Saints memorials, or, Words fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver being a collection of divine sentences / written and delivered by those late reverend and eminent ministers of the gospel, Mr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Joseph Caryl, Mr. Ralph Venning, Mr. James Janeway.

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Title
Saints memorials, or, Words fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver being a collection of divine sentences / written and delivered by those late reverend and eminent ministers of the gospel, Mr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Joseph Caryl, Mr. Ralph Venning, Mr. James Janeway.
Author
Calamy, Edmund, 1600-1666.
Publication
London :: [s.n.],
1674.
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"Saints memorials, or, Words fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver being a collection of divine sentences / written and delivered by those late reverend and eminent ministers of the gospel, Mr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Joseph Caryl, Mr. Ralph Venning, Mr. James Janeway." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A32052.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 10, 2025.

Pages

Page 113

A SPIRITUAL GARDEN OF Sweet-smelling FLOWERS, OR, Mr. RALPH VENNING's DIVINE SENTENCES.

THat Soul that is settled in the love of God, is blessed in the peace of Christ.

When such a Soul suffereth an outward War, she loos∣eth not her inward peace.

No troubles whatsoever which do outwardly make a noise, do violently enter into the silence of her inward repose.

She coveteth nothing abroad, and therefore resteth wholly within by love.

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Such a Soul the Angels do visit and honour; she being the Temple of the Lord, and the Habitation of the Holy Ghost.

Happy is that Conscience in which Mercie and Truth are met together, for there Justice and Peace have kissed each other.

* 1.1God is a God of Mercie, and will take pity on him that is truly sor∣rowful for his sins.

* 1.2By Mercie and Truth Iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

The Kiss of Justice, is to love our Enemies, to forsake Parents and Possessions for the love of God; to endure with Patience injuries inflicted, and in all places to flie from honours that are offered.

The Kiss of Peace, is to invite Foes to friendship, peaceably to sustain Adversaries, lovingly to in∣struct such as do amiss, meekly to comfort those that mourn, and to be at amity with all men.

It is our Saviour's command: Love your enemies,* 1.3 bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate

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you, and pray for them which de∣spitefully use you and persecute you.

For all that will live godly in Christ Iesus,* 1.4 shall suffer persecuti∣on.

The Almighty hath three de∣grees of Wrath; his threatning Wrath, his punishing Wrath, and his condemning Wrath.

Adam sinned, and was cast out of Paradice; the Angels sinned, and were cast into Hell.

We have many sins to repent for, viz. our Church-sins, our Sermon∣sins, our Sacrament-sins, and the sins of our very Prayers.

Is any man rich? let him not put his trust in them:* 1.5 for riches make themselves wings, and flie away

Lazarus was poor,* 1.6 but was recei∣ved into Heaven: Dives was rich, but however was carried into Hell.

Moses went up unto the Mount to pray, and took the Rod of God in his hand, because with that Rod God had formerly done wonderful things for his people.

If any mistake through a vain hope of Heaven, let him be earnest

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in the examination of himself: to be deceived in this, necessitates dam∣nation.

To hear Sermons, to commend them, or admire them, and not to practice what we hear and under∣stand, is to make Sodom and Gomor∣rha's case at the day of Judgment better than our's.

Then will the world discern the Blessed from the Wretched, when the wrath of God is throughly kindled.

Those that are now so idly busie in heaping up their Treasures of an Ant-Hillock, and building up the tottering Fabricks of a child, re∣member not that the foot of death is coming to spurn it all abroad, and to trample down both you and it.

Let us study how to answer the great and last Question: Hast thou performed the condition of the Gospel?

Let us search our hearts, that God may finde them in a condition to receive him.

* 1.7For thus faith the Lord, I the Lord search the heart, I try the

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reins: even to give every man ac∣cording to his ways, and according to the fruits of his doings.

Make not sale of Heaven for the false pleasure of a few sins, for a little delight and ease that vanish∣eth in a moment.

Repent before thou becomest Old, left thy Repentance should come too late; for thou leftst not thy sin, but thy sin left thee.

Take heed of dissembling with thy God, lest he so discover thy craft, that thou shalt not be trusted by man.

Accommodate Nature withthings convenient, but beware of nourish∣ing a lust; for that is to hug a Devil in thy bosom.

To acknowledge God to be just is good, and it is just we likewise acknowledge him to be good.

When thou Prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without an heart.

Prayer will make a man to cease from sin, or sin will intice a man to cease from Prayer.

It is good to have a good Name,

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but it is better to have a good Con∣science.

It is good to be great, but it is better to be good.

Teach thy heart to walk wholly with thy God, as well as holily.

Only a profession of Christianity is not the only profession of a Chri∣stian.

Your words and works may satis∣fie the judgments of men; but God is the great Judge of our hearts.

Pray for mercie before you re∣ceive, and forget not to praise when you have received.

It is common to have the name of Christ in common: The Swearer swears by it, the Begger begs by it, the Jester joyns it to his jest; but wo be to them that shall tremble at it.

Vain sinner, thy Saviour is wil∣ling to save thee; but it is thy sin, and Satan, that studieth to destroy thee.

When Satan's malice had produ∣ced mischief in our first Parents, mischief brought forth misery, and misery cried to heaven for mercie.

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The God of mercie promised mercie unto mankind.* 1.8 The seed of the woman shall break the Ser∣pent's head.

When the fulness of Grace was come, he that was covered in the Law, became discovered in the Gospel.

When the fulness of time was come,* 1.9 God sent his Son made of a woman, made under the law, that we might receive the adoption of Sons.

The Son of man had sinned a∣gainst God, and the Son of God satisfies for the sin of man.

Let admiration produce amaze∣ment, that God should send his Son to suffer death for sinners that rebelled against him.

But man must dye unto Eternity, unless the Son of Eternity would dye for him.

Therefore Christ the Messiah was slain, but not for himself;* 1.10 He was delivered to death for our offences.

He was delivered by his Father in Mercie, by himself in Compassion, by Iudas for Covetousness, and by the Jews in Malice.

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And all this to the end that God might effect what the Jews could not conjecture, The Redemption of his people Israel.

He that was typified by the bra∣zen Serpent, is exalted on the Cross between two Thieves, with this Title superscribed:* 1.11 Iesus of Na∣zareth, King of the Iews.

Thus Christ the immaculate Lamb refused no shame, that he might purchase Glory to his faithful ones.

He that was the God of Glory, becomes the Son of shame.

He that is the Righteous Re∣deemer, was counted an Unjust U∣surper.

He that is the Lord of Life, was condemned to Death.

He that is honoured with the Acclamations of Angels, was disho∣noured with the Exclamations of Jews.

Pilate disgracefully shewed him to the people with an Ecce Homo,* 1.12 Behold the man.

Stand, O my Soul, and with ad∣miration bless the Author of all

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Blessedness, Christ, who to prevent thy shame, suffered himself to be numbred among the wicked.

He was accounted sinful, to pur∣chase thy Salvation.

Adam by eating of the forbidden Tree, made thee accursed,* 1.13 had not Christ by dying on the cursed Tree restored thee to blessedness.

Christ's Cross is thy Comfort, his dishonour is thy honour.

Christ's Cross is to the Iews a stumbling-block,* 1.14 to the Gentiles foolishness: But to thee, O my Soul, it is the power and the wisdome of God.

Then if Christ hath done this for thee, follow thy Redeemer with a Cross at thy back, and say with Paul,* 1.15 God forbid that I should glory in any thing but in the Cross of Christ.

But wo unto us sinners, we run on in a course of pride,* 1.16 though he humbled himself unto death, even the death of the Cross.

Pilate could not add to our Sa∣viour's honour, or dishonour, in calling him Iesus; for it was a

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name given him from Heaven; for the Angel said unto Ioseph,* 1.17 Thou shalt call his name Iesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.

It was a sweet saying of an An∣tient † 1.18 Father; The name of Jesus is Mel in Ore, Melos in Aure, Iubilus in Corde: Honey in the Mouth, Melody in the Ear, and a Jubily, or Joy in the Heart.

* 1.19Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

This name is light unto the Soul. Ye were darkness (saith the Apostle) but now ye are light in the Lord.* 1.20

This name is health to the Body. In the name of Iesus of Nazareth,* 1.21 rise up and walk.

All spiritual food is dry, (saith the aforesaid | 1.22 Father) if this Oyl be not poured into it, if it be not sea∣soned with this Salt.

There are several Titles that proclaim Christ's Glory; but the name of Iesus imports our Re∣demption.

By others we know him to be

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God, by this we know him to be our Mediator.

It is great misery to see man so proud, and greater mercie to see God so humble.

God was the Creditor, man was the Debtor; but he that was both God and man, the Pay-Master.

Wherefore,* 1.23 Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with him there is plenteous Redemption.

There is no sinner so great, but after conversion he makes as great a Saint.

Though his sins be red as Scarlet, Grace makes them white as Snow.

Come let us reason together,* 1.24 saith the Lord: though your sins be as Scarlet, they shall be white as Snow; though they be red like Crimson, they shall be as Wooll.

There is more pleasure in suffer∣ing, than in sinning; for a Saint of God may suffer and not sin, but he cannot sin and not suffer.

If any man suffer as a Christian,* 1.25 let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God on this behalf.

To walk as a Heathen walks, only

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by the light of the Rush-candle of Nature, is no better than to walk in darkness.

* 1.26If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not; but if he walk in the night he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

God never made a good promise, but he made good that promise.

* 1.27For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.

We should prize mercie, if we knew its price.

* 1.28Thy mercie, O Lord, is great unto the Heavens, and thy truth unto the Clouds.

'Tis true that Christ is every where, Then Hell's no Hell if Christ be there.

* 1.29In his presence is fulness of joy, at his right hand are pleasures for evermore.

A Righteous man hates sin, be∣cause it is opposite to God and Goodness.

* 1.30Fools make a mock at sin, but among the Righteous there is fa∣vour.

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That Saint that grows in grace, grows more a man, and more than a man.

For with him,* 1.31 Where sin abound∣eth, grace doth much more abound.

A rich man is poor without God, but with him a poor man is rich.

Go to now, ye rich men,* 1.32 weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

Ye have condemned and killed the just,* 1.33 and he doth not resist you.

The pride of self-love, is a folly in ones self.

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased:* 1.34 but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

If a man would be ever good, he should believe he was never good.

There is none good but one,* 1.35 that is God.

God takes care of his Saints, and they take care to be be cared for by him.

Cast your care upon him,* 1.36 for he careth for you.

He that hath God hath all things, for God is all in all.* 1.37

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A grain of Grace is of more va∣lue, than many pounds of Gold.

God Created us, and left us to our selves; afterwards he Redeem∣ed us, and left himself to us.

Take heed of being self-concei∣ted,* 1.38 For the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.

True Christians are all for Christ, and Christ is all-sufficient for them and their salvation.

It is the saying of holy Paul, For me to live is Christ,* 1.39 but to dye is gain.

The children of this World may be cast out, but the heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven shall be as Olive-plants about the Table of the Lord.* 1.40

To commit sin, is the part of an humane Nature; to lament for sins committed, is Christian-like; but to continue in sin, bidding de∣fiance to the Divine powers, is Di∣abolical.

There are three sorts of Faith: the Faith of Sence, which is seeing; the Faith of Reason, which is knowing; and the Faith of Reve∣lation,

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which is believing. And this last, is properly called the Gos∣pel-Faith.

Believe in the Lord your God,* 1.41 so shall you be established: believe his Prophets, so shall ye prosper.

We ought seriously to consider two things; the sin of our Nature, and the Nature of our sin.

The Natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,* 1.42 for they are foolishness unto him: nei∣can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual,* 1.43 judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Let us follow after Christ, he is our guide, and will not shake us off; but if we do not follow him, we despise him and our own salvation.

Be ye therefore followers of God as dear Children.* 1.44

If the heart of man be hard and stony, it makes the softer cushion for the Devil to sit on.

To day if ye will hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts,* 1.45 as in the provocation.

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Since the days of mans life are as a shadow, our suffering will be sud∣den, and our sinning short.

* 1.46We are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow.

If man be for us, God may be against us; but if God be for us, who can be against us?

If we are among our friends without God, we are in continual danger; but with God a man is safe though in the midst of enemies.

* 1.47Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.

The Saints ought to do more for God than others, because as they are expected to be the best servants, they are like to have the better wages.

* 1.48The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is Eternal life, through Iesus Christ our Lord.

A modest behaviour, and a por∣tion of Morality, without Holiness, is but a golden Incredulity.

* 1.49But sanctifie the Lord God in

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your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

Let young Women put on Piety instead of Paints, Sanctity instead of Sattin, Modesty for their Morn∣ing and dayly dress; so shall God and every good man love them more and more.

Let Women adorn themselves in modest apparel,* 1.50 with shame fac'dness and sobriety; not with broidred hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array,

But which becometh Women pro∣fessing godliness, with good works.* 1.51

As God made man without the help of man; so will he likewise save them that come unto him, by his own Almighty power.

Hear how familiarly he invites them.* 1.52 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest:* 1.53 And ye shall finde rest unto your Souls.

If we endeavour for Salvation, it is God must give it; but if we do not endeavour, he will shorten his own hand, though we cannot do it.

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* 1.54For (thus saith the Psalmist) with thee is the Fountain of Life: in thy light we shall see light.

How lovely is God in all his Creatures! how much more lovely in his Ordinances! but most lovely in Christ, who is the God of love.

* 1.55Brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

The Christian hopeth for the world to come, but the sinner fear∣eth it.

* 1.56For every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Not to be chastened is an ill signe, but not to bear a chastening is a worse.

* 1.57Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law.

He that hath a tender Conscience will not be prodigal of his Credit, for a good Conscience is a continual Feast to a chearful heart.

So likewise he that hath a good name, hath the savour of a pretious

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Oyntment, which gives a chearful∣ness to his countenance.

He that detaineth a penny from the poor, puts a Plague into his own purse.

He that oppresseth the poor,* 1.58 re∣proacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth him, hath mercie on the poor.

Let the precepts of God be neer to our hearts, lest he stop his ears to our Prayers.

Who so stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,* 1.59 he also shall cry himself and shall not be heard.

In prosperity we forget the threatnings of God, and in adver∣sity we are apt to forget his pro∣mises.

The prosperity of fools shall de∣stroy them.* 1.60

If we intend to suffer evil for God's sake in the day of Adversity, let us do good for God's sake in the day of Prosperity.

Here lies the true point of Gen∣tility, to fear God, scorn the World, and conquer Sin.

Nay,* 1.61 in all these things we are

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more than conquerours through him that loved us.

Doth any man fear to dye? it's an easie thing to live: slaves and beasts do so; but it ought to be every mans study to live and dye well.

Man's life is more full of grief than glory; and it is a seasonable time to dye in, when to live is rather a burthen than a blessing.

Be obedient, and do good; they are the works and the wages of a Christian; and he will delight in doing good, though he doth it only for his delight.

Gathering of Riches is a pleasant torment: the trouble of getting, the charging of the conscience, the care of keeping, and the watching over them when gotten, takes away a great part of the expected enjoy∣ment.

* 1.62Wherefore if Riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

A gratious person is usually as apt to desire to understand what he is to do, as what he is to enjoy.

The work of a Christian while

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he lives in the body, is to crucifie the body of death.

Man is God's creature;* 1.63 God for∣med man of the dust of the ground.

Sin is man's creature; Man is like to vanity:* 1.64 his days are as a sha∣dow which passeth away.

Misery is sins creature:* 1.65 The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is Eternal life, through Iesus Christ our Lord.

God made man in his own like∣ness; man hath made sin in his likeness, and sin hath made misery in his own likeness.

Adam, who was the Father of mankind was of earth, and therefore earthy.* 1.66

Our Saviour, who was the Re∣deemer of mankind, and the second Adam, was from Heaven, and there∣fore Heavenly.

As is the earthy,* 1.67 such are they that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they that are heavenly.

What God gives us for our good, we ought to employ for his glory.

He that glorieth,* 1.68 let him glory in the Lord.

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When our Saviour was buried, it was the Body of the Lord, not the Lord of the Body, was laid in the Sepulchre.

If we set our affections on what we have, when we have it not, it adds the more to our affliction.

But the peace of Heaven sur∣passes the troubles of this world.

A Saint may be sad that he is no better, but will inwardly rejoyce that he is no worse.

That man that deserves nothing, ought to be content with any thing.

God is pleased with the free of∣ferings of his Saints, and they are pleased with the free gifts of God.

To be sorrowful for sin is good, but that sorrow must continue, or else the sorrow will be sin it self.

What is all this world, but a world of nothing at all?

Whosoever can withstand the corruptions of gain, gains by the corruptions.

Is it pleasure to the Almighty that thou art Righteous?* 1.69 or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?

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The men of this world pray to one another, but the children of God pray to none but to the God of men.

The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light.* 1.70

But the sorrow of this world worketh death.* 1.71

Man is no sooner born, but he begins to dye; so uncertain is the life of man, that none knows whe∣ther he that is born to day, shall live till to morrow.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ,* 1.72 we are of all men most miserable.

Trust not in endeavours, lest you neglect God; but use endeavours, lest you despise God.

But work out your salvation with fear and trembling.* 1.73

Christ is the Physitian of our Souls, his comforts are cordial; but miserable comforts are the Physiti∣ans of the Body.

So said Iob to his friends; Ye are all Physitians of no value.* 1.74

Let us beware of the evil of sin, for it leads us to the evil of suffer∣ing.

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* 1.75Wherefore, Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: but he that doth evil hath not seen God.

We may do those things which please God, and yet displease him in the doing.

* 1.76But, Blessed are the poor in heart, for they shall see God.

We perform our duties in a right measure, when in seeking for mercies we study to please God rather than our selves.

God so loves his own, that he will not depart from them; and they that truly fear and love him, have not the power to depart from him.

It was holy Ioshua's resolution: As for me and my house,* 1.77 we will serve the Lord.

It is at present heaven with us to enjoy God and Christ; What will it then be, when we worship him with his innumerable company of Angels?

When we pay our devotions to God, we should lay aside all worldly affairs, lest they distract us in our

Page 137

duty: It is a great offence against the Almighty, to be interrupted when we walk with him.

See then that ye walk circum∣spectly, not as fools, but as wise;* 1.78 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

A Christian hath but two things to fear, God and Sin.

As it is writ of Ioseph,* 1.79 How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God!

The three Divine Vertues are,* 1.80 Faith, Hope, and Charity; but the greatest of these is Charity.

The three humane Vertues are, Friendship, Credit, and Conscience; but the greatest of these is Con∣science.

Conscience was Paul's glory, when he said,* 1.81 Herein do I exercise my self, to have always a Conscience voyd of offence, toward God, and toward Men.

When thou sinnest, repent be∣times, lest thou plunge into a cu∣stom of sinning; and always re∣member God hath a certain custom to punish sinners.

Page 138

Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Turn ye unto me;* 1.82 and I will turn unto you.

* 1.83But except ye repent, ye shall all perish.

God is the way, and the life: if we walk after his way, we shall finde life; if not, we erre from the way of life.

Jesus saith, I am the way, the truth,* 1.84 and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.

Serve God in secret, as well as in publike worship;* 1.85 and he that seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

What deceitful pleasures are those that require either Repentance or Damnation!

As the Jews did by our Saviour, so should we do by the world, the flesh and sin, that is, crucifie them.

* 1.86They that are Christs, have cruci∣fied the flesh, with the affections and lusts.

The disingenuity of others to∣wards us, is a scourge to us for our disingenuity towards God.

If God denies the desires of thy heart, learn to want with pa∣tience,

Page 139

it will teach thee when God is pleased to bestow his blessings, to receive them with chearfulness.

We ask the Lord for our dayly bread, but he knoweth our wants before we ask: We desire Health, Wealth, &c. but the measure of those blessings is in God's hand, and he knows how to carve for us, bet∣ter than we could for our selves.

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,* 1.87 before ye ask him.

It is the duty of a Christian to wait God's leasure: there is no mercie worth the praying for, but it is certainly worth the waiting for.

We are all born to dye; let us so dye, that we may be born again.

Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin.* 1.88

If thou canst hear, and bear the Rod of affliction which God shall lay upon thee, remember this Les∣son: Thou art beaten, that thou mayst be better.

There is no better defence against our own Infirmities and the scanda∣lous reproaches of others, than the

Page 140

Sincerity of our own hearts.

* 1.89Grace be with all them that love our Lord Iesus Christ in sincerity.

* 1.90God is love, and we ought to serve him in fear and love. No ser∣vice can be better done, than that which is done in love: God dwel∣leth in that servant, and that ser∣vant in him.

Why doth a wicked man envy the welfare of a man more righte∣ous than himself? because it is a terrour to his Conscience to see the Image of Vertue in another man, he having defaced it in himself.

* 1.91Where envying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work.

All the Pomps and Gayeties of this world, are not to be compared to a grain of distressed Vertue.

* 1.92Wherefore, adde to your Faith Vertue, and to Vertue Knowledge.

* 1.93Though I give my body to be burnt, and have not charity, it profitteth me nothing; but to mortifie my sins, and to deny my self, submitting to the will of God, is more than Mar∣tyrdom.

Let not the world overcome you,

Page 141

but fight under the Banner of that great Captain the Lord Jesus Christ, so shall you with him overcome the world.

Who is he that overcometh the world,* 1.94 but he that believeth that Iesus is the Son of God?

Why is it that sinners so rarely confess their sins? it is because they are in them: we use not to declare our dreams till we wake.

Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch,* 1.95 and be sober.

To represent a Christian, is only to act a part on the stage of this world; but to be a real Christian, is to depart this stage, and enter into a world of Bliss.

He that hath children, ought to correct them with discretion;* 1.96 But he that spareth his Rod, hateth his Son; and he that loveth him, cha∣steneth him betimes.

To be truly sensible of sin, is to sorrow for displeasing God, more than for the displeasure of God; to be afflicted that he is displeased by us, more than that he is displea∣sed with us.

Page 142

Mirth and Mourning are opposites to each other; Mirth is burthensome in the time of Mourning, and Mourning is likewise burthensome in the time of Mirth.

Love the Saints for Christ's sake, and Christ will love you for his Saints sake.

* 1.97Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God: but he that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.

The Old Testament veils the New, the New Testament reveals the Old.

* 1.98Beautiful upon the Mountains are the feet of him which bringeth good tidings; but how much more beau∣tiful are the good tidings which are brought by those feet?

The works of our life is the best demonstration that we are acquain∣ted with the words of our life.

The Saint hath the motion of grace, whilst the Hypocrite hath but the notion: the Saint sees, tasts, and feels it, whilst the Hypocrite

Page 143

only reads, hears, and speaks of it.

The Saint hath the experience of grace, and the Hypocrite the ex∣pression.

Be modest in your desires, so shall your cup over-flow; but the co∣vetous man never hath enough.

Take heed,* 1.99 and beware of cove∣tousness.

There is a time for all things; but no time when all things may be spoken.

To every thing there is a season,* 1.100 and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

When you give thanks, let the strings of your Heart, and the strings of your Tongue, be tun'd to Unisons; it is the musick that God himself delighteth in.

What a vain thing is man, when the best of men are but vanity at best!

Verily every man in his best estate is altogether vanity.* 1.101

The wife of a man's bosom, is better than the portions of the purse.

House and riches are the inheri∣tance* 1.102

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of fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Marry not where you love not, lest you are tempted to love where you marry not.

* 1.103Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled; but Whoremon∣gers and Adulterers God will judge.

If Nature be defective, it is not the act of the creature, but of God: and since it is his will it should be so, we ought to submit to his pleasure, and not to blame the handy-work of God.

Hath not the Potter power over the clay,* 1.104 of the same lump to make one Vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

To please all, is hard; to displease any, may be inconvenient: the Christians surest way is to please him who is all in all.

* 1.105When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

The Righteous man will venture his Credit to secure his Conscience, but will not venture his Conscience for the sake of his Credit.

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The Saints are visited by Christ here, by way of invitation, that they should visit him hereafter.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,* 1.106 for he hath visited and redeemed his people.

A Christian should like all God's commands, because they are all a∣like, Holy, Iust, and Good.

The Statutes of the Lord are right,* 1.107 rejoycing the heart: the Command∣ment of the Lord is pure, enlight∣ning the eyes.

It is our Master's pleasure to let his joy enter into us here, that it may teach us how to enter into our Master's joy hereafter.

In whose presence is fulness of joy,* 1.108 at his right hand are pleasures for evermore.

No sin against God can be said to be little, because it is against the great God of Heaven and Earth; but if the sinner can finde out a little God, it may be easie then to finde out little sins.

Our Mediator Jesus Christ the Righteous, is the sinners Righte∣ousness unto God, and the Righte∣ousness

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of God to sinners.

* 1.109But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our Righteousnesses are as fil∣thy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our Iniquities like the wind have taken us away.

If any man findes the want of Comforts, Content will make them comfortable wants.

It was a rare experience which Paul had got,* 1.110 who saith, I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Destruction giveth way to pride, for pride goeth before destruction.* 1.111

Be sober in advice, and mode∣rate in reproofs; some hearts are sooner humbled with stroaks than with stripes.

* 1.112As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine-gold: so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Pride soars aloft, but patience walketh humbly with his God.

* 1.113God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

* 1.114The mercie of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Let not that incourage sinners to the com∣mission

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of sin, but from thence let them sue for a remission of sin.

It is the will of every Saint, that the will of the Lord should be done; and he is content that all things should be so done, so as to content God.

The Holy Prophet confirms it, saying, I delight to do thy will,* 1.115 O my God, yea, thy law is within my heart.

Though our good works will not carry us to heaven, yet they shall finde a reward in heaven.

Behold, I come quickly,* 1.116 and my reward is with me, to give every man according a his work shall be.

The life of the wicked is abomi∣nable; they sin with content, and are content with sin: Miserable Wretches!

Well spake the Holy Ghost by E∣saias the Prophet unto our Fathers,* 1.117 saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and Seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.

For the heart of this people is waxed gross,* 1.118 and their ears are dull

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of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Till we get Christ within us, we are without Christ.

The Lord's bottle and basket are never empty; he bountifully invites us with this free offer of grace.

* 1.119Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk with∣out money, and without price.

* 1.120He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away.

When God sends mercie, we should not onely thank the donor, but welcome the messenger; for they both come from God.

* 1.121How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The proud man exalts himself against all that is good, therefore

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the Lord thinks good to take down his pride.

Every one that is proud in heart,* 1.122 is an abomination to the Lord.

The world cannot exalt a proud man so high, but God will bring him low; neither can all the world so debase an humble man, but God will exalt him.

The world may strive to pull him down, But God will raise him to a Crown.

In the seed-time of your life, let your Holiness be sown, that so you may reap Blessedness in the Har∣vest of Eternity.

He that will put Piety in practice, must set his heart to practice Piety.

The Lord seeth not as man seeth:* 1.123 for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

My Son, give me thine heart,* 1.124 and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Ungodly men grow rich; yet godliness with contentment is great gain.* 1.125

There is a kind of Divine hus∣bandry;

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saving grace is a heavenly thirft, and doth so improve, that it makes us Burgesses of the Holy City.

* 1.126Wherefore, Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ.

A friend may commit an errour in love; but he is an enemy that loves his errour.

The covetous man cannot enjoy what he hath got, through the greediness of his desire to get more.

* 1.127He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth, and spareth not.

To have faith in Christ, is well∣pleasing to the faithful God, for he is the Father of the Faithful.

* 1.128The Lord is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercie with them that love him and keep his Commandments, to a thou∣sand generations.

The Righteous man hath grace beyond expression; the Hypocrite hath expression beyond grace.

* 1.129The tongue of the just is as choice

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silver: the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

God doth sometimes deliver men up to Satan, that they may be de∣livered from Satan.

Deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh,* 1.130 that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus.

Can a man be an empty Vine, and yet bring forth Fruit?

Israel is an empty vine,* 1.131 bringing forth fruit unto himself.

Christ is the Son of God, and yet he is called the Son of man.

The Word was made flesh,* 1.132 and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

The Almighty's permission of sin, is no warrant for the sinners commission of sin.

Whosoever committeth sin,* 1.133 is the servant of sin.

Our Saviour had a Father and a Mother, and yet he was from the beginning.

In the beginning was the Word,* 1.134

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and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

* 1.135This is Solomon's advice, Be not righteous overmuch: However, it is the duty of a Christian to cloath him with Righteousness as with a Garment.

The Saints have no greater joy than to enjoy God, and to rejoyce in him.

* 1.136He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

As it is hard to bend a well∣grown Stick, so is it difficult to work upon the heart of a despe∣rate season'd sinner; for he runs on in his wickedness, and is deaf to all good instructions.

* 1.137They have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Onwards they run, a ready pace; Plainer's the way, than that to grace.

A Saint will not sin, though he knows that sin may work for his advantage.

* 1.138All things work together for the good of them that love God.

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We are commanded to love Peace, and follow after Righteous∣ness; and yet the Saints themselves are in continual War, fighting the good fight of Faith.

Above all things take the sheild of Faith,* 1.139 wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The Salvation of a Saint may be sure, yet may not he be sure of his Salvation.

Wherefore the rather, brethren,* 1.140 give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

Blessings if abused, may be turn∣ed into curses, and curses are often∣times turned into blessings.

Saith the Lord of hosts,* 1.141 I will even send a curse upon you, I will curse your blessings.

If any man would be rich, he must be diligent; but notwith∣standing that, let him remember, Paul may Plant, and Apollo may Water; but it is God that giveth the blessing.

He becometh poor that dealeth* 1.142

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with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

* 1.143The blessing of the Lord, that maketh rich, and he addeth no sor∣row with it.

The Righteous man makes god∣liness his gain; the Wicked man makes gain his godliness.

* 1.144He that is greedy of gain, trou∣bleth his own house: but he that ha∣teth gifts shall live.

The Soul is above the reach of any weapon but sin, and that pierces like a sting.

Sin is a raging torment in the Conscience:* 1.145 A wounded Spirit who can bear?

Let not the best of men think they were ever good, lest their Conscience shall tell them they were never good.

* 1.146Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from e∣vil.

Some men will pretend to abhor such a sin, yet hug it in their bosom; such sinners sting their Consciences to magnifie their Credits.

If by suffering for Christ we

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loose all that we have in this world, we are sufficient gainers when we save our own Souls.

Paul that Pious Apostle saith, Doubtless, I count all things but loss,* 1.147 for the excellencie of the knowledge of Iesus Christ my Lord: for which I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

A repenting Penitent, though formerly as bad as the worst of men, may by grace become as good as the best.

God who is rich in mercie,* 1.148 for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins,* 1.149 hath quickned us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)

The Devil is indifferent whe∣ther we go to Hell in the frequen∣ted road of Profaness, or in the smooth way of Hypocrisie.

It is the power of godliness, not the form, that directs the way to Heaven, as the power of ungodli∣ness leads to Hell.

Lovers of Pleasures,* 1.150 more than lovers of God,

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* 1.151Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Beware of impenitence, and of late repentance: true repentance cannot be too late, but a late re∣pentance is rarely true.

Wherefore the real Christian should say betimes with holy Iob, I abhor my self,* 1.152 and repent in dust and ashes.

It is one thing to hold the truth, and another thing to hold it in sin∣cerity: we must be just, as well as orthodox.

* 1.153Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth.

* 1.154Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath; go not to bed in anger, lest you have a tempter to your bedfellow.

* 1.155Wrath is cruel, and anger is out∣ragious: but who is able to stand before envy?

One of the blessings of the Old Testament was Prosperity, and one of the blessings of the new Testa∣ment is Affliction.

Let not sin intice you to forsake

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God, lest it urge God to forsake you.

It is Solomon's advice; My Son,* 1.156 if sinners intice thee, consent thou not.

Conversion is a fit application for the wounds of a wicked man, and strengthening likewise is very apt for the converted.

Saith David,* 1.157 In the day when I cryed, thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my Soul.

A devout Soul should not think himself secure, when he is safe, nor should he fear when in the grea∣test danger; but distrust himself, and always trust in God.

Say with Iob, Though he slay me,* 1.158 yet will I trust in him.

Act not against the light of Con∣science, lest your Light be darkned, and your Conscience shipwrack't.

Men loved darkness rather than light,* 1.159 because their deeds were e∣vil.

Vertue and Vice, that is, Charity and Lust, divide the whole life of man; they are the two Trees of

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the Gospel that produceth fruits good and evil.

Study not to live long, but to live well; for an hour mis-spent, is not liv'd, but lost.

No man is perfect, for there is none so good but he may mend.

* 1.160Iesus said unto the young man, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt receive treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

The sins of a mans life are innu∣merable:* 1.161 Who can understand his errours? (saith David) cleanse thou me from secret faults.

The changes of a Saints conditi∣on, are but so many exchanges of mercie; if he thrives, God is boun∣tiful to him; if he hath troubles in this world, God is careful of him, and provides him a portion in a better world.

When David was in the Cave, all his comfort was in Prayer unto God. I cryed unto thee,* 1.162 O Lord, I said, Thou art my refuge and portion in the land of the living.

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Troubles, or Sickness, when san∣ctified, is much better than unsancti∣fied Prosperity.

It is not talking of God, but walking with God, that makes a Christian compleat.

See that ye walk circumspectly,* 1.163 not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time,* 1.164 because the days are evil.

Beware of superstition, for that will not teach a man to fear God, but to be afraid of him.

Study to have Christ rather in your heart, than your house; for with such Habitations he is best pleased.

Rent your heart,* 1.165 and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.

The being of the Soul is rather where it loves, than where it lives.

Let us study to love God, though we do not see him; rather than to see him, and not love him.

All the pleasure of our days is grief, when there is not an inward

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peace in the Conscience, and with that all the griefs imaginable are turn'd into delight; for a good Conscience is a continual feast.

It is good to be Learned, but it is better to be Religious; for Learn∣ing is but an Ornament to Religion, but Religion is a Blessing to Learn∣ing.

One may be ever learning, yet never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.* 1.166

A man may have knowledge, and no grace; but he cannot have grace, and no knowledge.

Jesus answered the Sadduces, say∣ing,* 1.167 Ye erre, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

He that is truly Religious, de∣lights in the service of God, and had rather be shortned in the com∣forts of his life, than neglect the performance of his duty towards him.

* 1.168Delight thy self in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

To profess Religion is good, but to practice Religion is better; to

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profess, and not to practice, is to dissemble with God and Man; and a cunning course it is for man to destroy his own Soul.

The godly man may apply the promises to himself, but the wicked man may apply himself to the promises.

Having these promises,* 1.169 let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

If we would have God hear our Prayers, we must have the sence of feeling them our selves.

Sin brought death into the world, and death carried sin out of the world.

He that would not have Time pass swiftly away, should not use much Pastime.

The way to understand the sweetness of God's mercie, is to get a sence of the bitterness of our own misery.

In all concerns let God be con∣cerned; the work will be the better done, and the blessing will be the larger.

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No man can do an evil action well, but a good action may be spoiled in the management.

The tongue is an evil member: for he that hath no reputation him∣self, is master of another man's.

* 1.170Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

The delight which a gracious Soul hath in mercies, is not in the hearing of them, or talking of them, but in the possessing and en∣joying of them.

* 1.171God is a God that pardoneth Ini∣quity, and retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercie.

The delight of a gracious Soul is, to long to be dissolved, and to go to his long'd-for home, that he may be with Christ.

* 1.172A day in thy Courts, O God, is better than a thousand: I had ra∣ther be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tent of wickedness.

It is God's appearing gracious to our Souls, that makes him appea so glorious to our eyes.

* 1.173To the praise of the glory of hi

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Grace, wherein he hath made us ac∣cepted in the beloved.

It is not in our power to imagine the power of God; it converteth Souls, and raiseth dead Bodies.

The Law of the Lord is perfect,* 1.174 converting the soul: the Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Iesus cryed with a loud voice,* 1.175 La∣zarus come forth.

And he that was dead, came forth,* 1.176 bound hand and foot with grave∣cloaths, and his face was bound a∣bout with a napkin. Iesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

The Soul cannot be converted by the word that man speaks, nor by the man that speaks the word.

For by grace are ye saved,* 1.177 through faith, and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God.

By the Scriptures we learn what God hath done for us, and what we are to do for God.

All Scripture is given by inspira∣tion of God,* 1.178 and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,

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for instruction in righteousness.

When a gracious Soul desireth a mercie of God, let him consider the value of that mercie before it comes; and when it is present, let him seriously value its worth before it be past.

When David's condition was low and mean in the world, we finde to come from him many sweet breathings of his Soul, and strong actings of his Faith and love.

* 1.179I will be glad and rejoyce in thy mercie, for thou hast considered my trouble, thou hast known my soul in Adversitie.

* 1.180Let me not be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon thee; let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.

It is the key of Knowledge that openeth the door of Heaven; it is the knowledge of the Truth that leadeth to Salvation.

* 1.181Behold thou desirest the inward parts; and in the inward part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

The ill which proceeds from

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man, must not be attributed unto God, neither must the good which proceeds from God be attributed unto man.

There is none good but one,* 1.182 that is God.

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men, that they are vain.* 1.183

Sin hath dominion over us, be∣fore conversion; but being con∣verted, we have dominion over sin: and whereas before we were cap∣tives unto sin, we now lead sin into captivity.

He that is born of God,* 1.184 overcom∣eth the world.

When we have done for God all that we can, our all is so little, and our good deeds so ill, that we are at best but unprofitable servants.

When ye have done all those things which are commanded you, say,* 1.185 We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.

What greater act of impiety or ignorance can there be, than for a man to do ill, and yet pretend or think he doeth well?

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* 1.186Who can understand his errours? cleanse thou me from secret sins.

He that will not deny himself and his own ends for Christ, will deny Christ for his own ends, and will to his sorrow be denied by Christ in the end.

* 1.187Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven.

In God there is no darkness at all, for God is light; in man there is no light at all, for he is darkness: our very light is darkness.

* 1.188God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

* 1.189If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, How great is that darkness?

* 1.190We may profess Christ; but when we possess Christ, then is our hope of Glory.

* 1.191Christ is made known to us two ways, by Relation, and by Revela∣tion; which latter knowledge is the best.

If we can be of the number of Christ's little ones, the mercie will be great.

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It was our Saviour's saying,* 1.192 Veri∣ly I say unto you, Except ye be con∣verted, and become as little chil∣dren, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

A Saint's heart is in the Law of God, and the Law of God is like∣wise in his heart.

The Law of God is in the heart of the righteous:* 1.193 none of his steps shall slide.

O how I love thy Law!* 1.194 it is my meditation all the day.

If any man would have his child be a man of God, he must teach him betimes, first to become a child of God.

Train up a child in the way he should go,* 1.195 and when he is old he will not depart from it.

He is

Natures fair Picture drawn in Oyl, Which time (and handling oft) doth spoil.

Let the wicked laugh at the godly for being godly, rather than God should laugh at them for be∣ing wicked.

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* 1.196Ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my re∣proof:

* 1.197I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh.

What a choice mercie had Solo∣mon, who had the choice of mer∣cies!

The reputation of a good man, is to be rich in goodness, not in goods.

* 1.198Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, nor the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in the Lord.

He is the only wise and rich man, that can learn to be content.

* 1.199Godliness with contentment, is great gain.

The expectation of a Saint is Eternity, and the whole world is not able to answer his single expe∣ctation.

We may be instructed by a Pro∣phet; but it is the Spirit of God by which we profit.

* 1.200Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

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The death of Christ giveth life to them that repent, and giveth them a repentance unto life not to be repented of; it giveth salvati∣on to them that believe, and enables them to believe unto salvation.

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord.* 1.201

Whether God give or take, it is our duty to be thankful.

Shall we rejoyce at Sweets, and shall we lowre When God is pleas'd by his Almighty power To season them with some few grains of sour?

Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.* 1.202

Our God is free to give, and free to forgive; his hand and his heart are both open to them that serve him.

When we draw neer to Christ, he is ready to receive us; nay, when we fly from him, he is ready to invite us.

Come unto me all ye that labour,* 1.203

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and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.

Many men in their doings, pur∣chase their undoings.

* 1.204There are many devices in a mans heart: nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand.

He that receiveth a mercie, and doth not use it, doth abuse it.

Christ dyed that we might live.

* 1.205But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.

Live Iesus, live, and let it be My life to dye for love of thee.

If we finde not some time to serve God, he will not finde any time to save us.

* 1.206If any man serve me, saith Christ, let him follow me, and where I am there shall also my servant be: If any man serve me, him will my Fa∣ther honour.

He that hath Christ hath all things, and he that hath not Christ hath nothing at all.

* 1.207Wherefore, Seek ye first the

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Kingdom of God and his Righte∣ousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.

There's nothing in this vast Terrestrial Ball Compar'd to Christ, for he is all in all.

Study to be altogether a Christi∣an: for if a man be but almost a Christian, he is like to be but almost saved; though he may think he is not far from the Kingdom of Hea∣ven, yet he will finde the Kingdom of Heaven is far from him.

Agrippa said unto Paul,* 1.208 Almost thou perswadest me to be a Christi∣an.

There is nothing among us more rife than the name Christian, or the Christian name; and nothing a∣mong us more rare, than the Chri∣stian man.

They that are Christs have cruci∣fied the flesh,* 1.209 with the affections and lusts.

Though Christ was crucified to deliver us from death, yet we must either crucifie our sins, or we shall dye in them. Our hope of glory

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is not only Christ without, but Christ within us.

* 1.210What is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.

Many men are at one and the same time both alive and dead; for they that wallow in the deceitful pleasures of sin, are dead though they live.

* 1.211You hath he quickned, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

When man is most idle, then is the Devil most busie. It was La∣timer's saying, that one holy day produced more service to Satan than many working days.

* 1.212This was the Iniquity of Sodom: Pride, fulness of Bread, and a∣bundance of Idleness was in her, and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

The Righteous man saith, What is lawful that will I; but the un∣righteous man saith, What I will is lawful, or to me all things are lawful.

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All the wayes of man are clean in his own eyes;* 1.213 but the Lord weigheth the spirit.

It is the pleasure of Almighty God to bless us without any cause given him; How much then are we to bless him who hath given us the cause so to do?

Praise waiteth for thee, O God,* 1.214 in Zion.

Sing forth the honour of his Name: make his praise glorious.* 1.215

The devout Soul should so live, as that the Gospel should not be a∣shamed of him, nor he of that.

As he which hath called you is holy,* 1.216 so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

Where no assurance is, there may be grace; but no assurance can be where there is no grace.

Let us draw neer with a true heart in full assurance of faith,* 1.217 ha∣ving our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, and our bodies wa∣shed with pure Water.

The godly man sets a greater value by far upon the motions, than the notions of grace.

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All the blessings that a Saint re∣ceives, are the more dear & welcom because they savour of a Saviour.

Christ is our treasure, as David saith, With thee is the Fountain of Life,* 1.218 and in thy light we shall see light.

He that denies himself, shall be saved; but he that denies his Savi∣our, shall be damned.

* 1.219It is Christ himself that saith, He that taketh not his Cross and follow∣eth after me, is not worthy of me.

He that findeth his life, shall loose it:* 1.220 and he that looseth his life for my sake, shall finde it.

When God sends us an evil visi∣tation, even then God is good to us, for he sends that evil for our good.

The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works.* 1.221

When a sinner repenteth of his sin, his sorrow speaks it self to be great, when he cannot speak for sorrow.

A Saint will keep to the Do∣ctrine of his life, that he may keep life in his Doctrine.

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God loves us not for what we have, but for what we are; and we are bound to love God, were it for no other reason but because he loveth us.

The wicked man mindeth not the God that made him, but sets his affections upon the God of his own making.

But your gold and silver is can∣kered,* 1.222 and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire: ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

It is more honourable to purchase fame from a low degree, than to become contemptible and infamous though sprang from an honourable Family.

The fear of the Lord is the in∣struction of wisdom;* 1.223 and before honour is humility.

Most men are naturally lovers of Gold, yet that came but from the earth; from the Gold comes Dross, yet few men mind that: so is it with good and bad men, the Vertu∣ous though they come from a mean

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stock are honoured, and the Vici∣ous though of splendid families are despised.

* 1.224Wherefore, Adde to your Faith, Vertue; and to Vertue, Knowledge.

Why should we rejoyce in the pleasures of this world? for we no sooner set our affections on them, but of a sudden they are blasted, or we are taken from them, or by sick∣ness disabled to enjoy them.

Wherefore seek ye the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is hid all the trea∣sures of Wisdom and Knowledge; And the Lord give thee understand∣ing in all things.* 1.225

Notes

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