The churches securitie, togither with the antidote or preseruative of euer waking faith A treatise conteyning many fruitefull instructions, moralities and consolations fit for the time and age wherein wee liue. Herevnto is annexed a sound and profitable treatise of the generall signes and fore-runners of the last iudgement. By Thomas Drax.

SALOMONS SONG . Chap. 5. verse . 2. I sleepe , but mine heart waketh .

FOr as much as Christ Iesus the sonne of God , our blessed Sauiour , our holy harmlesse vndefiled high ●riest , separate from sinners , and made higher then the heauens , was subi●ct to the like infirmities , and temptations in all things ( as wee are , ) but without sinne , and that which amongst other temptations , his three-fold combate and conflict with the diuell , doth demonstrate , wee must not thinke it strange , or take it offensiuely , that wee that are but his members , his seruants , yea and most miserable and sinfull creatures should be liable , and subiect to the temptations , and assaults of the world , fl●sh , and the diuell . For first we must bee conformable vnto Christ our head . Secondly Satans m●lice , and rage against vs , especially in these last dayes wherein hee perceiueth his time to bee so sh●rt , Apoc. 12. ver. ▪ 12. is restl●sse and vnpea●●able . Lastly euery Christian man , yea the most perfect beleeuer that liueth vpon the earth , by reason of his manifold ignorances , slips , errors , drowsinesse , defects , imperfections , doth ( if God and grace preuent not ) minister and affoord continuall matter , and occasion for the tempter to assault him , yea and to worke vpon him . Therefore , as Christ Iesus was assaulted with three speciall temptations , Math. 4. ver. 3. whereof the first was directed to remoue him from his sonne-like confidence in God . The second , to puffe vp his m●nde with rash presumption in the protection of God . vers . ● . And the third to blast , and infect his minde with the venemous vapour of ambition , and couetousnesse , all which he resisted , and ouer-came by the scripture , and word of God : euen so here in the Cantickles the church was encountered with three sorts of temptations , though in forme and kinde differing from Christ his temptations . The first which is the best , and most holy temptation , Canti 2. 4. was her Loue-sicknesse , or falling into a swound , by reason of the sight of the great prouision , and spirituall dainties that Christ had prepared for the Church . Answerably herevnto Peter in the trans●iguration of Christ was so rauished , and surprised with the sweetnesse of that momentanie glory , that hee imagined Christ his kingdome and glory to be earthly , and did plaee the blisfull happinesse of the Saints in this trans●tory and troublesome world , which alone is to be sought in heauen . And proportionably herevnto Paul ( whether in the body , 2 Co●. ●2 . 4. or out of it , he knew not , and therefore it is not in our knowledge to determine ) was rapt v●into the third heauen , or Paradise , and h●ard words which canot be spoken , & which it is impossible for man to vtter .

The second temptation wherein ( as also in the next following ) the Church more bewraieth her corruption , Cap. 3. vers. 1. 2. 3. is the feare ( which commeth from infidelitie ) in the Church , least she had lost Christ ; yet so qualified , as thereby the spirit kindleth in her more paines , and studie , both to seeke to attaine vnto Christ more neerely , and to apprehend him more firmely , and in a while after that all the meanes had beene vsed , shee findeth Christ , and renueth and reuiueth her faith in him .

The third , and last temptation , which is worldly drowsinesse , Cap. 5. 2. 3. 4. and some kinde of securitie , incident to the Church , and children of God ; the bitternesse , and extremity whereof was , that shee fell into a swound , that is , she for the time , was almost in despaire of her saluation , as one depriued of feeling and comfort of grace : But at length by communication with her friends concerning Christ his excellencie , and the place where he was gone , her faith beginneth to reuiue , & she assureth her selfe that Christ is hers , & she is his . And this is the third , Vers. 17. 18. and last temptation , wherin we meane to insist . The originall , briefe & substance of it is conteined in these words ; I sleepe , that is , I am some-what secure , and carelesse , and keepe not that watch against the pleasures of this life , and the baites & hookes of the world as I should , and am bound to doe .

Then followeth a limitation , or exception in these words . But mine heart waketh , that is , my ●aith apprehendeth , and holdeth Christ , and I doe not suffer my delight , and ioy in him to cease , and determine .

In the temptation comprized in these words , I sleepe , two things are to be considered . First the Churches winking , or slumbering . Secondly the confession , and acknowledgment of her faulte , and offence .

In that the Church is here sayd to sleepe , or slumber , yet so as that shee discerneth off , 1. Obser. notwithstanding that her heart , that is , her faith , and better part waked , laied hold on , and found sweete repose , and contentment in Christ . We learne hence this doctrine , and iustruction viz. that the true Church of God , and the particuler members of it , are not only subiect to sinne , and error in generall , for euery man is borne , Psal. 51. ● . 5. and conceiued in sinne , euery man is a liar , we haue all sinned , Rom. 3. 23. and stand in need of the golrie of God , who knoweth the errors of this life : all our righteousnesse is but as a menstrous cloth . Psal. 19. v. 11. and when wee haue done all that we can , wee are but defectiue and vnprofitable seruants ; but also , and that more particularly , that many times the Church of Christ , euen in the best , and most flourishing outward Estate of it , is ouertaken with a kinde of spirituall slumber , and securitie , and is lesse carefull , and watchfull to beware of the snares of the worldes prosperitie , and the baites , and allurements of honours , and pleasures ; so that here it must needs follow that her faith must oftentimes be weakened , eclipsed , and darkned , yea and she now and then fall into simptoms , and fits of desperation .

The truth hereof appeareth first in Dauid , who when he was established in his kingdome , and flourished in prosperitie , was puffed vp with carnall securitie , and confidence in his own strength , Psal. 30. v. 6. 7. and ful little thought of his own infirmity , dangers or iminent euills , as though his present felicitie should neuer change : vers. 8. but presently God hid his face from him , that is withdrew the sense of his fauor , and good will , and cast him into trouble , and calamities , and so awakened him from his slumber , and drowsines .

Secondly in Ezechias ( otherwise a right good King ) whose heart was lift vp with pride , by reason of his late and glorious victory , and aboundance of treasures , in so much . that he in oftentation shewed vnto the ambassadors of the King of Babell all his treasures , 2 King . 20. 13. 15. that bee had in his house and realme , so that wrath came vpon him , and vpon Iudah and Ierusalem .

Thirdly in Ephraim , Iere 31. 18. who in his prosperitie was as an vntamed Calfe .

Fourthly , Math. 25. 6. in the very wise Virgins , who ( though they had their Lampes furnished with oyle ) yet they slumbered at Christ his second comming .

Fi●tly , in Christ his disciples , who because Christ whiles he liued vpon the earth , kept them from all dangers , dreamed of continuall prosperitie , and could not conceiue of nor endure to heare of Christ his death and resurrection ; in-so-much that at the time of his suffering they slept and slumbered , Make 14. vers. 37. and 40. when they should haue watched , and prayed , and when Christ was once apprehended , they all , for feare , forsooke him , ●nd fled away , yea and Peter denied him three seuerall times , Math. 26. with cursing and swearing , Mark . 14. 71. This was the state of the Angell , and people of Sardis , who had a name that they liued , Reuel. 3. 1. yet were dead . The luke-warme Church of Laodicaea was tact with security , and slumber . She indeed said that she was rich , and encreased in worldly goods , Ibid. ver 17. and had need of nothing , whereas the holy Ghost testifieth of her that she was wretched , miserable , poore , blinde , and naked . And lastly the Church of Ephesus , ( albeit in all other things a most excellent Church ) yet she is noted for this , that she left her first loue , that is , she had abated , and remitted much of her former loue , both to God , and her neighbour . Now he is happy that can Rerum cognoscere causas , that is , know the causes of things , and by feeling of the pulse , iudge , and discerne of the disease .

The causes then from whence the churches slumber proceeded , were ( especially ) worldly prosperity , and cares , as likewise earthly delights , and pleasures ; which how greatly they hinder , yea and many times choake all zeale , and sanctification , appeareth manifestly by the third sort of hearers , which are resembled to seede sowne amongst thornes , they indeed heare the word , and after their departure to their domesticall occasions , they are choakea with cares , Luke 8. Ver. 14. and with riches , and voluptuous liuing , and bring forth no fruite . The sence hereof is , that euen as thornes , & other hurtfull incombrances do choake the corne ( that is otherwise prosperous ) whiles it is growing to a stem or stalke : so corrupt motions of the flesh doe preuaile in the hearts of men , and ouercome faith : so that it doth suppresse , and oppresse the power and working of heauenly doctrine before it be come to his full ripenesse . And therefore it standeth euery man vpon , to pull these manifold thornes out of his heart , vnlesse hee would haue Gods word vtterly choaked in him . Prosperitie , and excessiue pleasures and delights , corrupted , & effeminated most wise Salomon , that at length he was drawne to commit idolatry himselfe ( as some interpret ) or at least ) to grant a toleration and permission of it to his out-landish wiues , 1. Reg. 11. & concubines , if not to others . And because the spirituall sleepe , and slumber , which hath allusion to that which is naturall , doth and will , by way of comparison with it , more fully and effectually appeare , let vs a little consider the similitude , and proportion that is betwixt them both .

Naturall sleepe is the rest or binding of the senses , and the suspension , or interruption of the spirits , caused by certaine sumes and vapours , which by reason of plenty of meate and drinke , ascend from the stomack into the head and braine , and thereby stopping the rootes of the sinews , or nerues , are by the animall spirits caried vnto the seates of the outward senses : so a spirituall sleepe or slumber , is a ceasing , or stopping of the spirituall senses , so that the spirituall eye , for the time , cannot see , nor the eare attend , nor the palate taste , the mouth speake , nor the stomack desire , or digest , nor the hand worke , nor the feete goe , ( as in a deepe sleepe ) : or but very faintly , and weakly ( as in a winking , or nodding slumber ) such as that of the church is in this place , and it is caused from the fumes , and vapours of earthly prosperitie , cares , and pleasures , honours and glorie , which ascend from the distempered affections into the minde , and iudgement , and so stay , and suspend the spirituall senses , and cause sleeping , slumbring , nodding , winking , &c.

But because these te●ptations are not so frequent as fearefull , nor so delightsome as dangerous and deceitfull , in so much that the most vertuous , wise , learned , religious , and prudent men in the world haue hereby beene entised , and entangled , I will for the better laying open of them insist , and in order handle euery particuler branch .

First touching wordly ioylitie and prosperitie , it pusfeth vp the heart with pride , and contempt of others ; and it stealeth away the heart from God , 2 Sam. 15. 6. as Absolon did the peoples from his father Dauid ; and here-vpon Paul aduiseth Timothy to charge his rich hearers that they bee not high minded , 1 Tim 6. 17. and that they trust not in vncertaineriches but in the liuing God : And to this effect , the Lord warneth the Isralites that when they haue eaten , & filled themselues , when they haue built goodly houses , and dwelt in them , when their beasts and sheepe are encreased , Deut. 8. 14. and their gold multiplied , that then their heart bee not lifted vp , no they forget the Lord their God . In prosperitie , Dauid committed adulterie , and murder , and numbred the people in the pride of his heart . Luke . 15. In his prosperitie the prodigall childe departed from his fathers house , and wasted all his substance by riotous , and intemperate liuing . From hence also sprang the sinnes of Sodom ; vnnaturall lust , pr●de , fulnesse of bread , aboundance of idlenesse , and contempt of the poore . Ezechi. 16.

The Princes of Israell being at ease in Sion , ●ut farre from them the euill day , Amos. 6. 3. 4. 5 as though Gods plagues should neuer ceaze vpon them : They lay vpon their beds of Iuory , fed , and fared deliciously ; had all varitie of Musicke , wines , and ointments ; Put none of them was sorie forie for the affliction of Ioseph , Vers 6. that is of their bretheren in captiuitie .

The riche man in the Gospell , whose ground brought forth plentifull fruites , and whose thoughts were altogether set vpon the enlarging of his barnes and buildings , Luke . 12. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. applauded , and soothed vp himselfe in his security , as though hee had obtained a long lease , or patent of it , but that night was his sou'e fetche● ( by the Diuell ) from him .

The warmth of Ca●phas his fire , and the occasion of ill company there , Marke . 4. Ver. 54. induced Peter to deny his Lord and maister . The world bewitched Demas , and made Iudas a traytor . By reason of worldly prosperitie , and eager and earnest pursuite after it , it is , that many Anassims , Nimrods and Termagonts of the earth , oppresse and insult ouer the poore afflicted and innocent ; and as the great ●ishes deuoure the smaller , so doe the riche the meane and poorer sort . Hence it is , that many of them , ioyne house to house , Isay 5. 8. and laye field to field , vntill there bee no place ( and elbow roome for the poore ) , that they may be placed ( alone ) by them-selues in the middest of the earth . This auarice and vnquenchable thirst of the Ahabs of this world , that will neuer bee content vntill they haue by hooke or crooke gotte Naboth his Vineyard , is the common sinne of the land , not decreasing or going backe ten degrees , as the Sunne in the time of Ezech as , but preuailing like Noah his deluge , vntill all be drowned . The poore crye , and no man ( almost ) for the time regardeth or righteth them , but the Lord in heauen beholdeth all , and his eye liddes trye the children of men . And as for these encrochers and enclosers , GOD at length frustrateth them of their hope and expectation , Isai. 5. vers. 9. pulleth downe their houses , leaueth them voyde of inhabitants and tenants , Vers. 10. and curseth their grounds and fields , that they answer not the labour and cost bestowed vpon them .

From the abuse of ease and prosperitie , likewise , ariseth ryot , pride , excesse , and phantasticknesse of apparell amongst all sorts and rankes of men , and especially in women ; who like to them , yea and exceeding them much in Isaias his time , Isai. 3. vers 16. 17 &c. beyond their degree , and all comely grauitie ; affect and follow after brauerie , sumptuousnes , garishnesse , strange , forraine , monstrous and ridiculus fashions , much vnbeseeming Christian profession & the daughters of GOD , who should rather labour to bee inwardly garnished then outwardly trimmed ; and whose attire should bee holy , decent , comely , and rather within then aboue their calling . But this malum ( I feare ) is i● mebicabile & nolime tangere , the fault of Court , Citie & Country . But for all this , God wil and doth punish this pride , many times with shame and captiuitie , and many times with pouertie and beggerie , and hee will call them to account for spending so much time trifling and tricking themselues , and for improouing , racking and inhauncing their rents , to the ruine of their poore tennants , and all to maintaine their pompe , and curious brauery .

From the worlds prosperity and the desire and lusting after it , proceede so many vngodly , vnequall and vnprosperous marriages . Here it is , that sometimes men of sort and place yea and those that doe or , at least seeme to prosesse Religion very sincerely , will for landes and liuings , match their sonnes and daughters with Atheists and halfe Papists , as though religion should stoupe to riches , and as though Godlines would sooner be gotten then wordly goods . But is this marrying in the Lord ? will iron and clay cleaue togither ? and can any good come of so bad beginning ? To conclude the great red dragon with h●s taile , that is not so much with his ceremonies , inuentions , and traditions , ( albeit v●le , and antechristian ) as with his pompe , promises , preferments , dignities , drew the third part of the stars from heauen , Gen. 15. and cast them to the earth . By the starres according to the phrase of scripture are ment principall and eminent persons both in church , Gen. 37. and common-wealth , that were drawne by this baite from the heauenly truth , Apoc. 1. and diuine studies , to intend wholy earthly , and transitorie things , and to become vassals , and slaues vnto Antechrist .

Seeing that worldly prosperity , and welfare , Vse . 1. ( though not properly in his owne nature , but accidentally through mans corruption ) breedeth , and bringeth the before named , and many other euills with it , as wee also of this blessed Iland can for many yeares by wo●ull experiments testifie ; for from hence hath proceeded so much Atheisme , so greate neglect of Gods worshippe , such contempt of the word , such prophanation in many places of Gods Sabboth , such abuse of the Sacraments , such blasphemy , such oppression , and so infinite inclosures , such a night vppon many Prophets , &c. We must therefore beware of the inffection , and poison hereof , Apoc: 17. 4. & decline it , as wee would , in a nother case , Apoc. 17. the whore of Babilons golden cup in her handful of abhominations , & filthinesse of her for●ication . Let our treasure be in heauen , not vpon the earth let vs not build vpon outward prosperitie , for this is but a sandie foundation ; neither lette vs trust vnto it , for it is as a reed , or rotten post , & will soone faile vs , let vs not set our heart vppon it , but vppon God , our hope , and our confidence for euer , who will neuer faile , nor forsake vs . Let it be our seruant , and subiect , and tributary to vs as the Cananites were to Solomon ; but let it not bee our maister , and commander : for that were a base , and preposterous course , then might wee say ( as Sollomon in another case saith ) I haue seene seruants on h●rses , Eccles. 10. 7. and Princes walking as seruants on the ground . Vs● . 2. Seeing that wordly prosperitie is not the true contenting , and ●uerlasting treasure , peculier and proper onely to the Saints , and seruants of God ; but it is earthly , vaine , deceitfull transitory , and common to the wicked with the good , yea the wicked inioy it ( though as vsurpers onely before God , ) commonly in greater measure then the godly ; we must not rest and settle our affections vppon it , but if wee bee risen with Christ , seeke the thinges aboue . God who is all sufficient , must be our portion , and if our riches any manner of way alienate , or withdraw vs from him , or his seruice , we must cast them away as the Mariners in a tempest cast their wares into the Sea : Better to loose all with the Apostles , and poore afflicted Hebrewes , and to gaine Christ our heauenly treasure , who is the fountaine of all happinesse : Then to winne the world , and loose heauen , and make shipwracke of our owne soules . This is not to change 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that is golden armour for brazen as Diomedes in Homer did with Gla●cus : but it is to exchange ease for eternitie , the world for heauen , and the Diuell for Iesus Christ .

For as much as riches , and prosperitie in them-selues , and especially to the godly who know how to vse them , Vse . 3. are not euill , but good blessings of God , and they are giuen and lent vs of GGD to dispose of them as good Steward● , to good endes , and vppon right vses ; we must therefore at the commandement of GOD , and following the worthy presidents of Abraham , Lot , I●b , the Noble Sunamite , ●●ad●ah , Nehem●as , Leuie , Zachaus , the Centurion , Cornelius , Dorcas , Gaius , and many more in Scripture , and in all ages sithence , with our temporals , and outward riches , releeue the distressed , feed the hungry , intertaine strangers , nourish and maintaine the Prophets , & ministers of GOD , feast the poore prouide for the fatherlesse , and widdowes , aduance religion , further learning , & doe good to the common wealth , and place where God hath seated vs . Then shal our riches , and prosperitie bee sanctified vnto vs , and bee meanes to procure comfort to our soules , and strength to our faith heere : and afterwards adde to our glory in the kingdome of heauen . For according to the measure of our faith , and well-doing , shall God in fauor , and mercy reward vs with further glory , and happines in the world to come . To end this point , shall an Heathen writer , yet Prince of Philosophers say . Arist. 1. Thou shalt loue God , Metaphy . if thou shalt imitate him in this , that thou maiest doe good to all , and hurt to none : and shall not wee hauing the light of grace , the warrant of Gods word , the examples and practise of all his Saintes , and worthies , and so singuler , and pretious promises laid before our eyes , much more carefully , and conscionably put it in execution ? Otherwise vndoubtedly , our riches , our gold , our siluer , our landes , liuings , possessions , reuenues will bee but matter , and fewell of our iust , & greater condemnation at the last day . 〈◊〉 5. 4.

And thus much of prosperitie , and the vses of it .

The second cause , 2 cause worldly cares or occasion , of the Churches slumber , and security , is worldly thoughts , cares , and desires , and this hath some affinitie with the former , and many times doth follow it . The effects hereof are , as diuers so dangerous , as manifold , so most miserable . They distract the minde , and like wilde horses draw it and driue it this way , and that way , and therefore are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that is distracting cares .

They choake the word of God , and make it vnprofitable . For a man that is full of worldly cares , and thoughts , hath his wittes a woolgathering ( as the common prouerb is ) when hee should attend to better matters , his mind is on his halfe-penny , and all his zeale is for Diana the great Goddesse of the Ephesians , when it serueth for the maintaining of his trade , and not vppon GODS worde , which is the food of the soule that indureth to eternall life . When hee is gone from hearing the word , Iohn . 6. ye . 27. hee either forgets all , or ( at least ) neglecteth all , and practiseth nothing , for it is impossible for a man to gather grapes of thornes , or figges of thistles , or to expect any good from such .

Secondly , worldly sorrow , that is for losse of commodities , and goodes , or for sense , and ferae of euill , breedeth death , 2 Cor. 7. 10. that is causeth desperation , & by consequence death : It is the Heathens sinne to be distrustfully carefull ; and to say what shal we eate , or what shall we drinke , or where-with sha●l no be cloathed ? But wee must committe our waies to GOD , Math. 6. 〈◊〉 . 2. ● cast all our care vppon him , who careth , and prouideth for vs , and bee content with our estate ; for GOD hath made a promise , that hee will neuer faile , nor forsake vs . Will the LORD feed the Rauens that cry vnto him , and will hee not feed his children ? will he nourish the wicked his enemies , Heb. 13. 5. and will hee not much more feed his friendes , and beeloued ? shall hee so gloriously cloth the Lillies of the field , and will hee not much more apparrell those that serue him , and depend vppon him continually ?

Lastly they that desire to bee rich ( saith Saint P●ule ) fall into many temptations , 1 Tim. 6. 9. and snares , and fall into marynoisome , and foolish lusts , which drowne men in perdition , and destruction . And in the end of the next verse hee addeth they erre from the faith , and peirce themselues thorough with many sorrowes . Now the Apostles meaning in this place is not , that riches are ( properly ) the cause of the euills here mentioned , but onelie the inordinate appetite , and desire of man . The temptations into which hereby priuate men fall into are many : strayning , and stretching their consciences ( as some doe their broad cloathes , and carsies ) but especially in the ministers of whome the Apostle speciallie speaketh , they are so blinded many times with couetousnesse , that they refuse to doe , and defend nothing bee it neuer so absurd , so soone as the hope of money , and profit hath bleered , and blinded their eies . And as touching faith , they that are ouer troubled with worldlie cares soone fall , and reuolt from it , as wee haue Demas for an example . Lastly they are sundry times horribly tormented in conscience , as it befalleth vnto desperate men : To these sorrowes may be added suites in law , losses , hostilities , dangerous bargaines , and the like .

But some men will ( perphaps ) obiect , and say I haue a great family , Obie . and many children to sustaine , and the world is hard , and I do no man open wronge , therefor it is lawfull for me thus to carke , and care , to toile , and moile , or els I know not how to liue , but I must be enforced to borrowe , begge , or steale .

First albeit it be lawful , Ans. and necessary for a man carefully to keepe the goods , which hee hath gotten , and to imploy them to necessary , & profitable vses : & albeit the thoughts , and hand of the diligent bring aboundance , Pro. 5. ver. 16. 17. and pouerty commeth vpon the idle person , as one that trauelleth by the way , & necessitie like an armed man ; Prou. 21. 17. and he that doth not prouide for his owne , and namely for them of his houshould denieth the faith , and is worse then an Infidel ; & albeit euery man must follow his calling ; yet notwithstanding , thought-taking , distrustfull care , and toiling , and moyling continually with labour and griefe is not hereby warranted , but rather reprooued , and in many other places of scripture totally condemned . For first no man can hereby adde one cubite to his stature , much lesse to his life .

Secondly men hereby shew themselues more like Paynims , Math. ● . 32. and Gentiles who onely seeke after these earthly things , then like Christians , who waiting for the glorious resurrection of the bodie , and eternall life , should not take such carking care for this mortall , and miserable life .

Thirdly worldly cares , and the sincere seruing of God , are so opposite , and contrarie that a man cannot intend both togither , he cannot serue GOD , and mammon ; and therefore so much as a man addeth to his thoughtfull care , so much he detract●th from his hope , & confidence in God . Fourthly we are seruants in our heauenly Fathers house , & therefore he will kindly , Hebr. 13. and louingly prouide that which shal be good for vs . And as for borrowing , so it be within our ability , P●●l. 37. ve 21 and with a minde , and conscience to repay it , is vpon iust occasion lawful . And as for begging , if wee serue God we shall neuer begge , or if it sometimes should so fall out through ino●itable losses , Psal. 37 ve . 25 & through the disorder of common-wealthes , yet we shall neuer be for saken of God . Lastly they that trust in God , and carefully , and thirstily walke in their calling shal be so far from stealeing , that they shall either bee more enabled to giue then to rece●ue , or ( at least ) beeing contented with that they haue , and making the Lord their portion , they shal be farre from any such vnlawfull practise .

Let vs therefore beware that wee do not with the Gentiles , Vse . 1. or with those that want faith in Gods prouidence with so egar appetites , and thoughtfull cares seeke after these outward , and earthly things , as though they were the chiefe good ; but before all things , and with all study , and endeuour seeke after heauenly , and spiritual things , as the most principal blessings , and the true riches of man , & then , as for al other things God wil cast than vpon vs as an aduantage , or ouerplus , we not careing , or looking for them .

Secondly let vs not headily , Vse . 2. and ouer hastily vex , and torment our selues with the expectation , and thinking vpon things to come , like vnto those that vainely imagine , and dreame of diuers afterclaps , Math. 6. 34. calamities , and crosses to ensue . For present distresses , and difficulties bring vnto vs troubles enough , and therefore wee haue no reason to multiply care and miserie by taking thought for that which is to come . And to finish , and absolue this point , verie Heathens condemne this carking care for future euents . Quids● futurum , cras fugequerere , that is forbeare to enquire what shal be done to morrowe . And ( as Cicero saith ) meditationem fut●ri mali &c. the thinking vpon an euill to come , and that , perhaps will not come at all , is foolish : that euery euill is greeuious , and painefull when it is once come .

Lastly wee must commit , Vse . 3. or ( according to the originall ) roll our waie vpon the Lord , that is , wee must in hope , and patience commit the issue , and euent of all our actions , and affaires to his diuine prouidence , and disposition , and vnload all our cares , and labours into Gods bosome . Wee must also trust in him ; Psal. 37. 5. that is perswade our selues that wee are gouerned of God , and pray also to bee gouerned by him , and then hee will bring it to p●sse , that is grant an happie , and prosperous successe ; and not suffer our hope to bee frustrate , as hee iustly punisheth the infidelitie of the children of this world . For otherwise our life , and calling cannot bee ordered , and directed by mans diligence , Ier. 10. and industry , for except the Lord build and oraer the house they labour in vaine that build it , therefore in so great waight of businesse , and daungers wee stand in continuall neede of the presence , Psal. 137. 1. and helpe of GOD .

And thus much touching worldlie cares .

Now we are come to the third cause , 3. Part. and occasion of the Churches slumber , and securitie , and that is , that shee to much addicted her selfe , Earthly pleasures . and slacked the raines to earthlie delightes , and pleasures : which are of maruelous force to rocke , and lull men a sleepe in the cradle of securitie . For euen as wee see that naturall sleeping , and slumbering is many times procured by singing , musicke , rubbing , sweete broathes , and such delightsome thinges : Euen so the sleepe , and slumber of the soule is often caused , not onely by the vse of pleasures , and delights that are in them-selues vnlawfull , which rather worke the death , then the slumber of the soule , but also ( as here is intended ) by the vnseasonable and immoderate vse , and following of sportes , delights , and recreations that are in themselues things meerely indifferent , and therefore lawfull to bee vsed , or foreborne . Examples , and proofes hereof wee haue many in holie scripture . Amos. 6. The Princes of Israell in Amos time gaue themselues wholy to delicacie , wines , feasting , musicke &c. and herevpon thought not vpon their captiuitie at hand , much lesse pitied the distressed Estate of their afflicted bretheren ; but hereof I haue spoken before , Wise Solomon that felt , and found by wofull experience the poysonfull infection of pleasures , pronounceth laughter to bee madnesse , Ecle. 2. 2. and all pleasure to be but vanitie .

The Iewes in Isaias his time , bathing , and soaking themselues in their pleasures did not consi●er the w●rke of God , that is they did not heed , Isay. 5. ver. 12. nor take notice of his iudgments at hand . The baites of pleasure , and a prodigal minde withdrew the lost childe from his fathers house , and protection , and at length brought him to shame , Luke . 15. and extreame pouertie .

It was one of the sinnes of the old world before the generall deluge , and of Sodome , and the Citties adioyning before their destruction from heauen , and it is one of the maine sinnes that now doth , and shall raigne in the world , Christ his comming to iudgement , namely pleasures , ●nities , delights . The particulars , whereof were , eating , drinking , marrying wi●es , Luk. 17. 26. 27. 28. and gi●ing in marriag● . Herevnto is added sur●etting , Luk. 21. 34. and drunkenesse , of which sinnes our S●uiour in Luke doth so warne vs . By the former example our Sauiours meaning is , that men shal be so taken vp , and possessed with the pleasures , and profits of this present life , as if not change , & alteration were to be looked for . whereas otherwise eating , drinking , marrying , &c. are not in them-selues vnlawfull , ( for they serue for mans necessitie , and comfort ) vnlesse men excessiuely , or altogither herevnto addicted , should grow insensible of Gods iudgements , or shutting their eyes should runne into all licentiousnesse , as though there were no God in Heauen that would take vengeance on them : And as for those vile & damnable sinnes of surfetting , and drunkennes , what hurt they bring to the body , what lauishment to the goodes , what abuse of the creatures , what discredit to a mans good name , what decay to the witte , and vnderstanding , what ill example to the world , what scandall to the godly , what offence to God , and what disstruction to the soule , daily , and lamentable experience sheweth ? Paule saith that the widdow liuing in pleasure is dead being aliue , 2 Tim. 6. 5. is shee is dead being idle , and seruing for no vse .

Lastly it is one of the sinnes of the whore of Babilon , and cause of her ruine , yea a fore-runner of it , to liue in pleasure , to sitte as a Quee●e , Apoc. 18. Vers. 7. to perswade her selfe that she is no widdow , and that she shall see no mourning . These pleasures if we do not beware of them , & wisely and soberly vse them , are as baites to intise vs , snares to intangle vs , a delectable phrensie to beguile vs , thornes to pricke , and goare vs , Vlisses his Syrenes to turne vs into swine , and beastes , the fewell of concupiscence ; finally they bring a spirituall lethargie , it is both forgetfullnes , and a slumber vppon the soule , and the infection of the witte like the biting of an Aspe which casteth the person that is bitten in a sweete sleepe , Vse . 1. out of which he neuer recouereth . The vse of this point serueth to checke , & condemne the practise of those especially that hauing lands , liuings , and possession● spend their time in pleasures and sports , but not in readi●● the scriptures , in perusing good bookes , in singing of psalmes , nor in being instruments of doing good . Herevpon they like waxe are apt to receiue any forme of religion sauing the truth , and no marueile , for he that maketh no conscience of his pleasures , & of directing his life , will make no conscience of true religion ; for hee loueth his pleasures more then God . And answerably here-vnto Nimrod , 1 Tim. and Esa● are taxed and noted for their hunting , Nimrod a great hunter before the Lord , but an oppressor , Esau an hunter , but a hairy , and a wilde man , and a persecutor of his brother .

Ob , But is not hunting lawfull ?

An. Yes if it be not vpon the Sabboth dayes , and be in moderation . Secondly if the same persons bee as carefull , and dilligent according to their calling , and occasions to hunt the Romish Gray Foxe , and all his cubs , Iesuits , Seminaries , Priestes , Papists , Recusants , that deuoure the vines , that is , corrupt and destroy the Churches : Heere is good game , sport , pastime , here is pleasure and profit : Otherwise to hunt , and kill the silly Hare , and the Deere that do none or little harme , and to lette these stinking , subtile , and cruell Foxes alone , is both dishonour to God , and shame to them-selues , dangerous both to Church & common wealth .

Ob. Is not beare-baiting , and cock-fighting lawfull and allowable ?

An. No , for it maintaineth , yea , and increaseth the enmitie , and opposition betweene the creatures , which mans sinnes brought first into the world : Isai. 11. And therefore they should rather labour to reconcile , then to sette the creatures at iarre , and rather lament then to sport themselues when they see them one to rend and deuour another : Yet notwithstanding if they will haue some proportionable sport wherein to recreate them-selues , let them first like prudent Paule who for the preseruing of himselfe set the Scribes , Act. 19. and Pharasies at difference ; so let them for the defence of them-selues , and the weakening of the Papists , ours , and their aduersaries , shew their best wit , skill , and indeuor to sette these Midianites at enmitie against them-selues , by shewing the opposition of the late Papists with the ancient , the Iesuits with the seculer Priestes , and one Papist with an other , yea one , and the same Papist many times with him-selfe ; as two excellent , & worthy Diuines Maister Doctor Willet , and Maister Doctor Morton the one in his terrastilon , and the other in his prima et secunda Ap●logiae Catholicae parte , haue most notably attempted and begunne .

Secondly let them rather , and vpon farre better ground , and vndoubted recreation and comfort , labour and endeuour in their owne selues , and soules , to worke , and breed enmitie and warre betweene the flesh and the spirit , and by all holy meanes to continue , and further it , for as long as this battaile , and conflict lasteth , there is grace in the heart : and when this ceaseth , faith , and grace determineth . Let them strengthen , arme , and encourage the spirit , and disarme and weaken the flesh , and sinne , that the spirit may triumph , and the flesh bee subdued ; Here is sport that will end in greater pleasure , here is matter of exercise that will not vndo , or hurt vs , but enrich , and make vs all blessed . But it is much to be feared that most of those that are so caried away with humane vanities , and these cruell sportes ; little know , and discerne what this battaile betweene the flesh , and the spirit meaneth , much lesse are they trained vp , and beaten in it .

Vse . 2. Secondly wee must keepe such a moderation , and temper in the vse of lawfull pleasures , wee that haue wi●es must bee as though wee had none , 1. Cor. 6. 28. so was it with good Vrias who for the time that his seruice in Dauids warres lasted , made a conscience to go into his wife , least the pleasure of her might perhaps make him more Remisse , 2. Sam. 11. ve. 11. and 13. and vnwilling to performe that warlike charge imposed vpon him : wee that reioyee must be as ●hough wee reto●sed not , wee must vse them , as Ionathan tasted of the hunny , onely for his necessarie refreshment , 1. Sam. 14. 27. and as Canis e Nito bibit , a taste & away . Finally wee must qualifie , and temper them with the feare of God , that wee be not seduced by them , or ( at least ) made more vnwilling , vnfit , and vnapt for better exercises , and actions .

And thus much of pleasures , and their vses .

A fourth , and last reason of the Churches s●curitie , and slumbering in generall , and of the speciall members in particuler , 4. cause : affectation of hon●ur , titles , glory . may be , and is oftentimes the desire , affectation of honours , titles , and of the glory , and applause of the world ; which many seeking , and withall obtayning , iudge of them-selues rather by the opinion , and esteeme of others , then by the sound knowledge , and experimentall Iudgement . Apoc. 3. Vers 1. 2. Hence it was that the Church of Sardis had a name that she liued , and yet was dead . Of this sort are those that haue a forme of godlinesse , 2. Tim. 3. 4. but deny the power of it .

The Diuell ( albeit twise before repulsed ) at length tempted our Sauiour Christ by shewing him ( in a vision perhaps ) all the kingdomes of the world , Math. 4. 8. and the glory of them , hoping thereby to blinde his eyes , and to preuaile against him , as he doth against many . Moreouer Christ reproouing the Scribes , and Pharasies for their vanitie , and ambition , in that they hunted after humaine glory , and neglected the glory that was due vnto God , Iohn . 5. 44. saith hee how can yee beleeue that receiue honour one of an other , and seeke not the honour that commeth from God onely ? And this affecting , and desire to gaine , and retaine humaine titles , and glory is one great cause that detaineth many of the Papists from admitting of the puritie of the Gospell , and it is some occasion of hardening them in their Idolatry . It is said of many of the cheife rulers in the time of our Sauiour . Neuerthelesse euen among the chiefe Rulers many beleeued in him but because of the Phara●ies they did not confesse him , least they should be cast out of the Synagogue , Iohn . 12. 42. ●3 . for they loued the praise of men more the than glory of God . Toss , harm . It is to be thought ● not withstanding these chiefe Rulers ( amongst whome was doubtlesse Ioseph of Arimathea , and Nicodemus were indued with true faith ; but it was for the time very weak & yong , which God beareth withal , & in processe of time cureth and perfiteth . Ambitious vanitie possessing Absolon , moued him to seeke to depriue his aged father Dauid of his Crowne & Kingdome . The assenting vnto the flattering and blasphemous acclamation , and applause of the multitude caused Herod to be smitten of the Angell of the Lord imm●diately , Acts 12 , 23. because hee gaue not the glorie to God , so that hee was eaten of wormes and gaue vp the Ghost , & it made the scribes , and Pharasies to delight , and content themselues with an externall , and onely seeming righteousnesse ; who in their fasting ▪ pra●ers , almes , titles , robes , salutations , aimed at , onely the praise , and commendation of men , and therefore are by our Sa●iour iustly , Math. 6. 16. and often taxed , and checked for it . They had the reward that they sought for , viz. the praise of men , but they had no rewarde , or approbation from GOD . In so much that Christ saith . I say vnto you except your righteousnesse exceed the righteousnesse of the scribes , Math. 5. 20. and Pharasies yee shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen .

The pompe , and applause of the world is nothing els but a vapour , or fume soone consumed , it is like a fether tost in the aire from month to mouth , then which nothing is more light , vaine , and inconstant ; and the brauery , and flaunting glory of the world is nothing else than an Idol , & a vaine thing , Psal. 73. 20. yea like vnto a dreame wherewith for a time a man doth delight himselfe , whilest that hee conceiueth great hopes of riches , honours , preferments , and renowne : but when he waketh all his hopes perish , and come to nothing .

Obi. But is it not lawful for a man to seeke to seeke to get a good name , credit , report , and estimation amongst men , and when he hath once gotten it to maintaine , & keepe it .

Ans. Yes without question for whatsoeuer things bee of good report if there bee any vertue , It is lawfull to get and preserue a good name . if there bee any praise , wee must thinke on these things . Secondly that which GOD promiseth , and bestoweth vpon his children as a speciall blessing that they may moderately seeke , Phil. 4. and desire , but he promiseth to honour , yea , and honoureth them that honour him . 1. Sam. 2. 30.

The principall reason that must induce , and drawe vs herevnto , is , and must bee not our owne glory , but that by our meanes the Gospel , and the name of Christ may be wel spoken of ; for the good name of Christians is an ornament and credit to the Gospell . And vpon this ground Paul exhorteth seruants to subiection , Tit. 2 v. faithfulnesse , and obedience that they may adorne the doctrine of GOD their Sauiour in all things .

Lastly our Sauiour willeth , and exhoreth vs saying . Let your light so shine befor● men that they may see your good workes , Math. 5. 16. and glorisie your father which is in heauen . Therefore it is lawfull to haue a diligent consideration , loue , and care for a good name , for so much the Greeke worde 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . vsed before Phil. 4. ver. 8. importeth . But here certaine rules are to bee obserued . Ce●ten cautions . First wee must beware that in no wise wee detract , and derogate ought from the honour , and glorie of GOD ( as the Papists doe who attribute , and ascribe merite , satisfaction , and iustification to their owne workes and inuentions , and not to the grace of GOD onely . ) for then they that despise GOD shal be despised , 1. Sam. 2. 30. and hee is so iealous , and zealous of his owne honour that hee cannot abide it to bee giuen to any other : therefore wee must in all things earnestly seeke for the glorie of GOD onely , and not our owne . Math. 6. 5.

Secondly wee must refraine from all manner of sinne , and wickednesse , for otherwise as one Flie doth corrupt , Ecclesi 10. 1. and cause to stinke the oyntment of the Apothecary : so doth one sinne , or vice obscure , and eclipt his name that is in estimation , for wisdome and for glorie .

Thirdly we must repent vs of al our sinnes , P 〈◊〉 . 10. 7. and we must practise iustice , Mark ▪ 14. 9. and excell in good works . For then our memorall shal be blessed , and then that which wee haue done , shal be spoken of , and remembred with honour .

Lastly we must not delight in the oblique , or disgrace of any , Math 7. 2. but haue a speciall regard to thinke , and speake well of others . For with what , iudgement we iudge , we shal be iudged .

And this much touching the resolution of this doubt .

Vse . 1. Seeing that the inordinate desire , and affectation of humaine glorie , popular praise , and hunting after titles , and honour , doe euen in the best , sometimes so dimme and darken faith , and make them secure , and carelesse in Gods matters , wee must not please our selues in , much lesse dote vpon these outward , and vaine things , least afterwards beeing dispoyled of them wee bee like the beasts that perish , Psal. 49. 20. who feede only vpon these outward things , and fore-see no further .

Vse . 2. We must first , and principally approue our hearts , waies and consciences vnto GOD , and seeke to bee inwardly holy & not outwardly only that our praise may not bee of men but of God : Rom 2. 29. for not hee that praiseth himselfe , ( no nor whome men alwaies praise who may bee deceiued ) is not allowed , 2. Cor. 10. 18. but hee whome the Lord praiseth . And Secondly when wee labour and endeuour to approoue our selues vnto men , and especiallie to the true seruants of GOD , if they doe praise , and testifie well of vs , wee must not dispise , and neglect their commendation and approbation , but take it as a fruite and effect of our wel-doing ; and albeit they giue no such great report and commendation of vs , wee must bee content , and hold it sufficient , that GOD and our sanctified conscience , 2. Cor , 1. 12. testifieth , and beareth witnesse of our Godly purenesse , and weldoing . 1. Cor. 1. 3.

And thus much of the foure causes , and occasions of the Churches sleepinesse and securitie .

Thus wee see by the example of this Church in the Canticles ; The Church subiect to ●in and error . as of diuers others , it is subiect , as to other sinnes , defects and errours , so to a kinde of winking or slumbering euen in the good and prosperous estate of it . But in this place the Church was in no dead sleepe , much lesse had her faith extinct , for shee discerned and tooke notice of her infirmitie , which shee could not otherwise haue done if she had either soundlie slept , or had wandered in darkenesse . Ioh. 12. 35. Which beeing so , wee are to make a two-fold vse of it .

Vse . 1. First wee must not for certaine defects , infirmities , wants , and some small spottes and blemishes , either in doctrine or discipline , much lesse forsake , and denie the Church that holdeth firmely and purely the foundation . Neither must wee for certaine spottes , balcknesse , defects and deformities , doubt of much lesse despaire of our owne estate and saluation so long as our heart is right with God and wee are sound in the faith of our Lord I●sus Christ . For Christ hath made a satisfaction to Gods iustice for all our sinnes , and there is no condemnation to those that are in Christ , in whome sinne albeit it alwaies dwell , yet it neuer swaieth and raigneth . And as for sinnes of ignorance ; weakenesse and infirmity the Lord pardoneth , Psal. 103. v. 12 and 13. and passeth by them in his sonnes and seruants .

And as a louing husband will not take away his loue from his wife , A simil●ude . nor cast her off for euerie fault and want , so long as shee keepeth her loue entirely , and sincerely to him . So GOD will not cast off his loue , nor forsake his Church or any particular member of it , for speciall wants and frailties in particular commandementes , so long as they by faith cleaue vnto him , and generallie labour to please him .

Vse . 2. Secondly seeing that sleepinesse , drowsinesse , negligence and securitic in the Church doth not please God , but offend him and cause his Maiestie both by inward snibbes , yea and sense of his indignation : and also oftentimes by sundry and fearefull iudgements and thunder-claps ( especially when it is growne to any deadnesse of heart and is hardly sensible of her decay and decline ) doth labour to rowse and awaken them as hee hath of latter yeares this Island by clamor and still triumpeting of his ministers ; by daungerous , and neere effecting of the Papists gunshot ; shogging and shaking of the earth vnder vs , noyse of the windes , and roaring and inundation of the waters , eclipting of zeale in manie , and threatenings pronounced against vs for our abuse , neglect and contempt of his holie Gospell , that hee will send and bring vpon vs not a famine of bread , Am●s . 1● . 12. but of Gods worde : wee all of vs must take knowledge thereof , repent of our sinnes betime , zep 2. V 1●2 . ● fanne our selues beefore the decree come forth , meete the LORD in the waie , yea and kisse the Sonne Christ Iesus , Psal. 2. 12. by true subiection , faith and obedience , Psal. 2. 12. least hee be angry ●nd so perish in the way , when his wrath shall sodainly burne . Gouernors of the Church . Let the Gouernors , Rulers and those that haue the greatest eminencie and authority in the Church looke dilligently to their charge for the remouall and redresse of ignorance , error , Atheisme and Popish superstition , and for the aduancement and countenancing true Religion and vertuous liuing . Passor●s and Preachers . Let the Reuerend Prelates and Pastors of the Church , Ministers , and Preachers of the word beware they do not Performe Gods worke negligently ; let them wisely and couragiously speake and admonish the wicked of his way , lest God require his blood at their hands . Ez●chi . 33. 8. Let them keepe backe nothing but shew vnto their people all the councell of God , Acts. 20. 26. 27. that they may bee pure from the blood of all men . And let them preach the word , be instant in season , and out of season , improue , rebuke , exhort with all long suffering , and Doctrine . For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome Doctrine : but hauing their eares itching , shall after their owne lusts get them a heape of teachers : 2 Tim. 3. 2. 3. 4. And shall turne their eares from the truth , and shall be giuen vnto fabl●s .

Thirdly let the ciuill Magistrates , Magistrates , and ciu●ll Rulers . whether Superiors or Inferiors defend and assist the Pastors , and Ministers , lette them draw out the sword of Iustice and cutte downe sinne , lette them promote true religion , roote out errour , and Idolatry . Let them execute Iustice and iudgement without respect of persons , let them spare , and defend the innocent , let them prouide for the wants of the poore , let them shine as lights before the people by all godly & vertuous example , and finally let them , ( as farre as their power and authoritie will extend ) take order and do their indeauour that the people vnder them may lead a quiet , and a peaceable life in all godlines and honestie . 1 Tim. 2. 2. Finally let the people and subiects feare and serue God , Peoples duty . repent of their sinnes , honour their King , obey and be subiect to authoritie , loue and reuerence their Ministers , submitte themselues to the word of GOD , and liue in brotherly loue , & vnitie , one with another , which GOD almightie graunt for ●esus Christes sake Amen .

And thus much of the Churches fault and infirmitie .

2. SECTION .

NOw it followeth to speake of her confession and acknowledgement of her slumbring and carelesnes , contained and couched in these wordes I sleepe . From whose example and practise we are taught without all denying , Confession of sinne . suppressing , or lessening our sinnes , to make a willing , and ingenuous confession of them all unto allmighty God ; to the intent that God may forgiue , and forget them , and remoue or mittigate the ●uills and punishments that they haue brought vppon vs . For further confirmation and illustration hereof ; we haue both commandement in S●ripture , and also publike and priuate excercise of it . The Lord by the Prophet Hosea Hosea , 13. exhorting the Isralites to repentance prescribeth them a set forme of repentance saying . Take vnto you words and turne to the Lord and say : Vers. 3. Take away all iniquitie , and receiue vs gratiously &c. Vers. 4. As●ur shall not saue vs &c. neither will wee say any more to the workes of our handes ( yee are ) our Gods .

Secondly when wee are exhorted to repent , and amend , wee are withall exhorted to confesse our sinnes , for confession is as the First , so a most necessary part of repentance . Heere-vppon Iob Iob. 33. 27. saith , if one say , I haue sinned , and peruerted righteousnes and it did not profit me . Then God will deliuer his soule from going into the pitte , and his life shall see the light . If wee confesse and for sake our sinnes , Pro. 28. 13. wee shall finde fauor . Againe , if wee acknowledge our sinnes , God is faithfull and ●ust , ( Viz. in his promise ) to forgiue vs our sinnes , publike conteslion . and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnes . Publike examples wee haue in Nehemias making a large and mournefull confession of his and the peoples sinnes . Nehe. 9. 5. 6. 7.

Secondly in Daniel , who in the name , and behalfe of the people maketh a confession of his and the peoples , Dan. 9. 5. 6. 7. and confesseth that Iustice belongeth vnto God , but shame and confusion to them , &c. Thirdly of the Isralites in Isaias his time , who all acknowledge themselues to haue beene as vncleane thing● , Isai. 64. vers. 4 and their righteousnes as a filthy rotten clout : and of the people in Samuell the Prophets daies ; saying , I Sam. 12. 19 we haue sinned in assuming vs a King besides all other sinnes . Herevnto may bee annexed and referred the example of the Niniuites confessing their sinnes vnto God , Ionah . 3. vers. 8. & 9. and of the people that came to Iohn the Baptist to bee baptized of him , Math. 3. v. 6. confessing their sinnes Viz: voluntarily and in a generall manner onely . Priuate consession . Priuate practise , and presidents hereof wee haue in Dauid confessing and bewayling his folly in numbering the people , I Exod. 21. 8. his adultery in polluting Vrias his wife , Psal. 51. 3. 4. 5. and his murder in causing her innocent husband , & his good subiect , to be slaine in warre . Dauid before hee had confessed his sinnes ( as appeareth ) could find no ease day nor night , but his bones consumed , & he roared al the day : but as soone as he in heart purposed to confesse against himselfe his sinnes vnto the Lord , Psal. 32. 3. 4. 5. God forgaue the punishment of his sin . Iob. 9. Likewise in Iob who acknowledgeth himselfe to be vilde before God , and that he cannot answer one word for a thousand . Thirdly in the Prodigall childe , who confessed that he had sinned against heauen and against God , Luke . 15. and that he was no more worthy to be called his son . Vers. 21. Fourthly of the contrite Publican , who would not lift vp his eyes to heauen , Luke . 1● . 13. but smote his breast saying God be mercyfull vnto me a sinner . Luke . 5. 8. Fi●tly in Peter that accknowledgeth him-selfe a sinfull man , and of Paule that in regard he had bene a blasphemer , a persecutor , 1 Tim. 1. Vers. 15. an oppressor , ( albeit ignorantly ) confesseth himselfe to be the greatest amongst sinners .

The person to whome confession is to bee made is first properly and principally GOD ; Psal. 51. 54. for against him onely haue wee sinned , and done euill in his sight , hee alone knoweth all our sinnes , and he alone pardoneth and forgiueth all our sinnes and that for his owne names sake , Psal. 51. 4. and for his Christ his ●ake , merites , suffering , and mediation . And therefore it is folly , vanitie , superstition , yea bondage and impossibilitie , to make confession of al our mortal sins to a Priest ( as the Papists make shew of , and require in their care confession ) no commandement , no practise , no example , hereof is extant in the sacred Scriptures , and it began not to be vrged vntil 800. yeares after Christ . Secondly Dauid and others repented , and receiued remission of sinnes without confessing their sinnes in particuler to any man Psal. 32. 2. Sam. 12. 12.

Ob. But is it lawfull , & conuenient some times , and in some case to confesse our sinnes to our Pastor , Minister , or Christian brother ?

An. Yes , for Iames willeth men to confesse their sinnes one to another , I am 5. and this priuate confession is to be made not of all knowne sinnes , but onely of that sinne which troubleth and vexeth the conscience ; or of that whereby our neighbour is annoyed , and wronged . And that in two cases ; first when ●ase and comfort is sought for in trouble of conscience , Priuate confession to men when lawfull . and here before confession be made , no helpe can bee obtained : For as the Phisition must know the disease before hee can apply the remedie , euen so the Minister , or brother cannot comfort , or councell the distressed , before that he hath discouered his griefe . And herein the persons to whome confession is to be made are especially the faithfull Ministers and Pastors , who for their callings , Isai. 50. 4. guifts , and experience , are of all men most apt and able to direct , informe , and comfort the troubled conscience . And thus Dauid confessed his sinne to Nathan , 2. Sam. 12. 13. and the people to Samuell ( as hath bene before touched . ) 1 Sam. 12. 19. Secondly wee are to confesse our sinnes to our neighbour whome wee haue wronged , or offended by word or deed ; that wee may giue some satisfaction to him , and pacifie his anger and displeasure , and so bee reconciled to him . In this case CHRIST preferreth reconciliation to sacrifize , Math. 5. 23. 24. and would haue vs first be reconciled to our brother , and then offer that wee left at 〈◊〉 Altar .

Reasons further to moue , induce , and perswade vs ( in the godly sorrow & contrition of our hearts ) to make confession of al our knowne sins vnto God , are specially these . First hereby we giue glory vnto God and ●ustifie him in his word and corrections , 1. Reason . 10. 12. 27. who the more we debase our selues before him ( in respect of our sinnes ) the more we glorifie God , Iohn . 9. 24. from whome nothing is hid , Psal. 51. 4. and the more vile , and base that we are in our owne eyes the more pretious and glorious in Gods ; and when wee thinke and confesse that we are lost in our selues wee are found of him . The second reason is , Psal. 32. 5. because vnlesse wee confesse our sinnes before God , wee can finde no ease of them , but they will more paine and torment vs . The stomacke that is ouercharged with some vndisgested meates that doth annoy it , A similitude . or with Rheume or Flegme is ●ased by a vomit : euen so the soule that is burdened with sinne is eased and relieued by confession , and accusation of it selfe .

Thirdly without confession , there is not , nor cannot bee any true repentance , for it is a part of it , yea the gate , dore , and foundation of it , and if the heart bee holy , contrite , godly sorrowfull , it cannot but manifest , and discouer it selfe by the confession of the mouth which speaketh out of the aboundance of the heart .

The last reason is because without confession of all our knowne sinnes vnto GOD , there is no remission of sinnes . Prou 28. ve● . For hee that hideth his sinnes shall neuer prosper , and the more wee hide them , the sooner , and more sodainely will they issue forth to our shame and confusion , A similitude . like as the waters the more they are dam'ed vppe , the more violently will they breake forth . Dauid before hee confessed his sinnes , 2 Sam. 12. 12. hee found not pardon . And vppon his confession hee was immediately pardoned .

Seeing that confession of sinne , is so necessary , Vse . 1. & that it is not so easie a matter to finde out all our sinnes , we must not onely try & examine our deedes , words , and thoughts by the strickt and straight line and rule of Gods lawe , which is the discouerer , and reuealer of sinne ; but because our knowledge is vnperfect , and wee blinde , and partiall in our owne cases , we must be content to haue our sinnes ript vp and laid open by publike doctrine , 1 Cor. 14. 25. and preaching ; and indure it albeit , it neuer so much gall , wound , and shame vs : and also admitte and allow of priuate , and brotherly admonition . For all these are holy , & the ordinary meanes ordained and sanctified of God for our humiliation , repentance and recouery , which whosoeuer neglecteth contemneth , or refuseth , hee can neuer truly come to the knowledge and conscience of sinne , much lesse repent of it , and so be saued .

Secondly wee must not onely confesse those our sinnes vnto God , that are more enormous , and haynous & these Vse . 2. that are many times odious before men ; but also our secret , and particular corruptions , faultes , blottes , weakenesses , infirmities , yea and also sinnes of omission , and neglect especially of prayer , praise , thankesgiuing vnto God . And we must haue a true touch and godly sorrow for them : for the least sinne in it owne nature beeing committed against the good and infinite maiestie of God , Rom 6. and his vndefiled law deserueth death . Psal 25. Thus Dauid desireth pardon of the sinnes of his youth , Psal. 19. 11. yea of his vnknowne sins . Iob. 1. 5. Thus Iob offered burnt offerings for his children euery day fearing least his sonnes had sinned , and had blasphemed God in their hearts . Thus Paule was afflicted and troubled in him-selfe for his originall sinne , Rom. 7. vers. 24. crying out , and saying . O miserable man that I am , who shall deliuer me from this body of death ? Dauid hauing onely vpon extraordinary aduantage , 1 Sam. 24. 6. and occasion cutte of the lappe of Sauls garment , Psal. 119. 18. was troubled in his heart . He also confesseth his blindness & ignorance in Gods matters . The Church of God in Isaias his time doth acknowledge that whereas they erred from Gods waies , Isai 63. 17. & that their hearts were hardened from his feare , it came for their vnthankefullnes , & that God in iustice was the author of it . Lastly when they omit good duties to God or men , or faile in the manner , and measure of them , they make confession of it , we haue failed & we haue rebelled , &c. And in another place : Lam. 3. 42. all this plague is come vpon vs , as it is written in the law of Moses , Dan. 9. 13. yet made we not our praiers before the Lord our God , &c. And of this we must haue a care to repent , because by leauing our duty vnaccomplished wee oftner offend , then by sinnes committed : and if GOD should require it at our handes , the smallest sinne of omission it is enough to condemne vs . Psol. 130. 3. And therefore Dauid saith if thou O Lord straitly markest iniquitie , who shall stand ? And againe , Gal. 3. 10. cursed is euery man that continueth not in all things which are written in the booke of the law to doe them . And here is a notable touchstone whereby the children of God are discerned , and distinguished from all reprobates whatsoeuer . The reprobates ( and that but now and then ) are touched with , and make confession of some great , and notorious sinne , as wee haue examples in P●arao , in Caine , in Iudas . But for their smaller sinnes , particular infirmities and sinnes of omission , they haue no touch , sense and feeling at all . Rom 8. ver. Contrariwise the elect , and regenerate of God , doe euen grone and sigh vnder the burden of these lesser sinnes , they make confession of them , and desire to be eased , and lightned of them , for they know that hereby they offend GOD , Rom. 7. 19. which they would in no wise doe , and therefore Paul saith , the goo● thing which I woul● I doe not , but the euill thing which I would not doe that doe I : so that here hee is grieued for his particular sinnes both of commission and omission , or leauing of good vnperfourmed .

And thus much of confession and the vses thereof .

THE THIRD SECTION . But mine heart waketh .

HAuing spoken of the Churches flumber and securitie , wherein her infirmitie , and weakenesse appeared : it followeth that now I propound , and apply the Antidote or remedy contained in these words . But mine heart waketh . The heart here , which is naturally the seate , and fountaine of life and motion , principally and properly signifieth , faith , whereby the Church in this her drowsinesse , and slumbering securitie , waked , that is laid true hold of Christ , and seffered not her delight in him to vanish . Some shadowe and resemblance hereof wee may see , and obserue in naturall sleepe , wherein the outward senses rest , and cease working , but yet the phantasia or imagining part is commonly in action and motion . Euen so a true iustifying faith : albeit it bee for a time obscured , and the externall actions of it appeare not , nor are felt and discerned ; yet the seede , roote , and foundation of it alwaies , remaineth and abideth . This beeing so , I from the authoritie of this place , gather this doctrine , and conclusion viz: that , doctrine . That the faith , and other sauing graces that proceede from it and accompany it ; neither faile , nor are wholy , and finally lost in the children of GOD , no not in the greatest temptations , falls and decaies that can possibly happen vnto them , but it shall reuiue , and bee in time recouered , and confirmed .

The seede of eternall life may for a time bee hidden in them , and not shewe forth it selfe , yet it abideth in them . 1. I●oh . 3. 9. The fire of the spirit of GOD may bee cooled yea and couered in them , but it is neuer extinct . The shining Sunne of righteousnesse by reason of the interposition of the earth betweene them and it , may bee eclipted , but yet it neuer departeth out of the firmament of their heart . They may seeme for the time to bee dead trees without leaues or fruite , but they retaine sappe of grace in their heart .

They outwardly may seeme to themselues , and to others , to bee but drosse , yet they are before GOD vessels of siluer and gold . They may esteeme themselues in the time of distresse , bare , yea bankerupt ; and yet notwithstanding haue , and retaine in their hearts , the precious marga●te , and pearle of the grace of GOD , yea and Christ himselfe the treasure of eternall life . They like the two disciples that went to Emaus , may talke togither of the scriptures , Luk. 24. 14l . 15 , 16. yea , and communicate , and conferre with Christ himselfe , and yet their spirituall eyes for a time may bee so holden that they cannot knowe him . They may conceiue Christ in their heartes , and yet now , and then , not perceiue the motion of this heauenly Embrio . Lastly they may bee cast into a swound , or traunce , in so much that no spirituall breath can be discerned in them , & yet haue life and heate at the heart .

That the truth , & soundnes of this conclusion , Viz. that Gods spirit , the gift of faith , and sauing grace in the true members of the Church , can neuer perish or bee vtterly lost , but in time bee reuiued , may more manifestly and euidently appeare , these Scriptures following must be he●ded and attended .

Hee that drinketh of the water that I shall giue him shall be ne●er more a thirst , Ioh. 4. ver. 14. nay I shal be in him a wel of water springing vp to eternall life , therefore it cannot be dried vp , for it springeth continually , & ceaseth not , vntil it hath brought him to euerlasting life . 1 Iohn . 3. 9. Whosoeuer is born of God sinneth not , id est doth not commit that sinne against the holy Ghost , no nor other sinne with delight , and continuance ; for his seed abideth in him . Simon , Simon , Luke . 22 31. 3 2. Sathan hath desired you to winnow you as wheat , Viz. that passeth through the riddle , the chaffe remaining . But I haue praied for thee that thy faith faile not , Heb. 7. 2 5. yea hee liueth alwaies to make intercession to God for the Church . But Christ his prayer is alwaies heard .

Their loue to God , to his word , Ioh. 11. 42. to his Children is neuer lost , for much water cannot quenche loue , neither can the floods drowne it , Cant. 8. 7. loue doth neuer fall away , & no maruaile seeing it is a roote and foundation . 1 Cor. 13. The calling and gifts of God are without repentance , Eph●s . 2. 17. that is the inward calling of God , Rom. 11. 29. and his graces that concerne saluation are constant , & neuer ( wholy ) taken away ; for as God is vnchangeable , so are his gifts and decrees . Mal. 3. 6. God hath vnto the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life , Act. 11. 18. if eternal life be the effect , and consequence of it , it can neuer be lost : I saith the Lord will forgiue their iniquitie , ●er. 3. 1. 34. & will remember their sinnes no more . Therefore they can neuer dye out of Gods fauour , not bee depriued of the grace of iustification , whose sinnes shall neuer bee charged vppon them . They are alwaies greene oliues before God , Psal. 1. 3. their leaues , that is to say , their sanctification neuer ●adeth , 2. Tim. 1. 19. the continue in the Apostles doctrine , and in the fellow ship of the Church ; their election is a sure foundation and certaine , Col. 2. 5. 6. they are rooted , and grounded in the faith : And lastly as their persons can neuer perish , but shall be saued , so answereably cannot their gifts and graces that are the meanes to bring Eph. 4. ver. 30. them to eternall life . Touching their persons and so their faith , they are sealed to the day of redemption , their names are written in the booke of life , the gates of hell cannot preuaile again●t them , ●oh. 13. 3. Christ loueth them to the end and nothing can separate them from the loue of God , Rom. 8. 38. they are giuen of God to Christ to be saued , Ioh. 10. ve . 2● and none can take them out of his hands , and 1. Pet. 1. 5. ( to conclude ) they are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation .

And if humaine testimonies , and those of most excelent and ancient diuines be to be respected , when the scriptures be so plaine and plentifull , then amongst many others the iudgement of that most iudicious father Saint Augustine is most notable , who saith horum ●ides quae per dilectionem operatur , profecto aut omnino non deficit , aut siqui sunt quorum ●ides d●icit , reparatur antequam vita ista ●initur . de correptione et gratia cap. 7. Their faith which worketh by loue either neuer faileth at all , or if it do faile in any , it is repaired againe before the life be ended .

Obi. Saul , Simon Magus , Iudas , Himeneus , and Alexander , fell away from faith , made shipwrack of it , and a good conscience , and lost the spirit and grace of GOD , therefore the elect may wholy loose their faith , and the spirit of regeneration .

Answer . The argument or consequence followeth not ; these were neuer elected nor euer t●uly iust , or righteous before GOD . Saul was an hipocrite , persecuted Dauid , and died fearefully : Iudas was the childe of perdition , and in his best estate hee was but a theese , and an hipocrite Simon Magus his hart was not right in the sight of God howsoeuer he was other wise deemed , and esteemed before men . Act. 8. 21● . And as for P●ymeneus , and Philetus they neuer had true iustiying faith which neuer faileth but only an historicall , or temporary faith which hipocrites may haue , and which in time of temptation fadeth , and falleth away .

Ques . But how far forth may , and sometimes do the elect and regenerate loose faith , grace , and the spirit of God ?

An. First they , notwithstanding that their adoption and interest to eternal life remaineth firme , & sure ; yet by their sins do & may loose the inward feeling of Gods fauour , Hosea . 5. v. 15. & be left to themsel●es for a time , in their troubles & afflictions , Secondly vntill they repent of their sinnes they feele not , nor finde in themselues the outward act and effects of imputed grace . Thirdly touching inward and inherent grace , albeit the seede , and habite of it cannot bee lost by reason of confirming & succeeding grace , yet the outward worke and apprehension of it may for a time cease and be suspended as wee haue examples in Dauid , Iob , Anna , Ezechias , and others .

Ques . In the most greeuous , and extreame assaults and temptations of the children of God , what grace of God remaineth in them so , as that they , and others of sincere orthodoxe iudgement may bee kept from dispaire , and conceiue good hope that they remaine in Gods fauour ?

An. These following ; the loue of God , of his Son Christ , of his word , and of all his children in generall . For they neuer hate God , hate Christ , hate his word , hate his children , but loue and like them . Secondly they thinke , and speake oft of God , and his waies , desire to bee reconciled vnto him . Thirdly they pray vnto God , which though they cannot doe alwaies in feeling , yet they do it in faith ; and this faith without feeling is more precious , and more highly esteemed with God then faith with feeling , for it wholie and simply relieth vpon God and his word . And herein as they bee blessed that beleeue , and see not , so ( vndoubtedly ) they are most happy that trust in , and depend vpon God 〈◊〉 ( for the present ) haue no feeling . Lastly they reioyce , & finde maruelous contentment when they know or heare of the good estate and prosperity of the church in generall , or any member , or part of it in particular : and when it goeth ill either with the Church or any member thereof , they vpon the notice thereof mourne , greiue , lament ; And this argueth that they euen in the night , cloude , & tempest of their present affliction are liuely , and feeling members of the Church of God , because they haue a sympathy , and such a mutuall compassion ; and this point , that saying of Paul confirmeth , and striketh it ( as wee vse to phrase it ) dead ; if one member suffer all suffer with it , if one member be had in honour all the members reioyce with it . 1. Cor. 12. 26.

Que. But God is an holie God , an hater , and a punisher of sinne , one that requireth truth in the inward partes , & that we walke before him , and be perfect , how then will hee or can hee , beare with such want of feeling , so many complaints , so many defects , corruptions and wants in his children ?

An. The Godly are better within then without & 1. Sam. 16. 7 GOD requireth the heart more then the worke , man looketh on the outward appearance , Mat. 12 , v. 20 but the Lord beholdeth the heart . A broken heart is an acceptable sacrifice vnto him . If our faith be but as the graine of m●stard seede , yea as smoaking flaxe which for the present can neither yeeld light nor heate , yea and weake , like a bruised reed , if it can but touch the hemne of Christ his garment , yet if it be sound , hauing onely God , Christ and the promises of the Gospell for the obiect , and it doe growe and encrease , it is accepted with GOD for a perfect faith and is sufficient for saluation .

Secondly God is a most indulgent , Heb. 12 , v. 6 , and 7. and louing Father to his children looking onely vnto , and accepting the better part in them which is his owne worke , and passing by and pardoning their defects , Psal. 32 , 1 , 2. sinnes and imperfections as though they were not at all ; Rom. 8 , 33 , 34 and therefore they are blessed be●ause their sinnes are not imputed and GOD iustifieth them , who shall then condemne them ?

And as wee respect an heape of corne , Similitude . ( albeit the greater part bee chaste ) for the corne and not for the chaffe , and giue it the denomination of corne , and as wee esteeme a mountaine , or mine of Gold , or Siluer ( though vnwrought , and vnrefined ) for the gold , or siluer and not for the drosse , and for the more precious parte cal it gold or siluer : Euen so our heauenly Father accepteth & regardeth his children for their better partes ; of faith , and sanctification , and taketh no notice of their faultes , and defects ( albeit they bee farre more in number then their virtues . )

Vse . 1. First this doctrine of the perpetuity , and continuance of grace in Gods children serueth to checke and condemne that false , and comfortlesse doctrine of the Romish Synagogue , who holdeth and maintaineth and that by the cannons of the ●ridentine councel , non modo infidelitate per quam et ipsa ●ides amittitur sed etiam quocun●q alio mortali peceato acceptam iustificationis Tr●dent Concil ses . 6. ca. 15 grasiam amitte et omnes qui laethalta committant peccata a Christs gratia seper●entur . That the grace of Iustification receiued is lost not onely by vnbeleefe by which faith it selfe is lost , but also by any other mortall sinne , and they that commit deadly sinnes are seperated from the grace of Christ , which vile doctrine ( as before hath beene prooued ) is the breake-necke of faith directly against the word of God .

Vse . 2. Secondly it serueth for the consolation and reuiuing of the afflicted conscience of Gods children , for being in the estate of grace they can neuer bee depriued of it , but , God that hath begunne the good worke will finish it , Hose , 6 , v. 1. 2. hee that hath wounded the Church will heale it , though shee fall she shall rise , and when shee shall si● in darknesse the Lord will bee a light vnto them , Mic● 7. v. 8. and therefore let no man for his owne , or any of Gods seruants temptations , fals , and frailties , despaire either of his owne , or any other mans restitution , and saluation ; Rom. 11 , v. 23 for God is able to restore them , yea and will restore and perfect them .

Vse . 3. Seeing that in euery greiuous temptation , wee suffer much losse , either by abating and remitting of our faith , our zeale , our hope , our loue , our strength , our ioye , feeling ; or els by falling into some grosse and greiuous actuall sinne , as did Noab , Lot , ' Dauid , Sol●mon , Ez●chias , Peter &c. Wee must labour by all good , and holy meanes to repaire our decaies , and recouer our losses . We must nourish the spirit of God , by prophesie , praier &c. cherish our lampes with the oile of faith . If our nets bee broken wee must with Iames and Iohn mend them , if our wedding garment bee rent or torne wee must repaire it . And as in Pauls nauigation when through the feare of death , and through an exceeding tempest , Acts 27 and for that the sunne and starres in many daies appeared not , the mariners , and souldiers for foureteene daies had no appetite to their meat , or did any thing at all ; yet at last , beeing comforted and reuiued by Paul , they did at his exhortation , for the safegard of their liues take foode : euen so , if through the tempests of temptations , wee haue , longer then it was meete either abstained from , nor had any appetite to spirituall foode , it is time ( before we famish ) to receiue it and to recouer our appetite .

If with the Church of Ephesus we haue lost our first loue , we must repent , Apo. 2 , 4 , 5. and consider from whence wee are fallen , and doe the first workes ; if with the Church of Sardis wee haue a name that wee Apo. 3 , 2. liue and yet are dead wee must awaken and strengthen the things that remaine that are readie to die . If with the Church of Laodicaea Apoc. 3 , 16. 19. wee by reason of ease and prosperitie grow luke-warme , and are neither cold nor hote , we must bee zealous and amend .

Lastly , if our sinnes haue wounded vs , and left vs halfe dead as the theeues and robbers did the man that fell into their hands betweene Iericho a●d Ierusalem ; Luk 10 , 11 , ● . 30 , ad 37. wee must in the Inne of the Church entreate , and procure the good Samaritane Christ Iesus to powre wine and oile into our wounds , and to take charge of vs and heale vs , so shall wee bee in staetu quo prius , yea and our latter end wil be more glorious and comfortable then our beginning .

And thus much of this point viz. that sauing grace in the elect neuer faileth .

THE FOVRTH SECTION .

BVt mine &c. Here the Church findeth and feeleth grace in her heart , & by faith layeth hold on Christ , so that notwithstanding , that her temptation had in part preuailed , yet shee before the extremitie , and bitternesse of it came ; professeth and assureth herselfe and others that her faith was vntainted , and her heart sound with GOD . Her walls and outward buildings were somewhat crazed , and battered , but the strong Castle of her faith in Christ vntouched . From this her confession wee learne to our comfort that the elect , and Saints of GOD ( of whome alone his Catholike Church doth consist ) The elect assured of Gods fauour and their election . are ( except onelie in the greene blade , and insancie of the Church or in the night and tempest of some great temptation ) perswaded and assured in their owne consciences by Gods spirit that they are in the state of grace , and saluation , and shall neuer fall away from it .

Now that we may be assured that wee haue faith in our hearts , and so are in fauour with GOD , wee haue most plaine , Rom. 8 , 15. and pregnant places of holy scriptures to prooue it . God hath sent forth the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts whereby wee cry Abba father , wee haue receiued the spirit of Adoption , whereby wee cry abba father , the same spirit beareth witnesse with our spirit , that wee are the children of GOD . But this witnesse is not coniecturall but most certaine ; for the spirit can neuer bee deceiued , therefore vndoubtedlie they knewe that they were Sonnes . Ephes. 3 , 12.

Thirdly by the spirit wee haue boldness and enterance with confidence by faith in him , for the spirit expelleth all feare , 2. Cor. 13. 5. that is all doubtfulnesse and mistrust . Prooue your selues whether that you are in the faith , examine your selues , know yee not your owne selues howe that IESVS CHRIST is in you except you be reprobates . Now CHRIST was in them by grace and iustifying faith , Gal. 2. 20. and not by his power and miracles only , as Bellarmine would haue it , 1 Ioh. 4. 17. for by this faith men liue in Christ , yea liue for euer . 1. Ioh. 2. ve . 20

But you knowe the spirit for hee dwelleth with you , and shall bee in you : therefore if wee know the spirit to bee in vs , wee must needs know our faith and iustification that proceedeth thence . Dan. 7. 24. Yee haue an ointment from him that is holy and knowes all things . Here the Apostle alludeth vnto the old figures of the law , and the ointments where-with the Priests were annointed and specially the high Priest a figure of Christ , who is stiled by the name of messias , or anointed . Now the anointing of Priests and Kings in the old testament was a representation of the gifts of the holy Ghost , and this is the cause why the holy Ghost is here , 1. Ioh. 3. 14. and else where named 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or ointment , and the sense is that the true beleeuers hauing the holy Ghost , 1. Ioh. 4. 14. know all things ( necessary to saluation ) and by his power preseuer in faith , 1. Ioh. 5. 18. 20. ergo they also know that they are in Gods grace and fauour . And againe we know that wee are translated from death to life because wee lou●e the brethren . Hereby we know that we dwell in him and hee in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit . He that beleeueth in the sonne of God hath the witnes of God in himselfe . Iob. 19. 26. 27 Now this is not a doubting , or coniecturall knowledge but an holy perswasion wrought in Pauls , Rom. 8. 38. 39. and so in all our hearts by the holy Ghost .

I know my redeemer liueth ( saith Iob , ) and that I shall see God in my flesh , and mine ies shall be hold him , and none other for me Lastly ( to be breife ) I wil conclude with that of Paul ; I am perswaded that neither death , nor life , nor Angels , nor principaliites , nor powers , nor things present or things to come , nor beegth , nor depth , nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ I●sus our Lord . But least any man should obiect that this perswasion was proper onely to Saint ; Paule and that hee had it by some speciall reuelation for the answere hereof .

A●s . Rom. ● . 5. Wee must note that the ground of his 〈◊〉 ▪ viz. the loue of God in Christ I●sus is common to all the faithfull , for it is shed in all their hearts . And Paul , in another place , maketh the assurance of saluation common to him with all the faithfull , saying , there is laid vp for mee a Crowne of righteousnesse , 2. Tim. 48 and not to mee onely , but vnto all them also which loue his appearing , albeit some haue it in greater measure then others .

And that this doctrine may bee the more easily conceiued of vs ; I will explaine and make it lightsome by some familier comparisons and similitudes . Can a man carry fire in his hand , Similitudes & comparisons . and not feele it , and can a man containe the holy flame of Gods grace in his heart , and not discerne it ? Can a woman be wedded to an husband and not know it ? And can wee be conioyned to Christ , yea and ingrafted into him , and not perceiue it ? Can a man buy , and possesse a precious pearle , and a rich treasure , and yet bee ignorant of it , and can the Church by faith buy , and apprehend Christ , and not be aware of it ? Can a man doubt of the garments where with he is cloathed , and can the Church cloathed with the sonne of righteousnesse neuer see nor obserue it ? 1. Ioh. 2. 20. Can the elect ( the friends of God ) know all things needfull for their saluation by reuelation from him , and shall they erre and be ignorant in the knowledge , and certaintie of their owne iustification , and saluation ? Can the sense bee deceiued about his proper obiect ? And can all spirituall senses faile , and beguile vs ? Can hee dwell in vs , and we not see him ? Can hee dwell in vs , and wee neuer feele him ? Luk. 24. v. 32. Can he speake peace to our soules and cause our hearts to burne within vs , and we not heare him ? Can hee feede vs with the hony , wine , spices , fatlings , and delicates , and wee haue no tast , and relish of them ? Can Christ perfume his spouse with mirrbe , and incense and with all the powder of the merchant , Cant. 3. 6. and shee not smell it ? Can Christ lodge and lie with vs , Apoc. 3. 20. and we with him , & neuer spiritually touch him ? Finally shall the Church and must shee reioyce that her name is written in heauen , and yet haue no certaintie of it ? Wherefore this doctrine of the assurance of faith , and of the grace of God is certaine , infallible , and neuer faileth . But before wee 〈◊〉 attaine vnto this certainety of faith , and sauing grace , Meanes to come to assurance . wee must dilligently and reuerently heare Gods word , know it , and our sinnes by it , be truly humbled by it , dispaire of our owne abilitie ; ascent , and subscribe vnto the Gospell ; hope and desire pardon , hunger and thirst after grace , craue pardon of our sinnes , and particularly apply vnto our selues the promises of mercy , and saluation made vnto vs in the Gospell , and continue herein , 1. Sam. 17 ▪ 36. and then in processe of time after long sence , obseruation , and long experience of Go●'s fauor an● loue Psal. 23. 6. Yea after that we haue bene long excercised in temptations , 2. Timi 4. 7. 8. and bene old beaten soldiers in Christs battaile wee shall attaine vnto this fulnesse , and firmnesse of faith .

By this doctrine is confuted and ouerthrowne that erroneous and desperate doctrine of the Romish Synagogue , Vse . 1. who albeit they teach that men may by their workes merite saluation , and satisfie Gods iustice , yet they contradict themselues ( which is proper to Babel● the mother of confusion ) and considently hold and teach , that no man can be certaine of his saluation in this life by an ordinary and speciall faith , but onely by extraordinary reuelation and hope , which hope ministreth ( as they say ) but a coniecturall certaintie . If this their position were true , how could euer Iob in his extremities haue comforted himselfe in the vndoubted hope of his resurrection to eternall glory . Would euer Moses haue forsaken Pharaohs court , and the glory , pleasure , and preferments of it , H●b. 11. 25. if he had not had an eye vnto , yea an assurance of the recompence of the reward in the life to come ? would Manahen that had beene brought vp with Herod the Tetrarch so debased and subiected himselfe to so much enuie , Acts. 13. 1. 2 , and so many pcrils , and dangers by entring into the holy ministery , had not the expectation , and assurance of eternall happinesse induced him herevnto ? And ( to absolue this point ) how could , or would so many thousands of Martyrs ( since the Apostles times especially ) haue suffered so much rebuke , so great losses , Heb. 10. and 11. chapters . so many tortures for Christ , and his Gospell , yea , and most cruell deaths and persecutions , had they not been secured in their soules of the fauour of God , and beene verily perswaded that they stood in the estate of grace , and should in time be glorified ?

Seeing that the knowledge of our e●tate before God , Vse . 2. and the certaintie of Gods fauour and loue is so admirable and vnualuable a benefit communicated to none but Gods children , and to them that seeke his face in Christ , let vs neuer rest , nor be quiet vntill we haue sued out our qu●etus est , and haue procured this certaintie . Let not marrying of wiues , Luk. 9. v. ●5 . buying of Farmes , trying of Oxen , oues , & boues , & pecori campi , hinder , and stay vs from getting this assurance .

What shall we so toile and moile , and so sue and seeke with so much paine and cost , to ascertaine vnto our selues and ours , lands , liuings , leases , patents , reuersions , ( which notwithstanding by reason of our mortalitie , and the might , malice , and cunning of men , we ( oftentimes ) can neither long , nor peaceably enioy ) and shall we not much more seeke the kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse of Christ ? shall not we labour to secure vs of Gods vnchangeable fauour ; and to get the grant , yea , and begining of eternall and vnspeakeable happinesse , which wee may assuredly obtaine , and the obtaining and purchase whereof is worth ten thousand workes : And therefore Curare externa neglectis internis ( imoaeternis , ( as one saith well ) caec●tas est , that is , to haue a care of these outward things , and neglect and passe inward , and eternall things is blindnesse , nay madnesse . For what will it profit a man to gaine the whole world , and loose his owne soule , or what ransome or recompence shall hee giue to r●de●me it ? surely none . GOD therefore make vs wise to saluation , and grant that we may alwayes looke to the maine chance , and make choise of the better part , Amen .

And thus much shall suffice to haue spoken of the churches , faith , confidence , and feeling .

NOw because this doctrine is of so great moment , and importance , and of so excellent , and necessary vse ; I for the edification , and comfort of all good Christians will annexe and set downe six special , and principal , or characteristicall notes , markes and demonstrations , whereby a man may in conscience bee perswaded that he standeth in the estate of grace , and is reconciled vnto God , whether for the present temptation hee haue feeling or not . And by these notes and demonstrations it shall euidently appeare who is in the state of grace and s●luation ; for as the life is knowne by the motion , the fire by the light and heate , the tree by the fruite , and the sheepe by the markes and brands , so may the godly heareby iudge and determine of their faith .

The notes are these six following , which I will ( God assisting ) handle breifly and in order . Six speciall notes or marks of faith and grace . The first is sound iudgement in matters of faith and religion . The second sincere affection towards , and constant delight in Christ , and his Gospell . The third a constant course in all the excersises of godlines . The fourth an inward and godly sorrow for our sinnes , and for the offence of GOD .

The fift is thanfulnes in acknowledgement and high esteeme of C H R I S T , and all his graces and benefits . Lastly to suffer no sinne to raigne , and haue command and dominion in vs , but to dislike , resist and breake it off . Hee that hath these , and the like 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 congnisances , markes and properties wee may say iustly of him , hee that hath or that doth these t●inges , shall neuer fall , that is , hee is perpetually blessed , and can neuer by any violence , tyranny , or iniuries of Satan , and the world , bee ouerthrowne or remoued from his state , but is secure and safe against all euills .

Touching soundnes of faith and iudgement , 1 note soundn●s of iudgement . it is when no heresie is maintained , or errour held against the principles and groundes of Orthodoxe religion ; but in iudgement and conscience is directed , and rectified in all thinges by the holy Scriptures , this is a light to our wayes , and a Lanth●rne to our steppes , the eye of our soule a lampe , and torch to guide and lead vs , in the darkenesse of this world , it is a gate and doore to let vs vnto Christ his chamber of presence , and to intromit vs into heauen ; it is a key to vnlocke the treasures of the scriptures ; it is the foundation of our spirituall house , and the directer , & touchstone of al good workes , and obedience . That , this soundnesse of faith and iudgement is of absolute necessity , to prooue vnto vs the truth of grace and Gods fauour , it shall thus by scripture most manifestly bee declared .

The Church in the Acts of the Apostles is said to continue in the Apostles doctrine , Ephes. 2. 20. the Church is builded vpon the foundation , the doctrine , and scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles . Tit. 2. 2. Elder men must be sound in the faith , nay the church must bee rooted & grounded in it . Col. 2. 6. If they had beene of vs ( saith Saint Iohn ) 1. Ioh. 2 , 19. they had continued with vs , viz ▪ in soundnesse of doctrine , and in frequenting the holy assemblies . No other foundation can any man laie then that which is laid which is Iesus Christ . 1. Cor. 3 , 11. That is the doctrine of the Gospel , touching Christ his person , and office , is ( as it were ) the foundation of Christian Religion , therefore both pastors and people must by all meanes endeuour to keepe this doctrine pure , and vncorrupted : And all doctrines and opinions , quirkes , and curriosities that are not agreeable herevnto , are but woode , hay , stubble which the fire of heauenly truth will in time to their reproach and shame reueale , and consume . The ministerie of the word is giuen , and ordained of GOD that wee might grow vp to perfect on of faith , and that wee should bee no more c●ildren , Eph. 4. 13. 14. wauering and carried about with euery winde of doctrine . Iesus Christ yesterday , Heb. 13. 8. and to daie and the same for euer . Bee not caried about with diuers and st●ange doctrine ▪ for it is a good thing that the heart bee established with grace and not with meates &c. Faith is the eye of the bodie , if the eye be single the whole ●ody shal be light .

The necessity , and most absolute vse of this doctrine will appeare by the Caueates and warnings that are giuen vs in scripture to beware of seducers , & false teachers , and by the opposition and zeale that we are to shew against al Atheisme , Idolatry , Libertinisme &c. Hence it is that in matters of conscience , and in troubles of minde wee are put ouer to the lawe and to ●he testimonies , and they that speake not according to this word haue no light in them . Isa. 8. 20 . They that will not beleeue Moses and the Prophets will not beleeue though one arose from the dead . Luk. 1● . Hence it is that Dauid by reason of his vnderstanding in , Psal ▪ 119. 104 and loue to Gods word , hateth all false waies . Hence it is that the Church is exhorted to beware of false Prophets , to beware of the leuine that is , the infections and false doctrine of the Scribes and Pharasies , to saue themselues from that forward generation , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iud. 1. 3. to play the Champions and to contend for the common faith , Apoc. 18. v. 4. to come out of ●abylon least they bee partakers of her sinnes , and so of her plagues ; not to goe after false Christs and false Prophets , Ioh. 10. v. 5. for they must not so much as heare a stranger , that is , one that bringeth strange , and false doctrine , much lesse bid him God speede , 2. Ioh. 10. that is any way shew any countenance , and allowance to his corrupt doctrine . And no maruaile for Heresie and false doctrine is the poyson and pestilence to the soule , Apo. 9 v 5. it stingeth , and vexeth the conscience like a scorpion . 2. Tim. 2. 17. It doth eat and consume the soule like a Gangraene , it maketh men spiritually mad , 2. Pet. 2. 2. yea and bringeth with it ( if men die in it ) certaine and iust damnation .

Vse . 1. Wherefore we learne hence , first not to measure the truth of Religion by multitudes , vniuersalities , antiquities ( as the Papists and ignorants , of the world doe ; ) for h●rein we may soone bee deceiued , ●uk. 13. v. 24. the broad way leadeth to destruction , Christs flocke is but a little one : and the number of the elect is ( in comparison of them that perish ) exceeding few , therefore we must try and examine all by the standard , and certaine rule of Gods holy word ▪ and if it be consonant therevnto , wee must admit it , otherwise reiect it .

Vse . 2. It meeteth with and checketh the errour , and sottishnesse of the simple ignorant multitude , of whome for the most part we may truely say they know not the law of God and accursed , Ioh. 7. v. 49. who terme and call an Atheist a Papist a Libertine , ( if ●e be onely outwarly and ciuilly righteous , ) iust , liberall curteous , sociable , a right honest man ; as though there could possibly be any true honesty without fath and true religion , the cause and foundation of it ; For Paul doth make Godlinesse a cause of honesty that is , 1. Tim. 2. 2. of Christian life , and behauiour .

Vse . 3. We must beware of and shunne all doctrine that tendeth to Atheisme and Libertinisme , and all popish opinions , and especially such as haue beene by some of late yeares vented , furbished and refined , and therefore the more dangerous , Resined Errors . and deceitfull . And indeed no better then the whore of Babilons golden cup , glorious without , but within full of abhominations and deadly poyson . Of this kinde of opinions , and errours ( to omit others ) are these following . First that the now Romish church ( albeit idolatrous , and apostatical ) is a true visible church .

2. Error . That the holy religion of Christ now professed , and by publicke authority maintained in England , and the doctrine and worship of Papists differ onely in accidents and circumstances and not in substance , and that a reconciliation betwixt both parties might well be admitted . Whereas first the Romish religion is ( for the most part ) Idolatrous and hereticall , but so is not ours at all . Secondly the Papists will in no wise yeeld to any reconciliation to vs , though in truth , and why should wee yeeld and bee reconciled to them in error , and Idolatrie ?

3. Error . That we must not enquire how Christ is present in the Eucharist ( viz : whether spiritually or bodilie ) intending heereby to keepe men in suspence , and to make away for that absurd and blasphemous doctrine of Transubstantiation . Whereas otherwise it is most plaine by scripture that Christs presence is altogither spirituall .

4. Error . That the sabboth is but a ceremony , and that it is in the churches power and libertie to alter it , determine the time , and the continuance of it , and to remit and abate of the strictnesse of it as it shall thinke good . Whereas it is one of the tenne commandements , and therefore must needes for substance bee morall and perpetuall , and it is in the power of no person to dispense withall , and the maintayning of this error openeth a dore to al prophanesse and licentiousnesse .

5. Error . The false opinion of vniuersall grace , and the denying of the doctrine of ●ternall reprobation in Gods secret decree . Math. 1● . 27. Whereas sauing grace is proper onely to the elect , Rom. v. ● . and that God hath eternally decreed , and doth in time actually passe by many and most , it is by scripture most apparent .

6. Error . That the sufferings of Christ were only bodily and not in soule ( properly and immediately ) but by Sympathy onely . Whereas his soules heauines , bloudy sweate , praier against it , and the consent of most worthy , and Orthodoxe Diuines , euince the contrary .

Lastly it is malum omen , and prognosticateth much decay of sincere zeale and pure affection , when of late times amongst too too many students in Diuinitie , the sound , iudicious , pithy and fruitfull writings , comments , disputes , and Euangelicall authors , such as are Caluin , Beza , Martyr , Bucer , Zanchius , Pola●us . Iunins , Iuell , Whittakers , Fulke , and Perkins , &c. are neglected , contemned , and out of request , and the false rubbish , and muddy bookes and writings of Popish schoolemen , and interpreters are iniudiciously & rashly receiued . Herevnto may be referred , ( as a great rebater to faith , and a mighty infection , and corruption to good life , and manners , ) the publishing , toleration , reading , and affecting of scurrile play bookes , vnsauery , and amorous ballads , foolish ieasts , and fained and vnprofitable histories and fables . These are to to much in request ; these effiminate mens manners , and make them apt to entertaine any religion but the truth : and if perhaps they retaine the truth , it is to bee feared that it is more in shew then in substance , for custome rather then ▪ for conscience .

And thus much of the foundation of faith and iudgement .

Now it followeth that wee speake of sincere affection , 2. Note , si●cere affection . and sound delight in Christ , and in his Gospell : Vbi am●r ibi oculus , where our loue is , there will bee our eye , and where our treasure is , there will bee our heart . Our loue to Christ must be hartie like Peters , it must be great like Mary Magdalins , Iohn . 21. 7. it must be setled and vnmoueable that no water can quench it , Luk. 7. 38 . no● the stoods drowne it , yea wee must for no substance part with it . Cant. 8. 7 Christ is the tree of life , and vnder his shadow we must sit down● and rest . Cant , 2. v. 3. We must count all things , whatsoeuer may otherwise bee auantageable vnto vs , but losse and dung to winne him . Philip. 3. 8● And as for the world , because it is the spring and fountaine of all knowledge , Psal. 87. v. 7. the immortall seede , and the instrument of faith and saluation ; wee must receiue it , and loue it , if we would profit by it , yea , and preferre it aboue spoiles , treasures , gold , siluer , and pretious stones . If we leese it , we leese all things , yea the very broad scale and patent of eternall life , and if we haue and reteine it ( in sound iudgement , sincere delight , and hearty affection ) wee shall liue for euer . Wee must also cleaue vnto the Lord with full purpose of heart , Acts 11. 23. and entreate him to knit our ▪ hearts vnto him , least our hearts distracted with diuers desires , Psal. 86 11. should remaine in doubt , and take such courses as are not pleasing vnto God ; but that they being consecrated vnto him may obey him , Rom. 8. 23. onely rest in him , and depend vpon him . 2. Cor. 5. 2. Lastly wee must waite for our full redemption , and entertaine an earnest desire to enioy e●ernall life .

This doctrine meeteth with the Stoikes , Vse . and those that are Stoikally minded who deny affections , and would haue men herein to be no better then stockes and stones ; wheras in truth without these affections set vpon their right obiect , and that in due proportion , there can be no true seruing of God , no zeale for his glory , no feare of his name , no hatred , and detestation of ●●nne , no spirituall ioy and delight , no true loue of God , his saints , and word , and no true faith and hope in God , &c. These are wings whereby wee flye , and are carryed vnto God , chariots to bring vs vnto Christ , and they are the very heart and life of all our spirituall actions .

The churches securitie . And thus much in briefe touching the sinceritie of our affections .

THe third note and marke of faith and grace , is a setled and a continued course in all the duties of godlinesse . The 3. note . Constant and vniuersall obedience . And herein is Christian wisedome , fortitude , and resolution seene . For the proofe and demonstration of this point , the Scriptures are plaine and plentifull , Dauid saith ; I haue respect vnto all thy commandements . I haue chosen the way of truth , Psal. 119. v. 6. and thy iudgements haue I layd before me ; teach me O Lord the way of thy statutes , and I will keepe it unto the end : And seuen times a day doe I praise thee , v. 30. & 33. because of thy righteous iudgements . Prou. 4. 18. The way of the righteous shineth as the light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day ; that is the noone-tide , when the day is most cleere and bright . And the meaning is , that the godly do daily profit in wisdome , and the feare of the Lord , and goe from strength to strength , vntill they ascend to that perfection which may be attained vnto in this life . Luke . 1. v. 7. ● . This is one maine end of our redemption , viz. to serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life . Againe we are perpetuall subiects and seruants vnto God ( albeit otherwise his freemen and children ) and we expect an eternall reward , namely eternall life purchased for us , and promised vs , therefore our obedience must be perpetuall also . But that wee may the better keepe this continued and resolued course in goldlinesse ; we must alwayes remember , and doe our vtmost endeuour , to repaire , and renue our faith and repentance : for as we sinne daily , so wee must repent dailie , and as wee slip daily and loose some-thing ( especially in the euill day and the time of any speciall temptation ) so it is most requisite that wee bee carefulll to confirme and strengthen our ●aith , and to renue our repentance . For recouery of bodily health and strength decayed , we vse Physicke , good dyet , exercise , and all other good meanes , and shall not wee bee much more studious and prouident by all meanes , for the recouerie and repaire of our spirituall strength and health that is any wayes impaired , and diminished . This was the practise of Dau●d who saith I haue considered m● waies and turned my feete vnto thy testimonies . Psal. 119 ▪ 59. Hence it is that our Sauiour teacheth and commandeth vs daily to confesse our sinnes , and craue pardon of them at Gods hands saying , forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs . Hence it is that before wee receiue the word wee are to prepare our selues , Ecles . 4 ▪ 17. and to take he●de to our feete , that is , to our affections , when wee enter into Gods house , and bee more neere to ●eare them to giue the sacrifice of Fooles , that is wee must vseall diligent endeuour that wee heare the voice of GOD , and frame our life thereafter , and not to offer such sacrifice as fooles doe , who hauing sinned , imagine that they can satisfie the Lord with their ceremonious Worshippe , when their life notwithstanding is not amended . Psal 2 ▪ 66. Dauid s●ith th●t hee will washe his hands in innocencie and ( so ) compasse Gods alter . Likewise before the receyuing of the Sacrament of the bodie , a●d bloud of CHRIST ; a man must trie , 1. Cor. 11. 28 and examine himselfe , and by consequence renue his faith , and repentance , and so eat of the bread and drinke of that cuppe . And ( to knit vp all in a word ) the Church of Corinth must expell that leauen the incestuous person : 1. Cor. 5. 7. the Church of Ephesus must recouer her first loue : the Church of Pergamus must repent of that sinne for tollerating them amongst them that mainta●ned the doctrine of the Nicolaitans . Apo. 2. 25 The Church of Sardis must awaken , and strengthen the thing that remaine , that are read●e to die . Apo. 3. 2. The luke-warme Church of Laodicae● which was neither hote nor cold ( which is now the common sinne of our time and the maladie of most Churches ) must bee zealous , and amend . vers. 19.

Vse . 1. The vse of this doctrine , is to cond●mne them that either vse no holie and Religious exercise at all , and hereby discrie and bewray themselues to bee meere Atheists , and Nullifidians , or els if they doe performe any dutie of pietie , religion and loue , they doe it vpon fits , brunts , passions ; for a time , and that in some things onelie like Iehu , and their goodnesse ( like that of Ephraim and luda● ) is as a morning cloude , and as a morning dew it goeth away , Hosea . 6. 4. they are soone hote and soone cold , and they are farre from any stedfast resolution , and continued practise , which onelie is proper to a true iustifying faith : whereas hipocrites , temporizers , and wordlings may ( for a time and vpon suddaine motions ) formally performe all the forenamed duties .

Vse . 2. The second vse is for consolation . Dost thou notwithstanding thou now and then deuiate , and digresse a little out of the way for a time with Noah , Lot Dauid , Peter , Ezechias &c , trauaile daily foreward to heauen ? dost thou purposely , and ordinarily walke in the narrow way that leadeth to eternall life ? Dost thou not long continue in thy by-pathes , nor please they selfe in them ; but vpon notice of thy errour , reduce thy selfe into the waie againe , and then by more speede and hast make amendes for thy former straying and slouthfulnesse ? comfort thine heart , thine infirmities shall neuer bee laid to thy charge , and thou shalt at length attaine to the ende of thy iorney and hope , namely the port and hauen of euerlasting happinesse , For GOD , chiefely respecteth the heart , and resolution : And that which Paul saith of almes , and contribution ; 1. Cor. 8 , 12. we may truely affirme of all other holy duties : if there be first a willing minde , they are accepted according to that a man hath , & not according to that a man hath not , and ( to conclude ) for this constant practise , continuance , and perseuerance in holy duties and Godlinesse : ●osua , Dauid , Iehoshaphat , Aza , Ezcch : as , Iosias , &c. are commended and eternized in scripture , for that they serued GOD with a perfect and vpright heart , and did ( in generall ) that which was acceptable in Gods sight .

And thus much of a continued course in Godlinesse .

THe fourth signe or marke is a griefe , 2. Cor. 7. 11 4 ▪ note a Godly sorro● . and Godly sorrow for the offense of God ioyned with an earnest desire of reconciliation and forgiuenesse . It is a Renting of the heart and not of the garments . Examples of this sorrow , Ioel. 2. 13 we haue in Daniell confessing his , and the peoples sins , wee haue sinned , and committed iniquity and done wickedly , Dan. 9. vers. 6. O Lord righteousnesse belongeth unto thee , and to vs open pen shame . In the prodigall child , Father I haue sinned against heauen , Luke 18. 13. and against thee , and I am no more worthy to bee called thy childe . In the Iewes repenting of their vnthankfulnesse against Christ , of whome it s said that they shall lament for Christ as one mourneth for his onely sonne , and bee sory for him as one is one is sorie for his first borne . Zacha. 12 , 10. They are blessed that mourne , viz : Math 5. for their owne sinnes , and others , and a broken heart is a sacrifice to God . Let euery man then descend into himselfe , examine his conscience and bewaile his sinnes , whereby hee hath crucified the sonne of God . Let him then sigh and grone and bee afflicted for his offences , which no Man , Angell , or creature els could satisfie for , but onely Christ Iesus the Kings sonne , who both suffered manifold and exquisite paines in bodie , and most inward and vnspeakeable torments in his soule for his sinne and that beeing his vtter enemie , and therefore if hee could shed buckets of teares for his sinnes , yea and teares of bloud all the daies of his life hee must not thinke it sufficient . Now the griefe and sorrow must not bee onely , or cheifely in respect of losses , crosses , extremities , afflictions , punishments , or because hee afraid of hell tormentes and the terrour of the last iudgement ; Psal. 130 , 4. for reprobates , as Cain , Esau , Iudas , Magus , may and haue gone thus farre : but it must bee chiefely because the good maiestie of GOD hath beene offended , his patience and long suffering abused , and his mercie and fauour contemned , and this sorrow would appeare in iust and Godly men , albeit there were no conscience to accuse , no iudge to condemne , no temporall plagues to terrifie , and no eternall torments to daunt and dampe him . And if that saying be good oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore : so much more the Godly and regenerate are loath and grieued to displease God for the loue and reuerence they beare to God and their Sauiour Christ . And as for deprecation , De●●re of pardon . and desire of pardon , it is of absolute necessitie , and wee haue aboundant scriptures for the illustration and iustification of it . In the Iewes in Hosea his time , Hos. 14 , 4. saying . Take away all iniquitie , and receiue vs gratiously : I say , Daniell . and the Iewes of his time saying . O Lord heare , O Lord , forgiue , O Lord , consider and doe it , Psal. 51. deferre not for thine owne names sake O my GOD . In Dauid , haue mercie vpon mee , O GOD according to thy louing kindenesse ; according to the mul●itude of thy compassions put away mine iniquities .

And here wee may obserue a notable and a manifest difference betweene Gods children , and the hipocrites and wicked . Gods children desire nothing so much as to bee reconciled vnto him , and therefore vpon the sense , and perceiuing of his displeasure , they forthwith fall to prayer and humble suite , for the pardon of their sinnes , and neuer giue ouer vntell God from heauen send into their hearts some comfortable assurance thereof . But the wicked in their extremities ( if they desire ought of God ) either by themselues or others , it is onelie with Pharao , and Simon Magus , for the remoouall , or preuention of Gods iudgement , but as for their particuler sinnes , the cause of all their miseries they haue no true touch of , much lesse , then , desire pardon of them ; as the examples of the two forenamed persons , as likewise of Cain , Esau , Iudas &c. doe sufficiently testifie . And the reason hereof is for that the wicked , and reprobate are neuer liuely smitten with the sense of their particular offences , nor discerne what an excellent and vnutterable benefit it is for a man to bee eased of them , Psal. 32 , 1. 2 but the case is farre otherwise with euery Godly , and truelie regenerate man .

And thus much of Godly sorrow and desire of pardon .

THe first signe and marke of sauing grace is when no one sinne , A fi●t note freedome from all raigning sinnes . nor any sin is suffered to sway , domineere , and raigne in the bodie , or soule . Now that is a raigning sinne that is committed with a full and resolued consent of will , Psal 53. and wherein a man continueth without griefe for it , ● Thes: 5 , 7 without feare of God , or his iudgement , without resistance against it , and without amendment of life . It is when men make a trade , and occupation of sinne , and like Ahab sell themselues to commit sinne , and it is like to a wilde horseman , Math. 7 , 23 and vnruly Rider that spurreth his horse so egarly vntell they both be ouerthrowne , and bee ( as he said ) caried man and horse and all to the diuell . Euery sinne of this kinde is a deadly wound to the soule , an earnest penny to sathan , yea and his foode and diet ; an vnresistable and violent tempest to the conscience , Rom. 6 , 16. a strange God , an Idoll , and a certaine herbinger , and forerunner of eternall distruction ; and it is in euery man by nature vntill hee bee renued and regenerate . From this , and the like sinnes the regenerate are freede not by nature , but grace , not by their owne desertes , but by Gods meere mercie and goodnesse ; and it is apeculier prerogatiue of a sanctified and iustified man to haue no sinne raigning , and tirannizing in him .

The Godly haue the seede of the spirit remayning in them , and therefore they can commit no such sinne . They keepe themselues ( as instruments of grace ) that the wicked one toucheth him not viz: 1. Ioh. 5 , 18. to commit any raigning sinne . Sinne shall not ( no nor can ) haue dominion ouer them , for they are not vnder the law but vnder grace . Against these there is no law ( to condemne them ; ) for in them the spirit alwaies fighteth against the flesh ; Gal. 5 , v. 24. and they haue crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof , and therefore albeit they sinne of ignorance , and infirmitie onely , yea & sometimes of presumption , yet they shall neuer bee condemned for them : for it is not they that do it , but that dwelleth in them ; Rom. 7. v. 20. and they are not slaues , and seruants vnto sin as the wicked , are , who li●e and die in them , but seruants of obedience vnto righteousnesse whom the Sonne hath made free . Ioh. 8 , 34. 36.

Let herevnto be added , that the regenerate with Dauid pray vnto God , Psal. 19 , 13. that he would keepe them from presumptuous sins that they raigne not ouer them , and they desire the Lord to direct their footesteps by his word , that so no iniquity haue dominion ouer them , and this their praier beeing framed according to Gods will , Ioh. 15 , v. 16. and onelie for spirituall and necessary graces God alwaies heareth .

Vse . 1. Seeing that raigning sinnes are so dangerous and pestilent , yea and as contrary to true regeneration , as fire to water , darkenesse to light , and death to life : wee must beware of it , and giue no consent and allowance vnto it , least sinne like the seruants , and messenger of ●enadab King of Syria take diligent heede if they can catch any thing of vs , 1 King 20 , 33. and so worke vpon vs to our perpetuall ruine as they did vpon Ahab .

Therefore it is wisdome , and good for vs not to presume to come to neere the bankes of sinne , least wee sinke , and bee drowned , if wee would not haue the fire of sinne to consume vs : Wee must take heede of , and labour betimes to quench the very sparkes of it ; wee must dash our sinnes like the Babilonish young children against the stones : Psal. 137. v. 9. kill the young Lions ; and wee must make a conscience euen of small and lesser sinnes , if wee would bee free from greate and raigning sinnes . These many times are more dangerous then greater and more grosse sinnes ; for great and grosse sinnes men will often leaue , for feare of discredit , shame , and penaltie , but smaller sinnes are not acknowledged , and are counted no sinnes , and so at length preuaile , and get head that they that make no conscience of them wil be drawne in time to commit more horrible sinnes : euen as hee that maketh no conscience of filching , and purloyning , may easily ( vpon occasion , and entisement ) bee drawne to robbe by the high way-side , and to offer violence to innocent men .

Let vs therfore giue no assent to sin , least assent bring delight , delight custome , custome necessity , necessity , senslesnes , & senslesnes death & damnation . Shall we so carefully shun , & decline al things y● bring hurt , sicknes , infection , & danger to the body ? and shall not wee much more heedfully beware , and take heede of the tyranny and dominion of sinne that in time bringeth both body and soule to eternall destruction . Lastly let vs betimes procure the Amulete or preseruatiue of grace to keepe the poyson of it farre from the heart ( our hold , or castle ) or ( to speake more plainly ) let vs hide , Isal. 119. 11. and lay vp Gods word in our heart , that we sinne not against God .

It serueth also to condemne , and reprooue those , Vse . 2. that ( because they are in their owne opinion onely righteous , and in the conceit , and estimation of men , whom they may easily by their sophistry and hypocriticall holinesse deceiue : but not so inwardly of conscience before God , ) thinke themselues free , though they with the Scribes and Pharasies be fast bound with the chaine of some peculiar and beloued sinne . If they with Iudas preach , do miracles , haue an office , and dissemble their impieties ( albeit couetousnesse raigne in their heart ) all is well with them : they thinke it sufficient with Herod , to heare Iohn Baptist for a time gladly , yea to reuerence him , and to reforme many smaller sinnes , and yet few goe so farre , albeit they liue with him , and remaine in perpetuall adultery , or the like sinnes : Iohn . 5. v. 35. they content themselues to delight in Ioh● his doctrine , and Ministery for a time , but they soone fall away from it and him : And lastly they thinke themselues happy , and perfect men , if with the Scribes and Pharasies they pray , they fast , they doe almes , they pay their tithes , they weare long robes , and enlarge the fringes of their garments for vanitie , vaine glory , yea and merits sake : and yet inwardly they be hypocrites , rotten bones , and full of extortion , crueltie , persecution , couetousnesse , excesse , deceit , and errour . But of these we may say iustly ( as Christ did of his time ) except your righteousnesse exce●d the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharasies yee shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen : Math. 5. 20 : and as Christ said another time . O Serpents , Math. 23. 33. O gene●ation of vipers , how should yee escape the damnation of hell ? Wherefore let vs labour rather to be inwardly holy then outwardly , and to approone our waies and consciences to God rather then to men , and by no one sinne to suffer satha● to haue enterance and accesse vnto our hearts , for if hee once get hold , and possession , 2. Pet. 2. v. 20. ( and specially re-entry ) after hee hath beene by grace and the knowledge of the Lord Iesus repelled : hee will either very hardly , or els neuer bee remooued , but taketh , seauen other spirits worse then himselfe , and they enter in , and dwell there , Math. 12. ve. 45. and the end of that man is worse then the beginning .

And thus much of raigning sinne with the vses thereof .

THe sixt , The sixt marke praise and thankes giuing vnto God . and last marke amongst many other and that most eminently , is praise and thankes-giuing vnto God for all his benefits past , present , and to come , whether outward , and temporary , or spirituall , and eternall . Of this sort , in things outward , is our creation , preseruation , health , life , libertie , prosperity , priuate and publicke deliuerances , yea and all the meanes of our temporall life , and hapinesse ; and specially in heauenly things our predestination to eternall glory , our adoption to be Gods sonnes , our redemption by Christs sufferings and obedience , our iustification by faith in Christ his death and merits , our illumination , and sanctification by his word and spirit : the blessed ministery of the word , the vse and comfort of the Sacraments , the reueiling , and weaking of Antichrist and his promised destruction , the fitting of vs for a better kingdome ; and preparing the kingdome of glorie for vs , his long patience , and forbearance of vs , and all fatherly , gentle , and mercifull corrections , and warnings . For all these in general , Col. 3. 17. yea and for euery one of them in particuler we are bound , and must endeuour ( both generally and distinctly ) Iob. 1 , 21. to returne vnto the Lord praise and thanksgiuing , and to serue him in holinesse , Luke 1 , 75. and righteousnes all the daies of our life . Here vpon Paul vpon the distinct consideration of them brasteth forth into thankesgiuing , and saith : Ephe. 1. 4 : Blessed bee God the father of our Lord Iesus Christ which ●ath blessed vs with all spirituall blessing in heauenly things in Christ . And afterwards hee descendeth into particulars . Dauid also wondering at the greatnesse of Gods goodnesse bra●teth out into an exclamation , Ps●l. 116 , 17. and acknowledgeth Gods benefits to be greater then he is able to requite . What shall I ( saith hee ) render vnto the Lord for all his benefits ? and in another place hee saith , my soule prais● thou the Lord , Psal. 103 , 1 , 2 and all that is within mee praise his holie name ; my soule praise thou the Lord and forget not all his benefits . Hereby hee stirreth vp himselfe to thankesgiuing , and laboureth to shake of all drowsinesse : For forgetfulnesse , and vnthankefulnesse , as it is the common disease of the world , so it argueth a vaine , and a wicked minde . For speciall , and particular deliuerances from captiuitie , from hunger , from imprisonment , from sicknesse , Psal. 107. from feare of drowning , and shipwracke &c. require particular thankes , and there is good reason it should bee so , for euery particuler benefit requireth a new song , and a peculier forme of thankesgiuing , and this is plaine by sundry psalmes of Dauid endited , and framed vpon sundry benefits receiued , and deliuerances obtained . This thankefulnesse is the peculiar dutie of the Iust , and it is a Sacrifice whereby wee glorifie GOD , and glorifying him , he will glorifie vs . It is also a speciall note of the true , ye the triumphant Church as may appeare by the practise , and examples of the Angells , Elders , and beasts in the Apocalips , Apo. 7 , 12 Amen . Glorie , honour , wisedome thankes and power , and might be vnto our God for euermore . It is peculier to them to singe the new song of their redemption which none can learne but the redeemed alone : Apoc. 14 , 4. Wee must also with the Church in the Apocalips render and ascribe vnto the Lord , Apo. 19 , 1. praise , glorie , wisedome , honour , thankes , power , might , saluation for his righteous iudgement ( alreadie in part ) vpon the Antichrist of Rome , for that he hath condemned the great whore which corrupted the earth with her fornication , and hath auenged the bloud of hi● seruants shed by her hands .

Lastly the Church is exhorted , to reioyce , be glad and giue glorie to him for the full redemption of his Church at hand , and because the mariage of the lambe is come , and the bride hath made her ready . But that we may the more soundly , and sincerely practise and performe this dutie : we must do three things .

First wee must magnifie , and high esteeme of all Gods blessings ( specially of those that concerne and accompany saluation ) wee must acknowledge them wonderfull , High estimation of Gods blessings . speake of them honorably : thinke , and meditate of them often , yea and to value and price them aboue riches , Psalm. 119. spoiles , corne , wine , gold , siluer , Iewells , precious stones , yea , and account all things els ( in comparison of them , and so farre forth as they are any let or hinderance to our saluation ) as losse and dung . Philipians 3.

Secondly wee must debase our selues before God , Debasing of our selues before God . and acknowledge our vnworthinesse to receiue so great blessings , Genes. 32 , 10 . and graces at his hands . Thus Iacob acknowledged himselfe not to bee worthy of the least of all Gods mercies , and of his promises p●rformed vnto him . Thus Dauid ( vpon the consideration of Gods vnspeakeable mercies towardes mankinde , and also of mans vilenesse and vanitie , ) brasteth forth into an exclamation , saying . What is man that thou art so mindfull of him , Psal 144. 3. 4. or the Sonne of man that thou thinkest vpon him ? Man is like to vanitie , his daies are like a shadowe that vanisheth .

Thirdly in Paul and that most singulerly ) who confesseth ingenuously that the grace of the Lord was exceeding aboundant towardes him ; 1 Tim. 1 , v. 15 beeing ( before his conuersion ) a blasphemer , a persecutor , and an oppressor ; and that IESVS CHRIST , came into the world to saue sinners of whome saith hee I am chiefe . Lastlie in the lost childe saying , Luke 15. 19. Father I am no more worthy to bee called thy sonne , make mee as one of thy hired seruants .

Thirdly if wee would shewe our selues truely thankefull , wee must liue in obedience of Gods commaundements , To liue in obedience to God , and his commandments . sinne no more least a worse thing befall vs , order our conuersation aright , keepe our selues pure from idolatry ; and consecrate and deuote our selues , soules and bodies to God his seruice . For this is a most liuely , effectuall ▪ yea , Psal. 50. v. ●3 . and reall sacrifice , yea the best sacrifice that we can offer vnto God . Rom. 12. ver. 1. Reasons further to enforce this dutie , and to perswade vs herevnto , are firs● so many commandements and exhortations in holy scriptures , and ( by name ) in the psalmes of Dauid .

Secondly the often and excellent examples of so many rare and renowned men in holy scripture , of Patriarkes , Kings ▪ Prophets , and right Isralites in the old Testament : and of Christ his Apostles , disciples , and all rankes of sound confessors , and Christians in the new Testament . These are so many notable lightes , lampes , examples , and directors vnto vs ; whose footesteps if w●e insist not in , wee declare our selues to bee bastard slips and not true branches , and to bee ( notwithstanding al labour , care , and husbanding ) that cursed ground that bringeth forth nothing , Heb. 6. 8. but briars , and thornes , whose end is to be burned .

Thirdly of all other sacrifices , this is most sweete and sauory in Gods nostrilles , Gen. 8. v. 21. being not a constrained , and enforced worship ( as praier is sometimes , ) ●ut a free-will offering , Psa. 50. 14 , 15 it is the ca●ues and fru●te of the lips which confesse his name , and it is a speciall glorification of God .

Fourthly hereby wee imitate and follow the practise of the Church triumphant in heauen , whose continuall vsage and exercise it is , in quiers , and companies by Himmes , Psalmes , and thanksgiuing , to sound and set forth the glorie , and mercies of God .

Fiftly because vnthankefulnesse for , and forgetfulnesse of Gods blessings , and benefits , is a thing most distastfull , and hatefull to the diuine maiestie ▪ and a brand of profaine and dissembling hearted men . Therefore it is said of the Isralites that though they in their affliction remembred that God was the strength and the most high God their redeemer , Psal. 78. 35. yet they did but flatter him with their mouth , and dissembled with him with their tongue , for their heart was not vpright with him , neither were they faithfull in his co●enant : ouer & besides the Iewes were no sooner gloriously deliuered out of Egipt , and had passed through ( the red sea making way for them ; ) Psal. 106. 2. but they forgat God their Sauiour , who had done so great things for them . Lastly nine of the tenne leprous persons whome Christ cleansed and cured , are noted for vnthankefulnesse ; Luke 17. 8. &c. for it is said that onely one of them returned to giue God thankes , and that was a Samaritane , and one that was most odious to the Iewes and of all other the most vnlikely , but he serued not Christ in vaine , for hee alone was inwardly cured , and had his sins forgiuen him . Finally ( to end this reason ) the very Heathen ●nd Pagans , who knew not God in Christ , and were altogither ignorant of , and neuer had any holy Scripture to direct them ; did and could by the very darke light of nature see , and acknowledge thus much : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , saith ●indarus that sententious and wise Poet. That is , an old good turne is soone forgotten , and men are vnmindfull of it , and that it i● lost which a man doth to an vnthankefull person ; yea and that which is most remarkeable . Cum ingratum dixeris omnia dixeris . That is when a man hath named an vnthankefull man ; hee hath ( therein ) named all faultes , or disgracefull imputations , and it maketh a man vnworthy of al fauour : and to this purpose , Gregorie in his Morrals saith wel , non est dignus dandis , & that is , he is not worthy to receiue benefits to be giuen , who is not thankefull for good thinges already receiued . Math. 1● . 23. Thus the vnthankefull seruant in the Gospell whome his Lord and maister after ( vpon his submission , and supplication ) had forgiuen tenne thousand talents , was for his vnthankefullnes to his Lord , and his cruell and extreame handling of his fellow seruant , that onely ought him but one hundred pence , deliuered vnto the Iayler vntill hee should pay all he debt ,

Lastly because in the duty of praise , and thanksgiuing , we are most defectiue , negligent , and remisse ; we need vse all good meanes to stir vp and reuiue vs , and to testifie our zeale , and thankefulnes vnto God . For as without meanes we cannot attaine vnto the end : so without speciall , and spirituall helpes wee can neuer be truly , and constantly thankefull . Of this sort , are the often meditating of our sollemne promise and vow made in Baptisme , to renounce all false Gods , false worship , and sinne , and to beleeue in God , and to serue him in holinesse , and righteousnesse all the daies of our liues . Of this sort are morall and gospellike vowes , Psalme 119. and couenants of repentance , Psal. 66. v. 13. and 14. praier , and thankesgiuing , obedience , yea publicke and priuate othes to cleaue vnto God , and serue him onely .

Herevnto may bee added religious fasts , both publike and priuate , so often practised of the saints of God both in the old and new Testament , yea and of the reformed church since , and that with most happy successe .

Lastly , The Lords supper a Sacrament of thankes giuing . seeing that the Lord knowing our aptnesse and pronesse vnto this vice , hath ordained a sacrament of thankesgiuing which the ancient fathers call the E●charist to nourish and preserue true thankefulnesse in the church towards Christ , and for all his merits , graces , and blessings , wee must often , and religiously , as , vse all other helpes , so specially this . And finally as all riuers runne into the sea from whence they came ; so let all the benefits and blessings of God bestowed on vs , Similitude . flow backe and redownd vnto God the author and fountaine of them : which God almightie grant for Christ Iesus his beloued Sonnes sake , to whome with the Father and the holy Ghost be giuen and rendered in the Church , all honour praise and glorie foreuer and euer . Amen .