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. 3. Of the maner of examining our sins before the Lords Supper.

FOr the right examining of our sins, observe we these rules:—

1. Procure we a double catalogue of our sins, the one be∣fore, and the other since our conversion:* 1.1 Let us search and try our ways (saith Ieremy) and then turn again to the Lord: If we will not, we may be sure God will:* 1.2 Thou inquirest after mine iniquity (saith Iob) and searchest after my sin.

2. Confess we our sins: Bring we them out, as they brought the vessels of the temple,* 1.3 by number and weight: Aaron confes∣sing for the people, he was to confess all the iniquities of the Chil∣dren of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins. As three make All, so here's three Alls to make up a right confession; not onely must be confessed All their iniquities, and All their sins, but All their transgressions in all their sins; q.d. Aaron must number, and Aaron must aggravate their sins, by laying out how many transgressions were wrapped up in their several sins.

3. Labor we for grief and sorrow of heart for sin, other∣wise all is to no purpose:* 1.4 I will declare mine iniquity (saith Da∣vid) I will be sorry for my sin: His confessions were dolorous con∣fessions;* 1.5 he felt sin, and this wrought upon him, as an heavy burthen, they are too heavy for me; there's nothing in the world can make an heart more heavy, then when it feels the weight and heaviness of sin.

4. Judge we and condemn our selves for our sin: This is that duty instanc'd in by the Apostle,* 1.6 If we would judge our selves, we should not be judged: O Lord, I am not worthy (could the Centurion say) that thou shouldst come under my roof: But, O Lord, I am not worthy (should every one of us say) that I should come to thy table.

5. Pray for mercy, pardon and acceptance, in, for and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ier. 3.40.
• * 1.2

  Iob. 10.6.
• * 1.3

  Ezra 8.34. Levit. 16.21.
• * 1.4

  Psal. 38.18.
• * 1.5

  38.4.
• * 1.6

  1 Cor. 11.31.