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.

§. 7. Observations of Gods providences.

Experiences.

1642.

FEb. 5. This day one observed a special providence in preventing a sin, to which he had given consent, with some reluctancy of spirit. O gracious Provi∣dence!

May 25. A Mini∣ster being generally opposed & discoun∣tenanced by the peo∣ple, who had former∣ly expressed singular love to him, which arose from his cast∣ing off some unlaw∣ful ceremonies of the Church; it pleased the Lord that he ob∣served this day a spe∣cial providence, w^ch put a courage into him, by reading (as it fel in course in his fa∣mily-duties) Psal. 57.

June 24. One this day understood by a Knight, that some snares were laid for him, and by a special Providence at the same time he opened the Bible, and cast his eye on Psa. 37. v. 32, 33, 34. to his great incouragement and comfort.

1647. Aug. 9. this day some Christians ob∣serving a private Fast in reference to the Distractions betwixt the City and Army, in midst of the duty, there came into them an Emissary from the Army, with Papers and Declarations; of this Providence (though sad) they made use in their Prayers.

Aug. 13. This day hear∣ing the proceedings at London, a Minister brake out into those words written in Is. 59.14, 15, 16.

1648.

March 1. This day one musing on Gods Providences, he occasi∣onally took up a Book, and read in it, That the recording of Pro∣vidences is not the least portion of Gods Praise, of our Duty, of Posterities Patrimony.

Texts.

2 Thess. 3.3. The Lord is faithful, who shall sta∣blish you, and keep you from evil.

Psal. 94.18. When I said, My foot slippeth: thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.

1 Sam. 2.9. He will keep the feet of his saints.

Psal. 69.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. For thy sake I have born reproach, shame hath covered my face, I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mothers children: for the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up, and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are faln upon me: When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach:— But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time.

Psal. 37.32, 33. The wicked watcheth the righ∣teous, and seeketh to slay him; the Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

Psal. 38.12. They that seek after my life, lay snares for me: and they that seek, my hurt speak mischievous things.

Dan. 9.16, 20, 22, 26. I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Ierusa∣lem:—And whilest I was speaking and praying, and confes∣sing my sin,—the man informed me, & talk∣ed with me, and said, Unto the end of the War desolations are determined.

Isa. 59.14, 16. Judge∣ment is turned away back∣wards, and justice stand∣eth afar off, for truth is faln in the streets.

Job 5.27. Lo, this we have searched, so it is; hear thou it, and know it for thy good.

Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.

Joh. 17.15. I pray not that thou shouldst take me out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep me from the evil.

Isa. 30.21. This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left.

2 Sam. 16.11, 12. Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him; it may be the Lord wil look on my affliction, and that the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day.

Isa. 51.7. Hearken un∣to me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the re∣proach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings.

Mat. 5.12. Rejoyce, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecu∣ted they the Prophets which were before you.

Psal. 37.34. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Psal. 38.13, 15. But I as a deaf man heard not, and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth: for in thee Lord do I hope, thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Isa. 26.16, 17, 18. Lord, in trouble have they vi∣sited thee, they pour out a prayer when thy cha∣stening was upon them, like as a woman with childe that draweth neer the time of her delive∣ry: — We have been with childe, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind, we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth.

Lam. 1.20. Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress, my bowels are troubled, mine heart is turned within me, for I have grievously re∣belled.

Psal. 34.8, 9. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him; fear the Lord, ye his saints.