What Wesley Left Out

~164 words

and Wife, Well may they chereby- 


become rediculous to their ſtrvants, a: by-word ro their" 


neighbouss, Table-talke ro the Country, troublets of their 
owne houſe, andasa — deoppirn /on6 tmto mother : 


but they ſhall never gaine by their rutualf haftineſfe, paſſi---- 


ons, and impaciencie, What goodcan oe wy Gower ah- 
ger and indignation againſt his 'owne flefh? What prodigj- 
ous madneſſe- 18 it for thety to | 

and perpetuall bands have tyed fo faſt; and who withoc 
deareſt and moſt intimare familiarity, can neither enjoy civill 
contentment or peace of conſcience? Sappofe that the heate 
ſhould fall out with the head, and denie unto jt thoſe ſpirits 
which, become animall in rhe braine, and ſerve for exerciſe 
both of ſenſe, and by conſequene of the tigher part of the 
ſoule ; What would follow, bur dift , diftration, ard 


wadnefſe? Or thar che head ſhould fall ourwith the body ;. | 


 andthereupon reſtraine from it the influence © x 
rice, the inftrumencs of the quickningand kr oem _ - 
W 


fanlrs and frailries, or avy thing, which-in hope of keeping 


: mich more to Man and Wie - 


W Rings whon fo nimy - 


— 


Fob To 2To. 


Heb. 13. 


'Generall direttions far .4 


age-ſlate, by falling our, 


. ties and de 


would become of the head, when the body were dead ? Pro- 
portionable miſchjefes and miſeries fall. out upon the Marri- 
, ſtrangeneſ;, bitterneſſe, and angry 
e berweene the parries

~85 words

purpoſe, for a 
more convenient and comfortable, bur ingenuous ſervice- 
ableneſſe to his good , that I ſay, hee labour the more to 
entertaine and intrear her with all'rendernefſe and honour, 
ro recompence, aSit were, her ſuffering in chis: kinde for his 
ſake.. | | 
4.: The Head is the well-fpring of all quickning mo« 
tionand ſenſe, livelinefſe and lightſomenefle to the body. If 
the derivation of animall fpirics from. the braine, were re 
ſtrained and intercepted. for a while ;. the body: would bee 
eſcntly ſurfrized. with a ſenſcleſſe dawpe and. dead palley. 
The wife for the husbands fake, hath forſaken her native 
home, fathers houſe, facher, mother, and many comforcs in 
that kinde : And therefore good reafon ſhee ſhould expe& 
Now, and receive from her Head ; new matter, and a conci- 
nued influence of light-heartedneffe, comfortable enjoying 
her ſelfe, and cheerefull walking. If hee ro whoſe company 
and conditions ſhee is now ſo neerely and neceffarily con- 
fined, and, as it were, enchained, prove dogged, ſhe.holds-her 
ſelfe utterly undone for any outward contentment. | 
2. Let bim dwell with ber according to knowledge. 1 Pet. 
c Ps By a wiſe diſcovery at the firſt, - and timely ac- 
quainting himſelfe with her diſpoſition, affeRions, infirmi- 
ries, paſſions, imperfeRions ; and thereupon with all holy 
diſcretion, apply and addrefſe himſelfe in-a faire. and loving 
manner, tO retifie and reforme all ke tan; and to beare the 
reſt with patience, paſſing by ic wickour paſſion and impa- 
tiency, ; 


AC _ 


" comfortable walking with 60d. 


—_ 


tieticy, ſill

~563 words

health; youth, or old age, 8c. and 
that, with kindnefſe and conſtancie. A moſt memorable, 
and famouspatterne. for this purpoſe is recorded by Vives. - 
A young, tender and bcautifull maid was matched ( as he re- 
ports to a man ftricken in yeares : whom atter ſhee found 
ro hayea very fulſome anddiſeaſed body.; yet notwithſtan-= 
ding. out of ſenſeand conſcience, as it ſeemes, that now by 

s$ providence ſhee was become his wite ; ſhee moſt wor 
thily digeſted wich incredible patience, and contentment, the 
Janguiſhing, and loathſomeneſſe of an husband continually 
viſited and vexed with varietie and new ſucceſſions of moſt 
irkeſomeand contagious diſcaſes. And though friends and 
Phyſicians adviſed her by no meanes to come neare him, 
for feare ofdanger and infe&ion,, yerfor all this, ſhee paſ- 
fing by, wich aloving diſdaine and contempr, theſe unkintle 
didfevafons, plied him ſtill nightand day with extraordinary 
rendernefſe.and caxe.; with obſequiouſheſſe and ſervices of 
all ſorrs, above her ſtrengrh and abilicy, or poſſibilicy, as the 
Author faith : had not her deareſt conjugall affe&ion ſup- 
plied and ſupported her weake body, with freſh acceſſions 
of vigor and tmweariedneſſe, Shee was to him Friends, 
Phyſician, Hasband, Nurſe. Theſe are nothing : Shee was 
Father, Morker, Brother, Siſter, Daaghter, every tliing, a- 
ny thing, todpe him good any manner of way. Nay, had 
quiſite quintefſenſe.of tendernefle, deare- 
| neſſe, 


Fy bs " > Wy "PS 


% 
a FY 


——— — 


comforrable walking with Gol. he 253 


Deſc, affeftionatedneſſe, and love collefted and extrafted 
from all theſe; it would: hardly have matched her merci. 
fulneſſe, and melcing affeQions towards him.. In caſe of wanr, 
by reaſon of extraordinary expence, and exceſlive charges 
about him ;. ſhee ſold her Rings, chaines, and richeſt attire, 
ſhee emptied her Cupbord of plate, her Cabiner of chiefeſt 
and choiſeſt Jewels ro doe himgood, And. when hee was 
dead, and friends'came about her rather: co congratulate her 
happie riddance, than to bewaile her widowhood, ſhee 
did-not onely deprecare and-abhorre all ſpeeches tending 
that way : bur protefted if ir were poſlible, fhee would wit- - 
lingly redeeme her husbands life, with the loſle of her five 
deareſt children. And though as yer, the flowre and prime 
of her beaurifulleſt and beſt time was not expired; yer (hee, .. 
ſtrongly reſolved againſta ſecond match, becaule, faidſhee, 
I ſhall nor finde a ſecond Valdawra (for ſo her husbatdwwas 
called.) Whence ic appeares, that this worthy woman was 
wedded to her husbands ſoule ; notto his body : ne infirmi- 
tic ordeformiry whereof could coole or weaken the manli- 
nefſe andfervencie of her love. Such choyſe asthis, were the - 
way.to make wives never weary of their husbands. Where- 
as. affeQions faſtened onely on a mans ourſide, are fubjeRt ro 
the tedious miſery of inconſtancy and charge, andtorture of 
many wicked and impoſlible wiſhes, according co the vanity 
and vexati6n of irs rranfitory- obj-&. Againſt which heare 
the indignation of an ancient Father : « Bus thy bnthand, c Sed torrides & 


nculeus cſt.Semel © 


faith hee, 3” growne unbandſome, and bemtly. He once plea culeus 
ſed thee : "wont thow ever - be chuſing. an busband af The Negara 


ed eligeuaus ? com. 


Ore and the Horſe like their mate : Aud if the one-be changed, Flgeaus ? come 1 


the ather knowes not how-to draw ; but wants; as it weft; batfe requirit, & equus 
of bimſelfe : But thou refaſeſd-thy Take-ſellow, .and wouldeſt efaer ——_— IG 
_— 


jugum neſcic 


Cn47ge * <PPÞ 
c®.mp :r alrerius,be © 


Helpefulneſſe

~201 words

duties, and exerciſe of all ſpiritu- 
all graces in their due ſeaſons. - 
. , 2. If the world hath locked up thine heart, and congea- 
led the bowels of thy compaſſions towards the poorez ler 


2be amiable face of the blaze of thine outward profeſſion ſhine never fo faire, 


7 manage the heart-lefſe repreſcntarions of externall holineſſe 
never ſo demurely ; keepe the times and taskes of daily du- 


ent f** 7 ties with never ſo great auſteritic ; nay, tough thou be able 


te. -, 


7 a 
3 r [es an 0 OS nee HY Re 4 
v 5 wo 5 yy ” 
> - 
& 


OOO I IE PEI RIO. | : 
NT | F a IRS 2 ot Fre TE ere 

4s + L * - "2 .- ant Sb 4 Srl.ght 

* 2 E - 


_ 
———_—_ 


"comfortable wilking with God, 


ro amuſe weaker Chriſtians with ſome affe&ed ſtraines, and 
artificiall fervencie in Prayer (for by the meere power, or ras 
' ther poyſon of hypocrilie and vaine glory, a man way pray 
ſometimes ro the admiration of*orhers, eſpecially lefſe judt- 
cious, having cunningly collefted the _ moving paſſa- 
ges for that purpoſe, from the beſt-gifred in that kinde, and 
then given an enforced aftioa and life unto them in the de- 
livery, as fame inother caſes a&'other mens inventions ro 
the life ) I ſay, for all this, it che holy heace of brotherly 
love doth not warme thine heart, and upon occaſion worke 
affetionately and effeEually, I dare ſay, thou arr rotten ar 
the heart-roor, there isno true love of Godin thee, no grace, 
no hope of ſalvation. Lec chat terrible and flaming place a- 
gainſt all coverous Phariſees, 1 1.3.17,diffolve thy frozen- 
heartednefſe this way, and enlarge the bowels of pitrie ro- 
wards the poore brethren of Chrift Ieſus, or elſenever looke 
hereafter ro looke him in the face with comfort, or to finde 
mercy at that Day: Marke it well, and meditate upon it : 
Who ſo bath this worlds good, and feeth bis brother hath needs, 
and ſhutteth up his bowels of compaſſion from him, how dwelleth 
the love of God in him ? 

3. Bur above all other motiees of mercifulneſſe to the _ 
poore, whichin the: Booke of Godare very many, and moft '' © © 7 3 
quickening ; me thinkes that argument which Pex/ prefſerh + + {43 
to this parpoſe, 2 Cor. 8. 9. ſhould melt the moſt flintie _ 
heart : For yee know, faich hee

~79 words

even the point I 
now preſſe, andlabour to perſwade : an open-hearted,-reall, 
fruicfull bountie and love to Gods people, and diſtreſſed 
members of. Chriit Telus, for Chriſt and their pom 


co. fortable walking with cnt © "If 


ſake. But ti. . other doome of damaation, Depart fron meeMatth. 25-41. j 
you curſed into everlaſting fire, prepared for the devill and bis 
angels ; which breathes our nothing bur fire and brimſtone, 
ſtings and horrqprs, woe and alafſe, flames of wrath, and 
the Worme that never dieth ; trembling and gnaſhing of 
teeth; ſeas of vengeance, torments withour end, and 
imagination ; ſhall paſſe upon the reprobates, for omiflion vaſe 22, 
and negle& of this noble durie. For mercileſnefſe-ro the 
ore members of Chriſt, unkindeneſfe ro Chriſtians, hard- 
eartednefſe rowards che houſhold of faith, is one of the 
rankeſt bitrereft weedes, which growes our of a graceleſſe 
heart .; acleere pregnant. evidence, that all was naught ; and - 
a notable remembrancer, as it were, to that high and ever- 
laſting Judge,-that his bleſſed Spirir never dwelc there. How 
deepely thendorh itconcerne every Chriſtian ro praiſe, and _ 
ply uponall opporcunicies, that moſt gainefull art of almes- leemeſyna; aro

~233 words

ſhut up their bowels of pictie againſt opiey 
His poore ; and beene dogged towards the dearely beloved of Terem,r2-9:, 
by Soul. 7 
 Tknow, ® Befarmin labours to empoyſon this laſt paſſage , ve jugise.ts. 5. 
with his falſe glofſe, and Popiſh ophiſtty. =_ cap. Ll Tavis 
The caufall conjun&ion For, Matth, 25.35. ashe there ca» "un 
vils, intimates and imployes workes mericoriouſteſle. | Cpt 
I ſay noe For, is there a note of conſequence and order: —_—_— 
not of rhe cauſe, or any Þ mericorious cauſalitie. The cauſall b BnimJ nondes 
conjuntion in Grammer dorh indeed ſerve to ſhew the rea- —_— 
fon ofa former ſentence : bur it doth nor neceffarily ſhew ricoriam Regai, 
a reaſon from the cauſe ofa thing ; bur many times alſo from aceoriem-; 
the effe&, and other kinde of arguments. And Logicke alfo ſenrents 1 quads 
; yere ſfintbene- 
 diQti ab eterno- 
CN goon tre 0 
Criſto neſcient, non egnolcyat.Queado ridious Te, *——_ : WY kin 
S 4 reacheth, 


L_ 


TY 

. Y 6 

i-3 
4 
TC 

T5 


S 


$5. 6 EIN 
BR k 


 Generall direttions for a 


—_— 4. 


— - 


teacherh, thar there be divers kindes of cauſes ; principall,and 
leſſe principall, &c. ; 

Bellsrmine replies : Doth not Chriſt there ſpeake in the 
ſame-manner,of the rewards of the godly, and of the puniſh- 
ments ofthe wicked ? But no man can fay,that in theſe words, 
Goe yee curſed, &c.that the cauſe is not rendred; but onely the 
order and conſequence implied: For the wages of ſinne 3s death, 
Rom.6,23. 

T anſwer : By the like fallicy alſo doe the Popiſh Impo- 
ſures pleade for Juſtification by workes:Evill workes damne, 
therefore good workes fave. Moſt falſely : as appeares by 
' £Non valet con- that rule in the Topicks :< The —_ 74 of no validitie, 
fequentia, £42 where there 5s not a perfelt contrarietie, Now berweene good 


mon eſt perte 


comrarierss: andevill workes, there is no perfe& contrarietie: 4 for evill 
ddelaoprn workes are perfe&tly evil! againſt the Law of God : bur 


borum- frutus, good workes arenot perfe&tly good according to the Law © 
-p—_no—ege; wa of God. By the ſamereaſon neither doth it follow : Erernall 


na autem bona- death is the wages of (inne: therefore eternalllife is the wages. 
opera & of good workes, 
ex miſtis princi- 5, If thou Jay out to the poore © cheerefully, f ſeaſona- 
Pio: non DLy $ liberally, and yet bur according to thy h abilirie ; thou 
exdem reſpets (halt become ( which beſides the onely courſe of growing, 
eſpe then comfortably rich,isalſoa crowne of infinite honor)Credicor 
onis cauſam, im

~107 words

pleaſures and: glory 
through all eternicie. | | 

6- Nay,the way to thrive and fare well in the World, if 

our moſt wiſeGod rhinke ir fir, is ro be compaſſionate this 
way. If thou draw ont thy ſoule to the bungsy, faith the Propher, x 7y.,g.10.8;x5; + 
and ſatisfie the affiifted ſoule: then ſhall thy light viſe in obſeuritie, 
and breake firth as the morning, and thy darkeneſſe bee «« the 
noone-day ; aud thy health fhall ſpring forth eedily : the Lord 

ſhall guide thee continually, and ſatisfie thy ſoule in drought, and 
make fat thy bones, and thou fp2lt be like a watered Garden, and 
like a Spring of water, whoſe waters fail not. Thine horne ſhall pcal. n11.g. 
beexalted with honour, and thou ſhalt not want. Tt will be then P*9* 25 27: 3 
a proficable Inquifirion amongſt others ; when a man findes 
himſelfe ro goe backwardin his eſtare,Gods ſecret diſpleaſure 
ro blow upon his wealzh,or afflift his body wich painefulldif- 
eaſes,&c. roexamine well, wherher hee was not ordinarily ,;,,, _ . 
wontrather to ſhutup hisbowells of compaſſion, than to D 
powre out his ſoule to the poore. | 

. Inathirdplace

~80 words

runneth thus, as I conceive. 

The publike State wherein chou liveſt, and whereof thou | | 
art a member, challengerh the firſt place and precedencie : If [79 maj vos 
iclivedanatura!llife, as thou doeſt, and thou haddeſt bur one they /ay,vhenerher - 
morfſell of bread, which would one!y ſuſtaine rhe life of one purer nog, 
of you ; thou wert to periſh, that it might flouriſh: for it is 5» poverey: «//2 we | 
ever better, thar one member ſhould be cut off, than the 74,7heveoure- 


whole body conſumed. * In the next place ſtands thy ſelfe ; _— —_— | 


ordinary want : like inpietie, elſt we muſt hetpe boly men being farther off, before theſe who hate to bert- 
ſormed, though neerer unto us : like in mutual! relations and obligations one unts another;elſt we muſt pre- 
feree @ truely religious brother, before a more religious ftranger ; « kinſinay neighbour, aud benefaRor before. © 
einer kin{man, or nerighbour, or a benef4 ex alone. h F 

| then. 


a 


_ ad hare 6 Fe IDA) Sh Ao bnrat9-4 
DT TIES . po 


"She at 5 


f ” EY 
" 


268 Generall direftions for a \ 
then chy wife ; chen

~120 words

more, than if he had che Crowne of the 
whole worlds ſoveraigntie ſerupon his head. Iaſtifying faith, 
which gives infallible intereſt ro erernall litegis not(to ſpeake 
properly and punftually) to be aſſured of pardon; bur ro 
traſt wholly upon rhe mercy of God through Chrill, for par. 


. don. If thereariſe queſtion in thy fearefull heart about thy 


ſpirituall ſtate; ſenſe and feeling is no fubſtanciall ground 
whereon to build , being a ſeparable accident zo the graces of 
falvation ; bur the truth and tender-heartedneſſe of Chriſt, 
inthe promiſes which can never faile, beingas ſureas God 
himſelfe. If ſome wrangling fellow ſhould lay claime unto 
thy land, thou wouldeſt nor in ſuch a caſe and-coneroverſie 
conſule with an ignorant neighbour ; he perhaps our of his 
weakenefſe and want of skill, mightraiſe dgubrs and dan- 
gers where there were none, and pur thee into a greater . 
tright; bur thou wouldeſt have recourſe ro ſome learnzd ar 
the Law, who.underſtandingly ſearching and ſurveying thine 
Evidences, and finding no flaw, would put,chee out of all 
feare

~856 words

evil One, who is a ſworne enemie to thy ſoule, 
and father of lies. They way tell thee, rhoy haſt no ſenſe, no. 
feeling, therefore all is naught : but tothe Word,. and to the 
Teftimony ; letthy trembling heart cleave tothe impregnable 
truth of choſe ſiveetelt promiſes; Iatth, 1 1,28. Revd. 21.6. 


Toh. 7.37.Eſay 55.1,8c.andthou arr ſafe for ever, Fora more 


full impreſſion of this comfortable point, I would have yau 
to refreſh your memories wich a reviſe of thoſe faure eſtares 
of faich, whichT have heretofore diſtinguiſhed, upon pus- 
poſe for the weakeſt Chriſtians ſake z and know, thar the 
refleted att of the loweſt degree and leaſt meaſure than men» - 


tioned, might upon good ground, if hee doe not wilfully * 


and wickedlyrefaſeto be comforted, fill his fearefull ſpirir as 


A” boo OO 


comfortable » walking with God. 


anche Sea of waters. Theſethings laid togerher and well 
weighed, may confe& a precions-and. ſoveratgne Antidore, 


againſt the flaviſh rerrours, cauſeleſfe feares; and heavie wal- - 


king of many which aretrue ofheart,diftreſſed in conſcience 
- abourjtheir ipiricuall ſtare:who while they labonr, and long 


with inſatiable greedinefſe (and Iblame not )) for a ſen» | 
ſible affarance, and feeling apprehenfion of Gods favour ; - 


doe too much negle& aud difregard chat comfort which their 


faich mightaffoord them upon good ground, in thar, not--- 
oding their preſent diftrating amazements and per=" 


wichſta | 
plexitie of ſpirir, they are able ſtill ro commit their ſoules un- 


to Chriſt, .as a-fai Redeemer, and- their everlufing .. 


ſtrength, 
In this point, T have let ſome paſſages fall by che way 


which _ ſerve to diſcover and diſſolve the vanitie and* 
e 


weakenefſe of that Dilemma ; wherein Bellarmix playes this 
willfull egregious Sophiſter : it rans rhus:. 


” 


The Proteſtants teach, faith he, that a man % jaitified by, | 
frcial a, wherely be perjwadeth bimſeſe, that bes Fi Je raotcg 


Now then he reaſoneth thus iy Thegin to beleeve that : 
;wit, I am either juſt or wnjuft. 1 Tf juſt, then I am not juſtified by 
Trib, y which The my in ro be Jef: becauſe ohis fog is 
after my juſtification. If unjuſt, then this faith is falſe, and ſo a 
man fb juſt ahje, 


id be Juſt 
o this "AL argument -wee anfwer this « There are 


ſandry ads of fpeciall faith: for my purpoſe at rhis time, take © 


yorice of two. 


r. A fiduciall affenr, reſting upon the merit of Chriſt an - 
affiance, dependance, adherence, reliance, or if rhere be any © 
other wordexpreſſing thar a& of an humbled ſoule, whereby ' 
ir cafterh and repoſerh ir ſelfe onely upon. Gods promiſe in ' 
Chriſt, for the abtaining of remiſſion of finnes, an1 everla-:- 
Ring life. In thisa&, the poare ſoule Uighrened and affrigh- 
miſery, and ſeeing- 
an infinite impoſfibilitie-of ſatisfying God forthe one, .or 


ted with fight and ſenſe of its finne a 
freeing irſelfe from the other, by any meanes or mericinhea- 


ven'Qr earth Z bur onely by the -propiriazory RIN > os F, 
ugS:- 


SeR. SeRarii no- 
an ſtritemporis. } 


4. eo Bec i rants Ae AA edge - = - 
<< Med 


Dl > 


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" Generall dizeGions for « 


_ Teſus Chriſt : ic throwes. ir ſelfe into his armes, graſping alt 


abouc him, bidesir ſelfe intheclifts of this Rocke, from the 
ſftormes of Gods fierceſt and fiery indignation, + EAT 
in him plentifull redemption, and all ſufficiencie of falvarion; 
and therefore plies him with ſtrong cries and teares for mer. 
cie ;beſpeakes himin all rearmes of confidenceand affiance : 
My Lord, and my God, my bope, my fartreſſe, my . rocke, 
my ſtrength, my ſalvation ; ſave me, or I finke; hold me faſt, 
or I amloſt for ever. You may ſee ſometimes alictle infant, 
upon apprehenſion and approach of ſome ſadden danger, 
how heartily and haſtily ir runnes inco the mothers armes 
for ſaccour and ſafety :cven fo a truely wounded foule, pur-. 
ſaed by the terrours of the Law, and frighted withthedread- 
full ſight of Godsfrowning countenance, flies with ſpeed in- 
co the boſame of hisblefſed Redeemer, clings inſeparably 
ynco. his bleeding wounds for everlaſting protefton ; and 
there reſts upon the freeneſle of his Love, meric of his Paſ- 
fion, and trath of his Promiſe, as upon aRocke of Ererni- 
tie, never to be removed : nor the concurrent rage of 


::All che Devills in Hell, or power of darkenefle, being ever 
able ro. make a divorce.. By this af wee are accepred for 


as before the Throne of Grace, for Chriſts ſake and ſuf 
erings. _ | 

: An att of certification, which quickned by the Spi- 
rit of Grace, when God pleaſerh for his owne glory and good 
of his Child, refle&erh upon che ſoule with a.comfortable 
afſarance that wee are already in the armes of Chriſt, and 
His for ever, Theleaſt glimpſe whereof, a true heart would 
nor exchange for all the Kingdomes upon earth. "The firſt a& 
wakes us jult : The ſecond findes us juſt ; and focerrifies tru- 
ly , not bya lye, as lying companions, and Sarans Sophiſters 
calumniate, Icisthe ſaying of an excellent Divine, both for 
depth of learning and height of Holineſſe. To beleeve that my 


finnes are now pardoned, and that Tam ſeved : this is not the | 


feſt att of faith, but followes when now a man doth ſee himſelfe to be 
.2- By afecrer application of the promiſes of the Goſpell 


ig 


PS 


1 x o, 
9% 'L , 
: - _ % > ” 
” % ; * A 


4 os y 1's Ae ws 
bo oe AF ET TR 


— 


comfortable walking with God: 6 


323 -: 


in forme of an*® experimenrall Syllogyſme, thus : 
Whoſoeverbeleeves and repents, is the Childe of God 


©  '-2 Qui fidei fun 
»ſenſum incorde 
*; babet ; hic (cir 


But I beleeve and repent, therefore 1 amtheChilde of God.” \fecte Mr, 
in Epift. 2. 4d Co- 


The major, or firſt propofition, is cleere and evidentin

~206 words

heavenly light ſtanding in my conſience like an armed 
man: 1 will 
till T die, | 

But how doe you-know, that you-truely beleeve? We may 
know, perhaps, that wee have ſome kinde of faith, but not 


that we have the true lively faith, which will ſervethe rurne -.- 


for ſalvation. 


never take away mine innocencie from-my ſeife, un- 


I atſiwer : Saint Payl bids us trie, and"pr OAT BIETTS 


whether we have that Faith, by which Chriſt dwellerh in our 
. cis + Y "hearts, 


324 Generall dircitions for-a 
7 | hearts, which is the faich of ſuch as are accepred with God, 
2 Cor.13.5. Now it were ſtrange, ifthe bleſſed Spirir ſhould 
,bid us examige and ſearch for thar,. which could nor poſlibly 

be fognd our. 
Aegaine, ifa man cannot be certaine, that he beleeves wich 
all his hearr,thar is, truly and fincerely Philips interregatorie 
» x8 qnidam mo- 79 the Exznch, AfQ.8.37, had beene dares. aerated 
das in T onſcientia reply raſh and unadviſey. 
Sorin Am  Luſtin was Cleerely of this minde, that's man way be ac- - 
efſe finceram,no- uainted with the linceri of his faith * Therews, faith he, s - 
am certa a; cs fore of gorying # in the conſcience, when thou ore thy fob 3 is 
ne roy oY Snare, by le certaine, thy love without di 
TER. - , ſay they, beleeve, andare z * chinking | 
349, Flay a which they have nor; 1 0 ren þ 


Anſwer, Sathouſande amongſt vs, by the falſe ſpeRtacles - 

q $526305/01"2o preſumption, making the bridge .of Gods mercy broader 

..- than MY pts Ris his rruth,which confines ironely co 

' " broken heans3are wofully deluded, and ready every moment 
to be drowned inthe dungeon of fire and brimftone : muſt 

Rooigs thoſe ary who _ _— SENSE = gen -—4 : 

beleeve, upon good grou e part © 
dev ed 2 Becauſe mad men, and men aſkeepe, know notwell-. 

they areaſlcepe, and rage ; muſt therefore men truly wa- 

gs + wi oc certainely they are awake, and in - 
their wits? ple generally conceive of the 

' Sannes magnitude,thac. ieisnor pat aooceroundal ther , 

fore the certaintic of f knowledge hat it {rp rimes bigpger- 

than the earth,bedeniedto the 8ki omer?Some men 

dreame thatthey arerich,tumble [re amongſt their gol- 

den heapes, and it is nor fo indeed when they awake;zdothno - 

man jam nt. kaow

~231 words

face in water. And 
therefore, ifrhat thy preſent ſtate, wherein thou conceiveſt | 
thy {ele to be ſure and fafeenough for falvation, be dif- 
abled and condemned by Gods Word ; thy confidence is 
vaine, and. Satan delides thee, The Scripture tells us, 
_ h Yo 


—— 


_— - . S—_ 


= —D———————————————— — 


33+  Generall divefFions for a © 


——— 


*Seafio — ng That whoſoever # borne of God, dothnot commit * ſinne,x Job. 


«Ang.in Pſa. 11 
b vVbi regnat 
pro>oficum pecs 
candiz ibifiducia 
miſcricoxdiz exn- 


ePſal.66. 18. 
d Pfal. 68.21, 


abideſt inthe are of meere civill honeſty, and yer thinkeft. 
with thy ſelfe, that thou art thereby furniſhed ſufficiently 
for furure happinefſe, it is bur afalſe flaſh. And why ? Be- 
cauſe the Word' faith, without bolineſſe no man ſball ſee the 
Lord, Hebrewes 12. 14. Which neceſſarily implies ; That 
t licetilte Fa- NO meere © civill man can poſſibly be faved. If thou be a . 
onicius 3 fir licer Iyke-warme Laodicean, and yet conceiveft thou art rich e- 
Scipios* ir lice nough ſpiritually, and lookeſt ro be faved;.chou art de- 
Regulus quoren ceived : And why ?: Becauſe the Word faith ; That Chrift - 
eanquam in anti» Will ſpew fach a one oor of his mouth, Revelation 3. 16. 
qus Romans <us Pye as a filthy birrer vomiris-co the ſtomacke, and mouth 
puciferern- Of man that ſpewes ir- our; ſuch are all Juke-warme 
ous conrra tulia, formal Profefſours to the Lord Teſus Chriſt, as himſelfe 
- Pejag-6b.4..3. | there profeffes, ' A terrible and flaming fentence, —_— 7 
; : : TQM ; 


comfortable walking with God, 


from the Indge his owne mouth in the meane time ; which, 
me chinks, ſhould horribly affright thouſands in our dayes; 
who ſtand for a frozen formality, hearrlefſe indifferency,re- 
ſerved nenerality, and politicke moderation in profefſion, 
and praQiſe of Religion. Thus a true reftimony and ſound”: 
perſwafion of a good eſtate ro Godward, ever holds eor- 
reſpondence rothe

~241 words

preached and read, prayer,ſinging 2 Or if this deſire 


of Pſalmes, medication, conference, vowes, dayes of humi- bl prong _ 
lation, uſe of good Bookes, godly company, all Gods or- preg ng 
dinances, and good meanesappeinted and fanQified for our girirue!! dams; 
ſpirituall . Becauſe thorow-cthem, as ſo many golden #? "ni £r5eves,, 
conduits,thoſe gracious ſaving operationsef the holy Ghoft z«rely conrend: 5y 
are conveyedand continued unto it; which miniſter ſound £275 Poe ts 
matter and true grounds of ſuch comfortable aſſurance : and regaine andrecover 
in the conſcionable uſe and exerciſe of themalſo are wont \7/7mer/7 mare 
ſomerimes ro be ſecredly and; ſenſibly breathed into it, fuch ies tvly cars- 
heavenly reall refreſhings themſelves ; which rhe joy of the 775." niments- 
* Whole werlds enjoyment cannot poſlibly equal]. But now wer <»d «b/en/2, 
* theaffe&tion this way of thoſe who are Phariſaically pufc TY 
up with a groundlefle concert and vaine confidence ; is «rcepnercen ro 
faint and forwall ; partiall and reſerved; nor accompanied Jmer,.* 7 
with that univerſalitie and uniformitie of-reverence. and re- 
ſpe&tcoall the bleſſed ordinances and meanes of grace, It is 
everthe wont and: wilineffe of ſach to qualifie their coun-- 
tenance and:correſpondence to theſe, with that moderation - 
and remper which may be compatible, and plaufibly conſiſt 
with the fafetie oftheir remporall hepplnct, and fecuritie - 
of their boſome finne. And no marvell though their affe-- 
Qion inthis kinde benot ſo hearty, and holdont; for they: 
draw-no yo vertueand ſweernefle from Chriſt, through 
them ::and their conceic of being right, is nor fedde from 
the Breaſts of the Bible, a:dwith the heavenly Manna of a 
conſcionable Miniſtery ; but builr upon thoſe inſufficient 
gone and rotten proppes I. diſcovered and diſabled be- 

=. 

3. A ſound atid undeceiving perſwafion that thou art e«. 
verlaſtingly locke in the armes of Gods mercy and love, 
grounded upon the Word, ſeconded and ſet on by the Spi- 
rit; isa moſt rare and rich Iewel], which dorh infinitely our- 
ſhine and overweigh in ſweernefſe and worth any rocke of 
Diamond, Chriſtall Mountaine, or this great Creation, were 
it all- converted into one-unvaluable Pearle; and therefore. 
is infinicely envied, -and affaulced mightily on. .all _ 

hy 


'Revel. 2. F, 


Of 
— M.A ata V "Ro 


Generall direftions for a + 


——_. 


Ic is continually hunted likea Partridge on the Mountaines 

| by naturall diſtruſt, the policie of Satan

~210 words

time: and their now true, 
kindely, ſweer perſwaſion, ſo much envied and affaulced by 
Satan accompanying their converſion, | 

9. Naturall preſumption,guilded over with the devils de- 
lulion,ever (hrinkes inthe wetting. Troubles ofconſcience, 
fiery trials, heavie croſſes, the face of the Prince of cerrour, 
difaftrousand diſmall rimes diſſolve it inro nothing. Bur 
the other true teſtimony holds out like armour of proofe, 
agaiaſt thickeſt haileſhor of all adverſary power : Nay, ic is, 


wonr 


comfortable walking with God, 


 wontto ſhine and (hew ir ſelfe with united vigor and more 
lighrſomenefſe within ; in the greateſt dampe of outward 
 diſcomforts, and mok confufions abroad. 
10, The Chriſtiap can give ſound reaſons for his reſolu. 
tion, in the point of affarance;from his converfion,holy con. 
verſation, hu of the brethren, univerſal] obedience, &c. 
thoſe meanes I mentioned before proper to the child of God. 
Bur put the Phariſe to prove inthis caſe, and perhaps he will 
not be able to ſay ſo much as his formall deluded brother, 
Luke 18,1 1.12, Sure Tam, all that hee can produce for thar 
purpole,being tried by the Touch lone of Gods Truth,will 
prove too lightand inconſequent. Reviſe the falſe mediums 
and inſufficient grounds diſcovered before, and you hall 
perceive, that none of them can poſlibly inferre a comforta- 
ble concluſion, Ki SE. 
11. The Laodiceanlongs farre

~183 words

his preſent pitch of grace Plicesquod ex, 
and meaſure of obedience, id —— 
Thus having premiſed adiſcovery of ſpiritual ſelfe-deceir, ©:Namublcibi 
whereby many fo over-value themſelves, in point of their mazfiti.$iautees 
ſpiricualleſtate,that they conceive they are very right,where-i<:iSutentc 
as in truth and tryall,they are ſtarke rotren at the root:Their 0.4 vers 4- 
caſe herein, is like that mans; who lying faſt aſſeepe upon f##Srmm-45. 
the edge of a ſtcepe Rocke, Om merrily of — 
ing- 


3 
» # 


+ 


0 Ui ec ey yn m_—————__ — 


Generall direions for 4 ; 


Kingdomes, and the very conftuence of all earthly content= 
ments; conceiving that hee wallowes himſelfe in the over- 
flowings ofall worldly felicities ; but upon the ſudden Rtar- 
ting for jay, breakes his:necke, and tumbles into the-bot- 
tome of the Sea.. They are lulled aſlzcpe by the- deluding 
charmes of the Devill, upontheir beds of preſampruous ſe- 
curitic, alltheirlife long, dreaming of no danger ar all, bur 
ever confident their caſe is gaod enough to God-ward : but 
their conſciences being awaked upontheir beds-of death; or 
atfartheſt, at Gods Tribunall, they are ſuddenly ſwallowed 
up of diſpaire,and drownedin everlaſting perdition; Icome 
now to fore-warneand fore-arme

~371 words

alſo in 
their trueſt number, Thou perhaps, for want of more ſpi- 
rituall eye-ſalve, beholdeſt chem bur as ſtarres in a gloomie 
evening; but aſſure thy ſelfe, He fees them, as moates in the 
Sunne, and as Starres in the cleareſt winters midnight. Me- 
thinks,this mortifying medication ſhould rather make thee 
. ap oh further deteſtation of finne, then admiration of 
thy ſelte. 

A 'Vpon the incomprehenſible perfeCtions and abſolute 
pureneſſe of Gods woſt holy natue2: the ſplendcur where- 


of doth dazlethecleercft eyes of the brighteſt Seraphims ;y,, , .: 


doth drowne, as it were, all Angelicall.glory ; as theSunnes 
| Z 2 | preſence 


General direttions for 4 


ſence, the light of leffer ſtarres;much more dothit utterly 


_ darkenthemateriall beauty of all rhe lights in heaven. Were 


the Suanne which is madeall of brightnefſe, and the ever- 
ſpringing founraine of freſh ſhining beames, preſented be- 
ore that unapproachable Light which beſers Gods ſacred. 
Throne ; it would vaniſh away, as adarkefome moate and 
lumpe of vanity. Where chen would a fraile {infull man in a 
bouſeof fleſh appeare ? Behold, ſaith Job, he pwt no traſt in his 


ſervants 3 and bis Angels bee chargedwitb foly : how much k ſſe 


on them that dwell in houſes of clay, whoſe foundation 4 in the 
duſt, which are cruſhed before the Moth,Chap.4.18,1 9. Behold, 
be puttethno truſt in his Saints; yea the heavens are not clare 
in bis fight : bow much more abominable and filthy is man, which 
drinketh iniquitie like water ? Chap.15.15 16. Bebold evento 
the Moone, and it ſhineth not, yea, the ſtarres are not pure in 
his fight : how mah leſſeman, that #s a Worme : and the ſonne of 
man which is a Worme ? Chap. 25.5,6. A glimpſe,as it were, 
ofchat higheſt glory, ſhiningeverlaſtingly in that pureſt in- 
created Effence, God bleſſed for ever, did make righteons 
Tob to abhorre bimſelfe, and repent in duſt and aſhes : Holy 
Tſaiah to cry. Woe is mee, for I «am undone. And ſo if thou 
alſo turne thine eye from the vanity of ſelfe-admiration, to- 
ward the infinite Sonne of abſolute and incomprehenſible 
purity ; and then refle& upon thy ſelfe, as he that hath gazed 
roo much upon our vifable Sunne, looking downe againe 
ſceeth nothing ; thou ſhalt behold the nothingneſſe of thine 
overweaned worth, andnothing bur darkneſſe and defor- 
mitie ; and ſo ſhalt finde infinite more matter of humiliation 
and abhorring thy ſelfe in daſt and aſhes, than of felfe- 
eftimation and conceitednefſe. 
3+ Vponthecleere Criſtall of Gods pure

~699 words

that are ſhaken with the winde.: Let a ſound of feare be ever w. 
their cares, and forrow ſcize upon their-hearts, as the pangs. 
ofa woman intravell; evenas the torture. of ber that bring-. 
etb forth ber child : Let trouble and anguiſh, and the. cup. 
of crembling in the hand of the Lord make themafraid ; and. 
let chemevery. houre looke. to meete their angry God, y# a. 


UMI 


_—_— i. St... 


rr walking with God, 


Brave bereaved of ber Whelper, to rent the very-cawke of this 
bearts, and devoure th ow Lyon :Ler fadnefſe fir upon 
their-forcheads as ics _ ſeace, andfuries of conftdence 
wich cries of blood; Let mo voyce 
be heard in their habitations, bur the 
itions ofdamned horrour, forever 
c of ie ley conſciences. A —_— 
= iprs gt chis is cheir ev wary 
And moſt happy were they, if any thing wonld 
fire them our of the armes OOEABES ſhares che 
vill; I Gy,letrheaſj iring 5 Jooke heavily,upon fore- 
t of their ar prom ar, e.00e eng 
ſelves & the-Eagle, end heh ty jor mes ating 
ftarres ;; yet thence will T bring them downe, ſaith the Lord, 
Theugh \ their cxcellencie mount 
head reach: wnto the clonds, yet they ſhall periſh for ever like 
their owne dung; Let all coverous worldlings cry our, for ſo 
the holy Ghoſt commands them; Goe to wow, yeerich men, 
weepe and how for your miſeries that ſhall 
your riches are corrupted, and your garments 
gold -and ſilver. 4 cankgred, ax the reft'of dis hel fo 2 
fr ie fog Poon egcbs” fe te bY-dov, Tel 
ee treaſure t . 
by hos > foi wer 3c holddowne heir heads, and 
havke or;the hortible # which dogges them at heeles: 
poop oy Crowne. of Pride : to the Drunkards of E 
pawn ge vere A and flrowg One, which a j 
zemPe and a deſtroying florme; us a pnighty = 
frat, $3 of ne wileend wa 
the Crowne of Pride : the, Drankards of Ephraim ſhall be tro- 
den downe under fete. Let the very heartitrings of all laſci- 
vious wantons tremble at the terrour of that cutting comm» 
nation, Heb. 13. '4. Where s and Adukerers God will 
dze, Let that Ringing But, Ecckſc11.9. ſtrike cold to the 
of all ſenſuall Gallants and ſonnes of pleaſures : Re- 
Jojo, O young man, in thy youth, and kt thy heart cheers thee 
in thy ayer of thy youth, and m—_ in the ———— 


bs 


fo the haovene, and their Tob 20:6: Fe 


yn 


"Canal: dire 14 - . for «© 


Pſal.68, Sl» 


Fſiy $t-27+ , 


3 P6& 2 37+ - 


8nd in the fight of thine eyes . But, know thau that for all thoſe 
things God will bring thee into judgeneent.. Nay, letrheheart 
of cvery man whoſoever he be, of whatclorhſoever:hiscoar 
be made, thac goes on inthe willing allowed praftiſe of any 
one knowae i1nne, fall aſander in his breaſt like drops of 
water, for the day of horrour-that is at hand; and rheſword 
of vengeance Which hangsover his head. For certainely, at 
lenge the Lord will wamd the bairy ſcalpe of every" out that 
goeth on ſtill in b44 treſpaſſer, In a word, wailing and wring- 
ing of hands, woe and alas; is che merrieſt-ſong that any 
wicked manupon earth can ling upon good ground, while he 
yet abides in his unregenerate ſtate. Who doth norſee and - 


acknowledge itzexcept he wiltully ſhut his eyes, or be groſly - 


hood-winkrt by the Devill or a ranke Atheiſt ? For there 5s a : 
cp, which is called, a cup of Gods fury, and a cup of trem- - 
bling, iz the hand of the Lord ,whoſe-lictle fingeris ableto 
beate the greateſt mountaine to powder, and rent the hatdeft 
Rocke in peices : and the wine zr red: which intimates unto 
usthe ſharpeneſſe and fierceneſſe of Gods fiery indignation : 
it-3s full of mixture; brimfull of ſtinging ingredients: and be 
powreth owt of the ſame, to ftirre up andquicken, as ir were, 
the bicternefie and very botrome :' and.all/ the wicked of rhe 
earth ſball, will they, pull they, wring ont the dvegs: thereof and 
drinkethem, Pſel.75. 8. ent e) Nat 
Bur now 0n the other fide, Let all thoſe of the Brothey- - 
beod, I uſe the phraſe of the holy-Ghoſt; allrhoſe'who have 
. giventheir namesto Ohrift intruch, and are rrue of heart in 
kisholy Ervice, -upon. whoſe heads everlaſting lighrdoth | 
reſt, lit up their heads. Ler theamiableaſpe& of fiveerneſſe.. 
and peace ever dwellupon their foreheads: Ler heavenly 
beames of ſpiritu-liiightſomenefſe and mirth ſhine freſh in 
their faces: Letnever uncomfortable dampe of any (laviſh 
«adaeſEe or touch afhelliſh terrour,vexe their bleſſed hearts: 
Ler them never morebeafraid of anyevill tydings, or of de- 
firugion when ic commerh. Ina word ; Let them be infi- - 
nitelyand forever merry, and ſweerly gladat rhe very heart 
zece-, Andgoodcauleway

~1,412 words

humble, and holy hearts. Such gracious and golden 
Cabinets are onely fit for this heavenly Jewell, The beauty 
and deliciouſnefle of ir, are confined onely to the communi- 
on of Saints, the ſealed Fountaine, the Spouſe of Clift. 


«7? ; +4 's 


The Brotherbood Alone is bleſſed with its refreſhments and., q,, , 


Aa 3 -raviſhing 


wy, 
: ok 


— 


— Generall direttions far 


© raviſhing influence.Ic never did, or ever will ſhine or ſparkle 

omthe leaſt glimpſe upon the world,ot to any earthly heart, 

The moſt ambicious eager hunters after pleafures,the worlds 

greateſt m_——_ _—_ _—_ —_ _ Fs by in- 

i oft and graſpt a Bedlam® counterfeit of ir. Iſaidof Iaugh- 
dhe. aq faith - - # mad.. For- = eruch is, no ws Srv 
mini occurs Unregenerate man hath any true cauſe or good ground at all 
on aetha cup. 153 laugh, or be merry. I-will make itplaine ina 
bere in bn in Word, even tothe ſcorner, Suppoſe a greatmar convicted - 
avzitiz, » bo--and condemned for Treaſon, - —_— the place-of 
TS it execution a mile off : and lec there a Table all along be fur- - 
homines,Klmtitis niſhed with variety of dainties ; let himtread upon Violets - 
92205 non eft and Roſes, cloth of Arras, clath of Gold,or what you will, 
gaudereimpin all the way let him be attended on both fides with moſt 
Ef caimjacan- Exquiſite muſickeandhonourable entertainements: Doe you 
pen ped thinke all chis would make him: laugh heartily, carrying 


Rec Ocuius 


Niinecauis (his inhis heart, that he muſtloſe his head at the miles end? 
andivic, nec in Itrow- not. Asfarre leſſe true.cauſe haſt thou to langh,who- 
nd gy ere foever thouart, that walkeſt on impenitently in.any wicked 
courſe, or lieſt delightfully in any beloved finne;as a tempo- 
rall death is lefſe than endlefſe rorments, For he isbur going 
to loſe his head; bur thou as an already condemned man 
alſo, art poſting towards hell. He. that beleevetb -n0t, ſaich 
Tobn, 4 condemned already, Tob.3.18.- If wee peruſe pun&u- 
ally the happieſteſtate ofthe moſtglorious worldlingandalt 
his wayes ; we ſhall flade no matter atall for true joy, either 
tobreed in; or feed upon, Let us walke into his fooles Para- 
diſc, and ſurvey all che fading flowers of his imaginary feli. 
cities. It may be wee ſhall finde wealth, power, pleaſures, ' 
konours, pompe, and magnificence: of ſtate ; perhaps an Im- 
periall Crowne, the. rop ofall earthly bappinefſe. And whar 
of all theſe? Alas ! Gold and Pearle, as one ayes, are butſhi- 
ning duſt, or excrements of the earth : Power is but afliſh 
of lightning, that feares or ſtrikes another; and forthwith ic 
{cife is ſuddenly extin&: Pleaſure, is but a aire, and yer paſ- 
{cth away in theaGt, as the taſte ofa pleaſant drinke dieth in 
the draught :Honcuc, is bura breath, and yerbinds a man 


In 


———_— 


comfortable walking with Gd, © 


| ibs 


© ———— 


Np ailded fetrers, and blaſts his ſpirits with tarre more care 
add feare than when hee was moſt meane ; Even as higheſt 


boughes are moſt ſhaken by the windes, and the points of 


ſteeples bearen moſt with ſtormes and lightning. All world. 


ly ſplendorand. pompe, is buta 2 ſmoake, which vaniſheth awon deber 
arieriferhs and 2h reares from theeyes. Even a Regall mgnibaberifo. 


nor huManus 


Diademe, in the ſenſe and cenſure of an Heatheniſh King, is quianulliusc | 
attended with ſuch a weighry,irkeſome,and painefull charge, Ponderis furs, 
thar, ſaith hee, He who forekperw the weight of aScepter, ſhould Def libs. podl 

bee finde it lying upon. the ground,. hee wouldnot deigne to fake ib 27-08-33 | 


v&. and what ishimſelfe, che owner and Lerdof all theſe? 
A little walking earth, a coleured piece of clay, a warme 


gioee of dirt, a very bag of choler, fleame,and otherfilth-gro - 


y a man, to morrow none: his breath is in his noftrils;ftop 
but his noſe, and he is dead. And whar is his abode amo 
theſe painted vanities and things of naught? For ſudden 

aſſage andchange, ir is like a Shepheards cent, a Weavers 
Thur , ora watter bubble ; likea hying Poaſt, or a flying 
cloud ;likea ſhip under ſaile, oran Eagleon her wings ;like 
a fading flower, or afalling leafe,; like foame that is ſcatte« 
red, or Juſt rbac isdciven with the winde : like a vapour, ia 
thought, aſmoake, a winde that paſſech and commeth nor 
againe.; like a flying ſhadow, yea, the very dreame of afoe- 
dew, as ane ſayes, and that a morning dreame, which is even 
as ſoone ended as begun. Butler us looke into his infide,and 
the ſtate of his ſoule, and (ce if we can there finde any more 

ace, comfort, or conſlancie. No, there you (hall behold a 

ively reſemblance of che very reſtleſle tumultuations of the 
raging ſea, the never-dying Worme breeding and growing 
big inthe froth of his filty lutts,and rottennefle of his rebel- 
Tions heare : In a word, his poore ſoule bleeding to erernall 
death.Ler us come unto hisdeath;from the inevitable Rroake 
whereof, all the Gold and .Pearle of Eat and Welt canng 
more redeeme him, than can a handfull of duſt; and there 
heſhall find deſpaire and horrour, like ewo eyening Wolves, 
enraged with helliſh hanger ; ready toreare his foule in pie- 
ces,whenthers is none to help. And whe otenmiiemnt 
NP: - 2 4 1ay 


> , 


. 


ox 56 Irop.Pigh, 


f4 


A 
IT 
Ibo f . « , $1 4 
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> IEEE ot DW 0 on WS AAR 4 A Ar i oe ” 
40 - , 
o 


362: Generall direftions for «© 


lay downe his cold cartafſe among the ſtones of rhe pir, ar 
the rootes of the rockes: his name, by reaſon of his former 
pride, luxary, oppreſſion, oppofition:to goodnefſe, ſhall ror 
asfaft, and ſtinkeasbad above ground, as his body in the 
grave. And laſtly, the onely forethought whereof ſhould 
make him tremble all the dayes of his life; his immortall ſoule 
finkes irrecoverably by the weight offinne, into the bottome 
ofthe burning Lake,where there are torments withourend, 
and paſt imagination ; exceding nor onely all patience, bur 
*- allrefiſtance ; where there is no ſtrength to ſuſtaine ; nor a= 
bilicy to beare; that which there, whileſt God isGod, for 
$1polt ror millia VEE mult be borne, And when they have beene endured 
norm, quo: ©. millions of yeares; yet areno neererend, than when they 
Cs ee. aut. PEganz80r the ſoule necrerour, than when ir came in, Tell 
cunque fucrune, Me then, Ipray you, in all this, is there any roome for rejoy- 
& erent Ponras CNS? T3there any matrerffor true mirth ? No more than 
rent, mulro 1c- taſte inthe white of an egge,than ſtrength in a broken ſtaffe- 
Nc io Of reede, than ſiweetnefſe in the apples of Sodome. Why 
Jpem non ha- then,it is a ſhame for the weakeſt Chriſtian that breathes buc 
a Ce. the ſpirituall life, even ofholy defires ; not to be —_ 
one deficient, & more merry than the moſt glorious and magnificent world- 
ade 24ee. ling vpon earth. Shall a gracelefſe wretch, going towards he], 
Pe Hirits & =: tO whom God himſclfe hath proclaimed, There 34 no peace, 
DO to rele NO JOY» DaB the Septwagints render it; who isa meere Thiefe, . 
deitenretve Bh , and uſivper, inreſpe& ofallthe joyes upon which 
— x So * hee intrudes; and which way ſoever hecaſts his eyex, if he 
Mali bomincs weare nor falſe ſpeRacles, or be blindfolded by the Devill, 
non gaudere, ſed”. . : T7 2IY | 
geftire dicuntur Can fee nothing butrhe ugly faceofhorronr, and true cauſe 
pn of 'rrembling, Tfhee looke backward npon rhe time paſt ; 
TT Domins hee may ſee all the abominable lufts of his youth, all the 
Ang.ce $54: finnes of his former life, repiſtred with an iron pen inthe 
9.12 bookeofhisconſcience;andlurking there like ſo many (lee- 
ping Lyons; who upon the very firſt ronech of Gods vificing 
hand, will awake,ariſe,and rent in peecee; It hee looke up- 
onhis preſent ſtare;thorow the cleare ChriſtallofGodsrigh- - 
ceous Law: He may ſee Divine vengeancedogging himhard 
at.the heeles; ready to ſtrike him. downe- into hell, _ 


TS 


Low 


comfernehle walking withGodi 30h 


the nexc riotand rebellion againſt his patient Lord, T har 

moſt horrible fiery rempeftuous ſtorme, P/al. 1. 6, ready 

rofall upon his head,even when he is warmeſt in his wealth, 

and inthe hotreſt gleame of his worldly proſperity; ſidden 
deſtruction ready to ſeize upon hjm unavoideably, as travell : Ther'5. 3. 
upon a woman with childe, when hee is finging the ſecureſt 

Requiem to his ſoule of ſaferie and peace. If hee looke for- 

ward to future time, hee fees death, the graye, Godsftri& 
Tribunall, the laſt judgernent, and endleff miſeries of the 

other world,the ſting,poyſon,and terrours of which, he ſhall 

never be able, cicher ro avoide or abide, I fay, ſhall ſuch a 

fellow fleerein the face? * And fhall not a true-hearted Na- 

thanezl, to whomleſus Chriſt hath bequeached a legacy of tob 14 23.” 
peace; whomthe Spirit of God bids rejoyce evermore and

~83 words

Chriſt, may come. in, Let his Houle, foll 
fairely araied with irs heavenly rob2s, to which, thebeau 
ty of che morning, brightneſſe of Moone, and glory of 

the Sunneare bur a ſhaJow ; and liſtning ſweetly co that 
melodious Song, compoſed all of Peace and Joy, Pleaſures, 
and Pardon of finne, which the mercy of God makes in 
the care of its faith ; fall co, and fill ic ſelfe at the Wedding. . 
Feaſt of the Kings Sonne, with. thoſe ever-ſpringing rivers - 
of ſpirituall refre{biag,out of the bortomleſſe depth of Gods 
free love revealed in the myſtery of Chriſt, by the mini. 
ſtery of the Word and Sacramentall grace; as wich mar- 
row and fatneſſe : Let it ſacke abundantly, and be farisfi- 
ed wich che breaſts of everlaſting conſolarions. And ſich he 
is incorporatedinto Teſus Chriſt, and upon all afſayes hath 
the-wings of faith in areadineſſe, rooutſoare the heighr 
of all humane miſeries : Let ® him for ever ſtand” like 4 Chritianum 
Mount Zion, i gnable, and unſhaken wich the moſt fu- HS: 
rious incurſions of the floods a1d rempeſtsof all worldly porter, uc omnia - 
troubles, preflures,and perſecurions.Serall thoſe monſtrou | en anganns £ 
and moft abhorred injettions, filchy remprarions, and fiery humavorum ma. 
darts, pointed with the very m1lice of hell, ordinarily offe- gtrwrem anche. 
red tothe imagination of rhe beſt, be reſolutely repelled by 2: Supra Perra n 
the (bield of faith, and rerorted as duns upon ths Temprers ET 
face. Ler all ungodly oppoſitions from man or devill, or vndaum ididas 
fearefull diſtruſt be

~70 words

many proud and ſwelling waves, SEES 
daſhing againfta mighty Rocke, which the more boyſte- i#ionumande | 
rouſly they bzate upon ir, the more are they broken,an - tur- as line pedes 
ned into a vaine foame and froth. em entry wg 

Bucto deſcend with thee m re punctually ro ſom?-parti- A 
culars: Tell mee truely, thou which haſt given thy name to — eſt | 
Chrif in truth ; wit is i: rha: troubles thee? whar is it thas £25 ow | 
Rl derainzs thy heavenly heart, in the chainzs and fercers of M++7: «5 
horrourand fadae{z; and lockes itu ſo long from the en- , 
crance & encouragemeatr of fpiricuall lighrſomanefle and joy? © 
AnJ if Ibenot able to confront: and confound It, by ſome 
well-grounded connter-comforc an Antidote, our of the 


O:acle of trach;; if Lb= not able ro diſcover it 80 be a ſelte- 
created - 


____. 


Generall dirciiHions for a 


Mi gen © 


created crofſe; and co difſolve ir into an imaginary and 
groundleſſe fancie,by thelight of che Word; then walke hea- 
vily ſtill. Onely beleeve the Prophets, and thou ſhalt pro- 
= Thou muſt then be contented ro be counſelled by the 

ichfull Phyſirions of thy foule ; who can ſhew unto mn 
bis uprightne ſſe, and are inffruffid wnto the Kingdome of bea- 
ven ;eſpecially fetching all their preſcriptions, receirs, and 


counter-poyſons, out of the rich Treaſarie of the Booke 


of Life : 
Thou muſt learne; 


.I, To, pur a difference betweene mullity of grace, and 


imperfc&Qion of grace. Many good ſonles defire fincerely 
char

~56 words

grace from want of grace, 
Chriſt T:ſus declaring in his heavenly Sermon who are bleſ- 

ſed 


UMI 


IC ——— +"DINGEET BE CE et A : 
comfortable walking with God, 381 


© - * 


ſed, dorhnor inſtance in the perfe&ions, excellencies, and 
heighrs of Chriſtianity ; though all thatare rue of hearr,fin- 
cerely pray for; and nap after them: bur inthe leaſt and 
loweſtdegtees; left this ſmoaking- flaxe ſhould be quenched; 
and bruiſed reedes bee broken, Hee doth nor fay ;, Blefſed 
are the ſtrong in' Faith; the fall affured : Blefſed are rhoſe 
that cake on for their finnes, as for their onely ſonne, and 
for their firſt borne: bur, Bleſſed are they which doe hunger 
and thirſt after rigteouſneſſe : Bleſſed are the. prore in 
ſpirit, &c. 

2. Not alwayes to make ſenſe and feeling the Touch- 
ſtone for the truth of thy (piricuall tare. Aman in aſwoone- 
er aſlcepe feelesnor his lite, and yer is a living man. [tis one 
thing to have grace, another tofeele grace. One thing the. 
life of faith, anotherthelife of ſenſe. | 

3. Nortodiſgrace thy owne

~216 words

beginning of the world, men hgve.ust 


heard + 


pn” y—_ 


comfortable walking with God. 


beard nor perceived by the care, neither hath the exe ſeene, -O 


God befides thee, what Hee bath prepared for bim that ® wai= \y-r1Irmy 
4 


zerb for bim, Eſay 64. 4. Waiting ph for the Lords 
comming to comfort us,cither inrtemporall or 
ſtreſſes ; is a right pleafing and acceptable darie, and ſervice 


cruely upon new univerfall obedience for the time ro come 
thou ſhalt be cettainely faved; becauſe che Holy Ghoſt 


fairh, Eſay 30. 18;- Bleſſed. are all. they. that waite fon 
him. | 
6; That defe&s, diſtraftions, failings in our ſpirituall ex« 


erciſes, and undertakings groaned under,grieved for,and firi- - 


venagainſt, by an upright heart ; are ſo farre from nullifying 
grace, thar they ſhould not bereave us of peace of conſcience, 
or interrapt our ſweere communion and-comfortable wal- 
king with ourGod. 

T7: e, undervalae, and extenuate the mer= 
cies of God, promiſes of life, the holy Spirirs ſaving worke 
_ thy ſoule ; and the preſent grices thou poſlſefieft in 
rruth, &c, | 


Theſe —_ let uscome- tothe examining 
and anſwering of ſome complaints and counterpleas a- 
gainſt entertainement of comls 


conceit of rhe mercifull wayes of God, and the myſterie 


of his free love-throngh Chriſt : ard doe thou conceive, . 


that proportionable ſoveraigne Antidotes and counter- 
comforts may be colle&ed alſo in abundance . our -of 
cn bleſſed Booke; againſt the reſt, or any reply what 
1loever. | | 


And to begit with the firſt eries of aChriftianin the - 


pangs of his New birth. 
IT. A poore foule having wallowed long in vanity of vil- 
lanies and vaniries;of luſt &licentiouſaeſſe;is now by divine 


{ * s py 5 ! : 
or ſpirituall di- ExpeSace good 
; ; - h2q ocieur per go

~229 words

whereupon he refuſes 
comfort, and chuſes rather to linke againe and languiſh un- 
der che horrours of guilcineſſe and feare. Whereas hee ſhonld 
incomparably more honour and pleaſe the God of all com- 
fort, by rruſting his mercy, ſealing co his cruth ; then by un- 
Raſomble —_— om and power. 

Here then he wotully failes and forgers himſelfe in a di- ' 
ſtruſtfall under-prizing Gods incomprehenſible greatneſſe, 
Almightie mercy, unlimited liberalicic and freeneffe of his 
love. He is in this caſe nor ſo much to confider, what is fic 
For him to receive, as convenient for the ability and bounty 
of ſo great and gooda God, as the mighty Lord of Heaven 
and Earthto give; who, as Itold you before upon other 
accafion, doth allthings like Himlſelfe, If kee my = 

makes 


— 
— 


comfortable walking. with God. 


385 


makes a World. If hee be angry with che world} hee ſerjdls 


a floud over the face of che whole earch, If hee goes one 
with the Armies of the Saints, hee makes the Sunne ſtand 
ſill, the Starresto fight, rhe Seas to ſwallow up the moft - 


dreadfull Armadves, If he love, the precious hearts blood 
of his owne Sonne is not too deare, If he deliver any man, 
He pulshim out of the hand of the Prince of darkenefle; 
nd frees him from everlaſting flames, If any become his 
Favyouricethrough Chrift- medication, Hee will make him a 
King,give hima Paradiſe, and fer a Crowne of erernitie n 

his head.Earthly Princes at their pleafuresennoble thoſe 

love, with Dukedomes, Marqueſdomes, Earledomes. Whar 
then, doe you thinke, ſhall be done unto the man, whom the 
King of Heaven defires, anddelights ro honour? Letus then, 


I fay,in ſuchcaſes,confider

~358 words

above man, which is, infinitely. And take 
notice by the way, that the wercigs of Gad do& excrcile this 
infigite.unrchlable power-ancly intrucly humbled beleeving 

ſoules ; heartily hating, andſincerely.fet xgainſt" all linne, £ 

fay ſo, leſt any zmpenitent ſhould-prevenr this precious point, 


- or trample upon this Pearle, For-es in ſach a ſoule no finnes. 


either for number or notoriouſnefſe, can poſlibly withſtand, 
or ſtand before Gods infiaiteanercies : ſono! one drop of all 
thole infinite mercics belongs -unto any that goes on willing- 


ly and delightfully, batingtobe reformedin any one knowne 


innc,or thathe might know, and wilfully'forbearestobe in- 


formed, As the invaluable blood of Chriſt turnes the 'very 


ſcarlet (innep of the truely broken: beleeving heart jmto-whitcell 
jeakt Gnfill Raine from 
the proud heart of any'unhumbled/Phariſee, ' Lot rioweithert- 
fore that govs on ſi1ll in his creſpaſles, take up any vaine con- 
fidence, or mi{-grounded: conclufian of falſe comfort from 
hence,by miſ-conceijvingthus : It isdo, that the infinitenetie 
of Gods.mercy cannot be reſiſted by: -xcullti= 
tude of finnes, being ever finite both 'in their namber andne- 
ture? How 1s ir poſſible then that1 ſhould miſſe of thoſe i 
finite mercies? W by may not I comfortably hope, that 
ſinnes alſo ſhall be ſwallowedup in thar-bottomlefſe'Sea £ 
wHl tell thee why. As. che power of God, 'theugh it be'21- 
finite, yetis limited by his will: ſo the mercies of 'God, 


though they be infinite,are regulaced by /histruth, He is#ble ro 


make millions of Worlds moe, bat yet we ſee; his Will was 
but to create one, His mercies ranſcend with immedſtrable 
dllnceche heigrof Heaven, and depchof Hel, andrein- 

Pd deed, 


os 


"388 


—I 


: Generall direttions for a \ br 


"-decd,as Hitnſelfe,infinire: bur his trath hach'rotd'us,that none 
ſhalltgvepartinthem, but thoſe alone” who repent and be- 
leeve, Gods Truth revealed in-his Word, muſtever confine 
the current of his compaſſions, and is the touchſtone tro try 
and qualifiethaſe,zto whom his mercies belong.See chen what 
kinde? of people are partakers of Gods infinite metgics; by cite 
reſtimany of thar Wordof Truth, 'by -which wee mult bee 
. judged at the laſt Day, Prov,28.13.Liſk.4.18, Iſa, 61,1223. 
Plal,t5. Ezek,18, 21. Pſal. 147.3, Ia. 55. 7. Pal. 34-18, 
Salemon 1aith in the cited place ; He that conſeſſeth and forſa» 
keth bis fines, ſhall have-mercy, How therican hee expe&any 
mercy;Who takes them not to heart,but lies za them ſtill > - 


I II, Of the pardonablenefle of my other finnes, faith 


another, I could bee reaſonably well perſwaded