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. 1. Of the necessity of preparation to the Hearing of the Word.

HItherto of Duties in reference to our Spiritual Ethicks and Oeconomicks: Now follow our Divine Politicks; viz. such Duties as have reference to publike or Church Assemblies; and they are either

• ...Hearing the Word Preached.
• ...Receiving the Sacraments.

1. For our right, holy and conscionable importment in and about the Hearing of the Word, we must look to

• Our preparation before we hear.
• Our carriage in hearing.
• Our behavior afterwards.

1. For preparation, it is of such necessity, that the want and neglect of it, is the cause that the word to many becomes the savor of death unto death; and to some professors, even of good hearts and affections, but a dead letter, without any life or power in it. Is it not a general complaint of the best Christians, that they are ordinarily possessed with much deadness of heart, and dulness of spirit at these holy exercises? Alas, their zeal and fer∣vency which should be quickned and inflamed at every Sermon, is dull and benumb'd with senslesness and satiety; they do not tremble at divine Comminations, and denouncements of Gods Judgements against sin; they are not so refreshed with the gra∣cious Promises of life and salvation, as they ought to be; they do not enjoy and reap the thousandth part of that delight, com∣fort and benefit as they well might, by the Ministery of the Word; they do not with that chearfulness receive, with that sweetness taste or relish, with that life and vigour digest the food of life; they do not so clearly see and discern the infinite beauty of the sacred Majesty represented unto them, or that glorious grace, shining unto them in the face of Christ Jesus; their hand of faith doth not with that feeling and fastness lay hold upon,

and clasp about the rich treasures revealed in the Gospel: and why? because their hearts are not purged and prepared for hear∣ing. This duty then is of great necessity, and special use, for all those which look for benefit or blessing by the preaching of the word: Take heed how ye hear (saith Christ;) and Take heed to thy foot (saith the Preacher) when thou goest to the house of God; and be more ready to hear, then to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they consider not that they do evil.

But understand we aright: God would not have us make an Idol of preparation, as if therefore God draws nigh to us, be∣cause we are prepared; No, no: though preparation in ordi∣nary course is a means to finde God, yet doth God sometimes hide himself when his people are prepared? he would have us know, that if he be found of us at all, it is of meer mercy; he is not bound in Justice (setting aside his Promise) to reward this preparation: it's but our duty, and he can espy in it matter enough of displeasure, but ordinarily the godly finde God ac∣cording to their preparation; and hereto the current of the Scripture bears witness, They that seek the Lord, shall praise him: Open your gates, and the King of glory shall come in: — If any man open to me, I will come in to him:— If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thy hands towards him,—then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot.

Notes

• Luke 8.18.
• Eccles. 5.1.
• Psal. 22.26. Psal. 24 7.
• Rev. 3.20.
• Iob 11.13, 14, 15.