MAster D. I include your wife in you , both your loues to that Saint departed , and to my self , doth bind me vnto you in all Christian dutie , especially to exhort you to repentance , and prouoke you to loue , the neglect whereof , though hitherto it hath been somewhat excusable , yet hereafter it might iustly bee condemned in me ; wherefore I will breake off silence , laboring to build you forward in the graces aboue named . First to deale with you in repentance , then to helpe you forward in new obedience . The Lord preacheth repentance still to vs : If a messenger knocking at our doores haue their answere returned , they are gone forthwith to them that sent them ; so if the plague and such like messengers which God sendeth to vs , had that they came for , they would not still ring the bel at our dores , and cal vpon vs . Neither doth God waite for repentance onely from the wicked , but hee would haue his dearest children meete him condemning themselues ; if ye also repent not more and more ( when you see the examples of Gods wrath ) you shal also perish ) . First , to shew you what this is , so I shall stirre you vp to it more fruitfully . By repentance I meane nothing else , but b b 2. Co. 7.10 godly sorrow for sinne , wherein the soule humbleth it selfe before God , and commeth home to him . It is not a worldly sorrow ( like theirs in the 7. c c Hos. 7.14 . of Hosea ) which maketh vs whine , because the world is hard , nor yet a hopeles griefe d d Ge. 4.13 . in feare of punishment like Cains : but a griefe for e e Ps. 51 , 3.4 sinne as it displeaseth God , whose loue through Christ , wee haue felt f f Zac. 12.10 shed into our hearts , g g Lam. 3.22 whose mercies we see in that we are not consumed , yea , h h Heb. 12.6 whose fatherly affection doth seeke to recall vs home by louing correction . Now in this sorrow , the soule doth humble it selfe , for this is the nature of repentance , it wil make vs i i Ezech. 36.31 . take shame to our selues , giuing glory to God , partly by seasonable acknowledging those waies wherein we haue k k Psal. 51.14 . Dan. 9.5 . most prouoked God , partly by l l Ezech. 36.30 . iudgeing our selues as worthie to bee cut off , that we may finde grace in his eyes , and not bee condemned . And together with grieuing and abasing it selfe , the stray soule m m Act. 26.20 . commeth home to God , purposing ( through his strength ) to leaue the waies wherin it hath grieued him , and to cleaue to God in all his commandements . Looke then if entring into your heart you finde , that as much hath beene amisse , so discerning n n Rom. 2.4 . Gods mercy and patience , yea his goodnesse , in giuing you the cal of his word and corrections , you are grieued that you haue been so vnkinde , and vndutifull , to so kind and carefull a father ; if you finde that where it is to his glory you loue to confesse your vnfruitfulnesse , & to condemne your self , and doe with true purpose of heart strike a new couenant with God to forbeare your owne waies , to walke more fruitfully before him , so far as his grace shall preserue you from the one , and strengthen you to the other , ( for all our sufficiencie is in him ) ; if you find these things in any measure , then reioyce , for God hath giuen you o o Act. 11.12 repentance to eternall life . But if your hearts haue neglected this exercise of a broken spirit , and that your consciences tell you there hath been little or no griefe this way ; then you must be entreated that whilest it is called to day , that Gods grace doth still inuite you , you would not harden your hearts , but prepare to meete him . p p Luk. 23.28 . Weepe not for me , weepe for your sins , saith our Sauiour , and blessed are they that mourne in this kinde , the Lord carrieth a handkercheife to wipe away those teares , he is neere to comfort these hearts ; these Aprill dewes bring May-flowers ; such as sowe in teares shall q q Psal. 126.5 . reape in ioy . Is it not better for vs to take the rod into our owne hands , and beate our selues gently , then force the Lord to take vs into his hand , who is a consuming fire : if the Lord do but see you are willing to cast downe your selues , and to deale with your owne soules , he will couer your heads in the euill houre , and make loue to your soules , when his negligent children shall taste of his temporarie displeasure . Delay not this : our foules in their swaruings from God , are like two bones beside their ioynt , the longer they go they proue the more painfull , if wee take them in time they are set more easily . We wil take Physick , purge , sweat , to preuent the growing of disease vpon vs ; shall we not bee wise for our soules ; the vomit of the soule , is the griefe of repentance , take it betime , driue not of till the Lord bee forced to visit . Now if God giue you to desire that your hearts were broken in his sight , but yet you finde that you cannot ( partly for the hardnesse in your harts , partly for outward distractions ) do the thing you would , I will helpe you a little at this lift . There is an art in blowing vp euery grace in the spirit , and this with the rest .

First therefore you must r r Deut. 30 1 Lam. 3.40 . Apoc. 2.5 . enter into your hearts , & consider your owne waies . Wee will keepe a reckoning what we run vpon the score with men , but rare are they , that thinke how deepe they are in Gods books , such ill husbands wee are for our soules . Now wee must heere marke warily , whether wee haue not lost some graces which wee haue had ; I mean , haue them not so powerfully as we haue felt them . Whether wee doe not giue place to sloth , doing Gods seruice coldly & sleightly ; whether wee haue not forgotten our couenant which wee haue made with God in Baptisme , viZ. of dying to our owne thoughts , words , and deeds daily , and labouring in our whole course to feele that not now we liue , but Christ in vs , as Paul speaketh , his spirit teaching vs to doe euery thing as before him in conscience of his will , to his glory . Yea , you here must call to mind , the most s s Deut. 9 7. grieuous sinnes which you at any time haue prouoked God with , wee must not bid adieu to the remembrance of our sinnes past and pardoned , but must euer beare them in memory , so far forth as may help vs with godly sorrow , holy bashfulnesse , and lowlinesse of minde . Deut. 9. Now then thus setting the matter before you , if you finde not your harts pricked with it , then you must ( as the Prophet speaketh ) take words to your selues , t t Hos. 14 3. and trouble your owne soules , as thus ; What ? shall I thinke of my sins against God , & not grieue nor blush at them ? If I haue ouershot my selfe , so that men may haue a saying to me , it doth cut mee at the heart , I am ashamed ; if somthing crosse but my corrupt nature ere while , I haue griefe at will ; and shall I not grieue for offending my God ? If I had broke day , and not kept touch with man , I could not looke him in the face , shall it not goe nigher me , that I haue kept my couenant no better with God ? If my seruant haue loytered his day ouer , and not done my worke , he blusheth , and is afraid to come before mee : and shall not I change my countenance , and be moued that I haue been so vnprofitable in the works of God ? Thus as men in swoones , being chafed , come again , so shall your soules , while thus you bestirre them , feele some warmth returning to them . But if yet the heart will not relent , you must in the third place , seeing your barrennesse and inabilitie , turn you to Christ speaking to him in this wise : Were it to grieue at earthly occasions , or that my selfe were displeased , heere my affections would come to mee before I sent for them ; but for godly sorrow , none of it groweth in our gardens , our foolish hearts loue not holy mourning , our hard hearts will not relent to thinke how we displease thee , we knowing there is no strength in vs to any thing is good , look to thee , thou art the Christ & u u Act. 5.31 . Lord ; thou giuest repentance to thy Israel , and forgiuenesse of sinne ; thou ( Lord ) dost circumcise the heart , thou hammerest x x Ezech. 36.26 . and breakest by thy Spirit the stone of them , making them fleshie & tender . y y Lam. 5.21 Lord do thou turne vs , and we shall be turned : Thus while you turne your eies to Iesus that quickning Spirit , he will bee present to quicken this grace in you . But what if yet your harts should not so kindly melt with in you as you desire , yet al● is safe , for this is the smoke of repentance , z z Mat. 12.20 . which Christ will not leaue till it blaze forth , hee will not put forth a smoking weeke . This desire and labouring after it , is happines it self ; Blessed a a Mat. 5.6 . are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnes ; yea , vsing this course to consider of your wants , to chide after some sort your own soules , and to look to Christ the giuer of repentance , the stone of your hearts , the hardnes wil come away by little & litle , & when in bodily wounds the approuedst plaisters must be often laid on , you must not thinke , that these spiritual euils so long growing on vs , should bee quite gone on the sudden . I doe beseech you therefore , as euer you would taste the comforts of God ; as you would find ease in euill houres , when nothing but God can refresh you ; yea , as you loue to escape much worldly sorrow , which tendeth but to death , so acquaint your selues betime with this exercise of a broken heart ; b b Mat. 5.4 . Blessed are they that mourne , for they shall be comforted , and wee know much more earthly sorrow then we should , because we will not trouble our owne soules a little , blowing vp that godly sorrow which is required at our hands .

Now for the second , of helping you forward in obedience , the sum of the couenant twixt God and vs is this ; he in Christ saith , he wil take vs for his c c Hos. 2.23 . people , wee promise to him , that we will haue him for our God . This therefore doth comprise our duty to God , that we set him vp in our harts as God ; which thing wee doe first , when we grow vp to know him , and to acknowledge him in all things . Secondly , when we make him our trust . Thirdly , when we loue him aboue all . Fourthly , when wee feare him . Fifthly , when we reioice in him . Sixthly , when our hearts are thankfully affected to him , making him their song and praise . This is to haue him for our God , when we know nothing , trust in nothing , loue , feare , reioice in nothing , when our hearts are thankfull aboue all to him . To speake a little to the seuerals : We cannot haue God our God , till wee come to know him in Christ : ignorance doth d d Eph. 4.18 estrange vs from God , and knowledge doth acquaint vs with him . This Paul prayeth for in the behalf of the Colossians , 1.10 . that they might be filled with the knowledge of God , the spirits of their mind being opened , to look towards him . Euen as our image in the glasse doth looke to vs from whom it is reflected ; so Gods Image in vs doth make the eie of our mindes view him , the author of it in vs . Now this knowledge considereth of God two waies , either simply apart from al other respect , and thus it conceiueth a spirituall essence , in respect of his properties , or persons into which this diuine selfe same nature is distinguished , the Father , Sonne , and Spirit , al of them hauing the same spirituall nature , as if I and you with som third man , might bee supposed all to haue but one and the selfe same soule and body , being distinct persons . Or else it considereth God , as made manifest in our Nature , for Iesus the Sonne , hauing one , and the same Nature with the Father , hath taken such a soule & body as we haue ( sinne excepted ) to fellowship of his person , and thus is become e e Mat. 1.23 Emmanuel , God with vs , or God f f 3. vlt. manifested in our Nature , in which humane Nature God the Sonne suffered death for vs , in which likewise hee manifested his Diuine power , raising it vp , glorifying it in heauen ; so that he who was dead in his humane Nature , is now aliue in it for euer , hauing swallowed vp death into victorie . Thirdly , it considereth God manifested in Christ , as he is become our God by Couenant , in regard of such things which his faithful mercies doe worke for vs . He in Christ is our Iustifier , our Sanctifier , that helpes vs against the remnants of our corruption ; our Redeemer that deliuereth vs from all troubles ; the God that careth for vs , giueth vs euery good gift , blesseth vs in our estates , feedeth vs , giueth vs and all his beloued ones sleep , defendeth vs from al euil , keepeth vs by his power to saluation , is the beginner and ender of all his good graces in vs . Now how short are we in this point , wee are like infants in a manner new borne , they are kept by the louing Parent , from fire , water , are fed , laied to sleepe , made readie , vnreadie ; shifted in their scape , but they know not who doth all this for them . So doth our heauenly Father by vs in Christ , but ( he knoweth ) little vnderstanding haue we of him : for though God be light it selfe , a Spirit which brightly seeth all things through heauen & earth , to whose pure shine the Sun is darkenesse , yet the weakenes of our sight is such wee cannot look against it : as the Bat and Owle cannot indure to see the bright beames of the Sun in the firmament ; you must therefore take notice of your spirituall blindnesse , and come vnto him that selleth eyesalue , g g Reue. 3.18 that hath the spirit of illumination , which openeth the eies of the blind , and crie to him for mercie . Why if your eyes were sore bloud-shot , &c. your eies wherewith you see but one another , creatures like your selfe , you would seeke out for them , and wash with strongsmarting waters , but you would restore them ; wil you not seeke to your God in Christ for to restore that sight of your spirits wherewith you see him , and the things of your peace within the vale , euen in the heauens ? nay , you must bee ashamed you take knowledge no more of your God through the whole day . If our children when wee are by them , should through rudenesse and carelesnesse not once cast a looke to vs , as acknowledging our presence , would we take it at their hands ? might not euery one say , these children they are better fed then taught ? they are thus gracelesse . Let vs apply it to our selues , who serue our God and Father little better , and you must set vpon this suite with better hope , because God hath promised to vs , this is his couenant , wee g g Ier. 31.34 shall know him from the greatest to the least of vs : the eye looking on a thing becommeth one with it in some manner . But least I grow too tedious , I come to the second , wee must trust on him , hanging all our hopes on his mercie and truth toward vs . And these two go together ; men somtime the better wee know them , the lesser we trust them , and that deseruedly , but Psal. 9. Psal. 9.10 . such as know God , shall trust in him , and who so reposeth al his confidence in God , hee takes him in so doing for his God : as the Scripture in this respect saith , the couetous man is an idolater , taketh his money for God ; because hee putteth his trust in vncertaine riches , his wealth is a strong tower in his thoughts : and hee that trusteth in the creature , with-draweth his heart from God ( saith the Prophet ) teaching that our hearts are vnited to God , Jer. 17.3 . when the affiance of them is set on him . Now though we should liue by faith h h Gal. 2.20 on the Sonne of God , trusting vpon him for the giuing and maintaining of all our good both temporall and eternall , leaning vpon him for defence , and deliuerance from all euils spirituall , yea , and corporall , i i 1. Pe. 5.7 . casting all our cares on him , k k Phil. 3.3 . hauing no confidence in the flesh , but reioycing in Christ Iesus , though this is our dutie , yet we are exceeding weake in faith , and full of vnbeleefe : this will appeare by our want of feare at the thretnings of Gods word and by our carelesnesse , which maketh vs loosly looke after his promises . Did wee beleeue such threatning , ( if you liue after the flesh you shall die ) , Rom. 8.11 . wee would tremble when we fauour our selues in our owne wayes ? the diuels beleeue and tremble . Againe , trusting ciuilly in mans word or bond , we do seek them carefully , and are glad when we haue got them : and as we say , wee write vpon them , to haue so much at such a day , vpon a substantiall mans word or bond giuen vs . But Gods word that promiseth all good things in this life , as wel as the life to come , his seales wee seeke not after them , wee are not glad of them , which is a signe of our great vnbeleefe in them . Secondly , by the resting of our hearts in outward things , and our being disquieted when we want them , is a token that our hearts are vnbeleeuing ; while wee haue meanes and good likelihoods of this or that , wee are well , let these faile , we are troubled : which sheweth that wee rest not on the word of God , which is as sure in the want of all things , as in abundance , but leane on such things as wee see and haue at hand . Suppose a man had crutches vnder his armes , but leaned not at all to them as hee goeth , take them away , he walketh as before . So wee , did not we trust and leane on the things seene , but on God who is not seene , but by the eye of faith , wee should goe as vpright , when al things to sense speake the contrary , to that wee beleeue , as when our feeling is fed abundantly , hoping against hope . Thirdly , did we rest on God , and trust to him , ( as who is all in all ) we would seeke to him for his blessing , more then for meanes , which by his blessing doe this or that , whereas we labour not to make him sure to vs , but to get the meanes , and then wee thinke all is well with vs . Now when you find your vnbeleef , you must make it odious to your selfe by such like considerations . Shall I seeke after the word of a man , sometime , to secure but a twentie shillings matter , and shall I not seeke after the precious promises of my God ? shall I trust to a man promising this or that , and shall I not trust my God , who is truth it selfe , that cannot lie ? will not a substantiall man thinke much , if I take not his bare word ? and shall I not trust my Lords word and seale & oath ( he hath sworn to blesse vs with all blessings in Christ ) vnlesse he leaue me a pawne also ? Then in the third place , when you finde your vnbeleeuing heart trouble you , Heb. 12.2 . you must looke to Christ , who is the authour and finisher of your faith , speake to him . Thou hast begun , thou must finish . Encrease my faith , I beleeue , helpe my vnbeleefe . The third dutie is , you must loue him , for loue we know maketh the man and woman one , so it doth couple vs to God . Wee must labour to say from our hearts , Lord , what haue wee in heauen but thee , Psal. 73.25 . or in earth in comparison of thee . Now though we think wee doe loue him , and doe so , yet it is weakly , and aboue all things we had need to mende in this behalfe . Trie your loue and then iudge of it . Those you loue , doe you not loue to be present with them , as you two one with another ? if one of you be forth of towne , doe you not thinke long til you meet together ? are but should bee affectioned toward euery stranger ; if shee should not care how long she were absent from him , but thinke her selfe best while they were asunder ; if shee cared little how her louing husband were offended , casting that at her heele which hee taketh to heart , were not this shamelesse behauiour in her ? and shall not we be ashamed to shew no lesse want of loue to thee , to whom our souls are married in Christ ? Then you must turne you to God , confessing that your hearts are full of harlotry and false-loue . You can loue your selues , you haue affection enough to the things of this world , the gifts of God , and that the meanest , more then the giuer , as harlottes to rings , gold , bracelets , more then the senders , and beseeching him to purge your hearts of this , and fill you with his loue : for this is his promise , I will circumcise your hearts , and make you loue mee with all your hearts . The fourth thing is the feare of God : Sanctifie the Lord in your har●s , make him your feare : Esa. 8.13 . * * Mat. 10.28 . feare to offend him , who when the body is killed can cast the soule into hell fire . We shold reuerence his excellent Maiestie , and dread to offend him , because hee hath been gracious to vs , and hath power to doe with vs what euer he pleaseth . And with good reason were there from whom wee hold our house and stocke , so that hee could turne vs out of all at his pleasure : would wee not walk very circumspectly , fearing that which might alienate his fauour from vs ? Againe , if the Maiesty of a mortall man doth affect vs ( as of the King ) with reuerence ; how much more should wee be affected with the glorious Maiesty of the most high God ? Now you must know your hearts are much void of this also . The thing speaketh it self . Do you not feele when in prayer you are to speake to God , that there is no reuerence in your hearts beseeming so high a Maiestie ? Do you not feele the want of dreade at his iudgements , which so long haue been vpon vs , and still houer about vs and what awe is in vs , making vs fearefull by sin to displease him ? Alas , presumption , securitie , hardnesse of hart , these weeds grow so hic , that wee can scarce discerne the fruit aboue named . In the third place then you must worke this want vpon your heart , as the former , saying : If I were in the presence of some great personage , and should carrie my selfe rudely , without due respect , would I not blush ? shall I not bee ashamed I haue no more reuerence when I come before thee , Iam. 2.19 . O thou God of glory ? so for want of dread shall the beasts tremble when the Lion roreth : yea shall the diuels tremble to thinke of thy iudgement ? O shall I be senslesse and no whit mooued ? So for want of awe in regard of breaking Gods law : shall I dare as well to take a beare by the tooth , as to breake the Kings law , where especially it threatneth life , limme , or liberty ? and shall I not bee afraid to trespasse against thy ●●●tutes , the breach wherof is punishable with eternall death . Is there none but thee that wee may make bold with shall I bee so foolish as to feare sicknesse , pouerty , mens displeasure , and not bee afraid of sinne , and thy wrath which is a a Heb. 12. vlt. a consuming fire ? what were this but with little children to bee scarred with a harmelesse bul begger , and to bee dreadlesse of fire and water . In the last place , you must looke to God in conscience , how this affection is peruerted in you , confessing to him that you can feare the face of men , things that are , or seeme hurtfull to your selues : you can ●emean your selues reuerently toward such as are great amongst men , but toward him you finde great want ; and goe pray him to worke it in your hearts , who hath couenanted to put his b b Ier. 32.40 feare in our harts , so that we shall not depart from him . Fifthly , to haue God for your God , bindeth you to reioyce in him : c c Phil. 2.4 . Reioyce in the Lord , againe I say reioyce . d d Ie● . 9.23 . Psal. 37.4 . Delight thy selfe in the Lord , and hee will giue thee thy hearts desire ? let not the rich man reioyce in wealth , the strong man in strength , the wise man in wisedome , but in this , that he knoweth mee , saith the Lord . For what wee make our chiefe ioy , that is our God , for the heart resteth chiefly in that with which it is most delighted . Now what is more equall , then that we should solace our selues in him , with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious , who hath deliuered vs from death sinne and Satan ( who as Gods executioner hath power in sin and death ) in him who is a light and a shield , that is a fountaine of all good , and a defender of vs from all euill ; one able to maintaine all the good spiritual and corporall which we haue , and giuen vs whatsoeuer is wanting : but if wee marke our hearts , their ioy is much depraued , ( so that Salomon saith not without cause , Eccles. 2.2 . our laughter is become madnesse ) ; for our harts are not cheary this way : tell them of the precious benefits are giuen vs in Christ , pardon of sinne , peace , the beginning of euerlasting life through the work of grace , hope through Christ of the heauenly Kingdome ; why they can heare this and be so farre from leaping within vs , that we can hardly discerne them any whit moued . Nay , if we marke them the better , we shall see , that when wee would hold them to the remembrance of such things , till they haue broke loose from vs , they are not in their kind , cannot bee lightsome ; as if God were the dampe of our mirth , not the matter of our exulting gladnes . Now when you obserue , that you cannot reioyce in the Lord , you must shame your soules , by laying before them their owne course in other matters . If I see some toy & heare some iest , I cannot containe my selfe ; if I heare some goodnesse , or meete with prosperus successe in my worldlie affaires , I can bee pleasant enough ; if I be passing the time with my friends at their curteous inuitements , it goeth on merily , deadnesse and vncomfortablenes I feele them not for the time . Fie , shall I haue laughter euen till I tickle at a feather at some merry conceit , at good newes of some earthly businesse , and shal I not reioyce in the Gospel of God in good newes from heauen touching the saluation of my soule ? Againe , shall I laugh and bee cheary in being with my friend , and shall I be all amort when I draw neere my God ? Shall I be glad of acquaintance with a man , and not bee glad that I know my God in Iesus Christ , which is life euerlasting ? Iob. 1.17.1 . The wicked they exult , in seruing sin & Satan to their destruction , shall I bee without ioy in seruing my God , who giueth of his free grace to me life euerlasting ? O our reioycing is earthly , little ioy of the holy Ghost dwelleth with vs . We are like such as are sicke of light phrensies , they ●ill laugh at their shad●ow , at their own phan●es , but can see nothing ●●to , nay , distaste that which sauoreth of right reason . As therefore against the former , so against this also we must fight the good fight of faith looking to him , who hath said hee will make our hearts glad in his house , who hath promised to send his spirit to vs , that our ioy may bee full ; praying him that in this regard hi● Kingdome may come and that hee would rectifie this affection in v●to make vs able to tak● comfort in that whic● is matter of true reio●●cing . Now for praysi●● God , and thankfulne●● to him , wee haue this commandement , * * Phil. 4.6 . in al things giue thanks , yea in euils ; Iohn 1. Psal. 104. end . shal we receiue good things from God , and not euill , the Lord hath giuen , the Lord hath taken , blessed bee his name . No wonder , for medicine is as good in due season , as the delightfullest dainties . Now our inward and outward crosses are by Gods graces made wholesome physicke to purge out our corruptions , and make vs partakers of the quiet fruit of righteousnesse and holinesse . Yea , our hearts should be so thankfully affected , that like a fire it must breake forth and inflame others . My soule , my heart , al within me praise the Lord , Psal. 104 , 35. My soule praise the Lord , praise yee the Lord . He doth stirre vp himselfe , and prouoke others , as the Cocke that first clapping his wings about his bodie , rowseth vp himself , and after crowing awaketh others . Otherwise common termes of thankfulnesse without affection are a court-holy-water ( as we say ) which our God that looketh at heart and raines doth not respect . And truly there is great cause , looke at benefits past ( eaten bread must not be forgotten , thanks must still be greene ) ; doth not the particular deliuerance , when many fell on each hand of you , bind you still to thankfulnesse . If all things you enioy , you know the temporall blessings , as tolerable health , good name and reputation , freedom from suite and seruice , ability rather to ●e helpful then chargeble , the domesticall peace , your liberties without feare of restraint , all of them in their place no small matters . Will you consider spiritual blessings , that which you haue downe in hand is as great a work of his mercie , as the glorious sta●e you looke for hereafter . Is not the Lords worke more admirable in his first making , and quickning the infant in the wombe , then in feeding it there , drawing it forth , and nursing it vp to full stature ? so his begetting vs who were dead , to bee aliu● ( though yet in the wombe of our mother the Church ) is more then the bringing of vs to a perfect man in Christ Iesus , when now we are new borne babes in him . And though it seeme strange , yet it is onely in this respect , because we are like infants who liue , but know not in comparison that they liue ; so wee hauing in small measure that Spirit , which teacheth vs to know the things bestowed on vs , know not how great that grace is , which is already shewed vs . It is no smal thing when wee were dead in ignorance , and the lusts of our ignorance to bee quickned with the life of God , in knowledge , righteousnesse and holinesse , when wee were enemies to bee made friends , yea sonnes and daughters . The Apostle doubteth not to reason from this ( as the greater ) to life euerlasting ( as the lesser ) Ro. 5.10 . If God , when we were enemies , hath reconciled vs by his death , how much more wil he saue vs with perfect saluation of soule and body by his life , that is , by putting forth the power of his Spirit , now hee liueth to die no more . These then are great things : his acquitting you from the sinne and death for Christ the su●●ties sake ; his sending his Spirit into your heart , and giuing you part in the first resurrection . Beside these , you must remember what aduersities he hath holpen you in , how he hath eased the yoke of your corruptions , which haue had more power in you , then now they haue ; yea , what euils he hath put by you . Haue you not been tempted in ●his or that kind , it is because God in mercie would not leade you into temptation . Yea this is in some respect more to bee acknowledged the● victorie when you are tempted . For , not to bee tempted is more immediately from God and lesse in mans power , then to preuaile against temptations . For nothing doth ouercom vs without our will , but without our wills , God doth leade vs into triall ; for he knoweth we would taste little of these , if it were in our power to bee our owne caruers . You must bee as thankful for such sins which God hath not let you know , as for those which hee hath pardoned in you , hauing committed them . Whither doe you thinke you are bound to praise God more , if hee restore you when you are sicke ; or if he keep you , so that you feele no sicknesse ? Now if you weigh what things God hath prepared for you , they are such as neuer eye saw , neuer entred fully into the hart of mortal man . Compare the state of Prince Henrie in his Queen Mothers womb with his condition at full age in all the glory of his Fathers Court , there is a broad difference which may fitly resemble the diuersitie of our present and future condition . We are borne sons and daughters of God , heyres apparant to the Kingdom of heauen : but while the Church doth heere trauell of vs , we are pent vp in darke cloysters , & annoied with much stincks of sinne in ou● selues and others , but hereafter our state shal● be altogether lightsome , happie and glorious . So that wee may well say to God , O how great is the good which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee ! How great things dost thou worke before the sonnes of men , for such as hope on thee ? You see then how for things past , for things present , and things God hath in store for vs , wee are bound to bee thankfull . Now if you aske what it is in which our thankfulnesse standeth . I answere ; first , in a heartie acknowledgement of Gods goodnesse to vs in all things , with conscience of our owne vnworthinesse , as who are lesse then the least of his mercies . Compare Genes 32.10.33.5 . 1. Ch. 29.14 Moses example , Exodus 18.8 . Secondly , we must tell of Gods kindnesse , that we may glorifie him before others ; come , I will tell you ( saith Dauid ) what God hath done for my soule . Thirdly , it doth make vs cast about , what we may returne to God in way of thankfulnesse , Psal. 116. What shall I giue the Lord for all his benefits vnto mee . Fourthly , it will make vs accuse our selues , if we bee backward in dutie . Thus we see when wee receiue any more speciall kindnesse from our frinds , first , our inward affections doe acknowledge and intertaine it gladly . Secondly , we tell what such an one hath done for vs . Thirdly , we will thinke how wee may requite him , or testifie our thankfulnes at the least toward him . Lastly , we challenge our selues ( if time goe on , and no token of our good will be returned ) as to blame that forget so great curtesie as was shewed to vs . Now then that you haue heard what it is to bee thankfull , what good reason wee haue ; wee must lay our selues to this rule , and we shal find wee come as short here , as in those aforenamed . O wee are horribly vnthankfull ! what good blessings do we receiue , not once casting a look to the donour of them . When wee are kept in the night , our houses from fire , breaking into , &c , when refreshed with sleepe , when kept al day in our out-going and incommings , when fed , doe wee acknowledge our God heartily in these , yet it is hee that watcheth , or in vaine they keepe the Citie ; it is he that rocketh vs asleepe , and draweth the courtaine of the night about vs ; he giueth sleep to his beloued , Psal. 137. It is hee that wardeth about vs all day , keeping vs in our waies , Psal. 120. He openeth his hand , and like a great house-keeper giueth vs our daily bread . If in earthlie things which wee see , & tast , we cannot praise him , what taking shall wee bee found in about heauenly , when you haue your daily sins forgiuen you in Christ ; when you are kept from the sin of your own hart , the corrupt examples of worldly men , the spirituall wickednesses that fight against vs ; when you go in spirituall peace from morning to night , which alone is a gift passing vnderstanding , Phil. 4.7 . doe you acknowledge God with affection toward him in these things ? it is he that shifts vs out of the scapes of our corruption , washing vs in the bloud of his Christ from the filth of our sinne ; hee forgiueth vs euery day our trespasses ; it is his power , 1. Pet. 1.5 . in which as in a tower , we are kept safe against all our enemies vnto saluation . Hee is the God of peace , the Prince of peace in Christ , who stilleth the●● accusing , and subdueth the rage and vsurpation of sinne in vs : we are like infants , that haue much done about them , but knowe not who doth it , take no knowledge of them . Our God doth carry vs on in the armes of his tender mercy . But alas , little doe wee vnderstand of him . In benefits receiued often , I meane not meate and drinke , but many other which in the course of the day are giuen vs of God . our spirits do not once looke vp to him , but as swine take the mast , so doe wee our blessings : or if we do any thing in way of thankfulnesse , how ouerly do we turne ouer this duty ? our affections and inclinations more bent another way , than to that we haue in hand , euen the thankful praising of our God : we serue him as our children serue vs , when they come in to vs from their play , and haue got somthing of vs they wanted , away they goe without looke or leg to vs ; but if they know we will haue it , then they doe them in some fashion , but so , as we may see their hart is in their game abroad more then their dutie : so for speaking what our God hath done for vs , ( thankfulnes will not slip ouer a benefit receiued ) when doe wee with delight tell of his kindnes ? When doe we beat our heads , not suffering our temples to rest till wee haue giuen our God some argument of our thankfulnesse ? Alas , we vse our God , as if it greatly mattered not how he were dealt with . Now then take words to your selues , condemning from your harts this grieuous sinne . Say if a man doe bid mee to supper once a quarter , I thanke him then , when I meet him after , I thank him of my last being with him , I tell what kinde welcome , what good cheere hee made mee , bid him home againe , check my selfe if I forget him . But if some greater matters be bestowed on vs , how kindly doe wee take them , how doe we loue to tell of them , how doe wee yeeld our selues vp to them to bee at their commands to the vtmost of our abilities . Shall I thanke him that giueth me a supper in loue , and tell of his louing entertainment , bee ashamed if I make no neighbourly requitall ? and shall I not bee affectionately thankfull to my God , who giueth me all my daily bread ; yea , who feedeth my soule with himselfe in Iesus Christ ( heere is my body , my blood ) that I might liue for euer ? Shall I not tell of those fined wines , those fatte things euen of my God , broken in his body and soule with sorrowes , sheadding his precious blood , wherewith my vnworthy soule hath beene fed and feasted ? Shall I for some small kindnesse tell a man I am his to bee commanded ? and shall I not resigne my selfe to my God , who hath paid my debt , and purchased mee a new stocke , euen the hope of eternall life with his precious blood ? shall I blush vpon some more vnthankfull part to man , and not be ashamed of vnthankfulnesse toward God ? What ? shall I be worse to my God , then an Oxe or an Horse is to his owner ? If I should shew one exceeding great loue , & he should not at all regard mee , or returne mee some common countenance , could I endure it ? Thus then turne your selues to God , I am become worse to thee , then the whelpes that feede vnder my boord are to me : they will open and fawne in their kinde on me , but my heart hath no power to bee thankfull to thee , to praise thee . O thou who requirest of me in all things to giue thee thankes : & hast promised to write thy commandements in my heart , put into my heart a law of thankfulnesse , O thou quickening spirit , quicken my soule this way : labour for thankful hearts : God asketh vs but this as a rent for all his blessings bestowed on vs : I will deliuer thee , and thou shalt praise my name , Psalm . 50.15 . Wee will not forfait things to men for not payment of rent : let vs not giue God cause to re-enter and straine vpon vs , and all wee haue , for not magnifying and praising him . Thus if my God helpe you to stirre vp your hearts to repentance , and to surrender your hearts to him by eying him , trusting on him , louing him , reioycing in him , by making him your feare , by praising him with spirit , word , and worke : then happy shall you bee . If new plagues breake forth , you shall haue comfort in the hottest : and if you labour to see how farre your hearts are out of frame , in their confidence , loue , feare , ioy , thankfulnesse , in regard of the impenitent hardnesse , and impudencie that is in them ; for they cannot blush for that God knoweth by them , though our eares will glow on our heads , if men know ought reprochfull by vs . If you labour to finde this out , and then in sight of your misery , looke to Gods promise , who hath promised to giue you a new hart , a tender hart , in which his commandements shall bee written by the finger of his spirit , then you shall see this course will neither let you bee idle nor vnprofitable ; yea it shall returne you much comfort and true peace : in life and death wise men will take the sowre with the sweet , and the world is not gotten without paines taking ; therfore if it seeme to haue any bitternesse , or to require labour , you must not be dismayed , I will promise you it is but brackish on the toppe , the deeper you go , you shall find it the sweeter .