Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

SECT. 7. Of some Questions or Cases of Conscience, which at the Conference were propounded and answered.

THe Questions concerning Cases of Conscience, were these and the like:

§ 1. Whether a Believer may profit more, or be more intent in publike, or in secret Prayer.

IT was answered, That this Case might better be resolved by experience then Scripture; and accordingly some preferred publike Prayer for these Reasons:—

1. Because in publike they are stirred up by others; but in pri∣vate or secret Prayer, they had none others to joyn with them.

2. Because in publike they that exercised had more excellent gifts, which exceedingly tend to their edification; but in secret they found themselves weak, and dull, and dead-hearted ordi∣narily.

Others answered otherwise, and preferred secret Prayer on these grounds:—

1. Because in secret they could confess more inlargedly and feelingly their own sins, then others could do it for them in pub∣like, to whom they were not particularly known.

2. Because in secret they had fewer occasions of distraction, then in publike, and consequently they kept closer to God in the Duty.

3. Because they found by experience, that in secret their hearts were more up; and when they themselves were to perform in publike, the Society whom they joyned with, did ordinarily more straiten them.

4. Because in secret they could take more pains with their heart; as in midst of Prayer to prostrate, or by breaking off to meditate, &c. which conveniently they could not do in publike.

In conclusion this Case was resolved, That some Believers may profit more, or be more intent in publike, others in private: And the reason rendred was, Because the Spirit that helps us to pray, is a free agent, and works diversly in the hearts of his peo∣ple, to shew the diversity of his gifts, and his diverse maner of working.

§. 2. Whether a Christian in his own apprehension decay∣ing in Grace, may not yet grow in Grace? and if so, What are the reasons of his wrong apprehensions?

TO the first Question it was answered Affirmatively; as in case of temptation, Psal. 73.21, 22, 23. or in a Spiritual de∣sertion, Psal. 51.12. Psal. 88. Isa. 49.14.

To the second Question these reasons were given in:—

1. The neglect of Self-examination.

2. The want of Gods lively Ordinances.

3. A too much eying of our afflictions.

4. A too much poring upon sin, without any thoughts of Christ or Free-grace.

5. The want of the light of Gods amiable countenance.

6. The insensibleness of grace, which is of a Spiritual nature, and not so easily to be perceived.

7. A present deadness or dulness of Spirit.

8. A misapplying of some one or more places of Scripture, as Heb. 6.6, &c.

9. Weakness of knowledge, or want of judgement in such ex∣perimental passages, especially in the beginning of Christianity.

10. The distemper of the soul (especially in desertion) when as in the distemper of the body, a man thinking or speaking idly, we say it is not he, but his sickness; so it is in this case.

In conclusion, these reasons were approved; but we agreed, That all the succeeding Answers or Resolutions should be proved out of Gods holy word.

§. 3. What signs of true grace, though for the present but small or weak grace?

1. A Willingness to be admonished, and to have our sins dis∣covered, Job 13.23. Psal. 141.5.

2. A consideration of our sins, with endeavors to turn to our God, Psal. 119.59. Lam. 3.40.

3. A feeling sin to be a burthen, Mat. 11.28. and a sorrow for sin, Zech. 12.10.

4. A loathing of our sins, Ezek. 36.31. 2 Cor. 7.11.

5. An hatred of the occasions of evil, Jude 23.

6. A resolution to relinquish sin, Psal. 17.3. Prov. 28.13. Luke 15.17, 18. 1 John 1.9.

7. A weak apprehension of the promises of God concerning forgiveness, Psal. 31.22.

8. An importunate enquiry after Christ and salvation, upon sense of sin, Acts 2.37.—13.12.—16.30.

9. An hunger and desire after Christ, Psal. 42.1, 2.—107.9.— 145.19. Mat. 5.6.

10. A precious esteem of Christ, John 8.42. Phil. 3.7, 8. 1 Pet. 2.6, 7.

11. A love of the word, Psa. 119.103. John 10.4, 27. 1 Pet. 2.2.

12. A Spiritual joy in the word, Psal. 119.77.

13. A receiving of the word with all readiness, Acts 16.14.— 17.11.

14. A longing desire to keep Gods Commandments, Psal. 119.5.

15. A sorrow that others keep not Gods Law, Psal. 119.136. 2 Pet. 2.8.

16. A love of the brethren, Psal. 16.3.— 137.6. 1 John 3.14.

17. A Spiritual joy in the Churches deliverance, Psal. 68.3.— 106.5. Isa. 66.10.—61.10.

18. A reverence and fear of God, Heb. 12.28. and trusting in God, Prov. 30.5.

19. A delight in doing well, Prov. 21.15.

20. An hatred of evil Assemblies and wicked Society, Psal. 26.4, 5.—129.21, 22.

21. A holy despair in our selves, through our own abilities to attain heaven, Ezra 9.6. Luke 15.17.

22. A poverty of Spirit, and purity in heart, Mat. 5.3, 8. Mark 9.24.

23. An holy endeavor after growth in grace, Phil. 3.13. 2 Pet. 3.18.

24. A continual conflict betwixt Flesh and Spirit, Rom. 7.22, 23, 24.

25. A competent measure of Spiritual knowledge, Acts 26.18. Col. 3.10.

26. A careful endeavor after perseverance, Psal. 119.111, 112. John 8.31. Gal. 3.3.

27. The unutterable sighs and groans of the Spirit in prayer, Rom. 8.26.

28. A sense and bewailing of the hardness of our hearts, Isa. 63.17.

29. A pure love of God, and desire to fear his Name, Neh. 1.11. Psal. 18.1. Isa. 26.8, 9. Rom. 8.28.

30. A godly conversation, Psal. 16.8-50.23. Acts 2.25.

§. 4. Whether is a Christian always bound to repre∣hend an offender? or in what Cases may he forbear?

IT is answered, That a Christian is not bound ever to reprove, but he may forbear in such cases as these:—

1. When the party offending is a scorner, and we perceive he will but scoff at it, Prov. 9.8.—23.9. Mat. 7.6.

2. When the offender sins of infirmity, Gal. 6.12.

3. When the offended is not able to convince the offender that it is a sin, Job 6.25. Tit. 1.9.

4. When there is no hopes to prevail in respect of the evil times, Amos 5.13.

5. When the offences are small, and but little, Prov. 19.11.— 20.3.

6. When we know not certainly whether the supposed offence be a sin, or not, Josh. 20.16, &c.

7. When the reprehender is faulty in the same thing, Mat. 7.3, 4, 5.

8. When the party offending is not capable of reproof, as in case a man be an idiot, or drunk, or in the height of his passion, 1 Sam. 25.36, 37.

9. When our reproof may breed some dissention, or imminent and dangerous disturbance; as in case it be amongst rude, boiste∣rous and desperate company, Mat. 7.6.

10. When the offender is obstinately and wilfully bent to go on in his sin, Mark 14.60, 61.—15.4, 5.

§. 5. How may we know whether we profit by afflictions?

VVE may know by these signs:

1. If by affliction we come to be sensible of Gods heavy displeasure, Deut. 31.17. Ruth 1.13. Mic. 6.9 1 Cor. 11.37.

2. If by affliction we are drawn to search our ways, 1 Kings 8.38. Ezra 9.14. Psa. 32.4, 5. Lam. 1.5.—3.39, 40.

3. If by afflictions we are soundly and sincerely humbled, 2 Kings 22.19, 20. Job 1.20. 1 Pet. 5.6.

4. If our afflictions work on us to make our peace with our God, Isa. 27.5. Hosea 5.15.

5. If by afflictions we be drawn to make and pay vows of better obedience, Psal. 66.13, 14.

6. If in our greatest afflictions we rest upon God, 2 Chro. 14.11. and wait on God, Psal. 37.7, 34. Micah 7.9.

7. If in our afflictions we minde the promises, and rowl our selves on them, 1 Sam. 30.6. Psal. 119.49, 50, 92.

8. If in our afflictions we clear God when he is judged, Psal. 119.75.

9. If for afflictions we bless God, and his afflicting hand, Job. 1.21.

10. If by afflictions our graces are stirred up and exercised, Job. 13.15. Psal. 42.5. Jer. 31.18. Rom. 5.3. 2 Cor. 1.10. Heb. 10.34. James 1.3.

11. If by our afflictions our prayers are more fervent, Neh. 1.3, 4. Psal. 77.2.—116.3.—142.4, 5.

12. If in our affliction we gather in some experiences of Gods love and help, Psal. 34.46.—66.16, 17.

13. If in our afflictions we submit willingly and chearfully to

Gods good will and pleasure, Levit. 26.41. 1 Sam. 3.18.

14. If in afflictions we look more at the hand of God that strikes, then at the instrument, 1 Sam. 3.18. 2 Sam. 16.11.

15. If in affliction we reject all worldly sinful hopes, and un∣lawful means of deliverance, and rest onely on God, 1 Cor. 1.8, 9. Heb. 11.25, 26.

16. If in present afflictions we gather assurance of deliverance from former experiences, 1 Sam. 17.37. Psa. 77.9, 10, 11. 2 Tim. 3.11.

17. If by afflictions we finde corruptions to weaken, and to be mortified, Isa. 27.9.

18. If our afflictions beget assurance of our adoption, Heb. 12.8. sanctification, Heb. 12.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. glorification, Mat. 5.12. 2 Cor. 4.17. 2 Pet. 2.8.

§. 6. How should a Christian fortifie himself against the reproaches of wicked men?

1. LEt him consider the command of God in this case, Mat. 5.44. Rom. 12.19. 1 Pet. 3.9.

2. Let him look on reproaches as the very hand of God, 2 Sam. 16.11.

3. Let him consider what an honor it is to suffer reproaches for Christ, Acts 5.41.

4. Let him eye the blessedness of those that are reproached for Christ, Mat. 5.11, 12. 2 Tim. 2.12. 1 Pet. 3.14.—4.14.

5. Let him consider it as the lot of Gods servants to suffer reproaches, 2 Tim. 3.12.

6. Let him consider that in his reproaches he suffers with and for Christ, John 15.20.

7. Let him consider, that though the wicked reproach, yet God will in his time justifie and approve, Psal. 37.33.—147.11.

8. Let him consider, that the Lord in due time will both clear his servants, and punish the reproachers, Micah 7.8, 9, 10.

9. Let him set before him the examples of Christ, his Apostles, and Prophets, Isa. 53.7. Mat. 5.12. John 15.18. 1 Cor. 4.13. 1 Pet. 2.21.

10. Let him pray with ferven••••y and faith, Job 16.20. Psal. 109.1, 2, 4. 1 Cor. 4.13.

11. Let him be sure to keep a clear conscience within, 1 Pet. 4.15.

12. Let him refer the issue of all unto God, 2 Sam. 3.39.

13. Let him exercise that heavenly duty of the life of Faith, and fasten it on these promises, Psal. 37.6.— 68.13. Isa. 61.7. 1 Pet. 1.7.—3.14.—4.14.

§. 7. Whether a true Believer may not sometimes doubt? and what are the several causes of doubting?

IT was answered, That without controversie (and as the fol∣lowing Texts will evince) a true Believer may doubt of his salvation; and the causes are these:—

1. The prosperity of the wicked, Psal. 38.17.—73.2, 3, 12, 13.

2. His own want of necessary provisions for this life, Numb. 20.3, 4, 5.

3. Suspension of divine favor, Job 13.24. Psal. 77.7, 8, 9, 10.

4. Imminent dangers and fears, Exod. 14.10, 11, 12. Mat. 8.25, 26.—14.30, 31.

5. Apprehensions of Gods denying his prayers, Psal. 22.1, 2.

6. The afflicting hand of God lying sore on his soul, Psa. 116.10, 11. Lam. 3.17, 18.

7. Mistaken apprehensions and weakness of judgement, Mat. 14.26. Mark 6.49, 50. Luke 24.37.

8. Relapses, or reinsnarements into former sins, Psal. 51.8, 12.

9. The littleness or smalness of faith, Mat. 14.30. Mark 9.24.

10. A poring on, or a studying too much of the life sense, Luke 1.18, 20. John 20.25.

11. A want of the true understanding of some divine myste∣ries, John 6.60.

12. A distrusting of Gods promises, upon humane reports, Numb. 13.32, 33.—34.1, 2, 3.

§. 8. What are the cures or remedies of doubtings incident to Believers?

1. FAith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 11.20.—14.23.

2. A wary and filial fear, Heb. 4.1.

3. A hope in God, Psal. 42.11. and waiting on God, Isa. 8.17. Jer. 14.19, 22.

4. Earnest prayer: 1. Against doubting, Mat. 21.21, 22. Mark 9.24. Luke 17.5.—22.32. 2 Cor. 12.1, 8, 9. and 2. To have our doubts resolved, Judges 6.37, 38.

5. A depending on the faithfulness of God and his promises, Heb. 10.23.—11.11.

6. A striving to keep down the life of sense, Mat. 6.28, 29, 30, 31.

7. A recalling to minde the Lords dispensations in our former afflictions, Lam. 3.18, 19, 20, 21.

8. A recalling to minde Gods former love to our souls, Psal. 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Lam. 3.22, 24.

9. Diligence in the use of all means, Psal. 73.17. Cant. 3.1, 2, 3.

10. A trusting in Gods Name, making him our stay and sup∣port, Psal. 73.26. Isa. 50.10.

§. 9. What are those Remora's that hinder the growth of Christianity, or the spreading of the Kingdom of Christ?

1. VVAnt of a pious and powerful Ministery, Pro. 29.18. Rom. 10.14, 15.

2. Negligence of the Ministery in place, Jer. 1.21, 22, 23. Ezek. 34.4, 5, 6.

3. A scandalous and vicious Ministery, 1 Sam. 2.17. Jer. 23.1, 2. Mal. 2.8. Mat. 23.13.

4. The deceits and sophistry of false Prophets, Jer. 27.14.—28.15. Ezek. 13.6, 10. 2 Pet. 2.18.

5. A presuming to teach others without Gods call, Jer. 23.32.

6. A despising of the Ministery of the Gospel, Mark 6.3. John 8.57.

7. Envy and railing against the Word and Ministery, Acts 13.45, 46.

8. Persecution of Gods Messengers, Acts 12.1, 2, 3, 4.

9. Ambitious, factious, and malicious spirits, 3 John 10.

10. Fomentors of divisions amongst the people of God, Rom. 16.17, 18. 2 Pet. 2.2, 3.

11. Enemies of the truth and power of godliness, 2 Tim. 3.6.

12. The evil example of Superiors, 1 Sam. 2.23, 34. 1 Kings 14.16. John 7.47, 48.

13. Seducing spirits, 1 Kings 12.27, 28, 29, 30. Acts 14.19.— 20.30. 1 Tim. 4.1.

14. Scandalous Professors, Heb. 12.14, 15.

15. Evil Society, Psal. 18.26. Prov. 4.14, 15, 16.

16. Conspiracy of the wicked, Acts 19.29, 34.

17. Satan and Antichrist, Zech. 3.1. 2 Cor. 4.4. Rev. 8.10, 11, &c.

18. Broaching and fomenting of errors, and especially of ido∣latry, 1 Kings 12.30. Acts 19.27, 28. 2 Peter 2.2. Revel. 2.20.

19. Mistake in the matters of Salvation, Hosea 4.6. John 6.66.

20. A prophanation of holy things, 1 Sam. 2.17.

21. A preferring carnal things before Christ, Mat. 8.34.—19.22. Acts 19.26.

22. Obstinacy and unbelief, Jer. 44.16. Mat. 13.58. Heb. 3.19.—4.2.

23. Slavish fear, John 9.22.

24. Abuse of Christian liberty, 1 Cor. 8.9, 10, 11.

25. A giving offence in things meerly indifferent, Rom. 14.13. 1 Cor. 10.32, 33.

26. Persecution of the Church, Acts 8.1, 3. Revel. 11.7.

§. 10. What means to prefer Unity and Amity amongst Christians.

1. FRequent and fervent prayer, Psal. 122.6. John 17.11. Rom. 15.5, 6. James 5.16.

2. Pithy and pious Exhortations, Rom. 12.10, 16. 1 Cor. 1.10. 1 Thess. 5.13. 1 Pet. 1.8.—4.8.

3. The spirit of meekness and lowliness, of long-suffering and forbearing one another in love, John 13.14, 15. Rom. 12.10.— 15.1, 2. Eph. 4.2, 3. Phil. 2.3.

4. A not rendring evil for evil, 1 Pet. 3.8.9.

5. A restoring such as are fallen with the spirit of meekness, Gal. 6.1, 2.

6. A moderate reprehension of such as are contrary-minded, 2 Tim. 2.24, 25.

7. A slighting of slanderous reports, Prov. 25.23.

8. A quelling of the spirit of pride, Prov. 13.10.

9. A seasonable visit of the Brethren, with whom we have had spiritual commerce, Acts 15.36.

10. Meetings and Conferences about differences that have fallen out, Acts. 15.6.

11. A ready submission to the judgement of one another, ac∣cording to the Word, Eph. 5.21.

12. An endeavor to speak the same things, and to be of one minde, 1 Cor. 1.10. Phil. 2.2.

13. A doing of all things in charity, 1 Cor. 16.14.

14. A readiness to forgive, as Christ forgave us, Mat. 18.33. Eph. 4.32.

15. A spirit of wisdom and discretion, Proverbs 19.11. Eccles. 7.9.

16. A mortifying of lusts, and subduing of passions, 1 Cor. 3.3. James 4.1.

17. A loving carriage and deportment of the outward man, Prov. 15.1.—25.23.

18. A chearful admission of the weak into Christian-Society, and bearing with their infirmities, Rom. 14.1.—15.1. 1 Thess. 5.14.

19. An avoiding of such as cause divisions amongst Christians, Rom. 16.17.

20. An avoiding of ill speeches one against another, 1 Peter 2.1.

21. A not thinking too highly of our selves, but soberly, acord∣ing to the measure of faith God hath given us, Rom. 12.3, 4. 1 Cor. 4.6.

22. A desire to do to others, as we wish others to do to us, Mat. 7.12.

23. A study to be quiet, and not to meddle with another mans business, 1 Thess. 4.11.

24. A solemn entring into Covenant with God, and with one another, Jer. 50.5.

25. A consideration of the command, Be of the same minde one towards another, Rom. 12.16.

26. A consideration that we all know but in part, and there∣fore that we should bear with one anothers infirmities, 1 Cor. 13.9.

27. A consideration that a passionate, peevish and froward professor is seldom acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus, Psal. 25.9. Proverbs 11.2.—27.20. Isaiah 28.9. Rom. 16.17. James 1.21, 26.

28. A consideration that unity in judgement is the promise and blessing of another life, and that unity in affection is our present duty, Ephes. 4.13. Phil. 3.15, 16.