A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

CAP. XIIII.

That a godly life is not tedious and troublesome to the rege∣nerate man, but easie and familiar.

§. Sect. 1 That the rege∣nerate haue a new nature, vnto which a godly life is easie and pleasant.

ANd thus it appeareth, that the godly life is easie and plea∣sant in it selfe and it owne nature. Now if wee can further prooue, that it is also vnto vs nothing hard or impossible, tedious or troublesome, but contrariwise easie and familiar, then the obiection of difficulties being sufficiently answered and remoued, need not to be any impediment to hinder vs from entring into the wayes of godlinesse. To which purpose we are first to know, that howsoeuer the leading of a godly life be as hard and difficult, as grieuous and euen vnpossible for a naturall man, as for Lead to swimme, or for the earth to leaue its center, and to mount vp vnto the skies; yet vnto those who are regenerate, it is not so, seeing their corrupt nature is changed and sanctified, and they haue a new nature wrought in them, vnto which a godly life is easie and familiar, by reason of that similitude which is be∣tweene them. And thus the Lord, when hee would haue his people to serue him in the duties of holinesse and righteousnesse, doth promise to worke this change in them: And the Lord thy God will circumcize thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and all thy soule, &c. For this commandement which I command thee, is not hid∣den from thee, neither is it farre off, &c. But the Word is very nigh vnto thee, in thy mouth, and in thine heart, that thou maist doe it. And againe, I will giue them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and I will giue them an heart of flesh, that they may walke in my statutes, and keepe my ordinances and doe them. So in the new couenant of grace the Lord promiseth, that he would write his Law, not in Tables of stone, but in the fleshie tables of their hearts, and put it into their inward parts; thereby inabling them to yeeld vnto it cheerfull obedience, seeing they haue an internall cause of this spirituall motion in themselues, euen an heart sanctified and replenished with the loue and feare of God, which maketh them to desire aboue all things to serue and please him. In respect of which change (so farre forth as they are changed and regenerate) it is no more tedious and wearisome vnto them to performe the duties of a godly life, then for the liuing fountaine to spring, or the riuer to flow, or for grosse vapours and slimie exhalations to mount aloft into the middle and highest region of the aire, when as they are rarified by the Sunne, and haue their nature changed from an earthly grosnesse, to an ayery or fiery subtilty and lightnesse; although the reliques of sinne and corruption of nature remaining still in the vnregenerate part, doe hang vpon vs, and pull vs backe, hindring vs in our spirituall motion (like an exhalation in∣closed with the vapours of the middle region, so as it cannot mount vp vnto his owne proper place) whereof arise some tedious conflicts and sharpe incounters, which make the duties of a godly life to seeme vnto vs by fits more difficult and wearisome. Yea, if wee rest vpon our owne strength and abilities, the infirmities and corruptions which we shall dis∣couer,

will be notable discouragements to hinder vs in the wayes of god∣linesse, and like children which presume to goe alone, when they haue onely strength to walke as they are led in their fathers hand, we shall, by receiuing many falls and knocks, be so daunted and dismayed, that we shall be afraid to set a foot forward in the duties of Christianity, as farre exceeding our abilities of performance. Whereas, if seeing our frailties and infirmities, we take occasion thereby to deny our selues and our owne strength, and wholly distrust the weake reede of our owne free wills, as being vtterly insufficient to stay and vphold vs in our Christian course: And contrariwise, altogether rely vpon Gods power and promises, and acknowledge that his grace is sufficient, when we most see and bewayle our owne weakenesse and impotencie; wee shall heereby receiue no dis∣couragement, but goe on cheerefully in all holy duties of his seruice. For when wee are most blinde and ignorant, this grace of God will bee all-sufficient to inlighten vs; when wee are most weake and feeble, it will confirme and strengthen vs; when wee most distaste the duties of Christianity, as being bitter and vnpleasant to our corrupted nature, it will, by changing and renuing it, make them to become easie and plea∣sant, and (as wee see in the example of Dauid) sweeter vnto our mouthes then the hony and the honey combe. When wee feele the flesh rebelling and lusting against the Spirit, it will mortifie and subdue it; And when our tumultuous passions and inordinate affections doe rage in vs, striuing to carry vs with headlong fury, from the seruice of God, to the seruice of Satan, the world, and our owne vnruly lusts, it will powerfully purge away their corruption, rectifie their disorder, and make them become seruiceable to the spirituall part; like wild beasts, which being in their owne nature fierce and cruell, and ready to deuoure or teare vs in pieces, when they are mastred and tamed, become helpefull and commodious for diuers vses. And thus the grace of God sanctifieth our loue, and weaning it from worldly vanities, fixeth it vpon spirituall and heauenly things. Thus it changeth our choller into zeale; our ha∣tred of good things into the hatred of that which is euill; our world∣ly sorrow, into repentant griefe for sinne; our carnall ioy into spi∣rituall reioycing in the assurance of Gods fauour; and our desperate boldnesse and audaciousnesse, into Christian courage, and magnanimous resolution, which will inable vs valiantly to oppose and ouercome all difficulties, which would discourage and hinder vs in the profession and practice of true godlinesse. So that the difficultie of Christian du∣ties, compared with our owne frailties and infirmities, will not dis∣courage vs, if wee doe not seuer the Law from the Gospel, looking onely vpon that obedience which it requireth, and not vnto that grace of God which the Gospell promiseth, and which he purposely bestoweth vpon vs, that thereby we may be enabled to performe that which he com∣mandeth. But rather the sight and sense of our owne weakenesse, will but make vs cling the faster to the firme pillar of our strength, and to flee vn∣to him in our earnest & effectuall prayers, desiring him to command what he will, if withall hee will giue vnto vs grace and strength to performe those duties which he commandeth.

§. Sect. 2 That a godly life is made ea∣sie, through the power of God the Father assisting vs.

Secondly, the duties of a godly life, which are so difficult, in respect of our frailty and corruption, become easie and familiar vnto vs, not one∣ly in respect of this grace, whereby our natures are changed and re∣newed; but also in respect of those fresh supplies which wee daily haue from God himselfe, euen the Father, Sonne, and holy Spirit. For first, God the Father doeth not content himselfe to haue regenera∣ted vs, and renewed our nature, and so to leaue vs, but hee daily re∣paireth our decayed strength; hee doeth not onely infuse some spiritu∣all graces into vs, and so leaue vs to be vpheld by their inherent strength, but hee still standeth by vs, and continually assisteth vs by his power and prouidence, out of his rich Treasury supplying what is wanting, strengthening vs when wee are ready to faint; raysing vs, when wee slip and fall; repairing his graces with new supplies, when they are spent and wasted, and (as it were) re-inforcing his spirituall Bands and Troupes, when as they are enfeebled and wearied in the con∣flict of tentations. Hee not onely commandeth the duties of his ser∣uice, but also that wee may bee both incouraged and inabled to doe them; hee promiseth his assistance, and that hee will ioyne with vs, supplying by his all-sufficient power, what is wanting through our weakenesse. Thus hee willeth vs to a repent and turne vnto him, and b worketh also this conuersion and repentance, exhorteth vs to c cir∣cumcize our hearts, and withall, d promiseth that hee will circumcize them, inioyneth vs to e loue and feare him, and f sheadeth abroad his loue in our hearts by his holy Spirit, whereby hee inflameth them with loue towards him, and g putteth his feare into them, that wee dare not depart from him, by doing wilfully any thing that is displeasing in his sight. Though then wee bee naturally barren in the fruits of new obedience, yet this must not discourage vs, seeing the Lord hath pro∣mised, that hee will make vs trees of righteousnesse planted by his owne right hand, which shall bring foorth fruit in due season, like trees plan∣ted by the riuers of waters, and that he will powre the sweet dewes of his grace vpon him that is thirsty, and floods vpon the dry ground. If we be fee∣ble and weake in our owne strength; yet the Lord himselfe will streng∣then and incourage vs in euery good worke by his gracious presence; saying, Feare thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismaid, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea, I will helpe thee; yea, I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse. I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying vnto thee, Feare not, I will helpe thee. When wee finde and feele our faintnes and feeblenes in holy duties, let not this make vs to desist & giue them ouer, as impossible to bee atchieued; but let vs remember, that the euerlasting God, the Lord, the Creatour of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, nei∣ther is weary; who giueth power to the faint, and to them that haue no might, in∣creaseth strength. So that though those who are in their youth and prime age, be weary, faint, and vtterly fall, yet if being humbled in the sense of our owne weakenesse, we doe deny our selues, and waite vpon the Lord, he will re∣new our strength, and we shall mount vp with wings as Eagles; we shal run, and not be weary; and walke, and not be faint. This worke of regeneration is not our own, but the Lords, who is as able & willing to perfect a work, as to begin

it; for not to finish what he hath vndertaken and begun, were a signe either of inconstancie, or want of power, whereas he is immutable and omnipo∣tent; according to that of the Prophet, Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring foorth, saith the Lord? shall I cause to bring foorth, and shut the wombe, saith thy God? Though then the duties of a godly life seeme vnto vs hard, difficult, and euen vnpossible; yet let not this discourage vs, seeing nothing is impossible with God; though they bee so farre aboue our abilities, that they also exceed our hopes, so as we scarce dare sue and seeke after that power of performance which God requireth, and we desire; let vs remem∣ber, that the Lord is able to doe exceeding abundantly, aboue all that we aske or thinke, according to the power that worketh in vs. And though we are ready to stumble at euery stone of offence, and to sinke in euery tentation, let vs goe on cheerfully for all this, seeing our God is able to keepe vs from falling, and to present vs faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy. Yea, he is ready to preuent vs with his grace, and not only to worke in vs (as in the Prodigall son) some good desires of returning vnto our heauenly Father, that we may serue him; but euen when he seeth vs afarre off, he will run to meet vs, giue vs kind intertainment, and feast vs so with a banket of his graces, that we shall be inabled with cheerfulnesse to doe his worke. And therefore, though we find neuer so mighty opposition, as soone as we are entred into the course of Christianity, yet being assured of Gods presence and assistance, let not this dismay vs; For if God be with vs, who can be against vs? Pharaoh may wel frowne and storme against vs, but his ruine shalbe our safety. The deuill may rage, and (as it were) rend vs with his tentations, but out he must come & leaue his hold, when God commandeth him. Though we apprehend the greatnesse and difficulty of the worke, and our owne weakenesse and insufficiency to goe thorow with it; let not this discourage vs from vndertaking it: for the Lord is with vs, his grace is all-sufficient, and his power is manifested and glorified in our infirmities. Though we are weake in our owne strength, and able to doe nothing, yet we are strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, & (with the Apostle) able to do all things, through the power of Christ, which strengtheneth vs. Though we through our corrup∣tion, are prone to fall into any sinne; the Lord shall deliuer vs from euery euill worke, and preserue vs vnto his heauenly Kingdome: and finally, though we are so fettred and gauled with our naturall corruptions, that wee can scarce creepe in the wayes of Gods Commandements, yet we may resolue to run in them with great agility and swiftnesse, when he shall be pleased to inlarge our hearts. They (saith an ancient Father) who resolue to passe from the loue of worldly pleasure, vnto an honest and vertuous life, finde it at the first a rough and vncouth way, which is hardly passable. For the sweetnesse of a long settled and confirmed custome, opposeth and hindreth them, and lothnesse to breake it, doth much intoxicate and disturbe their mindes. Neither can our carnall affections be easily shunned or subdued, nor is the way of vertue plaine and easie to euery one who offereth to run in it. But yet, God prospering and helping vs forward, and smoothing and leuelling these rough and vnpassable wayes, a man may easily escape, or ouercome the assaults of his owne carnall affections, and couragiously mount vnto the top of the hill of vertue.

§. Sect. 3 That God the Sonne ioyning with vs, taketh away all diffi∣culty.

Secondly, God the Sonne ioyning with vs in the duties of a godly life, will take away all difficulty, and enable vs to performe them with all cheerefulnes and delight. For being vnited vnto him by a true and a liuely faith, and ingrafted into this blessed & fruitfull Vine, as liuing branches, wee shall receiue such spirituall life and sap of grace from him, that we shall bring forth the ripe grapes and pleasant fruits of ho∣linesse and righteousnes. Being knit vnto him in this blessed vnion, and becomming liuely members of his body, wee shall haue communion with him, and receiue such vertue and vigour, as shall be effectuall, not only for our iustification, but also for our sanctification. From his death we shall receiue vertue & strength for the mortifying of the flesh and the sinfull lusts thereof, so as it shall no longer reigne and rule in vs as in former times, and from his Resurrection such a quickning power, as will enable vs to rise out of the graue of sin, and to walke in the waies of holinesse and righteousnesse, bringing forth the plentifull fruits of new and true obedience. Besides, our Sauiour, who exhorteth vs to take his yoke vpon vs, offreth himselfe to ioyne with vs, and to be our yoke-fellow; and as the taller and stronger Oxe, drawing together with one that is lesse and weaker, easeth him of the chiefest part of the burthen; so our Sauiour so farre exceeding vs in greatnesse and strength, doth free vs from all irkesomnesse and cumbersome tedi∣ousnesse of that burthen which he layeth vpon vs, by bearing it vp vpon his owne blessed necke and shoulders. Neither doth he call vs vnto him to trouble and vex vs, but to ease and comfort vs. Not to op∣presse vs with a burthen aboue our strength, but to lighten vs of the in∣tolerable load of sin, by taking it vpon himselfe, in stead wherof, he lay∣eth vpon vs his sweet and easie yoke of Euangelicall obedience; ac∣cording to that his gracious call and inuitation, Come vnto me, all yee that labour and are heauie loaden, and I will ease you; take my yoke vpon you and learne of me, for I am meeke and lowly in heart, and yee shall finde rest vnto your soules; for my yoke is easie, and my burthen light. So that though it be a yoke and burthen, yet it needs not dismay vs, seeing it is but light and easie, in comparison of that vnsupportable waight of sin, the wrath of God, and curse of the Law, from which he hath freed vs; and not such an one as will toyle and turmoile vs; but a burthen that bringeth ease, and a labour which causeth rest. It is not Christs purpose to sur∣charge and oppresse vs, by imposing a burthen aboue our strength; for he that hath taught vs that a good man is mercifull vnto his beast, will not be hard-hearted and cruell to his yoke, fellowes, yea to his owne body and bowels; but onely he desireth that we would beare him company, promising that if our weight be ouer-burthensome, he will ease vs, if it be irksome and tedious, he will make it sweet & plea∣sant, and if there be any defects & wants in vs, he will supply them by vertue of that communion which we haue with him. If we be dead, and cannot mooue in the actions of piety and righteousnesse, by touching his dead body, he will giue vs spirituall life and motion. For as the Father rayseth vp the dead and quickneth them; euen so the Sonne quickneth whom he will. He is the Resurrection and the Life; he that beleeueth

in him, though he were dead, yet shall he liue. So if being raysed, we want spirituall illumination, that we may walke in those wayes which God hath prescribed, our Sauiour will supply it, according to that of the Apostle; Awake, thou that sleepest, and stand vp from the dead, and Christ shall giue thee light. If we be weake & feeble, he will strengthen vs with might by his Spirit in the inner man. If we feele the exercises of a godly life so difficult & vnpleasant to our corrupt nature, that we haue little hope of proceeding in them, that which is defectiue through naturall corrup∣tion, he wil supply by grace aboue all that we can expect; for he is able to doe exceeding abundantly aboue al that we aske or thinke, according to the power that worketh in vs. If we be faint, he will support vs; if weary, he will re∣fresh vs; if we fall, he wil lift vs vp. If we be discomforted and discoura∣ged with afflictions & tribulations which we meet with in the way, he will strengthen vs with faith & patience, that we may be able to beare them; so as we may say with the Apostle; We are troubled on euery side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despaire; persecuted, but not for∣saken; cast downe, but not destroyed.

§. Sect. 4 That the du∣ties of a godly life are made easie by the assistance of the holy Spirit.

Finally, the holy Spirit so assisteth vs with his grace, that the duties of a godly life, which are to the flesh difficult and vnpleasant, become sweet and easie. For when we feele our selues most dull & dead, and vt∣terly vnable to moue in the wayes of godlinesse; this Spirit of life and power will quicken and reuiue vs; according to that of the Apostle; If the Spirit of him that raysed vp Iesus from the dead dwell in you; he that raysed vp Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortall bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. If our flesh rebell and labour to hinder vs in all good duties, the Spirit of God will mortifie and subdue it. If car∣nall corruption be so strong in vs, that it withdraweth our hearts and affections from God and his seruice; This Spirit of God as a sharpe razour will circumcise our hearts, and purging vs from our naturall corruption, will inflame them with Gods loue, and with feruent de∣sires to please him in all things. If we be so straightned in our zeale and deuotion, that we can neither read, heare, nor pray, yet our com∣fort is, that the Spirit of God is not straightned, but can like fire thaw our frozen hearts, open our eares and hearts, that we shalbe able with Ly∣dia to attend vnto those things which concerne our saluation, and help∣ing our infirmities, will make intercession for vs with gronings which cannot be vttered. If we be destitute of all sauing graces in our owne sense and feeling, and doe thirst after them like the drie lands, Gods Spirit will quench our thirst, and be in vs as a fountaine of liuing water springing vp into euerlasting life. Finally, if wee be stiffe and vnactiue vnto euery good worke, so as we cannot performe any dutie of Gods seruice, or if we doe, yet with much difficulty, and with murmuring and com∣playning of the flesh; this oyle and holy vnction of the Spirit will supple and soften our hearts and stiffe ioynts, making vs to goe with ease and agility in the wayes of godlinesse, like the wheeles of a cart, which being drie, goe hardly and with a creaking noyse, but when they are oyled, runne with much ease and swiftnesse. And therefore when wee finde our selues indisposed to Gods seruice, prayer or any

other duty, and see some difficulty in them to our sinfull flesh; let vs not hereby be discouraged, but feeling our owne weakenesse, let vs craue the helpe and assistance of this holy Spirit, that we may be strengthened thereby in the inner man, with all might, according to his glorious power, and so walke worthy of the Lord vnto all pleasing, being fruitfull in euery good worke. Let vs goe boldly vnto the Throne of grace, crauing the Spirit to sup∣port vs, seeing we haue Gods promise that he will giue it to those that aske him. Let vs begge the Spirit of Grace and supplication, seeing the Lord hath promised to bestow it vpon all the faithful; and finding our selues so drie and emptie of all goodnesse, that we thirst after Gods grace which inricheth vs with it; let vs by faith goe vnto Christ, in∣uiting vs to come vnto him, and to drinke plentifully of these waters of the Spirit, that we may be nourished thereby vnto euerlasting life.

§. Sect. 5 That the sa∣uing graces of the Spirit wrought in vs, make the godly life easie and familiar.

And as the Spirit it selfe, so the gifts and graces which it bringeth with it, and worketh in vs, are notable helpes enabling vs to ouercome all difficulties which we find in the way: As first, a true & liuely Faith, which not onely ouercommeth the world and all the enemies of our saluation, and vniting vs vnto Christ, doth cause vs to bring forth fruits in him, but also perswadeth & assureth vs, that notwithstanding all lets and difficulties, we shall attaine vnto that sanctification and holinesse of life which we labour after. The which as a singular encouragement hearteneth vs to take paines, & to vse all diligence in all Christian du∣ties, when as we are sure that we shall not lose our labour, but shall re∣ceiue the fruit and benefit of it in the end. Secondly, a liuely hope en∣ableth vs to ouercome all difficulties, when as we do assuredly expect, not only helpe & assistance from God, for the performing of those du∣ties, vnto which in our selues we are altogether insufficient; but also do wait for that bountifull wages & rich reward, which God hath promi∣sed to all those who serue & please him; namely, all the testimonies of his loue & fauor in this life, and that eternall crowne of glory & happi∣nesse, which he reserueth for vs in the life to come. For this is that hel∣met of saluation, which defendeth vs against al incounters of our spiritual enemies; this is that sure anchor-hold which keeps vs immoueable in all the tempestuous stormes of tentations, and from making shipwrack of our soules against the rocks of despaire. Neither is it possible, that we should be tired with any labour, or danted and dismayed with any dif∣ficulty or danger, if we haue an eye to the recompence of reward, & expect after our short and small labours, such an inestimable and euerlasting waight of glory. Thirdly, feruent charity enableth vs to ouercome all difficulties. For loue maketh euery burthen light, and if our necks be anoynted with this oyle, the yoke of Christ will seeme easie and sweet. For as Augustine saith, The labors of louers are not burthensome, but bring rather delight, as wee see in the example of those who loue those painfull sports of hunting, hawking, fishing & such like, seeing the paines which are taken about the things we loue, are either counted no labour, or else the labour is loued & bringeth no tediousnes. In which regard, loue is compared to the peyzes of a clock, which setteth all the wheeles a-going. Or to the wheeles of a chariot, which make it easily

drawn, & to go with much ease, which otherwise are hardly to be mo∣ued. True loue (saith one) is of great force. And he that is loued in an high degree, challengeth vnto himself the whole will and heart of him that loueth him. Nothing so imperiously cōmandeth as charity. And if we truly loue Christ, remembring that he hath redeemd with his blood, wee shall then know, that we can then neither will nor doe any other thing, then that which he willeth and commandeth; according to that, He who loueth me, keepeth my commandements. He that loueth, saith August. laboreth not; and it is onely loue which blusheth at the name of diffi∣culty. So the Apostle, Charity beareth all things, beleeueth all things, ho∣peth all things, endureth all things. An example whereof we haue in Da∣uid, who because hee loued Gods Commandements, therefore they were not tedious vnto him, but sweete and pleasant. Fourthly, ardent zeale and feruent deuotion, will arme vs greatly against all difficulties. For this serueth to the soule, as the spirits to the body, making it, which in it selfe is heauy and lumpish, quick and vigorous, actiue, and neuer wearied in well-doing. And whereas sloth, coldnesse and a∣uersnesse of wil doth make things easy, hard and difficult, a huge moun∣taine of euery little mole-hill, and euery straw a great blocke; contrari∣wise the heate of feruent zeale and deuotion, causeth vs to contemne & scorne all oppositions, & maketh our greatest labours in the seruice of God, light and delightfull. Fifthly, the inward peace of conscience and ioy in the holy Ghost, which followeth our iustification by faith, and reconciliation with God, is a notable help enabling vs to ouercome all difficulties. For the minde & conscience being inwardly quiet, are no∣thing or but little troubled with outward stormes, but go on quietly in all holy duties acceptable to God, without any disturbance, euen in the midst of worldly garboiles and tumultuous troubles. And whereas the wicked which want this peace, are neuer at quiet in the greatest calme of worldly prosperity, being like vnto a troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waters cast vp mire and durt; those who haue this inward peace, are qui∣et in the greatest stormes of trouble, and reioice not only in temporall blessings, but euen in their tribulations & persecutions for righteousnes sake.

§. Sect. 6 That Christi∣an fortitude o∣uercommeth all difficulties, and maketh a godly life easy.

Sixthly, Christian fortitude and magnanimous resolution will ex∣ceedingly helpe vs to ouercome all oppositions, the which is not to bee grounded vpon our owne strength, nor vpon the vertues and graces which are inherent in vs, but vpon the power and promises of almighty God, the mediation and intercession of Iesus Christ, and our vnion and communion with him, and finally vpon the help and assistance of the holy Spirit, which in our greatest weakenesse are all∣sufficient to strengthen vs against al impedimēts that hinder vs in Chri∣stian duties. For if we be armed with this fortitude and Christian cou∣rage, we shall be the better able to withstand the tentations of Satan and the world, and subdue our own corrupt lusts and violent passions, which will not easily be mastred and ouercome, if we weakely & feare∣fully set vpon them. For as Nettles lightly and gently touched, retaine their venome and vigour, and sting the hand, but hurt not at all, if wee roughly graspe and gripe them in fast hold; And as the fire, if we reso∣lutely

rush vpon it and trample it vnder foote, is easily extinguished, but if it be gently handled, burneth that which toucheth it; and if there be plenty of combustible matter, increaseth to a great flame: so our corrupt flesh and tumultuous passions, if they be handled gently, and (as it were) with a fearefull touch, will but the more sting and burne vs, but if they be assaulted with vndaunted courage, and nought-dreading valour, they will soone be subdued, and giue vs the comfort of an easie victory. Besides, howsoeuer we haue many helpes from God, & sweete comforts of his Spirit, which may sufficiently encourage vs in our Christian courses, against all oppositions, yet it cannot be denyed, but that we shall meete with so many difficulties, in respect of the corrupti∣on of our nature, and encounters of our spirituall enemies, that we had great neede of courage and resolution for the ouercomming of them. The palace of vertue is not seated vpon the plaine, but vpon a rocke and steepe hill, which we cannot mount without some paines, nor continue this paynes without resolued courage. Wee must trauayle, like paine∣full pilgrims, before we can take our rest in our own countrey. Wee must laboriously work, before we can receiue our wages, mourne and weepe, before we can laugh and reioyce, bedewing our cheekes with teares, before we can haue them cleane wiped away; and both fight and ouercome our spirituall enemies, before we can obtaine full victory, or triumph in glory. All which, as on the one side they must not daunt and dismay vs, because our ioyes exceede our griefe; our comforts, our cros∣ses; and they which are on our part, those that are against vs: so on the other side, they should keepe vs, when we enter into the course of Chri∣stianity, from dreaming of ease, or pleasing our selues with a vaine con∣ceit, that we shall finde pleasures without paines, and vndertake such a worke as is so easy, that we may go about it betweene sleeping and wa∣king, & easily ouercome it, though we be neuer so negligent: And con∣trariwise make it appeare how necessary it is, that before we goe about this building, we cast vp our accounts, & when we haue resolued vpon it, that we arme our selues with courage & fortitude, that ouercōming all difficulties and oppositions, we may be able to perfect and finish it.

§. Sect. 7 Of the meanes whereby wee may attaine vnto Christian fortitude.

Now the meanes of attaining vnto this Christian fortitude, where∣by we are made ready to doe whatsoeuer God commandeth, and to suffer whatsoeuer he imposeth, are first to consider what our Sauiour Christ hath done and suffered for our sakes; what pouerty and con∣tempt, shame and disgrace, slanders and reuilings, blindfolding and buffeting, scourging and crucifying; what inward sorrowes and bit∣ter agonies in the sight and sense of Gods wrath due vnto our sinnes, hee hath meekely and patiently indured for vs. And this argument the Apostle Peter vseth to strengthen our resolution against all difficul∣ties: For as much then as Christ hath suffered for vs in the flesh, arme your selues likewise with the same minde: seeing as Apostle speaketh, He there∣fore indured these things, lest we should bee weary and faint in our mindes. And then also let vs thinke with our selues, who it was that suffered all this, namely, Iesus Christ the innocent and righteous, who neuer sinned, and in whose mouth there was no guile; the glorious and eter∣nall

Sonne of God, equall vnto his Father in might and Maiesty: And for whom he suffered all these great euils, euen for vs and for our sinnes, which were strangers and enemies vnto him, dead in our sinnes, and the chil∣dren of wrath as well as others; and the motiues and manner of these sufferings, not vpon our intreaty, and much lesse desert, not by any com∣pulsion or constraint, but vpon his owne accord, and out of his meere grace and good will, meekly, and cheerfully. To consider likewise what our Sauiour hath done for vs, namely, forgiuen the infinite debt of our sinnes, ouercome all the enemies of our saluation, reconciled vs vnto God, vnited vs vnto himselfe, whereby we haue communion with him in all his benefits, imparted vnto vs some portion of his sauing graces, and innumerable pledges of his loue and fauour, which are also earnest-pen∣nies of our saluation. For who can thorowly ponder these things, and not be thereby armed with a magnanimous resolution of doing and suffer∣ing any thing for Christs sake? For did our Lord and Master suffer all this for vs; and shall wee not be ready and willing to suffer much lesser things for him? Shall our Captaine and Generall lye in the field, and indure much hardnesse, and many sharpe and dangerous conflicts; and shall wee take our ease at home, and solace our selues in worldly delights? Did hee indure many afflictions, and grieuous persecutions for our sakes, that hee might purchase for vs euerlasting life and happinesse, and himselfe leade vs the way vnder his Crosse; and will we dreame of going to that place of ioy, without paine or difficulty, as it were lying in an Horse-litter, and sleeping in a bed of Downe? Was his loue towards vs so great and inesti∣mable, that nothing could hinder him from emptying himselfe of glory and comming to vs, that he might worke that great worke of our Re∣demption; and shall wee not be willing and resolute to goe vnto him, thorow thicke and thin, fire and water, euill report, and good report, af∣fliction and persecution, that he may make vs partakers of his glory, and crowne vs with his happinesse? Could no difficulty daunt and discou∣rage him from shewing the infinitenesse of his loue, in doing all things necessary for our saluation; and shall we thinke any taske too hard to bee vndertaken, which may expresse our loue, our desire to glorifie him, and care to please him? Secondly, we may strengthen our selues in this mag∣nanimous fortitude and resolution, by obseruing the courage and con∣stancy of Gods Saints and seruants of former ages, and in our owne times, whom no difficulties could discourage, either from doing that which God requireth, or suffering that which hee inflicteth. Of both which, we haue for our imitation, the examples of the Patriarches, Enoch, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Isaac, Iacob, Iob, Dauid and the rest, of the Prophets and holy men of God, the Apostles of Iesus Christ, and the deuout and godly Martyrs which succeeded them, who were not onely content to spend their sweat and labour in Gods seruice, but were also prodigall of their blood, and patiently indured the most cruell and exquisite torments which wit and maljce could deuise, rather then they would leaue their ho∣ly profession and practice of Gods truth. And therefore if these Saints, of the same nature with vs, and bearing about with them the like infirmities, did, vpon the same grounds which wee likewise haue in common with

them, couragiously withstand all oppositions, and valiantly rush thorow all difficulties which stood in their way, and hindred them from follow∣ing their Lord and Master Iesus Christ; why should euery small danger daunt vs, and a little labour and short paines dismay and discourage vs from going on in the duties of a godly life? If they thought it too little to expresse their loue towards their Sauiour, to indure with patience and ioy, death it selfe, and exquisite torments; shall wee thinke it too much to take a little paines in mortifying our sinfull flesh, and the lusts thereof? Were they content to suffer the rendings and tearings of wilde beasts, rackes, gibbets, fire and sword; and will not we, to shew our loue to God and his Christ, our blessed Sauiour, who hath done and suffered so much for vs, take a little paines in the duties of a godly life; as fasting, praying, watching, and the rest, that we may glorifie them by our holy conuersa∣tion? Finally, if wee would attaine vnto this magnanimous fortitude, which easily ouercommeth all difficulties, wee must continually haue in our eye the eternall recompence of reward, according to the example of our Sauiour Christ, the Authour and finisher of our faith, who for the ioy that was set before him, indured the Crosse, and despised the shame. For if hope of a little gaine make Merchants so resolute and valiant, that they dare ex¦pose themselues to the dangers both of sea and land: if souldiers are so full of courage and fortitude, that they dare rush into all desperate perils, and fight at the push of pike, yea euen at the Canons mouth, for a little pay or booty, or for the applause of their Captaine and fellow souldi∣ers, or vaine fame and momentany glory in the world; what difficulty should be so great, that should be able to discourage vs from resoluing to leade a godly life, which shall be rewarded with the infinite and euerlast∣ing riches, and inestimable glory and happinesse of Gods Kingdome?

§. Sect. 8 That by daily and constant practice we may easily o∣uercome all difficulties.

The last meanes whereby we may be inabled to ouercome all difficul∣ties, is the daily and constant practice of all Christian duties; seeing how∣soeuer they may seeme at the first, harsh and vnpleasant to our corrupt na∣ture, yet continuall vse will make them easie and familiar, and bring vs at length to such a custome and settled habit, that wee shall performe them with much comfort and delight. For as the mind is more and more dar∣kened by the often acts of sinne, and so loseth the light of truth, that no sauing knowledge remaineth in it, but malignity onely and pollution; so by the many and often acts of piety and righteousnesse, the mind is more inlightened, and aspireth vnto a greater measure of true wisedome, this righteousnesse and holinesse offering themselues as cleere glasses, vnto the eyes of the vnderstanding, as Chrysostome hath well obserued. Besides, the more often that we performe these Christian and religious duties, and the longer and more constantly that we continue in them, the more we shall rellish and taste their sweetnesse; so that though at first they see∣med to our carnall appetite as bitter and vnpleasant, as the infusion of gall or wormewood, yet continuall vse and daily practice, will make them sweeter to our mouthes then the honey and honey combe, as wee see in Dauids example; by reason that we shall finde in our owne good ex∣perience, the manifold comforts which accompany the diligent perfor∣mance of these Christian duties; as peace with God, and the beames of

his loue and fauour shed abroad in our hearts, and shining vpon vs, the peace of a good conscience, and inward ioy of the holy Ghost, sweete communion with God, accesse and increase of all spirituall graces, con∣tentation in all estates, and assurance of our saluation, and that in the meane time, all things whatsoeuer, and euen afflictions themselues, shall turne to our good. These, and many such like benefits, accompanying our constant walking in the wayes of godlinesse, will make them not onely easie, but sweet and delightfull. And whereas at first wee came to the per∣forming of Christian duties, as a Beare to the stake, and found nothing in them, but vexation and irksome wearinesse; by vse and custome comming to know and rellish their profit and excellency, wee finde such spirituall sweetnesse, that it is our meate and drinke to be exercised in them. So that now we esteeme Gods Sabbaths our delight; heare, reade, pray, meditate, conferre, and doe the workes of mercy with much ioy and cheerfulnesse. Now the meanes to attaine vnto this daily and constant practice, which taketh away all difficulty and distast, is to inure our selues thereunto by degrees, and with a firme resolution, to break off all excuses, and set apart some short time, as a day, week, or month, for the strict leading of a godly life, in the performance of all Christian duties, as they haue bin before set downe. Which when we haue done, let vs looke backe and examine our selues, if we can in our consciences find any cause of repenting this course, in leauing worldly and wicked delights and the pleasures of sinne, and betaking and consecrating our selues to serue God in the duties of holi∣nesse and righteousnesse: yea, if we doe not finde in this short time, more sound comfort and true ioy, then in many yeeres before, when wee neg∣lected them.

§. Sect. 9 That world∣lings take more paines about earthly vanities, and in the seruice of sinne and Satan, then is required to a godly life.

Now if any, notwithstanding of all these helpes and comforts, still complaine of the difficulties which he findeth in the course of Christiani∣ty, and vse it as an excuse for his neglect of all the duties of a godly life; let such a man know, that the fault is not in the hardnesse and crookednes of the way, but in his own negligence, who will not vse the meanes which God offereth vnto him for the ouercomming of these difficulties, and neither take any paines to be truly informed, nor to trauell in it after hee knoweth it. For because they are lazie, and haue no list to worke; there∣fore they sit in the house and complaine, that there is a Lion in the way, a Li∣on in the streets. Because they would sit still by the flesh-pots of Egypt, and glut themselues with carnall pleasures, therefore they cauill against their entring into, and proceeding in that way which leadeth to the holy Land, as though the difficulties were so many and great which affront vs in it, that it is vnpassible and impossible to be trauelled by them. Their affecti∣ons are so strong, that they cannot master and mortifie them; their bo∣dies tender and delicate, and not inured to take that paines which is re∣quired to the well performing of Christian duties, and their natures are so easie and flexible, that they cannot withstand the allurements and im∣portunity of their old companions, drawing and perswading them to ac∣company them in their sinfull courses. All which excuses, what doe they argue but their sloth and negligence; yea rather, their want of loue, and contempt of spirituall grace and heauenly glory? Seeing the same men

who pretend these difficulties, are ready to vndertake farre greater paines, for the obtaining of those worldly vanities, whereupon they haue fixed their hearts (and euen delight themselues in these toylesome labours) then is required for the attaining of heauenly happinesse; and goe wil∣lingly thorow many more and greater difficulties in those wayes that leade to hell and destruction, then they should euer finde in the way that would bring them to life and saluation? For first, consider the paines which worldly men are content to indure for the compassing of honours, riches and pleasures, how they carke and care, toyle and moyle, watch and labour, trauell by sea and land, and runne into many desperate dangers, for the getting of these worthlesse vanities, which are alike vncertaine in the possession, as in the pursuit and acquisition. How they tire their thoughts in the restlesse night, about plots and policies, for the preuent∣ing or circumuenting one another. How their hearts are continually vp∣on the racke of their owne passions, being diuersly distracted betweene hopes and feares; false ioyes, and true griefes; loue, and dislike; longing desires, and lothing auersation. Consider also what paines and care they take about their fraile and mortall bodies, and for the preseruing of their flitting and fading health and strength, and the prolonging of their vn∣certaine and momentany life. What paines they take in tricking and trimming, decking and adorning, clothing and beautifying, nourishing and feeding, pampering and pleasing, physicking and dyeting their cor∣ruptible carcases, though they are assured, that by all their care and cost they can but for a short time adiourne diseases and infirmities, and for a small and vncertaine while procure a repriuall from approching death. Finally, consider that there is much more toyle and difficulty in the waies of vice and sinne, then in the way of vertue and godlinesse, although carnall loue so sweeteneth it to a corrupt appetite, that it is either not dis∣cerned, or not much abhorred. For example, what rackes and torments are in couetousnesse and ambition, and what comfort and sweetnesse in contentation, and submission of our estates to the will of God? What pangs and pulls of an euill conscience accompany vice and sinne, and what peace and quietnesse, ioy and delight haue wee in the conscience of our innocency and well-doing? Vnto what stormes and tempests doth pride expose vs, from all which we are secured by lowlinesse and humility? What vexation and griefe is there in malice, enuie, anger, and desire of reuenge; and what ioy and sweet delight to be found in brotherly loue, reioycing in one anothers good, peaceablenesse, passing by and pardon∣ing of offences, and making friends of enemies, by our kind vsage and sweet conuersation? What trouble and discontent in discord, contention and wrangling suits of Law; and what sweetnesse and contentment in amity, friendship, mutuall agreement, and euen in departing from some part of our right, that we may thereby purchase Iewels of farre greater price, peace and loue? Finally, what anxiety and vexation is there in carking care about worldly things, and what ioy and pleasure in the life of faith, whereby we securely rely vpon Gods promises and prouidence, and goe boldly vnto him, as vnto our gracious Father, when we are in any want, with confidence that it shall be supplyed in that manner and mea∣sure,

as will best stand with his glory and our owne good. In all which re∣spects, and innumerable others, as wicked worldlings, after all their la∣bours about worldly vanities, and the vaine and vnfruitfull works of darke∣nesse, haue iust cause to complaine with those in the Booke of Wisedome; Wee haue wearied our selues in the way of wickednesse and destruction, yea, wee haue gone thorow desarts, where there lay no way; but as for the way of the Lord, we haue not knowne it; what hath pride profited vs? or what good hath riches with our vaunting brought vs? All these things are passed away as a shaddow, and as a Poast that hasted by: So on the other side, the faithfull, who haue spent their time and strength in the duties of a godly life, haue iust cause to comfort themselues in their happy choyce, when leauing the world, and the pleasures of sinne, and imbracing the loue and feare of God, they haue deuoted themselues wholly to Gods seruice, seeing they may with Augustine reioyce in God and praise him, saying, Let my heart praise thee, and let my tongue and all my bones say, O Lord, who is like vnto thee, &c? How sweet and pleasant is it now become, to want the sweetnesse of world∣ly vanities? That which I feared to lose, what ioy is it to haue lost? For thou, O most true and supreme sweetnesse, didst cast them out of me; thou didst cast them out, and didst enter in their stead, who art sweeter then pleasure, but not to flesh and blood; cleerer and brighter then all light, but to the inner man onely; and then all honour, much more high and honourable, but not to those who are exalted in themselues. Now was my mind free from the biting and eating cares of ambition, couetousnesse, vo∣luptuousnesse, and from scratching the itching scab of lust, and did freely talke with thee, my beauty, riches, saluation, and my Lord and God. And after a painefull warfare, they may with the Apostle make that comfortable conclusion, when death approcheth; I haue fought a good fight, I haue finished my course, I haue kept the faith; Hencefoorth there is laid vp for me a Crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue vnto me at that day. And therefore let not those seeming difficulties any longer discourage vs from resoluing to serue God in the duties of a godly life, seeing thereby we shun and escape much greater difficulties in the wayes of sin, then we shall euer find in the way of a Christian and holy conuersation.

Notes

• Deut. 30. 6, 11, 14.
• Ezek. 11. 19, 20 and 36. 26, 27.
• Jer. 31. 33.
• 2. Cor. 12. 9.
• Psal. 19. 9, 10.
• a

  Joel. 2. 12.
• b

  Jer. 31. 18.
• c

  Jer. 4. 4.
• d

  Deut. 30. 6.
• e

  Deut. 10. 12.
• f

  Rom. 5. ••.
• g

  Ier. 32. 40.
• Esa. 61. 3. Psal. 1. 3.
• Esa. 44. 3, 4.
• Esa. 41. 10, 11, 14.
• Esa. 40. 28, 29, 30, 31.
• Phil. 1. 6.
• Esa. 66. 9.
• Luk. 1. 37.
• Eph. 3. 20.
• Iude vers. 24.
• Luk. 15.
• Rom. 8. 31.
• 2. Cor. 12. 9. Eph. 6. 10, 13.
• 2. Tim. 4. 18.
• Psal. 119. 32.
• Cyr. in Hesaiam. lib. 4. cap. 55.
• Rom. 6. 4.
• Matth. 11. 28, 29, 30.
• Pro. 12. 10.
• Rom. 6. 4.
• Joh. 5. 21, 25.
• Ioh. 11. 25.
• Eph. 5. 14.
• Eph. 3. 16.
• Ʋers. 20.
• 2. Cor. 4. 8, 9.
• Rom. 8. 11.
• Deut. 30. 6.
• Mic. 2. 7.
• Luk. 16. 14.
• Rom. 8. 26.
• Ioh. 4. 14.
• Eph. 3. 16.
• Col. 1. 10, 11.
• Luk. 11. 13. Zach. 12. 10.
• Ioh. 7. 37, 38.
• 1. Thes. 5. 8.
• Heb. 6. 18.
• Heb. 11. 25, 26.
• Lib. de Sancta viduitate.
• Grandem vim obtinet vera di∣lectio, &c. Hier. ad Celantiam.
• Iohn. 14. 15. Confess. lib. 11.
• 1. Cor. 13. 7.
• Psal. 119. 47.
• Esa. 57. 20, 21.
• Rom. 5. 3. Math. 5. 11.
• Apoc. 2. 10.
• 1. Pet. 4. 1.
• Heb. 12. 3.
• Heb. 12. 2.
• Sicut enim qui peccat, dum peccat, magis atque magis te∣nebrescit mens eius, &c. Chrysost. in Mat. 7. Hom. 18 Psal. 19. 10.
• Pro. 26. 13.
• Wisd. 5. 7, 8.
• Confess. l. 9. c. 1.
• 2. Tim. 4. 8.