The good mans grace. Or His stay in all distresse. By Ric. Bernard

THE GOOD MANS GRACE . OR HIS STAY IN ALL DISTRESSE .

BY RIC. BERNARD .

LONDON , Printed by Felix Kingston . 1621.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL HIS VERY GOOD Lady , the Lady SVSANNA BILLINGSLEY , and to the Vertuous and Christianly affected Gentlewoman , Mistris REBECCA STROWDE , all sauing graces , with dayly increase and practice thereof vnto the end . Madame ,

I Cannot but make account that I am bound to returne thankes , where I finde fauour and acceptance : acknowledgement is the least part of my duty . He that will not confesse a debt , neuer meanes to pay it : some such there be : And others againe , will ingenuously confesse , but not pay ; not for that they will not , but because they cannot . And inability giueth an acquittance , though the debt be neuer so great : and the greatnesse of a debt , is to be iudged not alwayes in the value of the thing , but after the free disposition of the one , and the little deseruing of any such fauour of the other . Thus is it with me . I haue found your Ladyship my louing friend , and this Vertuous Gentlewoman very Christianly respectiue towards mee : to whom , as also to her second selfe , I acknowledge my selfe deeply ingaged . It is not a hard matter to finde friends , though in these dayes few enow , but to finde a faithfull friend , one that will know a man in aduersity , is not so easie . Complementall are obuious euery where : but substantiall friends be rare : a face of fauour is in those , and that onely in prosperity , but the force of loue is onely seene in these ; when a friend needeth them , they fayle not , they faynt not . True loue , as Saint Iohn speakes , driueth away feare . I am bold to present you both with this little Manual . It is thus little of purpose , that it may be often read ouer , to helpe onely for matter of meditation , to further you in prayer . I beseech you to accept it in lieu of payment , and it shall bind mee to pray for the blessing of our God , still vpon you , to whose gracious guidance and protection , I commit you , and humbly take leaue .

Your Ladyships , and yours ( my very good friend ) euer to be commanded , RIC. BERNARD . Batcombe , Feb. 27.

THE PREFACE .

IT is a saying of the Psalmist , The foole hath said in his hart , there is no God : this is an Atheisticall foole ; and amongst other markes , hee is knowne by this , that this wicked foole calleth not vpon God . He doth not pray , for he cannot pray , is not a gift of nature : but a worke of Grace . Wee know not how to pray as we ought , but as the Spirit helpeth our infirmities , to pray with groanes that cannot be expressed . Iohn taught his Disciples to pray : this Christs Disciples obserued , and also saw their owne want , and therefore desired the Lord to teach them to pray . Wherevpon hee gaue them , and in them to vs , a perfect paterne and forme of prayer . After this all our prayers are to be directed . It is then necessary that this short prayer be well vnderstood : for which cause I haue made this short exposition , and drawne out briefly manyfold obseruations , the better to acquaint such as know it not , with the meaning thereof . It will administer sufficient matter for meditation , at all times , and vpon any occasion , to enlarge our thoughts in prayer : the practice wherof is the speciall grace of a Christian . It is the fruit of Faith , so as hee that beleeueth , prayeth ; and so excellent a duty is this , as Saint Paul sayth , Pray continually , as if mans life consisted in it . And Christ sayth , Watch , and Pray , It is a meanes of our preseruation from euill , and a conseruation of vs in an estate which is good . Wonderfull is the effect of prayer . Moses by it makes way thorow the Red sea , ouercame the Amalekites , and obtained pardon for the people . By this , Iosua had the Sun standing still the space of a day , waiting vpon him in the pursute of his enemies ; by this , Hezekiah reuersed the sentence of death , and had his life prolonged ; by this , Peter escaped the hands of Herod ; Ionah gate out of the Whales belly . By this , Eliah shut heauen three yeeres ; and againe brought raine from heauen . By this Elisha raised one from the dead , & got sight to Gehezi to see vision of Angels . Incredible is the power of prayer ; the prayer of faith auaileth much , if it be feruent . Let therfore here in euery good Christian exercise himselfe , and this let him know ; that it is a great honour to be admitted into Gods presence , to put vp his requests vnto so high a Maiesty . The due esteeme of prayer , will make vs exercise our selues in prayer : for as wee prize a thing , so we practise , so we employ our selues about it . Therefore little praying argueth , we make little account thereof : but the lesse we esteeme and practise it , the lesse grace wee haue , and the more corruption of heart is in vs . The truth of this is cleared in such as wee see to make no conscience of this duty . But this euill be farre from the faithfull , in whom the gift of prayer is euer found , as a peculiar property of them that shall inherit Glory .

A BRIEFE EXPOSItion with obseruations vpon the Lords Prayer .

The Preface . Our IN brotherly communion . By the Grace of adoption . And sealed by holy vnction . Father , Tender in louing . Carefull in prouiding . Liberall in bestowing . Which art in Heauen , The place of thy Maiesty . The Throne of thy Glory . The fulnesse of Felicity .

The first Petition . Hallowed In heart be thou feared . In speech reuerenced . In our liues honoured . Be thy Name . Thy attributes so glorious . Thy workes so maruelous . Thy heauenly Word so Gracious .

The second Petition . Thy Kingdome Of Power generall . Of Grace speciall . Of Glory Celestiall . Come . With power to defend vs . With Grace to conuert vs . With glory to crowne vs .

The third Petition . Thy Will In thy holy Word reuealed . In workes of prouidence shewed . In good examples confirmed . Be done , In our true beleeuing . In our Godly liuing . In our patient suffering . In Earth The Wickeds best heritage , The place of our Pilgrimage . And here to Heauen our passage . As it is in Heauen . By holy Angels most faithfully . By the blessed Saints most cheerfully . By all of them there most constantly .

The fourth Petition . Giue vs this day By thy prouident hand mercifully . By the labour of our calling honestly . By all good meanes prosperously . Our dayly bread . Necessary for liues sustentation . Conuenient for states preseruation . Sufficient for Needies consolation .

The fift Petition . And forgiue vs Of thy mercy freely . In Christ deseruedly . In our hearts assuredly . Our trespasses , In nature originally polluted . In euils wilfully committed . In dueties carelesly omitted . As we forgiue them , From our hearts most vnseignedly . Expressed in words most louingly . And shewed by deeds most cheerefully . That trespasse against vs , In heart maliciously . In tongue slanderously . By deeds iniuriously .

The sixth Petition . And lead vs not . By laying obiects before vs . In the danger so leauing vs . And by withdrawing grace from vs . Into temptation , Satans powerfull suggestion . Natures wretched corruption . This present worlds pollution . But deliuer vs By thy Diuine inspiration . By inward sanctification . By a holy conuersation . From euill , Past , by freely remitting . Present , by powerfull protecting . Future , by grace preuenting .

The conclusion . For thine is the Kingdome , Externall , in the Church apparent . Internall , in the Church militant . Eternall , in the Church triumphant . Thy power Of subduing sinne victoriously . Of renewing grace continually . Of bestowing glory eternally . And thy Glory , Due from all in liuing to thee . Seene by thine in dying for thee . Known by all in iudgements from thee . For euer , Before time , without begininng . In time , and that without changing . And after time , without ending . Amen . As thou dost say . So we doe pray . Lord , say not nay . Euen so be it , Amen .

A BRIEFE EXPOSITION WITH obseruations vpon the Lords Prayer .

THe prayer consists of a Preface , of sixe Petitions , and of the conclusion .

The Preface .

In making a Preface , wee learne , that preparation is to bee made before prayer : rashly to rush into Gods presence becommeth not vs , neither is meet we should doe it to so high a Maiesty .

Our

Thus wee begin , not with My , but Our Father : to teach ,

1. That God is the common Father of all the elect .

2. That prayer is to be made in brotherly loue .

3. That he which prayeth , is to be one of Christs mysticall Body , and in the communion of Saints .

Father

This is the Title of Honour , and the Name importing the greatest loue ; thus Christ willeth vs to pray , and thus to call God , Father : to teach ,

1. That prayer is to be made in faith and assurance of mercy .

2. In the Spirit of adoption , as the request of a Child to a Father .

3. In the Name of Christ ; because in him he is our Father .

4. In distinct knowledge of the Trinity .

Which art in Heauen .

Here God is said to be , who yet filleth Heauen and earth : to teach ,

1. That prayer is to be made with a heauenly mind , without any earthly representation , or any carnall affection .

2. With all reuerence , deuotion , because God is in heauen ; not to be rash , to vtter any thing hastily before God . The wise mans reason , Eccle. 5. 2.

3. That prayer is to be made to God alone ; for he is the onely Father in Heauen .

4. Therefore not to Saint , Angel , nor to the Virgin Mary , because none of these are our Father in Heauen .

5. That Heauen is the true home of all the elect ; for there our Father is .

6. That God seeth all things , and doth whatsoeuer hee will ; for he is in Heauen , as the Prophet speaketh .

The first petition .

This concerneth Gods Glory , and is therefore in the first place : to teach , that Gods glory chiefly is to be preferred in our desires , 1. Cor. 10. 31.

Hallowed be thy Name .

In this petition we be taught to desire to acknowledge , ascribe and to procure holinesse , to be giuen to the Lord in those things , by which hee maketh himselfe knowne vnto vs , as by a Name , that is , his Titles , Attributes , Words and Workes ; whence we learne ,

1. That God hath made himselfe knowne vnto vs .

2. That holinesse belongeth vnto him .

3. That such things are to be thought of , spoken and done by vs , as his Name may receiue glory .

4. That therefore such things are to be auoyded , as may cause his Name to be blasphemed , and polluted among the wicked .

5. That sorrow should possesse our hearts , to see God dishonoured ; for as our desire should be to see his Name glorified : so griefe should arise in vs , to see his Name abused .

The second Petition .

This followeth the former , as the meanes to hallow Gods Name : teaching this , that if hee rule in vs , he shall be honoured of vs .

Thy Kingdome come .

In this we are taught to beg of God , that he would take the rule and reigne of all things , and to shew it according to his power , grace , and glory . Hence we learne

1. That God our Father hath a Kingdome .

2. That it is the desire of his children , that this should come , that is , that he should reigne ouer all , and rule all .

3. That it is not in our power to bring men vnder the rule of God , but the Kingdome , that is , the Lords supremacy and dominion commeth from him . It commeth vpon vs , it ariseth not from within vs , or from among vs .

4. That to haue God to rule and reigne , is a mercy to be craued at his hands .

5. That Gods Kingdome doth but in part here come vpon vs , because we desire whilst we liue , that it may come .

The third petition .

This followeth as the manifestation of our subiection to God ; teaching , that the doing of Gods will is the euidence of his rule and dominion ouer vs .

Thy will be done

Here we are taught to desire of God , that what his pleasure and will is , may be performed of vs . Hence we learne ,

1. That God hath his will , decree and purposes .

2. That this is onely to bee knowne and obserued , and submitted vnto .

3. That wee are to beg of God this his grace to be obedient .

4. That it is not in vs of our selues to submit to his will .

5. That it is not enough to know the will of God , to haue good desires and hearts , but to be doers of Gods will and to shew forth good workes .

In Earth ,

Wheresouer wee dwell , and whatsoeuer wee possesse , and so long as wee here liue on earth , Gods will must be done . Whence we learne ,

1. That wheresoeuer we abide in great or meane families , among Christians or heathen , Gods will is to be our rule , and wee are to resigne our selues to it .

2. That no earthly thing is to withdraw our obedience from Gods will .

3. That so long as wee be on earth , his will is to be done of vs .

As it is in Heauen .

The manner of doing Gods will is here set forth : teaching ,

1. That God requireth as well the right manner of doing , as the very doing of the deed it selfe .

2. That onely in Heauen , and not on Earth , are patternes of perfection , and of perfect obedience .

3. That in obedience the perfectest examples are to be set before vs for imitation .

4. That we are to striue to perfection , to liue here an heauenly life , the life of Angels , if it were possible .

5. That the doing of Gods will well , is his gift , and not of our selues .

The fourth petition .

The former petitions concerne Gods glory , the rest following the good of our selues ; teaching , that Gods glory , his Kingdome and Will are to bee preferred before our owne liues and saluation , in our desires .

Giue vs this day , our dayly bread .

Wee bee here taught to aske earthly blessings of God our Father . Hence we learne ,

1. That its lawfull to aske temporall blessings , & bodily meanes of life .

2. That all these things are his meere gift and of his goodnesse to vs .

3. That none can get them but as God is pleased to giue them .

4. That therefore enioying them he is to be praised , or wanting of them , we are to learne patience .

5. That present prouision should content vs , and not be troubled with distrustfull cares for the time to come .

6. That our desire is to be moderate and to rest with that which is necessary .

7. That the bread , that is , the meanes which wee liue vpon is to be our owne .

8. That we are euery day to depend on God for these outward things .

9. That care of prouision is to be had of our brethren , as well as of our selues .

The fift petition .

The former petition was for the body , so Christ descendeth to our weakenesse , to let vs begin there first , with the care whereof we be most troubled : this petition is for soules safety : teaching , that with care of bodies welfare , the soules danger should be seene vnto .

And forgiue vs our trespasses ,

We be here taught to beg of God pardon of sinnes . Out of which we learne ,

1. That all and euery one are offenders against God : for all are to aske forgiuenesse .

2. That we offend , not in one , but in many things : we are to acknowledge not a trespasse , but trespasses .

3. That therefore euery mans sanctification is weake to resist sin , and imperfect here .

4. That God onely can and doth forgiue sinnes .

5. That Gods pardon is a free pardon , we get it not by satisfaction , but beg forgiuenesse of his mercy .

6. That all the children of God doe obtaine pardon of their sins , and are assured thereof . Else Christ would not bid them aske pardon , if their sinnes were not pardonable , and to be pardoned , when they aske forgiuenesse being truly penitent .

7. That repentance is dayly to be renewed for our dayly slips : for this request must be dayly put vp to God .

8. That wee are to pray that God would forgiue our brethren , as well as our selues .

9. That therefore we are not to prouoke men to sinne , nor make a sport of their sinning .

As we forgiue them , that trespasse against vs .

Here is the signe of forgiuenes , by which we may know to whom remission belongeth , and it is for strengthning of our faith , in the assurance of pardon . The words are not a comparison ; nor any sampler to God how he should forgiue vs : Nor doe they plead any cause , to moue God , but are as a witnesse from this grace and mercy to others , that God will be mercifull to vs . If we that haue so little mercy yet can forgiue , how much more our Father the God of mercy , yea and mercy it selfe ? Hence may we learne ,

1. That our forgiuing one another , is not of the sinne , but of the iniury and damage against our owne persons .

2. They that looke for pardon of their owne sinnes from God , are to remit the trespasses done against themselues to their brethren .

3. That the mercifull may assure themselues that they shall obtaine mercy .

4. That though men doe trespasse one another ; yet are they to forgiue one another .

The sixth petition .

The last petition concerneth the safety of body and soule . The distinct care of the one and of the other , maketh vs care for the good of both together .

And lead vs not into temptation .

This is the petition , in which wee be taught to desire , as in the last place , Gods aide and assistance against our spirituall enemies , to teach vs ,

1. That the Godly are here subiect to temptations . They may not thinke to liue securely .

2. That no temptation can or doth befall vs , without the will and guidance of God .

3. That God will not suffer vs to be tempted aboue our power ; seeing he willeth vs to pray thus vnto him .

4. That it is in Gods power , and not in vs to preuent temptations .

5. That we should tender our brethren in their spirituall temptations .

6. That therefore wee should not be tempters our selues , to draw them to euill .

But deliuer vs from euill .

This is as the explanation , shewing how farre we desire not to be led into temptation , to wit , so farre , as wee bee not left in the danger and destruction thereof . Whence we learne ,

1. That wee are not to pray simply not to be tempted at all , but respectiuely as it may be euill and sinfull to vs .

2. That euill is the thing wee are to desire to be freed from .

3. That it is not in mans power to free himselfe from euill in time of temptation .

4. That God onely can and will free his from euill : for what we are willed to aske , that we may looke to obtaine of God .

5. That wee are to pray for our brethren that euill seaze not vpon them , that they be not ouercome in temptation .

The conclusion .

Which is in part a reason why we aske all these of God , partly a confirmation of our faith , with an acknowlegement of the things herein , which is a praysing of God : which teacheth vs , that our requests should be grounded vpon good reasons , and such as God affordeth vs . And in that the conclusion followeth the sixe petitions , we learne that these containe all things needfull to be asked of God , either for his glory , or our safety ; else would Christ haue added more .

For thine is Kingdome , power and glory for euer .

Wee are taught here what to make the grounds of our requests , and what to ascribe vnto God .

Whence we learne ,

1. That soueraginty , power and glory , belong onely to God , and to him to be ascribed .

2. That these three , with the consideration of the eternity therof , are strong confirmations of our faith in prayer .

3. That Gods Kingdome , power and glory are endlesse .

4. That praises as well as prayers are our duty to God .

Amen .

It is an asseueration or wish , and an earnest longing to haue what we pray for . And hence note two things ,

1. That the desire is to be inflamed after those things which we beg of God . So must we be feruent in prayer .

2. That we are to be perswaded , that what we aske , according to this holy forme of prayer , wee shall obtaine .

Honour and glory , and power , and prayses , and dominion ouer all , be ascribed to God our Father , in Christ Iesus , by the operation of the Spirit now and euer .

Amen .

A PRAYER FOR A Family at all times .

OBlessed Lord God , and Our Father which art in Heauen , thou that louingly tendrest the welfare of thy people , carefully prouiding for them , and liberally bestowing thy blessings vpon them , we thy poore children by adoption in Christ Iesus , assured hereof by thy holy Spirit , doe , in the brotherly fellowship of loue , with the rest of thy Saints , most humbly sue vnto thy Diuine Maiesty , for thy heauenly grace , that wee may serue thee . Hallowed ( O Father ) be thy Name ; let such feare and reuerence possesse our hearts , that by our words and workes , we may set forth thy praise and glory , according as thou hast and doest make thy self known to vs in thy Word and in thy Workes . We know ( O Father ) that wee owe this duty vnto thee , for our election , for our naturall being , for our heauenly vocation , for our iustification , sanctification and our happy preseruation both bodily and ghostly : but we are not of our selues able to glorifie thy Name by well-doing , but as thou thy selfe shalt inable vs therevnto : for it is thou ( O Father and Author of all goodnesse ) that workest in vs both the will and the deed . Let therefore , Thy Kingdome come , send forth thy Word to teach vs , thy Spirit to conuert vs more & more ; subdue the kingdome of sin & Satan , & do thou take the rule and gouernment ouer vs into thy owne hands ; and by thy power so defend vs , and by thy especiall grace make vs such faithfull , such loyall subiects to thee alwayes and in all things , in this Kingdome of Grace , that at the length of thy Fatherly mercy , we might attaine to the Kingdome of Glory .

And because our hearts be deceitfull through too much ignorance , self-loue , and hidden hypocrisie , that we may be thereby easily deceiued , in liuing onely in an outward bare profession of thy Name , and onely in an outward formall worship and seruice to thy Maiesty , giue grace ( O heauenly Father ) that by vs thy Will may be done in earth , as it is in Heauen . Make vs in this our pilgrimage , while we here liue from home , mingled among Aliens and strangers from the life of God , so faithfull in belieuing , so conscionable in liuing , so patient in suffering for wel-doing , as hereby our hearts by thy Spirit may ascertaine vs that wee be truely the children of regeneration and grace . Worke in vs this good worke , that wee may wholy renounce our owne wills , dye to our selues and to the world , submit to thee , and to thy will in euery condition , and say , It is the Lord , let him doe what seemeth him good . What thou commandest , that put into our harts to practise , and whom we see to be examples of wel-doing before vs , giue vs grace to follow them , and to striue euen to imitate the holy Angels of heauen in doing thy will , readily without lingering , cheerefully without murmuring , faithfully without adding or diminishing , sincerely without sinister respect , and constantly without wauering , and neuer bee weary of weldoing . What though we haue crosses and many discontentments , yet let it neuer repent vs , that wee haue repented , denyed our selues , and renounced the world to follow thee , euen in the straight way which leadeth to life and immortality in the end .

And now ( O Lord ) for that we liue in these decaying Tabernacles , in these bodies of clay , needing dayly sustentation , wee beseech thee giue vs this day our dayly bread ; of thy goodnesse , put forth thy liberall hand towards vs , in granting vs what is necessary for life , and conuenient for our present estate and calling , in which wee liue . Afford vs health and peace , if it be thy will , and such abilities of body and minde , as may inable vs to walke painfully in our vocations . Blesse the diligent labour of our hands , and so guide vs , that our gettings may be in iustice and honesty , our keeping in commendable frugality , and our expending in wisedome and charity . If we haue but little , let it content vs ; if much , make vs thankfull and mercifull . And whatsoeuer we possesse of these outward things , Lord , grant that with a good conscience we may enioy them , and make a good vse of them , that they may be blessed to vs and ours . And if it please thee to trie vs in any losse , let not our inward peace be troubled , nor our hearts fret , or be any way disquieted there with ; but say contentedly . The Lord giueth , and the Lord taketh away , blessed bee his Name for euer . We know ( ô Almighty Lord God ) that thy hand is not shortned , thy goodnes is not lessened , nor the fountaine of thy mercies drawne dry , but that thou canst giue vs all these things , and whatsoeuer wee stand in need of in a most plentifull manner : but alasse , alasse , we looking vpon our vnworthinesse , and our wretchednesse , doe acknowledge that wee haue many wayes sinned against thee , of ignorance , of knowledge , of infirmity , and sometimes wilfully : we are borne in sin , we haue broken forth into trespasses against thee . Oh how do we dayly commit one euill or another , in thought , word , & deed against thee , and against our brethren ! Oh how vsuall a thing is it with vs to omit our duties to thee and our neighbours , and neuer to be grieued at it ! What other thing therefore may wee looke for at thy hands , than thy deserued wrath ? But ( O our Father , the God of mercy , that art infinite in goodnesse , and takest no pleasure in the death of a sinner , we humbly beseech thee to be mercifull vnto vs , to forgiue vs our trespasses , as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs . Wee that be by corruption of nature mercilesse , through thy loue powred into our hearts , do freely forgiue our brethren their offences and iniuries done vnto vs ; we therefore trust that thou being our Father , a mercifull God , yea mercy it selfe , wilt freely remit our sins , and neuer lay them vnto our charge in this life , nor in the life to come . Wee beg this forgiuenes at thy hands for Iesus sake our Sauiour , in whom thou art well pleased . He is our atonement accept him for vs , by his death hee hath payd our debt , thy iustice therefore is satisfied , of thy mercy be reconciled vnto vs . And here of ( good Father ) perswade vs by thy good Spirit that wee may be comforted against despaire ; and that the dread of thy wrath doe not interrupt our prayers , nor breake off our dayly accesse vnto the throne of Grace . Be fauourable , and not fearefull vnto vs thy children and seruants : for wee are sorry for our offences ; the remembrance of them is greeuous vnto vs , & we doe desire more carefully hereafter to please thee , and euer to walke before thee , as it becommeth thy Saints . But ( ô Lord our God , thou that beholdest al things ) dost know the we are very weak of our selues , and are compassed about with enemies ; our nature is corrupted , and playeth the Traytor ; the whole world lyeth polluted in wickednes , & Satan seeketh restlesly whom he may deuoure ; we cannot preuent temptations ; wee cannot free ourselues from the euils thereof . And therefore ( Holy Father ) tender vs in mercy , haue compassion vpon vs , and lead vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill . Hold vs vp by diuine inspiration against Satans suggestion : by inward sanctification against natures corruption , and by a holy conuersation against the worlds pollution , that although we be tempted , we may not be ouercome , and though through infirmity we fall , yet helpe thou to raise vs vp againe . O thou God of strength and power , goe before vs we pray thee , and enter into this spirituall battell with vs ; in danger leaue vs not , and doe not withdraw thy good grace from vs . And if in the multitude of thy mercies thou wilt be pleased to pardon what is past , to watch ouer vs for the time present , and to preuent vs by thy grace for the time to come , we will acknowledge , as thy due praises , from most thankfull harts , that thine is Kingdome , power , and glory for euer . Amen .

Let thy Almighty hand be with vs in our defence against the Diuell , the world and the flesh . Thy tender mercy in Iesus Christ saue vs : and let not our sins be a wall of separation betweene thee and vs . Thy true and holy Word instruct vs , and giue vs grace to cast off al vaine inuentions of man , superstition , wil-worship and idolatry . Thy gracious Spirit comfort vs , by the sweet promises of the Gospell , and free pardon in Christ , and not by the idle conceit of our owne merits and workes of satisfaction , wee being altogether thy vnprofitable seruants . Thy holy Angels pitch their Tents about vs , and about all belonging to vs , that we may be preserued both in body and soule , from all perils and dangers of this present life , through our onely Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ . To whom with thee ( O Father ) and that blessed Spirit , be all Honour , Glory , Praise , Maiesty , and Dominion for al thy blessings and mercies towards vs , and towards thy whole Church , henceforth and for euermore .

Amen .

AN ADMONITORY Conclusion . 2. Tim. 2. 19.

LEt euery one that nameth the Name of Christ , depart from iniquity . God will not heare such as come in their sinnes , Esay . 1. Such as despise the Word of reproofe , and will not be reformed , Pro. 1. 24 , 25 , 28. Therefore if we looke that God should heare our prayers , let vs vnfainedly repent of sinne , and depart from iniquity .

First , from Atheisme , which is the denying of a God , either secretly or openly .

We depart from this iniquity , when we renounce Atheisme , and doe know , and acknowledge that there is a God . They that come to God , must beleeue that he is , and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seeke him , Heb. 11. 6.

The second is Gentilisme , which is the acknowledging of many false gods , and the taking of them for God , which are no gods .

We depart from this iniquity , when we protest against Gentilisme , and do know & acknowledge but onely one God , and the same also the true and euerliuing God .

The third is Turcisme , which is the profession of one God , euen that God which made Heauen and Earth , but not as he hath manifested himselfe in his Word , nor acknowledging God in Christ .

We depart from this iniquity , when we detest this Turcisme , and when wee know and acknowledge God in Christ reconcyling the world , the Trinity in vnity , and the vnity in Trinity , as he hath made himselfe manifest vnto vs in his holy Word .

The fourth is Iudaisme , which is the seruing of the true God , after the ceremoniall law of Moses , reiecting Christ the true Messiah already come , and vainely expecting another to come .

We depart from this iniquity , when we disclaim saluation by the law , and doe know and acknowledge Iesus Christ to be the true Messiah , by whom we looke to be saued , seruing God in spirit and truth , according to the doctrine of the Gospell .

The fift is Will-worship , which is ( vnder what shew and pretence soeuer ) a voluntary worshipping of God , in and by such meanes , as man inuenteth , either against or without the warrant of Gods own reuealed will , in his written Word .

We depart from this iniquity , when wee forsake our owne wisedome and wills in his worship , and doe know , and acknowledge how , wherein , and after what manner God hath commanded himselfe to be worshipped , & then do strictly obserue the same .

The sixth is Heresie , which is an obstinate maintaining of any error , to the ouerthrowing of any fundamentall point of our Christian profession .

We depart from this iniquity , when wee willingly disclaime our errors , when they be made knowne to vs ; and when we know and readily acknowledge the verity and truths of God , according to our measure of knowledge giuen vnto vs .

The seuenth is Schisme , which is an vncharitable disvnion , and an vnlawfull separation from the true Church of Christ , or any true member of the same , forsaking the fellowship of the Saints wilfully in a factiousnesse of spirit making vnlawfull assemblies within and among themselues .

We depart from this iniquity , when wee condemne such an vnchristian diuision , and doe know and acknowledge the true congregations of Gods people , abyding with them , keeping among you the vnity of the spirit , in the bond of peace .

The eighth is Prophanenesse , which is to liue vnworthy the holy profession of a Christian , after the liberty of the flesh ; not respecting religion for the pleasures , the profits , and honours of this present euill world ; but in comparison of these , valewing nothing of religion , being the children of Belial , children of disobedience , and wrath . By whom Christianity is stained , and God himselfe greatly dishonoured .

We depart from this iniquity , when we deny ourselues , flie from the company of such , hauing no fellowship with the vnfruitfull workes of darkenesse , but reprouing them rather , and endeuoring to liue godly , righteously and soberly in this present world , being zealous of good workes .

The ninth is Hypocrisie , which is the shadow onely of piety , and shew of wel-doing before men , without any power or conscience of religion before God in the heart , seruing the times , and making profession of religion for aduantage .

We depart from this iniquity , when we hate this sinne , and doe take dayly an examination of our hearts by a well informed iudgement , setting our selues before God , and making conscience the Iudge of all our doings , so as wee dare appeale to the Alseeing God of Heauen , concerning our vprightnesse in that which outwardly we make shew of .

The tenth is Papisme , which is mans superstitious inuention , a counterfet Christianity , vnchristianly Iudaizing , and wickedly imitating the heathenish idolaters , teaching old heresies , and the professors thereof practising , by Machiauillian policies , all deceit , trechery , treason , and mercilesse cruelties to vphold the same .

We depart from this iniquity of the bottonlesse pit , when wee disclaim that Antichrist of Rome as the Head , & that Romish Church , as now it stands , as the whore of Babylon , and being come out from her , shall zealously vphold and maintaine this truth , and faith which wee now stand in , vnto the end , which God grant . Amen .

Thus we see these ten heads of iniquity ( to which may be referred all other sinnes ) which wee must depart from , and all the particular branches thereof , if we euer draw neere vnto God , with hope to be heard of him ; for he is a God that hateth wickednesse : and if in our hearts wee delight in it , the Lord ( as the Psalmist speaketh ) will not regard vs . And therefore when we come before our God let it be in vnfained repentance , faith and assurance of Gods mercie , to be accepted in Christ Iesus , in whom our God is euer well pleased : to whom be Glory and Prayse for euermore .

Amen . FINIS .