  another,  this  doth  beget  and 
 encreafe  the  heate,  which  taketh 
 the  matter  fore-named  into  this 
 forme,  in  which  it  is  voyded. 
 Concerning  that  laft  matter,which 
 all  muft  pra&ife,  who  know  the 
 Grace  of  God  in  truth,  viz.  Iu- 
 ftice;  even  in  this  I  have  fome 
 feares,  which  I  cannot  conccale : 
 and  to  (pare  what  I  have  heard 
 
 E  2  re- 
 
 9% 
 
$%  Equity  to  bejbewid  tewtrds  all. 
 
 *■»■ 
 
 reported,  as  the  talke  of  lome,tbat 
 your  L.  fctteth  up  LeAures,  your 
 debts  undifcharged  (for  it  is  my 
 meaning  to  deal c  only  in  fiich  mac- 
 tcrs  which  my  felfe  in  fome  fort 
 have  obferved.)  To  (pare  this 
 therefore,  my  feare  is,  that  you 
 (hew  not  that  equity  towards  all 
 under  you  that  you  ought.  It  plea* 
 fed  God  to  beftow  the  childc  of  a 
 in  oft  reverend  roan,  N.  N.  with 
 y ou,wbom  you  have  not  intreated 
 well,  but  provoked  and  grieved 
 rather  with  exceffive  fcveritie  and 
 contempt,  than  encouraged,  by 
 (hewing  any  motherly  afR&ion 
 and  hoocur/uch  as  a  Chriftian  La- 
 dy  cannot  but  know  her  felfe  to 
 owe  to  thcleaft  of  her  handmaids. 
 The  note  I  tooke  of  this  in  my 
 mind,  made  me  firft  ufe  that  phrafe 
 in  Prayer,  That  God  would  guide 
 us, who  goveme,to  carry  our  fcjves 
 u  ith  fuch  moderation  as  befeemetb 
 them  who  know,  that  even  i  hem- 
 fclves  have  a  Maftct  in  Heaven.  A- 
 Iasawbom  doth  your  anger  purfue? 
 
 *  ,  np 
 
The  barmelejft  mtji  harmed. 
 
 93 
 
 A  fatherlcfle  cbilde ;  who  ouc  of 
 confcience  doth  humble  her  felfe 
 under  you.  Many  weake  perlons 
 arcfickcofanevillfickneflr;  they 
 will  make  boldtft  to  offer  all  hard 
 meafarc  to  fuch  whom  they  know 
 moft  innocent  and  harmeleffe  5  not 
 caring  what  eheydoe  to  fuch,  be- 
 c  mfc  they  t  hinke  they  doe  it  fafely, 
 and  (hill  hearc  nothing  but  good 
 after  ir.    Whereas  the  fame  per- 
 form will  be  often  veryequjli  to 
 thofe  who  arc  of  worft  difp ofiti- 
 on,  and  take  fcchfreedbme  in  fu- 
 rling, that  they  tfill  no:  fpare  for 
 any  mcanes,  which  tfoemfelves  or 
 their  Meads  can  ufe,  to  cry  quit 
 1  wich  fuch  as  (hall  provoke  them* 
 The  Lord  keepeos  from  this  wic- 
 kednefle.  Watch  over  your  felfea- 
 gainft  this  paflion.  It  unfitteth  you 
 for  prayer :  It  is  not  Co  light  a  thing 
 in  afting,  as  hcavie  when  the  Co> 
 fcience  calleth  to  reckoning;  to 
 wound  the  foule  with  words,  and 
 by  immoderate  difpleaftre  to raake 
 the  life  of  the  Orphant  heavie  ;  to 
 
 E  3  maki 
 
-     94 
 
 ,  .i 
 
 i\ 
 
 Govcrnours  to  be  milde  and  gentle. 
 
 make  the  heart  of  a  Widdow  lad  • 
 (for  (he  is  a  Marble,  not  a  Mother 
 who  grieveth  not  in  the  Chi  Ides 
 grievance)  to  fhewdifhonour,not 
 onely  to  the  living,  but  to  the  dead 
 alfojfo  neere  and  deare  to  the  Lord: 
 I  tell  you,  thefe  arc  great  things,  if 
 you  looke  not  on  them  through 
 thefalfe  glaffeofdiftemperate  paf- 
 (ion.  As  God  hath  bid  them  ho- 
 nour you,  fo  hee  hath  tycd  you  to 
 honour  them,  and  be  rather  a  Mo- 
 ther, than  Lady  and  Miftreffe  to 
 them.  For  this  caufc,tbe  Lord  doth 
 comprift  <3overnours  under  the 
 name  of  Fathers  and  Mothers,  to 
 put  them  in  mindeof  doing  duty 
 to  inferiours,  as  well  as  receiving 
 fervice  from  them.  God  hath  com- 
 mandtdus,thatourbrotherbe  not 
 vile  in  our  eyes,  that  wee  provoke 
 them  not,  that  wc  Chew  all  equity, 
 nQt  ruling  over  them  with  a  ftrift 
 hand,  as  Egyft  did  over  Ifratl*  that 
 wee  follow  /o£,in  letting  them  ex- 
 poftulatc  reverently  withus,wheri 
 they  find  grievance;  and  not  to  be 
 
 like 
 
notftorvarA  to  inferiours. 
 
 9i 
 
 like  N<th/,  who  was  lb  vite,  none 
 might  fpeake  a  word  in  his  eare, 
 which  did  uoc  humour  him. Ac  our  I 
 command,  ourfervantsthinkenot 
 much  co  doe  ferv  ce$  even  about 
 ourHorfeshecles:  ftiallwethinke 
 much,  at  Gods  command,  toper- 
 forme  chofe  nyoft  equall  offices  to- 
 ward thofe  whom  God  hath  put 
 under  us,  who  are  fons  and  daugh- 
 ters of  God  with  us;   Heires  of 
 the  felfe-fime  hope*  to  which  we 
 arc  called?  Should  our  Mifterin 
 Heaven  lowrc  on  us.,  &\d  contend 
 with  us  on  every  occafion  ;  coald 
 wee  ftand  before  it  >  Ltcusnotbe 
 fofcvereandirefull,  whoftandfo 
 much  in  neede  of  mercy  and  indul- 
 gence. Wherefore,  to  clofe  my  ad- 
 vertifemenr,  doe  not  onely  leave 
 thofe  things  but  j  jdge  your  felfe3 
 for  wha:foever  frailty  hath  eftaped 
 you  this  way,and  returncagaineto 
 the  Oaih  and  Covenant,  renewing 
 your  Vow  before  the  Lord.  Doe 
 not  reafon  in  your  heart,  Why  doe  > 
 I  not  thus,  and  thus?  Doth  not 
 1  E4  God 
 
 •  i 
 
£ 
 
 li 
 
 l! 
 
 A  Utile  pus  marts  many good  aUigns. 
 
 »■  -  ■  fc  ■  . 
 
 God  allow  us  lawful!  liberties? 
 Why  ?  mcc  thinkts  our  Minifter 
 might  give  mee  leave  with  my 
 Maides?  Should  I  a  lictle  wrong 
 them,  cannot  I  make  all  whole 
 with  fome  benefit  unexpected? 
 Where  hath  he  learned  to  beleeve 
 reportfcnot  having  heard  any  thirg 
 from  my  mouth?  Thefe  are  buc 
 ftggeftions  of  Sutan,to  make  you 
 fall  out  with  medicinable  couufel  I , 
 by  which  your  fbule  fliould  be 
 healed  .You  do  many  good  things : 
 But  God  will  not,  for  any  good 
 offices,  fee  any  cvill  in  which  wee 
 walke/o  as  not  to  diflike  it.Looke 
 his  Epiftk*  to  the  Churches*  A- 
 gainc,why  (hould  a  few  dead  Flics 
 raarre  a  Boxe  of  precious  Oint- 
 ments ?  God  doth  allow  us  law- 
 full  liberties,  provided  that  wee 
 ufe  them  lawfully,  pn&iting  ho- 
 linefle,  religious  fcare,  and  tempe- 
 rancy  in  the  midft  of  them.  I  may 
 not  hate  you  fb,as  to  let  your  fbule 
 finne  towards  a  fcrvant;  and  wee 
 are  to  teach  your  L.  as  well  how 
 
 to 
 
*■ 
 
 Goodinttntions  excufe  not  id  a&ionj. 
 
 >  i — ■  ■  i         >      , 
 
 to  governe,  as  your  fervants  how 
 to  obey  in  the  Lord.  And  yoa  may 
 doe  that,  you  cannot  heale;  you 
 may  i  mpaire  natural!  indo  wments 
 of  minde,  by  fuch  courfes,  more 
 than  you  can  rccompence  by  any 
 Largefle  of  your  liberalitie  :  for 
 intending  future  good,  will  not 
 make  that  well  done,  which  for 
 the  preicnt  is  evill.  For  my  felfe, 
 I  write  nothing,  but  by  way  of 
 Chtiftian  fearc,  I  have  arguments 
 too  many,  to  make  me  behere  in 
 part,  what-ever  things  I  pro- 
 pound  unto  you.  Turneirom  theft 
 thoughts,  as  you  would  from  the 
 Direll  himfelfe;  they  are  omly 
 prompted,  that  they  may  kecpe 
 ycur  heart  from  repentance.  Dchy 
 not,  while  God  faideth  you  a  mef- 
 (enger>  and  knocketh ;  for  if  you 
 will  not  heare  this  gentle  voyce, 
 you  know  not  in  what  kind  he  will 
 fjpeake,  rhe  next.  Befide.,  bee  char 
 dclayeth  to  fet  a  bone  out  of  joynt^ 
 doth  but  double  hisfroarr,  when 
 ic  is  to  be  handled,  and  rcftored. 
 
 E  5        Not 
 
 -' 
 
 97 
 
 I 
 
f  ; — ■ ——-—-——— 
 
 pST'      1    ConfcicHcelikcslooi(i*g-ghjJe. 
 
 . 
 
 • 
 
 i 
 
 s 
 
 Not  to  mention  that  he  that  retur- 
 neth  not  into  the  way,  in  fucha 
 party  that  which  is  hairing,  is  Tub* 
 jc&  to  goe  quite  forth  of  it.  Ic  may 
 be  you  do  not  feck  yourconfeience 
 greatly  checking  you  in  thefe 
 things.  I  am  the  forrter  if  you 
 (houldnot:but  Mddtmejcmembct 
 whether  it  bath  not  checked  you, 
 and  whether  hy  not  hearing  Gods 
 Spirit,  you  have  not  (b  grieved 
 him,  that  he  keepeth  filence.  Bat 
 howfoeyciy  the  Conference  is  like 
 a  looking-glafle,  which  while  it  li- 
 etb  all  covered  with  duft,{heweth 
 not  (mall  matters,but  when  it  is  wu 
 ped,  then  it  ruaketh  the  leaft  thing 
 apparent  So  the  Gonfcjence  being ; 
 clouded  with  paffion  of  luft,  cu- 
 floppy  examples,&c«  difcovereth 
 not  many  things,  when  it  is  awa- 
 ked, &  thofc  roiftsdifpclled,ic  pre- 
 fetiteth  as  grieyous  fins,  the  things  j 
 wbfcfr  wee  before  made  light  ac- 
 count of.Ic  it  one  thing  *iot  to  have 
 an  accufing  Gonfckncei  another 
 thing  to  have  a  cleare  Confdcnce. 
 
 A 
 
r 
 
 fbrijt  onr  SmnBijiir^s  well  as^&c.  Y      "99 
 
 1  '1  -  iT  -  * l    ■««««*«■ 
 
 A  man  may  have  the  S  one,  who 
 feelcth  no  Fie  ofi: :  A  man  may 
 have,in  fbme  regard,  an  cvill  Cofi*- 
 fcience,  who  fecleth,  for  the  time, 
 no  Fie  of  accufation  in  ic.  Where- 
 fore, deare  Lady,  be  wife :  God 
 hath  taken  the  yoake  from  your 
 necke,  truftcd  you  with  liberty,gi- 
 venyoua  Summer,  to  provide  a- 
 gainft  Winter  $  O  make  tip  foundly 
 your  peace  with  God.  Confider 
 your  infirmities,in  time  of  tempta- 
 I  tionefcaped:C6fiderthefe:fithence 
 your  deliverance ;  judge  them  in 
 yourfelfe;  flie  co  Chrifr,nor  only  as 
 made  of  God,  your  juftifier  from 
 the  guile  of  fin,  but  your  San&ifier 
 from  the  blot  of  ir.  Pray  him  ear- 
 ncitly,  to  faveyou  from  the  daily 
 power  of  thefeevills,  whichftill 
 you  find  to  have  dwelling  in  you. 
 You  have  neec^like  the  Anr,to  ga- 
 ther  iu  the  Summer,  when  God 
 trufted  you  wth  health  8c  liberty ; 
 the  rather,  uccaufc  Godholdetha 
 fiingmg  Rod  oreryou,  the  Lafli 
 whucof,  fhoukiit  light  ona  Con- 
 
 feience 
 
 '■■  m>m* 
 
 m*~m 
 
 ■pp 
 
lob     1   Remembrance  of  fin  in  visitation. 
 
 •**• 
 
 ■ 
 
 1 
 
 1L 
 
 fcicnce  naked,  ft  ripped  of  his  fa- 
 vour^ would  fecme  unfupportable. 
 Thinke  with  your  felfe,  what  joy 
 yon  can  taker  when  God  (hall  vifit 
 you,  if  your  Confcicnce  fhalltcll 
 you,  that  you  have  had  good  pur- 
 ports, but  neglefted  to  execute 
 them ;  that  you  have  drawne  neere 
 to  God,  but  without  due  care  to 
 (an&ifisbimin  your  fpirit,  in  bis 
 Ordinance?^  and  profit  by  them: 
 That  you  have  not  advanced  his 
 glory  in  your  family  as  you  oughr  j 
 that  you  have  borne  too  gentle  a 
 band  ever  the  lufls  of  your  hearr, 
 favouring  your  felfe  too  much  in 
 them  :  that  you  have  in  anger  too 
 muchcxceeded,and  trade  t  hero  feel 
 it  raoftjWhom  you  (hold  moft  have 
 tendred.  ThinkeJ  fay^  what  com- 
 fort you  can  haveinfuch  thiflgs'r  e- 
 membred.  But  if  you  will  awaken 
 your  felfe,  judge  your  (bole,  hold 
 Ghrift  to  give  you  ftrength  againfl 
 thole  and  all  other  corruptions* 
 then  fhall  light  arife  ia  darkeovflc^ 
 you&all  fad  it  truciht  ugh  tor  che 
 
 ere* 
 
The  corrupt  mlndindurts  not  reproof 
 
 prefect  you  fecle  a  warfare,  that 
 light  is  fowne  for  the  righteous ; 
 though  evills  come,  God  will  be 
 your  ftiadow  at  your  right  hand, to 
 refrefti  you  in  them,  peace  fliall 
 dwell  with  you  in  life  and  death, 
 which  I  wifti  your  Ladifhip  in  fefm 
 Cbrift.  If  I  fecme  to  your  L.  to  ufe 
 greater  freedome  in  dealing  with 
 you,che  perfwafion  I  have  of  your 
 fincericy  and  (bundnelfe  imbolden- 
 eth  me  thereto  j  found  flefii  feeleth 
 no  griefe,when  we  handle  it  (bme- 
 whac  hardly :  but  it  isa  fignc  an  ul- 
 cer is  bred  in  that  flefh,  which  may 
 not  indure  any  fort  to  be  touched. 
 Neverthekflk,  I  thank  God,l  have 
 ufed  to  my  knowledge,  no  liberty 
 and  plainnefle,  to  which  fidelity 
 do'.hnotinforceroe. 
 
 Thus  craving  your  I.  to  take 
 thefc  things  dowoedeeply,though 
 they  (hould  make  Gck  for  the  time., 
 feeing  that  they  aims  at  nothing 
 butyour  fpirituall  heahh,  &f  ray- 
 ing fee  Lord  for  you*  who  bleflerh 
 all  Phyfkke,  both  corponll  and 
 I  fpirituall, 
 
 foi 
 
 . 
 
102 
 
 Concerning  *  Wivtt  ficknefft. 
 
 fpiricuail,  and  health  by  it,  I  cake 
 my  leave. 
 
 9 
 
 LOviog  Brother,  we  do  remem- 
 ber you  and  ray  Sifter,  and  are 
 rruly  affe&cd  toward  you,  though 
 my  diftraftions,  iraployment,  and 
 I  know  not  what  indifpofition 
 (which  I  dare  not  every  way  a- 
 vow)  doc  caufe  me  to  write  more 
 rarely.Now  lean  deferre no  longer 
 from  fignifying  01  r  remembrance, 
 and  advenifingyou  howthingsgo 
 with  us,  left  you  fhould  challenge 
 me  hereafter,as  not  informed.  My 
 rood  Chriflian  Wife  (yourSiRer) 
 hath,  fince  Eaftcr  Iaft,  beenevcry 
 il),  and  it  hath  not  pleafed  God  to 
 bltfle  any  meaoes  which  fhee  hath 
 attempted  here,  or  cl{c-whcre. 
 Sirce  our  lift  parting  with  yoo, 
 flu  continued  till  within  this  fort- 
 night, crafie,  but  not  feeling  any 
 violent  working  of  our  infirmities : 
 but  now  of  litc^and  especially  this 
 weekej  her  ftrength  is  more  than 
 ordinarily ;  enfeebled*  that  I  fcarc 
 
 (refer- 
 
Mourning  acceptable  to  aCbrtJlistn, 
 
 ■  -    ■  ■■     '■        '       ■  — ■■'  i 
 
 (rclerving  to  God  whatfoerc  couiw  t 
 
 fes  make  with  h;s  glory)  you  flwll 
 not  long  tr  joy  ftch  a  Sifter,  norl 
 luch  a  Wife,of  whom  I  am  unwor- 
 thy. Which  I  foggeft  for  two  rea- 
 fbos :  The  one,  that  you  might  re- 
 member her  cftate  more  fervently 
 thanotherwife;  againe,  that  you 
 might  feafonably  reibrt  to  her,  if  it 
 will  any  whit  increafe  your  con- 
 icntment,  as  it  (hall  be  gladfome  to 
 us  whenfoevcr,  to  fojoy  your  p  re- 
 fence.  The  Lord  teach  us  to  num- 
 ber our  daie?,  that  .wee  may  apply 
 our  hearts  unto  wifrdome,  and 
 the  Lord  give  us  underftanding, 
 which  may  mike  our  hearts  be  as 
 well  pleated  in  the  houfc  of  mour- 
 ning, as  the  fuoles  are  in  the  boufe 
 of  carnal  rejoyciog.  Broiher,  our 
 terme  lafteth  not  alwaies>tbe  Lord- 
 make  us  wife  to  know  the  accep- 
 table time,  and  while  it  is  called  to 
 day,  not  to  be  hardened  through 
 the  deceirfbJndfc  ©kfinne,  butto 
 tarne  to  hion,  and  for .  a-,  fare-- 
 'wcll^.  when  you&ehow  your  cli- 
 ent* 
 
 T 
 
 IO3 
 
 4 
 
ib4  Cornell  c*fd  for  in  neeejjity. 
 
 cnts  waic  at  your  Chamber  dores, 
 fee  king  to  gaine  earthly  inheritan- 
 ces, how  much  more  fhould  wee 
 waite  at  the  dore  of  Wiftdomeg 
 houfe,  which  will  give  us  an  cver- 
 Ufting  inheritance?  Readethe  8.of 
 the  Proverbs,  theendof  the  Chap- 
 ter, where  the  Lord  (eemeth  to 
 make  this  alluGon :  I  will  tell  you, 
 if  we  that  are  the  Lords,  come  to 
 be  lifted,  we  {hall be  more  diligent 
 this  way,  Counfell  is  not  cared  for 
 (as  you  know  well)  till  fome  flaw 
 be  found  in  evidences :  when  once 
 there  groweth  queftion,  then  the 
 learned  Counfellour  groweth  in  re- 
 queft  :  fo  becaufe  our  confidence 
 raaketb  no  qaeilion  of  that  great 
 eftatc  in  the  heavens,  therefore  we 
 wake  not  on  Gods  mouth  daily, 
 both  in  ufing  meanes  publike  and 
 private  with  diligence,  Thus  your 
 Sifter  and  I5  doe  remember  our 
 felves  unto  you,  and  my  Srfter,  (to 
 whom  you  may  eomraefulus)  and 
 take  our  leaves  abruptly. 
 
 lo»  Cen< 
 
 , ..-  ■ 
 
Comfirt  tn  fickfltfli. 
 
 j 
 105 
 
 10.  Confolatory. 
 
 LOving  Oufin,  J  would  be 
 glad  co  hcare  how  God  doth 
 carry  en  your  weakc  frame,  but 
 this  is  a  thii)g,which  though  I  may 
 wi(h  eafily,  yet  I  cannot  fbcafily 
 ttfeft  ir.  If  weakneffc  grow  on 
 you,it  muft  comfort  you,that  your 
 prifon  is  not  ftrong  enough  to  hold 
 your  foule  long  imprifoned.  How 
 welcome  is  the  evening  to  the  wea- 
 ry labourer  ?  So  to  us  fhould  be  the 
 (hade  of  death,  in  which  we  reft 
 fi om  all  onr  travelL  If  you  thdc 
 paint,  ftekefor  that  faith  which 
 may  quench  the  fire^  if  it  be  good 
 for  you  that  it  ftould  be  fuddenly 
 quenched,  if  otherwife,  lookcto 
 him  who  hath  promifed  in  fire  and 
 water  to  be  with  us^aever  to  leave 
 us,  nor  for  fake  us,  Thinkconhis 
 goodnefle,  who  will  have  finfull 
 men  eafe  their  enemies  beafts,  an* 
 der  the  burden  which  opprefletb 
 them.  Looke  finally  tothofe  glori- 
 ous jo  jes^to  which  thefe  momenta- 
 ry affliftions  fhall  bring  you.  Even 
 
 asi 
 
1 
 
 fc 
 
 06 
 
 T>eath  thoHgbfainfull3ytt  &c. 
 
 as  the  waters  tall  downe^  not  able 
 to  abide  in  grounds  that  lie  high, 
 (6  the  (enfe  of  thefe  affli&ions 
 gocth  away  from  mfades,  that  arc 
 lifted  op  in  fuch  contemplation,  A- 
 bove  all  things  rcpyce,  that  ycr 
 you  {hall  (hortly  atcaine  your  fovrJ, 
 your  Lord,  to  whom  yourfbule 
 by  faith  hath  becne  Iongcontra- 
 fted.  Shec  is  a  forrie  Spoufe,  who 
 cannot  make  a  fhift  with  an  uneafie 
 horfe,  while  ftiee  rideth  to  fee  the 
 confutnmation  of  her  love,  with 
 her  betrothed  Husband.  Doth  to- 
 gether with  weaknefleand  paine, 
 poverty  in  things  (pirhnall;  doth 
 any  defertionjnoleft  you?  Know 
 that  this  is  but  the  wHedome  of 
 our  God  j  who,  as  Phy ficians  doe 
 mingle  many  things  in  the  fame 
 potion,  fb  doth  intermeddle  many 
 matters  in  the  fame  temptation, 
 that  it  may  be  more  efFeftnallto 
 his  glory  and  our  good*  Thinke 
 with  your  felfe,  a  wife  Phyfician 
 will  not  put  in  his  prefcript  a 
 Dram  too  much;  God  will  not 
 
 exceed 
 
fFe  MMJl  reji  en  God  in  ntcfffittes. 
 
 ■  -—  -i m~  .1  _        ■      i  - 
 
 xceed  chat  quantity  any  whit 
 which  is  fie  for  his  patients.  Hold 
 outothe  rocke,  and  ftand  Hill, 
 he  things  are  clouds  which  will 
 idc  over  you,  and  goe  away  : 
 though  it  be  nighf,  we  (hall  have 
 dayagaine.  Who  is  it  thatfeareth 
 the  Lord  >  If  hee  be  in  darkotffe 
 without  light,  kc  him  leane  on 
 the  Lord  his  God.  For  coodufi- 
 on-  Doth  outward  neceflny,  with 
 her  threatning,  any  thing  difturbe 
 you  ?  Looke  to  him  who  taught 
 Sc  Paul  to  want,  who  made  him 
 fay,  he  would  doe  all  things,,  while 
 his  Lord  ftrengthened  him.  Looke 
 to  him  who  circamciihh  hearts 
 with  circumcifion  not  made  with 
 hands,  who  can  make  us  fo  deny 
 ourftlves,  that  wee  (ballfiadeno 
 paine  to  follow  him :  Be  (brry  for 
 nothing,  but  that  having  fuch  a 
 Father^youfhould  be  careful!.  We 
 fan&ific  our  Heavenly  Father, 
 when  no  unbeleeving  fearc  com- 
 mcth  neere  us.  You  know  the 
 truth  of  my  love  to  you,,  and  I 
 
 know 
 
 *■  *  ¥■ 
 
L.     -^ 
 
 100 
 
 08  Wt  muQtut  neghtl  offtriuitity. 
 
 \ 
 
 know  how  eafily  I  can  (through  \ 
 Gods  bleffing)  procure  that  which 
 would  refrcfli  you  feafonably, 
 Whmforeif  you  (hould  notim- 
 part  it  to  mee  timely,  before  the< 
 oyle  and  meale  be  quire  fpent, 
 you  (hall  negleft  a  good  meane,: 
 which  Gods  providence  doth  fhew 
 you,  you  (hall  be  wanting  ro  your 
 owne  comfort,  you  (hall  requite 
 mee  with  no  fmall  unkindnefle. 
 Thus  with  my  loving  Sifters 
 commendations,  I  commit  yon  to 
 God. 
 
 Yonrs  as  his  owne, 
 PmhI  Bajne. 
 
 II.  ExfefiHlatory. 
 
 GOod  Sr.  C.  Were  my  ability 
 and  freedome  from  occasions 
 at  this  time, fuch as  might  be  wi- 
 jftied,  I  would  fee  youinpetfon, 
 and  not  vifit  you  by  writing :  but 
 love  muft  be  content  to  crcepe 
 when  fhee  cannot  goe  at  liberty  as 
 fhedefireth.Sr.C.  could  I  bethioke 
 
 me 
 
Godafflittf  his  m  <•  Father, 
 
 te  of  my  cordial],  or  other  thing 
 /hich  were  like  to  eafc  your  ficke 
 affion,  fhould  I  not  be  a  Traitor 
 )r  ever  in  frlendfhip,if  at  this  time 
 ftiould  hold  my  peace?  So  is  it3 1 
 ould  not  beare(even  in  rpy  confere- 
 nce) too  much  blame,  if  thinking 
 >f  feme  things  which  may  ferve  to 
 he  good  both  of  your  body  and 
 bule,  I  fhould  containe  my  felfe 
 nd  not  impart  them.  Wherefore 
 jood  Sr.  C.  give  mee  leave  a  little 
 o  commune  with  you  now  being 
 inder  the  hand  of  God  :  For  even 
 kilfull  Phyficians,  when  them- 
 lelves  are  vificcd,  will  uft  the  ad- 
 rice  of  their  inferiours.  You  know 
 xtter  than  my  felfe,  that  ordinari- 
 ly in  all  affit&ions  God  doth  of- 
 fer himfclfe  as  a  Father  to  us,  cha- 
 ining us,  that  hee  may  make  us 
 partakers  of  holinefle,  yea,  even 
 by  death  it  felfe  hee  doth  chaften 
 his,  that  they  may  not  be  jud- 
 ged with  the  unrepentant  world. 
 Thu$Idoubtnot,buthe  doth  with 
 you.  II  then  wee  arc  under  Gods 
 
 chaftening 
 
 109 
 
Ir 
 
 iio 
 
 Wt  tnufl  mourm  for  fin  in  afflilVton 
 
 chaftening  hand,  wee  muft  firft  la* 
 bour  to  take  to  heart  onr  faults, 
 for  which  our  heavenly  Fachei 
 doth  take  us  in  hand.  Secondly, 
 wee  muft  feeke  his  mercy  in  for- 
 giving thcin,  a'id  removing  the 
 temporary  corre&ion,  (b  tarre  as 
 may  ftand  with  his  glory.  Third- 
 ly, *<iee  muft  be  cirefulltofeeke 
 the  u(e  of  them  in  all  things  fol- 
 lowing, if  God  (hall  thinke  good, 
 to  raife  us,  andtruftus  with  lon- 
 ger time  in  this  prefenc  life.  You 
 know  that  ic  is  the  part  of  ana- 
 turaTl  ingenious  childe  to  grieve 
 for  that,  whereby  he  hath  provo- 
 ked his  earthly  parents  difplea- 
 ftre,  and  {hall  it  not  be  our  dudes 
 much  more  toward  our  heavenly  > 
 Till  we  know  and  feel  our  fickneflc 
 (bmewhat  grievous,  we  cannot  af- 
 fectionately keke  that  Phyfician. 
 Wee  count  him  our  friend,  who 
 warneth  us  of  fomething  growing 
 on  our  bodies,which  we  could  not 
 difcerne  of  our  feIves;Take  ic^Ibe- 
 feech  you,  as  my  heft-lore,  if  I 
 
 prefer 
 
,  yatnraffmenfpiritupll  Adulterers* 
 
 nc 
 
 )refer  co  your  considerations  fome 
 hugs  which  I  cake  co  have  bcene 
 br  chief  e  infirmities  of  your  fouie. 
 kW  our  hearcs  arc  by  nature  full  of 
 pirituall  adultery,  wee  love  the 
 )ltafure$anrf  pomp  or  this  worlds 
 WU  let  then  carry  away  from  God, 
 3u-  molt  lively  and  teudereft  af- 
 fections. Now  if  a  man  of  crue  ho- 
 nour would  challenge  himielfe, 
 [hould  he  be  but  falfc  in  love  co  hi  s 
 rarchly  afJociate?  How  much  more 
 (hould  it  grieve  us,  who  have  let 
 our  hearts  play  talfr  with  our  hea 
 venly  Husband?  Againc,  (bould 
 one  keepe  cheir  heart  to  ihdr 
 Love  in  fome  fore,  but  not  care  to 
 come  into  the  andefikd  bed,  in 
 .which  their  moft  neere  benevo- 
 lence is  mutually  imparted ;  were  I 
 it  not  a  Grange  difl  -yalcy  in  per- 
 form married  one  co  the  other  ? 
 What  then  (hall  wee  thinke,  who 
 by  profeffion  married  co  God, 
 have  not  cared  for  partaking  in 
 cheminifteryof  che  Word,  which 
 isthe.Bridill-bed,  wherein  by  his 
 
 (pint, 
 
T" 
 
 112 
 
 «■* 
 
 Not  to  commnnUste  in  the  fins,  &c. 
 
 ) 
 
 fpiric,  he  doth  communicate  with 
 our  (bules  bis  fweetcft  favours3and 
 makcth  them  6e  conceived  with 
 fruit  of  righteoufnefle,  to  evcrla- 
 ft  tog  life.  Abantb  and  Fharpar 
 were  as  good  waters  as  lor  dm:  but 
 ic  pleafed  not  God  in  them  to 
 heale  Naamans  leprofie,  but  in 
 Jordan.  It  pleafed  God  by  the  foo- 
 lifhneflc  of  preaching,  to  fave  all 
 who  fhall  beleeve#  Laflly,  if  you 
 have  made  the  finnes  of  others 
 yours  by  communicating  in  them, 
 and  not  reproving  and  reforming 
 them  when  you  had  power,(a$  the 
 finnes  offervants  in  houfe  with 
 you j)  yoa  muft  rake  knowledge  of 
 this,  and  let  it  grieve  you :  when 
 you  have  friends  comming  to  you, 
 you  will  have  your  fcrvants  not 
 onely  fcrve  you,  but  be  rcfjpe&ive 
 to  them,  carefull  that  they  by  no 
 nideneffe  doe  give  them  diftafte. 
 How  then  fhouid  it  grieve  us  to 
 thinke,  that  we  have  not  cared,  Co 
 we  have  been  fcrved  to  our  minds, 
 how  our  God  bath  been  negkftcd, 
 
 ye*> 
 
yea,  provoked  ?  No  wconfidering 
 tbefe  things,  andthofcof  likena- 
 tare^which  you  are  privie  to  with- 
 in your  felfe,  feeke  to  God  in  the 
 death  of  your  Chrift,for  the  remo- 
 val! of  them,  of  the  fin  chiefely;  of 
 the  corre&ion,  (b  farre  as  hee  (hall 
 fee  good.  Ungodly  men  are  like 
 Pharaoh,  who  bade  Mejespr&y  to 
 Godto  take  the  plague  away:  but 
 Gods  children  like  Davidfhty  fly 
 to  the  multitude  of  Gods  tendered 
 mercies,  to  take  away  their  finne. 
 You  may  come  with  boldneffe  to 
 that  mercifull  God  in  Chrift,  who 
 !aith,that  though  a  man  would  not 
 take  a  wifconce  put  away  for  adul- 
 tery,yet  he  will  receive  his  people^ 
 even  after  their  adulteries ;  if  they 
 feek  to  him  repentantly.  It  is  a  fol- 
 ly to  (hive  togetloofefromfick- 
 ncfle,  if  we  firft  fcekc  not  to  have 
 releafe  from  finne.  To  breake  the 
 Gaole  without  being  acquitted 
 by  the  JuclgeDis  no  true  liberty.  To 
 fee  rhe  Sergeant, without  compoun- 
 ding with  the  Creditor,  cannot 
 
 F  make 
 
I 
 
 U4 
 
 Vipery-iike  evils  made  wbolefome,&c. 
 
 »  '  I'  ■  ■  ■■■!  I  >»  |  ,       . 
 
 make  found  peace,  Laftly,I  doe  in- 
 treat  you  tofeeketheufeof  Gods 
 vifitation  before  all  things.  How- 
 ever hee  (hall  deale  with  you3  hec 
 who  hath  commanded  finfull  man 
 to  joyne  inftruftion  with  correcti- 
 on, hce  who  hath  taught  man  that 
 he  will  not  beat  a  Dog,  but  he  will 
 put  it  into  his  fenfes  as  well  as  hce 
 can,what  it  is  for  which  he  ftriketh 
 hiouhe,]  fay,  will  not  faile  to  teach 
 youj  why  his  hand  is  on  you,  and 
 make  you  profit  by  ic.  This  is  the 
 feale  that  God  hath  ordained  us, 
 and  called  us  according  to  his  pur- 
 pofe  of  bringing  us  to  life,  when 
 all  things^ven  thofc  cvills  ofcrof* 
 fes,  turne  to  our  ipirituall  good. 
 His  Fatherly  skill  doth  not  make 
 thefe  VipcrJikeevills  into  whole- 
 fome  triacles,  for  any,  but  his  cho- 
 fen  children.  If  you  finde  thefc 
 things,  re  Joyce :  For  God  hath  re- 
 vived in  your  foule  an  eternal! 
 life^yea^,  he  will  rcftore  you  to  this 
 temporaJl  lifc,if  it  be  good.  The  if 
 fuesof  death  are  with  our  God,anc 
 
 wha 
 
Feart  not  death  fince  Cbrifl  taped  it.        115 
 
 what  is  ic  for  him  to  heale  you  be- 
 ing ficke,  who  did  give  to  belee- 
 vingperfons,  their  dead  to  life  a- 
 gaine,when  it  made  for  his  glory  > 
 If  nor,you  know,  a  ficke  body  will 
 notfearetodrinke  that  hisPhyfi- 
 ciaodothtafte  before  him  :  Chrift 
 hach  rafted  death  before  us ;  to  de- 
 liver  us  from  the  feare  ofic :  yea, 
 you  know  chat  your  life  is  hid  with 
 God  in  Chrift  (whoistherooteof 
 us  that  beleeve  on  him)  even  as  the 
 life  of  a  Tree,  this  Winter  time,  is 
 bid  in  the  roote  of  it.  The  Lord 
 comfort  you  ia  thefe  things,  and 
 thus  let  mee  for  this  time  end* 
 
 12.    Aicmtorys 
 
 DEarc  Sr,  I  thanke  God,  I  doe 
 remember  you,  as  I  am  able, 
 unto  him,  increasing  him  to  ftand 
 by  you  in  all  things,and  finifh  your 
 courfe  with  comfort.  Remember 
 thefore-pafled  experiences  which 
 you  have  had  of  his  kindnefle  and 
 conftancy  toward  you :  he  willnot 
 leave  &  forfcke  you  now  you  have 
 
 F  2  mod 
 
 A 
 
-*-_     -I 
 
 -'■L!J"-g-.     ■ 
 
 Mans  extremity j  Gods  opportunity. 
 
 moftueedofhittw  Men  often,  like 
 tothefcSwallowe^willbe  with  us 
 in  Summer,  but  leave  us  in  Winter. 
 The  Divell,  when  he  hath  drawnc 
 bis  into  th^e  briars,,  will  give  them 
 leave  to  iooke  for  themfelves :  But 
 God  hath  ever  ftood  neereft  to  his, 
 when  their  exigencies  havebeene 
 greateft.  Mans  extremity  is  his  op- 
 portunity. That  which  God  hath 
 done  once  for  you,  in  fuftaining, 
 quickningyou,  quieting  your  fpi- 
 ric,  his  peace, which  pafletb  all  un- 
 dcrftariding,keeping  of  ic^  that  hee 
 wiH  doe  every  day  unto  you,if  y  oa 
 will  inforceyourfelfe  toward  him. 
 It  is  no  more  paine  to  him  to  heipe 
 trs,  thanic  isuntotheSunto  lend 
 light  ro  us.  If  we  have  in  forne  fits, 
 found  eaie  by  this  or  thar,  wee 
 know  if  wee  come  Into  like  cafe, 
 howtohelpefcurfelves:  it  is  wee 
 fay*  but  doing  fuch  a  thing,  or  ta- 
 king ftich  a  matter  :  thus  having 
 once  found  in  deadnefle,fiinting  o: 
 fpirir,  quicknance  and  ftrength  bj 
 recourfctoourGodinChrift,  anc 
 
 wrefUinj 
 
The  eye  *f  Fattbfees  God  invifibk. 
 
 wreftling  with  him,  wee  (hould 
 know  what  to  doe  when  fuch  like 
 ftateteturnethon  us.  Well  Sir,  a*- 
 while,&  for  ever:The  Lord  ftreng- 
 then  uf,that  though  we  be  led  into 
 darknefle  without  Iighr,  yet  wee 
 mayleaoeto  him,  and  call  on  his 
 name.  Ifa  child  have  his  father  by 
 the  hand,though  be  be  in  thedark, 
 yet  he  is  not  afraid:  fo  is  it  wi  thus, 
 while  by  the  eye  of  Faich  wee  fee 
 chat  invifible  one  at  our  righthand 
 to  fupport  and  (ave  u?,  I  pray  you 
 commend  me  to  my  good  friends  a- 
 bout  you.Thoughl  am  called  more 
 on  for  writing,  than  my  ftrengch 
 can  well  afford,yet  I  cannot  forget 
 you  overlong.NowIcomend  you 
 to  the  grace  of  that  faithful!  Shep- 
 herd, who  will  beare  us  when  we 
 are  weary,  ltrengchen  us  when 
 weake,  keep  us  againft  the  Wolfe, 
 yea,  notlofcus,  but  according  to 
 thewill  of  his  Father,  raifeus  up 
 at  the  laft  day ;  to  whom  be  glory 
 forever :  farewell, 
 
 Yours  in  Chriftianaffcdion^P.B. 
 J F  3  13.O/J- 
 
 117 
 
n8 
 
 A  Cbrijlian  can fuR  of  bit  promt  ft. 
 
 tap 
 
 I 
 
 13.   Ciiatwy. 
 
 MY  beloved  Friend,  nowthei 
 throng  is  gone ;  Co  that  nei- 
 ther we  can  excufc  any  longer  our 
 not  inviting,t  or  you  your  not  com. 
 ming  when  you  are  called  on.  You 
 know  what  words  did  pafle  be 
 twixt  us,,  farre  be  it  that  they 
 (hould  prove  wind.  I  doe  accom- 
 plifliraineinrequeftingyou  tovi- 
 fic  us,  you  fhall  difcharge  your 
 prosrifc,  when  we  in  joy  you  pre- 
 fcnt.  We  know  that  you  have  not 
 wanted  altogether  intreacies  to  this 
 porpofe :  we  come  after  preferring 
 the  lame  fuitmore  vehcmcntly3not 
 quite  out  of  hope  to  /peed :  the  la- 
 teft  Dog  fbmetime  taketh  up  the 
 Hare.  My  wife  will  (if  you  be  fo 
 pleated)  meet  you  at  Ware,  when 
 you  fet  forward,  that  you  may 
 know  with  what  devotion  (he  cn- 
 rertaiaesyourcomming.  All  our 
 waiea  are  in  the  hand  of  God,  hee 
 teacheth  us  to  commit  theoi  to 
 him,  that  they  may  be  directed. 
 
 W< 
 
\!n  all  out  vans  we  nrnfl  fear*  God.  I      119 
 
 Wc  may  go  here  and  there,change 
 aire  and  company,  but  the  God  of 
 all  confolaiion  is  hee  from  whofc 
 eere  mercy  in  his  Chrift  wee  re- 
 ceive all  our  comfort  :  cheareful- 
 nefle  of  heart  is  his  gift  to  thofe 
 chat  arc  good  in  his  cycs.The  Lord 
 pin  his  fearc  ki-our  hearts,  that  wc 
 may  never  depart  from  him  leaving 
 the  way  of  his  com  wdements ;  and 
 give  us  more  and  more  his  fcare 
 before  us,in  all  our  waies.  For  it  it 
 be  a  fpot  in  feafts,  to  eateand  drink 
 without  feare,as  Iudt  faith  ^  fare  it 
 is  likewifea  fpot,  in  our  journey es. 
 The  firft  lines,  are  to  provoke  you 
 to  come ;  thefe  are  to  guide  you  io 
 comming,  that  your  way  may  be 
 prolpcrous;  which  I  wi(h  you  | 
 from  my  heart,  wich  all  oihcr  fpi- 
 rituall  blcffings,for  Chvifts  (ake,ac- 
 curled  for  us. 
 
 Write  to  us,when  and  how  you 
 will  contrive  your  journey.  Fare 
 you  well* 
 
 Yours  in  the  Lord, 
 
 Pan  I  Baync. 
 F  4  14.  Dif- 
 
 ! 
 
?=*l 
 
 120 
 
 •mi 
 
 Concerning  the  education  of&c. 
 
 \ 
 
 14.   Viffivaforj* 
 
 LOving  -AT.  A  word  in  time^  is 
 better  than  many  out  of  feafon, 
 when  it  is  too  late  :  I  have  talked 
 with  my  wxfe5  and  I  finde  it  true : 
 Tim  vident$cnUqHam  ocnlus:  two 
 are  better  than  one*  My  wife  is  in 
 love  very  carefull  of  your  weale, 
 and  for  the  party  to  which  one 
 might  mod  probably  incline,  her 
 thoughts  are  not  without  reafon  a- 
 verfc.  Firft,  the  education  of  Gen- 
 tlewomen of  that  forr,  doth  teach 
 them  little  to  know,  but  gallancy 
 in  apparell,to  call  for  fer vice  about 
 therafeives.    If  they  may  come 
 where  tbey  may  have  conforts 
 to  play  a  game  at  Maw  while 
 they  are  vacant  from  their  atten- 
 dance. Againe,for  leeds  of  Rdigi- 
 on,you  cannot  groundlyconjcfturc 
 them  in  her,  which  istheprinci- 
 pall  thing  you  would  fecure  your 
 felfeof:  for  good  natures  without 
 Religion,  are  as  we  fty  of  the  Di- 
 vell,  good  onely  while  they  arc 
 pleafed,  and  when  you  found  it 
 ^^^  enough 
 
\t 
 
 Godly jeahn He ofourfdves profitable.  I       121 
 
 enough  ro  kcepe  any  duty  to  God, 
 with  the  help  of  a  Religious  yoke- 
 fellow, how  caii  you  conceive 
 hopes  this  way,  ifyouwancfuch 
 a  helper?  Thirdly,  her  portion  is 
 but  a  little  for  your  eftate  and  cal- 
 ling: God  gave  you  matter  of  e. 
 ftate  equalling  to  hers,  when  you 
 were  many  wa^es  by  many  degrees 
 unequalltoyourftlfe.  Againejitis 
 by  fupplements  of  good  will  to  be 
 made  up3  which  may  occafion  fe- 
 rret courfts  ofrccompence.Think 
 ofthefe  things:  for  though  I  pitty 
 your  condition,  yet  I  vufti  from 
 my  heart,  there  may  be  no  more 
 hattethanfpeede:  {oft  fire  maketh 
 fweeteft  maulr.  Labour  to  have 
 your  felfe  in  feare  a  id  jealoufi?,and 
 mark.'  the  fecrec  fo»ly  ofhearr,wch 
 makecb  uspoatt  over  our  mourning 
 part  before  God,  and  linger  after 
 the  houfe  of  laughter.  Iffit  ke  bo* 
 dies  fhould  lip  onely,  and  kt  a wjy 
 the  bitter  potion,  calling  for  re. 
 ftoratives,  the  diieafe  fhould  >tfur- 
 thex  aad  further  be  cher.fljcd  :  (b 
 
 F  5  our  I 
 
 ) 
 
 »■*■ 
 
tl 
 
 a  2  2     \Love  &  hatred  are  not  in  our  power. 
 
 our  ficke  foules,  if  they  leave  their 
 wormewood-dnughc  too  timely 
 which  wee  fhould  take  next  our 
 heart,  wce.fhall  mtfle  a  great  fur- 
 therance vi  our  fbules  health.  I  a- 
 gaine  often  thinke,it  is  not  beauty, 
 bat  Gods  bleffiogywhich  muft  give 
 you  contentmew,and  love  and  ha- 
 tred are  not  in  our  power ;  if  wee 
 had  our  moneths  mind  ferved,  we 
 are  fubjeft  to  grow  into  diflilcc 
 with  that  wee  fo  highly  defired,  as 
 the  RotyofAmnon  &  Thamardoth 
 wkneffe.  Againe,ifyoufindcyour 
 minde  any  thing  impotently  run- 
 ning hither  and  thither  (2s  the  fpi- 
 rit  of  man  tnoweth  the  things  of 
 roan  )  bee  affraid  of  having 
 the  thing  you  (bdefirejeft  it  prove 
 sa^he.  Quales  which  ftancke  in 
 the  momhes  of  them  that  lufted 
 after  them..  I  pray  you  therefore, 
 ftrive  with  your  ownc  foule  for 
 more  godly  fbrrow  and  wea- 
 nednefic  of -minde  :  Deliberate 
 flewly,  and  then  you  fhall  be  able 
 to  accomplifh  boldly,  cspe&icg 
 
 frorof 
 
he  Lord  out  helper  in  Temptations.  I 
 
 From  God  a  bleffing  of  thofe  waies  1 
 hich  you  have  comended  co  him, 
 I  have  great  bufinefle.  0\xcMe~ 
 \fopoluans  vifitation  c5mcth  fhorc- 
 ly,and  I  am  warned  co  preach,  be- 
 fides  many  other  cccafions.  Yet 
 becaufe  I  love  not  after  wifedome, 
 I  doe  make  way  by  force,  to  (end 
 you  in  time  a  word  by  friendly 
 admonition. 
 
 We  doe  with  our  beft  hearts  bid 
 you  farewell, . 
 
 15.  ConWatorjt* 
 
 Si  R,  Your  Letter  came  in  the 
 chiefeft  of  our  harveft,  fince 
 the  titTie*  the  firft  weeke,  you 
 know  our  Carrier  gocth  nor,  I 
 cm  no  longer  be  wantirg  to  my 
 duty  fo  farre^  as  to  leave  your  let- 
 ter unanfwered.  Thus  I  pafie  to 
 thatclaufe,  touching  your  late  tri- 
 al!* I  do  defire  to  have  (ome  feeling 
 ofyoureftate;  and  the  Lord  that 
 kecpeth  his,  when  they  are  almoft 
 lo(t  in  themfelves,  keep  you  in  this 
 and  all  other  cemptations.Wc  have 
 
 great 
 
 123 
 
 ii 
 
124     \  Many bj-wms  out  of  temptation^ 
 
 great  needeof  God,  to  leadc  us,  in 
 time  of  triall :  there  are  many  by- 
 waies,  at  which  our  corruption 
 and  weakeneffe  will  be  ready  to 
 (tart  our  •  and  but  ondy  one  true 
 way,  which  will  bring  us  to  fee  a 
 good  iffae,  in  Gods  feafon.  Some- 
 times wee  are  in  danger,  as  hath 
 beene  taught  u$t  to  fet  light  by 
 Godscorre&ions,  and  play  hide- 
 >bare  with  him;  thinking  well,  if 
 wee  can  ward  offthefmartinany 
 fa/hion  *  fometime  we  are  impati- 
 enr,outwardly  and  apparently  kic- 
 king at  the  fpurre ;  like  thefe  plun- 
 ging Horf^which  will  not  indure 
 their  Rider  :  fometime  inwardly 
 andfccretly  repimng  and  fretting, 
 like  thofe  Horfes,  which  djgeft 
 their  choler,by  biting  their  bridles. 
 If  wee  neither  defpife,  nor  impati- 
 ently rile  againft  the  hand  of  God, 
 yet  our  weakentfle  is  ready  too 
 a  uch  to  rake  to  heart  that  which 
 is  our  exercife,  fo  that  our  fpirit 
 drooperh  and  fainteth-  and  this  is 
 worle,  becauic  it  is  commonly  ac- 
 companied 
 
 W*mm*m 
 
but  one  goo  &  way  Jo  agoodiffw* 
 
 ^•' 
 
 tompanied  wich  a  wilfull  indifpofi- 
 tion,  which  will  not  let  us  receive 
 uch  things,  by  which  we  might  be 
 rucly  comforted:  as  in  Iacob^ho 
 would  not  be  comforted,  buc  fol- 
 lowed his  fonne  to  the  Grave, 
 mourning-  I  doubt  nor,  buz  God 
 keepech  you  both  from  rhe  former; 
 I  hope,  from  th'S  latter  alfo.  Wee 
 muii  rake  our  correfrion,and  hum- 
 ble our  felves  uader  the  fmart  of  it; 
 but  wee  rauft  looke  to  Chrift,  chat 
 he  e  would  not  let  our  faith,  hope, 
 and  meckcnefT:  of  miade,  be  fha- 
 ken.  If  God  (hould  have  told  you 
 both;  Twill  give  you  two  chil- 
 dren, you  ftaU  bring  them  up  fo 
 long  for  mee,  and  I  will  rake  them 
 agahe;  would  you  not  have  ac- 
 credit ghdly?  The  event  doth 
 tell  you  no  UQcs  than  if  he  had  be- 
 fore-hand thus  fpoken  unto  you, 
 GodisthechUfe  Father  of  all  the 
 Families  in  Heaven  a  .d  Earth ;  we 
 arc  but  fofter-paren?s  to  our  owne 
 children .  When  my  lafl  childe  was 
 taken  to  Gad,  my  good  triend,  our 
 
 Preacher, 
 
 125 
 
 mm 
 
n6 
 
 -*— 
 
 — ^ — -^ — 1 1 MI^M      II  ' I  I 
 
 ^Motives  to  beare  equally  the 
 
 Preacher^  did  fometime  fhew  mee 
 many  Motives,why  I  fhould  bearc 
 it  equally. 
 
 Firft,  TKat  they,  aaken  thus 
 fbone,are  crowned  through  Ghrift, 
 without  having  experience  ot  that 
 fight,which  roaketh  us  cry,  Orai- 
 ferable^&c.and  thinke  our  lives  of- 
 ten a  burthen  to  us. 
 
 Secondly  Jt  is  not  love  to  them., 
 when  we  are  perfwaded,  that  God 
 is  their  God,  which  maketh  us 
 grieve  at  their  taking  hence :  it  is 
 felfe-love,or  carnal]  a  ffeftion:  For 
 Chrift  told  his  Difciples,  If  yee  lo- 
 ved mejee  would  be  glad,becaufe 
 I  gee  10  the  Father.  And  what 
 raeafure  doe  wee  offer  God,  who 
 can  tend  our  children  farre  from 
 us,  where  wee  are  never  like  to  fee 
 them  againe,  if  they  may  doe  well 
 with  man,  and  yet  cannot  well 
 beare  to  have  them  taken  out  of 
 fight  by  the  Lord,  though  wee  are 
 pcrfwaded  their  fpirits  are  with 
 him  ?  Wee  muft  Labour  for  fiich 
 good  hearts,  as  may  not  be  content 
 
 per- 
 
 , 
 
stai/£  */  *»r  children. 
 
 ■    »■ 
 
 ce 
 
 •« 
 
 berforce  to  let  him  take,  but  may 
 willingly  yeeld,  even  our  childrea 
 ^if  it  were  by  fterificing  them  with 
 our  ownc  bands)  to  him  who  hath 
 not  thought  his  only  Begotten  too 
 dcare  for  us,  but  hath  given  him  to 
 death  for  our  Takes.  If  God  (hould 
 have  riven  the  Tree  afander,  I 
 meane,  fevered  you  one  from  ano- 
 ther^ muft  have  been  taken  thank- 
 fully 5  but  much  more  when  hee 
 •leaveththe  Tree,  and  taketh  but 
 the  ftuir,  yea,  but  part  of  that,  lea- 
 ving the  one  halfe  yec  wkh  you. 
 
 Thirdly,and  Iaftly,  Ic  is  a  token 
 wee  felt  not  his  love,  nor  received 
 them  not  from  his  hand,  as  wee 
 ought  to  have  done,  if  wee  (hould 
 not  thankfully  give  them  backe  to 
 him.  -^tf*  receiving  Samue/asa 
 gift  gotten  by  petition  from  God, 
 did  readily  part  with  him  to  God 
 againe ;  {b  Abraham  with  his  (ced, 
 which  by  Faith  in  the  Promife  hee 
 had  obtained.  I  know  wc  are  ready 
 to  think  chele  things  are  truc^  but  a 
 Parent-like  afftttroncaoooteafily 
 
 fhake 
 
 127 
 
128 
 
 i 
 
 j 
 
 1         '  • 
 
 We  mufl  lone  Godbtttter  tban9&c. 
 
 (bake  hands  with,  and  yeeld  op 
 things  fo  dearely  beloved.lc  is  true 
 indeed,  that  while  we  pleade  love 
 to  our  children,  what  unkindncfle 
 do  we  bewray  toward  God ;  if  my 
 heart  did  not  fo  love  them,  I  could 
 give  them  thee  ?  Calmly  to  thinke 
 on  this,  which  yet  is  contained  in 
 that  Exception  above  named  ^ were 
 able  to  make  one  blufti,  that  his 
 heart  Ihould  be  Co  cold  in  his  love 
 to  God-ward,  as  not  willingly  to' 
 pan  with  any  thing  it  Iovech,  ac 
 Gods  cill :  alas,  to  yeeld  that  wee 
 greatly  care  not  for,  is  noCjodamzr- 
 cy.  Bur  I  hope,Gods  love  doth  not 
 make  his  hand  grievous ;  neither 
 would  I  have  thus  late  written  thus 
 much,but  that  iris  good  to  be  pro- 
 vided againft  all  things  to  come. 
 For  as  when  fire  catcheth,  wee  £e 
 how  farre  iris  gone,  but  know  not 
 where  it  will  flay-  even  fo  ic  is, 
 when  tte£reofaffli#ion(in  Which 
 Faith  is  proved)  is  once  kindled. 
 The  fecond  meffenger  told  not  hb 
 ail  his  foricw  at  once :  it  is  wife- 
 dome 
 
'VcmufttbankiGod f&rthe3  &c.\       129    ; 
 
 iome    flili  to   provide  for  the 
 fvorft,  the  bell  will  fave  it  fclfe. 
 
 L  i5- 
 
 \  J  Y  beloved  Friend,  ardChri- 
 [VI  ftiai  Sifter,  if  I  my  ftlfe  had 
 )eeu  a  good  Scribe,you  (hould  not 
 lave  been  thus  long  unwritten  to  : 
 My  affl&iontoyourdeceafed  Mo- 
 her,who  did  rcquefi  it  at  my  hand, 
 and  the  love  I  bareyour  (elfe,  would 
 long  fince  haveinforeed  it 5  but  my 
 hand  cannot  doe,,  what  my  heart 
 would.  Neverthelefle,  feeling  my 
 telfe  not  like  to  live  to  fee  your 
 face,I  have  got  the  helpofanothers 
 hand,to  report  what  my  heart  doth  ] 
 fpeake  unto  you,  out  of  that  Chri- 
 stian love  which  bindcth  us  to  con- 
 fid  er  one  another,and  provoke  one 
 a nother  to  love.  I  m  ay  thanke  God 
 for  thofe  good  things,   which  I 
 know  his  grace  hath  done  in  you. 
 For  the  confcionable  reverence  of 
 your  deceafed  Parent,  was  of  him, 
 who  writeth  in  \  he  heart  that  com- 
 manderaent  of  honouring  the  Pa- 
 rent, 
 
130      DifeUions  toftirre  up  our  duties ,&c . 
 
 "  — »  «  tm  1  mi, 
 
 rent,  as  well  as  others,   A  grace 
 which  God^who  workech  it,  hath 
 promifed  to  crowne  vvich  much 
 profperity.  Other  things  alfoper- 
 fwade  me  of  your  piety ;  bat  God 
 will  teach  you  to  know  the  things 
 beflowed  on  you :  neither  are  wee 
 much  to  harpe  on  this  ftri  <g,  un- 
 kfle  we  were  in  conference  aifured, 
 that  it  were  needfull  to  ftrengthen 
 each  other  with  fignes  of  a  good 
 eftatc;    as  the  Phyfiria  s  doe  on 
 heartkfle  Patients,  with  repeating 
 good  tokens  of  recovery.  Yet  we 
 that  are  taught  of  him,  to  fee  ought 
 that  his  grace  doth  in  us,   muft 
 bleffe  him;ind  Ganders  by, who  by 
 a  (pirit  of  difcerning  obferve  the 
 fame.rouft  joynewithusin  thankt 
 giving.  I  will  leave  therefore  this 
 matter,  and  take  occaficn  to  ftirre 
 you  up  to  duty  Co  your  heavenly 
 Father^whom  I  know  to  have  been 
 dutifull  of  confeience  to  earthly. 
 1  Firft,   you  muft  labour  to  know 
 your  God;  and  in  Chrift^your  mer- 
 cifull  Father :  for  we  by.nature  are 
 
 like 
 
 * 
 
like  runnagate children,  who  have 
 never  kept  ncere  their  Parents 
 houfe  •  or  like  the  ProdigalI,which 
 left  his  fathers  houfe3  and  becooke 
 him  to  Harlots :  (bour  hearts  have 
 left  our  God,and  know  nothing  by 
 narure,  but  the  things  of  this 
 world,with  which  we  commie  fpi- 
 ri  mall  Harlotry.  Now  there  is 
 none  by  nature  that  feeke  after 
 God.  But  wee  thatdoeinChrift, 
 find  him  in  part,  muft  more  and 
 more  grow  up,  in  theackaowlcd-  ' 
 gingof  him.Whatagraceleflepart  J 
 would  weconderane  itiofor  our 
 felvcs,  if  we  (hould  not  know  our1 
 Parents  here  (as  by  pride  and  heed- 
 lefle  rudencfie,  (bme  children  will 
 not)  much  more  (hould  wee  be  a- 
 fhamed,  not  to  take  notice  of  our 
 heavenly  Father?Nay,we  muft  the 
 more  cry  after  him,  the  more  blek 
 fedneffe  we  know  there  is,in  injoy- 
 ingof  him  :  as  the  children  that 
 taHethc  (Weetiiefle  of  the  loving 
 Parent,  cry  when  they  fteme  to  be 
 left.  Butifycuaskehowyoumay 
 
 know? 
 
I 
 
 132 
 
 How  we  may  know  God. 
 
 know  ?  I  anfwer :  Firft,  you  muft 
 gee  your  eyes  wiped,  the  eyes  of 
 yourminde:  Secondly,  you  muft 
 know  where  to  feeke  him.  Our 
 eyes  arc  (bre,and  full  of  fcales :  and 
 therefore/ifmen  becarefull  to  have 
 the  eyes  oftheir  body  drefifed^yea, 
 induce  (harpe  waters,  rather  than 
 their  fight  fhould  faile;  fo  much 
 more  muft  weefceketoGod,  for 
 the  Eye-falve  of  hisSpirir,the  one- 
 ly  Clary  that  clcarethfickc  fights  : 
 Yea,  welcome  Gods  Affli&ions, 
 which  are  his  ftrong  Waters,  to 
 rcftore  our  Seeing, 
 
 Now  could  you  fee,  and  knew 
 not  where  to  finde  him,  you  were 
 never  rhe  better.  Therefore  you 
 muft  know  this,  that  if  you  will 
 feeke  him,y  ou  muft  looke  at  Ghrift 
 his  Sonne,  in  whom  the  Father  is, 
 for  they  are  one.  Wheo  a  childe  is 
 like  tbe  Parent,  wee  (ay,  If  you  fee 
 (uch  a  one,  you  fee  his  Father,  for 
 he  is  the  fame  up  and  downe  as  his 
 Father  was.  But  Chrift  is  liker 
 the  Father,  than  any  childe  the  na- 
 
 rurall 
 
 •-       I  Ml        I'll. 
 
turall  Parent.  For  the  fclfe-fame 
 All-feeing  fpiritoall  God,  who  in 
 fellowftiip  of  his  Perfon.,  hach  a 
 Souleand  Body  glorified,  the  fame 
 Spirituall  Nature  is  the  Nature  of 
 the  Father  :  as  if  the  fame  Soule 
 and  Body  which  is  in  you,  were 
 communicated  with  the  perfbn  of 
 your  childe*  S^condly.as  you  feeke 
 to  know  him  more,  fo  you  rauft 
 feekc  to  love  him  and  pleafe  him  in 
 all  things,  being  more  fruicfull  in 
 ftrving  him^than  you  have  beene : 
 And  good  reafon3Love  is  the  wher- 
 ftonc  of  Love.  If  you  fhould  fo 
 love  one.,  as  to  give  your  little  Son 
 to  death  for  his  fike,  would  you 
 not  thinke  it  an  intolerab'e  pare, 
 not  to  be  confidered  with  love  a- 
 gaine  ?  Yet  God  (b  loved  us,  that 
 bee  gave  his  onely  Begotten ;  that 
 wee  beleeving  in  him,  fhouldnor 
 perifh,  btic  have  life  erernall.  Aid 
 for  onrc  children',  Do  we  not  lodke, 
 thowgh  they  be  full  of  play  when 
 they  are  y  oung,yet,that  being  bet- 
 ter growne,  they  muft  learne  fomc 
 
 honed 
 
»34 
 
 Levt  to  God  tried  by  its  rvorkfng. 
 
 t 
 
 honeft  calling,  which  may  do  them 
 good  another  day  >  So  the  Lord, 
 though  he  have  a  gentle  handover 
 us,  while  wee  are  tender ;  yet  doth 
 oke,  that  wee  afterwards  (hould 
 e  morefruicfull  and  ferviceable  to 
 him,  Ioh.12  2«  The  righteous  are 
 compared  to  Tnes;  which,  when 
 firft  planted,  beavc  few,  but  grow 
 till  they  come  co  carry  many  bran- 
 ches, Now,  if  you  would  try  your 
 love,,  you  muft  finde  it  out  by  its 
 working.  What  contentment  you 
 take  in  that  Pretence,  which  is  to 
 be  had  by  Faith;  what  longing  you 
 have  to  be  with  God;  what  love  to 
 his  tokens  $  what  love  to  children, 
 and  friends.  As  fcrexample:  Lo- 
 ving your  Husband  above  all  men, 
 there  is  none  whofe  pretence  you 
 care  for,or  take  contenment  in,like 
 his.  So  faith  the  faithfull  fbule  to 
 God ;  What  have  I  in  Heaven  but 
 thee  ?  What  in  Earth, in  compari- 
 son of  thee  >  Againe,U  yourHuf- 
 band  were  in  feme  other  Country, 
 how  would  you  long  for  his  re- 
 
 turne 
 
Ejfe&s  of  out  love  to  God* 
 
 *35 
 
 turne  unco  you,  or  that  you  might 
 follow  him  ?  So  the  loving  foule 
 to  God,  faith ;  Oh,  who  fball deli- 
 ver mee  from  this  body!  Oh,ic  is 
 
 beft  for  mee  ro  bs  with  Chritt ! 
 Shee  would  goe  to  him.  I  looke 
 for  the  appearance  of  the  great 
 God,who  (hail  makemy  body  iike 
 his  glorious  Body,  by  the  Power 
 which  fubdueth  all  things.  Ifcwo 
 trucly  loving  were  contrafte'd, 
 would  not  every  weeke  ferae  a 
 yeere,  till  the  Wedding  >  Wcc  are 
 by  Faith  ontra&ed  to  God,  in 
 Chrift :  how  fhould  we  long  co  fee 
 our  Marriage  folemnized?  Eadea- 
 vour  to  pleafe  him,  grieve  ifought 
 crofle  your  loving  Husband.  A 
 Letter  from  a  friend,  we  love,  and 
 fee  by  ic :  If  we  have  a  Token,how 
 wckecpeic,aadarcgladofic?  So 
 the  Word  of  God,  which  is  his 
 Letter,  Oh!  how  glad  is  the  foule, 
 that  loves  the  God  of  it  ?  I  rejoyced 
 in  thy  Sratutes,  more  than  in  all 
 Wealth.  Sothe  Sicraments,  which 
 arc  the  Pledges  of  himfdfe  to  us, 
 
 thtfe 
 
i$6 
 
 Wee  loV9  not  God  as  vpc  ongkt. 
 
 thefe  arc  the  love-tokens  hee  firn- 
 dcth  to  us,  while  wee  are  abfent 
 from  him  in  the  body.  Laftly,  by 
 loving  his  Children,  and  friends. 
 You  loving  your  Husband,  thinke 
 his  friends  welcome,  and  love 
 them.  Could  you  thinke  one  lo- 
 ved you3and  loved  not  your  fonne? 
 So  they  that  love  him  that  beget- 
 teth,  love  him  alfo  whoisbegor- 
 ten,  i  lob.1)  #1-  Now  thei\letusnot 
 be  falfe  to  our  owne  hearts,  and 
 wee  may  confeffe  that  wee  want  a 
 great  deale  oflove  to' our  God  .* 
 ibr,when  ere  we  glad  at  the  hearty 
 and  rcjoyce  in  our  God  ?  When  do 
 we  long  after  his  appearing  ?  Nay, 
 God  is  faineto  fmoake  us  forth  of 
 this  World  with  many  trialls,  and 
 yet  wee  will  not  arife,  and  come 
 away  in  our  affeftion.  When  are 
 wee  heartily  joyfull  to  heare  his 
 voyce,  and  receive  his  tokens? 
 When  doe  wee  bufie  our  head  to 
 pleafe  him  ?  and  when  doth  it  cut 
 us  at  the  heart,  if  hee  be  offended  > 
 Now  then,  if  you  iee  you  want  ir, 
 
 what 
 
Therefore  vptmnfl  tak,e jbameto9&c.  i      137 
 
 •.a. 
 
 what  muft  you  doc  ?  You  muft 
 fhame  your  owne  heart  within 
 your  felfe,and  fay;  What  a  wretch 
 ami!  If  my  heart  could  be  glad  of 
 every  ftrangers comparand  were 
 dead  within  me,  not  joying  in  my 
 Husbands  preferice ;  were  bufie  a- 
 bout  other  thing?;  negligent  to  my 
 Husband  5  lor  ged  for  other  men; 
 never  wifhed  to  fee  hinij  if  abfent : 
 whar  a  fhamefull  part  were  this  in 
 me  ?  Yet  thus  ic  is  ?  my  fbule  is , 
 married  10  thee(Lord;)  thouftadft  J 
 no  Dowry  with  mc,  but  beggerie, 
 and  fpiriruall  filthinctfe,  yet  thou 
 boughteft  mec  ccare,  and  haft  put 
 mee  in  no  leffe  than  Heaven,  for 
 my  Joytiture  •  and  yet  loe,  I  can 
 fiode  a  contencation,  tod  be  ifierry 
 at  this  or  that  earthly  thing  ;  I  can 
 long  to  have  eaichly  matters 
 which  I  lack ;  I  can  be  carcfull  how 
 to  pleafe  roan,  and  be  grieved, 
 when  ought  doth  erode  his  liking; 
 but  am  lacking  in  them  all,  to- 
 ward thee.  Then  feeing  this,  and 
 how  your  heart  is  full  ot  Harlotry 
 
 G  lo  v  c 
 
i?8 
 
 Get  love  to  God}  and  get  every  thing. 
 >  '  '  *'  > 
 
 love  to  creatures,  youmuftcryto 
 God;  Lord  hejpemee,  pare  away 
 this  fclfe-love,andfalfe  love  to  the 
 creature,  and  make  me  love  thee ; 
 Lord,draw  me  after  chce,and  IftalJ 
 follow  thee  as  toft.  Aad  ftrtngchen  J 
 your  (clfe  in  faith,  and  God  will  I 
 give  it  you:  for  this  i^  his  pro- 
 mife,  I  wilicircumcife  your  hearts, 
 ana  make  you  to  love  mee  with  all 
 your  hearts :  Get  this,  and  you  gee 
 I  every  thing.  This  will  make  that 
 which  is  irkefometothefl  ft,  be 
 meateancf  drinketoyou,  andde-. 
 lightfull.   Is  ??ot  the  Nurcery  of 
 the  Ghilde,  a  homely  pitcc  of 
 worke  ?  Yet,  becaufe  the  Mother 
 loveth  if,though  her  fleepe  be  bro- 
 ken, and  her  hand  foiled,  fheeun- 
 dergoethitgladly.  Andnotonely 
 doth  it  conftraine  us,  but  mike  us 
 patient.  What  will  not  a  wife  wo- 
 m^n  beate,  and  pocket  patiently 
 ir<  >m  a  Husband  (he  loveth  ?  Now 
 one  thing  oiort  I  will  warne  you 
 of,  and  end*  and  that  is  a  good 
 meaneof  the  former.  Whilcftyou 
 
 live, 
 
 B*W" 
 
Medtfstion  in  lovt  to  earthly  things.  \       139 
 
 liv^laarne  to  weanc  yoa  ielfe  from 
 the  things  of  this  world;  lec  him 
 that  buyeth,  marriewb,  &c.  For 
 hee  who  immoderately  loveth  the 
 things  of  this  world,  as  Pride,Pro- 
 fir,and  Pleafure,tbclove  ofche  Fa- 
 ther is  not  ia  hira.  Shce  that  hath 
 loved  one  man  trucly,(he  is  fped,as 
 we  fay ;  (he  can  love  no  more  Hus- 
 band, Children,  Poffeflions  5  much 
 lefie  the  proud  vanities  and  rio. 
 tous  Goflippings  ofthefe  Times. 
 Asanhoneft  Woman  mu  ft  flyc  the 
 Stewes,  Co  muft  wee  not  have  our 
 hearts  (eenc  among  thefe  things. 
 And  this  is  moreeafe  tomyeafe- 
 lefle  flefh,  that  God  gave  me  mean- 
 neffe  of  minde,  and  negleft  of  fuch 
 carnall  courts,  in  which  I  might 
 have  had  my  (hare,  that  I  wifh  all 
 rayChriftun  friends  may  receive 
 thac  grace  from  him,  which  I  try 
 by  experience  to  have  fo  precious 
 effeft.  TheLordkeepeyou. 
 
 G  % 
 
 *7 
 
 Lo- 
 
C*.  iv 
 
 I^O 
 
 I 
 
 Chrift  takes  array  the  cmfe  effinnt. 
 
 LOving  N.  I  received  your  Let- 
 tcrs  ;  in  which,you  fignifie  the 
 confomraation  of  that,  which  I 
 wifh  profperous.The  ground  of  all 
 profpcrity,isGods  bleffing :  with- 
 cut  which,  every  thing  is  a  deadly  | 
 poiicn  to  us;  whether  it  tafte  bit- 
 terns croflcs;  or  fwcet,as  the  more 
 fucceflefulliffues  of  things;  whe* 
 ther  it  kill  with  painfull  gripings, 
 aseviIJs;orcaft  «fleepe,  and  move 
 Iaughter,as  thofe  things  do,which 
 in  themfelves  are  to  be  efteemed 
 outward  bkflings.  The  poifons 
 fpirituall,  for  tafte  and  effect,  carry 
 noleffethan  corporall.  Now  the 
 ground  of  blefling  in  all  things,  is 
 Jefus  Chrift,  our  Redeemer,  bea- 
 ring our  Cuife  for  us,  (GaL%.  13.^) 
 andfwallowmg  our  defeived  Cup 
 up,into  an  unfained  bleffing.I  hope 
 the  eye  of  your  (bule  Iooketh  up 
 to  him,  who  was  lifted  upon  the 
 curled  Croffe,  to  heale  that  Cur£, 
 wherewith  Sinne  and  the  Divell, 
 t  bat  old  Serpent,  have  flung  us.  A  • 
 
 gaine. 
 
1 
 
 fVe  tnuft [nbrnit  to  Godsyoake. 
 
 141 
 
 gaine,  I  doubt  nor,but  your  Wives 
 prayers  (who  is  now  departed) are 
 on  record  in  Hsaven,  and  your 
 Sifters  prayers  (who  ftilllivah) 
 are  not  in  vaine  before  him,  who  is 
 a  God  hearing  prayer :  Bothhav: 
 wifhedyou  blefiednefie,  through 
 Jefus  Chrift,  [  would  have  beene 
 wivbyou  before  this  Letter,  but 
 rhatGcdtuthletmy  wives  weak- 
 nefleto  be  more  than  ordimry.  We 
 muft  take  up  ourOofies,and  when 
 God  bldJeth  us  yoake,  hee  is  the 
 wliett  ^aa  that  yceld^fh  his  neck; 
 moft  willingly. This  hath  made  me 
 (lay  hitherto ;  but  the  Lord  eafing 
 hishand3  Irefumcmypurpofe,of 
 fat  Isfy  bg  your  ^efire,and  meane  to 
 follow  my  Letter  at  thehedes.The 
 Lord  make  it  profperous.  You  tell 
 mee  a  loving  Tale,  of  bringmgup 
 your  Wife,  to  enter  her  into  my 
 acquaintance.  If  you  had  no  Bro- 
 ther at  CAmbridgc,  it  were  pity  my 
 Sifter  (hould  be  no  fooner  a  Wife, 
 than  a  Widow.You  know  the  Law 
 of  the  firft  yecre. 
 
 G   7  The 
 
142 
 
 Chriflian  Queries ^  and 
 
 i 
 
 The  God  of  Love  give  you  ho- 
 ly love  in  him,  and  keepc  the  fire 
 in,  when  xc  is  kindled.  I  hope  I 
 (hall  never  forget  my  Chriftian  du- 
 ty to  you,of  being  a  helper  to  your 
 faith ;  it  (hall  go  hard,when  I  help 
 you  not  with  a  {hort  Curry  of  mat- 
 ter to  this  purpofe.  My  Wife  re- 
 members you  and  her  Sitter  to 
 God;  and  let  my  love  reft  with 
 you,  till  God  give  me  leave  to  fee 
 you.  Farewell. 
 
 18. 
 
 LOviug  CguSg,  I  have  «  cold 
 fpirir,  who  (hew  thee  no  more 
 love  :  but  bcare  with  mee  in  this 
 Winter  of  mine,  and  if  ever  the 
 Son  of  Rjghteoufheflc  be  pleafed 
 to  make  Summer  with  mc,  no  one, 
 without  my  felfe,  (ball  have  more 
 intcreft  in  the  fruits  I  then  (hall  be 
 taken  with.  It  may  be,  the  thred 
 of  your  life  (hall  be  drawne  out  fo 
 farre*  as  to  fee  thefe  words  prove 
 workes;  which  the  Lord  hafter. 
 How  goeth  the  matter  with  your 
 poore  jfoule  V  how  doth  it  get  up  ? 
 
 How/ 
 
 ■  ***   «M  mm* 
 
Incentives  to  Devotion. 
 
 *43 
 
 How  is  ic  made  ready  every  mor- 
 ning? Howwalkethitalltheday, 
 when  it  is  once  with  the  folemni- 
 ty  of  Devotion  difparched  >  Doth 
 the  eye  of  the  foule  wake  without 
 muter,  like  that  heavic  matter 
 which  in  fome  eyes  and  heads  (coo 
 much  fluffed)  is  often  decerned? 
 You  may  know  if  ic  be  cleare; 
 Firft,  icwill  keGodinhiiGhrift, 
 through  the  glafle  of  his  VVordj 
 and  it  will  at  eafc  hold  waking  be- 
 fore him.  If  you  thus  wake,  you 
 have  the  ftarc  of  me;my  {hop- win- 
 dowesare  longer  in  opening;,  than 
 m:  thioks  I  &e  you  in  making  rea- 
 dy.  Sometimes  the  m'ft  of  my 
 ownedarkntffe,  fomecimtsearth- 
 [  ly  humours  do?  (hoore  into  them; 
 fbmetiraes  a  fpiricof  flLrcber  and 
 fljch  doth  offer  to  cloie  them; 
 fontttimes  clouds  of  fpiriruall 
 darkneflfe  doe  over-caft  them  :  fo 
 that,  though  they  arc  waked,  and 
 inthcmfelvesiightforae,  yet  they 
 fee  nothing,  by  rcafbnofchatob 
 (curiae  which  is  without  them 
 
 G  4        wner 
 
 i 
 
144 
 
 1 
 
 Mansdulntjfc  to  kotwcffc. 
 
 0  1 1  mm^miv^m 
 
 wherewith  they  are  iavironcd :  as 
 it  is  with  a  man  that  ficteth  with 
 his  eyes  wide  open,  in  a  Roome, 
 where  neither  light  of  Sunne  nor 
 Candle  commeth.  Now,  while  a 
 man  is  fl ving  to  Chrift,  roget  the 
 inward  cfirancflc  of  his  fight  clea- 
 red, (for  be  can  make  his  Clay  and 
 Spittle  heale  them)  while  hceget- 
 teth  the  diftillation  of  by-thoughi  s 
 flopped,  by  looking  to  him  u  ho 
 unites  our  hearts  to  himfelfe,  who 
 worketh  all  our  workes  for  ih; 
 1  while  hce  iecketh  to  that  quick- 
 ning  Spirit,  to  fcatter  his /lumber, 
 and  laboureth  him,  who  is  Light 
 itfelfe,  toexpell  thofe  excemall 
 darknefics  invtroninghimj  while 
 one  man  is  tasked  with  this  work, 
 another,  not  thus  mole  fted,  is  rea- 
 dy,andhathdifpatched.  WelI,our 
 God  doth  accept  it  for  one  of  his 
 fickefervants  fore-noone  workes, 
 to  fettle  their  clothes  orderly  a- 
 bout  them.  I  mention  theft  thiog?, 
 to  lend  you  fbme  light ;  by  which, 
 you  may  better  fee  your  privilege, 
 
 who 
 
J»l ■ — — — — —  — ■ Tl^ 
 
 TbtnktfHlnefe  te  Chrifl  the,  &c. 
 
 who  are  not  forced  tofpendyour 
 ftrcngth  in  fuch  a  faftiion.  Bat  the 
 man  that  is  well  waked ,   muft 
 have  moving,  as  well  as  fenfe  re- 
 turned. How  doe  the  affe&ions  of 
 your  heart  foot  into  Chrift,in  way 
 of  thankefulnefle,  who  hath  led 
 you  ail  your  daies?  who  is  that 
 Prince,  that  makech  peace  in  you ; 
 whofe  fecrec3  is  the  ftrengih  of 
 your  heart,  that  it  fiinteth  not ; 
 whofe  favour  is  chat  Shield3which 
 doth  fo  cover  yointhat  evills  have 
 no  leave  to  aflaile  you,  muchleffc 
 to  prevaile  againft  you  ?    Is  your 
 Irart,  in  the  confeiousunderftan- 
 ding  of  any  benefir,affcftiooate  to- 
 ward him  ?  Then  you  are  truly  a* 
 wake,  and  ligh:fome,  like  to  pafle 
 thatday  without  toorouch  we3r;- 
 neffc,  which  is  with  16  freQi  a  (pi* 
 tic  enured:  then  that  Sttnm  ofKigk* 
 teoufnejfe  hath  got  you  up.  For  as  a 
 greater  fire  draw^th  forth  a  lefler, 
 and  as  the  Sun  bodily  rifing  daily 
 over  us,doth  draw  torth  the  fpirics 
 of  fcnie  and  movng,  which  are  in 
 
 G  5  the 
 
 H5 
 
 i 
 
 m«r 
 
 '■  ■■■'  I 
 
t.^= 
 
 ! 
 
 I46 
 
 The  Souk**  Ldvcr. 
 
 »=T  J.  ?  !>'«»'■ 
 
 the  bodily  creature;  fo  doth  chat  \ 
 light  and  life  of  lirael,  by  his 
 work, though  not  percei  ved,draw 
 forth  this  fyirituall  morion  of  the 
 Hie  of  God  in  us,  whereby  we  did 
 cerne  him,  and  in  thankefulnefle 
 make  towards  him.  When  your 
 foule  is  now  awaked,what  doth  it 
 w  (h  with,  what  doth  ir  put  on  > 
 As  weChriftians  have  boch  guilt 
 and  defi  rmed  blot  of  fione,  (owe 
 have  a  daily  laver,  even  bloud  and 
 water;for  our  Chrift  came  in  bath, 
 to  teaebjthat  he  came  not  onely  to 
 make  atonement  for  the  guilt  of 
 finne,  but  doth  alfocleanfeusby 
 his  Spirit  from  the  fpot  of  cor- 
 ruption. Now  then  if  you  looke 
 at  that  great  God,  asyourRigh- 
 teoufiefle,  by  taich  on  his  bLud, 
 (lied  with  ieole  of  the  curfe  due  to 
 our  finne;  and  if  you  looke  to 
 Chrift,  wno  isroadeof  God  your 
 Sanftifier,  to  cleanft  you  from 
 thole  inherent  fpo*s  daily,  then 
 you  have  wafheu  in  the  Fouuttine 
 opened  for  lirad,  acid  are  fo  clean- 
 
 fed  1 
 
 m*f» 
 
The  Souks  cBsatmtni  and  Armour. 
 
 fed  (have  you  but  once  wafhed  in 
 this  kindc)  chat  you  (hall  never 
 be  defiled  throughout  againc,  as 
 Chrift  (peaketh,  Neverth  leffr, 
 there  muft  be  Raiment  upoa  tfar 
 Sjule,  yta5  it  muft  be  cbdwich 
 compleat  Armour,  for  it  is  com. 
 pjfled  with  cuemies5and  the  life  of 
 n  is  a  warfare.  Now,  when  wee 
 looke  to  Chrift  by  fairb,.as  our 
 SinftiScrand  f,lvarion,(hen  we  are 
 thus  clothed  :  heisourSan&ifier, 
 who  muft  bringalloor  graces  from 
 one  degree  to  anodic r>  making 
 that  light  of  holinefle,  that  image 
 of  himfelfethe  fecor  d  Adam^tov? 
 upinuSj,  as  the  light  of  ths  mor- 
 ning, till  it  cometh  to  the  ftrength^ 
 taketh  incteafe.  Hce  muft  be  our 
 Viceroy,  tread  Satan  under  our 
 feet,  diflolve  bis  woiks*  crufti  the 
 head  of  him  for  us,,  hee  muft  frith 
 the  wc  rke  of  his  Grace  with  bis 
 owne  power.  Well,  when  you  are 
 thus  forward5how  doth  your  fouk 
 walkcjpuul.git  felfc  fortlrin.afti- 
 oii?  doihit  gp  limbing?  d jth  it  reft 
 
 and  \ 
 
 hl| 
 
 ■  W   ■  ■      ' 
 
• 
 
 148     \   Tbefottlesface>Chriji  mends  it. 
 
 and  can  goc  no  further,  as  weary? 
 Doth  ic  feare  it  (hall  not  hold  out  > 
 Is  ic  made  fad,  with  wont  of  any 
 thing?  Many  a  good  (bulc  walketh 
 thu$3  and  puzzle  them  fo,  that  they 
 cannot  goe  on  freely  5  but  1  hope, 
 no  earthly  lulls  fill  about  your  feer, 
 It  may  be  it  is  weary  fometimes3 
 and  is  feareful!,  and  is  marie  fid, 
 through  fome  kinde  of  circum- 
 ftance.  WelMet  us  get  conference ; 
 what  painfulnefle,  what  weaii- 
 nefle,  what  weakneffe*  what  fcarc 
 doth  attend  us  ?  Our  lpirits  being 
 or.ee  poore  ia  the  privity  they 
 have  of  thefe  matters,  fhall  no 
 fboner  looke  with  the  eye  of  faith 
 to  Chrift,  bt.c  the  matter  fhall  be 
 mended.  Heeitisthatmakeththe 
 lame  to  lea pe,  likeaHinde;  v;ho 
 enbrgeththeheait,  to  run  in  the 
 rac*of  theConunctements.  Lcoke 
 toHiro,thefaithfull  Shcpherd5who 
 taketh  up  the  weary  Snecpc,  that 
 through  feebleneffe  can  go  no  fur- 
 ther :  to  Hinyo  whom  the  casing 
 of  our  eye  is  the  renewing  of  our 
 t  facrgh, 
 
Cbrifl  tbefmjber  of  on  f  Faith.  14  p 
 
 ftrength.Againft  feare  of  perfeve- 
 ring,  challenge  him  as  the authour 
 and  finiftier  of  your  faitb/everent- 
 lytdlhim,  it  is  a  piece  of  his  Fa- 
 tners  will  that  he  (hould  not  onely 
 give  you  to  believe,  and  his  Spirit 
 for  a  time,  but  that  he  fliould  raifc 
 you np at  the  laft  day.  hh%6.$g. 
 Finally,  looke  to  your  God,  that 
 hath  (aid  to  ^Abraham  and  all  be- 
 letvingfodofhimj  Walkc  before 
 me,  IamGodA'l-fufficient.  Tell 
 him  yon  have  nothing  but  him- 
 felfe,  in  heaven  nor  yet  in  earth,  in 
 comparison  of  him,  and  he  cannot 
 but  (apply  with  bimfelfe,  every 
 chingtoyou- 
 
 Thus  the  asking  a  queflion, 
 which  Idid  not  chinke  of,  wheal 
 let  pen  to  paper,  hathdrawne  me 
 on  to  matter  not  intended.  Icai- 
 not  now  annexe  the  other ,  for  my 
 Ltttcf  is  km  for.  I  have  beene 
 neither  well  this  five  weekes,  nor 
 yet  ficke  enough  to  mak*  mce 
 berter, 
 
 Th*  Lord  be  our  daily  ftrength, 
 
 dircftion, 
 
 -1 
 
 » .  » »■» 
 
 Kl.'— 
 
 ■   lll.l 
 
»5° 
 
 L 
 
 Gods  cbildrenfubjtEl  tofick>iejfe. 
 
 dire&iorij  blefling,  comfort,  and 
 prote&ion  for  ever. 
 
 MYdearcFiicnd3and  Brother, 
 in  him,  whoisnotafeamed 
 to  call  lis  brethren,!  cannot  but  fi- 
 lutc  you,  and  let  you  heare  how  it 
 is  with  me:  for  I  know,  my  lines 
 cannot  come  to  you  more  foone 
 than  welcome.  I  was  fcarcc  al'gh- 
 tedfrcm  my  horfe,  but  anaguifh 
 difrcrapcr  did  feizc  oniric,  aadfol* 
 low  me  in  manner  of  an  HeSl'c^ 
 towhichl  have  ahabicudr,  even 
 in  my  beft  health.  Befide,  I  have 
 been  troubled  with  fuch  an  fai^n* 
 mation  cf  fome  of  thofe  rntetiora 
 vifara,  that  I  cold  not  ftape  two 
 houie?,  but  extremity  of  inward 
 heat*  would  awaken  me.  In  which 
 kind  I  went  fome  five  wcekes,  bu 
 now  I  thanke  God,  my  b  dy, 
 though  a  lif  tie  more  becrete*},  is  in 
 f  ch  ttatc  as  formerly  it  hath  bzene 
 For  my  foule,!  ftiilgooninyecrrs 
 and  monihsofiabour,accordinga 
 my  Lord  hath  aaeafored.  I  Kelt 
 
 filCi 
 
 \ 
 
The  Chrifliant  confaB. 
 
 151 
 
 fiich  ignorance  of  God  and  all  his 
 waies,  fo  many  yeeres  coward  me, 
 fuch  folly,  which  kcepeth  me  from 
 taking  any  thing  to  heart,  which 
 refpe  ftech  God,  or  concernech  my 
 #He,fuch  uncircumcifion  of  heart, 
 which  makcth  me  that  I  cannot  be 
 j  holily  poore  and  abjeft,  though 
 conlcious  of  innumerable  motives, 
 paft,  prcfcnt,  eminent,  which 
 might  move  me  thereco:  Laitly,I 
 fedfe  fuch  a  Selfe-fLffkkncy,  as 
 will  not  let  me  perceive  what  need 
 I  have  or  my  God  to  be  with  mee, 
 for  quickning,  ftrengthening,C€>m- 
 fortifig  dire&mg.profpcrrgofme 
 in  my  courle,  though  this  breath 
 of  our  ooftr ils,is  not  more  neccfia- 
 ryto  the  bing  and  continuing  of 
 this  bodily  life,  than  b  his  blcflcd 
 prefence,  to  the  caufing  and  main- 
 taining of  all  our  corner.  Thcfe 
 things  doe  renew  their  aflaulc  on 
 meeveryday,andnoiw;thfta  .dlfg 
 I  renew  daily  my  cud:vour  a- 
 gainftthtm,  yet  I  caaoot  recover 
 i"  ch  fopply- or  Grace,  as  fir.uH 
 
 r^ake 
 
>5* 
 
 nm 
 
 Sinm  is  vreakgcdby  degrees* 
 
 make  mee  walke  more  large  this 
 way.  But  hard  teflons  are  not  ea- 
 fily  learned. 
 
 Sometime  finding  fmall  effeft, 
 lam  ready  to  thinke,  my  labour  is 
 in  vaine^  but  when  I  confide^  all  is 
 not  in  vaine,  whbfe  effeft  doth  not 
 prefently  appeare :  fecdeislong 
 time  fo  wne  before  harveft.Sscond- 
 ly,  ftrength  fpirituall  doth  cxpell 
 fpiritual  corruption's  ftrength  na- 
 turall  ficke  humors.  Scrcng  Imw:- 
 rall,  if  it  be  in  fulncfle,  ic  dorh  fi- 
 mul&fcmtl  purge  out  that  matter 
 which  is  contrary  to  it :  bat  if  ic  be 
 in  mediocrity,  it  doch  expell  Co 
 farre5  that  though  ficke  matter  ftill 
 remains3yet  it  is  Iightened^and  be- 
 commcth  more  tolerable  to  nature. 
 Neither  is  eating  and  drinking  in 
 vaiae,becaufe  we  cannot  fo  refrefh 
 our  £Ives,but  that  hunger  will  ftill 
 reiurnc  on  us.  Sometime  the  fami- 
 liarity of  U9  doth  make  me  ready 
 topsffc  by  >c,  not  moved  at  all  a- 
 gainft  it :  even  as  things  off^nfive 
 to  nature  at  firii,  gcowbycuftome 
 
Again ft  marwftt  in  hohntjft.  i  53 
 
 lefle  grievous.  But  I  flie  to  GdcJj 
 who  hath  promifed  to  put  all  en- 
 mity in  us  againfUhefecdeofthe 
 Serp^nt,which  wc  find  to  remaine 
 wkhjn  u$;  I  fay  tomyChr'ft,  as 
 thou  doeft  r^ach  me  this  cupjikea 
 cf^IIy  dietdrinke,  fomakcicwhol- 
 feme  to  me.  Sometime  wcarincfle 
 doth  fjrprife  mc:  thenlthinkeof 
 rfraeI,amoDgtt  whofetemptations, 
 
 one  was  from  the  length  of  the 
 way^even  wear  ineffe  of  wandnngt 
 I  lookc  to  Chrift,  *nd  pray  him  to 
 ftrengthen  me,  that  I  may  follow 
 the  MUrch,  that  I  may  follow  him 
 whithcrfcever  hee  leadeth.  Then  I 
 thinke  when  are  men  weary  (be- 
 ing refreftied  with  deep)  to  reftme 
 their  earthly  affaires ;  I  fay  with 
 my  fclfe,  for  what  doeft  thou  keep 
 m<!>  for  what  docft  thou  refrcfh 
 mc  >  O  my  Shepherd,thou  haft  no 
 other  wooll  nor  milke  from  mce ! 
 Againe^  I  confider  how  dangerous 
 it  is  to  intermix  if  wheal  have  the 
 moft  fervent  indeavours,  I  finde  it 
 enough  to  walke  weakely,  what 
 
 would 
 
J  J4        Wt  mnfl  not  faint  at  our  dead»cjje. 
 
 would  become  of  mee,  were  thefe 
 aegle<3cd?  Lord,  inlarge  my  heart 
 with  thy  ftrcngth,  that  I  may  dif- 
 fer hardfritp  like  a  good  Soaldier, 
 without  Shrinking  at  it.   I  thinke 
 you  know  the  like  things  in  dead- 
 ne fl£,  but  feare  nor,  nor  faint  nor, 
 though  wee  be  to  that  life  of  his, 
 like  as  cold  water  and  dry  afhes  are 
 to  heat,  in  which  naturally,  heat 
 can  never  be  fixed,  yet  vhen  our 
 God  hath  proved  our  faith  and  pa* 
 tlence,  he,  who  callcth  the  things 
 that  are  not,  as  if  they  were,  hee 
 who  calleth  light  out  of  darkneife, 
 will  imprint  in  our  foules,   and 
 make  thefe  things  as  fixed  pofrk 
 fions  with  us,which now  like  Iigh- 
 tenings  are  not  more  forme  mani- 
 fcftedj  than  vaniftied :  His  forbea- 
 rance is  but  till  the  fitted  time  for 
 hime togiveit>andusto  receive  if; 
 the  Lord  mike  as,  in  the  meane 
 wh?le,of  underftanding  hearts. 
 
 We  in  outward  things  wifh  to 
 be  cured  rather  Securely  than  spee- 
 dily, neither  would  we  have  Sum- 
 mer 
 
m*r  i  i  Winter,  for  the  Winrer  is  as 
 neceflary  for  the  rooting  of  things 
 as  the  Summer  to  make  things 
 (hoot  forth  withfrutefmilingly. 
 
 YourainChriflianaffl&ioi, 
 TjuI  Bajne. 
 
 20.  VttiUiry, 
 
 MYdeare  Friend.,  the  hearc- 
 iay  of  your  welfareis  to  me 
 moft  welcome.  I  was  fbrry  that  my 
 letter  mif-carriedjbut  there  can  be  J 
 no  deft  ft  in  any  ioftrumeot,  which 
 doth  not  codtrefnb  tlt&ionmfuprt- 
 mi  trtificu.  If  the  fruit  of  our  body 
 prove  abortive3we  praifc  him,how 
 much  more  muft  wee  fmftifie  his 
 wife  provide nce,when  the  like  cafe 
 falkth  out  but  in  a  letter,  tvhich  is 
 fuchabirchuf  the  minde,  asm^y 
 by  a  lecond  conception  be  framed 
 againc  with  advantag  ?  I  did  w^te 
 vntoyou  feme  things  concerri  g 
 myownecftatc,  how  Ifonndmy 
 heart  in  my  vifitacion,  what  was 
 
 my 
 
I  56  Dea&neffe  offptrit :  Why  God 
 
 my  praftic^evenrocompaflT4  thofe 
 walls  of  darkneflewhichldilcer-- 
 ned  in  roy  fclfe,  and  "ia  filence  and  I 
 reft  to  wait  on  my  God  for  his  fal- 
 vation  inthe  downfall  of  them.  I 
 count  it  impertinenttorubupmy 
 memory  in  regard  of  that,  I  this 
 way  difcouifed,  though  in  the  cir- 
 cumftances  Itbenufed,  ic  did  be- 
 feeme  my  condition,  and  would 
 have  rsliflied  wdl  co  your  undcr- 
 ftanding.  A  ficond  branch  of  my 
 letter  concerned  your  iw,md  this 
 uncomfortable  deadneife  which  a- 
 gaine  you  mention,  the  heads 
 whereof  I  will  labour  to  recall  as 
 I  may,  though  I  cannot  reach  that 
 ftraine  in  which  I  found  my  felfc 
 when  I  indited  the  former. 
 
 About  this  deadncfle  of  fpirit,  I 
 did  confider  two  things.  Firft,the 
 reafbns  for  which  God  did  let 
 it  hang  about  us.  Secondly,  the 
 courfc  wee  were  to  take  againft  it. 
 The  Lord  doth  it  for  many  good 
 ends.  1,  That  it  may  be  a  (pur  in- 
 citing us  to  goe  forth  to  him,  who 
 
 is 
 
lets  it  bang  about  w. 
 
 is  the  quickning  /piric,  that  thus 
 wc  might  experimentally  findcche 
 quickning  verrue  of  Chrift,  who 
 doth  lighten  our  eycs,and  bring  as 
 out  of  thcfe  fits  to  fecle  our  /elves 
 alive  before  him,  could  wee  thirft, 
 after  the  living  God,  did  wee  not 
 (uffer  thisdefed  of  life.  Men  feeke 
 not  thole  things  abroad,   which 
 they  are  full  of  at  home.  Hence  it 
 is,  that  when  God  will  bring  us  to 
 himfelfe,  as  the  foundation  of  this 
 orthatgood,whichhewouldcom- 
 municace^heedoth  follow  us  with 
 experience  of  the  contrary  in  our 
 /elves,  that  being  confeious  how  it 
 '  is  with  us,  wee  might  flic  to  him 
 t  who  is  A!l-(uffidenr.  Agaioe,  we 
 I  cannot  experimentally  know  God 
 to  be  in  Chrift  a  quickning  fpirir^ 
 fhould  we  not  feele  an  intercourfe 
 j  of  his  death,  and  a  powerful!  ex- 
 Ipulfrgofit  from  his  vertuewor- 
 j  king  in  us.  The  more  often  the  Pa- 
 tient growing  intopaine,  iseafed 
 byPhyficke,the  more  experimen- 
 tally he  teeth  the  Arc  of  the  Phyfi- 
 
 cian, 
 
 '57 
 
u 
 
 c  an  and  benefit  of  Medicipe. 
 Thirdly  we  have  this  remainder  of 
 de^tb,  that  wee  may  better  confi- 
 de of  our  naturalleftate,  howofl 
 our  fclves  we  4re  wholly  eftranged 
 from  the  life  of  G  ^d:  for  what  we 
 renwine  in  part,  that  we  are  whol- 
 ly by  nature. 
 
 Fourthly,  that  wee  might  the 
 better  hdpe  others  in  this  tempta- 
 tion. 
 
 Fifitly,  that  we  might  tafte  cur 
 life  more  fweerly,  and  preferve  ic 
 more  carefully:  we  find  with  plea- 
 fare  t  ha  t  we  feeke  with  paine.  Sixt- 
 ly,  that  we  may  know,  and  teach 
 others  how  they  muft  depend  on 
 God  for  the  confidering  and  mo- 
 ving of  their  grace  daily,  as  well 
 forthe  beingand  firft producing  of 
 it.  Laftly,  that  we  may  be  led  mco 
 the  knowledge  of  our  o wne  hearts, 
 whether  that  worke  is  in  them 
 which  will  drive  for  life,  as  every 
 thing  that  hath  lite,  will  flrugglc 
 to  part  with  it,  or  whether  the) 
 will  pafle  it  over  hecdleflely  anc 
 
 floih 
 
, . , _ __  m 
 
 fljthfully.  Ccruioly  if  wemarke 
 the  working  of  our  fpirks,  and 
 courfe  of  God  ia  fiich  an  cvill  hw, 
 wee  will  lear ne  ouc  of  ic  manifold 
 wifedome.  Now  for  the  courfc 
 wee  are  to  take,  it  ftantfeth*  firft, 
 inrefolving  to  encounter  this  dif- 
 eafe,thenio  pra&i  fins  that  we  may 
 be  cleared  of  ic :  the  Dive!  I  will  be 
 ready  if  &e  ftirre  this  way  to  lerve 
 a  SuftrfedeaS)  fbmetime  by  fugge- 
 fting  that  the  nature  of  this  is  no 
 fuch  thing  as  may  not  be  borne,  ic 
 do'hnocwaftethe  confcien^but 
 fuch  foolifh  patients3who  will  not 
 vementi  tccurere  mtrbo^  they  at 
 length  are  paid  home  with  paine, 
 fo  much  the  more,  by  how  much 
 they  have  the  longer  delated.  In 
 the  body,  lecamannotexpelhhe 
 fupcrfluity  nature  hath  contraft .d, 
 the  quantity  or  acrimony  of  it  will 
 to  incrcafe,  thar  he  (hall  be  forced 
 to  come  to  it  with  more  paine,  or 
 there  will  be  bred  on  him  fome 
 painfull  ficknt:flH .  Let  us  ftrivc  to 
 expcll  every  fuch  matter  in  our 
 
1 60      I  Sttansfuggeftfatts in  deadnfjjiy&c . 
 
 (bules,we  (hall  find  it  true  in  foules 
 as  well  as  bodies,  Retemio  txcre- 
 mtnwum  eftfarens  motbn 
 
 Secondly,  it  will  be  fuggeftcd^ 
 why,  ftriv*  with  itaswewill,  it 
 will  returne :  D  tf  we  ceafc  to  eate 
 daily  and  refrefh  nature,  becaufe 
 huoger  andfaiotneffedoe  ftill  re- 
 turne upon  us?  Is  it  not  a  betuficto 
 be  eafed  for  the  prefent,  to  keepe 
 downean  cnemy,to  dothat  which 
 wee  know  will  ac  length  bring  to 
 perfeft  health,  though  wee  cannot 
 forth  of  hand  be  fully  cured?  Some- 
 time wee  rhinke,  it  is  not  well  it 
 (hould  be  thus,  buc  implcymeuts 
 will  not  let  mee  turnc  to  k  as  I 
 would,  we  could  findc  in  heart  to 
 c-eale  with  it,  but  that  wee  cannot 
 while  it.  Buc  will  a  man  not  beat 
 leifure  to  rake  Phyficke  for  his  bo- 
 dy? what  is  worthy  our  time,  if 
 our  foules  life  may  not  have  it  af- 
 forded? Againe,  time  is  not  loft 
 which  is  (pent  this  way,  for  God 
 doth  attend  the  time  wee  (pend  af- 
 ter confli&ingj  with  greater  blct 
 
 fag, 
 
 '  .■'  1  »  ■  « 
 
lot?  to  refiji  dtadneffe  of  $i  it.     \      l6 1 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
 g,  and  leavens  the  knowledge 
 :  gather,  fo  that  it  becommcth 
 c&ionate  andpra&icall,  befide 
 s  wifedome  whichistobelear- 
 d5  from  obfervlng  the  working 
 your  foulc  under  fucha  tempta- 
 )u.  Bat  when  you  hare  repelled 
 ch  ligatures,  by  which  the  Di- 
 ll would  hinder  the  will  from 
 folving  refiftance,  ia  the  next  ( 
 ace,  you  muft  encounter  this 
 radly  paffion  by  fuch  a  conftant 
 mrfe  as  may  free  you  from  ir« 
 he  courfc  ftandeth  chiefly  in  a 
 reefold  pra&icc.  For^i  we  fr  ft 
 pen  and  prepare  matters,that  the 
 ediciue  may  carry  them  away 
 ore  eafi  y*  Medic  nudum  eft  con~ 
 fcUjion  crudis ,&c.  So  here  you 
 wft  labour  to  hold  your  thoughts, 
 id  ponder  upon  thisevilI3confide- 
 ngwhat  it  isinitfelfc,  whatefc 
 ft*  ic  hath  for  prefenr,  what  it 
 ireatnethj  fhould  not  grace  pre- 
 enc. 
 
 In  the  next  place,  you  muft  take 
 owne  the  medicine;  lay  hold  on/ 
 
 H  Cbrifc' 
 
1 62 
 
 *£he  prattice  of  refiftance 
 
 .,«. 
 
 Chrift  your  life  and  quicknance. 
 Your  third  pra&ice  muft  be  to 
 take  a  walkc  in  feme  words  of  pro- 
 mile  this  way,  which  agitation  of 
 your  foulcdoth  ftirre  up  thefupcr- 
 naturallheat  of  faith  (as  motion 
 doth  the  naturall)by  which  means 
 wee  come  to  feele  our  medicine 
 worke,Chrift  (hewhimfelfc  more 
 and  more  effe&uall.  To  fet  you 
 downe  In  briefe  an  example ;  thus  I 
 concoft  the  thing,  meditation  pre- 
 paring, Good  Lord;  what  a  ftatc  is 
 this*  what  a  bed-rid  difpoficion 
 doth  hang  about  me!  were  my  body 
 an  apoplexy,  were  I  dead  but  of 
 onefide^t  would  go  neere  me:  but 
 to  have  my  Ibule  thus  bcnummed, 
 that  I  can  neither  find  comfortable 
 fenfe  or  motion  in  it  toward  things 
 fpiricuall,  how  much  more  (hould 
 itaflF.ftrae?  what  ever  I  fet  upon, 
 it  is  prefent  with  me5it  maketh  my \ 
 duties  as  diftaftefull  in  themfcivcs 
 to  thee,  as  deaded  drink  to  the  fto-| 
 mack :  it  kcepeth  me  from  comfort 
 for  the  prefent :  and  what  doth  it 
 
 not 
 
cfdeadfuffe  of  (pint* 
 
 not  threaten,  if  thy  mercy  fliould 
 not  prevent  ?  yea,  it  is  Co  much  the 
 more  dangerous,  by  how  much 
 more  connatnral],for  I  cannot  take 
 inthisfle^pe,  and  though  k  be  (6 
 deadly,  yet  am  no  whit  affrighted. 
 2.  AIas,what  (hall  I  doe?  To  thee  I 
 looke,,  Lord,  who  bid  ft  us  awake, 
 and  promifeft  toightenour  eyes 
 from  this  mift  of  death,  with  which 
 they  are  over-fliadowed,  to  thee 
 who  art  the  life  and  quickning  fpi- 
 Mt,to  thee,  in  whom,  as  a  rooc,  my 
 life  is  hid.  How  long  (hall  I  live  in 
 fight,  and  complaine  of  darkneffe? 
 Bow  long  (hall  I  be  within  thee 
 he  fountain  of  life,  and  feele  death 
 bcumberfomctome?  Theftron- 
 ;er  worketh  on  that  which  is  wea- 
 ker ,and  doch  aflimu!ate  it  to  it  felfe. 
 bhjdifplay  thy  ftrength,andmake 
 lis  death  flie  before  thee  from 
 brth  of  thy  m:mber.  ^Movingof 
 a$t!\    It  is  thy  will  our  hearts 
 hould  live  who  fcekc  thee,  yea, 
 hat  wee  (hould  have  life  aboun- 
 [antly,  thou  haft  faid3comc  to  mee 
 
 H  2  and 
 
 163 
 
i<54 
 
 Refinance  ofdetdnefe  offtirit. 
 
 ■* 
 
 and  your  hearts  (hall  live,chou  haft 
 promift d  usfthat  we  (hall  (o  d Hoke 
 of  thy  Spirhjthatirftiallfl  >wfrom 
 us  abundantly.  O  ftrengchen  mee, 
 thou  author  and  fiuifher  of  fakh,to 
 hold  thee  the  rocke,  rill  I  fee  theft 
 waves  of  death,  as  v  were,  break* 
 themfelves,and  p*fle  away. 
 
 In  (I  ch  likepradUcel  have  often 
 found  this  (badow  of  d  ath  lying 
 before  me,  I  havealwaies  found  a 
 peaceable  reft,  expelling  enlarge- 
 ment more  confidently ;  when  I 
 have  not  found  iteafing  me  for  the 
 prcftnt,  yet  it  hath  difpofed  me  to 
 receive  qoicknance  afterward,  as 
 coflive  bodies,  though  they  have 
 not  alwaies  ca£mcnt  when  they 
 offer,  yet  the  offer  doth  facilitate 
 the  courfe,  and  dilpofc  the  body 
 toeaferaent  arrer. 
 
 Thus  out  of  love,  I  have  a  little 
 lent  you  my  (elfc3  the  Lord  bkffe 
 us  with  that  fpirit  which  prevai- 
 leth  :  Tfae  meane  while  I  will  de- 
 fire  that  wee  both  may  watch  in 
 prayer  one  for  another. 
 
 Yours  as  his  owne,  T.  Bm 
 
Be  not  over  bdfiy  to  judge. 
 
 21 
 
 i*5 
 
 Sir,  you  may  thinke  me a  grave 
 rather,  in  whom  all  your  kind* 
 nefles  are  buried,  than  a  thankfull 
 !  friend^owhomwhofogivethjiel- 
 lethdearely,chey  fey,fo  commodi- 
 ous  t  d  the  donor  the  thiog  pro  vet  h 
 which  Was  freely  beftowed*  Ne- 
 verthckfTe,your  wifdomeand  love 
 will  not,  I  dare  fay,  judge  over 
 baftily  upon  appearance,knowing 
 well,thiit  as  there  may  be  a  (he  w  of 
 good,yea,godlimfle,  where  there 
 imotthefubftanceand  power:  fo 
 there  may  be  a  lemblance  of  cvill , 
 even  of  uathankfulnefle,where  yet 
 the  vice  k  fclfe  doth  not  harbour. 
 Your  Ncphewes  laft  vificingyou, 
 was  hid  frommee,  till  about  bed- 
 time  the  night  before  he  tooke  his 
 journey ;  affure  your  fclfe,I  could 
 not  have  bin  privie  to  his  purpoft, 
 without  fctting  my  pen  co  paper, 
 though  lam  none  of  the  forward^ 
 about  this  errand.  I  doe  remember 
 all  your  love,  fb  doth  he  alfo  who 
 is  moft  apprehenfive  of  what  is 
 
 H  3  done 
 
1 66        God  rewards  good  don  to  hit  children. 
 
 ■  ■  ■*— — — ^i<»        - 
 
 done  to  him  in  his  children  and 
 members.  They  ufe  in  Spaim  a 
 powerfull  /peech  to  this  purpofe^ 
 that  rvhofo  rvtpeth  the  childcs  nofe, 
 kffith  the  mothers  cheeke :  Co  kind- 
 ly naturall  parents  conftrue  the 
 homelieft  offices  done  to  their  chil- 
 dren: how  then  (hall  not  he  accept 
 of  all  fuch  dutie  as  is  done  to  him 
 in  his  children,  whofe  love  is  ftch 
 to  his,that  the  wombe-love  of  the 
 tendereft  mother  is  farre  inferiour. 
 For  my  felfe ,  I  cannot  ftiewyou 
 any  thankcfull  remembrance  of 
 you ,  better  than  by  remembring 
 you  in  thofe  duties,  which  though 
 they  moft  conceme  us,  yet  we  are 
 moft  fubjeft  to  be  forgetful!  in 
 them.  Worldly  wifedorae  doth 
 teach  men  to  fee  the  benefit  of 
 health  and  wealth,  yea,  to  have  fa- 
 gacitic  for  feeing  what  neede  they 
 may  come  to :  when  wee  have  Co 
 many  good  Husband  seeing  thefe 
 outward  things,  and  providing 
 agaioft  a  raynie  day,  that  no  event 
 
 I  may  take  them  unprovided  $  the 
 Lord 
 . -  -  - 
 
True  grace  the  CkrijtiAns  truewtltb. 
 
 — ■— — —  '  »   ■  ^ 
 
 Lord  make  us  wife,  to  fee  the  true 
 
 wealth  and  health  of  ourfpiritsfor 
 the  prefent,and  to  prepare  for  our 
 comfort  againft  fuch  times  where- 
 in the  Lord  fhall  trie  us.  I  will 
 commune  with  you  about  thefe 
 points^ as  God  (hill  enable.  Men, 
 who  would  gather  an  earthly  trea- 
 sure, worldly  wealth ,  muft  firft 
 make  fure  that  their  Penny  be 
 good  Silver;  that  the  things  which 
 they  deale  in,be  matters  of  worth : 
 for  counterfeit  faife  commodities 
 heaped  op,  deferve  not  to  be  cal- 
 led wealth,  or  treafure :  and  what 
 is  the  wifedome  of  heavenly  Mer- 
 chant but  to  feeke  good  Pcarles, 
 right  for  their  kinde  •  true  Faith, 
 fuch  as  purifieth  the  heart ;  true 
 Repentance^  fuch  as  is  accompa- 
 nied with  change  in  heartjincon- 
 verfion  ;  true  (an&ifying  Grace3 
 fuch  as  maketh  the  heart  heneft  ; 
 true  fruits  of  righteoufnelFe,fuch  as 
 are  through  the  hclpe  of  Chrift 
 to  the  glory  of  God  ;  thefc  are 
 things  that  make  a  man  wealthie 
 
 H  4  in- 
 
 167 
 
 ■^ 
 
1 68 
 
 True  Gt*ctt  thegrtaufi  Riches, 
 
 ndeed ;  true  Faicb,  laying  hold  on 
 j  the  unfearchable  riches  of  Chrift, 
 on  all  Gods  (pcciall  promifes  ; 
 which  more  enrich  the  fon'e  that  j 
 gettcth  them,  than  bonds  of  thou- 
 sands doe  perfons  who  pofltfle 
 th*.m.  True  Repentance,  it  doth 
 get  an  acquittance  and  full  releafe 
 from  God  of  all  our  debts,  and 
 dor  h  make  us  no  lefle  happy,than  a 
 Ghiietwefi  doth  him  who  is  ftb- 
 }eft  to  great  and  dangerous  ac- 
 counts. That  Grace  which  maketh 
 the  heart  honeft,  without  bypocri- 
 fie,that  is  no  finall  wealth :  for  ci- 
 vill  men  doe  reckon  their  Earnefts 
 and  Pledges  lying  in  pawne ,  for 
 fbmething,  as  part  of  their  fub- 
 ftarcc.  Finally^thofe  works  which 
 come  from  righteoufneffe,  and  are 
 fincerelydircfted  to  Gods  glory, 
 cheyareatreafure,as  ic  is  wealth 
 to  have  done  fuch  a  thing  amongft 
 men,  to  which  great  honour  and 
 living  is  adjudged.  Even  as  money 
 fetcheth  every  earthly  thiog  that 
 heart  can  defirc,  fo  chefc  arc  cur- 
 rant] 
 
Wt  mnfi  loofy  ifonr  Graces  be  tr*e.  1 69 
 
 rant  Coyne  in  Heaven  3  even  to 
 procure  what-evcr  wee  can  wi(h, 
 chac  is  good  for  as :  when  Chrift 
 faw  but  one  of  thefe  in  that  wo- 
 man of  C*n*an  •  O  woman  (faith 
 hee)  great  is  thy  faith,  be  it  to  thee 
 a*  thou  art  pleated.  Wherefore, 
 deare  Sir ,  labour  for  thefe  preci- 
 ous things  :  all  is  not  Gold  that 
 glifters  •  let  us  imitate  the  wife  of 
 this  world:  the  money  they  hoord 
 up  to  make  a  treafcre,  they  will 
 fee  it  (hall  be  right  Bullion  0  yea, 
 that  it  (hall  not  be  clipped  and 
 waftied,  but  of  full  weight: 
 finally,  that  it  (hall  have  the  Kings 
 infeription.  Let  us  lookc  that  our 
 Grace  be  right,  without  any  pre- 
 domirate  finne  intermedled,which 
 would  be  as  a  Flye  in  our  fwcec 
 oyntments  :  lee  us  take  care  our 
 workes  be  good  for  the  ebjeft, 
 be  full,  as  though,  notcomming 
 byhalfcs  from  us  :  Finally,  that 
 they  be  fincere,  having  the  glory 
 of  God  as  an  inferipcion  ftamped 
 upon  them  from  our  hearts  j  thus  , 
 
 Hy  thcy\ 
 
 ■^* 
 
— 
 
 thty  (hall  not  deceive  us,  but  ftand 
 with  us,  as  a  treafure  invaluable. 
 A  fccond  thing  I  marke  in  getting 
 earthly  freafures  is,  that  there  ir.uft 
 be  a  dayly  diligent  adding  unto, 
 and  augmenting  that  wherewith 
 wefirft  t*  gan.Though  a  man  hath 
 good  Gold  and  Silver  by  hinv,  yec 
 till  ht  hath  it  in  fome  quamlrie,  he 
 is  not  faid  to  be  rich ,  or  to  have 
 treafure  ftored  by  him.  Thus  it  is 
 with  uf  j  K$me  was  *$t  built  in  a 
 dayy men  are  all  their  dayes  in  get- 
 ting together  a  more  corr.plcat 
 weafure.  Thus  wee  Chriftiars, 
 though  from  otr  fir  ft  belet  ving  we 
 havtr  Uiifearchablc  riches,  yer,if  we 
 fptak  comparatively,  we  have  not 
 that  wealth  and  contaminate  trea- 
 fure, which  we  come  afterwards 
 unto,  when  now  we  have  well  run 
 on  in  that  race  which  is  ict  before 
 us  Whtrefv  re  give  diligence  to  en* 
 create  yoi*r  Graces.,  which  Gcd  of 
 j  mercy  haih  begun*.  Let  the  righre- 
 J'ous-  be  more  righteous,  the  holy 
 more  holy*  If  out  Grace  bv  true, 
 
 there 
 
ourfiock  and  treafim  of  Grace. 
 
 '  there  will  be  a  further  accefie  of 
 Grace :  Wealth  goetfa  to  wealth, 
 even  as  ftones  do  to  a  ftone-heape, 
 already  mounted.  Wherefore,krus 
 every  day  draw  one  Line  this  way: 
 let  us  coune  that  an  unprofitable 
 day,  wherein  wee  have  not  fome- 
 thing  laboured  with  our  hearts 
 for  the  fuller  apprehenfion  of  our 
 finncs  dwelling  in  us  ;  that  fopo- 
 vertie  of  fpirk  may  dwell  moreand 
 more  in  us,  wherein  wee  have  not 
 fomewhat  enfurced  our  hearts  to 
 ftayt  hem/elves  on  the  Lord  and  his 
 precious  promifes :  wherein  wee 
 have  not  called  on  our  fouIcs,to  put 
 themfdves  forth  in  more  thankfull 
 acknowledgement  of  that  love, 
 faichfulnefle^&parience^which  we 
 fee  doe  follow  us  day  by  day.  Fi- 
 nally, wherein  we  gec  not  fome- 
 thing  done,  which  maybc^sa  go  d 
 foundation,  and  further  our  recko- 
 ning, when  we  (hall  be  accountant 
 to  God,  We  muft  be  ro  mi  re wea- 
 ricof  this,  than  eanhly  husbands 
 are  of  rduming  tfuir  .bufijefles.: 
 
 the\ 
 
172     l   Tke  more  grace  t9ehaveytbc^&c. 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 the  fweetenefle  and  peace  of  thole 
 waies  {hould  afftd  us.  Looke  as 
 men  at  firft,  while  poverty  doth 
 pinch  chcm,they  feeke  wealth  with 
 much  grkfe  and  anxiety:  but  when 
 once  they  ba*e  gotten  well  about 
 them  -  then,  fleftied  with  the  fruit 
 oftheir  former  la  bour,they  make  a 
 play  oi  following  the  Worlds  to 
 the  increafe  oftheir  fabftamce :  for 
 ihey  fteke  not  fo  much  out  of  indi- 
 gency, as  out  of  complacency  and 
 delight  which  they  finde  in  their 
 poffeffions.  Thus  ^eeChriftianfr, 
 when  once  wee  have  attained  fbme 
 fiift-fruitsthiswayjWcfhould  with 
 delight  follow  on  to  perfe&ion. 
 A  third  praftice,by  which  worldly 
 wealth  commeth  in,!s  a  carefull  re- 
 taining what  is  once  gotten.  Good 
 EenfSjWith  little  or  no  expencCjarc 
 the  fureft  Alcban^y  that  ever  wa$ 
 found  out :  whereas  let  incomings 
 bernever  (b  large,  one  back-dore 
 
 r 
 
 o:  looked  vnto,  may  bring  the 
 >  hole  hi  ufeto  mine*  Wherefore 
 wee  mud  sake.  he*de  oft  all  fich 
 
 things) 
 
We  mufi  notUvifb  out  our  Grace. 
 
 "73 
 
 things  which  wafte  and  excinguifli 
 Grace  in  a  manner,  giving  place  to 
 finne,  (b  as  to  yeeld  to  it,  and  lye 
 downe  under  it.Ocherwife.he  that 
 ftumblts,and  eomes  not  down^gets 
 ground  :  the  trippings  of  Gods 
 children  y  in  which  they  recover 
 therafelves ,  bring  them  on  with 
 greater  advantage.  Againe,  wee 
 rruft  take  heed  of  dead  companies, 
 of  formall  performances, which  are 
 aPealc  to  Bed-ward.  Finally,  of 
 running  our  felvcs  into  projefts  of 
 worldly  pompe  and  profits,  which 
 are  the  common  Choakc-weed  of 
 Grace.  Whofe  heart  (almoft)have 
 not  thefe  Thornes  over-growne  ? 
 Thus  you  fee  how  we  may  by  the 
 Woi  Id  learne  a  way  to  thrive  in  the 
 beft  Wealth.  Now  I  come  to  the 
 Utter  point  of  preparation,where* 
 by  we  may  be  able  to  Rand  in  the 
 houreof  Tryall.  In  this  1  will  be 
 (horcer,my  Pe n  being  run  fonh  be* 
 yond  my  purpofe  in  the  former. 
 The  Io  igcft  dayes  have  night  at 
 -length  entring:  yea,  there  is  no 
 
 winde 
 
174 
 
 P reparation  for  TrjAlsjhownectffary, 
 
 — — — — ~~— — — —  »t— n 1-  .  ■>  i 
 
 windc  which  may  not  blow  raine, 
 if  God  be  (b  pleafcd.  Eflates  which 
 have  thelongeft  periods  of profpe- 
 ritie,  are  ac  length  exercifed $  and 
 there  is  no  condition  fo  fureand 
 peaceable,  but  may  turne  tempe- 
 ftuous  on  the  (udden  ,  (hould  not 
 God  be  more  gracious.  Wherefore 
 let  us  be  appointed  and  fitted  for 
 every  event.  Preparing  for  warre, 
 maintainerh  peace:  wearing  a  wea- 
 pon ,  makes  not  us  the  (boner  fee 
 onrnay,it  prevents  thisdangcr,and 
 makes  us  readie  to  defend  our 
 felve$>  when  at  any  time  vve  are  at 
 (ailed.  Now  this  praftifc  chkfely 
 ftandech  in  thefe  three  ihings.Firrt, 
 in  getting  a  fpirituall  fagc*citie,by 
 which  our  fogies  doe  difcern  afore- 
 hand,  what  kiude  of  events  ihey 
 may  be  fubjret  unto,  in  this-va!e  of 
 teare**    Nacure  by  inflin&giveth 
 untort  albnabk  creatures  j  faculty, 
 which  makcth  themaforchan&ap- 
 prehe  five  of  -hit  which  ?s  ready  I 
 toer  iuf.  The  w  fedome  which  is 
 from  «Jteve,.imkexh.  the  Lards 
 
 children! 
 
and  in  what  tt  confifis* 
 
 children  (enliblc  ia  like  kinde,thac 
 as  lob)  Co  they  in  their  greaccft 
 calme  fore-fee  how  Gods  hand  may. 
 change  for  theexercifeof  them. 
 1  he   fecond  pare  of  praftice  (hn- 
 deth  in  this,in  learning  by  due  con- 
 fiderationSjhow  warning  we  arein 
 wifaome,  and  weake  inftrergth, 
 which  maketh  able  to  ftand  wh*n 
 God  trieth.The  third  thing  is  flying 
 to  God  by  faith,  and  holding  him, 
 as  who  hath  beene,  is,  and  muft  be 
 forever  of  all  our  filvation,  loo- 
 king :o  Cbrift  the  author  and  fini- 
 fherof  our  faith,  who  hath  recei- 
 ved th»s  commandement  of  his  Fa- 
 ther, thathtflruld  not  oncly call 
 us, « ni  bring  us  into  fta'6  of  grace, 
 but  alfo  raik  us  up  at  th.  lalt  day, 
 who  is  thar  greatGjd  our  Savioi.r, 
 that  will  kcepe   his  f  om  every 
 evill  worke,  to  his  heavenly  king* 
 dome.  Now,  when  wee  thus  hano 
 G  >djgairilfalUvtnis,weartLi 
 *  ftroog  Tower,  wherein  the  gates 
 of  ficll  (hillnoi  be  abL  c<»  hu/t  u$7 
 aiuch  kflc  topjivuilc  agan.ft  us. 
 
 GvHl 
 
 J75 
 
i76 
 
 Cbrijt §ur  Rock*. 
 
 God  doth  let  us  co  fchoole  onto  the 
 Conies,  that  of  them  wee  might 
 learne  the  Leflbns  :  They  are  a 
 weake  timorous  creature ;  yet  be- 
 ing coifcious  of  their  weakaefle, 
 they  worke  themfelvcs  Holds  in 
 the  Earthward Burrowes,  whereto 
 they  may  retire  for  ftielter;  and 
 though  they  goe  forth  (bmetimes, 
 yet  ever  and  anon  they  resume  to 
 their  fi»lds.  Oh,  fb  muft  wee,  in 
 confeitnee  of  our  weakenefle,  by 
 faiih  worke  our  felves  into  the 
 Rocke,  Chrift  Ieftis :  and  though 
 (bmetimes  wee  are  abroad,  as  it 
 were,  in  many  other  matters,  yet 
 wecmuft  flill  returne,  and  renew 
 our  beleefe  toward  him. 
 
 22. 
 
 MY  beloved  Friend, and  Cferi- 
 Itian  Brother,  I  am  glad  to 
 hearc  of  your  fafe  returne.  If  my 
 Sonne  g*>c  on,  fetiing  his  heart  to 
 get  Learning,  I  will  fet  my  heart, 
 co  procure  him  all  due  encourage- 
 ment in  (o  good  a  courfe.  Con- 
 cerning^ 
 
 -»• 
 
11  »  »-  -»  « 
 
 cernmg  the  change  of  youreftate, 
 icis  v\irh  our  fbules  as  with  our  bo- 
 d?es3  every  Age  hath  ft  vtrall  Di£ 
 cafes;  and  we  fe,asourdifpofinons 
 and  the  feafons  vary,  (o  th^reisa 
 fucceflion  of  divers  ficknefcs  ac- 
 cordingly. Our  new  birth  being 
 conceived  &bred  in  faith,  perfeft- 
 ly  formed  in  hoiinefie,  we  are  ufu- 
 ally  firft  afliiled  in  that  which  is 
 firft  in  nature  begotten  in  us :  I 
 huveieldome  rparked  temptation 
 in  both  thefe  kinds  at  once  •  God 
 fo  mercifully  difpofing,  that  two 
 Co  great  Sickntflfcs  (hould  not  be 
 found  coroplica  te :  For  who  could 
 ftand  under  them,  combined  ?  A- 1 
 gaine,Cholercan  hardly  cauft  any 
 hot  kind  officknefle^while  there  is 
 ftore  of  blood  and  watrifli  humors 
 bridling  of  it:  for  thele  are  frtnam 
 bith:  foourunholineflVjWhilewe 
 arc  cxercifed  with  doubtings  of 
 Gods  Grace,  cannot  move;  as 
 when  all  is  quiet,  this  very  trouble 
 caufing  my  Faith-cocfl  ftj  ix  fit- 
 num  concupifcewtU  and  doth  perfe 
 
 inter-! 
 
178  Tl  he  comfort  and  benefit  of 
 
 interrupt  the  a&,  though  it  can- 
 not expell  the  habic  being  con- 
 sidered by  it  fclfe.    Wherefore 
 though  you  fhdc  the  winde  gone 
 ioto  another  corner,  your  fpiritu- 
 all  nakedneflc  now  moft  to  moleft 
 you :  and  chough  you  together  ob- 
 serve, that  you  arc  not  Co  apprc- 
 hen  five  of  fo  great  an  evill  as  you 
 ought,  yet  have  you  no  caufe,  bu: 
 to  goe  on  peaceably,  looking  to 
 that  Prince  of  peace,whowill  give 
 thee  peace  of  (an&ification  in  the 
 quiet  fruit  of  righteoufhefle,  as  he 
 hath  the  peace  of  juftification, 
 which  fometimes  in  fome  degree 
 you  wanted.  For  the  firft,we  muft 
 make  account  our  exercifes  will 
 run  in  a  circle,  the  ending  of  one 
 will  begin  another,  till  God  hath 
 by  many  things  fufficientiy  proved 
 us,  that  in  our  latter  ends  hee  may 
 doe  us  good.  Fi(her-men  muft  not 
 make  dainty  of  cold  waterd  nor 
 Chtiftians  to  meete  with  thefe  ca- 
 fes, SecondIy,you  muft  marke  how 
 gently  God  doth  briog  on  your 
 
 triall 
 
triall  this  way,  making  you  rather 
 co  difcover  defcft  and  want  of 
 righteoufhcffe,  than  tofeelethofc 
 lawcsof  evilj,and  movings  of  grie- 
 vous fins,  the  root  whereof  do?h 
 fticke  in  your  nature.  To  want 
 health, and  doeverynaruralla&ion 
 feebly  ,is  a  griefe,but  tofcele  (harpe  j 
 fitsoffome  paiitull  diftafe^is  more 
 grievous,  ThirdIy,(hould  wee  not 
 be  trained  thus  by  experience  to  fee 
 that  we  are  as  Tobu  &  Bobu^  a  true 
 Spirituall  Chaos  of  emptinefleand 
 deformity,  we  could  not  be  poore  J 
 in  fpirir,  follow  Christ  as  1 
 who  is  made  of  G  o  d  our  facfti- 
 fication,  that  is>  our  fanftifier :  we 
 could  not  comfort  others  in  this 
 ftate,  nor  taftc  our  owne  happi- 
 reffe  fweete  in  that  degree,whero 
 in  wee  {hall  doe  after  thefc  things 
 experienced  of  us.  Now  though 
 you  doe  not  fecle  this  myfterie, 
 and  rake  it  to  heart  as  you  defire, 
 yet  this  doth  but  further  open  our 
 defeft,   that  wee  may  feeke  an- 
 fwerably  to  be  fupplied.  We  are 
 
 not 
 
not  more  empty  of  grace,  than  by 
 nature  careleffc  to  have  any :  wee 
 would  let  it  lie  as  a  refufe  thing, 
 (hould  not  God  infpire  us  with 
 new  defires,  to  fceke  after  ir.  A- 
 gaine,  as  a  footfh  carelefncffe,  fo 
 a  ipirituall  fl 3th  pofleflcth  us,  that 
 I  caufcth  us  to  be  content  a  little 
 better  with  cafe,   than  plenty, 
 which  commeth  with  any  great 
 travell.  But  what  of  this?  When 
 1  fee  it,  I  tell  it  all  to  God,  fui  g 
 to  him,  chat  the  more  I  fee  mifery 
 abounding,  the  more  his  mercy 
 may  abound  alfo.  I  looke  to  him, 
 who  as  he  hath  called  me  to  fan&i- 
 fication  with  an  operative  calling, 
 Co  he  muft  bring  me  to  that  happy 
 eftate,as  who  is  Iehovab^my  fcnai- 
 fii r.  I  learne  in  a  word, this  worke 
 will  never  goe  forward,(houId  not 
 God  in  mee,  as  he  hath  begun  it,  Co 
 go  on  in  ic,fin&ifying  me  thorow- 
 ouc.  Againe,though  I  love  to  fearch 
 unco  the  quicke,  yet  there  is  (bme 
 reafon,   why  hatred  and  griefe 
 (hould  not  fo  move  in  this  eftate, 
 
 as 
 
"lis  bard  for  w  to  btteourdefetts, 
 
 as  when  iiufull  paflions  come  co 
 ftirrc  in  out  members,aud  Jeade  us 
 captive.  For,looke  as  nature,  while 
 fuch  matter  doth  but  in  ftire  de- 
 gree caufe  a  C<3tkexie,zndm*ke 
 her  w  orkc  feebly  and  imperft&ly 
 in  all  fhe  wotketh  •  Nature,  I  fay, 
 is  not  Co  fenfible  here,nor  duth  not 
 btftirre  her  fclfir,  as  when  fom^  a- 
 cute  ficknefle  doth  heavily  afflift : 
 (b  it  is  tyen  with  grace  in  the  foule; 
 i:  cannot  be  in  that  meafureappre- 
 henfive  in  this  ftate,  wherein  it  ra- 
 ther £  dtth  it  felfe  toLckefome 
 degrees  of  health  it  would  have, 
 than  to  be  infe&ed  with  intolera- 
 ble ficknefle.  B  Jt  the  truth  is,  let 
 Gone  doe  what  it  will,  wee  cannot 
 hate  it  of  our  ftlves :  bur,as  by  na- 
 ture wee  love  our  (elves ;  fo^  that 
 finfiill  image,  which  is  by  nature 
 propagated  in  us.S  jme  S jiiits  have 
 found  this;  who  having  been  mo- 
 Ieftcd  many  yeeres  with  fome  cor- 
 ruptions,ncverthele(T-  have  found, 
 that  at  fome  times  they  have  not 
 , beene  able  to  looke  toward  them 
 J  with 
 
i82 
 
 Enmity  fofiHtte^riu'd  from  flmfi, 
 
 with  difpleafure.  I  had  thought, 
 never  cockering  mother  could  take 
 that  at  a  chUdes  hand,  which  wee 
 put  up  and  (uffer  from  our  Iufts : 
 but  withall,  I  have  learned  to  fee 
 that  promife3  and  hold  Chrift  to 
 thatpurpofc;  I  will  put  enmitie 
 (faith  God)  betwecne  thy  feed  and 
 the  feed  of  the  woman  ;  betwixt 
 Chrift,  and  that  life  of  his  in  all  his 
 member^  and  the  multitude  of  re* 
 probates ,  and  that  life  of  Saran, 
 (for  finnc  may  be  called  his  image) 
 which  is  notoncly  in  them  who 
 are  his  feed,  but  in  os  alfo ,  till  by 
 Chrift  it  be  fubdued:  fliauldnot 
 God  blow  up  his  grace  fo  farre^ 
 we  could  not  feele  enmitie  againft 
 
 i 
 
 this  feed  of  fiane,which  Satan  hath 
 fowed  in  us.  Wherefore  be  not 
 carefull  in  any  thing  3  but  that 
 there  creepe  not  upon  you  a  defp;- 
 fing  of  leflfcr  things  :  for,  if  little 
 things  be  not  dealt  wich,God  will 
 make  greater  looke  in,  which  will 
 caufe  us  more  exercife.  Happie  is 
 that  man  who  doth  deale  with 
 things 
 
Timely  rtfijtdnce  cffime^elpfnH.         1 83 
 
 >     .«     .  « — — — — *^— ■^«— — «     ...         ^ 
 
 things  betirae,  labouring  to  fecle 
 them  grievous ,  looking  to  Chrift 
 his  helperagainft  them.  That  man 
 is  a  ftrange  Chriftian,what-cver  he 
 may  thinke  ,  though  his  ftrengch 
 may  be  affli&ed  that  bee  cannot 
 feeleic  great;  yet  vires  afflift*  and 
 vhes  frofirata  arc  much  different. 
 Againe,  he  (hall  fape  much  dif. 
 eafemcntj  by  his  timely  refiftance. 
 Let  any  man  of  great  ftrcngth  have 
 fome  fupeifluitie  of  matter  tending 
 to  ficknefle,  he  doth  betime  ex- 
 pell  it  by  imperccivable  fweates, 
 or  other  eafic  wayes  :  Lefler 
 ftreogth  letteth  it  lye,  till  it  bee 
 ponderous,  and  of  acrimonie,  and 
 (bme  way  more  grievoufly  offen- 
 deth3  and  then  it  doth  more  paine- 
 fully  upward  and  downe-ward 
 drive  it  forth.The  weakeft  ftrengch 
 of  all,  feelcs  it  fclfc  opprcfled,  and 
 till  hoi  pen  by  fome  medicine, 
 cannot  cxpell,  and  then  doth  ic ) 
 pak;efqlly,  and  in  part  oaely :  the 
 more  ffrength  ,  the  fooncr  is  a 
 thing  contrarie  to  nature  expel- 
 led; 
 
 !•" 
 
1 84     (    Tbankf*ln*Jfi  creeps,  wkerey  &c9 
 
 -III-  ~  1  I  -       II     H  II  1 
 
 led;  the  fooner,  the  lefle  pain- 
 fully al  *aics.  Well,  the  Carrier 
 doth  ftay  for  my  Letter,  I  muft 
 be  fhort. 
 
 Yours  in  brotherly  ■'ffc&ion, 
 Paul  Bync. 
 
 23.  Hwtttoiy. 
 
 MY  loving  Friend,  though  1 
 winter  not  faft  by  you,  as 
 heretofore,  yet  I  have  you  in  re, 
 cnembrance;  for,ea  ten  bread  fhould 
 not  be  forgotten,  I  thinke  my  felfe 
 rruch  indebted  to  you  /or  che  love 
 I  received  from  you  •  and  though 
 I  muft  itill  ride  behirde,  I  meane, 
 come  fhort,  in  regard  of  r  quiwll, 
 yet  I  will  n^t  be  wanting  in  thank- 
 full  confeffing  of  kindoeffe  /bre- 
 paflvd.  It  is  with  thankefulnefle 
 as  with  love,  it  will  creepewhn 
 it  cannot  goe.  1  hope  you  neglcft 
 not  your  beft  Merchandize,  the 
 feeking  chofe  Pearles  which  Will 
 make  your  (bule  rich  before<3>d. 
 That  Marchant,World- ward,  is  in 
 
 foall 
 
Want  of  Grace  the greatejt poverty.  \       l8$ 
 
 i     -  ■  ■■  * — 
 
 fm*li  account:,  who  neither  hath 
 ware  nor  rmney ;  in  like  eftate  are 
 Chriftians,  who  trading  in  the 
 militant  Church,  have  no  part  nor 
 portion  in  the  heavenly  and  true 
 treaftrc.  It  is  a  thing  full  of  confu- 
 fion,and  very  unhappy  to  be  with- 
 out earthly  pofleffions.  Hence  it  \%9 
 that  men  in  this  taking,  they  hang 
 downc  the  head,  when  they  have 
 no  meanes  whereby  to  coropafle 
 the  earchly  good  which  they  defire, 
 whereis  others  who  have  them, 
 carry  their  nofes  into  the  wind, 
 have  all  that  heart  can  wifh,  they 
 lofe  no  loigtng.Thus  what  (hail  be 
 their  confufion  who  arc  not  rich  in 
 faith  &  if  pentance,cheon;ycurrant 
 coyre  which  doth  goe  with  God, 
 and  fetch  down  what -ev  r  eaven- 
 ly  bleffi  g  wee  can  defire.  Where- 
 fore in  lieu  of  all  your  love,  let  me 
 exhort  you^firftjto  labor  more  and 
 more  for  true  grace.  Secondly,  to 
 ufe  it  and  increafe  it  daily.  Third- 
 ly ,to  watch  againft  all  furfi  things, 
 whichmay  (like  a  backe  dore)  im- 
 
 I paire 
 
 &is 
 
iS6 
 
 Ttne  Gr4ce9  true  Ricbe/. 
 
 1  payre  and  wafted  it.  For  the  firft  • 
 'the  wife  Merchant  doth  feeke  for' 
 good  pearks,  fuch  as  are  right  in 
 their  kinde :  an  In&i an  Diamond  & 
 a  Briftiw  Scone  lookealike,but  dif- 
 fer rnnch  in  the  Iudgmcnt  of  acun-1 
 ning  Lapidift ;  No  man  can  gather 
 a  trcafure,  vnleffe  hee  feleft  that 
 Which  is  precious :a  rnafle  ofcoun- 
 ters  are  not  to  be  counted  a  trca-i 
 fure.Seeke  then  that  knowledge  of 
 Chrift  which  maymake  you  put  off 
 the  old  man j  fo  to  know  God  as  a 
 child  knoweth  his  father,  with  an 
 affc&iue  property  which  doth  v-J 
 ,  nite  the  heart  to  him:  fo  to  beleeue; 
 { chat  you  may  feeleyour  heart  pur- 
 ged through  faith,  fo  to  doe  euery 
 Worke  of  righteoufneffe,  that  yea 
 nay  feele  your  felfe  enabled  to  it 
 through  Chrift,  and  finde  that  your 
 foule  dire&s  it  to  Gods  glory :  for 
 as  that  mony  onely  is  treafure* 
 which  is  of  right  Bullion ,  that  is 
 goodMetall,  and  hath  the  Kings 
 infcripiion  :  So  that  worke  one- 
 ly Will  make  a  true  Treafure 
 
 and 
 
TbeJt$ckt*fGr*cemuftl>e9&c.  \     187 
 
 : 
 
 ind  good  foundation,  Which  pro 
 cecdethfrom  Chrift,  dwelling  in 
 vs  through  fai  t£,  and  is  dire&ed  to 
 GOD,  by  Which  meanes  it  is 
 [lamped  as  ic  were,  with  his  Image. 
 For  diefecond :  As  yoy  muft  get 
 thefe  things  (b  you  muft  tradewich 
 rhera,feeke  their  increafe:  he  chat 
 husbands  his  ftocke*  (hall  haue 
 more.  Men  are  long  gatherers  be- 
 fore they  haue  got  them  a  treafure. 
 So  Chriftians,  though  on  the  firft 
 beleeuing  they  rcceiue  vnfearch* 
 able  riches,  yet  there  treafure  is  to 
 be  confummate  and  pcrfe&ed  from 
 day  to  day.Tbere  is  a  double  thirft 
 8c  defire  after  wealth  in  the  world; 
 the  one  commeth  from  indigency, 
 as  a  man  in  extreme  drought  Jon- 
 get  h  for  drinke,  and  in  extreme 
 want,  for  fbmething  which  might 
 helpehira.  There  is  another  de- 
 fire^  which  commeth  from  com- 
 placency, from   pleasure  felt  in 
 that  wee  haue  obtained;  thus  a 
 man,  when  third  is  in  fome  de- 
 gree quenched %  defireth  to  drinke 
 
 1 2  agaiae 
 
 1 
 
i88 
 
 Labour  f$r growth  in  <jr*ce. 
 
 I 
 
 gaine ;  thus  a  poore  man,  having 
 n^w  gorten  fomc  thing  well  abos1 
 him,  yet  would  faine  have  a  mon 
 flufh,  full  eftatc :  better  is  ftill  bet- 
 ter :  this  defire  then  mutt  be  in  al 
 Chriflian^:  the  goodnefle  of  the 
 things  they  have  tafted,rauft  affefl 
 them  with  a  further  defire  of  in- 
 creafing  in  them.  I  would  have 
 you  be  as  I  have  feene  fbme  good 
 husbands  in  dead  time,  when  (ta- 
 rings faile,  they  count  the  day  loft 
 in  which  they  have  had  no  takings. 
 Account  that  day  as  loft,  wherein 
 you  have  not  gotten  feme  more 
 fenft  of  fin,whercin  your  faith  hath 
 not  fomething  more  enforced  it 
 fclfe  to  lay  hold  on  God  and  his 
 precious  promifcs,  wherein  fbme 
 good  thing  is  not  done,  which  may 
 ft  and  as  a  good  foundation,  where- 
 on the  conscience  may  relye,  as  an 
 undoubted  tcftimony  of  faving  be- 
 liefe*  Laftly,  take  heede  of  that 
 which  may  quench  your  affeftion 
 to  God,  as  dead  company ,  who  can 
 never  (peak,  nor  have  the  language 
 
 of 
 
Tdk<s  httdofvehat  may  impair  grace. 
 
 i%9 
 
 i  oi  Canaan :  inordinate  and  doable 
 diligence  about  earthly  things. 
 More  perifh  with  prepofterous  fol- 
 lowing of  la  wfull  things3than  doe 
 by  unlawfull  courfes.  Sofc  fands 
 fwallow  more  fhips,  than  hard 
 rocks  fplit  aftnd  :r.  Licit u ftrimtu 
 omnes.  Eating,  drinkiag,building5 
 matter  of  marriage^the  world  (ball 
 be  drowned  in  thete,  whenChrift 
 comes  to  jjdgemen:.  Ufe  all  good 
 meanes  doc  wich-drawing  your 
 felfe  from  them.  Difafing  meanes 
 quenchcthgtace^  as  with-holding 
 faell  queocheth  fire.  Weed  out  of 
 your  heart  all  fucb  things,  as  like  a 
 choake-weede  fpring  up  and  fnao- 
 ther  better  devotions.  Men  grow 
 rich  not  onely  by  getting,  but  by 
 faying  and  holding  together  that 
 they  have  gotten.  Great  getcings 
 with  little  fpendings,  is  the  raoft 
 approved  Alchymie  :  {hould  one 
 hive  never  fach  takings,  if  one 
 (hould  filch  outN  his  gaine  as  it 
 came  in,  hee  would  not  increafc 
 in   fubftance.    Thus    Chriftians 
 
 I  3  mud 
 
£0  A  Letter  ef  cemfert  agahft  the 
 
 nauftlookethe  Diucll  robbethem 
 not  by  any  meanes,  of  any  grace 
 which  they  haue  obtained,  that  fo 
 their  fbnles  may  thriue  in  their 
 heavenly  eftate.  But  my  letter 
 fwelleth  beyond  my  intendment, 
 and  I  cannot  hold  backc  my  pen 
 from  affording  you  any  thing, 
 whom  I  haue  found  Co  forward  in 
 fliewing  rae  kindneffe*  j 
 
 24  I 
 
 Sifter  M.  my  wife  and  I  held 
 it  mecte  to  figoifie  both,  onr 
 remembrance  of  you ,  whom  your 
 token  hath  teftifiednot  to  bee  vn- 
 mindfull  of  vs  both,  for  when 
 my  wife  is  thought  on,  I  thinke 
 then  I  am  not  quite  forgotten. 
 You  will  be  defirous  to  know  how 
 my  wife  and  her  place  agreerh. 
 Concerning  which  lenforme  you 
 thus  much,  that  both  ofv^inre* 
 gard  of  all  circomftances^do  think 
 o&r  Hue?  well  fallen ;  if  we  fhould 
 (peake  otherwife,  wee  fhould  not 
 Qn&ifiehim  in  our  hearts  ^  who 
 is  mercifull    to   vs,    Neuerthe- 
 
 left 
 
fbrrtws  that  attend  every  condition. 
 
 e(Te,youmuft  not  tbinke  chat  we 
 aue  fuch  a  condition,  in  which 
 no  forrows  in  the  flefh  and  other- 
 wife,arenotintermcddkd,weIiue 
 not  in  that  earthly  paradife,  but 
 ourliuesarefb  made  comfortable 
 through  Godsgrace,that  we  know 
 there  remaincth  yet  a  further  reft 
 for  his  people  :  the  which  thera- 
 therl  «iention3tbat  you  (hould  not 
 thinkc  rauch/if  in  your  condition, 
 al  thingsfuicenotwithyourdcfire, 
 b.caufe  that  this  is  no  other  thing, 
 thanwherwith  your  brethren  and 
 lifters  euery  where  conflict  There 
 is  a  fweate  of  the  brow  on  euery 
 calling,  a  wearifbm  vanity  on  eue- 
 ry condition^only  the  grace  ofi3od 
 in  Ohrift  doth  difpence  wif  h  much 
 which  might  iuftly  befall  vs  and 
 doth  ftrenthen  vs  to  beare  that 
 comfortably  in  time,which  his  fa- 
 therly witedome  fha'.l  not  haue  rc- 
 leafed.  And  becaufe  I  know  not 
 in  what  argument  to  fpeakc  more 
 for  your  comfort,  I  will  pro fecute 
 in  a   few  lines  this     argume  ic 
 
 I4  Ic 
 
 1£I 
 
.      *!■     > 
 
 RPIfcj  (jod  makes  carnatL 
 
 It  pleafeth  God  to  let  us  find  fbme 
 conditions  not  fie  f)  well  upon  us 
 as  heretofore  they  have  done,  ye^ 
 the  lame  things  waxe  tedious, 
 which  have  beene  .delight full,  for 
 our  love,  our  hatred,  the  orde- 
 ring of  our  affeftions,  is  not  in  our 
 power,butdorh  vary  according  to 
 Gods  pleafurc.  Now  when  we  ob- 
 fcrvc  fuch  things  grow  on  u$j>  wee 
 muftbethinkeus  ofchecauk,  for 
 that  is  the  next  way  to  difcerne 
 how  our  griefe  muft  be  cured  No^ 
 thus  it  is  with  us,  that  the  comfort 
 of  our  eft  ate  doth  refulc  more  from 
 carnall  cafement  often,  and  con- 
 tentments in  ir,  than  from  the 
 grace  of  God  in  Chrift  Iefus3  {hed 
 into  the  heart  by  meanes  of  it. 
 Now  God  feeing  this,  doth  fo 
 work,that  things  pleafant  in  them- 
 felves  become diftaftefoll  to  us,  to 
 the  end  that  wee  might  feeke  more 
 vnto  him,  and  take  up  all  our  con- 
 tentment in  him,  that  thus^hee  our 
 Creator  &  Redeem er,might  be  the 
 reft  of  our  hearts,  not  the  creature. 
 
 Our 
 
contentments  difttfiefnlltQ  us. 
 
 111 
 
 Our  hearts  arc  full  of  fecret  Idola- 1 
 try  above  meafure  :  Now  then, 
 when  God  doth  unfettle  our  hearts 
 from  a  contentment,  which  is  car- 
 nal], hee  doth  it  but  to  leade  us  to 
 reach  our  content  ation  by  true  god- 
 linefle.  What  a  fweet  life  is  it^  that 
 when  a  man  is  not  troubled  with 
 defires  of  this  World,  with  griefe*, 
 or  deluded  with  the  joyes  of  ir5 
 which  are  like  the  crackling  of 
 thornes  under  a  pot,as  foone  quen- 
 ched as  kindled  ?  Bu t  if  wegrow  to 
 defire  things  heavenly,  to  fteke 
 diligently  the  things  which  are  a- 
 bove,  this  defire  will  take  off  the 
 edge  of  other  that  are  worldly.  If 
 wee  learne  to  rejoyce  in  Chrilt  Jo 
 fuSj  it  will  kill  his  falft  joy,the  end 
 whereof  is  heavinefle.  If  we  grieve 
 for  our  finsaccording  to  thatfPeep* 
 f*r  y  tut  fimef,  yt  daughter  ef  It* 
 rufaUmlt  will  drownc  earthly  for- 
 rowcSjthit  they  (ball  be  as  nothing 
 with  us.  Grow  up  in  chef-  things> 
 and  I  may  truely  fay,  you  (hall 
 have  a  kingdeme  in  your  felfe. 
 
 u        i 
 
1 94 
 
 I  A  ktur  concerning  the  comunicants. 
 
 \  I  am  bold  vponfo  fro j11  acquain- 
 tance^© exhort  you  in  thefe  things 
 a  duty  which  wee  arc  bound  to  as 
 Chriftians,  where  occafion  doth 
 require  it.  I  might  write  further  to 
 youtbut  I  rather  flint  my  fclfe  than 
 roue  vnccrtaindy.  If  J  could  know 
 how  to  performe  anc  ffice  ofChri* 
 ftun  louetoyou,Iwould  ftudy  rhe 
 cafe  but  it  fhouldbee  performed. 
 My  wife  doth  remember  herfelfe 
 vito  you.  Your  friendes  are  well 
 with  vs.  Thus  in  hafle  I  take  my 
 Icauc,  wjfhing  that  the  peace  of 
 God  which  p-fltth  rnderttaiiding 
 may  keepe  your  heart  vmo  the  end 
 and  in  the  end* 
 
 L  Eft  your  halting  fhouldrurne 
 forth  hurtfully  to  you  and 
 otheis,  I  write  more  fpedily. 
 Youasketwoqaefti)ns;  The  fir  ft 
 about  the  communicants  duties; 
 the  fecoad  about  kneeling.  The 
 firft,  whether  you  may  receiuc 
 with  one  who  for  want  of  skill, 
 
 0*1 
 
 '     '  m  wikiii 
 
 ■  ■  1  m  wi- 
 
Duties  txurnall  and  kfltUtng. 
 
 *95 
 
 or  will,  is  no  preaching  Miirfter. 
 To  which  I  a-nfwer  in  c  wo  confi- 
 derations ;  firft,  if  he  bee  able  to 
 preach  but  will  not,  ic  is  no  qucfti* 
 on  :fordefe&  in  qualification,  not 
 inexcrcifc,  breedeth  doubc  of 
 mens  calling  and  authority.  A. 
 gaine,  the  extrciie  of  preaching 
 is  not  neceffary  in  the  Miniftcrto 
 the  being  of  a  Sacrament,  but  re- 
 quifite  only  to  the  well-bebg  and 
 greater  fruit  of  it.  If  tht  Minifter 
 be  not  able  to  preach,the  doubt  is 
 much  augmented  ;ibr  God,icfee- 
 methjdothdifinabkhim,  heethat 
 carethnotfor  knowing,  God  re- 
 ic&etbhiraas  noPruft,  Hof4  3. 
 Secondly,  All  Chrifts  MfaiiAers 
 muft  teach  and  baptize,  &c.  Mat. 
 28  Thirdly,it  !$  counted  Ieroboamt 
 fi  re co  fet  up vileinfofficienr  one% 
 iKing  15.  33.  Fourthly,  Tnty 
 are  commended  that  fold  th<  ir  in- 
 heritance $,  and  left  fuch  Priefts. 
 Fifrly,  They  have  no  calling  from 
 God,  and  therefore  are  not  author 
 ri  it  dwuhhuly  thiegs. 
 
 Anfvt. 
 
 \ 
 
 *^*** 
 
I 
 
 1 
 
 A*fe>.  Motwithftanding  thefe 
 ard  kch  like,  this  Idcubc  not  is 
 the  truth  ot  God:  Firftd  that  the 
 Sacramentall  a&ions  of  ungifted 
 Minifters  arc  effeftuall  to  fuch  as 
 faithfully  receive  them.  Secondly, 
 that  we  may  fecke  and  receive  the 
 Sacrament  at  their  hands.  Thefe 
 two  conclufionsmuft  be  proved, 
 and  the  contrary  arguments  fuif- 
 fied :  and  Co  the  fecond  queftion  in 
 his  order  reiblved.  That  thefe  ani- 
 ons are  authentic*!!  when  perfor- 
 med^ is  thus  confirmed  $  Firft,  Au- 
 gufiim  proveth  that  Herecickes  fa- 
 craments  (in  his  Booke  dt  B*p. 
 lib.t.cap.  iojareeffcftaalljwhere 
 we  may  rcafon  as  to  the  k(fer,thac 
 unlearned  mens  aftions  have  vali- 
 dity. Secondly,  weefhouldallin 
 companion  call  in  quellioi  our 
 Chriftendomes, which  is  abfardity. 
 Thirdly,  as  the  deed  of  one  in  Ma- 
 giftratv,  (b  the  deed  ofone/»  Mi- 
 nifterio;  though  hee  be  not  Vfqnc- 
 qua  que  legitimes  Minifier3  is  au-» 
 tbcnticail,  hath  his  validities  The 
 
 ficood 
 
and  we  me  may  communicator c.  1 97 
 
 fecond  conclulnnis  morecontro- 
 verfall  $  for  wee  allow  the  Papifts 
 Baptifme  when  adminirtred,  yet 
 will  not  allow  the  feeing  ofit:ne- 
 verthekfle  this  is  true,  that  people 
 may  fecke  and  take  facramencaU 
 aftions  from  unlearned  men ;  the 
 reafonis,  becaufe  we  have  right  to 
 aske  them,  and  {hey  not  without 
 the  calling  of  God,  have  authority 
 to  difpenie  them.  The  firft  you 
 doubt  not,  the  fecond  you  would 
 fee  confirmed,  for  it  is  thought 
 they  are  oncly  mans  Mintfters. 
 
 An\x9.  They  are  called  by  men, 
 bat  not  without  the  over-ruling 
 ftroke  of  God  in  this  which  is  done 
 by  man.  Thus  Saul  and  hrobotm 
 thefirft,  were  called  by  men:  Sj 
 that  Godfaith,Ha/;8.3.  Thejft  »p 
 Kings^and  made  n  t  him  ofconnfeU ; 
 yet  Gud  faith  againe,  in  the  13.  of 
 I  Hof.lL  Htgwethtrnthtfe  Kings 
 in  hi*  wratb^ndtookl  them  <tn>aj  tn 
 i?}d>gnjtion.htfine,vjhcn  God  tel- 
 leth  u%frr-  $.ReJ;ent3I  nil!  give  joh 
 Pafior  r  afttr  r*J  m*c  heart.  He  doth 
 
 feemc 
 
1^8        Wt  m*y  communicate  with  nn  gifted 
 
 ■»■•«, 
 
 feeme  to  infinuatc  chac  hce  had  gi- 
 ven them  the  other,  though  in  dif- 
 pleasure  :  for  though  the  men  arc 
 not  (ucb  in  whom  he  is  pleafed,y et 
 they  are  here  and  there  placed^  ac- 
 cording  to  his  pleafare.  You  will 
 lay,  what,  are  they  giucn  in  ven- 
 geance^ how  can  we  iookc  for  any 
 good  from  them? 
 
 Anfw  So  in  iudgement,tbat  yet 
 God  remembicth  mercy  for  his, 
 which  he  wil  reach  forth  Ly  them. 
 So  tyrants  are  Gods  fcourges,  yet 
 God  rfghteth  fome  by  their  regi- 
 ment :  for  Tyranny  is  better  than 
 Anarchic.  Suppofe  then: The  Lord 
 Chauncelloor  of  Englanci^he  matt 
 be  for  his  qualification  a  man  well 
 feen  in  the  Lawcs,  able  to  (cntence 
 whatfbevercaufes  are  brought  in- 
 to Chancery :  he  nraft  againe  feale 
 all  matters^fbr  hekeepeth  the  Sig- 
 net. Say  fecondly,  the  Kingfliould 
 fet  or  let  one  occupie  the  place 
 that  knew  not  tbeLaw,who  would 
 paff?"  the  Seale  likewi(e  here  or 
 thi  a  Idle  warrantabiy:wouldyou 
 
 now, 
 
Miniftmjtt  not  with  Papijlt. 
 
 *99 
 
 ..*•■ 
 
 now  in  thethitd  place  having  the 
 grant  of  any  thing  from  his  High~ 
 neffe,  refafrto  Ice  him  put  to  the 
 Kings  fealc,  becaufe  he  w  s  igno- 
 rant^ would  give  the  (ealc  furae- 
 times  when  his  Maiefty  would 
 have  it  denyed  ?  Like  is  your  cafe. 
 But  why  may  not  we  feck*  dwel- 
 ling arnongft  Papifts,  to  have  our 
 children  baptized  with  them  ? 
 
 An[w .Becaufe  they  are  not  one- 
 ly  ignorant,  but  mainraine  reall  I- 
 dohtry,likc  the  Calves  of  Dan  and 
 Bethel,  from  which  wee  have  com- 
 iB<ndcment  to  fcparate.  Conclude 
 then,*  hat  you  may  come  and  fcekc 
 the  Sacrament  at  the  hand  of  an 
 unlearned  Mmifter,  Take  heed 
 or(ucbfuggcftion*by  which  the 
 counterfeit  angels  of  light  would 
 fi  bven  Church  s,  and  fling  whole 
 Pari(hes  out  ac  the  windowes. 
 Now  to  rcfclve  your  cbie&ion. 
 Thofc  whorp  God  threatoeth  to 
 cafhier,  their  aftions  which  they 
 pcrfonne,may  not  be  fought  for : 
 the  progofuion  is  fullc  ;  for  bis 
 
 threat- 
 
*sss9* 
 
 200       Wctnay  receive  of  ungtfud Minifters, 
 
 threatning  is  not  a  prefent  degra- 
 ding, dif-inabliDg  rhem  in  that 
 they  could  doe3but  a  menace  of  fu- 
 ture evill  in  Gods  time,  for  chat 
 they  ought  to  have  done5but  could 
 not.  To  Jeroboams  fa£k.  Thofe 
 who  ate  by  the  fin  of  men  entred, 
 their  aftioos  may  not  be  taken  be- 
 nefit of. 
 
 i/info.  Falfe  againe.The  Kings 
 of  7/r4e/ thus  entred,  yet  one  might 
 holily  have  taken  the  benefit  of  ju- 
 ftice  under  them.  Hee  that  fhould 
 be  never  fo  did*£licall,  yet  if  he  be 
 not  according  to  Sc,  Pauls  Canon^ 
 heentreth  by  fin  :  but  would  you 
 makequeftionto  hearehim,  once 
 in  office,  being  well  gifced  1  To  the 
 third,  All  Chrifts  Minifters  muft 
 teach,  and  therefore  whom  hee 
 fends  he  enables  thereunto. 
 
 Anfw.  Falfc  •IbJeffe  undcrftcod 
 with  limitation,  all  fent  ofChrift 
 according  to  his  heart,  out  of  fa- 
 vour, fully  qualified,  or  wee  mutt 
 take  teaching  in  a  very  large  ftnft. 
 To  the  4.  Wee  may  not  Separate 
 
 from  1 
 
K*eeli*g  UvpfnUin  the  aU  ofo&c. 
 
 from  every  unlearned  man  when  he 
 is  no  reall  Idolater.  To  the  fife  is 
 anfwered  above.  Thefecondisof 
 ltffe  moment,  I  will  not  difpure  ic : 
 onelythis.  When  there  is  no  ap- 
 parent fcandallj  you  may  kneele  : 
 Latent  things  which  cannot  with 
 morall  certainty  be  prefumed,muft 
 not  hinder  us.  My  rcafon  5  Firft,  ic 
 is  a  geftare  fanft  ificd  of  God,  to  be 
 ufed  in  his  fervicc.  Secondly,  ic  is 
 notunbefeeming  a  Feaftcr,  when 
 our  joymuft  be  mingled  with  re- 
 verent trembling.  Thirdly,  it  nei- 
 ther is  an  occafion,  nor  by  partici- 
 pation Idolatry :  kneeling  never 
 bred  bread-worflhip.  And  our  Do- 
 ctrine of  the  Sacraraenr,  knowDe 
 to  all  the  world,  doth  free  ns  from 
 fu/pition  of  adoration  in  it.  Attend 
 ycurminiftefy,  and  hold  the  Lord 
 Jefus  to  fan&ifie  you  daily.  Let  no- 
 thing weaken  you  in  your  worke^ 
 the  beginning  whereof  was  fo  joy- 
 full  to  you.  I  doubt  not  but  thefe 
 are  the  truth;  if  I  knewtwenth 
 fcruples  I  could  not  anfwer,  yet 
 
 would 
 
 201 
 
would  I  be  of  this  iudgmenr.  I 
 like  not  forgery  which  vpon  every 
 want  dHraerobreth  andcurteth  off; 
 n&r  iuch  meddling  in  crazie  bodies 
 which  doth  vtterly  ouerwhrlme 
 them-holy  quiet  willheale  morein 
 thefe  cafes  chan  renfurous  motion. } 
 Farewell 
 
 SYR,  I  cannot  but  be  ready  vp- 
 on all  occafions  to  faluteyou, 
 whom  God  hath  by  fo  many  good 
 offices  indeared  to  me. My  defire 
 to  God  i$,that  your  (bule  may  pro 
 fper5that  yoa  may  be  kept  in  thele 
 euill  times,  wherein  darknefle  and 
 lofts  of  ignorance  abound,  likeco 
 the  Lampe  which  (hined  in  the 
 fmoaky  furnace,Iike  to  the  bright 
 ftarre  which  fhiued  in  the  midft 
 of  darkenes.Now  that  we  may  doe 
 this,  we  mufteuer  renew  our  care 
 of  keeping  our  felties  vnfpotted 
 from  the  wicked  and  powerleflc 
 conuer  facion  of  others  Like  as  an 
 enill  ayre  by  little  and  little  alters 
 i  the  nature  and  temperature  of  bo- 
 1  dy 
 
Ukcftarrcs  in&arkgeffc. 
 
 70} 
 
 dy,  and  breedes  a  difea  ie :  fe  the 
 corrupt  fafhion  ofcucry  age  doth 
 rub  vpon  us  its  infection,  abating 
 the  beat,  and  eclipfiog  the  light: 
 of  grace  in  vsjif  we  be  not  more 
 caucelous,and  in  an  holy  fufpicion 
 of  our  infirmities,  hang  on  him 
 who  keepeth  his  from  all  euils. 
 TbeLordgiuevs  that  loue  which 
 may  make  vs  more  fiudiousofhis 
 glory,the  more  we  fee  ir  obfeured 
 by  others.Thatis  a  right  fparke  of 
 hcauenly  grace,  which  by  occaGon 
 offinoef  likcasit  wasinrZ>4*#^and 
 hremit)  groweth  to  be  more  fer- 
 uent  and  zealious  for  Gods  honor. 
 Second  Iy,to(keepe  our  del  ighc)  we 
 muft  frequent  communion  wi'h 
 the  children  of  light.Awtfake  light 
 ioyning  with  another,  becommeth 
 fttongerrfb  our  grace, while  ic  affo- 
 ciacethitftlfewiththe  grace  in  o- 
 thcrs,  taketh  ircreafe.  Like  as  a 
 plane  which  is  fee  in  a  kindly  foile 
 profpereth  for  that  reafon  :  fo  a 
 Chriftian  thugrowtth  vp  among 
 them  whoaretruely  Chriftian  in 
 
 chat! 
 
 /" 
 
204      Cotnunion  wttb  the  Sams  hclpfnU. 
 
 .-  u 
 
 thatregard,proves  the  holier  man. 
 It  is  admirable  how  fb  great  and 
 caliamana$Sc#Pii«/j  fliould  finde 
 and  feel^'f )  great  neceflky  of  com- 
 munion wth  the  Saints,  but  chat  | 
 thegreactft  faith  is  motto ppofice 
 ro  prefumption,  and  therefore  the 
 iurtheft  off  from  neglefting  any 
 oicanes  which  conduce  to  that  it 
 hath  believed.  I  am  fure  ic  may 
 teach  us  that  we  had  neede  to  light 
 our  candle,and  kind  le  our  fire  with 
 our  neigbours,  even  to  increafe 
 our  faicb,and  fire  our  affeft  ions  one 
 with  the  pretence  of  another.  Now 
 (till  it  is  to  be  remembred,  that  it 
 is  not  (6  much  your  bodily  pre- 
 fence,  as  your  fpiritual!  ufe  one  of 
 another  rfiat  is  availeable  this  way; 
 when  wee  (hew  what  God  hath 
 done  for  us,how  our  foules  are  car- 
 ried on,  when  with  the  bucket  of 
 wifedomej  wee  can  draw  forth  to 
 our  ufe  the  waters  of  Gnfce,  which 
 God  hath  derived  from  himfelfc 
 into  the  hearts  of  our  brethren. 
 That  is  good  Communion,  where- 
 in 
 
Extrcifc  of  grace,  humifies  the Jhu[e> 
 
 ia  is  found  fbroc  interchangeable 
 communication  of  thing*  fpiritu- 
 all.  Thirdly,  to  keepe  our  bright- 
 nefle,  we  muftexercifr  our  graces. 
 A?  the  body  takcth  more  reftiog 
 than  ftirring5flceping  than  waking; 
 as  glittering  msttalls  lo(e  their 
 b  ightneffe,  and  contraft  ruftineflc 
 whea  they  are  not  ufed  r  fb  it  is 
 with  our  fbules  ;  let  exercife  be 
 oeglefted,  their  light  will  be  dim- 
 med, they  will  foone  grow  to 
 fome  imbecillitie  and  fickenefle. 
 Every  day  draw  fome  line  this 
 way,  let  us  awaken  our  repen- 
 tance, ftirre  up  our  faith,  to  carry 
 fome  promife  into  the  fceret  of 
 our  hearts. 
 
 If  wee  be  like  the  btlfie  Ant,  dai- 
 ly doing  (although  but  a  little  at 
 I  onct)  wee  (hall  finde  (lore  to  our 
 comfort,  when  the  winter  of  ten- 
 tation  (hall  approach.  This  excrci- 
 fing  is  fr5  which  will  prefcrveus 
 with  wholefome  appetite,  and 
 hunger  after  all  good  meanes 
 I  whereby  our  foulesarecberiftied. 
 
 Thefe 
 
 205 
 
 1 
 
2  o  6    \    Exercife  of  Grace  very  fYofttabU. 
 
 ■i 
 
 Thefe  labouring  men  are  as 
 f  iimd  as  a  Roche,  hungry  as  hnn- 
 ters,whcreas  (cdentary  Hues  are  of 
 (mall  appet  i  te,and  crazie  conft  icu- 
 tion.  Thus  ic  is  with  Chriftians 
 fuch  who  exercife  noc  themfelues , 
 ftirring  vp  the  diuine  heate^they 
 are  indefferent  men  whether  they 
 partake  in  helps  both  publike 
 and  priuate,  which  God  hath  or- 
 dained to  increafedeuotion;but  the 
 well  excrcifed  Chriftiaa  hath  o- 
 ther  affections. 
 
 Thus  much  I  thought  good  to 
 write ,  exhorting  you  in  theie 
 things,  which  I  doubt  not  but  you 
 endevour  in  your  mcafure.  I  thank 
 you  for  all  the  p  o  ore  you  baue  rc- 
 licued  at  my  motion.  I  commend 
 my  felk  to  the  good  Gentlewoman 
 yoar  Wife,and  both  of  you,  with 
 allyours,tothe  Lord, 
 
 26 
 
 MYloningfriendjIwas  at  the 
 fitft  ofcen  perfwaded,  that 
 God  would  for  a  time  fet  me  out  of 
 hand,  and  t ruft  me  with  my  accu- 
 
 ftomed 
 
How  vn  m*y  have  pedcc  in  winkle. 
 
 207 
 
 ftomed  liberty  ,buc often  defeature 
 which  myhope  fuffred,did  coneft 
 in  time  that  lightnefle  of  beliefe. 
 Now  it  fo  gocchwith  me,  thatl 
 am  like  to  continue  here,  or  not  far 
 off  all  this  fummer,f  or  forae  things 
 have  broken  forth  in  rnce,  which 
 will  not /offer  my  farre  travaile  : 
 which  I  muft  feeke  hclpe  for  be- 
 time ,  becaule  I  know  my  flefh  to 
 bee  hard  of  healing.  What  eafe 
 fbould  I  have,  had  I  learned  the 
 true  ftrokcin  bearing  the  yoake  of 
 my  God,  had  I  wifflome  to  lay 
 circun  fhnces  to  heart,  had  I  po- 
 verty of  fpirir,emptying  mce  of  all 
 confidence  in  my  felfe,  &  common 
 courfes,   had  I  confident  depen- 
 daoce  onGod  my  foleSaviour,then 
 (honld  I  havehad  peace  in  the  mid  ft 
 of  troubles,  and  light  in  darkenes. 
 But  I  fiadc  folly  to  abound  in  me, 
 fecret  pride,  hardnefTe  of  heart,  a 
 fpiritualldrunkenncflfc,  which  fce- 
 lcth  no  blowes,  flying,  falfe  confi- 
 dence?; what  not  of  this  nature? 
 I  traiic  my  weapons  about  them, 
 
 as 
 
08   I      Tbefoftlemftfl  be  brought  low. 
 
 as  the  walls  of  hell,  expe&ingirJI 
 lilence,  and  reit  their  downe- fall 
 from  heaven. 
 
 I  looke  for  better  times  though 
 greater  troubles  in  the  flefli,  thanj 
 hitherto  I  have  knowne  :  I  fee  it 
 mu^  be  in.heali  ^g  finne,  which  fal- 
 lech  out  in  healing  Come  bodily  difc 
 eafes,  the  party  muft  be  kept  Co 
 low,  that  he  muft  be  tatttkm  non 
 confctlufinedia^bzCoiszfpnng  of 
 better  blood  can  be  procured.  In 
 labouring  to  purge  out  fin.,  the  life 
 of  grace  muftfuffer  fuch  things  as 
 bring  it  exceeding  low,  yea,  to  a 
 Vdiquium  ofcen^  before  a  new 
 fpring  of  that  heavenly  life  can  be 
 obtained.  I  thanke  God  in  Chrift, 
 fuftentation  Ihave^and  fbme  little 
 ftrength,  fuavides  fpiricuall  I  cafte 
 not  any.  But  inded  I  often  tell  my 
 felfe,  Phyfick  purgative  and  rcftau- 
 rati  veare  not  to  be  taken  at  one  and 
 the  fame  time,  yea,  it  were  to  wi(h 
 (offering  without  differing,  if  wee 
 would  Co  admit  forrowes  •  as  that 
 wee  woald  together  feele  them 
 )  drow- 
 
and  then  God  will fir engthcx  it. 
 
 ,   uf  ■!—  ■ *  ~  — — ^— ~~* 
 
 drowned  of  lpiricuall  coniblatioo. 
 The  divinity  refted  ere  the  bead 
 fuffercd  :  Co  in  the  members.  The 
 Lord  be  our  ftrengch  and  comfort. 
 If  wee  want  courage  and  ftr&igth, 
 weemuft  looke  to  him,  to  whom 
 whofb  lx)keth,rer.ewe!h  ftrengch. 
 Who  ftrengehenetfa  his,  (b  that 
 they  can  doe  every  thing,  who 
 ftrengthenech  them  in  the  inner 
 man,  to  long  fufferance  wi:h  joy- 
 fulntffe.  O  lee  us  in  conference  of 
 all  weaknefle  clalpe  the  rocke  of 
 Hrael,  and  leame  of thofc  Conies, 
 w^ake  and  wife, who  worke  them- 
 felves  holds  wichin  the  earth, 
 wherein  they  are  fife.  When  the 
 Apoftles  had  received  this  (pint  of ! 
 flrengtb,  they  nude  a  play  of  their 
 fufkcings.Even  as  in  bodily'things 
 thefe  ftrong-boaed  hardy  porters, 
 will  make  a  fporc  of  bearing  fach 
 burdens,  which  a  weake  body 
 would  tremble  to  touchy  Now 
 Chrift3on  whom  the  fpirlt  ofwifc- 
 dome  and  ftreogth  rcfteth^increaft  j 
 onrunioa  and  comunion  with  him. 
 
 K  bo<*{ 
 
 209 
 
 \ 
 
 A 
 
2IO 
 
 Wee  PiMjtfcekg  after  the  kjngdome  of 
 
 \ 
 
 *7< 
 
 HO  w  happy  Sir,  arc  the  Lords 
 children ,  who  if  they  be 
 occe  his  Favorites,  hee  will  love 
 them  to  the  end,  and  chough  for 
 their  finne  he  chaften  them,  yec 
 will  hee  never  remove  his  mercy 
 from  them.  What  is  their  happi- 
 nefle  vvho  have  received  a  King- 
 dome  that  cannot  be  fhaken?  When 
 I  obferve  how  thefe  earthly  thirgs 
 vvheele  abour,thcn  mcthinke3  how 
 happy  that  n?an  i?,whofe  hearc  and 
 hope  is  in  that  God  with  whom 
 there  is  no  fhadow  of  change  : 
 wherfore  let  «e  flir  yon  up  to  feek 
 after  the  Kingdome  of  God  more 
 and  more*  Heire*,  the  necrcr  they 
 come  to  ripe  age,  and  fo  to  their 
 inhcritance^the  more  their  longing 
 and  defire  is  after  them.  And  fire, 
 they  fay  the  neerericcotrmcth  to 
 that  regie  n  which  is  the  proper 
 place  of  ir,  the  fafter  it  moveth : 
 fo  (hould  it  be  with'u*,  whofe 
 
 age 
 
Goimorcatdmore,  andkow* 
 
 211 
 
 age  is  now  ripe,  (o  that  wee  arc  I 
 neerer  our  falvation,  than  when ' 
 we  firft  beleeved  :  Co  (hould  it  be 
 wicb  our  (parke  of  Grace,  which 
 God-hath  kindled  in  us,  the  ncerer 
 it  comes  co  heaven,  it  fhould  move 
 thitherward  with  great  fervency, 
 yea,  in  our  greateft  delights,  our 
 hearts  (hould  be  excited  towards 
 thofe  joyes  which  there  we  (hall 
 enjoy  :  when  our  prifbn  hath  (uch 
 content  as  wee  ofcen  take,  what 
 (hall  wee  fi  ide  prepared  in  our  Pa- 
 radife,  where  we  mall  live  for  ever 
 with  Chrift  that  true  tree  of  lift ! 
 Now,  the  labour  of  a  Ghriftian 
 ftandeth  chiefely  in  theft  things. 
 Firft,  hee  mutt  lay  up  thofe  free 
 promifes  God  hath  made  hi©  in 
 Chrift,  as  which  are  the  ground  of 
 his  Title  to  heaven,  that  as  men 
 carefully  boxc  up  evidences,  and 
 coppies  by  which  they  can  (hew 
 their  juft  Title  to  the  thing  earth- 
 ly, fb  (hould  we  theft  promifes  in 
 our  heart,  by   which  the  hea« 
 venly  inheritance  is  ftaled  to  ns. 
 
 K  2        Second- 
 
 mm 
 
212      i  We  way ^and  ought  tofecure  ourjdvts 
 
 j  Secondly,  we  muft  ftrive  to  enter 
 jour  poflkflion,  by  condoling  a 
 courfeof  Chriftianvertues,  J  >y n- 
 ing  with  faich  vercue.,  with  ic 
 knowlcdgejtemperance,&c.while 
 wee  get  a  large  entrance  into  that 
 heavenly  kingdome,,  2  Pet.  1. 10. 
 That  looke  as  Iftael,  the  more 
 they  did  fubdue  the  C^naanitu ^thc 
 furcher  they  were  poflcflcd  of  C*- 
 **«*^  fo  the  more  we  briDg  under 
 all  earthy  lufts,  the  more  we  enter 
 that:  heavenly  Cawa??,  the  more 
 wee  come  into  trae  reft^begunne  in 
 hoIijnefTe,  confiimmate  in  glory* 
 Thirdly,  v/ee  muft  labour  to  ft- 
 cure  our  felves  in  this  fhtc  wee 
 poflefic.  God  would  not  make  us 
 happy*  if  wee  might  not  be  ftre 
 flill  to  hold  it,  which  though  in 
 earthly  things  we  cannot,  for  they 
 be  tranfitory,  and  if  they  would  a- 
 bide^  wee  want  lealesof  our  lives 
 to  abide  with  rhem,  yet  vvee  may. 
 in  heavenly  thing?,  bccaisic  they 
 are  eternaU,  (hall  not  fade,  and 
 Chrift  hath  undertaken  to  fceepe 
 
 us 
 
 f  —  nans. 
 
of  the  ktngdome  of  Heaven. 
 
 , — . , — . 
 
 us  unto  them.  This  is  my  Fathers 
 
 will,  that  I  (hould  raifeyou  up  at 
 
 the  laft  day.  So  certainly  therefore 
 
 as  hee  hath  called  us,  juftified  us, 
 
 and  fanftified  us ;  fo  certainly  will 
 
 he^  doe  this  other  part  of  his  of. 
 
 ficc  afligned  him  by  God  hi?  Fa-  J 
 
 i  ther,  yc3,  Gcd  will  kec'pe  us  to  his 
 
 :  heavenly  kingdome,  as  hec  fauh^ 
 
 ;  and  none  thall  take  us  out  of  our 
 
 1  Fathers  hands,  he  is  ftrongrr  than 
 
 j  all,    faith  in  thefe  will  fue  ou-t  a 
 
 ine,  as  ic  were,  and  give  us  quiet  1 
 |  pofleflbn  againft  all  chat  can  op- 
 pofe  u?. 
 
 Well,  the  Lord  be  with  your 
 fplrits,and  give  you  h  your  mca- 
 
 fore  the  comfort  of  theft  points. 
 
 18. 
 
 LOvlng  Brother,  I  did  receive 
 your  Letter  which  doth  certi- 
 fic  me  of  matters,  in  which  1  take 
 good  contentment.  To  beginn- 
 with  the  laft;  I  am  glad  you  have 
 done  fo  kinde  an  office  to  your 
 
 K-  S-fter;1 
 
 3*3 
 
214 
 
 Again  ft  overmueb  tvorldlj  care. 
 
 Sifter;  it  (hall  furcheryour  ovvne 
 reckonings  when  yon  cDme  robe 
 accountant  to  God.  I  am  glad  like- 
 wife,  chat  you  know  yourlfrcall 
 griefc  (o  well,and  can  lay  your  fin- 
 ger where  it  (marts ;  and  I  am  joy* 
 ed  in  your  refo'ution  which  God 
 giveth  you  of  fluki  og  off  this 
 which  prtffeth  yon  downe.  I 
 thought  co  have  had  a  letter  lay- 
 ing your  rcturne  next  Terme,  buc 
 delay  brcedcth  danger,  and  vacati- 
 on time  is  more  free  for  thoughts, 
 chan  when  every  rams  cafe  craveth 
 entrance  :  and  in  thefe  contenti- 
 ons my  fecond  thought  biddech 
 race  write  prefently,  though  Ie(J^ 
 exi&ly  and  fully.  Your  rcfolut:- 
 on  is  a  good  figne  that  God,  who 
 hath  freed  your  mi  ode  to  a  fettled 
 purpofe  againft  it,  will  give  you 
 ic\  time  performance  alfb.  Bjtyou 
 mufttake  heed  that  your  refolutr- 
 on  be  fuch  as  is  gromvled  oncly  in 
 Gods  ftrengch,  who  in  his  Orift 
 nuft  diffolve  this  Worke  of  the 
 Divell,  and  it  raid  bz  accompa- 
 nied 
 
f 
 
 Ktfolntion  again ft  worldly  cars 
 
 215 
 
 nied  with  the  conference  of  your 
 owne  wcakneflT*,  who  are  (bid  un- 
 der (uch  finne ;  the  wifdome  of  I 
 whole  foule,  by  nature  brcom- 
 ratth  altogether  earthly;  andlaft- 
 Iy,  with  consideration,  what 
 ftreng'h  the  earthly  objrfts  and 
 your  propenfity  and  inclination 
 this  way  have  to  oppofe  you :  for 
 thefe  will  make  you  poore  in 
 fpiric,  and  have  no  confidence  in 
 yourfclfe^  but  make  Chrift  your 
 C  jptaine  (who  hach  overcome  the 
 World)  all  your  hope  •  and  if  wee 
 come  not  thu  5  to  fight,  we  fn  ill  be 
 forced  to  recoile  onrfoor^  were 
 our  qjarrdl  as  jjft  as  Ifiaelj  a- 
 gain't  thofe  of  Ben  j  will.  Now  that 
 you  may  fee  how  llrong  m  evill 
 this  i?,  you  mull  confider  with 
 whit  forces  it  is  intrenched,  what 
 fpiriruall  things  there  be  that  doe 
 bicke  this  infirmity ;  the  which  is 
 the  rather  to  be  obferved,  becahfe 
 the  rlgbt  methoJ  of  healing,requi~ 
 reththat  we  find  outthecaufesof 
 the  malady.  Now  this  double  dili- 
 K_4 gent  j ^ 
 
-  x^A*  fa/.^*-  ■■ 
 
 21(5 
 
 * 
 
 0#f&*  fa  begreunded. 
 
 gene  carefulneflfe,  fpringeth  from  a 
 threefold  head  :  firftfrorodiflruft 
 in  Gods  care,which  is  ever  over  us 
 for  good.    When  one  hath  greru* 
 friends,  which  cheyarekoowneto 
 leancco,  we  (ay  of  cheri^  Such  neqd 
 co  take  no  caic,  they  know  fuch 
 and  fiich  williee  to  them ;  on  the 
 contrary,  come  toonethatkiow* 
 eth  no  end  of  coiling  and  caring, 
 aske  him,  Why  will  you  thus  tire 
 your  felfe  out  ?  H :  will  fay ,1  malt 
 needs  doe  it,  I  have  none  but  rny 
 felfe tocruft co  :  fo  CWft  folio  w- 
 ech  his  Dilciples  cirefulacfle  to 
 this  dore»  their  unbsiiefo,  which 
 did  not  lee  them  confiJer  our  hea- 
 1  venly  Father  cared  for  them.  Se- 
 condly, theft  cares  cone  from  a 
 falfe  preemption  of  ftlfe-fuffi;ien- 
 cy  in  our  ownc  courts,  as  if  wee 
 by  our  owne  diligence  could  build 
 the  houfe  :  For,  were  a  mm  per- 
 fwaded  that  the  bleflhg  of  G  jd 
 were  all  in  all,  h^e  would  ply  chit 
 fare  firft,and  with  little  joy  would  ■ 
 undertake  anychhg;  till  heeftw  I 
 
 God 
 
— ^m^S^m^*    •f^'-x.^i 
 
 Ctufes  of  overmuch  worldly  care .  217 
 
 God  witneifiog  to  him  by  his  Spi- 
 rit, that -he  would  bewichhimto 
 bkffehim.  This  make thChrift  cell 
 his  Difciples,they  could  not  with 
 all  care  make  a  haire  white  or 
 blackc ;  infinuacing  this  difeafe  I 
 point  ar.  I  know  we  will  not  fay 
 this;  but  no  more  will  any  cove- 
 tous man  ,  chat  hee  makech  his  mo- 
 ney his  God;  hee  knoweth  it  is 
 earth,  and  hee  accounts  of  it  as  it 
 is :  but  oar  deeds  fpeakethat  of- 
 ten, which  our  tongues  would  de- 
 ny* Thirdly,  from  an  overvaluing 
 of  earthly  things,  and  underpri- 
 fiog  of  heavenly,  we  come  to  be  fo 
 carcfull  in  the  one,  and  fo  rctch- 
 leflliy  affc&ed  in  theother,wc  b«- 
 ing  like  children  who  make  ac- 
 count of  a  Pearc  or  an  Apple  more 
 than  of  all  thehoufebcfile.  Nbw 
 having  fouad  the  caufes  and  rcotes 
 of  this  tvill,  you  may  difcerne  it  is 
 as  cafie  alcucft  to  (hake  off  your 
 ulic,  as  to  be  rid  of  this  infirmity : 
 which  I  if  sake  n©:  to  mike  you 
 refiitiKunicfl/,  but  to  nuke  you 
 
 K  <;  take 
 
 j 
 
 -*~m- 
 
2l8 
 
 ii 
 
 Remedies  thereof. 
 
 take  him  with  you,  who  only  re- 
 maineth  viftorious.  In  the  next 
 place,  you  tnuft  labour  to  remove 
 theft  caufeSj  aad  the  effeft  will 
 ceafe;  Say  to  your  felfe,  Lord,that 
 I  {hould  be  of  fo  little  faith  to  thee; 
 thou  biddeft  mee  in  nothing  be 
 careful!,  but  reft  in  thee ;  but  I  find 
 a  heart  chat  will  not  reft  in  thee, 
 but  be  for  it  felfe.H  ive  I  not  found 
 thee  true  and  mercifull  above  all 
 I  could  aske  orthfoke>  How  is  it 
 then  chat  I  ftiould  lend  thee  lb  little 
 credit?  Who  will  not condemne 
 that  wretched -Abaz*  Ef&y  7, whc<* 
 thou  didft  fcrid  him  a  meffige,  and 
 
 '  bid  him  be  fecure  in  chee$  put  it 
 backe,  hee  would  make  fere  for 
 himfelfc?  But  alas, ?  when  thou 
 fiyeft  no  lefle  to  u%  we  (upon  the 
 matter)  doe  aa  leffe  than  hee.  A- 
 gaiaeD  wha:  abomination  isthis> 
 that  my  heart  fhouldj  »aving  thee, 
 reft  in  fuch  courfes  Which  icfelfe 
 imigtaethanddevifech?  I  fee  the 
 Divell  his  word  is  proved  toorrnej 
 
 1  hec  faidp  wee  (hould  be  like  Gods5 
 
 which 
 
Con  federations  dtjwafive  from 
 
 .which  as  it  h  fclfein  rcipe&ofdi- 
 v'nc  qualities  refembling  our  God, 
 Co  is  ic  true  in  regard  of  our  finfu,Tl 
 ufurpacion :  for  we  take  our  owns 
 courfe  as  if  wee  were  All-fuffi:ienc 
 to  our  ftlve?,  not  needing  any 
 higher  power :  and  what  an  inor- 
 dinacy  is  this,that  my  foulefhould 
 be  thus  turned  earth  ward,thinking 
 on  tfufe  things  which  are  earthly 
 and  tranficory,  with  litde thought 
 of  thole  which  arc*heavcnJy  and 
 eternall  >  we  piccy  that  want  of  wit 
 in  civill  courfe,  which  raaketh  the 
 mindcrunnc  on  babies,  but  never 
 thinkeon  ought  fubftantiall :  bat 
 what  is  this dcK  &kffe  lamentable, 
 which  makcth  me  to  ffc  in  my  mi  id 
 things  belonging  to  this  life,  f:l- 
 dome  mufing  on  thofc  which  arc 
 everlafting?  Thus  when  you  hsve 
 pondred  the  wrctchedncflc  of  ir, 
 youmuft  thtnke  on  your  utter  in- 
 ability to  mend  the  matter,  by  ob- 
 ierving  how  deepe  your  heart  is 
 ;ic  in  unbeliefe,  chat  you  can 
 tooQcr  cruft  to  any  thing  man  fe* 
 
 enreth 
 
 21 
 
 '     I 
 
220 
 
 overmuch  wotUj  carfA 
 
 _. 
 
 _•!■ 
 
 curcth  you  in,  than  that  God  pco- 
 mifeth.  Againe,  hownaturallitis 
 to  you  to  plot  and  contf  i vc  affaires, 
 and  reft  in  your  ownc  confutati- 
 ons, as  if  your  good  were  in  your 
 owne  hand-  by  marking,  finally, 
 how  dcepely  you  arc  bewitched 
 with  theie  things  pre(ent3how  po- 
 tently they  work  upon  your  mind, 
 .by  reafen  of  the  affinity  that  is  be- 
 twixt them  and  your  underftan- 
 ding,  being  become  earthly.  In 
 the  third  place,  you  rnuft  looke  to 
 Ghrift  toheIpeyourunbelicfc,by 
 taking  it  away,  and  (lengthening 
 your  Taith,  that  you  may  give  him 
 glory 5  by  fettingyour  reft  orely 
 downe  on  this,  that  hee  careth  for 
 you ;  and  pray  him  to  circumcife 
 your  hearr,  and  pare  away  that 
 Sclfe-confidence,  that  you  may  j 
 have  no  traft  h  the  fLfh#t  but  make. 
 his  care  over  you,  all  your  rejoy- 
 cing;  yea,  pray  him  tocrucifieall 
 theie  outward  things  to  yoo,  that  j 
 chey  may  not  be  Co  powerful!  upen  t 
 
 you*  laihefe  things  you  muftfok  j 
 
 low  ! 
 
 »"■"!»     W»     ■  II 
 
 '     «"    if>»«PW»W»P 
 
__  II  IIW  I  ■        •  -  -  I  -■  I  ■  !■    I   I       ■         1 ■ ' 
 
 Chrift-  the  Author  &finifber  rf*&c. 
 
 !»  —       ■  ^  — — —       *  ii  1  '  «-^ 
 
 low  Chrift,  for  hee  is  the  Author  ( 
 and  fhifher  of  ouriaich ;  he  is  che 
 true  Pi'uft  by  whom  wc  have  cit- 
 curacifion,  not  made  with  hands, 
 which  hee  hath  ieaied  in  ourBip- 
 tifme;  for  the  water  is  afeale  of 
 Chrifis  blood  applyed Co  us,  and 
 ot  that  Spiric  of  his,  which  is 
 pcured  into  our  hearts,  through 
 the  meric  of  his  bloudf,  to  the  in- 
 tent  ic  m<ght  abolifb  our  corrupti- 
 on,and  create  in  us  the  life  of  grace. 
 Chrift  crucified,  finally,  dothk'.ll 
 the  power  of  this  world  to  us,  and 
 ©ur  corrupt  inclination  to  ic,  and 
 ihe  things  of  ic:  thusendcvourl  g 
 to  remove  the  roote  and  caufe  of 
 your  fickneflc,  the  griefc  it  felfe 
 will  n  ore  eafily  be  cured.  To 
 come  then  in  a  word  to  ic,fir(t,  re- 
 member how  ic  doth  worke  upon 
 you,  and  what  a  wofull  thing  ii  19 
 to  have  the  minde  iaoruinatcly 
 feared,  with  retaining  thought  of  I 
 this  nature  ;  for  firft,  how  greatly 
 oe  thefe  hinder  you  in  th«  belt  j 
 things?  Ic  is  che  common  choake- 
 
 weede. 
 
 53 
 
22  2       Tht  da  get  ofwirmnh  vpottdly  can. 
 
 weede,  which  like  as  pie  doth  by 
 the  oake,  (6  it  fockech  thefapof 
 Grace  from  the  heart,  andmaketh 
 it  unfruitful!.  Aground  in  which 
 filver  Mines  are  fonnd,i$  common- 
 ly barren  every  other  way ;  but  it 
 is  ccrtaine*  a  heart  in  which  veincs 
 r  unne  of  world  ly  cares,  is  al  waies 
 too  fruitlefle  in  duties  towards 
 Gcd.  Againej  bow  dangerous  is 
 this?  For  it  is  to  be  feared  left  rt 
 erufperatc  God,  and  fomakehim 
 leave  you  to  your  felfe,  and  with- 
 draw his  care  over  you  :  if  we  di£ 
 cerne  fuch  as  will  put  no  truft  in 
 us ;  but  love  to  (land  upon  their 
 o wne  ground,  we  give  them  good 
 leave:  a$contrarily,thc  more  wee 
 fee  our  (elves  trufted  to,  the  more 
 our  fidelity  is  careful!  for  them 
 that  ftay  upon  us;  thus  is  it  with 
 our  heavely  Father.  Againe,you 
 muft  aggravate  this  inordinacy  of 
 cares  in  your  folk,  from  this  eir- 
 .  cumftatiee;  if  I  were  never  fo 
 
 needy,  thii  diftrafling  care  could 
 aotbe  warranted;  but  when  God 
 
 hach 
 
Uifepffiver  againfl  worldly  care*  223 
 
 'Such  blefled  mje  beyond  that  ( 
 could  have  asked^  then  ftill  to  be 
 in  farther  thought^  h^w  inexcu- 
 fable  is  ic  >  If  a  poore  man  fteale, 
 icisafharae;  but  for  a  rich  man  co 
 play  the  thiefe,  ic  is  monftrous : 
 Cares  diftrafting,  and  not  retting 
 on  things  prefenc,  are  a  fpirituall 
 theft  before  God.  A?aine.  chinke 
 how  mKerable  this  is  :  fay  one 
 (houldthruftyour  face  and  bodily 
 fight  into  the  dirt,  and  hold  ic 
 downe  there  char  you  cojIJ  no: 
 lookeuptotheSunne,Fifmiraenr3 
 the  Trees  and  Fiel &,  &  c.  were  not 
 this  a  wofull  condition?  O  fach  is 
 the  ftare  of  a  fettle,  whole  eye  and 
 thought  is  thruft  do  *ne  intothefe 
 earthly  objc&s,  and  fe  held  in 
 them3  that  it  cannot  lookeupto 
 confider  the  Sunne  of  righteouf- 
 nefle  IefusChriftj  nor  the  heavenly 
 things  which  arc  given  us  of  God : 
 thus  then  appreheding  the  mtftry 
 of  it,  lookeantoChrift,  pray  him 
 cofaveyou,  who  is  that  Ie&s  that 
 fayeth  his  people  from  guile  and 
 
 power 
 
 ' 
 
224 
 
 Tray  to  Cbrijitgainjiit. 
 
 »■%        m  ■  ■  —    i» 
 
 ! 
 
 power  of  fin  -from  this  fin  lb  hurt- 
 ful to  the  prefcnt  growth  in  Grace, 
 fo  dangerous to  provoke  yoar  God 
 againft  yon^foill  befecming  you  to 
 whom  God  hath  expreffed  fuch 
 bounty,  fo  full  of  wvetchedneiTe. 
 Remember  he  hach  faid,  Hold  m^ 
 the  truthjlwillfet  you  free;  feare 
 not3 1  have  ovtr-come  the  world. 
 Agiine,  you  muft  pray  him  that  he 
 would  make  ycu  able  to  be  hea- 
 venly mindcd3and  think  upon  hea- 
 venly things.  True  it  is,  our  minds 
 naturally  have  no  joy  this  way3fiad 
 no  rclifli  in  fuch  thoughts ;  but  we 
 (hall  doe  all  things  inChrift  that 
 ftrengtheneth  us :  Contraries  muft 
 be  cured  with  conrrarics,the  more 
 you  get  to  tafte  heavenly  things 
 beftovved  on  you,  the  more  thefe 
 fliall  grow  out  of  requeft,  and 
 draw  to  an  end.  It  will  be  good 
 for  you  when  fuch  thoughts  feize 
 on  you,  to  confider  of  your  owne 
 infirmity  after  this  manner-  O 
 Lofd,how  is  my  mindc  throwne 
 downc  from  Heaven  to  Eatih  ? 
 
 Hrnv 
 
^erfwafive  Meditations* 
 
 225 
 
 How  doc  fuch  thoughts  prevent 
 '  m:,and  come  before  I  would  have 
 
 them?How  eafily  do  f  continue  in 
 I  thera  t  How  clofe  doe  they  cleave 
 unto  me?  Let  meethinkeof  thee/ 
 thy  Grace,  my  ftue  after  death  ; 
 and  hardly  willchefe  enter :  foorjc 
 they  vanifh.aad  while  I  have  them 
 in  my  thought,  (carce  halfe  of  me 
 is  11  th?m.  L  )rdj,  ins  chinVes  I 
 am  like  the  wretched  worni  1  in 
 ths  Gofpelij  whj  was  held  of  a 
 Tpiric  eighceene  yeere3,  thit(h:e 
 coulinocIjjksuptoheiven.YoJ  I 
 (hill  fi  1  Ji  fuch  msdicatio  1  not  in 
 vaine,  when  yoa  are  realy  cob: ] 
 tranfported,  for  ic  will  cveaksn  th: 
 retime  of  then,  and  difpofe  yju 
 b  >ch  to  feeke  and  receive  th:  cure 
 of  this  evill  fron  yoar  Gji  aad 
 Siviour.  Tne  PnyScians  in  hx\* 
 kinie  of  unfeemjly  onvaiiiDis, 
 Wi(hch  it  th  j  Patient  (hxildbo'ce 
 ,onhimfeIfeinagla(Tc,  which  will 
 help  him  to  drive  the  more,  when 
 he  flnll  fee  his  ownc  defotmUy  : 
 ba:  I  fee  my  L:ccer  will  grow 
 
 be- 
 
226 
 
 ■- 
 
 to  heavenly  mindedmjfc. 
 
 ; 
 
 beyond  the  due  quantity  of  it; 
 wherefore  I  end,  defiring  you  to 
 follow  your  good  purpofe,  and 
 not  to  lye  under  your  infirmity 
 with  any  pretence.  Wee  fbme- 
 times  give  way  to  inordinate 
 cares,  not  meaning  to  continue 
 them,  but  to  fittfe  things  onely  in 
 order,  that  wee  may  be  free  from 
 thero :  but  the  flefh  will  not  hea'e 
 flefb,  neither  will  being  a  while 
 diflraftingly  careful),  ever  heale 
 diftra&ingcare;  you  (hall  quench 
 the  fire  with  wood,affbone  as^fione 
 with  yeelding  to  it.  Againe  X  will 
 doc  this  bat  till,  &£  This  is  as 
 much  as  if  one  would  leape  into 
 the  Thames,  and  fjy,  I  w^ll  caft 
 my  (clfeinto  the  water,  but  only 
 till  I  be  knee  dcepe ;  were  not 
 this  ridiculous?  Well  Brother,the 
 Lord  deliver  you  from  every  evill 
 ft3re;  abd  if  you  will  ever  be  a 
 good  husband,  and  have  all  things 
 continue  and  profper,  be  fore  you 
 win  his  favour,  by  prefenringyour 
 diligent  duty  in  Chrifthisfivour> 
 
 in 
 
;jin  whofe  hand  is  all  your  good, 
 ojyea,  the  g  :>od  of  yollr  wife,  chii- 
 ifdren,  and  childrcos  children  for 
 revcr. 
 
 Yours  in  brotherly  aflfc&ion, 
 Paul  Bajne. 
 
 1$. 
 
 LOviig  Brother,  you  would 
 thinke  me  haply  liketothofe 
 creatures  which  fl  ;epe  over  all  the 
 Winter,  fliouid  I  but  continnefi- 
 lent  till  the  Summer  were  encred. 
 The  truth  is,  I  have  beene  very 
 wearifh  the  raoft  ofthe  dm :  fiice  I 
 Gw  you^  but  m/  condition  is  fuch, 
 iri  will  not  fuffer  my  minde  to  reft, 
 were  I  never  fo  free  of  b;>  J ily  in- 
 firmities, aid  fecuhr  cue?,  which 
 doe  (onetimes  looke  into  mee, 
 cfnugh  not  mjch  diftirbe  m^e. 
 Taily,ic  doth  cake  up  rn7  ftfeng:1!, 
 tog^cftrength  where  wich  to  wal't 
 
 I 
 
 tro'.n  m  >rning  to  nig  it,  waiting 
 on  my  G  jds  fil  vacion  without  m  n 
 
 mMi 
 
 king 
 
 I 
 
228         The  troubled  Chrifliam  refuge. 
 
 king  haft.  The  Prince  of  peace  is 
 my  refoge,  who  as  hee  hath  bis 
 time  of  making  heavie,  fo  he  will 
 jreturne  and  comfort  in  the  multi- 
 tude of  his  mercies.  Thcfe  things 
 I  w?ite  not  fo  much  for  my  Apolo- 
 gia, as  for  your  admiration  and  in- 
 ftructtonathatyou  may  confidcr  of 
 your  own  cftatc,and  examine  your* 
 peace ;  that  if  you  find  it  to  be  true 
 and  found,  your  thankes  may  be 
 ;  redoubled  for  fo  great  a  benefit, 
 I  which  others  want,  which  paffeth 
 undetftanding  :  that  if  other  wife 
 it  prove  deceitful!,  you  may  yet 
 make  Are  worke,  and  let  it  aright, 
 while  the  day  ofgrace  is  continued 
 to  you.  The  Divell  circurnventeth 
 many  by  nothing  more,t  han  by  laU 
 ling  them  afikep  in  fuch  a  reft,  as 
 I  will  prove  to  refHefie  ffnart,  if  it 
 be  not  by  repentant  courfes  inter- 
 irupted.  A  maa  may  have  peace 
 I  from  not  ftirring  and  moving  his 
 ?  corruptions.  TheDiven,wefay,is 
 J  quiet,  if  he  be  pleafed;  difeafe  not 
 fin,  you  {hall  feele  little  of  it :  fiich 
 
 11 
 
VeceitfuB Peace, and JinfuH Security.  ]     229 
 
 is  the  peace  of  a  body,  which  is, 
 though  not  ficke,  yet  in  an  ill  ha- 
 bite,andftate  tending  to  Gckneffe ; 
 ic  is  quiet,  till  fomethng  be  taken, 
 which  fightech  with,  and  cxpcl- 
 leth  the  lickc  matter;  notbecaufe 
 there  are  no  peccant  humors  in  it, 
 but  it  is  therefore  at  eafe,  becaufc 
 they  are  not  provoked  and  purged 
 out  with  wholefome  medicine.  A- 
 giine,  many  feele  not  difeaffnent, 
 becaufe  they  doc  not  taske  them- 
 felves  about  good  duties ;  asinex- 
 crcifing  their  fairh,  renewing  their 
 thankfulncfle^gectringmore  fhame 
 and  griefc  to  finite  their  hearts  ia 
 therr  daily  wams,in  laboring  to  be 
 more  fruicfull  iagood  works  than 
 they  have  becne  :  in  feeking  hea- 
 venly mindedneflc  and  holineffe, 
 which  might  make  them  doe  all 
 things  as  become  the  pretence  of 
 God,  before  whom  they  are.  In- 
 deed no  wonder  if  wee  beat  eafc 
 while  wee  il  oflknd  to  thefe 
 workes.  A  lam.  skJiglimbehath 
 eafe  while  it  reftech/*u:  yet  is  not 
 
 well, 
 
230 
 
 Several! cafts  thereof. 
 
 well,  though  ic  hath  not  fcnfe  of 
 evill.  Againe^hereisnocafefrom 
 flecpinefleof  confcience,while  fpi- 
 rituall  flamber  bindeth  the  fenfcs, 
 and  difccrtingfpirituall;  Co  that 
 though  there  be  many  wofull  evils, 
 yet  id  all  of  them  no  difeafement  is 
 perceived.  Thus  a  man  with  twen- 
 ty fickneflcs,  well afleepe,  feeleth 
 nothing,  Laftly,  there  is  noeafe 
 often  in  the  body,  becaufe  the  fen- 
 fes  being  taken  up  with  objefts 
 delightfull  to  them,  tend  not  that 
 grief  which  hangeth  about  them : 
 of  which  fort  is  the  peace  of  the 
 (bule,  which  difcerneth  things  a* 
 roifle,  matters  of  griefe;  but  the 
 gratcfull  objefts  of  the  world, 
 pleafure,  company,  &c.  doe  (b  po£ 
 fefle  it,that  being  in  thefejt  feeleth 
 nothing  of  that  which  in  jfbme 
 more  retired  thoughts  it  teemed  to 
 apprehend.  What  fliould  I  /peakc 
 of  mifdeeming  our  eftates  ?  There 
 is  a  way  right  in  a  mans  eyes,  the 
 end  whereof  is  death ;  and  the  reft 
 of  which  mifconceit,is  like  the  cafe 
 
 of 
 
 ■*■ 
 
 m   «■ 
 
— — _____ _— — - 
 
 Ta  fa  heed  offpirituaUjlotb. 
 
 »     i  m  ■  i       I     ■  .!■        ■  ___________ 
 
 of  a  golden  dream*.  Or  wbar 
 fhould  I  mention  any  other  kinds, 
 which  I  thiake  not  To  pertinent 
 foryoureftate?  I  befcech  you  take 
 heede  of  that  neglect  of  getting 
 your  ficke  foules  drelTcd,  that 
 fpirituall  (loth  and  rcftiaefTe.  that 
 (lumber,  ifcat  having  your  foules 
 taken  up  with  chefs  matters  which 
 are  gratefull  to  the  natural!  nun ; 
 take  hcedc  that  none  of  thefe  doe 
 make  you  nap  to  your  after  for- 
 row.»  You  will  haply  lay;  In 
 what  ftandcth  this  true  peace? 
 Anfw.  la  perceiving  the  Grace  of 
 God  fuch  toward!  mec  in  Chrift, 
 that  rr.y  Conscience,  through  his 
 bloodjis  cleanfed  from  the  guile  of 
 finne;  that  my  foule,  through  his 
 Spirit,  is  freed  from  the  rage  and 
 tyranny  of  finne,  that  it  hath  not 
 that  power  to  carry  me  captive  to 
 ic,and  workmydifturbance,which 
 foratimesit  hath  had.Thirdly/hat 
 my  condition,  through  hisBlcfing 
 inChriftmadeaCurfe  formee^  is 
 made  fo  comfortable,  that  it  plea- 
 
 fithl 
 
 231 
 
 _■ 
 
222    t      Ike  true  peace  of  Confcimct. 
 
 lech  me  well ;  there  being  no  tedi- 
 ous difeafements  with  which  ic  is 
 accompanied,  wMch  would  cx- 
 tinguifh  my  j  y  for  the  prefent. 
 FourthIy,that  for  the  time  to  come 
 hee  will  keeps  me  to  him,  patting 
 his  fearc  in  my  hearc,  according  to 
 his  prornife,  that  I  may  not  depart 
 from  hitUj  finiiluog  my  faith  feec 
 hath  begun  j  never  leaving  nor  for- 
 fafcing  me,  bur  caufing  every  thing 
 workc  together,  for  my  good.  For 
 there  is  afoure-fold  Branch  of  this 
 Peace;  one,  (hooteth  forth  of  our 
 Juftification;  the  other,  from  our 
 San&ificatioflj  the  third,from  that 
 Bleffing  with  which  God  doth  fol- 
 low us,  ii  our  outward  condition  j 
 the  fourth/rom  the  knowledge  we 
 have  of  his  gracious  pleafurc  to- 
 wards us,  even  for  the  time  to 
 come ;  without  whicb^  wee  could 
 not  havetrue  peace :  for  how  can  a 
 man  have  true  peace  earthly, with- 
 out a  fecurepofieflionofthe  good 
 he  holdeth  ?  So  there  could  be  no 
 true  peace  (pirituall  to  m^  now 
 
 bleffcd 
 
Foute  branches  offpiriiujllFcicc. 
 
 bhffed  With  heavenly  things,  if  we 
 ffilght  not  have  and  hold  thcrnj 
 
 wich  a  fpirituall  fecurity.  Where-  j 
 :  e,dsare  Brother aad  Sii1er,enrsr 
 in:o  5  hearts  ^  marke  whence  ic 
 is,  that  yon  got  oa  at  cafe  from 
 day  to  day  :  is  ic  bec^ufeyou  fee., 
 chit  G  6  t>  for  fcis  Christs 
 bl  *h  hach  cried  for  bet- 
 
 ter things  than  the  blood  of  Ab:l3 
 hath  ab       .d  you  from  the  guile 
 of  all  your  fiuoe?   Is  it  becaufe 
 e  power  of  fionebro- 
 ;cic  cannot  prevaileagsiinft 
 you,         ix-Limcs  ic  hath  done,but 
 I  ^  fnne  wea&ned  j  and  your 
 v!th  more  freedome  obey- 
 g  God  in  fach  things,  in  which 
 fomuimes   yon  could  not  deny 
 your  fvilves?    D)e  you  fee,  that 
 whereas  your  eftates   fomecimes 
 were  troublefome  to  you,  now 
 they  are  made  fuch  as  give  you 
 contentment,   through  the  grace 
 of  God^bltJTngus  i.»Chrirt,  ac- 
 curfed  for  us  >  Dxh  God  open  the 
 eyes  of  your  miude,  to  tec  his 
 
 L gracious 
 
 23i 
 
 I 
 
232      I    T~rj  jour  peace,  whether  PrHey&c. 
 
 gracious  unchangeable  good  will 
 cowards  you  forever?  Then  you 
 have  good  ground  for  being  at 
 eafe  within  your  (elves.  But  if  you 
 finde  that  your  quiet  fpringeth 
 hence,  becaufe  you  difquiet  not 
 your  felvcs  in  weeding  out  youiL 
 
 \\ 
 
 \ 
 
 ignorance,  unbeliefe,  carelcfle- 
 ne(Fe,&c.  or  becaufe  you  doc 
 not  prove  your  feeble  fpirituall 
 ftrengths,  in  labouring  to  dee  eve- 
 ry thing  out  of  obedience  of  faith 
 to  the  Lord,  who  fhould  ever 
 be  before  you ;  if  becaufe  cuftoma- 
 ry  faftiions,  occafions,  or  obje&s 
 of  this  or  that  nature,  keepe  you 
 occupied  about  them,  take  heed 
 of  this  Eafe ,  as  ever  you  defirc 
 to  live  in  that  eternall  Reft,  which 
 God  hath  prepared  for  his  people,  j 
 Digge  into  your  hearts  berime," 
 hold  them  to  th<t  which  is  a- 
 bove  their felves,  through  the 
 ftrength  of  Chrift :  (?hcy  will  hang 
 off  from  every  thing  that  is  no& 
 aacurall  to  thero.)  Iudge  ycut| 
 felves  daily  in  your  wants  to  God- 
 ward. 
 
Wt  muftprovt  our  puce  whetber,&c. 
 
 233 
 
 u  arc! ,  fceke  to  C  h  k  i  s  t  the 
 quickening  Spirit,  that  you  may  J 
 feele  life  and  power  in  yoar 
 waies  :  labour  for  (bbriety  in 
 the  ufc  of  all  worldly  things : 
 fyou  know  the  laft  times*  their 
 dcftiny  is  to  have  (hewcs,  without 
 life  and  power,  to  eate,  drinke, 
 marry,  with  forgetting  the  ap- 
 pearance of  C  h  R 1  s  t.)  Labour. 
 thefe  things,  and  the  God  of 
 Peace  make  you  taftc  his  joyes, 
 which  are  transcendent^  above  all 
 this  World  can  afford. 
 
 Ycur  loving  Brother, 
 Paul  Bajm. 
 
 L  2 
 
23+ 
 
 T  he  fellow-feeling  ofaffliEttni. 
 
 JO. 
 
 DEare  Sifter,  your  Letter  came 
 not  to  mee,  till  I  had  beenea 
 fortnight  out  of  London.  I  would 
 not  have  haftened  from  you,   to 
 have  been  a  lieger  there  Co  long.  I 
 felt  my  weaknefles  knocking  mare 
 than  before,  and  faw  your  hands 
 full,  which  made  me  long  after  my 
 moft  familiar  Manfion.  For  that 
 which  youfignifie,asbefalliig  ycu 
 that  night,I  defire  to  have  fellow- 
 feeling  with  you.  Weemuftnor, 
 like  Swallowes,  take  the  S  aouner, 
 and  refufe  to  d wel  wLh  our  friends 
 in  Winter  :  but  it  is  a  true  faying, 
 None   knowes  what  newes  the 
 Evening  will  tell  him.     Hid   I 
 known  it  in  the  Morning,5 1  may  be, 
 foryourfake,  my  fecond  thoughts 
 would  have  rejourned  my  prefenr 
 defignes.  Bat  God  is  wife,  who, 
 whenhegiveth  usPnyfickc,  doth 
 put  ail  the  outward  comforts  wsc 
 afr»&,  farre  from  es,  left  his  cha- 
 
 ftifements 
 
 11m  m* . 
 
Wt  are  more  fen ftbh  ofCrcjfes, 
 
 23> 
 
 ftifcments  (hould  work  lefle  kind- 
 ly, and  to  the  purpofe,  wich  us. 
 Dcare  Silter,  the  Phyficke  rouft 
 make  us  ficke,  that  doch  us  any 
 good:  yet  Sifter,  asweemuftnot 
 binder  them  wich  prepofterous  and 
 over-timely  comfort  of  oar  fel  ves, 
 Co  wee  muft  not  make  them  more 
 vehemently  ftirre  us  than  they  do ; 
 for  both  arc  dangerous.  I  perceive 
 by  your  little  patheticall  Letter, 
 that  you  thioke  a  great  dealeon 
 this  late  hand  of  God:  Towtldtft 
 Brother,  your  eld>Ji  Brother  already , 
 your  eldcft  Brother  already  rooted 
 out}  the(e  are  all  affcftioiute  elo- 
 quence, Siftcr,our  naughty  envies 
 are  full  of  falfe  glides :  when  God 
 doth  us  any  favour,  giving  u>  blef- 
 fingSjthen  they  hold  a  glaffe  before 
 us,  which  makech  them  fc^me  no- 
 thing fo  great  as  thry  are ;  when 
 Gri  {endethaiycroir^,  then  they 
 deceive  us  wich  fuch  a  glade,  in 
 which  wefeemeto  fee  them  mjch 
 greater  than  they  are.  B-?fiJes,bs- 
 caufe  God  giveih  us  fuch  plenty 
 
 i 
 
j;   *i6 
 
 than  of  Favours. 
 
 of  mercy,  that  wee  arc  ever  in  ca- 
 lling and  profeffiog  fbme  good 
 thing,  or  other;  therefore,  theft 
 being  plentifully  make  them  leffe 
 dainry  :  but  not  alwaies  feelirg 
 fome  evill  or  other,  they  move  us, 
 whea  they  come  fo  much  the 
 more,by  how  much  they  are  more 
 unufaailwithus,  Wccfeelemore 
 the  ach  of  one  tooth,  than  the 
 healthfcme  frame  of  our  whole 
 bodies.  Let  you  and  me  then  tilke 
 about  thefe  things  which  fticke 
 mcftuponyour  ftomacke.  Sifter^ 
 Is  it  not  more  kirdly,  the  younger 
 (hould  bury  the  cldcft/han  other- 
 wife  >  This  then  muft  not  grieve 
 you,  that  God  hath  taken  the 
 eldeft  5  he  was  the  ripeft,  and  fitteft 
 to  be  gathered.  But  why  doe  you 
 (ay,  Already  ?  Alas,  good  heart ;  if 
 hee  had  died  before  his  upper  Lip 
 had  fprouted,  I  (hould  not  have 
 wondredat  this  word :  but,  Sifter, 
 he  lived  aloaoft  to  gray  baires ;  you ) 
 could  not  begge  a  longer  Leafe  of 
 your  owne  life,  in  modefty,  than 
 
 God 
 
Comfort  for  the  death  of 
 
 God  gave  him  here  amongft  the 
 living.  If  wee  kept  our  daies  in 
 number,  wee  would  chinkc  fewer 
 yeeres  many;  and  in  thofeyecres 
 he  came  to  a  ripe  age.  Takeheede, 
 left  whiles  you  looke  at  that  you 
 have  nor,  you  forget  the  Lords 
 bounty,  which  is  already  received, 
 in  his  fo  long  continuance  with 
 you.  Wfcei  you  fay,  He  is  rooted 
 out;  Itakcit,  you ufe this phrafe 
 chiefely,becaufe  hee  is  dead  with- 
 out heires  male:  bat  that  heehach 
 hcircs  ferrule,  ic  i&a  gifc  of  grac^ 
 which  wee  deferve  not ;.  neither 
 will  his  name  be  dead,  while  his 
 Brother  liveth.  A~d  what  is  the 
 Name?  Is  it  none  of  our  things 
 which  cannot  be  ihaken  ;  every 
 Nam:  mufl:  at  length  be  extinft. 
 I  muftnot  heale  more  Jo  you  th  n 
 I  find  ;  left  when  I  fceketocurt  a 
 wound  that  is,  I  make  a  new  one, 
 whichbefore  was  not.  I  concave 
 your  meaning  no  further  :bnt  com- 
 fort your  fclfe  in  this ;  your  bet  el- 
 deft  Brother  lireeh,  and  is  by  his 
 
 L  4  S  >iric, 
 
 237 
 
*38 
 
 an  elder  Bret*  tr* 
 
 t  Spirif,  with  ycu  co  the  cad ;  your' 
 ;  Lord  Iefas,  who  i$  not  a(h  Jmed  to 
 callus  Brethren,  O Sifter,  would 
 you  provoke  your  heart  to  he  ghd 
 of  hm3j  you  fhouldnot  faxtQWtx? 
 ceilively  for  the  abfcnce  of  any 
 earthly  Brother :  and  wbacfoever 
 thing  i*  inyour  thoughr5yet  cor  ii- 
 der  xvho  hath  done  it^even  your 
 loving  Husband  in  Heaven.  Ifyour 
 earthly  Husband  ftiould  do^ibmz 
 fhrewd  turne,  as  unawares  breake 
 forae  Iewellyou  much  fee  by;  whep 
 you  heard  that  he  did  it,you  would 
 btftaied,  though  before  you  were 
 much  movsd.   You  muft  fay  as 
 Chrift  faith;  Shall  I  not  drinkc 
 the  Cup  my  Father  putterh  in  my 
 hand>That  God/hat  is,Lovf  jdoch 
 reach  it  unto  you.   If  you  fee  Go  j ' 
 angry,  yet  be  of  good  cbeare;  hec 
 chat  will  not  have  finfull  man  iet ! 
 the  Sunne  go  downs  on  his  anger, 
 hee  will  not  forever  kecpe anger  j 
 againftyou:  and  a  Parent  is  a  Pa-j 
 rent,  as  well  frowning,  as  fmiling. ! 
 Judge  your  felfc,  and  with  a  faich- 
 
 ful! 
 
Bez,*alom  of  Cjedsgkry. 
 
 *59 
 
 full  heart,  (hew  him  his  beloved 
 Sonne^n  whom  he  is  well  pleakd- 
 and  he  will  be  b^cter  friends  wich 
 you  than  ever.  Scirre  up  your  (elfe 
 co  more  zeale of Godsglorydn  fee- 
 king  to  briog  children  and  fxvanrs 
 to  obey  him  in  thcirfplrits^s  well 
 as  ferve  your  (elfe  with  bodily  fub- 
 j  ftion.  Oh,  tfrnke  thecn  no  fer- 
 vanes  for  you,  that  will  not  learne 
 to  ferve  your  Ktfsband  in  Heaven 
 alfo,  Hire  an  eye  over  young  and 
 oid;K;it  there  be  no  appearance  of 
 ie4ea(l  irreverence  in  your  duties 
 'to  God-  occafion  your  (elfe  co 
 ,  challenge  your  f)ulc  every  day  for 
 unfrmtfuInefT*.  Oh,  wefhouldin 
 vvayofthankfaluefle,  wich  all  our 
 hearts,  (bules,  and  ftrengch?,beal- 
 waies  in  ferving  hkn  :  wee  muCx 
 ftrire  to  the  higheft,  and  then  G  A 
 will  pardon  all  wee  come  (Lore  in. 
 And  though  yon  recounr  varieties 
 of  forrows  which  you  have  found 
 yet  know,  that  God  ftrikech  not 
 with  his  whole  hand,but  fillippeth 
 you  rather  with  a  finder :  our  blef- 
 
 L  5  •  1  fed 
 
 w 
 
Wi  ate  not  *lont  af  flitted. 
 
 fcdjSaviour  hath  drtmke  the  dregs 
 for  u?.  Againe,  you  are  not  alone : 
 y^^,tbargood  Pat  riarcb,had  di- 
 vers affliftions ;  Flight  out  of  his 
 Countrey-  injury  from  his  Father 
 Lsidn .  feare  of  death  at  the  hands 
 of  his  Brother  Efou  *  aCaft-away? 
 in  regard  of  nurcy;  his  Children* 
 blbudy  Pvior  •  his  Wives  death ; 
 jfy/^?j  dcfpightfull  packing  into 
 Egyftb  &c.  And  Trier  faith,  Wee 
 arc  tpade  hfavie  with  many  Ten- 
 cations*-- when  neede  is  :  Which 
 (hotild  yet  more  comfort  us,  be- 
 cause that  thenecefficy  of  our  tft^re 
 doth  require  that  weefhould  have 
 variety  of  for  ro  we  J.  Indeed,  wee 
 muft  be  fbrry  that  our  fbules  are 
 Co  ficke,  that  they  muft  take  Co 
 many  things:  but  muft  be  thank- 
 full  to  God,  that  i?5  not  weary, 
 but  doth  follow  us  with  things, 
 one  after  another,  for  our  good  • 
 for  yorir  good  All  things  [half 
 works  together,  to  the  good  of 
 chofcthat:  yc  I:  Yoer  corn- 
 torts  nmfjboot      :  in  this  life  ? 
 
 here 
 
 ^•*nsw«9Pssw«»<w  - 
 
A  Ckriftians  crojfismake  btm 
 
 -  -  -     *      *         
 
 here  is  not  chat  Reft  for  Gods  peo- 
 ple :  wee  will  let  Diveffe*  flag  a 
 Rcqttkmio  their  foules;  bucwer 
 will  pray  to  God  for  grace, that  we 
 may  carry  our  crofle,and  tike  evill 
 no  kffe  thankfully  than  godd  from 
 his  hand  :  neither  muft your  com- 
 fort  be  tacked  upon  the  pretence  of 
 a  nun;  the  God  of  all  confoLti- 
 en  rs  your  Comforter^  that  Spirit 
 which  Chrift  will  fend  unto  you^ 
 ffonrrhim.  And  let  all  your  (or- 
 rowci  be  welcome  for  this  fruit, 
 which  in  the  end  you  fhall  findeby 
 thtm  :  viz.  That  your  departure 
 from  this  world  (hall  be  fomuch 
 mere  eafie  when  it  cemmeth,  by 
 how  much  you  arc  before  by  fuch 
 crcflfc  cncounfe<s  killed  in  your 
 afflfticn  co it,  S^ch  a<mufthnve 
 a  member  cut  off,  iFey  willingly 
 yeeldtofnve  it  bound,  though  ic 
 be  painfi  )!•  becaufe,  when  it  is 
 mortified  and  deaded  with  ftraic 
 binding,  :hey  (hall  ensure  the  cut* 
 ting  ot  it  eff  farre  more  cafily  fo 
 (ha!i  wee  take  our  cutting  off  from 
 
 i  his 
 
 241 
 
 1 
 
 «4       *- 
 
 ■*— ■ 
 
2  42    I     wiilinger  to  part  with  the  world. 
 
 this  World  fo  much  more  gently , 
 by  how  much  more  painfull  pin- 
 chings  wee  have  endured.  Weft, 
 cheGod  which  teachech  us  to  pro- 
 j  fir,as  Efay  faith ;  which  purgech  us 
 by  thefe  meanes3  and  makcth  u^ 
 more  fruicful]  •  he  make  you  more 
 furitfull  by  this  his  hand,  in  every 
 good  word  aad  worke. 
 
 Ydur  loving  Brother, 
 ?ju\  Bxjne. 
 
 3r 
 
 LOving  Sifter  ;ill  GIc&s  mirre 
 a  good  Text  :  Co  my  ill  con* 
 ft ruftion  had  alraoft  dor€  by  yoar 
 good  Letter.  Yet  I  am  not  ferry 
 that  I  miffed  your  meaning;  fork 
 grievf  s  me  not  fo  nrich  for  to' mi t 
 
 I 
 
 conftwe  yourphrif^as  itgladdccb 
 mee,  thi:  nofuch  unrdinancy  ©f 
 gdetc  came  nigher  you^s  I  imagi- 
 ned and  feared..  Tb*c  which  you 
 conceived  in  faying,  Already,  t  did 
 eonje&ure  it  likewise;,  but  did  doc 
 
 plainly  ? 
 
 «T»— *-**= 
 
Faiths  afoveraigpse  Ladj, 
 
 i 
 
 plainly  expreife  ic ;  bec*u(e  I  knew 
 perfons  in  griefe  rauft  be  g7ng-rly 
 handled,  let*  wee  make  a  Wound 
 where  there  is  none,  or  exafperate 
 that  which  is  already  (waged.  I 
 chanke  you  for  my  Hmd-kcrcher : 
 In  rccompence  of  yoar  love,  \  will 
 comnend  unco  you  3  good  Mid- 
 wife, if  you  will  fend  for  her  5  ic 
 is  my  Lidy  Faith,  whoistheS~>- 
 veraigifc  Lady  and  CotiTundreffe 
 in  ail  things  which  the  jofl  mm 
 doch,  or  (uffereth.  The  jift  In 
 troubles  (hill  live  by  his  Eairh 
 That  which  Iliye  in  the  fi  .-fh.evcn 
 in  refpeft  of  this  eternal!  life, 
 World-ward,  I  1  v^  ic-fay  fai:h  "»n 
 the  Son  ^iGoifiH-.hS.Pjeu^tjjln  2. 
 Now,  this  grea:  Worthy  doth 
 come  to  none  bu:  thoic  whofrft 
 prepare  for  her,  addrdlhg  them- 
 felves  to  her  liking  j  fecofldly,(ead 
 for  hcr^  thirdly  disc  her  to  her  co  1- 
 tcntment :  for  (hec  will  quickly  b: 
 gone,  if  yon  nuke  not  fuch  provi- 
 fion  which  is  gcatefcll  unto  her. 
 For  the  firft:  Silter^greac  Mid  wive? 
 
 or. 
 
 24; 
 
 mm 
 
 *mm 
 
 -.— - •» 
 
244 
 
 and  the  be  ft  Midwife. 
 
 . 
 
 on  Earth,  they  come  to  great  ones, 
 
 where  their  wages  (ha]]  be  baunti- 
 
 ftill.their  gifts  libers]]-  where  they 
 
 (hall  have  worfhipfruH  ;efpc&  put 
 
 upon  them,  and  all  thugs  of  the 
 
 beft  fmting  to  -ih%jr  contentment. 
 
 find  they  cot  e  not  willingly,  bat 
 
 where  there  is  Come  -likelihood 
 
 they  nuy  goe  thorow  with  their 
 
 ie.  But  ny  Lady  requireth 
 
 co  provifioo  nor  qualification  in 
 
 rhe  perfons  fhec  viiletb,  but  that 
 
 they  be  poore  in  fpirir,  s n  J  Pe 
 
 thetnfel  ves  at  luch  a  pafle^that  they 
 
 .ow  notwhattodowithou:her0 
 
 s  know  nor  what  to  do,  Lut  our 
 
 !  are  towards  thee,  O  Lord  5 
 
 a  fenfe,andourowne  ftrength 
 
 5  ftandjthen  there  is  fie  roomc 
 
 'or  Faith  to  enter.  Youmuft 
 
 therefore,  good  Sifter, what 
 
 ft  this  cafe  i?,:owhichyou 
 
 .  You  knoWjgood  Rachel 
 
 1  way  in  ir.  jft  isthechg- 
 
 'the  great  God ;  which 
 
 't  put  under  with  one 
 
 3  with  the  other, 
 
 we  j 
 
 «•  L  t- 
 
 -  •■  -t.  .  » ■ 
 
Comfort  able  infiru&ions  to  a  24  5 
 
 v?e  could  nocindureic :  Yea,  deli- 
 verance in  this  cafe  (but  that  is  Co 
 ordinary)  would  defcrvedly  be 
 counted  miraculous.  Wherefore 
 you  muft  not  thinkeof  it  as  of  a 
 matter  of  courfe,  which  you  neede 
 no  further  to  looke  about,  than  to 
 get  helped  t he  accuftomed  means 
 unto  you :  No,no;  you  muft  labour 
 to  thinke  that  you  are  in  fuch  a 
 ftrefle,  out  of  which  none  can  help 
 you,but  the  fir oog  Helpe  of  Ifratl, 
 Secondly,  you  muft  fend  (or  her: 
 Now  (he  dwellcth  in  Heaven, whi- 
 ther you  muft  difpa'ch  your  hearty 
 fraycr,  faying  to  the  Lord  :  Thou 
 knoweft,  O  God,  how  my  heart  la 
 fallen  from  thee,  intheaffiinceof 
 fcj  and  how  prone  \i  is  to  leane  to 
 fuch  helps  of  the  crea-ure,  as  I  fee 
 before  me ;  though  thefo^,  without 
 thee,  can  doe  nothing.  O  Lord, 
 though  I  know  rhereisnoRccke 
 befide  thee.,  yet  I  am  fb  dead  in  un- 
 belicfe  and  falfs  confiier.ee,  that  I 
 cannot  tru ft  on  thee.  HcSpe  there- 
 foremy  unbeliefs,  and  increafe  my 
 
 filch. 
 
246 
 
 womjn  great  of  cbilds. 
 
 faith.Now  when  he  do:h  give  you 
 grace,  feels  faith  camming  toward 
 you5  you  muft  cherrifti  it  wkh 
 fach  food  whsreby  ic  groweth  : 
 now  faith  fcedeth  oa  Gods  pro- 
 mise, on  experieace5  and  on  con- 
 federations which  arc  deduced  out 
 of  Gods  Word.  Thus  you  muft 
 rhinke  :  Lord*  thou  doeft  make 
 the  Hhdes  to  CiJve ;  As  thou 
 hart  chaftened  us  with  pain  in  tra- 
 ve!is  to  thou  haft  promifed  that  we 
 fhill  p*(Te  the  pikes,  and  bring 
 £otthy  though  with  (brrowes.  A- 
 gaine^  you  muft  thinke,  how  you 
 have  fo*Jnd  God  foithfall  and  rner- 
 cifull  in  this  kinde.  Finally,  you 
 muft  reafon  thus  \  That  hee  who 
 hath  put  that  mercy  into  a  finfuii 
 mao,  to  helpe  a  Beaft  in  the  tra« 
 veil  of  it,  when  it  is  hard;  will 
 hee  faile  to  give  yon  (a  Daugh- 
 ter believing  on  himj  all  the  helpe 
 thac  is  good  £cv  you5  and  which 
 maketh  wichhis  glory  l  The  Lord 
 acquaint  you  with  him(elfe0  in  the 
 daily,  experiences  you  have  of  bis 
 
 Mercy 
 
G  id  doth  r.ot  cornel  us  l$y 
 
 Mercy  and  Truth.  Thus  hoping 
 my  Midwife  comraeth  not  too 
 late,  I  commie  you  to  God, 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 Pan/  Baym. 
 
 32, 
 
 DEare  Sifter,  I  doe  ddlre  to 
 grieve  tvkh  you,  in  your 
 griefe  •  and  to  have,  in  fome  mea- 
 sure,! glad  and  thaakefizll  heart  in 
 your  rejoycing.  It  is  but  fince  my 
 camming  co  Towne,  that  I  heard 
 of your  bruifed  body  and  difiafed 
 miade :  my  eyes  are  cad  up  co  him, 
 who  break"cb  not  a  bruifed  Reede, 
 that  he  would  ea(e  your  mind?;  to 
 him  that  m  ikech  the  broken  bones 
 to  re)  }yce,  that  hee  would  recirne 
 you  your  accuftomsd  health  and 
 comfort. 
 
 D:ireSiftor,  wee  muft  in  all  ac- 
 cidents of  this  nature,  remember, 
 that  our  Goddochnotchaften,  as 
 having  plcafurejchaiteningtinply: 
 
 but 
 
248 
 
 mjre  than  we  have  needof. 
 
 but  when  ncede  is,  hee  rciterateth 
 ourcorte#ionfsukingus  heavieat 
 fimdrie  tiroes^  and  by  C mdry  occa- 
 fia&s  and  manoers,according  as  our 
 necefficy  requircth :  We  (hall  finde 
 in  the  end,u e  could  not  have  lack- 
 ed any  one  thing, which  in  this  na- 
 ture hath  befallen  us. 
 
 Wherefore  wee  muft  not  be  too 
 rauch  caft  downe  inthefe  Cor  re  ft  i. 
 on?;  but  rather  admire  our  hea- 
 venly Fathers  love,  who  is  net 
 weary  of  nurturing  fuch  unreach- 
 able children ;  who  is  not  weary  of 
 following  the  cure  of  our  incura- 
 ble DUeafes*  incurable,  were  hee 
 not  fuch  a  healing  God,  who  could 
 fubdue  every  thing  to  himfelfe. 
 Yea,  though  our  Confidences  doc 
 know,  that  there  is  a  caufe  why  he 
 chafteneth  and  putteth  fuch  bitter 
 Potions  into  oar  hands ;  yea,  that 
 befalleth  us,  which  is  obfer ved  in 
 unskilfull  Patients,  wee  miflethe 
 Marke  often,  whenweconjeftuce 
 the  grounds  of  our  owne  griefes.lt 
 is  not  want  of  love,  Sifter,  to  S.  S. 
 
 which 
 
Cod  f  urges  w  with  ajfl0iws 
 
 which  is  any  pare  of  Gods  quar- 
 rcll  (chough  wee  cm,  none  of  us, 
 love  either  the  begetter,  orthofe 
 I  that  arc  begotten,as  we  ought ;  for 
 all  our  delight  (hould  be  in  them :) 
 It  is  fomc  deleft,  Si  fter,in  rhe  day- 
 lycourfe,andin  the  frame  and  con- 
 ftitution  ofthe  heart  towards  God. 
 When  wee  doc  not,  by  imprinting 
 in  our  hearts  the  remembrance  of 
 our  Icarres  fore»pafled,  prefer  ve  in 
 ourfoules  that  lowlinefle  and  po- 
 verty of  fp:rit  which  it  becom- 
 meth  us  to  have  before  God,  and 
 which  fometimesweedidfeelein 
 co  Science  of  thofe  our  provocati- 
 ons; then  we  give  him  juftoccafi* 
 on  to  medicate  on  fome  new  Cor- 
 regions.  When  our  hearts  grow 
 a  grainc  too  light*  when  our  wa- 
 ter (at  it  were)  boketh  but  a  little 
 too  high ;  our  heavenly  Father,  a 
 Phyfician  no  leffe  loving  than  cun- 
 ning,he  doth  difcerne  i  t,and  quick- 
 ly fitteth  us  whom  hee  moft  tcadc- 
 reth,  with  that  which  will  reduce 
 all  to  the  hcahhfomc  temper  of  a 
 
 broken 
 
 H9 
 
250         according  to  oar  difttmperr. 
 
 *•  ■■  1 
 
 broken  fpiric.  Alas,  Sifter,  fuchis 
 the  folly  ia  the  btft  of  our  hearts, 
 that  ^ur  beating  will  no  longer 
 dwell  tffthusto  purpofe,  thaa  the 
 faiartbfteth;  and  as  that  weareth 
 away,  fo  wee  grow  into  a  kinde  of 
 lightnefle,  fecurity5  and  liberty^ 
 which  are  fore-runners  of  fome 
 enfaing  rebuke.  That  God  which 
 teacheth  his  children  to  profir,and 
 which  givetb  wifedoroe  to  us  that 
 want  ir,  without  upbraiding  us; 
 he  open  our  eyes,to  £c  our  eitares 
 this  way,  that  fo  he  may  furnifh  us 
 with  true  underftanding*  Well, 
 though  theft  things  come  often,yet 
 be  not  difmaied  -T  it  is  Gods  pre- 
 venting love,  who  will  have  no 
 neaft  of  ficke  matters  breed  in  us, 
 which  fhould  then  difmay  us,  when 
 we  moft  of  all  fhnd  in  neede  of 
 comfort.  A  body  conveqiendy  pur- 
 ged every  Spring  and  Fall,  is  not  Co 
 fubj  :£t to  c6:u£t  (natter  of  deadly 
 fickaeifc,  ai  another,  which  hath 
 long  gone,  00  without  helpof  any 
 (uch  evacuation.  Wee  fay,  it  is  a 
 
 mife- 
 
Spirit  nail  Phj/icfaafoaies  gogd.    i 
 
 -  ■^^••^ «  n        -  ■— ^m   ■  i  I  ii  « 
 
 oniferablc  life,  to  live  ftill  in  cotirfe 
 of  Phyfickf ;  but  we  may  tame  the 
 fpecch  in  fpirruall  confidsratfon, 
 and  fay,  B!efed  are  thsy,  who 
 are  never   without  feme   bitcer 
 thing  or  other  from  God,  that 
 they  may  be  reftorcd,  and  prefer- 
 red from  the  fecond  D^ath.  And 
 for  my  felfe,Siftcr5  you  have  fjper-  ' 
 abounded  tome  in  your  tave^  your 
 a£tio:s  and  fruus  have  not  bcene 
 fpirLg,  but  your  affe&ion  I  did 
 ever  perceive  cowards  m: in  ali  fi> 
 csricy.I  am  forry  that  I  have  fh  i  v- 
 edyou  no  more,ar,d  ;hat  my  health 
 doth  not  give  mee  leave  to  vlfit 
 I  you,  and  come  upon  yon,  without 
 writing  »ay  furthfer  iavitemem.  I 
 h  .ve  long  waded  in  a  confl  fting 
 Icourle,  an  J I  thanke  my  0  )d  ( vfho 
 hach  wrought  in  me)  the  lib  jur  of 
 my  minde,  in  fx^eregird^  hath 
 notbeene  littic;thUmikcth  m;  not 
 able  to  mniftcr  to  my  dear  e  friends , 
 a*  other  wife  I  fhmi'd.  When  the 
 hearcs  necc Xvy  r cquireth  a  confl  j- 
 ent  of  bl  jo  J  to  k,the  hands  &  fuc'i 
 
 exced- 
 
»5* 
 
 Wt  mujlfuppert  $thetsa  at  vetU^&c. 
 
 m  '  !•  *        l    ■  II*  ll  »     ■  I 
 
 exc&ior  members  are  left  pale  and 
 blood  lcfle  to  appearance :  you  may 
 apply  it ;  when  fupport  of  our 
 owne  ftates  calls  for  our  ftrcngch. 
 we  cannot  doe  that  abroad,  which 
 other  wife  were  bchoofefiill.  Ne- 
 ver thch  fle,  Sifter,  if  God  eafe  nor 
 your  mindc,  that  you  can  walkc  in 
 (bme  tolerable  fafhion  under  the 
 burthen;  and  if  withal  l,you  thinke 
 my  pretence  might  be  reliefc  to 
 you  that  way, !  I  will  for  a  while 
 adventure  to  you,  if  God  (part  me 
 health  in  any  meafurc.  If  God  fo 
 Iooke  upon  your  ipirit^as  that  you 
 feele  your  felft  in  fomeforcfuffi. 
 ciently  ftreogthened,  then  out  of 
 your  love  forbeare  that,  which  you 
 may  otherwifc  in  love  command. 
 Thus  leaving  y#u  to  your  God, 
 who  teacheth  us  to  profit,  and 
 giveth  hearts  as  well  as  correcti- 
 ons; andwiQiing  you  much  quiet 
 fruit  of  righteoufhes  in  his  feaibn, 
 I  take  my  leave,this  30.  olQSlobtr. 
 
 Your  Chriftian  Friend,  and 
 loving  Brother s  Paul  Baym. 
 
Wt  have  mede  eft  he  Lords  daily  aid. 
 
 *53 
 
 33- 
 
 MY  deare  Sifter;  the  Lord, 
 who  helpeth  uswithevery 
 good  defire.,helperac  with  prayer, 
 which  may  find  favour  in  your  bc- 
 halfe,  through  Chrift.  Should  no 
 place  hold  me,  in  which  I  found 
 not  cafe  and  content3  I  could  not 
 mike  abode  long  under  the  Moon: 
 for  though  I  hive  fowne  the  feede 
 of  both,  I  know  that  I  am  not  yet 
 to  re  ape  fo  much  as  the  fir  ft  fruits 
 of  my  Hirveft  $  I  have  need  of  faith 
 and  patience,  to  mike  mcinherite 
 every  promife.   The  Lord  be  our 
 ftrong  Arme  every  morning,  and 
 teach  us  fo  to  Iookc  to  him,?hat  we 
 may  fcele  our  fpirituall  ftrcngth 
 renewed.This  I  fpeake  not  of  con- 
 tentment grounded  in  godlinefle, 
 for  I  have  that  in  ray  meaftre,  I 
 thankc  God  •  but  in  regard  of  that 
 content  which  refulteth  fromth: 
 pleafing  rcllifh  of  outwardcircum- 
 ftaaces.  The  fweetc  waies  of  my 
 
 youth  ] 
 
*  5  2    I  Gsdkis  usbe  weakjo  r»a^e usftrong, 
 
 I  youth  did  breed  fach  wormes  ic 
 my  Soule,  ss  chat  my  heavenly  Fa- 
 ther will  have  me  yec  a  while  con- 
 tinue my  bkrer  Wormc-feedc.,  be- 
 caufe  they  cannot  otherwife  be 
 thorowly  killed.  I  write  this  the 
 rather  for  your  fake;  for  true! y  I 
 findjthat  the  cofdence  of  my  ihre 
 and  need  doth  helpc  mee  much  to 
 digeft  fuch  grievances  as  would 
 goe  too  much  againS  ftoraacfce, 
 had  r;ot  God  acquainted  mee  with 
 this  gromd  of  patience.  For  yoi*r 
 weafeeneflcj  Sifter,  I  hope  God 
 will  make  it  end  iti  ftreagvh.  It  is 
 kindly  for  Phyficke  to  infeeble  a 
 while  :  H:>wfoever,hoid  the  Rock 
 and  ftrer-grh   of  the    heart,  the 
 Lord  Jefus.    Hee  who  healed  all 
 Maladies,  when  hee  was  abated  on 
 Earth*  He,  whole  glory  hath  not 
 diminiflbed  either  mercy  or  ability 
 in  him,  Hie  Icttethus  be  weake, 
 that  hee  may  make  us  ftrong :  our 
 exrremitiej  is  his  opportunities 
 where  mans  helpe  endeth,  Gods 
 power  begins.  The  Father  of  mer- 
 
 cies 
 
God  oriel j  ourrockf  ofComfttrt. 
 
 ciesin  Chrift,drawyoutohim,and 
 make  you  able  a  little  co  wreftle 
 with  him  forftrengch,  acleaftfor 
 fpiricuall  comfort  :  Hccwillbea 
 Rocke,&  ftrcngth,  when  heart  and 
 flefh  (hall  fail^he  will  give  you  the 
 BrcftofConfolation,  and  comfort 
 you,  when  no  artificial]  Confc&i- 
 ons  can  exhilarate  your  fpirit  5  hee 
 Will  be  Anodyne  to  you,  eafing 
 you  of  all  your  paine  and  gricfc, 
 ftafombly;  a  ftiadow  at  the  right 
 hand,  agaiuft  all  heat  which  trou- 
 bleth^  a  prefent  reliefc.  Our  weake 
 mindes  creeping  ftill  below  in 
 earthly  fuccours*  are  much  more 
 (baked  with  evils  than  they  (hould, 
 could  they  cry  to  God,  and  get 
 themfclvc8,by  vertue  of  his  protni- 
 fcSj  as  it  wercj  by  certaine  fcaling- 
 iaddcrs,mounted  up  unto  him.The 
 raine  cannot  lye  folong  on  high 
 mountains,  as  wee  fee  it  to  doe  in 
 lower  grounds;  {b  is  it  in  thefe 
 waters  of  our  affli&tons.  For  the 
 Fityou  expeft^God  who  worketh 
 above  that  we  can  aske,  or  thinke ; 
 
 M  hee, 
 
 *53 
 
254 
 
 Wt  muftfubmitto  Gads  Toake. 
 
 '  hee,  I  hope,  will  be  better  to  you 
 than  you  looke  for.  Sometimes, 
 when  we  prefume  upon  freedome3 
 he  doth  with-hold  it  from  us :  and 
 fometimcs  when  wee  reckon  on  no 
 other jbut  to  returne  to  our  yoake^ 
 and  take  up  our  crofle,hc  doth  dif- 
 mifle  us:  but  if  it  dot  come5and  ac 
 the  good  timCjWelcome  ic,though 
 ftbeatroublefomcgueft;  I  doubt 
 not  but  God  will  make  it  pleafe 
 you  welat  parting.Neither  be  too 
 much  moved  at  thofe  other  petty 
 afflictions :  I  ftiould  rather  chufe  to 
 have  my  houfe  Gods  Hofpicall, 
 than  a  Court  of  fiich    pleafore 
 whereto  Gods  fcare  is  almoft  exi- 
 led. Bitter  herbes  are  better,  while 
 they  breed  good  blood,  th^nthe 
 fweeteft  meate  which  ingendercih 
 bitter  voisii^and  monall  (kknefle. 
 The  Lord  give  us  wife  hearts., 
 which  may  Mthcrchu(caffli<ftions 
 thanvanity^wfoichma^nbt  think 
 much  to  dwell  in  houfe  fometime 
 with  godly  mourning  AVdi  Siller, 
 youhavehadyourrncafureingod- 
 
 *!£. iy 
 
the  affi<SltdfbjB  be  comforted.  2  $  5 
 
 ly  forrow,  as  a  fofter-facher  to  the 
 fnile  :  I  doe  affure  you  this  bk£ 
 fi  g  in  the  Name  of  theLord,  you 
 (hall  receive  comfort;  thy  latter 
 end  fhall  be  peace,  thy  winding- 
 (hc*t  fhall  b*  as  Gods  hand-ker- 
 cher,  to  wipe  all  teares  from  thy 
 eyes,  through  Chrift  our  Redee- 
 mer. Which  I  (peak  uof,to  weaken 
 your  Faith  touching  temporall  de- 
 liverance which  God  ufeth  to 
 fhew  the  righteous  (when  ic  is 
 good)  though  they  fall  into  fixe, 
 yea,into  (even  adverfities:  but  that 
 your  Faith,  confirmed   in  that 
 which  is  principal!,  may  make  you 
 depend  on  God  more  confidently 
 far  his  Redemption  from  thefe 
 prefent  cvillft  (which  is  acceffory, 
 and  lefle  principal!)  and  that  Co 
 farre  as  it  may  (land  with  his  glory. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 Paul  Bsjm, 
 M  2      34.  Loving 
 
2$6 
 
 Chriftim  admonition. 
 
 34- 
 
 LOvingBrothcr  :  TheoccaGon 
 oiwhius  comming  home,doth 
 move  mc  to  write  (brae  few  words 
 to  yr  u ;  partly,  for  your  better  ft- 
 tisfiftion,  touching  our  affaires; 
 partly,  forourChriftian  Admoni- 
 tion, which  is  al  waies  needfull :  ac- 
 cording to  tharj  Admonifh  one  an- 
 other, whibic  is  called  to  day,  left 
 our  hearrs  be  hardened,  through 
 the  dcceitfulnefie  of  finnc.  The 
 grace  of  God,  which  faveth  us  by 
 the  forgivenntflc  offione  •  and  the 
 gift  of  adoption,  which  making  as 
 Sonnes,  bringeth  us  to  hare  the 
 Spirit  of  Chrilihcre,  theearneft- 
 penny  of  that  mafic  of  glory  wee 
 looke  for  hereafter  :  This  grace 
 doch  teach  us,  that  is,  effefru- 
 ally  perfwade,yea,andconftraine 
 (as?^»/fpeaktth)  the  love  of  God 
 dorhco(<ftraineu$;  allfuch  as  caftc 
 it,  doc  walke  not  onely  juftly  co- 
 wards  men,   but  godly  in   the 
 
 duties 
 
The  love  of  God  ytlH  wane  us 
 
 duties  concerning  Godsworfhip, 
 publike  and  private  $  and  fbberly, 
 in  ufing  all  the  bleflings  and  liber- 
 ties of  this  preftnt  life,  which  God 
 of  his  mercy  doth  vouch fafc  us. 
 Now,  many  of  us  are  taken  tardy, 
 bccaufe,  that  though  wee  have 
 care  of  fare  and  juft  dealings, 
 yet,  if  wcc  examine  our  felvcs  in 
 godlinefle  and  temperance,  wee 
 may  be  put  in  thablacke  Bill  for 
 Nan-frefcums.  For  what  is  god- 
 linefle?   An  inward  devotion  of 
 
 I  heart  to  God,  which  makcth  the 
 godly  foule  both  ufe  diligently  all 
 parts  of  his  worftitp,  private  and 
 publike,  and  alio  in  everything  to 
 fceke  his  glory.  So,to  walke  tem- 
 perately towards  our  felves,  is  to 
 be  foberly  aflkfted  towards  the 
 things  of  :hi$  life,  which  wee  ufe  : 
 as  neither  to  phy  theHarbengers 
 
 j  and  Purveyour <,  to  provide  for  the 
 lufts  of  our  hearts,  before  we  have 
 them ;  n*r  yet  to  goe  too  deepe  in 
 them,  when  wee  have  them;  nor 
 finally,  to  be  moved  much,  ifwre 
 
 M  3  have 
 
 257 
 
I 
 
 have  not  this  or  that  which  wee 
 defire.  If  wc-havetafted  thefwect 
 grace  of  God  in  flmjl 3  you  muft 
 needs  finde  your  heart  drawne  orf 
 to  care  to  pleafc  God  by  holinefle 
 and  fobrkty,and  u  eanedneffefrom 
 the  things  of  this  prefent  World. 
 Gods  loveconftrainethustolove. 
 Cos  AmorU  Amor ;  That  you  (halt 
 fay,Wbat  have  I  in  heaven  but  him? 
 in  earth  in  comparifbn  of  him  ?  We 
 love  him,  becaufe  he  hath  loved  us 
 fir  ft.  And  if  you  have  felt  thcfweet 
 of  his  grace,  which  is  better  than 
 lifcjit  will  weane you  in  fcmz  mea- 
 fiire,and  make  you  fober  minded  in 
 thefe  earthly  affaires  and  delights. 
 I  count  all  things  drolteanadang 
 in  comparifbn  of  Ghrift  and  his 
 righteoufuefle.  A  mansmouth  doth 
 not  water  after  homely  provifions, 
 when  hee  hath  tatted  well  of  deli- 
 cate fuftenancf;(b,whofe  heart  hath 
 (lied  into  Gods  favour,  which  is 
 better  than  the  vintage  or  harveft, 
 than  all  earthly  profits  and  plea- 
 fures :  he  whofe  heart  feekth  this. 
 
 can- 
 
eIbep§wer  of  godlinefjc* 
 
 *5? 
 
 cannot  bat  be  more  weanedlydif- 
 pofed  towards  things  tranfitory, 
 than  thofc  whofe  portion  is  in  tfrefc 
 matterSjWho  know  no  greater  hap* 
 pinefle:  wherefore  let  meeintreat 
 you,  as  you  will  aflureyourfelfe 
 that  you  are  a  Scholler,  taught  by 
 the  grace  of  God  j  letme,l  iay,m- 
 treat  you  toftirreupyourfelfeto 
 godlinefle,  not  to  the  outward  na- 
 ked profeflion  and  (hew  of  it,  but 
 the  power  of  it  is  Gods  Image  re- 
 newed  in  the  (pint  of  your  mind, 
 2  Tim.  verf.%.  5.  Then  as  your  free 
 in  a  glade  looketh  to  your  felfe, 
 whofc  figure  it  is,  (o  let  your  fouU 
 ever  bs  looking  towards  God, 
 whofe  fciige  it  beare?;  ftir  up  your 
 ft  lie  ro  him  :  fu;h  as  love  noc  the 
 Lord  Tcfas,  Ut  him  b*  accurfed. 
 Would  notyoubeafnaraedco  &ve 
 another  more  than  your  o wne  be> 
 trochedwife?  S  lal  we  not  blulh  to 
 have  our  aff.ftion  more  towards 
 the  creature,  than  God  our  Creator 
 aud  Redeemer  >  to  whom  we  ba?c 
 pligh:  our  faith,  as  being  bap;iz:d 
 
 M  4  ia 
 
I 
 
 ia  his  Name*  which  is  likcvvife  cal- 
 led upon  us,  as  a  mans  name  upon 
 the  woman  with  whrnn  he  is  cou- 
 pled? Now  tree  love  is  officious 
 «nd  diligent,  not  contented  with 
 good  workes  which  are  good 
 cheape,  but  it  will  conftraine  us  to 
 doe  all  good  ferviccs  that  are  plea- 
 .fing  to  God.The  love  of  God  con- 
 ftrainethus,  yea, in  private,  to  doe 
 like  as  Abraham  the  friend  or  lover 
 of  God,  Got.  18. 19.  Yea,  to  halt 
 that  which  is  evill :  Yee  that  love 
 the  Lord,hate  iniquity5ar.d  dofeare 
 {to  offend  God.  Res  tftfeUiati,fkna 
 ttmorUamcf  :  As  itexpelleththat 
 flavife  feare,  which  is  more  of  pu- 
 nishment than  offence,  love  cafteth 
 outfeare;  fo,(bberandwatchfull, 
 put  on  Chrift :  Take  no  care  to  ful- 
 fill the  lufts  of  the  flefti,  ufe  the 
 World  as  not  abufing  it;  be  marri- 
 ed as  if  you  married  nor ;  yea,  cut 
 your  flefh  fhorter  in  fome  things 
 your  minde  (upeifluoufly  defireth,  | 
 like  David.  Remember  S.  ?**/> 
 PhiL±%\2<  who  was fo  weaned  to 
 
 all 
 
IVu  mujl not  ttfc lar9full things  261 
 
 ail  things  through  Chrift,  that  hee 
 ceulJ  doc  as  well  in  wane  of  all 
 thing§,as  in  abundancg.D  je  not  all 
 yoa  c*iy  doe,  kft  you  quickely 
 commit  thac  you  may  not  doe.  All 
 things  arelawfull,  but  I  will  be 
 fervant  to  aothing ;  be  not  unpro- 
 ficable  towards  God :  Trees  with- 
 out fruit  (hall  be  cut  do  wne;  many 
 (hall  feeketo  enter,  and  (hall  not 
 enter.  Shore  (hooting  lofeth  many 
 a  gam?.  I  call  on  you,  left  your 
 thoughrsof  marriage,your  fcftivall 
 recreaiion^  your  companies,  refo, 
 bring  you  afL'ejpc  :  An  eafie  thing 
 when  the  Candle  isforth,  and  all 
 Gill  w;;hont  din,ro  fall  a  napping ; 
 which  will  prove  to  your  c -ft 
 *?v hen  God  fliill  fend  for:h  fun* 
 mom  for  (laggards.  My  wife  h 
 weake5  bu*  Gxl  doth  bearc  her  up 
 vtich  meckaeflr*Jthankfulne(T',and 
 bope,in  all  het  affliftions.We  both 
 remember  yoa,and  wifh  your  heart 
 may  not  be  hardened  through  the 
 deccitfuiarffe  of  fin,  Blefled  is  hee 
 thaitearech  alwaiet,  but  hee  that 
 
 M  5         harde-  \ 
 
 — 
 
hardench  his  heart,  (lull  fall  into 
 evill.  Fare  wel!,comcr;end  us  to  Mr. 
 M.  his  wifej&CiBrc*  her,remr  mber 
 one  thing  is  ncccflary-  what  if  we 
 could  win  the  World,  and  lofe  our 
 fbules?  Thinke  often  that  Chrift 
 doth  denounce  wo  on  the  Worlds 
 whom  hee  taketh  not  in  where- 
 domeDdrunkennefle/xtortion3&c# 
 but  whom  hee  findeth  with  thir 
 hearts  afl^epe.,  in  eating  and  drin- 
 king^buildingjbargiinit  g ;  that  is, 
 following  lawfull  chirgs,but  with 
 negkft  of  godJinci!e,and  therefore 
 unlawfully*  Reade  theft  plwccs. 
 You  have  turned  the  quotation  of 
 many  a  Statute,  reade  them  a *aine 
 and  againc,  Corporall  meat  taftctb 
 in  the  mouth,thcfe  are  facet  in  the 
 belly :  A  man  cannot  eate  his  Cake 
 and  have  k.But  you  may  eate  thete 
 words  often*  and  the ofcener you 
 feede  on  them  by  meditation,  the 
 morefweet  nouri&menc  you  (hall 
 find  in  them. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother^ 
 Paul  Baine* 
 
Rtpmtance  the  touch ftoxe  of  religion, 
 
 35- 
 
 BEIoved  Bro:her,though  I  have 
 taken  my  courfe  hlcherco,and 
 becne more  indulgent  ro  my  ielfe 
 In  privacy  chan  heretofore,  y ec  a& 
 (lire  y oar  felfe,  youarcinmybeft 
 remembrance  daily. My  heart  doch 
 intend  to  do  you  the  be  ft  fer vices  I 
 fhall  be  able>ia  v/.iy  of  your  foul?5 
 I  rope I  {hill  e^ecuce  tbeai  in  good 
 time- :  I  would  be  forry  the  Sceed 
 ju!i  ftervc  while  the  grafte 
 groweth,  as  wee  we  fpeafce  in  the 
 '  Proverb/vVhersforeldoaimonifh 
 ru,  that  you  would  ftir  up  your 
 bearc  to  repentance  daily  3  snd  chat: 
 you  would  labor  to  feele  that  your 
 affeftions  arc  no*'  fit  upon  God  : 
 this  is  the  touch^one  by  which  wc 
 rmytrythe  truth  of  our  Religion, 
 and  of  that  Faich  we  have  toGod: 
 thatcomfe  which  is  eftraoged  tc 
 rhe&tfe  all  the  country  wide  of  the 
 way  to  falvation ;  this  is  ch?  way 
 chkhcr,Ifyou\vUcfcapechewrati 
 
 to 
 
 265 
 
 -.  ■*  m 
 
 ■1  *vr. 
 
26 A  I  Tbtextrcifctfnftntdncc. 
 
 co  come,  repent,  and  doe  workes 
 worthy  repentance.  If  you  repent 
 not,  yee  fhall  penfh.  Now  the  cx- 
 ercfe  ofthisjs  thus  much  :  viz,.  A 
 renewed  gricfe  for  all  unwonhi- 
 ncfle  paft  and  prefenc  5  to  ome 
 honaenecrei  &  necrer  to  God  daily. 
 Can  we  doe  eafier  pennance,  than 
 to  let  out  hearts  finite  us  with  the 
 thoughts  of  our  ignorace.our  care- 
 lefnetfeof  God,  andnrgltdtingof 
 his  fervice}  of  our  great  uoprcfica- 
 bkneff?,  which  alone  is  fearefull  ? 
 Fcr  t>he  Tree  that  bringeth  not 
 forth  good  frui%  is  as  well  cut 
 downeto  the  fire,  as  that  which  is 
 loaded  with  bid.  Wc  cannot  ihif , 
 bat  grieve  in  thefe  confide  radons, 
 if  our  hearts  love  God.  If  we  faile 
 a  friend  inducy  of  love,  it  grievech 
 us  j  bat  if  we  doe  hsro  a  difpleaibre 
 and  trefpaflc,  jjfHy  alienating  fv* 
 miode  trom  u\v  doth  c at  as  at  the 
 heart,  that  wee  hav*  forgo:  ou* 
 (elves  (u  fanre^aod  we  befhrew  our 
 fclvesfork  :  Qull  we  then  take  no 
 care  (or  the  things  wee  oa;|tand 
 
 „ 
 
 — ■ 
 
 commit 
 
I 
 
 Wt  muft  compound  with  Godjo  265 
 
 commit  againft  God?  Miliceonly 
 is  careleffe  of  fhrewdturnesdone 
 to  fuch  whom  (he  maligncth.  The 
 nature  of  Lore,  is  to  grieve  at  the 
 leaft  offence  given,there  where  (he 
 Ioveth  :  What  if  (hee  offend  him 
 not  (b  grievootly,  as  we  fee  others, 
 fhall  we  therefore  not  be  grieved, 
 though  wee  hold  on  ia  a  courrc  in 
 fame  raeafure  offensive  >  M in  ha  h 
 right  ro  a  penny  a*  well  as  a  pound, 
 and  may  be  wronged  as  well  i  1  the 
 one  as  in  the  other:  And  will  not 
 the  fame  rule  h:>ld  towards  Gxi  ? 
 You  m'jft  the  rather  heare  on  this 
 fide,  because  that  th?  fparkUng  of 
 Gods  angtr  in  your  Town?,  was  a 
 Summons  (ent  forth  form  (bepcr% 
 that  will  not  awake  our  fclve^  ind 
 prepare  to  naeeteotir  God  in  hear- 
 ty humiliation.  The  Famine  and 
 Sword,  and  Plague,  you  know  are 
 the  three  greateft  Arrefts  that 
 God  ferveth  on  frchasbreakehis 
 Covenants  impenttently.  This, 
 Brother,  is  the  oncly  way  to  avo*i 
 danger,  to  lookc  unco  Gods  grace 
 
 with 
 
 s 
 
 I 
 
%66  avoydfick^ntffc  bis  Sergeants. 
 
 wih  x  forrowfull  heart,  acknow- 
 ledging, that  you  have  (erved  him 
 loo&ly  and  imfruicfull/.  If  a  Crc- 
 dicorfhxild  lay  wait  ro  acreft  me^ 
 being  in  the  Cicy;  thoij^hlchan- 
 ged  my  Chamber  from  the  Temple 
 to  Whitc-Chippeiljthough  I  cor- 
 rupted the  Sergeant  with  a  Fee,  all 
 this  could  not  fecure  me ;  for  ano- 
 ther Sergeant  might  be  got,  cr 
 (brae  new  coufe  devifed  for  mee : 
 but  if  my  Creditor  be  compound- 
 ed  with,!  w*lke  (afcly.  O  Brother 
 and$f[fer,tbusuis :  weeareallof 
 usd.btorsuntoGod;  SickenefTes 
 are  but  his  Sergeants;  there  is  no 
 way  of  defeitiogjif  God  do  lay  his 
 hand  upon  us,  but  by  fuing  unto 
 him  wich  faichfull  and  for-rowfu.JI 
 hearts,  that  it  wouid  pleafe  him, 
 for  his  Chrift  fake,  to  give  us  a 
 £hti?ius  e^  aad  freely  acquit  us  of 
 ail  oar  trefpafles  $  which  (land  till 
 then,  as  fo  many  Debts  in  his 
 Booke83upon out  heads:  then  wee 
 mayflsep  on  both  fiuesymd  walke 
 at  large  j  the  Coaii.  is  ckay^vvicb- 
 
 one 
 
 i 
 
 =^-'  i-~»c* 
 
 =+-^m~^ 
 
Dilar  not  rtfetiunce ;  Call 
 
 26j     f 
 
 I 
 
 out  danger.  Wherefore  delay  not 
 this  matter;  let  not  company  trans- 
 port you,  hi  not  feare  of  painfil- 
 nr;Ge,and  forgoing  dc  light  (yoa  are 
 worfe  afraid  than  hurt)  let  not  any 
 indifpofition  and  (hthfulneffe  hin- 
 der you;  (hike  up  your  felfe3  CHrift 
 will  helpe  yon, M$do  &  medb  non 
 htxbent  modum ;  the  longer  you  put 
 it  off,  the  longer  you  may.  A  man 
 thatgetteth  up  forne  time,  xvlicn 
 his  head  leemeth  full  of  fLepe, 
 feclethnowaat  of  if,  whenhecis 
 well  wakened  •  nay,  is  oftenmorc 
 Iightfome,  than  if  hce  had  conti- 
 nued  fl  egging.  l^ec  (hall  lofe  no 
 contemraenr,  by  offering  vioTs  ce 
 to  our  (firicull  flothfalntfle.  The 
 Lord,thattooke  L^liogering,and 
 carried  him  forth  of  Sido  w5  hee 
 catch  hold  of  you,  andfulpeyou 
 ia  this  bufinefle.  And  when  you 
 have  found  this  way,  you  muft 
 helpe  your  Wife,  and  call  on  her, 
 toreturnewithyou.  A  good  mm 
 cannot  tell  how  to  goe  to  heaven 
 alone  :  the  Communion  of  Sai 
 
 mu3 
 
 —r 
 
68 
 
 Giber ;  to  walkf  with  God, 
 
 ♦ 
 
 . 
 
 ■ 
 
 •\     ■! « 
 
 mutt  be  a  pcfet  of  pra&ice5as  well 
 as  an  Article  of  Belhfe.  One  Cm- 
 die  lightcth  aiother:even  fo  grace, 
 where  ic  is,  will  labour  to  Mndle 
 grace  where  it  is  nor.  We  had  need 
 to  rerurne;  all  that  live  ftrangers 
 from  God  (hall  perifh:  as  forus 
 then,it  is  good  that  we  dra w  neere 
 unto  him.  Now  if  you  aske  hew 
 you  may  walke  with  God?  1  an- 
 fareryou;  by  letting  yoar  heart 
 upon  him  :  for  as  we  fay,  There  a_ 
 tnanis,  where  bis  heart  is ;  ncicher 
 cm  wee  have  God  other wi(e  for 
 our  Go  J,  unlcflc  our  hearts  b?  to- 
 wards him;  for  if  our  hearts  be  on 
 any  other  thing,  then  that  is  our 
 Treafure  and  our  God.  Njw  if 
 you  wouid  find  out^  whether  God 
 hath  your  heart,  or  no,  you  muft 
 trie  it  by  thefe  rules,  by  examining 
 whether  your  thoughts  and  affe&i- 
 orii  ar* taken  up  with^lm.  If  our 
 hearts  b-  fet  up^n  a  things  wee 
 thinke  on  ic  often,  and  muCe  there- 
 on in  the  night  fcafba,  being  not 
 abk,  means-while,   to  rake  any 
 
Rules  ta  kn<rn>  whether  our 
 
 269 
 
 reft  for  ir.  So,  all  that  feare  the 
 Lord,  muft  be  thinkers  on  him  : 
 though  bee  be  not  in  fight  of  the 
 bodily  eye,  herouftftillruninour 
 minds.  If  we  take  no  thought  ofa 
 thing,  it  is  a  token  that  it  is  of  no 
 refpeft  with  \}$.  Brother,  God  is 
 not  fo  commonly  knowne,  but  hee 
 is  as  rarely  thought  aponjand  mens 
 hearts  fmite  them  not,  when  they 
 goe  day  after  day,  not  once  calling 
 to  mindc  the  powerfull  remem- 
 brance of  God  :  thoagh  the  Scrip- 
 tare,  when  it  doth  termc  men  all 
 the  evill  that  is,  doth  ftile  them  no 
 other  than  fuch  as  forget  God.  A- 
 gaine,  as  the  thoughts  muft  be 
 tnindftill  of  him,  fo  the afFeft ions 
 of  love,  joy,  fearc,  and  defire,  muft 
 be  towards  him.  Examine  there- 
 for?, whether  you  findenot,  that 
 your  defires  are  more  inclining  to 
 earthly  things  :  you  feare  more 
 often,  left  men  fh*uld  cenftre you, 
 and  note  you  of  novclcy  and  prr- 
 cifenefle,  for  doing  duties  to  God  • 
 than  that  hee  fbould  juftly  have  a 
 
 quarrell 
 
27  o  hearts  befet  on  g9dy  or  no. 
 
 quarrdl  againft  yoa,  for  negle- 
 (Sing  his  fervice  daily.  So,  if  your 
 hcarc  joy  not  in  the  acquaintance 
 you  have  with  this  or  that  man, 
 more  than  in  the  knowledge  you 
 haveof  God  in  Chriftjefus,  which 
 isLifeeverlafting  :  Looke  if  your 
 hcarcieft  love  be  not  beftowed  ra- 
 ther on  the  creature,  tbanont'te 
 Creator  and  gracious  Redeemer, 
 Jcfas  Chrift,  Now,  if  you  finde 
 aflk£tionatIy,howfarre  your  hearc 
 is  out  of  fquarc,  then  you  muft 
 not  negleft  to  feeke  remedy  for 
 this  eviil;  Griefe  which  is  at  the 
 hseles  thereof,  is  not  to  be  regar- 
 ded. For  when  the  moft  vicall  part, 
 even  the  h*arr,  is  touched,  then 
 wee  feeke  CordialU,  andbeftirre 
 us  for  the  reftoring  and  preftr- 
 ving  of  it  :  If  the  heart,  as  the 
 Fountains  of  this  momentany  life, 
 tarefpeftcd;  what  care  rnuft  wee 
 have  of  it,  as  it  is  a  Fountaine  of 
 fpiricuall  life,  never  co  be  ended? 
 There  is  but  one  PhyScian  tha: 
 feeleth  this  heart-pulfe,   and  is 
 
 able 
 
 \ 
 
Thi  heart  naturally  hard,  2JI 
 
 able  to  healc  ic ;  even  Chrift  Jefts, 
 chat  hathfaid,  Hee  will  take  from 
 us  the  heart  of  ftone,  that  is,  our 
 fecure,  impenitent,  and  dreadleffe 
 hearts,  continually  offending  our 
 God;  and  will  give  us  flefhy  , 
 that  i?,  tender  hearts,  fuchasfhall 
 froiceus  when  we  trefpafleagainft 
 him.  We  had  need  to  cry  to  him ; 
 for  the  beft  of  our  hearts;  if  we 
 knew  thern,are  (b  naughr,that  they 
 hadneedtobemadeanewthorow- 
 out,for  they  are  paft  mending.  La- 
 bour to  find  out  this  mortall  poy- 
 fw,  which  cxTinguifbech  all  life  of 
 grace.  Theloveofthe  WorlJ,and 
 the  love  of  the  Father,  fighdike 
 fire  and  water,  they  will  not  dwell 
 together.  Keepc  the  heart  with 
 all  diligence,  for  thence  are  the  i£ 
 fues  of  life ;  pray  to  God  to  change 
 if,  pray  to  him  to  ke*pe  the  frame 
 of  it:  refraine  that  which  increa- 
 fcth  the  finfall  diftemper  of  it ; 
 -ucquaintyourfelfewichfiichgood 
 noeanes,  by  which  your  think- 
 ing upon  God,  and  your  hearty 
 
 affefti- 
 
 i 
 
27  2  The  violent  take  heaven. 
 
 affc&ions  cowards  htm,  may  be 
 cherrftied  md  encreafed.  I  will 
 (horrly  fend  you  a  Letter  cfi  fuller 
 direftion  this  way*  Ic  is  better  to 
 feele  Gods  favour  one  houre  in 
 our  repenting  ftules,  than  to  (it 
 whole  Ages  under  the  warmeft 
 Sun-foine  this  World  affordeth. 
 Commend  me  to  my  loving  Sifter; 
 (he  muft  thinke  of  this  mat-  er  too: 
 not  thole  that  are  carckffc  and 
 flotbfulljbat  the  vio  Jen  t^that  catch 
 at  it  by  force,  they  carry  away  the 
 Kingdome.  Many  that  fceke,  (hall 
 not  enter :  what  will  become  of  us, 
 if  we  feeke  not $  In  words  and  pro- 
 feffion*  All  Chfiftians  looke  to 
 Heaven  •  indeed  wee  are  all  for  the 
 Earth :  this  raketh  up  our  thoughts 
 and  affc&ions,  that  wee  are  like 
 Boat-nun,  that  looke  one  way,but 
 row  another. 
 
 The  Lord  bs  with  both  your 
 fpirks.  Farewell. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 Paul  Bajne. 
 
 mm 
 
A  Letter  intruding  and  comforting  •     if  3 
 
 3<J. 
 
 ALts,deare  Brother,!  defire  for 
 co  condole  your  chance  with 
 you  in fhe fight  of  my  God,  wifti- 
 ing  him  out  of  his  grace,  to  enter- 
 lace  the  Ce  k  of  h*s  fweec  love 
 with  your  tr  t  Td'.fcomforc,:  nd  ro 
 give  you  th  quiet  fare  of  r  ghte- 
 oufnefle,  fallowing  in  «hc  end  of 
 I  this  yonr  chafti/cmenr.   The  Lord 
 doih  give  us  many  ehings,  and  that 
 onely  to  prove  us,  that  by  them 
 we  may  be  led  uito  knowledge  of 
 our  hearts,  cither  to  fee  our  owre 
 weakentffe,and  chert  by  reverent 
 aad  love  the  Giver,  and  foto  be 
 comforted  when  hee  takeththem 
 from  iis^or  to  difcov^r  by  them  the 
 un  weauednc0e  of  our  affcftions,by 
 living  in  fecortcy,  andforgetfuincs 
 of  God;  that  finding  fuch  things, 
 wee  may  be  moved  to  godly  lor- 
 row;  the  end  of  which,is  fal  vation. 
 Event,  which  is  one  Booke  that  o- 
 peneth  Gods  fecret  pleafure,  doth 
 
 now 
 
*74 
 
 for  the  death  of  a  Wife. 
 
 now  fpeake  thus  much  ;ThacGcd 
 did  never  intend  that  you  (hotjld 
 long  injoy  that  gift  hee  gave  you ; 
 hee  dii  it  to  try  what  was  in  you^ 
 to  make  you  fee  it,  either  to  your 
 comfort,ortoyourfurther  humili- 
 ation before  him.The  fpirit  of  marv 
 knowech  the  things  of  man;  you 
 have  a  privitie  within  your  ftlfe, 
 which  can  determine  one  way  this 
 ca(e,whicb  in  it  felft  is  indifferent. 
 Now  to  hejpe  you  (as  God  (hall 
 guide)  under  this  hand,  you  muft 
 marke  what  this  courfe,  on  Gods 
 part  doth  moft  probably  tend  to ; 
 and  in  the  fecond  place,  what  you 
 ate  to  doe,  that  out  of  your  great 
 IciT^you  may  worke  to  your  /elfe 
 true  advantage.  For  the  firft,  the 
 Lord  dcth  point  out  thus  much; 
 that  there  is  corruption  fiill  lying 
 in  you,  thar  cr.uft  be  purged  forth ; 
 and  chat  he  out  of  his  fatherly  loue 
 cannot  ceafe,but  minifter  medicine 
 to  you,  to  the  end  that  hee  may 
 bring  away  that  which  would  o- 
 ther wife  hazard  your  ibules  health. 
 
 We 
 
 ; 
 
Cod  ajfliUs  mm  without  cau  \ 
 
 e. 
 
 275 
 
 —■*• 
 
 We  are  not  made  hea vie  with  ma- 
 ny things  unlefls  our  neede  (6  re- 
 quite, fiich S.  Yeter.)  Chap.T^ .  A 
 wife  Phyfidaa  will  not  give  Potion 
 after  Potion,  where  bad  matter  is 
 fafficiendy  evacuated;  much  lelfc 
 I  will  God  reiterate  foch  ftroug  pur- 
 ges, if  he  did  not  fee  that  our  rred 
 '  did  enforce  ic.   Wherefore, dears  ' 
 Brother,  you  mullleame  to  fee 
 Gods  mercy  in  following  of  ycu, 
 and  the  nrje  Jc  your  (bule  hath  tbu3 
 to  be  dc4ic  withal]  5  you  rouft  be- 
 thinke  you,  how  that  his  former 
 blowdi  I  not  worke  fo  to  purpof: 
 upon  y  ou,as  was  mcci :  which  doth 
 .mike  him  deale  like  the  cunning 
 Phyfoian,  who  when  there  is  not 
 bl>od  enough  taken  away^  doth 
 Refctert  victs^  opeo  tht  Vcine,and 
 make  ic  bice       /reft.  You  muft 
 bethinke  you,  what  (cape  did  o* 
 virtake  you  in-  youth,  that  your 
 God  fliQuidrn?.ke  a  ambiance, 
 as  if  he  thought  you  not  wor- 
 thy of  the  ftabl:  fruition  of  (b 
 I  lovely  a  blcflhg,  as  is  a  Chriftian  | 
 tradable  ) 
 
276 
 
 How  to  profit  by  Gods  vifimion. 
 
 traftable  loving  wife :  Happy  is  he 
 thac  diggcth  into  himfclfe,  to  fiod 
 the  roots  of  his  cvills.  Merbi  nojlri 
 fiCilins  curantnrqnam  invtmnntw* 
 Pray  to  God  that  you  may  take  ro 
 heart  thecaufes  ofthi  ^ ;  then  che 
 cffc&s  (hall  quite  ce*{e.  whe  1  the 
 caufcs  are  removed .  We  thac  hold 
 demurs  to  found  the  truth  of  cau- 
 fe$,  and  who  would  rather  have 
 the  judgement  of  awholeCollege 
 ofPhyficians/ban  not  find  out  the 
 ground  of  a  bodily  gricfe:  how 
 fhould  wee  fee kc  to  God,  that  wee 
 might  through  his  light  difcerne 
 what  d  wells  in  our  fpirits?  Which 
 is  the  ground  of  his  difpleafure. 
 Now  for  the  fecond  thine,  how 
 you  may  make  the  b^ft  of  this  vifi- 
 tation ;  you  rouft  doe  this,be  decli- 
 ning that  which  may  hinder,  and 
 ufing  that  which  may  further  the 
 cffrftuali  working  of  this  upon 
 you  to  falvation.  O  Brother,if  you 
 take  phyficke,will  you  goe  out  in- 
 to the  aire?  Will  you  diftemper 
 your  fdfc  by  diet  ?  Will  you  hurt 
 
 the 
 
Wt  muft  take  affb&ion  to  bean.     I     277 
 
 the  working  of  ic  inyou>(Such  ac- 
 cidents as  thcfe,are  Gods  Phyficke) 
 for  your  (bule :  O  be  caref  ull  co  let 
 them  workcin  you  to  purpofe,that 
 your  healing(whenGod  (hill  (hew 
 ic)  may  fland  a  Fall  &  Spring  with 
 you,may  becontinuall.  IfaPotion 
 ftay  not  with  us,  but  come  up  a- 
 gaine  untimely,wbat  will  it  benefit 
 the  body  >  If  a  Seate-cloth  be  put 
 upon  us,  and  wee  weary  quickely, 
 pull  it  offagaine,what  profit  can  it 
 j  bring  us  ?  O  Co,  when  God  layeth 
 thefe  Plaifters  to  our  hearts,indeed 
 fomewhat  fmarring,  if  we  will  not 
 let  them  lie  oof  but  quench  that 
 forrow  for  fid,  by  company,  and 
 other  occafions,  not  dieting  our 
 (bules,  as  who  are  Patients  under 
 Gods  hands :  Alas,  wee  (hall  be  as 
 ready  for  anew  Purge,as  if  we  had 
 nerer  taken  any.  O  Brother,!  give 
 you  no  woife  counfell  than  1  my 
 (cttepra&ife;  if  I  knew  any  ftfer, 
 you  fhould  have  it.  The  Lord  give 
 you  wi(3ome,that  you  may  be  able 
 to  looke  before  you,and  delight  in 
 
 N  fuch 
 
278 
 
 Wt  art  apt  to  Jleight  offliRiott. 
 
 — — — — — «— ^     ■    |i  ——————— 
 
 ^ch  things,  which  though  they  be 
 tedious  for  the  prefenr,  yet  they 
 will  end  (Weedy  •!  know  your  dan- 
 ger ;  Oh,  if  wee  had  but  our  owne 
 foolifh  hearts,  wee  had  enemy  e- 
 nough,  too  mighty  for  us,  without 
 the  helpe  of Je(&s  Chrift  our  Lord : 
 But  a  great  many  of  Syrens  fing  a- 
 boutyou  a  great  many  of  matters, 
 which  will  by  little  and  little,fteale 
 thefcvory  thought  of  thefe  things 
 out  of  your  heart  :yea,I  would  we 
 had  not  evill  fpirits  to  keepe  pof* 
 feflion  in  us.,  with  fvtch  violence, 
 that  wee  can  hardly  make  entrance 
 for  a  thought  of  this  nature.  Again, 
 it  (b  fareth  with  us,  that  things  the 
 fecondtime,  ftir  us  not  commonly 
 fo  much  as  at  the  fit  ft;  asnature,the 
 more  fliee  is  accuftomed  to  medi- 
 cine,thcle(fe  (he  is  moved  with  it : 
 0,youmuft  be  afraid  of  this  carri- 
 age toyourPhyficianjftrong  things 
 will  poi(bn  us  if  they  purge  us  not. 
 Againe,  our  hearts  are  (b  hard^thac 
 till  the  Spirit  doe  (often  them,thefe 
 laffiiftions  which  are  Gods  ham- 
 mers, 
 
 L 
 
We  mufi  not  jl fight  God  f  b*n&.    I     2J  9 
 
 i 
 
 mers,  beare  cold  Iron ;  all  is  boot- 
 lefle.  0,when  youfccleit,  cryto 
 
 him  that  hath  promifed  to  takea- 
 way this  heart  of  ftone:  what  need 
 I  warne  you  how  malicious  the  di- 
 vellis,  to  dare  (uch  thoughts  tfao- 
 row  us,  as  if  feeing  it  will  be  no 
 better,all*  well  enough? Your  ftate 
 is  thus  augmented,  your  credit  in- 
 creafed^your  felfe  more  capable  of 
 further  advancements  andconteat- 
 metrts  in  that  kind;  feeing  you  lived 
 kindly  with  hcr,and  it  is  Gods  plea- 
 sure, who  can  undoe  that  which  is 
 done  ?  The  Lord  rebuke  him  for 
 you.  O  turne  from  ftch  curfed 
 thoughts  which  tend  to  this,  that 
 you  may  be  kept  fhmbering  and 
 fkeping,  till  God  (end  forth  lbrae 
 heavier  fummons  for  the  awaking 
 of  yon.  Now  for  your  helpe  this 
 t  way  J  have  ftnt  you  a  letter  which 
 I  have  long  intended,  but  hitherto 
 have beeoe prevented:  The  Lord 
 bleflc  it  unto  you.  There  be  two 
 extremes  under  Gods  hand  :  the 
 one  is  to  fee  light  bv  it,  the  other  is 
 
 N  i  to 
 
 mm 
 
a8o 
 
 The 
 
 mcancm  a 
 
 ijflfttion* 
 
 Co  droopc  too  much  under  it.  Now 
 |  you  ma  A  go  in  the  midft ;  rake  ic  to 
 heart,buc  wicb  hope3kno  wing  chat 
 it  is  good  to  bcare  the  yoke.,  and 
 that  it  (hall  be  well  with  fuch  as 
 wait  filently  upon  the  Lord  :  and 
 therefore  fay  with  Micha,  I  wtB 
 bean  itjktctufc  IbdveJinmed.Think 
 your  heavenly  Father,  that  God 
 that  is  love  it  fclfe,  hath  put  this 
 cup  into  your  hand,  and  fay  with 
 ChtiRySbaB  I  not  drinks  the  cuf  mj 
 Ftther  bath  put  into  my  h**d  ?  For 
 our  bodies  good  we  drinkc  things 
 which  make  us  fee  many  a  fbwre 
 face  on  them ;  what  (hall  wee  not 
 welcome  for  our  foules  health? Yet 
 asyou  inu ft  let  it  downe,  and  hum- 
 ble your  foule,  Co  you  mud  com- 
 fort your  ftlfe  another  while,there 
 is  mercy  with  him  that  he  maybe 
 feared.  It  is  good  to  intermeddle 
 reftoratives  of  /pirituall  ftrength,, 
 which  may  raife  up  the  foule  in 
 true  comfort^as  wellas  otherwhile 
 to  beate  downe  our  foules  in 
 thought  which  may  humble  them* 
 
 The 
 
(jo d  affiiUs  to  bumble,  and 
 
 The  Lord  hath  given  you  from 
 time  to  time  pledges  of  his  father- 
 ly care  over  y ou:yea,fiich  by  which 
 you  may  gather,  that  he  will  never 
 forfake  you ;  whom  he  lovech,  hce 
 Iovcth  to  the  end.  Yea,  this  is  his 
 great  love,andheoffereth  himfelfe 
 as  aFather  to  you,  that  he  will  not 
 let  y  our  fpiric  goe  at  randome,  but 
 correfteth  the  thing  amifleinit; 
 that  he  bring  you  to  be  partaker  of 
 the  q  iet  fruit  of  rightcoufneffe, 
 and  Uue  you  from  being  condem* 
 ned  with  thofe  that  are  of  unbro- 
 ken heart,whofe  harts  never  mour- 
 ned for  their  fii.  If  you  cannot  fte 
 this  mercy,  of  this  you  muft  not  be 
 difmaide ;  though  it  be  night,  wee 
 (hall  have  day  againe,  yea,his  love 
 is  the  fame  it  w3s,though  our  feofe 
 and  feeling  is  changed .  Sit  licit  in 
 natos  facia  amjltrafarentHm^  Mms 
 tamer*  tqua  mamt.  I  do  a  dure  you 
 in  that  knowledge  of  my  God,that 
 if  you  doe  but  favourably  Judge 
 your  fclfe  before  him,  and  humble 
 your  fclfe  iu  his  fight :  if  you  will  a 
 
 N  3  while 
 
 281 
 
28a 
 
 then  to  cmfortttt. 
 
 I 
 
 while  count  that  ftate  bcft  when 
 you  fede  your  heart  devoted  to 
 hir»;  though  the  countenance  be 
 dcj  ft,  that  great  God  that  com- 
 forts the  abjett,  and  exalcerh  the 
 humble,  hee  will  exalt  you  and 
 comfort  you  with  true  joy  and 
 prolperity.  Thus  inhafte  I  com- 
 mit you  to  the  Lord. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother,  P.  B. 
 
 37- 
 
 LOving  brother;!  know  a  word 
 or  two  will  be  more  welcome 
 than  continuall  filence  ♦  wherefore 
 I  will  let  you  underftand  how  it  is 
 with  us.  My  wifes  infirmities  doe 
 continue  with  heviut  fhcehath 
 more  ftrcngthj  I  thanke  God,  and 
 the  tiolent  working  of  them  is  e- 
 venpaft,  at  leaftrcflcih  forafea- 
 (on.  It  went,  when  I  did  write  to 
 you  firft,exceeding  hard  with  her ; 
 but  if  the  Lord  give  us  faith,  hee 
 can  worke  above  all  wee  can  aske 
 or  thinke.  It  is  good  wee  /hould 
 
 have 
 
 •.^i"^^""** 
 
Wc  ate  dull  andfltepy  to  Good. 
 
 have  falfe  fires  (hot  off  fbraetimcs 
 to  flare  np  our  flambring  faulcs, 
 wbicharc  heavieto  fleepe,  though 
 we  be  never  lb  wakened.  Some- 
 times a  coldncfle  comraeth  on  our 
 fpirits,  which  maketh  them  un- 
 a#ive  unco  good^likeas  it  ig  in  the 
 body,  the  heart  is^flccpe  (bmetime 
 when  the  eyes  arc  open  :  fome- 
 time  wee  take  a  nap  in  the  loft  of 
 our  hearts :  fometime  wee  winke, 
 by  falling  into  unfruitful!  courfts, 
 idle  words,  parting  good  hourcs  to 
 no  purpofe :  the  Divell  hath  many 
 watcs  to  rockc  our  foules  a(kep,by 
 making  us  rejournc  our  good  pur- 
 poft^andtakedayiftillalictleflum- 
 bcr,a  little  folding  of  the  hands  $  \f 
 we  efcape  falling  from  grace,  lufts 
 unfrui  f  iIacflV:ifwe  will  not  make 
 delaies,  bur  fet  upon  good  duties, 
 yet  even  in  the(c,our  drowfie  hearts 
 make  us  nod  oftentimes  through 
 indevotion. 
 
 Aod  becanfc  I  am  fallen  into  this 
 Theame  J  pray  you  both  take  heed 
 that  your  Souks  be  not  thus  oyer- 
 
 M  4  taken, 
 
 \ 
 
284  #*  ought  tofitivt  again ft  it. 
 
 taken,  chat  the  firft  love,  the  gra- 
 ces which  at  any  time  you  either 
 have  had  be  not  leflened.  Lookein 
 the  13.  of  the  Reveht.  26.  and  not? 
 to  husband  our  talents,  orincreafe 
 them*  is  the  next  fore-runner  of 
 judgement.  Take  heed  of  giving 
 place  to  lufts5  He  tbatfervtth  to  hU 
 fie/bDfh*llreapc  defttuZthn9  GaI,6.  8. 
 Take  heed  of  unfruitfulncfle :  the 
 tree  that  beareth  not  good  fruit,  is 
 a  tree  that  (hall  be  cur  downe,  as 
 well  as  the  tree  that  beareth  bad 
 fruit,  and  every  idle  Word  (hall  be 
 accounted  for:  let  nottheDivell 
 prevaile  with  us  to  put  offa  good 
 purpofe;  quench  not  the  Spirit, 
 iThef.$.  ip.delaie^if  any  where, 
 here  (hey  are  dangerous-  let  us 
 fhake  our  felvcs  up  againft  that 
 indevotion  and  (pirituall  fbth 
 which  will  creepe  upon  us  in  doing 
 good:  benocflothfull,  be  fervent 
 in  fpirit :  curled  is  he  that  doth  the 
 bufineflc  of  God  haftingly,  Bro- 
 her,  we  that  are  the  Lords,  though 
 wee  are  not  in  a  dead  flsepe  with 
 
 the 
 
Wet  nctcU  Summons. 
 
 1 
 
 the  World,yet  our  (bules  have  the 
 remnants  offach  a  lethargic  as  chat 
 wee  are  often  napping  in  thefe 
 kinds.  The  Lordhach  need  to  fend 
 one  fummons  for  us  fleepcrs,or  we 
 fliould  be  in  danger  by  them.  A* 
 wake  thou  that  fleepeft,  ftand  up 
 from  the  dead,  Chrift  (hall  give 
 thee  light  j  he  that  is  the  true  light, 
 the  quickniog  Spirit,  having  our 
 nature  glorious  with  him  in  the 
 Heaven.  The  Lord  our  Redeemer, 
 the  qukkning  Spirit,  quicken  our 
 foules,  and  keepe  them  through 
 faith  in  his  power,  to  that  Salvati- 
 on which  is  laid  up  for  us  in  the 
 Heavens. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 T*ui  Bajnc. 
 
 LOving  Brother,I  havt  received 
 your  letter  ,ful  of  heavic  reporr, 
 but  that  our  neede  is  4ch  that  wee 
 muft  be  made  heavie  with  funilry 
 
 N  5        tempta- 
 
 a85 
 
 <i  in1 
 
A 
 
 The  ufe  we  arc  to  m&kt  tfGeds  hand. 
 
 temptations  j  our  God  doth  not  de- 
 light in  beating  us,  but  our  neccfG- 
 ticsinforceit:God  hath  taken  from 
 you  an  innocent  and  fwcet  conforr, 
 thcnaturall  Narfe  of  your  nurfery, 
 a  faithfull  difpenfer  ofyuur  eft  ate: 
 in  a  word,  a  good  wife*  who  did 
 you  good  and  not  evill  all  her  daks. 
 Wee  aire  bereft  of  a  Sifter,  a  Sifter 
 indeede  (as  S.  *Pa*l  fpcaketh  of 
 Widowes)  whofeloffe,  though  I 
 beare  more  weanedly,  becaufe  1 
 knew  her  more  fparingly  j  yet  it 
 doth  grieve  mee  Che  is  gone  with- 
 out any  fruits  of  my  love  with  her. 
 The  Lord  teach  us  to  be  fcrvice- 
 able  mutually  while  we injoy  each 
 other,  that  wee  come  not  to  wifli 
 we  had  done  fo.  Brother^  it  is  my 
 dcfire,3nd  I  will  feek  at  Gods  hands 
 with  a  fafting  for  you,  that  bee 
 would  give  yon  repentance,  and 
 fpeake  to  your  foule,  humbled  un- 
 der his  hand,  that  he  will  heale  all 
 with  advantage.  A  great  breach 
 hath  God  made  in  your  houfc,but 
 his  mending  is  better  than  bis  ma- 
 king. 
 
^ ' 
 
 Repentance  only  Jfops  Gods  ungtr.  28 7 
 
 kiog.Idoubrnor,bntyouknowby 
 this,  r  hat  God  doth  call  you  to  re- 
 pentance- no  bufh  will  flop  the  gap 
 Co  well^s  humbling  our  (oiiles-and 
 judging  them  in  this  fight:  now 
 this  is  an  exercife  that  requireth 
 entring  into  our  owne  hearts,  and 
 confidcring  what  evi lis  have  llept 
 in  our  bofomes,  efpecially  in  thofe 
 wales  which  the  finger  of  God 
 doth  point  out  more  particularly : 
 'Devtr.  go.  i  Kings  8.  47.  2.  To 
 get  a  fight  and  (enfe  of  Gods  hand 
 on  U3,and  yet  of  his  mercy  that  we 
 are  not  confumed.  3.  From  this 
 feeling  efpecially  of  his  mercy, 
 which  is  never  taken  from  us  in  his 
 chaftiftmentSjWe  muft  humble  our 
 (elves  bycoufctlion,  which  giveth 
 glory  to  God,  and  (hame  to  our 
 (elves,  by  cenfuring  our  owne 
 foules:  as  Ezek*26.  34.  Yecfhall 
 judge  your  (elves  as  worthy  to  be 
 cut  off:  by  crying  for  mercies.,  as 
 T)avidy  Tfahn.  5 1 .  And  thus  in  hu- 
 miliation come  to  him,  and  re- 
 new our  covenants  with  our  God. 
 
 now 
 
 1 
 
288   1  Wit  arefiibjiU  to  many  temptation.  I 
 
 Now  of  oui  felves,  wee  arc  full  of 
 indifpoiicion  to  this  worktjand  all 
 thatconverfe  about you/m  cooipa- 
 rifon,  will  call  you  from  this  pra- 
 ftice,  in  which  onely  is  your  true 
 peace  :  and  (o  you  bad  neede  co 
 looke  up  co  Iefus  Chrift,  who  is 
 made  the  Lord,chat  hath  all  power 
 in  Heaven  and  in  Earth,  that  hee 
 may  give  hislfrael  true  repentance 
 andforgivenefleoffins,  ^#.5.  31. 
 Efay  26. 12.  Not  thinking  much 
 to  attend  upon  him,  as  the  eyes  of 
 a  hand-maid  on  her  Miftrcfle :  For 
 who  is  like  unto  our  God  ?  and 
 what  is  more  precious  than  the 
 Grace  of  Repentance  ?  Againe , 
 Brorher,  know,  that  you  have  no 
 wiicdome,  to  cawy  your  felfe  as 
 becommeth  you  under  this  great 
 handofGJod  :  For  on  both  hands 
 the  Divell  will  aflaile  you,  and  the 
 folly  found  in  our  hearts,  doth 
 make  his  Temptations  more  dan* 
 gcrous  j  firft,  to  defpifc  the  Cor- 
 rection of  God  j:ftcondly,to  count 
 it  irkcfomea  cither  to  ward  the 
 
 furl 
 
Wet  are  apttofieigbt  Gods  band.  289 
 
 fmarc  off  by  impenitent  rneanes,or 
 to  be  fwallowed  up  with  griefe, 
 and  filled  with  bitternefle^in  endu- 
 ring of  it.  Now  for  the  firft,  we  doe 
 k  partly  by  inward  fuggeftions ; 
 pcrfwading  our  (elves,  that  wee 
 (hall  weare  the  matter  forth  well 
 enough,  that  wee  are  once  agiine 
 at  liberty,  and  are  in  elcftion  of 
 fuch  and  fiich  preferments,  (if  (uch 
 things  happen  not  to  be  11  your 
 minde,  it  is  the  God  of  'Pact  that 
 keepeth  them  out :)  (bmetimes  a- 
 gaine,  by  making  this  or  that  way 
 delightful]  unto  uf;  fufferingour 
 (elves  to  be  drawncaway  by  idle 
 company,which  are  no  better  than 
 the  Divells  Whiftle,  to  call  us  a- 
 way  from  all  favory  courfe^  yea, 
 j  his  MinftrclSjto  lull  us  ia  our  fpiri- 
 tuall  Qumber.Now  take  heed  here- 
 of; for  this  were  to  dawbe  'jp  the 
 wall  whh  untempered  Mortar: 
 The  eafe  which  is  gotten  this  way, 
 ii  like  'he  eafement  of  cold  drinke 
 to  hot  Agues,  it  would  make  a 
 worfe  thing  breed  •  for  that  which 
 
 ftaveth 
 
200      i  Tht  d*»g*r  of  deferring  humiliation. 
 
 -  |  ■ —       ■n-      — * — ~- — '  — | 
 
 I  ftayeththe  working  of  mansPhy- 
 
 ficke,hurrech  the  body;  which  wc 
 may  conceive  by  application  there- 
 of to  the  foule,  if  wee  will  not 
 imbrace  our  affii&ions  patiently. 
 Now,  if  you  will  not  liften  unto 
 God,  when  he  callcth  on  this  man- 
 ner, then  hee  will  drench  you  with 
 forrow,  e(pecially  three  waies* 
 Firft,  hee  will  hide  from  your  eye 
 the  remembrance  of  fuchthings,in 
 which  you  may  take  comfort;  yea, 
 keeping  you  from  tailing  all  the 
 mercies  of  God,  with  which  this 
 correftion  is  intermeddled.  Se- 
 condly, hee  will  helpe  you  with  a 
 Speftacle,  and  make  you  fee  too 
 big,both  the  prefcn  handj  and  all 
 old  matters  &circDmftances,whkh 
 may  make  it  feeme  grievous* 
 Thirdly,  dee  will  hide  from  your 
 eyes  all  comfortable  hope  of  Iffue, 
 which  God  is  moft  faiibfull  to  give* 
 Now  therefore,  deare  Brother,  the 
 Lord  lefts  grant  you  may  finde  fa- 
 vour in  his  fight,  to  efcape  evill 
 (bares.  Make  a  venue  of  aeceiiky : 
 
 be 
 
 :! 
 
 mm 
 
 mm 
 
The  profit  of  Refmtance. 
 
 291 
 
 1 
 
 be  not  afraid  to  fee  finne,  and  fccle 
 thefhaartchererof;  but  remember 
 withal], what  the  Law  of  the  Spirit 
 hath  done  in  the  courfe  of  your  life: 
 (hike  your  covenant  anew,  there 
 is  hope  with  our  God ;  for  all  this , 
 read  Ez,ecb,2.  3.  He  is  faithful!  to 
 give  Iflue ;  yea,  though  hec  make 
 heavi?,  vec  he  will  comfort  in  the 
 multitude  of  mercies,  Lament.  3. 
 32.  Turne  from  ir,  as  from  the  D:- 
 ve]l,that  would  quench  the  fpark s 
 of  your  godly  forro  w  and  abjecti- 
 on before  the  eyes  of  your  God. 
 Take  heed  my  Sonne,  of  defpifing 
 and  making  lighter  accounting 
 irkefome,thcchaftiiemencofGod : 
 If  yee  lacke  wikdome,  begge  if ; 
 I  will  give  r,  and  not  reproach 
 you, Heb. 12. flames  1.  5.  Ocry 
 to  God,  that  thus  you  may  be  gui- 
 ded. Should  you  not  finde  this 
 grace,  hec  would  quickly  lay  your 
 honour  in  the  duft,  and  we  fhould 
 hivec^ufetowcepinftcrettFare- 
 will  hi$  Ki:gdomc,  farewell  every 
 tbicg.  But  if  hee  give  you  this,  I 
 
 dare 
 
2?2 
 
 ^         —  
 
 The  more  we  I$veytbe  more  ret  grieve,  j 
 
 dare  aflureyou,  all  happineffe  (hall 
 follow  yoa  here,  and  for  ever. 
 Seeke  bit  Kingdome,ind  all  things 
 ftull  be  caft  upon  you 5  Mattb.  6. 
 
 39* 
 
 MY  deare  Sifter,  what  thaokes 
 doe.  I  owe  to  ray  God,  for 
 his  Fatherly  conlblation,  where- 
 wirh  hee  doth  comfort  you  ?  The 
 Lord  increafc  in  mee  brotherly 
 love,  and  that  grace,  which  may 
 make  mee  fanftific  him  in  all  his 
 mercy  and  truth,  which  I  fee  him 
 fhew  any  of  his  children ;  efpecial- 
 ly  fuch,whom  his  providence  hath 
 endeared  to  me,above  others.  The 
 increafe  of  your  godly  griefe,with 
 freedome  from  diftruft,  more  than 
 heretofore,  hath  nothing  in  it  to 
 be  admired.  The  more  wee  love, 
 the  more  wee  grieve,  that  wee 
 have  offired  any  grievance  to  thofe 
 uhom  wee  love.  The  more  wee 
 few  ie  Gods  love  in  forgiving  us , 
 
 the 
 
 se*&m*9*msa—sss*msF*s*a 
 
 ^- 
 
Tbey  that  graawtfier  grace,  293 
 
 the  more  wee  love  againe  :  (hee 
 lovcth  much,  becaufe  fiieefindcth 
 much  i$  forgiven  her  5  much  love 
 (hewed   her  firft.    Diftruft  hin- 
 derethus  from  feeling  Gods  love: 
 Gods  love  is  eclipfed  from  us^ours 
 is  much  enfeebled  towards  him; 
 our  love   weake,  our  griefe  for 
 offending  him ,  canaot  come  fo 
 kindly  from  us  3  for  this  is  propor- 
 tioned to  our  love.  Bleffed  be  God, 
 who  giveth  you  thofc  groancs,  af- 
 rer  his  grace :  God  ackno  wledgeth 
 that  which  his  Spirit  fuggefteth. 
 When  wee  bid  our  children  (as 
 Charity  for  example)  fay,  I  pray 
 youj  Mother,  give mee this-  we 
 doe  it  notjbut  when  wee  meane  to 
 give  them  that  which  wee  teach 
 them  to  aske.  So  it  is  with  God : 
 Hee  doth    not  fend  his   Spirit 
 to  our  hearts,  to  helpe  us  with 
 groancs,  but  when  hec  meaneth 
 to  anfwer  our  defires :  Hee  that 
 maketb  us  fa  w,  will  make  us  reape. 
 Hungric  poore  foules  are  glad, 
 when  they  heare  that  meate  is 
 
 toward 
 
, 
 
 2? 4       Cbf'ft  *MJ*t*sfie  ihtirUnging. 
 
 coward  them ;  glad  when  they  arc 
 invited,  though  yet  their  Knife  is 
 not  laid  on  boord.Let  this  comfort 
 you,Sifter,your  Cbritl  faich,Come 
 whofo  thirfteth,  and  drinkc  till  it 
 ftreamech  from  yon,  Iobn  j.  And 
 the  poore  (hall  eate,  and  be  facif. 
 fied,  and  praife  my  Name,  Thry 
 that  fceke  the  Lord,  their  hearts 
 fliallliye.  The  Lord  repyce  over 
 his  ownc  Wort  e,  and  continue  it 
 in  you  unto  the  end.  Farewell. 
 
 Yoar  loving  Brother, 
 PaulBajm.        \ 
 
 40. 
 
 DEare  Sifter,  yourcoufinDia- 
 bdm  returning,  I  cannot  but  in 
 few  words  anfwer  your  Letter  I 
 received.  I  doc  defire  to  be  thanke- 
 full  for  Gods  truth  and  tender  msr- 
 cy  towards  yoi,  and  for  making 
 mee  a  Minifter  of  your  Confohti- 
 on  :  Though  wee  be  unfaithful!, 
 yet  God  will  be  found  faithfull. 
 I  When 
 
When  wee  through  weakened?, 
 follow  him,  noc  challenging  him 
 with  reverence^  concerning  his 
 good  words  which  hee  hath  (]po- 
 ken  to  us;  when  wee  wait  not  on 
 the  performance  of  his  proroifes; 
 even  then  bee  pre venceth  us  with 
 his  goodnefle;  and  for  his  Names 
 fake,  hec  corometh  leaping  over 
 chofe  Mountainesof/tolw,T>i*  all 
 our  indifpoficion,  and  unworthi- 
 !  ncfTe.  He  who  is  thus  good  to  us, 
 fo  unbelieving;  if  we  would  mend 
 our  faith,  how  would  he  augment 
 his  mercies  ?  This  fal thfulncflfc  of 
 God  (hould  makeunbeliefe  odious 
 to  u?,and  caufc  us  to  labour  agaioft 
 it,  by  looking  to  the  Authour  and 
 finifher  of  our  faith;  even  then, 
 when  through  Gods  gracious  pre- 
 tence we  feele  our  fel  ves  in  beft  ta- 
 king.For  as  \  man, who  hath  beene 
 handled  fore  once  with  the  Stone^, 
 will  labour  to  keepe  it  downe,and 
 ,cleare  himfelfe  of it,when  now  hee 
 iswell^andtheFitover;  fo,tnthis 
 unbeliefe ,   having  found  how  it 
 
 (hakes 
 
29  6  Itfbould  excite  us  to  Faith. 
 
 (hakes  us*  when  wee  have  the  mod 
 releafefromic,  then  muftweeftill 
 be  dealing  with  it:  for  though  the  1 1(j 
 Fitisceafed,yet  thcfpirituallfick- 1(0 
 neffeftilllurkcth  in  us.  Remem- 
 ber, good  Sifter,  how  the  Divell 
 hath  diftutbed  your  peace  :  how 
 little  things,  not  looked  to  more 
 timely,  have  bred  matter  of  g^eat 
 grievance*  Labour  to  have  (tilt  in 
 tight  that  our  naturall  folly, which 
 raaketh  us  remember  our  beating 
 no  longer,  than  the  (mart  Iafteth. 
 Labour  to  heare  your  Chrift  faying 
 every  day  to  your  foule  •  I  am  that 
 Saviour, who  fave  my  people  from 
 fiane,  I  will  be  thy  filvacion.  Fi- 
 nally, ftrive  to  have  a  thankfull  ac- 
 knowledgement of  Gods  mercy 
 towards  you  :  Then  flull  your 
 Peace  be  like  the  Sunne,  which 
 fhioeth  brighter  and  brighter,  till 
 the  height  of  it  be  attained. 
 
 My  defire  is  to  doc  good  to  your 
 
 (bule,  both  in  my  pretence  with 
 
 you,  and  abfencc  from  you.  If  you 
 
 .could  marke  your  felfe,  and  let  me 
 
 1  know 
 
Wte  muft  profit  by  correBion. 
 
 know  what  mo  ft  biodereth  you; 
 where  you  finde  your  fclfe  wea- 
 keft,  I  (hould  fie  you  better  with 
 advice,  when  God  gave  me  ability 
 to  ponder  that  cftarc.  I  continue, 
 Sifte^bcttcr  than  fomccimes  I  have 
 becne,  but  held  under  the  hand  of 
 God :  For  that  painfull  weakneflc 
 in  the  bottoms  of  my  body,  doth 
 flill  follow  mee.  The  Lord  teach 
 mee  to  doe  his  will,  and  indure  his 
 pleafore  :  And  hee  that  will  have 
 finfull  men  joyne  withCom&i- 
 on,  Nurture  and  Inftru&ion,  hee 
 make  me  profit  by  all  his  chaftife- 
 raents.  The  Lord  delight  to  make 
 us  ever  with  good  hearts  confefle 
 his  truth  and  mercy  towards  us. 
 The  Lord  bleffe  you  with  increafe 
 I  of  comfort,  and  bleflc  all  yours, 
 | with  you. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 Paul  Bajne. 
 
 297 
 
 d: 
 
M     r->  \r    w*v\ 
 
 'j  «_/*/#/     y 
 
 9  *s  »     *^  » 
 
 V 
 
 I 
 
 41. 
 
 LOving  Sifter,  I  am  glad  that) 
 God  doth  adde  fbmewhat  to 
 your  health ;   for  I  hope  it  is  a  | 
 pledge  of  further  favour.The  Lord 
 open  our  eye?,  chat  wee  may  fee] 
 him  to  be  our  life,  and  the  length 
 of  our  daies.You  muft  not  let  wantj 
 of  company  make  you  It  Qz  light-' 
 fbme :  wee  u(e  not  company  wcllj 
 wheu  wee  are  not  fitted,  by  inpy- 
 ing  it,the  more  thankefully  to  for- 
 beareit,  whenthepleafurcofGod 
 is,  that  we  fhould  be  bereaved  of  it 
 for  a  while.  Your  beft  Husband, 
 hee  is  with  you  (till,  at  Bed  and 
 Boord,  ready  to  vouchsafe  you  the: 
 fweeteft  CommunionThe  Lord  of  I 
 his  tender  love  draw  you  after 
 him,  and  fpeake  peace  and  falvati- 
 on  to  your  (pirit.  I  have  kept  from 
 you  the  extremity  of  my  Vifitati- 
 on  -,  but  the  Candle  hath  not  gone 
 out  by  night,  fince  theThurfday 
 after  my  cemming  from  you :  till 
 
 within 
 
Submit  to  Gods  Rod. 
 
 2  99 
 
 within  theft  two  nights,    for  a 
 ;ood  fpacc,I  hare  beene  forced  to 
 uve  fome  watch  by  mce.  Yet, 
 Sifter,  thefe  arc  but  the  beginnings 
 )f  forro  wes,  thefe  are  not  the  fick- 
 lefles  that  I  have  long  looked 
 for.  The  Lord  make  mee  preci- 
 ous in  his  fight,  to  be  made  able  to 
 fuffer  and  doe  every  thing  in  his 
 Chrift.  My  heart  followeth  God, 
 defirous  to  be  taught  of  him  whol- 
 ly, to  endure  all  his  plcafure.    I 
 thanke  you  for  your  loving  re- 
 membrance^  which  you  ftill  have 
 of  mee.   The  Lord  ftirre  up  ray 
 heart,  that  I  may  remember  you  to 
 him,  and  that  I  may  be  ready  to 
 helpe  you  with  whatfoever  Office 
 of  true  love  (hall  lie  in  my  power. 
 Thus  with  my  love  remembred,  I 
 commend  you,  and  all  my  Coufins 
 with  you  to  the  gracious  protefti- 
 |  on  of  the  Alcnighty. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 
 Paul  Bsjnt. 
 
I 
 
 42. 
 
 LOvc  is  a  thing  we  may  lawfully 
 owe;  and  becaufe  this  is  a  fruit 
 of  love  to  confidcr  one  another, 
 and  prcvoke  to  good  workes,  to 
 exhort  one  ancther,that  we  be  noc 
 hardened  through  the  deceitful- 
 nefle  of  fin :  Therefore  I  wifh  that 
 orfcer  things  not  neglcfted,my  love 
 may  be  moft  frunfull  in  this  kinde. 
 i  Let  me  then  call  to  your  mind  the 
 duties  you  know  welU  that  you 
 may  more  and  more  beapra&ifcr 
 of  them.  The  Scripture,  2  Cor.  13. 
 5.  6.  biddcthus  prove  our  feives, 
 and  telleth  us,  that  if  Chrift  be  not 
 in  us,  wee  are  counterfeits :  It  be- 
 commeth  us  therefore,  to  fee  on 
 what  ground  wee  (land,  thatvvee 
 may  make  fare  worke  with  our 
 God.  If  falfe  gold  walked  abroad, 
 weedould  not  take  a  Piece,  but 
 trying  it;  fo  wife  wee  are,  that  we 
 may  not  be  deceived  in  earthly 
 things,  when  wee  hand  over  head 
 
 admit 
 
fVe  may  hp$r*  whether  we  be  Chrijfs* 
 
 admit  any  :hing  as  currant  iichc 
 way  offal  virion.  Now  wee  may 
 eafily  knowifweebeinChrift,  or 
 Chrift  ici  us :  for  as  where  the  Sua 
 (hint  th  ic  may  be  decerned  hence, 
 becau/e  the  darknes  doth  difperfe, 
 all  things  are  lightfome :  Even  fo, 
 where  this  Sao  of  RighteoufhefTc 
 ftiineth,  the  darke  clouds  of  igno- 
 rance aid  fianc  are  fcatrered.,  the' 
 light  of  knowledge  and  grace  fhi- 
 neth, !  f  you  be  in  Chrift,  yoa  have 
 cracifiedthefl.fh,  withtheluftof 
 ir^  </*/.  5. 24,  If  you  be  in  Chrift, 
 you  are  a  new  creature,  2  Cor.  5. 
 20.  Wherefore,  Brothcr^becaafe  I 
 know  there  is  little  wind  abroad 
 todnue  this  Mill,  the  Lord  by  his 
 Spirir  worke  all  things  for  us. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 Ptul  Baync. 
 
 O         43,  Well 
 
 301 
 
302 
 
 womtn  grape. 
 
 ■s-rs! 
 
 45 
 
 Ell,  you  fliould  let  nice 
 heare  from  you3and  know 
 how,  you  feele  your  foulc  affefted ; 
 who  can  fie  a  ftiooe  that  k  ioweth 
 not  the  foote  1  how  can  I  fie  you 
 withhelp&Ucounfcll,  while  you 
 conceaie  from  mee  your  daily  con- 
 dition >  You  would  not  willingly 
 have  a  PhyficiaQ  preterite  blind- 
 fold, roving  in  uncertaine  without 
 a  marke;but  you  care  not  what  you 
 put  upon  my  invention.  Brother, 
 how  do  you  feele  your  foulc  every 
 day  ?  doth  it  grow  up  in  the  life  of 
 God?  hath  it  more  defire  of  him, 
 thought  cocerning  hinynorc  love, 
 repenrance,  holy  fliame-faftnefie? 
 If  the  body  be.  in  au  Atrophy,  and 
 not  like,  what  meanes  (over  wee 
 u  fed,  what  a  grief  e  would  it  be  un- 
 to us  >  (hall  wee  not  grieve  if  our 
 fbules  grow  not  up  in  the  life  of 
 graee?  Doe  you  feele  fome  little 
 good  thing  more  than  you  have 
 
 done 
 
The  life  nf grace  requires 
 
 done  heretofore  ?  ic  muft  comfort 
 us,  and  wee  muft  confeffe  it  with 
 thanks,  giving  to  God  glory.  If  we 
 mention  by  Letter,  and  bleffe  God 
 in  our  bodily  health,  how  much 
 more  muft  his  kindncfle  in  our 
 (bules  be  acknowledged?  I  pray 
 you  let  me  &  you  fall  into  Letter- 
 colloquies  of  this  nature.  Brother, 
 the  life  of  Grace  in  the  heart  doth- 
 askedaity  diligence  to  maintaiae 
 it.  Doeyou  not  fee  in  nature,  ^4**- 
 mwtis  ctt)u[<fc  vit*efiftig4  f  Were 
 it  not  for  the  repaire  by  nutrition, 
 the  naturall  life  would  be  foone 
 cxtinguifhed.  Sodoryounotfeele 
 the  life  of  God  in  your  fbule  ?  you 
 cannot  find  any  vigor  of  it  (boner, 
 than  you  lhall  fcek  a  fecret  cxhau- 
 fturc  and  decay  creeping  upon  you. 
 Now  as  wee  take  bodily  refe&ioo 
 daily,  and  count  it  not  grievous,  fo 
 wee  muft  workeupon  our  hearts 
 before  God,  that  we  may  feele6y 
 this  means,firom  himadaily  renew- 
 ing of  the  beft  ftrength  in  us.  The 
 good  God  of  nature  hath  put  a  de- 
 
 O  2         light 
 
 303 
 
 *M* 
 
 I 
 
 ■     up 
 
Daily  nourishment 
 
 l'gbtin  thofe  bodily  fur iftions,  in 
 wch  is  the  preservation  of  our  per- 
 fons^this  makes  us  not  abjeft  the  j 
 butbecaufe  our  foules  are  to  the 
 meanes  of  grace,  as  a  ficke  ftoraack 
 is  affefted  to  racate.,  becaufc  it  is 
 painfull  a  little  to  us^thercfore  the 
 belt  duties  are  fore-fbwed.  The 
 Lord  fave  us  from  this  fl  )th  of  fpi- 
 rit,we  will  eatc  without  appetite  : 
 one  bit,  they  fay,  will  drive  downe 
 another.  Let  us  doe  thus  with  our 
 fbules,and  we  fhallfinde  that  eaiic 
 which  hath  feemed  painfull. With- 
 out cracking  the  (hell,  wee  cannot 
 come  to  the  kernel!.  The  Lord 
 kcepe  you  in  his  feare  and  favour. 
 
 44* 
 
 GOod  Mafter  ZW.  I  cannot 
 but  write  unto  you,  things 
 going  as  they  doe,  though  other- 
 wife  I  fhould  have  uftd  fortae  for- 
 bearance, becaule  of  roy  Xmploy- 
 ments.  The  firft  part  of  your  Let- 
 ter did  re  Joyce  race,  and  the  latter 
 
 grieve 
 
The  vtyce  ofthaukfgiving. 
 
 305 
 
 grieve  me :  For  I  defirc  to  pra&ife 
 the  duty  of  remembring  the  affli- 
 ftcd,  as  if  my  felfe  were  affhtted  hi 
 body;  according  as  wee  are  com- 
 manded, Hebr.  13. 3.  I  am  glad 
 God  huh  noc  onely  kept  you  hi- 
 tFurco,  but  (lied  into  your  heart  his 
 Fatherly  love  in  Chrift  r  fo  thn  you 
 vow  (through  his  grace)  thankful- 
 nefle  anro  the  end,  A  voyct  taught 
 by  Gods  Spirit;  for  you  may  fee 
 the  fame  working  in  the  hem  of 
 the  Prophet,  on  like  experience 
 1  of  Go Js  goodie  ffe :  PJal.  146.2. 
 [wiflpfjife  the  Lord 'tinting  my  life, 
 as  long  as  J  have  iny  being,  J  will 
 fwg  to  ny  God.  It  is  a  feemcly 
 thing  to  breake  out  into  thofe 
 voyces :  what  fhall  wee  give  the 
 Lord  for  all  his  benefits  (hewed 
 to  us?  Deliverance  isc omforcuble, 
 but  Gods  loving  kindncfle  is  bet- 
 ter than  life.  Therefore  wee  muft 
 bow  o'Jr  knees  to  the  Father  of 
 our  Lord  Jtfus  Chrilt,  that  wee 
 may  know  more  tin?  love  of  God 
 in  Chrilt,  which  paflkch  all  know- 
 
 O  3  1   fV 
 
u 
 
 306      J  Whom  God  loves  6nce7  he  loves  ever. 
 
 ledge.  It  was  Gods  great  mercy  to 
 let  you  drinke  of  his  favour  in  any 
 meafure,  before  hee  changed  his 
 right  band;  I  mesne  his  dealing 
 with  you :  for  whom  hee  once  lo- 
 vethjthere  is  nothing  (hall  for  ever 
 make  a  (eparation  betwixt  his  love 
 and  the  party.  Neither  life,  nor 
 death^eithcr  any  thing  prefent^or 
 any  thing  which  may  fall  out  here- 
 after, (hall  be  able  to  feparate  us 
 from  the  love  of  God  in  Chrift :  for 
 all  Gods  gifts,  his  love,  and  the 
 fruits  of  it,  concerning  that  be  tec  r 
 life,  they  arc  without  repentance. 
 You  rauft  then  not  let  your  (elft  be 
 too  much  caft  downe,  but  comfort 
 your  felfe  in  the  Lord  your  God.  I 
 pray  you  reade  the  firft  of  Sam.  the 
 30.  Chap,  and  the  6.  vevf.  I  am  not 
 ignorant  Mr .  Dowfonjhn  a  wife  is 
 very  neere,  and  fo  a  husband  to  a 
 wife.  lin  part  confider  it,though  I 
 cannot  weigh  it  as  I  (hould.Againe, 
 I  know  that  even  the  deare  Saints  1 
 of  God  have  not  beene  able  to 
 bridle  this  paflion :  lacob  would 
 
 goe 
 
 i 
 
Be  not  fixed  on  esrtbly  thing  r. 
 
 goe  weepiog  to  the  grave  after  his 
 fonne,  and  would  not  be  comfor- 
 ted. Yet  wee  muft  know  what  is 
 the  will  of  our  God  :  namely,  that 
 feeing  the  fafhion  of  all  earthly 
 things  paffeth  away,  and  feeing 
 that  through  Chrift  he  doth  cover 
 oar  fpirirs,  and  give  us  hope  of  a 
 better  enduring  life  :  that  there- 
 fore wee  fhould  rejoyce,    as  if 
 wee  rejoyced  not;  and  weeps  as 
 if  wee  wept  not;  wee  fhould  not 
 ovsr-much  be  afik&ed  with  the 
 poffefling  or  removall  of  thefe 
 things  which  are 
 Earthly, 
 
 307 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 0  + 
 
[SOLILOQVIES: 
 
 OR, 
 
 A    HOLY   HELPER 
 in  Gods  Building, . 
 
 Written  in  a  Letter 
 
 byMr.  Paul  Bay me,  iomctime 
 
 Preacher  of  Gods  Word  at  Saint 
 
 Andnvces  in  Cambridge. 
 
 EfFe&ually  inflru&ing,    and 
 earneftly  provoking  ro  true  Re- 
 
 pecuncc,  Love,    and .  new 
 
 Obedience. 
 
 The  fourth  Edition  3  inlargeil  by  a  more 
 perfeft  Cupie, 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed  by  E.G.  for  1.  N.  and  are  to  be 
 
 (old  by  Sam,Enrlerbyu\  Topes-Head- 
 
 AUc),  at  the  SigneoftheScar,  1637. 
 
k 
 
== 
 
 The  Preface  to 
 
 M.  IORD. 
 
 LOving  'Brother,  nature 
 her  felfufuch  it  School. 
 tnifireffe,  tbatffieteacb- 
 etb  her  Creatures  induflry  in 
 their  kind:the  dumb  elements 
 are  carried  about  frith  inde- 
 fatigable motion :  The  Ant, 
 and  other  creatures,  are  ex* 
 ceeding  induflrieus.  As  na- 
 ture maheih  a  man  incline  to 
 atlion  j  fo  mfedome  maketh 
 him  to  choofe  hti  yporke,  to 
 leave  that  "which  ii  dead  and 
 to  leffe  advantage,  and  to 
 choofe  that  "which  u  mofl 
 
 com 
 
 mm —    ■•  -■; 
 
 .  •'.** «■  Jt 
 
THE  PREFACE. 
 
 commodious.  Humane  wife- 
 dome  {unable  to  go  beyond  h*r 
 compare)  can  but  point  us  to 
 civiQ  human  works  jbe fruit 
 wherofu  a  good  proportion- 
 abletto  wit, civil  or  external,. 
 The  wifedome  which  if  from 
 above  and  heavenly  guide \th 
 our  hands  to  a  higher  plough, 
 and  biddeth  m  exercife  our 
 felyes  in godlineffe,  meeting 
 God  with  repentance,  fiir 
 ring  up  our  heart  J,  that  they 
 may  be  affeclioned  towards 
 him.  And  becaufe  the  worke 
 it  tranfeendent  and  of  higher 
 nature  than  thefc fecular \and 
 Wee  are  ready  to  thinke  with 
 
 Peccr,Mrf/?ir,ip;  do  tbmand 
 
 thus,  j 
 
 •+&mm*T*~*i* 
 
 mm^tmmi 
 
X 
 
 THE   PREFACE. 
 
 tbufy  what  (ball  wee  haDe< 
 God  {that  wee  might  better 
 like  the  work)dotb  mend  cur 
 wages^ajjuring  us  tbatgodll 
 nejje  u  great  gaine  of  it f elf e, 
 bringing  content  mentyeajje 
 I  dotbpromi/e  us  the  things  of\ 
 this  life,  and  oft  bat  which  is 
 to  come  jf we  will  learne  thu 
 occupation,  Now  he  that  wil 
 increafe  grace  andgodlincjjc 
 in  his  heart,  mujt  labour  hi> 
 foule  this  way  with  wreflling 
 and  contention.  It  is  not  eye- 
 ry  walking  and  moving  in  a 
 Cbriflian  courfe,  by  which 
 trace  ii  augmented  More  (en 
 i  Die  j  but  flirting  ourfelyes 
 up,  and  putting  fo  jot  tb  the 
 
 grace 
 
THE  PREFACE. 
 
 grace  "free  haye,  that  injome 
 fort  -%>e  feel  the  utmofl  it  Drill 
 reach  totas  natural}  ft  renph 
 is  not  increafed  with  eyery 
 fedentarj  motion.that  tsfuch 
 fiirring3  as  is  next  to  fitting 
 ftill,  but  "frith  fuch  exercife, 
 which  if  it  be  not  ad  fudo 
 teyet  is,ad  rubbrem^  here 
 it  is  mo  ft  moderat  W her  fore 
 as  you  "frould  haye  thefoule 
 thriye, breathe  it  well  in  me- 
 ditation, and  other  duties  of 
 deyotion.  Wee  haye  indeed 
 ftiffeakingjoints%  thatpaine 
 us  to  ft  ir  in  this  kind:  but  the 
 more  -warmth  wee  get,  the 
 more  all  grief e  "frill  be  abated. 
 No^fr  there  is  no  one  branch 
 
 of 
 
 *** 
 
THE  PREFACE. 
 
 of  devout  exercife  more  fruit- 
 full  than  that  of  Soliloquie , 
 wherein  we  commune  with  our 
 owne  foules,  and  excite  them 
 towards  God.  Words  ferve  not 
 onely  to  make  knowne  the  con- 
 ceptions of  our  minds,  but  to 
 give  glory  to  God  who  under- 
 flandeth  our  thoughts  afar  off; 
 and  to  blow  up  devotion^  and 
 kindle  our  cooling  affections  to  • 
 wards  him.  Inordinatpafsions 
 come  likefoule  weather  Jce fore 
 wee  fend  for  them,  they  often 
 \  present  all  attion  oj  the  will : 
 but  good  affebl  ions  are  fo  over- 
 laid with  fin  which  compaffeth 
 us  about,  that  if  wee  gather  not 
 wind  under  their  wing  (fo 
 
 ponde- 
 
THE  PREFACE. 
 
 ponderous  tbeftejhis)they  can* 
 not  mount  up  to  the  purpofefor 
 the  warrant  of  this  duty,  wee 
 haye  both  precept  isfpratlics^ 
 take  "Words  to  your  fe  foes ',  H  o  i . 
 1 5 .  j.Hcb. ; .  1 ; . Examples  both 
 facredj?[a,\.^z  n .Gen.  14.4  9. 
 andEcclefiajticall  ^Iuftinf., 
 and  many  others. To  leadeyour 
 
 * 
 
 band  in  this  matter  J gfoe  you 
 this  letter •,  "which  containeth  a 
 forme  of  Soliloquies  fer"Ping  to 
 further  your  daily  repentance^ 
 and  found  affeclion  towards 
 God  -,  keepe  it  for  your  private 
 ufe.  And  the  Lord.Iefm3  the 
 quickning  Saviour,  be  with  it 
 to  the  end  above  named. 
 
 Tout  Iov;ng  Bf  othery. 
 
 'Pttut  Bayru. 
 
 i 
 
3»7 
 
 -  - 
 
 gfc&a^ 
 
 X2ffi£2g& 
 
 HOLY 
 
 SOLILOQJ/IES: 
 
 O  R, 
 
 A  Holy  Helper  in 
 
 Gods  Building. 
 
 EElireinthelaft, 
 and  rooft  perilous 
 times,  in  which 
 the  power  of  god- 
 lindfeis  much  de- 
 cayed; and.  Love, 
 Mat .2^.  12.  through  abundance 
 of  iniquity,  much  cooled.  Now,  j 
 there  is  no  one  thing  which  more 
 breedcth  this  consumption  of 
 Grace,and  growth  of  he  contrary, 
 than  the  want  of  fuch  Spirituall 
 Exercifes  as  awaken  grace,  and  re- 
 new the  ftrengthof  it  in  us,  from 
 one  degree  to  another.  For  as  not 
 
 blowing, 
 
3H 
 
 the  benefit  ef  Soliloquies. 
 
 -      i  -— — —  ■  <  ii         ■    ■  »^— — — — 
 
 blowing,  briogs  the  firetobcex- 
 cinft  in  time,  no  le0e  than  the  pro- 
 curing ofcold  Waterto  be  poitfired 
 upon  it :  Co  the  (1  athfull^  not  row- 
 fingupthemfelves,killcthgracc,as 
 well  as  the  wilfall,  living  in  fame 
 knowne  fii ;  death  followeth  upDn 
 both.  The  difference  is  5  one  is  vio- 
 lent and  fpeedy,  th£  other  is  (as  we 
 fpeake  of  Consumptions)  gentle, 
 and  lingring,  but  ho  leffe  certaine. 
 Now,  chough  there  are  many 
 meanes  whereby  the  foute  doth 
 ftiakeupicfelfe,  yec  thctefcaatte 
 more  fruitfully  than  for  a  Chtiftbtn 
 to  accuftome  himfelfc  to  S'vliU- 
 qnh)  taking  words  to  our  ieltfcs, 
 between  God  and  our  owuefoules. 
 Words  ferve  not  onely  to  open  bur 
 minde,  that  others  may  cohceive 
 our  meaning,  but  to  honour  God 
 ("who  undcrftandeth  us,  without 
 chem)and  arejasit  were2Bsllowes 
 to  blow  up  our  affeftiobs,  ttfhfcn 
 their  devotion  coolcth.  Sinful  pa£ 
 (ions  Will  prevent  oUr  Wills,  and 
 come  (as  wee  fay  of  foulc  Wea- 
 ther") 
 
Soliloquies  c  omandtd,  fraUtfed.   1     315 
 
 thcr)  before  they  are  fine  for.  But 
 for  holy  affefttons  (fo  ponderous 
 is  our  corruption,  which  preffeth 
 downc)  unkfle  wee  Lbour  the 
 thing  with  our  heart?,  they  will 
 not  rife  to  any  purpofe  ia  us.  God 
 therefore  hath  commanded  it  un- 
 to us  \  and  complainech,  when  it  is 
 negle&ed.  Hof.iq.  2.  Take  words 
 to  your  (elves  :  None  awaketh 
 himfelfe  to  lay  hold  on  God :  None 
 faith,  Jercm.  8.  6.  What  have  I 
 done*  And  the  moft  excel  tent 
 men  of  God  have  abounded  in  fo- 
 litary  Conferences  with  God  and 
 their  Soules;  as  both  facred  and 
 Ecclefiafticall  Story  teach*  by  the 
 examples  of  Vavtd,  and  others, 
 Saint  tsfujien,  Anfelme^  and  Ber- 
 nard. The  fruite  of  this  Exercife, 
 hath  made  mee  fct  downe  (for 
 the  hclpe  of  Novices,  who  have 
 'not  becne  exercifed  this  way)  a 
 Forme  of  Wor^,  which  might 
 containe  fit  Soliloquies,  to  further 
 us  in  found  Repentance,  an  J  good 
 Affr&ions  towards  God.   Firft, 
 
 there- 
 
3  20     Gods  judgements  call  for  repentaxee. 
 
 therefore,   to  dcale  with  you  in 
 Repentance*  then,  to  hclpe  you 
 forward  in  Love,  and  new  obe- 
 dience. 
 The  Lord  preacheth  Repentance 
 ft  ill  unto  us.  If  a  Meffenger  knock 
 at  our  doore,  and  anfwerbe  retur- 
 ned, he  Is  gone  forthwith  to  thefe 
 that  fent  him.  So,  if  the  Plague, } 
 and  fuch  like  Mongers,  which 
 God  fendech  to  us,  had  that  which 
 they  corns  for,chey  would  not  ftill 
 ring  the  Bell  at  our  doores,  and 
 call  upon  us.   Neither  doth  God 
 wait  for  Repentance  onely  from 
 the  wicked,  but  he  would  have  his 
 deareft  Children  meete  him,  con- 
 demning themfelves,  Luke  13. 5. 
 If  yce  repent  not  alfo  more  and 
 more,  when  yee  fee  the  exam- 
 ples of  Gods  wrath,  yet  {hill  alfo 
 perifh. 
 
 Firft,  to  (hew  you  what  this  is, 
 I  {hall  by  this  meanes  ftirre  you  up 
 unto  it  more  fruitfully.  By  Re- 
 pentance,! cweane  nothing  elfe,  but 
 \  godly  forrow  for  finne^  wherein  the 
 1  foule 
 
"he  Nature  ofRcpence. 
 
 321 
 
 I 
 
 foulchumbfeth  ic  £lfe  before  God, 
 and  commeth  home  to  him.  It  is 
 not  a  worldly  fonow,Iike  theirs 
 in  Hofesj.  14.  which  maketh  us 
 whine,  becaufe  the  World  is  hard ; 
 nor  yet  a  hopelefie  griefe,for  feare 
 of  puniftiment  :  but  a  griefe  for 
 finoe,  as  it  difpleafcch  God ;  whole 
 love  through  Chrift,  wee  have  felt 
 (hed  in  our  hearts ;  whofe  mercy 
 wee  Qe  ic  i?,  that  wee  are  not  con- 
 fumed;  yea,  whofe  fatherly  aff&i- 
 on  doth  feeke  to  call  us  home  by 
 loring  Corre&ioru 
 
 Now  in  tlrs  furrow,  thefoule 
 doth  humble  it  felfe  :  For  this  is 
 the  nature  of  Repentance ;  it  will 
 make  us  takefhame  to  our  (elves, 
 parcly3by  feafonable  acknowledge- 
 ment of  thofe  waies,  wherein  we 
 have  moft  provoked  God  5  partly, 
 by  judging  our  fdves  as  worthy  to 
 be  cut  off,  that  we  may  find  grace 
 in  his  eyes,  and  not  be  con- 
 demned  :  And  together,  with  grie- 
 ving and  abafing  it  felfe,  the  ftray- 
 foule    commeth  home  to  God, 
 
 pur 
 
 :i 
 
3i8 
 
 Wi  mnfi  grieve  fer  om  failings. 
 
 purposing  through  his  ftrength,  to 
 leave  thole  courics  wherein  ic  hath 
 grievgd  him,  and  to  cleave  to  him 
 in  all  his  Commandemenfs.  Looke 
 then,  if  entring  into  your  ownc 
 hearts,  yee  finde,  that  as  much  as 
 hath  beene  amiffe,  by  difpenfing 
 Gods  mercy  and  patience,  yea,  his 
 goodnefle,  giving  you  the  Call  of 
 his  Word,  and  Corre&ious ;  yee 
 are  grieved,  that  yee  have  beene  fo 
 unki;>de  an  uid-utifull  to  fo  kinde 
 and  carefull  a  Father.  Ifyeefiade, 
 that  where  it  is  to  his  glory,  yee 
 love  to  confefle  your  unfruitful- 
 ne(Te,and  to  condemne  your  fcl  ve5, 
 and  doe  with  a  true  purpofe  of 
 heart,  ftrike  a  new  Covenant  with 
 God,to  forbeare  your  owne  waies, 
 to  walke  more  fruitfully  before 
 him,fo  far  re  as  his  Grace  (hall  pre- 
 ferve  you  in  the  one,  and  ftreng- 
 then  you  in  the  other  (for  all  our 
 fufficieacy  is  from  him :)  if  yee  find 
 thefe  things  in  any  meafure,  then 
 rejoyce ;  for  God  hath  given  you 
 Repentance^  to  eternal!  life.  But 
 
 if 
 
Sofball  Godcmfortus. 
 
 if  your  hearts  have  negieftcdthis 
 excrcifeof  a  broken  fpirit,  and  if 
 your  confidence  cell  you,th  tf  there 
 hath  beene  little  or  no  gricfethis, 
 way,  then  yee  muft  be  intreated, 
 that  whiicft  it  is  c  lied  today  that 
 Godsgracedothftill  invite  you,vcc 
 would  not  harden  your  hearts,  but 
 prepare  to  meete  him.  W^epenot 
 for  me,  bur  for  your  tins,  (aichour 
 Saviour,  Luk^  23. 28 .  And  bkfled 
 are  they  that  mourne  in  this  kind : 
 the  Lord  carrieth  an  hand-cher- 
 chicfe  to  wipe  away  thefeteares; 
 he  is  nigh  to  comfort  thefe hearts  : 
 thefc  April-dewes  bring  May- 
 flowers ;  (uch  as  fbwe  in  teares, 
 (hallreapc  in  joy.  Is  it  not  better 
 for  us,  to  take  the  rodde  into  our 
 owne  hands,  and  beate  our  felves 
 gently,than  force  the  Lord  to  cha- 
 ften  us,  who  is  a  confumiog  fire  >  If 
 the  Lord  fce,  that  wee  are  but  wil- 
 ling to  caft  downe  our  felves,  and 
 to  deale  with  our  owne  foules, 
 hee  will  cover  our  heads  in  the 
 evil!  hourc,  whereas  his  negligent 
 
 Children 
 
 319 
 
324 
 
 ■  ,*■ 
 
 T)el+yr.ott$reftnt. 
 
 , 
 
 Children  (hall  tafte  of  his  tempo- 
 rary difpleafure.  Delay  not  this  : 
 Oar  fouleyn  f^ervingfrom  God5 
 are  like  Bones  out  of  j  rpnt ;  the 
 longer  they  goc  fo,  they  prove 
 more  painfull ;  if  we  uke  them  be- 
 rime, they  are  fee  more  eafily,  Wc 
 will  take  Phyficke,purge,orfwear, 
 to  prevent  the  growing  of  a  difeafe 
 upon  our  bodies  t  (hall  we  not  be 
 wife  then  for  our  fbules?  Thevc- 
 mic  of  the  fbule,  is  the  griefe  of 
 Repentance :  take  it  betimes,drive 
 it  not  off,  til!  the  Lord  be  forced 
 co  vifir.  Now  if  God  give  you  to 
 defire^  that  your  hearts  were  bro- 
 ken in  his  fight,  but  yet  yee  finds 
 it  will  not  be,  partly  for  the  hard- 
 ncfie  of  your  hearts,  partly  for 
 other  lets  and  impediments :  I  will 
 helpe  you  a  little  at  this  life-  firft, 
 giving  you  rules  for  the  out- wrcft- 
 ling  of  impediments;  fecondly/or 
 the  blowing  up  of  our  devotion 
 in  this  exercifej  which  of  all  fa- 
 crifices  is  the  mod  acceptable. 
 Now  for  hiaderances,  yec  muft 
 
 make 
 
CMany  lets  to  Repentance. 
 
 make  account  to  meet  with  them, 
 if  ye  purpofe  moreferioufly  to  call 
 yonrielves  to  a  more  ftraight  rec- 
 koning for  your  wayes.  Somtimes 
 inward  indifpofition  wilgrow  up- 
 on you :  Againe,  the  Diveil  will 
 want  of  his  will,  but  fome  finne 
 or  other  fhall  fo  clofe  with  your 
 foules.  which  will,  like  aThorne 
 caught  in  the  foote,  hinder  your 
 intended  journey.  If  yce  elcape 
 thefe,hcwilliurthet  ply  you  with 
 diftra£ions  from  things,  andper- 
 fons,  which  are  without  you;  This 
 or  that  is  neceflfarily  to  bee  done ; 
 One  or  other  is  to  fpeake  with 
 yoi*  Furthermore  >  if  yce  looke 
 fcrioufly  to  this  good  way  of  Re- 
 pentance, he  will  fuggeth  What 
 needeth  fuch  adoe  ?  God  is  more 
 mercifull,  then  to  require  fuch 
 ftraitcourfes.  Whom  doe  you  fee 
 to  vex  thcmfelves  in  fuch  a  man- 
 ner ?  Yea,  fometimes  hec  makes 
 the  enrrancedifficult,and  comfort - 
 leffe,  to  fee  if  bee  candifmayus 
 
 I '  from  proceeding.  Finally,  he  will 
 P  harpe 
 
 3*7 
 
 . 
 
 7 
 
328 
 
 Helpes  to  orecome  th-e 
 
 harpe  much  on  this  firing:  Wilt 
 thou  bid  adue  to  thy  plcafurcs^and 
 betake  thy  felfc  to  fo  painfull  a 
 courfe?  And  this  is  the  Loth  to 
 depart  he  fingeth  to  the  foule  that 
 i  looketh  towards  God:  firft  >  to 
 fpeake  ingenerall  to  them ;  then 
 in  particular*  to  this  laft  and  main 
 detention.   Now  >  that  we  may 
 iafely  pafle  thefe  Rockes*  wrmuff 
 firft  ferioufly  confider  the  malice 
 of  the  Devillagainftus*  who  by 
 all  poflible  means  h$  can^oppolcth 
 the    comming-acquainted    with 
 ithis  exercife.  While  we  are  in 
 our  own  wayes?  thecoaft  is  cleare 
 enough :  but  when  God  giveth  us 
 a  good  motion  and  purpofe  ,  the 
 Devill  doth  watch  it,as  one  fhoufd 
 an  infantrfhat  he  may  kill  it  in  the 
 Cradle >  yea,  fmother  it  in  the 
 Wombe ,  where  it  was  conceived. 
 Thus*  Lord,  when  thou  fendeft  by 
 thySpirit,a  motion  intoour  beartl 
 for  our  foules  healtfbhe  labourerh 
 to  make  us  quench  the  Spirit*  and 
 ft)  to  double  our  Condemnation. 
 
 Now 
 
foggeflions  ofSat*nK 
 
 Now  then^feeing  the  malice  of  the 
 Devill  *  ye  muft  labour  (fecondly) 
 to  feele  your  own  weaknefle,  thac 
 there  is  no  ftrength  in  you  to  en- 
 counter with  the  enetry *  and  fay 
 thus  to  your  felves :  Lord,  thou 
 know  eft  it*  I  have  no  ftrength  of 
 myfelfe;  nay  *  I  have  chat  which 
 prefleth  me  downe  >  which  would 
 make  me  thinke  *  there  is  a  Lyon 
 in  this  way*  and  flip  my  necke  out 
 of  this  Collar*  though  t^cre  were 
 no  other  with-ftanding  me*  nor 
 ought  without  me*  that  fhauld  let 
 me:  How  then  (hould  I  be  able 
 to  goeover  fomany  things*  with- 
 out affiftancc  ?  Then  ye  muft*  in 
 the  third  place  *  looke  up  unto 
 Chrift  by  the  eye  of  Faith(finding 
 the  Devils  oppofic  ion,  and  your 
 owne  infirmities)  who  giveth  not 
 onely  the  will  to  us*but  the  deed* 
 and  worketh  all  our  works  for  us. 
 Speake  to  him  *  and  fay :  Lord, 
 thou  canft  help  me;  &  as  thou  haft 
 put  this  into  my  mind,  and  taught 
 me  to  know  this  piece  of  thy 
 
 v      P  2  hoy 
 
 i*9 
 
33 O      I   Rch  on  Godrfo  takeaway  thcUts* 
 
 holy  will,  fo  I  intreate  thee  to  ac- 
 complifh  it  in  me :  it  is  not  I,  but 
 thy  grace  in  me,  which  muft  efteft 
 all.  Asa  Childewh©  goethwith 
 his  Father,  led  in  his  hand,  if  hee 
 come  to  a  Stile,  or  Bridge,  he  will 
 cry  to  him,  to  take  him  and  lift 
 him  over;  fo  muft  we  to  our  hea- 
 venly Father,cry  to  be  taken  up,  a- 
 boireall  thefe  hindrances.  This  is 
 an  excellent  remedy;when  we  be- 
 hold Seasfcefore  us,  mountains  on 
 each  fide ,  Armies  of  enemies  be- 
 hinde  us,  all  hindring  our  going 
 forth  of  our  felves ;  and  in  all,the 
 Devils  power  :  thentoftand  ftill, 
 andlookcfor  thefalvation  of  the 
 Lord.  And  here  it  is  good  to  think 
 on  thefe  quickning  places  of  Scrip- 
 ture :  Enter  in  at  the  ftrait  Gate , 
 Cfrtatth.  7.1 5«Nay,Striveto  enter 
 in ;  for  many  (hall  fcek  to  enter  in, 
 and  fliall  not  be  zb\z>Luke  1 3 ,24. 
 Sceke  firft  Gods  Kingdomc,  and 
 therighteoufneffe  thereof,  Matth* 
 6*33.  One  thing  is  necefTarie,!^ 
 1  o  •  4  2  •  What  if  one  could  get  the 
 
 whole 
 
Berefolntem  l^epentaxce. 
 
 331  1 
 
 J  whole  world,  if  hee  lofe  his  ovvne 
 Soule  ?  CMath-i  6.1 6*  Narrow  is 
 the  gate  that  leadcth  unto  Iife>and 
 few  there  bee  that  find  it,  Mat,  7, 
 i^Laftly^yemuft  think,how  if  yc 
 appoint  to  bee  with  this  or  that 
 man,  but  for  fbmc  twenty  Nobles 
 matter,  (in  which  (perhaps)  yee 
 gaine  not  a  Pound  cleirly)nothing 
 ftiall  let  you :  if  this  or  that  of  leile 
 moment  be  out  of  order,  ye  fee  ks 
 and  fee  it  not  >  yee  have  a  greater 
 gaine  in  fight :  if  any  would  hold 
 youbacke,  yee  crave  pardon,  yee 
 nave  pointed  by  fuch  an  houre,  to 
 meetfuchanone.  Then  yee  mull 
 reafon  thustShall  I  be  thus  refolute 
 in  executing  my  purpofe  towards 
 man^when  I  gaine  fome  limll  mar- 
 ter,and  fhall  I  let  any  thing  hinder 
 me^when  I  am  to  go  to  God  about 
 the  greatcft  merchandize  of  my 
 foulcs  health?Is  not  this  to  be  pen- 
 ny wife,  &  pound  foelifh  ?  This  in 
 gcnerall.  Now  in  particular.  That 
 yc  may  then  out-grow  thefcarc  of 
 parting  with  pleasure,  and  conceit 
 
I  —  -  — -  *     I  ■  ... 
 
 2  3  2     1        -fifr //tf  again  ft  the  maim  let 
 
 ' 
 
 x 
 
 i 
 
 of  fo  much  heavincs  in  this  courfe 
 of  repentance ;  ye  muft  firft  know* 
 that  this  is  a  jugling  of  Sata>wher- 
 bv  he  holds  men  on  in  the  vvayes 
 offin^eto  death.  He  will  fhew  us 
 nothing  but  delight  in  evill  cour- 
 fes.  hiding  all  the  after  bitterrreife 
 of  them*  which  fhouid  bring  them 
 out  of requeft  with  us  :  fo  in  §ood 
 wayes  tending  to  life*  he  will  tell 
 us  of  nothing  but  painKoncealing 
 all  the  comfort  of  them/.hat  io  he 
 may  keep  us  from  entring  them  to 
 falvation.  Secondly,  we  are  worfe 
 aifraid  then  hurt*  Foolike  as  the 
 nfing  out  of  the  foft  bed*  fcemcth 
 beforehand  to  the  fluggard  excee- 
 ding tedious,  but  when  he  is  once 
 Ufhdothnotdarehimatall:  So  is 
 the  awaking  from  the  fleepoffin, 
 
 I  and  flumbring  in  thereliques  of 
 luftjwhich  (till  have  dwelling  even 
 in  thebeft  ofus.Who  everreperr- 
 ted  him  of  repentant  griefePNfay* 
 whorejoyceth  not  in  God  who 
 giveth  it>  finding  it  more  fweet  to 
 his  Soule)  and   more   plcafant, 
 
 then 
 
ofre^entanci)  wor/d/jpleafures.   I      5^5 
 
 then  the  pleaf.re  of  finic  >  which  I 
 foon  vanifhettaleaving  a  (ting  be-  1 
 hind  it  ?  Thirdly^if  we  try  in  a  re- 
 pentant courfc  to  leave  theplea- 
 furesoffins  in  web  we  fjave  livedo 
 they  will  iTiortly  have  no  inch  po- 
 wer ore  us^as  to  hold  u>  thus  hard: 
 For  Chrjfoflom  doth  fitly  liken  the 
 to  little  Puppies*  which  while  we 
 play  with  the>will  do  nothing  but 
 leape  about  us  >  but  if  wccudgell 
 them  a  little,  have  no  joy  to  come 
 neereus.Fourthly,we  muft  nr  tlet 
 paffioas  blini  our  judgments  ;  but 
 confider  penitent  forrow*with  the 
 end  of  it,aad  impenitent  delights 
 with  the  iflueofthe.  What  is  bit- 
 tererthen  medicine?Yet  health,to 
 which  it  bringeth  us,doth  make  it 
 lovely.  What  fweecer  to  our  tafte, 
 the  manythings  we  wil  nor  touchy 
 I  becaufe  we  find  they  love  not  u*, 
 though  we  love  them,we  are  after- 
 (  ward  the  worfe  for  the. In  this  re- 
 <  £pe6tthertb:e,were  the  medicine 
 1  of  repentance  grievous  to  take*)  et 
 in  regard  of  the  evcria  (ling  health 
 
 P4  to 
 
m 
 
 Qods  ivAjes  not  grievous \ 
 
 =** 
 
 I 
 
 to  which  it  reftoreth  us,we  fli  >uld 
 like  wife  men,  take  the  fower  with 
 thefweete ;  yea,choofe  it  rather, 
 then  to  feed  tweedy  o  i  fuch  meats 
 as  pleafechePalate  only  while  they 
 are  talted^  but  caufe  at  length  vo- 
 mits more  bitter  then  death.Fifch- 
 !y;(ay  wefhould  lofeour  delights, 
 (though  we  dial  part  with  nothing 
 but  ftollcn  waters)is  it  not  better, 
 as  Chrift  faith,  we  fhould  want  an 
 eye  heere,and  go  to  heaven,  then 
 having  it,  to  be  caft  into  hell  fire? 
 
 Kjfrtat.  1 8  9 . 
 
 To  conclude,  this  obie£ion  is  a 
 (lander  raifed  upon  Gods  wayes, 
 which  are  full  of  profperity  and 
 pleafure ;  and  is  forcible  with  us , 
 partly,  through  flouth,  which  ma- 
 keth  us  unwilling  to  thefe  vvorkes 
 (and  what  is  not  irkefome  to  a 
 mind  undifpofed  ?)  partly  ,from  ig- 
 norant fenfuality,  which  countcth 
 nothing  liberty,  but  licence,  no- 
 thing fweet,  but  what  is  taken  in 
 huggermugger,  without  Gods  al- 
 lowance: like  as  fome  gallants, 
 
 whicb 
 
 i 
 
Keep  reckoning  between e  God  &*s.\    3  3  5 
 
 which  think  no  Venilbn  fo  fwect 
 as  that  which  is  ftoln.  This  in  par- 
 ticular to  the  principal  impedimct. 
 Now  for  the  furthering  y  cur  de- 
 votion in  this  cxercife,   yeemuft 
 know,  that  there  is  an  art  blowing 
 up  of  every  grace  of  the  ipirit,&  of 
 this  with  the  reft.  Firft  therefore, 
 yee  rouft  enter  into  your  owne 
 hearts,    confidering  jour  owne| 
 wayes,Wewill  keepe  reckoning 
 whatwerunneon  rhefcore  with 
 men,  but  rare  who  thinke  how 
 deepely  they  are  in  Gods  Bookes: 
 fuch  ill  husbands  are  wee  for  our 
 Soules.  Now  we  muft  hecre  mark 
 warily,  whether  we  have  rot  loft 
 fome  graces  we  have  had(Imcane 
 have  themnoc  fo  powerfully  as  we 
 have  felt  them  )  whether  we  doe 
 not  give  place  to  flouth,  doing 
 Gods  fervicc  coldly  and  flight ly ; 
 whether  we  have  not  forgotten 
 our  covenant  made  with  Gcd  in 
 Baptifme>ro  wir>of  dying  to  nur 
 ownthnrohrs,wfords&deedsdji- 
 ly;and  laboring  in  our  whol  courfe 
 
 P  5  that 
 
 ■•       , 
 
■■'  ■»■ 
 
 3j  6     !  We  mvfi  call  to  minde>onr  great  eft 
 
 that  not  now  we  live,but  Chrift  in 
 us(as  Patil  fpeakcth)his  fpirit  tea- 
 ching us  to  do  every  thing  as  be- 
 fore him,  and  in  confcicnce  of  his 
 will,  to  his  glory.  Heerealfoye 
 muft  cat  tomind  the  moft  grievous 
 finnes  which  ye  at  any  time  have 
 provoked  God  with. We  muft  not 
 bid  adieu  to  the  remembrance  of 
 our  finnes  paft  and  pardoned,  but 
 muft  ever  bcare  them  in  memory 
 fo  far  re  forth  as  will  help  us  to  the 
 working  of  godly  forrow  ,  holy 
 b  lftifulneflc  &  lowlincfieof  mind; 
 fofaras  may  be  a  fpurre  to  more 
 fr uitfull  obedience  for  the  time  to 
 comtfDeu.  ;.Yea  this  remembring 
 of  the  Srine  paft  in  particular  >  by 
 which  we  have  chiefly  offended 
 God>  and  mourning  for  it,  &  judg- 
 ing our  felves  in  the  remembrance 
 of  it,is  the  evidence  of  true  effec- 
 tual repentancerSo  Ifrael  acknow- 
 ledged their  defiring  a  King :  So 
 David  his  adultery  andmurther: 
 So  Paul  his  perfecting.  He  who 
 is  true'y  humbled  in  the  fight  of 
 
 one 
 
fmSi  &  our  daily  fwervtng 
 
 s. 
 
 337 
 
 one  capitall  finne5repentcth  of  all. 
 Even  as  a  capitall  difeafe  being  ta- 
 ke away,  which  draweth  on  many 
 another  by  content  .the  reft  are  at 
 once  removed  alfo  Again, we  muft 
 calltomindeour  daily  fwervin^s 
 and  unfruitful ncfle.  This  is.theo- 
 pening  and  the  looking  on  our 
 wounds,  the  negleft  whereof  is 
 lewd carelefneffe ,  mortally dan- 
 rerous.lt  is  no  news,nor  yet  mif- 
 likcd  when  you  fee  a  ibuldier  fhot 
 or  wounded  :  but  to  fee  him  go 
 withit,nevcr  regard  it  .never  drefs 
 it,  is  condemned  as  defpjute  fol- 
 ly:So/or  us  fighting  in  this  world, 
 no  newes  ,  if  we  come  by  knocks 
 and  maimes;  but  to  let  them  go, 
 and  ranckle,  &  fetter  in  as,  is  for- 
 lorn neghgence.Now  then  jfthus 
 fcttingth.  matter  before  you  ,  ye 
 find  not  your  hearts  pricked  with 
 it,  then  you  muft  (  as  tfcL  Prophet 
 fpeaks)  take  words  to  your  felves, 
 and  trouble  your  own  foules  ,  fay- 
 ing-,  thus ;  Shall  I  think  ofmy  fins 
 againftGod ,  and  not  grkve  for 
 
 them  ? 
 
3  5  2     |    Rub  up  the  Sonic  to  Repentance. 
 
 them  ?  If  1  have  overfhot  my  felfe, 
 fo  chat  men  may  have  a  faying  to 
 me,that  doth  cut  me  to  the  heart* 
 and  I  am  adiamcd.  If  fomwhat  do 
 but  crofle  my  corrupt-  nature  >I  have 
 griefeatwilh  and  fhalll  not  now 
 grieve  for  offending  my  good 
 God?  If  I  had  broken  day*  Scnot 
 kept  touch  with  mani  I  could  not 
 look  him  in  the  face;  and  (hall  it 
 not  go  neer  with  me  >  that  I  have 
 kept  my  Covenant  no  better  with 
 God  ?  if  my  fervant  have  loyte- 
 red  his  day  away>aadnot  done  my 
 work*heblu(heth>and  isafFraidto 
 comtbefore  me ;  and  (hall  I  not 
 change  my  countenanced  be  mo- 
 ved* that  I  have  bin  fo  unprofita- 
 ble in  the  workes  of  God  ?  By  this 
 meanes;  as  men  being  in  Iwoanzo 
 when  thoy  are  chafccLdoccome  a- 
 gaine :  fo  (hall  our  foules*  while 
 we  thus  beftirre  them  *  finde  (brae 
 warmth  returning  to  them,  This 
 is  a  frwit*  aud  furtherance  of  the 
 grace  of  Repentance;  whereas  the 
 want  of  thefe  Soliloquies,  is  rc- 
 
 proored  I 
 
Go  to  thrift  for  a  relenting  heart.  | 
 
 prooved  as  a  token  of  an  impeniJ 
 cent  hearts  Hof.  7,  2  ♦  But  if  yet  the 
 heart  will  not  relent*  you  muft  in 
 the  third  place  (feeing  your  bar- 
 rennefle and  inability)  turne  you 
 toChrift,  fpeaking  in  this  wife  : 
 Were  it  to  grieve  at  earthly  occa- 
 sions,or  that  my  (elf  were  difplea- 
 fed>here  my  affections  would  com 
 to  mz  before  I  fent  for  them :  but 
 for  god  !y  forrow^none  of  it  grows 
 ii  our  gardens ;  our  foolifh  hearts 
 love  not  holy  mourning ;  our  hard 
 hearcs  wil  not  relent  to  think  how 
 we  difpleafe  thee*  We  therefore 
 knowingrfhat  there  is  no  (treagth 
 in  our  felves*  to  any  thing  that  is 
 good,lookc  unto  theetthou  art  the 
 Chrift  and  Lord  >  thou  givett  Re- 
 pentance to  thine  lfrael  >  and  for- 
 giveneffe  of  fmne* :  thoH  LORD 
 doeft circumcile  the  hcjrtj  thou 
 hammereft  and  breakeft  the  ftone 
 by  thy  Spirit >  making  it  flefhy 
 and  tender;  LORD  doe  thou 
 turne  us,  and  we  fhall  be  turned* 
 Lament.  5  >n. Thus  while  ycturn 
 
 your 
 
 3?* 
 
54° 
 
 Thefmoal^ingjiaxi 
 
 your  eyes  to  Jefns  the  quickening 
 fpirit,he  will  be  prefent  co  quicken 
 this  grace  in  you.  But  what  if  yet 
 your  hearts  (hould  not  fo  kindly 
 melt  within  you,as  yedefire ,  yet 
 all  is  fafc :  for  this  is  the  fmoke  of 
 repentance  which  Christ  will 
 not  leave  till  it  blaze  forth;he  will 
 not  put  out  the  fmoking  week* 
 This  defircand  labouring  after  it, 
 is  happineffeit  felf:  for  blefled  are 
 they  that  hunger  and  thirft  after 
 righteoufncs:Yeaufingthis  couife 
 to  confidcr  ofyour  wants  to  chide 
 (after  fomefort)  your  own  foules, 
 and  to  look  after  Chrift  the  giver 
 of  repentance ;  the  ftone  of  your 
 hearts(the  hardnes)wilcome  away 
 by  little  and  little.  Yea,and  when 
 in  bodily  wounds  the  mo(t  aj  pro- 
 ved plaifter  mtift  be  laid  on  often; 
 ye  muft  not  thinkcthat  thefe  fpi- 
 rituall  evils,  fo  long  growing  on 
 us>fhoaldbegone  on  a  fudden.  1 
 do  befeech  you  therefore ,  as  e- 
 verye  willtafte  the  comforts  of 
 God ;  as  ye  will  finde  eafc  in  the 
 
 cvilj 
 
Gods  Covenant. 
 
 cvill  houre ,  when  nothing,  but 
 God  cm  refrefri  you  •,  yea  >  as  yee 
 love  to  efcape  much  worldly  ibr- 
 row5which  tendeth  unto  death;fo 
 acquaint  5  our  felves  betimes  with 
 this  exercife  of  a  broken  heart* 
 Bleffcd  are  they  which  (  now  ) 
 mourner  fortheyfhallbecomfor- 
 tedf  And  we  know  much  more 
 earthly  forrow  then  we  fhould* 
 becaufe  we  will  not  trouble  our 
 owrrfoules  a  little  ,  blowing  up 
 that  godly  forrow  which  is  requi- 
 red at  our  hands. 
 
 Now  followcth  another  thing 
 which  I  propounded,  viz*  to 
 helpe  you  forward  in  new  obe- 
 dience? in  the  faith  full  keeping 
 of  the  Covenant*  The  fumme  of 
 the  Covenant  betweene  God 
 and us,is this  ;GodinC  hrist 
 faith,  he  will  take  us  for  his  peo- 
 ple :  we  promife  him  ,  that  we 
 will  have  him  for  our  God. 
 This  therefore  doth  comprize  all 
 our  dune  to  God,  that  we  fcthim 
 up  in  our  hearts  as  G  o  d. Which 
 
 ^ing 
 
 34* 
 
H* 
 
 How  to  have  God  ohy  God. 
 
 thing  wc  doe*firft*  when  we  grow 
 up  to  know  him  in  all  things*  Se- 
 condly, when  wee  mak*.' him  our 
 truft.  Thirdly  when  we  love  him 
 above  all  things.  Fourthly*  when 
 we  ieare  him.  Fiftly*  when  were- 
 joyce  in  him.  Sixthly*  when  our 
 hearts  are  thankfully  affe&ed  to 
 him*  making  him  their  fong  and 
 praife.This  is  to  have  him  for  our 
 God;vvhen  We  know  nothing,truft 
 in  nothing*  love*  feare*  rejoyce 
 in  nothing  in  comparifon  of  him : 
 when  our  hearts  are  thankefull 
 above  all  to  him.  Tofpeak  a  lit- 
 tle to  the  feverals. 
 
 Wc  cannot  have  God  our  God> 
 till  w^  come  to  know  him  in 
 Chrift.  Ignorance  doth  cftrdnge  ns 
 fromGod3&  knowledge  doth  ac- 
 quaint us  withhim/This  Pau/pt&i- 
 eth  for  in  thebehalfc  of  his  Co- 
 lo(Tians3  that  they  may  be  filled 
 wich  the  knowledge  of  God,  the 
 fpiritsof  their  mindsbeing  opened 
 to  look  toward  him.  Even  as  our 
 image  in  the  glafle  doth  looke  to- 
 ward 
 
How  wee  mufl  know  Cjod. 
 
 ard  usjfromwhom  ic  is  refle&ed : 
 >  God  his  Image  in  us  doth  make 
 ic  eyes  of  our  minds  view  him* 
 le  author  of  it  in  us#  And  as  the 
 ye  becommeth  one  with  that 
 rhich  it  fecth>and  is  after  a  fort  in 
 lac  light  it  behcldeth :  fo  are  wee 
 y  the  vifionof  God*  wjiich  is  be- 
 un  in  us  >  one  with  him*  and  in 
 im,Now  this  knowlcdgconfide- 
 eth  God  three  way es;  either  fim- 
 !y  an  art  from  all  other  refpe&s  > 
 nd  thus  it  containeth  the  Spiri- 
 lal  effencein  refpe&of  his  proper- 
 ies*  into  which  this  felfcfame  na- 
 jre  is  diftinguifhed  ;  the  Father* 
 onne*and  Holy  Gholkallofthem 
 laving  the  fame  fpirituall  effence : 
 sif  h  and  you  with  feme  third 
 ian*mightbefuppofedtohaveal! 
 »ut  one  and  the  fclfe  fame  rfoule 
 nd  body  *  being  dift  n&  per- 
 3nsX)r  elfe  it  confidereth  God*as 
 nademanifeft  in  eur  nature  :  for 
 [efus  the  Sonne  having  the  fame 
 uture  with  the  Father*  hathta- 
 cen  fuch  a  foule  and  body*  as  wee 
 
 hare 
 
 MS 
 
 «k 
 
Kncrw  GocLin  Jfipts  Chrifi. 
 
 have  (fin  onely excepted)  to  the 
 fellowfhip  of  his  perfon;  and  thus 
 is  become  Emamel  *  God  with  us 
 or  God  manifeft  in  our  nature.  In 
 which  humane  nature >  God  the 
 Son  (iiftered  death  for  asin  which 
 likewife  hemanifefteth  his  divine 
 power*  bjyraifing  it  up>  and  glori- 
 fying it  irnieaven*  S©  that  he  that 
 was  dead  in  his  humane  nature^is 
 now  alive  in  it  for  ever ,  having 
 fwallowed  up  death  in  vidtory. 
 Laftly,itconfiderethGod3  mani- 
 fefted  in  Chrift ,  as  he  is  become 
 our  God  by  covenant, in  regard  of 
 fuch  things  as  his  faithful  mercies 
 do  work  for  us.    He  in  Chrift 
 is  our  juftifier  >  our  fand^ifier ;  he 
 who  helpeth  us  in  conquering  the 
 remnants  of  our  naturall  corrup- 
 tion; our  Redeemer*  who  deli- 
 vered us  from  all  our  troubles; 
 the  God  that  careth  fcrus  ,  gi- 
 veth  us  every  good  gift ,  blefleth 
 us  in  our  eftates,feedeth  us.giveth 
 us,and  all  his  beloved,{leepe,de- 
 fendeth  us  from  all  evill,  keepeth 
 
 us 
 
We  are  natnrally  blinde. 
 
 us  by  his  power  unto  faivation,  is 
 the  beginner  &  ender  ofa'l  good 
 graces  in  us.  But  howfhortare 
 we  in  this  point  ?  We  are  like  In- 
 fants,in  a  manner. new-borm  they 
 are  kept  by  the  loving  Parents 
 from  fire  and  water*  they  are  fedy 
 laid  to  fleep>  made  ready  and  un- 
 ready ;>and  fhifted  in  their  fcapes ; 
 but  they  1  now  not  who  doth  all 
 this  fortbem:  fo  doth  our  heaven- 
 ly Father  by  us  in  Chrift ;  but  (he 
 knoweth)  little  undemanding 
 have  we  of  him :  For  though  God 
 beLi^htit  felfe*  a  Spirit  which 
 brightly  feeth  all  things  in  heaven 
 and  earth*  to  whofe  pure  bright- 
 nefTe,the  Sunneis  darkneffe  ;yet 
 the  weaknefle  of  our  fight  is  fuchi 
 that  we  cannot  looke  againftic : 
 as  the  Bat  and  the  Owlc  cannot 
 endure  to  fee  the  bright  Beames 
 of  the  Sunne  in  the  Firmiment. 
 
 Ye  muft  therefore  take  notice 
 ofyourfpirituall  Blindnefie  ,  and 
 come  unto  him  who  felleth  the 
 Eye-filtc  >  which  hath  the  Spirit 
 
 of 
 
 J4f 
 
I   34 
 
 (jo  to  God  for  eyc-fahe. 
 
 of  Illumination,  who  openetb  the 
 Eyes  of  the  blindjcry  to  him  for 
 mercy.  If  your  eyes  were  much 
 bloud-fhot  (your  eyes  wherewith 
 ye  fee  but  one  another*  Creatures 
 like  your  felves)  yee  would  feeke 
 outforhelpe  for  them,  and  wafh 
 them  with  ftrong  fmarting  Wa- 
 ters, but  yee  would  reftorc  them  : 
 And  will  yee  not  ieeke  to  your 
 God  in  Chrift,  to  reftore  the  fight 
 ofyourfpirits,  wherewith  ye  may 
 fee  him,  and  the  things  ofyour 
 peace  within  the  veile,  even  in  the 
 Heavens  ?  Nay,  ye  muft  bee  afha- 
 med,  that  yee  take  no  more  know- 
 ledge of  your  Gcd  in  the  whole 
 day,  Ifourchi'drenjwhenweare 
 b^fide  them,{liouId  through  rude- 
 nefleandcarelcfnes  not  oncecaft 
 a  look  at  us,as  acknowledgiug  our 
 prefcnce;  would  we  take  it  at  their 
 hands?  Might  not  every  one  fay, 
 Thefe  were  better  fed  than  taught 
 which  are  thus  gracelefle  ?  Let  us 
 apply  it  to  our  {elves,  who  ferve 
 our  God  and  Father  little  better.  / 
 
 Now 
 
We  ?ntifl  trnfi  in  God* 
 
 347    \ 
 
 Now  that  vvcc  may  fee  upon  this 
 Suite  with  the  better  hope,let  us 
 remember  that  God  hath  promi- 
 fed  it  unto  us ;  this  is  his  Cove- 
 nant, wo  fhall  know  him,from  the 
 greatefttothcleaftofus.  But  left 
 I  grow  too  ccdious, 1  come  to  the 
 fecond. 
 
 We  muft  truft  in  God ,  having 
 all  our  hopes  on  his  mercy  and 
 truth  towards  us ;  and  thefc  two 
 goe  together.  Men  fometimes,the 
 more  we  knowthem>the  leflewee 
 truft  them,and  chat  defervedly  :but 
 Pfalnie^io.  Such  as  know  God, 
 (hall  truft  in  him. 
 
 Who  fo  repofeth  all  his  confi- 
 dence in  God,  hee  taketh  him,  in 
 fo  doing*  for  his  God*  As  the 
 Scripture  faith  in  this  refped^  the 
 covetous  man  is  an  Idolater;  hee 
 taketh  his  money  for  his  God,be- 
 caufe  he  putteth  his  truft  in  uncer- 
 taine  riches  *.  his  wealth  is  a  ftrong 
 Tower  in  his  conceit*  and  he  tru- 
 fteth  in  the  Creature>which  draw- 
 eth  his  heart  from  God>  faich  the 
 
 Pro- 
 
I   348     I        We  trnfl  not  in  (jodatwe 
 
 Prophet* jkr-i  7.5.  Teachings 
 that  then  our  hearts  arc  united  to 
 Godjwhen  the  affiance  of  them  is 
 fet  on  him  «Now,thqgh  we  fliould 
 live  by  the  faith  ofthe:*>n  of  God; 
 trufting  on  him  for  the  giving  and 
 maintaining  of  all  our  good,  both 
 temporal  1  &  eternall ;  leaning  on 
 him  for  all  defence>&  deliverance 
 from  evils  fpiritualb  y ea>and  cor- 
 porally calling  all  our  care  on  him; 
 having  ne  confidence  in  the  flcftb 
 but.  rejoycing  in  Chrift  Jefus  : 
 though  this  be  our  dutie ,  yet  we 
 are  exceeding  weake*  and  full  of 
 unbeliefc.  this  will  appeare,  by 
 ©ur  want  of  feare  at  the  threate- 
 ning* of  Gods  Word,  which  ma- 
 keth  us  loofely  alfo  to  looke  after 
 his  promifes.Did  webelceve  fuch 
 threatnings  ,  If  y  e  live  after  the 
 fieili  3  ye  fhall  die  ?  we  would 
 rrcmblejwhe  we  favour  our  felves 
 inourownwayes:  the  devils  be- 
 leeve^and  tremble.  And  fo.trufting 
 civilly  in  any  mans  word  or  bond, 
 we  do  feek  them  carefully ,  and 
 
 are 
 
I         e#f  ^r  •  hence  Hnbeliefe, 
 
 arc  glad  when  we  have  gotten 
 them;  and,  as  we  fay,  we  write 
 upon  them,  that  we  mall  have  fo 
 |  much  money  at  fuch  a  day,upon  a 
 Yubftantiall  mans  word ,  or  bond, 
 given  us.  But  God>  who  promi- 
 fcth  all  good  things  in  this  life,  as 
 well  as  in  the  life  to  come ,  his 
 Seales  we  feek  not  after;  which  is 
 a  figne  of  our  great  unbeliefe  in 
 them.  Secondly,  by  reftingour 
 hearts  in  outward  things,  and  by 
 being  difquietad  when  we  want 
 them ;  this  alfo  is  a  figne,  that  our 
 hearts  are  unbelieving* 
 
 While  we  have  means,  or  good 
 likelihood  of  this*  or  that,  we  are 
 well ;  let  thefe  faile,  we  are  trou- 
 bled Which  fheweth,  that  we 
 reft  not  upon  the  Word  of  God, 
 which  is  as  fure  in  the  want  of  all 
 things  as  in  abundanc  ;  butthat 
 we  leaneon  fuch  things  as  we  fee, 
 and  have  in  hand*  Suppofea  man 
 had  Crutches  under  his  armes^but 
 leaneth  not  at  all  on  the  as  he  go- 
 eth,  take  them  away ,and  he  vval- 
 
 keth 
 
 34P    \ 
 
 w      — ' 
 
jjO     j  LMakcVnbclcefe  odi0Hs  unto  yon 
 
 keth  as  before:  So*  did  wee  not 
 truft*  and  lean  on  the  things  feen, 
 but  on  God*  who  is  not  feen*  loo- 
 king on  him  by  the  eye  of  faith*we 
 ihould  goe  as  upright  >  when  all 
 things  to  fence  feeme  contrary  to 
 that  we  beieeve  as  when  our  fee- 
 ling is  fed  abundantly  Thirdly,did 
 wee  reft  in  God  and  tcult  in  him* 
 who  is  all  in  all ;  we  would  feek  to 
 him  for  his  blellings  ,  more  then 
 for  the  meanest  which  by  his  blef- 
 fingefteft  this  orthat;whereas  we 
 labour  not  to  make  him  fure  to  us> 
 but  to  get  the  means*and  then  we 
 think  al  is  wel  with  us.Now  then 
 when  yee  find  your  unbeleefe*  yee 
 muft  make  ft  odious  unro  your 
 felves  by  fuch  likeconfiderations ; 
 Shall  I  feek  after  the  word  of  man 
 fomctimes>to  fecure  me  but  of  fom 
 twenty  fhillings  matter  ?  and  flhal 
 I  not  feek  after  the  preciouspromi  • 
 (cs  of  my  God?fhal  I  truft  to  a  man 
 promifingthis  or  that  ?  and  fhall  I 
 not  truft  my  God*  who  is  truth 
 icfelfe*  and  cannot  lye?  Will  not 
 
 fucv 
 
i/<w  w  w#y?  /w^  ^0^. 
 
 fuch  afubftantiall  man  chink  much 
 if  I  take  not  his  bare  word  ?  And 
 (hall  not  I  take  my  Lords  Word, 
 and  Seale,  and  Oath?  He  hath 
 fvvorne  to  bleflfe  us ,  with  all  h  s 
 bleffings  in  Chrift :  friall  we  not 
 beleevehirm  unleflfche  leave  us  a 
 pawnealfo?  Thus  then,  when  yee 
 feele  your  unbeleeving  hearts  to 
 trouble  you,ye  muft  look  toChrift, 
 the  authour  and  finifher  of  your 
 faith. Speak  to  himthir:  Thou  haft 
 begun,  and  thou  muft  finifh:  I  be- 
 leeve ;  help  my  unbeliefe,  and  en- 
 creafe  ray  faith. 
 
 The  third  point  is,  We  muft  love 
 him.  Love  (we  know)  makes  a 
 tmn  and  woman  ,  One ;  and  the 
 i  fame  doth  couple  ns  to  God.  Here 
 we  muft  labour  to  fay  from  our 
 hearts;  Lord,  what  have  we  in 
 heaven.b nt thee?  or  in  the  earth, 
 companion    of  thee?  Now 
 
 55i 
 
 in 
 
 •I 
 
 though  we  doe  love  him,  yetour 
 aflfe&ion  is  but  weak ;  and  above 
 all'things,  we  had  need  to  mend 
 
 I  in  this  behalfe.  Trie  your  lovc,and 
 Q_           th:n 
 1 
 
5  5  *    I         Try  pur  love  to  <yW,  and 
 
 then  judge  of  it.  Thofe  ye  k>vc> 
 doc  y c  not  love  to  be  prefent  with 
 them>  as  ye  two  ope  witfc  ano- 
 ther? If  one  of  you  be  out  of 
 Towne ,  doe  ye  not  thinkc  long 
 till  ye  meet  againe  ?  Are  not  we 
 grieved  to  hearc  them  wronged  by 
 word  or  deed,whom  we  eftceme 
 dearelyof?  Doth  itnot<:utus,if 
 we  our  felves  do  them  any  harme? 
 Are  we -not  glad  of  a  Letter  (  in 
 abfence  )  from  thofe  we  love?Now 
 then  examine  your  felves :  Do-ye 
 not  find  e  little  joy,  in  comming 
 privately  or  publikely  into  Gods 
 houfe  5  or  prefencc  ?  Nay,  we  are 
 like  children,  who  can  play  abroad 
 all  theday  long>and  never  lock  ini 
 to  their  Parents.  When  do  our 
 hearts  long  to  be  diflolved *  and  to 
 be  with  Chrift  ?  Though  God* 
 through  fundrytroubles,doth  even 
 i  fmoake  us-ouc  of  this  World ,  yet 
 we  will  not  come  away,  in  our  af- 
 \  fcftions.  When  we  heare  Gods 
 '  N  tme  bl  *fphemed,and  feeall  wic- 1 
 kedneflc  committed,  doe  our  eyes 
 
 IK 
 
 K 
 
 B 
 
 gufli 
 
bt  ajbamcd  of  th?  rvant  ef  it.  5  j  j 
 
 gufh  out  with  tcarcs?  Or  doe  we 
 not  j  when  our  fc Ives  offend  him 
 daily>pafle  it  overtaking  coo  li^hc 
 penance  of  our  felves  ?  Doe  we, 
 wuh2)*z//^delight  in  his  Statutes 
 more  than  in  all  wealth?  His  Word 
 is  his  Letter  to  us.  By  fuch  like 
 considerations ,  difcerning  your 
 '  waat  of  love  to  God  3  yee  muft 
 fhamc  your  felves.  If  a  woman 
 fliouldbedeadin  theneft ,  when 
 her  husband  were  before  her  *  but 
 /hould  be  afte&ionate  to  every 
 ftranger;  If  (lie  fhould  not  care 
 how  long  fhe  were  abfent  from 
 him>  but  think  her  felfe  befhwhile 
 they  were  afunder ;  ]  f  fhe  cared 
 little  how  her  loving  husband 
 were  offended,  carting  that  at  her 
 heelcs  ,  which  he  takes  to  heart ; 
 were  not  this  fhameles  behaviour 
 in  her?  And  (hall  not  we  be  adu- 
 med  to  (hew  no  more  love  to  rhee, 
 to  whom  our  foules  are  married  in 
 Chrift  ?  Then  ye  muft  goe  and 
 confefle  that  your  hearts  are  full  of 
 Harlotry  ,  and  falfe  love.  Ye  can 
 
 C^2  love 
 
354     |         Concerning  love  to  earthly 
 
 love  your  felves,  ye  have  affe&ion 
 enough  to  the  things  of  this  world; 
 to  the  gifts  of  God }  and  thofe  the 
 meaneft3more  than  to  the  givers : 
 as  Harlots  to  Rings,  Gold,  Brace- 
 lets j  more  than  to  the  fenders. 
 Therefore ,  befecch  him  to  purge 
 your  hearts  ofthis,and  to  fill  them 
 with  the  love  of  himfelfe :  for  this 
 is  the  promife;  I  will  circumcife 
 your  hearts,  and  make  you  love  me 
 with  all  your' hearts.  Before  we 
 jpafle  from  this  Head,  aQueftion 
 may  be  moved ,  common  to  all 
 thefe  afte&ions- ;  namely  ,Wbat  we 
 may  judge  of  our  felves>feeing  our 
 hearts  more  fhinein  love,fear,  and 
 joy  at  worldly  things  >  than  about 
 God,  and  the  great  benefits  given 
 us  in  Chritt  ? 
 
 The  anfwer  is :  Firll ,  in  many 
 earthly  things  we  have  a  double 
 caufe  working  in  our  afte£iions;as 
 in  loving  the  Wife  of  ones  youth, 
 and  in  bewailing  the  death  of  ones 
 Parent :  and\vhereas  the  motion 
 ofouraffe£Hons;  in  things  fuper- 
 
 naturall 
 
 I 
 
\      thingsiabove  our  love  to  Cjod. 
 
 naturall,is  purely  from  Grace, Na- 
 ture letting  no  hand  to  this  bufi- 
 nefle.  Secondly,  afteftion  is  not  to 
 be  meafuredby  the  indeliberate 
 pafling  motion  of  it,  but  according 
 to  the  iettled  habit  from  the  judg- 
 ment and  eflimation  which  the 
 mindemakethof  this  or  that  ob- 
 ject. A  man  laughes  at  a  toy  :  hee 
 is  not  prefently  laid  to  joy  in  that 
 trifle  more  than  in  a!  other  things , 
 becaufe  the  act  of  his  joy  is  more 
 lively  here  tha  in  greater  matters. 
 A  mans  affections  more  ftirre  a. 
 bout  a  Granger,  in  entreating  him, 
 than  to  his  Wife,  foe  the  time, 
 whom  he  yet  lovech  more  deaie. 
 Thirdly*  affections  if  they  be  com- 
 paratively confidcred  in  us ,  are, 
 though  leffe  in  quantity,  yet  grea- 
 ter in  vertue :  as  Corne  ,  when  the 
 Weed  (  as  Carloe )  is  higher  and 
 greater,yet  this  is  ftrongcr,becaufe 
 I  in  time  it  overgroweth,  and  kilieth 
 the  Weed  ,  which  farre  execedeth 
 it :  So  this  love,  chough  little,  ill 
 companion  of  felfe-love  ,  love  to 
 1  CU  the 
 
 355 
 
3  5  6      Spiritual!  love  out-growcs  carnally 
 
 ~\ 
 
 the  creature  (the  fame  being  in  the 
 other  aflfc$ions)yet  in  time  it  fhal 
 over-grow  and  kill  thisweed.The 
 love  ofthc  Spirit  is  ftronger  than 
 the  love  of  the  world.  If  there- 
 fore ye  aske  t  What  one  fhould 
 thinker  that  findeth  his  affedtfons 
 thus  ?  I  anfwer*  If  he  find  them 
 lironger*  therearetwocatifesto 
 one ;  where  Nature  and  Grace 
 worke jointly ,  he muftnot won- 
 der at  this  matter.  Againe>though 
 wc  feele  their  working  more  ftir- 
 ring  fomctimes  to  things  earthly, 
 yet  out  of  judgement  and  fettled 
 courfe^ve  that  are  the  Lords  >  doe 
 moft  affe&  him.  Thirdly  ,we  know 
 that  our  affeitions  towards  God* 
 chough  but  as  a  grain  of  Mnrtard- 
 (eedjllnal  out-gtow  all  this  choak- 
 weed  ofinorJinacy^  which  we  feel 
 in- this  behalfe.In  the  mean  while, 
 the  feeling  of  this  diftemper*  muft 
 make  us  ftill  feek  thereilifying  of 
 it*  and  the  healing  of  the  lamenta- 
 ble vanity  >  to  which  the  afte&ion 
 is  fubjc£t,by  reafon  of  fmne. 
 
 The 
 
The  feare  Woivi  to  Cjod. 
 
 357 
 
 The  fourth  thing,is  the  feare  of  I 
 God.  San&ific  the  Lord  in  your 
 hearts, make  him  your  feare.  Feare 
 to  offend  him,who  when  the  body 
 is  killed*  can  caft  the  foul  into  heil 
 fire.  We  fhould  reverence  his  ex- 
 cellent Majctty,  &  dread  to  offend 
 him>  becaufehe  hath  been  graci- 
 ous unto  us,  and  hath  power  to  do 
 with  us  whatfoever  be  plcafeth. 
 Were  there  any  from  whom  we 
 had  houfe  and  llocke,  fo  that  he 
 could  turn  us  out  of  all  at  his  j  led- 
 fure ;  WvHild  we  notwalk  very  cir- 
 cumfpe&ly,  fearing  to  doe  thjt 
 which  might  alienate  his  favour  ? 
 Againe,if  the  Majeftic  of  a  mcrtall 
 man  doth  aff  e&  us(as  of  the  King) 
 with  reverence,  how  much  more 
 fiiould  we  be  afte&ed  with  the 
 moft  glorious  Majefty  of  the  moft 
 high  God  ?  Now  ye  muft  know, 
 your  hearts  are  much  void  of  this. 
 1  Alfo  the  thing  it  felfe  fpea^eth  : 
 ;  Do  ye  not  fecle  (  when  in  prayer 
 ye  are  to  fpeake  with  God )  that 
 ,  there  is  a  reverence  in  your  hearts ' 
 
 I  <U  be- 
 
?5  8 
 
 Lfifeditfithns  ftirr'mg  h* 
 
 befeeming  fo  high  a  Majeftie  ?  l5o 
 yc  not  feeie  a  want  of  dread  at  his 
 Judgements,  which  folong  have 
 been  upon  us. and  ftill  hover  about 
 us?  And  what  awe  is  in  us,  ma- 
 king us  fcarefiill  by  finne  todif- 
 pleafe  him?  Alas1.  Preemption, 
 iecurity ,  andhardneffe  of  heart, 
 thefe  Weeds  grow  fo  high,  that 
 we  can  fcarce  difcerne  the  Fruit 
 above-named.  Now  then  yemuft 
 work  this  want  upon  your  hearts, 
 as  the  former  ^faying ;  If  I  were  in 
 the  prefcncc  of  feme  great  pcrib- 
 nagcand  (hould  carry  my  felfe 
 rudely,  without  refpeft  ,  would  I 
 not  biufh?  And  fhall  I  not  be  afha- 
 med,that  Ihave  no  more  reverence 
 when  I  come  before  thee ,  O  thou 
 God  of  glory  ?  So>  for  want  of 
 dread :  Shall  the  Beafts  tremble* 
 when  the  Lyon  roareth  ?  yea,fhall 
 the  Devils  tremble  to  chinke  on 
 thy  Judgements ;  and  (hall  I  be 
 fenfeleffe,  and  no  whit  mooved  ? 
 So,  for  want  of  awe,  in  regard  of 
 GodsLwes:  Shall  I  dare  as  well  I 
 
 .  rol 
 
up  to  fear  e  God.  \    3  5  p 
 
 fotakeaBearebythetocth,  as  to 
 break  the  Kings  Law ,  efpecially 
 where  he  threatneth  Limbe ,  Life 
 or  Libertie :  And  fhall  I  not  be  a- 
 fraid  totrefpafle  againft  thy  Sta- 
 tutes ;  the  breach  of  which.,  is  pu- 
 nishable with  eternall  death  ?   Is 
 there  none  but  thee ,  whom  we 
 may  make  bold  with  ?  Shall  I  be 
 fo  foolilh ,  as  to  feare  ficknefle, 
 povertie,  and  mens  difpleafures : ] 
 And  fhall  I  not  be  afraid  to  break 
 thy  Commandementsjifmen  note 
 me  to  hit  me  in  the  teeth  with  pre 
 cifeneffe  ?  Shall  I  not  be  afraid  to  \ 
 provoke  by  finnethy  wrath,  who 
 art  a  confuming  fire  ?  What  is 
 this;but  with- little  children.ro be 
 skarred  with  a  Bug  -bear  e,  harme- 
 lefle ;  and  to  be  dreadlelle  of  fire, 
 and  water  PLaftly,  we  mnft  lcoke 
 to  God  in  confeience,  how  this  af- 
 fe&ion  is  perverted  in  you;  con- 
 feflingtohim  ,  that  yc  can  feare 
 the  faces  of  men,  and  things  that 
 are>or  feem  hurtfull  to  your  felves; 
 
 1  ye  can  demean  your  felves  reve- 
 CL?        rcntly 
 
remly  toward  fuch  as  are  in  re- 
 queft  among  mcn-but  toward  him, 
 y*  find  great  wane.  Pray  ye  there- 
 fore to  him,  to  put  it  into  your 
 hearts :  he  hath  covenanted^  put 
 his  feare  into  your  hearts ,  fo  that 
 ye  fliall  not  depart  from  him. 
 
 The  fifth  thing  is,  to  rejoyce  in 
 ,God,  and  to  have  him  in  your 
 hearts  \  for  God  bindeth  you  to 
 rejoyce  in  him:  Repycc  in  the 
 Lordalwayes;  againe,  Hay*  re- 
 pycc*   Delight  thy  felfe  in  the 
 jLord ,  and  he  (hall  give  thee  thy 
 [hearts  defire.Let  not  the  rich  man 
 jrejoyce  in  wealth,  theilrongman 
 in  ftrength,  the  wife  mm  in  wife- 
 dome  >  but  that  heknowethme, 
 faith  the  Lord-  For  what  we  make 
 our  chiefe  joy*  that  is  our  God :  for 
 the  heart  reilctbprincipaHy  in  that 
 with  which-  it  is  moft  delighted. 
 Nfow  what  is  more  cqmlLtha  that 
 wc  Should  fblace  our  fclves  in  him 
 with  joy  iinfpeakable  and  glorious 
 who  hach  delivered  us  from  death, 
 and  fiane,-  andSatan?.  (who, as 
 
 Gods  j 
 
 ? 
 
but  doe  not  as  rce  ought. 
 
 361 
 
 Gods  executioner*  bach  power  on 
 finneand  death )  In  him,who  is  a 
 Lighr and  a  Shield  ;  that  is  a  Foun- 
 tain of  all  good5and  defender  of  us 
 from  all  evill ;  able  to  maintain  all 
 the  good*  both  fpirituall  and  cor- 
 poralLwhich  we  have*  and  give  us 
 whatfoeveris  wanting*  But  if  we 
 markeonr  hearts  ^  Our  joy  ism  ch 
 depraved*  (fo  chat  Salomon  faith 
 not  without  caule,  that  our  laugh- 
 ter is  become  midnefle :  )  for  our 
 hearts  are  not  cheery   this  wav. 
 Tell  them  of  the  precious  benefits 
 which  are  given  in  Chrift  5  Pardon 
 ef  finne ;  Peace  (the beginning  of 
 everlaftmg  life)  through  the  work 
 of  grace;   Hope*  through  Chrift* 
 of  the  heavenly  Kingdome ;  why  ? 
 they  can  heare  all  this ,  anj  be  fo 
 farre  from  leaping  within  us  *  that 
 we  can  hardly  difcerne  them  to 
 moove.  Nay*  if  we  nurke  them 
 thebecter,we  flull  fee, thac  when 
 we  wouid  hold  them  to  rhc  re- 
 membrance of fuch  chines  ;  untill 
 tlicy  have  broken  oofc  from  tur, 
 
^ 
 
 5 
 
 Soliloquies  inciting  tu 
 
 they  are  not  in  their  kind,tnd  can- 
 no:  be  lighcfome :  as  if  God  were 
 the  damper  of  our  mirth ,  and  not 
 the  matter  of  our  exulting ,  and 
 gladnefle. 
 
 Now  when  ye  cannot  obferve 
 any,  rejoycing  in  the  Lord,  ye  muft 
 (Lame  your  ielves ,  by  laying  to 
 your  hearts  the  cafe  in  other  mat- 
 ters. Iflfeefome  Toy,  orheare 
 fome  jcft,  I  cannot  containe  my 
 felfe :  If  I  heare  fome  good  newcs, 
 or  meet  with  fome  prosperous 
 fuccefle  in  my  worldly  affaires  ,  I 
 cannot  be  pleafont  enough:  If  I 
 be  paffing-my  time  away  with  my 
 friends  ,  at  their  courteous  mvite- 
 ments>  or  if  I  be  at  my  fports  ,  it 
 goeth  on  merrily  ;  dcadneffe  and 
 uncomfortablenefle ,    I  feel  them 
 not  for  the  time  J  (hal  have  hugh  - 
 tcrenoughat  fome  merry  conceit, 
 or  a  Feather  ,till  I  tickle  againe ; 
 and  dull  I  not  rejoyce  at  the  Gof- 
 pelofGodjOrgood  newes  from 
 Hzwerij  touching  the  falvation  of 
 my  foule?  Again,(hall  I  be  cheery, 
 
 and 
 
to 
 
 rejoyc 
 
 e  in  the  Lord. 
 
 and  laugh  with  my  friends; and 
 fhali  I  be  all  amort  3  when  I  draw 
 neeremyGod?  Shall  I  be  glad  of 
 acquaintance  with  man,and  not  be 
 glad  chat  I  know  God  in  Chrift, 
 whoisLifeeverlafting?  Shall  the 
 wicked  rejoyce ,  in  ferving  Sinne, 
 and  Satan  ;  and  (hall  I  be  without 
 mirth?  in  ferving  my  God  ?  Our 
 rejoycing  is  earthly ,  little  joy  cf 
 the  Holy  Ghoft   dwelleth  in  us. 
 We  are  like  fuch  as  are  ficke  of 
 light  Frenzies;  they  will  laugh  at 
 their  flhadowes,we  at  our  fancies; 
 they  fee  not  into  any  point  of  mo- 
 ment, we  diftaftethat  which  favo- 
 rech  of  Right  eoufneffe  >  and  right 
 reafon.  As  therefore  againft  the 
 former,(b  againft  this  alfo,we  muft 
 fight  the  good  fight  of  Faith  ;  loo- 
 i  kin^  to  him  that  hath  faid  ,  he  will 
 make  our  hearts  glad  in  his  houfe  ; 
 who  hath  promiled  to  fend  his 
 Spirit  unto  us,  that  our  joy  maybe 
 full ;  praying  him,  that  we  may 
 feele  this  Fruit  of  his  Kingdorr.e 
 take  place  in  us;  that  he  would 
 
 re&ifie 
 
 )    3*3 
 
 *^ 
 
 i. 
 
3  54 
 
 JVt  mnfl  praffr  God  our 
 
 rcchfie  this  affe&ion  in  us^making 
 us  to  take  comfort  in  that  which  is 
 matter  of  true  rejoyeing. 
 
 Sixtly*  Now  for  praifmgGod, 
 and  thankfulneile  unto  him>  (  for 
 this  is  the  laft  thing  I  propoun- 
 ded) vye  have  thiscommandemcnt; 
 In  ail  things  givethanks>yea*in  e- 
 vils  :  Qull  we  receive  good  things 
 from  the  Lord^and  not  evill  >  The 
 Lord  hath  given  >  &the  Lord  hath 
 taken  away,  blefled  be  the  Name 
 of  the  Lord*  For  howfoever  it  be, 
 yet  God  is  good^even  when  he  pu- 
 nidieth  ;  and  no  wonder*  Is  it  not 
 fo  in  bodily  things  ?  Bitter  Medi- 
 cines are  as  good>in  due  fcafon^as 
 the  delightfuHeft  dainties.  And 
 are  not  our  inward  and  outward 
 crofles,  by  Gods  graces  made 
 wholefome  Phyficke^to  purge  out 
 our  corruptions  >  and  to  make  us 
 partakers  of  the  quiet  fruit-  of 
 RighteoufnefTej  and  true  Holi- 
 nefle?  Yea,  our  hearts- (hould  be 
 fo  thankefully  aflfe&ed'j  chat  (like 
 fire-)  they  flhouldbreakefoorch> 
 
 and 
 
fchesyAnd  incite  others  to  it.        j    365 
 
 aniinflame-cthecs.  Wherein  we 
 have  holy  Davrd  for  an- example  : 
 'Pfal.i  oj-hebcginsyMy  foulcand 
 all  within  me  y  praile  his  holy 
 Name :  In  the  next >Pfainte,ihehfl; 
 vcrfe, he-faith  ;  Praife  ye  the  Lord. 
 Firftj  he  ftirres  up  himfelfe,  and 
 then  provokes  others  topraife  the 
 Lord.  As  the  Cocke,th  at  firft  clap- 
 ping his  wings  about  his  ovvne 
 body, rowzeth  up  himfelfe,and 
 after  (crovving)awakeneth  others. 
 Otherwife  >  common  tearmes  of 
 thankefalnefle>  without  afte&ion, 
 areas  Court-ho!y-water>  (  as  we 
 fay )  which  our  God,  that  looketh 
 at  the  heart  and  rcines  >  doth  not 
 refpedt  r  thefe  are  eood  words, 
 that  will  pay  no  dent  with  him. 
 And  truely  >  there  is  good  reafon 
 for  this ♦  For  whether  ye  looke  at 
 benefits  paft>eaten  Bread  muft  not 
 beforgottcn,  thankes  muft  ftill  bfc 
 grecne:  And  doth  not  your  par- 
 ticular deliverance  (  when  rrnny 
 fall  on  each  hand  ot  you)binde 
 you,  daily  to  bee  ttunkefull? 
 
 Or 
 
3  6  6  Our  Temporal^  and  Spirituall 
 
 Or  whether  ye  looke  at  the  things 
 ye  enjoy;  ye  know  your  tempo- 
 rail  blcffings ;  as  tolerable  health, 
 good  name  and  reputation,  free- 
 aome  from  fuit  and  fervice,ability 
 rather  to  be  helpfull  than  charge- 
 able, your  domefticall  peace,  your 
 Iibertie,without  fearc  of  reftraintj 
 all  ofthem  in  their  places^nofmall 
 matters.  If  ye  confider  fpirituall 
 bleflings  ;  that  which  ye  have 
 downe  in  hand ,  is  as  great  a  work 
 of  his  mercy,  as  the  glorious  eftate  j 
 ye  looke  for  hereafter.  Is  not  the 
 Lords  worke  more  admirable,  in 
 the  firft  making  and  quickening 
 the  Infant  in  the  Wombe,  than  in 
 feeding  it  there,  bringing  it  forth, 
 and  nmfing  it  up  to  fullftature? 
 So,  his  begetting  us  again  ,  who 
 were  dead  in  finne  ( though  yet  in 
 the  Wombe  of  our  Mother,  the 
 Church)to  be  alive  in  Chrift  Jefus, 
 \*henwe  are  new-bornebabe>in 
 him,  is  more  then  the  bringing 
 of  us  to  perfect  Manhood.  And 
 .though it feemeftrange,  yet  iris 
 1  onely 
 
 I 
 
blcJfwgSyMotivcs  topraife  CjoA. 
 
 3*7 
 
 onelyinthisrefpeft,  becaufe  we 
 are  like  Infants ;  who  live,  but  yet 
 know  not  that  they  live:  fo,  we 
 having  in  fmallmeafure  the  Spirit, 
 which  teacheth  us  to  know  the 
 things  beftowcd  upon  us,  know 
 not  how  great  that  grace  is,which 
 hath  been  already  fhewed  us»  Is 
 it  a  (hull  thing ,  when  we  were 
 dead  in  ignorance,  and  in  Iuftof 
 ourignoranccto  bequickned  with 
 the  life  of  God,  in  knowledge, 
 righteoufnefle,  &  holinefle?  When 
 we  were  enemies ,  to  be  made 
 friends,vea,fonnes  and  daughters? 
 The  Apollledoubtethnot  to  rea- 
 fon  from  this,to  everlafting  life,as 
 theleflerj^o^.j^  10.  God, when 
 we  were  enemies,  hath  reconciled 
 us  by  his  death;  how  much  more 
 vtill  he  fave  us,with  perfeit  falva- 
 tionoflbule  and  body,by  his  life  ? 
 that  is,by  putting  forth  the  power 
 of  his  Spirit.  Now  he  liveth,to  die 
 no  more. 
 
 Thefe  then  are  great  things ,  as 
 acquitting  you  from  finne ,  and 
 
 death; 
 
death;  for  Chrift*  your  Sureties 
 fake*  he  fending  his  Spirit  into 
 your  hearts*  and  giving  you  part 
 in  the  firft  Refurre&ion;  Befidcs  | 
 thefc  *  ye  muft  remember  *  what j 
 advcrfities  he  hath  holpen  jou 
 i*,  how  he  hath  eafed  the  yoake 
 of  your  corruption  s*  which  have 
 had  more  power  in  you  *  than 
 now  they  have*  Yea ,  vv  hat  evil  s 
 he  hath  put  by  you.  Have  ye  not 
 been  tempted  in  this  or  that  kind? 
 It  is*  becaufe  God  in  mercy  would 
 not  lead  you  into  tentat ion.  Yea* 
 this  is*  in  fome  fort*  more  to  be 
 acknowledged  than  vi&ory*  when 
 ye  were  tempted :  for  not  to  be 
 tempted,  is  more  immediately 
 from  God*  and  leffc  in  mans 
 power,  tha  to  prevaile  againft  tes- 
 tations. For  nothingooth  over- 
 come u^*  without  our  will  \  but 
 without  our  will,  Goddorh  leadc 
 us  into  tryall :  for  he  knoweth,  we 
 would  talte  litle  of  thcfe*if  it  were 
 in  our  power  to  be  our  owne  car- 
 vers. Yemuflbeasthankfiill  for 
 
 thofc 
 
 ..»  •*• 
 
thofe  finnes  which  God  hath  not 
 let  ye  know,  as  for  thofe  he  hath 
 pardoned  in  yoib  having  commit- 
 ted them* 
 
 Whether  doe  ye  thinke*  ye  are 
 bound  to praife God  more*  ifhee 
 rcftore  you  >  'when  fickeneffe  hath 
 come  upon  you ;  or  keepe  you  fo* 
 that- you  feele  noDifeafe?  Ntiw, 
 if  ye  confider  what  things  God 
 hath  prepared  for  you>  they  are 
 inch  as  eie  never  (aw3nor  ever  fully 
 entred  into  the  heart  of  man* 
 Compare  the  cftate  of  Princc/fr*- 
 ryin  his  Queen  Mothers  wombe* 
 with  his  condition*  at  full  ago  vn 
 aM  the  glory  of  his  Fathers  Court* 
 there  is  a  broad  difference*  and  it 
 mayfitly-refemble  the  difference 
 of  our  prcfent  and-  future  eftate : 
 We  are  borne  Sonnes  and  Daugh- 
 ters of  Godjhches  apparant  to  the 
 Kingdomeof  Heaven  ;  but  while 
 the  Ghurch  doth  here  travel  of  us> 
 we  arc  pent  up  in  dark  Cloyfters* 
 and  annoyed  with  much  fteachof 
 Cm>  both  inour  fclves  and  others  : 
 
 but 
 
37° 
 
 Wherein  Thankefttlneffe 
 
 but  hereafter  our  eftate  fhal  be  al- 
 together lightfome,happy,  &  glo- 
 rious :  fo  that  we  may  well  fay  to 
 God,  How  great  is  the  goodnefle 
 that  thou  haft  laid  up  for  them 
 that  feare  thee  ?  How  great  things 
 doeft  thou  worke  for  the  fonnes  of 
 mentor  fuch  as  hope  in  thee  ?  Ye 
 fee  then,how  for  things  paft^prc- 
 fent,  and  thofe  alio  which  he  hath 
 in  ftore  for  us,  we  are  bound  to  be 
 thankfull.  Now,  if  ye  askewhat 
 it  is,  wherein  our  unthankfulnefle 
 ftandeth  ?I  anfvver :  firft,in  hearty 
 acknowledgement  of  Gods  good- 
 qeffe  to  us  in  all  things,  vvithcon- 
 fcience   of  our  owne  unworthi- 
 nefle,as  not  worthy  of  the  leaft  of 
 all  his  mercies*  Compare  GVtf.32. 
 i o; and 3 3.  5 ♦  with  i.C£/*0//.  29. 
 14*    Secondly  ,  we  muft  tell  of 
 GoJs  goodnefle^that  we  may  glo- 
 rifie  him  before  others*   Come,  I 
 will  tell  you,  faith  Davidy  what 
 the  Lord  hath  done  for  my  foule* 
 So,  Mofes  would  tell  his  father  in 
 law  what  God  had  done  for  them. 
 
 Thirdly* 
 
 V 
 
to  Godconftsls. 
 
 IV 
 
 Thirdly,  it  doth  make  us  caft  a- 
 bout,  whatwemayreturne  unto 
 God ,  by  way  of  thankefulnefle : 
 What  (hall  I  give  unto  the  Lord, 
 for  all  his  benefits  unto  me  ?  Laft- 
 ly,it  wil  make  us  accufe  our  felves, 
 if  we  be  backward  in  duty*  Thus 
 we  fee,  when  we  receive  any  fpe- 
 riall  kindneffe  fromour  friends  j 
 Krft,  our  inward  affections  do  ac- 
 knowledge andentertaineit  glad- 
 ly ;fecondly>we  tell  what  any  one 
 hath  done  for  us ;  thirdly,  we  will 
 thinkehowwe  may  requite  him, 
 or,  at  leaft ,  teftifie  our  thankful- 
 nefle  towards  him ;  fourthly,  we 
 rate  our  felves  (if  we  go  on,and  no 
 token  of  good  will  be  returned)as 
 much  too  blame  y  that  we  fhould 
 forget  fo  great  acourtefie,  as  was 
 (hewed  to  us. 
 
 Now  then,  that  ye  have  heard 
 whatitistobethankful,and  what 
 good  reafon  we  have  to  enforce 
 this  duty  upon  us, we  muft  lay  our 
 felves  to  this  rule;  &  we  (hall  find, 
 :hat  we  come  as  fhort  herein,as  in 
 
 the 
 
o— — — ^^>a^'—  '  ■■■»!, 
 
 j     371   I         We  have  great  cattfcybnt 
 
 the  afore-named.  Oh !  wee  are 
 horribly  unthank  full.  What  good 
 bleffin^s  doe  wereceive*  not  once 
 cafting  a  looke  unto  the  giver  of 
 them?  When  we  are  kept  in  the 
 night>and  our  houfes  from  fire^and 
 breaking  into;  when  refreshed 
 with  fleepe ;  when  kept  all  day^in 
 our  goings  out^and  commings  in  j  j 
 when  fed:  Doe  we  heartily  ac- 
 knowledge God  in  all  thefe  ?  It  is 
 he  that  watchcth ,  or  clfe  in  vaine 
 they  keepe  the  Citie :  It  is  he  that 
 rocketh  us  aflecp>and  draweth  th 
 Curcaine  ofthc  night  about  vs;  he 
 giveth  fleepeto  his  beloved :  It  i 
 he  that  wardcth  about  us  all  the 
 day,  keeping  us  in  our  wayes: He 
 openeth  his  hand^and  like  a  great 
 Houfe-keepen  giveth  us  our  daily 
 bread.  If  in  earthly  things^which 
 we  fee  and  tafte  >  we  cannot  ,praife 
 him;what  taking  fhal  we  be  found 
 in^about  heavenly  ?  When  ye  have 
 your  daily  finnes  forgiven  you  >  in 
 Chrift ;  when  you  arc  kept  from 
 the  finneof  your  own  heart ;  the 
 
 cor-l 
 
 \  — 
 
little  hearts jto  be  tha*$kcf*IL 
 
 corrupt  examples  of  worldly  men; 
 the  fpirituall  wiefcedneffes  which 
 fight  againft  us ;  when  ye  go  in 
 fpirituall  peace  from  morning  un- 
 til night?  which  alone  is  a  gift  paf- 
 fing  underftanding :  Doe  ye  ac- 
 knowledge God,  with  affe&ion  to- 
 ward him  >  in  all  thefe  ?  It  is  hee 
 that  fhifteth  us  out  of  the  fcapesof 
 our  naturall  corruption>wafliing  us 
 in  the  blood  of  his  Chrifbfrom  the 
 filth  of  our  finnes  •  he  forgiveth  us 
 every  day  our  trefpaffes:  It  is  his 
 might  >in  whictaas  in  a  Towen  we 
 are  kept  fife*  againft  all  the  ene- 
 mies of  our  falvation:  He  is  the 
 God  of  Peace,the  Prince  of  Peace 
 inChrift?  who  killeth  the  accu- 
 sing; and  fubducth  the  rage  and 
 ufurpation  of  finne  in  us.  We  are 
 n  uch  in  fault  >  who  have  received 
 good  things  at  Gods  hands?  &  re- 
 payed  evill,  &  fcarce  taken  notice 
 of  any  his  kindnefies  towards  ur, 
 God  doth  carry  us  on  the  tender 
 armesof  his  mercy;  but  (alas) 
 little  doe  we  underftand  of  him. 
 
 373 
 
I    374    [       Our  great  Hnthankefnlnejfe 
 
 In  benefits  often  received,our  fpi- 
 rics  doe  not  once  looke  up  to  him; 
 but  as  Swine  take  the  Mafte,fo  do 
 we  our  bleffings :  Or  if  we  do  any 
 thing  by  way  of  thankefulneffe* 
 how  flubberingly  do  weturneit 
 ove^our  afte&ios  being  bent  ano- 
 ther way,rather  than  to  the  thank- 
 full  pray  fing  of  our  God?  Wc  ferve 
 him,as  little  children  fef  ve  us;who 
 when  they  be  come  in  to  us^trotn 
 their  play>and  having  gotten  fom- 
 thing  of  ns  that  they  want ,  away 
 they  goe,without  reverence  or  re- 
 fpe&ofus  :  but  if  they  know  we 
 will  have  duties  then  they  doe  it ; 
 but  in  fuch  a  fafhion ,  that  we  may 
 fee  their  hearts  are  on  their  Game 
 abroad,  more  than  on  their  dutie. 
 So ,  for  fpeaking  what  our  good 
 God  hath  done  for  us  ( thankeful- 
 neffe  wil  not  fmother  a  benefit re- 
 ceived)when  do  we  tell  him,  with 
 delight  of  his  kindnefle?  When 
 doewebeatourbraines,  notfuf- 
 feringthe  temples  of  our  headto 
 take  any  reft,til  we  have  given  our 
 
 God 
 
to  ye  Lor  dy  Checked. 
 
 375 
 
 God  fbme  argument  of  ourtha  t- 
 fuinefle?Alas!  we  ufeour  God,| 
 as  if  it  greatly  mattered  not  how 
 he  were  dealt  with*  New  then3 
 take  words  to  your  felvcs,  codem- 
 ningfrom  your  hearts  this  grie- 
 vous fmne*  Say,  if  a  man  do  bid 
 me  to  Supper  once  in  a  Quarter ,  I 
 thanke  bim  then;  when  I  meet 
 him  next  after,  I  thank  him  againe 
 for  my  laft  being  with  him ;  I  tell 
 him,  what  kind  welcome,  what 
 good  cheere  he  made  me  :  then  I 
 invite  him  fometime  againe  *  and 
 checke  my  felfe,if  I  forget  it.  But 
 if  fome  greater  mater  be  bellowed 
 upon  us,ho  w  exceeding  kindly  do 
 we  take  it  ?  how  do  we  love  to  tell 
 of  it:  how  do  we  yeeld  our  {elves 
 up  to  them  th^t  gave  it,profefling 
 our  felves  to  be  at  their  comands, 
 to  the  uttermo(t  of  our  abilitie  ? 
 'Shall  I  thanke  him  who  giveth  me 
 aSupperinlove,tellof  his  loving 
 i  entertainment,  &  be  afhamed  if  I 
 makeno  neighbourly  reciuitall?  8c 
 fhal  I  not  be  afte&ionately  thank- 
 
 R  full 
 
I 
 
 576         The Jh  Ante  oftinth^n  kefxlneffe 
 
 / 
 
 full  to  my  God,whogiveth  me  all 
 my  dayly  Bread  ? yea, who  feedcth 
 myfbule  with  Himfelfe ,  in  Iefas 
 Chrift,(here  is  my  body  ,&  bloud) 
 chat  I  may  live  for  ever?  Shall  J 
 not  tell  of  the  fined  Wines,  ihofe 
 fat  things,even  of  myGod>broken 
 in  his  body&  ibule  with  forrowes, 
 fhedding  his  moft  precious  bloud, 
 wberewkh  my  moft  unworthie 
 foule  hachbeene  fed*  and  feafted  ? 
 Shall  I ,  for  fo  fmall  a  kindneffe, 
 thank  a  man  a  thoufand  times,and 
 tell  him ,  I  am  his  to  be  comman- 
 ded; andfhalllnotfurrendermy 
 felfe  to  my  God,  who  hath  payed 
 my  debt: and  purchafed  me  a  new 
 Stocke,  even  the  hope  of  eternal  1 , 
 life,with his  precious  bloudPShall 
 1  blufh  at  fmali  unthanfulnefle  to- 
 ward man*  and  not  be  afhamed  oft 
 great  want  this  way,toward  God? 
 What?ftiall  I  be  worfe  to  my  God, 
 than  an  Oxe  or  an  AfTe  to  his  ow- 
 ner? Iflfliould  (hew  one  excee- 
 ding great  Iove>and  he  fliould  not 
 at  all  regard  me,or  returne  me  but 
 
 fome 
 
How  to  at t nine  a  thank*  full  heart  A    ^jj 
 
 feme  common  councenance;coulct 
 {endure  ic  ?Thus  then  turn  your 
 felvesunto  God3and  fayj  I  am  be- 
 come vvorfe  unto  thee    than  the 
 Whelpes  that  feede  tinder  my  Ta- 
 ble,are  unto  metthey  will, in  their 
 kinde ,  f  awne  upon  me  lovingly  ; 
 and  if  any  fmite  me, they  will  pre- 
 fently  flyeat  him*  But  my  hard 
 heart  hath  no  power  to  be  thank- 
 full  unto  thee,and  to  prayfe  thee  : 
 My  zeale  is  not  moved,when  thou 
 art  blafphcmed ;  I  can  fufter  thy 
 reproach  with  dry  eyes ,  and  un- 
 troubled fpjnt.  Oh,  thcu  who  re- 
 quireftofmein  all  things  to  give 
 thee  thankes,and  haft  promifed  to 
 write  thy  Commandements  in  my 
 heart,  put  into  my  heart  a  Law  of 
 thankefulnefle.  O  thouquickning 
 Spirit,quicken  my  foule  this  way. 
 Now  finally,foratrain:ng  athank- 
 full  heart,  ye  mnft  labour  for  thefe 
 three  things  :Firft>  ye  muft  quic- 
 ken in  your  (elves  the  confeience 
 ofyourownnnworthincs;  for  we 
 cannot  praife  God  to  any  pur  pole, 
 
 R  2  fur- 
 
37»    | 
 
 The  tneanes  to  an  tine 
 
 further  then  we  fee  our  felves  Jefl  e 
 than  the  leaft  of  all  his  mercies. 
 Even  as  hunger  is  good  favvce, 
 ir.aking  bitter  things  fvveet;  fo  this 
 poverty  of  fpirit ,  and  confidence 
 ofourovvne  unworthinefle,  doth 
 
 make  every  benefit  amiably  tafted.  I 
 Secondly,  ye  muft  labour  to  work 
 upon  your  felves  a  fenfe  of  the 
 worth  of  thofe  things  ye  enjoy; 
 in  which,  we  greatly  faile:  which 
 maketh  us  ulually  ,  that  we  never 
 know  the  price  and  worth  of  our 
 good  bleflingSjuntil  we  are  depri- 
 ved ot  them. And  this  neg!e&doth 
 breed  a  double  mifchiefe;it  makes 
 us  enjoy  things  unthankftillyyea, 
 uncomfortably  >  (  for  that  which 
 through  plenryfeemeth  no  dainty 
 I  cannot  be  fodelightfull  unto  *s.) 
 And  when  they  are  taken  away, 
 then  we  come  to  Had-I-wift;  and 
 do  fo  much  more  penance;by how 
 much  ^e  have  bin  morecarelefTe. 
 In  a  word,fo  much  as  I  efteeme  of  j 
 a  gift  beftowedjibfarrc  fonh  am  I 
 thankfuhNot  the  having  of  things 
 
 but 
 
 «*s 
 
to  a  Thaxkefrll  heart  < 
 
 11 9 
 
 but  the  having  of  them  in  eftima- 
 
 tion,breeds  thankfgiving.Thirdiy, 
 
 ye  muft  labour  to  fee  Gods  good- 
 
 nefle  to  you  in  all  things:the  grace 
 
 Jofthegiv"cr>notthegifcitfelf,  fo 
 
 much  engendreth  thankfulneffe ; 
 
 the  gift  is  the  Shell,andthis  is  the 
 
 Meat,which  taftcd  in  the  foule ,  is 
 
 fvveeter  than  life  ,  and  maketh  us 
 
 breake  out  into  praifes.   Labour 
 
 focthankfull  hearts;  God  aSketh 
 
 nothing  elfe  but  this5as  a  Rene  for 
 
 all  his  bleflings  beftowed  upon  us: 
 
 I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  (halt 
 
 praife  my  Name.  Wc  will  not  Ier 
 
 go  Lcafcs  to  men,  for  not  paying 
 
 of  Rent :  neither  let  us  give  God 
 
 caufe  to  enter  and  ftrain  upon  us, 
 
 &  all  that  we  have>for  not  magni- 
 
 fying and  praifing  him.  Thus  if 
 Godhelpe  you  ro  ftirre  up  your 
 hearts,  (for  our  aflFc&ions,in  going 
 this  way,are  like  dull  A(les,wbicn 
 go  no  longer  than  they  are  bea- 
 ten; )  if, '  fay.he  give  you  grace  ro 
 ftirupyour  hearts  to  repentance, 
 &  to  furrender  your  fouls  to  him, 
 
 R3  by 
 
3  S  o  3fi&>  benefit  of  Repentance} 
 
 by  eying  him,  trufting  on  him,  lo- 
 ving him*rejoycing  in  him,fb  ma- 
 king  him  your  feare^prayfimg  him 
 by  fpirit,  word,  and  worke;  then 
 happie  fhall  yeberlf  new  plagues 
 brei&e  forth  ,  ye  fhall  hare  your 
 comfort  in  the  hotteft*  And  if  ye 
 labour  to  fee  bo  wfarre  your  hearts, 
 are  out  of  frame  ,  in  regard  of 
 knowledge*  truft,  love/eare,  joy* 
 thankfulneffe,and  in  regard  of  im- 
 penitent hardnes  and  impudencie 
 which  is  in  them,(for  they  cannot, 
 blufh  for  that  whichGod  knoweth 
 by  them,t hough  our  eares  will  tin- 
 gle and  glow  on  our  heads,  if  any 
 mm  know  ought  rcproachfullby 
 us;)  if  ye  labour  to  finde  this  out, 
 and  thenin  the  fight  of  your  mite- 
 ry  looktoGodspromifejWho  hath, 
 eovenated  to  give  you  a  new  heart, 
 a  tender  heart,  in  which  his  Com- 
 mandments flialbe  written  by  the 
 finger  of  his  fpirit;then  ye  fhall  fee 
 that  this  courfe  will  let  you  be  nei- 
 ther idle  nor  unprofitable;  yea>k; 
 fhall  bring  you  to  grow  unco  per- 
 
 fe£ion. 
 
and  new  obedience. 
 
 fe&ion.  For  as  the  young  body, 
 which  from  wholforoe  emptinefle, 
 hathfrefh  appetite  to  newfuftc- 
 nance*  taketh  augmentation  more 
 and  more;  lb  the  foule,which  from 
 obferving  the  hcartlefneffe  of  k 
 fclfc,  waxeth  dayly  pooreinits 
 ovvne  cyes3hungring  and  thirfting 
 after  righteoufnes,receiveth  dayly 
 fpirituall  encreafefrom  GodAVife 
 men  will  take  the  fovvre  with  the 
 Aveete^and  nothing  in  the  World 
 is  gotten*  without  paines-taking. 
 Therefore*  if  it  feeme  to  have  any 
 bitternefle,or  to  require  labounye 
 muft  not  be  difmayed*  Ipromlfe 
 you,it  isbut(fome  little)  braekifh 
 in  the  top;  the  deeper  y  e  goe,  ye 
 fhallfindeitthe  fweetcr.  Make  a 
 vertue  of  neceffitie.  If  ye  will  en- 
 ter into  life*  this  one  thingisne- 
 ceflarie*L^io%42.  Butthereis 
 none  that  awakcth  himfelfe*  to  lay 
 hold  on  God.  The  Lord  give  you 
 underloading  in  all  things. 
 
 R4 
 
 Ano- 
 
 ?8i 
 
?82 
 
 Afpftion  beneficiall 
 
 Another  Letter,  written  by 
 LMafter  PauIBajrye. 
 
 MY Christian friend ,  if  { had 
 fooner  knovvnp  of  yOHr  hea- 
 vinefle,!  would  before  this  have 
 written  unto  you:  For  the  more 
 argument s  we  have  of  love*  borne 
 us  by  (Sods  children,  the  more  te- 
 ftimonies  we  have  of  his  favour 
 towards  us.  Ic  pleafed  God  >  in 
 December  laft,tochar  ge  his  hand 
 toward  you,  and  to  touch  you  in 
 your  wife,  whom  now  he  hath  a- 
 gaine  vifited  x  and  I  hope  taboth 
 your  comforts*  Trudy  our  God 
 (through  Jetus  Chrift  )  is  fo  meav 
 cifulUhat  all  things  arc  fan6tified 
 by  him  unco  our  good:  all  afflict- 
 ons/hough  fGr  the  prefent  not  joy- 
 ous, yet  they  bring  us  a:  ter ward 
 the  quiet  fruit  of  righteoufnefre.' 
 Thefe  evils  which  here  ever  and! 
 anon  are  prefent  with  us,  they  are  I 
 fitly  compared  to  wayward  and  i 
 touchy-guefts :  which,  while  they 
 ftay,vvatch  every  officer;  but  when 
 
 *W 
 
to  the  Souk)  and  how. 
 
 they  depart,they  pay  freely.  So  it 
 ,  is  with  thefe:  they  oftentimes  djf- 
 \  quiet  the  frameofthe  whole  foul; 
 but  when  they  go  away , they  leave 
 encreafe  ef  grace>of  faith,  of pati- 
 ence,of  experience;  that  the  ibule 
 faith,  Well,it  is  good  I  knew  thefe 
 things.  But  the  prefent  working 
 offorrows  feemeth  often  farreo- 
 therwife:for  in  ftead  of  encreafing 
 in  faith,  our  faith  feemeth  to  bee 
 fhaken  and  weakncd ,  rather  than 
 otherwife  ;  and  in  ftead  of  bree- 
 ding patience  and  holineffc  ,  cur 
 foulcs  do  difcover  more  impati- 
 en:e,rebellion  ,  and  more  unholi- 
 nefle  every  way     Now  the  foule 
 thinketh,vvhen  thus  it  is  fhaken  in 
 beliefe;   How  doe  thefe  Crofles 
 confirmc   faith  ?  and  when  fuch  I 
 evill,dwe'ling  inns ,  doth  breake 
 out,ho\v (faith  the  ibule  to  it  felfe) 
 da  afflictions  beget  the  quiet  fruit 
 of  righteoufnes?!  will  anfwer  you 
 thefe queftions  familiarly:  When 
 Faith  is  fhaken  by  evils  befalling 
 us5you  aske  how  it  is  confirmed?  I 
 
 R  5        anfwer 
 
 3h 
 
384     I    Temptations  Strengthen  Faith. 
 
 ^ 
 
 anfvver  you  by  a  double  compari-  ; 
 fon:When  a  Linke  burneth  dim>to 
 helpe  the  light>we  knocks  it;being 
 beaten  to  any  thing*  it  fecmeth  al- 
 moft  to  goe  forth ;  yet  this  beating 
 it,  doth  caufe  it  cart  light  far  more 
 clcerely* 
 
 Againe  >  how  doth  the  fhaking 
 of  a  tree  by  ftormy  blafts>fettle  the 
 root  and  the  tree  more  firmely, 
 though  for  a  while  it  threaten  the 
 dovvnefall  ?  Conceive  of  thefe*  and 
 you  may  underftand*  how  faith 
 though  it  feeme  to  be  cart  downe, 
 yettryedbyecntationsj  itcomcth 
 to  be  ftrengthened.  Now  then  if 
 you  aske>how  they  bring  forth  en- 
 creafe  of  righteoufnefle^leeing  you 
 fee  more  unrighteoufneffe  breake 
 from  you  by  occafion  oftheitbthen 
 you  have  obierved  in  your  felfe 
 heretofore:  Confidet  that  when 
 aveffellof  any  liquor,  hath  mud 
 and  dregs  fettled  in  thebottome; 
 k  mud  be  ftirred  3  that  which  fee-  | 
 med|mrej  muftbe  mademuddie 
 before  it  can  be  clcanfed  z  evenfb 
 
 his 
 
 —>— ■ 
 
and  increase  righteoafnejfs*         ]    385 
 
 his  troubling  of  us  >  veflelfull  of 
 uncleanneffe  >  is  the  way  whcrby 
 God  doth  clcanfe  us.  Now  if  God 
 he fo tenderly  prefentbyus*  ask 
 pleafed  him  ere-while  to  be,  it 
 falieth  fo  out,  that  much  °old*  ma- 
 ny precious  graces  are  difcerned> 
 which  we  before  could  not  difco- 
 verrand  thefe  are  fuch  fweet  fowrs> 
 fo  plcafantly  tempered  *  that  the 
 grief  i$  not  fo  bitten  as  the  work- 
 ing of  grace  in  us  is  delightfull. 
 But  what  way  foever,calamity  doth 
 not  fo  hurt  us>as  fcarre  us  ;  us  who 
 are  loved  of  God  and  called  home 
 according  to  his  purpofe*    Thus 
 wifhing  your  peace^and  hoping 
 that  all  (hall  turne  to  good* 
 the  good  of  you  both>I 
 
 ceafe  to  trouble 
 you. 
 
 1 
 
 FINIS. 
 
COMFORT 
 
 AND 
 
 INSTRUCTION 
 
 in  Affliction. 
 
 A 
 
 Letter  full  of  Divine 
 
 Comforts  ^  and  inftru&ions  | 
 
 unto  all,  in  the  time  of  ficknes, 
 
 or  any  other  chaftifemencs 
 
 of  the  Lord, 
 
 Written  by  Mr.  Pavl 
 
 BaiNE. 
 PSAL.94.  12>  IJ# 
 
 Blejfedis  the  man  when*  thou  chajttfifty 
 O  Lordy  and  teachefi  him  out  of  thy 
 Law  y  that  thou  maySi  give  him  reji 
 from  the  dayes  ofadverjttie* 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 Printed  for  N.  En  derby  and  are 
 to  be  fold  at  his  Shop  in  Popes- 
 Head  Alley,  at  ihefigne 
 oftheftarrc* 
 
{ 
 
I 
 
 COMFORT 
 
 AND 
 
 INSTRVCTION 
 
 i&affii&ion« 
 
 Oving  Sifter,  I  can- 
 not but  write  you 
 a  word  in  the  love 
 I  beare  you,  hear- 
 ing that  your 
 health  dothftand 
 more  weakely  withyou,  then  here- 
 tofore. I  wifli  your  bodily  frailty 
 might  be  an  occafiont©  your  foule,  I 
 of  returning  into  it  felf,  and  draw- 
 ing moreneerto  God  inChrift  Ic- 
 fus.Even  as  childre  love  to  be  play- 
 ing abroad,  till  night  approaching 
 doth  caufe  them  return :  fo  we  love 
 not  to  dwell  at  home  with  Godj 
 
 and 
 
 pw-«. 
 
590    :  Cjods  children  bettered  bj  affltttion 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 and  our  own  conferences  in  godly 
 devotion  &  meditation  this  way ; 
 but  to  be  abroad  infuch  courfes, 
 as  are  moft  pleafmg  to  our  corrupt 
 natures,  till  the  night  ofafflidhon 
 commeth ;  in  whick,unable  to  de- 
 light our  felves  as  before  >  we 
 turne  backs  into  our  owne  foules, 
 and  come  home  to  oui  heavenly 
 Father.  I  wifh  you  th'a  fruit  of 
 your  infirmities  therathe^becaufe 
 not  the  having  of  fickneffe ,  but 
 profiting  by  it,is  a  certaine  mark, 
 that  you  are  one  whom  God  hath 
 called,  according  to  his  heavenly 
 purpofeoflife  everlafting  :for  all 
 things  work  to  their  good  on ely, 
 who  ?re  thus  called  of  God ,  and 
 love  him,Rom  8.  And  if  you  re- 
 ceive correction,  fo  as  to  have  the 
 quiet  fruit  of  righteotffneflfe  by 
 I  meancs  of  it ,  then  you  are  chil- 
 [dren,notbaftards;  that  looke  as, 
 ^good  metall  is  difcerned  from 
 JdrofTe,  not  by  being  in  the  fire 
 onely>butby  waxing  more  bright 
 and  refinedby  meanes  of  it;fo  are 
 
 Gods 
 
 i 
 
c 
 
 How  we  may  profit  under  Gods  h*nd*  j    391 
 
 Gods  Children  defcried  fromo- 
 thers,  not  by  being  in  calamities 
 which  is  common  to  all ,  butbjr 
 growing  thereby  more  purged 
 from  their  corruption ,  and  more 
 Aiming  in  the  light  of  grace,to  the 
 glory  of  their  Father  which  is  in 
 heaven.  Wherefore  f  eing  it  doth 
 fo  much  concern  you,  to  find  fome 
 fpiritnall  fruit?  of  your  vifitatiom 
 I  will  at  this  time  teach  you>  how 
 ou  may  come  to  profit  by  this 
 and  ofGod.which  hath  followed 
 yen  oflate  with  more  then  ordina- 
 ry weakneffe  of  body, 
 
 Firft,you  mwft  labour  to  appre- 
 hend God,  as  a  Father  corre&ing 
 of  you  by  thefe  infirmities. 
 
 Secondly  you  muft  labor  to  find 
 out  the  caufe  why ,  and  to  what 
 purpofe  God  doth  follow  you  in 
 inch  kmd.  And  thirdly,  yon  muft 
 feekc  to  him,  that  he  would  teach 
 you  to  profit,  and  lead  you  by  his 
 
 frace  to  al  that  which  is  pleafing 
 eforehim.Many  account  of  fick- 
 ncs,as  a  thing  which  commeth  by 
 
 courfe,  a 
 
39* 
 
 In  infirmities  ive  nwft 
 
 A 
 
 a  thing(which  may  well  be  looked 
 for  in  your  yeers)  which  will  weare 
 away  by  the  grace  of  God ;  onely 
 as  it  had  a  time  to  grow  in  *  fo  it 
 mufl:  have  a  time  to  goe  in  alio ; 
 vanishing  away  in  fucb  thoughts, 
 never  ©bferving  the  correcting 
 hand  of  their  God*  in  the  thing 
 which  is  upon  them.  The  world  as 
 it  doth  not  know  God  in  all  that 
 good  he  doththem,when  he  filleth 
 their  hearts  with  joy  and  gladnes, 
 being  worfe  then  the  oxe  and  afle, 
 who  know  their  Maftets  Crib  ;  fo 
 againe*  beingdiunken  with  igno- 
 rance, andlufts  ofignorance^they 
 know  not  who  ftrikeththem,when 
 the  punilhing  hand  of  God  doth 
 follow  them:  whereas  every  childe 
 dcth  know  when  it  receiveth  cor- 
 rection from  the  carchly  Parent, 
 yea ,  the  wilde  Colt  doth  know 
 when  the  Dam  doth  Itrike  it. 
 Wherefore  (before  a'l  things)  la- 
 bour to  fee  God>your  Fathers  hand 
 in  all  things.  Should  we  beat  our 
 children>and  they  fliould  feem  ne- 
 ver 
 
 \ 
 
apprehend  (jods  hand. 
 
 393 
 
 ver  Co  vouch  as  to  heed  our  linking 
 of  therib  would  we  not  judge  their 
 ftate  forIorne?Againe*this  makech 
 vs  returne  repentantly ,  when  we 
 Fee  our  heavenly  Father  calling  us 
 by  his  corre&ion ;  this  maketh  us 
 :oindeavourto  be  humbled  under 
 Gods  hand  when  we  thinke  how 
 God  our  Father  is  offended  with 
 as.  Finally*  this  maketh  us  to  con*- 
 :eive  hope*  that  our  vifitation  (hall 
 be  for  our  good ;  the  Parents  hand 
 hurteth  not  Children. 
 
 Now  for  your  clearer  infpe&i- 
 on  hereinto  >  and  for  your  greater 
 :omfort,  I  will  infift  fomewhat 
 tightly  upon  that  in  Daniel ,  Dan* 
 iz.3  3*34>tf.  where  the  Prophet 
 [having  opened  the  impieties  and 
 perfecutionsofthat  wicked  Antio- 
 r/?*f,as  likewife  what  was  the  ftate 
 sfthe  lew  without,who  had  not  the 
 power  of  godliness  the  verfebe- 
 fore)doth  m  thefc  three  lay  downe 
 the  eftate  of  the  godly,while  thefe 
 fiery  tryalsindured.  And  5.  hings 
 are  there  fet  downe :  Firft ,  he  de- 
 
 fcribeth 
 
394 
 
 It  is  a  good  twins  property 
 
 fcnbeth  thofe  chat  were  godly, 
 wife,  and  found-hearted  in  their 
 profeflion,from  this,  that  they  did 
 labour  to  bring  others  to  fellow- 
 ship in  the  fame  grace  with  them, 
 through  inftru&ion,  andmeanes 
 of  chat  nature.  Secondly  >hc  fetterh 
 downe  the  variety  of  evils  which 
 (hould  befall  them^rcand  fword* 
 Tfurdly,thc  cold  comfort  and  den* 
 derhelpes  which  they  were  like 
 to  find-Fourthly >the  end  of  zlUviz,. 
 the  purging  out  of  all  their  cor- 
 ruptions, both  of  flefh  and  fpirit. 
 Fifthly^tbe  durance  of  their  fuffc- 
 rin*,nacnely,till  Gods  appointed 
 (eafon  were  expired.  From  this 
 (chat  the  godly-wife  are  defcribed 
 from  hence,  that  they  inftrud  ci- 
 thers )  obfervefirft  by  the  way, 
 that  a  good  mans  property  is ,  he 
 will  labour  to  make  others  good, 
 ha  cannot  goc  to  heaven  aloneas 
 God  catcheth  him,  fo  he  will  pull 
 his  neighbour  after  with  him;asJ 
 Th Hip  did  N'athmeelj  Ioh.1,43. 
 according  to  that  commandment, 
 
 Teach 
 
 i 
 
ftdifi  others. 
 
 395 
 
 reach  and  cdificone  another,  i. 
 rh.  5  .even  as  a  fweet  fmell  fillet h  j 
 hefenfesof  fuch  as  are  neere  it, 
 b  grace  afte&erh  thofethat  cott- 
 erie  with  ir#  Now  to  perfwade 
 s  to  the  praftice  of  this,  we  have 
 lany  rea!ons;firft,Gods  glory,fbr 
 )e  glory  of  a  King ,  faith  Salomon 
 andcth  in  the  multitude  of  his 
 ubje&s ;  therefore,  when  we  la- 
 3ur  to  increafcthe  number  of  the 
 lithfulljwe  do  gain  no  fmall  g!o- 
 no  God;  as  who  thenincreafe 
 is  Subje£ts,and  enlargehis  king- 
 >me.  Secondly,  the  good  of  che 
 irty  admonifhed  ;  for  as  Saint 
 ptfwfaith  often,  by  phis  meanes 
 Souleisfaved-.whichismoreto 
 m  that  is  converted ,  then  if  vve 
 ?t  him  the  pofleflion  of  the 
 bole  World.  Thirdly,  for  our 
 Ives,itdoth  many  vv ayes  benefit 
 ;  thus  to  worke  upon  others  ; 
 r,  firft  without  us  ,  we  hence 
 inneonr  felves  great  love  in  the 
 :artsofothers.This  made  Naomi 
 interefled  in  the  heart  of  Rmh. 
 
 This 
 
 ■■  ■  ■  ■ 
 
196 
 
 The  good  nwft  helpe  to 
 
 This  made  TauI  Co  afte&ed  to  th< 
 
 Galatians  >  chat  they  would  haw 
 
 given  him  their  eyes ;  whereas  i 
 
 this  be  wantingmoeieisfufficiet 
 
 and  the  negle6t  of  this ,  is  that 
 
 which  often  maketh  men  meet 
 
 with  fuch  trickes  and  turnes 
 
 their  deareftfriends>as  aregrievou 
 
 unto  them.  Againe*  while  we  do 
 
 deale  with  others  thi  s  way>we  in 
 
 creafe  our  own  grace;  for  it  is  wit 
 
 that  as  our  other  ftocke^the  bettc 
 
 it  be  husbanded*  and  theoftner 
 
 be  turned  ,  fo  moth  the  more  it 
 
 increafed.  Thirdly,  in  Heaven  v 
 
 (hall  have  fo  much  more  ample  re 
 
 ward, by  h9W  much  more  we  ha 
 
 beene  in  this  kind  more  fruit  fu 
 
 T>an.i  2,_3 .  This  is  firft,  to  rebu 
 
 the  vaine  complaints  of  men*  wl; 
 
 will  cry  out>0  what  an  evill  vvor 
 
 it  is  !  Whom  may  a  man  truft  nc 
 
 adaycs?But  yet  never  goe  about 
 
 I  reclaime  a  man  from  any  evill  ws 
 
 What  doeft  thou  complaine  of 
 
 evil  world?It  isthe  worfe  for  the 
 
 When  doeft  thou  admonifh  an> 
 
mak^-others  good/Ujes  of  it. 
 
 lay,  one  may  be  in  thy  company 
 11  the  yeer,  and  fcarce  hear  a  good 
 Yord>  which  tendeth  to  make  fin 
 ia:efull>and  vertue  precious  in  the 
 ccounts  of  others*  What  tolly  is 
 his,  to  begone  that,  which  thou 
 /lit  not  tiir  thy  litde  finger  to  re- 
 refle?  As  if  a  husbandman  fhould 
 Dmplaine,0  hereis  nothing  in  my 
 round>but  bryers  and  nettles^and 
 ther  weeds!  but  Chould  never  ma- 
 nre  ibfow  it  drefle  it,  &c*  Every 
 »ne  would  condemne  it  as  folly  in 
 iiibfoit  is  with  us.  Sccondly^this 
 sbuketh  fueh  as  will  not  be  admo- 
 ii(hed:come  and  talke  withthem, 
 arping  upon  this  ftring,  and  they 
 /ill  fay>What  have  you  to  do  with 
 ne  ?  \ooke  to  your  (clfe*  \  ou  (hall 
 nfaet  for  your  felfe  >  and  not  for 
 le  -.but  we  muft  have  to  doe  with 
 hcm>  and  one  with  another:  did 
 fefee  their  beaft  ready  to  mifcar- 
 y>  under  a  burden^  we  are  bound 
 bhelp  it,and  they  would  nocraif- 
 >keit ;  much  more  are  we  bound 
 d  help  one  anothejrunderthe  bur- 
 den 
 
 397 
 
j    5<jg    (    GodffoftfcrvoHts,  mofl  malted* 
 
 den  of  fin. Secondly,  here  we  fee, 
 that  the  belt  fervice  receiver  h  from 
 the  world  ofcStimes  the  worft  wa- 
 ges .Thefe  that  made  others  turne 
 From  their  evill  wayes  >  and  them- 
 fclves  walke  •  to  all  godly  mnocen- 
 cy;  thefeare  the  Butts(asit  were) 
 at  which  the  malicious  world, 
 chiefely  fliootcthtthus  it  was  with 
 Chrift ,  and  the  Prophets  :  which 
 of  them  in  mannerwere  not  cruel- 
 ly butchered  jThereafo  i*,firft,be- 
 caufe  fuch  fruitfull  Chriftian'.,  the 
 Divell  feeieth  his  head  fo  trod  on 
 by  them ,  that  he  cannot  indurc 
 them :  but  will  catch  them  by  the 
 heele*  andmifchiefethem,asfaf 
 as  he  is  able*Let  men  florifh  witfc 
 humane  wifedome ,  carry  them-lo 
 felves  for  humane  morall  difcourfi  i 
 and  complement ,  incomparable !  n 
 he  ftirreth  not  at  this,  for  all  this  i 
 while  he  is  but  played  with,  nc 
 fbule  is  recovered  out  of  his  povy^  r 
 er,  he  is  notdifturbed.Agame,  a* 
 the  malice  of  the  divell  isagainfl 
 them  chic  fely,  fo  the  envie  of  th 
 
 world 
 
 ■  »m 
 
7fts  to  be  made  of  otbtts  affti&iont. 
 
 vorld  j  who  cannot  but  hate  fiich 
 whofc  workes  are  becccr  than 
 heirowne.  Theufeofthisis^that 
 ve  judge  not  of  men  according  to 
 heir  affiiflions.  Oh  when  wee 
 leare  one  is  in  trouble,thcn  we  lay 
 lurely  he  might  have  handled  the 
 natter  with  more  difcretion ;  had 
 le  beene  wifer,  be  might  have  fa- 
 red all  this  trouble.  Do  we  not  fee 
 lerc,  that  the  wifeft  that  werefa- 
 hcrs  begetting  others  to  wifc- 
 lorac,  this  is  their  portion  ?  Chrift 
 \nd  the  Apoftles  might  thus  bee 
 :ondemned  asfoolifh;  nay,  fiich 
 vhofc  (ins  doe  cart  them  into  their 
 roubles ,  fuch  arc  foolifh ;  bat 
 /vhen  affli&ions  come  for  a  good 
 xmfcience,  then  it  is  quite  other- 
 wife.  Secondly, we  mud  fit  downe3 
 ind  caft  our  accounts  before  hand, 
 hat  we  will  not  bee  difcouraged, 
 or  that  meafure  wee  meet  with 
 rom  the  World ;  but  comfort  our 
 elves  in  this.,  that  God  will  judge 
 is,  not  according  to  that  fucceffe 
 ve  have  had  Jbuc  according  to  that 
 
 S  we 
 
 3?9 
 
400     \  The  Afjlt8ions0f  the  godly  mu  ft 
 
 III  *  III  Ml  -  .>  >  .       .-  .  ■  ,| 
 
 weiiave  done;  bee  it  good  or  cvill. 
 Thirdly, from  this,  that  thefe  god- 
 lywife  fuffer  £nbody,asby  fire  and 
 (word ;  in  goods,as  by  (polling;  in 
 liberty,  as  being  banifhed  and  led 
 captive^and  that  many  daie*;I  pray 
 ybn  obferve^that  the  Saints  of  God 
 often  fuffer  ftrong,many,  and  long 
 affliftions.  Thus  Ifraels  pofterity 
 endured  triall  4oo*yeers.  Thus  the 
 elder  people  of  God  were  all  led 
 captive feventy  yeeres;for  we  need 
 great  ones,  that  our  corruptions 
 may  be  fubdued  within  us.  For.as 
 theuDtaraednefle  of  fome  Colt  is 
 fuch^that  unleffs  he  were  fore  rid- 
 den,he  would  never  be  broken,  Co 
 is  it  with  our  rebellious  naturc.Se- 
 condIy,Httle  things  donctcxercife 
 our  faith,  &  make  us  tofeeke  God 
 for  as  none  for  a  little  head-ach,or 
 for  the  ranch  of  a  pin,  will  fecke  tc 
 the  bodily  Pbyfician  or  Surgeonjfc 
 is  it  with  the  fou!e,whiIe  it  is  trou 
 bled  with  like  grievances  ipiric 
 all.  Thirdly,  they  nmftbee  great., 
 to  make  place  for  mercy  aboun< 
 
 dan 
 
be  get  Ate  ^  divers^andhng. 
 
 401 
 
 dant  fromGod  to  us5and  plentiful! 
 thankefgifing  from  ustoGod.  If 
 one  heale  a  trifling  matter,  it  nei- 
 ther fo  bindcth  the  Patient,  nor 
 commendeth  the  Ph y (Irian :  but  if 
 one  heale  us  of  fomedeadly  incura- 
 ble thihgjO  we  fay  then, we  could 
 never  have  met  with  fuch  a  Phyfi- 
 cian;  not  the  like  in  the  world  a- 
 gaindSccondly^they  muft  be  many 
 and  divers,  armies  of  men5  it  lob 
 fpeaketh  5  becaufe  our  corruptions 
 are  of  divers  kinds :  and  becaufe  a* 
 gaineasthe  body,  if  it  take  one 
 thing  ftill,  it  commeth  to  beefo 
 much  leflemoved,by  how  much  it 
 is  more  familiar;  (b  it  is  with  cur 
 foulesjthatoneuniform^  evil  doth 
 by  little  &  little,  through  cuftome 
 become  kfle  cffeftuall.  It  faring 
 withanian,aswich  a  horfe  ;  who 
 ftill  (purred  in  one  place ,  com- 
 meth not  to  feelethefpurre,  nor 
 mend  his  pace  when  hee  is  pric- 
 ked. As  they  muft  bee  ftrong  and 
 divers,  fo  they  muft  bee  long  alfo ; 
 becaufe  our  evil*  which  have 
 
 S  2  been 
 
■  i ■ ■ ■  J r  r t  r 
 
 402     I        3Tfo  tfflittions  tftbtgodlj 
 
 beene  long  growing  upon  us,  will 
 not  goe  away  haftily ;  as  ftaines 
 which  arelong  fctled  in  a  c!otb,re- 
 quire  much  fcowring.  Now  when 
 wee  daily  fpot  our  (elves  with  fin3 
 we  lee  it  fettle  in;  and  doe  not  wath 
 our  felves  by  renewing  faith  and 
 repentance  :  and  (o  make  way  for 
 the  heavier  band  of  God,  when  he 
 (hallvifit.  Batitmaybeobje&ed, 
 Paul  faith,  our  afflifti  ons  are  light 
 and  momentany.  Anfwer :  Not, 
 that  abfolutely  they  arc  fo,  but  in 
 comparifbn  of  eternity;  Secondly, 
 lighten  regard  of  that  which  grace 
 maketh  them,when  (in  is  repented 
 of,  and  Gods  favour  not  hidden 
 from  us.  This  made  Tanl  that  he 
 could  not  fleepe  for  joy,  butfung 
 at  mid-night  when  hee  was  impri- 
 ibned  and  (ore  handled.  This  made 
 Ptf  er,thougb  he  was  to  be  brought 
 forth  the  day  after  to  death,  he  ne- 
 j  ver  flept  better  in  his  life :  this  will 
 make  us  out-looke  death,  and  al 
 cvills,when  we  have  received  from 
 God  the  grace  of  repentance  and 
 
 for 
 
are  many,  yet  light  alfe. 
 
 forgiveoefle  of  finsjwhcn  the  light 
 of  his  countenance  is  towards  as 
 in  his  beloved.  For  as  a  plaifter 
 which  upon  a  (ore  flefh  caufeth 
 much  fmart,  upon  (bund  flcfli  ftir- 
 rech  no  paine :  (o  troubles  lighting 
 upon  a  foule  healed  thus,  as  is  a- 
 bovc-faid,  are  nothicigfogricvous. 
 This  muft  make  us  provide  our 
 felves5and  ar me  our  hearts  with  the 
 comfort  of  the  Scriptures,  agaiaft 
 wefhallbe  tried,  not  bdngatall 
 difrruied  at  them  when  they  befall 
 u?.  If  wee  make  account  of  cold 
 weather  entring,  then  wee  will  be 
 appointed,&  get  double  clothing ; 
 wee  muft  be  as  wife  for  our  foules, 
 as  bodics.Secondly,we  muft  cry  to 
 God,  that  he  would  fay  to  our  (pi- 
 nts by  his  Spirit,  thac  our  fins  are 
 forgiven;  that  is  J  am  he  that  jufti- 
 fiech  thee,who  can  lay  any  thing  to 
 thy  charge?  and  we  muft  give  all 
 diligence  to  make  our  calling  and 
 cleiUon  (ure,  feeing  that  in  thefe 
 things  ftandcth  our  fvveetc  peace 
 and  comfort,  when  all  the  world 
 S  3  be- 
 
 403 
 
4C4 
 
 Gods  Children  forfaken  of  friends 
 
 befides  can   (hew   us  no   com- 
 fort. 
 
 Fourthly,  that  they  have  fo 
 fmallhdpe,  andmuchdiflimulau- 
 on  ufed  towards  chem  •  obferve 
 I  hence,  that  when  God  will  try  us, 
 men  ufaally  leave  us;  fb  Paul  filth 
 in  the  fecond  of  Timnhj,  that  all 
 had  forfaken  him,  the  firft  time  of 
 his  appearing.  Thus  when  Chrift 
 was  fmitten  andattached,the  Apo- 
 ftlesfhrunkeaway  from  him  •ac- 
 cording to  that,  when  the  Paftor 
 wasfmicten,  the  (heepc  were  (cat- 
 tered.For  of  tho£  that  make  fliew 
 to  be  friend  s,many  are  hypocrites  ; 
 and  therefore  they  will  like  fwal- 
 lowes  take  the  Summer-fliine  with 
 I  us,  but  bid  us  adieu  when  winter  | 
 f  bloweth.  Secondly,  many  that  are 
 fbund^yet  are  weakein  love;  and 
 therefore  not  able  to  bcare  in 
 fufferings.  Thirdly,  many  want 
 courage,  and  therefore  fay,  I  can 
 doe  him  no  good,  I  fhall  be  look- 
 ed into;  as  good  one  beare  it  as 
 moe,  when  we  cannot  be  eafed  :(b 
 
 that 
 
 / 
 
in  Affliction :  The  nfes  thereof* 
 
 that  their  diftreffcd  brethren  may 
 fiokeorfwim,  while  they  confalt 
 with  fuch  flefhly  reafon.The  ufe  is, 
 that  we  would  all  learne  hencenot 
 corruftin  men,  but  in  the  living 
 God ;  and  co  acquaint  our  (elves 
 wkb  him,ia  whom  there  is  no  Iha- 
 dow  of  change. 
 
 Secondly,  wee  muftnorbediC- 
 maied,  if  many  forinke  from  us 
 when  they  come  co  the  wetting; 
 Come  of  Gods  children  differing 
 inthiskindc,  take  ic  to  heart  and 
 ky  :  Ob,  if  others  had  done  thus 
 and  thus,  I  could  bane  borne  ic ; 
 but  it  goeth  to  ray  hearr,  to  fee 
 fuch  ferve  me  this  part !  Why, this 
 is  no  great  new^s;  doe  not  the 
 Saints  here ;  did  not  Chrifi >T>avid, 
 Iob>  at  his  wives  hand  indurc  the 
 fame? 
 
 Fifthly,  that  thefe  worthy 
 S 11  ncs  have  fuch  ftrong,  many  and 
 long  affliftions  for  the  purging  of 
 them  j  Obfervc  hence,  that  there 
 '  are  none  fa  pure,  but  need  fining, 
 winnowing ,  and  wafhing :  even 
 
 S-4  as' 
 
 4°  5 
 
4c6 
 
 AH  troubles  rvorkt  together  for 
 
 asdroffeis  with  filver,  offall  and 
 care  with  corne,  foylc  with  cloth : 
 fb  is  corruption  with  our  nature, 
 it  will  never  quite  bee  taken  forth, 
 till  this  body  of finne  be  diflolved; 
 and  God  will  have  fuch  remain- 
 ders that  we  may  be  trained  in  hu- 
 mility by  them.  They  are  like  the 
 Swans  blacke  teete,  in  the  whiteft 
 Chriftian.SecondIy,that  we  weake 
 ones  may  not  be  difmayedat  that 
 we  find,  when  the  beft  have  their 
 *remna">ts  of  corruption. 
 
 Sixthly,tbat  God  doth  give  them 
 to  fuch  croffes^only  to  purge  them 
 &c.  Note  hence,  that  all  troubles 
 are  for  the  benefit  of  us,  who  are 
 the  Lordsjffr.  1 2.1  o.For  our  pro- 
 fit he  chaftifeth  us ;  and  that  they 
 may  workcto  thi^heedoth  Qnd 
 them  by  meafure  fuch,  as  may  help 
 us,  noeoverwhelme  us,  Jjfi.27.8. 
 Hedoth  ftill  fit  ut  in  our  affl  ftions 
 I  for  our  good,  not  proportion  our 
 cvih  to  ourdeferving.  SecondIy,as 
 hedoth  fend  them  inmeafure,  Co 
 with  his  blefliog;  which  turneth 
 
 all 
 
gotd  to  Gods  children. 
 
 4°7 
 
 all  things  that  they  work  together 
 co  our  good.  True  it  is,  that  a 
 while  there  is  no  (iich  thing  appa- 
 rent; but  in  the  end  when  we  fcc 
 whaiGod  will  uft  themall  to,theo 
 we  fhall  tec  that  all  fuch  confpire 
 to  our  great  profit.  la  buildings 
 great  while  there  isnocomelines, 
 but  ac  length  when  every  thing  is 
 fitted  to  the  right  place^  thereis  a 
 goodly  correfponJence  in  the 
 whoie^thar  b,a  well  proportioned 
 anfwering  ofone  part  to  another : 
 (o  in  the  frame  of  our  fbules.  Aid 
 hence  we  fee,  how  wide  the  wic- 
 ked are  in  their  reckoning.  O  they 
 think  they  have  fped  us,  they  have 
 prevailed ;  when  indeed  they  have 
 done  good  offices  to  us :  for  God 
 maketh  them  of  the  Scullery  to 
 fcowreus,  Launderersto walhus, 
 ia  the  worft  things  hce  fuffcreth 
 them,  or  wicked  fpirits  over  them, 
 to  doe  unto  us,  Seco!idly3(eeing  all 
 ourfufferings  are  from  God,  wee 
 muft  look  for  profit  by  c verytrou- 
 b!e;  unleflT:  we  will  make  God  not 
 
 s$ 
 
 true. 
 
aq%  The  time  of  our  Afflittion  is  in 
 
 true,  or  our  felves  not  his  chil- 
 dren, truely  godly,  and  loving 
 him :  and  there  fore  r hey  arc  much 
 to  be  blamed,  that  through  v\eak- 
 nefle  will  fay,  they  cannot  tbinke 
 that  ever  fuch  a  thing  fhall  doe 
 them  any  good;  for  u^hat  cannot 
 be  make  for  our  gocd,  that  caileth 
 light  out  of  darkn^flfe ,  if  we  will 
 give  glory  to  his  Word  byrefting 
 upon  it? 
 
 Seventhly,  that  all  chefs  tribu- 
 lationsareto  laft  but  till  the  ap- 
 pointed time  :  We  obftrve  hence, 
 that  our  times  of  exercife  they  arc 
 onely  in  the  hands  of  God  5  even 
 as  thePhyfician  onely  mult  pre- 
 scribe how  long  the  courfe  of 
 ihe  phyfickeordiet  drinkesmuft 
 bee  continued;  fb  mud  our  God 
 fct  the  time,  for  which  thefe  trou- 
 bles (which  are  the  fou!ec  $:  urg^ti- 
 ois)muftbetakeri.  Wicked  nr,cn 
 cannot  fct  the  time^foi  they  would 
 never  make  an  end ;  nor  yet  Dor 
 ieIves;forwe  would  fipbut  lightly 
 of  fo  bitter  cups  $  this  is  the  Lords 
 
I        Gods  band:  Theufes  thereof. 
 
 — «k- 
 
 prerogative  royall,  co  appoint  the 
 ftafons  and  termes,  wherein  affli-/ 
 ftions  ftull  be  continued.  Theufe 
 ofic  is,  chat  wee  take  heed  of  pro- 
 voking him,  who  hath  power  to 
 hold  us  under  evils  while  he  pleafe 
 Secondly,  weemuftflietohimin 
 prayer,  that  he  would  be  pleated 
 co  incline  mercy  cowards  us,  and 
 make  haft.ThirdIy,wc  muft  know 
 chat  all  our  continuance  in  afflicti- 
 ons is  full  of  mercy  ,truth  aid  wife- 
 dome.  If  Ixcob  thoald  have  held 
 lofeph  in  prifon,  would  hee  have 
 held  him  coo  long?  no,  no  ;  much 
 ieflfe  hc(  who  is  more  merciful  than 
 any  father,  and  pkiifull  than  any ; 
 mocher)will  hold  us  overlong:  but 
 ordetingallhiscorreftions  by  his 
 Fatherly  providence;  will  in  his 
 good  ime  make  them  worke  al  o- 
 grther  for  good,  and  notforevill 
 u.  tons. 
 
 In  the  fecond  phce3'abour  to 
 findc  out  what  finnc  it  is,  which 
 offendcth  God.  SinnefuU  tflen 
 ftrikc  ooc  without  a  caufe;  the 
 
 1-aft 
 
 409 
 
410 
 
 ! 
 
 ■■ 
 
 j 
 
 v4fpUions  fbould  make  w 
 
 juft  God,when  he  corre&eth,hath 
 ever  juft  reafbn :  our  confidences 
 are  like  Iooking-glafies,which  bt* 
 ing  over-fpread  with  duft,dofhew 
 nothing^  but  if  they  bee  wiped 
 c!eane,cben  little  things  appeare  in 
 them  clcarely*  Wherefore  enter 
 into  your  foulcconfiderwhat  ftace 
 you  ftand  in  before  God  j  whether 
 you  have  that  faith  toward  his 
 grace  which  doth  puiifiethe  heart 
 whether  you  hive  fo  learned 
 Chrift,  that  his  vertuc  hath  made 
 you  put  off  the  old  roan,  that  is5 
 deny  thofe  earthly  lufts,which  doe 
 leads  naturall  men  (as ic  were)  by 
 thenofej  and  live  godly  ^  righce- 
 oofly,  and  with  Christian  (bbriety, 
 in  ufe  of  thofe  liberties  which  in 
 themfelves  are  lawfull.  Many 
 thinke,  that  if  they  know  the  truth 
 and  3src  in  judgment  agaiift  Pope- 
 ry- if  they  like  of  the  prefent  Reli- 
 gion, prefenting  their  bodies  on 
 the  Sabbat^it  the  publike  worfliip 
 efpecially,  if  they  have  a  prayer 
 read  in  the  houfe^and  fo&forme  of 
 private 
 
fearcb  into  QurffifitnaUtJldte. 
 
 piivatefervice,  thcythinkeitiae- 
 nougb;though  they  never  received, 
 that  grace  from  Chrift,  which 
 fhouldf  fcafon  their  nature  with  a 
 divine  qualitie,  even  as  the  leaven 
 doth  the  lump:  of  dough  •  andftir 
 up  flrife  in  them  againft  their  own 
 corruption, 'which  hindrcththem, 
 that  they  cannot  doc  any  duty  to 
 God,fb  as  they  defiretodo.Wher* 
 as  all  true  Chriftians  are  Chrifts 
 fou'diers,  &  find  their  lives  a  war- 
 fare; the  Spirit  of  Chriftin  them 
 driving  againft  their  corrupt  na- 
 turc^and  their  corrupt  nature lufU 
 ing  againft  the  grace  whichChrifts 
 Spirit  hath  wrought  in  them ,  (b 
 that  they  cannot  doe  the  thing* 
 they  would  doe.  Wherefore  look 
 to  this(deare  Sifter;)  ourbrft  free* 
 hold ,  our  hope  of  Heaven  dotb 
 ftand  upon  it.  Wee  muft  not  thinke 
 as  many  do,we  have  not  lived  thus 
 long,  to  call  it  nowinqueftionin 
 what  ftate  wee  ftand :  (uch  like 
 thowghrs  the  devil  (uggefteth,that 
 men  through  hardnts  of  heartland 
 
 blind 
 
 411 
 
412 
 
 Wei  muft  examine  ourfdvtsi  for 
 
 blind  preemption,  might  fallinto 
 j  evill.  If  you  find  that  you  fland  in 
 the  faving  grace  of  Chrift,then  you 
 muftexamineyourfelfe,  whether 
 you  have  not  provoked  God  ,  by 
 negligent  and  camail  performance 
 of  Spiritual  duty  :  as  good  ftuffc 
 may  be  marred  in  the  making,  fo, 
 the  b^ftdt?ties,ifour  hearts  be Tiot 
 brought  inco  Gods  fight5and  reve- 
 rently prepared  in  them,  they  are 
 marred  j  being  :ti  fach  manner  per- 
 formed :  yea,  they difpleafe  God. 
 Curfedarefucb  who  do  his  work 
 negligently ;  who  draw  necre  him 
 with  their  hearts  being  farre  off 
 from  hum  :  many  were  ficke,  many 
 (mitten  with  death  for  receiving 
 the  Communion  without  reve- 
 rence, fairh,  and  repentance,  i 
 £V  it*  Examine  your  fclfe,  whe- 
 ther you  have  fet  your  heart  to 
 love  the  Lord  Jefus,  whom  you 
 beleeve  to  have  ftudie  his  bloud 
 for  you;  wee  fay,  Love  de- 
 fends ,,  it  doth  not  afcead.  pa- 
 rents tenderly  love  Children,  but 
 
 Children 
 
 ri  is- 
 
what  firwe.Gcdafflifts  «/,        /     41  <? 
 
 Children  love  not  Paretics  in 
 that  degree^  It  is raoft  true,  cwixc 
 us  and  our  heavenly  Father,,  to 
 whom*  our  hearts  beare  too  too 
 cold  love^f  the  beft  of  them  be  ex- 
 anrned.  You  had  more  necde  to 
 Iooke  to  this,! t  is  Co  popular  a  difc 
 cale.Finaily^onfidci  whether  you 
 have  not  ufed  the  law  full  things  of 
 this  life  intcmperately «.  whether 
 you  ha?e  not  negle&ed  time, 
 which  is  fo  precious-  whether  you 
 have  not  bcene  carelcffe  to  fee  that 
 thofe  who  are  under  your  go- 
 verrmenr,  fhouldfrcveand  fcare 
 the  L  rd.  Confider,  I  fay,  ftch 
 like  things,  that  you  may  find 
 whac  ic  is  God  would  h^ve  you 
 amenc*.  Even  as  a  medicine  doth 
 ftirre  up  nacurall  heare  to  fight 
 .with the  ficke  humour,  which  i^ 
 to  bee  expelled  by  ic  5  lb  the  me- 
 dicio  ble  forrowes  that  GOD 
 d  th  m  fter  to  his  Children, 
 doe  ibrrc  up  grace,  to  driv  \  forth 
 fuchcorru^tion&fpirhua  l,asGod 
 \AOuld  have  removed  by  chem. 
 
 In 
 
41 4  W*  mnftgot  to  God  to  teach 
 
 In  che  third  place,  finding  what 
 hath  been  amifle,  you  muft  know, 
 chat  you  cannot  redrefle  it, we  can- 
 not thinke  a  good  thoughr-we  can 
 (like  children  taken  in  faults)  pro- 
 raife  to  do  no  more,and  be  in  them 
 presently  againe.  Seeing  then  ic  is 
 not  in  our  ftrength,to  take  fruit  by 
 our  croflTcs,further  than  Godf  who 
 givech  will  and  deed)  doth  worke 
 it  in  u«;wc  muft  come  to  him,  and 
 pray  him  to  make  us  profit.  Hee 
 who  will  have  fiafull  men  joyne 
 inftruftion  with  correftion ;  yea, 
 who  putteth  into  m*n  this  regard 
 of  dumbcrcatutes,  that  be  will  not 
 ftrikea  dogge,  but  bee  will  make 
 him  (ee,fo  well  as  he  can,  what  it  is 
 for  which  he  ftriketh  hi w -(hall  not 
 hecinftruftus,  when  his  hand  is 
 now  upon  us,  for  want  of  duty  to 
 him  ?  In  vaine  fhould  coLiiron  be 
 b?ateo,did  not  fire  fofcen  ir:in  vain 
 (hould  sffi  ftions  (which  are  Gods 
 hammer)  ftrikc  on  our  hearts, 
 (hould  not  God  by  his  Spirit', 
 which  is  compared  to  fire,  both 
 
 (often 
 
U4  tt profit  ly  affitlion* 
 
 fofcen  our  hearcs,and  enlighten  us, 
 to  fee  our  duties  towards  him. 
 Wherefore  good  Sifter,  feeke  to 
 God  for  this  Spirit  of  Chrift,  wch 
 may  make  all  forrowes  fruitfull 
 unto  you,  andbeareyouup^  that 
 you  finkenot  in  them:  For  as  blad- 
 ders fwim  aloft  all  waters,  while 
 they  are  filled  with  winde,  fbdoe 
 wee  above  all  affli&ions,  while 
 this  Spirit  is  with  us,to  fupport  us 
 in  them.  If  Phy  fickc  be  given  a  bc- 
 dy,and  it  will  not  worke,itisan  ill 
 figne ;  if  our  infirmities,  which  are  | 
 Gods  potions  to  our  fbules,  ifthefc 
 move  not  our  hearts  to  turne  from 
 finne,  and  feeke  to  God  for  mercy 
 in  Chrift,tc  isa  fearcfull  figne  of  a 
 Jeadfbule,  from  which  the  life  of 
 God  is  departed.  The  Lord  give 
 jrou  underftanding  in  all  things, 
 rhus  wiftung  you  true  comfort, 
 both  inward  and  outward,  I  com- 
 Btc  you  to  the  grace  of  God  in 
 Chrift  Iefus.Farewell. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 
 Paul  B*)*te, 
 
 4*5 
 
4i<5 
 
 Ftwperforme  the  grcate  things 
 
 ••——». 
 
 ^Another  Letter. 
 
 GOodM*  D.  Ihavercceircd 
 your  Letters,  wherein  the 
 death  of  our  friend,  which  before 
 was  conjefturall,  is  certainly  affir- 
 med :  as  alfo  the  manner  of  his 
 death  exprefled.  The  latter  doth 
 miniftercomfort  for  the  bearing  of 
 the  forraer.For3dearh  is  not  a  mat- 
 ter of  fomuchforrow  to  the  god- 
 ly,as  the  giving  of  repentance  uato 
 life  e  verlaftir,g,is  mac  ter  of  joy  and 
 gladnefle.  The  Lord  grant  that 
 his  death,  and  the  great  mortali- 
 ty which  your  ties  have  feen,  may 
 bee  focfrreall  Sermons  to  us,  that 
 We  may  bethinke  as  of  our  morta- 
 lity, and  turne  our  hearts  to  wife- 
 dome,  feeketo  gaine  the  time, 
 which  wee  have  heretofore  mi- 
 fpcnt,by  taking  all  occifions  unto 
 good;  and  wee  have  vowed  great 
 things  in  baptifine,  we  have  profef. 
 fed  our  ftlvei  dead  with  Chrift,  (b 
 that  the  world  is  crucified  to  us, 
 and  wee  unto  the  life  of  the  world, 
 
 wh?ch 
 
 , 
 
which  as  Saint  John  expoundeth, 
 doth  (tend  ia  the  finfull  pleasures, 
 profits,  and  glory  which  chechil- 
 dren  of  the  world  imbrace  as 
 their  portion.  But  alasj,  in  ftead  of ; 
 making  this  profeffion  good,  wee 
 doe  live  in  the  World,  taking  in 
 coo  freely  and  unweanedly ,  the 
 pleasures  of  ic,  fetting  our  hearts 
 on  the  profits  of  it ,  more  than  is 
 expedient.  We  have  prof  efled  our 
 felves  in  Baptifaie,to  be  alive  unto 
 3od,(foras  thedippingorfprink- 
 ingof  us,doth  fcale  ouringrafcing 
 ntoChrift  dying;  fo  the  comming 
 "orth^or  wiping  the  water  off^doth 
 eale  unto  us  this  grace  from  God) 
 trdprofefleit  (of  our  part)  before 
 iim,thc  Angels,and  the  Congrega- 
 ion,that  we  are  paffed  from  de<tf!i 
 olife,  even  a  life  which  is  unto 
 5od,  and  ftandeth  in  knowledge, 
 n  rightcoufnefle,  in   holinefle, 
 3  that  no  longer,  now  wr,  -s 
 he  old  man  Ihould  live,bn*  f  irift 
 efus  fnould  live  in  us.  i  .    .v  how 
 lead  are  wc  in  regard  of  this  lifej 
 
 who! 
 
418      Gods  children  may  die  by  the  fUgut . 
 
 who  in  the  u(c  of  Gods  manifold 
 mercies,  hath  care  to  fhew  forth 
 the  feare  of  his  name^  the  love  of 
 holinefle,  to  make  manifeft,  that 
 now  hee  is  alive  with  his  head 
 Chrift  Jcfus  unto  God.  The  care- 
 leffe  breaking  of  this  covenant 
 hath  cauftd  all  this  (b  grievous  pe- 
 ftilence,yea,  the  Lord  hath  (lie wed 
 how  true  that  is,even  in  his  owne 
 Children,tnany  of  whom  hee  hath 
 taken  away,yet  fbcorre&ed  them, 
 that  he  would  nottemove  his  mer- 
 cy from  them,nor  falfifie  his  truth: 
 and  therefore  he  hath  given  them 
 repentance.  And  if  God  let  you  fee 
 this  covenant  of  yours,  and  the 
 maine  failing  in  performance  of  ir, 
 you  areblefled:  Bleffcd  are  they 
 that  mourne(faith  our  Saviour)fo  r 
 they  (hall  be  comforted  •  bur,  Woe 
 to  thofc  that  goeon  laughing,  for 
 they,  if  they  continue,  (hall  waile 
 everlaftingly. 
 
 Your  loving  Brother, 
 
 Another 
 
Leffonsfrem  the  lingring  eftbe^  &c. 
 
 .«     ~ «« 
 
 419 
 
 Afthir  Letter, 
 
 Mr.  D.  Ic  plcafeth  God  ftillto 
 lft  his  hand  hang  amoogft 
 you,  though  he  hach  gracioufly  a- 
 batedhis  ttroke,  yea,  very  many 
 places  remain  infefted,thnugh  ma- 
 ny die  not  of  the  infe&ionul  which 
 mould  teach  us  both  to  remember 
 that  which  is  paft,  and  to  fcare,  in 
 regard  of  that  which  may  fall  our. 
 For  this  is  one  end  why  God  doth 
 not  at  a  chop  remove  the  evills 
 which  annoy  us,that  we  might  the 
 better  remember  our  forrow  paft, 
 and  his  goodnefle  in  our  delive- 
 rance. Againe,his  hand  doth  hover 
 often  dill  about  us,  that  wee  might 
 I  feare  before  him,  and  meete  him 
 by  repentance,  in  the  way  of  his 
 judgement  left  if  that  his  patience 
 wait  on  us  in  vaine,  our ftroke  at 
 length  be  redoubled.  Truelymen 
 are  far  from  this,  they  thinkethat 
 there  is  no  feare,  ic  had  a  time  to 
 come,and  muft  have  a  time  to  goe, 
 
 and  I 
 
420 
 
 Ihey  ibat  humble  tbemfelver 
 
 and  t  he  worft  is  part ;  but  God  li~ 
 keth  noc  fuch  fecurity^  yea  hee  of- 
 ten  Canfeth  c  vill  to  meet  it.  where 
 the  htarnsbl*  fled  that  fearethal- 
 waks.Whereforegood  M.*Z).doe 
 you  go  on  in  f  rrow,  for  manifold 
 wau'sofduty  towards  your  God 
 fo  gracious,  yea,  accufeyourfelfe 
 now,  as  roo  little  humbled  under 
 his    mighty    hand,   when    fucb 
 ftrength  of  his  wrath  was  revealed. 
 And  in thefe  thoughts raifeup  your 
 felft  to  look  unto  his  free  mercy  of 
 Chrift,  which  reacheth  (through 
 the  merit  of  that  bloud)tothe  par- 
 don of  all  our  fins,yea,  to  make  us^ 
 who  are   the  children  of  wrath 
 become  the  children  of  blefling, 
 yea  fuchblefling  as  doth  follow  us 
 in  all  our  waies.O  that  is  a  worthy 
 (entence  for  all  that  haye  efcaped 
 this  hand,  to  thinke  on ;  Goc  thy 
 waies,finneno  more,  that  is,  make 
 not  a  trade  of  walking  after  your 
 owneeies  and  hearts,  left  worfe 
 things  befall.  And  this  I  will  tell 
 you,  the  praftice  of  thefe  things, 
 
 though 
 
under  Gods  handball  be  exalted. 
 
 though  ic  reftraine  a  little  mirth, 
 which  the  Wi£  roan  callech  mad- 
 neflc,yec  it  flhall  bring  you  to  tafte 
 in  your  foule  a  joy  unfpeakeable 
 and  glorious  5  fuch  a  rejoycing, 
 which  the  world  cannot  take  from 
 you. 
 
 Your  loving  friend, 
 tuttl  Byne. 
 
 421 
 
 F7N/5. 
 
THE 
 
 TRIALL 
 
 OF  A 
 
 Chriftians  Eflate: 
 
 OR, 
 
 A  Difcovcric  of  the  Cauics, 
 
 degrees,  fignes  and  differences 
 
 of  the  Apoftafieboth  of 
 
 true  Chriftians  and  falie : 
 
 In  a  Sermon  preached  in  Lottdo^ 
 
 by  Matter  P  au  l  Bayne,  and 
 
 afterward  lent  in  writing  co 
 
 bis  friend  W.F. 
 
 *  —— —  -  -  ,  ■       1 1  -      ■    - 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed  by  A  6.  for  i.N.  and  are 
 
 to  be  fold  by  Sam*  Enitrhj,  at  his 
 
 {hop,  at  the  Scarrc  in  Popes 
 
 bead  Alley.  1637. 
 
 •*»■ 
 
I 
 
<&>  t£r>  *&*  *&>  c'f?>  *?&»  <&*  *tfr> 
 o£»  cfs>  «^*  *£«>  *^>  *^*>  e<j*  *J> 
 
 To  the  Reader. 
 
 Hri&ian  Rea- 
 der\good  Wine 
 needetb  no gar- 
 land ,  it  will 
 praife  it  felfi:fo(  I  perfwade 
 my  felfe)  will  tbU  enfuing 
 Sermon,  which  a  learned , 
 holy  andfaitbfullfervant  of 
 God  formerly  viva  voce  in 
 publique,  founded  in  the 
 eares  of  me  and  many,  and 
 afterwards  ju  a  token  of  his 
 
 A  2.        Chri- 
 
 ■I 
 
—     —  .  ,  1      ■  _  _■  ■ 
 
 To  the  Reader. 
 
 Cbriflian  lolpe  to  mee ,  be 
 fto^eduponme  in  writing 
 lohich  being  foj ruitfulUm 
 necejfarie  a  labour ,  in  tk 
 judgement  of  the  godly  an 
 learned  that  baite  Jeene  i 
 and  fo  Jpeciallj  befittin 
 thefe  luke-tvarme  and  bad 
 Jliding  times ,  I  thought 
 could  not,  without  prejudu 
 to  theejuffer  it  to  lie  by  m, 
 for  my  private  inftru&id 
 and  benefit  alone }and  then 
 fore  for  thy  good,  the  ke\ 
 ping  in  precious  memory  t> 
 Preacher  thereof  yphom  t\ 
 L  ord  hath  gat In red  into  l\ 
 barne,  and  for  the  glory 
 
 i»i>>«^  >  i  !■  ■  ■■» 
 
aod  efyecially,  I  baloe  con- 
 sented that  it  be  made  more 
 bublique  and  common ,  by 
 comming  under  the  prejfe. 
 The  Lord  grants  bat  it  may 
 halve  that  juccefje  in  me  and 
 thee,  which  bee  that  ga"ve 
 fir  ft  life  unto  it  inftudying, 
 and  brought  it  foortb  by 
 preaching \intendedjmd  Tin 
 confenting  and  caufing  to 
 ha'-ve  it  printed \defire :  fo 
 lb. ill  the  feeble ,  uptake  and 
 doubting  Chriftiantbe  taken 
 by  the  hand,  ftaied  and  com. 
 forted  aga'inU  the  feares  of 
 totall  backfliding ,  and  ypc 
 all  (bail  be  of  the  number  of 
 
 A  3  them 
 
 <*+> 
 
T— 
 
 To  the  Reader. 
 
 them  which  follow  faith  to 
 the  conferloation  of  our 
 foules :  which  the  Lord  for 
 I  ejus  Cbrift  hu fake  grant. 
 
 t  /» • 
 
 Thine  in  his  beftdefire?, 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
<&9  Hr>  <&»  +$*  £&H$3L2$Qi£&L 
 
 THE 
 
 TRIALL 
 
 OF    A 
 
 CHRISTIANS 
 
 Eftate. 
 
 HBBB.jo.verf.39. 
 
 But  we  are  not  they  which  with- 
 draw vurfelves  itUoperdiiha^ 
 but pllotp.fdith  unto  thtMQ* 
 fet«vatie*4jCthi{QHfc>  I 
 
 [&  Apoftle,  ha- 
 ving   in     the 
 verfc  before  re- 
 unembered   the 
 fears  full  eftace 
 of   fuch    who 
 through  unbe- 
 liefs are  withdrawne  from  God , 
 doth  in  this  verfe  prevent  a  fcru- 
 
 A  4  pie 
 
ThetritBef*  Cbrifliam  E/fate. 
 
 ^        '  ^ 
 
 pie  which  might  arife  hi  fam^  u~ 
 morons  consciences  >  doubting 
 whether  they  were  not  in  this  cafe 
 next  before  threaded.  Hee  doth 
 therefore  tskefnch  weakeones  by 
 the  hand  ^  ftrengthning  them,  by 
 beariag  them  witnefle  of  their 
 condition3mauifeftcd  by  the  fruits 
 above mentionedjverfe  32.53.34 
 which  eflate  is  let  do wne  herein 
 thisverfe :  Firft  negatively*  by  de- 
 niall  of  their  unbelceving  revolt. 
 Secondly  affirmatively,  by  avou- 
 ching their  pcrfeverance  in  faith. 
 Either  of  thefe  properties  of  un- 
 bclicfeand  beliefe,bdng  amplified 
 from  theefe&s  which  accompa- 
 nied them,  ws.deftru£Hon  of  the 
 foul*  (for  that  is  to  be  undcrfbod 
 from  the  latter  claufe)  and  falvati- 
 00  of  the  fame. 
 
 The  fiimme  ofthe  words,  Feare 
 not  though  I  tell  you  that  backfli- 
 dcrsare  vcflels  of  no  dclighc,  for 
 yourfclres  with  rayfclfe,are  not  ( 
 fiich  who  fteale  from  our  corapa- 
 oieS;  leaving  our  militarie  profek 
 _____ __    fion. 
 
^ . . . -.  _ 
 
 The  triaU  of  a  forsftuns  Eft  ate. 
 
 fion,  which  would  tame  in  this 
 life  and  the  life  to  come  to  our  fur- 
 ther deftru&ioa;  but  we  continue 
 in  faith,  and  put  forth  our  beliefs 
 more  and  more,  as  occafionrequi- 
 rech,  which  bringcth  us  here  and 
 everlaftingly  cofce  the  Lords  fal- 
 
 |  vation. 
 
 Now  for  the  inftru&i  ons  which 
 both  the  fcop*  and  matter  of  the 
 verfe  include  in  them.  Firft,that 
 Paul  doth  confirms  them  by  bea- 
 ring them  witneffe  of  their  cftate. 
 Ic  doth  teach  us,  that  wee  muft 
 ftablifti  cur  weakc  brethren,  by 
 bearing  thern-reeord  of  the  graces 
 Wrought  in  them*  wee  who  have 
 found  grace  tnuft  confirms  others. 
 If  any  thing  more  fmarc  be  urre- 
 rcd,  we  nrnli  moilifie  icwithfach 
 wife  prevention  a9  Phyfirians,  if 
 they  forefee  ought  harmefull  to 
 the  bodie^,  they  corrett  ic  with 
 other  ingredients,  that  it  may 
 wholefjinely  be  reccircd.  If  wee 
 faw  on?  ready  to  trip,  wee  would 
 reachhimahaud330d  (alUine  lum 
 
 I    .  A  r  from 
 
 ] 
 
 r 
 
 Ohfirvaui 
 
tU  tritUefd  Cbriftians  Efiate. 
 
 i 
 
 from  Falling :  much  more  muft  wc 
 (hew  this  love  to  the  fbule  (haking 
 through  frailtie.  This  wifedomc 
 Chriftufed,hee  quenched  not  the 
 fmoakingfhxe :  thefeafonable  ce- 
 rtifying to  men  their  good  things 
 caufeth  them  to  take  increafe:  our 
 honour  of  them,  our  dutie  to  the 
 comfort  of  their  lives  and  to  the 
 truth,  doth  require  it.  Such  there* 
 fore  are  to  bee  taxed  who  wanting 
 this  prudence,  handle  the  word  in 
 dividing  it  like  him  in  the  Em- 
 bleme  ,  who  gave  to  the  Afle  a 
 bone,  tothedoggeftrawrfuchare 
 thofe  Pallors  who  difcourage 
 good  devotions,  and  incourage 
 men  carnally  minded,  like  unco 
 them  we  reade  of,  Esjtchiel^  chap. 
 1 3.22.Such  again  are  chey  amongfc 
 private  Cbriftians,  who  like  Jobs 
 friends  ztt  a  breaking  to  them, 
 whom  chey  fcould  comfort  and 
 confirtrte. 
 
 SecondIy5we  mufl  be  provoked 
 by   this  example  to    iacourage 
 weake  ones  when  they  are  doub- 
 ting 
 
T&  trijRofa  Cbrtfliins  Efiate. 
 
 ting  of  their  eliatcs:  for  as  a  timo- 
 rous patient  imagining  twenty  e- 
 vilJs,  when  his  Phyfitian  affureth 
 him  that  his  cafe  is  nothing  fb,  is 
 wellfocisfhd:  (bhere. 
 
 Agaiue.,  in  that  he  faith,  We  are 
 not  they  that  withdraw.  Hence  we 
 are  given  tounderftand,  that  fome 
 may  fall  away  from  the  Graces  re- 
 ceived.In  fame  mannerGods  o  wne 
 children  and  others  are  reported  to 
 have  fallen :  Ddvid^Saitl^eter^A- 
 Uxandtr^&c.  But  that  this  may  be 
 imre  diftin&ly  opend,three  things 
 muftbeconfidercd. 
 
 i.  Firtf,  from  what  the  godly 
 truely  fanftificd  may  fall  j  how 
 farre  others. 
 
 2.  Sccondly,from  whence  falls 
 come^and  the  difference  of  them. 
 
 3.  Thirdly,  what  are  t he  fymp- 
 tomes  or  fignes  of  a  date  declining 
 from  God. 
 
 To  the  firft,  a  man  not  having 
 the  true  grace  of  the  ele&,  may  fall 
 from  all  outward  privileges,which 
 hee  holdeth  as  a  member  of  the 
 
 vifible 
 
 1 
 
the  triall  of  a  Christians  Eftate. 
 
 ^■^<— 
 
 yifible  Church.  Secondly3from  the 
 effefts  of  his  Grace  in  life  and  con- 
 version. Thirdly,  from  the  very 
 habituall  gifts,  which  were  the 
 fountain  whence  his  fruics  flowed. 
 Thus  bee  may  come  to  be  twice 
 dead,  and  in  worfe  cafe  than  ever. 
 
 The  Lordsehofenroay  fall  from 
 their  outward  prerogatives :  hue 
 that  divine  nature  ftill  abideth  ia 
 them,  and  it  is  onely  with  their 
 graces,  as  ic -is  with- the  mindein 
 diftempers  of  melancholy,  and 
 phrenfiff.5  with  the  Sin  in  eclipfes; 
 with  the  tree  when  leaves  and 
 fruits. faile  xr  5  with  the  naturall 
 life  when  ic  moveth  not,  ne  yet 
 breathethfenfiblc:  which  in  difea- 
 tes  of  the  Mother  is  ofcen  discer- 
 ned. Their  faith  is  an  ever  failing, 
 faith;  their  life  an  etcmall  life ; 
 their  feed  a  teed  abiding  in  them. 
 
 Now  for  the  fecond^  vi***  what 
 are  theeaufes  of  falling  away,  and 
 that  (b  diverfly  5  this  opened  will 
 knd  a  mere  thorow  light  to  the 
 former.  The  caufes  which  worke 
 
 in 
 
The  triaO  of  a  Cbriftians  Eft  ate. 
 
 in  withdrawing  us  are  inward  or 
 outward r  Bin  the  verity  of  thefc 
 declinings  fpriagech  chiefely  from 
 the  inward. 
 
 The  caufe  in  the  Lords  children 
 is,  the  ftate  of  their  grzce^which  is 
 fuchas  hath  ftill  rcliqies  offline 
 dwelling  with  it. 
 
 The  caufe  of  the  others  totall 
 fall,  is  an  eflentiall  defcft  in  their 
 grace,  which  teache:h  not  to  make 
 a  true  union  betwix:  Chriti  and 
 the m.  nor  yet  to  produce  true  fan- 
 ftification.  In  a  word,  the  caufe  of 
 the  ones  pcrfevering,  and  theo- 
 thcrs  totall  deficiency,  is  not  only 
 to  betaken  from  Gods  power  and 
 gracious  pleasure,  from  Chrifl  his 
 intercetfion,  from  the  ftinting  of 
 Satan  co  the  heele  of  the  true 
 Chxiftian  feed  :  bat  alfo  from  the 
 efTintiall  qualification^  and  d>(po- 
 fi:ion  of  the  grace  beftowed  upon 
 either.  But  this  is  a  diffi:ulty  fur- 
 ther to  be  cleared  j  How  wee  may 
 formally  diftinguifh  thele  gifts 
 which  axe  in  the   Chriftian  that 
 
 p*rk- 
 
 ^        i^^»— »    ■  a^— — — — — — ^fc— ^^£"      ' 
 
 / 
 
8       I     fbetriatlofa  CkriftiansEftatt. 
 
 . 
 
 -I 
 
 pcrfevereth  from  thofethat  are  in 
 him  that  temporifcth*  The  diffe- 
 rence is  double: 
 
 i.  Firtt,  in  the  union  which  is 
 made  by  them. 
 
 2.  Secondly,  in  the  different 
 prodt'ftions  which  follow  upon 
 fo  different  manners  of  being  uni- 
 ted with  Chrift. 
 
 To  open  the  frft,  w  fetdowne 
 this  conclufion  :  The  ipirituall 
 gift  of  the  teroporifer  doth  meerly 
 enlighten  him  ro  fee  Chrift,  buc 
 doth  not  move  his  will  to  go  unto 
 Chrift.,  as  given  him  of  God,  that 
 he  might  not  perifh  but  have  eter- 
 nall  life.  His  application  is  an 
 overweening  hope,  taken  vp  by 
 his  owne  preemption ;  it  is  not  a 
 motion  which  the  fpirit  doth  cli- 
 ciateand  draw  out^buciuchasis 
 hisenlightning* 
 
 In  the  Word  of  Chriftare  two 
 things:  firft,  the  truth  ofit,*  true 
 word :  Secondly,  the  goodneffe  of 
 itj  a  good  word.  That  may  be  ap- 
 prehended, God  giveth  his  chofen 
 
 not 
 
The  triaU  of  a  ChriftUns  Eft  ate. 
 
 not  onely  an  appreheofion,  ia  the 
 underftanding  of  the  truth,  and 
 goodnefleof  itj  but  a  motion  of 
 affiance,  which  maketh  the  foule 
 go  to  and  clafp  about  Chrift  whom 
 it  beholdcth.  Hence  ic  is.thatcom- 
 ming  and  b. lie ving, lob.  1 . 1 2.  fob. 
 I  <5.35.37^sapprehending,a5when 
 a  thing  is  taken  by  the  handle :  and 
 from  this  property  of  Faith  doth 
 come  that  internal!  union  twix; 
 the  believer  and  Chri ft,  which  mi- 
 keth  them  dwell  mutually  one  in 
 the  other.  Hence  it  is  that  the  true 
 believer  doth  more  afLft  Chnft, 
 price  him,  joy  in  him,  more  than 
 the  benefits  by  them. 
 
 Now  the  Papifts  faith  is  a  meere 
 enlightning,  not  having  any  con- 
 fidence within  the  corapafiT:  of  it, 
 (for  a  man  may  be  found  in  their 
 faith,  and  in  damnable  defpaire  at 
 the  fimeinftant)  and  the  tempori- 
 fers  faith  having  no  more  than  an 
 apprehenfioninthe  underftanding 
 of  the  good  word  of  (alvation  joy- 
 acd  with  prcfuraptuous  perfwafi- 
 
 on 
 
10 
 
 w  —    -  ■      i    ■    ■   i       i     I        I  -        ■  —    — 
 
 Thetriallofa  ChriftiansEftaU. 
 
 on  and  fallible  hopes  conceived  by 
 himfelfe  on  falfe  reckonings :  theft 
 cmnot  innerly  unite  him  with 
 Chrift ;  but  looke  as  a  Wen  ?s  (b 
 united  in  the  body  by  the  skin  in- 
 compaflbg  it,  and  fome  kinde  of 
 continuation  with  the  other  mem- 
 bers j  but  hath  not  fiaewes,nervesA 
 arteries  (hot  into  it  from  head  and 
 .heart,  as  the  other  parts:  fothefc 
 by  their  common  illumination  aid 
 profeffion  hare  conjunftion  with 
 the  body,but  want  the  influence  of 
 that  more  necre  ligament  of  chat 
 fiffimced  motion  of  the  will,which 
 onely  floweth  from  Chrilt  into  his 
 proper  members.  And  this  is  the 
 firft  ground  of  their  after  failing : 
 for  looke  as  ftanding-waters,  or 
 never  fuch  torrents  which  have  no 
 head  of  living  fpririg-waters  to 
 feed  themj  cannot  in  time  but  dry 
 up :  fo  thtfe  not  having  Chrift  the 
 Well-head  of  all  grace3  wbatfoe- 
 ver  is  iri  them,  in  time  ftdech  aad 
 vaniflieth  to  norhing, 
 F*omdcfeft  of  interoall union^ 
 
 which 
 
 •*r 
 
 *■*•* 
 
 -m  !■»  ■  aui  i 
 
Tbt trizdof  fiCbrifliais  E(l*te.  A       \\ 
 
 . . — *_« . 
 
 which  is,  as  ic  were,the  fountaine, 
 commeth  a  difference  in  grace  de- 
 rived.  Thetemporifer$,beingftch 
 as  doth  never  tracly  humble  him, 
 fuch,  as  is  fuperficiall,!  nlinccre :  io 
 a  word,  fuch  as  doth  not  truely 
 (anftifiehim:  by  rcafon  of  which 
 defeft,  it  is  nor  permanent* 
 
 Firft,  not  being  within  the  gra- 
 cious light  of  this  Sonne  ofrighte- 
 oufocfle.the  depth  of  his  wound  is 
 never  gaged , and  though  he  know 
 much  humiliation,  yet  nee  is  cever 
 truly  hunblcd.  Firft,hee  fteth  not 
 with  humble  coufcioufoefie  the 
 fhfoll  depravitio3  of  his  nature: 
 hisdifpleaiureitmoreagainft  the 
 fruits,  than  rootes  whence  they  if- 
 fued.  Tdul  a  Pharifec  knew  not 
 concupiscence  5  a  Papift  acknow- 
 ledged not  this  as  liofull  after  hee 
 is  once  baptiftd,  whereas  this  was 
 the  higheft  pitch  olPsuts  and  D+* 
 vids  pi  niceatiall  cxercife. 
 
 But  may  not  the  temporifer 
 know  and  maintainc  the  truth  of 
 this  Dottriae,  yea,  propound  it 
 
 fruit- 
 
 I. 
 
 ! 
 
9 
 
 fruitfully  co  ochers?  Anfwir.  He 
 may  (  by  faith  infofed  )  conceive 
 andafTcnttoir,  yea,  deliver  it  to 
 others,  but  fo,that  the  power  of  it 
 doth  not  refle&on  himftlfe,  fbas  1 
 co  be  humbled  in  thisrefpc& :  bat 
 as  the  Moone  giveth  us  light 
 which  is  not  rooted  in  the  body  of 
 her,forthatcontinuethdarkfbmc : 
 fo  they  receive  light  from  Gods 
 Word,  and  fee  it  forth  to  others, 
 but  have  none  in  themfelves.  5% 
 cond!y,not  being  within  grace,his 
 confeflion  and  paffion  under  fin  is 
 hot  free  and  voluntary,  but  extor- 
 ted either  from  (bme  evidence  of 
 light,  or  fa&  evincing  him  j  as 
 S*ul  to  David  confeffed ;  or  the 
 racke  of  Gods  terrours  inforcing  it 
 from  him.  Whereas  the  children 
 of  God,  who  now  fte,  that  the 
 more  their  finne  is,  themoregrace 
 fuperabounded ;  that  their  bafe- 
 neffe  is  his  glory ,  whofe  grace  they 
 live  under,  they  frankly,  yea,  de- 
 lightfully humble  themfelvcs  in 
 confefliog  theirvilenefle.  Thirdly, 
 
 not 
 
. 
 
 Tbt  triaSof  aChrijlians  Efltte. 
 
 not  being  within  the  grace  of 
 Chrift  with  (bund  affiance,he  never 
 grieveth  at  finne  as  it  is  enmity  a- 
 gaioft  his  God :  for  to  be  cenrrice 
 in  this  regard,  implyeth  a  love  to 
 God,  which  cannot  be  in  him  who 
 hath  not  found  God  loving  him 
 firft :  hee  is  vexed  at  his  fins  in  re- 
 ff  eft  of  hismiferies  hee  feethim- 
 minentjOr  only  as  they  are  world- 
 ward,  fhamefall  aberrations  from 
 praftice  of  fuch  apparent  vermes, 
 which  men  may  repute  glorious, 
 and  much  a&&.  In  a  word,  hee  is 
 never  truely  humbled,  which  his 
 obedience  being  partial!  doth  wic- 
 nefle ;  for  hee  will  cake  and  leave 
 in  that  which  hee  hearech  at  his 
 owne  plcafure  :yea,ifcrofies  come, 
 hee  is  too  proud  to  humble  him- 
 fclfe  under  Gods  hand ;  he  is  lifted 
 up  above  others,  whom  hee  out- 
 ftrippeth  in  common  graces :  he  is 
 cenforious,  without  con(cience  of 
 that  naturall  condition  under  (in, 
 which  is  common  to  him  with  o- 
 thers.  Aad  from  hence  it  is,  that 
 
 at 
 
 13 
 
14 
 
 . 
 
 7  hi  itiaUtfa  CbriftiansEftati.     I 
 
 at  length  hi*  grace  f  ilcth:  for  as  a 
 houfe  builded  on  the  fands,  with* 
 out  a  due  ground-worke  hid  $  or 
 plants  unrooted  cannot  indnrc  :  fo 
 this  frame  which  wanteth  the  1 
 foundation  and  root  of  grace((ucb 
 is  humility  is)  cannot  perfift. . 
 
 Sfcondly,  tlay  from  this  prime 
 dcfeO:  of  inner  union,  ait  the  tcm- 
 poriftrs  graces  produce  dare  faper~ 
 ficiall,  Height,  foil  of  overture: 
 wheras  tbofe  in  found  believers  are 
 fol  id,fubftanciall  ,not  re  i  mtphjicus 
 itfztkmfa  things  which  tbough 
 outwardly  tfrcy  have  the  appa- 
 rency^ yet  are  inwardly  defc&ive. 
 Hence  It  is  that  JW  calleth  their 
 godlinefle,  a  figure  of  godlineflfe, 
 2Tf^3  5,  their  knowledge  an  ex* 
 ternall  forme  of  knowledge,  Rom. 
 2.20.  that  Cbhft raaketh?H they 
 h*ve,a  (emblance,a  feeraing  onely, 
 £a^8.'i8,  for  Iooke  as  a  wilde 
 hcrbe,tho'Jgh  it  have  but  the  name 
 and  comm  »n  nrture,  yet  it  djffe- 
 reth  much  from  one  which  gro- 
 I  weth  in  gardens,  better  manured 
 1  and 
 
Tkttnallrf  j  Chrifiians  Eftjte. 
 
 VMBMK  1  ■■ |  I      I     HI 
 
 and dr  fled;  and  as  a  blew,  dud 
 with  blockwood,  choagh  k  ieeme 
 brigbccr  a  while,  yetisnotfofub- 
 ftanriall  as  that  which  is  woaded 
 (and  therfore  we  fay  ic  is  a  true  co- 
 lour :)  (b  here,  chough  the  graces 
 of  the  temporifer  have  the  fame 
 name  and  comon  nature,  (for  they 
 arc  iofcriour  woikes  of  the  (pirit) 
 yea,  though  ihey  may  exceede  in 
 (hew,  yet  for  the  truth  and  fub- 
 ftance,  they  are  nothing  to  thofe 
 that  arc  wrought  in  houeft  hearts ; 
 and  from  hence  come  two  things. 
 Firft,  their  graces  are  foone 
 grownc  up ;  for  a  thing  fuperficiall 
 is  done  in  halfe  chetimethata  fub- 
 ftantiall  thing  is  a  working.  They 
 get  the  (lart ;  and,  while  many  a 
 true  heart  before  them  in  the  Lord, 
 is  complaining  of  wants^and  weak- 
 nefle^fiufull  inclinations,  ufurping 
 inthem-thcyarecarried,asitwere, 
 ferftltnm,  ro  their  perfe&ion.  But 
 as  a  true  birth,  though  fl  )w!y  at 
 the  firft,  yet  ftill  taketh  increafe, 
 whereas  a  mole  gruweth  fitter  at 
 /  t^e 
 
 I 
 
 ■ 
 
i6 
 
 , 
 
 1    The  trial!  of  a  ffiriftianr  Ejlate. 
 
 the  firftj  but  (bone  ceafcth :  and 
 looke  as  in  nature,  things  the  foo- 
 neft  ripe,are  thefboneft roccen  :S  > 
 ic  fares  wich  thefe  leap-Chriftians. 
 
 Secondly,  I  (ay  their  graces  are 
 infincere,  their  hearts  are  never 
 purged  from  fome  Cm  which  they 
 love  and  like  to  live  in,  forfioifter 
 ends  inrercaining  the  meffige  of 
 Gods  mercy^which  is  not  that  they 
 may  reverence  him,  and  ferve  hira 
 all  their  daks  without  flivUhter- 
 rocr :  but  they  gladly  heare  ir,  as 
 hoping  that  they  have  a  protettion 
 by  ir,  though  they  hold  on  in  their 
 own  courfes.  For  this  it  is  that  the 
 cle&s  faith,  which  never  faileth, 
 is  called  a  faith  without  hypocri- 
 fie ;  that  the  true  believer  is  onely 
 (aid  to  have  an  honeft  heart. 
 
 As  God  hath  made  (bme  re- 
 medies in  nature,  fuch  as  purge 
 univerfilly  every  peccant  humor, 
 as  the  Phyficians  Catholicon,  &c. 
 Someagaine  that  purge,  cam  de- 
 /e#*,that  expell  choler,but  meddle 
 not  with  melancholy ;  phlegme, 
 I  but 
 
Tht  trial!  of  a  Chrijlians  EJiatt.    I      j y 
 
 but  ftirre  not  cholcr ;  So  this  medi- 
 cine of  grace,  which  God  infu&th 
 into  an  honeft  heart,  icisaC*ch  )- 
 Iiquc  cxpellcr  of  all  kno  wne  fifinej, 
 great  or  little.  The  grace  of  the 
 teroporifer  purgeth  out  the  root  of 
 no  un  •  reprt.fleth  the  moving  aad 
 paroxyfmes,  as  it  were,  of  fome  | 
 choifc  fins  onley,  as  in  Herod.  And 
 hence   it  is  that  the  grace  of  the 
 temporifer  doth  not  continue :  for 
 as  come  growing  up  with  twitch, 
 briers,  thornes,  is  at  length  (mo- 
 thered; and  as  wholefome'meate 
 in  a  ftomacke  full  of  flying  choler, 
 is  at  length  vomited  :  fo  raigning 
 fin  gr  owing  up  with  thefe  feeming 
 graces,  doth  never  ceafe  tilhhey 
 be  brought  up   and   discharged, 
 Lnk.8.  i a.  13, 14.  Thus  much  to 
 deare  that  difference  of  graces  in 
 Gods  children  and  others,  which 
 caufetb  that  the  falls  of  the  one  are 
 ffot  totall  nor  finall,  which  is  inci- 
 dent to  the  condition  of  the  other. 
 Now  taking  it  as  granted,  that 
 the  Lords  children  fall,  byreafon 
 
 ofl 
 
I  $      I    The  triaU  of  a  ffirijlfdmt  Ejlate. 
 
 mm 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 uf  chc  reliqurs  of  fin  dwelling  in 
 them,!  come  to  name  chc  cxternall 
 means,  which  a&ually  bring  forth 
 into  ADoftafic  this  inbred  defe&i- 
 Thefe  fometimes  wofkc  it 
 
 on 
 
 more  violently  at  once^  fbmetime 
 facceffively,  by  fome  hairious  wa- 
 fting fin,  which  like  aft rongpoi- 
 fon  dWparchcth  all  qutckly.Croflcs 
 repeated,  and  gradually  increafed, 
 lures  of  pleafures  andprofits,  un- 
 comfortablencfle,  which  accom- 
 panieth  by  many  racane$Chrifti< 
 an  courft  s,  (dead  worke  is  quick- 
 ly given  over )  examples  of  the 
 multitude,  a  ftrong  back-bia?,  by 
 which  the  divell  fometimes  draw- 
 eth  from  perfifting  in  grace^ffence 
 at  the  firopl  city,  which  to  eye  of 
 flali  fceracth  to  be  in  Chriftian 
 couries,  at  diHention  in  opinions 
 amongft  men  of  the  fame  proftfli- 
 on,  at  the  fins  obkrved,  and  fails 
 onceknowne  byfuch,  who  make 
 pvofeffioo;  the  ieducing  calls  of 
 falieTeachers9the  glorious  fhewes 
 of  holiueffe,aud  whatfoevcr  things 
 
 ol 
 
 L 
 
The  trUU  of  a  CbriftUm  Eft  ate. 
 
 ofthisnature,by  wch  men  through 
 Satans  working  are  with-drawne. 
 
 Now  followeth  the  third  thing, 
 the  fymptoms  or  fignes  of  a  decli- 
 Ding  fbule.  This  one  thing  muft  be 
 premifed,  left  that  weake  ones 
 fhould  cift  the  ft  Ives  further  do  wa 
 by  miftakingtbc  matter.  The  pre- 
 tence ofchefe  evils,  andtence  of  due 
 di/pDfirions  or  aftioni,  are  note, 
 ▼il  fignes  of  a  dangerous  declining 
 (bule,but  when  they  are  willingly 
 carried  without  remorfe^  rcnued 
 defires  and  endeavours  afcerthe 
 contrary :  for  as  one  may  be  with- 
 out Gods  gracious  pretence  to  his 
 feeling,  and  yet  not  a  forfiker  of 
 God  •,  fo  one  may  be  without  thefe 
 things,  and  not  leaving  them,  but 
 rather  left  of  them  (Gods  wife- 
 dome  for  many  ends  fo  difpenfing) 
 while  by  griefe,  faich,  and  renucd 
 defires,  he  doth  follow  after  them. 
 
 This  confederation  interlaced 
 for  the  right  under  (landing  of  the 
 matter  in  hand.  Let  this  be  the  firft 
 figQCjVi*.  a  feeble,  livelcfle  aftion 
 
 B  of! 
 
20 
 
 The  triaHvf  sCbriftians  Efitte. 
 
 ^— ^— — «— »•    -^—  i—ii       >— — ^— — — ^ 
 
 1  of  grace  willingly  admitted :  v.  g. 
 
 'as  when  a  man  can  performe  a- 
 ny  ChriftUn duty  without  all  pow- 
 er fpirituall  and  good  devotion; 
 neverthelefle  doth  not  chalenge 
 himfelfe,  as  if  it  were  ill  wich  him 
 in  that  regard,  Lafa  tttiones  Ufas 
 argKBntfACuhatts:A.$  when  the  eye 
 feeth  not  as  ic  hath  done,  wee  may 
 prefume  the  inftmmencs  or  facul- 
 ties are  not  as  they  have  beene  : 
 So  here,  when  we  doe  not  things 
 with  the  vigour  we  have  dene,  it  is 
 a  figne  of  infirmity,  and  a  faculty 
 inwardly  or  outwardly  hindred : 
 but  when  wee  can  thmke  well  e« 
 nough  of  this  ftate,  ic  is  a  figne 
 of  Apoftafie  and  wilfufl  decli- 
 ning ;Iuskifh  reaching*  are  the  fits 
 forerunners  comoniy  Gods  people 
 declining  have  fallen  firft  to  thefe 
 formalities,  to  performance  of  du- 
 ties in  a  perf«n£tory  fafhioa,  the 
 heart  and  raine6  far  from  the  Lord, 
 in  them. 
 
 Thefccond  figne  isaprepofte- 
 rcusappeticeof  anwhol  Jjm  food, 
 
 liked 
 
The  triiB  of  a  CbriJHdnJ  Ejtate. 
 
 liked  well  enough,  no  way  diftur- 
 bant  to  us :  when  men  can  be  with-  f 
 out  preaching,  or  at  leaft  without 
 any  chit  moveth  their  confciences; 
 when  they  can  extol  frothy  windy 
 ftuffe,  which  fillet h  them,  but  ne- 
 ver feedeththem,(o  astheirfoules 
 are  not  the  better  for  it  toward 
 God.  It  is  afignethemanis  wil- 
 ling to  fleepe  that  dra weth  the  car- 
 tabes  about  him :  It  is  a  preforop- 
 tion,  that  thefcare  willing  co  nap 
 in  their  fins,  that  lovenotfucha 
 tight  of  troth  as  fliould  awaken 
 them.  Not  bearing  the  wholeiorae 
 word  is  the  preamble  of  Apoftafie. 
 A  Third  token  isindigeftionof 
 thtf  we  beare,  borne  contentedly ; 
 hen  the  heat  of  love  doth  not  fo 
 digeft  things,  chat  they  mightafter 
 dtftributcd  into  the  veines  of 
 very  good  word  and  worker  be- 
 caufe  they  jeceive  not  the  truth  in 
 love,  &c/2  Tbeff.  2.  When  mcate 
 is  takeo  in*  ana  pafftth  away  not 
 lltered  by  the  ttomacke,  it  lcaveth 
 :hc  b^dy  in  an  atrophie,  that  is, 
 
 B  a  fuch 
 
 31 
 
 h 
 
 mm 
 
22 
 
 The  triaHof  sCbrijlitnj  Ejttte. 
 
 fuch  a  tafte  wherein  ic  is  not  ncu- 
 ritbcd :  So  here. 
 
 The  fourth  figne  is  an  inordinate 
 appetite  after  things  hurtful!  and 
 noxious:  as  when  a  man  feelech 
 no  hurt,  though  hee  intermeddle 
 immoderately  in  the  cares  of  the 
 world  j  though  hee  iotemperately 
 quaffe  in  thefe  finfull  pleafures 
 which  laft  but  a  fea(on  :  when  a 
 man  loves  to  follow  the  goo  J 
 healths,  wee  may  boldly  fay,  hee 
 loves  to  breed  ill  hcalch.  Worldly 
 cares  and  pleafures  are  the  things 
 of  which  che  fbule  is  drunken, 
 and  furfcts^and  theft  are  the  thornes 
 and  weeds  with  which  the  feed  of 
 graces  never  thrivetb. 
 
 A  fifth  figne  may  be  the  ditaf. 
 fefting  of  our  brethren,  whom  we 
 have  acknowledged  as  begotten 
 ofGod.  The  Divell  cannot  bringa 
 man  who  hath  knowne  any  good, 
 to  confront  and  deipile  him  direft- 
 ly  :  therefore  hee  enrreth  them 
 with  this  politickctraine;  hcrea- 
 chech  iheou  fir  ft  to  be  bold  and 
 trample 
 
Tbetriallofa  ChrsjHansEftate. 
 
 23 
 
 trample  do  wne  his  Image,  and  Co 
 ac  length  bring  them  to  defpife 
 God,  2  Tim.  1. 4.  Demos  (*%  it  is 
 likely)  turning  Apoftatc,forfooke 
 the  Apoftle.    t 
 
 The  fixch  figne  is,  when  there 
 is  felt  no  relu&ation  in  regard  of 
 our  daily  weakneflcs  SclcfTer  fins, 
 but  they  dfgeft  with  us :  if  the 
 (bule  were  not  fallen  well  afl:cpe, 
 i '  could  not  corxoft  lb  well.  When 
 nature  (things  able  to  provoke  ta- 
 ken in)  makethnot  refiftance,  her 
 ftrengch  is  feeble  :So  here.  Bat  Mr  he 
 a  man  is  growne  to  th:s,that  he  can 
 go  on  in  his  ienpenitency  without 
 checke.,  it  is  an  eviJenc  fignc  he  is 
 downe  the  wind  in  a  wiifujl  decli- 
 nation -yea,that  he  is  farre  gone  in 
 ir.  Thus  you  have  heard  chat  fome 
 fail  from  their  grace;  and  for  fur- 
 ther declaration  you  havf,  feene 
 cleared,how  farre  all  forts  may  fal?; 
 whence  comraeth  their  falls,  wich 
 the  difF:rence  of  them.  Thirdly, 
 what  are  the  iadicants  of  a  foule 
 declining. 
 
 B  %  The 
 
«&• 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 i 
 
 Vfil, 
 
 ■I 
 
 7"^  triaSefd  Cbriftunu  Eft*te. 
 
 *4 
 
 I 
 
 The  ufe  of  all  fc;  Firft,  as  to 
 ftirreusup  to  take  comfort  in  the 
 true  wcrkc  Which  God  hath  be- 
 gun;  fo  to  make  fare  that  we  have 
 received  ftch  grace  as  (Kail  not 
 faile :  would  wee  not  be  loth  to 
 reare  fucb  a  frame  in  a  material! 
 building,  which  fhould  after  come 
 downe  upon  cur  heads?  We  are 
 builders,  kt  us  make  fare  to  digge 
 fodcep,  and  ground  our  workefo 
 well,  that  though  it  fhould  (hake, 
 (as  they  lay, firnaehoufes  will)  yet 
 ic  may  be  farre  from  feare  of  ruine. 
 In  talcing  gold,  wee  refirfc  wafhed 
 and  light  golds  or  clipped,  wee 
 wrigh  them,ring  them,&c.  In  re* 
 ceiving  grace  be  not  lefle  carefull 
 that  it  be  right  currant,  not  wan- 
 ting a  grainc  of  due  weight. 
 
 Secondly  this,  that  many  fall  a- 
 way^  muft  awaken  us  to  more  cir- 
 cumfpeftion  ^  though  it  light  up- 
 on  fome  men  only,  it  is  every  tnans 
 terrour.  We  have  great  reafon,  for 
 wee  live  in  moft  perilous  times, 
 wherein  the  holy  Ghoft  hath  war- 
 ned 
 
 *** 
 
 / 
 
Tbetriallofa  ChiJfiansEJfate. 
 
 25 
 
 nedasthat  the  dampe  of  fin  (hall 
 make  the  love  of  many  waxe  cold : 
 wherein  the  contagion  of  Apofta- 
 fic  is  epidemical! ;  is  growne  a  po- 
 pular difeafe.  For  now  what  lake- 
 warranefle?wjjia?a  weakpulfcbea- 
 teth  every  where  ?  men  care  not  to 
 deale  with  themfelves  to  hold  their 
 thoughts  to  heavenly  things,  to  a- 
 waken  their  affe&ions,  to  renew 
 their  faich,  to  blow  up  devotion; 
 to  live  in  an  holy  contention ;  nay, 
 this  in  our  dales  is  counted  a  fu- 
 perfluous  unncceflary  courfe,  for- 
 ged in  the  head  of  fome  over-for- 
 ward fcllowes  j  it  is  the  undifcreete 
 fervor  of  green  youth,  which  ages 
 wildome  wil  take  up.Ochers  more 
 moderacely  fpoken,  thinke  that 
 every  thing  new  is  dainties^  and 
 that  prime  affL&ions  cann  X  be  re- 
 tained :afig-leafe,r>a'ure,arr5grace, 
 go  froTilefieperfc&tomoreper- 
 feft.  Whether  dotha  childat  eight 
 yeeresoreighteenc  moft  love  and 
 joy  in  his  inheritance?  Doeftthou 
 not  count  thy  prentifes  two  te^d 
 
 B  4  yeeres  \ 
 
1* 
 
 The  tri*B*fd  Cbriftians  Efttte. 
 
 : 
 
 yceres  better  than  fourc  of  his  firfl? 
 In  ftead  of  appetite  to  the  Word, 
 now  feme  chinke  the  Sabbath  may 
 be  tolerably  fin&ified  without  a- 
 ny  preaching  :  feme  count  it  e* 
 nough,  if  they  be  whg  re  preaching; 
 is.,  let  it  be  what  it  will  be;  farre 
 from  fuch  as  is  able  to  worke  oo 
 their  foules;  as  if  the  orders  of  the 
 perfbn,  not  the  fupernaturall  gifts 
 of  knowledge  and  wiftloraemade 
 the  Set  man  (but  thefe  muft  not  be 
 fevered:)  fome  count  fuch  plaine 
 preaching  (as  heretofore  was  effc- 
 ftuall  in  them)  kffediUgcnr,  and 
 leflc  learned.  Thus  the  DiveJl  not 
 able  quite  to  make  them  caft  off 
 the  ordinance,  perfwades  them 
 chat  change  is  no  robberie ;  and 
 that  they  may  fleepe  the  quieter 
 (ncg!e<5Hng  fuch  preaching  as  was 
 powcrfull  in  them)  hecaftsthem 
 this  pillow,  fuggefting  tbatthey 
 leave  not  that  which  was  e&ftuall 
 in  them  toward  God,  but  that  one- 
 ly  which  was  indiligent  and  un- 
 learned. 
 
 Againej 
 
The  triad  of  a  QortfiUns  EJtate.     i      2  7 
 
 Againe,  in  ilead  of  working  the 
 Word  upon  our  affettioas,  how 
 many  concent  theuifelves  to  cxer- 
 cife  their  criiickes,this  or  that  was 
 wJI  fpoken,  &c.  and  there  is  an 
 end?  For  the  worl^  mm  have 
 their  hands  in  ic  elbow-deep ;  yea, 
 many  who  in.  their 'times  have 
 made  fhew  of  a  more  heavenly 
 minde,  fume  are  now  fo  (hie  to 
 ^heir  brethren,  that  they  will  not 
 Iooke  at  them,  not  meeteonthe 
 fame  fideofcheftrcete,  not  know 
 them.  How  many,  whofe  heart* 
 w^uld  have  fwitcen  them  in  leffer 
 offences  can  now  commit  as  great, 
 and  ic  never  upbraids  them  ?  nay, 
 eflerme  this  tendcraefle  ftrapu- 
 lousfimplicity,  and  mclancholikc 
 aufteritiy.  The  more  vulgar  jheo 
 this  difeaft  is,  the  more  cautelous 
 wee  nuft  be. 
 
 Thirdly,  wee  Ice  now  that  who 
 will  keepe  life  and  pewer  in  his 
 courfe,  endeavouring  a  good  con- 
 ference in  all  things,  they  rauft 
 paflc  the  pikes  of  cvill  tongues*^ 
 
 B  5  which  \ 
 
I     28 
 
 Obfer-3. 
 
 ■  1     1  11  »■■ 1  1— —1      iii       1  __^^^ 
 
 The  triall  of  a  Cbrijlitns  Eft**. 
 
 which  arc  ftukenagainft  them.For 
 now  fuch  heare,  as  if  they  were 
 humorifts,  new-fangUfts,  PrccHi- 
 I  ans,ptoud,finguIar,  fimple,  melan- 
 cholike  perfons,what  not  >  Final- 
 ly, the  DiveZl  to  make  revolts^now 
 refines  his  wits,  and  turncs  Angell 
 of  Hght,  hanging  out  our  owne 
 colours,  that  hec  may  the  eafilier 
 ftirprize  us;  and  pretending  per- 
 fections, which  we  yet  want,dotk 
 tranfport  many,  whom  neither 
 creffes  nor  allurements  would  pre- 
 vaile  againft.  So  that  wc  had  need, 
 ifevcr,to  walkc  warily,  Iooki  )gto 
 the  author  and  finifher  of  our  faith: 
 yea,  thankefully,  that  foin  cvill 
 times  we  arekept  (though  wcake- 
 Iy)  alive  in  ht*  GghcThus  much  of 
 the  fecond  doftrine. 
 
 The  third  followeth  i*  theft 
 words;  to  perdition,  viz>,  of  the 
 foute,  2  P*/t2, 20.2 1  •  even  as  hee 
 that  goech  out  of  the  light,  muft 
 needs  come  into  darkenefle;  fohe 
 that  icaveth  the  living  God,  the 
 fouotaine  of  blefled  life,muft  needs 
 
 foil 
 
 [f,IH  I    I,     C  It  >■!' 
 
 iwiwiWr 
 
TbetrhHofa  ftrsfiuns  Eftate. 
 
 fill  into  perdition.  The  relapfe  in- 
 into  any  ficknefle  ismoredange- 
 roas,than  the  firft  entrance  into  it : 
 for  nature  is  now  more  enfeebled, 
 much  (pent  in  her  former  refifiacr; 
 agiine,  thedifeafeis  much  ftreng- 
 thened  as  a  prcvailiogconqueror : 
 So  in  thefe  declinings- from  the 
 heahhfbme  fiate  of  grace  in  {bme 
 (ore  at:aiRed,fin  is  ftronger(thedi- 
 vell  coming  with  ftveo  worfe  (pi- 
 nts) and  our  capacity  of  receiving 
 health  leflcr^  we  being  twice  dead, 
 and  for  the  degree  more  removed 
 from  grace3?han  ever  before^  this 
 end  befall?  backfliders  raoft  deser- 
 vedly: forthey  off'r  God  the  grea- 
 teftiudignity,  it  being  better  they 
 hadoever  admitted  him,  than  ha- 
 ving taken  him  in,  to  difbdge  him 
 caufcLfly.  Again,when  fuch  as  for- 
 getting  their  milirary  Sacrament, 
 fleale  from  their  colours,are  juftly 
 punirtied  with  temporall  dea:h; 
 howdefervedly  arethefepanifhed 
 withctemall  perdition,   whore-  J 
 fpeft  not  that  warfare,  to  which 
 
 they  \ 
 
 79 
 
 1 
 
The  triaU  of  a  Cbriftsans  Eft  ate. 
 
 I  they  bound  themfclves  by  Sacra- 
 ire  t,who  flinch  awayjleaving  thac 
 difplaid  enfignc  of  a  zealous  prc- 
 feffion^  under  which  fomtimetbey 
 havcfeived. 
 
 But  how  can  deflrt'&ion'follow 
 on  declining  courfes^  when  Gods  I 
 chofei  cannot  pciHhjand  che  other 
 fort  u  ere  never  inflate  of  falvation> 
 A/tfTh\$  is  faid  to  be  the  end  of  k, 
 not  abfolutely  without  exception^ 
 but  refpe&ively,  if  wee  by  repen- 
 tance take  not  (freight  fieps  the 
 fooner,  &  get  our  halting  healed. 
 
 To  the  firftit  may  be  aofweredj 
 that  the  Apoftacy  of  Gods  children 
 in  it  felf  tendech  to  dcftru&ior  jit  is 
 his  mercy  that  preventeththerain 
 this  way  ,not  thefruit  of  their  bick- 
 ffidfr g.  Secondly,  they  after  a  fort 
 dsftroy  thcfclvcs,when  they  brirg 
 their  fpirituall  life  into  a  fwoone,  i 
 and  lea  ye  not  themft!  ves  breath  or 
 motion  difcernable.For  the  wicked 
 though  they  neyer  were  thorowly 
 Tindicated  or  redeemed  from  de- 
 &t\xSdoay  yet  to  the  jadgemenr  of 
 
 charity  j 
 
The  ttlaU  of  a  Cbriftians  Ejlate.  5 1 
 
 -.<- 
 
 charity  chey  feemed  fo:now  it  is  ufu- 
 all  to  (peak  of  things  not  according 
 as  they  are,butas  they  appeare,  Se- 
 condly,they,though  they  never  had 
 that  found  eternal! life,yet  they  had 
 fuch  a  life  as  is  in  a  Wen; and  chough 
 che  rootes  of  their  griefe  were  not 
 brought  away,  ycc  the  effe&s  were 
 fo  retrained,  and  for  a  time  fafpetv 
 ded.tbat  to  their  (etming  th^y  wc:c 
 I  made  wd!. Thirdly ,they  are  laid  t8 
 fall  info  deft  uftion3chough  ch*y  are 
 in  i*;  becanfe  they  by  Apottacy,goc 
 to  the  heigh:  &confummationot  r5- 
 as  we  are  (aid  by  a  godly  courfe,  to 
 go  to  life  ererlaltingjwhich  in  fomc 
 degree  wee  have  already.  And  th* 
 truth  is,  that  falling  away  doth 
 bring  the  untinneiy  judgment*  ;doth 
 procure  an  efFcftuall  delivering  tc 
 Satan j  who  doth  afterwards  more 
 fully  fill  them  with  his  efficacyrFor 
 as  God  maketh  the  fincerctt  Saints 
 often  of  thofe,  who  have  bcene  the 
 foulcft  finners :  So  here  Satan^wher. 
 he  gets  fach  an  one,who  hath  bcene 
 
 in  (hewan  AogtUcf  ligbc,  heedotb 
 
 make 
 
 ■■R 
 
32 
 
 The  triattefa  Cbrijiians  Eftatc. 
 
 !  make  of  him  an  incarnate  divelL  In 
 \  nature  the  fweetcft  things  whe  thty 
 turn,become  the  (b  wreft.This  mo'  - 
 tallfickneflewe  muft  take  heed  of; 
 and  if  our  love,  zeale/enderneirc  of 
 conference  be  diminifhed,  wee  muft 
 timely  feek  Cut  for  remedy.  I  know 
 men  thinke,we  are  not  fo  far  gone; 
 once  beloved,alwaics  beloved  •■we 
 have  left  nothing  but  meere  curioii- 
 fy,melanchoIikeaufterity,  men  in 
 many  confederations  reproveable ; 
 fucb  as  thofe,  who  joine  not  with 
 them,  we  hope  may  be  in  Gods  fa- 
 vour^  and  goe  to  heaven.  But  never 
 take  fuch  paines  to  deceive  your  | 
 (elves;  thefe  vaine  words  will  not 
 ftill  rockc  the  conference  afleepe.  If 
 thy  fpirituall  aftiocs  be  fallen  a- 
 fleep,thy  contention  againft  the  evil 
 dwelling  in  thee  ceafcd^  thy  appe* 
 cite  afcer  fincere  milke  8c  meat  aba- 
 tcd3thy  tendernes  of  con/ciencc  im- 
 paired,,  and  thou  canft  fit  under  all 
 cheie  things  without  repentant  for- 
 row ;  aflure  thy  felfe^hc  end  of  this 
 (if  thou  prevfintcft  it  aot  by  repen- 
 
 rance) 
 
 n.-i*  i<  ■•■;;  r  im^<m  lafttBcaaai.iin     I 
 
T£e  ^rz^Z?  of  J  Cbrijiians  EJtate.  3  3 
 
 tance)  (hall  be  deftru&ion.  Luic- 
 warmnes  (thogh  men  think  it  a  part 
 ofptudcncc)it  is  odious  with  God, 
 and  will  make  us  be  caft  up  with  di  A 
 pleafure :  true  ic  is  that  Gods  wrath 
 is  not  prefentlyefpiedagainftftch, 
 but  this  is  onely  becaufc  wee  fee  not 
 the  fpirituall  judgements,  where- 
 with they  are  ftricken;  and  we  fee  in 
 nature  the  thing  is  long  bred  and 
 conceived.,  before  it  is  brought 
 forth  and  maoifeftcd. 
 
 Secondly,  we  muft  be  exhorted 
 here  ro  (land  conftantly  in  our  cour- 
 fes,  who  doe  waike  with  God  in 
 forne  life  and  power,  though  not 
 without  great  weaknefle ;  let  us  not 
 give  over  our  labour  and  holy  con- 
 tention, to  which  the  prefence  of 
 fia  &  defeft  of  righteou&efls  have 
 pricked  us:this  work  of  grace  goeth 
 tgainft  the  ftrearoe  of  nature,  if  we 
 intermit  to  ply  theoarc  of  holy  ex- 
 ercifc*  wind  and  tide  will  carry  us 
 backagainc.Where  vveceafc  to  im- 
 prove by  good  husbandry  the  grace 
 received,  there  it  b?gtnnctb  to  be 
 
 impaired. 
 
 > ».«— > 
 
54.  The  triad  of  a  Chnftitnt  Eft  ate. 
 
 Qbfer-  4. 
 
 I 
 
 !  impaired, True  ic  is,that  the  fluking 
 \  up  of  oar  (elves,  rcfiftinglbth^  the 
 reftleflcafpiring  after  things  which 
 we  are  fiill  caft  froro  with  violence, 
 are  in  their  kinds  Uborious :  but  re- 
 membcr,what  raeo  do  in  their  earth- 
 j  ly  warfare;rhty(for  pay  oftwoftul- 
 lings  a  day)  march  thorow  places 
 often  full  of  difficulty^  lb  (the 
 ground  being  their  bed)in  theayre, 
 no  covert  over  therr;  in  their  viftu-  j 
 alls  they  are  fore  ftrcightned,  of- 
 ten they  carry  their  lives  in  their 
 hands,  and  fight  in  the  Canons 
 mouth :  to  thinke  upon  this  once/ts 
 enough  to  make  us  afliamed  of  our 
 fbf  ncfle  and  cowardice.  But  we  are 
 of  faith,  as  we  fay,  a:  d  men  of  cou- 
 rage &  wifdome.  Butalas^firft  who 
 hath  theft  things  ?  ftcondly,  ^ho 
 doth  put  them  forth  ?  thirdly,  who 
 is  conftant  in  holding  them,  and 
 making  (hew  of  then  as  ocofion  is 
 offered  ? 
 
 We  may  obfcnre  this  u  a  fourth  j 
 inftnuSion,  what  is  the  property  of; 
 afoond  believer  or  beliefe,  t//*.  to 
 
The  t)  till  of  a  Chrtjliam  Efiate.         25 
 
 pcrfe  ver  c  when  they  arc  cried  &  op- 
 pofed :  this  faith  is  a  precious^  fin- 
 cere,nevt  r  failing  faith;  it  groweth 
 from  one  degree  toanochcr^the  true 
 believer,  hee  holdeth  the  faith  a- 
 gainft  hell  gates  thcmfeives3thati$, 
 the  powers  of  hell  which  oppofe 
 him  in  it :  which  that  we  may  more 
 fmicfully  u  derftand;wc  muft  know 
 that  where  (bund  faith  is  wrought, 
 there  the  divell  plaieth  the  a  Aidant, 
 bending  all  his  force  to  di£arme 
 them  of  this  divine  fhield,by  draw- 
 ingthembackeagaine  to  unbeliefe 
 and  firtfe  confidences  wfaich  will 
 not  helpe  them. 
 
 To  this  purpofe  hee  muftercth 
 erodes,  vomicteth  deluges  of  falfe 
 flaader*  ;ftirres  up  theneereft  friends 
 of  fuch  as  are  now  come  to  God  by 
 faich,to  perftcute  them  mod  bitter- 
 ly :  fbmctimehefhewechthera  ira- 
 poflibili:iesf  in  fenfcof  feeing  that 
 they  defire  and  believe :  fomecimes 
 he  troubles  their  fceiings,that  fo  he 
 may  (hake  them  in  their  believing : 
 fometimes  hee  withdraweth  their 
 
 faith 
 
3*     |     ThttriaBtfdCbriJHansEJlAte. 
 
 ..-•- 
 
 faith  bjrfalfcpbjc&s, which  he  pro- 
 pofeth  to  them;  but  if  hee cannot 
 break  off  cheir  belief,then  he  laieth 
 about  to  repreffe  the  fervency  and 
 the  renucd  exercife  of  their  beliefe* 
 by  unfettling  us  with  fotne  new  de- 
 vices, when  wcare  more  intent $  by 
 making  our  exercife  painfull,  and 
 uncofortable,  overcafting  the  light 
 which  was  wont  to  ftiinetousio 
 the  promifes  j  hindring  us  from  fee- 
 ling the  fwecc  comfort  in  them;  ex- 
 cfcfngthe  reliques  of  fbth,deadne$, 
 incor.fhr.cy  that  are  in  us:fomeiiaie 
 by  caufkfle  fears  &  finfullftiamefaft- 
 nefle  hee  wfchdraweth  ns  from  our 
 holy  devout  exercife.  But  this  found 
 faith  quencheth  allthefe  fiery  darts 
 which  are  throwneagainftit;  and 
 like  as  a  tree  which  fhakeo,  rotteth 
 more  deeply;or  like  as  a  torch  wch 
 beaten,  blazeth  more  brightly;  or 
 like  as  a  ftar,  which  when  the  aire  is 
 obfcuredjfliinethntoftclearely:  Ibis 
 it  with  this  rootptorch,this glorious 
 ftar;  thefe  powers  of  darknefle  doe 
 [nothing  in  the  end^but  lend  it  a  more 
 
 bean- 
 
*- 
 
 Tlictritllofa  Cbrtfthw  Ejlatc* 
 
 37 
 
 beautifull  luftre,  thai  it  ever  puc 
 forth  whife  it  was  not  beroundtd 
 with  any  fuch  enmities. 
 
 True  it  is,  thac  the  beft  faith  may 
 hang  the  wiog,  bsing  wcatherbea- 
 ten,  and  fteme  to  retire  under  feme 
 more  vehement  delaies  or  tentation: 
 but  that  which  flieth  to  day,  figh- 
 teth  again*  to  morrow ;  and  like  as 
 it  is  with  thofe,  whofe  going  bacVe 
 helpeth  them  to  take  their  rife  and 
 fetch  their  leap  more  Co  nodio^fl/ : 
 So  here,  faith  (through  him  that  is 
 the  author  &fiii(her  of  her)by  how 
 much  (hz  gavebacke,by  fo  much  in 
 her  renued  indeavoursfhecom^ech 
 forward  more  fucceflefully.  From 
 this  ground  many  come  to  be  re- 
 proved :  Some  there  are,  whowill 
 feeme  to  follow  fincericy  &  fan&'t- 
 fication,  while  making  (hew  of  theft 
 things  isgainfull^but  if  crofles  come 
 they  will  lay  down  their  weapons, 
 and  Will  provide  to  flecpe  in  whole 
 skins,  whatfocver  become  of  other 
 mat'ers.  Some,  if  they  be  delayed 
 beyond  their  own  time^aft  up  their 
 
 hopes, 
 
38 
 
 The  triaU  tfa  Cbriftlans  EJlate. 
 
 •  --  c 
 
 hope^and  are  ready  proudly  to  fay, 
 It  is  in  raine  to  fcrveGod.Amongft 
 the  Lords  children**  Show  many  arc 
 there  who  followtiot  faith,  grow- 
 ing up  from  faith  to  faitb,rencwing 
 the  exercife  of  \t  in  faftningon  the 
 gracious  promife£mjhich  are  made 
 unto  us?  Men  that  will  check  them- 
 lllfcsif  they  omit  the  aft  of  mercy, 
 oftcftifying  truth,  of  juftice  where 
 occaficn  is  offere^blamenot  them* 
 felves  fcroeglcfting  to  renew  rheir 
 faith  towards  God,  when  hlspro- 
 mift  s  renewed,  or  experience  of  his 
 goodneffe  and  trmhdo^h  call  for  ic 
 from  u?. 
 
 Some  there  at  e^  who  weakly  fore- 
 fpeak  things,  fignifyoig  their  oobe- 
 btlicf,by  fiy  ing^ht  y  (hall  never  fee 
 this  or  that  evill  mending  wich  thc5 
 that  ic  is  but  a  folly  to  attempt  fur- 
 ther* feeing  wee  ftrire  againft  the 
 ftreame.But  this  is  not  to  be  carryed 
 wich  full  faile  of  faithfull  perfwafi- 
 on  on  him  who  hath  fpoken  good  to 
 u«,  but  through  attending  to  that 
 fen(e  &  realbn  Ipeaketh,  to  yeeld  to 
 unbeliefe.  Second- 
 
 ■;■  ■       • 
 
The  trial!  of aChrlflians  Eft  ate. 
 
 Secondly, we  may  hence  here  gather 
 the  truth  of  oar  beliefe.  Hath  ic  ftood 
 through  help  of  Gods  grace  in  temati- 
 on>  Chrift  letteth  usfee  that  hee  was 
 our  fupporrer,it  is  a  true  figne  of  grace 
 never  failing :  buildings  which  ftand 
 when  winds  acid  ftorms  beat  on  chemf 
 arc  prefumed  to  bs  fare  grounded, 
 whereas  the  paper- walls  andpaln:ed 
 caftles  of  i hefe  who  have  not  mfained 
 grace,  cannot indure  any  (bund  afl  iulc 
 which  is  nude  againft  then. 
 
 The  hft  thing  1 3  be  marked  if^what 
 it  is  that  doth  bring  us  to  feefdvacion 
 here  and  everlafhngly,  ic  is  ourbe- 
 li  ife,  i  Pet.  1.5.  Gods  plejfure  of  wor- 
 king this  or  that  forus,isfirft  made 
 knowne  by  his  Word  revealing  it.  S  - 
 condly,  i:  is  delayed  for  a  triall  of 
 them  to  whom  it  is  given.  Third]y,ic 
 is  executed.  Now  the  revel ition  of 
 this  future  pleafurconcly  faich  appn  - 
 henderh;  the  delay  (wherein  m  my  oc- 
 currences are  incidc  it)  fpeaking  chc 
 contrary  this  faich  beared,  by  clea- 
 ving to  that  which  formerly  it  heard 
 from  God.  When  the  thing  is  execu- 
 ted, 
 
 3* 
 
 Obft^U 
 
 1 
 
40  The  trtill  of  a  CbrifttAm  Eftjre. 
 
 «  ,^— — «— — ^^  .^   ■  — — — — — ««— — »«— —  «■         1     .. 
 
 ltd,  then  faith  is  changed  with  tight  • 
 fo  thac  it  is  plainer  that  faith  bringeth 
 ustofeefalvatioo,  for  it  never  givcth 
 over  till  the  thing  be  in  prefent;  it 
 doth  kcepe  us  within  the  tower  of 
 Gods  impregnable  ftrength  for  the* 
 prefent,  which  is  oar  jfcfety  againft  all ! 
 enemies  j  ix  doth  bring  us  out  of  all) 
 troubles  by  holding  Gods  gracious  j 
 Word;  as  a  man  comraeth  from  a 
 deepe  dungeon,  by  climbing  a  fcaling 
 ladder  call  to  hipi^  or  fittiog  upon  an 
 Eagles  wing  which  would  mount  up 
 wich  him. 
 
 In  the  Chapter  following  there  is  a 
 catalogue  of  glorious  believers^  the 
 end  of  their  faith  being  like  wife  re* 
 corded.  Whence  we  may  fir  ft  fee  that 
 errour  of  Papifts,  who  though  they 
 a!cribe  our  firft  forgivencfle  of  our 
 Gnnes  to  faith;  yet  our  after- rightc^ 
 oufceffeand  falvation  they  refe rre  to 
 good  workes,  penall  (atisfaftions, 
 application  of  the  Churches  trea. 
 Giric^  &c.  withdrawing  themfelves 
 from  fcuth^  whea  now  they  arc 
 brought  to  be  in  ftate  of  grace*  but 
 
 -jfrich 
 
Thz  trial! tf  a  Chrlflians  EJlate,      j   4 1 
 
 faith  is  new  to  ccafe  till  the  thing  be- 
 lieved be  now  in  fight,  neither  will 
 the  fame  thing  be  got  both  by  faith 
 anc{  workes ;  for  thefe  are  fuch  as  will 
 not  be  compounded >  the  Apoftle  be- 
 ing wiraefle. 
 
 Againe,  hence  we  (ee  how  wofoll  a 
 thing  ic  is  to  caft  away  our  confidence, 
 we  fling  away  the  plaifter  that  {haul  j 
 healeus  -5  for  whatfoever  evillswere 
 upon  us3  yet  holding  our  faith  on  the 
 truth  and  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift, 
 they  {hould  varjifh  away  as  (hewers^ 
 which  oaourgarments5dry  up  h  time 
 and  come  to  nothing.  Ye^,their  dan- 
 ger is  henccdifcovered,  who  though 
 they  make  conference  of  rcurcher,  a- 
 dultery3  in  jaftice ;  yet  care  not  to  live 
 in  unbsliefe,  which  is  of  all  finnes  the 
 mc  ft  dangerous,  for  the  other  (hould 
 not  hurt  us  deadly,  were  it  not  for 
 thi?;  that  wee  will  not  by  faith  take 
 that  medicine  which  (hould  healeus, 
 
 Sccondly,this  mart  incourage  us  to 
 ptrfevcrein  our  faith :  as  Chrilllook- 
 edtothe  end  of  the  Craffc,  fi  muft 
 we  looke  to  the  end  of  our  faith,  that 
 
 we 
 
 I 
 
ObjeR- 
 Anfx*. 
 
 1 he  triati  $f  a  CkrijtidnrEftate. 
 
 we  may  indure  all  difficulties  the  bet- 
 ter, with  which  wee  are  encountred» 
 True  it  is,  that  men  are  often  moft  de- 
 ceived, where  they  truft  moft;  bur 
 leaning  on  the  Lord,  and  waiting  on 
 him,  thou  (hall  never  be  deceived,  no 
 mifleofhispromHed  falvation. 
 
 Bat  in  temporary  evills  wee  cannot 
 aflure  our  felves  of  deliverance. 
 
 Anfo.  The  truth  is,  we  fee  not  de 
 livcrance,  becaufe  wee  exercife  n 
 faith  fa  particular  promifes  (o  farrea 
 we  might.  Secondly,  wrmuft  ever  be 
 affurcd  of  iflue,  foch  as  is  j  jyned  with 
 filvation.  Thirdly,though  it  keepe  us 
 not  out  of  the  fire,  yet  kith  will 
 keepe  us  from  burning, or  taking  hurt 
 in  our  moft  fiery  trialls ;  wherefore 
 let  us  renew  our  faith  in  Gods  preci- 
 ous promifes,  afluring  our  (elves  that 
 the  end  of  it  (hall  be  falvation  of  foule 
 and  body  in  the  day  of  our  Lerd 
 Jcfus  Chrift.  To  whom  with  the  Fa- 
 ther and  Spirit,&c.  t/trnen. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
I 
 
 7n