Vasanos alēthinē, the true touchstone which shews both grace and nature, or, A discourse concerning self examination, by which both saints and sinners may come to know themselves whereunto are added sundry meditations relating to the Lords Supper/ by Nathanael Vincent ...

A DISCOURSE Concerning Self-Examination , by which both Saints and Sinners may come to know themselves . 2 Cor. 13. 5. Prove your own selves . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

THe sum of true Wisdom , as One observes does consist in two things , Dei cognitione , & nostri , in the knowledge of God , and of our selves : now to make us wise in both these respects , is one great design of the holy Scriptures . He that is a stranger unto God , must needs be a stranger unto Rest and Satisfaction , and is ignorant of Him who is the Highest and Chiefest good of all . He that is a stranger to Himself , must needs remain both sinful and miserable , and yet both sin and misery are unperceived ; and ignorance how Bad he is , fixes him in a state that is not good ; and makes it the more unlikely , that ever it should be better'd . No wonder therefore that the Apostle does put all upon the Examination and proving of themselves .

Which Counsel is very proper both to Sinners and to Saints . First 't is proper to Sinners : for if they come to understand aright their own deplorable and wretched case ; this would be one large step from sin to Grace . Secondly , 't is proper also to Saints ; for proving of themselves will be the way to evidence the saving change that hath been wrought in them , and will be a large step from Grace to Comfort .

In the words we have ,

1. A duty and that is to prove ; the Greek word is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; which is used by Authors for the proving of Gold in the fire , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Isocrat . Now Gold is proved in the fire in order to its discovery that 't is true Gold , and that the dross may be separated from it . So the proving in the Text must be in order unto a discovery ; and in order unto greater sanctification and purity .

2. Whom is it our duty to prove ? Our own selves . In reference to others we are to hope and believe all things , as far as is consistent with the apparent fruits they bring forth , and the faithfulness which we owe them . But in reference to our selves : the greater severity , commonly the greater sincerity . We must watch and be jealous over our selves , lest we be mistaken and deceived in , and by our selves . And if you ask me . What we are to prove our selves about ? The context informs us . Whether we are in the Faith ? Whether Christ be in us yea , or no ?

Doct. The Doctrine I raise from the words is this . It highly concerns all to examine and prove themselves : this duty is very much urged in the verse where the Text lies . Examine your selves , says the Apostle , Prove your own selves , the Counsel is doubled ; which shews the great concernment of it , together with the difficulty and backwardness in us all to follow it : therefore he adds , as if he did half chide ; What! Know you not your own selves ? q. d. To be ignorant of your selves , your actions , and your state , for want of self-trial , is your Sin and shame ; and argues prodigious carlesness to be in you , and you to be in unexpressible danger .

In the handling of this Doctrine I shall First tell you , what is implied in this proving of our selves . Secondly , what of our selves is to be proved . Thirdly , concerning what we are to prove our selves . Fourthly , the Manner how we are to do it . Fifthly , by what Rule and Touchstone this proof of our selves is to be made . Sixthly , the special times and seasons when this duty is to be done . Seventhly , lay down the reasons persuading to the practice of it . Eighthly , resolve several Cases of Conscience relating to this subject . Lastly , close with the Application .

In the first place I am to tell you , What is implied in this proving of our selves , and here several propositions are to be premised .

1. The Children of men do owe obedience unto God as their rightful Lord and Governour ; and consequently it concerns them to examine , whether the Lord has been obeyed , or other Lords have had , and still have the dominion over them . Man did not make himself , neither is he able to perserve himself ; and he is farthest off from being able to redeem and save himself : therefore man is not his own , 't is impious in him to speak that language . Psal. 12. 4. Who is Lord over me ? But that God who gave him his being , who holds his soul in life , and alone can redeem and save his soul from wrath , does justly lay claim to him as his subject , and require obedience from him .

2. The Sons of men are under a law , which they are obliged to keep as a rule of righteousness . God himself has given them a law , which is holy just and good , they are therefore to examine what respect they have had to this law . Whether it has been kept as it ought , like the apple of the eye ? Or whether it has been hated and broken and cast behind the back ? For sincere obedience and life , and death and disobedience are joyned together . Deut. 30. 19 , 20.

3. We are all of us not only under a law , but under the eye of our Lord and Law-giver continually . He compasses our path and our lying down , and is acquainted with all our ways . Psal. 139. 3. And shall we be ignorant of our own ways ? His eyes behold , his eye-lids try the children of men . Psal. 11. 4. When we would look more intently , our eye-lids are more contracted . Gods eye-lids are mentioned , to signifie how intently he eyes , when he tries the Children of men ; and shall not they prove and try themselves ?

4. Naturally we are prone to nothing but what is contrary to that Law and Rule we should walk by . The Apostle sticks not to say , that the carnal mind is enmity against God , and is not subject to the law of God , neither indeed can it be . Rom. 8. 7. And as the heart of man is desperately wicked , so 't is deceitful above all things , and it manifests its deceitfulness in concealing and hiding , that it may hold fast its wickedness . Those that have such hearts , how jealous should they be of them ? How careful to prove , and to pry into them ? And suppose there be a new nature given , yet upon proof 't will be found that there is too too much of the old remaining .

5. We are endued with a power of self-reflection ; and may take notice both of our hearts & actions . There is a law written in our hearts by nature , which does in part discover what we should do , and be ; but the Word of God much more fully informs us of our duty . We may erect a Bar or Tribunal in our own souls , and call our selves before it . Conscience can first be Witness , and afterwards a Judge . And truly a right judging of our selves is one way to escape , being condemned with the world . 1 Cor. 11. 31.

6. All must be Summoned to give an account of themselves unto God at last . Rom. 14. 12. So then every one of us must give accout of himself unto God . 2 Cor. 5. 10. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ , that every one may receive the things done in his body , whether it be good or evil . Should we not then try and prove our selves before hand , repent of our evil deeds , believe in the Mediator , and throughly amend our doings , that we may be found of our Lord and Judge , in peace ?

These propositions premised , I shall open the nature of this duty of self-proving .

1. Self-proving implies a serious Inquisition , and Search into our selves . Psal. 77. 6. I communed with my own heart , and my spirit made diligent search . And truly a diligent search is but needful ; for as Augustine observes . Grande profundum est homo . Man is a great deep , and therefore 't is difficult for a man to sound himself , and to come to the bottom of his own heart . Job speaks of the secrets of nature , and says , there is a path which no fowl knoweth , and which the Vultures eye , though it be so piercing hath not seen . Job . 28. 7. But the secrets of the heart are more abstruse , and hard to be found out . The Heathen Poet advised Tecum habita . Dwell with thy self ; our thoughts should dwell much upon our selves , that we may find out the utmost of our selves . Our whole man is to fall under our inspection , our ways , our words , our senses , our souls , are all to be lookt over .

2. Self-proving implies , a fear of self-deceit . The Apostle cautions against being deceived by man , Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words ; against being beguiled by Satan , 2 Cor. 11. 3. But I fear lest by any means as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety , so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ . He cautions also against self-deceit , 1 Cor. 3. 18. Let no man deceive himself . He that is not jealous over himself will easily mistake , and may go out of the World mistaken , and after death the mistake will be impossible to be corrected ; we must therefore take heed to our selves that our spirits deal not treacherously .

3. Self proving implies , using the Light of the Word of God . This Word is quick and powerful ; and as the Anatomists Knife , dissects all the parts of the Body , and lays even the inmost of them open unto view : so the Word like a sharp and two edged Sword , does pierce through all , and divides between Soul and Spirit , i. e. between Nature and Grace , for the natural man is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; or the meaning may be , that the Word discovers not only the corruption in the Affections , and the inferior faculties of the Soul ; but also that depravation and sin , which is in the faculties which are Superior , and discerns what the intents and thoughts and reasonings of the heart are , Heb. 4. 12. Unless we make use of the light of the Word we shall be lost in the dark , while searching our selves . The Word makes manifest the very secrets of the heart , and hereby 't is plain that God who searches the heart is the Author of this Word , and does accompany it , 1 Cor. 14. 24 , 25. We find an Hearer convinced of all , and judged of all ; the secrets of his heart are made manifest , and worshipping God , he acknowledges God is in the Preachers of a Truth .

4. Self-proving implies , comparing our selves with that Rule whereunto we ought to be conformed . The Commands of God lay an obligation upon the whole man . We are required to cleanse our hands , and purifie our hearts , Jam. 4. 8. We must be holy in all manner of Conversation , and our affections must be set on things above , not on Earthly things ; our Minds also and Consciences must be purged from their defilements . Now a comparison is to be made between , what we should be , and what we are . This bringing our selves to the right Rule , will discover our obliquities , and cause us the better to understand our selves . The Apostle in another case condemns the folly of them ; Who measure themselves by themselves , and compare themselves among themselves . Let us remember Vivendum est regulis , we must walk by Rule and that is the Word , and by the Word we must at last be judged , therefore 't is our wisdom to see whether heart , and life are agreeable to it .

5. Self-proving implies , Self-accusing and self-condemning for what is evil . Upon examination having found out our iniquities , we must hold up our guilty hands at Gods Bar , and acknowledge all we know : all that Satan can justly lay to our charge ; Nay , all that is down in the Book of Gods own remembrance , Psal. 51. 3. I acknowledge my iniquity and my sin is ever before me . And as upon the discovery of sin we are to be our own Accusers , so also to judge and condemn our selves . We must readily justifie the Lord in the greatest severities at present ; nay , we must acquit him upon supposition of eternal severity , if he should make us to feel his wrath , and greatest indignation for ever .

6. Self-proving implies , approving and taking comfort in that grace and goodness that has been wrought in us by the Spirit . As we are to be strict in the search after sin , so grace is in no wise to be overlookt . The least degree of true grace , is great matter of praise , nay , will occasion eternal thanksgiving , God does not despise the day of small things , neither should we , but must own the good things , though but some good things , which are in us in Christ Jesus , Philem. 6. Breathings after God , prizing of Christ , weariness of sin , and longing to be holy : must in no wise be unobserved in this work of Self-examination .

7. Self-proving will never be to any purpose , unless there be a crying unto the Lord himself , to search us ; that we may not pass a wrong judgment upon our selves . What depth is there that He cannot fathom ? What can be concealed from him who knows all things ? Jer. 17. 10. I the Lord search the heart : though 't is deceitful above all things , it cannot deceive me , I try the Reins . David therefore prays , Examine me O Lord , and prove me , try my Reins and my Heart , Psal. 26. 2. and Psal. 139. 23 , 24. Search me O God and know my heart , try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me , and lead me in the way ever lasting .

In the second place I am to shew what of our selves is to be proved .

1. We are to examine and prove , what is our common and allowed practice . A Sanguine man is not denominated Pale as Aristotle observes , when he is Pale through fear ; nor a Pale man Sanguine , when he blushes through shame . A good man may sometimes fall into that which is evil , and a bad man may sometimes hit upon an action that is good . The Tree is to be judged by the ordinary Fruit it bears . The Apostle speaks of his manner of life that it was godly in Christ Jesus , 2 Tim. 3. 10 , 12. But if it be our manner to be workers of iniquity , our doom will be at last to be excluded the Kingdom , Luk. 13. 26 , 27.

2. We are to examine what course we are resolved still to take ; If the wicked man will forsake his way and turn to God , mercy is promised and abundant pardon , Esa. 55. 7. If the prodigal come home to his Fathers House , he shall be received with joy , his former riot being forgotten and forgiven ; so that the door of hope is open even to the ungodly man , if he will but deny his ungodliness . But if the enemies of God will not lay down their Weapons , but refuse and rebel still , this argues the state to be bad and destruction to be near : the Lord may quickly come to a resolution to ease himself of such Adversaries , Esa. 1. 24.

3. We must examine what company is most acceptable to us . If we we love the ungodly who hate the Lord : if the wickedness of others whereby God is dishonoured , is not the matter of our dislike , as long as they thwart not , but promote our secular and carnal interest ; if we like the company of Fools , ( and Sinners are the worst Fools ) well enough , 't is a sign we are Fools our selves ; Fools indeed who venture to be destroyed , and to go to Hell for company , Prov. 13. 20. But if the Saints are lookt upon as the most excellent ones , and delighted in as the best Society , Psal. 16. 3. if we love them that are born of God , it shews that we our selves are born of him .

4. We must examine of what nature our Communication is . The Tongue is the index of the heart and shews what is in it . As evil Communications corrupt good manners , so they are a sign of a corrupt heart from whence they proceed . A Tongue that is not bridled , but rails , lies , backbites , and is obscene , impious and prophane , is an argument that Religion is but vain , Jam. 1. 26. But when the Tongue , not out of any carnal design , but delightfully talks of the Word of God , when we sit in the house , when we walk by the way , when we lie down and when we rise up : 't is a sign the Word is in the Heart , and that the Heart is renewed and changed by the Word , Deut. 4. 6 , 7.

5. We must examine what thoughts as welcome guests are suffered to lodge within us . 'T is said of wicked men that God is not in all their thoughts , Psal. 10. 4. but wicked and vain thoughts are delightful and abide in them . Proud , revengeful , covetous , filthy , and all sinful thoughts , are vain thoughts , because they are to no good end or purpose , nay , to very bad purpose ; Now if such thoughts as these lodge in the heart , the heart is not washed from its wickedness , and they will hinder salvation , Jer. 4. 14. But if holy thoughts are cherished , and there is a complacency in them , more of them are desired , and sinful thoughts are a burthen , which the heart is weary of , and does conflict with , and wishes their expulsion : This does speak a gracious frame of spirit .

6. We must examine what power we have of Spiritual discerning . The Gospel is hid from the natural man which proves him in a lost state , 2 Cor. 4. 3. The things of the spirit of God are foolishness to him ; and he counts it the greatest wisdom to secure things visible . That Rich man , Luk. 12. thought he had been mighty provident and prudent , in laying up goods for many years . But if we are Saints indeed , we have a faculty of Spiritual discerning and judge quite otherwise : and our judgment is this , and that judgment is true ; namely , That all are fools , and poor and miserable , that are not rich in Grace , rich towards God , and that have made no provision for Eternity . God called the forementioned Rich man a Fool , upon this score . And as the Lord calls the worldly-minded , Fools , so after death they will call themselves by that name , and curse their folly everlastingly .

7. We must examine what we elect and make choice of as our chief Good , and take up with us the best Portion . The men of the World are contented with a Portion here in this Life , here they receive all their Consolation ; they live as they think very well , without God in the World , and do not care to know , to serve , or to enjoy him . But if we are Saints we follow other Counsels , we chuse the Lord for our Portion and resolve to obey him , Psal. 119. 57. Thou art my Portion O Lord , I have said that I would keep thy Word , we are persuaded of his al-sufficient goodness , which is abundantly communicative of it self , and desire him above all . And the Lord himself being our Portion , we are pleased we are satisfied , we rejoyce and conclude the lines are fallen to us in pleasant places , and that we have a very goodly heritage , Psal. 16. 5 , 6.

8. We must examine whether our naturally beloved sin be now loathed . They that are sincere are made so wise as to find out their dilectum delictum , darling iniquity , or if more than one have been their darlings they take special notice of them ; and though they are alienated from the whole kind of Sin , yet with more than ordinary vehemency they desire the mortification of the lust or lusts which were formerly most beloved , because these have so loaded them with guilt , have most of all defiled them , and provoked the Lord most bitterly against them . David proves his uprightness this way , Psal. 18. 23. I was also upright before thee and I kept my self from mine iniquity . But as for those who resolve to spare their darling corruptions , they are unsound ; these lusts will cost them the life of their Souls . And are not those prodigies of folly who love sin so well , as to be contented to be damned for the sake of it ! If Herod will keep his Herodias still against the admonition of John the Baptist , it plainly argues that he is void of Grace , though he hears gladly and in part practises the Word he hears .

9. We must examine what pre-eminence Heaven has above Earth in our affections . A wicked man when he comes to dye , will prefer Heaven before Hell ; but a Saint prefers Heaven before Earth ; and when his heart treacherously hankers after earthly things he checks and chides it ; he goes unto God and complains of this , and prays to be made more heavenly minded . He is convinced of the vanity and fading nature of earthly things , and chuses the better and enduring substance . 'T is a sign we are enlightned and renewed by the same Spirit , the Apostle was , when we speak his Language , 2 Cor. 4. 18. We look not at the things that are seen , but at the things which are not seen : for the things that are seen , are Temporal : but the things which are not seen are Eternal .

10. We must examine what is our great End and Design . The wicked man is swayed by carnal , sinful , and worldly self : Worldly honour , pleasure , and advantage , are the highest , indeed the only things he seeks . If our Ends are not right , we cannot possibly be upright our selves . Now our End ought to be the glorifying of God and the enjoyment of Him . Whatever ye do says the Apostle , do all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10. 31. This should still be in the Christians eye and aim ; And truly the designing of Gods glory is the way to the enjoyment of him , wherein our own glory and happiness does consist . Those that honour God he will honour ; whatever thwarts this highest , greatest End , is to be avoided with the greatest care : for we cannot dishonour or despise the Lord , but ipso facto we degrade and prejudice our selves .

11. We must examine , whether we are not grieved at all discovered defects and miscarriages , and desirous to have every thing amiss rectified and amended . Though upon search we find much out of order , nay nothing in such order , every way as it should be ; if this be our serious trouble , and we long indeed to be turned : long to be savingly changed ; long to be throughly healed : 't is a sign of some hopeful beginnings if they do but hold . Ephraim bemoaned himself that he was as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoak , he found a great reluctancy in corrupted nature , and loathness to submit to the Yoak of God ; he is troubled at it , and falls a praying for converting grace : Turn thou me and I shall be turned , his prayer is heard , he is turned , he is instructed , he repented , he is adopted , and assured at last of mercy ; Is Ephraim my dear Son ? Is he a pleasant Child ? For since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still , therefore my bowels are troubled for him and I will surely have mercy on him saith the Lord , Jer. 31. 18 , 19 , 21.

In the third place I am to inform you concerning what we are to prove our selves . And at present I shall only insist on those two things which the Apostle mentions in the Context . We are to prove whether we are in the Faith , and whether Christ be in us , yea or no ?

1. We are to prove whether we are in the Faith . Sometimes Faith is said to be in us , because it is a grace infused by the Spirit of God into our hearts ; With the heart man believeth unto Righteousness , Rom. 10. 10. Sometimes we are said to be in Faith , in opposition to others that are unregenerate , who are affirmed to be in the flesh , and to be in their sins . And there is good reason for this phrase , that the Saints are in Faith , because Faith does cloth them with a justifying Righteousness , and is a Shield to cover them , and to quench all the fiery Darts of the evil one . Now whether we are in the Faith , may be thus proved ;

1. If we are in the Faith , Truths being firmly believed will be particularly applyed , our assent will be firm unto the truth of the Gospel , as being of Divine Authority . And as we shall believe that God himself does speak in his Word , so we shall believe that he speaks to us in particular . This particular application of the Word , we read of , Job . 5. ult. Lo this we have searched it , so it is , see it and know it for thy good . A Medicine if not applied will not heal , and the Word if not applied by Faith will not profit , Heb. 4. 2. But the Word preached did not profit them , not being mixed with Faith in them that heard it . When Divine Commands are particularly applied , we shall look upon our selves as obliged to obey them , and submit to the Authority of our great Law-giver who has power to save and to destroy . When comminations and threatnings are applied unto our Sins in particular , we shall be afraid to allow of those Sins which bring us under the lash of threatnings so very dreadful . And as for the promises of God , being particularly applied , how certainly will they be accomplished !

2. Our Faith will be joyned with Godly sorrow and repentance , Act. 20. 21. Testifying both to Jews and Greeks Repentance towards God , and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ . The Hypocrites Faith is usually without Repentance ; he is stranger to godly sorrow , and yet he is full of confidence ; or his repentance is without Faith , he lies down like Cain or Judas under the burthen of his guilt and utterly despairs of mercy . I grant that weak believers have strong temptations to despair . But the God of hope bears up their hearts by an unseen hand , so that they neither desperately destroy themselves , nor come to this resolution ; since there is no hope but they must be damn'd , they will be damn'd for something , and so run out to all excess of riot . If our Faith be true , Sin will be our grief and detestation , and there will be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a change in our minds and rendring our hearts unto God .

3. If we are in the Faith , Christ is no longer a stone of stumbling , but exceeding precious in our esteem , 1 Pet. 2. 6 , 7. He is lookt upon as the power of God and the wisdom of God . The wisdom of God in contriving such a way of salvation is admired , and the power of Christ to save to the uttermost is believed . The Apostle counted all things but loss & dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord , Phil. 3. 8. 'T is impossible a man should be a true Believer and not have an high value for the Lord Jesus . His Person is precious , He is the Fathers equal , his Darling , and the Brightness of his Glory . He is the Angels wonder , and they all are commanded to worship him , Heb. 1. 3. 6. He is the Churches Head , and supplies the whole Body with his fulness , Eph. 1. ult. And gave him to be Head over all things to the Church which is his Body the fulness of him that filleth all in all . And as the Person of Christ so the Blood of Christ is said to be precious , 1 Pet. 1. 19. Ye were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot . His benefits are precious . True Faith counts Him altogether lovely , and hinders any offence from being taken at him , Matth. 11. 6.

4. Our Faith will purifie our hearts , Act. 15. 9. And put no difference between us and them purifying their hearts by faith . Faith is persuaded of the holiness of God , and that he searches the heart , and trieth and weigheth the spirits of the children of men : 't is also persuaded that only the pare in heart shall see God , or are fit to see him , Mat. 5. 8. No wonder therefore if the consequent of Faith be a following after holiness without which no man shall see the Lord , Heb. 12. 14. Faith moreover takes notice of the End of Christs dying , which was that he might sanctifie and cleanse his Church , and present it unto himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing ; but that it might be holy and without blemish , Eph. 5. 26 , 27. and hence we have a plae for holiness which is very effectual to obtain it . Finally , Faith applies the promises of sanctification , the promises of a new heart and of a new spirit , Ezek. 36. 25 , 26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you , and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness , and from all your Idols will I cleanse you , A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you , and I will take away the heart of stone out of your flesh , and I will give you an heart of flesh . And by such promises as these , Believers who account them exceeding great and precious , are made partakers of the Divine nature , and escape the corruption that is in the World through lust , 2 Pet. 1. 4.

5. If we are in the Faith our faith will work , and work by love . Ephes. 5. 6. For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing , nor uncircumcision , but faith which worketh by love . The Apostle tells us that faith without works is dead , as the body is dead without the spirit . Jam. 2. ult. Faith derives strength from Christ , whereby we yield obedience to the will of God , as well as relies upon his justifying righteousness . But all works will not prove the truth of faith : but such works as proceed from love . We must pray because we love God , we must hear because we love him ; we must live to him because we love him . There is a threefold love to God , of Desire , of Benevolence and Complacency : now though all that have true faith may not arrive so high , as to delight in God ; yet all true believers do desire after God above all ; and they bear such good will to him , as to wish him glorified more by themselves and others , and this shews the sincerity of their love .

6. Our Faith will be weary of its contrary : and we shall cry with earnestness , that the Lord would help our unbelief . The man in the Gospel was very much troubled at his infidelity , and therefore cried out with tears to Christ . Lord I believe , i. e. I believe in part , and desire to believe more strongly , help thou my unbelief . Mat. 9. 24. Unbelieving injections against God , against Christ , against the Spirit of grace , against the Word of truth : are felt as so many buffets and blows upon an heart that truly believes . The believer desires to have his Assent to the Word of God more strong , that it may have the stronger influence ; and that his affections and actions may be such , as may suit his believing every syllable of the Bible to be true . He desires his reliance upon God , upon Christ , and upon the promises , may be more firm and steady . And oh what a value does he put a well-grounded assurance of the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord ! Rom. 8. ult.

7. If we are in the Faith , our faith will give us victory over this present world . 1 Joh. 5. 4. 5. Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world , and this is the victory that overcometh the world , even your faith . The believer is so wise as nihil admirari , to admire nothing in this world . Our Lord Jesus himself had but little of this world : and cared not for it when Satan offered him all the Kingdoms of the world , and the glory of them , he despised the offer . The Apostles were poor in the world ; and yet the special favourites of heaven : certainly the world is not a matter of extraordinary value . Most Saints have had but little of it , and those who have had much of it , have lived above it . Moses by Faith despised the pleasures of sin , and the treasures of Aegypt , and prefer'd even reproaches for Christ , and afflictions with the people of God before them . Though David was a King , and wore a Crown of pure gold on his head ; yet his faith made him look upon himself as a stranger upon the earth . Psal. 39. 12. I am a stranger with thee , and a sojourner as all my fathers were .

8. If we are indeed in the Faith , our faith will make the next world evident and desirable . 'T wil prove the substance of things hoped for , and the evidence of things not seen . Heb. 11. 1. Faith is the good and true Spy which searches the heavenly Country which is promised : and brings back word . That that Celestial Canaan is very glorious , that an innumerable company of Angels are there , and the Spirits of just men , and all made perfect , that God the Judge of all is there seen face to face : and there is Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant , crown'd with and in his Fathers throne ; that there is no need of the Sun or of the Moon to shine : for the glory of God doth enlighten it , and the Lamb is the light thereof . Rev. 21. 23. finally , that sin and sorrow are eternal strangers , but there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore . And Faith giving such a report of the world to come , no wonder that 't is judged worth seeking , and that with an holy violence . Mat. 11. 12. The Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence , and the violent take it by force .

2. We are to prove our selves , whether Christ be in us , yea or no ? Christ and Satan divide the world , all that have not Christ in them , Satan has possession of , he is the Spirit that works in the children of disobedience . Now whether Christ be really in us , may be thus proved and discerned .

1. If Christ be in us , he has entred by the door of the understanding , we cannot be totally ignorant of him . True Faith cannot be without knowledge . Rom. 10. 14. How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard ? We must know who and what he was , that undertook the work of our redemption ; how else can we rely upon him ? He is near a kin to us as Man , and is a merciful and faithful high Priest in things pertaining to God , to make reconciliation for the sins of the people . Heb. 2. 17. and surely he was able to finish that work which he undertook , for he is over all God blessed for ever , Amen . Rom. 9. 5. We must also know the benefits of Christ , that we may know what to rely upon him for , now these benefits are most necessary suitable and excellent , as pardon of Sin , adoption to be the Sons of God ; sanctifying grace , and endless glory . Nay Christ is all in all , and Christ being given , nothing will be denied . Rom. 8. 32. He that spared not his own Son , but delivered him up for us all , how shall he not with him also freely give us all things .

2. If Christ be in us , our very hearts have been opened to receive him . When Christ has knockt at the door we have given him admission ; it has been our souls language , Come in thou blessed Lord , wherefore standest thou without . And this receiving of Christ is indeed believing in him . Joh. 1. 12. To as many as received him , to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name . The heart has been convinced that 't is most highly rational to give entertainment to this Lord of life and glory . He uses the strongest arguments for admission , makes the greatest offers ; delivers all out of the depths of misery , and advances them , to be Saints , Sons , Priests , Kings , who shall Reign most gloriously and happily to Eternity , that do indeed embrace him .

3. ●f Christ be in us , the dominion of Sin and our Idols have been thrown down . When Darius the Persian Emperour offered half his Empire to the Conquering Alexander : Alexander gave this Answer , That in the Firmament there was but one Sun , and there must be but one Emperor in Persia : and therefore continued his Wars , till Darius had lost both Life and Kingdom . In like manner there cannot be two Rulers in one heart . If Christ be there , no iniquity has the dominion any longer . Where Christ is he works a change , so that persons are no longer foolish , disobedient and deceived ; they no longer serve divers lusts and pleasures , Tit. 3. 3. And whatsoever has been idolized , be it profit , pleasure , applause : now 't is disesteemed that Christ alone may be exalted .

4. If Christ be in us , we approve and value his Kingdom , as well as his Priesthood . We shall like and love the Lord . Jesus , as a Prince upon the Throne ; consenting that that Throne should be our hearts , as well as a Priest upon the Cross , and shall be very desirous to be more fully subdued to him . His Yoak is judged easie and his burthen light , Mat. 11. ult. Christ is really no hard Master , though the World think him to be so . They that are in Christ , and experience what kind of Ruler he is , and that he rules by a Law of Faith , and Love , and Liberty , are very glad of his Kingly Office . It was matter of praise and thanksgiving to the Apostle that he and other Believers had been made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light : and also that God had delivered them from the power of darkness , and had translated them into the Kingdom of his dear Son , Col. 1. 12 , 13.

5. If Christ be in us , his Word is entertain'd and abides in us also . We cannot slight that Word which discovers Christ and was the great means to bring us to Him . Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly , says the Apostle , Col. 3. 16. And hearken what Christ himself speaks , Joh. 15. 7. If ye abide in me and my Words abide in you , ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done to you . Oh with what gladness do Believers give entertainment to the Word , since they may have what they will if the Word abide in them ! and this Word will rectifie their judgments , and regulate their wills , so that they shall will nothing but what is truely for their good ; and what is really for their good shall most readily be granted . Now Christ and his Word abide together . But Christ is rejected if his Word be not received . Joh. 12. 48. He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Word , hath one that judgeth him ; the Word that I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last day .

6. If Christ be in us , we have the Spirit of Christ , Rom. 8. 9. The Apostle does so plainly intimate this truth that he asserts , the want of Christs Spirit undoubtedly shews there is no interest in him . If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his . As all the Members of the Natural Body , are animated and acted by the same Soul , which in a special manner shews it self in the Head : so the same Spirit which is without measure in Christ the Head , does animate and act all the true Members of his Body mystical . Now where the Spirit of Christ is he enlightens the mind , opens the eyes of the understanding , he makes a new Creature . 2 Cor. 5. 17. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature , old things are past away , and all things become new . The old Adam and deceitful lusts are put off , and the new man put on , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness . This Spirit of Christ mortifies the deeds of the Body , Rom. 8. 13. and causes those who are led by him , to walk in the Lords Statutes , and he fills them with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God .

7. If we are in Christ and he in us , we shall endeavour to walk as he walked . He is the unerring Pattern ; to be followers of Christ is certainly to go right . 'T is in vain to say that we abide in him unless in some measure we resemble him : and long to be more and more conformable to the Image of the Son of God . The Apostle tells us , 1 Joh. 2. 6. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked . When we go about doing good ; when 't is our meat and drink to do the work and business of our heavenly Father ; when we walk in meekness and humility not rendring evil for evil , or railing for railing , but overcome evil with good , then the same mind that was in Christ our Lord , is also in us , and 't is evident that Christ is in us of a truth .

8. If Christ be in us , we shall account it our happiness to be where he is and to behold his glory . As long as we are upon Earth we are in a vale of Tears : Sin remaining we cannot be free from trouble ; the remainders of flesh and corruption will make us sigh and cry , O wretched ! Rom. 7. 24. But when we are absent from the Body we shall be present with the Lord , 2 Cor. 5. 8. and then we shall be compleatly freed from whatever is matter of complaint and sorrow . Believers value Heaven though the hypocritical and carnal are earthly minded . The Apostle propounds it as the highest comfort , that Believers shall certainly be with the Lord , and shall be ever with the Lord , 1 Thes. 4. ult. And Christ himself prays for this , as the top of his Disciples happiness , Joh. 17. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me may be with me where I am , that they may behold my glory . This he promises to his Disciples , to bear up their hearts , and arm them against all fears and troubles whatsoever , Joh. 14. 3. If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to my self , that where I am there ye may be also .

In the fourth place follows the Manner how we are to prove our selves .

1. In Self-proving , Self-love and Self-flattery must be banished . Wicked men are said to flatter themselves in their own eyes until their iniquity be found to be hateful , Psal. 36. 2. that is , till punishment overtake them and throughly convince them , how hateful sin is in the eyes of an holy and Righteous God . Self-flattery has undone thousands ; rather than have bad thoughts of themselves , and their own condition , they will frame a strange conception of God , and think him like themselves ; and 't is ordinary to cry peace and promise safety to themselves till sudden destruction come upon them , Psal. 50. 21 , 22. These things hast thou done and I kept silence , and thou thoughtest I was altogether such an one as thy self : but I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes . Now consider this ye that forget God , lest I tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver . We must therefore deal plainly with our selves and pass a true judgment .

2. A sufficient time must be allotted and allowed for this matter . What is our time given us for , but that we may make provision and sure work for Eternity . Qui cito pronunciat , ad pauca respicit . He that judgeth hastily , commonly judgeth amiss . We must sequester our selves from other business , that we may have a full conference with our selves ; Commune with your own heart upon your Bed , says David , and be still , Psal. 4. 4. that is , when you are retired do this , and be at leisure to understand what your hearts have to say for , or against themselves . If we commune but little , but seldom with our hearts we may live and die ignorant of them .

3. Self-proving ought to be managed with all possible seriousness and concernedness of spirit . Matters which relate to our Estates and Livelihood are minded seriously : and especially we do not trifle in matters of Life and Death . But how much more serious should we be in a business upon which our eternal welfare does so very much depend ? A Mistake about our selves and our Spiritual Estate would be an undoing mistake indeed , and after Death 't will be perceived and lamented , but 't will be too late to rectifie and amend it . And how much will it increase our woe , to go out of the World with confidence that all 's Well , and find our selves in Hell immediately after our dissolution , where our condition will be so very ill and never , never to be altered ! Our fear therefore must be the greater of being deceived , and our care the more diligent to prevent it .

4. We must be willing to Examine and Ransack our selves to the very bottom : to know the worst , to know the best , to know the whole of our selves . Travellers have taken a great deal of pains and gone many a weary step to view the greater World . Man is a Microcosm , little World . And as in the greater World , there is Terra Incognita , much Land unknown : so 't is in this lesser World , much of it remains undiscovered . Curiosity acts the Travellers , in the viewing of Cities and Nations ; but truly Necessity should make us to take a view of our selves , because Self-ignorance is so dangerous and damnable . We are endued with a great many powers and faculties : we have various affections , desires , and inclinations ; many imaginations , reasonings and designs . All these are corrupted by nature , and need be renewed by the grace of God . We should therefore be the more strict in searching , that Sin wherever it lurks may not escape our knowledge , and that grace also may be made manifest .

5. All along , the aid of the Spirit of God is to be called in . David says , Whither shall I go from thy Spirit ? and whether shall I flee from thy presence ? Psal. 139. 7. The Spirit searcheth all things even the deep things of God , 1 Cor. 2. 10. Surely then the Spirit can discover the deepest things in Man . 'T is the work of the Spirit to reprove the World of Sin . He takes away the Fig leaves of excuses , and presents Sin naked and bare . He wipes off the paint that is upon Sin , and shews the exceeding sinfulness of it ; that it may be lamented and abhorred ; He discovers also the truth of Grace : and he does both infallibly ; His light and help therefore is the more to be desired .

6. Self-proving must be presently . Delays are dangerous , life is uncertain : 't is sad to be at uncertainties , in reference to a future , a better life . Now is the time to obey the call of the Gospel , and now is the time to make our calling sure ; it concerns us to be speedy and to give diligence to do it , 2 Pet. 1. 10. Sinners had need to make haste and to find out their sores quickly and their lost Estate , while a Physician and a Saviour is near them . Saints have reason to be speedy in Self-trial for perhaps it may be long before a well-grounded assurance be attained .

7. Self-proving must frequently be renewed . We must not take one , or the first report of our own hearts ; but must call them to Task and bring them to the Touchstone again and again . We must observe our selves , what we are before Men , and what we are in secret ; when only God takes Cognisance of us . We must observe what we are in good Company , and what in bad . And if we are good only for Company , truely we shall be bad also for Company sake . We must try and see how we carry it in prosperity , and how under affliction : what we are in duty , and what we prove in the hour of temptation . A Painter if he will give an exact Description of a City or a Palace , will draw a prospect of it Eastward , Westward , Northward , Southward . So we should often view our selves in several conditions , in several actions , in several trials and temptations that we may be able to judge the more truely .

8. In Self-proving we must never give over till we have brought the matter to an issue . If we cannot sound our selves , the first or second , or tenth or twentieth time ; yet we should not cease , but hold on the rather in Self-examination . The Woman in the Gospel which had lost the piece of Silver did light a Candle and sought diligently till she found it , Luk. 15. 8. In like manner we should take the Candle of the Word of God , and seek diligently till we find whether we have grace or no. Christ asked concerning the Tribute Money , whose Image and Superscription it had ? So we should ask , Whose Image we bear ? If the Image of God be upon us , his Superscription is upon us , and we really belong to him . But if the Image of Satan be upon us , he lays claim to us as his Children ; because in regard of evil , we resemble that Evil One . Well let us not give over in searching till we know whose we are : Both Sin and Grace are worth finding out ; Sin , that it may be dealt with as an Enemy and subdued ; Grace , that it may be own'd with thankfulness and consolation . 9. After we have done all , we must look unto the Holy Ghost for his sealing and witness . As the Spirit by discovering Sin and Hell and Wrath , works bondage and fear ; so the Spirit infuses Grace , shines upon that grace , discovers the truth of it and works assurance . The Holy Spirit of God dwells in the Saints and seals them to the day of redemption , Eph. 4. 30. His work is to witness their Adoption , so that with confidence they cry Abba Father , Gal. 4. 6. The Apostle speaks of a twofold testimony concerning the Saints Adoption , the testimony of their Spirits , the testimony of Gods Spirit , Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God . The Spirit of Believers comparing their Hearts and the Word together , may give a testimony that they are the Children of God ; But if this testimony be single , 't is not so valid : as one Witness under the old Law was not a full Evidence : This Testimony when alone , will be cavel'd at and contradicted by the Accuser of the Brethren , and will be questioned by the heart it self . But when the Spirit of the Lord superadds his Testimony , then there is Light and Liberty ; then Adoption is apparent ; God is confidently called Father , peace and joy follows : the State is now clear'd , Grace is evidenced , and future Glory is upon good ground expected . In the fifth place , I am to inform you by what Rule and Touchstone , this proof of our selves is to be made . If our Rule be false or insufficient , our judgments of our selves must needs be wrong . Before I discourse concerning the right Touchstone , I shall lay down some cautionary Rules in this matter .

1. We must not try our selves so as to judge of our Spiritual and Eternal State , by the Moral Law taken in its utmost latitude and extent . By the Law indeed is the knowledge of Sin : and having discovered Sin it leaves the Sinner under the curse and condemnation . Gal. 3. 10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them . If therefore we were to try our selves by the Law and the exceeding bredth of it , all , even the best must conclude themselves accursed : because in many things all do transgress and offend , Jam. 3. 2. David prays against a strict sentence according to the just Law of God ; for according to this he knew it would go ill with him and all flesh besides . Psal. 143. 2. Enter not into judgment with thy Servant , for in thy sight shall no man living be justified . And the Apostle affirms , By the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight , Rom. 3. 20. Blessed be God! that through Jesus Christ is preached unto us the forgiveness of sins , and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses , Act. 13. 38 , 39.

2. When looking into the truth of our Graces , we must not prove our selves by the characters of Grace in the higher actings of it . Some are but Lambs and yet are truely of Christs Fold , though they cannot keep pace with the stronger of the Flock : Such therefore the great Shepherd has promised to carry in his bosom , Esa. 40. 11. Some are but babes in Christ , and yet are truely the Children of God as well as those who are strong men . If we look upon Abraham we find him strong in Faith ; believing against hope , and thereby giving glory to God , Rom 4. 18 , 20. We find David rejoycing , and professing that God was the gladness of his joy ; and his Soul is satisfied and ravished with a sence of his excellent loving-kindness , Psal. 43. 4. The Apostle Paul is fully persuaded of the love of God , is got above all doubts and fears , and insults over all , as being confident that nothing shall be able to separate him , from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord , Rom. 8. ult. He is not terrified at Death , but desires to depart and to be with Christ which is best of all , Phil. 1. 23. But now these which I have mentioned are the higher actings of Grace . And if weak Believers should try themselves by such examples as these , Satan would get advantage , and their doubts and discouragements would but increase upon them .

3. In proving our selves we must take heed of making an ill use of the falls of Saints , which are recorded in Scripture . Davids uncleanness , Lots drunkenness are no arguments to prove , that any may allow themselves in filthiness and intemperance and yet go to Heaven . Nay the Scripture expresly says the contrary , Eph. 5. 5. For this ye know that no Whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man who is an Idolater , hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ , of God : and all words that would persuade otherwise , are but deceitful and vain , v. 6. The falls of Saints are mentioned not to encourage unto sin , but to prevent despair , and to encourage to repentance and returning unto God , when there has been a departing from him . And truely they are in a state quite different from the Saints , who are only like them in their falls , but not like them in their rising again , Righteousness and Repentance .

4. We must beware of thinking it sufficient to have escaped the more gross pollutions of the World . When we compare our selves with the vilest of men , and find our selves unlike them , this is not enough to prove our selves , or our state truely good . It was not enough to justifie the Pharisee before God , that others were extortioners , unjust and adulterers , but he was free from such gross and scandalous crimes as these , Luk. 18. 11. There are degrees of Sin as well as Grace . 'T is but a small commendation , Pessimis esse meliorem to be better than the very worst of all : we may be bad enough to ruine us for all that . The Pharisees were righteous and blameless in the eyes of men , but Christ saw how proud and how unsanctified their hearts were ; therefore he says , Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven , Mat. 5. 20.

5. The providences of God must not be our Rule of Trial : We must not judge of our spiritual condition by present external dispensations . You find a wicked man in purple and fine linnen , faring sumptuously every day , and a godly man a beggar laid at his gate full of Sores , desirous to be fed with the Crumbs that fell from the rich mans Table , Luk. 16. The righteous are plagued all the day long and chastened every morning : when the wicked prosper in the World , and increase in riches and have more than heart could wish , Psal. 73. 12 , 14. If thriving in this World be all thou hast to shew as an evidence of the love of God ; thou hast indeed nothing at all to shew as an argument he loves thee with a special love ; for Solomon says , No man knows either love or hatred by all that is before them ; but all things fall alike to all , and there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked , Eccles 9. 1 , 2.

6. We must take heed of a wrong notion of the Grace of God in Christ ; which may encourage licentiousness and presumption . We must not look upon him as all Justice , Jealousie , Fury ; neither must we imagine him all Grace and Mercy . We must not look upon our Lord Jesus as the Minister of sin . Gal. 2. 17. for he was manifested to destroy the works of the Devil . 1 Joh. 3. 8. 't is unreasonable therefore to continue in sin that grace may abound . Rom. 6. 1. We must be fully persuaded that without holiness no man shall see the Lord . Heb. 12. 14. for if the necessity of holiness be not apprehended , we shall entertain a presumptuous confidence in the grace of God , and indulge our lusts at the same time .

7. We must take heed of putting our selves upon the Tryal , farther than the Scripture ever does . As whether we can be contented to be damned that God may be glorified ? Whether we would be so strict and circumspect as the word requires , if there were no future reward or punishment ? 'T is not good to make suppositions , which God in his word never makes . As whether if we might live here in this world for ever , we could be very well contented ? Whether if God were to be enjoyed but for a time , we should prefer that enjoyment , before an everlasting fruition of the creature ? Such suppositions as they have no Scripture warrant , so they but perplex them that make them . We must take things as they are , and not suppose them to be what they are not . And if things visible which are but temporal , are despised in comparison of invisible things which are eternal , it argues the heart is wise to make a right choice .

Having laid down these cautionary Rules , I come now to speak of the Right Touchstone , by which this Tryal of our selves is to be made ; and that is the Written word of God . Saints cannot ascend into heaven at present , and immediately search the Book of life , to know whether their names are there registred . Neither must they expect that an Angel should come to them as to Daniel of old , to inform them that they are greatly beloved . Neither shall the wicked and the hypocritical ones have an hand appearing as once to Belshazzer , signifying how bad their state is , and how sad their is like to be . But to the written word all must repair , that they may know what to conclude concerning themselves . Now the word of God gives us a description and characters both of a state of nature , and of a state of Grace . The Prisoner at the bar which is tryed for his life , with what trembling does he expect the verdict of the Jury . When we are trying our selves in reference to Eternity : Oh with what fear and trembling should we attend what sentence the word of God will pass upon us .

1. I begin with a description of a State of Nature . Now the Scripture pronounces those in a state of nature ,

1. Who have a vail of grosse and black ignorance upon their hearts . As 't is life eternal to know , so it must needs be granted to be no less than eternal death , to be grosly ignorant of the only true God , and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent . How can we obey that great Command of the Law , to love the Lord with all our hearts , or that great Command of the Gospel , to believe in Jesus Christ : if concerning both God and Christ there be a very gross ignorance ? Ignorance is commonly rejoyced in as an excuse for sin : but it proves destructive where 't is thus liked . Hos. 4. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . 2 Cor. 4. 3. If our Gospel be hid , 't is hid to them that are lost . And Isa. 27. 11. It is a people that have no understanding , therefore he that made them will not save them , and he that formed them will shew them no favor .

2. They are in a state of Nature , who believe not the report of the Gospel . The word speaks terribly against such as esteem the Gospel no more , than if it were a cunningly devised Fable , who stand no more in awe of it than if it were not of Divine Original , and Authority ; but meerly of humane invention . Joh. 3. ult. He that believeth not the Son shall not see life , but the wrath of God abideth on him . Mar. 16. 16. He that believeth not shall be damned . Joh. 8. 24. If ye believe not that I am He , the true Messiah , the only Saviour : ye shall die in your sins . Hell is in a special manner called the portion of the unbelievers . If Jesus Christ the only expiatory sacrifice for sins be despised ; there remaineth no other , besides : but a certain fearful looking for of vengeance , and of fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries . Heb. 10.

3. They are in a state of Nature , that are resolved workers of iniquity . Let the Lord be never so angry , and threaten what he pleases , they dare to sin notwithstanding . Children of disobedience must needs be the children of wrath . Col. 3. 6. The wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience . Those whose hearts speak that language . Jer. 44. 16. As for the word which thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord , we will not hearken to thee : but are bewitched by the pleasure and gain of sin still to continue the servants of it ; these are the persons which shall at last receive the wages of sin , death eternal . 'T is a mad resolution to be proud , and filthy , and unjust , and profane , whatever the Gospel commands to the contrary : 't is in effect to give consent to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord , and from the glory of his power . 2. Thes 1. 8. 9.

4. They are in a state of Nature , who under a profession of Religion practise wickedness secretly , or at least regard iniquity in their hearts . How many woes does our Lord thunder out against Hypocrites in one Chapter ! and at last concludes with a terrible vehemency ! Ye serpents , ye generation of vipers , how can ye escape the damnation of hell ? Mat. 23. 33. Hell is especially prepared for the Hypocrites ; as well as for the unbelievers . If our hearts and hands are full of wickedness , malice , filthiness , and secret dishonesty ; if we can commit sin delightfully and securely as long as 't is done closely , what do all our duties signifie ? The Lord abhors both us and them . Hark how he speaks to such Hypocrites ; Bring no more vain oblations , Sabbaths and calling of Assemblies I cannot away with ; it is iniquity even the solemn Meeting : they are a trouble to me I am weary to bear them . And when you spread forth your hands I will hide mine eyes from you , and though you make many prayers yet I will not hear you , Esa. 1. 13 , 14 , 15.

5. They are in a state of Nature who are lovers of this present World . 1 Joh. 2. 15. Love not the World neither the things that are in the World ; if any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him . The love of the Father may be taken actively and passively . The lover of this World , has no sincere love to the Father , nor any interest in the Fathers special love . How plainly and severely does the Apostle James speak , Jam. 4. 4. Ye Adulterers and Adulteresses know ye not that the friendship of the World is enmity with God , whoever therefore will be a friend of the World is the enemy of God . Then we may be said to be friends and lovers of the World , when we conform to the sinful customs and manners and fashions of the World : living by sence as the World does : and when in our hearts and eager pursuits we prefer the World and the gain , delights and preferments of it before God , before Christ , before Grace , before Glory . Thou that in thy heart despisest a Treasure in Heaven , and really esteemest Silver and Gold of far greater value : 't is as impossible for thee while of this mind , to go to Heaven , as for a Camel to go through the eye of a Needle . The young man in the Gospel was of an unblameable conversation : but he wanted one thing and indeed the principal to make him a real Saint , a true Disciple ; because he valued his great possessions above Christ and a treasure in Heaven , that was offered to him , Mat. 19. 20 , 24. Of this mind was that worldly-minded Papist , who said , He would not leave his part in Paris for a part in Paradise .

6. They are in a state of Nature , who go about to establish their own Righteousness : this was the fault and the ruine of the Jews of old , they thought their own righteousness sufficient , and the establishing of their own righteousness , was their own downfal ; a proud conceit of their own righteousness hindred them from submitting to the righteousness of God , Rom. 10. 3. Trusting in our righteousness will prove as destructive to us , as continuance in our iniquities . If we think by our prayers and duties and deeds of righteousness to satisfie for the sins which we have committed against the Lord of Heaven : 't is a sign we do not understand the Holiness and Justice of God , nor the nature and demerit of Sin , nor the imperfection of our very best services . 'T is a sign of great pride , and that Jesus Christ and our need of him , are not rightly understood ; and thus being whole in our own conceit , or thinking we can make our selves whole , we shall fall short of the onely Saviour , who came to seek and to save that which is lost , Luk. 9. 10. Who is a Physician not to the well , but to the sick ; Who came to call not the Righteous , but Sinners to repentance , Mat. 9. 12 , 13.

7. They are in a state of Nature , who are haters of their Brethern . God is love , but malice is one great part of the Devils Image . 1 Joh. 3. 15. Whosoever hateth his Brother is a Murtherer ; and ye know that no Murtherer hath eternal life abiding in him . The malicious man , Cain is his Brother , Beelzebub is his Father ; but he is certainly a stranger and enemy to the God of love and peace . Let a man speak never so confidently that he is in the light , yet if he hate his Brother he is in darkness even until now , 1 Joh. 2. 9. so 1 Joh. 3. 10. In this the Children of God are manifested , and the Children of the Devil : whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God , neither he that loveth not his Brother . True love will suffer long and be kind , it will not envy or be easily provoked , it will bear and believe all things : it will forgive and cover a multitude of sins . But they that will not forgive others , 't is expresly said themselves shall not be forgiven , Mat. 6. 15. If ye forgive not men their trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespasses . Hatred of the Brethren is a black mark indeed ; especially if the Brethren are hated because they faithfully reprove , and for their holiness sake .

8. They are in a state of Nature , who embrace damnable Heresies ; being given up to strong delusions to believe a lye : This the Apostle tells us will end in damnation , 2 Thes. 2. 11 , 12. I grant that true Saints may fall into Error , but the Elect of God , shall not finally be deceived in those doctrines which are fundamental and of absolute necessity to be believed in order to Salvation . True Saints do still hold the Head , and build upon the Rock Christ , though some of their building may be wood and hay and stubble . Those therefore , who deny the Lord that bought them , and make light of the blood of Jesus , the price of the Churches redemption , are none of the Sheep of Christ , and will bring upon themselves swift destruction , 2 Pet. 2. 1 , 2.

9. They never were but in a state of Nature , who are total and final Apostates . Such are compared to the stony ground and in time of temptation falling away , Christ says , they had not root in themselves , Mat. 13. 21. so 1. Joh. 2. 19. If they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us , but they went out that they might be made manifest they were not all of us . The utter Apostate shall be fill'd with his own ways , and ripen himself apace for ruine ; Gods Soul shall have no pleasure in him , his drawing back will be to perdition , Heb. 10. 38 , 39. and his last state worse than his beginning . Thus the Word describes a State of Nature .

2. In the second place I am to describe out of the same Word of God , and give the signs of a State of Grace : and to shew you what are those things which accompany Salvation . Now the Scripture pronounces them in a safe and good estate .

1. Who come to the light and are willing to be searched . True Gold does not fear the Touchstone , and true Grace can abide the trial , sincere Souls upon this very account like that preaching best which searches most ; whereas unsound Israel could not bear the words of the Prophet , Amos 7. 10. There is a kind of Spiritual instinct in true Believers which inclines them both to a jealousie of themselves , and a desire to have their hearts laid open : whereas Hypocrites love the dark , and are contentedly , nay gladly ignorant of themselves . Our Lord speaks very plain : Joh. 3. 20 , 21. Every one that doth evil hateth the light , neither cometh to the light , lest his deeds should be discovered ; but every one that doth truth cometh to the light , that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God . Doest thou like the Word when 't is most quick and powerful ? When 't is most sharp and piercing ? Doest thou bring thy heart to the Lord , and say , Search it O God ? Even throughout , and look into every corner and let no corruption lye concealed : let not so much as one lust be hid or spared ? This willingness to be thus examined and proved , and to have the reins and heart tried , argues truth of grace .

2. They are in a State of Grace , who are truely contrite and broken because of Sin . Psal. 34. 18. The Lord is nigh to them that are of a broken heart , and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit . He that is indeed contrite has been convinced of Sin by the Spirit of God , and has been made to see the evil in it , and the evil that will follow upon it : His sin and his misery have been perceived . He is grieved because he has sinned against the Lord , and wishes that his sorrow might be more abundant , because his sin has so much abounded , and he laments over a corrupted heart and nature which inclines him to nothing else but sin . His heart troubles him which is so hard , as well as wicked . He accuses himself , he judges himself before God : he loaths himself in his own sight . And now all sin is hated , he will divorce the Herodias , and consent that the Benjamin should go . Nay the sin which was like Benjamin the darling , is a Benoni , matter of the greatest sorrow . This hatred of all sin argues spiritual and saving understanding . Psal. 119. 104. Through thy Precepts I get understanding , therefore I hate every false way . Sin ruines none but those that love it . Those that hate it generally , implacably and to the death , shall never dye and be destroyed by it . Certainly thou art sincere if thou hatest thy lusts that formerly were thy Lords , and if thou canst truely cry with David ; Psal. 119. 133. Order my steps in thy Word and let no iniquity have the dominion over me .

3. Those are in a State of Grace , who receive Jesus Christ the Son of God . To reject Christ , binds all our guilt upon us , and fixes us under wrath , and 't is in effect to refuse Salvation . But to as many as receive him to them he gives power to become the Sons of God , even to them that believe in his name , Joh. 1. 12. If Christ be rightly and indeed received ; he is received just as God offers him , as a Prince to Rule , as well as a Saviour from Wrath : to give Repentance , as well as remission of Sins , Act. 5. 31. Christ must be received as an able Saviour , as a willing Saviour , as the onely Saviour ; and the whole of that Salvation whereof he is the Author must be valued . When he is received , there is a consent to cast all that offends him out of the heart to make room for him : and truely all of Christ is welcom ; His strictest commands , his mortifying and sanctifying Spirit , his Yoak , his Burthen , his Reproach , his Cross , are welcom for his sake , as well as his Crown . If we do not sit down and count the cost , and first of all well understand , and then fully agree to the Articles and Terms on which Christ is to be received , we may easily deceive our selves .

4. Those are in a State of Grace , who desire after God above all , and yield and give themselves unto the Lord . The Psalmist was a sincere Saint who said , Whom have I in Heaven but thee , and there is none on Earth that I desire besides thee , i. e. none as my great help , as my chief happiness besides thee . And notice is taken of the grace of God bestowed upon the Churches of Macedonia , because they gave their own selves to the Lord , 2 Cor. 8. 5. If thy eyes have been opened to see that God is a far greater good than the Creature , and a greater good to thee ; and thou desirest and chusest the Lord himself who is so gracious and alsufficient , as incomparably the best portion , and art as willing to be his portion as to have him thine ; this willingness shews thou art of the number of his people , and that his powerful grace , has been at work in thee . Psal. 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power . God is called the portion of Jacob , and Israel is styled the rod of his inheritance , Jer. 10. 16. God and his people chuse each other .

5. They are in a State of Grace , who hunger and thirst after righteousness . Our Lord pronounces such blessed ; and if he blesses them they shall be blessed , and promises they shall be filled , Mat. 5. 6. Righteousness imputed , is , and that with very good reason prized by Believers , and Righteousness inherent is earnestly desired , they long to be made more holy ; more holy in heart , more holy in all manner of conversation : to have cleaner hands , hearts purer ; they groan earnestly to be sanctified throughout in Body , Soul , and Spirit , and to be established unblameable in holiness to the end . Doest thou vehemently desire to be bettered by every mercy ? To be refined more and more every time thou art cast into the furnace of affliction ? And to become more holy by every Ordinance thou engagest in ? This Sacra Fames , holy hunger is in thee , and thou art blessed .

6. Those are in a State of Grace , who prize the Word of God at an high rate . All that are born again desire as new born Babes the sincere milk of the Word that they may grow thereby , 1 Pet. 2. 2. Hark to our Lord. Joh. 8. 47. He that is of God heareth Gods words , ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God . With good reason do gracious Souls value the Word of God , for it is the incorruptible seed whereof they are born again : 't is the Food whereby they are nourished , 't is the Physick whereby they are healed , 't is the Cordial whereby they are revived , 't is the Weapon wherewith they defend themselves against their spiritual Enemies ; Finally 't is the main Deed they have to shew , for the heavenly inheritance . If this Word of God be understood , believed and received by thee , in the love of it ; if thou desirest to be cast into the mould of the Word , and in all things to conform to it ; if Davids language be thine . Psal. 119. 33 , 34 , 35. Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes , and I shall keep it to the end . Give me understanding and I shall keep thy Law , yea , I shall observe it with my whole heart . Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for therein do I delight . This will argue that thou hast a good and honest heart indeed .

7. Those are in a state of grace , who have the Spirit of Prayer . The Apostle Paul assoon as ever translated into this state , has this Character , Behold he prayeth , Act. 9. 11. 't is more than probable , he had spoken the words of prayer many a time before , while he was a zealous Son of the Jewish Church : but now he prayed in Gods account , now he prayed in the holy Ghost . They that are hypocrites may excell in the gift of Prayer , God may be much in their mouths , and their expressions may be fluent and seemingly affectionate ; when yet he is far from their reins . But the Spirit of grace and supplication is peculiar to the Saints . Now such as have the Spirit of prayer , their desires are drawn forth with greatest strength and fervour after Spiritual and eternal blessings . They intreat the favour of God and fellowship with him , with their whole heart : they beg for the increase of Faith , Fear , and Love , and every other grace , and that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness , which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God , and that being delivered from every evil work , they may be preserved to his heavenly Kingdom . Thus the Spirit makes intercession for them , according to the will of God . Rom. 8. 26 , 27.

8. They are in a state of Grace , who love the brethren . 1 Joh. 3. 14. Hereby we know we are passed from death to life , because we love the brethren . Now right love to the brethren , is love with a pure heart , and a good conscience , 't is a fervent love ; 't is love to all the Saints , though but poor in the world , though of a different persuasion . The image of God is loved wherever 't is found , and the more of it is found , 't is lookt upon as more lovely . 'T is one thing to love the Saints , because they are good natured , because they are beautiful , because they are bountiful , because they are wise and discreet : and 't is another thing to love them because they are holy . And truly if the more holy they are , the more we love them , and the more plainly they deal with us by reprehension and advice in order unto our progress in sanctification and holiness : the more and better we like them , this is a clear and solid evidence of our being Saints our selves . Moreover , true Saints are of a publick Spirit , they are concerned for the whole Church Militant , and cry aloud that she may be preserved in purity , unity , and love , and may more than conquer all enemies , and come at last to be Triumphant .

9. They are in a state of Grace , who endure to the end , and are not weary of well-doing . He that endures to the end shall be saved says Christ , and If ye continue in my word , then are ye my Disciples indeed , Joh. 8. 31. The sincerely Righteous ones , not withstanding all difficulties , oppositions , trials , tribulations , hold on their way , and they that have clean hands do wax stronger and stronger . Job . 17. 9. They fight the good fight of Faith to the last breath , and by patient continuance in wel-doing they seek for glory , honour , and immortality , and at last lay hold on eternal life . Rom. 2. 7.

Thus you have the Touchstone of the Word to prove your selves by . And what this Word binds on earth , is bound in heaven ; what this Word looses on earth , is loosed in heaven . If you continue in a state which this Word pronounces bad , you will certainly be condemned ; but if your state be such as this Word declares good , you will as certainly be acquitted , rewarded , and crown'd at the great approaching Day .

In the sixth place , I am to inform you of the special seasons , when this duty of self-proving is to be performed , and the seasons are these .

1. We ought to prove our selves , before we engage in the ordinance of the Lords Supper . There must be a Spiritual life , or else there cannot be a fitness to be a guest at the Lords Table . A dead Corps set at a Feast , would be a frightful Spectacle to all there , neither could a dead body eat any of the dainties prepared . He that is dead in trespasses and sins , is not a worthy Communicant , for he wants the grace of Faith , which is as the eye to discern , the hand to receive , and the mouth to eat the Lord Jesus , who is the bread of life . The Lords Supper is not an Ordinance designed to work the first grace , for if 't were , then none ought to be excluded ; the greatest Sinners are to be admitted to converting Ordinances : and there would be no such thing as Excommunication in the Church of Christ . But the design of it is to increase , and strengthen , and make more and more evident that grace which is already wrought . Therefore we must prove what we are before we engage . 1 Cor. 11. 28 , 29. But let a man examine himself , and so let him eat of that bread , and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily , eateth and drinketh judgment to himself , not discerning the Lords body .

We ought to prove our Spiritual state , and examine our proficiency , and eye the present frame of our hearts . And though upon trial we cannot absolutely say we have grace , yet if there be no black and apparent marks of unregeneracy , and only probable signs of our being sanctified , yet we ought to come to the Table , that our Faith may be strengthned , the work of sanctification carried on , and our selves in that sealing Ordinance , sealed unto the day of redemption . Are we willing that every sin should die ? Are we willing that the world should be thrown out of the highest room in our hearts ? Are we willing to receive Christ , and all the benefits he gives forth in this Ordinance ? Are we willing to resign and render our souls , and all that is within us ; even our whole man to him ? If we can answer in the affirmative to all ; upon our coming to the Table we shall be made welcome ; whatever an unbelieving heart may fear and suggest to the contrary .

2. We ought to prove our selves before solemn prayer and humiliation . In solemn supplication Solomon speaks of it as necessary , that every one should understand the plague of his own heart , when he spreads forth his hands towards the house of God , 1 King . 8. 38. Now the heart must be examined what it ayls , that the plague of it may be found out . The Priest under the law was to look again and again upon the person suspected of leprosie . The plagues of the heart lie deep many times , and are not easily discerned , there must be the more heedful examination . And as we are to find out the plagues of our hearts , so all our wants and weaknesses : and all are to be spread before the God of all grace , who can , because most high , perform all things for us , and cure every malady , and supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus .

3. We ought to prove our selves after falls , though believers shall never fall from a state of grace , yet they may fall into several acts of sin . And when their falls are more foul and scandalous ; their peace is broken : The holy Spirit their Comforter being grieved , their comfort and joy takes wings and flies away . The guilt they contract fills them with fear , and brings them under great bondage , their evidences are blotted , and their state seemsto be very questionable . Now therefore it concerns them to prove themselves , that they may find out the lurking corruption that betrayed them : and that they may be sensible of the heinous nature , and high aggravations of the sins they have committed : that being truly humbled they may cry with fervency for pardon and cleansing , and that the joy of Gods salvation may be restored .

David after he had defiled Bathsheba the Wife , and murdered Vriah the Husband : he renews the Search into himself , he traces these filthy streams till he came to the fountain , the original corruption of his nature ; he is sensible what an impure and deceitful heart he had , and therefore cries out , Create in me a clean heart O God , and renew a right spirit within me . Psal. 51. 10. he found that his fall had fill'd him with anguish , and very much enfeebled him ; therefore he prays ; Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation , and uphold me with thy free Spirit . v. 12. His sin stared him in the face , and he begs that God would hide his face from it , and withal he offers the acceptable sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart to him .

4. We ought to prove our selves in the time of Spiritual desertion . When God had withdrawn from the Psalmist , and so far withdrawn , as that he almost questioned whether ever he would return again ; and therefore cries out , Will the Lord cast off for ever , and will he be favourable no more ? then he communed with his own heart , and his Spirit made diligent search . Psal. 77. 6 , 7. David enquires , why his God had forsaken him , and why he was so far from helping him , and from the words of his roaring . Psal. 22. 1. and Job under desertion cries out , why hast thou set me as a mark against thee , so that I am a burthen to my self ? Job . 7. 20.

Spiritual desertions are very uncomfortable , these are the hours wherein the powers of darkness buffet believers , and unbelief , and deadness , and corruptions prevail . Saints therefore should question themselves severely , what they have been , and done , which has grieved and quenched the Blessed Spirit , that they may lament their sin , and loss ; and lament after God : they are also to reflect upon former experiences of special kindness , and call to remembrance their Songs in the night , and the years of the right hand of the Most High : and the consideration of Gods unchangeable love , and his sure and everlasting Covenant , should keep them from sinking into despondency . Finally they are to observe the design of God in withdrawing , and be the more humble , distrustful of themselves , depending on their beloved Lord , and the more thankful and fruitful prizing the presence of God the more highly ever after .

5. We ought to prove our selves in the time of affliction . So says the Prophet , Lam. 3. 39 , 40. Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins ? Let us search and try our ways and turn unto the Lord our God . Conscience is many times awakened by affliction ; we should not hinder it from being busie and prying , but hearken to it whatever it speaks to us . Josephs Brethren made light of their cruelty towards their Brother for many years together . But when they were in distress in Egypt , then they lookt into themselves , and they had a smart and stinging sence of their own unmercifulness ; and they cry out , We are verily guilty concerning our Brother . Affliction should cause us to consider our ways , and though sins were palliated and excused before , yet then we should acknowledge , we are verily guilty . When our sin hath found us out , we should find that out : and our Souls should be humbled within us , and turn to him that smites us .

6. We ought to prove our selves after our engaging in Ordinances . 'T is good to examine before , what we want ; and after , what we have gained . Ordinances are Talents and a vast improvement may be made of them , if we are not wanting to our own interest . Merchants that drive a Trade beyond the Seas when the Ships return , they are careful to examine , what is the produce of the ventures they send . So should we in this Spiritual Trade , we should ask our selves , what we have gained ? And what is the produce of all our praying , hearing , fasting , praising ? Whether we are such wise Merchants as to gain the Pearl of price ? Whether we thrive in grace , and grow rich in faith , rich in good works , for this is to grow rich towards God ? And truely all the Silver and Gold that ever was created is but dross in comparison of these riches . To go to Ordinances and from them , as the Door turns upon the Hinges , and to remain just as we were : will turn to no account , nay to an ill account . We are not to rest therefore in opere operato , the work done ; but examine what light , what heat , what strength , what grace , what peace we gain by attending upon God : or else we may live and dye like lukewarm and mistaken Laodicea : who said she was rich and increased with Goods , and had need of nothing : and knew not that she was wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked , Rev. 3. 17.

7. 'T is not amiss if there be some Self-proving every day ; that keeping of the heart with all diligence , Prov. 4. 23. implies a daily watching and calling it to an account ; and that pondering the path of our feet required , vers. 26. implies both wariness before , and a tracing our Steps afterwards to see whether they have been right or wrong , step towards God or from him . Pythagoras an Heathen , advises , every night to ask our selves such Questions as these ;

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Where have I sinn'd ? What have I done ? What duty have I let alone ? Thus bad and good deeds every night , Will be thy chiding or delight .

In the seventh place , I come to the Arguments , persuading all to this examination and proving of themselves .

1. Satan is very subtle , he does endeavour to conceal and hide both Sin and Grace ; Sin in the wicked that they may not perceive the evil nature and tendency of it , till it has actually and utterly ruin'd them ; and Grace in them that do believe , that their hearts may be tormented with doubts and fears , and straitned in thanksgiving unto God . Satan is a lying Spirit , and upholds his Kingdom by deceit and falshood ; His work is to fill Gods Children with false fears , and his own with false hopes : and he has many wiles and stratagems to do both ; 'T is good therefore to be aware of him , and to be the stricter in searching of our selves that he may not impose upon us nor make us call evil good and good evil . Let us take great heed , for Satan is the Accuser of the Brethren , Rev. 12. 10. and will accuse them to themselves as well as accuse them before God : he will transform a true Saint and make him look in his own apprehension like a meer reprobate . And as he is the Accuser of the Brethren , so he is the Excuser of the wicked , and makes them say they shall have peace till the anger of the Lord and his jealousie smokes against them , and eternal Vengeance overtakes them .

2. The heart is deceitful above all things , Jer. 17. 9. as it is unknown to others , so it hides it self from the view of the man himself : Need there is then of Self-examination . The heart of man will represent Sin as profitable , as pleasant , as creditable and in fashion , and that there is no such danger in the commission of it , but that 't is time enough hereafter , and easie enough to repent and obtain a pardon . The heart will extenuate sin after 't is done , and take notice of the mercy of the Lord , but shut its eyes against his justice and holiness ; 't will call any thing almost by the name of saving-grace , and from very weak and insufficient premisses , conclude the State is safe ; Such cheats therefore must be more narrowly eyed , and we must bring them to the Heart-searcher that they may be discovered .

3. There is no Grace but has its counterfeit ; When abundance of Brass and bad Money is abroad , there is the greater care to try before we take . There is a world of counterfeit Grace at this day . Many take themselves to be something when they are nothing , and so deceive themselves : every one therefore should prove his own work , that he may have rejoycing in himself alone and not in another , Gal. 6. 3. 4. that is , that he may have not only the good word of others , but the joyful approbation of his own Conscience , that his work is good and wrought in God . There is a precious faith that ends in the salvation of the Soul , and there is a counterfeit faith , that dures only for a while , and in time of temptation fails . There is a saving knowledge , which is life eternal ; and there is a notional knowledge , which only puffs up him that has it , and makes sorrow and stripes at last to be the more . There is a sincere love to Christ that has a vehement flame which many Waters cannot quench , which no Floods can drown : and there is a love which is only a painted Fire ; a love in word and shew and not in heart and deed and truth . There is a Zeal which God is mightily pleased with , as that Zeal in Phineas : and there is a Zeal not according to knowledge . There is a true Humility , which makes us like to Christ and gives the Soul rest ; and there is a shew of Wisdom and Humility to be found even in the Synagogues of Satan and Antichrist . All grace therefore , whether in pretence or true , must be tried by the Word , which if rightly applied , is infallible in its decision .

4. Many do actually go out of the World mistaken in themselves , surely then we should be serious in Self-trial . The foolish Virgins because their Lamps were burning and neatly trimm'd , that is , they profess'd and talkt high , and made a glistering shew : came with full expectation of admission into the Kingdom . Therefore with confidence they knock and with confidence they speak ; Lord , Lord , open unto us , Mat. 25. 11. But the answer is , I know you not ; The Door contrary to their expectation is shut for ever against them , and they are sentenc'd to burn too in Hell : though their Lamps on Earth did burn and blaze in a glorious profession of Religion . Some are brought in pleading with the Lord Jesus , when He says , He knew them not ; We have eat and drank in thy presence , and thou hast taught in our Streets , Luk. 13. 26. As if they should say , Lord ! 't is very strange thou shouldst not know us , None more flocked after thee than we did : none were more forward to hear thy Word ; we were Guests at thy Table many a time ; and yet dost thou not know us ? Hear their pleas , see their confidence of being let in : and yet behold them thrust out unto Eternity .

5. Hypocrites may go very far and yet remain but Hypocrites and miscarry ; Therefore we should examine and see that we go farther . An Hypocrite may have a name that he is alive : he may bend his Knee and lift up his Eye , and speak as it were with the tongue of an Angel : he may pray and prophesie so as to gain mans approbation ; but yet that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God , Luk. 16. 15. How far did the Apostle Paul go before his Conversion , he was of the straitest Sect , and touching the righteousness of the Law blameless : and yet though his life was without blame , his heart was without grace . Hypocrites how far soever they go , do either allow themselves in sin , or place a confidence in their own righteousness . If we would therefore go beyond them , we must grieve for all sin and hate it ; We must worship God in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus , and have no confidence in the Flesh , Phil. 3. 3.

6. To be unwilling to Try and Prove our selves is a very bad symptom . The decay'd Tradesman cares not to be at home for fear of being dunn'd by his Creditors ; neither does he like to look into his Books because he suspects that he owes more than he is worth : So unsound Professors like not to dwell with themselves for fear Conscience should fill their Ears with a dreadful sound , and reproach them with their offences ; and they are loath to study the volume of their own hearts because they suspect they shall find little but what is stark naught there . Sin is a work of darkness where the light is fear'd and shun'd , 't is a sign that sin bears sway , and where it reigns it will ruine . Joh. 3. 19. This is the condemnation that light is come into the World , and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil .

7. Though it be very bad with us , yet 't is really good to know the very worst of our selves . Hardness of heart and unsensibleness of sin is a very great plague , the infliction of which argues God to be very angry : but conviction of sin is the work of Gods Spirit . When the Comforter is come he shall convince the World of Sin , Joh. 16. 8. Indeed if a bad condition were unchangeable , and there were no difference between an unregenerate Sinner and an Apostate Angel , 't were another matter . But the truth is , though our state and hearts are both bad , yet both may be alter'd for the better . And if we are sensible that we are under the power of darkness , we shall be the more importunate that God would deliver us , and translate us into the Kingdom of his dear Son . If we perceive that our hearts are old and evil , 't will make us to cry with more fervency , that the Lord would give us the new heart and the new spirit promised in his new Covenant .

8. There may be great disconsolateness where there is truth of grace , if it be unknown . The children of light may walk in darkness ; the heirs of salvation may complain , as if they were near lost : and the friends and favourites of Heaven , may think and speak as if God accounted them his Enemies . Hark unto Heman : Psal. 88. 7. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me , and thou bast afflicted me with all thy waves . And vers. 15. 16. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me , and while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted . Believers being made alive , are also endued with Spiritual Sence , and cannot be indifferent as to Gods love and hatred as others are ; If they have not some assurance of the one , they cannot but have some dread of the other : they should therefore prove themselves , that they may know the love that God has to them , and that they may joy in God through Jesus Christ , by whom they have received the atonement , Rom. 5. 11.

9. There is a day of Trial and Judgment appointed , and very near at hand . God has appointed a day in which he will judge the World in Righteousness , Act. 17. 31. and truely the Judge standeth before the Door , Jam. 5. 9. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh . And if we cannot abide the Trial of our own Consciences now , how shall we abide the Trial of him who is greater than our Consciences and knoweth all things ? It concerns us to call our selves to a severe account , and believe in Jesus that we may be justified , and then at that day we shall not be condemned . Let us watch and work , that our Lord when he comes , may find us so doing . Let us store up Scripture evidences that we are his Children , and then we shall have boldness in the day of Judgment , and not be ashamed before him at his coming . Gods Judgment hereafter will be according to truth : names and shews how insignificant will they be at the great day . Therefore let us look to it that our graces be true , that as such they may be found and own'd at last .

10. A well grounded assurance is possible to be obtained . Let us never give over Trying our selves till we have it . We are commanded to give all diligence to make our calling , and by our calling , our Election sure , 2 Pet. 1. 10. We must not cast away our confidence , when once we have gotten it , but hold the beginning of it firm unto the end . Assurance of the love of God , of what value is it ? What a relish does it give to every Mercy ! What sweetness does it put into the bitterest Cup of Affliction ! How undaunted does it make us at the approach of the last Enemy ! And with what courage and confidence to commend our departing Souls into the hands of him that has redeemed them .

Before I come to the Application , I am to resolve several Cases of Conscience concerning the Subject I am upon . Now the Cases will be of two sorts , some relate to Sir and a State of Nature ; and others relate unto a State of Grace .

I begin with those Cases relating to Sin and a State of Nature .

Case 1. And the first is this ; Is it not better for Sinners to continue ignorant of themselves than by an over-strict search to fill their souls with trouble and horrour ? Is it not a wiser part to keep themselves quiet while they are so , than to raise a storm and tempest that may not be laid in hast ? Now they receive their good things , now they receive their consolations ; now they can take their ease , eat , drink and be merry : they can feast and laugh and sing , and time runs very swift being spent in carnal jollity . Why then should they look into the state of their Souls , and put an end to all their peace and joy and comfort ?

Ans. 1. Sinners ignorance of themselves and the wretched condition they are in , does but add to their misery : Secure indeed they are in a sence , but farther off from safety . It was the misery of Ephraim , that Strangers had devoured his strength and gray hairs were here and there upon him , and yet he knew it not , Hos. 7. 9. Self-ignorance and carnal security makes the hearts of the Sons of Men fully set in them to do evil , and causes their state to be nearer a kin to desperate . Such will fearlesly add Sin to Sin , and draw iniquity with cords of vanity , and treasure up more and more wrath unto themselves against the day of wrath .

2. Their peace and joy can be but short at longest . Pleasures for evermore can be found alone in Gods Prefence : The pleasures of sin and sense are but for a season . Job . 20. 5 , 8. Knowest thou not this of old , since man was placed upon Earth , that the triumphing of the Wicked is short , and the joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment ? Though his excellency mount up to the Heavens , and his head reacheth to the Clouds ; yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung ; they which have seen him , shall say , Where is he ? He shall fly away as a dream and shall not be found ; yea , he shall be chased away as a night vision .

3. Better their false peace which must quickly end , should be disturbed by Self-trial , than that it should cease by their Trial at Gods Bar. The ungodly cannot carry a false peace along with them into another World . The rich man in the Gospel that fared sumptuously every day , carried none of his good things with him when he died : his pleasure then came to a full stop ; and we read of nothing he met with but evil things , torments , flames , endless and unquenchable , Luk. 16. and then the rich man saw , it had been better before to have broken off his sinful pleasure by Self-reflection and Repentance .

4. Though a false peace upon Self-examination be banished , yet there may a true peace be obtained in the room of it . Be not unwilling to look into your selves , though you find matter of sorrow ; for godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation ; They that sow in tears shall reap in joy , Psal. 126. 5. And Christ pronounces the mourners blessed for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5. 4.

Case 2. The second Case is this ; Is it not time enough hereafter for Sinners to search and look into themselves ? Then when prosperity and youth are gone , and affliction and old age are come ? What necessity is there to put themselves upon the rack presently ?

Ans. 1. The longer they defer , the more afraid they will be to begin , and so it may never be done in this World : especially considering , that delay will make the work more difficult and grievous . The larger the scores are , the more loath they will be to look them over ; and the more peccant and wicked the heart has been , the more unwilling it will be to be called to account : therefore 't is best to begin this very instant , and 't would have been better to have begun before .

2. Sin is so great an evil that none can be too soon convinced of it , nor too soon converted from it : as on the other hand , Grace is so excellent that we can never be too early enriched with it ; and assurance of the love of God so desirable and delightful , that it can never be too soon obtained . Why should there be a delay in the search after Sin ? This Enemy should speedily be inquired after ; since if let alone , it may ruine us suddenly before we are aware .

3. If Sinners refuse to mind the Lord and themselves in the time of youth and prosperity , God may refuse to have any regard to them in the time of their distress . Now is the accepted time , now they may seek the Lord and search themselves to good purpose , but whether the time of affliction may be an accepted time or no , is questionable . The Lord threatens to laugh at the calamity of some and to mack when their fear comes , and that he will not be found of them , Prov. 1. 26 , 28. They that refused to hearken , and stopt their Ears and made their hearts like an Adamant Stone , see what came to pass at last , great wrath came upon them , they were scattered with a whirlwind ; and as he cried , and they would not hear , so they cried , and I would not hear , saith the Lord of Hosts , Zach. 7. 13.

4. Why should such a short lived creature as Man delay to examine himself ? What is his life ? 'T is even a vapour that appears for a little time , and then vanisheth away , Jam. 4. 14. How quickly may Death arrest him , and summon him before the Lords Tribunal ? Some are well in one hour , sick the next and dead the third ; nay , some are well and sick and dead the same hour , if not the same minute . Defer not then to look into thy state and heart speedily , since upon the sudden it may be said to thee . Render an account of thy Stewardship for thou shalt be no longer Steward , Luk. 16. 2.

Case 3. The third Case follows , which is this ; How shall Sinners that all their days have been careless of , and utter Strangers to themselves manage this business of Self-examination ?

Ans. 1. Let them get alone ; not to be speculatively wanton , or project for the World , or to please themselves with vain and proud and towring imaginations ; but that they may seriously bethink themselves what is likely to become of them for ever . Let them get out of the croud and hurry of worldly business , and shake off carnal company and be at leisure to understand their Souls condition . Certainly a Soul that is of greater value than all the World is worth minding , is worth saving .

2. Let the thoughts of God and of Eternity make them serious , especially considering how much God has been provoked , and how near they may be unto Eternity . Time is posting away from them , and Death is making great haste towards them : and immediately after Death , they enter upon Eternal state , and how sad will it be if it be a state of eternal woe .

3. Let them cry unto God for his Convincing Spirit . When the Spirit is given , ( and truely the Lord is ready to give his Spirit unto all that ask him ) he does discover that in Sin that before was not perceived : he makes Hell to become naked , and takes off that covering that was upon destruction ; He holds before Sinners the Glass of Gods holy Law , that in that Glass they may behold their hearts and lives ; shews unto them that the characters of Gods Enemies agree to them , and that their spot is not the spot of his Children , Deut. 32. 5. Then Sin will revive and Sinners die ; that is , become sensible they are the sons of death and wrath and in great danger of Eternal ruine . Now they are to hold up their hands and cry , Guilty , Guilty , and to lament and bemoan themselves as Ephraim did , to see themselves in such a lost condition .

4. Let them be very inquisitive what they shall do that they might be saved . Thus were those Jews that were prickt at the heart , Act. 2. and thus was the trembling Jaylour , Act. 16. A lost estate being perceived is not to be rested in ; none ought to be contented to be damned , but they must inquire what they must do to escape the wrath to come , and they must give themselves to prayer in good earnest , and use the other means of grace : and the sense of their sin and misery should make them the more servent in crying for that mercy and grace which they so highly stand in need of .

Case 4. The fourth Case this ; When Sinners upon Self-trial have found out the badness of their State , is there any reason they should despair of mercy ?

Ans. 1. Despair is one of the greatest sins that can be committed , dishonouring the grace of God , making light of the blood of Christ , and very opposite to the Spitit of Grace . It is good , says the Prophet , that a man should hope , Lam. 3. 26. Surely , then 't is bad that a man should despair . This sin thwarts the very design of the Gospel . And Satan being hopeless himself , would fain hinder sensible Sinners from hoping , though he cherishes vain hopes in such as are presumptuous .

2. There is a despair that is a Duty ; that is a despair of help from self : and a despair of help from God , if there be a resolution to continue in Sin . Thou mayest as well hope to get no harm by the fall in throwing thy self off from the top of Londons Monument . Thou may'st as well cast thy self into the Fire , and hope not to be burnt , as go on still in thy Sins and hope to escape everlasting Flames .

3. But yet the door of hope is really open to the greatest Sinners , that are willing to return to God and become Saints . Blasphemous persecuting Saul was let in at this door . And 1 Cor. 6. 9 , 10 , 11. you read of a sad Crew , that if Hell were to be raked , worse could hardly be found . Fornicators , Idolaters , Adulterers , effeminate abusers of themselves with Mankind , Thieves , Covetous , Drunkards , Revilers , Extortioners , and yet these were washt and sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God . Such instances of the rich and free grace of God , should hinder the worst from despairing when they come to themselves , and are minded to come home to the Lord .

4. That conviction of sin and misery which sensible Souls have , is the common road to Christ and grace and comfort . He gives rest to the weary and heavy laden , he gives liberty to the captives , and binds up the broken hearted , Mat. 11. 28. Luk. 4. 18. When Sinners are brought to the brink of Hell in their own apprehension , this is an hopeful sign , they shall be delivered from that place of woe and sorrow , and that they shall not feel what they fear .

Case 5. The fifth Case is this ; What course must Sinners take after they have prov'd themselves , and found how bad they are , to be brought into a better and safe Estate ?

Ans. 1. They must not oppose conviction : but be willing , nay , earnestly desirous that it may be thorow , that their humiliation may be the deeper ; they must not only be sensible that their actions have been bad , but that their hearts are a great deal worse : that their very nature is corrupted , and their state most miserable . Slight convictions soon wear off , and a little sense of Sin is followed only with such goodness that is as the morning cloud , and as the early dew it goeth away , Hos. 6. 4. The deeper the humiliation , commonly the stricter the holiness afterwards . Piscator ictus sapit , the burnt Child dreads the Fire . And he that hath tasted the Wormwood and the Gall that is in Sin , will be the more alienated from it , and afraid of contracting new guilt and defilement . Let not the pangs of contrition go off too soon , for fear there be an abortive instead of the new birth : the more you are burthen'd with Sin , the more sincere Conversion will be , and Christ is the readier to give you rest .

2. They must consent to cast away every transgression , and cease to be the companions of Transgressors . Let not any Sin be kept , and rolled as a swee morsel under the Tongue , for 't will prove as bitter and deadly as the very gall of Asps at last . That promise , Iniquity shall not be your ruine , is annexed to a command ; Cast away from you all your transgressions , Ezek. 18. 30 , 31. The wicked man is required to forsake his way , which intimates the reformation of his life , and also to forsake his thoughts : which shews his very heart must be renewed , else there cannot be a returning unto God indeed , nor mercy and pardon obtained , Esa. 55. 7. It is reported concerning Agrippina the Mother of Nero Caesar , that it was foretold her , That her Son should be Emperor of Rome , but afterwards kill his own Mother . She said , Occidat modo imperet , Let him kill me so he may but Reign . Oh let not any Sinner say so concerning any gainful , delightful darling Sin . Let it damn me so it may but Reign . Let me die by it , so I may but live in it . And as sinful courses must be abandoned , so also sinful company . Save your selves from an untoward generation , Act. 2. 40. was the advice of Peter to those awakned Souls that askt him , what they should do . If you would turn to God and go to Heaven , you must leave that company that are resolved to go on in Sin , and unto Hell .

3. They must attend upon prophecy and beg that the Spirit would accompany it . The Word of God is the incorruptible seed , of which Sinners are born again , 1 Pet. 1. 23. and the Word is made effectual by the Spirit . 'T is a very encouraging asseveration of Christ . Joh. 5. 25. Verily , verily , I say unto you , The hour is coming , and now is , when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and live . A meer man might have cried long enough and to no purpose at Lazarus his grave . But when our Lord says , Lazarus come forth , there went out a power along with his word that raised him . Let Sinners attend upon the Word of Christ . Christ himself may speak to them , as well as man , and then the Spirit of Life will enter into them ; and the dead in sin shall live .

4. They must look unto Jesus for righteousness and strength , Esa. 45. 24. The righteousness of Christ is necessary unto Sinners reconciliation , therefore God does not impute their own sins to them upon their believing in Christ , because he does impute the righteousness of his Son : That 's a notable place , Rom. 4. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works . Here is an imputed righteousness , and lest any should think it a putative or imaginary righteousness , 't is called a righteousness of the Lords own imputing : Further , 't is a righteousness that does not consist in any works or obedience of ours . Finally , this Doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ is asserted by David under the Old Testament , as by Paul under the New . In Sinners Approach unto God , this righteousness is to be relied on for pardon and justification . And as his Righteousness is necessary unto Reconciliation , so is his strength and the power of his Spirit unto Conversion . None will be made free from the power of Sin and Satan , none will be delivered from the power of darkness , till the Son of God does make them free indeed , and translate them into his own Kingdom .

5. They must cry unto God to be throughly turned : So did Ephraim , Jer. 31. 18. Turn thou me and I shall be turned , for thou art the Lord my God . Ephraim had the seal of the Covenant administred to him in infancy , which was Circumcision ; and therefore he calls the Lord his God , and has the greater encouragement to cry to him to circumcise and turn his heart unto himself . And surely under the New Testament the Covenant is not made more narrow , nor our arguments and encouragements fewer to plead for converting grace . Let Sinners therefore beg , that as they have been baptized with Water in the Lords name , so they may be justified by the blood of Christ , sanctified by his Spirit , and effectually turned unto God . Till the Lord does turn you , you must needs remain unconverted . And when once you are made earnest that you may be sincere Converts , you are earnest for that which is most agreeable to the will of God , and 't is a sign that the work is already begun . There could never be strong desires to be turned , if the heart were not in some degree turned to desire it . Case 6. The sixth Case is this ; How far may Sinners go and yet fall short of Grace and Heaven ? This is of great concernment to be fully resolved , that we may not be mistaken in our selves , therefore I shall be the larger upon it . Many with Agrippa are almost persuaded to be Christians , that are not Christians altogegether ; Many with him in the Gospel are not far from the Kingdom of Heaven , who yet never come thither : the case such is sad , for they are miserable after they were near to happiness : they are like a Merchant that is Shipwrackt , and loses all , and himself too , within sight of shore : they sail as it were by Heaven to Hell , and their being once so near Heaven , will make Hell the more doleful and intolerable . Now how far Sinners may go , and yet still remain but in a State of Nature , I shall shew in these particulars .

1. They that have no true grace may own and acknowledge the Christian Faith to be true . 'T is affirmed of Simon Magus , that he believed , Act. 8. 13. The miracles that were wrought by Philip for the confirmation of the Gospel gained his assent , that it was the Gospel of God and of undoubted truth . In like manner Nicodemus while a Stranger to Regeneration was convinced , and did confess that Christ was a Teacher sent from God , Joh. 3. 1 , 2. Now as I go along , I shall shew wherein such as have no grace do fail , that the unsound may be convinced of their hypocrisie , and the truely gracious may be the better able to discern their sincerity . Though the forementioned persons believe the truth of the Gospel , they do not apply it to themselves , nor heartily embrace the goodness of the Gospel , but prefer their lusts , their pleasures and their profits , before Gods Kingdom ; their assent is weak and does not influence their Consciences affections and conversations , and so proves ineffectual to Salvation . Jam. 2. 14. What doth it profit if a man say he hath Faith and have not Works ? Can Faith save him ? And v. 26. As the Body without the Spitit is dead , so Faith without Works is dead also .

2. They that have no grace may solemnly be admitted into the visible Church : Simon the Sorcerer was baptized , and yet Peter tells him afterwards , that he was in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity , Act. 8. 13 , 23. Multitudes of the Jews of old were circumcised in their flesh , whose hearts were never circumcised . Jer. 9. 25 , 26. Behold the days come , saith the Lord , that I will punish all them that are circumcised with the uncircumcised ; Egypt and Judah and Edom , and the Children of Ammon , and Moab : for all these Nations are uncircumcised : and all the House of Israel are uncircumcised in their hearts . How many by Baptism are admitted into the Church of Christ , and rest herein , not caring to partake of the Blood of Christ , and least of all to partake of the Spirit of Grace and Holiness which are signified by the Water in that institution . What did it profit the Jews that they were circumcised in their flesh , if after they did not answer their infant Cirumcision , by a circumcised ear and heart , and an holy and obedient Conversation ? And in like manner , what will the being baptized with Water avail , if the filthiness of Sin be not purged , but loved , and there be not an answer afterwards of a good Conscience towards God ? 1 Pet. 3. 21.

3. They that have no true grace , may be forward in profession : and by talking at an high rate , attain unto some reputation for Godliness ; thus Sardis had a name and fame that she liv'd , and yet was dead , Rev. 3. 1. But these forward Professors when unsound , drive on some carnal design , as the ravenous Birds when they soar never so much alo●at , have their eyes downward , and are looking after something that they may prey upon . Under all their profession , their hearts they neglect , and suffer them to be full of pride and passion and love of the World : they have no desire after inward purity , and besides they wilfully and wofully fail many times in their dealings with men , and in regard of those duties which in their capacities and relations are incumbent upon them .

4. They that have no true grace , may engage in all the publick Ordinances that Christ has instituted : they may pray and hear , and be admitted unto Communion and Church-fellowship , and yet not be the real Members of Christ , and be shut out of the Kingdom . Those persons had eat and drank in our Lords presence , and had heard him teaching many a time , unto whom he speaks after this terrible manner . There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth when ye shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of Heaven , and you your selves thrust out , Luk. 13. 26 , 28. These hypocritical engagers in Ordinances , seek not the Lord himself in his Ordinances ; His favour , and the communications of his sanctifying Spirit they prize not , they desire not : and though Ordinances leave them as proud , and wanton , and unbelieving , and earthly-minded , as they found them ; they are unconcerned ; for to have better hearts than they had , is not any piece of their design . 5. They that have no true grace , may attain to a great measure of notional knowledge . That Servant who was beaten with many stripes did know the will of his Master , Luk. 12. 47. We all have knowledge , says the Apostle , 1 Cor. 8. 1. unsound as well as sincere . An Hypocrite may have great light in his understanding , but that light makes him high-minded , his knowledge is without affection to Spiritual things , his head is very clear , but his heart is very cold . He is acquainted with the truth , but he holds it in unrighteousness . Is it not a sad sight to see Children that have the Rickets , with great Heads , but Arms weak and unable to do any thing , and Legs small and feeble and unable to go ? Here is the Emblem of one that knows the Word of God , but neither loves nor obeys it . A great head he has , but his actions and steps bear no proportion to to the knowledge he has received .

6. They that have no true grace , may attain unto excellent gifts . Judas and Demas were both Preachers of the Gospel , and called upon others to turn to God , and yet were not real Converts themselves . Our Lord tells us , that many will say to him in that day , Lord , Lord , have we not prophesied in thy name ? And yet they shall be bid to depart from him , Mat. 7. 22 , 23. Many Ministers miscarry . Many fall into Hell from under the Pulpit , and our of the Pulpit ; they are able to preach to others , and yet themselves are castaways . These unsound ones aim at their own applause in the exercise of their gifts , they hunt after honour , they prefer gifts before grace , and many times use their gifts amiss , to divide and destroy , and not to edfie the Church of Christ .

7. They that have no true grace , may have their Consciences exceedingly awakened , and may be filled with the terrors of the Lord because of Sin . Pashur had the name of Magor-missabib because of those terrors where with he was surrounded . Oh what an agony was Judas in when he saw that Christ was indeed condemned : and under these terrors there may be a confession of Sin ; I have sinned , says Judas , in that I have betrayed innocent blood . I have sinned against the Lord and against you , says Pharaoh to Moses . But 't is to be observed , concerning them that are unsound , that their troubles do either drive them to carnal means to remove them , or to desperate courses : or if they do seek unto God , 't is but for a while , and they are glad when their trouble is gone , that they may sin with greater freedom . When he slew them , then they sought him , they returned and enquired early after God , but yet their heart was not right with him , neither were they stedfast in his covenant , Psal. 78. 34-38 .

8. They that have no true grace , may have some inclination towards , and wishes after grace and holiness . Agrippa his heart was somewhat inclin'd towards Christianity . The young man in the Gospel had done something , and was inclined to do more good that he might inherit Eternal Life , Mat. 19. 16. But these wishes as they are weak and inconstant , so they are inconsiderate . When they hear that holiness is necessary to happiness , they say , Oh that we might be holy ! But when they understand , that holiness is to hate every pleasing and gainful sin to keep unspotted from the World , and to yield up their whole man unto God that he may dwell and rule in them , and command all , and make what use he pleases of them in his service to his glory , then their ignorant , and lazy wishes to be holy , cool and vanish . They are not for present and through Sanctification : If they could have grace upon a Death-Bed , just sufficient to keep them out of Hell , they look upon that as the best time of having it : which shews they are of Balaams mind , and that they desire not to live the life , but only to die the death of the Righteous . 9. They that have no true grace , may resolve upon a reformation , nay , actually reform in many things . The Israelites of old , when terrified by the voice of the Lord out of the midst of the Fire , they speak thus to Moses , Deut. 5. 27. Go thou near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say , and speak unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee , and we will hear it and do it . Here was a good resolutin , but when the Lord adds v. 29. Oh that there were an heart in them to fear me and keep all my Commandments always , that it might be well with them forever ! It shews how unlikely 't was to be kept . Such resolutions are made in distress and fear , to stop the mouth of a clamorous Conscience , and in their own strength ; and when the distress is over , they break them as quickly and easily as Sampsons bands were snapt asunder . And suppose there be an actual reformation , as in Herod who heard John , and observed him , and did many things , Mar. 6. 20. Yet the obedience is but partial , there is not a following the Lord and his Word fully . Herod forsook several of his iniquities , but his incestuous love to Herodias his Brother Philips Wife , he could not endure to be told of , rather than pluck out this right eye , he cuts off the Head of the Baptist , who told him 't was unlawful for him to have her . 10. They that have no true grace , may not only lead an unblameable life , but may suffer much upon the account of Religion . The lives of the Pharisees were free from scandalous and notorious Crimes , and yet their righteousness was insufficient , according to our Lords sentence . Nay , as external active obedience may be yielded , by them that are graceless in heart , so some passive obedience also . Judas was one of those twelve that forsook all and followed Christ , but 't is likely 't was in hope of a greater gain , for he kept the Bag and bare what was put therein : and probably thought he should be a great man in the Kingdom of Messiah , which he deemed a Temporal Kingdom . Unsound ones are acted by vain glory in their sufferings , not influenced by love to Christ and Truth ; And though they give their Bodies to be burned , and have not this love , what does it profit them ? 1 Cor. 13. 3. Some may undergo much , but 't is to promote a Party not Christianity , and though very stiff and stubborn in their sufferings , yet much of the express Word of God they cast behind their backs .

11. They that have no true grace , may yet be very zealous in defending the Truths of the Gospel . I grant Conversion to an Opinion is many times taken and mistaken for Conversion unto God , though that Opinion is erroneous ; and such Zealots for erroneous Opinions , care to talk of nothing else hardly : the most warm and spiritual discourses are not savoury to them , they are apt to judge all that are not of their way , though never so holy : but connive at Sin in those that side with them , and while their heads are busie about their Opinions , their spirits , hearts and lives are not lookt after . But I go farther , and affirm , that Graceless ones may espouse the quarrel of Truth and stand up for the defence of the Gospel . The Apostle tells us of some that did preach Christ not sincerely , not of good will , but even of envy and strife , yet he rejoyced that Christ was preached , and the truth of the Gospel published and maintained , Phil. 1. 15 , 16 , 18. Many may speak for that which is really truth , and defend Tenents that are sound and Orthodox , but these Opinions are entertained only as Opinions , they float in their heads but sink not down into their hearts , neither do they care practically to improve them to the bettering of their actions .

12. They who have no true grace , may arise so high as to have some kind of joy : This joy was in the hearers compared unto the stony ground , Mat. 13. 20. Ezekiels hearers flockt to him with rejoycing because of his most pleasant utterance , and taking gifts wherewith God had enriched him : and 't is very likely that their attendance upon the Prophets Ministery did yield some quiet to their Consciences which else would have been very troublesome , if the Ordinances of God had been wholly neglected . Besides , the great and glorious things of the Gospel , may cause some kind of joy at the hearing of them , as other glad tidings do affect us , especially of some good that is possible to be obtained . When the love of God in Christ is set forth , his abundant Grace , the sureness of his Covenant , and the glorious and eternal rest which remains for his People , the Hearers that are not savingly wrought on , may have some little taste of the good Word of God , and of the powers of the World to come , as well as be made partakers of the common gifts of the Holy Ghost : And all this may cause some kind of joy . But their joy is without precedent sorrow for Sin ; and though the interest of the Flesh and World prevails , yet this joy remains : the truth is , it has no solid foundation , no sanctifying effect , and will last but for a moment .

To conclude this , since the confines of unregeneracy extend so far , since there may be so much , where there is not saving grace : Oh pray that you may not rest here . Be unsatisfied in the proving of your selves , till you find that you outstrip all the Hypocrites that ever were . 'T is necessary to exceed them , 't is not enough to equal them ; but Oh how sad will it be to fall short of those who fall short of the Heavenly Kingdom !

In the second place , I proceed unto those Cases that relate unto a State of Grace , the resolution of which will be very helpful in the examination and proving of your selves .

Case 1. The first Case is this ; How shall we know when we are savingly Enlightned ? Those that are saved are made light in the Lord , the eyes of their understandings are enlightned by the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation , and yet there is an illumination which Hypocrites have ; How then shall saving illumination be distinguished ?

1. Where saving illumination is , the light is marvellous , 1 Pet. 2. 9. That ye should shew forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into marvellous light . When God by a word of power says , Let there be light in a dark mind , that light makes a marvellous discovery , and the Soul is fill'd with wonder , for what was concealed is now manifested ; and indeed the Apostle says , Whatsoever does make manifest is light , Eph. 5. 13. He that is enlightned sees his danger , and marvels , that before he should be so fearless and secure . He sees the vanity and emptiness of the Creature , and marvels , that he should so idolize and dote upon it . He sees the sinfuless of sin , and marvels , that he should be so eager to serve it , and love that which is so abominable and hateful . He sees the Lords al-sufficiency , and marvels , that he could live so long without Christ and without God in the World , and for so doing , calls himself foolish and ignorant , and a beast before him . And that the scales should at last be made to fall off from his eyes , that he might know the things of his peace , this is marvellous kindness and grace indeed .

2. Saving illumination humbles . Job says , Mine eye seeth thee , wherefore I abhor my self and repent in dust and ashes , Job . 42. 5 , 6. To know and be proud , is not to know as we ought to know . He that understands God and himself aright will have high thoughts of God , but he will be low in his own eyes . If we are acquainted with the glorious holiness and spotless purity of the Lord , we shall be abased because of our own pollutions , the discovery of his perfections will humble us because of our infirmities . David upon this discovery crys out , he is a worm , and Abraham , that he is but dust , and Job , behold I am vile what shall I answer thee .

3. Saving illumination determines the heart , and prevails with it to come to Jesus Christ . Joh. 6. 45. It is written in the Prophets , and they shall be all taught of God , every one therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me . When God does shine into the hearts of any , he gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ , 2 Cor. 4. 6. Christ is the Image of the invisible God , and most of God is to be seen in Christ , here is the most glorious display of his abundant Wisdom , Justice , Power and Love ; hereupon the Lord Jesus cannot but be lookt upon as desirable , and all things are accounted dung and loss that he may be gained .

4. Saving illumination removes prejudices . Assoon as ever the Psalmist came into the Sanctuary , and understood the different ends of the righteous and the wicked , his envy at the ungodly their prosperity , and his prejudices against purity and innocency , as if it were in vain , ceased , Psal. 73. The carnal mind disputes as it thinks with strong reasons before , against Religion , but when the Word makes any truely wise , presently , presently these imaginations are cast down , and the high thoughts against the knowledge of God are brought into captivity , 2 Cor. 10. 5. The Lord of Rochester that was a great Disputer against God and Christ and Godliness , when once enlightned , he made this notable acknowledgment ; That all the seeming contradictions and absurdities of the Word of God , fancied by men of corrupt minds and judgments were now vanished , and the excellency and beauty of it appeared to him , being come to receive the truth in the love of it . Then also he cryed out , That that absurd and foolish Philosophy which was so much admired by some , and propagated by Hobs , had undone him , and many more of the best Parts in the Nation .

5. Saving illumination does not rest in speculation , but effectually urges unto practical godliness . They who know the truth as it is in Jesus , do put off concerning the former conversation , the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; They that are renewed in the spitit of their mind , do put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness , Eph. 4. 21. 24. When the grace of God does bring Salvation , it teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust , and to live soberly , righteously and godly in this present World , Tit. 2. 11 , 12. And indeed , if rightly instructed we shall obey with a willing mind ; for we shall see plainly , that Sin is the worst , that God is the best Master : that Christs Yoke is easie , his ways pleasantness , his paths peace , and at the end there is glory and immortality .

6. Where there is Saving illumination , there will be a following on to know the Lord , and a desire to be enlightned further , and an application unto God himself to be the Teacher . Ministers and means are to be made use of , but we must look beyond both to Heaven , to the Father of Lights and Mercies . David often prays to have his eyes more fully opened , and to be taught to better purpose , Psal. 119. Moses cryes out , Teach us so to number our days that we may apply our hearts to Wisdom , Psal. 90. 12. Who knows not that mans days are few ? And yet this ordinary lesson , God must teach , else none will learn it right , so as to be indeed the wiser , and all have need to learn this lesson more perfectly . The truely enlightned long to be enlightned more , because wisdom is so principal a thing . Psal. 119. 130. The entrance of thy Words giveth light , it giveth understanding to the simple , and then presently it follows , vers. 131. I opened my mouth and panted , for I longed for thy Commandments .

Cas 2. The second Case is this ; When may Humiliation be said to be true ? As humiliation in Christ went before his exaltation , so must his followers first be humbled in the sight of the Lord , and he has promised to lift them up . Now thus true humiliation may be known .

1. Humiliation implies a conviction of Sin . The humbled Soul sees his Sin , and feels it , sees the heinousness , feels the weight of it . Those humbled ones , Esa. 59. 12. speak thus , Our transgressions are multiplied before , and our iniquities testifie against us ; for our trangressions are with us , and as for our iniquities we know them . They know their iniquities too well to make light of them , they do indeed know and see that 't is an evil thing and a bitter that they have sinn'd against the Lord , and were once void of his fear , Jer. 2. 19. Being afflicted , mourning , weeping , turning our laughter to mourning , our joy to heaviness ' ; the Apostle makes to be humbling of our selves , Jam. 4. 9 , 10.

2. True Humiliation implies , Shame and Self-abhorrency . Unhumbled Israel are charged with the want of this . Jer. 8. 12. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination ? Nay , they were not at all ashamed neither could they blush : therefore they shall fall among them that fall , in the time that I visit , they shall be cast down , saith the Lord . But humbled ones are made to remember their evil ways and their doings that have not been good , so as to loath themselves for their iniquities , Ezek. 36. 31. They see ground for shame and blushing , considering the great guilt that lies upon them , the odious and filthy spots and stains , that Sin has left upon their Souls : together with the monstrous ingratitude where with they are chargeable . All their transgressions have struck at that God who gave them their Being , keeps them alive , and out of Hell , and they have not one mercy or comfort but is of his giving . And this God is al-seeing , knows the secretest abominations , is acquainted even with all their heart-impurity : no wonder therefore that they are ashamed , and lie down and are covered with confusion , Jer. 3. 25.

3. True humiliation implies , a taking shame to our selves by confession of Sin , and as we take shame to our selves , so hereby we give glory unto God . David did thus ; Ps. 51. 3. I acknowledge my iniquity and my sin is ever before me . An humbled Sinner , Est fidelis Dei Orator contra seipsum , brings in black Bills of Indictment against himself , and in his Confession lays open all , especially the worst of all : conceals nothing that is evil out of any regard thereto , or unwillingness to forsake it . And as covering of Sin shall not prosper , so they that thus confess and forsake Sin shall have mercy , Prov. 28. 13. Confession is by One called Vomitus Spiritualis , a Spiritual Vomiting ; they that are indeed humbled , make conscience of abstaining from the iniquities they have acknowledged : they dare not return with the Dog to his own vomit again , and with the Swine that is washed to her wallowing in the Mire , 2 Pet. 2. ult.

4. True humiliation implies , Self-diffidence . Humbled ones , 't is very apparent to them that they have no reason at all to place any confidence in themselves : they see that their own wisdom is folly , and that true wisdom is from above , they see that their own righteousness is as filthy rags , Esa. 64. 6. Therefore they rely not upon their own righteousness , but upon the greatness of Divine mercy . Dan. 9. 18. They are sensible also that their own strength is weakness , and here upon that promise belongs to them . Esa. 40. 29. He giveth power to the saint , and to them that have no might he increafeth strength . And as the truly humbled Soul dares not trust in it self , so neither does it rely upon the creature for help , and though it makes use of the means of grace , yet it looks beyond them , trusts not , rests not in them , but is sensible that Ordinances themselves without the Merit and Spirit of Christ , are nothing . The Spirit of Christ must make them profitable , and the Merit of Christ must make the engaging in them acceptable .

5. True Humiliation implies , a submission unto God : This is required , Jam. 4. 6 , 7. He resisteth the proud , but giveth grace to the humble . Submit your selves therefore unto God . God is taken by humbled Sinners for a Lord , his Will is taken for a Law . Other Lords have had the dominion over them , but now they are willing to make mention of Gods name , and own his Authority , Esa. 26. 13. They are unwilling that any Sin should have the dominion . Psal. 119. 133. Order my steps in thy Word , and let not any iniquity have the dominion over me . The Throne of Sin is in the Heart , and the strength of Sin lies in the love of it . They desire that their very hearts may be cleansed and that God may dwell and rule there , and their love to Sin , is turned into hatred . And as they submit to the Will and Law of God , so they are patient and humble under his mighty hand . They do not condemn the Lord for afflicting , but themselves for deserving to be afflicted . How submissive is the Church , though Gods anger and hand pressed her sore . Mic. 7. 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him .

6. True Humiliation implies , a sense of unworthiness of the least , especially of any saving grace and mercy . The humbled prodigal when he came home to his Fathers house , what low thoughts he had , you may perceive by the words he is resolved to speak . Luk. 15. 18 , 19. Father I have sinn'd against Heaven and before thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy Son , make me as one of thy hired Servants ; As if he had said , Father I have not behaved my self like a Son , neither do I expect to be dealt with as a Son , 't will be great favour to be received as a Servaat , who deserve to be punished and excluded as an Enemy . Humbled Sinners do very much consider their ill deserts , and how are they filled with admiration at the free grace of God in his Son Jesus , which is the ground of their hope and encouragement . By the grace of God they are , what they are ; they have , what they have ; they hope , what they hope for .

Case 3. The third Case follows ; How may we be sure that our desires after God and grace are sincere ? 'T is a Maxim in practical Divinity , That the desires after Grace , are Grace , but they must be true desires . Now these may thus be known .

1. Sincere desires spring from knowledge and serious consideration . The Lord is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , an unknown God to them that indeed desire after him : he has caused his goodness which is his glory to pass before them , and the desirableness of that goodness has been perceived . Jer. 24. 7. I will give them an heart to know me : and then it follows , they shall return to me with their whole heart . The eyes must be anointed with eye-salve , the judgment must be inlightned and informed concerning the Lords perfections , and fulness and riches of grace and mercy , and willingness to communicate of these riches : then desires after him will be real and well-grounded .

2. Sincere desires are prevailing ; my meaning is , that God and Grace are desired more than any thing the World , than all the World besides . An Author tells us , that Tepidit as est parvus amor boni . Lukewarmness implies some little love to that which is good , but there is a greater love to that which is evil and vain : And what does the little love then signifie ? If God be not desired above all , he is not truely at all desired . That was a sincere desire , Psal. 73. 25. Whom have I in Heaven but thee , and there is none on Earth that I desire besides thee . That is , All things comparatively to thee are undesirable in my esteem . In the Roman State 't was said ; Nec ferre potest Caesarve priorem , Pompeiusve parem .

Caesar could not endure a superior , and Pompey could not brook an equal . God will have neither superior nor equal in our hearts , they that love him truely give him the highest room of all .

3. Sincere desires bear up against opposition . Though the Flesh does lust , and Mammon and Satan joyn with it , yet the Spirit does lust against it , Gal. 5. 17. There is a longing to be deliver'd from the body of Sin , to be rid of that evil which is present , when good is about to be done , Rom. 7. Where there are desires after Grace indeed , the remainders of Sin are irkfom ; and we shall sigh and wish , that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus may make us free from the law of Sin and Death .

4. Sincere desires are great enemies to delays . Davids Soul made haste to God and to do his duty . Psal. 119. 60. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments , and he desires that God would make haste to him . Psal. 101. 2. I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way , Oh when wilt thou come to me ! So Psal. 70. 1. Make haste O God to deliver , make haste to help me O Lord . And when God did withdraw from him , he cryes out , How long wilt thou forget me O Lord , for ever ? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me ? Ps. 13. 1. Every day does seem a year , and every year does seem an age to longing Souls , when the Lord with-holds his quickening and comforting presence from them .

5. Sincere desires are extended to every thing which God propounds in his Word as desirable . Not some onely , but all the benefits of Christ are longed after , all his Offices are prized . Sincere ones see a necessity of Christ a Priest upon the Cross , they love to hear him as a Prophet in the Pulpit , and are very desirous to submit to him as a Prince upon the Throne ; Nay , they yield their hearts to be his Throne . The Laws of God are dear to them , they desire to keep them all : to be filled with all the fulness of God : to stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God : Nay , they aspire so high , as to beg that they may do his will on Earth as 't is done in Heaven , Mat. 6. 10.

6. Sincere desires are industrious . Solomon speaks of a desire of the slothful , which kills him because his hands refuse to labour , Prov. 21. 25. He perishes for want of the good desired , because he will not take pains to obtain it . True desires are accompanied with a fear of missing what is desired , not so as to make unbelieving conclusions , but to quicken unto diligence . Psal. 27. 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord , that will I seek after . Then we desire really , when we seek diligently . And where is diligence and pains better employed , than when seeking the Lord , who has told us as certainly as he is , so certainly he will be a rewarder of them that diligently seek him , Heb. 11. 6.

7. Sincere desires are never quite satisfied here in this World . What is said concerning earthly riches , Crescit amor nummi quantum ipsa pecunia crescit . may be applied to the true riches , Crescit amor , quantum divitiae , love to them , and covetousness after more , increases as they increase . He that has most grace is most desirous to have more . 'T is true indeed , our Lord tells us , Joh. 6. 35. He that cometh unto me shall never hunger , and he that believeth on me shall never thirst . But if this be referr'd to Spiritual things , the meaning is , he shall not so hunger and thirst as to despair and be tormented with despair of satisfaction , or else the passage may be referr'd to the things of this World , that impia fames , that sinful and eager hunger and thirst after them shall cease . Sincere Souls never can in this World , and they think they never can , prize their Lord Jesus , love and fear , and serve their God sufficiently , and therefore desire still to do all this more and better : they forget the things behind , and are still reaching forward , and if you ask when they will be satisfied , David shall answer , Psal. 17. ult . and what he speaks of himself is applicable to others ; As for me I shall behold thy face in righteousness , and be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness .

Case 4. A fourth Case may be this ; How may we be able to discern , whether in Religion we are acted meerly by slavish fear , yea or no ? Though carnal security is that which ruines the most of men , yet a slavish fear , yea or no ? Though carnal security is that which ruines the most of men , yet a slavish fear is to be found also in the ungodly . Such a fear there was in those we read of , Psal. 78. 34. When the hand of the Lord was stretched out , and slew many of them , the rest feared , and sought him : and yet the hearts of these who thus out of slavish fear sought the Lord were not right with him . This kind of fear invades the Sinners and Hypocrites . Esa. 33. 14. The Sinners in Sion are afraid ; fearfulness hath surprized the Hypocrites , who among us shall dwell with devouring Fire ? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings ?

Aquinas 22. q. 19. art. 2. tells us of a fourfold fear : there is a Timor mundanus , a worldly fear , when for fear of the Worlds frowns and hatred , we turn away from God . There is Timor servilis , a flavish fear , when meerly for fear of punishment there is some seeking unto God . There is Timor filialis , a child-like fear , when we fear offending God , and so follow and cleave unto him . Finally there is Timor initialis , an initial fear , which is partly a fear of Sin and partly a fear of Punishment . Such a fear was in the trembling . Jaylour at first Conversion , who certainly enquited after the way to be saved both from sin and wrath , Act. 16. and a mixture of both we read of in the Saints : there is a childlike fear . Psal. 112. 1. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord and that delighteth greatly in his Commands ; And there is likewise a fear of punishment . Psal. 119. 120. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee , and I am afraid of thy judgments . This Slavish fear I am discoursing of , which is certainly bad , and when alone , only in those that are bad . Now because doubting Souls harp much upon this string , that they are acted meerly by slavish fear , and 't is one of the difficultest doubts to remove , therefore . I shall describe more largely those that in Religion are acted by this servile fear , that by proving of your selves you may know whether you are of the number .

1. They that are acted meerly by Slavish fear , dislike nothing in Sin but the punishment : Their eyes were never opened to see Sin as the Apostle lookt upon it , out of measure sinful ; they never beheld the excellency of righteousness nor the evil of iniquity , but still Sin is as high as ever , in their affections , though fear restrain them from the acts of it . 'T is said of a wicked man , that he abhorreth not evil , Psal. 36. 4. he does not abhor it when he fears to commit it . The Merchant in a Storm loves his Goods , and is sorry that he is reduced to that strait , that he must either throw his Goods overboard or lose his Life , and after the Tempest is at an end , he would be glad if his Goods might be recovered ; just thus are they affected towards Sin , that are meerly acted by Slavish fear . Sin it self is liked , but Affliction , Death , and Hell fright them . They are unconcerned that God by their Sin is dishonoured , his goodness abused , his Law broken , and themselves enslaved and defiled and rendred hateful in his eyes , only they are dismayed at the punishment unto which their Sin exposes them .

2. They that are acted meerly by Slavish fear , are afraid of coming to the light , which may discover their Sin and themselves more fully to them : they see but too much already , they are unwilling to see more . Our Lord speaks generally concerning all evil men , That they hate the light , neither come to the light lest their deeds should be reproved , Joh. 3. 20. They that are lovers of sin must needs be also lovers of darkness , and enemies to plain dealing . Ahab humbled himself through fear of punishment , and yet cannot endure the faithful reproving Prophet Micaiah . There is one Micaiah but I hate him , for he prophesieth not good concerning me but evil , 1 King . 22. 8. If thou approvest of a searching Ministery , and art willing to have thy sin and the plague of thy heart made more fully manifest : if thou art willing to hear all that evil which God speaks of thy Sin , in his Word , it argues thy heart is really alienated from it , and there is something more than Slavish fear .

3. Slavish fear has but an unconstant effect : This fear 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , has torment , as the Apostle speaks , and no wonder if persons are weary of it , and endeavour to have their Consciences stupified , that they may have no remorse for sin past , and serve it for the future without disturbance . The will remaining unregenerate and corrupted , must needs be really desirous of a false peace , and to have the wound healed , though it be but slightly . The language therefore of such is , Prophesy not unto us right things , prophesy unto us smooth things , prophesy deceits , Esa. 30. 10. Pharaoh while the hand of God was upon him , was full of fear , he felt that the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel was above his match ; and then he seems resolved to comply with the will of God , to let his people go to serve him : but the effect of this fear is but unconstant , though fear thaw'd his heart a little , like the shining of the Sun in a winters day , as soon as ever he had respite , he hardned his heart again and refused to let Israel go , Exod. 8. 15. If therefore we are desirous of a lasting change , and are willing to have our Consciences more throughly awakened , and more faithfully to perform their Office , 't is a sign the will it self begins to be renewed by the special grace of God .

4. Slavish fear is accompanied with hatred of God and of his Law . The Slave fears his Master and hates him , and is sorry he must be subject to him . And the Apostle tells us , That the carnal mind is enmity against God , and is not subject to the Law of God , neither indeed can it be , Rom. 8. 7. Whilst any remain carnal , they are estranged from God , they desire not any fellowship with him , they like not his Yoke , but look upon his commands as grievous , and upon himself as an hard and austere Master , they are far from esteeming Gods commandments concerning all things to be right , and wishing that their ways were directed to keep his Statutes . Those therefore who like the Law of God , and consent unto it as good , and bless the Lord that he has given them such a Law , and account it their priviledge and liberty that he will vouchsafe to rule them , and are troubled at the reluctancy that is in their Natures against the yoke of God , and cry as Ephraim did ; I am as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoke , turn thou me and I shall be turned , Jer. 31. 18. In such there is something beyond servile fear .

5. They that are acted meerly by Slavish fear do not desire to be acted by love . Sin and the Creature have their love without grudging , and they have no longings to have their hearts directed into the love of God . That promise , The Lord thy God shall circumcise thy heart to love him with all thy heart and soul that thou mayest live , Deut. 30. 6. is not prized , is not pleaded . If once therefore we begin to grudge our lusts , and the world , our affections , and desire they may be placed upon things above , Slavish fear does not act us , but the Sanctifying Spirit . Slavish fear cannot make us desire to be acted not by Slavish fear but it must needs be some other Principle that is put within us . Augustine compares Childlike and Slavish fear unto two Women that are married : the one is Chaste , the other desires to be an Harlot , but is not one , through fear of her Husbands anger . The chaste one fears her Husbands displeasure , but loves his company ; the wanton one fears her Husbands displeasure , but wishes his absence . Now suppose this wanton Wife should begin to grudge her heart to others , and should desire to love and delight in her Husband , she would then be no longer acted by a Slavish fear , but it would argue , her mind changed , and that there were some beginning of conjugal affection , and sense of her duty . A desire to love the Lord above all , can never be the product of meer fear , but manifests a sense that he is indeed most desirable .

6. They that are acted meerly by Slavish fear , though they are affrighted at the thoughts of Hell , yet Spiritual things are not suitable to them , they do not mind and savour the things of the Spirit , but only the things of the Flesh , which shews an unchanged heart though there be an awakened Conscience . The heart of such is all for the earth and carthly things , and these things are really preferr'd before grace and glory : The World unto such unrenewed ones is lookt upon as a better and more proper portion , than God himself . If therefore the World is become low in our esteem , and the vanity of it evident , and we had rather have the Lord to be our God and Father and portion , than to have the greatest abundance of earthly enjoyments without him : this speaks a real love and not a servile fear only , 't is a good sign when the greatest outward felicity and prosperity is judged inferior to that happiness of having the Lord to be our God , Psal. 144. ult.

7. They that are acted meerly by Slavish fear , are not jealous of themselves and afraid lest they should be acted by nothing else . This very concernedness and godly jealousie argues gracious desires and principles . In a word , Slavish fear will never carry us so far as to make us consent unto a true and lasting Conversion unto God . False motives can never make us desire to be truly sincere and upright Christians , and to be acted only by motives that are right . If therefore in Religion , we are willing that our Principles should be pure and good , our ends right , and our actions and the manner of doing them according to the will of God , it may serve to satisfie us that we are of Davids mind , who prayed , ( and such a prayer never meets with a deaf ear ) Psal. 119. 80. Let my heart be sound in thy Statutes that I be not ashamed .

Case 5. The fifth Case is this ; How may we know that we have indeed accepted Christ ? He is offered unto all , received by few . He stands at the door and knocks , but few hear his voice and open the door to him . We may call our selves by his Name , and profess to be his , and receive his Ordinances and engage in them , and yet not receive himself : and yet this Reception must be , else there can be no Reconciliation , no Adoption , no Salvation . Thus therefore we may prove our selves and know whether we have indeed received Christ .

1. If we have accepted Christ , we have seen so as to be affected with our need of him . The prodigal was ready to perish in the far Country , necessity drove him home to his Fathers house . The Israelites in the Wilderness were stung and ready to die by the fiery Serpents , and then they lookt up unto the Brazen Serpent for cure . We shall never upon right terms receive our Lord and Saviour , till we perceive we are lost and ruin'd and must needs be everlastingly miserable without him . Oh then we shall subscribe to any Articles of agreement , that Jesus may be ours , who can justifie us by his blood , and deliver us from the wrath to come , 1 Thes. 1. ult.

2. If we have accepted Christ , we have been made dead to the Law . Rom. 7. 4. Wherefore my Brethren ye are become dead to the Law by the body of Christ , that ye should be married to another : even to him that is raised from the dead , that we should bring forth fruit unto God . So Gal. 2. 19. I am dead to the Law , that I might live unto God . You must not imagine by deadness to the Law , is meant such a disobligation from it , that we have no tie upon us to obey it ; for the Apostle hear speaks of living unto God , and bringing forth fruit to him : Now living unto God , and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness is what the law requires . Then therefore we are dead to the Law , when we are not irritated and provoked to transgress , because the Law forbids transgression : and when we expect no justification before God by our obedience to the Law . By the deeds of the Law shall no Flesh be justified in his sight , Rom. 3. 20. There is not any Law given which can give life to the Sinner : for then righteousness and justification should have been by the Law , Gal. 3. 21. Those therefore that receive Christ receive him , as The Lord their Righteousness , and dare not expect justification before God upon the account of any obedience or righteousness of their own .

3. If we have accepted Christ , we are reconciled to the Cross : we shall rely upon Christ crucified being persuaded that the blood shed upon the Cross for Sin , was the blood of him that was truely God as well as man , and consequently sufficient to make an atonement for us , and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness , 1 Joh. 1. 7. We shall also conform to the crucifixion of Christ , by crucifying the Flesh with the affections and lusts of it , Gal. 5. 24. The World also will be crucified to us , Gal. 6. 14. Sin has laid it under a Curse , and we shall look upon the World , as the Jews did on Christ when they crucified him , as having no form , nor comliness , no such beauty in it , that we should so eagerly desire it . Finally we shall be willing to take up the Cross , and deny our selves , and suffer persecution , and go through any tribulation which lies in our way to the Kingdom of Heaven . They that are offended at persecution , and in such times of temptation fall away , never received Christ or his Word into their hearts indeed .

4. If we have accepted Christ , we submit unto his Scepter , entertain his Word and are willing to obey him . God hath exalted him to be a Prince and a Saviour , and Believers must gladly consent that this Saviour , should be exalted into the throne of their hearts and rule as Prince there . They who will not have this Lord to reign over them are Enemies , and shall be dealt with and destroyed as Enemies at last . But he is the Author of Eternal Salvation unto all that obey him , Heb. 5. 9. Whom he saves , he makes by his power willing and obedient . 'T was said unto the Lord , Messiah ; Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power , Psal. 110. 3.

5. If we have accepted Christ , we are born again and made new Creatures . 2 Cor. 5. 17. If any man be in Christ he is a new Creature . And Joh. 1. 12 , 13. They that receive and believe in Christ , are said to be born not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God . Grace does not come by natural descent : the flesh has no will or desire after it , man though never so eminent is not able to work it , but 't is alone from God . And all true Believers are born of God , they have a new heart , a new nature , new desires and affections , new designs are carried on , and they walk in newness of life . The old man indeed remains in part , but they are burthen'd with it , and desire more fully to put on the new , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness .

6. If we have accepted Christ , we do , and we see cause , to admire the Fathers love in sending him : we look upon him as the greatest gift that ever was given or could be given to the sons of men . He is all in all , Col. 3. 11. He fills all in all , Eph. 1. ult. If Christ be ours God is ours , Heaven is ours , all is ours . Here 's a height that none can reach , a depth that none can fathom , a length that none can measure , a bredth that none can comprehend . How do Believers admire Jesus and the love of the Father that gave him . They know that gift of God , and wonder at the Donors kindness , 1 Joh. 4. 9 , 10. In this , i. e. in this above all , was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him . If ye talk of love herein is love , not that we loved God , but that he loved us , and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our Sins .

7. If we have accepted Christ , we live upon him by faith , we are strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus . I live , says the Apostle , yet not I , but Christ lives in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh , I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me , Gal. 2. 20. And thus relying upon the sufficient grace and strength of our Lord Jesus , which is made perfect in our weakness , we shall resolve to follow the Lamb without standing still , without turning aside , without drawing back from him , we shall not cowardly fly , nor treacherously revolt from him , but follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes .

Case 6. The sixth Case is this ; When may Conversion be judged to be sincere and true ? Man is departed from the Lord , and he is brought to this strait , either he must turn to God , or he must burn in Hell , and every turning will not serve our turn . The Scripture speaks of a feigned Conversion , such a Convert was treacherous Judah , Jer. 3. 10. It concerns us to prove our selves , whether we are Converts in reality : which may be thus known .

1. Sincere Converts have been made to consider their own ways , and the evil and destructiveness of them . David tells us , he thought on his ways and turned , Psal. 119. 59. They have lookt to the end of the broad road in which they once went , and seen that burning Lake at the end of it : destruction and misery is in that way , and so they dare not proceed . He never turns from Sin indeed that sees no harm or danger in it . Those Scriptures , The Soul that sins shall die , and The wages of Sin is death , are deeply engraven upon the Converts heart .

2. Sincere Converts are really grieved that they turn'd no sooner , they reflect with sorrow and shame upon that time , wherein they were foolish and disobedient and deceived , and served diverse lusts and pleasures , Tit. 3. 3. and wish they had been so wise as to have served another , a better Master . How are they afflicted that Sin and Satan and Mammon , have stolen away so many of their few days , and that their lusts should devour the cream and prime of all their time . They think with themselves , how much Sin might have been prevented , how much Grace might have been gotten , how much might have been done for God , if they had turned sooner : and this makes them to live the remainder of their time in the flesh , not to the lusts of men , but to the will of God , 1 Pet. 4. 2.

3. Sincere Converts turn unto God himself , they own him as a Lord , and eye him as their happiness in their Conversion to him . Jer. 4. 1. If thou wilt return , O Israel , saith the Lord , return unto Me. They seek the Lord himself , and his strength and his face evermore ; the mercies of God indeed they do and may desire : but principally the Father of them , they see that God has all , is all , and can be infinitely more than all things unto them , they come to him that they may enjoy him here and for ever . Lord , be my God , my Father , my Inheritance , give thy self to me , and then thou wilt deal most bountifully with me ! That 's the Converts language .

4. Sincere Converts turn with their whole heart . This is called for , Joel . 2. 12. Turn ye even unto me with all your heart : And the want of this is complain'd of , Jer. 3. 10. Her treacherous Sister Judah hath not turned to me with her whole heart , but feignedly , saith the Lord . When the whole heart is turned , no iniquity is regarded there , but all is disliked ; no creature is suffered to have the highest room , the whole heart is resigned and given unto God . As the Besieged render up the Castle to the Conquerer , that he may dispose of it as he pleases , so the Convert renders himself : all the powers and faculties of his Soul he yields , and consents to have all renewed , all sanctified , which is a perfection of parts , and a perfection of degrees is desired and aspired unto : he longs to be turned more and more , and to be kept from returning again to folly .

5. Sincere Converts turn their feet unto Gods testimonies . Psal. 119. 59. I turned my feet unto thy testimonies : They conform to the Word which God has spoken as their Rule . This declares best of all , Quid pulchrum , quid turpe , quid utile , quid non , what is fair and what is filthy , what is profitable and what 's destructive . By this Word they order their hearts and conversations . He that despises the Word of God and the Commands of it , is not sincerely converted , but damnably deluded . True Converts keep close to Scriptures and Ordinances , and never fancy themselves above them : but with David , desire to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of their lives , ( for in his House Ordinances are administred ) that they may behold the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his Temple , Ps. 27. 4.

Case 7. The seventh Case follows ; What are the lower degrees of true Grace ? Grace in Scripture being compared to a grain of Mustard seed , which is indeed the least of all seeds that are sown in the field , Mat. 13. 31 , 32. Hereby there is an intimation given us , that Grace is but little in the first beginnings of it , and because small , 't is not so easie to be discerned ; Yet the least measure of true Grace being of far greater value and more precious than Gold that perishes , 't is worth our while to bring it to the Touchstone that it may be proved and known . Before I resolve the Case , wherein I must be very wary , lest the unsound presume , and lest the sincere be discouraged : I shall premise these particulars .

1. True Grace has different degrees , and the higher and lower degrees are vastly different from each other ; Such a difference as there is between a grain of Mustard-seed , and the Plant grown up so that the Birds of the air may lodge in the branches of it ; Such a difference as there is between a new born infant , and a man grown : truely such a difference there is between weak and strong Grace ; and yet as the infant has all the parts which the man hath , and is of the same kind with him : so weak grace and strong grace are of the same kind : and the weak is true and saving as well as the strong . That there is a difference in the degrees of Grace is evident . Some are babes , and some are strong men , Heb. 5. 13 , 14. Some are styled little children , some young men , and some are called Fathers , 1 Joh. 2. 12 , 13.

2. True Grace is consistent with little knowledge in the things of God . There may be a great measure of notional knowledge , where there is no true Grace at all ; and there may be true Grace , where there is a great weakness as to understanding . The Disciples when first they were chosen out of the World and regenerated by the Spirit , understood but little of the Gospel : Peter himself would have disswaded Christ from dying , not knowing that his blood was to be the price of the Churches Redemption , Mat. 16. 21 , 22. The very Apostles themselves wondred what the Resurrection of Christ from the dead should mean . Surely they had not then much light , and yet they had true Grace . And though these and such like great Articles of the Christian Faith are more fully revealed , so that 't is necessary to salvation to know them : yet in some heads the knowledge is but little , where yet the heart is truly turned unto God , and prizes Christ above all .

3. Where there is true Grace , there may be many doubts and fears . Our Lord says unto Peter : O thou of little faith , wherefore didst thou doubt ? Mat. 14. 31. And unto all his Disciples he speaks thus ; Why are ye fearful , O ye of little faith ? Mat. 8. 26. Faith they had , and yet 't was little , and this faith is own'd , though accompanied with doubts and fears . Doubting believers for ought I know are the far major part of them . Sincere Souls are prone to be jealous of themselves , and they apprehend how much it stands them upon to make sure work for Eternity . Hereupon Satan and the remainders of unbelief take the advantage , and they are still questioning their state , and are full of fears that nothing is wrought in them , but what is common unto Hypocrites .

4. Where there is true Grace , there may be much corruption . I grant that Grace reigns wherever it is in truth , and yet much Sin may remain though it be an underling : thus the Oyl is at the top of the Vessel , though the Water which is under it be a far greater quantity . Grace is compared unto smoaking Flax : now in the smoaking Flax there 's much of stench and cloudiness and but little heat ; and yet this heat is taken notice of , and cherisht , and the promise is ; Mat. 12. 20. A bruised Reed shall he not break , and smoaking Flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory .

5. Those that have true Grace , may fall into Sins that are foul and scandalous , and by such falls they break their bones , disturb their peace , and wound their Consciences , and weaken themselves exceedingly , so that they are the apter to stumble and fall again upon the next temptation . When notorious Sins are thus committed by Believers , Grace is at a very low ebb , and yet the living Water which springs up to everlasting life , ( so Grace is called ) is not quite dried up . It is strange , yet not so strange as true , that righteous Lot who vexed his soul from day to day because of the Sodomites unlawful deeds , should give way to drunkenness first ; though 't is not so strange that he should commit incest afterwards , for he that is drunken knows not what he does . Though he was delivered out of Sodom , yet he carried but too much of Sodom within him in his heart . David a man after Gods own heart , yet in his heart there did kindle an impure and hellish flame of lust whereby Bathsheba was scorched and hurt as well as himself , and which was the occasion of the death of poor Vrijah . Now though David's joy was quite gone , yet the Sanctifying Spirit was not clean departed , though his operation was for a while suspended : therefore he prays for the restoring of joy , but that the holy Spirit might not be taken away , Psal. 51. 11 , 12.

6. Those that have true Grace may send forth such sad complaints as speak a nearness to despair . Job cryes out , The arrows of the Almighty are within me , the poyson whereof drinketh up my Spirit , the terrors of God do set themselves in aray against me , Job . 6. 4. The Church complains , Lam. 3. God hath set , me in dark place as those that have been dead of old : he hath hedged me about that I cannot get out , and made my chain heavy : he hath filled me with bitterness and made me drunken with Wormwood ; also when I cry and shout he shutteth out my prayer . This was worst of all to be in a deplorable case , and not to be regarded when crying for relief and pitty . Eminent Saints have sometimes concluded themselves forsaken and forgotten : no wonder if they that have weak Grace , confidently affirm they have none at all , and as peremptorily conclude they never shall have any .

These things being premised , I am to tell you which are the lower degrees of true grace .

1. A sense and weariness of hardness of heart , argues some measure of true Grace : it shews some life and softness when deadness and hardness is felt as a burthen . Though hardness of heart was incomparably the worst of all the plagues of Egypt , yet this , Pharaoh and the Egyptians were never sensible of , nor desirous to be delivered from it , though other plagues they cry to have removed . That 's true sorrow , when the heart is grieved , it is so hard , and can sorrow no more for Sin : Such an heart will carefully shun whatever has an hardning effect ; and oh , how is that promise prized , and the accomplishment of it longed for , Ezek. 36. 26. A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you , and I will take away the heart of stone out of your flesh , and I will give you an heart of flesh . And when once Sinners are sensible so as to inquire and seek unto the God of Israel to do this for them , here is a good work begun in them . I grant such may fear sometimes they are judicially hardned , but that very fear plainly shews the contrary ; if they were under such a judgment , they would cease to be afraid of it .

2. It argues a beginning of a work of Grace , when a Sinner is troubled to see such an opposition in his corrupted nature against God , and desires to be turned indeed ; Thus Ephraim bemoans himself , that he was as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoke , and he cryes to be instructed , and that God would shew his power and grace in the turning of him , Jer. 31. 18. and vers. 20. we find the Lord owns Ephraim as his dear Son , as a pleasant Child , and says , he does earnestly remember him , and will surely have mercy upon him . It argues a new nature , when we are weary of the old , and that the bent and inclination of the heart is really changed : when backwardness unto what is good begins to be burthensom .

3. There is a work of Grace , where there is a resolution to go unto God and confess all Sin unto him without hiding any through a desire to keep it . When David thus without guile does resolve upon Confession , God resolves upon Remission , and forgives him presently . Psal. 32. 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee , and my iniquity have I not hid , I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord , and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah . Hark what Solomon says , He that covereth his Sins shall not prosper , but he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy . And the Apostle speaks a great word ; 1 Joh. 1. 9. If we confess our Sins , he is faithful and just to forgive us our Sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness . O thou sensible and drooping and trembling Soul , who comest unto God with black Bills of Indictment against thy self ! Is all thy wickedness down there that thou knowest ? Hast thou not left out one or other that is a darling ? Oh no here are all down , and the darling sins in a special manner acknowledged and aggravated , and I am willing to forsake all , as well as to have the pardon of all . If it be so chear up ; for Confess and be saved , is the Gospel language . When David said , I have sinned against the Lord , Nathan answers , The Lord hath put away thy Sin thou shalt not die , 2 Sam. 12. 13.

4. There is a work of grace , where there is a desire to believe . He that searcheth the heart takes notice of the desires which are there ; and as a desire to kill is Murther , as a lusting after a Woman is Adultery , so a desire after that which is good is accepted . A desire to repent is repenting , and a desire to believe is believing . Abraham is said again and again to have offered up Isaac , because he had a will to do it at Gods Command , though actually he never did it , Heb. 11. 17. which shews the truth of that passage of Augustine , Coronat Deus intus bonam voluntatem ubi non invenit facultatem . Where there is a defect of ability , God does own and crown a real willingness . Such desires must needs be very pleasing unto God , who willeth that his grace should be earnestly desired , and therefore says the same Father , Desiderare auxilium gratiae , est initium gratiae . Grace is begun , when Grace is desired . When once a Sinner desires with his heart to believe , and cries out with the man in the Gospel , Lord help my unbelief , Mar. 9. 24. When he desires that his heart may be set wide open , that Christ who knocks there may enter in ; when he desires to receive Christ , just so as Christ is willing to be received , and to rely upon him as the onely Mediatour and Saviour , renouncing all other Confidences . Here is saving faith most certainly .

5. There is a work of Grace , where there is a weariness of other Lords , and a willingness to submit unto Christ the Lord of Glory . 'T is a good sign when there is a consent to cast off the yoke of Sin , and to take on us the easie yoke of Christ : for none but they that are truely gracious are willing to be delivered from the power of darkness , and to be translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God , Col. 1. 13. If we dislike the bondage of corruption , and are unwilling to be led captive by Satan at his will ; if we look upon our selves as foolish and deceived , while we were disobedient , and served diverse lusts and pleasures , Tit. 3. 3. If we count the Service of our Lord Jesus freedom , and freedom indeed : and lust against the Flesh which counts his Commands grievous ; certainly the Spirit of the Lord has begun to set us at liberty , our eyes have been opened , our hearts changed , Voluntas non esset libera , nisi liberata . The will would not be thus free to be subject unto Christ , unless it had been made free by Him .

6. There is a work of Grace , where there is a desire to fear the name of God . Neh. 1. 11. Let thine ear be attentive , and so it was , unto the prayer of thy Servants who desire to fear thy Name . That Soul is renewed that would fain stand in awe of God , and of his Word , and has a will to do good , though evil is present , and the Flesh is weak . The weakness of the Flesh , Christ excuses , as long as he saw the Spirit of the Disciples was willing to have done their duty , Mat. 26. 41. That which was Gods wish concerning Israel of old , is it thy wish concerning thy self ? Oh that there were an heart in me to fear the Lord , and to keep all his Commandments always , that it may be well with me for ever ? Deut. 5. 29. This is certainly the breathing of the new creature . In such there is a consent to be the Lords , and to serve him , and a trouble when they are overpowr'd by sin and temptation , and a jealousie lest they should be deceived ; which shews that their desire to fear and obey the Lord is the more honest and sincere .

7. There is a work of Grace , where there is an uncontentedness without God : before , the Sinner was without Christ , and liv'd without God in the World , as he thought well enough , Eph. 2. 12. but the heart being savingly changed cannot be put off with the World , or any thing therein for its portion ; as the Needle being toucht by the Loadstone never ceases trembling , till 't is turned towards the Northern Pole : so the heart of one that has grace cannot be quieted or satisfied without the God of Heaven . Pliny in his Natural History , l. 36. c. 4. tells us , that the Diamond , which is a Stone of far greater value , being put near the Loadstone , ferrum non patitur abstrahi , does not suffer the Loadstone to draw the Iron to it . The World will lose its magnetick and drawing vertue , when once the Lord has toucht the heart , and manifested himself . Gracious Souls had rather have God theirs , than all the World theirs : they see the Creatures unsuitableness and insufficiency , and that their Souls do then return unto their rest when they return unto their God .

Case 8. The eight Case follows , which is this ; How may Grace be discovered under Spiritual Desertion ? Although the Lord never quite leaves his people , yet he may withdraw the sense of his Presence , suspending the quickening and comforting influences of his Spirit : and then they that before were like Eden or Sharon , are become like unto the Desart , before , they resembled a Tree whose leaves are fair , and the fruit plentiful and good ; But under desertion , they are like a Tree in the Winter season , the Sun being withdrawn , when neither Fruit nor Leaves appear . Now , how shall the Saints be known to be Children of Light , when they thus walk in darkness ? I answer ;

1. Saints under Desertion are troubled at Gods absence . What perplexity was there in the Spouses Spirit , when her Beloved had withdrawn himself ? Cant. 5. 6. I opened to my beloved , but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone ; my Soul failed when he spake , I sought him but I could not find him , I called him , but he gave me no answer . 'T is as real a sign of true love to mourn at the Lords absence , as to rejoyce in his presence ; for they who grieve when he withdraws , will be glad when he returns . Thou didst hide thy face , says David , and I was troubled , Psal. 30. 7. God may hide his face from a true Believer , but a Believer shews himself to be so , by being troubled when God hides his face .

2. Saints under Desertion justifie the Lord in deserting of them , though holy Job stands stiffly in the vindication of his Uprightness , against his Friends who charged him with Hypocrisie ; yet withal he confesses his Sins unto God . Job 7. 20. I have sinned , what shall I do unto thee , O thou preserver of men ? And chap. 13. 26. Thou writest bitter things against me , and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth . Deserted Saints dare not charge God foolishly , but lay the blame of what they endure at their own door ; they have been proud of enlargements , therefore God has justly left them to be straitned ; they were unthankful for comforts , therefore just it is their sorrows should return ; they were not so watchful against Sin ; 't was righteous in God to hide his face , nay , they confess , he would be righteous , if he should be favourable no more , but cast them off for ever .

3. Saints under Desertion endeavour to find out the cause of Gods deserting them , that it may be removed . Hark what Job prays for ; Job 13. 23 , 24. Make me to know my transgression , and my sin , wherefore hidest thou thy face and countest me for thy enemy ? As the Seamen were willing that failed with Jonah , to know for whose sake the Tempest was so furious upon them : and as Joshua was desirous to find out the man that had taken of the accursed thing , and proved the troubler of Israel : So Deserted Souls cry unto God to discover what has offended him , and grieved his holy Spirit ; And as Jonah that raised the Tempest was thrown overboard , as Achan that troubled Israel was stoned unto death , so having found out their Sins , that have disturbed their peace , and provoked their God , they consent to have them throughly mortified : that which is meet they say unto God , I have born thy displeasure , I will not offend any more , that which I see not , teach thou me , if I have done iniquity , I will do no more , Job 34. 31 , 32.

4. Saints under Desertion , though the actings of faith may not , yet fear is more evident in them . Esa. 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord , and obeyeth the voice of his Servant , that walketh in darkness and hath no light . Deserted Believers though they cannot with confidence call God their Father , which is their trouble , yet they are resolved to obey him as their Lord : when he seems to fly from them , they are afraid of losing him , therefore they lament and follow after him . No wonder that Gods withdrawing raises fear in his people : for ordinarily Desertion , speaks Divine displeasure , and is so very sore a trial and distress , that the continuance of it may very well be feared .

5. Saints under Desertion , are troubled for want of quickening as well as want of comfort : therefore they cry for the return of the Spirit that he may revive their graces , and make them lively and vigorous , and active in the Service of God , as well as restore peace and consolation . Deadness certainly was Davids burthen , when he prayed so often that the Lord would quicken him . Deserted Saints do feel the prevalency of the body of death , therefore they do look , and they have reason to look unto Him , who came that we might have life , and that we might have it more abundantly , Joh. 10. 10.

6. Saints under Desertion are unsatisfied till God return , that 's their language ; Psal. 90. 13 , 14. Return , O Lord how long ? And let it repent thee concerning thy Servants : O satisfie us early with thy mercy , that we may rejoyce and be glad all our days . Their life lies in his favour , weeping continues while his face is hid : when their God comes , their joy comes to them again . And as they are desirous that God should turn to them , so also that themselves may be healed and turned unto God . The Church had revolted , and God was angry ; angry not only at their Sins , but also at their prayers ; in this sad case , the Church is earnest for her own recovery and return to God , as well as for the shining of Gods face upon her : therefore she cries once , twice , thrice , Turn us again , O Lord God of Hosts , cause thy face to shine and we shall be saved , Psal. 80. 3 , 7 , 19.

Case 9. The ninth Case is this ; How Grace may be discerned under the prevalency of that sad and black distemper of Melancholy . The torture of this malady strangers to it cannot conceive ; but they that are afflicted with it do know their own bitterness . And the advantage which Satan hath hereby is unconceivably great . 'T is ordinary for him to represent the Lord unto Melancholick ones , as furious and revenging and implacable , and irreconcilable : as hating them from everlasting to everlasting . Oh whath dismal thoughts have they of themselves ! The darkness and confusion of their heads , they call judicial blindness ; the deadness of their hearts , they call judicial hardness ; and when the black vapours ascend , and seize upon their spirits , and torment and affright them , as if Nature were just ready to be dissolved : this they are apt to think the hellish agonies of Cain and Judas , and to conclude them the foretastes and certain forerunners of eternal Wrath and Vengeance .

Satan represents the grace they have , as no grace , that he may discourage them from duty , if he does not persuade them to act desperately against their own lives . Then a thought comes in , that God is an hard Lord , who will not give grace , though they desire it above all the World , but is resolved to destroy them . Again Satan represents the Truth they have embraced , and which the generality of the Generation of the Righteous do embrace , as no truth : and violently hurries them , and bears it in upon their spirits , ( especially in duty to distract and dead their hearts ) that they ought to turn to this or that or t'other erroneous way , else they will never know peace . Whatever comforts and encouragements the Gospel hands forth to them , they with a strange obstinacy reject as too good for them , and not belonging at all to them . And though the hand and hatred of Satan be in all this , yet he is so subtle as to hide himself under the dark shades of Melancholy , so that he is unperceived . Now for the relief of such , I shall shew how the truth of Grace may be discerned under the prevalency of Melancholy .

1. Melancholick ones that are gracious have usually very low thoughts of themselves : they have not confidence in the flesh , but are convinced , that their own righteousness is rags , their wisdom folly , their strength weakness : they see that no flesh has reason to glory in the Lords presence , and being thus humble , God has promised to have respect to them . Psal. 138. 6. Though the Lord be high , yet hath he respect unto the lowly ; And Psal. 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble , thou wilt prepare their heart : an heart prepared to pray they desire , thou wilt cause thine ear to hear .

2. Melancholick ones , who have grace , though they are full of fears , yet their fears are without Scripture ground , they are apt to conclude themselves Hypocrites , but not from Scripture premises . Satan in a violent way does inject such thoughts , that God hates them , never was indeed near them , or has quite left them , and never any Saints were in the like condition , and hereupon follows a stinging perplexity , but not one word of God is produced to prove all this . Though Satans injections are direful and doleful , yet the Word speaks hopefully concerning them , because they are weary of Sin , willing to close with Christ , and hunger after righteousness and true holiness , and had rather have an assurance of the love of God , and the light of his countenance , than Corn and Wine , and all the things of the World in the greatest plenty and abundance .

3. Melancholick ones , who have grace , though they are filled with a great many fancies and fears , yet the fear of God is predominant , and they are afraid of Sin as the greatest evil . The favour of God is most desirable , his anger most formidable in their esteem : therefore they dare not use sinful or suspected means for their relief and help . They are not like Saul , who in his distress and sadness ran to the Witch of Endor : they dare not turn Gluttons and Drunkards , nor attempt to drown their sorrows in sensuality , but had rather remain Melancholick Saints , than become boon Companions and jolly Sinners . They do indeed imagine and fear a thousand things without reason ; but truely with a great deal of reason , the fear of God rules in their hearts , and they eschew what is evil in his sight .

4. Melancholick ones , who have grace , endeavour to improve their melancholy after a gracious manner . Now the World appears vain , Creatures are miserable comforters ; delights have lost their relish , and are become undelightful ; They take hold of the advantage , to get more loose from the World , and more above it . If one perplexing fume turns all the World into an empty bubble , into an insignificant cypher ; Why , says the gracious Soul , should I ever dote upon this World more ? Under Melancholy , Death seems very near : and as they are going to bed , or at other times , they have very strong and startling impressions of Eternity : Gracious Souls take hold of this advantage the more seriously to prepare for Death , and to provide for Eternity , and this argues they are indeed the Children of Wisdom , Psal. 90. 12.

5. Melancholick ones , who have grace , have a great care of the Gospels credit : nay , truely sometimes this lies nearer their hearts , than their own lives . They are afraid of madness and frenzy , lest Religion which they are professors of , should suffer by it : they resist temptations to self-Murther , because if they who have heard and talkt so much of the Gospel should lay violent hands upon themselves , prophane Sinners would speak evil of the way of Truth , and be more strongly prejudiced and hardned against the Gospel , as a Doctrine that has but a bad tendency : this shews that they love the Gospel in truth , and consequently are of God , Joh. 8. 47. This care of the Gospel farther appears , in that when their melancholy abates , their seriousness remains . Indeed the better their heads are , their hearts are in a better frame ; because then their Souls and their Grace can act with greater freedom . They long for clean hearts , and desire clear heads , that with heads and hearts they may be more serviceable unto God .

6. Melancholick ones , who have grace , in all their distress and trouble desire to look unto God ; though they fear he is an enemy , yet they cannot but look to him for help ; though they do but chatter as a Crane , and mourn as a Dove , yet they cannot refrain speaking Hezekiahs and Jobs language : O Lord I am oppressed , undertake for me , Esa. 38. 14. I am full of confusion , see thou my affliction , Job 10. 15.

Case 10. The tenth Case is this ; How may Repentance be known to be true , when 't is a Death-bed Repentance ? Or just before a Malefactors Execution ? It must needs be granted that Repentance at last is possible , and that 's all ; probable or usual 't is not . One instance we have in Scripture to hinder despair , and but one , to hinder presumption . To dally and to delay in Religion , how dangerous is it ? 'T is perfect madness , willingly to lie under the wrath of God , under the Devils power , under the guilt and dominion of Sin , and upon the brink of Hell one minute longer . The longer you delay , Sin grows stronger , evil habits are more rooted , Satan entangles you faster in his snare , the heart grows harder , the Spirit of the Lord is more grieved , and Repentance becomes more difficult and unlikely . We have cause to fear , that many thousands who talked of Repentance hereafter , have been surprized by Death , and have suddenly dropt into Hell before that Hereafter came . Well , but some at last have seem'd very penitent ; and , How shall the truth of Repentance be discerned ? Unto this I answer ;

1. Such who repent truely at last , are very ready to accuse , and very severe in judging of themselves : they give glory to God , and take shame to themselves , they justifie the Lord in putting a period to their days ; and acknowledge that he might justly laugh at their calamity , and mock at their fear , and distress , and anguish , and refuse to pitty and pardon , and kill the Body and damn the Soul together . This judging of themselves is a very good sign , and there is a promise of escaping judgment ; that is , condemnation ; annexed thereunto , 1 Cor. 11. 31. For if we should judge our selves , we should not be judged .

2. Such who repent truely at last , are very jealous over their own Spirits , lest the distress they are in , and the nearness unto death , be the only motive unto Repentance , therefore their cries are the more earnest to be sincere Converts . They prize new hearts , and beg that God would deliver them from their natural guile and wickedness , and make them indeed new creatures . Oh , how do they long , not only for a pardon : but that they may feel the power of the renewing and sanctifying Spirit of Christ . Heal me and I shall be healed , turn me and I shall be turned , save me and I shall be saved , Jer. 17. 14. are their strong cryes ; and oh with what vehement desires are they accompanied !

3. Such who repent at last truely , are filled with an holy indignation , that all their time and strength has been wasted in serving Sin and Satan , and dishonouring that God that made them , & to whom they owe themselves . How angry are they and displeased at themselves , that when they should have been labouring in the Lords Vineyard , they either were standing idle in the Market , or wrought iniquity with both hands earnestly . Now this holy indignation is by the Apostle made an argument of sorrowing after a godly manner , of repentance unto salvation , 2 Cor. 7. 11.

4. Such who repent truely at last , do look unto Jesus ; Thus did the Thief upon the Cross , Lord remember me , Luk. 23. 42. Christ is their hope , and the grace of God in him , which does superabound , though Sin has never so much abounded . They look upon his Blood as the Blood of God , and able to do away the greatest guilt , the foulest spot and stain , the most monstrous defilements . They perceive that the Blood of Jesus speaks better things than the Blood of Abel , Heb. 12. 24. Cryes louder for Mercy and Salvation , than Abels did for Vengeance : Hereupon they are encouraged and enabled to act the faith of reliance : and believing on Jesus they shall not be confounded , 1 Pet. 2. 6. Oh , how is this Saviour now prized ! How are they grieved at their former and so long continued neglect of him . And though the Lord forgets their Sins , they cannot but remember them ; though he justifies them , they cannot cease condemning themselves , the truth is , they are ashamed and confounded , and open not their mouths because of their shame , though the Lord is pacified towards them for all that they have done , Ezek. 16. 3.

5. They who repent truely at last , have a care of Gods honour , and are willing to prevent others delaying their repentance . Their mouths therefore are full of cautions , they blame their own folly , and exhort others to grow wiser , and while 't is called to day , to harden their hearts no longer . The Earl of Rochesters dying care was to have his prophane and lewd Writings burnt , as being only fit to promote Vice and immorality , by which he had so highly offended God , and shamed and blasphemed that holy Religion into which he was baptized , and all his obscene and filthy pictures which were so notoriously scandalous . He wisht his Son might never be one of those wretched creatures who pride themselves in abusing God and Religion ; adding , That no Fortunes or Honours were comparable to the love and favour of God . To a Friend of some Note that came to see him , he thus expressed himself ; Oh remember that you contemn God no more : We have been all mistaken in our conceits and opinions , our persuasions have been false and groundless , therefore God grant you repentance . And in his dying Remonstrance signed before Witness , having bewailed his pernicious opinions and vile practices , he thus speaks to all whom he had drawn into Sin . I warn them in the name of God , and as they regard the welfare of their immortal Souls , no more to deny his Being , or his Providence , or despise his goodness ; no more to make a mock of Sin , or contemn the pure and excellent Religion of my ever blessed Redeemer , though whose merits alone , I , one of the greatest of Sinners do yet hope for mercy and forgiveness .

Case 11. The eleventh Case follows , which is this ; How may Grace be discovered in Saints that are fallen ? When I speak of the falls of Saints , I mean not their Sins quotidianae incursionis , of daily incursion : for there is not a day , nor a duty wherein the best do not in some respect offend ; but faults that are more gross and offensive , that approach nearer unto the nature of presumptuous transgressions . That Saints do sometimes thus fall is evident from Scripture and Experience , therefore all of them should be the more watchful , & humble , and cry to be upheld , living by faith on that God who is of power to establish them , Rom. 16. 25. & Rom. 11. 20. Well , because of unbelief they were broken off , and thou standest by faith ; be not highminded but fear . But when they do fall , there is a difference between the manner of theirs and others transgressing : 't is said of such as are born of God , that they cannot sin because they are born of God , 1 Joh. 3. 9. i. e. they cannot sin in such a manner as the unregenerate do . I am to present to you a Child of Light under an Eclipse , and yet even now there is a great difference between him and them that are under the power of darkness .

1. A Saint when he falls , sins not with the full consent of his will : not only his Conscience does declare against Sin , but even his Will so far as sanctified and renewed is also against it . His purpose is to take heed to his ways , that he may not offend , Psal. 39. 1. therefore when he falls he is surprized , and in the hurry of a temptation : and though in this hurry Conscience is not heard , and corruption like a torrent carries him away , yet there is a secret dislike of Sin which arises from the Spirits lusting against the Flesh : Hence it is that Saints cannot take that delight in Sin which others do , because their wills do not fully close with the temptation . Though in Davids transgression there was too much of deliberation and contrivance , especially in his carriage towards Vriah , yet if you consider the matter , you may find he was in a hurry all along ; first , he was hurried by a sinful and inordinate affection , and afterwards by fear of shame , in case what he had done should be discover'd . 2. A Saint though he may fall , yet does not ordinarily allow himself in Sin , neither does he make use of the falls of Believers which the Scripture records , as a plea for such an allowance , as wicked men commonly do . He looks upon the works of darkness as unfruitful , and desires to have no fellowship with them , because these will hinder his fellowship and communion with God . He cannot be called a Worker of iniquity , because he prays with David , and that sincerely : Deliver me from all my transgressions , Ps. 39. 8. and , Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy Statutes , Ps. 119. 5.

3. A Saint never falls so far as to chuse a new Lord and Master , he never wholly casts off the yoke of Christ , nor resolves to be willingly subject to the law of sin . Acts of disobedience indeed he may be guilty of ; but when Satan propounds it to him , and persuades him to renounce the Lords service , and to give up himself to the service of diverse lusts and pleasures : he cannot bear the thought of it , for he knows the wages of sin is death , and Christ is incomparably the best Master . He never consents to be wholly under the bondage of corruption as once he was , but often prays , that no iniquity may have the dominion over him , Psal. 119. 133. and especially that he may be kept back from presumptuous sins , which are such great transgressions , Psal. 19. 13. 4. A Saint never falls so far as to take up with any portion beneath God himself . His Soul hath said , The Lord is my portion , Lam. 3. 24. and he will never go back from it , or change his mind so as to become contented without God , and to have all his portion here in this life . Oh no , though he may go away from his Fathers house a while , and feed upon the husks that are abroad , yet he cannot be satisfied with these , for they are not bread : and as he is unsafe , so truely he is restless till he return to his Father again . His Soul remains empty till the Lord fills it ; weary till the Lord satiates it ; sorrowful till God himself replenish it .

5. A Saint when he falls , is quickly brought to himself , and to his God by affliction , his heart shews its tenderness in yielding to the stroke and impression of the Rod. Before I was afflicted , says the Psalmist , I went astray , but now have I kept thy Word , Ps. 119. 67. And truely though there may be great fears of death when affliction overtakes a Saint in his falls , yet the new nature is secretly glad of affliction , whereby the flesh may be tamed and corruption purged away . The backsliding Saint when he is stricken does not like those . Esa. 1. 5. Revolt more and more , but accepts the punishment of his iniquity , and desires to be throughly turned unto God who smites him : and with his Soul he wishes the sanctification of what he feels , and that the affliction may yield the peaceable and lasting fruits of righteousness , Heb. 12. 11.

6. A Saint after he has fallen , is very much afraid of Spiritual Judgments : he is afraid lest the Lord should utterly leave him , and say concerning him ; He is proud , let him be proud still , he is filthy , let him be filthy still , he is fallen , let him alone . David after his Sin , dreaded being cast away , and left to himself , and being given up to his own hearts lusts . Psal. 51. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence , take not thy holy Spirit from me . The holy Spirit had been exceedingly resisted and grieved , and had been highly and justly provoked to depart , and that for ever . But David could not bear the thoughts of being deprived of the quickning , sanctifying , comforting Spirit of God , therefore with such concernedness he deprecates his departure .

7. If the Saints falls have been foul , he is troubled at Gods dishonour , and that he has caused his blessed name to be blasphemed : 't is his trouble that he hath wounded his own Conscience , and this very much adds to his trouble , that he hath wounded Religion , and caused the way of Truth to be evil spoken of . To see fellow Saints grieving for his miscarriages , is the grief of his Soul , to hear prophane ones scoffing at Religion , is his shame and confusion ; and to perceive them hardned and strengthned in their wickedness by the Sins he has fallen into , this makes his Repentance to be the greater . This was laid before David as the aggravation of his Sin , and certainly it made a deep wound in his Spirit , that by the deed he had done , he had given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme , 2 Sam. 12. 14.

8. The Saint after his fall rises again , and begs that he may stand faster . The Sun sometimes is Eclipsed a greater part , sometimes half ; and suppose it should be a total Eclipse , yet tarry a while till the Moon that interposed between the Sun and the Earth be gone , and the Sun will shine as it did before ; the Saints will recover after their backslidings , and shine as light again , though Sin may darken them for a season . And when they do recover , Oh how do they cry not only for pardon , but also for cleansing and establishment . Hark unto David , Psal. 51. 10. Create in me a clean heart , O God , and renew a right or a constant Spirit within me . And vers. 12. Vphold me with thy free Spirit . They are importunate with God to keep them from falling any more , and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy , Jude v. 24. To be upheld will be their joy , their exceeding joy , as their fall was their grief and trouble .

Case 12. The twelfth Case is this ; How may we know whether we grow in grace ? The Saints in Scripture are compared to Trees , because of their growth and fruitfulness : to the Cedar because they are so firmly rooted : to the Palm-tree , because depressi resurgunt , the weights of affliction upon them , make them grow the higher : to the Vine , because the fruits of righteousness which they bring forth are so exceeding pleasant : to the Willows by the water courses , because there is an aptness in the new creature to grow apace , if there be not some impediment . But alass these impediments are too common : and where there is life , yet there may be a languishing and withering . Growing Christians are more rare , especially in this degenerate age . Now growth in Grace may thus be known .

1. Then we grow in Grace , when our belief of the Gospel has a stronger impression : when things invisible are lookt upon as the greatest realities in the World , and we are affected and swayed by the view of them : When we can say with the Apostle , that we walk by faith and not by sight , 2 Cor. 5. 7. If things sensible do less work upon us , if we are less troubled at sensible evils , because they are light , for a moment , and work for good : if we are less taken with sensible good things , and enjoy them as if we enjoyed and possess'd them not ; but things Spiritual and Eternal awaken our care and diligence indeed , because we believe that these are infinitely of the nearest and greatest concernment ; 't is a sign that our grace and faith has some strength , and that we resemble those Worthies , who saw the invisible God , and declared plainly , that they sought a better Country , than was to be found in this present World , Heb. 11.

2. Then we grow in Grace , when our senses are exercised to discern both good and evil : This will prove us to be of a fuller age , and that we are distinguished from such as are but Babes , Heb. 5. 14. This discerning both good and evil , does not only imply soundness of judgment to perceive what is truth and what is error , that truth may be held fast , and error under what form or disguise soever it comes may be rejected : but seems to have some relation to the will and affections , and the good that is to be chosen , the evil that is to be refused . When good things have a greater relish with us than formerly , and Sin grows more and more distasteful , this shews our Spiritual senses are improved . Davids grace was much increased , when he said , How sweet are thy words to my taste , yea , sweeter than hony to my mouth , Psal. 119. 103. And v. 104. Through thy precepts I get understanding , therefore I hate every false way .

3. Then we grow in Grace , when heart Sins are quickly observed at the very first rising of them , and in a greater measure mortified . When we are able to keep our hearts under our eye , and to check them in their very first out-leaps from God , and reduce them presently ; When pride and hatred and passion , and envy cannot stir but they are instantly espied and beat down ; when lust and evil concupiscence are taken notice of at the first kindling , and while in the spark , without delay quenched ; this plainly shews the Spirit to be strong , because it does prevail against the Flesh so quickly : Grace is certainly grown , when Sin is nipt in the bud , & the Cockatrice in the Egg is crushed .

4. Then we grow in Grace , when we are more weaned from the World . The Patriarchs , Abraham , Isaac and Jacob were grown Believers , and they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims upon Earth , Heb. 11. 13. David also was thus got above the World , when he said , Surely every man walketh in a vain shew , surely they are disquieted in vain , he heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them , Psal. 39. 6. And v. 12. I am a stranger with thee and a sojourner as all my fathers were . The World was so little and low in Moses's esteem , that he prefers even affliction with the people of God , before those pleasures which was but for a season , Heb. 11. 25. And v. 26. he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt . When the World is thus gotten under foot , that the worst of Christ is prefer'd before the best of the World , it argues strength of faith whereby our victory over it , is so far advanced . When we are undisturbed at changes we meet with here below , because our treasure is in Heaven and out of reach ; when with the Apostle we know how to want and how to abound ; when we are not so much concerned about earthly things , because they are not our portion : this plainly speaks an increase of grace .

5. Then we grow in Grace , when we can readily deny our selves . When we are not wedded to our own wills , but are yielding and subject unto others , being clothed with humility , 1 Pet. 5. 5. and especially we submit unto God , though his commands never so much cross our natural and carnal inclination : when we can lay our Honour , our Ease , our Wealth , our Liberty , our Lives , at the foot of Christ , to be disposed of in such a way as He may be most magnified : now certainly there is much of the Spirit of glory and of Gods resting upon us . How self-denying , how bold and venturous was the Apostle , desiring that Christ might be magnified , whether it were by life or by death , Phil. 1. 20. It argues much Grace , when the glory of God the Father and of Christ are dearer to us than our dearest earthly comforts , and we count it gain to lose any thing for Christs sake . Oh brave Hebrews , who took joyfully the spoiling of their Goods , knowing that they had in Heaven a better and an enduring substance , Heb. 10. 34.

6. Then we grow in Grace , when we trust in God , though outward and visible helps do fail . The Lord who made all the creatures , though he uses means is not tied to them , but can work without , and against them : therefore though outward props fail , faith should not fail , and if it be strong , it does not . Hab. 3. 17. 18. Although the Fig-trees shall not blossom , neither shall fruit be in the Vines : though fields do yield no food , and flocks are cut off from the fold , yet will I joy in the Lord , and rejoyce in the God of my Salvation . The Creatures are insufficient altogether . God alsufficient though alone , and a strong faith dares trust him by himself . Nay a strong faith will rely upon him and follow him , notwithstanding repulses , denials , and discouragements . Thus the Woman of Canaan , holds on in petitioning our Lord , though at first he was silent , and answered not a word , though he seemed not to regard the Disciples intercession , though when he speaks to her , he compares her to a Dog , and not fit to eat the Childrens Bread ; yet she gives not over , but retorts this discouragement ; and turns it into an argument . The Dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their Masters Table , hereupon her petition is granted , and her faith highly commended ; O Woman great is thy faith , be it unto thee even as thou wilt , Mat. 15. 28.

7. Then we grow in Grace , when the thoughts of God are more abiding and delightful , and our affections towards him are stronger : the more our hearts are the Lords , the more they must needs be enriched with grace , and in a greater measure sanctified . When David was able to say , that the meditation of God was sweet to him , Psal. 104. 34. That his Soul followed hard after God , Psal. 63. 8. and that he thirsted for God , for the living God , as the chased Hart pants after the Brooks of Water , Psal. 42. 1 , 2. This certainly did argue not only the truth of grace , but strength also .

8. Then we grow in Grace , when we are not prone to be offended ; Stumbling argues weakness ; but stumbling blocks will be got over by those whose grace is strengthned : When we hold fast the truth , though many being led away with the error of the wicked , fall from their own stedfastness , as Athanasius , contra mundum , stood up for the Deity and Godhead of Jesus Christ , though the World seemed to be turned Arrian ; when persecutions cannot affright us from our Duty : nor others Apostasies make us dislike Religion , but we are the more stedfast , and walk more closely with the Lord : this shews that grace is much increased .

9. Then we grow in Grace , when our fruit is really better than formerly for quality , and more for quantity . If we bring forth more fruit than in times past , it argues us more fruit than in times past , it argues us more purged . Joh. 15. 2. Every branch that beareth fruit , he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit . When we are filled with the fruits of righteousness , as this is to the praise and glory of God , so it declares , that he has made all grace to abound towards us , that we might abound unto every good work , 2 Cor. 9. 8.

Case 13. The last Case is this ; How may we understand when our joy is true and well grounded ? There is a joy of the Hypocrite : the Hearers compared unto the stony ground received the Word with joy : the Jews rejoyced in John , that burning and shining light for a season ; so that there is a great deal of false joy , which whoever entertain , they will lie down in sorrow , Esa. 50. 11. How then shall true joy be known ? To this I answer ;

1. True joy follows after true sorrow : they who reap in joy , do first sow in tears , Ps. 126. 5. Our Lord tells us , that the mourners are blessed for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5. 4. Rest is given to the weary and the heavy laden . That joy is sinful and utterly unseasonable , where Sin is made light of and never was lookt upon as a burthen . But if we are humble and broken , and weary of all Sin , and of all that is in Sin , desiring to be delivered from the force and filth , as well as from the guilt of it , and then are revived : we may conclude our peace is from the God of peace and comfort ; for though he be the high and the lofty one who inhabits Eternity , yet he dwells with him that is of an humble and contrite Spirit , to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones , Eze. 57. 15.

2. True joy has ever the Lord Jesus for the foundation of it . Phil. 3. 3. We rejoyce in Christ Jesus , says the Apostle : And Rom. 5. 11. If we joy in God , 't is through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have received the atonement . The Comforter does ever glorifie Christ , so as to make us understand that all grace , mercy , and peace is given to us through a Mediatour . His sorrows have purchased pardon and salvation , and the joy of that Salvation . The Churches joy is built upon the same Rock on which the Church her self is built , and that Rock is Christ , therefore her consolation is the stronger .

3. True joy is never without true holiness . The Spirits sanctification always goes before , and ever accompanies his consolations . Peace and righteousness do kiss each other , where peace is of the right kind . Rom. 14. 17. The Kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost . A true Saint if he makes bold with Sin , his joy will be lessen'd , perhaps lost ; his peace which has been spoken to him will be broken , if he return to folly .

4. True joy is Spiritually rational , not an Enthusiastical business : my meaning is , there can be good Scripture-reason produced for it . The Spirit of God works sanctifying grace in the heart , increases that grace , and acts that grace , so that there is a powerful exercise of it , and then he does bear witness to the truth of it . The Spirit discovers unto the Soul , that he has made it willing to receive Christ , and to hunger after holiness , and willing to be the Lords and to serve him in sincerity , and to escape the corruption that is in the World through lust : and now his testimony of adoption is rational , and may be received as indeed the witness of the Spirit . Whereas when joys are but the fruits of stubborn and irrational impulses : and the comforts of the Gospel are applied without any Scripture ground ; comfortable Scriptures are not brought by the True and Good , but by the Bad and lying Spirit .

5. True joy is not a seal unto error and delusion : Some have fallen away from the truths of Christ , and got above his Ordinances , and cast his Word behind their backs , and despised his Blood , and yet have bragg'd of Joy . Oh the subtlety of the Evil One ! As he makes use of false Teachers , false Opinions , and false Hopes : so of false joys , to ruine Souls .

6. True joy is strength to them that have it . Nehem. 8. 10. The joy of the Lord is your strength . Spiritual joy affords great ability to do the work of God , to bear Afflictions and Tribulations : and to resist and overcome the Tempter , and the World , and the lusts thereof . The joyful Christian is a man of might , he wrestles with the principalities and powers of darkness , and is too hard for them : he is discouraged at no difficulty in Religion , he mounts up with wings as an Eagle , he runs and is not weary , he walks without fainting , Esa. 40. ult. he is faithful unto death and at last is rewarded with a Crown of life , Rev. 2. 10. Thus have I resolved all the Cases I propounded : I come now to the Application .

I begin with some inferences that may be drawn from this Doctrine , If this be true , that it highly concerns all to Examine and Prove themselves ; then ,

1. Hence I infer the misery of Man by nature who is in darkness ; so that till he is enlightned from above , he is not capable of understanding himself , his condition , or his interest . Man by nature is under the power of darkness : of this power you read , Col. 1. 13. and how deliverance from it is to be valued . Darkness has a great power to keep men under Sin , to make them careless , stupid , and utterly unconcerned what becomes of them to Eternity : therefore evil Angels are stayled , the Rulers of the Darkness of this World . Nay the Natural Man is in the abstract , called darkness it self . Eph. 5. 8. For ye were sometimes darkness , but now are ye light in the Lord . Now , how can he that is in darkness look into himself , or look into the Lord ? Oh the misery of dark Souls ! What unspeakable danger are they in , and their not seeing their own peril does but the more increase it . We pitty a man that has sustained a breaking loss , and does not know it : a Begger that being blind is near a precipice , and does not perceive it ; but much more compassionable is the case of the Natural Man , who neither knows himself nor the things which concern his peace .

2. Hence we may infer the folly of the Natural Man who is so prone to cry peace unto , and to deceive himself . He loves to go upon sure grounds in other matters , and is very serious about trifles , but wofully trifles in the weighty concerns of another World . Any thing satisfies him , and makes him securely to say , all is well . If Satan tell him as he did our first Parents , that he shall not surely dye . Satan is believed , the God of Truth and the Word of Truth being disregarded . How many when they hear the Words Curse , do bless themselves in their hearts , and say they shall have peace , though they walk on after the imagination of their evil heart : therefore the Lord threatens , that his anger and jealousie shall smoke against such , and he will blot out their names from under Heaven , Deut. 29. 19 , 20.

Are they reproved for Sin ? They say , All are Sinners : whereas Penitents forsake presumptuous Sins , and are willing to forsake all ; but these Self-deluders , are hardly willing to forsake any . They bear up upon this , that God is merciful ; and yet they slight and abuse his mercy , preferring their vanities and lusts before it , and go on to injure his Justice and provoke him to Jealousie . They are full of hope , because Christ died : and yet they thwart one great end of his Death , and will not be the better for it , for they refuse to dye to Sin , and live to Righteousness .

3. If it highly concerns all to prove themselves , hence we may infer , what an advantage it is to enjoy the light of the Word of God . This is a Glass that flatters none . It discovers what Sin is , and where it is . It calls Grace , Grace : and will speak peace to them that are the Sons of peace ; but on the contrary , it will tell the Sinner , though he be never so high in the World , never so high in his vain hopes ; Thou art the man , that lovest and livest in thy iniquity , therefore thou art under wrath , a Son of Death and in danger of eternal damnation . This word convinces of Sin , shews the necessity of turning unto God , and is a great means of Conversion ; and afterwards by discovering of Grace , it proves the joy and rejoycing of the heart . The Unbelievers and Ungodly need this Word , and ought to prize it , for it shews them their guilt and a Mediatour , their sore and also a Physician , and faith is wrought by the hearing of it , Rom. 10. 17. The Saints have loved this Word exceedingly ; Hark how the Psalmist cries out : Psal. 89. 15. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound , they shall walk , O Lord , in the light of thy countenance .

4. Hence we may also infer the benefit of a searching Ministery . Seers that will see vain visions , are not worth hearing : and Prophets that prophesy only smooth things , had better prophesy nothing at all , for they prophesy nothing but deceit . Such Prophets are guilty of the blood of Souls , and utterly ruine them while they heal them slightly , crying peace , peace , when there is no peace , Jer. 6. 14. Such Pastors destroy the Lords Vineyard ; such Dawbers are not Builders of the House of God . How sad is it when the blind lead the blind ; both they that are led , and they that are the leaders fall into the bottomless pit of perdition . But a plain dealing Minister , that rebukes Sin sharply , that gives warning in time , to flee from eternal wrath : that commends himself to every mans conscience in the sight of God : that speaks as if he knew mens hearts , and discovers their secret thoughts to them ; that is a Son of thunder to the wicked , and a Son of consolation to the broken hearted , and has the tongue of the learned to speak a word in season to the weary , and heavy laden . Such a Shepherd is a great blessing to the Flock , ought highly to be esteemed in love for his work sake , and may be an happy instrument to save himself and them that hear him .

5. Hence we may further infer the great necessity of the Spirits aid . Unless he enlighten the eyes of our understandings we shall pass a wrong judgment upon our selves , and every thing else also . A subtle Serpent , and a deceitful heart will be too hard for the most powerful Preacher breathing : if the Spirit of the Lord does not second and set home the word preached . The Spirit as I said before , takes the Glass of the Law , and holds it before the Sinner , that he may see therein both his heart and life ; and then , and truely not till then , he will cry out . Alass , alass ! What have I been ? What have I done ? Where am I ? And whither will my Sins at last bring me ? The Spirit can charge Sin so home , that there is no denial , no excuse made . The Sinner trembles , confesses , laments , begs pardon , consents to forsake his wickedness . Thus Ephraim after he was instructed , is ashamed and confounded because of his abominations . The Publican being made sensible he was a Sinner , cries out , God be merciful ! And as the Spirit convinces the Sinner , so he discovers to the Saint , what God has given him : not only the things themselves which are great and glorious , but also the Saints interest in those things . 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received not the Spirit of this World , but the Spirit which is of God , that we might know those things . which are freely given to us of God .

6. If it highly concerns all to prove themselves ; learn hence the hatred and subtlety of Satan in Staving men off from this duty . All his subjects are a company of inconsiderate fools , if they would but bethink themselves , they would become wiser than to serve such a Master . This Enemy cannot endure that wicked men should look downward to Hell , for fear they should be awakened and affrighted : nor that they should look inward into themselves , for fear they should see themselves lost , and look out for a Saviour : nor that they should look upwards unto God , for fear they should be converted and healed . The Devil hates Souls , therefore is unwilling that any care should be taken about them : he cannot abide that any should inquire into their Spiritual state , therefore he endeavours to divert them : he allures some with wealth , bewitches others with pleasures , intoxicates others with applause and honour ; he represents Self-examination to be Self-tormenting , and holiness a meer Hell upon Earth . But in all this he shews his falshood as well as enmity . What madness is it to listen to him as a Leader and Counseller who is both a Liar and a Murtherer !

7. Hence we may learn the great Error of the Church of Rome , in crying down Assurance , and consequently discouraging Self-examination . The Council of Trent , Sess. 6. has impiously determin'd and declared , Certitudo remissionis peccatorum , est vana , & omni pietate remota fiducia . The Saints assurance of the pardon of Sin , is a vain and ungodly confidence . How have they here blasphemed against the Comforter , in making all his joys and consolations , which suppose Sin to be pardon'd , altogether vain . The Scripture speaks after another manner , Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are Sons , God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts , crying , Abba , Father . 1 Joh. 4. 16. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us . 1 Joh. 3. 14. We know that we have passed from death to life ; And v. 19. Hereby we know that we are of the Truth , and shall assure our hearts before him . This assurance was not the effect of a particular and extraordinary revelation peculiar to that first age of Christianity : but was the result of those charcters of Grace which are to be found even in the Saints now , as well as then . The consolations of the Spirit were not confin'd to the Primitive times , but as a Comforter he is to abide with the Church for ever , Joh. 14. 16. And indeed those who walk in the fear of God may expect the comforts of the Holy Ghost without any presumption . The Apostle bids us to draw nigh with a true heart in full assurance of faith , Heb. 10. 22. And 2 Pet. 2. 10. We are commanded to give diligence to make our calling and election sure . What impiety is it then to say , that Assurance is an impious confidence . What is it that the Church of Rome does not strike at ? She strikes at our Liberties , at our Lives , would clasp the Book of the Gospel , and lock it up in an unknown Tongue ; She would baffle our very senses , and lord it over our Consciences , and exercise dominion over our Faith , and rob us of our peace and comfort , and joy in Gods Salvation .

Vse 2. It may serve for a great and just lamentation , that this duty of Self-proving is so exceedingly neglected by the generality , even of those unto whom the Gospel is preached . Multitudes are as unconcerned what is likely to become of them in another World , as if there were not a pin to chuse between Heaven and Hell : as if eternal Life did not deserve to be desired , and eternal Death were not worthy of their fear . Men are willing to know whether they thrive in the World ; there is anxious enquiring what the Parliament does , and what the times are likely to prove , whether peaceable and prosperous , or full of tumult and confusion . But alass , alass ! 't is no part of the enquiry of the most among us ; What Eternity is likely to prove to them , whether an Eternity of horror and woe ; or an Eternity of joy and blessedness . A great number live in the prophane and total neglect of God and godliness , and will not give the Gospel so much as the hearing ; but truely there are also many who will pray , attend upon the Word preached , and profess high , and talk religiously , who never talk with themselves , nor call their hearts to task , nor speak such language as this to themselves . O animula vagula , blandula ! Quae nunc abibis in loca ?

O my Soul in what state art thou ? And where art thou likely to be lodg'd , when once thou hast left this earthly Tabernacle ? The consequences of this neglect of Self-examination are fatal and truely lamentable .

1. These careless Sinners that prove not themselves , know not themselves ; they know neither their Sore not the way of Cure , their Sins are hid from them , and so they must needs be strangers to Repentance and godly Sorrow : they remember not their own wickedness , so as to mourn and condemn themselves , therefore God will remember it so to condemn and punish them . He that is ignorant of himself must needs remain impenitent and hard-hearted , and such do treasure up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath , Rom. 2. 5.

2. The not proving themselves is the ground of Sinners presumptuous confidence . False hope cannot bear a serious Trial ; but they that try not themselves are full of such hopes : and such hopes the stronger , they are the more destructive . The hope of them that are Hypocrites and forget God , is compared to a Spiders Web , 't is spun out of themselves , but 't is easily cut off ; and they and their Hope shall perish together , Job 8. 13 , 14. They that prove not themselves , in how certain danger are they of building their house upon the sand ; And when the Rain descends and the floods come and beat upon their house , 't will fall and great will be the fall of it , Mat. 7. 27.

3. They that prove not themselves , hide their faces and esteem not the Lord of Life and Glory : they feel not their sickness , they sancy they are whole , and value not Physician ; they are more afraid to be cured of their Disease than to die of it . They have no hunger , and so they slight the bread of life : they never were weary and heavy laden , and so they mind not him that alone can give them rest ; they never were thirsty in a Spiritual sence , & so the invitation is not hearkned to , to come and drink of the Water of Life freely ; for want of proving themselves , they know not in what a most wretched and lost condition they are ; no wonder then if they neglect great Salvation , and how shall such escape ? Heb. 2. 3. When the Apostle says , How shall we escape ? He does not say what , to intimate that the punishment which will follow upon neglecting the great Salvation whereof Christ is the Author , is much sorer than tongue can utter , or heart is able to conceive or reach .

4. They that prove not themselves , know not what they are doing , they are breaking a Law most worthy to be kept with as great chariness as the Apple of our Eyes : they are engaged in the service of Sin whose wages is Death and Hell : they are the Devils Vassals , who hates and strives to ruine those who serve him with the greatest labour ; they are provoking the Lord more and more to anger , and provoking themselves to the confusion of their own faces . 'T is very bad and sad work they are employed about , and because they neither prove their work nor themselves , they do not in a penitential way cry out , What have we done ? But what they have done , they will do still , whatever comes on 't : therefore the Lord complains , Jer. 8. 6. I hearkned and heard , but they spake not aright ; no man repented him of his wickedness , saying , What have I done ? Every one turned to his course , as the horse rusheth into the battel .

5. They that prove not themselves , know not whither they are going : these careless Sinners consider not that their most pleasant Sins will be as bitter and as deadly as the very gall of Asps at last : that of Solomon is verified in them , Prov. 14. 12. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death . The end of that broad way our Lord speaks of his hid from the multitude which go in it . They are blind , and do not see afar off ; nay , though Death is near at hand , and Hell follows immediately upon Death , yet they do not see it . Woe unto them , they fly from God , and they run post haste towards ruine , and do not understand what dreadful and everlasting destruction they are near , till they have actually and utterly destroyed themselves , and that beyond remedy . Thus the rich man in the Gospel thought of nothing but taking his ease , eating , drinking , and making merry , till his Soul was required and lost : and he was made to feel the torment and vengeance of eternal Fire .

6. These careless Sinners who will not prove themselves , their destruction will be sudden , unexpected , nay contrary to expectation , and so will be the more terrible . At present they mind not what they do , but God remembers all their wickedness , Hos. 7. 2. And when he shall call them to an account for all , what horrour and confusion will seize upon them ! They thought the Lord as little regarded their Sins , as they did themselves , and never expected after reckonings . What all their good things shall be taken away , which can last but for a short time , and eternal evils shall come in their room , when they shall find and feel themselves most miserable in the hottest lowest Hell , and that'tis utterly impossible that ever their wretched condition should be alter'd . Oh then they will curse their folly and madness , who before did bless themselves : and their foregoing presumption and security will make their pain and anguish , and despair to be the more intolerable .

Vse 3. Of Direction . And there are three great things which I shall give you directions concerning .

First , How to prove your selves so as to attain unto an assurance of the love of God .

Secondly , How to prove your selves before you engage in that Ordinance of the Lords Supper .

Thirdly , How to prove and call your selves to an account every day , that you may walk with the greater circumspection .

In the first place I am to direct you , how to prove your selves so as to attain unto an assurance of the love of God . Before I come to the directions themselves , I shall lay down some Arguments to persuade all Saints to labour after this Assurance , 't is pitty and Saint should be without it , 't is pitty any of Gods Children should be ignorant of that most near , and blessed , and everlasting Relation , in which they stand to him . Now to make you prize assurance at an high rate , and to give all diligence to get it . Consider ,

1. Assurance of the love of God , will inflame your hearts with greater love to him . What the Apostle says in remarkable , 1 Joh. 4. 19. We love him because he first loved us . When you know that all your Debts are remitted freely , and that very much is forgiven you , you cannot chuse but have much love unto him that forgave you . Cos amoris amor , Love is the whetstone of love : Pray therefore for the manifestation of Gods love to you , that the light of his countenance may warm your hearts , and your Souls may love him with the greater strength and ardency . Unbelieving doubts and fears have a natural tendency to chill and damp affection , whereas when you know that you are the Children of God , you cannot but love him as incomparably the best of all Fathers .

2. Assurance of the love of God will fill you with joy and wonder . The Apostle tells us , that having received the atonement , there followed joy in God , Rom. 5. 11. And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ , by whom we have now received the atonement . Well may the assured Believer rejoyce , for his name is written in Heaven : And there are no Errata in the Book of Life , no blots there made , no name ever razed out which is down there . And how may such an one wonder , that the free grace of God should make such a difference between him and others , between him and his former self ! When he was first loved , he was worthy to be loathed he was loved freely ; for he was found lying polluted in his blood .

3. Assurance of the love of God will take away the difficulty of Religion . When once you know that God is yours , Christ yours , the Promises yours , things present , and to come yours , you will not think much of any thing you are required to do , or part with . Apprehension that you are dear Children will make you follow God indeed , Eph. 5. 1. and follow hard after him . Apprehension , that you are pleasant to him , will cause you to take the more pleasure in him and in his service . An assurance , that God is ready to assist you in every piece of work he enjoyns you , ready to meet you in his Ordinances , and to be found of you when you seek him , and that he will not forget your labour of love , Heb. 6. 10. This will make you to love your labour , for your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord , 1 Cor. 15. 58.

4. Assurance of the love of God will make earthly things contemptible in your eyes . When you know your interest in the Fountain of living Waters , how little will you value the broken Cisterns ! When the Psalmist had been assured that God was his portion for ever , things on Earth became undesirable , Psal. 73. 25 , 26. The Apostle being persuaded of his title to things invisible and eternal , he counts the things that are seen which are temporal , not worth a look from him , 2 Cor. 4. 18. And David is so far from fancying them , that he prays he may never cast an eye or hanker after them any more . Psal. 119. 37. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity , and quicken thou me in thy way . They that know and believe the love which God hath to them , are satisfied , that his love hath provided far better things than the World can boast of , or the men of the World know of . Eye hath not seen , Ear hath not heard , neither hath it entred into the heart of man , what God hath prepared for them that love him , 1 Cor. 2. 9. Those believing Souls that were in assured expectation of a better Country than any in this World , to wit , an Heavenly Country , they confessed they were Strangers and Pilgrims upon Earth , Heb. 11. 13. Earth , and the things of the Earth , were very mean and inconsiderable in their eyes .

5. Assurance of the love of God will be a mighty antidote and preservative against temptation : with what confidence will it make you to look unto your Lord and Father for help against the Tempter , and his grace will be sufficient for you , 2 Cor. 12. 9. so that you shall be strong enough to resist the Devil , and make him flee from you . The Assured Believer can more easily silence Satan than others can , because he has tasted and seen how good and gracious the Lord is : he has experienced that peace , in the God of love and peace , which the World can neither give , nor take away ; therefore he does the more contemn all the offers which Satan can make to him in the hour of temptation . The assured Believer may cry out , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Now I have found real contentment ; now I have tasted true joy , Earth cannot yield it , Sin is the sure hindrance of it , in God alone 't is to be found . Temptation upon such an one is likely to have but small success .

6. Assurance of the love of God will lift you up above the fear of evil tidings . Psal. 112. 7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings , his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord . Why should those be afraid , who dwell in the secret place of the most High , and abide under the shadow of the Almighty ? Psal. 91. 1. The Saint has the Almighty on his side , who surely is able to protect him . He is under the shadow of the Almighty , the Lord with his wings does cover him , that violence may not be offered to him ; nay , he abides under this Shadow , so that he is safe at all times . He dwells in the Most High , and who then can reach him ? Nay , he dwells in the secret place of the most High , which shews how precious he is in Gods account , and how far out of harms way . Single David supposes an whole Host encamped against him , yet says , his heart shall not fear , Psal. 27. 3. and knowledge of his interest in God is the ground of his confidence ; vers. 1. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation , whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my Life , of whom shall I be afraid ?

7. Assurance of the love of God will make you very holy and heavenly . The Grace of God is but presumed upon and abused when'tis made an encouragement unto licentiousness . Hark to the Apostle , Rom. 6. 1 , 2. What shall we say then , shall we continue in Sin that grace may abound ? God forbid , how shall we that are dead to Sin , live any longer therein ? Those who know they are under Grace do most abhor the dominion of Sin , v. 14. they live most to God , and are most forward to be the Servants of Righteousness . The Conversation of such will be much in Heaven , Phil. 3. 20. The Heir in his minority does often think of the Estate he is to enjoy . Those who know they are the Children of God will often think of what they are to partake of hereafter : for they are Heirs of God and joint Hiers with Christ , they are begotten again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead , unto an inheritance incorruptible , undefiled , and that fadeth not away , 1 Pet. 1. 3 , 4. No contemplation will be so delightful to us , as that of Heaven , when once we know , that our Lord is gone to prepare a place for us , and will come again and receive us to himself , that where he is we may be for ever also .

8. Assurance of the love of God will make you to abound in praises . He has made you new creatures to this very end , that you should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light , 1 Pet. 2. 9. How does the Apostle Peter break out into thanksgiving upon this account , 1 Pet. 1. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again . The Apostle Paul speaks to the same purpose , Eph. 1. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ . He hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World , that we should be Holy , and without blame before him in Love : He hath predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children . He hath made us accepted in the beloved , in whom we have Redemption through his Blood , the Forgiveness of sins according to the Riches of his Grace . How much has the Lord wrought both in , and for those he has made Believers ! He has abounded towards them in Wisdom , in Grace , in Power , in Love ; Praise is a debt , Praise is expected ; and Praise is comely : Though all his Works praise the Lord , yet Saints look upon themselves as under a more special and peculiar obligation , to magnifie and blesse his Name .

9. Assurance of the Love of God , will make Afflictions tolerable , nay Death it self desirable . The bitterest Cup will down more easily when you see , t is reached forth to you by the hand of a Father . The curse of the Cross is gone , and it may be the better born , and the Sting of Death is taken out , and now Death and the Grave may be triumphed over . What was Death to old Simeon when his Eyes had seen Gods Salvation , it was but a peaceable departure out of a troublesome World , Luk. 1. 29. 30. What was Death to the Apostle Paul who knew , that assoon as ever he was absent from the Body he should be present with the Lord ? It was not dreadful , but desirable , Phil. 1. 23. I desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better . These are the Arguments ( and are they not strong ones ? ) to perswade you to labour after Assurance .

The Directions how to prove your selves , so as to attain this Assurance follow .

1. Set selves as in the presence of the All-Seeing and Heart searching God . Who knows you , who will judge you , and who alone can make you to know your selves . You cannot possibly deceive him , for every Creature is manifest in his sight , all things are naked and open to his veiw . Heb. 4. 13. Your Spirits will be apt both to trifle and to juggle , unlesse they are awed with a sence of the Lords Omniscience . Let Conscience in the searching of you act as Gods Officer , and as Gods Officer in Gods presence , and then it will deal the more faithfully .

2. Pray that your Spirits may give a true Testimony concerning you . And that they may do so ; you must be well acquainted with Scripture-signs and characters of true Grace , and then with great intention reflect upon your selves , to see whether you have the marks of Christs sheep upon you , whether you have the characters of Gods Children . A wrong judgment of your selves how extreamly prejudicial would it be to you : Adjure your Spirits therefore in the name of the Lord to tell you the very Truth ; and cry unto the Lord himself , that he would not suffer you to fancy or call your selves his Children , if you are really but hypocrites and strangers to him , that you may not cry peace and safety ; when God speaks just the contrary .

2. Be willing to find out every thing that s evil in you , in order to your more compleat purging . David prays , see if there be any evil way in me , and lead me in the way Everlasting , Psal. 139. 24. And Psal. 19. 12. He desires to be cleansed from secret sins , that nothing wicked might borrow the shape of lawful and good , and thereby abide in him .

The more corruption is found our and mortified , the more fruitful you will be , John 15. 2. Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it , may bring forth more fruit . And the more fruitful you are , the more evident it will be that you are really the living branches of the true Vine , which is Christ Jesus .

4. Pray hard , That if you have any Grace , the Lord would increase it , and bring it into exercise , that it may be the more apparent . Little Grace is nearest unto no Grace , much Grace is nearer unto Glory . When Grace lies dormant as it were and asleep in the Habit , it may be doubted of , but when 't is vigorously acted , the Truth of it will more easily be granted . Thus the Hare when she sits close is not perceived , but when she is started then she is visible to all . Pray therefore to resemble the Thessalonians whose Faith did grow exceedingly , and whose Love abounded . 2 Thes. 1. 3. And that your Faith may work , and your Love put you upon labour , this is the way to have your spiritual estate cleared up to you .

5. Find out and avoid what really nourishes and keeps up your Doubts and Fears . Entertain not high Thoughts of your selves , your gifts , your parts , your attainments ; for deadness , and darkness , and doubting will follow upon spiritual pride . Check the spirit in you which lusteth unto Envy , Jam. 4. 5. Abhor all lascivious thoughts and motions at the first rising of them . Let not any Earthly enjoyment get too high a room in your Heart , nor too large a share in your Affections . Suffer not your Spirits to be ruffled and disordered by passion and peevishness . In short connive at no corruption , but mortifie all your members upon Earth , Col. 3. 5. Not sparing the right Hand , or right Eye . For if you deal gently with any of your lusts , and suffer them ever an anon to prevail , they will render your condition doubtful , and will be a strong impediment unto Assurance and Consolation .

6. When you are proving your selves heed not Satan in his unreasonable injections . You need not doubt but this Accuser of the Brethren will be very busie , and use many wiles to hinder you from attaining peace of Conscience . The Christians comfort which is the Christians Heaven upon Earth , is the Hell and Torment of this envious Spirit ; therefore he does what he can to hinder it .

He starts a great many captious questions , in the minds of Humbled and Awakened ones . How do you know but that you are of the number of the not Elected ? Is not the day of Grace past , and the Spirit quite gone ? Are you not judicially blinded and hardened ? Can you ever hope for an interest in , and sense of the Love of God , who have been such rebels heretofore , and such revolters and back-slinders , since a profession of Religion ? Sometimes this Enemy of souls will charge those that are sincere with hypocrisie in a most peremptory manner ; he tells them that all their duties are a meer Abomination , that they have not one jot of saving Faith , that they are meer strangers unto godly sorrow and repentance ; that they have nothing at all of the Love of God in them . [ Calumniare audacter aliquid haerebit , ] Satan charges boldly , and thereby hopes something will stick , whereby the soul will be disquieted . But such injections as these are not to be regarded ; because they come from him that is called a Lyar ; and it may be known they proceed from him , because he proves not what he injects by Scripture ; nay he overlooks all that the Scripture speaks for the souls encouragement : And his design in these injections is to make duty neglected , to drive souls to despair ; and to lay aside the profession and practice of Religion . Be altogether deaf to Satan perceiving his evil design , and pray that the God of peace would bruise Satan under your feet , Rom. 16. 20.

7. Add not unto the Word of God , Prov. 30. 6. My meaning is this , believe nothing either for or against your selves but accoring to the written Word of God , rightly understood and applyed . Many question their state , because their Hearts are so dead in Prayer ; because they find so much hardness and unaffectedness under Ordinances , Mercies , Afflictions ; because they fall so exceeding short of what they would fain both be and do . But where does the Word tell you , that where there is true Grace all deadness and hardness of Heart is removed ? Or that none are real Saints but who are absolutely perfect in Holiness ? The Apostle Paul found evil present with him when about to do that which is good , Rom. 7. 21. And the beleiving Galatians , had flesh as well as spirit , and this flesh was very active , and lusted against the spirit so that they could not do the things which they would have done , Gal. 5. 17. You have spiritual life , else you would not have spiritual sense to feel and be weary of remainders of corruption ; you would not have a will to be , and do good ; and still to be and do better ; if God had not wrought will this in you .

8. Be sure not to thrust away that consolation , which the Word of God hands forth to you , but humbly and thankfully accept it . Though the Heart be naturally deceitful above all things , yet so far as 't is renewed it deals truly and sincerely , and Conscience being enlightned by the Word of God , is to be credittd in its Testimony , 1 Joh. 3. 21. Beloved if our Heart condemn us not , then have we confidence towards God . If therefore upon the strictest search your Hearts do witness for you that there are good things in you towards God , as it was said concerning Ahijah the Son of Jeroboam , 1 King . 14. 13. If you find that God is preferred before the World ; that you are willing to receive the Son as the way to the Father , and that you consent , nay earnestly desire to be sanctified throughout by the Spirit . You should not dispute against your comfort , but gladly accept of the peace of the Gospel , for you are the Sons of peace . You will grieve the Spirit of God , and add to your own grief , if you will not heed the Scripture speaking plainly for you , and for your relief , and if your Souls refuse to be comforted , Ps. 77. 2. Take heed of rash answers of your selves that you are rank Hypocrites , and that all the grace you have is but common or counterfeit ; unbeleif is not to decide , but the Word is to judge concerning the sincerity of Grace , and if the Word speak peace you are not to keep your selves under trouble .

9. Hold on in self-proving and praying , and resolve never to give over trying and crying tell you know you are the Lords , and have the light of his Countenance . Tell him that his favour is better then life : and that you know not how to live , much less do you know how to dye , without the sence of his Love .

Be thankful for hopes and probabilities , but rest not there , till you can speak as the Spouse in the Canticles , Chap. 6. 4. I am my Beloveds and my Beloved is mine , And as the Apostle Paul does , Gal. 2. 20. The Son of God loved me , and gave himself for me . Beg that the Spirit may put all out of question , and seal you to the day of Redemption . The Spirits Testimony is of absolute necessity , to bring us to an Assurance that we are the Children of God . Now this Testimony of the Spirit supposes that we are convinced of Sin and Righteousness ; it also supposes , that we are sanctified in Heart and Life , in a degree ; and long for perfect Holiness . The Spirit then heightens the actings of Grace , and evidences the Change he has wrought , and makes us plainly to perceive , and feel that we hate our sin , prize our Redeemer , and Love , and Fear , and Desire after our God : And this real change in our Heart being evidenced , then our relation unto God is also shewn ; that we are the Children and Heirs of the Lord Almighty , that his love to us is Everlasting , and his kindness shall never depart from us . Satans mouth is now stopt , and the Spirit causes the Conscience from the Word to be quieted and satisfied ; clouds are scattered , doubts and fears are removed , consolation is strong , and joy unspeakable and glorious . Thanks ! millions of Thanks be unto God , for the Mighty Comforter ! Who gives a check to Hell , and says , Let their be Light and Joy , where before there was darkness and doubtting , and sorrow : Who evidences Electing Love from Everlasting , and causes Triumph and Rapture of Spirit , in assured expectation of glory to Everlasting !

10. Let me add one Word more , having attained Assurance of the Love of God , Take the right course to keep what you have gotten .

Here I shall name a few particulars .

1. Be low in your own Thoughts , if you continue humble , God will continue to re vive and comfort you , Esa. 57. 15.

2. Offer unto your God and Father Thanksgiving . If you are thankful for the light of his countenance , that s the way to have his face still to shine upon you .

3. Take heed of presumptuous sins , David lost his joy when he ventured to be unclean and bloody , nay take heed of lesser sins , for these will dead the Heart , grieve the Holy Ghost , and dispose to greater .

4. Be very serious in the Ordinances of Christ ; if the House , if the Table of the Lord be neglected , you will kill your comfort ; frequent the Lords Temple , if you would see his Beauty , that is , his glorious holiness , and have a continued sense of his Love , Ps. 27. 4.

5. Study the unchangeableness of Gods Love in Christ , and the sureness of his Covenant : This will be matter of perpetual gladness , to see your selves in the Heart , and hands of the Father , and of Christ ; from whose love none can separate you , Rom. 8. ult. out of whose hands none can pluck you , Joh. 10. 28 , 29.

6. Walk continually in the fear of God . This is the way to have the Spirits Consolations , Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout Judea , and Samaria , and Gallilee , and were edified , and walking in the Fear of God and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost , were multiplyed .

7. Use this World as not abusing it , 1 Cor. 7. 31. If you are too much taken with worldly comforts , your spiritual ones will abate ; but if in reference to earthly things you rejoice as if you rejoyced not , your joy in the Lord will be the greater . Look upon your selves as strangers , and that this present World is but the House of your Pilgrimage , then Gods statutes will be your Songs , and fill you with the greater joy , Psal. 119. 54.

8. Husband your time to the best advantage , and have the end of time in your eye , Dye daily , 1 Cor. 15. 31. If you think much of your dissolution , it will make you so wise as to keep your Evidence for Heaven clear , and to take heed of blotting them , that you may have them to shew when stepping into Eternity .

In the second place , I am to direct you how to prove your selves before you engage in that Ordinance of the Lords Supper .

To come to the Lords Table is a duty which Christ commanded when he was dying . And if the words of a Dying Father , or of adying Friend , are remarked and remembred , how much more the command of a dying Redeemer ! The circumstance of time is very observable , which the Apostle mentions , 1 Cor. 11. 23 , 24. The same night in which he was betrayed the Lord Jesus took the Bread and break it , to set forth his own being bruised and wounded , killed for the Transgressions of his People . He bids his Church Do this that they might remember what He their Head had suffered for them . When the Pass-over was instituted , and was eaten at Evening , and the Children of Israel were brought out of the Land of Aegypt , out of the House of Bondage . Moses says , It was a Night much to be observed unto the Lord , Exod. 12. 42. Oh! How much more is that time to be observed when Our Lord Jesus wrought a far greater and more glori-Redemption and Deliverance , when being himself delivered for our offences and raised again for our Justification , he saved his Church from the Wrath of God , the Devils power , the Dominion of sin , the sting of Death , and the vengeance of Eternal Fire . Upon the first day of the week Christ ceased from his own works , as God did from his , upon the seventh day of the week : There remaineth therefore ( the Greek Word is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Sabbath or rest unto the People of God , Heb. 4. 9 , 10.

This Ordinance of the Supper is in no wise to be Administred unto all , though they be never so ungodly . We are indeed to Preach the Gospel to every Creature , but there must be at least a professed subjection to the Gospel ; or else persons are not to be admitted to this Holy and Heavenly Banquet . Those who are for Railing in the Communion Table , I wish they were for a Spiritual Rail of Scripture Discipline ; and that in the Administration of these sacred . Mysteries , there were a separation made between the Precious and the Vile . In the more pure and ancient times , two sorts of Persons were debarred from the Lords Table , the Catechumeni and the Lapsi , the ignorant and not well instructed in the Faith ; and those who had fallen into scandalous sins . And why should either of these be admitted now , to eat and drink Judgment to themselves ?

To prevent the incurring of the guilt instead of receiving the benefits of the Blood of Christ , the Apostle prescribes self-examination .

Now , That he who would be a welcom Guest at the Lords Table , may prove himself thorowly and to purpose ; let him seriously and as in the Presence of God propose unto himself these following Questions .

1. Am I acquainted with or a stranger to the great things of the Gospel ? Do I know the Mystery of God , and of the Father and of christ ? Or is the black vail of ignorance still upon my Heart ? The Apostle speaks of some who have need to be taught which are the first principles of the Oracles of God , Heb. 5. 12. And am not I one of that number ? How can I pretend to Faith in Christ or Love to God , if I have not so much as a notional knowledge of either ? The Communicant must have some Knowledge of the fundamental Doctrines of the Christian Faith . Here for his better Information I shall lay down Ten Principles , which 't is highly requisite he should be acquainted with .

1. The Communicant must know , That there is a God who is from Everlasting to Everlasting and every where present , a Spirit of incomprehensible Wisdom , Power , Righteousness and Goodness , the Maker and Governour of Heaven and Earth , and all the creatures which are therein , Heb. 11. Psal. 90. 1. Jer. 13. 23. Joh. 4. 24. Rom. 16. ult. Ps. 147. 5. Psal. 116. 5. Gen. 2. 1. Dan. 4. 34 , 35.

2. This God is but One , and yet he is distinguished into the Father , the Son , and the Holy Ghost , which have the same Godhead , Power , and Eternity , 1 Joh. 5. 7. Matth. 28. 19. 1 Joh. 5. 20. Heb. 9. 14. Act. 5. 4. This Doctrine of the Trinity is revealed , that we may have right conceptions of the True God when we Worship him . Excellent is that passage of Nazianzen , Orat. 40. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , I am not able to understand One , but I am presently struck with the brightness of Three : I am not able to distinguish Three , but I am presently brought back to One again . We are also further to take notice how all these Three Persons in the glorious Godhead do concur in that great Salvation , which is brought to light and offered in the Gospel . The Father sends the Son to become Man and Mans Saviour ; the Son is made Flesh , and puts away sin by the Sacrifice of himself . The Spirit is sent to convince men of sin , and of their need of this Saviour , and to draw them to him , that beleiving in him they may not perish but have Everlasting Life .

3. The Communicant must know ; That Man was at first made upright . The first Man Adam had his Makers Image when first he was made , which Image did consist in Knowledge , Righteousness , and Holiness , and in having Dominion over the Creatures . A Covenant was made with Adam of Life and Immortality , upon condition of perfect Obeaience , which then he had Power if he would to yeild ; and he was threatned with Death if he did Eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil , Eccles. 7. ult. Gen. 1. 26. Ephes. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Rom. 10. 5. Gen. 2. 17.

4. The first man Adam being a publick person , and representing his whole Posterity , did sin against God in Eating the forbidden Fruit ; and all his posterity , ( Immanuel excepted , who being conceived by the Holy Ghost was Born of a Virgin ) sinned in him , and are Fallen short of the Glory of God , so that all are Born the Children of Wrath , all have corrupted Natures , so that they are Reprobate to every thing that is Good , and strongly inclined unto Evil , in Thought , Word , and Deed , and every sin being a Transgression of the Holy Law of the great God , the Desert and Wages of it is no less then Death and Hell . Rom. 5. 14. Gen. 3. 6. Rom. 5. 12. Rom. 3. 23. Luke 1. 35. Ephes. 2. 3. Gen. 6. 5. 1 Joh. 3. 4. Rom. 6. ult.

5. Jesus Christ the Eternal Son of God did take mans Nature upon him , but was perfectly free from Sin ; and suffered in that Nature becoming Obedient unto Death , even the Death of the Cross , and his Blood is sufficient being the Blood of him that is God and Man , to cleanse from sin , and to make peace , and he is able to save unto the utter most all that come unto God by him , neither is there Salvation in any other , Heb. 2. 16. Phil. 2. 6 , 7 , 8. Act. 20. 28. 1 Joh. 1. 7. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 7. 25. Acts 4. 12.

6. The Communicant must know , That Christ after his Death and Eurial , did rise again the third day , which shewed that the price he paid for his Churches Redemption was sufficient ; and having Forty days conversed upon Earth , with his Disciples , and been seen of several other Witnesses , even Five Hundred Brethren at once , at length he did Ascend into Heaven , and is at the Right Hand of God , to make Intercession for them that Beleive in him ; and from Heaven where he now is , He shall be at last revealed with Power and great Glory , to Judge the World in Righteousness , Rom. 4. ult. 1 Cor. 15. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Luk. 24. 51. Rom. 8. 34. 2 Thess. 1. 7. Matth. 25. 31. Acts 17. 31.

7. Christ has three Offices Prophetical , Preistly , and Kingly ; As a Prophet he does Teach his Church ; and who teacheth like him ? As a Preist he has made satisfaction , and does intercede for them : And as a King he does Govern and Defend them . And this Church of his are Called , Justified , Sanctified , and shall be Saved : And though Earth and Hell hate them , yet there shall be somewhere or other , a Church of Christ always unto the end of the World . Acts 3. 22. Heb. 4. 14. Heb. 10. 14. Rev. 19. 16. Ps. 3. ult. Rom. 8. 30. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Matth. 28. ult.

8. The Communicant must know , That the Holy Ghost did move and inspire the Penman of the Holy Scripture , so that 't is of Divine Authority , and contanis all things needful to be known , beleived , and done ; in order to Salvation : The Books of the Old and New Testament are to be received as the Word of God . Those therefore that lived under the Old Testament had some Knowledge of Christ and the Gospel ; and were saved no other way but by him : But under the New Testament , Christ and the things of our peace are much more fully revealed , 2 Pet. 1. ult. 2 Tim. 3. 16. Ps. 19. 7. 2 Tim. 3. 17. Eph. 2. 20. Acts 26. 22 , 23. Matth. 13. 17. 2 Cor. 3. 18.

9. There is a New Covenant which God has made with his people who Repent and Beleive , into which Covenant he has also taken their Infant Seed , and therein he has promised to be their God , to pardon Sin , to give Grace ; after Death to raise them up at the Last day ; and to bestow upon them Life Everlasting , and this Covenant as it was under the Old Testament confirmed by Circumcision and the Passover , so under the New , 't is confirmed by Baptism and the Lords Supper , which two Sacraments are the Seals of it , Heb. 8. 8. 10. 12. Acts 3. 19. Acts 16. 31. Acts 2. 39. Joh. 6. 39. 40. Rom. 6. ult. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 5. 7. Matth. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 24 , 25. 1 Cor. 10. 16.

10. The Communicant must know , That the Law of God is not Abolished but Established by Faith as a Rule of Righteousness for Christians to walk by . And sincere Obedience to the Law and Gospel through Christ shall be Accepted and Rewarded ; but those who live and dye Vnbeleiving , Impenitent , and Disobedient , shall suffer the Vengeance of Eternal Fire ; and their Condemnation will be sorest , who have been often offered , but have neglected great Salvation , Rom. 3. ult. 1 Joh. 2. 1. 1 Cor. 15. 58. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 2 Thess. 1. 8. 9. Heb. 2. 3.

These are the Ten Principles of the Christian Religion which the Communicant is to Catechize himself about . There must be Light in the Head , that is of absolute necessity , though it be not sufficient ; for there must be also Grace in the Heart , to qualifie a man for the Lords Supper .

2. The Communicant should further examine and ask himself this question . Do I apprehend the danger of unworthy Receiving ? Is not the guilt of Blood heavy ? And what is it then to be guilty of the Blood of God ? But if I Eat and Drink unworthily I am guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord , 1 Cor. 11. 27. What a fearful thing is it to Crucifie the Son of God afresh ? To trample him under Foot , and to esteem his Blood a common and an unholy thing ? My Heart rises against the Jews because they Mocked , Scourged , Buffeted , Crucified the Lord of Life and Glory ; but this they did in his Humiliation here upon Earth . And shall I dare to put an affront upon him , now he is at the right Hand of the Almighty Majesty on High ? If I Eat and Drink unworthily I pull the Blood of Christ upon my Head instead of having my sin pardoned , and my Heart cleansed and sanctified by it , and I Eat and Drink my own damnation .

3. Another question the Communicant should propound to himself is this ; Have I a right conception of Gospel Worthiness ? The Worthiness spoken of in the Gospel , does not imply any Merit or Desert , for Christ the Son is given out of the Transcendent Love of God , and with him freely all things , Rom. 8. 32. The Patriarch Jacob Acknowledged he could not lay claim to the least of all Mercies , as a due debt . Our daily Bread is a Gift , and how much more the Bread of Life ? Worthiness therefore is as much as being disposed and made meet to Receive what the Lord in the Supper is willing to bestow . When we are sensible of our own unworthiness , and guilt , and vileness , then we are made meet to be accepted ; looking unto the Beloved , and to be Justified by his Meritorious Righteousness : When we are sensible how weak and empty and distempered our Hearts are , then we are Worthy , that is to say , made meet to be strengthened and filled , and healed by the great Physitian of Souls , in whom it hath pleased the Father all fulness should dwell .

4. The Communicant should ask himself . Do I look upon admission to the Table of the Lord as a mighty priviledge ? He was no less then a King of Israel , who thought it a great favour to be a doorkeeper in the House of God , and what is it then to be a welcom guest at his Table ? What is it to be brought into his Banquetting House where the Banner over his People is love , Cant. 2. 4. Our Lord in this Ordinance deals forth Light and Grace , and Comfort bountifully . Here Tears have been dried up , fainting Souls have been revived , and Faith ready to fail hath been strengthned , and languishing Hope hath been made lively . The Blood of Jesus Christ being applied , has proved a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 medicine for every malady , and hath sent away the sin distressed Soul , both clean and calm , both pure and also peaceable . Is it not a mighty advantage , and an Heart effecting and endearing sight , to see the Blood and the Love of Christ streaming forth together ? Here is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Love that passeth knowledge , Eph. 3. 19. Oh with what confidence may humble and hungry souls go to this Jesus who is so full of Love , and so full of all besides which they Hunger after , he would have none to content themselves with a little ; but his language is , Eat O Friends , Drink yea , Drink abundantly O Beloved . Cant. 5. 1.

5. The Communicant should ask himself , Do I know what it is to discern the Lords Body ? 1 Cor. 11. 29. My bodily Eye beholds the Sacramental Bread and Wine , but have I an Eye to behold something further and better ? If the Israelites in the Wilderness , did behold an Healer and a Saviour when Moses lifted up the Brazen Serpent ; if the Beleivers under the Old Testament , did see a Messiah in the legal sacrifices ; though as yet he was not manifested in the Flesh ; surely since the Son of God is come , and has been actually offered up to bear the sins of many ; shall I not behold this Jesus in the Bread and Wine broken and poured out ; where he is so evidently set forth as Crucified ?

What is it to discern the Lords Body ? Verily 't is to look beyond the outward Elements to the Body and Blood of Christ which thereby are represented ; and to relye upon that very Jesus who was Crucified without the Gates at Jerusalem , for the Pardon and Mortification of our iniquities in particular ; and that our wants of Grace and Strength , and Comfort , may be supplyed out of his superabundant fulness . Moreover the Beleiver should grow confident , and be perswaded , that as really as the Bread and Wine are given him ; so really Christ bestowes himself , and his benefits upon him , in this Blessed Ordinance . Hark to the Apostle , 1 Cor. 10. 16 , The cup of Blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ ? The Bread which we brake , is it not the communion of the Body of Christ ? The Communicant should ask himself , Do I see my self lost in my self , and do I perceive 't is in vain to hope for Redemption any other way but by the Lord Jesus ? The Apostle has a notable expression when he speaks of being shut up unto Faith , Gal. 3. 23. Intimating that all other doors are shut against the Sinner ; only the door of Faith in Jesus Christ is open . We cannot reasonably hope for the Forgiveness of sin , or Justification before God any other way but by him , who is sufficient to be a propitiation for the sins of the whole World . There were multitudes of sacrifices under the old Law , which were appointed by the Lord him self : and yet the sins of the Sacrificers could be done away by none of them : The Apostle tells us plainly , that 't is impossible the Blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sin , Heb. 10. 4. And if the sacrifices that were of Divine institution could not do it ; surely those of humane invention could do it lesse , though never so costly , though we should give our first Born for our Transgression , the Fruit of our Body for the sin of our Soul , Mic. 6. 7.

No active Obedience that we can yeild , can justifie us before God , for the Apostle peremptorily asserts that there is no Law given , which can give Life unto him that obeys it , Gal. 3. 21. Nay further our greatest sufferings for Righteousness sake , are insufficient to be our justifying Righteousness . Therefore those who come out of great Tribulation , are said to have washed their Robes , not in their own Blood , though that was spilt for the Word of God , and the Testimony of Jesus Christ , but in the Blood of the Lamb , Rev. 7. 14.

7. The Communicant should examine and ask himself , Am I perswaded that Jesus who dyed upon the Cross , is able to save to the uttermost and willing to save all that come to him ? Jesus is the man who is Gods Fellow , he thought it no Robbery to be equal with God , Psal. 2. 6. He is indeed the true God and Eternal Life , 1 John 5. 20. Certainly then Help is laid upon One that is mighty and that has sufficient power to save . Jesus is he who was fore-ordained before the Foundation of the World , 1 Pet. 1. 20. And pitcht upon in Gods purpose and decree to be the Redeemer of lost Man , and at last he was made manifest ; having been Typified and Beleived in long before . He undertook to be Mans Surety , and to pay the price for his Redemption . And just when he was dying he cryes out 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , It is finished , and then gave up the Ghost , John 19. 30. As if he had said , I undertook to satisfie Divine Justice that had been wronged , and to appease the Anger of God which had been provoked by the sin of man ; I undertook to remove the Curse of the Law , to conquer and Redeem from Death and Hell ; and quite to spoil the Principalities and Powers of Darkness , I undertook to Ransom precious Souls that were lost ; and Purchase a Church , that may come at last to live with me and my Father , and shout forth Hallelujahs unto Him that sits upon the Throne , and unto the Lamb forever ! And this great work which I undertook I have now finished .

Doubtlesse the Lord Jesus is able to save , and his willingness he declares abundantly . The Communicant should thus argue with himself . O! My soul ! Is not Jesus a Merciful High Preist as well as a Mighty Saviour ? Behold him Weeping over Jerusalem , the Inhabitants whereof were Enemies to him , and would not be gathered : And wishing they had known the things of their Peace ; and will he not with Joy receive those that come to him , and put their Trust under the shaddow of his Wings ? Hark does he not say , I will give rest to the weary and heavy laden ? Does he not assure thee , that those that come to him , he will in no wise cast out ? What though thou art utterly unworthy ; Christ saves none but such , for 't is his design that they may cry , Grace , Grace , forevermore .

8. The Communicant should ask himself , Do I look upon the New Testament and Covenant , whereof Jesus is the Mediator as sure and Everlasting ? David speaks excellently concerning this , 2 sam. 23. 5. God hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure ; this is all my Salvation and all my desire . This Covenant is ordered in all things , because the Promises of it are so admirably suited unto the necessities of poor sinners . The Lord here Promises Mercy to the Miserable ; Pardon to the Guilty ; Cleansing to the Defiled ; Healing to the Distempered Soul ; Liberty to the Captives ; Light to the Blind ; Rest to the Weary ; Satisfaction to Empty ; Strength to the Weak ; Establishment to the Wavering ; and Salvation to the Lost : And because all things else are insufficient to make them happy , the Lord Promises that he himself will be their God , their Father , their Portion , and that forever and ever . And what more can be desired ? Now this Covenant is as sure as the Word , the Oath , the Seal , the Truth , the Power , the Love , the Blood of God can make it .

This Covenant is sometimes styled a Testament , and in this Testament Christ has bequeathed the greatest things unto Beleivers , here we find the richest Legacies that ever were left . The favour of God , the Sanctifying Spirit , a New Heart , Peace of Conscience , Joy unspeakable , the good things of this present World , Grace to persevere to the end , and a farr more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory hereafter , are the things bequeathed by our dying Lord . And the Testatour having dyed , the Testament is of force , and stands firm and fast forever , Heb. 9. 15 , 16 , 17. O my Soul ! should the Communicant then say , Set thy self to Study the Covenant of thy Lord . Consider how great things are made over , and how firm the settlement is ! Be pacified , O! My conscience with the promises of Pordon . Embrace O my very Heart , the Promises of purity , that by these I may be made a partaker of the Divine Nature , and escape the Corruption that is in the World through lust : Rejoice , O! My Soul , in this highest Happiness that God in Christ is Thine ! And Triumph , O! My Spirit in hope of that Glory that most certainly and very shortly is to be Revealed !

9. The Communicant should examine and ask himself . Am I willing to break the League Eternally between my Heart and my Lusts ? Do I consent to have all the deeds of the Body mortified without exception ? Under the Law the Inticerto Idolatry was to be destroyed how neer soever . If thy Brother or thy Son , or Daughter or the Wife of thy Bosom , or thy Friend which is as thy own Soul , intice thee secretly , saying , Let us go after other Gods and serve them , thou shalt not consent nor hearken to him , but thou shalt surely kill him , thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to Death , and after the Hand of all his People , Deut. 13. 6. 8 , 9. And the reason is assigned , v. 10. Because he sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God . There is never a sin or lust which thou canst indulge , but the tendency of it is to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God . No sin therefore upon any account is to be spared . Search thy self therefore for corruption is a lurking thing . Unfeignedly desire to have all this old Leaven purged out , that thou mayst be fit to feed on Christ the Passeover .

Speak thus : O! My Heart ! At last lay aside thy deceitful dealing , and tell me truly as thou wilt answer it another day , whether love to sin is turned into hatred ? Dost thou give consent that thy pride , thy passion , thy unclean affections , thy love of the World , and all other sins should be Crucified ? Dost thou slight sinful delights , that thou mayest taste the pleasantness and peace , which is in Wisdoms wayes ? Dost thou esteem Godliness to be greater gain ; then any wickedness can yeild ? Oh! cherish none of thy iniquities , for one sin allowed , will make the Supper , and all other Ordinances ineffectual to Salvation , and prove thy utter and Eternal Ruine . Just as one Dagger thrust into the Heart , will dispatch a man as certainly , as if he had as many wounds given him as Caesar in the Senate , or Attilius Regulus in the nailed Barrel .

10. The Communicant should ask himself , Have I a Spiritual Appetite , do I hunger and thirst after Righteousness ? Mat. 5. 6. Do I count Holiness the Glory of God , and the truest Glory of Man ? Do I see a deformity in wickedness , and an excellency in being Righteous ? Do I desire to put on the Lord Jesus Christ , and that New man which after God is created in Righteousness , and true Holiness ? Eph. 4. 24. Are my prejudice against Holiness removed , as if ' iwere unwise , uneasie , needless , and a thraldom to be Holy ? O my Soul , what doest thou long for , when thou comest unto thy Lords Banquet ? Is it not that thy Faith may be strengthened ? that thy love to God may be more hot and flaming ? Is it not that thy fear may be greater , and more filial ? and that thou mayest be inabled to follow thy heavenly Father more fully as a dear Child ? Is not sanctifying Grace preferred before Gold that perishes ? dost thou not long that the new Creature may be more lively in all the actings of it ? and that thou mayest become stronger in Spirit . If it be thus , it is a sign thy Spiritual Appetite is sharp and keen ; and as the Supper is an ordinance proper and suitable to thee ; so there is enough , and enough to fill thee , and thou shalt not be sent away empty for the promise is open thy Mouth wide , and I will All it . Psal. 82. 10.

11. The Communicant should examine and ask himself . Do I count the World but loss that I may gain Christ , ? Has he the preeminence in my affections above all things visible , above all persons breathing ? Where Faith is true , Christ is precious , 1 Pet. 2. 7. And Christ is not truly prized at all , unless he be prized above all . The young man in the Gospel lacked one thing , and that was the main ; Love to Christ above his possessions . Those were not fit to taste of the Marriage Supper , who preferred their Oxen and their Farms , and their Merchandize before it . Mat. 22. Our Lord expresly requires us to undervalue what is dearest in this World in comparison of him . Luk. 14. 26. If any man come to me and hate not i. e. less Love , his Father and Mother , and Wife , and Children , and Brethren , and Sisters , yea , and his own life also , and what can be named dearer ? he cannot be my Disciple .

Speak therefore thus to thy self . O my Soul ! has thy Saviour and Lord indeed the highest room in thee ? Corruptible things as Silver and Gold are unsuitable to thy nature , which is spiritual ; and were insufficient to be the price for thy Redemption . The world has often proved a snare to thee , but Christ is a Saviour ; the World is vanity , and less then nothing , but Christ is all in all : the World has often disappointed and vexed thee ; but Christ can ease and satiate and replenish thee . The World , after thou hadst ruined thy self ? was ready to help forward thy destruction . But Christ has the key of Hell , and can keep thee out of it ; and the key of Heaven , and can give thee an abundant entrance into that everlasting Kingdom . If Christ can do more then the World can ; nay if Christ can do all for a Soul , and the world can do just nothing at all : 't is but reason that Christ should infinitely be preferr'd before it .

12. The Communicant should ask himself . Am I reconciled to the Commands of God ? Am I willing that my Heart should be Tables for the Spirit to write his Laws upon ? that I may delight to do the will of God . Do I esteem not only some but all the Lords precepts , concerning , not only somethings , but concerning all things to be right ? and do I hate every false way ? Ps. 119. 128. O my Soul speak , Art thou irritated by the Law of God as formerly ? are the motions to sin stronger and more vehement because the law forbids Sin ? Or is the Law of God dear to thee ? and art thou ready to say at the hearing of every Command , Oh that my wayes were directed that I might keep this Statute ? The stronger Grace is , the commands of God are farther off from being grievous . You may perceive how David was affected towards them , when he said Psal. 19. 10. More are they to be desired then Gold , yea then much fine Gold . sweeter also then Honey , and the droppings of the Honeycomb . And where Grace is weak , though there be an untoward backwardness remaining to yield obedience to the Law : that backwardness is lamented , and a Burthen , and the heart longs to be enlarged , that it may run the wayes of Gods Commandments , Psal. 119. 32.

13. The Communicant should examine himself . Am I willing to receive whatever Christ has purchased , and is willing to give in this ordinance of the Supper ? Is every benefit of Christ lookt upon as worthy of all acceptation ? All the benefits of Christ are dear ; surely all of them are of great value . And there is not one of them that we can be well without , for these benefits are excellently suited unto our necessities . O my Soul ! should the Communicant say , thou likest the Lord Jesus as he is made unto thee Righteousness , as he skreens thee from the Wrath of God , and interposes between thee and everlasting vengeance ; But dost thou see thy need of his Wisdom to direct thee in the way of Truth , and to make all the wiles of the subtle Serpent of none effect ? And to make thee wise to Salvation , and for Eternity ? Dost thou value Chrict as made Sanctification and Redemption ? 1 Cor. 1. 30. Dost thou count deliverance from all Iniquity a great and desirable part of Redemption ? and Sanctification a great and desirable part of Salvation , because hereby thou art saved from thy pollutions and defilements ? Certainly as there is no sin which should be loved , so there is nothing in sin to be liked ; and there is no thing in Christ but what is highly worthy to be esteemed .

14. The Communicant should examine and ask himself . Am I grieved when I remember what I have done against God and the Lord Jesus ? Is it indeed the trouble and Affliction of my Soul , that I have so naturally and forwardly , and so long rebelled against the best Lord ; and been disobedient to the best Father ? Do I mourn and would I mourn a great deal more because I have dared the power of God , slighted his presence , contemned his favour and fellowship ; hated his holiness , abused the riches of his Grace and Mercy ? O my Soul how foolish and unwise hast thou been thus to requite the Lord that made and bought thee . How great an evil has it been in it self , and how evil has it been for thee , that thou hast forsaken the Fountain of Living waters ? Mourn that thou hast left such a God , and mourn the more kindly because still he is willing to receive thee . See O My Soul , how thy sin has peirced the only Saviour . Behold him in an Agony , behold him sweating drops of Blood first ; and after shedding all upon the Cross : See a sorrowful Life ending in a Death more lamentable . Harken to thy Redeemer , crying out , My God my God , Why hast thou forsaken me . Behold the son of Righteousness setting in a Cloud , and sin , thy sin the cause of all this . Break , break hard Heart ! Let his Blood and Love together melt thee into Godly sorrow .

15. The Communicant should Examine himself , Am I willing to give to Christ whatever he is willing to have ? Can I lay all that I have and my self too at his feet ? And not complement or dissemble with him , when I say , I and all is at his service ? Do I yeild my whole Heart , my whole Man unto my Lord without any reserve ? As Christ gave himself for me , and gave himself to me , so am I perswaded that I cannot dispose of my self better or so well , as to give up my self to Him ? O My Soul is any thing too much , too good , or good enough for Jesus ? Behold God in the Flesh , in the Manger , upon the Cross , and in the Grave , and if he condescendded , obeyed , and suffered , and purchased so much for thee , O Be perfect and intire in the resignation of thy self to him . Thou readest of a Nonsuch Convert , 2 King . 23. 25. And that was Josiah . Like unto him there was no King before him , that turned unto the Lord with all his heart and with all his Soul , and with all his might , neither after him arose there any like him . Surely 't is thy duty and Interest to write after this excellent pattern .

16. The Communicant should ask himself . Am I desirous to be faithful in Gods Covenant to the last Breath ? Do I count I obtain great mercy when I am made thus faithful ? Have I counted the cost of being a Disciple ? And is my love of the Lord and of Godliness greater then my fear of persecution ? Do I distrust my corrupt and timerous Nature , and beg that my Lords Grace may be sufficient ? Look , O My Soul as thy Head did unto the Joy that is set before thee , and start not at the Cross which is the way to the Crown . Persecution will sit thee for Heaven , & may speed thee thither . Fear not men since the worst is the best they can do ; that is , set thee by Death out of their reach , and send thee to thy Fathers house and bosom . Faint not at Troubles , for these light afflictions which are but for a moment do work for persevering Saints a far more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory , 2 Cor. 4. 17.

17. The Communicant should Examine himself , Am I taught of God to love my Brethren ? 1 Thess. 4. 9. Bitterness and Wrath and Anger and all kinde of Malice is leaven that is to be purged out . All that come to the Table should put on as the Elect of God Holy and Beloved , Bowels of Mercies , Kindness , Humbleness of mind , Meekness , Long-Suffering : Forbearing one another , and Forgiving one another ; if any man have a quarrel against any , as Christ forgave them , so also should they do : And above all these things , they should put on Charity which is the Bond of Perfectness , and the Peace of God should rule in their Hearts whereunto they are also called in one Body , Col. 3. 12 , 13 , 14. 15. As there is a representation of the Body of Christ in this Ordinance of the Supper , so there is some signification of the Love and Unity that ought to be in the Body Mystical , that is to say , the Church of Christ , the Apostles Words are plain , 1 Cor. 10. 17. For we being many are one Bread and one Body , for we are all partakers of that one Bread .

You see how you are to prove your selves , and what questions to propound to your own souls , before you come to the Lords Table . And if your Consciences can answer for you before God in the affirmative unto such questions as these : You may without presumption conclude that you are the Children of God , that you have a right to come to your Fathers Table , and that the Bread of Life belongs to you .

In the Third place , I am to direct you how you may prove and call your selves to an account every day , that you may walk with the greater circumspection .

The God of Heaven is the Lord of Time , he observes how our Time is husbanded whether well or ill ; and he can put a period to it when he pleases . And if we did seriously observe what fills up our time , so many days would not be spent and lost in sin and vanity . It was an Heathen who said , he had lost a day , when a day passed without doing of good ; which shews he used to reflect upon the actions of every day , whether they were Good or Evil. I would advise you much to observe your selves . Never any more spend a day as if you were never to account for that day , but remember what the Apostle Paul says , Eph. 5. 16. See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise Redeeming the Time . And the Apostle Peter gives the like charge , 1 Pet. 1. 17. Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear .

Towards the Evening of the day , it will not be amiss to retire , and laying aside other business to converse with thy self , and ask thy self these or such like questions .

1. Did I wake with God in the Morning , and in his strength resolve to walk with God all this day long ? Every one of us should resemble David , who said , How precious are thy thoughts unto me O God! When I awake I am still with thee , Psal. 139. 17 , 18. The first Fruits of our Thoughts should be offered up unto God ; and if the first Fruit be Holy , all the rest of our Thoughts are the more likely to be free from wickedness and vanity . And as the soul should be lifted up to the Lord at the very first unlocking of the senses ; so there should be a resolving and forecasting how to please and glorifie him . Every day we live , the main end of our living should be minded ; and that is to honour that God who is our Maker , Benefactour , Saviour , for off him and through him , and to him are all things , and to him belongs the Glory for ever , Rom. 11. ult.

2. Ask thy self , Did I willingly leave my Bed that I might go to Prayer and search the Word of God ? And did I long for and enjoy Communion with God in these duties ? Many will leave their Beds most readily , when they are to go a pleasant Journey ; or when they hope to drive on an advantagious bargain ; or when they are to put on their finest Clothes . But how few do shake off sleep in a morning , that they may go to the Throne of Grace , where the truest , both pleasure and profit is to be found . David lookt up to Heaven , assoon as his Eyes were open , Psal. 5. 3. My Voice shalt thou hear in the morning , O Lord in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee , and will look up . Nay he says , Psal. 119. 147. I prevented the dawning of the Morning , and cryed , I hoped in thy Word . Early Prayer and Searching of the Scripture is the way to obtain a blessing at the beginning of the day , the influence of which may be perceived all the day after . Communion with God in the morning may knit the Heart so fast to him as that no Temptation may be able to draw it away from him afterwards .

It was a pretty passage of Herbert . Who read a Chapter when they rise , Shall ne're be troubled with ill Eyes .

Indeed Prayer and looking seriously into the Word of God at first , is the way to keep Eyes and Heart , and Hands and Tongue , and feet , and all in order .

3. Ask thy self , Have I walked within my House with a perfect Heart ? Praying with them , Edifying of them , and giving no occasion of offence and stumbling to them ? There will be the practise of Godliness in the House , where there is really the power of Godliness in the Heart . Every Christian Family should be like Philemons , a Church , Philem. 2. 3. To the Church in thy House , Grace and Peace from God our Father , and the Lord Jesus Christ . A Church implies a joyning together in that Worship and Service which God has commanded . Christian Families being Churches there ought to be an assembling of the Family together to pour out joynt Prayers unto God . I and my House we will serve the Lord , says good old Joshua , Josh. 24. 15. I know Abraham , says God , that he will command his Children , and his Houshold after him , and they shall keep the way of the Lord , Gen. 18. 19. Family Prayer is enjoyned in the Lords Prayer ; Give us this day our daily Bread , shews plainly that those who ordinarily and daily eat together , ought ordinarily and daily to pray together . The Master of a Family has a great trust committed to him , even all the Souls under his roof , and therefore by Praying with them and for them , by reading of the Holy Scripture , by Counsel and Instruction , and by an Holy and excellent example he should endeavour to be beneficial to them , and all the members of the Family should do the duties of their place and relation .

4. Ask thy self , Have I kept my Heart this day with all diligence ? The wise man gives that precept , Prov. 4. 23. Keep thy Heart with all diligence : And every one that is wise will follow it . The Heart is to be kept for God and Christ ; there should be a most joyful consent , that the Father and the Son should make their abode there : That the Word of God should be hid there . And the Heart should be kept from Sin and Satan , and this present evil World . Keep thy Heart , for without diligent keeping it will be like the sluggards Field , nothing but what is stinking and noysom will grow in it . Examine , Have the Thoughts of thy Heart been Holy ? Has God been frequently , awfully , and delightfully thought on ? Have thy Affections been Spiritual , and most strongly inclined and carried forth , after Heavenly and Spiritual things ? Has Pride , Envy , Anger , and Evil Concupiscence , and every other Heart Sin been hated ? Upon the first appearance of such Corruption , hast thou presently cryed to Heaven for help , and never ceased , till they were gotten under ? The difficulty and also the excellency of the Christian Religion lies in keeping the Heart pure ; the Heart then is in no wise at any time to be neglected .

5. Ask thy self , Have I walked and prayed that I might not enter into Temptation ? And especially have I been vigilant against my Bosom sin ? 'T is easier by far to keep out of Temptation , then being once entangled to recover out of Temptation . 'T is easier to continue standing then after a fall to rise again ; and the reason is because a fall weakens us and disposes unto further falling . Therefore the temper is to be resisted at first , there should be no parlying with him , but he should meet with an obstinate deafness , an Holy inflexibility and stiffness ; and an utter detestation and abhorrency of all his motions .

When we are thus like iron pillars , and like brazen Walls , Hell is confounded , the Devil flies . He fights indeed but he does not prevail against us , for the Lord is with us to deliver us , to allude to that , Jer. 1. 18 , 19. Especially we should place the strongest guard where we are weakest : And take heed lest the sins of our complexions , and constitutions , and the sins of our Callings and the sins of the Times prevail ; and bring us under guilt and defilement .

6. Ask thy self . Have I done Justly and acted as if I loved Mercy ? The false Balance , divers measures , and the bag with deceitful weights , are an Abomination to God . And every good man will hate them . That we ought to be exactly Just and Righteous in our dealings ; is deeply engraven on the Heart of man by Nature .

Excellent is that passage of an Heathen Poet. Persius Satyr. 2.

Compositum ius fasque animo , sanctosque recessus Mentis : et incoctum generoso pectus honesto . Haec cedo ut admoveam templis & farre litabo .

The meaning of which verses , is ,

That the meanest Sacrifices are acceptable unto God , when the Sacrificer is Just and Righteous . But the Word of Grace , does abound in precepts of this kind .

The Gospel teaches that men should live Soberly and Righteously , as well as Godly in this present World , Tit. 2. 11 , 12. And 1 Thes. 4. 6. That no man go beyond and desraud his Brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such . If thou wrongest another thou dost thy self a farr greater injury . Dishonest gain will be thy own Eternal loss without Repentance and Restitution according to thy ability .

And as thou shouldst be a practiser of Justice so a lover of Mercy . The Lord delights in shewing mercy and so shouldst thou . Thou oughtest to be merciful to thy Beast , and how much more to thy Brother ? And if thou must Feed and Clothe the Hungry and naked Bodies of others , according to thy power : Certainly their precious souls should share in thy compassions , and by wise reproofs , faithful advice and frequent Prayer , thou shouldst endeavour to prevent their perishing Everlastingly .

7. Ask thy self , Have I bridled my tongue ? If there be not a care to do this all Religion is but vain , Jam. 1. 26. The Apostle uses two excellent similitudes relating to the Tongue , Jam. 3. 3. 4. We put bits in the Horses Mouthes that they may obey us , And Certainly we should set a Watch before the door of our Lips that we may not offend in the words we speak . Behold also the Ships which though they are so great and are driven of fierce Winds , yet are they turned about with a very small Helm whither soever the Governour listeth . The Helm of a Ship had need have a skilful hand , and the Tongue of a man had need be wisely managed . How few make Conscience of Tongue sins , who pretend highly to conscienciousness in other matters ? If by our Words we are to be Justified and Condemned . Good Lord ! How few will be Justified , how many will be Condemned at the great day !

Oh Watch over this little member thy Tongue which boasteth great things . If thy Communication be good to the use of Edifying , and which administers Grace to the Hearers ; as it ought to be , Eph. 4. 29. Then thy Tongue will be thy Glory , and 't will be as a Tree of Life to Feed others . But if thy discourse be wicked and vain , thy Glory is turned into shame , and thy Tongue is set on fire of Hell .

Examine thy self strictly , whether thou dost abhor lying Words ? As one that beleives all lyers shall have their portion in the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone which is the second Death , Rev. 21. 8.

Examine whether thou dost make Conscience of Backbiting thy Neighbour , of Receiving and spreading a reproach against him ? If thou art a backbiter , a slanderer , a railer , where is thy love to thy Brother , and how canst thou call thy self a Citizen of Sion ? Psal. 15. 1 , 2 , 3. Filthy and foolish talking , and Jesting , is unbecoming a Christians mouth , this is to be avoided as well as Oaths and Cursing . And ever remember that in multitude of Words there wanteth not sin , and therefore what Job speaks unto his Friends . turn it into a petition unto God , Job 6. 24. Teach me and I will hold my Tongue , unless my duty oblige to speak to thy Glory .

8. Ask thy self , Have I been spiritual in my civil Employments ? Was my conversation at all in Heaven , or did I only mind Earthly things all the day long ? 'T is the duty of Christians to have the things of this World , as though they had none of them ; to Buy as though they possessed not , to use this World as not abusing it , because the fashion of this World passeth away , 1 Cor. 7. 30 , 31.

The work of the Calling is to be minded , and to be idle therein is to walk very disorderly , 2 Thess. 3. 11 , 12. But yet the working out of our Salvation is to be lookt upon as the main business of our lives , unto which we should make our other actions to become subservient . As the Grace of God makes a difference between the Christian and another man ; so the Christian should not only Pray and Hear , but also Buy and Sell , and Trade , and deal in the matters of the World after a different manner : He should always be in the Fear of God , always eying his Rule , and act conscientiously : He should be wise unto that which is Good , but simple concerning Evil : He should not be over eager after , nor trust in uncertain Riches , nor be high-minded because of them : But remember his time on Earth is short , and as he must quickly leave the World , so he must also give an account whether he has improved the World to the Glory of God ; and by doing of Good with what he has , he has made unto himself , a friend of the Mammon of Vnrighteousness , Luke 16. 9.

9. Ask thy self , Have I been careful to Redeem Time ? I count my Jewels , my Gold , my Silver too precious to throw about the Streets , but have I not been prodigal and lavish of time , which is of greater value ? and which no price can purchase when once 't is past and gone ? Those who are in Heaven , how glad are they that they improved Time , and made good provision for Eternity ! And they who are in Hell , how do they Curse their Folly in wasting such a Treasure , and wish they had never had either any time or any being , since the time which was given them to repent in , was spent inmaking themselves for ever miserable !

Mark O man how thy time passes ! How fast , how constantly thy glasse runs .

Examine what becomes of all thy time , and unto what account it turns ? If the filings of Gold are saved , surely every parcel of time is highly worth Redeeming . Let things that must be done have time sufficient ; let things that may be done have time convenient , and for those things which ought not to be done , le them have no time at all . In a word so number thy dayes as to apply thy Heart unto Wisdom , Psal. 90. 12. Every day think of Death which will end all thy days .

10. Ask thy self , Have I received Mercies thankfully , and born Crosses patiently ? A Christians Pilgrimage is chequer-work a mixture of black and white together , sometimes he may want , sometimes he may abound : He should know how to do both , as the Apostle did , Phil. 4. 12. Mercies are designed to be as cords to draw thee , and Afflictions as rods to drive thee nearer unto God ; let both attain their end . What high ingratitude is it against Heaven and what an injurious disservice to thy self , to take the Mercies of God and serve thy Lusts and Satan with them ? Let every days kindness overcome thee , and be sure to glorifie that God in whose hand thy Breath and Life is , and from whose hand thou dost receive every benefit , and in whom is all thy hope of future happiness . And if he does afflict thee do not murmur , for whom the Lord Loves he chastens , whom he chastens he does design their profit , and can there be truer profit then to be made in a greater measure partakers of the Lords Holiness ? Heb. 12. 6. 10. If thou dost but wait a while , thou will see a light some lamp , to follow a smoaking Furnace , Gen. 15. 17. An happy issue of all thy troubles . Affliction will be a means so to clear thy sight , and cleanse thy Soul , that thou wilt grant there is reason to kiss the rod , and to acknowledge the faithfulness and care of him that used it .

11. Ask thy self , How much am I advanced in Heavens way , farther to day then I was yesterday ? How many new steps have I taken towards the New Jerusalem ? Have I indeed gone forward in the narrow path which leads to Life , or have I stood still , or gone backward ? 'T is our duty to grow in Grace , 2 Pet. 3. ult. To follow on to know the Lord , and to follow still harder after him . Our Salvation growes nearer and nearer every day , and therefore our motions should be more strong and sprightly towards our home and centre .

Examine every day what Grace thou hast strengthened , what corruption thou hast weakned that day ? Hast thou lower thoughts of thy self ? And higher thoughts of the Grace of God ? Is thy Faith more firm and operative ? Is thy love more ardent and constraining ? Art thou more fit for thy Masters use , and prepared unto every good work , and more meet to be a partaker of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light ? That day is certainly lost in which more Grace is not gained , and in which never a step is taken in the way Everlasting . Oh! Be such Just and Righteous ones as Solomon speaks of , and let your path be as the shining Light , which shineth more and more unto the perfect day .

12. Ask thy self , Have I waited on God all this day long ? Has my dependance been upon him ? My expectation of all good from him ? And my care to do what is good in his sight ? 'T is both our duty and our honour to wait on our God continually ; as a Servant waits upon his Master , as a Son upon his Father . Hark unto David Psal. 25. Lead me in thy truth , and teach me for thou art the God of my Salvation , on thee do I wait all the day . We ought to be sensible that all our springs are in God , and that 't is the great interest and business of us all to please him .

Though others live without God in the World , and forget him days without number ; yet we should be under the powerful impressions of those great Truths . That God is All-Seeing , that God is All-sufficient , and we should walk before him and be perfect , for the Eyes of the Lord run too and fro through the whole Earth , to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose Heart is perfect towards him , 2 Chron. 16. 9.

13. Ask thy self , What care have I had to adorn the Gospel this day , and to win those who are without to a love and liking of Religion ? The wicked hate instruction and cast the Word behind them , they will not be at the pains to look into the Book of the Gospel ; and therefore let them be able to read the excellency and the efficacy of the Gospel , in the lives of those that are Professors . With well doing we should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men . We should be Blameless and Harmless , the Sons of God without Rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation , among whom we should shine as Lights in the World , Phil. 2. 15.

Calling your selves to an Account thus every day , will make the Authority of Conscience to be more own'd and reveverenced : The Heart will be the better kept within bounds when it knows it must be Catechised at Evening , and severely chidden for every Transgression . By this course the practise of Repentance will be promoted , if there be a falling into sin , and we shall rise and recover the sooner ; and if we are enabled to walk before God in Truth from day to day , and keep a Conscience void of offence , we shall the more thankfully and comfortably take notice of the Grace of God in us and with us , by which we are what we are , and which is not bestowed upon us in vain , 1 Cor. 15. 10.

And if every day we should thus prove ourselves , Vpon the Lords Day we should do it much more . We should not be so Sacrilegious as to wast any of that hallowed Time . We should examine whether our Hearts took their flight to Heaven at first waking and continued there without descending all the Day ? We should examine whether God had our thoughts and the very cream and strength of our Affections ; and the World and the concernments of it were made to stand by , while our Hearts did Worship ? We should examine , whether our discourse was altogether spiritual , whether Earthly Employments and Recreations were laid aside , and whether our Souls did indeed rest in God and Jesus Christ ? And resist Satan , and disallow of every thing which might be a Distraction , Deading , and Disturbance ?

We should seriously reflect upon our secret Duties , and our manner of engaging in publick Ordinances , and see whether God was pleased and manifested his Gracious Presence , Power , and Love : And whether our Souls were indeed profited and delighted in the Closet , in the Family , in the Sanctuary ? Every Sabbath is indeed a Golden season of Grace , which it much concerns us to improve ; and we should be unsatified unlesse we endeavour to spend it after such a manner , in the Affectionate and delightful admiration and Worship of the Lord , as the Saints in Heaven do celebrate an Eternal Sabbath .

VSE . IV.

Shall be of Exhortation unto the duty in in the Text , be perswaded all of you to examine and prove your selves . And that the Word of Exhortation may be the more prevalent , it shall be particularly directed unto several sorts of Persons .

First ,

Let Wicked men that are notoriously ungodly prove themselves . And truly such at the first view of themselves may presently perceive whose they are : Satan works more openly in these scandalous Children of Disobedience , and leads them Captive in the sight of all . Their Cursing and Swearing their hating of Gods Word , and Sabbath , and Messengers ; their Fornication and Adultery ; their Stealing , Injustice and Lying ; their Covetousness and Drunkenness , and Railing at Religion , and Abhorring all that are serious . These things are the Devils Badg and Livery , and plainly declare that such person are in the gall of bitterness , and in the bond of Iniquity . Oh you that declare your sin as Sodom and hide it not . You cannot deny your wickedness pray be at last convinced of it , and think what will be the end of the course you are taking .

Let these five words of advice be acceptable .

1. Look about you and see innumerable Evils compassing you about , Psal. 40. 12. How vast is the number , how heinous the nature , and how high and horrid the aggravations of your inquities ! Your sins are as Scarlet and Crimson , indeed your Trespasses are grown up to the very Heavens , and notwithstanding your great Abominations , you have been impudent and hardhearted : Your Necks have been like an Iron sinew , and your Brows Brass , and your Hearts like an Adamant-stone , you have refused to be ashamed and to return : The least of all your sins is enough to damn you , and should not the consideration of so many , and such great ones , daunt and fright you ? That God who is to judge you , knows what you have done . He has compassed your Paths , has heard your words , has lookt into your Hearts , is acquainted with all your wayes , Psal. 139. 1 , 2 , 3. And has not forgotten any of your evil works and wickednesse . Let all this fill you with trouble and make you tremble .

2. Look within you , and take notice of a Fountain of sin there . The Lord that searches the Heart of man gives it a very bad report , Gen. 6. 5. God saw that the Wickedness of man was great upon the Earth , and every Imagination of the Thoughts of his Heart was only Evil continually . And Christ who knew what was in man , expressely tells us that out of the Heart of man proceed all the Evils whereby he is defiled , Matth. 15. 19 , 20. Satan indeed is your Enemy and he showes himself so in Tempting you to Evil ; but all your sins are properly your own Hearts Off-spring , the principal blame is to be laid at your own door . Your corrupted natures make you Devils , Tempters , Enemies to your selves , destroyers of your selves , Jam. 1. 14 , 15. Every man is Tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust , and enticed ; then when lust hath conceived , it bringeth forth Sin , and Sin when finished bringeth forth Death .

3. Look above you , and behold an angry God , a God angry particularly with you , and can you stand before his indignation ? Take notice of the Mountains quaking , the Hills melting , the Rocks overturned , the Heavens Astonished ; the Devils trembling , when the Lord is Wrath , and do you think that you can prosper if you harden you selves against him ? His Wrath is revealed from Heaven against all Vngodliness and Vnrighteousness of men , Rom. 1. 18. When that Wrath is felt ; how heavy will it be found ?

4. Look beneath you , and see a flaming Furnace : That s a dreadful fire indeed which never shall be quenched , which will always Torment , but never quite consume , and make an end of those that are burning in it . We read that sinners must dwell with Everlasting Burnings . Our Lord tells you that in Hell , the Worm dies not and the Fire is not quenched , and he says this thrice , nay , six times together , that man may believe and fear , Mar. 9. 43. 48. And into this Hell the wicked shall be turned , and all the Nations that forget God , Psal. 9. 17. This is as certain , as 't is certain God is true and Powerful and Just , and Holy .

5. Look the very worst of you into the Gospel , and behold the Lord Jesus stretching forth his hand all the day long even to them that are Disobedient and Gain-saying , Rom. 10. 21. Stretching forth the hand , is as much as inviting sinners to come to him , and offering Salvation to them . He has Justified and washed and sanctified , and saved as bad as you . And if you will at length consent to be sanctified as well as saved , and come to him ; he will do both for the most guilty and defiled among you . Oh! Look to Jesus whom you have slighted , and cry to be drawn to him !

Secondly ,

Let meerly Moral men prove themselves . These have very great need to search themselves that they may not be undon for ever by self-confidence . When I speak of Morality , I do not mean an universal respect unto the precepts of the Moral Law , for such a kind of respect , only those who are truly Regenerate and Religious , yeild unto the Lords Commands . But by Morality I understand an external Righteousness , and freedom from more gross and notorious iniquities ; such a Moralist was the Pharisee , who said , God I thank thee I am not as other men are , Extortioners , Vnjust , Adulterers , Luke 18. 11. And such Morality was to be found in the Apostle Paul , while he was Graceless before his Conversion , Touching the Righteousness of the Law I was blamelesse , says he , Phil. 3. 6. Now Persons upon Examination may know themselves to be but meerly moral , by these following signs .

1. Meerly moral men are great strangers to the Corruption of their own Natures . Hereupon they think , themselves to be whole , and do not apprehend any necessity of a new Birth , of having a New Heart given to them . When Nicodemus the Pharisee came to Christ , Christ told him of the Corruption of Nature , That which is Born of the Flesh is Flesh , and except a man be Born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God , Joh. 3. 3. 6. The Apostle Paul while a Pharisee was alive in his own Thoughts , though really dead in Trespasses and sins . Moral men not knowing what they are by Nature , continue securely in a state of Nature ; and suppose they have no need of the Blood and Spirit of Christ , whereby alone they might be Justified and Renewed in order to Salvation .

2. Meerly moral men , though blameless in their Lives , yet their Hearts are allowed to be wicked . The Pharisees of old were against actual Murther , but allowed of Malice , Envy and Revenge , they were free from gross Adultery , but made nothing of Evil Concupiscence . Therefore our Lord . Matt. 5. does at large shew the spirituality and extent of the Law of God , and how it lays an obligation upon the very Heart , unto Purity and Meekness and Love , as well as requires external Conformity to the Letter of it in the Life and Conversation . What kind of Hearts have these Moral men ? What Pride and high Thoughts of themselves , what hatred is allowed to lodge in them ? What Ignorance and Contempt of Communion with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ ? How exceeding suitable and desirable are the Wealth , Preferments , and Delights of this World , but their Hearts are meer strangers unto the Love of God , and delight in him , and rejoycing in Christ Jesus : And which is worst of all , they think this is needless , and that their Hearts are so good they need not be changed and made better .

3. Meerly Moral men do rest in their own External Righteousness , and rest upon it . They are confident that good living , and giving every man his due , is enough ; though the mean while the World , and the God of this World fill their Hearts . They act as if that Precept were not in the Bible , My Son give me thy Heart , Prov. 23. 26. As if they had never read of Davids practise , Psal. 25. 1. Vnto thee , O Lord , do I lift up my Soul . And as they rest in their own external Righteousness , as if inward Holiness were not required ; so they rest and rely upon it , as if this were enough to justifie them before God and to purchase their acceptance and Salvation : But this ruines them , and cuts them short of the Righteousness of the Son of God , Rom. 10. 3 , 4. For they being Ignorant of Gods Righteousness , and going about to establish their own Righteousness , have not submitted themselves to the Righteousness of God , for Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that Beleiveth .

Thus you meerly moral men may know your selves . And oh ! That you would be advised ,

1. To Consider that Morality can neither justifie it self nor you ; It cannot justifie it self because 't is meerly external , a piece of Pageantry and Hypocrisie for want of inward purity , and how then can it justifie you before that God who is so glorious in Righteousness and Holiness ; You certainly stand in need of Christ as well as the greatest sinners in the World , and must needs to Hell without Him . The Apostle Paul was a great Moralist before he was a Christian , but when his Eyes were open , Christ was valued as the onely Justifier and Saviour of sinful and lost man , and says he , I desire to be found in Him not having my own Righteousness , Phil. 3. 9.

2. Pray that the Commandment may come with Power , and shew your sins even those that lye hid in your very Hearts , and make you sensible of your damned and lost Estate , Rom. 7. 9. I was alive without the Law once but when the Commandement came sin revived and I died . Notwithstanding all my confidence of my Goodness and good Estate before I saw my self by Law a condemned and dead man , and no hope of life without Jesus a Mediatour .

3. Be sensible of the necessity of the New-Birth , and cry for the Spirit . Those that are born again are born of the Spirit of God , Joh. 3. 6. That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit . This Spirit God is willing to give to all that ask him , seeing indeed their need of him . Begg hard for the Spirit that by him you may be enlightned , convinced of sin , and set at Liberty from it , that you may be drawn to Christ , and changed into the glorious image of God , which does consist not in Righteousness meerly external , but in Righteousness and true Holiness .

Thirdly ,

Let unsound Professors prove themselves . Why should such entertain a confidence which the Lord will reject ? Why should they joyn with a subtle Serpent to deceive themselves ? Oh! that they would bring their base mettal to the Touchstone , that they may perceive how vastly it differs from pure and tried Gold . And that they would weigh themselves in the balance of the Sanctuary , that their Consciences may perceive what reason there is that Tekel , should be written upon them , they are weighed in the balance and are found utterly wanting . Now unsound Professors may come this way to a Conviction of their own unsoundness .

1. They cannot endure plain dealing . Our Lord tells us that this is the Worlds fault and Condemnation , that they love darkness rather then light because their Deeds are Evil. Joh. 3. 19. And unsound Professors being not really come out of the World , no wonder if the Word be disgusted , that discovers and reproves them . Sharp reproof makes us sound in the Faith , Tit. 1. 13. But such rebukes the unsound cannot bear . Deal gently said David with the Young Man Absalont , And this is the Hypocrites Language . Deal gently with my Pride , and selfishness , and darling lusts , and sinful compliance for safety , and profit , and preferment sake . It shews they are bruitish and void of true understanding because reproof is hated , Prov. 12. 1. He that hateth reproof is bruitish .

2. Unsound Professours regard iniquity in their Hearts . Shame and Fear , and hope of repute among men , may curb and restrain them from running into the act of sin , but the inward Love to it is not indeed mortified . It may truly be said concerning the Hypocrite , he abhorreth not evil , Psal. 36. 4. He may upon some accounts be afraid and ashamed to commit sin , but he does not hate and abhor to Commit sin . He secretly loves some sin or other , though he hides , both his sin and his love to it , he does not long for the Death of all .

3. Unsound Professours carry on Carnal designs in their profession of Religion , Religion by such is made sometime a cloak to Covetousness , or to Concupiscence , or to Maliciousness ; they do not design the pleasing and glorifying of God ; this end sways not with the Heart till Grace is wrought there . But they profess Godliness , that they may sin the more plausibly and unsuspectedly , and that they may bring about their selfish projects the more cleverly .

4. Unsound Professours do relish only the things of the Flesh , which shews that they are after the Flesh . Rom. 8. 5. They that are after the Flesh do mind the things of the Flesh , and they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit . They savour not Spiritual things , neither are they troubled at the Carnality of their minds and affections , nor do they desire to be made spiritually minded :

Now you who are thus convicted to be Hypocritical and unsound Professours , I beseech you remember .

1. God looks into you , He that hates sin most perfectly and will punish it most severely , knows how sinful you are . If all things are open and naked to his view , surely he looks into the painted and whited sepulchre , and beholds , all the filthiness and rottenness that is within it .

2. Hypocrisie is very hateful to God , His Eye and Knowledge is disregarded by the Hypocrite ; his hand is not feared , his Grace and Goodness horribly contemned and abused . And all this the Hypocrite does to Gods very face , in his very House , while he is bowing the knee before him , and giving a great many good words to him , and seems very devout in his service .

3. Hypocrisie will be at last detected . When thou art distracted by a Disease , or wounded in thy Conscience thou mayst be forced to confess , thy Injustice , Impurity , and other Abominations : But if this be not at the last day all will come out to thy Everlasting Contempt and Confusion . For God will bring every work into Judgement with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil , Eccles. 12. 14. Be wise therefore O unsound Professors ! Dissemble not with God , deceive not your selves , consent at last to be searched and sanctified , and being humbled and ashamed because of your deceitful dealing with the Lord , and Religion ; pray to be made Israelites indeed in whom there is no guile .

Fourthly ,

Let sincere Saints prove themselves . I have at large given you before the Characters of them who are Saints in sincerity . They may know themselves by their coming out from the World , by their preferring the living true and Everlasting God , in their choice , before all Lying and Dying Vanities , by their thankful acceptance of the Lord Jesus as a Saviour , and Redeemer from all iniquity , as well as from the wrath that is to come . Finally they may be known by their desires after the Grace of God in Truth , and to be cleansed from all filthiness both of Flesh and Spirit ; and to perfect Holiness in the Fear of God . Now you who are thus really sanctified I would counsel in three particulars .

1. Acknowledge that the Grace of God has made you what you are , that you are Called , Justified , Adopted , changed into the Image of your heavenly Father , is owing to the rich and glorious Grace of God . This makes the difference between the Children of God , and the Children of Disobedience . What have you that you have not received ? 1 Cor. 4. 7. And what have you received but what you were in your selves utterly unworthy to receive ?

2. Be sensible that that Grace which has begun must perfect that which does concern you . That picture which was begun by Apelles could not be perfected by the hand of any other . Look therefore unto the Author to be the finisher of your Faith , Heb. 12. 2. And truly you are encouraged to a more firm relyance , by what the Apostle speaks , Phil. 1. 6. Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you , will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ .

3. Do nothing unbecoming your present State and Relation , and future hopes . You are highly favoured , the Lord is with you . You are advanced to be the Children of the Lord Almighty , to be the Heirs of Life and Glory , and Joint-heirs with Christ himself , to be Kings and Priests unto God . Let there be an Holy Majesty in your Conversations , rejoice and work Righteousness . Count it below you to be proud and high-minded ; below you to mind Earthly things , or to do any thing that looks like serving Sin and Satan .

4. Having attained unto peace take heed of breaking it . Assurance may much more easily be lost then gained . There must be all diligence to get it ; but negligence may lose it . After the Prince of Peace has spoken to thy Heart , and said Peace , be still . Oh! do nothing to raise a new storm and tempest in thy Conscience . But walk very humbly and closely with God . That you may live in the truest sense pleasant lives . And may come at last to Heaven , which is indeed the fair Haven in a blessed Calm ; and that of the Psalmist may be verified in you , Psal. 37. 37. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright , for the end of that man is peace .

Thus have I finished this Subject of Self-Examination , a Duty which the Ungodly mind not , which Hypocrites are afraid and do not care to meddle with , and which if Saints would more frequently and thorowly engage in , there would be less unbelief and fear , more joy and Faith in the Church of Christ . You that are Saints , In this discourse I have been helping of your Joy . Let it not be hindred by your selves . Some clusters of Canaan might be brought to the Wilderness , and more of Heavens joys might be tasted in the Vale of Tears , if the Heirs of Heaven would but take more pains in self-trial , to clear up their Title . And as for you that are Hypocrites and Vnbeleivers , I have don you a kindness in telling you what you are , and what you may expect hereafter . If after all , you will put a cheat upon your own souls ; you must be blamed and your selves must smart for it . If you will cry peace and safety , till Christ himself does thunder that sentence in your ears ; Go ye Cursed into Everlasting fire ; Who can help it ? Alas ! Alas ! 'T will be too late to look up to Heaven , and to look into your selves , when the Gulph is fixed between Heaven and you . Let every sinner therefore try his own ways , and cry to the Lord , to search , and change , and turn his Heart . For 't is the greatest Wisdom to prevent those mistakes , which will be the mistakers Eternal ruine , and which after death will be found impossible to be corrected .

Herbert . page 105.

CAnst he idle ? Canst thou play , Foolish soul , who sinn'd to day ? Rivers run , and springs each one Know their home , and get them gone : Hast thou tears , or hast thou none ? If , poor soul , thou hast no tears , Would thou hadst no faults or fears ! Who hath these , those ills forbears . But if yet thou idle be , Foolish Soul who di'd for thee ? Who did leave his Fathers Throne , To assume thy Flesh and Bone ? Had he life , or had he none ? If he had not liv'd for thee , Thou hadst di'd most wretchedly ; And two deaths had been thy fee. He so far thy good did plot , That his own self he forgot . Did he die , or did he not ? If he had not di'd for thee , Thou hadst liv'd in misery ; Two lives worse than ten deaths be . He that loseth Gold , though dross , Tells to all he meets his cross : He that sins , hath he no loss ? He that finds a silver vein , Thinks on it , and thinks again ; Brings thy Saviours death no gain ? Who in Heart not ever kneels , Neither sin nor Saviour feels .

Meditations ON THE LORDS SUPPER .

MEDITATIONS . I.

WHerefore do I spend my money for that which is not Bread ? And my labour for that which can never satisfie ? Many a time have I made trial of the things that are visible , but the higher my expectations have been raised , the greater has been my disappointment . I have sought that among the Creatures which is not to be found . Sin has turned this World into a Country , far from God ; and truly Husks are the best fare that ever this World hath yeilded me . 'T is high time to come out from the World and to be separate , left my Soul perish for hunger there . Meat that perishes is improper for a Soul that is of an immortal nature , and of an Everlasting duration . I will arise and go unto my God and Father : He has promised to satiate and replenish the weary and sorrowful Soul . In his House I am sure there is Bread enough and to spare .

MEDITATION . II.

Boast not O Mammon of thy Treasures ! Unless thou hast that which is of sufficient value to be a ransom for me . Can all the Wealth of both the Indies pay the debt which by sin I have contracted ? Can Riches satisfie for the wrong I have done to the justice of God by my Transgression ? Oh no I was not Redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold , but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot . Pardon , Grace , and Glory are such gifts of God as are not to be purchased with money ; for if they were so many Rich men would not be lost for ever . Wealth cannot buy any out of the Devils possession , but rather brings them more under his power , it cannot save any from Hell , but rather proves a means to send them thither : For they that will be Rich fall into Tempttaion , and a Snare , and into many foolish and hurtful lusts , which drown men in Destruction and Perdition .

MEDITATION . III.

O my Soul strive not to load thy self with the thick clay of this present World , this will debase thee exceedingly , and defile and burthen thee . Thou needest that which is of more value then Gold that perishes to enrich thee , and that is precious Faith . Thou needest a garment to cover thy nakedness , which no Shop on Earth can furnish thee withal , and that is the Robe of Christs Righteousness : Thou needest Food to satisfie thy hunger , which cannot be got for money or price , but may be had without it , and that is the Bread of God which came down from Heaven to give Life unto the World . Thou art of Heavenly original , and therefore mind not Earthly things , for it can never be well with thee , untill thou return to that All-sufficient Lord , who is the Father of Spirits and alone can fill them out of his own fulness .

MEDITATION . IV.

Lord ! Thou who art full of Love , nay love it self , and art jealous of my love lest it should be misplaced ; Turn away my Eyes that they may not be set upon that which is not , If Riches take to themselves wings and fly away as an Eagle towards Heaven ; let my Heart be so wise , as to get the start of them , and fly away first from such transitory and fading vanities , and fly towards the highest Heaven of all . How great a gain will it be to lose my love to the World ! And though it be no gain at all to thee for me to love thee , who art so self-sufficient from Everlasting to Everlasting ; yet I shall hereby be an Eternal gainer , and shall be interested in that love which is Everlasting and unchangeable . Oh! Love me freely in the Son of thy love ; and inflame my Heart with love to Thee ! 'T is my Honour that I have leave to love thee who art so high and glorious , and 't is thy first and great Command that I should love thee with my whole Heart , and Soul and Strength . Let this Command be kept , and let not the biggest offer the World can make me , ever tempt me to break it , so as to prevail with me !

MEDITATION . V.

Pleasures of sin and sence have often charmed and deceived me . Those things which have gratified the Eye , the Ear , the Touch , the Taste , have had a kind of an inchanting Force and Power . Sensual Delights have been some of the finest and strongest cords of vanity , to draw me a way from God and Duty . But now I see what madness 't is , to please my self , and displease my Lord , whose favour affords the fullest joy , and whose frowns can cause an Hell on Earth .

Carnal Pleasures are but bruitish ! The Beasts enjoy those as well as men , and several of them excelling us in sense , their pleasures also may be greater ; They are worse then Beasts who can be contented with such delights , because they are capable of delights much higher , which capacity the Beasts have not . How unfit is he for Christ and for the Kingdom of God , who esteems Earthly pleasure as the most desirable paradise : He wofully forgets both Himself and Eternity , who admires those delights and joys which can last but for a moment .

MEDITATION . VI.

O my Soul ! Art thou indeed fond of Pleasure ? The highest of all are not grudged thee . Oh taste and see that the Lord is Gracious . What is pleasing to the Flesh cannot reach thee , but God is a Spirit , has enough , is enough for thee . The Angels have no Flesh and yet enjoy the greatest delight ; and God himself , who is the most spiritual is the most blessed and happy Being of all .

Solomon enjoyed as much as the most voluptuous can wish for . He says whatever his Eyes desired he kept not from them , neither did he withhold from his Heart any joy . Though sensual delight was in its highest Exaltation , yet it was wofully mixed ; the sting was much sharper then the Honey was sweet : Therefore he cryes out , all was vanity and vexation of Spirit . Be not eager , O my Soul , after that which will prove a vexation to thee . Return unto God , look unto Jesus , here thou maist find exceeding joy , here a Soul may find rest . And being once interested in that meat which endures to Everlasting Life , and in the unsearchable Riches of christ , thou maist speak to thy self upon good ground , Soul take thine ease , Eat , Drink , and after an holy manner be Merry , for thou hast Goods laid up which will never be spent , but last unto Eternity .

MEDITATION . VII .

Lord ! How far is that Man from knowing Thee , who is a Lover of Pleasure more then a Lover of God! How excellent is thy Loving kindness ! How sweet the Meditation of Thee ! When my heart is enlarged , and my Affections for Thee are vehement and strong , here is a joy indeed which the World is a stranger to , and cannot equal . David called Thee the gladness of his Joy , no other joy can make me truly glad besides . How All-sufficient is thy fulness ! How Rich is thy Mercy ! How superabundant is thy Grace ! And even thy justice which is so affrighting unto guilty man is fully satisfied by the Obedience and Sufferings of Jesus Christ . Thou art just when thou justifiest him that Believeth in Jesus . Unbeleiving Doubts and Fears are groundless ; but joy and peace are highly reasonable .

The Saints which are now Triumphant , who see thee face to face , and are in the Lambs Presence and Throne , are far from admiring the pleasures of sin and sense .

Away , away , thou deceitful Tempter ! Offer such poor , such low things no more ; I am to preferre Affliction with the People of God before such Pleasures ; and certainly then Heaven and the foretastes of it , are of infinitly greater value . From henceforth Lord it shall be my pleasure to study thee and thy will , to love thee , to serve thee , to please thee , to praise thee , and to enjoy thee will be my highest Happiness .

MEDITATION . VIII .

What is the Applause and esteem of Men ! How vain and poor a thing is Worldly Honour ! Why should I Envy this to others , or be eager after it , or proud of it my self ? Man does judge according to outward appearance . and therefore may more easily mistake . When man commends , Conscience may condemn , and God much more . That which is highly esteemed among men , is an Abomination in the sight of God .

To be spoken well of by sinners is rather a bad sign ; they were false Prophets who had the good word of all men . And the good Word of Saints , is rather an argument of their Charity , then of our sincerity . The Jew that is one inwardly , his Heart is Circumcised , and his praise not of men but of God .

How poor a thing is it to be praised for Beauty , which is so great a snare to them that have it , and to others also ; and which Death may so quickly turn into paleness and rottenness !

And to be praised for Worldly Greatness , does yield but a sorry satisfaction for Death is a sure and terrible Leveller , and the Worms will make as bold with the Catkass of the Prince as of the Peasant .

What will it advantage one to be commended for Gifts , or Parts , or Grace , if Conscience at the same time do justly Reproach , and call one Proud and Hypocritical !

How little did Christ value Honour in the days of his Humiliation , he was despised , rejected , reproached and at last most ignominiously Crucified . Lord ! They are truly Honourable , that Honour Thee , and are honoured by thee , and to whom thou wilt say at last , Well done good and faithful Servants .

MEDITATION . IX .

When I look into my self , my Sins appear by great multitudes ! But a Righteousness of my own I cannot find , which does deserve to be called by the name of Righteousness . If the Elect Angels do cover their faces in the presence of a God glorious in Holiness , how shall sinful man appear without a Mediatour ! They that are ignorant may be Proud and Self-conceited , and may trust to themselves that they are Righteous , but one view of Gods unspotted purity and exact justice , is enough to cause in any mortal man self-distrust , nay self-abhorrency . The Sun is confounded , and the Moon ashamed , the Heavens are not clean in the sight of Him that made them ; the Angels themselves are charged with folly , what is man that he should be Righteous !

MEDITATION . X.

My evill deeds do far exceed my good ones , how great is the number of those , how small comparatively the number of these ! How many more are the vain words which I speak , then those that are serious ! And when I keep the strictest watch over my Heart , the bad thoughts ( though intruders ) will be ten , for one that is pure and holy , if the odds be not farr greater . And can I stand then if the Lord should be extream to mark what is done amiss ? Who in the World has more reason then I to cry out , Lord enter not into judgment with thy Servant . That little good which I do what mixtures of evil are there with it . The Flesh is still lusting against the Spirit and makes every duty I perform imperfect , and upon its own account impossible to be accepted . The best of my works cannot merit the acceptation of themselves , how then can they make satisfaction for my iniquities . I see plainly when I have done all , I must call my self unprofitable , and look unto Christ who became obedient unto Death , and desire that both I and my works the most perfect of them all may be found in him .

MEDITATION . XI .

To whom can I look but unto Jesus ! Here the Angels look and wonder at the manifold wisdom , and amazing kindness and love of God . The Father himself looks here , and is delighted in the Obedience and Sufferings of his Son , through whom without any prejudice to his Justice and Holiness , his Grace and Mercy have a full vent , and a free course , to be glorified among the Sons of men .

The Beleivers under the Old Testament looked unto Jesus , though he was more darkly represented to them , Moses and the Prophets spake of him , and Abraham himself rejoyced to see his day . And under the New Testament he is more fully revealed . Here therefore I will fix my eye . and living and dying , Behold this Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World .

MEDITATION . XII .

I am in my self a lost Creature . My sins , my sins have ruin'd me , the sins which I have lov'd and pleaded for , and taken so much pleasure in have done me the greatest harm . Wo , wo is me , that I have sinned . I have broken the best Law , and rebelled against the best Lord . I have sided with the Enemies of my Salvation to destroy my self . 'T is an endless task to number the Stars in the Firmament , or the Sand upon the Sea shore or the days of Eternity ; and I may as well do all this , as number my iniquities , Innumerable Evils have compassed me about , my iniquities have taken hold upon me so that I am not able to look up , they are more then the hairs of my Head , therefore my heart faileth me . And if the wages of the least sin be Death and Hell , what large wages , and what a low place in Hell have I deserved ? Gods anger is just , his power is terrible , his patience is wonderful , his mercy is utterly undeserved ; I should be all despair , were it not for the Grace of God , and the Blood of God , but these are sufficient grounds of hope and Everlasting Consolation .

MEDITATION . XIII .

I plainly perceive that all mankind have suffered shipwrack . The first man Adam had the steering of the Vessel , and he run it upon the Rocks , and lost himself and his whole progeny . All have sinned and come , short of the Glory of God . The calamity is general , the whole World is become guilty before God , there is none that understandeth or seeketh after God , there is none that doeth good no not one . 'T is truly lamentable that the humane nature should be so infected , so corrupted , as that every mind should be carnal and enmity against God , that every Heart should be like an adamant stone , that every neck should be like an iron sinew . All are born the Children of wrath , and with strong inclinations to be the Children of Disobedience . So that when the Son of God came into the World to dye and save it : He found the World lying in wickedness , secure in sin , and hastning towards Everlasting misery .

MEDITATION . XIV .

Whence is this to Man that a Saviour should be provided for him ! Were there no Creatures fell besides ? Yes an innumerable Host of Angels kept not their first estate but left their own Habitation .

The Angels that sinned were excellent and glorious in their first Creation , but they grew proud and Enemies to Truth ; and voluntarily departed , and were justly banished from the Lord that made them . And when these Angels sinned , no mercy that we read of was extended to them . The Scripture expressely says , that God spared not the Angels that sinned , but cast them down to Hell . That was a dreadful fall indeed from the highest Heaven to the lowest Hell , those mighty Spirits are fettered in Chains of darkness , and are reserved unto the judgement of the great day , they never that we find , had a Redeemer provided , nor a pardon offered , nor after they had made themselves miserable , were they ever brought within the reach and possibility of Mercy . The Son of God took not on him the nature of Angels , or , he took not hold of the Angels , but he took on him the seed of Abraham .

MEDITATION . XV.

Lord ! What was man that thou wert thus mindful of him ! Or the Son of man , that the Son of God should come and visit him ! Admirable condescension ! That thou whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain , shouldst rejoyce in the habitable parts of the Earth , and that thy delights should be with the Sons of men . Can man be profitable unto God ? Is it any gain to the Almighty that any make their ways perfect ? Lord ! Man has the benefit of Salvation , 't is but reason that thou shouldst have intirely all the Glory . Man is therefore subservient to thine honour because his meanness makes thy condescension , and his guilt and vileness does render thy Grace the more wonderful . When 〈◊〉 Creature so undeserving , nay that deserves so ill , is so highly advanced , as to be saved ; the power and grace which does advance and save him is matter of the greater admiration .

MEDITATION . XVI .

Who is this Lord Jesus that undertakes the work of mans Redemption ? He is the express Image of his Fathers Person , the Brightness of his Glory ; He is to be Worshipped with the same Worship , and has the same Eternal Power and Godhead , with the Father and the Spirit . He it is who created all things in Heaven and Earth , visible and invisible , whether they be Thrones , Dominions , Principalities and Powers ; all things were created by him and for him , and he is before all things , and by him all things consist .

The Elect Angels adore him , the Reprobate ones he has spoyled and triumphed over , he has all power in Heaven and Earth , and Commands the Keys of Hell and Death . He is Wonderful in Counsel , the Mighty God , the Prince of Peace . How safe is it then to trust in this Lord Jesus , 't is the highest reason to believe in him , that is so mighty , that is Almighty , for the must needs be able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him . Whosoever Believeth in him shall not be confounded .

MEDITATION . XVII .

O my Soul let thy Faith be fixed and settled on the Godhead of thy Lord and Saviour , were he not God 't were both sin and folly to rely upon him , Faith in him would be altogether vain ; but since he is the true God and Eternal Life : They shall not perish but have Everlasting Life that do indeed beleive in him . Christ thy Righteousness is the Lord Jehovah , in him therefore thou mayst confidently expect to be justified , and thou mayst Glory and rejoyce for ever . The Blood of Christ is called Gods own Blood , because 't is the Blood of him that is truly God and over all God blessed forever , as well as truly man . And surely the sufferings of him that was God , can make satisfaction for the sins that thou hast been guilty of against God .

Thou art amazed to see thy iniquities increased , and thy Trespasse grown up to the Heavens : Thou art astonished and desolate and horribly afraid to see how high thy sin strikes , even at God himself . But withal take notice how Christ who is God does stoop and humble himself . He that thought it no Robbery to be equal with God the Father , takes upon him the form of a Servant and becomes obedient to death even the Death of the Crosse , and he is sufficient to make peace .

MEDITATION . XVIII .

Christ as he was God could not die , but he took mans nature upon him , that he might be in a capacity to dye for sinful and lost Man . He suffered in the same Nature that had sinned , that he might make Atonement .

Sacrifices and Burnt-offerings could never take away the guilt of sin , nor quiet the Conscience of the sinner , nor cleanse and sanctifie a defiled soul , therefore Christ had a Body prepared for him , that by one Offering he might perfect his Church for ever .

Wonderful mystery of Godliness ! That God should be manifested in the Flesh , and suffer upon the Cross to make peace ! Here is a wonderful contrivance , Christ is the Sacrifice , Christ is the Altar , and Christ is the Priest . Through the Eternal Spirit he offered up himself without spot to God , to purge our Consciences from dead works that we might serve the Living God .

MEDITATION . XXI .

Christ is God , and has so effectually don the work of a Mediator , that God is forward to be at Peace , and entreats sinners to be reconciled . Christ is Man , and therefore Man may go with boldness to him . O my Soul ! Thy Lord is near a kin to thee , he bears good will to thy whole kind . He is the Saviour of all men especially of them that Believe .

Being so nearly related to thee , he has a right to Redeem thee , nay , he has actually paid the price of thy Redemption already ; so that nothing remains but that thou come to him and be made free indeed . His Arms were not folded or hanging down , but stretched out upon the Cross . And oh ! How forward is this Saviour who died to embrace all that come to him .

When he says he will in No wise cast them out , methinks it speaks the greatest readiness and gladness imaginable to entertain them .

Venture , O venture to look to Jesus , to come to Jesus , and venture thy all with him : Never any miscarried in this bottom , and all must needs miscarry in any other . He knows thy Sins , thy Wants , thy Foes , thy Fears , he knows how to Pity , Protect , and Succour thee . He was in all things made like unto his Brethren , that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God , to make Reconciliation for the sins of the People , for in that he himself hath suffered being tempted , he knows how to succour them that are tempted .

MEDITATION . XX.

How excellent is the Knowledge of Christ Crucified ? Look , O my Soul upon thy Lord , who loved thee at such a rate as to dye for thee ! Behold him Arrested , Arraigned , and Condemned . Thou wast guilty of the crime , and thy Lord did bear the punishment . Behold him going to execution , going unto Golgotha , and if he had not gone thither , whither , Oh! Whither must thou needs have gone for ever !

The Law had condemned Thee , not only the first but also the second Death , was the just desert of thy Transgressions . But here thy Surety stept in , and Redeemed thee from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for thee . Look upon the Wrath of God revealed against thee because of thy ungodliness and unrighteousness , look upon the glittering Sword of Justice drawn , look upon devouring Fire and Everlasting Burnings prepared for thee , and thy self just ready to be thrown into those unquenchable Flames . And then behold and wonder at the kindness and love of Jesus , who was willing to be made sin for thee , and to bear the Wrath of God himself , that he might appease it , which was too heavy for thee to bear , and which would have sunk thee into the lowest Hell , and have kept thee there unto Eternity !

In what a deplorable and desperate case had the Sheep been , if this good Shepherd had not stood in their room and layed down his Life for them .

MEDITATION . XXI .

History tells us of Codrus the last Athenian King , who was a great Lover of his People , as appears by the manner of his Dying . When the Grecians of Doris sought Counsel from the Oracle , concerning the success of their Wars which they waged with the Athenians : It was answered , that undoubtedly they should prevail and become Lords of that State , when they could obtain any victory against the Nation , and yet preserve the Athenian King himself alive .

Codrus the King by some intelligence being informed of this answer withdrew himself from his own Forces , and putting on the habit of a common Souldier , he entred alone , the Camp of the Dorians his Enemies ; and killing the first he met with , was himself forthwith cut in pieces . Thus he was willing to lose his own life rather then his Country should be ruined . The Lord Jesus the Prince of Life and Glory did vail his Majesty , appeared in the form of a Servant , was contented to be counted a deceiver , and to be numbred among Transgressours , that his Life might be taken away and hereby Eternal Redemption be procured .

Codrus was deservedly honoured among the Athenians ; and certainly the Lord Jesus should be the higher in our esteem and love , the lower he humbled and abased himself for our sakes : The offence of the Crosse should cease , since his Crucifixion was so necessary to our Eternal Salvation .

MEDITATION . XXII .

Greater Love hath no man then this that a man lay down his Life for his Friends . But Lord ! Thou didst dye for Rebels and for Enemies , thou didst dye unsought to , undesired , therefore thy love is greater then the greatest love besides . Thy love was stronger then Death no Water could quench it , no Floods could drown it . Hell it self could not discourage it . 'T was a bitter Cup the Father put into thy hand , but thou didst drink it , and drink it off too ; the very dreggs of the Cup are gone ; Oh what a load did lye upon thee ! All the sins of all that ever were or shall be saved did meet on thee together .

How many stings had thy Death , and yet thy Godhead and thy love did carry thee through all thy sufferings . Oh! That I could comprehend with all Saints what is the heighth , and length , and depth , and breadth , and know the Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that I may be filled with all the fulness of God!

MEDITATION . XXIII .

My Lord did know what was to come upon him . Mans sin had been shamefull , Christs Death was most Reproachful and Accursed ; Man had taken Pleasure in sin , Christs Death was painful . Man had been wilful in Transgression , and Christs Death was voluntary , though 't was violent . Man had sinned against knowledge and with great contrivance and deliberation , and Christ perfectly understood all that he was to endure . He was well aware what he was to feel from Earth , from Hell , and from his heavenly Father , and yet he makes no demur , but endures the Cross , and despises the shame , and gives his Life a Ransom for many .

How was he straitned till his bloody Baptism was accomplished . And when his Disciple Peter through an ignorant and carnal Affection would have hindred him from dying for his Church ; how sharply does he rebuke him , Get thee behind me Satan , for thou art an offence to me , thou savourest not the things that be of God , but the things that be of men .

MEDITATION . XXIV .

Dearest Lord ! Wert thou thus forward to dye , and art thou not forward to reap the fruit of thy Death , and to receive and save the Souls that come to thee ? If a Woman in Travel be willing to be delivered ; I need not question , but thou art willing to see of the Travel of thy Soul , since 't is so much for thy own satisfaction , so much for thy Fathers Glory . Certainly thou will not reject sinners that come to thee , since thou hast done and suffered so much for their Salvation .

If thou hadst been really unwilling to save , ( as sometimes Satan misrepresents thee ) that unwillingness would have shew'd it self when thou wast in thy terrible Agony , when thy Soul was amazed and full of heaviness , and exceeding sorrowful unto Death ; when the Heaven was black over thee , and thy Fathers Face hid from thee ; and thou didst cry out , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me . But all this thou didst willingly undergo to save lost Man , and therefore thy willingness to bestow the Salvation thou hast purchased , is not to be questioned : For surely thou art not willing that such a Death as thine , so sharp , so bitter , and of so great value should be in vain .

MEDITATION . XXV .

I do not wonder that the Apostle Paul does magnifie the knowledge of Christ Crucified above all other knowledge , compared with this , all the Philosophy of the Greeks was but vain , legal prerogatives , and indeed all the Ceremonies of the Law were but insignificant . Christ Crucified ! Though he be a stumbling block to the Jews and to the Greeks foolishness , yet he is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God , and the greatest demonstration of his love .

I do not wonder that the Lords Supper should be instituted on purpose , that the Crucifixion of Christ should be remembred , for the Death of Christ is the sinners life ; the Foundation of his hope , and his security against Eternal Death . The Gospel is styled the Preaching of the Cross , and the Apostle is resolved to Glory in nothing else , the Truth is we can take comfort in no other knowledge , unless we have some respect and relation to Christ and him Crucified .

The Papists foolishly adore the sign of the Cross , but true Beleivers do prize the Doctrine , the Blood , and the Vertue of Christ Crucified .

MEDITATION . XXVI .

What sights may I see in my Lord Crucified ? Peace is made by the Blood of the Cross and all things Reconciled both in Heaven and Earth . The Saints who lived and dyed before Christ was born , were reconciled to God by the Blood of his Son which was to be shed in time ; as well as Believers since his being manifested in the Flesh .

In Christ Crucified , the Anger of God is appeased , his Justice fully satisfied , and though the Christians debt amounts unto millions of Talents ; yet justice acknowledgeth that Christ his surety has paid it all . Look upon God in Christ , and you will see that Fury is not in him , through the Lord Jesus you may see his very Bowels , he does earnestly remember sinners , his Bowels are troubled for them , and he will surely have mercy upon them .

Oh certain and comfortable Truths ! That the Lord is the God of Love and Peace , that he waits to be Gracious , that he delights in shewing mercy , and takes pleasure in them that hope in his mercy , if that hope be accompanied with a fear and careful eschewing of what is evil in his sight .

MEDITATION . XXVII .

In Christ Crucified I may see a New Covenant of Grace and Life and Peace , established , so that it is most sure and Everlasting . Jesus is the Mediatour of this Covenant , and every time I come to the Table this Covenant is sealed and confirmed to me , that I may with the greater confidence expect the accomplishment of the promises which are contained in it . These Promises are exceeding great and precious . Temporal blessings in such a measure as the Wise God sees convenient are here made over to me , for he that is a Son and Heir of God , is the Heir of the World , the Heir of all things .

Spiritual blessings which are of greater value , are more absolutely promised , and may with greater vehemency be desired , and with greater confidence expected . And as the Lord has engaged to give me Grace , so to give me Glory , he has said he will give me himself and be my God and Guide , my Shield , and my exceeding great Reward . And truly the Ordinances of Heaven are not so immutable and unchangeable , as the Covenant of Redemption and Reconciliation ; Heaven and Earth shall passe away but one joy or tittle shall in no wise pass from the Covenant till all be fulfilled .

MEDITATION . XXVIII .

In Christ Crucified I may see the Curse of the Law removed , the sentence of condemnation reversed , the sting of Death taken out , the Principallities and Powers of darkness triumphed over . I may see Hell fast lockt and shut up for ever , and Heaven opened , a way made plain in to the Holiest of all , an abundant entrance administred into the Everlasting Kingdom . Who would not study the Cross of Christ ? Who would not Glory and rejoyce in it ? Who would not desire conformity to it , and to feel the power and vertue of it . They that are Enmies to the Cross of Christ , are Enemies to their own Souls . They that are offended at the Cross , 't is a sign they are blind and do no understand the benefits which comes by it .

MEDITATION . XXIX .

Do this in remembrance of me , said my dying Lord and Redeemer . Lord ! Can I put my memory to a better use then to remember Thee ? Thy Tears , thy strong Cryes , thy being cruelly Mockt and Scourged , thy dreadful Agonies and Desertion , the peircing of thy Hands and Feet , and Side , thy Wounds and Bruises , and giving up the Ghost , and making thy Soul an Offering for sin and sinners ! Shall all or any this be forgotten ?

The sufferings of such an One , such sufferings , so great , so beneficial to me , should always be kept in most affectionate remembrance . Thy Death and Burial should never be buried in oblivion . A dying Lord should always live in a Christians memory . If the poor Captives in Babylon , could not forget Jerusalem , shall I ever forget Jesus ? Or my obligation to him , or the Love and service which I owe him ? I desire to grieve for sin which made thee sorrowful , and to be prickt at the Heart for my iniquities , whereby thy Heart was pierced . And as I wish that sin may be more my grief , so I would prefer Jesus before my chief Joy .

MEDITATION . XXX .

My Lord at the Table says , Take and eat this is my Body . This is infinitely more and better then if a Rich man should say to me , take my estate , or then if an Emperour should bid me take his Crown and Diadem , or then if all the Kingdoms of the World , and all the Glory of them were offered me . When Christ offered up himself a Sacrifice unto God , that he might put sin away ; how great was the Offering ? If all the Beasts in Earth , the Fowls of the Air , had been offered this offering could not have made Atonement for the sinner or for one sin . Nay if all the Angels in Heaven , had proffered themselves to be annihilated in case fallen man might be pardoned . Neither would this have been sufficient satisfaction . So that when Christ offered himself to God , he offered more , then all the World , then millions of Worlds would amount unto . And when the Lord Jesus bids me take him , and feed upon this meat indeed , this Bread of Life ; shall I refuse ? He that receives Christ how much does he recieve ? He does indeed receive all : For Christ is all in all , and filleth all in all .

MEDITATION . XXXI .

Lift up your Heads O ye Gates , and be ye lift up ye Everlasting Doors , that the King of Glory may come in . Who is this King of Glory ? The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Life , the King and Lord of Glory . Behold he stands at the door and knocks , if any man hear his voice and open the door , he will come into him and sup with him . And when he comes and is admitted , what entertainment does he bring ! Meat that perishes is contemptible in comparison . Christ will give that Meat which endures to Everlasting Life . His Love is better then Wine , Nay , his favour is better then life it self . The Manna in the Wilderness was excellent food , but many that Eat it perished . But whoever by Faith do feed upon our Lord Jesus in reference to the second Death they become immortal ; This is the Bread which commeth down from Heaven , that a Man may Eat thereof and not dy . I am the Bread of Life which came down from Heaven , if any man Eat of this Bread he shall live for ever , and the Bread that I wil give is my Flesh , which I will give for the Life of the World .

MEDITATION . XXXII .

When an inheritance is conveyed to me by a sealed Deed , the Nature of the wax is not changed , but the use of it . The Bread and Wine after the Sacramental blessing of them remain Bread and Wine still , and so in Scripture they are called ; but their use is very much altered , and they become Christs broad seal to convey to me , and to assure me of the Remission of sin , of the Renewing of my Nature , and of Life and Immortality . Let the Papists contend for a gross and carnal presence of the Body of Christ at his Table . I am perswaded that as Circumcision is called the Covenant , and the Lamb the Lords Passeover . So the bread and wine are called the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus . And yet I am also fully perswaded , that though the Body of Christ is in Heaven , yet he is most really present at the Table with them that do believe , and such are nourished and strengthened in this Ordinance . I learn from Scripture that Spiritual things are most firm , most real , most substantial , most durable ; and if so , then Christs spiritual presence is the most real presence . Christ is absent where Transsubstantiation is believed , and Romish Devotion and Adoration of the Host is turned into abominable Idolatry .

MEDITATION . XXXIII .

Lord ! Thou art my Hope , my Help , my Saviour , my Life , my All ; Thou wouldst have me put thee on to cover my nakedness . Thou wouldst have me take sanctuary under thy wings in all my dangers , thou wouldst have me use thee as a Physician to cure all my spiritual maladies ; and when I am hungry and thirsty , and my Soul faints within me , thou hast enough to satisfie and fill me . What one said concerning the Scripture I may apply to my blessed Lord. Adoro Christi plenitudinem . I adore the fulness that is in Christ Jesus . Draw neerer , neerer O thou only Saviour , thou deservest the highest , the best , nay , all the room in my Heart ; thou oughtest to be the most welcom guest . Let me have a clearer sight of thy transcendent loveliness , a larger taste of thy incomparable sweetness , let me clasp about thee and hold thee in more strict embraces . Why should I be empty since in thee there is a fulness of the Spirit without stint or measure ? I would be poor in Spirit , but why should I be poor in Grace , since in thee there are unsearchable Riches !

MEDITATION . XXXIV .

Bread is the staff of Life , Lord I come to thy Table for support and strength . Oh! Let the Bread of God strengthen me with strength in my Soul . Let me find and feel the admirable vertue of the Broken Body , that I may say from plentiful experience , I , this is meat indeed . Let sin grow weaker and weaker , and Mammons interest in me decline and languish , but make me strong in Spirit , and carry on the work of Faith with Power . I have need of strength who have such a way to go , and all up Hill , who have so much work to do , and such mighty Enemies to encounter and overcome . My Life lies in believing in thee , I stand no longer then Thou upholdest me . Without thee I can do nothing or what is worse then nothing , I can do nothing but sin and fall ; but if thou dost strengthen me I shall be able to do all things . If thou withdraw from me , I shall be weak as a Child , unstable as the very Water , but if thou dost confirm me by thy Grace , I shall be like David , nay , like unto an Angel . I shall fight the good fight of Faith , and go on conquering , and to conquer till I get the Crown .

MEDITATION . XXXV .

How great was the breach which sin had made between God and Man , that my Lord must be broken to make it up . Could not something less have served the turn ? If Christ must die or sin must not be pardoned , judg of the greatness of the fault , by the greatness of the Sacrifice and Satisfaction . What hath sin done ? It has filled Earth with troubles , it has filled Hell with Souls , it has turned Angels into Devils ; it has provoked the God of Heaven to great and Righteous indignation , add unto all this , It has killed Christ the Lord of Life . He was wounded for our Transgression , he was bruised for our iniquities . Who would love who would like such an evil ! If my Father had been stabbed , should I embrace the Murtherer , or like the Dagger besmeared with his blood ? Oh hateful sin ! i 'le be revenged upon thee . I will make no provision for thee , I will lament because of thee , I will detest and abhor thee , I will be dead to thee , and endeavour to mortifie and kill thee . My Lord was not spared for thy sake , and thou shalt not be spared . Lord ! Away with these lusts , all of them ; Crucifie them , Crucifie them , since Christ himself did bear my sins in his own Body on the Tree , Oh let me be dead to sin and live to Righteousness !

MEDITATION . XXXVI .

Is the Cup of blessing at the Table the Communion of the Blood of Christ indeed ? How should my Soul and all that is within me bless the Lords Name when I take it into my hand ? My Lord does in effect say to me , Here is the New Testament sealed , and confirmed , there is remission of all thy sins , Here is sanctifying Grace , here is an assurance of mine and my Fathers love , here is a pledge and earnest of Glory and Immortality . This Blood of Jesus is deservedly styled precious , 't is the Blood of the Lamb without spot , nay , 't is the Blood of the Lord Jehovah . To make light of this Blood as if it were an unholy or common thing , is to deny the Lord that bought us , and to bring upon our selves certain and swift destruction . But whosoever by Faith applyes this Blood of Jesus , shall find it sufficient to cleanse them from all unrighteousness .

MEDITATION . XXXVII .

Dearest Lord ! How great is the vertue of that blood of thine which was shed upon the Cross without the gates of Jerusalem ! It can appease thy Fathers anger though provoked unto great fierceness ; it can remove the greatest guilt , it can cure and cleanse the most leprous and defiled Soul , it can heal the most wounded and enraged Conscience . Oh blessed Laver ! where I may wash and be clean , where I may bath and be eased . Effectual medicine ! which heals every spiritual malady . How wonderful was thy love which made thee shed thy blood , how happy is thy Church for whom thy blood is shed . Lord I love thee , I rest upon thee , I rejoyce in thee , who hast loved thy People and washed them from their sins in thy own Blood , and hast made them Kings and Priests unto God and thy Father ; who gavest thy self for thy Church , that thou mightest sanctifie and cleanse it , and present it to thy self a glorious Church , not having spot or wrinkle , or any such thing , but that it should be holy and without blemish .

MEDITATION . XXXVIII .

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect ? It is God that justifieth . Who is he that condemneth ? it is Christ that dyed . This is my Answer unto the Accuser of the Brethren , when he tells me of my manifold Transgressions . All that he can truly lay to my charge , I am ready to lay to my own ; nay I subscribe guilty to all that is down in the book of the Omniscient Gods remembrance , but then I add , Christ dyed , Christ shed his Blood , that sin might be pardoned and purged , and I am willing to be cleansed as well as pardoned . And if the Blood of Christ be enough to satisfie divine justice , surely 't is sufficient to satisfie and quiet the most awakened Conscience . I have indeed like a Sheep gon astray , and turned to my own way , but the Lord has laid on Christ all my iniquities , he endured the chastisement of my peace , he felt the stripes that I might be healed . Hereby Satan is silenced , my own desponding Spirit revived and encouraged , and in the Name and Mediation of Jesus , I can go unto God himself , though he is so glorious in Righteousness and Holiness , as a Child unto a Father .

MEDITATION . XXXIX .

The Blood of Christ does speak , and speaks better things then the Blood of Abel . No voice more loud then that of Blood , no blood does cry like that of God . This blood does speak both to God and Me ; it speaks to God , and what ever I pray for which I really need , this blood cryes that I may obtain . Blessings of all sorts were purchased by the shedding of it , and it is continually pleading that what it purchased may be bestowed . Hence is the efficacy of Prayer , because what the belieuer prays for , the blood of Christ speaks for . How loud does it cry in Gods ears , Lord pity and pardon the humbled and Believing Soul ! Heal and Comfort the Contrite and Broken hearted ! Oh give converting and Renewing Grace to all that do desire it ! Those that fear thy Wrath let them escape it ! Those that prize thy love , love them freely and for ever ! Receive all returning sinners and take away all their iniquities ! Give Grace , give Glory , and no good thing withhold from them that seek thee in sincerity . Thus the blood of Christ does intercede with God . And the Lord having contrived the shedding of it on purpose , that without any derogation from his Righteousness , he might shew mercy to the Children of men , certainly its intercession for mercy shall not be in vain .

MEDITATIONS . XL.

The blood of Christ does speak also to Me. And how good and comfortable are the words of it ! Soul be of good chear , thy sins are forgiven thee , thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thy help and Salvation found . God was angry with thee , but I have appeased his Wrath. He whom thou wast ready to find a consuming Fire , is become a God in Covenant , nay a Father to thee . That blood which was shed upon the Cross has made thy Peace , though heretofore never so much a stranger , never so great an Enemy . Behold Hell lockt up , thou shalt never fall into that place of Wo ; behold the way into the Holiest of all is open . Thou hast liberty to come with boldness to the Throne of Grace , and within a little while thou shalt have an abundant entrance into Glory ! Dear Lord ! What am I , that blood , and such blood as thine , should be shed for me ! Why wast thou at such expence and cost for the Redemption , and Salvation of such a Wretch , such a Rebel ! Thou hast mercy because thou wilt have mercy , thy exceeding rich and glorious Grace must be matter of a delightful transport and sweet astonishment to Eternity .

MEDITATION . XLI .

My Lords love and kindness should thaw and melt my heart ! That God , whom for so long a time I neither lov'd nor fear'd , nor cared to be acquainted with , but dishonoured and sinn'd against with so high an hand , had he indeed purposes of Grace towards me from Eternity ! That Jesus , whom I shut and barr'd the door of my Heart so fast against , whose word I was deaf unto , and whose Spirit I resisted for so long a time , has He indeed born my sins and carried my sorrows ! Oh that my head were Waters , and my eyes Fountains of Tears ! Oh stony Heart for shame now , become like wax and be melted in the midst of my Bowels ! I am a prodigy of unkindness , wo is me that I have sinned ! Wo is me that I who have sinn'd so much do grieve no more ! Surely all my days I will walk softly in the bitterness of my Soul . I will be vile in my own eyes and wonder that the Lord should have respect to such an one as I , My own sin and my Lords Love shall be my Study , I will compare them together , that sin may be lamented and loathed according to the desert of it and that my Repentance may be indeed Evangelical and after a godly manner .

MEDITATION . XLII .

O my Soul , if thy sin deserves thy hatred , does not thy Lord deserve thy love ? What and where hadst thou been if he had not loved thee and given himself for thee ! Thy Lord is every way excellent , the chiefest among ten thousand , altogether lovely , the most admired among the visible Creatures , the finest Gold , the richest Jewels ; nay , the shining Sun in the Firmament , are but poor similitudes , and faint shaddows to set forth his incomparable perfections . The Heavens are not clean , Angels themselves are black when compared with Jesus who is the image of the invisible God! This high this glorious and beautiful One , became flesh and sin , and a Curse for thee , so that his love is incomparable as well as his loveliness ! O my soul set open all the flood-gates , let thy love even all of it run in a strong and undivided stream towards him . Love this Lord Jesus in sincerity , love him with greater ardency , love him with the greatest constancy ! Here is no danger of excess , no danger of defilement or a snare in thy loving Christ , as there is in loving of the Creatures . Study him better and thou wilt see new beauties in him daily , grow in knowledge that thou mayst grow in grace and love . Let thy desires grow stronger and stronger , his fulness can easily satisfie them . Rejoyce in Him with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory , and cry out with an affectionate and holy impatiency , Come Lord Jesus come quickly . Appear the second time without sin unto Salvation .

MEDITATION . XLIII .

How much is mine , if Christ my beloved is mine ! What unsearchable riches have I an interest in ! No match comparable to that with Christ either for the excellencies of the person , or the largeness of the estate . What poor offers doth the World , and the God of the World make me . They talk much of honour and wealth , and mirth and pleasure , but these afford no true contentment for that short time they are enjoy'd ; and they perish in the very using . Death does quickly come with a convincing demonstration , and proves the richest man a meer beggar , the greatest Prince a contemptible clod of the Earth , the fairest and most admired beauty a skinful of dirt . Can Satan offer any thing that is Everlasting ? No good thing I am sure that is so . Indeed Everlasting pains , Eververlasting burnings , Everlasting wrath , he will bring all unto that are led Captive by him at his pleasure , but these Eternal evils he does most studiously conceal and hide . But this is the commendation of My Lords Benefits that they are permanent and durable . The Treasures wax not old , the one thing needful cannot be taken away , the inheritance is incorruptible , and the Kingdom he will give his followers cannot be moved .

MEDITATION . XLIV .

If Christ is mine , the Father is mine . How sweet were those words which come out of my Lords mouth quickly after he came out of the Grave . Go tell my Brethren I ascend to my Father and your Father , unto my God and your God . All the Attributes of God are engaged on my side . His wisdom will be my guide , his power and truth my guard and shield . His presence will be with me wherever I am , and his Grace sufficient for me in all my troubles and Temptations . All my desire will be before him , and my groaning will not be hid from him , and he can easily furnish me with the good things I desire , and deliver me from those evils which make me groan before him . I shall not want while the All-sufficient God is my Shepherd , my state is secure and safe , for my God is unchangeable , He will never turn away from me to do me good , and his Grace will establish me , and hinder my departing , he will uphold me with the right hand of his Righteousness , and guide me with his Counsel , and afterwards receive me to his Glory . Be not thou cast down or discouraged , O my Soul , be not disquieted within me . Hope thou in God , and continually praise Him who is the health of my countenance and my God .

MEDITATION . XLV .

If Christ is mine , the Spirit is mine . The same soul does animate , and Act the Head and the Body ; the same Spirit is in Christ and in all his true and living Members . The Spirit of Wisdom and Illumination will enlighten me , and make me able to judge all things after a right manner . The Spirit of truth will lead me into all necessary truth , so that I shall be ignorant or mistaken in nothing which is needful to be understood and known in order unto Salvation . This Spirit will make me hold the Head , and from him I shall derive not only a directing light , but a vital influx , which will quicken me , and make me alive more and more abundantly . Glorious Spirit ! Thou art the Lord and Giver of Life , without thee the Word of Life is dead , and proves a savour of Death unto Death . Without thee Ordinances are without efficacy , without thee my Heart is cold and comfortless . I grieve that I have grieved thee . Oh let me be thy Habitation and thy Temple ! let me see thy blessed light , let me feel thy glorious power , and know by more abundant experience what thy peace and joy means . The lusts of the flesh which defile thy Temple let them be destroyed , mortifie the deeds of the Body , fill me with Grace and make me fit for Glory . Let the least check of thine restrain me , every motion of thine let it be obeyed . Let me perpetually have an ear to Hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches .

MEDITATION . XLVI .

If Christ is mine , the Creatures are also mine . The Sun was created to give me light , and to make me admire the God that made it : The Stars observe their courses for my good , The Ordinances of the Heavens which alter not at mans pleasure , may serve as an instruction to me , that Gods Covenant , when Earth and Hell have done their worst , shall be kept and stand fast for ever ; the Earth is Fruitful , the Sea does Ebb and Flow , the Rain descends , the Beasts and Fish and Fowl do multiply , to do me a kindness . The Ground was made for me to tread on , the Air for me to breath in ; and though such mercies as these are vouchsafed to wicked men , yet they are given to me in another way . My Lord has bought them for me with his blood , for with him they are given to me , they are not a trap , a snare to me as they are to others , but they are truly blessed to me as well as given . The higher Creatures are also mine , Paul and Apollo and Cephas , nay , the very Angels are said to be ministring Spirits , and are ready to Minister to me , and to guard me . Those loving humble Spirits have a charge given them concerning the Members of Christ , and willingly look after them that are the Heirs of Salvation .

MEDITATION . XLVII .

If Christ be mine Death is also mine as well as Life . Death is terrible indeed to Nature , and causes the frame thereof to be dissolved ; but my Lord has reconciled this last Enemy . 'T is really mine to serve me , too much mine to do me any real harm . Christ by dying has taken out the sting of Death , so that I need not any longer be under bondage through the Fear of Death . O Death ! Thou hast left thy sting in the side of Christ , and there hast lost it . O Grave ! My Lord has broke thy gates open , and because he is risen , I may joyfully conclude my own Resurrection . My body must lye in darkness for a while , but it shall not always be Death's Prisoner . This corruptible shall put on incorruption , this mortal shall put on immortality , and as the Corn cast into the ground does rise with advantage , every single grain yeilding sometimes an hundred fold , so my flesh shall come up out of the Earth with an hundred fold better qualities then now it has . 'T is sown in weakness , 't is raised in power , 't is sown in dishonour 't is raised in glory . But O my Soul ! Death will not be able at all to seize on thee . Thou wilt be delivered out of a dungeon when thou leavest thine Earthly Tabernacle , and go unto a glorious Palace , assoon as ever thou art absent from the Body thou wilt be present with the Lord , assoon as thou art departed , thou will be with Christ , and how much better that is thou wilt find to thy full and Everlasting joy .

MEDITATION . XLVIII .

If my Beloved is mine , and all things , mine is there not reason I should be His ? His I am and His I will be to eternity . Lord ! I am Thine for thou hast made me and not I my self . I am thine by the right of purchase as well as Creation , for thou hast bought me with a price . Nay , thou hast new made me on purpose for thine own use , and that I should shew forth thy praises . And I do willingly resign and yeild my self to thee ; if I am thy Servant make use of me , if I am thy Treasure , keep me ; if I am a child , let me be imployed in my Fathers business ; if I am Betrothed to thee , let thy love and jealousie secure me from other Lovers . Oh let me be wholly , only , always Thine ! Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity ! Let my tongue be like an Angels , continually sounding forth thy Name , Let my hands be holy , the path of my feet pondered ; let all my members be yeilded as instruments of Righteousness , and let my soul with all its powers love and serve thee . Lord sanctifie and satisfie , and save me , and honour me , by employing me ; for I lift up my soul , and give my very heart to thee .

MEDITATION . XLIX .

Ten thousand times ten thousand praises to the God of love and peace ! Who would not worship thee and give thee glory , O thou King of Saints ! Let thy Church on Earth , as well as Heaven , ring aloud with Hallelujah's ! Who is God save the Lord , who is a Rock save our God! Who in Heaven above or in Earth beneath is to be compared to Thee , a God glorious in holiness , terrible in Majesty rich in mercy , abounding in Grace , wonderful in working , and keeping truth for ever ! Who can by searching find out God! who can find out the Almighty to perfection ! It is high as Heaven what can we do ? Deeper then Hell what can we know ? Who is a God like unto thee , abundant in loving kindness , goodness and truth ! Delighting in mercy ! Forgiving iniquity Transgression and sin , and reconciling the world to himself in Christ ! Glory be to God in the highest for such good will towards men ! Let the Heavens rejoyce , and let the Earth be glad , let the Sea roar and the fulness thereof . Let the floods clap their hands , and the hills be joyful together . Let all the creatures joyn in magnifying that God which made them ! And let all Saints shout aloud for joy unto Him who has visited and redeemed them !

MEDITATION . L.

Lord ! How much art thou above thy Creatures reach ! Who , besides thy self , can conceive thy excellency ! Who can shew forth all thy praise ! Thou art exalted above the blessing and the thoughts of Angels , above the songs of Seraphims . Everlasting thanksgivings are thy due ; Oh let me live with thee to Eternity , that I may ever be paying this debt of praises ! Bless the Lord ye innumerable company of Angels , which excell in strength who see the Glory of your Maker and Lord ! Praise him O ye Thrones , Dominions , Principallities and Powers . Exalt that mighty and gracious God , who elected and confirmed you , when so many other Angels sinn'd , and are eternally left , and miserable , in their Apostacy ! O all ye Triumphant Saints that are with the Lamb upon the heavenly Mount Sion . Strike up with your Harps , and if it be possible let your strains be still higher and higher ! Ascribe blessing and honour and glory , and power unto Him that sits upon the Throne , and to the Lamb for ever ! O thou Militant Church ! Begin this heavenly work of praising here on Earth . Thy Redemption and deliverance is begun , and will most certainly be compleated . The Captain of thy Salvation will stand by thee in thy spiritual warfare , and having made thee more then victorious over all thy Enemies will bestow upon thee the promised Crown of life and glory !

MEDITATION . LI.

Bless the Lord O my Soul , and all that is within me , bless his holy Name ! What hast thou breath for , but that it should be spent in his praises ! Wherefore hast thou a tongue at command , but that it should be employed in glorifying thy Lord , and hereby become thy glory . Should not a slave that has been in very hard and cruel bondage , be thankful to him that redeemed him ? Should not a Malefactor condemned to dye be thankful unto Him that pardoned him ? Should not the patient that has laboured under a Death threatning distemper , be thankful to the Physician that has cured him ? And how much greater reason is there O my Soul , that thou shouldst abound in thanksgivings unto thy God and Saviour ! Thou wast in the worst sense enslaved , and he has made thee free indeed ! Thou wast condemned to the second Death , to be separated for ever from the Lord , and to be thrown into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone , and he by dying himself has purchased a pardon for thee . Thou wast sick of spiritual , which are the worst kind of plagues , and He is the Lord that heals thee , Awake ! Awake ! Oh my soul , Awake ! Awake ! And utter a song of praise ! Rejoyce in Christ Jesus ! Glory in the Father of mercies ! Who forgiveth all thy iniquities , who healeth all thy Diseases , who redeemeth thy life from destruction , who crowneth thee with loving kindness , and tender mercies !

MEDITATION . LII .

Shall I not magnifie and advance my Lord who am so highly advanced my self ? I was once in darkness and securely went on towards the blackness of darkness forever , but I am called out of darkness into marvellous light ● . I was once a stranger and a forreiner , but now I am a fellow Citizen with the Saints , and of the houshold of God . I am become a child of God , who was once a Child of Wrath and Disobedience . I am become an Heir of God and a Joint-Heir with Christ , unto that inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled , and which fadeth not away . Nay , my Lord who has loved me , and washed me from my sins in his own blood , hath made me a King and a Priest unto God and his Father , and I must reign for ever , for of this Kingdom which I have now a Title to , and a sure promise of , there shall be no end ! Oh rich ! Oh free ! Oh glorious Grace ! I am at a loss for an expression high enough to set forth the thousandth part 〈◊〉 my Lords incomparable kindness ; my shallow Conceptions cannot reach what is incomprehensible : Therefore I must be silent in a joyful admiration !

MEDITATION . LIII .

What shall I render unto the Lord ? My All is due , my All is too little , and by rendring my All , I secure my All , and so am still more benefited , and I become more my Lords debter ! I find my self most happily puzzled with my Lords goodness . He gives himself to me , and requires that I should give my self to him , but in so doing not He but I receive the benefit . All the retributions thou requirest , O my God and Father , are but to do my self more kindnesses . Duties are my priviledges ! All thy precepts are for my profit and my peace and pleasure to obey them . Thou art beyond all compare the very best Master ! Oh let my ear be boared , for I will serve thee for ever ; let my Heart be circumcised that I may love thee Eternally ! There is a sweetness in the acting of every Grace . There is great peace in keeping of thy law , there is an amiableness in thy Tabernacles , thy power and thy glory are seen in thy sanctuary ! and though that word Suffering may sound harsh , yet upon experience , suffering will be found the most delightful pa●● of Christian obedience .

MEDITATION . LIV.

My Lord did not stick at suffering and why should I ? Why should the Cross daunt me ? If I will be indeed Godly , Persecution is to be expected . The old Serpent is full of hatred , and so are his seed , and their hatred is implacable . But when I consider my Lords love , and power , and presence . Hells Malice and the Worlds Rage become contemptible ; times of suffering are times of the sweetest solace . Those are not unreasonable injunctions , Count it all joy when ye fall into divers Temptations , and Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you , and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake , rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven . The Spirit of glory and of God does rest upon his suffering Saints , so that they glory in tribulation , they rejoyce in it as a dignity when they suffer shame for the name of Jesus , they are gainers by their losses , they gain an hundred fold in this World , besides the Kingdom in the other World .

MEDITATION . LV.

O my soul follow thy Lord , though he lead thee in rough ways and paths of great affliction . If sufferings abound , consolation shall abound , and grace shall be sufficient . The Cross of Christ though the outside of it be affrighting , yet it is lined with love , and easily born . And if it should come to pass that Life must be taken away ; What better use can Life be put to then to lay it down for the Testimony of Jesus ? The painfullest deaths have proved many times most pleasant . What raptures of joy have the Martyrs had , at the stake and in the flames ! Prudentius of old observed , Mors Christianis ludus est ; That Death was but a sport unto the Christians ! Remarkable is that passage of Bainham the Martyr , when his arms and legs were half consumed by the fire , he spake these words , O ye Papists you look for miracles , and here now you may see a miracle , for in this fire I feel no more pain , then if I were in a bed of Down , it is to me a bed of Roses ! Resolve therefore O my soul , undauntedly to undergo whatever tribulaon thou meetest for the sake of Righteousness . Rely upon thy faithful God who will not suffer thee to be tempted above what his Grace shall enable thee to bear , with joy as well as patience !

MEDITATION . LVI .

Thy death O Lord , is to be shewn forth till thou comest , 't is proper for me to think of thy coming , and to rejoyce at the thoughts of it . My Lord and Redeemer , will certainly appear the second time without sin to Salvation . And when he shall appear I shall be like him , and appear with him in glory . Time and days do fly away apace , and the comming of my Lord draweth nigh . That will be the day of my open absolution , of my full and compleat Redemption , of my joyful and triumphant Coronation . How full of glory and of love , will be the face of Jesus then ! Ah! where shall the ungodly and sinners then appear ! How will the greatest and the stoutest of them , even the Kings and Cheif Captains , and mighty men , tremble ; and call to the Rocks and Mountains to fall on them and cover them , from the face of him that sits upon the Throne , and from the Wrath of the Lamb ! But though most of mankind be full of horror , I if I am a true Believer shall be full of joy , and after I have been openly acquitted , own'd and crown'd , before Men and Angels : Whither , Oh whither will my Lord carry me ! Into those Mansions he is gone to prepare ; into the presence Chamber of the King of Glory . Where God himself will be All in All.

MEDITATION . LVII .

I find some sweetness in the way and means of grace , what shall I find in the end ! if in vale of Tears such joy be found , what will be enjoyed in a paradise of delight ! if in the midst of labours and fightings , and temptations I find so much satisfaction , what contentment will an Everlasting rest afford me ! Augustine speaks excellently , Soliloq. cap. 35. Intra in gaudium sine tristitia ; ubi erit omne bonum , et non erit aliquod malum ; ubi erit quicquid voles , et non erit quicquid noles : O gaudium vincens omne gaudium ! laetitia sine dolore , lux sine tenebris , vita sine morte , ubi juventus nunquam senescit , ubi decor nunquam pallescit , ubi amor nunquam tepescit , gaudium nunquam decrescit , ubi dolor nunquam sentitur , gemitus nunquam auditur , ubi triste nihil videtur , ubi malum nullum timetur , quia summum bonum possidetur . Enter O my soul into joy without sadness ! Where there shall be a presence of all good an absence of all evil , where there shall be every thing which thou desirest , nothing at all that thou dislikest . O joy surpassing all other joys ! Gladness without Grief , Light without Darkness , Life without Death ! There Youth shall never grow old , Beauty shall never fade , Love shall never wax cold , and Joy shall never be diminished ; there sorrow shall never be felt , one sigh shall never be heard ; nothing sad shall be seen , nothing evil shall be feared , because the cheifest good shall be possessed .

MEDITATION . LVIII .

Lord ! I am thine save me , save me or I shall surely perish , bring me safe to the Haven , preserve me to thy heavenly Kingdom , that neither Faith nor Conscience , nor my soul may suffer shipwrack . Thou hast made an Everlasting Covenant with me , and at thy Table this Covenant has been sealed , Oh never turn away from me to do me good , and let thy power and love , and the fear of thy name secure me from Apostacy ! I am not sufficient to be my own keeper , but who shall be able to pluck me out of the hand of Christ and of the Father who is greater then all ? Thou art of power to establish me , and canst easily keep me from falling , and present me faultless before the presence of thy glory with exceeding great joy . Oh let not my faith fail , nor my love cool , nor my watchfulness abate ; let Satans wiles and devices be unsuccessful , help me to slight the worlds frowns , and to be deaf and dead , to the flatteries and smiles of it . Let me obtain mercy to be faithful in thy Covenant , let my spirit be cured of its natural fickleness and treachery , let resolutions to be the Lords , and to serve the Lord be peremptory , being made and kept with a strength beyond my own ! And let me at last be able to say . O God my Heart is fixed , my Heart is fixed , I will sing and give praise .

Herbert . pag. 140.

KIng of Glory , King of Peace , I will love thee : And that love may never cease , I will move thee . Thou hast granted my request , Thou hast heard me : Thou didst note my working breast , Thou hast spar'd me . Wherefore with my utmost art I will sing thee , And the cream of all my heart I will bring thee . Though my sins against me cry'd , Thou didst clear me ; And alone , when they reply'd , Thou didst hear me . Seven whole days , not one in seven , I will praise thee : In my Heart though not in Heaven , I can raise thee . Thou grew'st soft and moist with Tears , Thou relentedst : And when Justice call'd for fears , Thou dissentedst . Small it is in this poor sort To enroll thee : Even Eternity is too short To extoll thee .

FINIS .