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.

OF SPIRITVALL AND CHRISTIAN SECVRITIE.

THE SECOND BOOKE.

CHAP. I.

Wherein spirituall securitie is defined, and the definition explaned.

§. 1 That all secu∣ritie is not to be condem∣ned, but that it is in some kind commendable; and to be desi∣red.

HAuing spoken of that Securitie, which is naturall, in all the kinds of it: it now in the last place remayneth, that we briefly intreate of that Securitie which is super∣naturall, diuine and holy. For as all Se∣curitie is not commendable, but onely when a man, as he ought, layeth aside all care; so on the other side, all Securitie is not to bee condemned, but when hee assumeth it as hee ought not; namely, such a Securitie as is built on an ill foun∣dation, and vpon false and deceitfull grounds; which as it proceedeth from euill causes, so it alwayes produceth euill and pernicious effects, as hath sufficiently beene shewed in the former discourse. But besides this, there is a Securitie which is good and warrantable, commen∣dable, and to be desired and imbraced of vs, grounded on iust causes, and rightly assumed of those vnto whom of due it appertayneth; namely, the securitie of the faithfull, hauing its foundation not vpon any thing in themselues, or any inferiour meanes and secundarie causes, but vpon God alone his Power, Prouidence and Promises, made vnto them in Iesus Christ. For after that wee are regenerate by the Spirit of God, and being reconciled, are become his Children by adoption and grace, and so like Children in the fauour of our heauen∣ly Father, and receiued vnder the couert of his protection, then be∣ginneth that created Securitie, which was in the state of Innocency, to be renued in vs; the which though we cannot attayne vnto in the

highest perfection in this life, because our knowledge, faith and loue, which should cast out all feare, are imperfect; yet is it much firmer, surer, and more permanent, then that of our first Parents, because that rested on the condition of their obedience, and this vpon the freedom of their will, which was mutable and changeable; but this renued se∣curitie, resteth vpon the couenant of Grace made in Christ and his Righteousnesse and Obedience, which are vnchangeable and euerla∣sting, and hath no condition on our part, but a liuely faith, bringing forth fruits of vnfayned repentance; and these Graces also are the free gifts of God, which after he hath once bestowed, he neuer againe ta∣keth from vs. And this securitie euery Christian ought to labour af∣ter, and so much the rather, because we shall neuer be freed from that carnall securitie which is so dangerous and pernicious, before we haue giuen entertaynment vnto this other in our hearts. For some shelter Man naturally desireth and will haue, vnder which shrowding him∣selfe, he may be safe either in Truth or in Opinion, and so freed from horrors and feares, which otherwise, like hellish Furies, would haunt and vexe him. Which was the cause, (as I haue shewed) why our first Parents being depriued, through their fall, of their created securitie, grounded vpon the knowledge and remembrance of God, and his sa∣uing Attributes; were so apt to be abused by Satan, imposing in stead thereof a false and counterfait securitie, contrariwise grounded on ig∣norance and forgetfulnesse; which, whilest through the blindnesse of their minds it freed them from feare, because the causes of their feare could not be discerned by them, it did expose them to much the grea∣ter danger, because they were in the case of those, who are in the time of their sleepe assaulted with many, mightie, and malicious Enemies, and doe not so much as dreame of their approching. But yet such is mans nature, that he had rather be couered with Fig-leaues, then haue no clothing, and haue in his hands a Reed and paper Buckler, which haue no strength to defend him, but what he giueth them by a false o∣pinion, rather then no weapons at all; and will choose rather a coun∣terfait securitie, which may serue for the present to preserue him from true horrors and feares, that he may not be tormented before the time, rather then hee will haue none at all. In which respects it is the onely way, when we would perswade men to cast off carnall securitie, to of∣fer them in stead thereof Christian securitie, which deliuereth from all dangers, not onely in shew and opinion, but also in Deed and Truth; excelling the other in worth, more then massie gold a rotten gilded post, and in strength more then Armour of proofe, a painted shadow; or an impregnable Fort, a paper Wall.

§. 2 The descripti∣on of spirituall Securitie.

And to this purpose, I thought it necessary to adde something of it to the former discourse, hoping that men wil with more ease be moued to cast away that intoxicating and pernicious poyson, which maketh them to sleepe out the tortures of an euil conscience, & depriueth them of their senses, that with them it may take away their feares; when in stead thereof I offer vnto them this soueraigne Cordiall, which will

expell them, and arme the heart with true Christian courage and re∣solution. In speaking whereof I will first shew what it is, the nature, causes, and effects of it; and then the meanes whereby wee may be enriched with this inestimable treasure. Concerning the first, it may be thus described. Christian securitie is a grace of God, following our re∣generation, iustification, and peace with him through Iesus Christ; where∣by acknowledging, beleeuing, and remembring the all-seeing wisedome, omnipotent power, infinite goodnesse and mercie of God towards vs in Christ, wee doe without carnall and seruile feare, in all estates and at all times, rest quietly and contentedly vpon his promises and prouidence, for the supplying of all our wants, protection from all dangers, and deliuerance from all euils.

§. 3 That God is the authour of spirituall secu∣ritie.

In which description, I shew first the Fountaine from which it springeth; not from nature, whose poisonous breasts doe now giue no such milke; not from our owne wisedome, power, endeauours, or any worldly causes, or secundarie meanes; but from God himselfe the Author and Fountaine of euery good and perfect gift, who of his free grace bestoweth this blessing vpon those that feare and serue him. And as it proceedeth from him, so vpon him, as the only sure foundation, it resteth and relyeth, and not on humane pollicie and strength or any creature, or earthly thing whatsoeuer. So the Lord propoundeth this ground of Christian courage and securitie, and no other. Feare thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will streng∣then 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. And vpon this alone, holy Dauid se∣curely resteth: I layd mee downe and slept, I awaked for the Lord sustai∣ned mee. I will not be afraid of ten thousand of people that haue set them∣selues against me round about. And againe: I will both lay me downe in peace, and sleepe; for thou Lord onely makest mee dwell in safetie. Yea, though I walke through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feare no euill, for thou art with mee, thy rod and thy staffe they comfort mee. And elsewhere: The Lord is my light and my saluation, whom shall I feare? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encampe against mee, my heart shall not feare; though warre should rise against mee, in this will I be confident. And in another place: What time I am afraid I will trust in thee; In God I haue put my trust, I will not feare what flesh can doe vnto mee. Thus the Church trium∣pheth ouer all her troubles, and remaineth secure in cases of greatest feare, in sole confidence of Gods protection. God is our refuge and strength, a very present helpe in trouble; therefore will wee not feare though the earth be remooued; and though the mountaines be carried into the middest of the sea, &c. And so likewise the Apostle Paul. What shall we say then to these things? if God bee for vs, who can bee against vs? who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? it is God that iustifieth, who is hee that condemneth? &c. Who shall separate vs from the loue of Christ? shall tribulation, or distresse, or persecution, or famine, or naked∣nesse,

or perill, or sword? nay in all these things we are more then Conque∣rours through him that loued vs: and thereupon he concludeth: I am perswaded that neither death nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Yea; so solely and wholly doe the faith∣full ground their spirituall securitie vpon the Lord, that when they excell and abound in wisedome, strength, and all earthly helpes, it is not encreased; and when they are depriued of them all, it is no whit lessened and abated; because the Lord in himselfe is all-mightie and all-sufficient, and hath by all these meanes no strength added vnto him, nor yet is any whit weakned, when all these inferiour comforts and encouragements are taken away. And this the Lord requireth of Abraham, that hee should be secure in his sole protection; Feare not Abraham, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And againe, I am the almightie God, or the God all-sufficient, walke before me, and be thou vpright. And of the Church; Feare not thou worme Iacob and yee men of Israel; I will helpe thee, sayth the Lord, and thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel. Intimating thus much, that though the Church were so sensible of her owne weaknesse, that shee was as vnable in her owne strength to resist the malicious rage of her cruell enemies, as a seely worme; yet shee had cause enough to bee secure and without feare, because the Lord (who is all-sufficient, and taketh delight to ma∣nifest his power in weakenesse) had promised his helpe.

§. 4 That the rege∣nerate onely are the subiect of spirituall se∣curitie.

Thirdly I say, that this Christian securitie followeth our regenera∣tion, iustification, and peace with God; because there is no true secu∣ritie to those who are vnregenerate, vnder the guilt, and obnoxious to the punishment of sinne; and who haue God for their enemie, who is able and readie euery minute to consume and destroy them. There is no sound securitie to those, who by hellish charmes haue rocked conscience asleepe, which is euery day in danger to be awakened, and being rowzed vp, will catch them by the throat, and hale them to answere for all their crimes at the vnpartiall Barre of Gods fearefull Iudgement. In which regards, I may conclude with the Prophet, that there is no such peace to the wicked; for when they are once awake∣ned out of this sleepe of carnall securitie, they are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast vp mire and dirt. But it is the faithfull only, who being truely conuerted from their wicked wayes, iustified and reconciled vnto God, and hauing peace with him, haue also peace of conscience, that are capable of this grace of spirituall securitie.

§. 5 The grounds of spirituall securitie, on which it re∣steth.

Fourthly, I lay downe the grounds of Christian securitie where∣vpon it resteth, namely knowledge, beliefe, and remembrance of God and his sauing attributes. Wherein it is quite contrarie to carnall se∣curitie, which is grounded on the ignorance, not beleeuing, and for∣getfulnesse of them; which the greater they are, the greater is the car∣nall mans securitie; euen as contrariwise spirituall securitie encreaseth

in strength, as we doe more and more encrease in the contrarie graces. Fiftly, I shew what feare spirituall securitie expelleth, namely that onely which is carnall and seruile. For, as for that holy, filiall, and spirituall feare of God our gratious Father in Iesus Christ, it is no way opposite to this Christian securitie, yea, they are mutuall causes one of another; and so, the more the one encreaseth, the more vigour and strength it ministreth to the other. The more happie we find and feele our selues in our secure resting vnder Gods protection, the more we feare to displease so gratious a Father, vnder the wings of whose prouidence we enioy such sweet securitie; and the more wee feare to offend him, the more secure wee are in his loue and fauour. For, as one sayth, nothing can be more safe and secure, then to commit all things vnto him, who knoweth how to giue most fitly all things pro∣fitable to those that feare and serue him.

§. 6 Of the conti∣nuance and perpetuitie of spirituall secu∣ritie.

Sixtly, I adde the continuance and perpetuitie of the Christians se∣curitie, not for a spint alone like carnall securitie, till the conscience be awakened with the threatnings of the Law, or the smart of Gods seuere Iudgements; but in all estates, and at all times, though not al∣wayes alike and in the same proportion, in his sense and feeling. In which respect the Christian findeth it to encrease or diminish, as hee thriueth or decayeth in those graces which are the causes, which both breed and nourish it, and as he is more diligent and carefull, or more negligent and remisse in vsing the meanes whereby it is obtained and preserued. But when the Christian thriueth in spirituall grace, is watchfull ouer all his wayes, and endeauoureth in all things to please and serue God, and so preserueth inwardly peace with him and peace of conscience, then is there no outward thing that can disturbe his peace, or depriue him of his spirituall securitie which he hath in the assurance of Gods fauour and protection, but he constantly retaineth it at all times, and in all estates, and enioyeth secure peace in the mid∣dest of warres and troubles, and a quiet calme in the greatest stormes and tempests of worldly calamities. As for example, in the time of extremest dangers he is secure and safe, as though there were no perill approching; so as he can say with Dauid; I laid mee downe and slept; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me; I will not be afraid for ten thousands of people, that haue set themselues against mee round about. The Lord is my light and saluation, whom shall I feare? the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encampe against mee, my heart shall not feare; though warre should rise against me, in this I will be confident. And with the Church: God is our refuge and strength, a very present helpe in trouble: therefore will wee not feare, though the earth be remooued, and though the mountaines be carried into the middest of the sea. So in the time, not onely of worldly prosperitie, when God hedgeth him in on all sides with the pledges of his loue, but also of affliction, trouble, and persecution, hee is secure in the assurance of Gods fauour; because he knoweth that these are signes of his adop∣tion, and that all things worke together for good to them that loue

God, to them that are the Called according to his purpose. That Afflictions, Tribulation, Distresse, Persecution, Famine, Nakednesse, Perill or Sword, shall not bee able to separate him from the loue of Christ. That they doe not hinder, but further him in the way to e∣uerlasting happinesse; For by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdome of God; wee must first suffer with Christ, that afterwards wee may raigne with him; and these short and momentanie afflicti∣ons shall cause vnto vs, a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glorie. That they are not vnto them effects of the Legall curse, but assurances of euerlasting Blessednes; according to that of Dauid; Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord; and teachest him out of thy Law. And of the Apostle Peter; If yee suffer for Righteous∣nesse, happy are yee, and bee not afraid of their terrour, neither bee yee troubled. And of the Apostle Iames: Blessed is the man that indureth tentation, for when he is tried he shall receiue the Crowne of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him. And finally, that of our Sauiour: Blessed are they that are persecuted for Righteousnesse sake; for theirs is the Kingdome of Heauen. Blessed are yee when men reuile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of euill against you falsely for my sake; reioyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heauen. In which respects, they that are iustified by Faith and haue peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ, not onely reioyce in hope of the glorie of God, and beare their afflictions with patience, but euen glorie in tribulation, as the Apostle speaketh. In a word, hee loseth not his spirituall securitie, no not in the agonie of death it selfe; because the Righteous hath hope in death, and when hee is killed, euen by Gods owne hand, can say with Iob, Though hee slay mee, yet will I trust in him. And because hee knoweth, that though Death bee able to separate his soule from the body, yet it is not able to separate him from the loue of God in Christ. Yea, contrariwise it shall serue as a passage conducting him into Gods presence, and ha∣sten the fruition of this glorious Majestie and supreme goodnesse, In whose presence is fulnesse of ioy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for euer more.

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.

CHAP. III.

Of the meanes of spirituall Securitie, whereby it may bee obtayned, or preserued and encreased.

§ 1 Th•• ••••••st m〈…〉〈…〉s, highly to e∣steeme it and 〈…〉〈…〉e i•• 〈…〉〈…〉 and in him.

NOw it followeth in the last place, that we set downe the meanes of obtayning and preseruing this grace of Chri∣stian securitie. And first, if we would attaine vnto this rich gift (which maketh vs with ioy and comfort to enioy all other blessings, because it secureth vs of their fruition, quieteth our minds in the middest of all dangers, comfor∣teth vs against all afflictions, as a rich treasury supplieth all our wants, and is vnto vs an impregnable Fort to keepe off all our spirituall ene∣mies, and Armour of proofe to beate backe the darts of their tenta∣tions) wee must in our iudgements esteem it according to the worth and value, in our hearts and affections loue and desire it, and so re∣solue, with all care and good conscience, to endeauour in the vse of all good meanes whereby we may attaine vnto it, and preserue and che∣rish

it when we haue gotten it. As first, if wee would haue the effect wrought in vs, we must labour that the causes of it may bee effectuall in vs to this purpose. And seeing God is the authour of this excellent gift, and that rich fountaine of all grace and goodnesse, from which flow these sweet and still streames of Christian securitie, let vs begge it at his hands by feruent prayer, who is no niggard of his gifts, but hath promised to giue them plentifully to all that aske them in the name of his Sonne. Yea, let vs not only seeke this securitie from him as the fountaine, but ground it on him onely as the alone foundation of it. For there is nothing in our selues or any creature, whereupon it may safely and surely rest, but onely vpon Gods infinite wisedome, beholding vs and all things, with all meanes and oportunities to pre∣serue vs from all euill, and to conferre vpon vs all good; and his om∣nipotent power, whereby hee is able to doe whatsoeuer in his wise∣dome hee knoweth to be best; vpon his all-sufficiencie, whereby hee sufficeth vs by himselfe alone without all other helpe; his mercie and goodnesse, whereby he is as willing and readie, as able to helpe vs; and his promises and trueth, which assure vs of his fauour, with all the fruits of it, and that he will neuer faile those who by a liuely faith doe rest vpon them. And if wee ground our securitie on this im∣mooueable Rocke, then though wee be neuer so weake in our owne strength, neuer so much encountred with dangers, and mightily as∣saulted with our many, strong, and malitious enemies, yet may we re∣taine our securitie, notwithstanding all these difficulties, because hee alone is able to support vs by his owne strength, to preserue vs from and in all perils, and to giue vs victorie ouer all our enemies.

§. 2 The second meanes is, to labour to be in the number of Christ Dis∣ciples, and of his flocke.

Secondly, if wee would haue this Legacie of spirituall securitie which Christ hath left vs, we must labour to be in the number of his Disciples, vnto whom alone it is bequeathed; to bee sheepe of his flocke and fold, ouer whom he watcheth and taketh care, to protect them from all enemies, and to preserue them from all dangers; and then we may be secure, seeing wee haue his promise, that he will giue vnto vs eternall life, that wee shall neuer perish, and that no man shall plucke vs out of his hand. And if we haue the Lord for our shepheard, then may we with Dauid rest securely vpon his prouidence, assuring our selues that if we liue at his finding, we shall want nothing. Then may we safely lie downe in the greene pastures, and be led by him by those still waters of peace and securitie; yea, though he lead vs into places of feare and danger, euen through the valley of the shadow of death, yet may we be secure and feare no euill, seeing hee is with vs, and with his rod and staffe doth comfort vs. Yea, wee must labour after a neerer vnion with Christ, and to be espoused vnto him, and then wee being his Spouse, and hee being our Bridegroome, wee may rest se∣curely vnder his powerfull protection, seeing by the institution and law of marriage, he is bound both to defend and prouide for vs; and because hee that toucheth vs, toucheth him; hee that offereth any in∣iurie vnto vs, doth offer it (as it were) to his owne person: then may

we with the Spouse in the Canticles, sit downe securely vnder his sha∣dow with great delight, and sleepe in safetie, when his left hand is vnder our head, and his right hand doth embrace vs. Or if we would be nee∣rer vnto him for our greater safetie and securitie, let vs labour to be∣come members of his blessed body, vnited vnto him by his holy Spirit and a liuely faith; seeing then there will be no place for feare, because hee that toucheth vs, toucheth the apple of his eye; hee that doth vs any hurt, hurteth and offereth violence against his owne bodie; and he that seeketh to plucke vs from him, shall goe about an impossi∣ble worke, euen to plucke a member from the bodie of Christ, which he tenderly loueth, seeing he hath all power in heauen and earth com∣mitted vnto him, so as no creature is able to preuaile against him.

§. 3 The third meanes is, that we labour to be in the Co∣uenant of Grace.

Thirdly, if wee would obtayne this spirituall securitie, wee must la∣bour to be within the compasse of the couenant of Grace, which God hath made with vs in Iesus Christ. For such onely as are in the Coue∣nant, haue right vnto the Promises of Gods grace and prouidence, watching ouer them, for the endowing them with all good, and of his power and protection to shield and defend them from all euill. Such onely haue God for their Lord and King, and are the peculiar People and Subiects of his Kingdome, ouer whom hee hath taken charge, and receiued them vnder the safegard of his protection. As for others, they are strangers vnto him, whom he respecteth not; yea, they are no better then Rebels and Out-lawes, who haue no benefit by his pro∣tection, and therefore can haue in them no true securitie, but may well feare with Cain, that being exiled out of Gods presence, they shall be like Fugitiues and Vagabonds vpon the earth, and that it shall come to passe, that euery one that findeth them shall be ready to slay them. Where∣as if we haue the Seale of the Couenant stamped vpon vs, we are there∣by secured from all euill; for when the destroying Angell is purpose∣ly sent from God to spoile and make hauocke of all, yet his commissi∣on is restrayned, so as hee may not hurt those which are in the Coue∣nant, but those onely who haue not the Seale of God in their foreheads. Now the meanes to be in this Couenant with God, is to performe the condition of Faith, bringing forth the fruits thereof in heartie repen∣tance and amendment of life; which wee must therefore aboue all things labour after, that we may haue interest in the former priuileges. And because through our frailtie and infirmitie, we are apt to wound and weaken our Faith by our sinnes; and this shield is oftentimes shrewdly battered, with beating backe the fierie darts and bullets of Satans tentations: And our repentance also is ready to grow faint and languish, both in respect of our griefe for sinne past, and resolution to leaue and forsake it for the time to come; and so by weakning the Co∣uenant, not in it selfe, but in our apprehension, wee are ready to lose our inward peace, and to haue our securitie disturbed with feares; therefore as we often sinne, so doth it become vs often to renew our Couenant with God, by renuing the condition of Faith and Repen∣tance, that so also with them wee may renew our securitie, according

to that in Iob; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it farre away, and let not wickednesse dwell in thy Tabernacles. For then thou shalt lift vp thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not feare. And thou shalt be secure because there is hope; yea, thou shalt digge about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safetie. Also thou shalt lye downe and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suite vnto thee.

§. 4 The fourth meanes is, to labour to haue the causes of it in vs. As, first, the Spirit of adoption, and the chayne of sauing graces.

Fourthly, if we would haue spirituall securitie, we must indeauour by all meanes to haue those causes of it in our selues, of which I haue spoken. As first, the Spirit of adoption, whereby being assured that we are Gods children through Christ, we may securely rest vpon the prouidence and promises of our heauenly Father, for the prouiding of all things necessarie, for the supplying of all our wants, preseruation from all dangers, and protection from all enemies. For if earthly Pa∣rents, according to their power, performe all these things to their chil∣dren, so as they are secure and without feare, when they are in the sight and presence of their able friends; how much more will our hea∣uenly Father, who infinitely exceeds them in power and loue? For if he be so infinitely gracious, that he preserueth those which are stran∣gers vnto him, how much more those who are of his owne Family? if hee doth good vnto all, how much more those who are of the house-hold of Faith? if he prouideth for the yong Lions and Rauens that call vpon them, and richly clotheth the Lillies and Flowres of the Field, how much more will hee defend and preserue, feede and clothe his owne Children, whom hee hath loued so deerly, that hee hath not spared to giue his best beloued and onely begotten Sonne to the death for their redemption and saluation? So also we must labour after the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which haue the promises of Gods protection made vnto them; so that if we haue them, we may be secure in his helpe and assistance, because if he be with vs, it matte∣reth not who oppose against vs; if we are destitute of them, then being hopelesse and helplesse, there is no place for peace and securitie. A∣gaine, these sauing graces are the only meanes whereby we may make our Calling and Election sure; which if we doe, no worldly thing can disturbe our peace, or dampe our ioy; but if for want of them wee want also this assurance, how can wee haue any roome in our hearts for securitie to lodge in, seeing they are wholly taken vp with feares and doubtings? or at least with carnall securitie which keeps all quiet, because it shuts our eyes, and benummeth all our senses, so as we can∣not see nor feele our danger? Finally, these vertues and spirituall gra∣ces are our Christian armour, which being buckled vnto vs, is of high proofe, to preserue vs in safetie against all assaults of enemies, that would disturbe our peace; but if they be wanting, then like the Israe∣lites we are naked, dis-armed of Gods assistance, dis-furnished of all munition and weapons, wherby we might make any resistance against the encounters of our spirituall enemies, and so an easie prey to be sea∣zed on, and led captiue by them.

§. 5 The fift means is, to labour to be indued with those peciall sauing graces, which are the causes of, first, knowledge and remembrance of God and his Attributes. Secondly, A liuely Faith.

More especially if we would vse the meanes, whereby wee may in

ioy this Christian securitie, wee must labour to know, acknowledge and remember Gods sauing Attributes, as he exerciseth them towards vs for our good, as his Wisedome, Power, All-sufficiencie, Mercy, Goodnesse, Truth and the Rest. For these are the foundation and ground of this securitie, vpon which it is built and resteth; of which if we are ignorant or forgetfull, it is no more possible for this Fort of securitie to be erected in vs; then to set vp a goodly building without a foundation, or to make it durable, if it be seated without other sup∣port, vpon the Moores or Sands. In the second place, let vs labour after a liuely and iustifying Faith, which is the condition of the Coue∣nant, vpon which alone all our safetie and securitie resteth and relyeth; the alone instrument which vniteth vs vnto Christ, and the only hand by which we receiue all Gods promises, and the fruits and benefits which doe accompanie them. Finally, that impenetrable shield which repelleth all the fierie darts of Satan, and maketh vs vndanted and without feare; when wee are encountred with his tentations. And therefore if we be indued with Faith, there is cause enough why we should be secure, seeing we are in Couenant with God, and by vertue thereof, vnder his protection, the members of Christ who is so armed with power, that all the malice of the Deuill and power of Hell, are not able to vanquish or doe vs any hurt; and haue all our vitall parts couered with a shield of proofe, which cannot be pierced with all the Darts of Satans tentations. Thirdly, let vs vse all good meanes, to haue our hearts comforted and confirmed, with firme affiance and confidence in God, which is a fruit of the former grace, wherewith if we be indued, the Lord will be the Rocke of our refuge, our Sanctua∣rie and Castle of strength, vnto which if we flee in the time of danger, we may inioy safetie and securitie. For the God in whom wee trust is able to supply all our wants, to preserue vs in the day of danger, and to defeate and bring to nought all the plots and practises of all our e∣nemies; and if we make him our hope and confidence, he will be our strength and tower, and he will so watch ouer vs with his prouidence, that we may sleepe securely vnder the shadow of his wings. Fourth∣ly, let vs seeke with all earnestnesse, to haue our hearts inflamed with that heauenly fire of Gods loue, which being but a reflection or little sparke of his diuine loue towards vs, will be an euident signe to assure vs of it. And this loue of God in vs and towards vs, will worke in vs spirituall securitie in the assurance of Gods protection, who so loueth vs and whom we so loue; and this filiall affection, when we finde and feele it in vs, will cast out all seruile feare, and make vs bold and confi∣dent in the sense and apprehension of his fauour towards vs, knowing that hee who so deerely loueth vs is all-sufficient in wisedome and power, to turne all things to our good, and to make all our afflictions and tentations, our Enemies power and our owne weaknesse, to be∣come helpes and furtherances to our saluation. Fiftly, if wee would haue this spirituall securitie, we must by all meanes cleanse our hearts from carnall securitie, and nourish in them the true feare of God. For

as well may we accord Light and Darknesse, Fire and Water, Good and Euill, as spirituall securitie with that which is carnall. Whereas contrariwise, the true feare of God dwelling in vs, will banish all other feares, and make vs secure in those gracious Promises, which the Lord hath made vnto all that feare him: as namely, that there shall bee no∣thing wanting vnto them, and that hee will fulfull the desire of them that feare him, and will heare their crie and saue them. So that if they be not short in desiring safetie and securitie, the Lord will not be slow to grant it, or though they should be wanting vnto themselues in this regard, yet the Lord will not be wanting vnto them, seeing he is both willing and able to doe exceeding abundantly, aboue that wee can either aske or thinke. Sixtly, if we desire this securitie, we must labour, that wee may be alwayes found clothed with the garment of righteous∣nesse, both the imputed righteousnesse of Christ applied by faith, which doth perfectly free vs from all danger, and bring with it peace of conscience and ioy in the holy Ghost; and inherent righteousnesse and holinesse wrought in vs by vertue of Christs death and resurre∣ction, whereby wee are entitled vnto all the promises of Gods grace and protection made vnto the righteous, and among the rest vnto them especially which concerne our safetie and securitie, of which I haue before spoken. Seuenthly, (which is like vnto the former) wee must studie and indeauour to performe vnto God, in lieu of thankful∣nesse for all his benefits, new obedience; not that of the Law which is impossible, but Euangelicall which is the obedience of faith: when hauing respect vnto all Gods Commandements wee labour to walke in them with sincere and vpright hearts, and with constancie and per∣seuerance vnto the end. And if wee thus seeke out this old and good way, it will bring vs to this rest of spirituall securitie which we labour after. If we take this sweet and easie yoke of Euangelicall obedience, and hating all Pharisaicall pride, learne of Christ to bee meeke and lowly in heart, we haue his gratious promise for it, that wee shall find this rest for our soules. If we approue our selues to be the children of our heauenly Father, by hauing his image of holinesse and righteous∣nesse stamped on vs, and by yeelding in all things obedience to his Will, that so we may be acceptable in his sight, then will hee giue vs the spirit of adoption, which will cast out all seruile feare, and giue vs much confidence, boldnesse and securitie in the assurance of his loue.

§. 6 The sixt meanes, con∣tempt of the World.

The sixt meanes to enioy this spirituall securitie is, to cast out of our hearts all carnall loue of earthly things, and so to contemne the world and worldly vanities, as that we can be content, if God so plea∣seth, to leaue them as well as enioy them. For if hauing our desires mortified to the world, wee haue learned with the Apostle Paul, In whatsoeuer state wee are therewith to be content: If wee know how to bee abased, and how to abound, and bee euery where, and in all things instru∣cted, both to be full and to be hungrie, both to abound and to suffer need: then may we in a great part be freed from all carnall feare, and both securely enioy these transitorie things when God giueth them, be∣cause

it will not much trouble vs if it bee his pleasure to take them away; and also securely want them, when God scanteth vs of them, because our desires and hopes are moderate after their fruition. For our feares hold a proportion with our loue and hope, neither can they be little if these be great, nor contrariwise excessiue and immoderate, if these tempered and ouerruled with reason and religion. And there∣fore if our hearts be weaned from the loue of earthly things, then may we hold them (as children their birds which they are wearie of) in our open hands, being secure and carelesse, whether they stay with vs, or (as Salomon speaketh) like the Eagle betake themselues to their wings and flee away. But if our affections and loue bee still fixed and fastned on them, then will wee be vnwilling to leaue them, and so al∣wayes in feare, lest they be taken from vs. For (as one sayth) no man can be secure in the fruition of that, which he is altogether vnwilling to lose and forgoe.

§. 7 The seuenth meanes to keepe our hearts vpright, and our con∣sciences pure.

The fift meanes of spirituall securitie is, to keepe our hearts vp∣right, and our consciences pure and vndefiled from sinne; especially from such sinnes as are committed, not through ignorance and infir∣mitie, but against knowledge and conscience. Or if we haue fallen in∣to any such, our second care must bee to arise out of them and forsake them, and to purge our consciences by bathing them in the blood of Christ by Faith, and in the teares of vnfayned repentance. For the conscience is of the nature of the eye, it must be kept cleane, and then it will be cheerfull and quiet; but if we nourish in it willingly the least sinnes (as it were little Motes in our sight) it will smart and rage, and neuer bee quiet till they bee cast out. And so long as we doe thus pre∣serue the peace of a good conscience, wee may bee secure and without feare, because we haue also peace with God, For if our heart condemne vs not, then haue wee confidence towards. God (as the Apostle speaketh) and whatsoeuer we aske we receiue of him, because we keepe his Comman∣dements, and doe those things which are pleasing in his sight. But if our heart condemne vs (then will not God acquit vs) for hee is greater then our heart, and knoweth all things. So that onely the pure conscience can be the secure conscience; for sinne is the onely cause of feare, and therefore if i•• be purged away, there is no place for feare to lodge in. But if sinne remayne and defile the heart and conscience, there is no roome for securitie; for how can a man be secure, that by guilt of sinne is liable to Gods displeasure, and hath broken the peace with him? how can he not be full of feare, that is daily in danger to be attached with his iudgements; and to beare the deserued punishment of his sinne? And this the Heathens saw by the light of nature, namely, that Guilt and Feare, Innocency and Securitie, like inseparable compani∣ons accompanie one another. For one being asked who they were that liued securely, answered, They onely who were not conscious

vnto themselues of any euill. And another affirmeth, that it is a great portion of securitie to doe nothing vniustly; in which regard men of might lead a life confused and disturbed, because looke how much they hurt, and so much also they feare. For though a man may be safe for the present, hauing an euill conscience, yet hee can neuer bee secure; and though when he sinneth he be not taken with the manner, yet he is alwayes in feare of being taken. He is troubled in his sleepe, and whilest any mans wickednesse is spoken of, he thinketh of his owne; and though the guiltie may haue the hap to bee hid, yet cannot they haue the confidence of it.

§. 8 The last means is, Christian watchfulnesse and often exa∣mination of our estates.

The last meanes of securitie is, to keepe a narrow watch ouer all our wayes, and often to examine our estates, & to cast vp our accounts betweene God and vs, and when we find that we are cast behind hand, to plead Christs payment by a liuely Faith, that so wee may get our Quietus est, and haue the Hand-writing of the Law cancelled and nay∣led to his Crosse. For this securitie is not caused like that which is carnall, by negligence and sloth, but by care and watchfulnesse; For then may wee securely expect our summons to come to Gods Audit, when like the wise Steward we find the Booke of our reckonings iust and straight. Then may we with much peace and cheerfulnesse be cal∣led to giue vp our accounts, when wee find, that wee haue profitably imployed our Masters talents, and haue encreased them fiue or ten fold, by putting them out to the vse of our Lord; that is, the aduance∣ment of his glorie, and good of our fellow seruants. Then may wee with the wise Virgins securely expect the comming of our Bride∣groome, though through naturall heauinesse, we be sometimes ouer∣taken with drowsinesse, and take a nap, if we doe in our vsuall course stand vpon our watch, and haue the Lamps of a Christian profession, replenished and trimmed with the inward oyle of Faith, and all other sauing Graces, and the outward light of good works and a godly and righteous life; seeing when hee commeth wee shall enter with him in∣to the bridall Chamber, and there solace our selues in his loue, and in the fruition of those inestimable and eternall ioyes which he hath pre∣pared for vs; the which he grant vnto vs, that hath deerly bought them for vs, Iesus Christ the Righteous; to whom with the Father and the holy Spirit, three Persons, and one Immortall, Inuisible, onely wise and infinitely good God, be ascribed al glo∣rie and prayse, power, maiestie and dominion, both now and for euer more.

Notes

• Non quaelibet se∣curitas est lauda∣bilis: sed qua••do deponit a••iquis curam p••out de∣b••t. Th. Aquin. 2. 2. quaest. 129. art. 7.
• Rom. 11. 29.
• Iam. 1. 17.
• Esa. 41. 10. 13. Ier. 30. 10. & 46. 27, 28. Heb. 13. 5, 6. Psal. 3. 5, 6. & 4. 8.
• Psal. 23. 4.
• Psal. 27. 1, 3.
• Psal. 56. 3, 4.
• Psal. 46. 1, 2, 3.
• Rom. 8. 31. to 39.
• Gen 15. 1. & 17. 1.
• Esa 41. 14.
• 2. Cor. 12. 9.
• Esa. 57. 20, 21.
• Nihil potest esse securius, quam illi omnia com∣mittere qui no∣uit suis cultori∣bus congruè pro∣futura praestare. Cassian. in Psa. 72.
• Psal. 3. 5, 6.
• Psal. 27. 1, 3.
• Psal. 46. 1, 2.
• Rom. 8. 28.
• vers. 35.
• Act. 14. 22.
• 2. Tim. 2. 12.
• 2. Cor. 4. 17.
• Psal. 94. 12.
• Pet. 3. 14.
• Iam. 1. 12.
• Matth. 5. 10, 11.
• Rom. 5. 1, 3.
• Pro. 14. 32.
• Iob 13. 15.
• Rom. 8. 38, 39.
• Psal. 16. 11.
• 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.
• Iam. 1. 17. Matth. 7. 7. Ioh. 16. 23.
• Ioh. 10. 28.
• Psal. 23. 1. & 34. 10.
• Cant. 2. 3, 6.
• Zach. 2. 8.
• Gen. 4. 14.
• Apoc. 7. 3. & 9. 4.
• Iob 11. 14, 15, 18, 19.
• Matth. 5. 45. Gal. 6. 10.
• Matth. 6. 26. 30.
• Rom. 8. 32.
• Rom. 8 31.
• 2. Pet. 1. 10.
• Exod. 32. 25.
• Thirdly, Affi∣ance in God.
• Psal. 18. 1, 2. & 144. 2.
• Fourthly, Loue of God.
• Fiftly, The feare of God.
• Psal. 34. 9. & 145. 19.
• Eph. 3. 20.
• Sixtly, Chri∣stian righte∣ousnesse.
• Rom. 5. 1.
• Seuenthly, New obedi∣ence.
• Psal. 119. 6.
• Ier. 6. 16.
• Matt. 11. 28, 29.
• Phil. 4. 12.
• Defines timere, si sperare desie∣ris. Seneca.
• Pro. 23. 5.
• Nemo secu••us est in his bonis que potest inui∣tus a••••••tere. August de lib. arbit.
• Hic murus abe∣n••us esto ni•• con∣scire sibi, nulla pallescere cul a Hor••t. epist. l. 1. Epist▪ 1.
• Exemplo quod∣cu••{que} malo com∣mittitur, ipsi di∣splicet authori: prima haec est vl∣tio quod se iudice nemo nocens ab ••oluitur improba quam••is gratia fallacis prae••oris vicerit vrna. Iuvenal. Satyr. 13.
• 1. Ioh. 4. 20, 21.
• Quid prodest re∣condere se & o∣culos hominum a••res{que} vitare? bona conscientia turbam aduocat, mala etiam in solitudine anxia atque sollicita est: si honesta sunt quae facis, omnes sciant. Si turpia, quid refert neminem scire, cum tuscias? O te miserum si contemn•••• hunc testem. Senec. Epist. 43. Socrates interrega••us qui securè viuerent? qui inquit nihil sibi consciunt mali. Max. in serm. de Curios. Securitatis magna portio est nihil imqui facere, &c. Senec. Epist. 105.