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 the maner of watchfulness over our Tongues.

THat we may watch over the tongue, two things must be heeded:

• 1. That it be not unseasonably idle.
• 2. That it be not sinfully exercised.

1. That it be not unseasonably idle; and herein observe those generally, and much neglected Duties of

• Christian Reproof.
• Heavenly Discourse.

1. For Christian Reproof, observe these Directions: —

1. If a Brother be overtaken with a fault, or some less offence,

admonish him in the spirit of meekness, considering thy self, lest thou also be tempted.

2. If he offend more grievously, then reprove him freely, and suffer not sin to rest upon his soul.

[Obj.] But in this case, when, or how must we reprove?

[Sol.] This case is clothed with such variety of circumstances, and constancy of alterations, that we cannot give any particular dire∣ctions; onely the Christian that is perplex'd what to do, let him consult with these bosom-Councellors:

1. With his Spiritual wisdom; it is that must suggest to him, when, and how to reprove, whether presently upon it, or some∣times afterwards; whether directly and downright, or indi∣rectly and by intimation; whether personally, or in the general; whether in a fair and milder maner, or with a more bold and resolute spirit; whether onely by discountenance, or by dis∣course, &c.

2. With his heart: A reproof must not spring from any im∣perious humor, of censuring, and medling with his brethren; from any secret ambitious desire, to purchase an opinion and reputation of holiness to himself, or from any other by-end, but from an heart truly humbled with sight and sence of its own infirmities, graciously resolved into compassion, and commisera∣tion of the offender, and lifted up in a secret supplication for the success of the Reproof, and salvation of the party, all at once to Gods Throne of Grace.

2. For Spiritual and Heavenly discourse, observe these Dire∣ctions: —

1. Apprehend all opportunities and occurrences which may minister matter of digression from worldly talk, into Divine discourse. It is pity that Professors should ever meet, without some talk of their meeting in heaven, or of the blessed ways and means that lead thereunto; and therefore by some wise transcision, turn thou the current of the discourse towards some heavenly good: It was the practice of our Savior, upon men∣tion of bread, he prest upon his Disciples a disswasion from the Leaven of the Pharisees: And upon occasion of Drink being denyed him by the Samaritan woman, he (forgetting his weari∣ness, hunger and thirst) labors to allure her to the well-head of everlasting happiness.

2. Have ever in a readiness some common heads of more stir∣ring and quickning motives to minde heavenly things; as the cursed condition of our natural state, the dear purchase of Christ to Redeem our souls, the incomparable sweetness of Christian ways, the vanity and vexation of earthly things, the uncertainty and misery of this short life, the everlastingness of our state in an∣other world, the terrors of death, the dreadfulness of that great and last day drawing on now apace, the horrors of damned souls, &c. Mention of these things many times may strike full cold to the heart of the most sensual Belshazzar, and drive him into his dumps; and by Gods blessing may sometimes prepare the hardest hearts, for some thoughts of remorse, and more heavenly impressions.

3. Get we into our hearts an habit of more heavenly-minded∣ness, by much exercise, and intercourse, and acquaintance with God, by often contemplation, and forecast of the sweetness, glory, and eternity of those Mansions above, by reflectings on time past, how long thy soul was detained in the state of dark∣ness, what bitterness and terrors it passed through in the pangs of its new birth, what relapses and desertions it hath been inci∣dent to, ever since that time to this; and being thus busied at home in our own hearts, we shall finde our selves much more pregnant and plentiful in holy talk when we come abroad: Men for the most part speak most, and most willingly of those things they minde most; such provisions within, will make the tongue so ready, that it cannot be unseasonably idle.

2. Watch we must over the tongue, that it be not sinfully ex∣ercised: And herein observe these Directions: —

1. Be dumb to all unsavory communication; as, Lying, Swearing, Cursing, &c. O how do these sins wound the heart of Christ, and crucifie again the Lord of glory?

2. Be silent from Slandering, Backbiting, False accusing, Cen∣suring: A true heart is ever most angry and displeased with, most Eagle-eyed, and watchful over, most strict and severe against its own sins; which homebred imployment haply hin∣ders, and moderates a man from too much medling abroad.

3. Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rent you: By Dogs are meant obstinate enemies, that

maliciously revile the Ministers of the Word, and the Messen∣gers thereof: By Swine are meant those sottish, scurrile wretches, who scornfully and contemptuously trample under foot all holy Instructions, Reproofs, Admonitions, tendred unto them by any Christian out of the word of truth. Now if accidentally such a son of Belial, or scoffing Ishmael, be in our company, we are commanded by Christ to say nothing, at least of the consola∣tions of Christ, of the special promises of Christ, of the gentle entreaties of the Gospel of Christ: Consider this, and tremble, all ye that are scornful, and furious opposites to the purity and power of the Word; it is the Lords will that you should run furiously towards the pit of hell, and that no body should stay you; not a man must call and cry unto you, to tell you of such things as are peculiar to the Saints, in way of application to you: But he that is filthy, let him be filthy still; let him drink, be drunk, de∣spair, dye, and be damned: All this while not a word of comfort belongs to you.

Notes

• Gal 6.1.
• Lev. 19.17.
• Mat. 16.5, 6.
• Iohn 4.10.
• Mat. 7 6.
• Rev. 22.11.