The conuerted mans new birth describing the direct way to go to heauen: wherein all men may clearely see, whether they shall be saued or damned. Shewing the principall care, and vehement desire, which euery one ought to take, in seeking their saluation. With the spirituall battle betweene the regenerate man and Sathan. Heere is also layd open the true estate of the regenerate man, with the certainty of his saluation: with an excellent marke, to know the childe of God, which hath truely repented; and concluding with a right zealous and godly prayer, out of the pure fountaine of the holy Scripture. Dedicated vnto all the elect children of God, which truely repent. Newly published by Iohn Andrewes Preacher of Gods Word. Being first seene and allowed. Andrewes, John, fl. 1615. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A19522 of text S116760 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 595). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 55 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A19522 STC 595 ESTC S116760 99851976 99851976 17273 2240936641

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A19522) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 17273) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1126:10) The conuerted mans new birth describing the direct way to go to heauen: wherein all men may clearely see, whether they shall be saued or damned. Shewing the principall care, and vehement desire, which euery one ought to take, in seeking their saluation. With the spirituall battle betweene the regenerate man and Sathan. Heere is also layd open the true estate of the regenerate man, with the certainty of his saluation: with an excellent marke, to know the childe of God, which hath truely repented; and concluding with a right zealous and godly prayer, out of the pure fountaine of the holy Scripture. Dedicated vnto all the elect children of God, which truely repent. Newly published by Iohn Andrewes Preacher of Gods Word. Being first seene and allowed. Andrewes, John, fl. 1615. [8], 39, [1] p. Printed by N. O[kes] and I. N[orton], London : 1629. Printer's name and publisher's name from STC. Imperfect; tightly bound with loss of print. Reproduction of the original in the Princeton Theological Seminary. Library. eng Spiritual life -- Early works to 1800. eebo The conuerted mans new birth: describing the direct way to go to heauen: wherein all men may clearely see, whether they shall be saued or damned. Shew Andrewes, John 1629 48 9436 94 0 0 0 0 0 99.62 D The rate of 99.62 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-02 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-02 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-01 Sampled and proofread 2007-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE Conuerted Mans New Birth : describing the direct way to go to Heauen : wherein all men may clearely see , whether they shall be saued or damned .

●hewing the Principall care , and vehement desire , which euery one ought to take , in seeking their Saluatio● . With the Spirituall battle betweene the regenerate Man and Sathan .

Heere is also layd open the true estate ●f the Regenerate Man , with the certainty ●● his Salu●●ion : With an excellent marke , to know the Childe of God , which hath truely repented ; And concluding with a right zealous and godly Prayer , out of the pure Fountaine of the holy Scripture .

Dedicated vnto all the Elect Children of God , which truely Repent .

Newly Published by Iohn Andrewes Preacher of Gods Word . Being first seene and allowed .

LONDON : Printed by N. O. and I. N. 1629.

Christian Readers , I haue Dedicated and directed this my Booke vnto all You , the Elect Children of God , desiring through Iesus Christ , your health in the LORD .

GEntle Readers , or Hearers , whosoeuer yee are , that are the Children of GOD , vnto whom this my Booke is Dedicated : I desire you all , as good and ●ouing Patrons , which shall eyther heare or peruse this my labour , to grant me these two requests : First , to beleeue , that in making it , I haue made it according vnto the Truth , wherein I ayme not at mine owne profit , but at the setting forth of Gods glory , the discha●ge of my conscience , and the benefit of you the Children of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ . Secondly , to reade it attentiuely , with all sedulity ; and censure as you shall finde , accept as you like , and deale therein towards me the Author , as God shall mooue your mindes . And with all , I most earnestly desire you , and euery one of you , tha● shall gather any spirituall comfort to cure your soules , out o● these my Labours , to receiue my instructions willingly , treasur● them in your hearts carefully , an● meditate thereon zealously , tha● yee enter not into temptatio● carelesly .

And further , I intirely beseec● you , to pray vnto our Lord Iesus Christ for me , to giue me his Grace , guide mee with hi● Word , and direct mee by hi● Holy Spirit , that what I eythe● Preach or Write , I may both i● life and Doctrine , expresse an● performe the same vnto my liu● end : That whilst I endeauour t● rayse others , I may rayse m●selfe from all my sinnes , vnto the Glory of GODS Holy name , and the saluation of my owne soule , in the great day of our Lord : And so doe for mee , an earnest repentant sinner , euen as you your selues , towards your selues , expect from Iesus Christ . Vale in Christo .

Yours towards you , as I would you should be for me ▪ Iohn Andrewes Preacher of Gods Word ,
The Contents of the Booke . THE first Chapter entreteth of the principall care , zeale , an vehement desire , which ●uery one ought to take , in seking their saluation . p. ● The second Chapter entreate● of the shortnesse and vncertainty of mans life , an● how it may be a motiue to induce vs to returne vnto t●● Lord by repentance . p. 1● The third Chapter describeth short and caelestiall view ●● the place whereunto wee a● called . p. 1● The fourth Chapter entreateth of the spirituall battle , in which no doubt , but euery regenerate man oftentimes fighteth against Sathan , before hee attaine eternall life . p. 16 The fifth Chapter entreateth of the true estate of the regenerate man , with the certainty of his saluation . page 23 The sixt Chapter sheweth an excellent marke to know the childe of God , which hath truely repented . pag. 33 Lastly , a right zealous and godly Prayer , taken out of the pure Fountaine of the Holy Scripture . pag. 38

THese parts are al● Authenticall , an● exactly comprise in a short and compend●ous Method ; briefly to be reade , that it may be effectually practised .

THE Conuerted Mans new Birth : Describing the direct way to goe to HEAVEN .
CHAP. I. This first Chapter entreateth of the principall Care , Zeale , and vehement desire , which euery one ought to take in the seeking their saluation .

THere is nothing in the World that we ought so to affect and desire , as to seeke to haue our soules saued in the Kingdome of Heauen : And if there bee any thing in the Booke of GOD , from the Alpha of Genesis , vnto the Omega of the Reuelation , that is able to draw a sinner vnto Repentance , sure it is the remembrance of his Saluation ; And as the Lord of Hosts hath drawne his sword by forraigne Nations , shewing the miseries that are like to ensue vppon vs by reason of our sinne , and security : Let vs now therefore , with all expedition , bestow our short and troublesome time in seeking our saluation , and with all Humility returne vnto the Lord by speedy Repentance , for if we loose the life of our bodies , by defending the Gospell , in seeking our saluation , wee may find it againe ; but if we loose our soules for want thereof , it will be irreuokeable , and neuer recalled againe : Oh too too many now a dayes in this declyning age , seeme to bee carelesse of their saluation .

And although England neuer liued so long in peace and security , nor the Gospell neuer so generally Preached amongst vs , yet I feare , neuer did men make so ill vse of so good a blessing ; miranda miserecordia , Gods mercy is to be wondred at , that he hath spared vs so long ; it is his mercy , and nothing but his mercy , that wee are not consumed ; our sinnes is , In ultimo gradu , in the highest degree that may bee , so that Laetantur cum malefecerint , they reioyce and take pleasure , when they haue done euill ; wherefore I doubt not , but the iniquity of the whole World is come to maturity , which causeth our sinnes to crye louder then the sinnes of Sodome ; Ezekel 16. 49. 50. and ascend higher then the sinnes of Niniuch . Ionas 1. 2.

Wherefore , if all our Nauie were ready , all our Ports fortified ; all our Coasts guarded ; all our men strongly armed , and our Land inuironed with a wall of Brasse ; yet it is to be feared , that wee haue a Traytor within vs , euen our long continued and vnrepented sinnes , that will draw Gods vengeance vppon vs , and cause him to whet his sword , and vtterly confound vs , Except wee repent . God would haue spared Sodome , i● there had beene but twenty , nay but ten Righteous therein : So no doubt , it is for some good peoples sake , that holds vp their hands like Moses , and grieue for the sinnes of our time , like Lot , that God hath spared vs so long .

Agayne , Gods sword was once drawne agaynst Niniueh , agaynst whom a fearefull doome was pronounced ; Yet forty daies and Niniueh shall bee destroyed . The King and the Nobility , Ionas 3. 4. with all his Subiects , presently fell to Repentance : they fasted ; they prayed ; and incessantly with all humility humbled themselues in Sacke-cloath and Ashes , their sinnes cryed for vengeance ; but their Repentance for mercy , their sinnes ascend vp to Heauen , Ionas 1. 2. and clamours loud in the eares of Gods iustice for vengeance , vengeance , O reuenge with vengeance .

Their Repentance ascends higher , and cryes louder into the eares of Gods mercy : Good Lord haue mercy , spare vs , O spare vs we beseech thee ; whereby we may see that God regards not the clamour of sinne , so much as hee doth the crye of a true repentant sinner .

But England , O sinnefull England , there was neuer any Nation in the World , that hath such store of Heauenly Manna , as his Word , his Will , his Truth , his Gospell , which wee haue receiued , Iugentia beneficia , infinite benefits , much knowledge of the Truth , so much Preaching of the Word , and so much glorious light of the Gospell : And yet Mirandum est degeneres nos , it is wonder , and a great wonder , that such a degenerate generation as this , such a corrupt and sinnefull Nation as wee , should so liue in such a blessed and illuminated a time .

But our sinnes , our sinnes , our vnrepented sinnes , are more then can bee numbred by any Arithmetition , and greater then can be measured by a Geometrition : As our a a Ieremiah 5. 7. Eccles. 23. 9. swearing and forswearing ; our b b Ierem. 17. 21. prophatning the Lords Sabaoth ; our c c Iere. 6. 14. Ieremiah 5. 3. contempt of Gods Word ; our d d Ieremiah 6. 13 couetousnesse ; our e e Amos 6. 6. drunkennes ; our f f Esay 3. 10 , 11 , 12. Ieremiah 9. 5. deceite ; our g g Ezechiel 6. 9. whoredome , our pride , our vnthankfulnes , and our waxing worse & worse , with many moe , which crye to Heauen for Gods vengeance against vs .

Oh therefore let vs with all expedition seeke for our saluation by speedy repentance : Let vs not onely wéepe , but powre foorth our teares for our sins like h h Esay 5. Esay 29. 20. Hab. 2. 5. Dauid : h Psal. 6. 6. Wrestle with GOD like i i Gene. 32. 24. Iacob : Crye like k k Esay . 58. 1. Esay : That our heads may be full of water , and our eyes a Fountayne of teares , like l l Iere. 4. 19. Ieremiah : Let vs be clad m m Iohn 3. 6. in Sacke-cloath like the Niniuites : Humbled vnto the ground n n Gene. 17. 18 ▪ like Abraham : Mourne like a Doue o o Esay . 38. 14. with Ezechia : Rore out p p Iob. 3. 24. our griefe with Iob : Powre out our Soule q q 1 Sam 1. 10. with Hanna : Rent our r r Ioel. 3. 13. hearts with the penitent ; lament with s s Mat. 26. 75. Peter : Sorrow t t Luk. 7. 38. with Mary : And crye out with the u u Acts 16. 30. Acts. 2. 37. Iewes ; Men and Brethren , what shall we doe to bee saued ? For there is nothing more needefull , then the saluation of our soules .

The vehement desire of their saluation , caused the Patriarks , Prophets , and the Saints of the old World , to long for , and desire that eternall , sweete , and most ioyful inheritance , Regnum Dei , the Kingdome of God ; It caused Abraham to forsake his a a Gene. 12. 4. Heb. 11. 8. owne naturall Countrey ; and his Fathers House , and t● go● he knew not whither : It caused Moses to forsake b b Exod 2. 11. Heb. 11. 24. Aegypt , and refused to be called the Son of Pharaohs daughter : it caused Toby , Iob , Elias , and Paul , to wish To be dissolued , and to bee with Christ .

It caused the carelesse Niniuites to beléeue c c Ionas . 3. 5. Ionas Preaching : The desperate souldiers to heare d d Mat. 3 5 Iohns Sermon : The obstinate Israelites to heare e e Acts. 2. 37. Peters perswasion : The Euenuch to giue eare to f f Acts. 18 38. Phillip : Cornelius the Captayne , with a great multitude , to heare g g Acts. 10. 5. Peter ; and the Macedonians to h h Acts. 20. 7 continue Paules Doctrine vntill midnight .

When Iohn the Baptist first Preached , Primitiua quidem Ecclesia , The Primitiue Church did most clearely shine , in so much that i i Mat. 11. 12. the Kingdome of Heauen suffered violence ; That is , there was such forwardnesse and zeale , in those that heard him Preach , to procure their saluation , in the Kingdome of Heauen , that they stroue most earnestly to goe in ; and this affection our Sauiour requireth , when he sayth , Striue to enter in at the straight Gate ; For Dominus vobiscum dum vos cum Domino : The Lord is with you , Luke . 13. 24. while yée heare his voyce . 2 Chro. 15. 2.

The Prophet Dauid lamented that hée was so long kept from the ioyes of his Saluation : Woe is me ( sayth hee ) that I am constrained to dwell with Mosech , and to haue my habitation among the Tents of Keder . And agayne , Like as the Hart desireth the water brooke ; so longeth my soule after thee O God : And agayne , hée sayth , That hee should vtterly haue fainted , but that hee did rest in hope of a better Kingdome ; and beleeued verily in short time , to see the ioyes of his Saluation , in the land of the liuing .

And many others counted their Country but a cursed vale of misery ; their worldly glory but vanity ; their dwellings but a Prison ; their pleasure but sorrow , mourning and teares ; and all their doings were to this end that they might ioy in their saluation in the kingdome of Heauen .

CHAP. II. The second Chapter entreateth of the shortnesse , and vncertainty of mans life , and how it may be a motiue to induce vs to returne vnto the Lord by repentance , because no man knowes the time thereof , nor when God will call him .

ALl Creatures waxe olde with this aged World ; although Methusela liued 969. a a Gen. 5. 27. yeares ; yet in our age if we reach to 80. it b b Psal 89. 46. is with sorrow and labour ; mans dayes are but a c c Psal. 39. 5 , 6. span , saith Dauid , and all flesh is grasse , sayth the Prophet d d Esay 40. 6. Esay : So that man is scarce entred into the World , but he is admonished to remember to depart out of e e Eccle. 40. 1. ●● . the same ; for as all the world is mutable , so of all the things in the world , man is most mutable , wee are all but Tenants at will , and know not how long we shall remayne in this earthly Tabernacle , and as our dayes are but short and euill , and many cut off f f Gene. 7. 11. Gene. 19. 24. Exod. 14. 27. Num. 21. 6. Num. 16. 31. Acts 12. 23. Luke 12. 20. Acts 5. 10. Iudg. 3. 21 , 22. 2 Sam. 3. 27. suddainly , that they haue scarce time to thinke on God , or once crye Lord helpe me ; therefore we ought alwaies so to liue , that wee may euer g g Esay 55. 6. Iere. 25. 15. Gal. 6. 10. Heb. 3. 7. 15. Psalme 95. 8. bee prepared for the Lord .

Let the memory of death bee euer the looking-glasse of our life , and seeing the young must depart from the World as well as the old : Let vs imagine that the Spring of our dayes are past , our Summer is spent , and that wee are arriued at the Autumne , or fall of the leafe ; h h Psalme 89. 46 So that in euery moment wee are in the waning ; The date of our poore Pilgrimage almost expired , and the Lamp of our liues lyeth twinckling vppon the snuffe ; our forces enféebled , our sences impayred , and on euery side , our tottering and ruinous cottage of our faint flesh , ready to fall .

It were now high time , therefore , to leaue our owne wayes , and q q Psalme 77. 6. with all expedition looke towards our Caelestiall home ; lest wée bée like those which are tossed with many sturdy stormes , and cannot ariue at their desired Port ; ride little way , but are much turmoyled .

So , these that passe many yeares in their vnrepented sins , and purchase but small profit to salue their sicke soules , should haue a long lyuing in destruction , Prouerbs 8. 1. but a short life in r r Wis. 4. 8. 9. Prouerbs 16. 31 Wisdome 17. 10 conuersion ; besides that , where sinne raignes there goes Gods curse also : There is no peace to s s Esay 48. 2● . Prouerbs 28. 1. the wicked .

But howsoeuer , whether in youth , or in age , wée would leaue our sinnes , and returne vnto the Lord by Repentance , wee must know this , that it is not in our owne t t Lam. 5. 21. Iere. 31. 18. 2 Tim. 2. 25 , 26. power .

No man can leaue his sinnes when he would ; nor no Pope or Potentate can pardon them but God : neyther is any u u Psal 49. 7 , 8 Acts. 4. 12. Hos. 13. 4. Psal. 32. 1 , 2 , 3. Math. 1. 21. Luke . 5. 11. Psal. 3. 8. Iohn 15. 16. Iohn 1. 29. Acts 10. 43. Psal. 17. 7. Daniel 9. 9. Hosa 14. 34. Luke 2. 30 1 Tim. 1. 15. Luke 24. 47. 1 Iohn 1. 7 Psalme 4. 8. 1 Iohn 3. 5 , 6. Psal. 51. 12. 14. Iohn 6. 93. Esay 45. 15. Psalme 79. 9. Luke 1. 17. Iohn 4. 9. man capable of grace , necessary to saluation , before God cals him , as our Sauiour sayth , No man can come vnto me , except my Father draw x x Iohn 6. 44. him .

The labourer receiued his peny , as well that came in the last houre , as hée that came in the y y Mat. 27. 38. first : And the Théefe was saued , that was on the Crosse : So that there is no time too late , in this life to repent , if wée repent truely , whensoeuer it shall please God to call vs , neyther any time too earely , if wée prepare our selues to leaue our sins , and come vnto him when hée calls vs : So that , whether it be earely , or late , wée must alwayes prepare our selues , to forsake our selues in our sinnes , and come at his calling .

CHAP III The third Chapter describeth a short and Caelestiall view of the place , whereunto we are called .

WE are not called vnto any earthly a a Iohn 7. 37. Tabernacle , but to the Kingdome of b b Mat. 2● . 14. Heauen , vnto that blessed c c ● Peter 1. 11. and euerlasting Kingdome , vnto that Celestiall and Heauenly d d Luke 24. Ierusalem , that Kingdome of f f Reue. 21. 11. glory ; that throne of g g Reue. 22. 1. Maiesty ; that Paradize h h Reue. 2. 7 of pleasure ; that glory of God , and life k k Iohn 17. 3 euerlasting , which was the first l l Genesis 1. 1. Psalme 33. 6. Psalme 136. 5. Acts 14. 15. Reue. 14. 17. of all Gods workes and therefore it is most ancient .

Whose felicity cannot m m 1 Cor. 2. 9 Esay 64. 4 Psalme 31. 20. bee imagined , neyther the blessings numbred , so incomparable as cannot bee equalled , and of such value as none can comprize it , so great as cannot be measured , and of such eternity , as neuer can be n n Danel 7. 14. Luke 1. ●3 . Daniel ● . 44. ended ▪

The very name of Heauen to all is louely , because it is a Hauen o o Ma● 11. 28 , 29. Iere ▪ ● . ●6 . for rest ; a Citty p p 〈…〉 2● . 2. for beauty , and a Kingdom q q Ma● 16. 19. for state : It is the Harbour for the r r Exodus 6. 3 ▪ Iust ; the peculiar s s 1 Peter 2. 9. people ; the regenerate t t Titus 2. 14. 2 Cor. 5. 9. Christians ; the u u Luke 1. ●9 . Iohn 1● . 8. 12 ▪ Iohn 9. 5. Iohn 1. 9 Iohn 11. 12. 35. Iohn 12. 36. Ephe. 5. 8. Children of light ; the elect by Gods praeordination ; where all are w w Mat. 25. 34. Kings , and Heires with x x Gala. 4. 7. Christ ; inuested with y y Rom. 8. 17. Rom. 9. 13. glory ; Crowned with Maiesty , cloathed z z 2 Tim. 4. 8. 1 Peter . 5. 4. with security , decked with delights , replenished with pleasure , garnished with all graces , adorned with beauty , furnished with the best company , and flourishing with the flower of all Nations ; it is desired of all , hoped for of many , but only enioyed of the best .

And as Heauen is out Summum bonum , our chiefe good thing , so it is our Terminus adquem the end of al our a a 1 Cor. 1. 21. Esay . 2. 5. Ma●. 16. 15. Preaching , the drift of all our b b Psalme 95. 8. Ioshuah 8. 4. 1 Samuel 12. 14 Hearing , the fruite of all c c Rom. 10. 17. Mat. 13. 4. Mat. 4. 39. Luke . 8. 8. Mat. 16. 16. 17. Iohn 6. 65. our Beleeuing ; the effect of all our d d 1 Iohn 5. 20. Gala. 4. 9. Knowledge ; and the mayne poynt of all our Profession , that wee may so liue , that wée may enioy , this blessed and euerlasting Kingdome .

CHAP. IIII. The fourth Chapter entreateth of the Spirituall battle , in which no doubt , euery Regenerate man oftentimes fighteth against Sathan , before hee attaine eternall life .

SAthan is euer quiet with the sinner , before hee feareth he shall loose him , but then hée séeketh by all meanes that possibly hée can , to attempt , peruert , and vtterly ouerthrow * * 1 Peter 5. 8 him .

Moses was quiet , vntill hée beganne to deliuer the Children of Israel ; then●orah ●orah could say , a a Number 16. 3 ▪ Yee take too much vppon you : King Dauid was quiet when he kept his Fathers b b 1 Sam. 16. 11. sheep ; but after he fought for the Church of God : Then Saul c c 1 Sam. 17. 50. 1 Sam. 18. 11. 29 could rise against him : Saint Paul was quiet , so long as hee was with the Scribes d d Acts 9. 1 , 2. Acts 22. ●● . 34. and Pharisees , but afterwards hee had enemies enough : Sathan tempted , and ouercame the perfectest , as e e Genesis 3. 6. Adam ; the strongest as f f Iudges 16. 1● sampson ; and the wisest as g g 2 Reg 11 Salomon : Hee therefore that h h 1 Cor. 10. 12. standeth , let him take heed lest he fall , Christ was no sooner Baptized , and had fasted i i Mathew . 4. 1 ▪ Luke 4. 1. Marke . 1. 12. forty dayes , but Sathan could tempt him .

And so it is with euery Regenerate man , euen when hee is most weakest , then the Diuell is strongest , 1 Peter 5. ● . and busiest agaynst him ; Who daily laboureth to delude him with all manner of inticements : First , To delight in sinne : Secondly , To consent : Thirdly , To custome , and from custome to hardness of heart from hardnesse of heart , to boasting , from boasting , vnto desperation , and from desperation to damnation ; and thus by degrees , if sinne be not resisted , the Diuell will labour to bring the sinner vnto destruction . Wherefore wee must daily labour to preuent them by Diuine meditations ; diuert them by feruent prayers , and correct them by sighes , and speedy Repentance : For I holde those intisements , and vanishing thoughts , which many times passe through a Regenerate man without approbation , not without suppression , to be properly Nec mors nec morbus animae , sed deformitas , Neyther the death , nor disease of the soule , but the deformity thereof , they are Tela immisa , Sathans darts , shot at vs , In corde , non excorde , in the heart , not of the heart : which the godly seeke , but giue no consent vnto , they are our crosses , but not our sinnes , they are but Morbus mentis , The disease of the minde .

Those motions St. Paul confesseth , the Children of God , are neuer free from them : It is obserued in Hierom , which hee bewrayes in many places of his workes , That his whole life , was in continuall war-faire with his lusts : It caused St. Paul to crye out , to bee deliuered from the pricke of the flesh ; But the Lord answered him , My grace is sufficient for thee , for my strength is made perfect in thy weaknesse .

I hold these & such like temptations , to bee the battle which euery Regenerate man fighteth agaynst Sathan . For , where were a a Timothy 2. 9. grace , if there were b b Iames 1. 14. no temptation ? where were mortification , if no lusts to c c Romans 8 13. mortifie ? And where were d d Colosians 3. 5 Iob 2. 10. patience , if there were no e e Psalme ●19 . 71 affliction ? if there were no motion to sinne , where were the battle , the victory , and the Crowne wee shall obtaine , if wee haue no Aduersary to striue withall ?

The Diuell , as hee is the Prince of this World , So still he seeketh whom he may deuoure ; 1 Peter 5. ● . he himselfe is chiefe generall , and is alwayes the sore-man in the battle ; his Lieutenants are fleshly lusts , which are in open war agaynst Chastity : the Sergeants of his Band , are the cursed Children of dacknesse , which are in continuall strife , agaynst the Children of light : His common Souldiers are the effects of the flesh , to fight agaynst the fruits of the Spirit . And their armour is the brest plate of iniury , the girdle of falshood , the shoes of discord , the shield of infidelity , the helmet of mistrust , with the piercing darts of cruelty , the Cannon shot of spitefull Reproaches , the arrowes of flying slanders , and the frailty of the flesh , to peruert and vtterly confound vs , except wee preuent them by Prayer and Repentance .

Therefore , the Children of God ought to put on Gods Armour , and manfully fight against the deuices of sinne , Ephesians 6. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Sathan , and all his detestable crue , before they can obtayne their spirituall inheritance in the Kingdome of Heauen : Which weapons are able to ouercome the Diuell , and all the lewd lusts of the world ; yea , and all the whole host of vices therein .

Our Captaine and chiefe Generall , in all our conflict , Is the mighty a a 〈…〉 . 5. 5. Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah , the b b 〈…〉 Prince of Peace , the Conquerour c c 〈…〉 of Death , d d 〈…〉 Heil , and e e 〈…〉 Sinne : Yea , the f f G●●e●●s 〈…〉 great Iudge of the World , and g g 〈…〉 2. 2● . Bishop of our Soules , Christ Iesus h h Mathew 1. 21 our Sauiour .

And to resist the Tyranny of the Diuell , i i 1 Timothy 4● 〈◊〉 Acts 5. 31. it standeth vs in hand , to be also well and strongly armed , with the brest-plate of equity , the Shield of vndoubted faith in Christ , the Helmet of assured hope , the Shoes of knowledge and peace in the holy Ghost , the girdle of truth , well buckled with patience , and constancy , the Cannon shot of deepe sighes , proceeding from a true penitent heart , the Arrowes of bitter teares , brought forth by remorse of conscience , and the two edged Sword of the eternall word of GOD ; For , it standeth vs vppon , to keepe our continuall battle , ready and orderly ; To sight valiantly , hope assuredly , endure constantly , to march on charitably and cheerefully : To watch and stand fast in our fight , for the quarrell is GODS , and the Victory ours , euen the very saluation of our owne soules .

If wée resist the Diuell in the power of Iesus Christ , He will flye from vs : So often as wee resist him , so often we ouercome , it will make the Angels glad , and glorifie GOD , which exhorts vs to fight , and helpes vs in our extreamity , and time of néede ; GOD beholds our striuing , and helpes vs vp , that we should not faint ; and will crowne vs with glory , and honour when we ouercome ; therefore , the greater our Temptations are , the more noble must bee our Resistance ; and the more godly our liues and conuersations are , the greater shal bee our Crowne and Glory , in the kingdome of Heauen .

CHAP. V. The fifth Chapter entreateth of the true estate of the Rege●erate man , with the certainty of his saluation .

REgeneration is our a a 2 Cor. 5. 17. Gala. 7. 15. new birth , whereby wee are borne , and renewed agayne b b Acts 11 ▪ 18 ▪ 2 K●n●s 17 13. Ho●ea 14 ▪ 1. Ierem. 18. 11. Ezekel . 18. 21. 22. 23. Ierem. 25. 5. Mat. 3. 2. 6. 8. Ierem. 36. 3. Mat. 4. 17. Luke 13. 3. Acts 2. 38. Luke 24. 4. Acts 17. 30. 1 Peter 3. 9 by Repentance : And as the * * Mat. 3. 2. 6. 8. Merchants sold all that hee had , and forsaketh his Worldly wealth , to gayne one precious pearle : So the Regenerate man leaueth and forsaketh his sinnes , and all worldly vanities , for to obtayne eternall life : And doth not onely dislike and forsake his sinnes , but also from the tender bowels of his heart , incessantly , with all humility , powre out his c c Mat. 15. 22 23 24 ▪ 25. 26. 27. 28 Mar. 7 25. 29. 27. 28. 29. 30. 2 Samuel 24. 20 Romains 12. 12 daily prayers vnto Almighty God , to giue him his grace , to suppresse , and mortifie them ; and so sheweth the powre of Gods grace , working in him . And by returning vnto God by his true Repentance . God giueth him d d Iohn 5. 6. Ro●a●s ● 4. Gal●● 16. ●●hesians 4 1. a new heart , and a new Spirit , ( not in substance or quantity , but in quality ) which is a true and faythfull witnesse giuing Testimoney , not to GOD , for that it needes not ; not to others , for that it cannot , but to the man who hath it , for that it must ; of th● Truth of those things which it knoweth to bee in him , concerning Gods will , and his owne eternall wellfaire .

Seeing then A faithfull witnesse will not lye ; Prouerbs 14. 7. and the Spirit of the Penitent , testifie the Truth of his Repentance ; why may not he then , be as firmely perswaded of the certainty of his saluation : as his heart witnesseth the sincerity of his conuersion : Yes surely , 2 Cor. 13. 5. St. Paul proues it , Know yee not your owne selues , how Iesus Christ is in you , except yee be Reprobates : Wee may surely know , that if wee haue truely repented , and are heartily sorry for our sinnes , with a full and determinate purpose to continue in newnesse of life , Romans 81. That Christ is in vs , Iohn 5● . 24. if Christ be in vs , then wee are in Christ ; if wee bee in Christ , wee cannot be condemned : For there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus .

For , sinne legally considered is mortall , But a a Esay 59. 2. Luke 13. 3. Nahu. 2. 25. Euangelically , is veniall , except the sinne against the Holy Ghost , mortall , by his owne merrit , but b b Esay 1. 18. Iohn 5. 8. veniall by Chirst his mercy : Mortall to the naturall vnregenerated man ; For hee d d Iohn 3. 18. that beleeueth not , is condemned already ; but veniall to the Regenerate though still sinne : By the couenant of grace , it dissolueth not the loue and league betweene God and man , and so is veniall , in all other sinne is mortall by his owne nature .

Agayne , Rom. 7. 5. 6. by nature man and his flesh are all one , but by grace they are seperated : By nature when the flesh doth sinne , the man also sinneth , because hee is in subiection vnto it : but in the estate of grace , although the flesh be in him , ( and doe sinne , ) yet he sinneth not , because they are di●orsed a sunder ; For man assoone as hee is in the estate of grace , is newly married vnto Christ : In this case , although the flesh beget sin , yet the regenerate man shall not be condemned .

Yet , one thing let vs consider , That he which a a Iere. 20 14. 15. Psalme 22. 1. Ionas 2. 4. Mark . 9. 24. Psalm 77. 6 Psalme 42. 11. Psal. 51. 10. 12. neuer doubted of his saluation , scarce euer beleeued to be saued ; For it is not euery little sob , or sigh , that brings Repentance sufficient to please God , or a little while to crye Lord helpe , Lord helpe , I am a sinner , but God is mercifull , &c. and so lightly daube them ouer , as though Gods mercy were gayned in a moment : Let no man deceiue himselfe , It b b Luke 18. 1. Rom. 12. 12. Colo. 4. 2. will cost him many a prayer , and many c c Iames 4. 9. Deut. 1. 45. Gen. 37. 34. 35 2 King 20. 1. 2. 3 Mat. 26. 75. 2 King . 22. 11. 19 Psalme ▪ 30. 5. a teare , before he can be certayne or sure to haue pardon for his sinnes .

For as no man can repent vntill hee know his sinnes , so no man can know his sinnes vntill hee search himselfe ; Therefore you must with King d d Psalme 77. 6. Psalme 119. 59. Dauid , Search your spirits , and f f 2 Cor. 13. 5. Lamen. 3. 4. Psalme 4. 4 examine your conscience strictly , trye it throughly , search it narrowly , to proue dilligently , who , and what manner of person yee are , and in what case yee feele your selues , to set , and know how deeply your conscience is wounded with sinne .

And then , if you find g g Psalme 77. 6. your wayes dangerous , and your case fearefull , you must thereuppon resolue to take a new course , and withal to seek how , and which way you may come agayne into a a Pro. 3. 3 , 4. Iudges 6. 17. fauour with God : As Dauid did , Who b b Psalme . 51. cryed vnto God agayne , and agayne ; and you must neuer leaue the Lord , vntill you obtayne his * * Exod. 20. 6. Exod. 22. 27. mercy , and fauour , that you may get some comfortable perswasion of Gods loue in Christ , for the pardon of your sinnes ; vntill you do so , you shall neuer c c Pro. 15. 13. 2 Cor. 1. 12. Romans 5. 1. Acts 20. 26. 1 Pet. 3. 15. 16. 21 Psalme 30. 2. 3. haue any peace , or quietnesse of conscience , nor any sound comfort of Gods holy Spirit in you .

Therefore , Vnum necessarium , This one thing is necessary , whatsoeuer wee leaue vnknowne , let vs labour to know this , That wee are a a Gala. 4. 9. 2 Timothy 2. 19 Romans 11. 2. Colo. 1. 10. Hosea . 6. 6. the Lords . Qui Christum discit , satis est si caetera nescit , He may without danger be ignorant of those things , that truely knoweth Iesus Christ .

The best haue desired to make their Saluation sure ; as I the vnworthiest of all other , do dayly labour to doe the same : Dauid which knew that God loued him , entreateth to know it more , I know thou fauourest me ; Psalme 35. 3. yet hee cryed , Dic animamcae , Say vnto my soule . I am thy Saluation .

The Scripture hath many proofes of the a a Iohn . 19. ●5 26. 27. Rom. 8. 9. 15. 16. Psalme 31. 1. Iob 13. 25. 26. Gala 4. 5. 6. 7. Iohn 4. 15. 16. 17 1 Iohn 2. 28. Psalme 35 9. 2 Peter 1. 10. certainty of our saluation ; and Dauid would neuer pray for that which could not be : neyther would St. Peter charge vs with a duty which could not possibly be performed : Make your election sure ; which must bee done , by the true and proper worke of b b Heb. 11. 1. 5. 6 Mat. 9. 29. Dan. 3. 17. Acts 15. 9. 1 Peter 1. 9. Faith , that giueth the true beleeuer a stedfast , and vnmooueable assurance of the loue of God , that hee may fully enioy the comfort of his Saluation .

And whereas St. Paul sayth , Know yee not how Iesus Christ is in you , 2 Cor. 13. 5. except yee be reprobates ? Here the Apostle giueth vs to vnderstand , that all which beleeue , haue the spirit of discerning , to know certainely that they doe beleeue . And sheweth that , to prooue a mans selfe whether he be in the faith , which is to prooue whether Christ bee in him , because the Faith of which he speaketh , is that liuely saith , whereby Christ dwelleth in our hearts .

Hee therefore that knoweth himselfe to bée in the true Faith , knoweth Christ to bee in himselfe : As St. Paul sayth , I know whom I haue beleeued . And agayne , by this wee know , 2 Timo. 1. 12. hee dwelleth in vs , euen by the spirit which he hath giuen vs : 1 Iohn 3. 24 : It is manifest that the property of true faith , guides the assurance of our saluation , and the greater our faith is , 1 Peter 1. 7. 8 9 the greater is our assurance . And consequently the true beléeuer knoweth , and is assured of his election and saluation , for Faith is the Faith of Gods elect : Acts 13. 48. So many beleeued as were ordayned vnto saluation : ●om. 8. 38. 39. And I am perswaded that neyther death , nor life , nor Angels , nor Principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , shall bee able to seperate mee , from the loue of God . Therefore the Apostle was fully perswaded of his saluation : 2 Timoth. 4. ● And agayne , Henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse : So the Virgin Mary called Christ her Sauiour ; Luke 1. 47. and the Théefe upon the Crosse , Luke 23. 43. sayd , Lord remember me ; The like sayd St. Paul , Gala. 2. 20. That Christ gaue himselfe for me . Phil. 1. 2. 3. If you bee demanded how long you may be assured of your saluation ; you may answer , so long as you haue truely repented , and continue in newnesse of life , your sure trust & confidence is , that God will neuer forsake them that put their trust in him : for Euery one that beleeueth in him , Rom. 9. 33. shall not be ashamed .

And this promise God hath made to all that beleeue in him : I will put my feare in their hearts , that they shal not depart from me : Iere. 32. 40. And agayne , There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus , because ( sayth the Apostle ) they walke not after the flesh , Rom. 8. 1. but after the Spirit .

Lastly , the most excellent Faith , sheweth not it selfe most glorious , when wee haue most sence or feeling ; but rather when we feele , or discerne the contrary . Iob , Iob 13. 15. when he apprehended nothing but Gods wrath and displeasure , euen then he shewed a most victorious Faith , Loe , though he slay me , yet will I trust in him : The like of Iacob , in his tedious conflict , Gene. 32. 24. where hee sayd , I will not let thee goe , except thou blesse mee : Hosea 12. 4. And the woman of Canaan , who although shee receiued diuers repulses , and earnest deniall , yet continued her suite , Mat. 15. 28. and is commended ▪ for her Faith , Heb. 12. 2. by the Author and finisher of our Faith .

To conclude , wee are not to build the assurance of our saluation , vppon our owne sence or feeling ; but vppon Gods vnchangeable and gracious promises made vnto vs , in Christ Iesus .

CHAP. VI. The sixt Chapter , sheweth an excellent marke to know the child of God , which hath truely repented .

HE that hath earnestly Repented , and is truely conuerted from his sinnes , hath this special marke in him : Mat. 13. 14. Hee is none of those fruitlesse a a Mat 13. 19. 29 hearers , barren beleeuers , vnregenerate knowers , or verball Professors ; but he is the faithfull doer of the will and word of God .

Whosoeuer b b 1 Iohn 3. 5 keepeth Gods word , in him verily is the loue of God perfected : Hereby know we that we are in him , hee that abideth in God , ought also to walke euen as he hath walked : That is as St. Iohn sheweth vs , Euery man that c c 1 Iohn 3. 2. hath this hope in him , purifieth himselfe , euen as hee is pure : And seeketh d d Psalme 95. 8. the present time to returne vnto the Lord ; because hee hath a bleeding and a tender e e Psalme 51. 17 heart ; it trembleth f f Psalme 51. 4. at the Word : It is pricked g g Acts 2. 37. when it is rebuked ; and inflamed with burning h h Psalme 69. 5. Iohn 2. 17 psal 119. 139. Titus 2. 14. zeale , when it is instructed . The Regenerate man desireth nothing so much , As hee i i 〈◊〉 55. 6. 26. desireth God ; Therefore , he maketh himselfe k k 1 Iohn 3. 3. fit for him , l l Rom 4 7. 8 Blessed ; the m m Esay 41. 8. Wisdome 7. 27 Iohn 15. 14. 15. friend of God , and doth count all things n n Phil 3. 8. but dung , that he may winne Christ .

Hee reioyceth in o o Rom 12 19. 20 forgiuing them that hurt him ; and p p Mat. 5. 44. loueth them that hate him ; and q q Rom. 12. 19. rendreth good for euill , he dispiseth r r Pro. 14. 21. none , but loueth s s Romans 12 10 all , and is not rash in t t Eccle. 5. 1. words , but u u Pro. 10. 32. reasonable , not hasty w w Pro. 18. 13. but seasonable , not x x Pro. 25 11 grieuous , but gracious , not y y Prouerbs 15. ● ▪ prouoking , but z z Pro. 12. 19. appeasing , not a a Iudges 8. 3. offensiue , but to good b b Psalme 30. 1 purpose : Sober in c c Prouerbs 15. 1 censuring , faithfull d d Gala. 6. 1. in answering , milde e e Psal 119. 1. in reproouing , carefull in f f Psal. 39. 1. defending , and fearefull of g g 1 Cor. 11. 1 offending , imitating the h h Pro. 4. 14. Godly , shunning the i i Psal. 5. 9. wicked , imbracing the k k 1 Pet. 3. 9. vertuous , and flying l l Iames 4. 9. 1 Peter 5. 5. sinne : For the Spirit of God assures no man m m Luke 13. 3 pardon of his sinnes , but such as be humbled for them , repent and n n 1 Iohn 1. 9 confesse them to God , leaue and forsake o o Ephe. 4. ●4 1 Pet. 1. 2. 3. Gala. 6. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 17. them , and withall to become new p p Rom 6. 4. Acts 3. 26. Gala. 5. 16. Ephe. 4. 1. 1 Ioh. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 1 Peter 2. 9. 10 11. 12. 13. Iohn 3. 16. Acts 20. 21. Creatures , and walk in newnesse q q Mar. 3. 35. of life . All those that walke in newnesse of life , are such as our Sauiour Christ called his Mother , Sister , q q Mar. 3. 35. and Brother , his r r Romans 6. 18 Seruants , his Friends , s s Iohn 15. 14. 1 his Sonnes , and t t Can. 5. 1 his Spouse .

All those bee tearmes of loue , and that from Christ himselfe , to requite the Regenerate man , that returneth vnto him by vnfeigned Repentance .

Non tam audire , quam obedire requirit Deus , God regards more an obedient heart , than an attentiue eare ; what should I say more , seeing the whole course and cannon of Scripture runneth that all Christians in their returning vnto the Lord by Repentance should bee Attents , vigilantes , u u Psal. 130. 3. Psalme 143. 2 Daniel 9. 7. 8 Luke 21. 26 Marke 24. 24 Mich. 6 6. Rom. 11. 25. Romans 12. Mat. 10. Pro. 4. 13. Ecces. 2. 15. soliciti , instantes , seruentes , perseuerantes sine intermissione , That is attentiue , vigilant , carefull , instant , feruent , and perseuerant without intermission of the seruice of God ; That they may attayne , Fontem vitae , radicem , prudentiae , coronam & plenitudinem sapientiae , gloriam & gaudium , quod est faelicissimum donum : The fountayne of life , the roote of Prudence , the crowne and ful esse of wisdome , the glory and ioy of God , which is the most happ●est estate that can bee giuen vnto man , a blessed gift : Who can desire more to mooue him to returne vnto the Lord by Repentance .

A Right , Zealous , and Godly Prayer , taken out of the pure fountaine of holy Scripture ; Very necessary for all repentant sinners to vse daily vppon their knees , vnto Almighty God .

MOst gracious , high , a a ●s ; ay 57. 15. Marke 5. 7. Psalme 86. 5. and most mercifull b b Psalme 143. 9 Psalme 86. 15 Sauiour ; as thou c c 1 Tim. 4. 10 Mathew 1. 21 art in promises true , in d d Psalme 86. 5 Number 23. 19 workes holy , in mercies e e Esay 6. 3. rich , and f f Psalme 130. 7 Romans 10. 12 towards the penitent sinner most mercifull , haue g g Ezekel 18. 21 Hosea 6. 1. Ieremy 18. 18. mercy vpon me , and indue me good Lord with thy feare , with h h Psalme 2. 11 sorrow of hearr for my sinnes , with i i Psalme 51. 17 humility of minde , with a k k Psalme 23. 4 true Faith , and pure l l 1 Peter 1. 9. Acts 15. 9. Acts 15. 9. conscience , that m m Roman. 3. 18 I may ( by thy helpe ) seriously enter into my selfe , descend into my owne conscience , and make a true suruey of my inward man ; and withall helpe me n n Cor. ●● 3. 5. O Lord , my o o Psalme 70. 5. Psal 109. 25. ● life to correct p p Iohn 5. 16. 40. my present sinfulnesse , erect my further weaknesse , and direct my future frailty , that I neuer fall againe into sinne , least I perish in my q q Psal 94. 23. wickednesse : Behold , O sweete Iesu r r Wis. 16. 21. they creature , sighs after s s Psalme 42. 1. 2 thee , thou art my Creator ; O make t t Gene. 1. 26. Genesis 5. 1. Wis. ● . 23. me new againe , behold I u u Psalme 28. 1. Psalme 5. 2. thy workman-ship crie vnto thee ; thou art w w Iohn 14. 6. Iohn 11. 25. my life ; O quicken x x Psalme 7. 1. Psalme 99. 8. 9 Psalme 18. 1. me againe ; O Lord my God y y Iohn 1. 4. 1 Iohn 1. 5. 7. 2 Samu. 22. 20. Iohn 8. 12. Iohn 9. 5. my light , whereby z z Luke 1. 79. I am directed ; haue a a Psalme 51. 1 mercy vpon me ; O b b Psalme 22. 19 defender of my life , my strength c c Exod. 15 2. 2 Sam. 22. 3. Iob 9. 19. and my comfort in the day of my d d Psalme 59. 16 trouble , consider my e e Psalme 25. 19 aduersaries , and deliuer me from that soule f f Reue. 1 2 3. dragon , that he neuer may deuoure me , who still seeketh to swallow me g g 1 〈◊〉 5. 8. vp , and would cause my sinnes to make a seperation between this vanishing estate of mine , and thine eternity ; h h 〈…〉 2. O therefore , holde him fast good Lord , and bruise him in peeces , that i i 〈…〉 hee exercise not his deuises vpon me , and cast mee not off in the time of my age , now I am gray k k Psalme 71. 16 headed , but bee thou l l 2 Samuel 22. 3 Iob 9. 19. Exodus 15. 2. my strength , now my strength faileth me : And most humbly I beseech thee agayne , and againe , with sighes , groanes , and teares , to take away all my sinnes from me , that in all the rest of my life , my waies may be verity , and my m m Psalme 86. 11 pathes piety : O let thy holy Spirit n n 1 Cor. 3. 10. conduct me , and thy word direct me , that o o Iohn 1. 1. I may forsake all my sinnes , whereby I may beginne to liue in thy p p Psalme 2. 11. 1 Peter 1. 17. feare , proceede and continue in thy fauour , grow daily in thy grace , that I may ende , and liue with thee in thy glory , and so sweete Iesus say , Amen .

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