The signes or An essay concerning the assurance of Gods loue, and mans saluation gathered out of the holy Scriptures. By Nicholas Byfield, one of the preachers for the citty of Chester. Byfield, Nicholas, 1579-1622. 1614 Approx. 90 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 78 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A17416 STC 4236 ESTC S118320 99853527 99853527 18912

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A17416) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18912) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1197:01) The signes or An essay concerning the assurance of Gods loue, and mans saluation gathered out of the holy Scriptures. By Nicholas Byfield, one of the preachers for the citty of Chester. Byfield, Nicholas, 1579-1622. [16], 139, [1] p. Printed by Iohn Beale for Ionas Man, London : 1614. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.

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eng Assurance (Theology) Salvation -- Early works to 1800. 2003-06 Assigned for keying and markup 2003-06 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-12 Sampled and proofread 2004-12 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE SIGNES OR AN ESSAY CONcerning the assurance of Gods loue, and mans saluation; gathered out of the holy Scriptures.

By NICHOLAS BYFIELD, one of the Preachers for the Citty of CHESTER.

2 COR. 13. 5. Examine your selues whether yee be in the faith: proue your owne selues. Knowe ye not your owne selues, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates.

LONDON, Printed by IOHN BEALE for IONAS MAN. 1614.

TO THE TRVELY RELIgious, and his most affectionate frend, Mistris Iane Ratclife, wife to Mr. Iohn Ratclife, Esquier, Alderman and Iustice of peace, late Maior of the Citie of Chester,

PEace be vnto you and loue, with faith from God the father, and the Lord Iesus Christ. The impertunitie, of diuerse of my hearers, and the expectation of many of all sorts, together with my desire to yeeld some account of my long vndelightfull leasure, haue inclined me to prepare some of my publike and priuate labours, for the common view: hoping that the abounding respect of my friends will couer the wants, and weakenesses which other men will sooner espie. Howsoeuer I haue long meditated, a worke of greater labour, then this ensuing treatise yet in the meane time I haue beene willing to tast the approbation of good men, and make my best aduauntage of the censures of the many minded multitude, by aduenturing to send foorth these first fruites, as a handfull gathered out of the rest.

Worthie Gentlewoman, there are manie reasons induce me to publish these signes vnder your name, your singular loue and liking of my ministerie, together vvith your reuerent and willing entertainement, of faithfull Ministers (receiuing them as the messengers of the Churches, and the glorie of Christ as partners and fellow helpers, walking in the same spirit) challengeth from vs some publike testimonie of our acknowledgemēt of Gods grace, and of the ioy, vvherewith vve reioyced for your sake; besides constant indeauour to make vse of all opportunities for your resolution, and direction, in the seuerall conflicts, and cases of your conscience. I haue had occasion fully to know your order, and manner of life, your desires, purposes, teares, & vprightnes, your faith, your loue, your obedience: and therfore being assured, that you are marked euen with euerie one of these signes; vvhy should I not say vnto you, as somtimes Iob said of himselfe.Iob 31. 35 Behold your signes that the Almightie wil witnesse for you. And I am vvell assured, that this treatise vvill finde good accesse vnto the hands and hearts of diuers in these parts, euen for the loue they beare to you, and for the good they novv heare you haue by experience reaped from these. Neither had I beene easily drawne to publish these, but that hauing occasion in conference with many to make vse of thē, I could hardly satisfie them vvith coppies. I spare to alleadge other reasons.

Novv vvhat remains but that I should beseech you, and all those vvho finde by these signes the assurance of Gods eternal loue, euen to honour the Lord vvith the continuall sacrifices of praise, the fruite of your lips,Heb. 13 vvith confession to his name, oh loue the Lord vvith your whole heart, and make his praise glorious, and abound more and more, in the fruites of sincere life, and in all holy, and humble conuersation, liue by faith, and in nothing be carefull,Phil. 4, 6 but in all things, let your requests he made knowne to God, vvith thanksgiuing: and as you haue receiued mercy faint not, neither be descoraged vnder the sence of your infirmities and vvants,2, Cor, 4, 1 for they that vvaite vpon the Lord,Esa. 40, 31 shall renevv their strength, the Lord vvill power his spirit vpon your seede, &Isa, 44, 4 his blessing vpon your buds: the sunne of righteousnesse vvill arise, and there is healing vnder his wings. You haue a high Priest,Ma. 4, 2 that is touched vvith infirmities,Hob. 5. 15 16 and therefore you may goe boldly to the throne of grace, to seeke grace and mercy to helpe in time of neede: the power of God is made knowne in vveakenesse,2 Cor. 12 and his grace will be sufficient: the Lord keepeth the feete of his Saints,1. Sam. 2, 9 and vvill supplie all your vvants vvith his riches in glory.Psa. 66, 8, 9 Blessed be the Lord that holdeth our soules in life, and suffereth not our fee e to be moued.

Gracious gentlewoman be confident in this,Psa. 1, 6 that God which hath begun his good worke will performe it, till the day of Christ for his foundation remaineth sure:2. Tim. 2, 19. and hee euer liueth that maketh intercession for you,Heb. 7, 25 and the mortall seede abideth,1. Ioh. 3, 9 and Christ will be,Reu. 21. 6 Omega as well as Alpha, the end as well as the beginning: neither feare the reproach of men, for there is a hiding place with the Lord,Psa. 31, 20 from the strife of tongues; and he will put to silence those lying lipps that speake such grieuous things,Psal, 31, 18 so proudly, so contemptuously: vvaite on the Lord, and keepe his waie; they shall assuredly make an account to the Iudge of quicke and dead,1. Pet 4, 5 that speake euill of the innocent, And the same God and father of mercie that hath directed, your heart vnto his loue, and refreshed your spirit with the vnspeakeable ioies of his presence, finish his owne worke in you: and as you haue professed, a good profession before many that will witnesse, how vnblameably you haue behaued your selfe among them that beleeue; so stand fast in the Lord, be stil an example of faith and puritie, of loue and feruencie, of meekenesse, and humilitie, of tendernesse, and harmelesnesse, of shamefastnesse, and sobrietie, of mercie and good workes, as becommeth a woman professing godlinesse, that they may bee ashamed which shall falsely accuse your good conuersation in Christ, keepe the Doctrine you haue receiued, seeing you haue learned Christ, as the tr th is in him. Striue to increase in loue and obedience to your husband and care of your chrildren & familie, and shew all faithfulnesse, and diligence in your particular calling. Prouoke your kindred and acquaintance vnto repentance, faith, praier, loue, fellowship in the Gospell, and good workes, that thanksgiuing may be giuen by many to God for you. Let the word of Christ bee still your guide: watch vnto praier, receiue them that feare God, and make much of such. Let patience haue her perfect worke, and commit your waies to God, and trust in him. The Lord make you to abound in loue yet more and more, in knowledge, and in all iudgement, that you may still approue things that are excellent, and be blamelesse in the middest of a crooked & peruerse people: the Lord perfect in you whatsoeuer is vvanting, and fulfill the good pleasure of his goodnesse, and the worke of your faith with power. The Lord increase in you that holy couetousnesse, to be with the Lord, looking for the blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God, and our Sauiour Iesus Christ.

Farewell. May. 1614. Yours according to the common faith. N. BYFIELD.
A SHORT Treatise concerning Assurance.

COncerning the assuraunce of Gods fauour, three things may be considered of. First the proofes. Secondly, the Lets. Thirdly, the signes.

That a Christian in this life may be infallibly assured of Gods fauour to himself in particular, and that hee ought to seeke this assurance, as a matter of singular necessity, these places of Scripture proue. The Apostle Paul chargeth the Corinthians to Examine themselues, 2. Cor. 13. 5. whether they be in the faith, and requireth this prouing of themselues with such earnestnesse, that he saith, know yee not your owne selues, how that Christ Iesus is in you, except ye be reprobates? As if he would auouch it, that a man can neuer haue found comfort of his election till he get this assured knowledge of Gods fauour in Christ. And the Apostle Peter exhorts Christians to vse all diligence to make their calling and election sure whatsoeuer carnall persons speake against it.2. Pet. 1. 10. Iob vehemently desires there were a perpetual record of his words, when he speaks of his assurance, that no man might thinke he spake passionately, or vainegloriously;Iob. 19. 23. 25. 26. 27. He knew that his redeemer liued, and that at the last day, his very flesh should be raised, & he should see God with ioy. By the spirit of God a Christian knowes the things of God:1. Cor. 2. 10. 11. 12. yea to this end haue we receiued this Spirit which is of God, that wee might know the things which are freely giuen vs of God: yea it searcheth the deepe things of God.2. Cor. 5. 1 And in the second of the Corinthians Gods children are said to know their glorification: as certainely as by sence and experience, they know, that their bodies, which are their earthlie tabernacles shall bee dissolued: so certainely are they assured of the building of God, not made with hands,2. Cor. 5. 6. 8. eternall in the heauens: yea they are alwaies confident herein; and therefore Gods seruant are taught to pray for the spirit of wisdome and reuelation, that the eyes of their vnderstanding may bee inlightned, that they might know the hope of their calling, and the riches of their inheritance,Eph. 1. 18. 19. and the exceeding greatnes of Gods power towards them, vpon this assurance. Paul knowes whom hee hath beleeued, and no afflictions should hinder him,2. Tim. 1. 12. but he will settle, vpon this perswasion, that God will keepe his soul, which he hath cō mitted to him against the day of Christ. The Apostle Iohn saith,1. Ioh. 3. 14 We know that we haue passed from death to life, 1. Ioh. 5. 13 And again,1. Ioh. 5 19 ye may know that ye haue eternall life. And again we know that wee are of God. And the Apostle to the Ephesians saith,Eph. 3. 11. that in Christ we haue boldnesse and accesse, with confidence by faith in him: yea the very words of assurance are found in Scripture where it is shewed,1. Thos. 1. 5 that we may haue much assurance,Heb. 10. 22. yea full assurance,Col. 2. 2. yea the riches of full assurance: and men are earnestly exhorted,Heb. 6. 11 to vse all diligence to get this full assurance to the end; and when it is once had, neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,Rom. 8. 38. 39. nor anie other creature should be able to seperate them from this loue of God in Iesus Christ.

Lets,

THe attainment of the sence, power, & comfort of this assurance is exceedingly hindered in all sorts of people. First, For many can neuer attaine it, beecause they are forestalled with euill opinions about it, they thinke it is impossible to be had, or it is needelesse, or it is presumption to seek it, or it would prooue a nurse to security if it were had. Secondly, in the most, common hope serues the turne and supplies presumptuously the roome of this sacred gift, Thirdly, many heare & professe, and goe farre in the opinion of others, and yet get not assurance; because they take not a soūd course for the mortification of the body of sinnes that are passed, whereas it is certain assurance can neuer be had, till there be some sound course taken, in the acknowledgement, bewailing, and reformation of them. Fourthly, besides a barraen life is an vncomfortable and vnsetled life,1. Cor. 15. 58. and contrariwise to abound in Gods worke, hath stedfastnesse, and a secret rest of heart, as an vnspeakeable companion of it. Fifthly, Melancholy also (that is terrors and griefes, of which a man can yeelde no true reason) is in diuers a mighty let to the setled assurance they might haue. They are so eaten vp with those strong conceits that all the comfort is propounded most anend, prooues as water spilt vpon the ground: especially when this humor is nourished by some extraordinary distemper of the body; Physicke, not arguments of Scripture must here be vsed, or rather both of them. Sixthly, the loue of earthly things is another great impediment: many professors haue their thoughts and cares so eaten vp with worldlinesse, that they cannot seriously hold out to follow the directions requisite to the attainement of assurans. This grace requires a minde some way fitted for contemplation. It is a knowledge will neuer be had with looking downeward. Seuenthly, further, many are so passionate and froward, they can get no rest in their heart, when as ful assurance would bee lodged in an humble & quiet brest. Eighthly, Others want assurance,1. The. 1. 5 because they neglect the meanes of assurance,Eph. 1. 17 which are the word,Phi. 15, 6 praier, or fellowship in the Gospell. Ninthly, In some there lodgeth some secret sinne vnrepented of, and this either keepes out faith, or keepes it downe in the cradle, that it can get no strength. Lastly, assurance is the gift of God, and hee bestoweth it on whom hee will.

The signes generally propounded.

THere are sixteene infallible signes of a child of God, as may appeare by the testimonie of most apparent Scripture.

First,Mat. 5. 3. Pouerty of spirit; for the poore of spirit are blessed and theirs is the kingdome of heauen.

Secondly,2 Cor. 7. 10. Godly sorrow, for it causeth repentance, not to be repented off, euen such a repentance as is vnto saluation.

Thirdly, the loue of the word, for this is a sure comfort in affliction,Pal. 119. 50. and may quicken a mans heart,2 Cor. 2. 15. this is a sauour of life vnto life, in them that are saued.

Fourthly, The loue of Gods children; 1. Ioh. 3. 14. for hereby we know wee are passed from death to life,1. Cor. 13. 1. 2. 3. because wee loue the brethren.

Fifthly, Faith; for god so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten sonne, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish but haue euerlasting life.

Sixthly, Vprightnesse of heart: Psal. 84. 13. 1. for God will giue grace and glorie, and no good thing will hee with-hold from them that are vpright in heart.Psa. 97. 11

Seuenthly, The spirit of Adoption. Rom. 8. 9. 14. 16. For it beareth witnes to our spirit that wee are the sonnes of God: and if anie man haue not the spirit of Christ, he is not his.

Eighthly, Holy desires. For euery one that thirsteth,Reuel. 21. 6 shal haue of the water of life freely: & if they will heare,Esay 55. 1, 2 3, 4. their soules shall liue, and enioy the sure mercies of Dauid, they are blessed,Mat. 5, 6. and they shall be satisfied.

Ninthly, The spirit of praier or supplication; Io l. 2, 22 for whosoeuer calleth on the name of the Lord shall bee saued.Zach. 12. 10.

10 The obedience of Christ, Heb. 5. 9. for he is the author of eternall saluation to them that obey him.

11 Sauing knowledge For this is eternall life, to know God, and whom hee hath sent Iesus Christ.Ioh. 17. 3. It is not onely a signe of eternall life or saluation, but the beginning and part of it.

12 The Sacraments in the right vse of them are infallible signes of our saluation, and to that end ordained,Mar. 16. 11 for he that belieueth and is baptised shall bee saued.1. Pet. 3. 21 Hence it is said, Baptisme saueth vs: they are sure seales of the righteousnesse of faith.Rom. 4. 11

13 The loue of God: for if a man loue Christ the Father will loue him,Ioh. 14. 23 and come vnto him and dwell with him.

14 The feare of God: for it is a fountaine of life,Pro. 14. 27 to depart from the snares of death.

15 Loue of our enemies: Mat. 5 44. 48. for it is not onely a signe of a Christian, but of a perfect Christian.

16 Desire of death. 2. Tim. 4. For a crowne of life is layed vp for all them that loue the appearing of Christ.

The signes particularly expounded; and first of pouertie of Spirit.

SPirituall pouertie may bee tried either by properties, or by effect.

Gods poore haue eight properties.

First, They are sensible, and that first of their owne wants and misery, by nature and daily sinne. Secondly, they know when they see Gods iudgements,Zach. 11. 11. that it was the word of the Lord. Thirdly, they tremble at Gods word,Esay 66. 2. and feare his displeasure, while it yet hangs in the threatning. Fourthly, they are sensible of that speciall goodnesse of Gods mercy;Psal. 109. 20. when a man is poore and needie, he can say with Dauid, mercie is good. Psal. 109. 21. Fifthly, they are sensible of their owne mortalitie: they haue feeling impressions of their fading condition.

Secondly, they are thankfull, and that for lesser mercies; a poore man is glad of a pennie, whereas a rich man cannot bee touched with so small a fauour, Gods poore will praise Gods name for the very crums that fals from his table: and as anie are more poore and humble, they are more thankefull.

Thirdlie, they are teachable, and willing to bee appointed and instructed; it is a great signe a mans heart is not humble, when he must haue so much to doe, before he can bee perswaded to anie trueth, or disswaded from anie sinne: pride and ignorance is hard to learne.

Fourthly, they are hungrie people, especially greedie after the food in Syon,Psal. 12. 26 & 132. 15 they loue it, they desire it, they esteeme it, they are satisfied with nothing better then with it, it is the reliefe of their hearts foreuer.

And there are fiue effects of spirituall properties.

THe first is praier: for Gods poore liue by begging, if hee be poore, hee will crie vnto God.

The second is Abnegation: for this poore man, renounceth his owne merits, hee seeth no good will be had by deseruing; for hee deserueth nothing but Gods curse in al things hee forsaketh also the world, both in the lusts of it, and in the companie of the wicked, and all earthly things, as not hauing the chiefe good in them.

The third is diligence in Gods worke; yea Gods poore are willing to do the meanest and hardest worke God will be pleased to set them to: so as they may finde fauour in his eies to be accepted with him, they would account no worke too base for them to doe, but they would bee glad to doe anie thing they could with their best desires and endeavours.

Fourthly, Gods poore,Pal. 11. 14 commit themselues & all their waies to Gods care and mercie; they will onely trust in the name of the Lord,Zeph. 3. 12 and bee contented to let God dispose of them as pleaseth him.

Fifthly, The last is a feare to offend God in word or deede, by their good will they would doe none iniquitie,Zech. 3. 13 nor speake lies, a deceitfull tongue should not be found in their mouth, Gods poore and Gods Turtle doues are all one;Psal. 74. 19 so in seperable are harme lesse innocencie and spirituall pouertie.

2. Godlie sorrow.

WEE may know whetther our sorrowes be Godly, if we consider. First, the causes. Secondly, the properties. Thirdly the concomitants. Fourthlie, the effects of them.

For the first of them wee must consider what raiseth our sorrowes and what asswageth them, for godlie sorrow, is chiefelie raised for sinne: and so for the sinnes of the time, because others keepe not the law. For Ezechiel doubt not to mark them with Gods marke,Ezech. 9. 4 that mourne for the abhomination done in Ierusalem;Psa. 119. 36. but wee must vnderstand that this sorrow must bee simple, because God is dishonored.

And further in sorrow for our owne sins, we must mourne, for al sorts of sinnes, for lesser sines, as well as greater,Esay 6. 5. for sinnes of our calling, for secret sins as well as open, for sins that presntlie trouble vs, as well as for sinnes past:Rom 7. for the sins feared and the corrupt inclination of our natures, for beeloued,Esay 1. 16 gainefull and pleasing sinnes, finally for the euill of our good works as wel as for euil works. Now there are two notes of great vse, in triall of sorrow for our sinnes; the one is, that wee must sorrow for sinne as it is sinne; and the other is, that a man should not easily satisfie himselfe in the measure, till he can mourne as much for sinne, as he was wont, or now would for losses. The Prophet Zacharias instanceth,Zac. 12. 10. 11. when he saith; the spirit of God, shold cause them to mourne as in the familie, as one would mourne for the losse of their onely sonne, or as in the common wealth, the subiects would doe, for the losse of a most worthie Prince. He mentioneth their sorrow for Iosiah, yet wee must know that teares are not of necessitie, and specially in such natures, as are voide of teares, for anie other causes.

Secondly, in asmuch as sorrow may be Godly euen for iudgements wee must vnderstand that herein our triall wil be,Psal. 4 , 3. 2 137. if we can mourn rather for spirituall iudgements,Neh 1. 3 4 then for temporall: and among the rest, if we can feele, and bewaile hardnesse of heart,Esay 63. 17 mourning because we cānotmourne as we ought, and farther if we can be grieued as well for the offence of God as for punishment.

Thirdly, a christian is principally stirred vp in true sorrow, by the sence of Gods goodnesse; so as nothing doth more fire him to a desire to abase himselfe and to humble himselfe, euen in the verie dust, in the sence of his owne vilenesse, then to feele and finde the gracious goodnes and readinesse of God to shew mercie.Hos. 3. He feareth the Lord and his goodnesse.

And as godlie sorrow is raised by spirituall meanes and considerations, so it is asswaged onely by spirituall meanes, those sorrowes that can be healed by sports, merrie companie or the like, are much like the medecines vsed to helpe them; but in godlie sorrow,Ho. 6. 1. 3. the same God that wounded them must heale, and a christiā desires helpe from the same word that pierced him.

Thus of the causes.

THere are foure properties of godly sorrow which among the rest, we must labour after, and without which we can hardlie haue true assistance, that our sorrowes are right.

First, it is inquisitiue, it is a hard thing to make sorrow silent, and hee that is truelie pricked in his heart,Ior. 50. 4. 5 cannot with contentment smother his doubts, hee will aske the way to Sion, and cannot rest till he haue knowne what to doe to be saued,Act. 2. 37. those that finde so little to aske, and can be so silent in the presence of Gods seruaunts, by whom they might bee directed, may suspect their sorrowes.

Secondlie, it must not rest in the beginnings, or probabilities, or hopes, or others good opinions, or the mending of manie things: but a Christian that is truelie humbled will repent stil,Ier. 31. 19 though he haue turned, that is, he is so fearefull of being deceiued, through the corruption of his owne heart, and the wils of Sathan, that he will constantlie hold on to confesse and bewaile his sinnes, till he may finde assured rest vnto his soule.

Thirdlie, it will admit nothing against God, but it makes a man condemne himselfe, rather then God; when Dauid lay in that mournfull plight, that he could finde no comfort night nor daie,Psa. 77. 1. 2 27 for a long season, and that the question, was to be debated whether God had forgotten to bee mercifull, &c. Hee resolues, the fault was in himselfe that it was his infirmitie, and that his soule refused comfort.

Fourthlie, it will not rest without cleanenesse, godlie sorrow is not water, but washing nor euery washing, but such as maketh cleane:Esay 1. 16 worldlie sorrow may haue much water, but cleanseth nothing, but godlie sorrow greatlie desireth and loueth puritie.

Thus of the causes and properties concerning the concomitants there are diuerse things doe accompanie godlie sorrow, by which it is discerned; for,

First it is ioyned with a secret trust in the acacceptation of God, so as no miserie can beate them from the consideration and inward affiance of hope of mercie, in the verie disquietnesse of the heart the desire of the soule is to the Lord,Psa. 38. 9. & before his presence though a childe of God, be neuer so much cast downe, yet hee waits vpon God, for the helpe of his countenaunce,Psa. 42. 5. 11. and in some measure condemnes the vnbeliefe of his owne heart, and supporteth himselfe with the hope of the neuer failing compassions of God:Tam 3. 21 thus it differs from the sorrowes of Caine and Iudas.

Secondlie, it is ioined with a wonderfull loue of God for hearing of praier, it is most deepelie affected with euerie mercie of God felt in praier; Dauid loues the Lord,Psa. 116. 13. because he hath heard his praier at that time when his sorrowes was as the paines of hell.

Thirdlie,Psa. 119. 20. 82. 33. it is ioined with a longing after the word.

Fourthlie, it is ioined with a constant desire to glorifie God by a fruitefull profession, euerie one that truelie mourneth in Sion,Esay. 61. 2 3. is a tree of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord, that he may bee glorified.

Fifthlie, it is ioined with a spirit of supplications, sorrow that is after God, will teach a Christian to pray, that could neuer praie before; the spirit of compassion,Zac. 12. 10 is a spirit of supplication.

Lastlie, our sorrowes must be tried by their effects, for godlie sorrow.

First, driues vs to a dailie and serious confession of sinne in particular without hiding anie sinne.Psa. 38. 17

Secondlie, it breedes a tender sence of the burthen of sinne; neuer doth a Christian feele the heauie loade of sinne as it is sinne, till God hath softned his heart by his spirit.Psal. 38. 5.

Thirdlie, It workes a mindefulnesse of God and his presence,Psal. 42. 6. and a deepe impression and thought of good things.

Fourthlie,Psa. 51. 17 it causeth a man to sacrifice and deuote himselfe to God.Rom. 12. 1

Fifthlie, it breedes sensiblenesse & thankfulnesse for all sorts of mercie.Lam. 3. 22 23.

Lastlie, the Apostle notes seuen effects of Godlie sorrow,2. Cor. 7. 11. care, apologie, indignation, feare, vehement desire, zeale and reueuge.

3. Loue to the word.

IN so much as wicked men; especiallie such as are indued with a temporary faith may haue some kinde of affections to the word, we must carefullie trie our selues, and examine our selues seriously.

1.Ps. 119. 20 Whether we desire it as our appointed foode constantlie?Iob. 23. 12.

2. Whether wee loue them that loue the word.

3.Psal. 119. 115. Whether the loue of the word seperates vs from the wicked?

4. Whether we can mourn,Psal. 119 136. because others keepe not the word?

5. Whether wee loue it aboue all riches and could esteeme it as our heritage?Psa. 119. 14. 72. 111

6. Whether it bee our chiefe comfort in affliction.Psa. 119. 23 24. 50. 51. 54. 143

7. Whether in hearing wee receiue it as the word of God,1. Thes. 2. 13. and not of men.

8. Whether we receiue it in power and much assurance?1. The, 1. 5

9. Whether it workeIoh. 8. 33. effectually in vs theredressePsa. 119. 45. 9. 59. of our waies and freedome from the bondage of sinne.1. Thes. 2. 13.

10. Whether wee loue all the words of God, euen the law that with threatning shews vs our sinnes as well as the gospell;Psal. 1. 2 & 119. 11. desiring to hide the word in our hearts that wee might not sinne.

11. Whether it be our desire and delight to exercise our selues in it day and night.Psa. . 1

12. Whether wee can accompt and feele the famine of the word to bee a most bitter crosse.Psa. 42. 3.

13. Whether wee could bee contented constantlie to labour for it,Amos. 8. as men doe, for the foode that perisheth.12. Ioh. 6. 27.

14. Whether wee finde a constant sweete taste in it,Psa. 19. 10. especially in the powerfull preaching of it.

15. Whether for the gospell sake we can bee content,Mar. 10. 2. 9. to denie our reasons,1. Cor. 3. 18. affections, credits,1. Thes. 1. 5. 6. carnall friends pleasures and profits.

4. The loue of Gods children.

OVr loue to the Saints may be tried. First, by the cause. Secondly, by the extent. Thirdly, the manner. Fourthly, by the effects.

For the first, to loue Gods children,Psa. 16. 2. 3. because they are begotten of God,1. Ioh. 3. and for the grace of Gods spirit,14 & 5. 1. by which they resemble God (or rather for the Lord himselfe desiring to expresse our affections to them, because wee doe no good to God himselfe) is not found in anie reprobate, and so to loue them simplie for the truths sake, whereas to loue them for beautie, profit,2. Ioh. 1. 2. companie sake, or any naturall or carnall reasons or ends in no signe at all.3. Ioh. 1.

Secondlie, hee that truely loues the brethren, loues all the brethren;Eph. 1. 15. hee that loues not all the Saints,Col. 1. 4. loues no Saint aright:Phile. 5. a true Christian hath not the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons, he loues the poorest, if he haue true grace, aswell as the richest, 〈…〉 yea he loues the absent aswell as the present, yea he loues for the truths sake those he neuer saw yet this hinders not the difference of degrees of loue, so as some may be more beloued then others, and that by reason of the greater measure of Gods gifts and graces, or els, by the speciall prouidence of God when the Lord linketh the affection of some Christians in some speciall eminencie of respects; and so it is not alwaie needefull, that the persons most loued, bee most gracious; it doth not of necessitie follow that Iohn was the most gracious of al the Apostles, though hee were most beloued.

Againe as our loue must bee extendent to all saints, so also must it be to all times, we must loue them aswell when they are in aduersity, disgrace, temptation, sicknesse, or any misery; as when they abound in prosperitie or good estimation, &c.

For the third, this loue is without dissimulation,1, Ioh. 3, 18, 19. it is indeede and trueth,Rom, 12, 9, 10. not in word or appearance onely. And besides, it is a most affectionate and brotherly loue.

Lastlie, there are sixe effects of true christian loue, for it shewes it selfe.

First, by honor, and this honoring of them that feare the Lord,Psa, 15, 4 hath in it

First, an estimation of them, as the onely excellent people in the world.Psa. 16. 3

Secondly,Rom. 16 19. a free acknoweledgement of their iust praises in all places,3. Ioh. 6. for their grace and obedience.1. Thes. 18.

Thirdly,1. Thes. 1. 7. a willing proposing of them, as examples to imitate.

Fourthly,1. Pet. 4. 8 a holy endeauour to couer their infirmities, taking things in the best part and sence, not receiuing disgracefull reports of them;1. Cor. 13. 4, 5, 6, 7. suffering long, not vau ting themselues in comparison of them, not easily prouoked, not enuying them, hoping all things, induring all things, and yet not reioycing in their iniquity.

Fiftly, Apology for them against the reproches and scornes of the world.

Sixthly by delight in their fellowship,Psal. 16. 3. and society in the Gospell,Phil. 1, 5. in which respect they can be equall to them of the lower sort.3. Ioh. 8. Such as finde no need of,Rom. 12, 16 nor delight in the company of Gods children, or are willing to sort with none, but their betters or equals, may see great cause to bee humbled, either for the want of this grace, or for the weakenesse of it.

Thirdly, by simpathy and fellow-feeling for in some measure,Rom 12. 9. 16 a childe of God is like affectioned: He can in some measure weepe with them that weepe,3 Ioh. 3 and reioyce with them that reioyce, especially they reioyce, to heare, or know their soules prosperity.

Fourthly,Psal. 16, 3. by weldoing, & mercy,Rom. 12 10, 13. this loue is bountifull,Phile. 7, 1. Pet. 3, 8. & 4, 8. pittifull, tender, hath bowels both of spirituall and outward mercy,1. Ioh. 3, 17. it gladly receaueth the saints,3. Ioh 5 it communicates to their necessitie willinglie, and with a readie minde.

Fiftly, by a desire to walke in offensiuely, he that loueth his brother,1. Ioh. . 10 there is no occasion of stumbling, or scandall in him.

Lastly, the true loue of Gods children, will make a man grow vpEphe. 4, 15, 16. the faster into Iesus Christ,1. Thes. 3. 12, 13. in all grace and holinesse.1 Ioh. 5, 2.

5. Faith.

INasmuch, as there are diuers kinds of faith, and experience shewes in many that giue no signes of repentance, that they will not bee beaten from a confident perswasion, that Christ died for them, euen for them in particular. It stands vs in hand to try our perswasion by the true rules of scripture, and if it will abide the triall of the touchstone, we may lay it vp as hid treasure, and a wonderfull grace of God, and if otherwise we may repent of presumption, as a deceaueable sinne.

Faith may be tried. 1. By the Cause. 2. By the Properties. 3. By the Concomitants. 4. By the effects.

For the first, true faith commeth by the hearing of the word preached: It is no naturall endowment, nor gotten by naturall helpes; But first is wrought by the holyghost, in the preaching of the Gospell, as is plaine by the Apostle. How shal they beleeue in him of whom they haue not heard,Rom. 10, 14. and how shall they heare without a Preacher.

Secondly, there are 6. properties of faith.

First, it accounts all things most base, in Comparison of the knowledge of Christ,Phil. 3 9 and the loue of God in1. Pet. 2. 6. him. Christ is more precious then all the world besides.

Secondly, it will receaue the testimony of Gods faithfull Ministers out of the world,2. Thes. 1, 10 against the world.

Thirdly, it is such a perswasion as cannot abide hipocrisy, but purgeth the heart of it, as of a most hatefull sinne,2. Tim. 1. 5. and is therefore called vnfained.

Fourthly, it will endure triall; cast it into the fire of tribulation,1. P t. 1. 7 and manifold afflictions and disgraces,2. Tim. 1, 12. and temptations, yet it will not perish, nor be ashamed; it is a plate for the breast, and a helmet for the head. 1. Thess. 5. 8 Eph. 6. Whereas the best faith that is not the faith of Gods elect, will proue but drosse, if it be cast into the furn ce of temptation; further then it is supported by carnall ends and helpes.Luke 8. 13

Fiftly, it will beleeue all things that it apprehendeth to be required, threatned, or promised in the word;Acts 24. 14. to belieue some things, may be in other kindes of faith; especially such things as stand with reason, affecting common opinion, &c.

Sixtly, in affliction it laieth hold on Gods promise or prouidence, so as it will rest with quietness,Esay 25. 16. trust and patience, and not make hast to the vse of euill, and vnwarranted meanes, he that beleeueth maketh not hast.

Thirdly, it may bee tried by the concomitants of it. for;

First, it is ealed by the holy spirit of promise; for in euery beleeuer the promised spirit doth print in his heart the sauing graces of Christ,Eph. 1. 13, 14. from the sight of which, as from so many markes, compared with Gods promises in his word, ariseth by the effectuall working of the spirit, this assurance or perswasion of faith: for though grace and faith bee giuen together, and grow vp together, yet the assurance of faith discouers not it selfe, till it discerne those companions of it with which it is daily incouraged, and confirmed and setled, that faith that can be without sanctification of the spirit,2. Thes. 2, 13. is not the faith of Gods elect.

Secondly,1. Tim. 1, 19. 5. it is ioyned with a good and pure conscience.1. Tim 3. 9 Hee that is truly perswaded of Gods loue in Christ,He. 10. 22. maketh conscience of all his wayes, to seeke or doe thee good God requires, and auoyde the euils God forbids.

Thirdly,2. Tim 3. 15. it is ioyned with a spirit of discerning, or wisdome in matters of saluation, the minde being enlightened, to obserue in some comfortable measure, the meaning of the holy ghost, in all things needefull to saluation, in vse of the word,Psa. 119. 130. through the power of Gods ordinances, so as the verie simple may and doe attaine to a holy kinde of insight,Pro. 1. 4, 8, & 5, 9. and sharpenesse of iudgement.

Fourthly,1, Ioh, 5: 10 The true beleeuer hath a witnesse in himselfe, euen the witnesse of the spirit of adoption,Rom, 8, 15 16. infallible certifying himselfe of Gods loue and his adoption.

Fifthly, faith may be discerned by certaine effects of it; for,

1. It breedeth ioy vnspeakeable and glorious,1. Pet. 1, 8 and that either through the sence of Gods sauour and your presence,Rom. 5. 2 or in the hope of glorie to come.

2. It puts on and applies a righteousnesse, that is not by the worke of the same,Rom. 10. but in Christ onely.

3. It will make a man speake in the confession, profession and defence of the truth of God, I haue beleeued,2. Cor. 4 13. 14. therefore I spake.

4. It workes the longing desires of2. Cor. 5. 7. Gods presence of glorie.Gal. 5. 5.

5. It workes an effectuall loue of God and Gods children,Gel. 5. 6. & sheweth it selfe by the fruites of loue.

6. It will maintaine a Christian in some measure of sufficiencie and contentment in all estates;Heb, 2. 5. the iust liues by faith,Rom. 1. 17 not by friends,Gal. 2 0. mony, earthly hopes, or helpes &c. for it will make a man to lay houlde vpon Gods promise, and workes an inward trust in Gods neuer failing prouidence, so as hee will leaue the successe of all his labours, or meanes to God.

7. It excludes, boasting of our owne labours, praises, gifts, or workes,Rom, 3. 17 and in the same measure workes humilitie,Gal. 3 22. that it maketh any other grace.

8. It ouercommeth the world,1. 1o. 5. 4. 5 so as profits, credit, pleasures carnal friends or hopes doe not sway and rule the beleeuer, but hee willinglie and patientlie rests in the treasures and pleasures of a better world, yeelding himselfe ouer to bee guided by Christ and his truth to the death.Psa. 48. 14

9. It purifieth the heart from ignorance, wicked imaginations, carnall desires,Acts 15. 9 sinfull perturbations, and all sorts of secret and inward sinnes. And this it doth by causing a man, dailie to seeke pardon for them in Christ, and by casting them out by confession and sorrow, in the same measure, desiring inward puritie, that it reioyeeth in Gods loue.

10. There is a spring of grace in the heart of euery beleeuer,Ioh. 7 38. whence followes daily the exercise of sundrie sauing graces, which can neuer bee vtterly dried vp in the heart of a Christian; and that is it, our sauiour Christ meaneth when hee saith; out of his bellie shall flow riuers, of liuing water.

6. The spirit of Adoption.

THe spirit of adoption in the hearts of Gods Children, may bee discerned.

First, by the fire of zeale and holie affections, with which it fils the harts of Gods children;Mat, 3. 11, especially in the vse of Gods ordinances,Eph, 5, 19 to the information & reformation of their liues.

Secondly,1. The 1. 5 by the much assurance, which especially at som times worketh in the heart.

Thirdly, by a daily holy strife, to preserue grace giuen vs,2. Tim. 1. 14 and to preuent falling away.

Fourthly, by secret suggestion or direction, by which Gods seruants are reclaimed when they goe out of the way,Esa 30. 1 either on the right hand, or on the left.

Fifthly, by the assise it keepes in the heart of a christian,Esay. 4. as a spirit of iudgement by which he is made, to watch, arrest, accuse, condemn and restraine himselfe, from euerie euill way, according to the rules of the word, & before Gods holy presence.

Sixthly, by libertie from the power of raigning and presumptuous sinnes;2. Cor, 3, 17. where the spirit of God is,Rom. 8. 10 there is libertie.

Seuenthly, by the groath and florishing of true grace.Esay 44, 3 4.

Eighthly, by vnspeakable ioies, felt in the presence of God, in the due vse of his ordinance, by which a christian is enflamed to the loue of God,Rom. 14, 17. and all holy duties,Ezec. 39 vl and abased to the dust in the sence of his owne vilenesse, called therefore the ioies of the holy ghost: For, as for carnall ioyes or illusions, either they are not felt in the vse of Gods ordinances, or els they breede pride, and conceited security.

Ninthly, by requests and supplications,Rom, 8. 13 affectionable and withZac. 12, 10 confidence powered out vnto God as a father.Eph. 3, 12

7. Vprightnesse of heart.

IF thou wouldest make triall of the truth and vprighnesse of thy heart, thou must seriously examine thy selfe:

First,Psa. 32. 2, whether thy spirit be without guile,Ioh. 1. 4. more desirous to be good,Prou 20, 6, 7. then to bee thought to be so, and seeking more the power of godlinesse, then the shew of it.

Secondly, whether thou loue all good things aswell as one, and hate all things as well as one.

Thirdly, whether that thou canst loue and forgiue thy enemies, that hate, and disgrace, and wrong thee aswell as thy friends, that either wrong thee not, or but by infirmity.

Fourthly, whether thou canst bee content to receiue euil at Gods hands, as well as good, without murmuring or letting goe thy integrity,Ioh 1, 1, & 2, 3. 10 being carefull to approue thy selfe to God without respect of reward, yea though trouble did befall thee.

Fiftly, whether thou dislike sinne in all,1. Kin. 15 12, 13, 14 euen in those that are most neere and deere vnto thee?

Sixtly, whether thou finde in thy heart a resolution to turne from nothing that God commaundeth thee all the daies of thy life.1. Kin. 15 5, 9, 4.

Seauenthly, whether thou be innocent from the great transgression.Psa. 1 , 13

Eightly, whether thou finde an inward combate and striffe against secret sinnes, aswell as open sinnes, bewailing the transgressions against the inward worship of God, aswell as against the ontward.

Ninthly, whether thy heart bee humble,Heb. 2, 4 patient,Pro, 21, 29 teachable, and tractable in some holy measure,1, Chr, 28. 9. increasing herein by the vse of Gods ord niance? an vpright heart, is a willing heart.

10 Whether thy desire bee to walke as in Gods presence.Gen, 17, 1

11 Whether thou finde a desire to be rid of sinne, and to humble thy selfe for it, in prosperitie aswell as aduersitie,Iob 8, 5, 6 and in the beginning of afflictions, aswell as in the extremities of them.

12 Whether in wrongs and disgraces,Psal 7, 10 11, 7. when thou art innocent, thou canst (in the sence of thine owne vnworthinesse of Gods loue) make God thy defence, resting in his fauour and acceptance.

13 Whether thou dost endeauour to glorifie God,Psal. 33, 1 119, 7. 140, 13. aswell by giuing thankes for blessings and graces, as for praying for supplie of wants, or pardon of innes.

14 Whether thy heart be stedfast, and setled, without lying, flattering, or dissembling; so seeking and praying for pardon, and deliuerance in aduersit e, that thou wouldest practise it after release, this was a signe the Israelites were not vpright,Psa. 78, 36 37. in that they would crie to God in their distresse, but care not for their vowes and promises, so soone as they were deliuered.

15 Whether the word of God doe thee good aboue all things?Mich. 2 7

16 Whether thy praise be of God,Rom. 2, 29 and not of men?

17 Whether thou dost serue God with thy whole heart: not hauing a heart and a heart,2. Chro. 6. 14. psa. 119 34 either waiuering or deuided? for vnlesse the whole resolution of thy soule, with the vtmost of thy desires, bee to walke in Gods waies, thy heart is not vpright.

18 Whether there be in thee a faithfull heart,2. Chr. 19. 8 9. to deale faithfullie in the charge and calling in which thou art, and to discharge it in the conscionable feare of God?

19 Whether there be any sinne thou couldest not willinglie iudg thy selfe for it, without hiding it, so soone as thou knowest it to be a sinne: This is the ioy of a Christian,Psa. 32. 11 & 5. in the sense of his owne wants and weakenesses, that though he haue manie sinnes, yet there is no sinne but hee willing lie acknowledgeth it vnto God.

20 Whether thou be good at home,Psal. 101, 2. as well as abroade.

21 Whether thou canst be contented to make the Law of God,Psa 119, 1 thy onelie direction in all things?Deut 18 12. 13

22 Whether thou canst bee as carefull to preseuere in grace, as once to be good?

23 Whether thou keepe thy selfe from thine owne iniquitie.Pro. 13 1. Whether thou dost conscionablie endeuor to forsake thy particular,2. Sam. 22 24. formerly beloued and speciall sinnes?

24 Whether thou be free from the raigne of frowardnesse in thy way,Pro. 11, 20 & 19, 1. or peruersenesse of thy lips.

8. Holie desires.

OVr desires may bee tried fiue waies. First by obiects of them. Secondly, by the quallities of them. Thirdlie, by the concomitants or companions of them. Fourthly, by effects or consequents of them. Fifthly, by the causes or accidents of them.

For the first, those desires are meant in the promises,Psa, 73. 25 that are carried after things aboue nature, as the fauour of God, the pardon of sinnes,Mat. 5. the righteousnesse of Christ,Heb. 11. 10 16. the presence of God, and the saints in the new Ierusalem, the comming of Christ to iudgement,Reuel. 22 17. 20. victorie ouer the deerest sinnes,Rom, 7 the remouing of spirituall iudgements,Esa 63, 17 the damnation of their owne soules,Rom, 9. 3 that Israel might be saued, and such like.

There are three principall quallities in the holie desires of Gods elect;Lu. 12. 49. for

First, they are fierie that is, such as cause the heart of man, to burnewithn him, with some measure of zeale for Gods glorie, indignation at sinne, and feruent affection in Gods seruice, whereas the desires of the wicked, at least are either dull and cold, or transported by the wrongs, ends to the fauouring of sinne.

Secondlie, they are constant: both because they are renued dailie, as the metaphors of hunger and thirst doe import; as also because they are alike carried to the eternall fruition of the things desired, as to the present enioying of them, Gods seruants desire the fauour of God, the abolishing of sinne, the possession of grace, not to serue a turne for the present, but to be enioyed as their portion for euer; for looke how the man vnregenerate desires to commit sinne, so doth the regenerate desire to forsake: but the former in some sins doth commit them, with a desire euer to sinne and a secret discontentmēt to thinke that at anie time, he should not be able to sinne. Euen such a contrarie desire is there in Gods elect truely called, they so desire not to sinne, as it is their griefe to thinke that at any time they should againe sinne, yea affliction, doth not quench them but manie times inflame them.Esa. 26, 9

Thirdlie, they are not idle, which may appeare three waies. First, because they are carried after themeanes of good aswell as good things themselues:Psa. 27. 4 1, and that in a great measure too.Pet, 2, 2 Secondly,Psa. 1, 63 1 . because they are attended with a resolution to doe any thing that their desires may bee accomplished:Acts 2, 37 they aske what should they doe to be saued? as taking it for graunted, that they must bee industrious in Gods worke. There is no labour, but they would endeuour to doe it, so the Lord would bee mercifull vnto them to graunt them their desire, yea when they haue done all, they still are humbled because they can doe no more, nor no better. Thirdlie, they cannot rest till in some happie measure they ouercome,Reue. 21, 6 the most maisterly corruption either of nature or life.

Thirdlie, holy desires are accompanied:

First, with a supernaturall valuation of the worth of spirituall things accoūting them pearle of the best price not to deere bought if they buie them with the sale of al they haue;Mat. 13. 45. 46. and contrariwise accounting themselues exceeding poore and distressed,Psa. 42. if they want them or the meanes of them,Psa. 63. 1. 3 esteeming Gods louing kindnoss better then life.

Secondly, with avoluntary forsaking of the vnnecessarie pleasures and profit of the world,Heb 11. 13 thankfully receiuing the promises of a better life, and easily confessing that they are strangers and pilgrimes on the earth.

Thirdly, with a constant and secret meditation of heauenly things desired,Isay 26. 9 what one desires feruently,Psa, 63, 1, 6. hee thinkes on almost continuallie.

Fourthly, Holy desires shewe themselues by diuers effects or consequents of them, especially if they be satisfied.

First,Pro. 11, 23 they chase out euill desires and raise vp a dailie combat against the most secret corruptions of nature.Roae, 7. 25

Secondlie,Lam, 2, 19 the excite a frequencie and feruencie in praier to God in secret.

Thirdlie they worke a resolution to walke in the way,Es. 35. 7. 8 that is called holie, yea so gracious is the Lord, that the most simple, if their desires bee most true, attaine to some happie measure of reformation.

Fourthlie, if the Lord graunt their desires, there followes:

First heauenlie kindePs 63, 5 of satisfaction and contentation with singular delight in the soule.Ier. 31, 25, 26.

Secondlie the vowes and wishes of infinite and eternall thankfulnesse.Psa, 63. 4.

Thirdlie a groweth and springing vp as among the grasse,Esa. 44, 3 or as willowes by the water courses.1. Pet. 2, 2

Lastlie, they arise from a broken & humbled spirit, and the more they are inflamed,Mat. 5. 4. 5 6. the more humbled they continue to be.

9. The spirit of praier.

HE that calleth on the name of the Lord aright, discouereth the spirit of grace & praies in his heart, by these things.

1. He askes according to Gods will.1. Ioh. 5.

2. Hee praies with perswasion that GodMar. 11, 14 will heare,Iam. 1. 6. 7 he beleeueth he shal haue it,Psa. 6. 9. he praies in faith and assurance of heart before God.1, Ioh. 3, 19 22.

3.Iob. 14, 13 He praies in the name of Christ in the sence of his owne vilenesse by reason of his wants and sinnes.P a. 86. 1. 2 & 143, 4

4.Ioh. 17. He will praie at al times.Psa. 116. 2

5. He is effectuallie ferue t,Iam. 5. 16 he hath the affections of praier.Psa. 6. 8.

6. Praier makes him exceeding wearie of the world,Psa. 6. 8. 9, & 39. 12. and willing to forgoe societie with the workes of iniquitie.

7. When he knowes not how to pray as he ought the spirit prepares his heart, excites holie desires supplies with words and power of affection,Rom. 8; 26 27 or else worketh inward vnexpressable groanes.

8. He findes a holie rest and quie nesse in his conscience & heart with spirituall boldnes and confidence of trust in God,Ps. 3, 4, 5, 6 if the Lord heare graciouslie.Ps. 116, 1, 7

9. He findes answers from God,Psa. 91, 15 17. 1 by the witnesse of the spirit of adoption:Ier. 33, 3 in which the Lord deales somtimes wonderfully with his people.Es y 31, 19 58. 9.

10. He loues God exceedinglie for hearing his praier,Psa. 116. 1. Iude 20. and desires to keepe himselfe in the loue of God.

11. His praiers proceede from a heart that loues no sinne:2. Tim 2, 19. 22. but willingly departeth from i iquitie,Iob. 8, 5, 6 and desireth to keepe his commaundements;1. Ioh. 3. 22 and to doe that which is pleasing to Gods sight.

12. He loues praier in others.2. Tim, 2, 2.

13. He is oftentimes dissolued into much sorrow for his sinnes,Z c. 12, 10 while he stands before the face of God.Psa, 55, 1, 2

14 He feeleth the confidēce of assuranceGal. 4, 7 that God is his father.Rom. 8, 15

15. If the Lord be silent and answer not,Psa. 28, 1 & 88, 13, 14, 15, 143, 7 but hides his face, his spirit faileth, and hee is as one that goeth down to the pit,Ioh, 1 , 23 24. it troubleth him as a sore crosse, & contrariwise.

16. Praier is his chiefe refug , and he wil pray, though praier bee in neuer so much disgrace,Psa. 69, 10 13 & 142 2. 5. and power out his complaint, & shew all his trouble.

17. Hee striues against deadnesse of spirit and distractions as a heauie burthen.Psa 86. 4. 3

10. The obedience of Christ.

OVr obedience wil be approued and accepted in Christ, if it be an obedience that will beare triall in the rules following.

First, if it arise out of lo e to God and goodnesse. The obedience of Gods elect is from the heart,Deut. 30. 20 not constrained but volūtary,Iosh. 22. 5 their hearts being inflamed with the sence of Gods goodnesse, and humbled when they haue done their best,Mat. 4. 19 that they cannot bring more glory to God; it is a ready obedience without repining,Rom. 6, 17 excuse or delay.

2 If it bee in all things,Ex. 15. 26 with respect to all Gods commaundements,1. Kin. 9. 4 a wicked manIet. 11. 4 may obaie in manyIoh. 15. 14 things but there is som one commaundement he would be dispensedAct 13. 22 withall as Herod. Deu. 30. 2

3 Hee can bee content to obey against profit,Iet. 35 pleasure credit,Heb. 11. 8 libertie,Ge. 22 12 ease or the liking of the world or carnall friends,Pro. 7. 2 preferring Gods cōmaundemēts aboue all things;Acts 5. 29 yea life it selfe.Mat 16. 25

4 If it follow the conscionable practice of the duties of mortification, of sinnes past or present,1. Pet. 1. 22. the reformation and profession of such people as did neuer in secret humble their soules for sinne, may bee much suspected, for our hearts must be purified to obey the truth.

5 If it bee in absence as vvell as presence, in all companies as vvell as anie, before meane Christians, as before the best,Phil. 2. 12 at home as well as abroad.Gal. 5. 7

6 If it be alwaies,2. King 18 6. as well as for a fit.Psa. 106. 3

7 If we belieue and obey Gods Ministers, as the ouerseers of our soules and liues,Heb. 13 directing vs out of the Word,2, Thes. 3 as vvell as if vvee were commaunded immediatly from God.

8 If wee obey in the Cōmaundements of faith, as well as life, submitting our selues to God,Rō. 10 16 as well by beleeuing as by dooing,Rō. 16. 26 yeelding our seruice as well to the Gospell as to the Lawe.2. The. 1. 8

9 If wee obey in the least commaundement, as well as in the greatest, making conscience of the smallest things required,Mat. 5. 19 or forbidden in the Word.Gat. 5 7.

10 It is an obedience that followes the sanctification of the spirit. Holy dutyes without they flowe from holy graces within;1. Pet, 1. 2 neither can the life bee holy before God, if the heart bee not made holy, by the grace of Iesus Christ.

11 It is ioyned with the raigne of no sinne; a Christian that truly obeyes God may haue many sinnes, but there is no sinne to which he yeelds himselfe wholly ouer,Rom. 6 by secret vows and resolution as a seruant to obey it: hee may faile in his obedience, so as hee cannot do what God requires as he requires; but yet hee consents to obey,Esa. . 19 and his will is to hire himselfe to doe Gods worke aswell as he can. And to this end hee hearkneth to his voice, & seekes God with his whole heart, that hee may keepe his testimonies,Psa: 119. 2 he consenteth to obey,Deut. 6. 2 . and obserues to doe: he comes to the light that his deedes may bee made manifest.Ioh. 3.

Lastly, our obedience is right & acceptable, if GOD heare our prayers, for God heareth not sinners:Ioh. 9. 31 and Dauid sayth,Psa. 66: 18 if there were wickednes in his heart, GOD would not heare his prayers.

11 Sauing knowledge.

SAuing knowledge may be tried: 1. By the obiects. 2. By the causes. 3. By the cōcomitants. 4. By the properties. 5. By the effects.

For the first, by this knowledge the elect are inlightned by the spirit of reuelation.

1. To conceiue aright of the nature of God, in some measure propounding before the eye of their minds the Lord, as hee is reuealed in the word,Ier 9. 24 at least by way of negatiō casting out al likenesses of any created nature.

2. To vnderstand the true manner of Gods worship.Ioh. 4. 22

3 To knowe their owne iniquities & vilenesse, in respect of corruption of nature and life.Ier 3. 12

4 To know ChristPhi. 3. 9. as their Sauiour.1 . 1. Cor. 2. 2

5 To know God in Christ.Ioh. 17. 3 8. 19.

6 To know the forgiuenes of their owne sinnes.Ier. 31. 34

7 To knowe the voice of Christ, discerning it in some measure from the voice of a stranger.Ioh. 1 . 4.

8 To knowe their owne conuersion,1. 10. 3. 14 and al needful holy things.Pro. 9. 10.

9 To knowe the things giuen them of God,2. Cor. 13. 5 & especially the inhabitation of the spirit1. Cor. 2. 12. of Christ.Ioh. 14. 17. 20.

10 To knowe their owne saluation.Luke 1. 77

Secōdly, this knowledge may bee discerned from other knowledge, by the causes: for,

1 Flesh and blood hath not reuealed it,Mat. 16. 17 it is a wisdom in a mystery, it is giuen of God in Christ by the anointing of the spirit.1. Cor. 1. 30

2 Affliction of1. Cor. 2. 7 conscience, breeds the1. Ioh. . 27. & 5. 2 and experience of it in many, who neuer came to sound knowledge, till they haue beene wounded by the feeling of Gods wrath,Ho. 6. 1. 2. 3. or their owne sinnes, or the venomed temptations of Sathan.

3. It is quickned and nursed by the sweete refreshings and contentments felt in Gods house.Ps 36. 8. 9. 10.

4 It is founded vpon the true fearePro. 1. 7. of GOD;Iob. 18. 28. the very first beginning of it, is excited by the feare of GOD,Col, 1, 9 and it groweth as holinesse,Ioh, 7, 17 grace, and good works grow in vs.2. Pe. 3. 18

Thirdly, it hath sixe companions of it among the rest, that in speciall attend it.

1 The loue of the Law.Psal. 119. 97. 98

2 A holy estimation of it aboue all possessions,Phil. 3. 8 shewed,Pro. 3. 3. 4. 7. & 7. 4. & 8. 9. 10 in that a Christian aboue all, getting labors to get this vnderstanding, and reioyceth in it as the fairest ornament.

3 Teachablenesse.Pro 8. 9. 17. Isa, 28, 9.

4 A sauour of spirituallRom. 8. 5 things.2. Cor. 2. 14

5. Sence, that is,Phil. 1. 9. inward feelings of the power of the word & ordinances of God.

6 The loue of Gods childrē which aboundeth as this knovvledge growes.Phi 1. 9. 10

Fourthly it hath six properties.

1 It is affectionate, it is not written in the head,Ier. 31. 34 but in the heart and bowels.Deu. 46

2 It tends to actionPs 111. 10 and practice.Isa, 33, 6 Ioh, 8, 55

3 It is constant and1. Ioh, 2, 3 & 3, 24 indelible, it hath deepePhil. 1. 9 10 impressions and much assurance,Ier 31. 34 so as it is not easily vnsetled vvith the puffes of contrary doctrine,Pro. 4. 5, 16 nor can it be extinguished by trials or afflictions;Eph. 4. 13 therfore it is sayde to be written vpon their hearts.

4 It is sincere, for first it inclineth to receiue all truth,Ioh. 16. 13 as well as any truth:1, Cor 3, 1 secondly, it will receiue the truth, though it be against reason,1. Cor, 2 7 common opinion, profit, or the like.

Fifthlie, It brookes not the impotent rudiments and beggerlie inuentions of men, in the things of the kingdome of Iesus Christ.

Sixthlie, it leades a man principally to vnderstand his own way;Pro. 14, 8 and by it a man teacheth and admonisheth himselfe.Col. 3, 16

Lastly, it beareth fruite better then gold ro. 8. 19. and by the fruites or effects it may be knowne.

1. It lasteth out conc itednesse, diffidence, insensiblenesse of Gods mercies and iudgements, and vnthankfulnesse: he that hath true knowledge,Pro. 3, 5, 6 will not leane to his owne naturall wisedome, hee will trust in the Lord, and acknowledge him in all his waies.

2. It makes a man humble and lowlie, in the same measure that one abounds in true knowledge, in the same measure hee is made more lowlie and meeke, and carefull in all his waies;Pro. 8, 13 14 no scorner can finde this wisedome.

3. It mortifieth boisterous & vnrulie, hatefull & hurtfull affections, it will make a lion become a lambe, and a beare,Isa. 11, 9 or a wolfe, or a cockatrice, to be willingly guided, euen by a little childe, &c.

4. It extinguisheth or greatly dulleth the sauor of earthly things and makes a man heauenly minded.Rom. 8, 6

5. This and such like other affects are altogether set downe by the Apostle Iames in his third Chapter,Iam, 3 17 18. and the seuenteene and eighteene verses.

12. Loue of God.

OVR loue to God, may bee knowen.

First,Eph, 6, 4 by the sincere and incorrupt loue of the Lord Iesus, the sonne of his loue.

Secondlie, by the loue of his image in al the saints of God,1, Ioh. 5, 1 that are begotten by him.

Thirdly, by the base estimatiō of the world and the lusts thereof, for if anie man,1, Ioh, 2, 15 loue the world, the loue of the father is not in him.

Fourthly, by a deliberate inward inflamed estimation of God aboue all things,Psa. 63. 2 1, 11. accounting his louing kindenesse better then life, and the signes of his fauour our greatest ioy.

Fifthly, by our delight in his presence which is then approued.

1. If wee loue to speake often to God by praier,Ps . 34. 5 37, 4. and heare him speake often to vs, in his other ordinances.

2. If we loue,2 Tim. 4, 8 and long for his appearing.

3. If we bewaile his absence as a bitter crosse.Cant. 3. 1

4. If we set the Lord daily be ore vs.Psa. 16, 8

5. If we loue his house.Psa. 26, 8

Sixthly, by our care to keepe his commandements,Ioh. 14, 21 and to be as he is in holinesse,1. Ioh 4. 17 which may be further tried.

1. If we willinglie receiue his commaundements, for this is the loue of God, that wee keepe his commandements,1. Ioh. 5 3 & his commandements are not grieuous.

2. If we serue him with all our hearts and all our soules.Deut. 10 12

3.Deu. 11. 2 If it be our care to walke in al his waies and not to offend in any thing.Ios. 22. 5.

Seuenthly, by our sensiblenesse of his dishonor if we be more vexed for his dishonour, then our owne disgrace.

Eightly, by remembring his benefits andPsa, 63. 2. 3 4. 6, 8 107 2. magnifying his mercies,Ioh. 36, 24 for what wee loue we easily praise.Deut, 6. 2.

Ninthlie,Exod. 15 2. by our care not onely to do his wil but to please him,1. Ch 28. 9 being more incouraged with his praise and approbation,1, Co. 7, 23 then the praise of al men.Heb. 1 . 28

10. By a willingnes to suffer anie thing for his sake.Ioh 22, 15 to 19.

11. By a detestation as of sinne,Psa. 97, 10 because God hates it,Psa. 139 21, 22. so of sinners, because they hate God.

12. By our desire to stirre vp our affections after God, auoiding what might steale away our hearts from him, and delighting in al the waies,Iosh. 23. 11 by which our hearts might be inflamed towards him, and to this end taking heede to our selues.

13. By our running to him in all aduersitie, making him our defence, our rocke, our refuge in all trouble, to them we first runne to make our mone,Psa 1 . 1. 2 whom we most loue.

14. By our willingnesse, affectionatelie to doe the meanest office vnto God, or Christ, or for his sake this was a signe that Marie loued much,Luk. 7. 44 4 5. 46, 47 because she was content to wash with her teares, and wiped with her haire the very feete of Christ.

15 By our humility in the sence of Gods loue to vs, for ere the more a Christian discouers Gods loue to him, the more his affection to God, makes him seeme base &1. Cor. 8, 3 vile in his owne eies.

16 By our sorrow for our sinnes and willingnesse to forsake and cut off from vs, the most gainefull gainefull and pleasing corruptions,Deu. 30, 6 this is ment by the circumcising of the heart, that we might loue God.

13. The sacraments.

THe sacraments are sure seales and infallible pledges of Gods, loue and our saluation, to the worthie receiuer: and he receiues worthelie.

First, that desires to search his heart and examine his life,1. Cor. 11. before he receiue.

Secondly, that discernes the Lords body that meditates oft, and is in knowledge infallibly perswaded of the inward & effectual presence of the Lord to he worthie receiuer.

Thirdlie, that eates with sorore herbs,Exod. 12 that is, that comes with some measure of sence and feeling with th burthen of his sinnes, & desire to make them his greatest sorrow.

Fourthlie, that resolueth and purposeth and inwarldlie, couenaunteth in his soule, to deuote himselfe to God,1. Cor, 5, 8 and godlinesse, and to striue against euerie sinne that hee knowes may offend God.

Fifthlie, that constantlie desires to beleeue Gods mercie in Iesus Christ to his owne soule in particular;Mat. 16. 16 and comes with a perswasion,Col. 2, 12 in some measure of the operation of God, in the inward grace of the sacrament.

Sixthly, that feeles the ioies of Gods presence, and the working of Gods spirit, inwardly sealing in his heart the perswasion of his interest in Gods promises,Eph. 1, 23 bearing witnesse to his spirit,1. Cor, 1, 22 that God is graciously reconciled in Christ, and his sinnes are pardoned, &c.

Seuenthly, that loues all the brethren and desires to bee furthered in all holie communion with them, both in grace and glorie;1 Cor. 10 being readie to witnesse before God and men his resolution to honour and cleaue to them aboue all other professions & sorts of mē in the world

Eightly, that desires to liue in peace and godlie vnitie,Ma. 5, 6, 4 and willinglie forgiueth al that haue trespassed against him.

14. The feare of God.

THe true feare of God may be discerned; first, by effects; secondly, by the properties of it.

First, The true feare God, workes a care & endeuour to serue God and keepe his commaundements,Deu, 6. 13 & 8, 6 and by the feare of God men depart from euill:Pro. 8, 13 16, 6 For it teacheth men to hate euill,Reui. 15, 4 as pride, arrogancie, the euill way, and a froward mouth: the wise man saith; He that walketh in vprightnesse feareth the Lord, Pro 14, 2 and by that signe he may bee knowne euen by aconsionable care to walke vprightlie with God in holie life.

Secondly, it casts out carnall feares, he is not in much feare of men,Ma. 10, 28 that can kill the bodie, that is truely touched with the feare of God,Ma . 10. 28 that can destroy both body and soule,Es. 8, 12, 13 hee feares not their feare, nor the feares of the wicked men, but in some measure sanctifies God in his heart.

Thirdlie, It makes a man desirous and capable of sauing knowledge: for this feare of God,Pro. 1, 7 is the beginning of wisedome.

Secondlie, there bee fiue properties of the true feare of God.

First, it is sincere, for he that truelie feares God.

1. Feares Gods offence aswell as pnnishment.

2. Hee will feare Gods presence being carefull to a oide such sinnes, as no eie sees but Gods.

3. He will feare God though he see no reward in his hand.

4. He feares Gods word and is more troubled and humbled by the threatning of it,Psa. 119 then by the threatning of anie mortall man, and will obey the voice of Gods seruants, whatsoeuer comes of it.

5. He will obey against reason, affection profit, or pleasure, for so saith the Lord to Abraham; Gē, 22, 12 now I know thou fearest God seeing thou hast not withheld thy sonne, thy only sonne.

Secondly, it is filiall, not seruile, which may appeare in fiue things, for first it is ioined with the loue of God,Deu. 10. 12. 20 and so is not the feare of reprobates; secondly it is not compelled by feare or sence of iudgements, but excited by the sence of Gods goodnesse and mercie. For so the conuerts in Hosea, Isa, 29, 23 are said to feare God and his goodnesse.Hos. 3, 5. Thirdly, it guides the heart of man to runne to God, and not from God) to bee healed of the wounds made by si ne and to bee protected,Ma, 4, 2 striuing euen before God, to discouer and get strength against the sinnes that trouble them; fourthly It makes a man trust in God, and ere the more it increaseth, the more it worketh affiance and confidence in Gods mecry. 5.Psa. 31. 19 & 115. 11 & 147. 11 It causeth a man to loue and cleaue to such as are Gods Children, though they be in disgrace with the world.Psa. 11 9, 79

Thirdly, it is a speaking feare, it will speak to God by prayer, and to men by conference, it cannot be silent; but will speake in defence of Gods glory &Mal. 3, 16 truth and seekes to draw others from sinne.

4 It is a contenting feare, it finds treasures in godlinesse, and is satisfied with his portiō,Esa. 33. 6 and will abide satisfied whereas the feares of reprobates are either full of inwarde horror of conscience,Pro. 19. 23 or perturbation in the heart.

5 It is constant, it is not for a fit, but alwaies, not in sicknesse or misery,Ecc. 8. 11 but in prosperity, or all aboundance,Deut. 6. 24 & contrariwise not in prosperity only, when men may feare God without daūger but in trouble also.

15. Loue of enemies.

OVr loue to our enemies is sincere.Mat. 5. 44

1 If we can pray for them.

2 If we can voluntarily mourne &Psa. 35, 13 14. humble our soules for them in their distresses.

3 If we truly desire their conuersion, and find that we could loue thē vnfainedly if they had repented.

4 If we can forgiue them their trespasses against vs.Mat, 6. 14 15

5 If wee bee more grieued for their sinnes against God, then for their wrongs to vs.

6. If we can acknowledge freely their iust praises.

7 If we can patiently and meekely endure their reuilings,1, Pe, 3, 10 being willing to bee at peace without reuenge.Rō. 12. 14

8 If wee can forbeare when wee could bring shame or misery on them.1. Sam. 24 18. 19.

9 If we can endeauor to ouercome their euill with goodnesse, and to relieue them in misery,Rom. 12 or to doe any other good,Pro. 25. 21 22 either for body or soule.

16. Desire of death.

THE desire of death will bee our Testimonie.

1. If it arise out of the sence of Gods loue.Luk. 2. 2 , 30

2. If it bee conceiued in time of prosperity.

3. Especially,Ps. 39. 1, 4 if it arise out of a weariness of our owne sins,Ioh. 6. 9. 10 andRom. 7, 24 the sinnes of others.Heb. 9. 28

4 If it come from a longing after Gods eternalPhil. 1 presence.2. Cor. 5. 8

5 If it bee ioyned with a desire after the way how to be saued,2, Pet, 3, 1 12 and an indeauor afterPsa. 90. 12 holy conuersation and godlinesse.2. Cor. 5. 9

6. If it breed cou rage and patience vnder tribulation.2. Cor. 4. 16 & 5. 2

7 If it make feruent in prayer.2. Tim. 4. 7 Rom. 5. 3 Psa. 3. 9 12 Rom. 8. 22 23. 26.

8 If it extinguish the eager desires afterHe. 11. 16. 13. 15. earthly things.Re 22, 20

9 If wee be glad at heart of his comming.

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