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

CAP. XLII.

Other reasons, taken from those singular priuiledges, which are peculiar vnto those who serue God in the duties of a godly life.

§. Sect. 1 The first pri∣uiledge is, that the image of God is repay∣red in vs.

ANd so much concerning the priuatiue benefits which ac∣company a godly life. The positiue benefits which we receiue by it, are manifold. For first, hereby the image of God is repayred in vs, and wee are made like vnto him, seeing this image chiefely consisteth in wisedome, holinesse and righteousnesse, whereby knowing God and his will, we are transformed in all holy obedience vnto it. So the Apostle saith, that we haue put on the New man, which is renued in knowledge, after the image of him that created vs. And exhorteth vs to bee renewed in the Spirit of our mindes, and to put on the new man, which after God is created in righte∣ousnesse and true holinesse. So that if we be renewed in wisedome and knowledge, in holinesse and righteousnesse, we shall become like vn∣to God, hauing his image through Christ renewed in vs, after which wee were created, but had it defaced in vs by the fall of Adam. And this argument the Scriptures doe often vse to perswade vs vnto an ho∣ly and righteous life. So the Lord himselfe presseth this reason to his people: For I am the Lord your God, ye shall therefore sanctifie your selues, and yee shall bee holy, for I am holy. And againe, Yee shall sanctifie your selues, and be ye holy, for I am the Lord your God. And our Sauiour Christ exhor∣teth vs to bee therefore perfect, that, as children of our heauenly Father, wee may resemble him in perfection. So the Apostle would haue vs to approue our selues to be the sonnes of God, by being blamelesse, harme∣lesse, & without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked & peruerse nation. And the A∣postle Iohn teacheth vs, how we may approue our selues to haue fellow∣ship with God, namely, by walking in the light, as he is in the light. And finally, the Apostle Peter perswadeth vs to an holy life by the same reason: As he that hath called you is holy, so bee yee holy, in all manner of conuersation, because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. Neither in truth can any thing bee more effectuall to perswade vs to an holy life, then this argument, if it bee well waighed. For the neerer wee come to this most absolute and perfect patterne, the more we shall bee resto∣red to that state of excellency and perfection, in which we were crea∣ted; the more wee resemble him who is the chiefe Goodnesse and blessednesse, the more wee shall exceede in goodnesse and glory, in holinesse and happinesse, the which alwaies accompany one another. The more like we are vnto God, the more communion we shall haue with him; the more hee will loue vs and delight in vs, as a Father ordinarily best loueth that childe, that most resembleth him in fa∣uour and nature, though oftentimes out of meere selfe-loue, because hee seemeth to liue in him, and not for any excellencie that is in those parts and qualities which hee loueth in him. And if gene∣rally likenesse causeth loue, when there is no worth in the thing be∣loued,

how much more will God infinitely loue vs, when as by our like∣nesse we shall be made most louely, and that for his owne sake, with a pure and perfect loue, because his Image is stamped in vs, and he after a sort li∣ueth in vs, and we in him, his holinesse and righteousnesse being manifested in our godly life and conuersation?

§. Sect. 2 The second priuiledge is, that by a god∣ly life we haue title & interest in all Gods pro∣mises, and first, of temporall blessings.

Secondly, by a godly life wee haue interest vnto all Gods promises, whereby he hath assured vs of all his blessings and benefits, both temporall and eternall, according to that of the Apostle; Godlinesse is profitable vnto all things, hauing the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. So the Psalmist saith, that they which seeke and feare the Lord, shall not want any good thing. For the Lord God is a sunne and shield, he will giue grace and glory; and no good thing will hee withhold from them that walke vprightly. And the Apostle Peter testifieth, that God, according to his diuine power, hath giuen vnto vs (that is, all the faithfull who serue him in holinesse and righ∣teousnesse) all things that pertaine vnto life and godlinesse, through the know∣ledge of him who hath called vs to glory and vertue; whereby are giuen vnto vs exceeding great and precious promises, &c. Now these blessings and benefits which God hath promised as the gracious rewards of a godly conuersa∣tion, are either temporall, and of this life, or eternall, and of the life to come. Those of this life; are either corporall, concerning the body and outward estate; or spirituall, respecting chiefly the good of the soule, by inriching it with all sanctifying and sauing graces. The benefits of the former kinde are promised to all those who serue the Lord, and carefully obserue all his Commandements, although not absolutely, but conditio∣nally, so farre foorth as the corporall blessings will best stand with Gods glory, and our spirituall and eternall good. Thus the Lord promiseth in the Law, that hee will giue vnto those who obserue and keepe it, all the blessings of this life, respecting either their persons or states. As that hee will blesse them in themselues, and also in their children and posterity; that he will giue them health of body, and a long life and good dayes, prosperity and plenty of all good things, strength of body, and gifts of the minde, as wisedome, fortitude, and the rest, that he will blesse them in the field and in the house, at home in the city, and abroad, by giuing them victory ouer all their enemies, and causing them to be had in honour and high esteeme amongst all the nations which dwelt about them. All which his gifts, are vnto those that feare God, double blessings, because he not onely giueth the things themselues, but also the right vse of them, whereby they become truely profitable. Secondly, because he maketh his gifts sufficient, in what proportion soeuer they are, for their preserua∣tion and comfort, and by giuing contentment with them, causeth them to satisfie their desires; whereas worldly men are insatiable, like the graue and hell, which neuer say, Enough. Thirdly, because hee doth measure out vnto them such a proportion of worldly blessings, as is most fit for their spirituall estate, that they may bee more mindfull of him, and haue their faith, hope, affiance, humility, and other sauing graces exercised and increased, and doth not suffer them to abound in such superfluous ex∣cesse, as would bee rather an heauy burthen vnto them then a benefit; a meanes to quench his graces in them, and to distract them in all religious

duties; a snare to intangle them in worldly cares, and to withdraw their hearts from him, and to fasten them vpon the world; an occasion to make them forget him, and like pampered horses, to kicke against him that fee∣deth them; to weaken their affiance, and to make them trust in themselues and their owne prouisions; to puffe them vp in pride towards him, and in∣solencie towards their neighbours, as though they excelled them as much in true worth, as they exceed them in worldly wealth. The which is a sin∣gular benefit to the faithfull; that seeing they cannot, through naturall corruption, measure their appetite, the Lord, like a carefull and skilfull Physician, should stint and diet them, letting them haue so much, not as they desire, but as they are well able to disgest, seeing a greater quantity would but surcharge their stomakes and cause a surfet, turning all the su∣perfluity into crudities, and the hurtfull humours of vice and sinne, as pride, couetousnesse, loue of the world, and such like, which would much hazzard and impaire their spirituall health. And thus the Lord promiseth corporall blessings vnto them that serue him, not simply and absolutely, but so as they may be truly beneficiall; not because he would haue them so mercenary as to serue him chiefly for worldly wages, as the deuill charged Iob (for hee respecteth onely that filiall obedience which ariseth out of a liuely faith, and vnfained loue) but seeing we are so sensuall, that we haue things present in great esteeme, and neglect future blessings much more precious and permanent, therefore the Lord graciously condescending vnto our weakenesse and infirmities, doth also promise and giue vnto vs corporall benefits, as it were temporary wages, that receiuing, besides our future hopes, this present pay, we might the rather be incouraged to per∣forme vnto him diligent seruice. Thus the Lord perswadeth vs not to for∣get his Law, but to apply our hearts to keepe his Commandements, because length of dayes, long life, and peace they shall adde vnto vs. Thus wisedome mooueth all to imbrace her, not onely for her spirituall excellencies, but also because riches and honour are with her; (and those which seldome meete) durable riches and righteousnesse, vnlesse these promises are rather to bee taken in a spirituall sense. And our Sauiour Christ perswadeth vs to for∣sake the world and our selues by this argument, because no man that leaueth house, or brethren, or sisters, &c. for his sake and the Gospels, but they shall re∣ceiue an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, &c. and in the world to come eternall life. The Apostle also vseth this reason to per∣swade vnto Christian beneficence, not only because they should reape a plentifull haruest, of their seed so sowne, in heauen, but also because God was able to returne vnto them such sufficient plenty of temporall bles∣sings, that they might still abound vnto euery good worke. So that Gods earthly and corporall benefits, which he hath promised to those that serue him, may serue as strong, though not the strongest reasons, to make vs dili∣gent in all Christian duties. For howsoeuer carnall and worldly men are to be condemned, who stand most affected to temporary rewards, enqui∣ring who will shew them any good, and what profit there is in seruing the Al∣mighty, when any man perswadeth them vnto it; yet Gods owne children, though they are chiefly to regard spirituall grace and heauenly glory, may haue, in performance of their duty, some respect to earthly benefits, and

incourage themselues in Gods seruice, in hope to receiue such a proporti∣on of them, as will stand with their spirituall good and eternall saluation, to which end God hath promised them.

§. Sect. 3 That by a godly life, Gods sauing graces are much increa∣sed in vs.

The second sort of the benefits of this life, are Gods spirituall graces, all which are much increased by a godly life. And first, heereby our faith is much confirmed and increased, by our frequent performing the duties of holinesse and righteousnesse. For as often Acts doe confirme and in∣crease an habit; and both our bodily strength, and all faculties of the mind, are not onely preserued, but also much improoued by continuall exercise; so vertuous actions and workes of piety and righteousnesse, being the ex∣ercises of our faith, doe tend much to the strengthening of it; whereas contrariwise, by the neglect of these duties, it is much weakened, and by the contrary vices and acts of sinne exceedingly shaken, and grieuously wounded. In which regard, the Apostle ioyneth the holding of faith, and a good conscience, because the one will not stay without the other, being such louing twins as cannot be diuided, but liue and die together. More espe∣cially, the duties of a godly life, doe confirme our faith in the assurance of our election, not as causes, for the election of God is free of grace, and not of workes, but as the effects and fruits of it, and as the end vnto which wee are elected, for wee are not chosen because wee were holy, but to the end that wee might bee holy, as the Apostle sheweth. Thus the Apostle Peter exhorting vs to make our calling and election sure, prescribeth this as the onely meanes, the ioyning of one vertue and Christian duty with another, telling vs, that if wee doe these things, wee shall neuer fall. The Psalmist likewise setting downe the markes and signes, whereby wee may know whether God hath chosen vs to dwell in his holy mountaine, maketh this the first & chiefe, to walke vprightly, and work righte∣ousnesse, and to haue cleane hands, and a pure heart. Secondly, hereby our faith is perswaded of Gods grace and loue in Christ. For by keeping of Gods Commandements, we are assured that we loue God, according to that of the Apostle Iohn, Whoso keepeth his Word, in him verily is the loue of God per∣fected; and consequently, that he loueth vs, seeing we loue him, because he lo∣ued vs first, our loue being but a sparke of that diuine and infinite flame. Thirdly, of our effectuall calling, this being the meanes which the Apostle prescribeth to make it sure. For heereby we know, that the grace of God, bringing saluation, hath shined vnto vs, when as we are taught thereby, to deny vngodlinesse and worldly lusts; and to liue soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; that wee haue in a sauing manner heard Gods Word, when hauing receiued it into honest hearts, wee haue brought foorth fruits with patience. That wee are ingrafted into Christ the true Vine, when wee bring foorth the ripe Grapes of holinesse and righteousnesse. That wee are trees of righteousnesse of Gods owne planting, when like the tree planted by the riuers of waters, wee bring foorth fruit in due season. That wee are good men, when out of the good treasure of our heart we bring foorth that which is good. That wee are of God, and the Sheepe of Christ, when we heare Gods Word, and follow him. And that wee are truely a kinne to Christ, when wee doe the will of his Father which is in heauen. Fourthly, by a godly life, and the workes of piety and righteousnesse, our

faith is assured of it selfe, that it is liuely and vnfained; for as our good workes doe shew it vnto others, so also they approoue it vnto our selues, as being the fruits of this tree, and the very breath of this body, without which, it is but a dead stocke and rotten carkasse. For as the Apostle Iames telleth vs, Faith, if it haue no workes, is dead, being alone; And as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without workes is dead also. Fifthly, our faith is heereby assured of our iustification, and of all the fruits and bene∣fits that doe accompany it. As that we are freed from our sinnes, both in respect of their guilt and punishment, by the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ, when as by the vertue and power of them, we feele our selues deliuered from the corruption of them, so as they doe not rule and raigne in vs, as in former times, and quickned in the inner man vnto holinesse and newnesse of life. That we are reconciled vnto God, when as we feele an earnest desire and constant indeuour wrought in vs of pleasing him in all things. That we are his children by adoption and grace, when we liue as it becommeth his children, and resemble our heauenly Father in holi∣nesse and righteousnesse. That we are sanctified by his Spirit, when as wee bring forth the fruits of our sanctification in a godly and Christian life. That we haue vnfainedly repented of our sinnes, when as wee bring forth fruits worthy amendment, and doe daily exercise our selues in good workes. Finally, that we are Citizens of heauen, and heires of euerlast∣ing happinesse, when as we haue our conuersation there, setting our hearts and affections on things aboue, and not on things beneath; and when hauing this hope, that we shall be made like vnto Christ, we haue purged our selues, as he also is pure.

§. Sect. 4 That a godly life strength∣neth and in∣creaseth our hope and con∣fidence in God.

The second spirituall benefit of a godly life is, that it strengtheneth and increaseth our hope and confidence in God, grounded vpon this assu∣rance, that hee will preserue all those that feare and serue him, from all euill, all perils and dangers, and the malice and might of all their enemies, and that he will prouide for them all things necessary, seeing he, who is so bountifull euen to his enemies, will not let his owne children want any thing that is good, who haue a desire to serue and please him. So that they which feare the Lord, haue great cause to trust in the Lord, as the Psal∣mist exhorteth, because he is their helpe and shield. And this made the three Children so confident, that they cared not for the rage of the Tyrant, nor for the fiery Furnace, though seuenfold hotter then ordinary, because they had serued God with a good conscience, and thereby were assured, that the God whom they serued, was both able and willing to deliuer them. This made Daniel to serue God constantly, whom hee had formerly ser∣ued, notwithstanding the cruell edict of the King; because he well knew, that the God whom he serued, was able to deliuer him from the Lions, as Darius also acknowledged. From which confidence there arise diuers o∣ther singular benefits, as inward ioy and comfort in all estates, seeing in this confidence we haue cast all our care vpon God; patience in all trou∣bles, seeing we trust assuredly in God for helpe and deliuerance, in that time which shall be most seasonable, both for his glory, and our owne spi∣rituall good and euerlasting saluation. Cheerfulnesse in the wayes of godlinesse, when they seeme fullest of difficulty and danger, because the

Lord, in whom we trust, is able to support and defend vs. And finally, conscience of our well doing, and our earnest desire to glorifie and please God in all Christian and holy duties, doth not onely much strengthen our faith in the assurance of Gods infinite mercies, and Christs all-suffici∣ent merits, but also exceedingly confirme our affiance, in the sense and feeling of Gods loue, so that we are thereby inabled, with great confi∣dence, to haue our accesse vnto the Throne of grace, and with much liber∣ty of speech and spirit, to make all our suits knowne vnto him, with assu∣rance that they shall be graciously heard and granted. For the effectuall feruent prayer of arighteous man auaileth much. And we are assured, with Da∣uid, that the God of our righteousnes will heare our prayers, and that the Lord, who setteth apart him that is godly, for himselfe, will heare vs (being such) when we call vpon him; That the eyes of the Lord are vpon the righteous, and that his eares are open to heare their cry. The which the Apostle Peter vseth, as an effectuall argument, to mooue vs to eschew euill, and doe good, to seeke peace, and ensue it, because it confirmeth our confidence, that God will heare and grant all our suits; seeing, as the Psalmist speaketh, He will fulfill the desires of them that feare him, he also will heare their cry, and will saue them. For howsoeuer the chiefe and principall cause of our confidence and boldnesse be not any thing in our selues, but onely Iesus Christ, in whom God is well pleased with vs, according to that of the Apostle; In whom we haue boldnesse and accesse with confidence, by the faith of him: And though this be the maine ground of our affiance, when we make our suits knowne vnto God, because Christ our high Priest maketh intercession for vs, in confidence whereof we may, as the Apostle exhorteth, come boldly vnto the Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, & find grace to help in time of need, yet we may draw neere with much more boldnesse, and with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, when we haue our harts sprinkled from an euill conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water; that is, not only the blood of Redemptiō, which purgeth vs from the guilt of our sinnes, but also the water of ab∣lution, which cleansing vs from the corruption of sinne, doth assure vs, that we are washed in that Lauer of Christs blood; and when our consci∣ences are so purged from dead workes thereby, as that wee are inabled, in some good measure, to serue the liuing God. For if wee regard wickednesse in our hearts, we can haue no assurance that God will heare vs; if wee come into Gods presence with guilty consciences, accusing vs for the neglect of his seruice, and for liuing in sinne without repentance, shame will couer our faces, and take away all boldnesse and confidence, when wee make our suits vnto him. For we know, that if our heart condemne vs, God is greater then our heart, and knoweth all things; but if our hearts condemne vs not, then haue we confidence towards God: And whatsoeuer we aske, we receiue of him, be∣cause we keepe his Commandements, and doe those things that are pleasing in his sight. For this maketh him to entertaine our suits, not onely graciously in respect of vs, but also with great pleasure in himselfe, according to that of Salomon; The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the vpright is his delight. Whereof it is that Dauid, though a man highly in Gods fauour, would not rashly presse into his presence, to make his suits vnto him, before hee had renewed his righteousnesse by

faith and repentance. For he professeth, that he would first wash his hands in innocency, and then he would compasse Gods Altar. Now what greater be∣nefit then this, or what more effectuall motiue vnto a godly life, then to haue hereby the grace and fauour of our Soueraigne Lord and King, so as we may at all times, with boldnesse, come into his presence, and as his chiefe fauorites, haue his eare still open vnto vs, so as we may freely make all our suits knowne vnto him, with assured confidence, that they shall be heard and granted, seeing he taketh delight in our prayers, and is as well pleased in giuing, as we in receiuing?

§. Sect. 5 That a godly life bringeth courage and true fortitude.

The third spirituall benefit which a godly life bringeth, is Christian courage and true fortitude: For being assured of Gods fauour and graci∣ous assistance, no dangers are able to daunt vs; and hauing put on the brestplate of righteousnesse, we feare not the incounters of any enemies. According to that of Salomon; The wicked flee, when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a Lion. An example whereof wee haue in Dauid, who was so couragious in the assurance of Gods assistance, that hee saith, he would not be afraid of ten thousand of people, that had set themselues against him round about. And professeth, that because God was his refuge and strength, he would not feare though the earth were remoued, and though the Mountaines were carried into the middest of the sea. Yea, though he should walke thorow the vale of the shadow of death, yet he would feare no euill, because God was with him, and his rod and staffe comforted him. Neither was this his case alone, but of all those that feare and serue the Lord, who, as he sheweth at large, stand in feare of no euill, though dangers beset them on all sides, because they haue made God their refuge and fortresse, who will therefore deliuer them from the feare of the Fowler, and from the noysome pestilence, &c. And giue his Angels charge ouer them, to keepe them in all their wayes; who shall beare them vp in their hands, lest they dash their foot against a stone. And therefore if we would be truly couragious, let vs serue God in the duties of a godly life, and being safe vnder his protection, and hauing him on our side, we shall not need to care who set against vs, nor to feare what man can doe vnto vs.

§. Sect. 6 That a godly life keepeth our conscien∣ces pure and peaceable.

The fourth benefit is, that this godly life doth keepe our consciences pure and peaceable. For when wee set our selues with full resolution to please God in all things, we carefully flee all knowne sinnes, whereby the conscience would be defiled. And so hauing nothing to lay to our charge, or to accuse vs of before God, sauing humane frailties and infirmities, for which we haue (as it were) a pardon of course, sealed by the blood of Christ; the conscience becommeth peaceable, and speaketh nothing but good and ioyfull things vnto vs, testifying the remission of our sinnes, our reconciliation with God, and that we and our workes are accepted of him. So that if with vprightnesse of heart we will serue the true Mel∣chisedech, in the duties of a godly life, he will be vnto vs, not onely a King of righteousnesse, but also a King of peace. For dying for our sinnes, and ri∣sing againe to iustifie vs, he hath at his departure left this rich legacy to all his true Disciples; Peace I leaue with you, may peace I giue vnto you. The which is not to be esteemed a gift of small value, seeing as the Apostle telleth vs, it passeth all vnderstanding; being one of those fruits, wherein

the Kingdome of heauen, and our euerlasting happinesse is begun in vs in this life; for as he saith, The Kingdome of God is not meate and drinke, but righteousnesse, and peace, and ioy in the holy Ghost. The which may effectually mooue vs to all Christian and holy duties of a godly life, seeing these first fruits of heauenly ioy, are incomparably of more value, then a whole har∣uest of all earthly happinesse, euen in their present worth, as bringing with them more sound comfort and contentment, more durable and last∣ing ioy; and also because they are sure euidences and earnest-pennies of our heauenly Inheritance, and full fruition of euerlasting blessednesse.

§. Sect. 7 That a godly life causeth constancy and perseuerance vnto the end.

The fifth benefit which we shal receiue by a godly life is, that if we once with a firme resolution & earnest indeuour set our selues to serue & please God, we shall continue in this estate, notwithstanding our manifold in∣firmities and corruptions which make vs daily prone to fall into sinne. For they who are once receiued into couenant with God, haue not onely the gracious promise of the remission of their sinnes, but also haue the meanes offered vnto them, yea wrought in them by God, of vnfained re∣pentance, whereby turning vnto him from their sinnes, and renewing their faith, which is the condition of the couenant, in the assurance that they are all pardoned in Christ, they may with peace and comfort proceed againe in their course of godlinesse, as if they had neuer failed in it, nor gone astray. Neither doth the Lord onely, as a gracious Father, prouide fit nourishment for his children, to preserue them in their health and strength; but like a skilfull and wise Physician, soueraigne medicines to recouer them when they are sicke and weake; and not onely affoordeth vnto them meanes to keepe them whole and sound, but the precious Balme of Gilead, the blood of Christ, applyed by faith; and the salue of all sores of sinne, vnfained repentance, to heale them, when in the spiritu∣all conflict they are hurt and wounded. The which he proudeth for them, and (as it were) putteth it into their hands by his earnest exhortations, O Israel, turne vnto the Lord thy God, for thou hast falne by thine iniquity. Take vnto you words, and turne to the Lord; Say vnto him, Take away all iniquity, and receiue vs graciously. And againe; As I liue, saith the Lord God, I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turne from his way and liue. Turne ye, turne ye from your euill wayes, for why will ye dye, yee house of Israel? Yea, he is displeased with them, and sharply reprooueth them, if they neglect this medicine when he offereth it vnto them, that they may be cured: Why is this people slidden backe by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to returne; no man repented him of his wickednesse, say∣ing, What haue I done, &c? And if thus they are not moued to returne, his bowels are troubled, and yearne with compassion, as the Prophet speaketh; and he is sorry that they sorrow not, as wee see in the example of our Sa∣uiour Christ, who wept ouer Ierusalem, because they would not make vse of the acceptable Day whilest it lasted, that they might repent, and so escape Gods imminent Iudgements. Yea, he doth not so leaue them, but effectually worketh, in the hearts of his faithfull and chosen Ones, this re∣pentance which he requireth: for he giueth repentance to the house of Israel: he taketh away their stony hearts, and giueth them hearts of flesh: hee powreth the Spirit of grace vpon the house of Iudah, and causeth them to bewaile

their sinnes. The which may be vnto vs a singular incouragement in our Christian course, when as wee are assured, that notwithstanding our many frailties and infirmities, wee shall not be cast off, and though we haue many foiles and fals, yet we shall not lie still and perish in our sinnes; seeing the Lord giueth vnto all his that feare and serue him, the grace of vnfained repentance, so as they rise againe, and recouer their former estate of holinesse, and withall his wonted grace and fauour, as though they had neuer sinned, and with it their wonted peace of con∣science, and ioy in the Holy Ghost.

§. Sect. 8 Of the bene∣fits which a godly life bringeth at the houre of death.

And these are the benefits which accompany a godly life, whilest we continue in the world: the benefits which it bringeth, when by death we are to depart out of it, are also great and inestimable: For when all worldly blessings faile, and like miserable comforters leaue and forsake vs; when being in greatest agony and distresse, wee stand in most neede of helpe, then the consolations which it bringeth, doe exceedingly cheere and refresh vs. For the good Spirit of God, which hath ruled and guided vs throughout the whole course of our liues, doth not leaue and forsake vs at the houre of death, but then especi∣ally doth accompany and assist vs, and the more our afflictions and griefes abound, the more it causeth our consolations to abound also. For it sealeth in our hearts and consciences, the assurance of the par∣don and remission of all our sinnes, and saith vnto vs, as sometimes Christ to the sicke of the palsie; Sonne, be of good comfort, thy sinnes are forgiuen thee. It incourageth vs against the feare of death, by assuring vs, that it hath lost its sting, and therefore though like a serpent it still hisse, yet it is not able to doe vs any hurt. It causeth the beames of Gods loue to shine cleerely in our hearts, by which they are so war∣med and cheered, that the chill and cold terrours of death cannot daunt and dismay vs. It calleth to our remembrance our former care to serue and please God, and how we haue walked with him & before him, though not in legall perfection, yet with integrity and vpright∣nesse of heart, & how we haue done that which is good in Gods sight. It witnesseth with our consciences, that wee haue beene faithfull Ste∣wards, who haue well husbanded Gods talents intrusted vnto vs; and that our accounts are euen, so that we neede not feare now when we are called to a reckoning. Yea, it putteth into our hands a gene∣rall acquittance, sealed with the blood of Christ, that wee may haue it in readinesse, when we appeare before our Iudge. It telleth vs, that now all our labours are ended, and that nothing remaineth, but to re∣ceiue our wages, and to keepe with God, his Saints and holy Angels a perpetuall Sabbath in all ioy and happinesse; that now wee are safe∣ly passed thorow a sea of danger, and are arriuing and entring into the heauenly Hauen of euerlasting rest; that we haue fought a good fight, and finished it with an happy victory, and that now nothing remaineth, but to receiue the Crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous Iudge hath layde vp for vs, and is now ready to set vpon our heads with triumph and glory. Againe, a godly life changeth the nature of death, and of a curse for sinne, maketh it to become a great blessing; as being

a meanes to free vs from all euils, and to enter vs into the fruition of the chiefest good; so that whosoeuer with the Apostle haue led their liues in the true feare of God, may say with him; For to me to liue, is Christ; and to die, is gaine. For the death of the godly puts an end to all their troubles, that all teares may be wiped from their eyes. It causeth them cease to sinne, which so long as they liue in the flesh, hangeth vpon them as an heauie burthen, and presseth out of them many a sorrow∣full sigh and deepe grone. It bringeth with it a ioyfull rest from all their labours, which in this life are so tedious and troublesome, and putteth an end to their wearisome pilgrimage. It freeth them from all worldly miseries, from pouerty and penurie, sores and sicknesses, slanders and disgraces, and bringeth with it heauenly plentie, and the riches of Gods Kingdome, perpetuall health & euerlasting glory. It putteth an end to the spiritual conflict, and to all the assaults of our ma∣ny, mighty and malicious enemies, so as they shall neuer more be able to disturbe our peace. It separateth vs from the society of wicked worldlings, which whilest wee liue, is so irkesome and dangerous, and from participating with them either in their sinnes or punishments. It secureth vs from the euils to come, and acquitteth vs from appro∣ching dangers. Finally, as it putteth an end to all our euils both of punishment and sinne, so it serueth as an entrance into the full fruition of all good, and for a straite gate, whereby we passe into heauenly happinesse. All which considerations should be effectuall reasons to perswade to the leading of a godly life, which is alwaies attended vpon by such a blessed death, that bringeth so many comforts with it, when all other comforts faile; and so many ioyes after it; of all which they depriue themselues, who neglect Gods seruice, and spend their time and strength in the eager pursuite of worldly vanities.

§. Sect. 9 Of the inesti∣mable bene∣fits which a godly life will bring in the world to come.

Finally, as a godly life is in this world profitable to all purposes, so is it most beneficiall in respect of the life to come. For thereby wee are secured from that euerlasting woe and misery, prepared for all those who liue and die in their sinnes, seeing there is no condemnation to those who are in Iesus Christ, which walke not after the flesh, but after the Spi∣rit, and the second death shall haue no power ouer them, who haue their part in the first resurrection, to holinesse and newnesse of life. Secondly, we are assured hereby of heauenly happinesse; For they that haue fol∣lowed Christ in the regeneration, shall accompany him in glorie. They that haue liued like Gods children in holinesse and righteousnesse, as in this life they haue the adoption of sonnes, and the Spirit of adoption, crying in their hearts Abba, Father, so shall they in the life to come, re∣ceiue from their Father their heauenly inheritance; whereas they who haue neglected these duties, can neither haue this hope here, nor that fruition hereafter, seeing without holinesse no man shall see God. For howsoeuer (as one saith) God made vs without our selues, yet he will not so saue vs. But hauing giuen vs a Being, reasonable soules, and his Word, whereby he hath made vs acquainted with his will, and re∣quired our conformity and obedience, he will haue vs ioyne with him in working out our owne saluation, by performing those duties

which he hath prescribed; and to walke in the way of holinesse and righteousnesse, which leadeth to euerlasting happinesse. So that though our seruice of God in holy duties be not the cause of eternall life and glorie, but the free mercies of God and merits of Christ, yet being the way which leadeth vnto it, all may be assured that they shall attaine to heauenly happinesse, who goe constantly in it; whereas con∣trariwise they who neuer goe in this way, can neuer come vnto that glory vnto which it leadeth. Finally, a godly life is most profitable in respect of the life to come, because God graciously crowneth his owne graces in his children, and the fruits of them in their new obe∣dience, with a proportionable measure of glory and happinesse, so that they who haue in this life shined brightest in the light of grace and godlinesse, shall in that life shine brightest in glorie and blessed∣nesse. They who haue most glorified him by their holy conuersa∣tion, he will impart vnto them the greatest measure of glory, and both make them capable, and replenish them with greatest ioyes. So that if wee haue any care or desire to be secured from endlesse mise∣ries, or to be assured of eternall happinesse, let vs be moued hereby to serue and please God in the duties of an holy life; yea, seeing the Lord in some proportion fitteth his wages to our workes, and the rich rewards of his free grace, according to those indeuours which he hath wrought in vs of seeking his glory; let vs, being transported with an ho∣ly ambition, deuote our selues wholy to his seruice, & not only labour to keep an ordinary pace with others, but striuing for the richest prize, let vs indeuour to out-strip all that run with vs in the race of godlines.

Notes

• Col. 3. 10.
• Ephe. 4. 23, 24.
• Leuit. 11. 44. Leuit. 19. 2. & 20. 7.
• Matth. 5. 45, 48
• Phil. 2 15.
• 1. Iohn 1. 6, 7.
• Eph. 5. 1.
• 1. Pet. 1. 15, 16.
• 1. Tim. 4. 8. Psal. 34. 9, 10. Psal. 84. 11. 2. Pet. 1. 3, 4.
• Deut. 28.
• Leuit. 26.
• Psal. 34. 12.
• Iob 1. 9.
• Pro. 3. 2.
• Pro. 8. 18.
• Iob 22. 24, 25.
• Mar. 10. 29, 30.
• 2. Cor. 9. 6, 8.
• Mal. 3. 14.
• 1. Tim. 1. 19. 1. Cor. 15. 58.
• Rom. 11. 6. Eph. 1. 4.
• 2. Pet. 1. 10.
• Psal. 15. 2. & 24. 4.
• 1. Ioh. 3. 6. 1. Ioh. 4. 19.
• 2. Pet. 1. 10. Tit. 2. 11, 12.
• Luk. 8. 15.
• Ioh. 15.
• Psal. 1. 2. Mat. 7. 17, 18, 20
• Luk. 6. 45.
• Ioh. 8. 47. Mat. 12. 50.
• Iam. 2. 17, 26.
• Phil. 3. 20. Col. 3. 2. Joh. 3. 2, 3.
• Psal. 34. 15.
• Psal. 115. 11.
• Dan. 3. 17.
• Dan. 6. 16.
• Iam. 5. 16.
• Psal. 4. 1, 3.
• Psal. 34. 15.
• 1. Pet. 3. 11, 12.
• Psal. 145. 19.
• Ephes. 3. 12.
• Heb. 4. 16.
• Heb. 10. 22.
• Heb. 9. 14. Psal. 66. 18.
• Iob. 3. 20, 21, 22
• Pro. 15. 8.
• Psal. 26. 6.
• Psal. 3. 5.
• Psal. 46. 1, 2.
• Psal. 23. 4.
• Psal. 91. 2, 3, &c.
• Rom. 8. 31. Psal. 56. 11.
• Heb. 7. 2.
• Ioh. 14. 27. and 16. 33.
• Phil. 4. 7.
• Rom. 14. 27.
• Hos. 14. 1, 2.
• Ezek. 33. 11.
• Ier. 8. 5, 6.
• Ier. 31. 20.
• Luk. 19. 41.
• Act. 5. 31.
• Ezek. 36. 26. Zach. 12. 10.
• Matth. 9. 2.
• Esa. 38. 3.
• 2. Tim. 4 7. 8.
• Phil. 1. 21.
• Apoc. 21. 4.
• Psal. 120. 5.
• Rom. 8. 1. Apoc. 20. 6.
• Matth. 19. 28.
• Rom. 8. 15.
• 1. Ioh. 3. 2, 3. Heb. 12. 14.
• Augustine.
• Phil. 2. 12.
• Dan. 12. 3.