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.

THE FIFTH BOOKE of a godly life, contayning in it the helpes and meanes which inable vs vnto it. p. 448

CAP. I.

• Of the rules of a godly life, whereby wee may bee directed in the right perfor∣mance of all Christian duties. And first, of such rules as respect the causes of it, both principall and subordinate. 448
• Sect. 1. Of the helpes inabling vs to leade a godly life. 448
• 2 The first rule is, that wee make God the supreme end of all Christian du∣ties, and wholly deny our selues in them. 449
• 3 The second rule respecteth our Saui∣our Christ, namely, that we ayme at him, as the mayne scope of all our actions. 450
• 4 The third rule, respecting the Spirit of God dwelling in vs. 451
• 5 The rules respecting subordinate cau∣ses, the first whereof is, that wee must often renew the Couenant betweene God and vs. 452
• 6 The 2. rule is, that we must take care to approue our wayes vnto God and our own cōsciences, & then vnto men. 454
• 7 The third rule is, that wee must per∣forme all good duties with a quiet and peaceable mind. 455
• 8 The fourth rule is, that all our duties must arise from the fundamentall gra∣ces of a godly life. 457
• 9 The fifth rule is, that we must chiefly esteeme, chuse, and affect the duties of godlinesse, according to their worth and excellency. 458
• 10 The sixth rule is, that we must vse all helpes and meanes which may inable vs vnto godlinesse. 459

CAP. II.

• Of the rules of a godly life, which re∣spect the circumstances of it. 460
• Sect. 1. The first rule, respecting the cir∣cumstances of a godly life is, that we must make precious account of our time which God hath allotted vs for his seruice. 460
• 2 The second rule is, that wee must not stay for occasions of Christian duties, but seeke for them before they offer themselues. 461
• 3 The third is, that wee must set our selues most seriously about Christian duties, when wee finde our selues best prepared and fitted for them. 462
• 4 The last rule is, that we must obserue an order in doing these duties, and a∣uoyd confusion. 463

CAP. III.

• Of the rules of a godly life, respecting the matter, forme, and substance of it. 464
• Sect. 1. The first rule is, that we aspire vn∣to perfection by degrees. 464
• 2 Of these degrees by which wee must aspire vnto perfection. 465
• 3 The second rule is, that wee fit our burthen according to our strength. 467
• 4 That wee must exercise our selues in the duties of a godly life, accor∣ding to the measure of grace receiued. 469
• 5 That they who vndertake matters a∣boue their strength, cannot doe them in sincerity, but in shew onely. 469
• 6 The third rule is, that wee must not vndertake too many things at once. 470
• 7 The fourth rule is, that wee must not

• busie our selues in other mens matters. 471
• 8 The fifth rule is, that we must take heed lest daily vse of Christian duties doe make vs cold and formal in them. 472
• 9 The sixth rule is, that wee must pre∣serue our zeale and deuotion in their full strength, and not suffer them to decline or waxe cold. 472

CAP. IIII.

• Of the last rule of a godly life, which is, that we must not content our selues with a small measure of grace, but labour to grow vnto perfection. 474
• Sect. 1. That the Scriptures require this growth in grace, from the least degrees to the greatest. 474
• 2 Reasons mouing vs to aspire vnto per∣fection. 476
• 3 That except wee grow in grace, wee cannot haue any sound comfort in our estate. 477
• 4 That if wee desire to grow in grace, wee must carefully vse the meanes which may further vs in it; and what they be. 478

CAP. V.

• Of the meanes whereby wee may be in∣abled to leade a godly life; And first, of the Ministery of the Word. 479
• Sect. 1. That if wee will leade a godly life, wee must vse the meanes inabling vs vnto it. 479
• 2 The Ministery of the Word is a chiefe meanes of our spirituall life. 480
• 3 That it is the ordinary meanes of our new birth, and of working Gods gra∣ces in vs. 482
• 4 What is required in the Minister, that by his preaching hee may further the people in the duties of godlinesse. 484
• 5 That the Word must bee preached powerfully and plainely. 484
• 6 Of the duties of the people, respect∣ing the Ministers of the Word. 486

CAP. VI.

• Of the duties of the people in hearing of the Word; and first, in their prepara∣tion. 488
• Sect. 1. That wee must vse preparation before the hearing of the Word; and wherein it consisteth. 488
• 2 Of duties to bee performed in hearing the Word. 490
• 3 Of duties to bee performed after hea∣ring. 490

CAP. VII.

• Of the second publike meanes of a godly life, which is the administration of the Sa∣craments. 492
• Sect. 1. That the Sacraments further vs much in a godly life, as they are seales of the Couenant. 492
• 2 That the Sacraments further vs in god∣linesse, as they are testifications of our seruice to God. 493
• 3 That the Sacrament of Baptisme fur∣thereth vs in godlinesse, as wee are thereby ingrafted into Christ. 494
• 4 Secondly, as it is the Sacrament of our new birth. 495
• 5 Thirdly, as it is our restipulation in the Couenant of grace. 496
• 6 That the Lords Supper furthereth vs in Christian duties; first, because thereby our communion with Christ is confirmed; and secondly, our faith strengthened. 496
• 7 Thirdly, because it is the spirituall food of our soules. 497
• 8 Fourthly, because we doe it in remem∣brance of Christ. 498
• 9 Fifthly, because thereby wee are occa∣sioned to renew our Couenant with God. 499

CAP. VIII.

• Of the third publike meanes of a godly life, which is Prayer. 500
• Sect. 1, 2. That Prayer is Gods Ordi∣nance to obtaine his gifts and graces. 500
• 3 That publike Prayer is most effectu∣all for the obtaining of all Gods gra∣ces. 502

CAP. IX.

• Of the priuate meanes of a godly life; and first, of Christian watchfulnesse. 505
• Sect. 1. That we must not rest vpon the publike meanes onely, but vse the pri∣uate also. 505
• 2. 3. That Christian watchfulnesse, is not a bodily, but a spirituall exercise. 506
• 4 What Christian watchfulnesse is. 508
• 5 That this watch must bee kept in all things. 508
• 6 That we must watch ouer all the pow∣ers and parts of our soules and bodies. 509
• 7 That we must chiefly watch ouer our hearts. 511
• 8 That we must chiefly clense and keepe our hearts from those corruptions which are most dangerous. 512

CAP. X.

• Of Christian watchfulnesse ouer our sen∣ses, tongues, and actions. 515
• Sect. 1. How wee must watch ouer our senses. 515
• 2 How we must watch ouer our tongues. 516
• 3 That this watch consisteth in the right ordering of them. 517
• 4 How we must watch ouer our workes and actions. 519

CAP. XI.

• Of the ends at which we must ayme in our Christian watch. 520
• Sect. 1. Of three speciall ends of our Christian watch. 520
• 2 That wee must watch ouer our selues, that wee be not circumuented by our spirituall enemies. 521
• 3 That we must keepe this watch in all places, and at all times. 522
• 4 That wee must watch also ouer our brethren. 523

CAP. XII.

• Of the reasons whereby wee may bee perswaded to keepe this Christian watch. 523
• Sect. 1. That this watch is necessary, be∣cause God requireth it. 523
• 2 Other reasons, shewing the necessity of keeping this watch. 524
• 3 That this watch is most profitable, be∣cause it helpeth vs much to the leading of a godly life. 525
• 4 That by this watch wee are made constant in the course of Christiani∣ty. 528

CAP. XIII.

• Of the meanes wherby we may be inabled to keepe the Christian watch. 529
• Sect. 1. The first meanes, is temperance and sobriety, and the second, the feare of God. 529
• 2 The third meanes, is the remembrance of Gods Iudgements. 530
• 3 Of the fourth meanes, which is to re∣member the day of death. 531
• 4 Of the last meanes, which is to medi∣tate on the day of Iudgement. 532

CAP. XIIII.

• Of Meditation, which is the second priuate meanes of a godly life, what it is, and the causes thereof, with the reasons which may mooue vs to this holy exer∣cise. 533
• Sect. 1. Of the order, and reason why it is heere handled. 533
• 2 Of Meditation, what it is, and how it differeth from other exercises of the mind. 533
• 3 Of the efficient cause, or person who is to meditate. 535
• 4 That Meditation is an exercise that belongeth to all Christians. 536
• 5 Reasons moouing vs to performe this duty; the first whereof is taken from the excellency of it. 537
• 6 The second, taken from the profit of it. 537
• 7 The third, taken from the necessity of it. 538

CAP. XV.

• Of the kinds of Meditation, and first, of that which is extraordinary. 539
• Sect. 1. What extraordinary Meditation is, and the subiect of it. 539

• 2 What ordinary Meditation is, and the subiect of it. 541
• 3 Of the difficulty of this religious exer∣cise. 542
• 4 The singular profit of ordinary Medi∣tation. 543
• 5 That this Meditation is effectuall for the sanctifying of the heart. 544
• 6 That the exercise of Meditation is ve∣ry necessary. 546

CAP. XVI.

• Answeres to diuers obiections made a∣gainst the exercise of Meditation. 547
• Sect. 1. The obiection of difficulty ac∣knowledged and answered. 547
• 2 The obiection of naturall wants and weakenesses in performing this exer∣cise, answered. 548
• 3 Their obiection answered, who pre∣tend want of matter to meditate vpon. 548
• 4 Other hindrances remooued. 549
• 5 That company and worldly businesse should not hinder vs from this exercise of Meditation. 549

CAP. XVII.

• Of the circumstances of Meditation, as the place, time, and gesture of the bo∣dy. 552
• Sect. 1. Of the place of Meditation. 552
• 2 Of the time; that it must not be con∣tinuall, but as we get fittest opportu∣nity. 552
• 3 Of the fittest time for Meditation. 553
• 4 Of constancy in this exercise. 554
• 5 Of the disposition and gesture of the body. 555

CAP. XVIII.

• Of our entrance into Meditation by due preparation. 557
• Sect. 1. That this preparation is necessa∣ry, and wherein it consisteth. 557
• 2 That wee must chiefly prepare our hearts and affections. 558
• 3 Of the subiect matter of Meditation, and what choyce ought to bee made of it. 559
• 4. to the tenth, That the Scriptures them∣selues, and all points of Christian Reli∣gion contained in them, are fit matter of Meditation. 560
• 10. Rules directing vs in the choyce of the fittest matter for our Meditations. 569
• 11 That we must conclude our prepara∣tion with Prayer. 570

CAP. XIX.

• Of our progresse and proceeding in the exercise of Meditation. 572
• Sect. 1, 2. That we must proceed orderly in this exercise, and how this is to bee done. 572
• 3 That in our Meditations wee must chiefly respect our will, hearts, and af∣fections, our liues and actions. 576
• 4 That wee must not bee discouraged, though we cannot at the first feele the fruit of our Meditations. 577
• 5 Of the meanes whereby wee may feele our hearts affected with a liuely sense of the things whereon wee me∣ditate. 578
• 6 Of the egresse and conclusion of our Meditation. 580

CAP. XX.

• An example and patterne of Medita∣tion, the subiect matter whereof, is true and vnfained repentance. 582
• Sect. 1. What repentance is, and the cau∣ses thereof. 582
• 2 Of the matter, forme, and parts of re∣pentance, and first, of humiliation. 584
• 3 Of the second part of repentance, which consisteth in conuersion and a∣mendment. 586
• 4 Of the finall causes, subiect, and properties of repentance, the contra∣ries vnto it, and comparisons illustra∣ting it. 587
• 5 Of the kinds of repentance; ordinary and extraordinary. 588

CAP. XXI.

• How wee must worke the former points vpon our hearts and affections. 590
• Sect. 1. How our hearts are to be affected

• with feruent desires to practise this duty of repentance. 590
• 2, 3, 4, 5. Motiues perswading to the practice of repentance in the seuerall parts thereof. 597

CAP. XXII.

• Of diuers speciall meanes whereby the point meditated is wrought vpon the heart and affections. 598
• Sect. 1, 2, 3, &c. Whereof examination, confession, complaint, hearty wish∣ing to haue our wants supplied, ac∣knowledgment of impotencie, Petiti∣on, inforcement, confidence, congra∣tulation, and recommendation. 598

CAP. XXIII.

• Of the third priuate meanes of a godly life, which is consideration and examination of our estates. 605
• Sect. 1. How consideration and exami∣nation differ. 605
• 2 Of examination, what it is, and where∣in it consisteth. 605
• 3 That wee are chiefly to examine our selues in respect of our sinnes, and first, our originall corruption. 607
• 4 Of examining our selues, concerning our actuall transgressions according to the Law. 607
• 5 How we must aggrauate our sins, in re∣spect of circumstances. 609
• 6 That it is a profitable course to keepe a register or catalogue of our speciall sinnes, and of the manifold fruits that will arise out of it. 610
• 7 Of the consideration of our misery and punishment. 612
• 8 Of the end of this examination, and time when it is to bee performed. 612
• 9 A complaint of the neglect of this du∣ty, and the causes thereof. 613

CAP. XXIIII.

• Diuers effectuall reasons to mooue vs vn∣to this exercise of examination. 614
• Sect. 1. That this duty is required in the Scriptures. 614
• 2 The great profit of this exercise of exa∣mination. 615
• 3, 4. That this exercise is very necessa∣ry. 616

CAP. XXV.

• Of the fourth priuate meanes of a godly life, which is, walking daily with God. 619
• Sect. 1. That wee are alwayes in Gods presence. 619
• 2 That it would be a powerfull meanes to restraine vs from all sinne, if wee would alwayes set God before vs. 620
• 3 That the consideration of Gods pre∣sence would effectually moue vs vnto all good duties. 622

CAP. XXVI.

• Of the last meanes of a godly life, which is experimentall knowledge. 623
• Sect. 1. What this experimentall know∣ledge is, and the practice of it, shewed in many examples. 623
• 2 The experimentall knowledge of our owne estates, in respect of our diuers and contrary courses. 625
• 3 That no knowledge is to be compared with this of experience. 626

CAP. XXVII.

• That Prayer is a singular meanes of a godly life. 628
• Sect. 1. That nothing more then prayer maketh vs godly and religious. 628
• 2 That prayer is the meanes of ob∣tayning all Gods gifts and graces. 629
• 3 That all the parts of prayer are singu∣lar helpes to a godly life. 629

CAP. XXVIII.

• Of reading the Scriptures and other re∣ligious writings. 631
• Sect. 1. Who are to exercise themselues in this duty of reading. 631
• 2 That wee are chiefly to be exercised in reading and studying of the Scrip∣tures. 632
• 3 Their obiection answered, who pre∣tend

• the obscurity of the Scriptures. 633
• 4 That we must not reade the Scriptures only, but also other religious writings. 635
• 5 Speciall directions for the choyce of fit Authors, which may helpe vs in the practice of godlinesse. 636

CAP. XXIX.

• Of our preparation to this exercise of Reading, and what is required in it. 638
• Sect. 1. That wee must come with reue∣rence to this holy exercise, and bring faith vnto it. 638
• 2 That we must bring honest hearts, and earnest desires to profit by this exer∣cise. 639
• 3 That wee must come with a purpose to make good vse of all wee reade. 639
• 4 That we must pray before wee reade. 640

CAP. XXX.

• Of the duties required in the action of reading, that we may profit by it. 641
• Sect. 1. Of the ends at which wee must ayme in our reading. 641
• 2 That we must obserue the theame and argument. 642
• 3 That wee must obserue a due order in our reading. 642
• 4 That the deuout Reader is not to reade many Bookes of the same ar∣gument, but to make choyce of some which are best. 643
• 5 That wee must labour to vnderstand what we reade. 644
• 6 That we must ioyne with our reading serious Meditation. 646
• 7 That wee must reade with affection and deuotion, applying all to vse. 647
• 8 That wee must reade orderly, with di∣ligence and constancy. 647
• 9 Of the fittest time for this exercise. 649
• 10 Of the wofull neglect of it. 650

CAP. XXXI.

• That reading is a notable meanes to further vs in the duties of a godly life. 651
• Sect. 1. That reading is a profitable ex∣ercise. 651
• 2 That by it the minde is much in∣lightened in the knowledge of Gods will. 651
• 3 Of many other benefits which rea∣ding bringeth. 652

CAP. XXXII.

• Of the choyce of our company, by which we shunne the society of the wic∣ked, and consort our selues with the god∣ly. 653
• Sect. 1. That we must carefully auoyd the society of the wicked. 653
• 2 The Scriptures often warne vs to a∣uoyd them. 655
• 3 Examples of the faithfull to the same purpose. 655
• 4 Reasons moouing vs to shunne euill company; first, because it is a strong tentation vnto euill. 656
• 5 Other reasons to the same purpose. 657
• 6 That we must consort our selues with the godly. 658
• 7 That good company taketh away the tediousnesse of good exercises. 659
• 8 That good company preserueth vs from falling into many sinnes, and in∣citeth vs to many duties. 659
• 9 That by good company we are fitted to performe Christian duties one to∣wards another. 660

CAP. XXXIII.

• Of the extraordinary meanes of a godly life, and first, of feasting and solemne thankesgiuing. 662
• Sect. 1. Of solemne thankesgiuing, what it is, and when to bee performed. 662
• 2 When this duty is most seasonable, how it differeth from that which is ordinary, and the kinds of it. 663

CAP. XXXIIII.

• Of the second extraordinary meanes which is solemne fasting. 665

• Sect. 1. What a true fast is, and how it differeth from all other fasts. 665
• 2 That the duty of fasting is morall, and required in the Gospell, as well as the Law. 666
• 3 Of the causes of a true fast, and when it is most seasonable. 667
• 4 Of the ends of a true fast. 668

CAP. XXXV.

• Of the parts of a true fast, or the things wherein it consisteth. 670
• Sect. 1. That the outward fast consist∣eth in totall abstinence. 670
• 2 That wee must, in our fast, abstaine from the most part of worldly com∣forts. 671
• 3 Of the inward and spirituall exercises in our fast. 672
• 4 Of humiliation and penitency in our fast. 673
• 5 That prayer must be ioyned with our fasting. 673
• 6 That with our fasting, we must ioyne vnfained repentance. 675
• 7 That we must, in our fast, exercise our selues in all Christian duties. 676

CAP. XXXVI.

• Of the arguments and reasons which may moue vs to leade a godly life; and first, such as respect Gods nature, workes, and loue to∣wards vs. 678
• Sect. 1. The first sort of reasons taken from Gods nature and attributes. 678
• 2 The second reason, taken from Gods loue towards vs. 680
• 3 The third reason, taken from Gods decree of Election. 681
• 4 The fourth reason, taken from the be∣nefit of our Creation. 683
• 5 The fifth reason, taken from the bene∣fit of our preseruation. 684

CAP. XXXVII.

• Two other reasons mouing vs to a godly life: the first, taken from Christ, giuen vnto vs by his Father; the other, from the coue∣nant of grace made in him. 686
• Sect. 1. Of the inestimable gift of Iesus Christ, which should moue vs to loue and serue God. 686
• 2 That the work of Redemption should moue vs to serue our Redeemer in all duties of a godly life. 687
• 3 That by the couenant of grace, wee are strongly bound vnto all Christian duties of a godly life. 689

CAP. XXXVIII.

• Of two other reasons mouing vs to a godly life: the one taken from our effectuall calling; the other from our free Iustificati∣on by faith. 691
• Sect. 1. That the benefit of our effectu∣all calling should mooue vs to serue God in the duties of a godly life. 691
• 2 The second reason taken from our Iu∣stification, and the fruits that follow it. 692

CAP. XXXIX.

• Other motiues arising from those duties which we owe vnto God and our neighbours. 694
• Sect. 1. The first reason, taken from that thankfulnesse which wee owe vnto God. 694
• 2 The second reason, taken from that desire which should be in vs to glorifie God. 695
• 3 The third reason, taken from the will of God, that wee should thus serue him. 696
• 4 The fourth reason is, that wee may a∣dorne the Gospell of God which wee professe. 698
• 5 That we must leade a godly life to a∣uoyd offence. 698

CAP. XL.

• Of such reasons mouing vs to the duties of a godly life, as respect our selues. 700
• Sect. 1. The first reason, taken from that dignity vnto which God hath called vs. 700
• 2 The second reason is, because hereby we are assured that wee shall prosper in all our wayes. 701
• 3 The third reason, because without this indeuour, all our outward exercises are vaine. 701
• 4 The fourth reason, taken from the consideration of our lost time before our conuersion. 702

CAP. XLI.

• Other reasons taken from our owne pro∣fit, and the manifold benefits of a godly life. 703
• Sect. 1. That godlinesse is the chiefest gaine. 703
• 2 That it assureth vs of freedome from all our sinnes. 704
• 3 That by it we are freed from the pu∣nishment of all our sinnes. 705
• 4 That it doth much strengthen vs a∣gainst Satans tentations. 707
• 5 That by a godly life, wee are prepared against death. 708
• 6 That therby we are freed from Iudge∣ment and condemnation. 709

CAP. XLII.

• Other reasons taken from those singular priuiledges, which are peculiar to those who serue God in the duties of a godly life. 711
• Sect. 1. The first priuiledge is, that the Image of God is repaired in vs. 711
• 2 The second priuiledge is, that by a godly life wee haue title to all Gods promises; and first, of temporall bles∣sings. 712
• 3 That thereby Gods sauing graces are much increased in in vs. 714
• 4 That it strengtheneth our hope and confidence in God. 715
• 5 That it bringeth courage and true for∣titude. 717
• 6 That it keepeth our consciences pure and peaceable. 717
• 7 That it causeth constancy and perse∣uerance. 718
• 8 That it bringeth many benefits at the houre of death. 719
• 9 That it bringeth inestimable benefits in the life to come. 720

CAP. XLIII.

• Of other singular priuiledges wherewith God crowneth a godly life. 721
• Sect. 1. Their conceit confuted, who imagine that God wholly reserueth the rewards of those that serue him, for the life to come. 721
• 2 That God ordinarily giueth greatest plenty of worldly blessings to world∣ly men. 722
• 3 That euen in this life God endoweth the godly with many singular and pe∣culiar priuiledges; and first, that hee loueth them aboue all other his crea∣tures. 723
• 4 That God watcheth ouer the godly with his speciall prouidence, and the benefits of this priuiledge. 725
• 5 That hee guideth and gouerneth the godly with his grace and holy Spirit. 727
• 6 That he guideth the godly in the time of their afflictions. 728
• 7 That hee inwardly guideth them by his grace and holy Spirit. 730

CAP. XLIIII.

• Other singular priuiledges wherewith God in this life crowneth the godly, which are the fruits and effects of his holy Spirit. 731
• Sect. 1. That he sealeth vnto the godly the assurance of their adoption. 731
• 2 The second speciall priuiledge is illu∣mination. 732
• 3 The third is sanctification of the Spi∣rit. 733
• 4 The fourth is internall and spirituall ioy. 733
• 5 The last is Christian liberty. 734

CAP. XLV.

• Of foure other maine priuiledges, where∣with God crowneth a godly life, both in this world, and the world to come. 735
• Sect. 1. That hee bestoweth vpon them the Spirit of prayer. 735
• 2 That he giueth them meanes to build them vp in grace vnto saluation. 736
• 3 That they shall perseuere in the state of grace to saluation. 737
• 4 Of their inestimable priuiledges in the world to come. 739