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.

CHAP. II.

Of the Causes and Effects of spirituall Securitie.

§. 1 The causes of spirituall secu∣ritie respecting God.

HAuing shewed what spirituall Securitie is, it now follow∣eth that wee intreate of the Causes of it; which are of two sorts, the first respecting God, the other our selues. The chiefe and principall cause of it is Gods free grace, working this spirituall securitie in our hearts, that wee may with greater ioy and cheerfulnesse, performe vnto him faithfull seruice, when as wee are assured, that though wee haue many enemies which oppose vs in it, yet none shall bee able to doe vs any hurt, nor

hinder vs from receiuing the recompence of reward, which the Lord of his free mercy and grace hath promised vnto vs. And thus Dauid acknowledgeth that it was no wisedome, power or prouidence of his owne, but the Lord onely that did make him dwell in safetie. And that he who dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, shall abide safe from all danger vnder the shadow of the Almightie. Secondly, we haue this securitie by the free donation and legacie of Iesus Christ, who at his comming in the flesh, brought this peace with him, and caused it to be proclaymed by his holy Angels: Glorie to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will towards men. And leauing the Earth, bequeathed vnto the faithfull, and left this peace behind him. Peace I leaue with you, my peace I giue vnto you, not as the world giueth giue I vnto you (that is, a worldly and outward peace, for in the World ye shall haue tribulation; but a spirituall peace with God, and peace of Consci∣ence, by which yee shall haue inward tranquillitie of mind, and securi∣tie from all danger, in the middest of earthly troubles, and therefore) let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The fruit of which peace is the securitie of all the faithfull, following their regeneration and change of their nature from sauage crueltie, vnto a Doue-like sim∣plicitie and Lambe-like meeknesse one towards another, according to that prophesie of Esay, foretelling the state of Christs Kingdome. The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe, and the Leopard shall lye downe with the Kid, and the Calfe, and the yong Lion, and the Fatling together; and a little Child shall leade them, &c. And the suckling Child shall play on the hole of the Aspe, and the weaned Child shall put his hand on the Cockatrice Den. They shall not destroy in all mine holy Mountayne; for the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the Waters that couer the Sea. Thirdly, we enioy this securitie by vertue of the Coue∣nant of grace, which God hath made with vs in Iesus Christ. Where∣in the Lord hath freely promised that he will be our God and King, and we his peculiar People and Subiects of his Kingdome; whom he will therefore receiue vnder his protection, and preserue safe and se∣cure from all danger; and that he will be our Shepheard, and we his Flocke and the Sheepe of his pasture, whom he will keepe safe in his Sheepe-fold from the Wolfe, Lion, Beare, and all other rauenous Beasts, which shall attempt to hurt vs, according to that of the Pro∣phet: I will saue my Flocke, and they shall no more be a prey. And I will set one Shepheard ouer them, and he shall feede them, euen my seruant Dauid (that is, Iesus Christ the Sonne of Dauid) hee shall feede them, and he shall be their Shepheard. And I the Lord will be their God, and my seruant Dauid a Prince among them; I the Lord haue spoken it. And I will make with them a couenant of peace; and I will cause the euill beasts to cease out of the Land; and they shall dwell safely in the Wilder∣nesse, and sleepe in the Woods, &c.

§. 2 The causes of spirituall secu∣ritie respecting our selues.

The causes of this spirituall securitie on our part, are those vertues and graces receiued from God, which haue the promise of it, and make vs fit and capable to receiue and apprehend it, when as the Lord

of his free grace doth offer it vnto vs. The principall whereof is the Spirit of adoption, crying in our hearts, Abba Father; which sealeth vp in our hearts the assurance of Gods loue, and beareth witnesse with our spirit, that we are children of God. And if Children, then Heires, and Heires of God and Co-heires with Christ, who as we suffer together, so shall we be glorified together. The which Spirit of adoption is oppo∣sed to the Spirit of bondage, and freeing vs from all seruile feare, doth inuest vs with the priuiledge, and together with it the peace of securi∣tie of the Children of God. And this Spirit also is accompanyed with an whole Armie of spirituall Graces, which taking vp, and (as it were) manning the Fort of our hearts, doe keepe them and vs safe and secure in all assaults of danger, and the spirituall encounters of tentations, so as they shall neuer bee able to make vs fall away, or alienate vs from Gods vse. So the Apostle Peter telleth vs, that if we giue all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure, by adding one Grace and Vertue to another; this golden Chaine will so keepe and strengthen vs, that we shall neuer fall, that is, neither from the estate of Grace in this life, into the state of sinne and death; nor from our assurance of the state of Glorie, in the life to come, into that miserable condition of con∣demnation and destruction.

§. 3 Of the particu∣lar causes of spirituall secu∣ritie, first, sa∣uing know∣ledge.

But besides these Graces in generall, there are speciall Graces, which are the causes of this spirituall Securitie, both because the promise of it is made by God vnto them, and because in this respect wee become capable of it, and fit to apprehend and receiue it when the Lord in mercy bestoweth it vpon vs. The first of these, is the sauing Know∣ledge and remembrance of God and his sauing Attributes, of Wise∣dome, Power, All-sufficiency, Mercy, Goodnesse, Loue and Truth; not onely as they are infinitely in God, and of his Essence and Nature; but as they extend and are exercised towards vs. For when we acknow∣ledge and remember, that God is infinite in all goodnesse and perfe∣ction, is our God, and we his Seruants and Children; that he is infi∣nite in wisedome, and knoweth what is best for vs, how to preuent all dangers, to supply most fitly and fully all our wants, and to deliuer vs most seasonably from all euill both of sinne and punishment; that he is infinite in power and able to doe whatsoeuer he will, and can at plea∣sure destroy our Enemies, and defeate all their projects and purposes, and arme vs with strength in our greatest weaknesse, so as we shall be able to ouer-come them, and withstand all their tentations; that he is al-sufficient, and by himselfe able to supply all our wants, as well with∣out as with meanes; and a rich portion, which is sufficient to make them who inioy him happy, in the absence of all earthly good and presence of all temporall miseries; that he is infinite in mercy, good∣nesse and loue towards vs in Christ, and therefore as willing, as able to doe that for vs, which he knoweth to be best, and most fit to make vs eternally happy, and that he is also infinite in truth, most infallibly verifying and accomplishing his Word and gracious Promises, made vnto vs of Grace and Glorie, temporall protection and euerlasting

saluation; then doe wee cast our selues securely vpon his prouidence, for supply of all our wants, protection from all dangers, and deliue∣rance out of all miseries and afflictions. So that as carnall securitie is caused through the ignorance and forgetfulnesse of God and his At∣tributes; so Christian securitie, which is opposite vnto it, is caused by the knowledge, acknowledgement, and remembrance of them.

§. 4 The second cause, a liuely Faith in Christ.

The second cause which produceth this spirituall securitie, as the fruit and effect of it, is a liuely faith in Christ, and firme affiance and confidence in God. For being iustified by Faith, we haue peace with God, and peace of Conscience, and with them inward securitie and spirituall ioy, euen in afflictions and tribulations. So being by Faith ingrafted into Christ, and become members of his body, we may be secure in his power and protection, assuring our selues that hee will preserue his owne members from all euill, prouide for them all neces∣saries, and defend them from the malice and power of all Enemies, so as they shall not be able to hurt and destroy them, which were to suf∣fer a mayme in his owne blessed Body. If we by Faith relye our selues vpon this Rocke of strength, then though the Rayne descend, and the Floods come, and the Winds blow and beate vpon vs, yet we are se∣cure from all danger, because wee cannot sinke or fall being founded vpon a Rocke. If wee beleeue Gods Promises of preseruation and protection, there is no cause of feare in the greatest extremities, be∣cause we are sure of helpe and deliuerance, which is certainly promi∣sed to all the faithfull, according to the saying of Iehosaphat; Beleeue in the Lord your God, so shall yee bee established, beleeue his Prophets and yee shall prosper. If beleeuing in God we put our affiance in him, and cast our selues wholly vpon his prouidence and protection, this will worke in vs this spirituall securitie. For he that dwelleth in the secret of the most High, shall abide vnder the shadow of the Almightie. Hee that maketh the Lord his refuge, fortresse and trust, shall bee deliuered from the snare of the Fowler, and from the noysome pestilence. Hee will couer him with his feathers, and vnder his wings shall he trust, his Truth shall be his shield and buckler. He shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by day, &c. because hee hath made the Lord his refuge, and the most high his habitation. There shall no euill befall him, neither shall any plague come neere his dwelling. For hee will giue his Angels charge ouer him, to keepe him in all his wayes, &c. If with Dauid we put our trust in the Lord, wee shall not need to feare what flesh can doe vnto vs. If wee trust in the Lord wee shall bee blessed, and like a Tree planted by the Waters, that spreadeth out her Rootes by the Riuer, which shall not see when heate commeth, but her leafe shall bee greene, and shall not bee carefull in the yeere of drought, neither shall cease from yeelding fruit.

§. 5 The third cause, Cha∣ritie.

The third cause of spirituall securitie is Charitie; for (as the Apo∣stle telleth vs) there is no feare in loue, but perfect loue casteth out feare; and if wee doe aboue all things put on charitie which is the bond of per∣fectnesse, then also will the peace of God rule in our hearts, and worke

in them this Christian securitie. For if wee truely loue God, it is an euident signe vnto vs that he loueth vs; for as the Apostle sayth, Wee loue him because he loued vs first; and being assured of Gods loue, wee need not to doubt of his protection, whereby hee will keepe vs from all euill; and of his prouidence watching ouer vs, which will prouide for vs all things necessarie. And finally, if wee vnfainedly loue the Lord, then may we be secure in all dangers, and in the middest of all troubles and crosses, because the Lord through his infinite wisedome and power will cause all things, euen afflictions themselues, to worke together for good to them that loue him; and will so weaken the strength of them, that they shall neuer be able to separate vs from the loue of Christ.

§. 6 The fourth cause, the true feare of God.

The fourth cause is, the true feare of God, for this feare remooueth all other feares whatsoeuer, and if with filiall affection wee feare God as Sonnes, we may thereby be freed from the seruile feare of Slaues. So also this feare of God will free vs from feare of Men, and the feare of our Creator will quite expell the feare of the Creature. It will free vs from feare of all danger of euill, seeing nothing shall be able to hin∣der our happinesse. For, Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; hee shall not be mooued for euer, but shall be had in euerlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of any euill tidings, his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, vntill he see his desire vpon his enemies.

The fift cause is, Iustice and righteousnesse both in our hearts, words and actions: because, as the Wise-man sayth, He that walketh vpright∣ly walketh surely: for, the righteous shall neuer be remooued, and there shall no euill happen vnto the iust. And that because the Lord watch∣eth ouer them, to deliuer them in the time of danger, and prouide for them in the time of want. For, as the Psalmist saith, The eyes of the Lord are vpon the Righteous, and his eares are open to heare their crie; so that, none shall bee able to harme vs, if we follow that which is good. And vnto them hee hath made his promises of peace and protection. The worke of righteousnesse shall be peace, and the effect of righteousnesse quietnesse and assurance for euer; and my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. And againe: In righteousnesse thou shalt be established; thou shalt be farre from oppres∣sion, for thou shalt not feare, and from terrour, for it shall not come neere thee. In assurance of which promises, the righteous is bold as a Lion, and disdaineth to goe out of his way of iustice and godlinesse, though he be affronted with many dangers, because being armed with this brest-plate of righteousnesse, he is assured they cannot hurt him.

§. 7 The last cause is new obedi∣ence.

The last cause of this spirituall securitie is new obedience. For when like dutifull and louing children, we doe desire and endeauour to doe the will of our heauenly Father, at all times and in all things, and per∣form as much as we are able, that obedience which his law requireth, not onely in our outward actions, but also in our hearts and inward affections; and bewaile our wants and imperfections, when we come

short of that measure and degree which wee desire to attaine vnto, it will worke in our hearts a child-like confidence in the loue of our God, and make vs securely to repose and cast our selues in all estates and conditions vpon his gratious prouidence, for the supplying of all our wants, protection from all dangers, and deliuerance out of all af∣flictions. And so much the rather, because wee are hereby strength∣ned in our Faith, and enabled to applie vnto our selues all those sweet and comfortable promises which God hath made vnto those who bring foorth these fruits of new obedience; especially those which concerne spirituall peace and tranquillitie of mind, and this holy and Christian securitie. So the Lord promiseth, That if wee will keepe his Statutes and Iudgements, wee shall dwell in the Land in safety. And in another place, That if we keepe his Statutes, and walke in his Commandements to doe them, the Lord with all other tempo∣rall benefits, promiseth peace and safetie; and that wee shall lie downe and none shall make vs affraid. And Zophar telleth vs, that if wee pre∣pare our hearts to seeke God, and stretch out our hands towards him, that then we shall be steadfast and without feare, lie downe securely, and be freed from the feare of all things. So Wisedome promiseth, that who so hearken vnto her, and obey her voice, they shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from feare of euill. Yea, the Lord hath not onely said, but sworne it, that all his redeemed shall worship and serue him without feare, in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of their life.

§. 8 Of the effects of spirituall securitie.

And these are the causes of this spirituall securitie. The effects of it are quite contrarie to those of carnall securitie; for it doth not make vs more slothfull and sluggish in the seruice of God, but more watch∣full ouer all our wayes, that wee may doe all things which are accep∣table vnto God, from whom wee enioy so great a blessing; and not commit any thing against knowledge and conscience, which may disturbe our sweet peace, or depriue vs of the inward ioy of this spiri∣tuall securitie. It doth not make vs more negligent and backward in holy duties, but to performe them with all diligence and chearful∣nesse, seeing wee walke in this way of godlinesse without feare; and haue part of our heauenly wages in present pa••, peace of conscience, spirituall securitie, and ioy in the holy Ghost, which are the preludes and first beginnings of euerlasting happinesse. For, as the Apostle sayth, The kingdome of God is not meat and drinke, but righteousnesse, and peace, and ioy in the holy Ghost. It freeth vs from the bondage of the Law, which presseth from vs the obedience of slaues, out of ser∣uile feare of smart and punishment, and rest••reth vs to the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God, yeelding ingen••ous and voluntarie obe∣dience, out of meere loue to our heauenly Fa••her. It taketh away all painfulnesse and displeasantnesse in yeeldin•• ••eruice vnto God, by ta∣king away Legall feare, which (as the Apo••••le sayth) hath torment, and maketh Christs yoke easie, and his bur••hen light, when we feele his promise accomplished of giuing vnto our soules this spirituall rest. It preserueth vs from all iniquitie, especially from speaking lies, which

is a base vice grounded on seruile feare, either of losing some benefit, or sustayning some euill or inconuenience, by incurring mans displea∣sure in speaking trueth. From which feare, Christian securitie freeing vs, doth also keepe vs from the vice of lying, which is the effect of it. According to that of the Prophet, The remnant of Israel shall not doe iniquitie, nor speake lies, neither shall a deceitfull tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie downe, and none shall make them afraid. It maketh vs also with more constancie and patience, to indure affli∣ctions and all troubles, when as wee are secure of the euent, and are assured that they shall all of them aduance our spirituall good and heauenly glorie. It worketh in vs Christian courage and resolution, in resisting all the assaults of the enemies of our saluation, when a se∣curely resting vpon God his wisedome, power, and prouidence, wee are assured for the present, that they shall not bee able by all their might and malice to doe vs any hurt, and that the issue of this spirituall warfare will be our victorie here, and our triumph in glory in the life to come. Finally, it causeth vs to bee more frequent and feruent in prayer, when as without seruile feare wee may approach into Gods presence, and with the libertie, boldnesse, and confidence of sonnes, make our suits and supplications vnto him, in the mediation of Iesus Christ, with confidence that he will heare vs gratiously, and bounti∣fully condiscend vnto our desires. According to that of the Apostle, In whom we haue boldnesse, or free libertie of speaking, and accesse, with confidence by the faith of him. The which he vseth as an effectuall ar∣gument, to make vs more frequent and diligent in performing of this duties Let vs therefore come boldly vnto the Throne of grace, that we may obtaine mercie, and find grace to helpe in time of need. And thus much of the causes and effects of spirituall Securitie.

Notes

• Deus nobis haec otiasecit. Virgil. Eclog. 1.
• Psal. 4. 1. & 91. 1.
• Luk. 2. 14.
• Ioh. 14. 27.
• Ioh. 16. 33.
• Esa. 11. 6, 7.
• Ezech. 34. 22, to 31.
• Rom. 8. 15, 16.
• 2. Pet 1. 5, 6, 10.
• Rom. 5. 1, 3.
• Matth. 7. 26.
• 2. Chron. 20. 20.
• Psal. 91. 1, 2, 3, &c.
• Psal. 56. 4.
• Ier. 17. 7, 8.
• 1. Ioh. 4. 18. Col. 3. 14, 15.
• 1. Ioh. 4. 19.
• Rom. 8. 28, 35.
• Psal. 34. 9.
• Psal. 112. 1, 6, 7.
• Pro. 10 9, 10. & 12. 21.
• Psal. 34. 15. 1. Pet. 3. 12.
• Esa. 32. 17.
• Esa. 54. 14.
• Pro. 28. 1.
• Eph. 6. 14.
• Leuit. 25. 18, 19.
• Chap. 26. 3, 5, 6.
• Iob 11. 13, 15, 19
• Pro. 1. 33.
• Luk. 1. 74, 75.
• Rom. 14. 17.
• Rom. 8. 15.
• 1. Ioh. 4. 18.
• Matth. 11. 29.
• ••••••. 3. 13.
• Psal. 145. 19.
• Eph. 3. 12.
• Heb 4 16.