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COncerning the assu∣raunce of Gods fa∣uour, three things may be considered of. First the proofes. Secondly, the Lets. Thirdly, the signes.
That a Christian in this life may be infalli∣bly assured of Gods fa∣uour
to himself in par∣ticular, and that hee ought to seeke this as∣surance, as a matter of singular necessity, these places of Scripture proue. The Apostle Paul chargeth the Co∣rinthians to Examine themselues,* 1.1 whether they be in the faith, and requi∣reth this prouing of them∣selues with such earnest∣nesse, that he saith, know yee not your owne selues, how that Christ Iesus is in you, except ye be repro∣bates? As if he would auouch it, that a man can neuer haue found
comfort of his election till he get this assured knowledge of Gods fa∣uour in Christ. And the Apostle Peter ex∣horts Christians to vse all diligence to make their calling and electi∣on sure whatsoeuer car∣nall persons speake a∣gainst it.* 1.2 Iob vehement∣ly desires there were a perpetual record of his words, when he speaks of his assurance, that no man might thinke he spake passionately, or vainegloriously;* 1.3 He knew that his redeemer liued, and that at the last
day, his very flesh should be raised, & he should see God with ioy. By the spi∣rit of God a Christian knowes the things of God:* 1.4 yea to this end haue we receiued this Spirit which is of God, that wee might know the things which are freely giuen vs of God: yea it searcheth the deepe things of God.* 1.5 And in the second of the Corinthians Gods children are said to know their glorificati∣on: as certainely as by sence and experience, they know, that their bodies, which are their
earthlie tabernacles shall bee dissolued: so certainely are they as∣sured of the building of God, not made with hands,* 1.6 eternall in the heauens: yea they are alwaies confident here∣in; and therefore Gods seruant are taught to pray for the spirit of wisdome and reuelati∣on, that the eyes of their vnderstanding may bee inlightned, that they might know the hope of their cal∣ling, and the riches of their inheritance,* 1.7 and the exceeding greatnes
of Gods power to∣wards them, vpon this assurance. Paul knowes whom hee hath belee∣ued, and no afflictions should hinder him,* 1.8 but he will settle, vpon this perswasion, that God will keepe his soul, which he hath cō∣mitted to him against the day of Christ. The Apostle Iohn saith,* 1.9 We know that we haue pas∣sed from death to life,* 1.10 And again,* 1.11 ye may know that ye haue eternall life. And again we know that wee are of God. And the Apostle to the Ephesi∣ans
saith,* 1.12 that in Christ we haue boldnesse and ac∣cesse, with confidence by faith in him: yea the ve∣ry words of assurance are found in Scripture where it is shewed,* 1.13 that we may haue much as∣surance,* 1.14 yea full assu∣rance,* 1.15 yea the riches of full assurance: and men are earnestly exhorted,* 1.16 to vse all diligence to get this full assurance to the end; and when it is once had, neither death, nor life, nor An∣gels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor
height, nor depth,* 1.17 nor anie other creature should be able to sepe∣rate them from▪ this loue of God in Iesus Christ.
THe attainment of the sence, power, & com∣fort of this assurance is exceedingly hinde∣red in all sorts of peo∣ple. [ 1] First, For many can neuer attaine it, bee∣cause they are forestal∣led with euill opinions about it, they thinke it
is impossible to be had, or it is needelesse, or it is presumption to seek it, or it would prooue a nurse to security if it were had. Secondly, in [ 2] the most, common hope serues the turne and supplies presump∣tuously the roome of this sacred gift, Third∣ly, [ 3] many heare & pro∣fesse, and goe farre in the opinion of others, and yet get not assu∣rance; because they take not a soūd course for the mortification of the body of sinnes that are passed, whereas it
is certain assurance can neuer be had, till there be some sound course taken, in the acknow∣ledgement, bewailing, and reformation of [ 4] them. Fourthly, besides a barraen life is an vn∣comfortable and vn∣setled life,* 1.18 and contra∣riwise to abound in Gods worke, hath sted∣fastnesse, and a secret rest of heart, as an vn∣speakeable companion [ 5] of it. Fifthly, Melancho∣ly also (that is terrors and griefes, of which a man can yeelde no true reason) is in diuers
a mighty let to the set∣led assurance they might haue. They are so eaten vp with those strong conceits that all the comfort is pro∣pounded most anend, prooues as water spilt vpon the ground: espe∣cially when this humor is nourished by some extraordinary distem∣per of the body; Phy∣sicke, not arguments of Scripture must here be vsed, or rather both of them. Sixthly, the loue of earthly things is an∣other great impedi∣ment: many professors
haue their thoughts and cares so eaten vp with worldlinesse, that they cannot seriously hold out to follow the directions requi∣site to the attainement of assurans. This grace requires a minde some way fitted for contem∣plation. It is a know∣ledge will neuer be had with looking downe∣ward. [ 7] Seuenthly, fur∣ther, many are so passi∣onate and froward, they can get no rest in their heart, when as ful assurance would bee lodged in an humble
& quiet brest. Eighth∣ly, [ 8] Others want assu∣rance,* 1.19 because they neglect the meanes of assurance,* 1.20 which are the word,* 1.21 praier, or fellowship in the Gos∣pell. Ninthly, In some there lodgeth some se∣cret [ 9] sinne vnrepented of, and this either keepes out faith, or keepes it downe in the cradle, that it can get no strength. Lastly, as∣surance [ 10] is the gift of God, and hee bestow∣eth it on whom hee will.
THere are six∣teene infallible signes of a child of God, as may ap∣peare by the testimo∣nie of most apparent Scripture.
First,* 1.22 Pouerty of spirit; for the poore of spirit are blessed and theirs is the kingdome of heauen.
Secondly,* 1.23 Godly sor∣row, for it causeth re∣pentance, not to be re∣pented off, euen such a
repentance as is vnto saluation.
Thirdly, the loue of the word, for this is a sure comfort in affliction,* 1.24 and may quicken a mans heart,* 1.25 this is a sa∣uour of life vnto life, in them that are saued.
Fourthly, The loue of Gods children;* 1.26 for here∣by we know wee are passed from death to life,* 1.27 because wee loue the brethren.
Fifthly, Faith; for god so loued the world that hee gaue his one∣ly begotten sonne, that whosoeuer beleeueth
in him, should not pe∣rish but haue euerla∣sting life.
Sixthly, Vpright∣nesse of heart:* 1.28 for God will giue grace and glo∣rie, and no good thing will hee with-hold from them that are vp∣right in heart.* 1.29
Seuenthly, The spi∣rit of Adoption.* 1.30 For it beareth witnes to our spirit that wee are the sonnes of God: and if anie man haue not the spirit of Christ, he is not his.
Eighthly, Holy de∣sires. For euery one
that thirsteth,* 1.31 shal haue of the water of life free∣ly: & if they will heare,* 1.32 their soules shall liue, and enioy the sure mer∣cies of Dauid, they are blessed,* 1.33 and they shall be satisfied.
Ninthly, The spirit of praier or supplicati∣on;* 1.34 for whosoeuer cal∣leth on the name of the Lord shall bee sa∣ued.* 1.35
10 The obedience of Christ,* 1.36 for he is the au∣thor of eternall salua∣tion to them that obey him.
11 Sauing know∣ledge
For this is eter∣nall life, to know God, and whom hee hath sent Iesus Christ.* 1.37 It is not onely a signe of e∣ternall life or saluati∣on, but the beginning and part of it.
12 The Sacraments in the right vse of them are infallible signes of our saluation, and to that end ordained,* 1.38 for he•• that belieueth and is baptised shall bee sa∣ued.* 1.39 Hence it is said, Baptisme saueth vs: they are sure seales of the righteousnesse of faith.* 1.40
13 The loue of God: for if a man loue Christ the Father will loue him,* 1.41 and come vnto him and dwell with him.
14 The feare of God: for it is a fountaine of life,* 1.42 to depart from the snares of death.
15 Loue of our ene∣mies:* 1.43 for it is not one∣ly a signe of a Christi∣an, but of a perfect Christian.
16 Desire of death.* 1.44 For a crowne of life is layed vp for all them that loue the appea∣ring of Christ.
SPirituall pouertie may bee tried ei∣ther by proper∣ties, or by effect.
Gods poore haue eight properties.
First, They are sensi∣ble, and that first of their owne wants and misery, by nature and daily sinne. Secondly, they know when they see Gods iudgements,* 1.45 that it was the word of
the Lord. Thirdly, they tremble at Gods word,* 1.46 and feare his dis∣pleasure, while it yet hangs in the threat∣ning. Fourthly, they are sensible of that speci∣all goodnesse of Gods mercy;* 1.47 when a man is poore and needie, he can say with Dauid, mercie is good.* 1.48 Fifthly, they are sensible of their owne mortalitie: they haue feeling im∣pressions of their fa∣ding condition.
Secondly, they are thankfull, and that for lesser mercies; a poore
man is glad of a pen∣nie, whereas a rich man cannot bee touched with so small a fauour, Gods poore will praise Gods name for the ve∣ry crums that fals from his table: and as anie are more poore and humble, they are more thankefull.
Thirdlie, they are teachable, and willing to bee appointed and instructed; it is a great signe a mans heart is not humble, when he must haue so much to doe, before he can bee perswaded to anie
trueth, or disswaded from anie sinne: pride and ignorance is hard to learne.
Fourthly, they are hungrie people, espe∣cially greedie after the food in Syon,* 1.49 they loue it, they desire it, they esteeme it, they are satisfied with no∣thing better then with it, it is the reliefe of their hearts foreuer.
THe first is praier: for Gods poore
liue by begging, if hee be poore, hee will crie vnto God.
The second is Abne∣gation: for this poore man, renounceth his owne merits, hee seeth no good will be had by deseruing; for hee de∣serueth nothing but Gods curse in al things hee forsaketh also the world, both in the lusts of it, and in the compa∣nie of the wicked, and all earthly things, as not hauing the chiefe good in them.
The third is dili∣gence in Gods worke;
yea Gods poore are willing to do the mea∣nest and hardest worke God will be pleased to set them to: so as they may finde fauour in his eies to be accepted with him, they would account no worke too base for them to doe, but they would bee glad to doe anie thing they could with their best desires and endea∣vours.
Fourthly, Gods poore,* 1.50 commit them∣selues & all their waies to Gods care and mer∣cie; they will onely
trust in the name of the Lord,* 1.51 and bee con∣tented to let God dis∣pose of them as plea∣seth him.
Fifthly, The last is a feare to offend God in word or deede, by their good will they would doe none ini∣quitie,* 1.52 nor speake lies, a deceitfull tongue should not be found in their mouth, Gods poore and Gods Tur∣tle doues are all one;* 1.53 so in seperable are harme lesse innocencie and spirituall pouertie.
WEE may know whet¦ther our sorrowes be Godly, if we consider. First, the causes. Secondly, the properties. Thirdly the concomitants. Fourth∣lie, the effects of them.
For the first of them wee must consider what raiseth our sor∣rowes and what asswa∣geth them, for godlie sorrow, is chiefelie rai∣sed for sinne: and so
for the sinnes of the time, because others keepe not the law. For Ezechiel doubt not to mark them with Gods marke,* 1.54 that mourne for the abhomination done in Ierusalem;* 1.55 but wee must vnderstand that this sorrow must bee simple, because God is dishonored.
And further in sor∣row for our owne sins, we must mourne, for al sorts of sinnes, for les∣ser sines, as well as grea∣ter,* 1.56 for sinnes of our calling, for secret sins as well as open, for sins
that presntlie trouble vs, as well as for sinnes past:* 1.57 for the sins fea∣red and the corrupt in∣clination of our na∣tures, for beeloued,* 1.58 gainefull and pleasing sinnes, finally for the e∣uill of our good works as wel as for euil works. Now there are two notes of great vse, in triall of sorrow for our sinnes; the one is, that wee must sorrow for sinne as it is sinne; and the other is, that a man should not easily satis∣fie himselfe in the mea∣sure, till he can mourne
as much for sinne, as he was wont, or now would for losses. The Prophet Zacharias in∣stanceth,* 1.59 when he saith; the spirit of God, shold cause them to mourne as in the familie, as one would mourne for the losse of their onely sonne, or as in the com∣mon wealth, the sub∣iects would doe, for the losse of a most wor∣thie Prince. He menti∣oneth their sorrow for Iosiah, yet wee must know that teares are not of necessitie, and specially in such na∣tures,
as are voide of teares, for anie other causes.
Secondly, in asmuch as sorrow may be God∣ly euen for iudgements wee must vnderstand that herein our triall wil be,* 1.60 if we can mourn rather for spirituall iudgements,* 1.61 then for temporall: and among the rest, if we can feele, and bewaile hardnesse of heart,* 1.62 mourning be∣cause we cānotmourne as we ought, and far∣ther if we can be grie∣ued as well for the of∣fence of God as for pu∣nishment.
Thirdly, a christian is principally stirred vp in true sorrow, by the sence of Gods good∣nesse; so as nothing doth more fire him to a desire to abase him∣selfe and to humble himselfe, euen in the verie dust, in the sence of his owne vilenesse, then to feele and finde the gracious goodnes and readinesse of God to shew mercie.* 1.63 He fea∣reth the Lord and his goodnesse.
And as godlie sor∣row is raised by spiri∣tuall
meanes and consi∣derations, so it is as∣swaged onely by spiri∣tuall meanes, those sor∣rowes that can be hea∣led by sports, merrie companie or the like, are much like the me∣decines vsed to helpe them; but in godlie sorrow,* 1.64 the same God that wounded them must heale, and a chri∣stiā desires helpe from the same word that pierced him.
THere are foure properties of god∣ly
sorrow which a∣mong the rest, we must labour after, and with∣out which we can hard∣lie haue true assistance, that our sorrowes are right.
First, it is inquisi∣tiue, it is a hard thing to make sorrow silent, and hee that is truelie pricked in his heart,* 1.65 cannot with content∣ment smother his doubts, hee will aske the way to Sion, and cannot rest till he haue knowne what to doe to be saued,* 1.66 those that finde so little to aske,
and can be so silent in the presence of Gods seruaunts, by whom they might bee direct∣ed, may suspect their sorrowes.
Secondlie, it must not rest in the begin∣nings, or probabilities, or hopes, or others good opinions, or the mending of manie things: but a Christian that is truelie humbled will repent stil,* 1.67 though he haue turned, that is, he is so fearefull of be∣ing deceiued, through the corruption of his owne heart, and the
wils of Sathan, that he will constantlie hold on to confesse and be∣waile his sinnes, till he may finde assured rest vnto his soule.
Thirdlie, it will ad∣mit nothing against God, but it makes a man condemne him∣selfe, rather then God; when Dauid lay in that mournfull plight, that he could finde no com∣fort night nor daie,* 1.68 for a long season, and that the question, was to be debated whether God had forgotten to bee mercifull, &c. Hee re∣solues,
the fault was in himselfe that it was his infirmitie, and that his soule refused com∣fort.
Fourthlie, it will not rest without cleane∣nesse, godlie sorrow is not water, but washing nor euery washing, but such as maketh cleane:* 1.69 worldlie sorrow may haue much water, but cleanseth nothing, but godlie sorrow greatlie desireth and loueth puritie.
Thus of the causes and properties concer∣ning the concomitants
there are diuerse things doe accompanie god∣lie sorrow, by which it is discerned; for,
First it is ioyned with a secret trust in the ac∣acceptation of God, so as no miserie can beate them from the consi∣deration and inward affiance of hope of mercie, in the verie disquietnesse of the heart the desire of the soule is to the Lord,* 1.70 & before his presence though a childe of God, be neuer so much cast downe, yet hee waits vpon God, for
the helpe of his coun∣tenaunce,* 1.71 and in some measure condemnes the vnbeliefe of his owne heart, and sup∣porteth himselfe with the hope of the neuer failing compassions of God:* 1.72 thus it differs from the sorrowes of Caine and Iudas.
Secondlie, it is ioi∣ned with a wonderfull loue of God for hea∣ring of praier, it is most deepelie affected with euerie mercie of God felt in praier; Dauid loues the Lord,* 1.73 because he hath heard his prai∣er
at that time when his sorrowes was as the paines of hell.
Thirdlie,* 1.74 it is ioined with a longing after the word.
Fourthlie, it is ioined with a constant desire to glorifie God by a fruitefull profession, e∣uerie one that truelie mourneth in Sion,* 1.75 is a tree of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord, that he may bee glorified.
Fifthlie, it is ioined with a spirit of suppli∣cations, sorrow that is after God, will teach a
Christian to pray, that could neuer praie be∣fore; the spirit of com∣passion,* 1.76 is a spirit of supplication.
Lastlie, our sorrowes must be tried by their effects, for godlie sor∣row.
First, driues vs to a dailie and serious con∣fession of sinne in par∣ticular without hiding anie sinne.* 1.77
Secondlie, it breedes a tender sence of the burthen of sinne; ne∣uer doth a Christian feele the heauie loade of sinne as it is sinne,
till God hath softned his heart by his spirit.* 1.78
Thirdlie, It workes a mindefulnesse of God and his presence,* 1.79 and a deepe impression and thought of good things.
Fourthlie,* 1.80 it causeth a man to sacrifice and deuote himselfe to God.* 1.81
Fifthlie, it breedes sensiblenesse & thank∣fulnesse for all sorts of mercie.* 1.82
Lastlie, the Apostle notes seuen effects of Godlie sorrow,* 1.83 care, a∣pologie, indignation,
feare, vehement desire, zeale and reueuge.
IN so much as wick∣ed men; especiallie such as are indued with a temporary faith may haue some kinde of affections to the word, we must careful∣lie trie our selues, and examine our selues se∣riously.
1.* 1.84 Whether we de∣sire it as our appointed foode constantlie?* 1.85
2. Whether wee loue them that loue
the word.
3.* 1.86 Whether the loue of the word sepe∣rates vs from the wick∣ed?
4. Whether we can mourn,* 1.87 because others keepe not the word?
5. Whether wee loue it aboue all riches and could esteeme it as our heritage?* 1.88
6. Whether it bee our chiefe comfort in affliction.* 1.89
7. Whether in hea∣ring wee receiue it as the word of God,* 1.90 and not of men.
8. Whether we re∣ceiue
it in power and much assurance?* 1.91
9. Whether it worke* 1.92 effectually in vs there∣dresse* 1.93 of our waies and freedome from the bondage of sinne.* 1.94
10. Whether wee loue all the words of God, euen the law that with threatning shews vs our sinnes as well as the gospell;* 1.95 desiring to hide the word in our hearts that wee might not sinne.
11. Whether it be our desire and delight to exercise our selues in it day and night.* 1.96
12. Whether wee can accompt and feele the famine of the word to bee a most bitter crosse.* 1.97
13. Whether wee could bee contented constantlie to labour for it,* 1.98 as men doe, for the foode that perish∣eth.* 1.99
14. Whether wee finde a constant sweete taste in it,* 1.100 especially in the powerfull preach∣ing of it.
15. Whether for the gospell sake we can bee content,* 1.101 to denie our reasons,* 1.102 affections,
credits,* 1.103 carnall friends pleasures and profits.
OVr loue to the Saints may be tried. First, by the cause. Secondly, by the extent. Thirdly, the manner. Fourthly, by the effects.
For the first, to loue Gods children,* 1.104 because they are begotten of God,* 1.105 and for the grace of Gods spirit,* 1.106 by which they resemble God (or rather for the
Lord himselfe desiring to expresse our affecti∣ons to them, because wee doe no good to God himselfe) is not found in anie repro∣bate, and so to loue them simplie for the truths sake, whereas to loue them for beautie, profit,* 1.107 companie sake, or any naturall or car∣nall reasons or ends in no signe at all.* 1.108
Secondlie, hee that truely loues the bre∣thren, loues all the bre∣thren;* 1.109 hee that loues not all the Saints,* 1.110 loues no Saint aright:* 1.111 a true
Christian hath not the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons, he loues the poorest, if he haue true grace, as∣well as the richest,* 1.112 yea he loues the absent as∣well as the present, yea he loues for the truths sake those he neuer saw yet this hinders not the difference of de∣grees of loue, so as some may be more beloued then others, and that by reason of the grea∣ter measure of Gods gifts and graces, or els, by the speciall pro∣uidence of God when
the Lord linketh the affection of some Chri∣stians in some speciall eminencie of respects; and so it is not alwaie needefull, that the per∣sons most loued, bee most gracious; it doth not of necessitie follow that Iohn was the most gracious of al the Apostles, though hee were most beloued.
Againe as our loue must bee extendent to all saints, so also must it be to all times, we must loue them aswell when they are in aduersity, disgrace, temptation,
sicknesse, or any misery; as when they abound in prosperitie or good estimation, &c.
For the third, this loue is without dissimulation,* 1.113 it is in∣deede and trueth,* 1.114 not in word or appearance onely. And besides, it is a most affectionate and brotherly loue.
Lastlie, there are sixe effects of true chri∣stian loue, for it shewes it selfe.
First, by honor, and this honoring of them that feare the Lord,* 1.115 hath in it▪
First, an estima∣tion of them, as the onely excellent people in the world.* 1.116
Secondly,* 1.117 a free ac∣knoweledgement of their iust praises in all places,* 1.118 for their grace and obedience.* 1.119
Thirdly,* 1.120 a willing proposing of them, as examples to imitate.
Fourthly,* 1.121 a holy en∣deauour to couer their infirmities, taking things in the best part and sence, not recei∣uing disgracefull re∣ports of them;* 1.122 suffe∣ring long, not vau••ting
themselues in compa∣rison of them, not easi∣ly prouoked, not enuy∣ing them, hoping all things, induring all things, and yet not re∣ioycing in their ini∣quity.
Fiftly, Apology for them against the repro∣ches and scornes of the world.
Sixthly by delight in their fellowship,* 1.123 and society in the Gospell,* 1.124 in which respect they can be equall to them of the lower sort.* 1.125 Such as finde no need of,* 1.126 nor delight in the compa∣ny
of Gods children, or are willing to sort with none, but their betters or equals, may see great cause to bee humbled, either for the want of this grace, or for the weakenesse of it.
Thirdly, by simpa∣thy and fellow-feeling▪ for in some measure,* 1.127 a childe of God is like affectioned: He can in some measure weepe with them that weepe,* 1.128 and reioyce with them that reioyce, especially they reioyce, to heare, or know their soules
prosperity.
Fourthly,* 1.129 by weldo∣ing, & mercy,* 1.130 this loue is bountifull,* 1.131 pittifull, tender, hath bowels both of spirituall and outward mercy,* 1.132 it glad∣ly receaueth the saints,* 1.133 it communicates to their necessitie willing∣lie, and with a readie minde.
Fiftly, by a desire to walke in offensiuely, he that loueth his bro∣ther,* 1.134 there is no occa∣sion of stumbling, or scandall in him.
Lastly, the true loue of Gods children, will
INasmuch, as there are diuers kinds of faith, and experi∣ence shewes in many that giue no signes of repentance, that they will not bee beaten from a confident per∣swasion, that Christ di∣ed for them, euen for them in particular. It stands vs in hand to try our perswasion by the
true rules of scripture, and if it will abide the triall of the touch∣stone, we may lay it vp as hid treasure, and a wonderfull grace of God, and if otherwise we may repent of pre∣sumption, as a deceaue∣able sinne.
Faith may be tried.
For the first, true faith commeth by the hearing of the word
preached: It is no na∣turall endowment, nor gotten by naturall helpes; But first is wrought by the holy∣ghost, in the preaching of the Gospell, as is plaine by the Apostle. How shal they beleeue in him of whom they haue not heard,* 1.138 and how shall they heare without a Preacher.
Secondly, there are 6. properties of faith.
First, it accounts all things most base, in Comparison of the knowledge of Christ,* 1.139 and the loue of God in* 1.140
him. Christ is more precious then all the world besides.
Secondly, it will re∣ceaue the testimony of Gods faithfull Mini∣sters out of the world,* 1.141 against the world.
Thirdly, it is such a perswasion as cannot abide hipocrisy, but purgeth the heart of it, as of a most hatefull sinne,* 1.142 and is therefore called vnfained.
Fourthly, it will en∣dure triall; cast it into the fire of tribulation,* 1.143 and manifold afflicti∣ons and disgraces,* 1.144 and
temptations, yet it will not perish, nor be asha∣med; it is a plate for the breast, and a helmet for the head. 1. Thess. 5. 8•• Eph. 6. Whereas the best faith that is not the faith of Gods elect, will proue but drosse, if it be cast into the fur∣n••ce of temptation; further then it is sup∣ported by carnall ends and helpes.* 1.145
Fiftly, it will beleeue all things that it appre∣hendeth to be requi∣red, threatned, or pro∣mised in the word;* 1.146 to belieue some things,
may be in other kindes of faith; especially such things as stand with reason, affecting com∣mon opinion, &c.
Sixtly, in affliction it laieth hold on Gods promise or prouidence, so as it will rest with quietness,* 1.147 trust and pa∣tience, and not make hast to the vse of e∣uill, and vnwarranted meanes, he that belee∣ueth maketh not hast.
Thirdly, it may bee tried by the concomi∣tants of it. for;
First, it is ••ealed by the holy spirit of pro∣mise;
for in euery be∣leeuer the promised spi∣rit doth print in his heart the sauing graces of Christ,* 1.148 from the sight of which, as from so many markes, com∣pared with Gods pro∣mises in his word, ari∣seth by the effectuall working of the spirit, this assurance or per∣swasion of faith: for though grace and faith bee giuen toge∣ther, and grow vp toge∣ther, yet the assurance of faith discouers not it selfe, till it discerne those companions of it
with which it is daily incouraged, and confir∣med and setled, that faith that can be with∣out sanctification of the spirit,* 1.149 is not the faith of Gods elect.
Secondly,* 1.150 it is ioy∣ned with a good and pure conscience.* 1.151 Hee that is truly perswaded of Gods loue in Christ,* 1.152 maketh conscience of all his wayes, to seeke or doe thee good God requires, and auoyde the euils God forbids.
Thirdly,* 1.153 it is ioyned with a spirit of discer∣ning, or wisdome in
matters of saluation, the minde being en∣lightened, to obserue in some comfortable measure, the meaning of the holy ghost, in all things needefull to saluation, in vse of the word,* 1.154 through the power of Gods ordi∣nances, so as the verie simple may and doe at∣taine to a holy kinde of insight,* 1.155 and sharpe∣nesse of iudgement.
Fourthly,* 1.156 The true beleeuer hath a wit∣nesse in himselfe, euen the witnesse of the spi∣rit of adoption,* 1.157 infalli∣ble
certifying himselfe of Gods loue and his adoption.
Fifthly, faith may be discerned by certaine effects of it; for,
1. It breedeth ioy vnspeakeable and glo∣rious,* 1.158 and that either through the sence of Gods sauour and your presence,* 1.159 or in the hope of glorie to come.
2. It puts on and applies a righteous∣nesse, that is not by the worke of the same,* 1.160 but in Christ onely.
3. It will make a man speake in the con∣fession,
profession and defence of the truth of God, I haue beleeued,* 1.161 therefore I spake.
4. It workes the longing desires of* 1.162 Gods presence of glo∣rie.* 1.163
5. It workes an ef∣fectuall loue of God and Gods children,* 1.164 & sheweth it selfe by the fruites of loue.
6. It will main∣taine a Christian in some measure of suffi∣ciencie and content∣ment in all estates;* 1.165 the iust liues by faith,* 1.166 not by friends,* 1.167 mony, earth∣ly
hopes, or helpes &c. for it will make a man to lay houlde vpon Gods promise, and workes an inward trust in Gods neuer failing prouidence, so as hee will leaue the successe of all his labours, or meanes to God.
7. It excludes, boa∣sting of our owne la∣bours, praises, gifts, or workes,* 1.168 and in the same measure workes humi∣litie,* 1.169 that it maketh a∣ny other grace.
8. It ouercom∣meth the world,* 1.170 so as profits, credit, pleasures
carnal friends or hopes doe not sway and rule the beleeuer, but hee willinglie and patient∣lie rests in the treasures and pleasures of a bet∣ter world, yeelding himselfe ouer to bee guided by Christ and his truth to the death.* 1.171
9. It purifieth the heart from ignorance, wicked imaginations, carnall desires,* 1.172 sinfull perturbations, and all sorts of secret and in∣ward sinnes. And this it doth by causing a man, dailie to seeke pardon for them in
Christ, and by casting them out by confessi∣on and sorrow, in the same measure, desiring inward puritie, that it reioyeeth in Gods loue.
10. There is a spring of grace in the heart of euery beleeuer,* 1.173 whence followes daily the ex∣ercise of sundrie sauing graces, which can ne∣uer bee vtterly dried vp in the heart of a Christian; and that is it, our sauiour Christ meaneth when hee saith; out of his bellie shall flow
riuers, of liuing wa∣ter.
THe spirit of a∣doption in the hearts of Gods Children, may bee dis∣cerned.
First, by the fire of zeale and holie affecti∣ons, with which it fils the harts of Gods chil∣dren;* 1.174 especially in the vse of Gods ordinan∣ces,* 1.175 to the information & reformation of their liues.
Secondly,* 1.176 by the much assurance, which especially at som••times worketh in the heart.
Thirdly, by a daily holy strife, to preserue grace giuen vs,* 1.177 and to preuent falling away.
Fourthly, by secret suggestion or direction, by which Gods ser∣uants are reclaimed when they goe out of the way,* 1.178 either on the right hand, or on the left.
Fifthly, by the assise it keepes in the heart of a christian,* 1.179 as a spirit of iudgement by which
he is made, to watch, arrest, accuse, condemn and restraine himselfe, from euerie euill way, according to the rules of the word, & before Gods holy presence.
Sixthly, by libertie from the power of raigning and presump∣tuous sinnes;* 1.180 where the spirit of God is,* 1.181 there is libertie.
Seuenthly, by the groath and florishing of true grace.* 1.182
Eighthly, by vn∣speakable ioies, felt in the presence of God, in the due vse of his ordi∣nance,
by which a chri∣stian is enflamed to the loue of God,* 1.183 and all holy duties,* 1.184 and abased to the dust in the sence of his owne vilenesse, called therefore the ioies of the holy ghost: For, as for carnall ioyes or illusions, either they are not felt in the vse of Gods ordinances, or els they breede pride, and conceited security.
Ninthly, by requests and supplications,* 1.185 affe∣ctionable and with* 1.186 confidence powered out vnto God as a fa∣ther.* 1.187
IF thou wouldest make triall of the truth and vprigh∣nesse of thy heart, thou must seriously examine thy selfe:
First,* 1.188 whether thy spirit be without guile,* 1.189 more desirous to be good,* 1.190 then to bee thought to be so, and seeking more the pow∣er of godlinesse, then the shew of it.
Secondly, whether thou loue all good
things aswell as one, and hate all things as well as one.
Thirdly, whether that thou canst loue and forgiue thy ene∣mies, that hate, and dis∣grace, and wrong thee aswell as thy friends, that either wrong thee not, or but by infirmi∣ty.
Fourthly, whether thou canst bee content to receiue euil at Gods hands, as well as good, without murmuring or letting goe thy inte∣grity,* 1.191 being carefull to approue thy selfe to
God without respect of reward, yea though trouble did befall thee.
Fiftly, whether thou dislike sinne in all,* 1.192 euen in those that are most neere and deere vnto thee?
Sixtly, whether thou finde in thy heart a re∣solution to turne from nothing that God com∣maundeth thee all the daies of thy life.* 1.193
Seauenthly, whether thou be innocent from the great transgression.* 1.194
Eightly, whether thou finde an inward combate and striffe a∣gainst
secret sinnes, as∣well as open sinnes, be∣wailing the transgres∣sions against the in∣ward worship of God, aswell as against the ontward.
Ninthly, whether thy heart bee humble,* 1.195 patient,* 1.196 teachable, and tractable in some holy measure,* 1.197 increasing herein by the vse of Gods ord••niance? an vpright heart, is a wil∣ling heart.
10 Whether thy de∣sire bee to walke as in Gods presence.* 1.198
11 Whether thou
finde a desire to be rid of sinne, and to humble thy selfe for it, in pros∣peritie aswell as aduer∣sitie,* 1.199 and in the begin∣ning of afflictions, as∣well as in the extremi∣ties of them.
12 Whether in wrongs and disgraces,* 1.200 when thou art inno∣cent, thou canst (in the sence of thine owne vnworthinesse of Gods loue) make God thy defence, resting in his fauour and acceptance.
13 Whether thou dost endeauour to glo∣rifie God,* 1.201 aswell by gi∣uing
thankes for bles∣sings and graces, as for praying for supplie of wants, or pardon of ••innes.
14 Whether thy heart be stedfast, and setled, without lying, flattering, or dissem∣bling; so seeking and praying for pardon, and deliuerance in ad∣uersit••e, that thou wouldest practise it af∣ter release, this was a signe the Israelites were not vpright,* 1.202 in that they would crie to God in their distresse, but care not for their
vowes and promises, so soone as they were deliuered.
15 Whether the word of God doe thee good aboue all things?* 1.203
16 Whether thy praise be of God,* 1.204 and not of men?
17 Whether thou dost serue God with thy whole heart: not hauing a heart and a heart,* 1.205 either waiuering or deuided? for vnlesse the whole resolution of thy soule, with the vtmost of thy desires, bee to walke in Gods waies, thy heart is
not vpright.
18 Whether there be in thee a faithfull heart,* 1.206 to deale faithful∣lie in the charge and calling in which thou art, and to discharge it in the conscionable feare of God?
19 Whether there be any sinne thou coul∣dest not willinglie iudg thy selfe for it, without hiding it, so soone as thou knowest it to be a sinne: This is the ioy of a Christian,* 1.207 in the sense of his owne wants and weakenesses, that though he haue manie
sinnes, yet there is no sinne but hee willing lie acknowledgeth it vnto God.
20 Whether thou be good at home,* 1.208 as well as abroade.
21 Whether thou canst be contented to make the Law of God,* 1.209 thy onelie direction in all things?* 1.210
22 Whether thou canst bee as carefull to preseuere in grace, as once to be good?
23 Whether thou keepe thy selfe from thine owne iniquitie.* 1.211 1. Whether thou dost
conscionablie endeuor to forsake thy particu∣lar,* 1.212 formerly beloued and speciall sinnes?
24 Whether thou be free from the raigne of frowardnesse in thy way,* 1.213 or peruersenesse of thy lips.
OVr desires may bee tried fiue waies. First by obiects of them. Se∣condly, by the qualli∣ties of them. Thirdlie,
by the concomitants or companions of them. Fourthly, by ef∣fects or consequents of them. Fifthly, by the causes or accidents of them.
For the first, those de∣sires are meant in the promises,* 1.214 that are car∣ried after things aboue nature, as the fauour of God, the pardon of sinnes,* 1.215 the righteous∣nesse of Christ,* 1.216 the pre∣sence of God, and the saints in the new Ieru∣salem, the comming of Christ to iudgement,* 1.217 victorie ouer the dee∣rest
sinnes,* 1.218 the remou∣ing of spirituall iudge∣ments,* 1.219 the damnation of their owne soules,* 1.220 that Israel might be sa∣ued, and such like.
There are three prin∣cipall quallities in the holie desires of Gods elect;* 1.221 for
First, they are fierie•• that is, such as cause the heart of man, to burnewithn him, with some measure of zeale for Gods glorie, indig∣nation at sinne, and fer∣uent affection in Gods seruice, whereas the desires of the wicked,
at least are either dull and cold, or transpor∣ted by the wrongs, ends to the fauouring of sinne.
Secondlie, they are constant: both because they are renued dailie, as the metaphors of hunger and thirst doe import; as also because they are alike carried to the eternall fruition of the things desired, as to the present enioying of them, Gods seruants desire the fauour of God, the abolishing of sinne, the possession of grace, not to serue a
turne for the present, but to be enioyed as their portion for euer; for looke how the man vnregenerate desires to commit sinne, so doth the regenerate desire to forsake: but the for∣mer in some sins doth commit them, with a desire euer to sinne and a secret discontentmēt to thinke that at anie time, he should not be able to sinne. Euen such a contrarie desire is there in Gods elect truely called, they so desire not to sinne, as it is their griefe to thinke
that at any time they should againe sinne, yea affliction, doth not quench them but ma∣nie times inflame them.* 1.222
Thirdlie, they are not idle, which may appeare three waies. First, because they are carried after themeanes of good aswell as good things themselues:* 1.223 and that in a great measure too.* 1.224 Secondly,* 1.225 because they are attended with a resolution to doe any thing that their desires may bee accomplished:* 1.226 they aske what should
they doe to be saued? as taking it for graun∣ted, that they must bee industrious in Gods worke. There is no la∣bour, but they would endeuour to doe it, so the Lord would bee mercifull vnto them to graunt them their de∣sire, yea when they haue done all, they still are humbled because they can doe no more, nor no better. Third∣lie, they cannot rest till in some happie mea∣sure they ouercome,* 1.227 the most maisterly cor∣ruption either of na∣ture
or life.
Thirdlie, holy desires are accompanied:
First, with a super∣naturall valuation of the worth of spirituall things accoūting them pearle of the best price not to deere bought if they buie them with the sale of al they haue;* 1.228 and contrariwise ac∣counting themselues exceeding poore and distressed,* 1.229 if they want them or the meanes of them,* 1.230 esteeming Gods louing kindnoss•• bet∣ter then life.
Secondly, with a∣voluntary
forsaking of the vnnecessarie plea∣sures and profit of the world,* 1.231 thankfully re∣ceiuing the promises of a better life, and easily confessing that they are strangers and pil∣grimes on the earth.
Thirdly, with a con∣stant and secret medita∣tion of heauenly things desired,* 1.232 what one de∣sires feruently,* 1.233 hee thinkes on almost con∣tinuallie.
Fourthly, Holy de∣sires shewe themselues by diuers effects or consequents of them,
especially if they be sa∣tisfied.
First,* 1.234 they chase out euill desires and raise vp a dailie combat a∣gainst the most secret corruptions of na∣ture.* 1.235
Secondlie,* 1.236 the excite a frequencie and fer∣uencie in praier to God in secret.
Thirdlie they worke a resolution to walke in the way,* 1.237 that is cal∣led holie, yea so graci∣ous is the Lord, that the most simple, if their desires bee most true, attaine to some happie
measure of reforma∣tion.
Fourthlie, if the Lord graunt their desires, there followes:
First heauenlie kinde* 1.238 of satisfaction and con∣tentation with singular delight in the soule.* 1.239
Secondlie the vowes and wishes of infinite and eternall thankful∣nesse.* 1.240
Thirdlie a groweth and springing vp as a¦mong the grasse,* 1.241 or as willowes by the water courses.* 1.242
Lastlie, they arise from a broken & hum∣bled
spirit, and the more they are infla∣med,* 1.243 the more hum∣bled they continue to be.
will heare,* 1.246 he beleeueth he shal haue it,* 1.247 he praies in faith and assurance of heart before God.* 1.248
3.* 1.249 He praies in the name of Christ in the sence of his owne vile∣nesse by reason of his wants and sinnes.* 1.250
4.* 1.251 He will praie at al times.* 1.252
5. He is effectuallie ferue••t,* 1.253 he hath the af∣fections of praier.* 1.254
6. Praier makes him exceeding wearie of the world,* 1.255 and willing to forgoe societie with the workes of iniqui∣tie.
7. When he knowes not how to pray as he ought the spirit pre∣pares his heart, excites holie desires supplies with words and power of affection,* 1.256 or else worketh inward vnex∣pressable groanes.
8. He findes a holie rest and quie••nesse in his conscience & heart with spirituall boldnes and confidence of trust in God,* 1.257 if the Lord heare graciouslie.* 1.258
9. He findes answers from God,* 1.259 by the wit∣nesse of the spirit of a∣doption:* 1.260 in which the
Lord deales somtimes wonderfully with his people.* 1.261
10. He loues God exceedinglie for hea∣ring his praier,* 1.262 and de∣sires to keepe himselfe in the loue of God.
11. His praiers pro∣ceede from a heart that loues no sinne:* 1.263 but wil∣lingly departeth from i••iquitie,* 1.264 and desireth to keepe his com∣maundements;* 1.265 and to doe that which is plea∣sing to Gods sight.
12. He loues praier in others.* 1.266
13. He is oftentimes
dissolued into much sorrow for his sinnes,* 1.267 while he stands before the face of God.* 1.268
14 He feeleth the confidēce of assurance* 1.269 that God is his father.* 1.270
15. If the Lord be silent and answer not,* 1.271 but hides his face, his spirit faileth, and hee is as one that goeth down to the pit,* 1.272 it trou∣bleth him as a sore crosse, & contrariwise.
16. Praier is his chiefe refug••, and he wil pray, though praier bee in neuer so much dis∣grace,* 1.273 and power out
his complaint, & shew all his trouble.
17. Hee striues a∣gainst deadnesse of spi∣rit and distractions as a heauie burthen.* 1.274
OVr obedience wil be approu∣ed and accep∣ted in Christ, if it be an obedience that will beare triall in the rules following.
First, if it arise out of lo••e to God and good∣nesse. The obedience
of Gods elect is from the heart,* 1.275 not constrai∣ned but volūtary,* 1.276 their hearts being inflamed with the sence of Gods goodnesse, and hum∣bled when they haue done their best,* 1.277 that they cannot bring more glory to God; it is a ready obedience without repining,* 1.278 ex∣cuse or delay.
2 If it bee in all things,* 1.279 with respect to all Gods commaunde∣ments,* 1.280 a wicked man* 1.281 may obaie in many* 1.282 things but there is som one commaundement
he would be dispensed* 1.283 withall as Herod.* 1.284
3 Hee can bee con∣tent to obey against profit,* 1.285 pleasure credit,* 1.286 libertie,* 1.287 ease or the li∣king of the world or carnall friends,* 1.288 prefer∣ring Gods cōmaunde∣mēts aboue all things;* 1.289 yea life it selfe.* 1.290
4 If it follow the conscionable practice of the duties of morti∣fication, of sinnes past or present,* 1.291 the reforma∣tion and profession of such people as did ne∣uer in secret humble their soules for sinne,
may bee much suspec∣ted, for our hearts must be purified to o∣bey the truth.
5 If it bee in ab∣sence as vvell as pre∣sence, in all companies as vvell as anie, be∣fore meane Christi∣ans, as before the best,* 1.292 at home as well as abroad.* 1.293
6 If it be alwaies,* 1.294 as well as for a fit.* 1.295
7 If we belieue and obey Gods Ministers, as the ouerseers of our soules and liues,* 1.296 direc∣ting vs out of the Word,* 1.297 as vvell as if
vvee were commaun∣ded immediatly from God.
8 If wee obey in the Cōmaundements of faith, as well as life, submitting our selues to God,* 1.298 as well by be∣leeuing as by dooing,* 1.299 yeelding our seruice as well to the Gospell as to the Lawe.* 1.300
9 If wee obey in the least commaunde∣ment, as well as in the greatest, making con∣science of the smal∣lest things required,* 1.301 or forbidden in the Word.* 1.302
10 It is an obedi∣ence that followes the sanctification of the spirit. Holy dutyes without they flowe from holy graces with∣in;* 1.303 neither can the life bee holy before God, if the heart bee not made holy, by the grace of Iesus Christ.
11 It is ioyned with the raigne of no sinne; a Christian that truly obeyes God may haue many sinnes, but there is no sinne to which he yeelds himselfe whol∣ly ouer,* 1.304 by secret vows and resolution as a ser∣uant
to obey it: hee may faile in his obedi∣ence, so as hee cannot do what God requires as he requires; but yet hee consents to obey,* 1.305 and his will is to hire himselfe to doe Gods worke aswell as he can. And to this end hee hearkneth to his voice, & seekes God with his whole heart, that hee may keepe his testimo∣nies,* 1.306 he consenteth to obey,* 1.307 and obserues to doe: he comes to the light that his deedes may bee made mani∣fest.* 1.308
Lastly, our obedi∣ence is right & accep∣table, if GOD heare our prayers, for God heareth not sinners:* 1.309 and Dauid sayth,* 1.310 if there were wickednes in his heart, GOD would not heare his prayers.
SAuing knowledge may be tried:
For the first, by this knowledge the elect are inlightned by the spirit of reuelation.
1. To conceiue a∣right of the nature of God, in some measure propounding before the eye of their minds the Lord, as hee is re∣uealed in the word,* 1.311 at least by way of negatiō casting out al likenesses of any created nature.
2. To vnderstand the true manner of Gods worship.* 1.312
3 To knowe their owne iniquities & vile∣nesse, in respect of cor∣ruption of nature and life.* 1.313
4 To know Christ* 1.314 as their Sauiour.* 1.315
5 To know God in Christ.* 1.316
6 To know the for∣giuenes of their owne sinnes.* 1.317
7 To knowe the voice of Christ, discer∣ning it in some mea∣sure from the voice of a stranger.* 1.318
8 To knowe their owne conuersion,* 1.319 and al needful holy things.* 1.320
9 To knowe the things giuen them of God,* 1.321 & especially the inhabitation of the spi∣rit* 1.322 of Christ.* 1.323
10 To knowe their owne saluation.* 1.324
Secōdly, this know∣ledge may bee discer∣ned from other know∣ledge, by the causes: for,
1 Flesh and blood hath not reuealed it,* 1.325 it is a wisdom in a my∣stery, it is giuen of God in Christ by the anoin∣ting of the spirit.* 1.326
and experience of it in many, who neuer came to sound knowledge, till they haue beene wounded by the fee∣ling of Gods wrath,* 1.329 or their owne sinnes, or the venomed tempta∣tions of Sathan.
3. It is quickned and nursed by the sweete refreshings and con∣tentments felt in Gods house.* 1.330
4 It is founded vpon the true feare* 1.331 of GOD;* 1.332 the very first beginning of it, is excited by the feare of GOD,* 1.333 and it grow∣eth
as holinesse,* 1.334 grace, and good works grow in vs.* 1.335
Thirdly, it hath sixe companions of it among the rest, that in speciall attend it.
1 The loue of the Law.* 1.336
2 A holy estima∣tion of it aboue all possessions,* 1.337 shewed,* 1.338 in that a Christian a∣boue all, getting la∣bors to get this vnder∣standing, and reioy∣ceth in it as the fairest ornament.
4 A sauour of spiri∣tuall* 1.341 things.* 1.342
5. Sence, that is,* 1.343 in∣ward feelings of the power of the word & ordinances of God.
6 The loue of Gods childrē which aboun∣deth as this knovv∣ledge growes.* 1.344
Fourthly it hath six properties.
1 It is affectionate, it is not written in the head,* 1.345 but in the heart and bowels.* 1.346
impressions and much assurance,* 1.352 so as it is not easily vnsetled vvith the puffes of contrary doctrine,* 1.353 nor can it be extinguished by trials or afflictions;* 1.354 therfore it is sayde to be writ∣ten vpon their hearts.
4 It is sincere, for first it inclineth to re∣ceiue all truth,* 1.355 as well as any truth:* 1.356 second∣ly, it will receiue the truth, though it be a∣gainst reason,* 1.357 common opinion, profit, or the like.
Fifthlie, It brookes not the impotent ru∣diments
and beggerlie inuentions of men, in the things of the king∣dome of Iesus Christ.
Sixthlie, it leades a man principally to vn∣derstand his own way;* 1.358 and by it a man teach∣eth and admonisheth himselfe.* 1.359
Lastly, it beareth fruite better then gold ••ro. 8. 19. and by the fruites or effects it may be knowne.
1. It lasteth out con∣c••itednesse, diffidence, insensiblenesse of Gods mercies and iudge∣ments, and vnthankful∣nesse:
he that hath true knowledge,* 1.360 will not leane to his owne na∣turall wisedome, hee will trust in the Lord, and acknowledge him in all his waies.
2. It makes a man humble and lowlie, in the same measure that one abounds in true knowledge, in the same measure hee is made more lowlie and meeke, and carefull in all his waies;* 1.361 no scorner can finde this wise∣dome.
3. It mortifieth boi∣sterous & vnrulie, hate∣full
& hurtfull affecti∣ons, it will make a lion become a lambe, and a beare,* 1.362 or a wolfe, or a cockatrice, to be wil∣lingly guided, euen by a little childe, &c.
4. It extinguisheth or greatly dulleth the sauor of earthly things and makes a man hea∣uenly minded.* 1.363
5. This and such like other affects are al∣together set downe by the Apostle Iames in his third Chapter,* 1.364 and the seuenteene and eighteene verses.
OVR loue to God, may bee knowen.
First,* 1.365 by the sincere and incorrupt loue of the Lord Iesus, the sonne of his loue.
Secondlie, by the loue of his image in al the saints of God,* 1.366 that are begotten by him.
Thirdly, by the base estimatiō of the world and the lusts thereof, for if anie man,* 1.367 loue the world, the loue of
the father is not in him.
Fourthly, by a deli∣berate inward infla∣med estimation of God aboue all things,* 1.368 accounting his louing kindenesse better then life, and the signes of his fauour our greatest ioy.
Fifthly, by our de∣light in his presence which is then approu∣ed.
1. If wee loue to speake often to God by praier,* 1.369 and heare him speake often to vs, in his other ordinances.
2. If we loue,* 1.370 and long for his appearing.
3. If we bewaile his absence as a bitter crosse.* 1.371
4. If we set the Lord daily be ore vs.* 1.372
5. If we loue his house.* 1.373
Sixthly, by our care to keepe his comman∣dements,* 1.374 and to be as he is in holinesse,* 1.375 which may be further tried.
1. If we willinglie re∣ceiue his commaunde∣ments, for this is the loue of God, that wee keepe his commande∣ments,* 1.376 & his comman∣dements
are not grie∣uous.
2. If we serue him with all our hearts and all our soules.* 1.377
3.* 1.378 If it be our care to walke in al his waies and not to offend in a∣ny thing.* 1.379
Seuenthly, by our sensiblenesse of his di∣shonor if we be more vexed for his disho∣nour, then our owne disgrace.
Eightly, by remem∣bring his benefits and* 1.380 magnifying his mer∣cies,* 1.381 for what wee loue we easily praise.* 1.382
Ninthlie,* 1.383 by our care not onely to do his wil but to please him,* 1.384 be∣ing more incouraged with his praise and ap∣probation,* 1.385 then the praise of al men.* 1.386
10. By a willingnes to suffer anie thing for his sake.* 1.387
11. By a detestation as of sinne,* 1.388 because God hates it,* 1.389 so of sin∣ners, because they hate God.
12. By our desire to stirre vp our affections after God, auoiding what might steale away our hearts from him,
and delighting in al the waies,* 1.390 by which our hearts might be infla∣med towards him, and to this end taking heede to our selues.
13. By our run∣ning to him in all ad∣uersitie, making him our defence, our rocke, our refuge in all trouble, to them we first runne to make our mone,* 1.391 whom we most loue.
14. By our willing∣nesse, affectionatelie to doe the meanest office vnto God, or Christ, or for his sake this was a
signe that Marie lou∣ed much,* 1.392 because she was content to wash with her teares, and wi∣ped with her haire the very feete of Christ.
15 By our humility in the sence of Gods loue to vs, for ere the more a Christian dis∣couers Gods loue to him, the more his af∣fection to God, makes him seeme base &* 1.393 vile in his owne eies.
16 By our sorrow for our sinnes and willingnesse to forsake and cut off from vs, the most gainefull
gainefull and pleasing corruptions,* 1.394 this is ment by the circum∣cising of the heart, that we might loue God.
THe sacraments are sure seales and infallible pledges of Gods, loue and our saluation, to the worthie receiuer: and he receiues wor∣thelie.
First, that desires to search his heart and ex∣amine his life,* 1.395 before he receiue.
Secondly, that dis∣cernes the Lords body that meditates oft, and is in knowledge infalli∣bly perswaded of the inward & effectual pre∣sence of the Lord to he worthie receiuer.
Thirdlie, that eates with sorore herbs,* 1.396 that is, that comes with some measure of sence and feeling with th•• burthen of his sinnes, & desire to make them his greatest sorrow.
Fourthlie, that resol∣ueth and purposeth and inwarldlie, coue∣naunteth in his soule,
to deuote himselfe to God,* 1.397 and godlinesse, and to striue against e∣uerie sinne that ••hee knowes may offend God.
Fifthlie, that con∣stantlie desires to be∣leeue Gods mercie in Iesus Christ to his owne soule in particu∣lar;* 1.398 and comes with a perswasion,* 1.399 in some measure of the opera∣tion of God, in the in∣ward grace of the sa∣crament.
Sixthly, that feeles the ioies of Gods pre∣sence, and the work∣ing
of Gods spirit, in∣wardly sealing in his heart the perswasion of his interest in Gods promises,* 1.400 bearing wit∣nesse to his spirit,* 1.401 that God is graciously re∣conciled in Christ, and his sinnes are pardo∣ned, &c.
Seuenthly, that loues all the brethren and desires to bee furthe∣red in all holie com∣munion with them, both in grace and glo∣rie;* 1.402 being readie to witnesse before God and men his resolu∣tion to honour and
cleaue to them aboue all other professions & sorts of mē in the world
Eightly, that desires to liue in peace and godlie vnitie,* 1.403 and wil∣linglie forgiueth al that haue trespassed against him.
THe true feare of God may be discerned; first, by effects; secondly, by the properties of it.
First, The true feare God, workes a care & endeuour to serue God
and keepe his com∣maundements,* 1.404 and by the feare of God men depart from euill:* 1.405 For it teacheth men to hate euill,* 1.406 as pride, arrogancie, the e∣uill way, and a fro∣ward mouth: the wise man saith; He that wal∣keth in vprightnesse fea∣reth the Lord,* 1.407 and by that signe he may bee knowne euen by acon∣sionable care to walke vprightlie with God in holie life.
Secondly, it casts out carnall feares, he is not in much feare of men,* 1.408
that can kill the bodie, that is truely touched with the feare of God,* 1.409 that can destroy both body and soule,* 1.410 hee feares not their feare, nor the feares of the wicked men, but in some measure sanctifies God in his heart.
Thirdlie, It makes a man desirous and ca∣pable of sauing know∣ledge: for this feare of God,* 1.411 is the beginning of wisedome.
Secondlie, there bee fiue properties of the true feare of God.
First, it is sincere, for he that truelie feares God.
1. Feares Gods of∣fence aswell as pnnish∣ment.
2. Hee will feare Gods presence being carefull to a••oide such sinnes, as no eie sees but Gods.
3. He will feare God though he see no re∣ward in his hand.
4. He feares Gods word and is more trou∣bled and humbled by the threatning of it,* 1.412 then by the threatning of anie mortall man,
and will obey the voice of Gods seruants, whatsoeuer comes of it.
5. He will obey a∣gainst reason, affection profit, or pleasure, for so saith the Lord to Abraham;* 1.413 now I know thou fearest God see∣ing thou hast not with∣held thy sonne, thy on∣ly sonne.
Secondly, it is filiall, not seruile, which may appeare in fiue things, for first it is ioined with the loue of God,* 1.414 and so is not the feare of reprobates; secondly
it is not compelled by feare or sence of iudgements, but exci∣ted by the sence of Gods goodnesse and mercie. For so the con∣uerts in Hosea,* 1.415 are said to feare God and his goodnesse.* 1.416 Thirdly, it guides the heart of man to runne to God, and not from God) to bee healed of the wounds made by si••ne and to bee protected,* 1.417 striuing euen before God, to discouer and get strength a∣gainst the sinnes that trouble them; fourthly
It makes a man trust in God, and ere the more it increaseth, the more it worketh af∣fiance and confidence in Gods mecry. 5.* 1.418 It causeth a man to loue and cleaue to such as are Gods Children, though they be in dis∣grace with the world.* 1.419
Thirdly, it is a spea∣king feare, it will speak to God by prayer, and to men by conference, it cannot be silent; but will speake in defence of Gods glory &* 1.420 truth and seekes to draw o∣thers from sinne.
4 It is a contenting feare, it finds treasures in godlinesse, and is sa∣tisfied with his portiō,* 1.421 and will abide satisfied whereas the feares of re∣probates are either full of inwarde horror of conscience,* 1.422 or pertur∣bation in the heart.
5 It is constant, it is not for a fit, but al∣waies, not in sicknesse or misery,* 1.423 but in pro∣sperity, or all aboun∣dance,* 1.424 & contrariwise not in prosperity only, when men may feare God without daūger but in trouble also.
OVr loue to our enemies is sin∣cere.* 1.425
1 If we can pray for them.
2 If we can volun∣tarily mourne &* 1.426 hum∣ble our soules for them in their distresses.
3 If we truly desire their conuersion, and find that we could loue thē vnfainedly if they had repented.
4 If we can forgiue them their trespasses a∣gainst vs.* 1.427
5 If wee bee more grieued for their sinnes against God, then for their wrongs to vs.
6. If we can acknow∣ledge freely their iust praises.
7 If we can patient∣ly and meekely endure their reuilings,* 1.428 being willing to bee at peace without reuenge.* 1.429
8 If wee can for∣beare when wee could bring shame or misery on them.* 1.430
9 If we can endea∣uor to ouercome their euill with goodnesse, and to relieue them in
THE desire of death will bee our Testimo∣nie.
1. If it arise out of the sence of Gods loue.* 1.433
2. If it bee concei∣ued in time of prospe∣rity.
3. Especially,* 1.434 if it arise out of a weariness of our owne sins,* 1.435 and* 1.436 the sinnes of others.* 1.437
4▪ If it come from a
longing after Gods e∣ternal* 1.438 presence.* 1.439
5 If it bee ioyned with a desire after the way how to be saued,* 1.440 and an indeauor after* 1.441 holy conuersation and godlinesse.* 1.442
6. If it breed cou••rage and patience vn∣der tribulation.* 1.443
7 If it make feruent in prayer.* 1.444* 1.445* 1.446* 1.447
8 If it extinguish the eager desires after* 1.448 earthly things.* 1.449
9 If wee be glad at heart of his comming.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉2. Cor. 13. 5.
2. Pet. 1. 10.
Iob. 19. 23. 25. 26. 27.
1. Cor. 2. 10. 11. 12.
2. Cor. 5. 1
2. Cor. 5. 6. 8.
Eph. 1. 18. 19.
2. Tim. 1. 12.
1. Ioh. 3. 14
1. Ioh. 5. 13
1. Ioh. 5 19
Eph. 3. 11.
1. Thos. 1. 5
Heb. 10. 22.
Col. 2. 2.
Heb. 6. 11
Rom. 8. 38. 39.
1. Cor. 15. 58.
1. The. 1. 5
Eph. 1. 17
Phi. 15, 6
Mat. 5. 3.
2 Cor. 7. 10.
Pal. 119. 50.
2 Cor. 2. 15.
1. Ioh. 3. 14.
1. Cor. 13. 1. 2. 3.
Psal. 84. 13. 1.
Psa. 97. 11
Rom. 8. 9. 14. 16.
Reuel. 21. 6
Esay 55. 1, 2 3, 4.
Mat. 5, 6.
Io••l. 2, 22
Zach. 12. 10.
Heb. 5. 9.
Ioh. 17. 3.
Mar. 16. 11
1. Pet. 3. 21
Rom. 4. 11
Ioh. 14. 23
Pro. 14. 27
Mat. 5 44. 48.
2. Tim. 4.
Zach. 11. 11.
Esay 66. 2.
Psal. 109. 20.
Psal. 109. 21.
Psal. 12. 26 & 132. 15
Pal. 11. 14
Zeph. 3. 12
Zech. 3. 13
Psal. 74. 19
Ezech. 9. 4
Psa. 119. 36.
Esay 6. 5.
Rom 7.
Esay 1. 16
Zac. 12. 10. 11.
Psal. 4••, 3. 2 137.
Neh 1. 3•• 4
Esay 63. 17
Hos. 3.
Ho. 6. 1. 3.
Ior. 50. 4. 5
Act. 2. 37.
Ier. 31. 19
Psa. 77. 1. 2▪ 27▪
Esay 1. 16▪
Psa. 38. 9.
Psa. 42. 5. 11.
Tam 3. 21
Psa. 116. 13.
Psa. 119. 20. 82. 33.
Esay. 61. 2 3.
Zac. 12. 10
Psa. 38. 17
Psal. 38. 5.
Psal. 42. 6.
Psa. 51. 17
Rom. 12. 1
Lam. 3. 22 23.
2. Cor. 7. 11.
Ps. 119. 20
Iob. 23. 12.
Psal. 119. 115.
Psal. 119 136.
Psa. 119. 14. 72. 111
Psa. 119. 23 24. 50. 51. 54. 143
1. Thes. 2. 13.
1. The, 1. 5
Ioh. 8. 33.
Psa. 119. 45. 9. 59.
1. Thes. 2. 13.
Psal. 1. 2 & 119. 11.
Psa. ••. 1
Psa. 42. 3.
Amos. 8.
12. Ioh. 6. 27.
Psa. 19. 10.
Mar. 10. 2. 9.
1. Cor. 3. 18.
1. Thes. 1. 5. 6.
Psa. 16. 2. 3.
1. Ioh. 3.
14 & 5. 1.
2. Ioh. 1. 2.
3. Ioh. 1.
Eph. 1. 15.
Col. 1. 4.
Phile. 5.
〈…〉〈…〉
1, Ioh. 3, 18, 19.
Rom, 12, 9, 10.
Psa, 15, 4••▪
Psa. 16. 3
Rom. 16 19.
3. Ioh. 6.
1. Thes. 18.
1. Thes. 1. 7.
1. Pet. 4. 8
1. Cor. 13. 4, 5, 6, 7.
Psal. 16. 3.
Phil. 1, 5.
3. Ioh. 8.
Rom. 12, 16
Rom 12. 9. 16
3 Ioh. 3
Psal. 16, 3.
Rom. 12 10, 13.
Phile. 7, 1. Pet. 3, 8. & 4, 8.
1. Ioh. 3, 17.
3. Ioh 5
1. Ioh. ••. 10
Ephe. 4, 15, 16.
1. Thes. 3. 12, 13.
1▪ Ioh. 5, 2.
Rom. 10, 14.
Phil. 3 9
1. Pet. 2. 6.
2. Thes. 1, 10
2. Tim. 1. 5.
1. P••t. 1. 7
2. Tim. 1, 12.
Luke 8. 13
Acts 24. 14.
Esay 25. 16.
Eph. 1. 13, 14.
2. Thes. 2, 13.
1. Tim. 1, 19. 5.
1. Tim 3. 9
He. 10. 22.
2. Tim 3. 15.
Psa. 119. 130.
Pro. 1. 4, 8, & 5, 9.
1, Ioh, 5: 10
Rom, 8, 15 16.
1. Pet. 1, 8
Rom. 5. 2
Rom. 10.
2. Cor. 4 13. 14.
2. Cor. 5. 7.
Gal. 5. 5.
Gel. 5. 6.
Heb, 2. 5.
Rom. 1. 17
Gal. 2••0.
Rom, 3. 17
Gal. 3 22.
1. 1o. 5. 4. 5
Psa. 48. 14
Acts 15. 9
Ioh. 7 38.
Mat, 3. 11,
Eph, 5, 19
1. The 1. 5
2. Tim. 1. 14
Esa 30. ••1
Esay. 4.
2. Cor, 3, 17.
Rom. 8. 10
Esay 44, 3 4.
Rom. 14, 17.
Ezec. 39 vl••
Rom, 8. 13
Zac. 12, 10
Eph. 3, 12
Psa. 32. 2,
Ioh. 1. 4.
Prou▪ 20, 6, 7.
Ioh 1, 1, & 2, 3. 10
1. Kin. 15 12, 13, 14
1. Kin. 15 5, 9, 4.
Psa. 1••, 13
Heb. 2, 4
Pro, 21, 29
1, Chr, 28. 9.
Gen, 17, 1
Iob 8, 5, 6
Psal 7, 10 11, 7.
Psal. 33, 1 119, 7. 140, 13.
Psa. 78, 36 37.
Mich. 2▪ 7
Rom. 2, 29
2. Chro. 6. 14. psa. 119▪ 34
2. Chr. 19. 8 9.
Psa. 32. 11 & 5.
Psal. 101, 2.
Psa 119, 1
Deut 18 12. 13
Pro. 13
2. Sam. 22 24.
Pro. 11, 20▪ & 19, 1.
Psa, 73. 25
Mat. 5.
Heb. 11. 10 16.
Reuel. 22 17. 20.
Rom, 7
Esa 63, 17
Rom, 9. 3
Lu. 12. 49.
Esa. 26, 9▪
Psa. 27. 4 1,
Pet, 2, 2
Psa. 1, 63 1 ••.
Acts 2, 37▪
Reue. 21, 6
Mat. 13. 45. 46.
Psa. 42.
Psa. 63. 1. 3
Heb 11. 13
Isay 26. 9
Psa, 63, 1, 6.
Pro. 11, 23
Roae, 7. 25
Lam, 2, 19
Es. 35. 7. 8
Ps 63, 5
Ier. 31, 25, 26.
Psa, 63. 4.
Esa. 44, 3
1. Pet. 2, 2
Mat. 5. 4. 5 6.
1. Ioh. 5. ••
Mar. 11, 14
Iam. 1. 6. 7▪
Psa. 6. 9.
1, Ioh. 3, 19 22.
Iob. 14, 13
P••a. 86. 1. 2 & 143, 4
Ioh. 17.
Psa. 116. 2
Iam. 5. 16
Psa. 6. 8.
Psa. 6. 8. 9, & 39. 12.
Rom. 8; 26 27
Ps. 3, 4, 5, 6
Ps. 116, 1, 7
Psa. 91, 15 17. •• 1
Ier. 33, 3
Es••y 31, 19 58. 9.
Psa. 116. 1. Iude 20.
2. Tim 2, 19. 22.
Iob. 8, 5, 6
1. Ioh. 3. 22
2. Tim, 2, ••2.
Z••c. 12, 10
Psa, 55, 1, 2
Gal. 4, 7
Rom. 8, 15
Psa. 28, 1 & 88, 13, 14, 15, 143, 7
Ioh, 1••, 23 24.
Psa. 69, 10 13▪ & 142 2. 5.
Psa 86. 4. 3
Deut. 30. 20
Iosh. 22. 5▪
Mat. 4. 19
Rom. 6, 17
Ex. ••15. 26
1. Kin. 9. 4
Iet. 11. 4
Ioh. 15. 14
Act 13. 22
Deu. 30. 2
Iet. 35
Heb. 11. 8
Ge. 22 12
Pro. 7. 2
Acts 5. 29
Mat 16. 25
1. Pet. 1. 22.
Phil. 2. 12
Gal. 5. 7
2. King 18 6.
Psa. 106. 3
Heb. 13
2, Thes. 3
Rō. 10 16
Rō. 16. 26
2. The. 1. 8
Mat. 5. 19
Gat. 5 7.
1. Pet, 1. 2
Rom. 6
Esa. ••. 19
Psa: 119. 2
Deut. 6. 2••.
Ioh. 3. ••
Ioh. 9. 31
Psa. 66: 18
Ier 9. 24
Ioh. 4. 22
Ier 3. 12
Phi. 3. 9.
1••. 1. Cor. 2. 2▪
Ioh. 17. 3 8. 19.
Ier. 31. 34
Ioh. 1••. 4.
1. 10. 3. 14
Pro. 9. 10.
2. Cor. 13. 5
1. Cor. 2. 12.
Ioh. 14. 17. 20.
Luke 1. 77
Mat. 16. 17
1. Cor. 1. 30
1. Cor. 2. 7
1. Ioh. ••. 27. & 5. 2••
Ho. 6. 1. 2. 3.
Ps 36. 8. 9. 10.
Pro. 1. 7.
Iob. 18. 28.
Col, 1, 9
Ioh, 7, 17
2. Pe. 3. 18
Psal. 119. 97. 98
Phil. 3. 8
Pro. 3. 3. 4. 7. & 7. 4. & 8. 9. 10
Pro 8. 9. 17.
Isa, 28, 9.
Rom. 8. 5▪
2. Cor. 2. 14
Phil. 1. 9.
Phi 1. 9. 10
Ier. 31. 34
Deu. 46
Ps 111. 10
Isa, 33, 6
Ioh, 8, 55
1. Ioh, 2, 3 & 3, 24
Phil. 1. 9 10
Ier 31. 34
Pro. 4. 5, 16
Eph. 4. 13
Ioh. 16. 13
1, Cor▪ 3, 1••
1. Cor, 2 7
Pro. 14, 8
Col. 3, 16
Pro. 3, 5, 6
Pro. 8, 13 14▪
Isa. 11, 9
Rom. 8, 6
Iam, 3▪ 17 18.
Eph, 6, •• ••4
1, Ioh. 5, 1
1, Ioh, 2, 15
Psa. 63. 2 1, 11.
Ps••. 34. 5 37, 4. ••
2 Tim. 4, 8
Cant. 3. 1
Psa. 16, 8
Psa. 26, 8
Ioh. 14, 21
1. Ioh 4. 17
1. Ioh. 5 3
Deut. 10 12
Deu. 11. ••2
Ios. 22. 5.
Psa, 63. 2. 3 4. 6, 8 107 ••2.
Ioh. 36, 24▪
Deut, 6. 2.
Exod. 15 2.
1. Ch 28. 9
1, Co. 7, 23
Heb. 1••. 28
Ioh 22, 15 to 19.
Psa. 97, 10
Psa. 139 21, 22.
Iosh. 23. 11
Psa 1••. 1. 2
Luk. 7. 44 4 5. 46, 47
1. Cor. 8, 3
Deu. 30, 6
1. Cor. 11.
Exod. 12
1. Cor, 5, 8
Mat. 16. 16
Col. 2, 12
Eph. 1, 23
1. Cor, 1, 22
1▪ Cor. 10
Ma. 5, 6, ••4
Deu, 6. 13 & 8, 6
Pro. 8, 13 16, 6
Reui. 15, 4
Pro 14, 2
Ma. 10, 28
Ma••. 10. 28
Es. 8, 12, 13
Pro. 1, 7
Psa. 119
Gē, 22, 12
Deu. 10. 12. 20
Isa, 29, 23
Hos. 3, 5.
Ma, 4, 2
Psa. 31. 19 & 115. 11 & 147. 11
Psa. 11 9, 79
Mal. 3, 16
Esa. 33. 6
Pro. 19. 23
Ecc. 8. 11
Deut. 6. 24
Mat. 5. 44
Psa. 35, 13 14.
Mat, 6. 14 15
1, Pe, 3, 10
Rō. 12. 14
1. Sam. 24 18. 19.
Rom. 12
Pro. 25. 21▪ 22
Luk. 2. 2••, 30
Ps. 39. 1, 4
Ioh. 6. 9. 10▪
Rom. 7, 24
Heb. 9. 28▪
Phil. 1▪
2. Cor. 5. 8
2, Pet, 3, 1•• 12
Psa. 90. 12
2. Cor. 5. 9
2. Cor. 4. 16 & 5. 2
2. Tim. 4. 7
Rom. 5. 3
Psa. 3. 9▪ 12
Rom. 8. 22▪ 23. 26.
He. 11. 16. 13. 15.
Re 22, 20