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.

CHAP. III.

SECT. 1. Of Duties in particular: And first, of the Nature of Watchfulness.

VVAtchfulness is the first and principal help to all exer∣cises of Religion; it is the eye to see them all well done and used, and therefore we set it in the front of all Du∣ties: We are to watch unto prayer, Eph. 6.18. and we are to watch unto hearing, Luke 8.18. and we are to watch unto fasting, Mat. 6.18. we are to watch to almsgiving, Mat. 6.1. and we are to watch in all things, 2 Tim. 4.5.

Now for our better direction in the exercise of this Duty, observe we the

• Nature.
• Objects.
• Maner of it.

For the Nature of it: Watchfulness is a continual, careful ob∣serving of our ways, in all the passages and turnings of our life, that we still keep close to the written Word of God. Keep thy heart in all diligence: I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: Wherewith shall a yong man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

SECT. 2. Of the objects of Watchfulness.

THe object of our Watch is either

• Evil works, or sin.
• Good works, or Duties, or any thing in its own being, good.

1. Watch we must over sin,

• More general
  • Original sin, or corrupt Nature.
  • Actual sin.
• More special, as sins of our
  • Calling.
  • Constitution.

2. Watch we must over any thing (in its own being) good: And herein if we look for the adequate object, including every thing that ought to be watched, it is either

• Hearts,
• Tongues,
• Actions,

which howsoever good in themselves, yet if we watch not, they will soon contract evil.

SECT. 3. Of the maner of Watchfulness over sin Original.

THat we may watch over sin Original, or that inward corru∣ption we carry about us, observe we these Rules:

1. Let us take matter and motives to humble our souls under the sight and sence of this inherent pollution. And to that pur∣pose, consider we the rueful complaints of the holiest Saints against it: O wretched man that I am (saith Paul) who shall de∣liver me from the body of this death? Behold, I was shapen in iniquity (said David) and in sin did my mother conceive me: Did not God in Christ accept of our complaining, striving, grieving, and hating this, how could we finde any comfort?

2. Let us pray against it, that though it be in us, yet it may not hurt us, nor be imputed to us; That God would give us his Spirit to bridle our corruption, and especially that he would give us the Spirit of Sanctification, that he would cleanse us from this filth more and more, that he would season the fountain, and at last dry it up.

3. Let us strive after contrary holiness, and endeavor the re∣formation of our natures and lives: Put we off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be we renewed in the Spirit of our minde.

4. Let us consider the Promises of Remission, and those Pri∣viledges which the Saints have in the blood of Christ; and let us actuate and exercise our Faith in respect of such Promises: I knew that thou wouldst deal treacherously (saith God) and that thou wast called a transgressor from the womb; yet for my Names sake I will defer mine anger, and for my praise I will refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

SECT. 4. Of the maner of Watchfulness over sins Actual.

THat we may watch over Actual sins, observe we these Di∣rections: —

1. Avoid we all occasions of evil: Be afraid, not onely of the fire and flame, but of the very smoke of sin; it is dangerous to approach near the Whirl-pit, or to play about the hole of the Asp, or the den of the Cockatrice; and therefore prayed David, Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; not my heart onely from affecting it, but mine eyes also from beholding it: There is a shutting of the eyes from beholding evil, brought in amongst other Duties by the Prophet Isaiah, to which is affixed this promise, that such a one shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be the munition of Rocks.

2. Resist we the temptations of sin: It may be (notwith∣standing all our care) temptations will offer themselves, and urge us to evil, but then we must constantly resist, and this is praise worthy: If a man keep himself sober, when he cannot come to wine or strong drink, it is nothing; but for a man to be careful not to break the bounds of sobriety, when he shall be in place where wine is plenty, and no restraint of it, and where company will be urging him to take more then is meet, this is true temperance indeed: If a man live chastely when he wants his lewd company, it is nothing; but for a Joseph (sued and sought to by his Mistris, yea, urged and solicited day after day to con∣descend to her adulterous desires) to refuse then, and to choose rather loss of present liberty by not sinning, then to gain further preferment by consenting to sin, this is true chastity indeed. Away then with those idle apologies, I was urged to sin, I was provoked to lewdness, &c. Neither man nor Devil can compel you to sin, unless you will your own self: * The Devil may per∣swade, intice, suggest, and provoke, but he cannot inforce nor con∣strain; nor (unless your own hearts give consent) can he cause you to sin.

3. Confess we our sins, mourn we for sin, and especially la∣bor we for hatred of sin: The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, Prov. 8.13. not onely to forbear it, but (as the Apostle speaks)

to abhor it, Rom. 12.9. as the meat that sometimes we have sur∣feted of, our stomack nourisheth and goeth against it; so should our hearts rise against sin: And to this purpose consider we 1. The foulness of sin; it is fouler then the foulest Fiend in hell. 2. The illness of sin; it is a greater ill then the damnation of a mans soul, or then the destruction of all the creatures in the world. 3. The infectiousness of sin; it is of that pestilential property, that it pollutes every thing it comes near. 4. The per∣niciousness of sin; it deprives us of Gods favor, of our part and portion of the blood of Christ, of the Providence of that bles∣sed Trinity, of the guard of Angels, of the Communion of Saints, of heavens joys; and it brings upon us infinite sorrows, as blindeness of minde, hardness of heart, deadness of Spirit, desperate thoughts, horror of Conscience, vexation of Spirit, and (without Repentance) all the terrors of Hell. 5. Christs suf∣ferings for sin; shal we not hate him that kils our Friend, Brother, Father? how much more sin, that put to death the Lord of life, who is indeed our dearest Friend, Brother, Father, Savior? Look on Christ crucified, and see if this will not make us hate sin.

4. Believe, and by Faith expect victory over our sin; yea, by that Faith in which we have confessed, mourned, prayed, let us rest perswaded, That such means shall not be used of us in vain: O lift we up the hand of Faith towards heaven, and lay hold on the promises of pardon, on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus.

SECT. 5. Of the maner of Watchfulness over special sins.

THat we may watch over our special sins, our Dalilah sins, our darling-delights, observe we these Rules:

1. Endeavor we the mortifying of this sin: Some one sin there is in every soul of us that is most predominant. Now it is the main work of a Christian, as to fall out for ever with all sin, so especially to improve all his Spiritual forces and ayd from hea∣ven, utterly to demolish, and to beat down to the ground this hold, this bosom-sin.

2. Lay we load of deepest groans, and strongest cryes for

mortifying grace against this dominiering sin; especially every Morning and Evening strive with God in our Prayers for a com∣fortable conquest over it, inforce and inlarge that passage with an extraordinary pang of fervency, cry we mightily to God for power and strength against this lust, that continually wars against the soul.

3. Bend we our selves against the special acts, occasions, and opportunities of this sin; as suppose rash anger, the sin which a man sifteth, and pursueth to the extirpation of it; in this case, he should resolve with himself, not to speak harshly, nor to look fiercely, nor to use any churlish behavior, whether his Servant displease him with negligence, or his Friend offend him with un∣faithfulness, or his enemy provoke him with ill language, or some malicious dealing.

4. As oft as we finde any motion of this sin to stir, and shew it self in us, it will be convenient, not onely to with-hold our consent, but withal to exercise some act of contrary holiness: As suppose Desire of revenge be the sin, which stirreth up our blood, and boileth within us, we must not onely forbear to avenge our selves, but also bend our selves to pray for him that hath offended us; and if he hunger, to feed him, if he thirst, to give him drink.

5. Settle we in our selves a purpose of heart to forbear it for time to come: In undertaking of which purpose, it will be ex∣pedient to set our selves some short space of time, in which we may force our selves to the forbearance of it, as for a day, or a moneth, or the like; and when the prefixed time is come, we should then question our selves, How well we have performed? or how, or wherein we have failed? and then begin a new pur∣pose, and prescribe our selves a like time, for shunning of the same sin; and so on from time to time, till we have gotten a full victory.

6. If in our daily or monethly review, we finde that we have been defective in performing of what we had purposed, then with an holy revenge we should correct our former errors, beg pardon for our defects, and punish our selves for such slothful∣ness, or wilfulness, by abstinence from meat, ease, recreation; Keeping under our bodies, and bringing them into subjection, by mulct, or forfeiture of some portion to the poor, whereby we

may feel smart: This holy revenge is commended by the Apo∣stle, 2 Cor. 7.11. as a worthy fruit of serious Repentance.

7. Above all, without which all the rest are as nothing, Be∣lieve the Promises of pardon in the blood of Christ: It is Faith in the Promises which will be able to cleanse, and purge the heart from this sin; If the blood of Bulls and of Goats (saith the Apo∣stle) and the ashes of an Heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your Consciences from dead works, to serve the living God? the sence is, When a man hath once applyed the blood of Christ for his Justification, this effect will follow it, That there will accompany it a certain vigour, vertue, power, and ••••rength, which will also purge his conscience from dead works; there will go a power of the Spirit together with this blood, that shall not onely forbid him, and shew him that he ought not to do such and such evil things, but it shall cleanse his conscience from those roots of dead works, those corrupt lusts, and sinful affections that are in him, and that dispose him to that evil: Now this power is gotten by applying the blood (i.) by ap∣plying the Promise of pardon and forgiveness by the blood of Jesus Christ: Let no man think by his own strength to prevail against any lust; it is not our endeavoring, praying, bending our selves against the special acts and occasions, exercising some acts of contrary holiness, purposing to forbear it, punishing our selves for it (if gone about by our own might, and power, and strength) will ever kill this sin; no, no, we must do all these at the feet of Christ, and draw vertue from Christ; we must Be∣lieve the Promises, get assurance of pardon, get assurance of Gods love to us in Christ; we must labor to delight in God, to get communion with Christ, and then our hearts will grow to an application of the Commandment; and whereas before they resisted it, rebelled against it, they will then cleave to it, and love it, and delight in it, and receive an impression from it. This I take it is the meaning of that Text, Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; q.d. by believing the Promises we are made partakers of the godly nature, and we overcome our

corruptions and lusts: Consonant to which, is that of the Apo∣stle, Know ye not, that as many as are baptized into Christ, are baptized into his death? q.d. as many as are baptized into Christ, for reconciliation with God, must needs be baptized into his death; they must be dead to sin, as he was dead: We cannot be baptized into him for Reconciliation or Justification, but we must be baptized likewise for Mortification of the flesh, and for Resurrection to newness of life. To winde up all in a word, He that hath the strongest Faith, that believes in the greatest de∣gree, the Promises of pardon and remission, he hath the holiest heart, the most mortified life: Sanctification and Mortification arise from that root of Justification. The blood of Christ hath not onely a power to wash us from the guilt of sin, but also to cleanse us, and purge us from the power and stain of sin▪ And therefore I say, the best way to get a great degree of Sanctifica∣tion, the best way to get a greater measure of the graces of the Spirit, the best way to mortifie our sinful lusts, the best way to watch over our special sins, is to labor to grow in Faith, in the belief of those Promises of the Gospel of Christ; and this would be well observed by those that are a little legally byassed, or car∣ryed to mortifie sin onely by Vows, Promises, shunning occasions, removing temptations, strictness and severity in Duties, fear of Hell and Judgements, scarce rising so high for their Mortifica∣tion, as Christ. Now these in themselves are but empty, weak means of prevailing against sin, like the mighty Sails of a Ship, without wind and tide; no question but shunning occasions, strictness and severity in Duties, watchfulness, &c. dwell in their place and order, like Oars in a Boat (See Saltmarsh, Free-grace, page 68.) which though it be carryed with the Tide, if well ma∣naged, yet they may help it to go the faster: Howsoever, it is Christ crucified which is the power of all in all; it is Christ lift∣ed up, as Moses lifted up the Serpent, which strikes more sound∣ness into the wounded beholder, then any other way; wherein some have toiled all their time for power over corruptions, and like Peter, have caught little or nothing, because Jesus Christ was not in the company.

SECT. 6. Of the maner of watchfulness over our Hearts.

THat we may watch over our hearts, observe we these dire∣ctions:

1. Guard we the windows of our soul, the Senses: I made a Covenant with mine eyes (said Job) why then should I think up∣on a maid? Turn mine eyes from beholding vanities (said David) and quicken thou me in thy way. It is incredible, what a deal of pollution and ill the Devil conveys insensibly into the heart, through these floodgates of sin, and therefore we had need to watch over the Senses.

2. Go we down into our hearts, and consider well all our thoughts; these, if good, will bring forth good fruit; and if evil, they are the parents and begetters of all sins, the first plotters and contrivers of all Treasons and Rebellions of our life, the bellows and incendiaries of all inordinate affections, the Panders to all other lusts, that take thought to provide for the satisfying of them, the disturbers in all good Duties, that inter∣rupt, and soil, and fly-blow all our Prayers, that they stink in the nostrils of God; and therefore consider and weigh well all our thoughts, for as our thoughts are, so be our affections, prayers, speeches, actions.

3. Let us make Conscience of our thoughts: By them espe∣cially do we sanctifie, or sin against God; by them especially do we evidence our selves, to be sincere-hearted Christians, or dissem∣bling hypycrites; by them especially will the Lord judge us at the last day, when he will make manifest the counsels of our hearts; by them especially (if we will not make Conscience of them) will God lash us in Hell to all eternity, even by thoughts accusing; there shalt thou meditate terrors, and study Gods wrath, toge∣ther with thy own sins and miseries, for ever and ever.

4. Resist and crush we every exorbitant thought which draws to sin, at the very first rising: Is the temptation strong? en∣counter it with this dreadful Dilemma, If I commit this sin, either I must repent, or not repent; if I repent, it will cost me more heart-break and spiritual smart, before I can purchase assurance of pardon and peace of Conscience, then the sensual pleasure can

be worth; if I never repent, it will be the death and damnation of my soul.

5. Lodge we not so much as light thoughts, unprofitable or vain thoughts in our hearts; they will still be entring in, whilest we are in these houses of clay, yet lodge they must not. Hence the Apostle, Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath; q. d. if thoughts of anger come in, in the morning or day time, they must be turned out ere night; or if idle thoughts offer to come to bed to thee, let them not lodge with thee. I deny not but many good thoughts and motions may pass, as strangers through a bad mans heart, and multitudes of vain thoughts and motions may make a through-fare of a Believers heart, and disturb him in good Duties, by knockings, and interruptions, and breakings in upon his heart, but still they lodge not there, they are not there fostered and harbored.

6. Forget and stifle we all thoughts of sinful actions already passed: The minde is very apt to run over the passages and cir∣cumstances of the same sins, long since committed, with a new and fresh delight; this argues wickedness of heart, and such as when it is ordinary with the heart to do so, is not compatible with grace: What fruit had you of those things whereof ye are now ashamed? All that the Saints reap out of such fruits, is shame and sorrow, and many a sad sigh: When Ephraim remembred his sins, he was ashamed and repented; a truly sanctified soul will hate the appearance of his former sins, and will have his heart inflamed with a zeal and revenge against it. What, do you repeat to your selves your old sins with delight? this provokes God exceedingly, you thereby stand to, and make good your former act; you shew a delight to rake in those wounds you have given Christ already, and therefore in hell it will prove the greatest gall, to remember your old sins; every circumstance in every sin then, will be as a dagger in your hearts. O study not these thoughts, forget them, stifle them!

7. Entertain all good motions put into your heart by the blessed Spirit, howsoever occasioned; whether by the Ministery of the Word, mindefulness of Death, Christian admonition, reading some good Book, some special Cross, or extraor∣dinary Mercy; feed, enlarge, and improve them to the ut∣most, so shall we preserve our hearts in a soft, comfortable

temper, and heaven-ward, which is a singular happiness.

8. Endeavor we to preserve and keep up lively, holy, and Spiritual affections, and suffer them not to cool; or if we have grown remiss, endeavor to recover those affections again: Thoughts and affections are mutual causes of each other; Whilest I mused, the fire burned, said David: and again, How love I thy Law? It is my meditation day and night. First, his thoughts were the bellows that kindled and inflamed his affections: And secondly, his affections inflamed, made his thoughts to boyl, and to meditate on Gods Law day and night. Hence it is that men newly converted to God, having new and strong affections, can with more pleasure think of God then any else can.

9. Let us captivate and conform all the thoughts and imagi∣nations of our heart, to the Rules and Soveraignty of grace; Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ: If thy change in words, actions, and all outward carriages were An∣gelical, yet if thy thoughts be sinful and unsanctified, thou art a limb of Satan still: Purity in the inward parts, is the most sound evidence of our portion in the purity and power of Christ. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved: How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? God seeth (saith the Psalmist) and understandeth our thoughts afar off: And hence it is that many humble souls, sensible of their secret sins, in the presence of Gods pure eye, are more grieved (setting aside ill example and scandals) for the rebelliousness of their thoughts, then the exorbitancy of their actions, for of these the world sees the worst; but concerning the other, it cuts them to the heart, that they are not so well able to preserve their inward parts in purity, towards the all searching eye of God, as their words and actions in plausibleness towards man.

10. Get we our hearts possest with deep, strong, and power∣ful apprehensions and impressions of Gods Holiness, Majesty, Omnipresence, and Omniscience: If any thoughts be of power to settle, fix, and draw in the minde of man, they are thoughts of him. What is the reason that Saints and Angels in Heaven have not a vain thought to eternity, but that their eye is never off him? we finde it by experience, a blessed means to avoid distra∣ctions in Prayers, to inlarge a mans thoughts in his preparations before, or at the beginning, if with a consideration of Gods

Attributes and Relations to us, he sets on the Duty.

11. Let us elevate, and often lift up our hearts towards hea∣ven: Consider the blissful depths of Gods boundless Mercies in Christ; Consider the glory, the everlastingness, the unutterable excellencies of that immortal shining Crown above, which after this life (and this life is but a bubble, a smoke, a shadow, a thought) shall be set on our heads by the hand of God; a very glimpse whereof is able to sweeten the bitterest griefs that can be, and to dispel those mists of fading vanities, which the world (heated by the fire of inordinate lusts) is wont to evaporate, and interpose betwixt the sight of mens souls, and the bliss of heaven.

12. Let us spend some thoughts, yea many thoughts, about the saving excellencies of Jesus Christ: Consider the wonder of our Redemption, the most admirable, and most astonishing plot of the blessed Trinity, sitting in Councel about the saving of our souls; a Mystery which the Angels stoop down to pry into, an Orient Pearl, that will out-shine all the sparkling Jewels of the whole Creation; Consider the Love-letters of Christ in his glorious Gospel; the Love-tokens he hath sent to our dear souls: And ah! what flames of divine affection? what raptures of zeal? what ravishments of delights? what brinish sorrows, and great indignation against sin? what extasies of obedience can be enough for our blessed Lord, and dearest Redeemer?

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.

SECT. 8. Of the maner of Watchfulness over our actions.

OUr actions are either

• Natural,
• Civil,
• Religious,

In all which observe these Directions:

1. Concerning Natural actions, as Eating, Drinking, Sleep∣ing, Visitations, Recreations, &c. no constant Rule can be pre∣scribed, because it is much diversified by health, sickness, age, constitution; and every one hath either learned by his own experience, what seasons, and proportions of such natural helps are fittest for his temperament, or he is most unworthy of that precious thing (an Understanding soul) which he bears in his bosom; onely let me inform Christians, that they may sin in any of these actions, and therefore let them beware and watch over themselves in the use and enjoyment of these things; which howsoever lawful in their own nature, yet by our corruption are capable of inordinateness and excess. Some are of opinion, That Christians are in more danger of being Spiritually undone, by a slie insinuation and insnarement of licentiousness and im∣moderation

in such lawful things, then by the gross assaults of foul sins and temptations; their hearts may rise against any work of darkness, as Adultery, Murther, Swearing, Prophaning the Lords day, Speculative wantonness, &c. which yet may too often be insensibly seized upon, by an excessive sinful delight, in things unsinful in themselves; and therefore we had need to watch over our Natural actions.

2. Concerning Civil actions, as Bargains, Contracts, Cove∣nants, Dealings, Negotiations, &c. observe these Directions:

1. Think we seriously and solemnly of that Principle, Do as thou wouldst be done by: In a fellow-feeling real conceit, put thy self into the place, and impartially put on the person of the party with whom thou art to deal, and then returning to thy self, deal out and proportion unto him that measure in every particular, which thou wouldst be willing to receive at anothers hand, if thou wer't in his case: Whatsoever (saith our Savior) ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

2. Abhor with an infinite disdain, to get any thing by any wicked means, wrong doing, or unconscionable dealing; we may assure our selves in such cases, That besides the secret grumblings of our self-accusing Consciences, the angry eye of God sees secretly our doings, and will shortly, and most certainly re∣venge.

3. Let our desire and delight never fasten it self immoderate∣ly upon any earthly thing, though never so excellent: Exorbi∣tancy and error this way, brings many times with it either a loss of the thing so doted on, or it may be a cross, or howso∣ever a curse. O consider we the vanity of these earthly things! Consider we the glories above! Methinks this one preservative would be powerful enough to keep the heart of every Christian from doting upon the world, or suffering it to be possessed there∣of, it is this, Every Christian by a fruitful Faith, may be assured of a Crown of life, either by assurance of adherence, or evi∣dence, or both: Now if that once a day he should take a serious survey of the glory, everlastingness, and unutterable excellen∣cies of that immortal Crown, which our dear Redeemer holds for him in his hand, ready to set upon his head, when he shall be dissolved from this vale of tears; Methinks it were able so

to dull the edge, and dissolve the drossiness of all earthly de∣sires, that they should never be able to heat or harden his heart any more.

3. Concerning Religious actions, as Meditating, Hearing, Reading, Fasting, Praying, Almsgiving, &c. observe these Di∣rections:

• 1. In general.
• 2. In special.

1. In general, observe, That we draw and derive from Christ by the attractive force of Faith, Special abilities, 1. To perform all Duties. 2. To exercise all Graces. 3. To resist and over∣come all Temptations and Corruptions which shall be befal us: To this purpose are those Promises of Grace and Strength, Isa. 44.3. Ezek. 36.27. Zech. 10.12. Joh. 1.16. And these are Se∣curities given us from God, that we shall receive grace through Duties, which are the Conduit-pipes or instruments of convey∣ing the same into the soul from Christ. This is to do all in the strength of Christ, and to take forth a great deal of Christ into the soul, so that not I, but Christ may live in me.

2. In special, observe these Directions:

1. That before the doing of Duties, we remove all lets and impediments which may hinder, and improve all occasions which may forward us thereunto.

2. That in doing of them, we behave our selves well and wisely, performing them rightly and religiously.

3. After all is done, that we be careful all be not lost through our own vileness, and viciousness, privy pride, or se∣cret hypocrisie.

For instance, Would we watch unto Prayer, as the Apostle in∣joyns us?

1. Then, before we fall on our knees, let us shake off three impoysoning and heavy hindrances, which otherwise will clog and clip the wings of our Prayers, that they will never be able to ascend up into heaven; as, Sin, Anger, and Distrust: and let us possess our selves of three excellent helps and inflaming fur∣therances; the first is a right apprehension of Gods Dreadful∣ness, Purity, Power, &c. The second is, a true sence of our own Vileness, Abominableness, Nothingness, &c. The third is, an hearty survey of the Infiniteness, and unexpressibleness of Gods

Bounty, Blessings, and compassionate forbearance towards us.

2. After we are down on our knees, first repel with an un∣daunted Spirit, Satans Blasphemous injections: Secondly, watch over the world with care and timely opposition, that if it be possible) not an earthly thought may creep into our heart all the while: Thirdly, strive to hold our hearts in heat, as well in Confession as Deprecation, in Deprecation as Petition; as well for purity of heart, as for pardon of sin throughout: Prayer is the creature of the holy Ghost, every part whereof we should heartily wish, and earnestly wrestle, That he would propor∣tionally animate and enliven, even as the soul doth the body.

3. After we are risen off our knees, first, take heed of resting in the Duty, take heed of privy pride, and secret hypocrisie, take heed of returning with the dog to his vomit: Secondly, pursue and press after the things prayed for, by a timely appre∣hension, fruitful exercise, and utmost improvement of all occa∣sions, and heavenly offers, which may any ways concur to the compassing of them: But of this I shall speak more largely, when I come to the Duty of Prayer. Thus much of Watch∣fulness.

Notes

• Eph. 6.18.
• Luke 8.18.
• Mat 6.18.
• Mat. 6.1.
• 2 Tim. 4.5.
• Prov 4.23. Psa. 39.1. Psa. 119.9.
• Rom. 7.24.
• Psal 51.5.
• Eph. 4.22.23.
• Isa. 48.8, 9.
• Psa. 119.37.
• Isa. 33.15.
• 16.
• Suadere & solicitare potest cogere omnino non potest. Aug. Hom. 12. Habet astuti∣am suadendi, non potesta∣tem cogendi, Idem in Psal. 91. & in Ioh. 12. Prov. 8.13.
• Rom. 12.9.
• 1 Cor. 9.27.
• Heb. 9 13, 14.
• 2 Pet. 1.4.
• Rom. 6.3.
• Saltmarsh Free-grac••, page 68. who though a per∣fect adversary, y t here brings truth abed.
• Iob 31.1. Psal. 119.37.
• 1 Cor 4.5.
• Isa. 33.8,
• Eph. 4.26.
• Rom. 6.12.
• Psal. 39.3.
• Psal. 119 97.
• 2 Cor. 10 5.
• Ier. 4.14.
• Psal. 139.2.
• Gal 6.1.
• Lev. 19.17.
• Mat. 16.5, 6.
• Iohn 4.10.
• Mat. 7 6.
• Rev. 22.11.
• Mat 7.22.
• Gal. 2.20.
• Eph. 6.18.