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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B08180) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 183926) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 2211:2) Christian purposes and resolutions. D. T. (Daniel Tuvill), d. 1660. [12], 238 [i.e. 264] p. Printed for Samuell Macham, and are to be sold at the Bul-head in Paules Church-yard., London, : 1611.. Attributed to Tuvill by STC (2nd ed.) and NUC pre-1956 imprints. Title within border of printer's ornaments; initials. Signatures: A⁶ B-M¹². Numerous errors in paging. Imperfect: tightly bound, torn pages, with loss of text. Reproduction of original in: University of Glasgow. Library. eng Christian life -- Early works to 1800. Conduct of life -- Early works to 1800. eebo Christian purposes and resolutions. D. T. 1611 294 27876 232 0 0 0 0 0 83.23 D The rate of 83.23 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2013-07 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-10 Sampled and proofread 2013-10 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

CHRISTIAN PVRPOSES AND RESOLVTIONS .

ROM. 7.18.25 .

To will is present with me ; but I finde no meanes to performe that which is good ; so that in my mind I serue the Law of God , but in my flesh the law of Sinne. .

LONDON , Printed for Samuell Macham , and are to be sold at the Bul-head in Paules Church-yard . 1611.

To the right Worshipfull SIR HENRY MOVNTAGV , Knight , Recorder of London , and one of his Maiesties learned Counsaile , &c. SIR ,

MAny of the good and bad affections of the minde , are easily dissembled , onely Loue with her Neighbour-Vertues , Dutie and Gratitude are no Hypocrites . The Ancients faigned the three Graces to be naked , that their beauties or deformities might not deceiue Opinion ; and painted their Gemini Amores , Children also destitute of apparrell : shewing vs , that true desire is simple , open , and vehement . I speake partly out of speculation , but more by experience . The many fauors by which I stand obliged vnto you , are growne to so great a sum , that I being bankrupt in conceit , do in the vehemency of my dutious good will , sincerely professe the debt , and wanting other meanes of satisfaction , I tender this poore pittance my acknowledgment . Qui gratè beneficium accipit , Sen. lib. 2. de Ben. primam esus pensionem soluit , saieth the woorthiest of the Stoikes : Other paiment your generous mind cannot expect , nor my meanesse offer . I should entreat pardon , if I seem somwhat ambitious , thus publikely to professe my thankefull Passions ; but the generall approbation which attends your merit , in the frequent imployments of your profession , and iudiciall executions of your place , is known to all : Hence I am confident , that so faire a minde cannot want Candor & Humanity , without which Goodnesse ( if it can be without them ) is rather awfull than amiable . I might to confirme my selfe ( if I did doubt ) tell to my selfe those many your more priuate and domesticall Vertues , which attract the loue and affection of your friendes and followers ; but of these I will rather meditate , than discourse , knowing that you affect no other Theater for your worth , then your own conscience . My chiefest intent in publishing these Papers , is the good of others ; And it may be , that these imperfect Resolutions and Meditations in the practise whereof my owne soule hath profited , may be auaileable to some . For wee see , that an Empirike hath now & then , that hap in curing a disease , which a learned Artist wanteth . But howsoeuer my weaknesse may depriue mee of this fruit , yet shall these leaues remaine as a proofe and testimony ( which are my second aymes ) of your kindnesse , and my thankefulnesse .

E. Lucan : ad Pisonem . — Accipe nostri Certus , & hoc verè complectere pignus amoris , Quòd si digna tuo minus est haec nomine charta , At voluisse sat est , animum non verbula jacto . Ah! take in gree , trusting my kind intent , This , ( ah ! smal this ) my true loues monument ; And if this worthlesse page be now too base , That in these blots your name should haue a place . Yet well to will is all , and that 's in me , In that my vaunts , not in these papers be . Accept my heart ; and here at ydle houres Read me , as you haue made me , wholy YOVRS . D. T.
To the Reader .

THE cause of making these Purposes and Resolutions common , is not common : It is my knowne weakenesse , not conceit of their worthines . There are some , that think the vertues of learned and famous men to bee admirable , not imitable ; but if workes of Grace appeare in a meaner person , by not dispairing to ouertake him , they begin to follow him . S. Augustine before his perfect conuersion , thought a christian life too difficult for his then wauering minde , but when he perceiued many vnlearned women , and ruder Artisans to be great proficients in the Schoole of Christ , he then in holy emulation emboldned himselfe , and his conscience preached , Tu non poteris , Confess . lib. 8 cap. 11. quod isti , & istae ? Canst not thou doe as much as these , and these ? and in another place ; Surgunt indocti & Caelum rapiunt , &c. Ibid. cap. 8. An quia praecesserunt pudet sequi , & non pudet nec saltem sequi ? The ignorant rise vp , and lay violent handes vpon the Kingdome of Heauen . Because they went before , art thou ashamed to follow ; or rather , art thou not ashamed not to doe so much as followe ? The firme resolution of them , which were most likely to faint , added such vigour , and constancy to this Saints endeuours , that though hee came the latest , yet he went the furthest in Christianity . I knowe , I feele my owne frailty and imperfection , and yet trusting to the power , and mercy of my God , I haue set my rest to practise these published purposes and Resolutions . It is my hope that my boldnesse will encourage others not to thinke the way hard , or the iourney troublesome , being vndertaken by so mipotent a trauailer . I haue not in the prescribing of my intended course affected curiositie , but proceeded in a naturall and free straine , as the matter which then came into my minde , did seeme to lead me . I expect not , I desire not popular applause . If I finde in perusing my worke the infirmities of holy Iob , that I handle a good matter ill , I reioyce in it , not because I handle it ill , but because the matter is good : and I had rather with that godly Father betray my ignorance , in imperfectly discoursing vppon a good subiect , then shew wit and learning with his three noble friends , in maintaining any argument of a differing Mold .

CHRISTIAN Purposes and Resolutions .
I.

IT is easier for a man to propounde vnto himself those thinges which are seemlie to be don , then to do those , Rom. 7.23 . which were seemly to bee propounded . There is a Lawe in our members , saieth that mortified Apostle Paule , rebelling against the law of our minds , and leading vs Captiues to the Law of sinne ; so that we can no sooner incline to what is good , but euill is ready to seduce vs . The Lambe of God , Christ Iesus , is no sooner come into the worlde , but Herod like a bloody Wolfe doth eagerly pursue him . A thought of Piety cannot bee conceiued , but Sathan seeketh to destroy it He would crush it in the womb for feare it shoulde escape him in the Cradle . I will labour therfore by feruent praiers , and godly Meditations for a daily supplye from the Spirit , and neuer cease to continue my suite , till a good inclination become a perfect will .

II.

THe soule of man , the more it desireth the fruition of any temporal & changeable good , the more it differeth from that incorporeall , eternall , and vnchaungeable God , in whose seruice is perfect freedom , and the knowledge of whome is life euerlasting . I will no longer therefore doate vppon the specious outside of this deceitfull world : I wil diuorce my selfe wholy from the vanities thereof , & espouse my best affections to none but him : I will affect similitude with him in his operations , & that I may the safelier flye from him , I wil fly vnto him , borne thither on the wings of Contemplation , and Action ; of Faith and Charity .

III.

IT is not enough for vs to forbeare that whych is bad , we must giue our selues withall to do that which is good . Cease to do euill , learne to doe well ; Isaih 1.17 . seeke iudgement ; releeue him that is oppressed , reuenge the fatherlesse , and defend the Widdowe ; then will I reason with you , saith the Lord , and were your sinnes redder then the Vermillion , I will make them whiter then snowe ; Mar. 7.21 . were they redder then Scarlet , I will make them whiter then wooll . Not euery one that cryeth Lord , Psal. 15.2 . Lord , but hee that walketh vprightly , & worketh righteousnesse , it is hee that shall dwell in the Tabernacles of the highest , it is he that shall rest in his holy Mountaine , and be neuer moued . It sufficeth not that we haue Lamps in our hands ; for vnlesse they flame out in loue towards God , and Charity towards our Neighbour , we shall neuer bee suffered to followe the Bride-groome into his nuptiall Chamber . Mat. 12.13 . Many are inuited to the feast , but he that presumeth to come , not hauing on his wedding garment , shal be bounde in Chaines , and cast into vtter darkenesse , where there is nothing but wailing & gnashing of teeth . I will not onely therefore shun the blindnesse of Egypt , but I will seeke for the light that shineth in the land of Goshen : and howsoeuer it shall please the lord to bestow vpon me but a meane Talent , I will husband it so well , that when he shal cal me to giue vp an account of my Stewardship , I may return it back with good encrease .

IIII.

THe Soul dieth when it is forsaken of God ; the bod● when it is forsaken of the Soule ; the whole Man , when the Soule which is forsaken of God , dooth likewise forsake the Body ; for then neyther dooth the soule liue by GOD , nor the bodye by the soule . For how can that bodie properly be saide to liue , which hath a Soule annexed to it , not to giue it life , but to make it sensible of paine . Whilest I soiourne therefore heer on earth , I wil order my actions in such manner , that as my bodye receiueth being from my soule , so may my soule from her Creator . I will labour alwayes to liue vnto righteousnesse , that I may neuer die but vnto sinne .

V.

WHatsoeuer a man soweth , that shal he also reape . If hee sow to the flesh , he shal reape corruption ; if to the spirit , life euerlasting . Let vs therefore not be wearie , saith the Apostle , Gal. 6 , 9. of dooing well , for in due season shall we reape , if we do not faint . He that striueth for a Maistry , vnles he striue as he ought to doe , 2. Tim. 2.5 . shall neuer bee crowned . I am the true Vine , sayeth our Sauiour , and my Father is the husband man , Iohn . 15.4 . euerie braunch that beareth not fruite in me , hee taketh away : & euerie one that beareth , he purgeth that it may bring forth more . But as the braunch cannot bear of it selfe , except it abide in the Vine ; no more can we , except we abide in him . Whosoeuer putteth his hande to the Plough , Mat. 24.13 and looketh backe , shall neuer enter into the ioies of heauen ; but he that indureth to the end , he shal be saued . Christ Iesus would not descend from the crosse , when he was willed vnto it by the Iewes , bee cause he woulde not leaue the worke of our Redemption vnperfect : and when the Prince of his Apostles Peter , vpon the relation which hee made them , of those particular troubles hee was to suffer vpon his arriual at Ierusalem , out of the abundance of his loue , desired him to haue some pittie and compassion on himselfe , and not to goe ; Get thee behind me Sathan , said he , Mar. 8.33 . thou art a scandall and a stumbling blocke to my proceedings ; Thou vnderstandest not the things that are of GOD , but onely the thinges that are of Men ; such was his perseuerance in accomplishing the fulnesse of our saluation . In my iourney therefore to the Land of Canaan , Num 11.5 . how tedious , and howe wearisome soeuer it may seeme , I will not long after the Flesh-Pots of Egypt : I will be mindefull alwaies of the Wife of Lot , Gen. 19.17 . and in my passage vnto Zoar , I will followe the directions of my blessed guid , and neither linger on the plains , nor looke once backe vppon the ruines of sinneful Sodome , for feare I displease the Author of my safety , and that my punishment be made the monument of my disobedience ; I will forget that which is behind , and endeauor my selfe to that which is before ; Philip. 3.13 I will follow hard towardes the marke , for the price of that high calling of God in Christ Iesus , and neuer cease to runne , till I haue finished my course .

VI.

GOds wrath , though it come softly , yet if commeth surely , and in the end , what it wanted in swiftnesse , it bringeth with it in seuerenesse . I will not therefore abuse his gentlenesse , nor presume too much vpon his patience . He is beautiful as Tirzah , comely as Hierusalem ; Cant 6.3 . but terrible with al , as an Army with banners . Hee is like those Cherubins in Ezechiell , Ezech. 41.19 . he hath the face of a Lyon , as well as of a man . Hee will send his tempest abroad with fury , and like a Whirle-winde shall it light vppon the head of the vngodly : Ier. 30.23 . Aram shall come before , the Philistims shall come behind , and deuoure the rebellious Israell with open mouth . I will seeke vnto him therfore in the morning , and at noone-day ; yea in the euening will I call vppon him : I will make my praier vnto him in an acceptable time , Psal. 69.13 . & he shall heare mee in the multitude of his mercy , and in the trueth of his saluation : The Lord shal teach me his way , and I will walke in his Commaundements ; hee shall knit my heart vnto him , and I wil feare his name .

VII .

GOD hath not any neede of the bloud of Bullocks , or of the fat of Beasts , or of any other corruptible and earthly thing , no not so much as of the verie righteousnesse of man . If wee worship him according to the rules prescribed vs by his word , in Spirite and in Truth , the profite heereof redoundeth not to him , but to our selues . For who so senselesse as to thinke he benefites the Sun , when he beholdes his beames , or that he pleasureth the Spring , when hee drinketh of the water . Whatsoeuer therefore my deedes are , I will desire but acceptance , and that which followeth after , I will attribute to his mercy , not to my owne merite .

VIII .

THe omnipotency of the word , appeareth in nothing more , then in that it maketh all those omnipotent that doe hope in it . Ioshua commandeth the Sunne to stand , 2. King . 20.10 . and it obeyeth him : King Ezechias desireth that the shaddowe of it may retire , & Isaiah graunteth it . Yea Christ himselfe assureth vs , that were our Faith but as a graine of Mustard-seede , Mat. 17 , 20. we should no sooner say vnto a Mountaine , Remooue ; but it should presently be remooued , and nothing at all should be impossible vnto vs . I wil not therefore with the Scribes and Pharises , require a signe for the reforming of my incredulity ; Mat. 12.38 . but without putting my fingers with Didymus into the printes of his Nailes , Ioh. 20.25 . or my handes into his wounded side ; I will beleeue without inductions or demonstrations , the sacred mysteries of the Incarnation , Passion , Resurrection , & Ascention of my most holy and blessed Sauior ; humbly beseeching him , Luke 17.5 . with his Apostles , that hee would vouchsafe to strengthen and encrease my Fayth , Col. 1.23 . that I may continue grounded and established therein , and not bee mooued away from the hope of that glorious Gospell , which hath beene preached by his chosen Ministers to euery creature that is vnder heauen .

IX .

MANS intention without Gods assistance , auaileth nothing . Peter was but a while forsaken , Mat. 26.27 and howsoeuer he did abound with loue and zeale , yet was hee notwithstanding supplanted by the Enemy : his faith was ouerwhelmed with feare ; hee forsooke him for whom he swore to dye . Gods assistaunce without mans intention profits as litle ; For what action , circumstaunce , or exhortation could be thought requisite for the reclayming of Iudas , which Christ omitted ; but al was to no purpose hee was a Deuill , and so he dyed . And heereupon the Lord himselfe complaineth in the 23. of Mathew , Hierusalem , Hierusalem , Mat. 23.37 . which killest the Prophets , and stonest them that are sent vnto thee ; how often would I haue gathered thy Children together as the Hen gathereth her Chickens vnder her Winges , and ye would not ? GOD pointes vs to the springs of heauenvly grace , but vnlesse we stoope to the Well , we cannot be refreshed with the water . We lie wallowing heere in the mire of earthly cogitations , and in vaine shall he assay to raise vs if wee be not willing to rise ; If hee lende vs his hand , wee must giue him our heart , or rot and putrify in our own infirmities . In al humility therefore , & singlenesse of spirit , I will desire the Authour of my saluation that he would vouchsafe to second my holy Resolutions , and so quicken mee according to his louing kindnes , that whensoeuer it shall please him to call vnto me , I may be instantly ready to runne vnto him , applying my selfe without delay , to keepe his Statutes and commaundements .

X.

1. Sam. 18 22. OBedience is more acceptable to the Lord then sacrifice , & to hearken then the fat of Rams . To what purpose , saith he , bringest thou incense vnto me from Sheba , Iere. 6.20 . and sweet Calamus from a far Countrey ? He desireth not the bloud of Bullocks , neyther is he delighted with the multitude of burnt offeringes ; 2. Cor. 12.14 . so hee may haue vs , he careth not for what is ours . When I sacrifice to my Creator therefore , I will not offer vp the Calues of my lippes , without the treasures of my heart ; I wil not giue part to him , & keep the choisest for my selfe . All the Fat is the Lordes , Leuit. 3.16 . & he that eateth it shall bee cut off from his people .

XI .

THE Couetous man is like a Christmasse Boxe ; whatsoeuer is put into it , nothing can bee taken out of it , till it bee broken : Hee soaketh vp the waters like a Spung , and till death doe come and squeeze him with his Iron Graspe , he will not yeeld one drop : his hand is sound and nimble to receiue , but when hee shold vse it to relieue the wantes of his distressed Brother , it lyeth withered in his bosome , & can by no meanes possible be stretched out . Hee weareth out himselfe in labouring for that whereof hee hath no vse . Hee knoweth no God of Sabaoth , but his Gold : his restlesse purchase of it is his rest , and with religious admiration doe his thoughtes adore it : hee thinkes it Sacriledge to diminish the least heape , but the time will come , when he shall goe as naked out of the world , as euer he came into it , and then those Aungels in which hee gloried heere , shall bee so many Deuils to torment him there . Whereas he that dealeth his Bread vnto the hungry , Mat. 25.34 and bringeth the poore vnto his House ; his light shal break forth as the morning , and his health shall growe with speede : his righteousnes shall go before him , and the glory of the Lorde shall embrace him . Esay 58.7 . He shall bee like a Garden that is watered , and like a Spring , that can neuer faile ; his very bones shal fatten , and his Soule bee satisfied in the midst of drought . I will continually therfore cast my Bread vpon the waters , and according to that portion which the Lord hath lent mee , bee alwaies ready to releeue the needy .

XII .

I Will not mortify my selfe in part , nor in conflicting with those spiritual Amalekites that seek the ruine of my Soule , will I make Saul my precedent ; but according to the mandate of my God , Demoliar vniuersa , 1 Sam. 15.3 I will bring downe all ; I will not spare Man , woman , nor Childe . For here are those three sins to which we are all subiect : First , the sin of frailty , behold the Woman . Secondly , the sinne of Malice , behold the Man : Last of al the sinne of Ignorance , behold the Childe . Nay I will labour as much as in mee lyeth , to destroy the very heardes , with euery other thing , & not leaue so much as the least circumstance , that may either aggrauate or extenuate my offences ; So shall I fight the good fight , and in the ende receiue that inestimable price which is laid vp for mee in the Kingdome of glory .

XIII .

GOD is not an Italienated Courtier ; nor doth hee euer entertaine vs with Lippe-courtesie . When he inuiteth vs , Hos. 11. we must in no wise say him nay ; Hee will pull vs to him with the Cordes of a Man , and drawe vs on eeuen with the bands of loue ; And when he seeeth , that this is not sufficient , hee will sende his Chasticementes and his Corrections for vs , who like faithful Messengers , will not be satisfied with any vain excuses , Luke 14.23 but wil compell vs by violence to come vnto him . It is not the purchase of a Farme ; the buying of an Oxe , nor the marrying of a wife , that will serue our turne . The Mayster of the Feast hath sent for vs , and we must goe . His Dinner is prepared ; hee hath killed his Fatlinges , Mat. 22.4 . and all thinges nowe are in a readinesse . If hee see that his Table bee not thorowly furnished with Guests , he will instantlie grow exceeding wroth , and woe be to vs , if once hee send his Warriours forth . Esay 41.2 . For then shall we bee giuen as Dust vnto their Swordes , and as scattered Stubble vnto their Bowes . I will not therefore slightly regard his inuitations . He shal no sooner call but I wil free my selfe from all encumbrances and come : Luk. 14 15 Blessed , I know is he that eateth Bread in the Kingdom Reuel. 19 , 9 of God , and sitteth at Supper with the holy Lambe .

XIIII .

IN this World there is a threefold roade . The one is , that of Christ from ill to good , from sinne to Grace , which beginneth at the Valley of Hinnon , & reaches to the Mount of Oliues , and thorough this haue al the holy Patriarches , Prophets , and Apostles iournyed from time to time to theyr eternall happinesse . The other is that of ADAM , from good to ill , from life to death , and goeth downe from Hierusalem to Ierico : Luke 10.30 It is a way that is exceeding dangerous , and beset on euery side with Theeues and Murderers , that wil rob vs of those vertues wherwith wee are arayed , and hauing wounded vs wil go their way , leauing vs there alone to languish in our misery . The third and last , is that of sathan , which is round and Circular . He compasseth the earth , and like a roaring Lyon he walketh about , Iob. 1.7 . seeking whom hee may deuour . 1. Pet. 5.8 . To go right forward is no pace for him ; he must continually bee turning , and the reason hereof is this ; he would not rest himselfe when time did serue in the lord his God , who as he is to all Creatures , the first efficient of their beeing , so is he the last final cause of their working , & as it were the breathing stop and period of their operations . But his motion hath no center , & therefore must bee alwayes wheeling . From amongest them all then I wil select the first . It is straight and ready , and will quickly bring a man to his expected harbour : Luke 10.4 . Being entred once into it , whomsoeuer I meete , I will let him passe according to the precept of my blessed Sauiour , 1 King 4.29 . and not salute him ; If hee salute mee , I will not aunswere him . He treads a path directly contrary to mine , and I will not seeme by complementing to affect his company .

XV.

THE wicked man is a great Linguist . Euery desire in him hath his peculiar speech , and euery passion his proper dialect . His bosome is the very Babell of al confusion : Wisedom may notwithstanding cry till she bee hoarse , there is not one that vnderstands her accent . The toongs they speake withal are forked , but not fiery , Actes 2.3 . and cannot therfore serue for vnion , but diuision . They are such as will sooner bring a punnishment vpon the speaker , then cause astonishment in the hearer . I will leaue them therefore to him that liketh them ; and not suffer a Thought within my breast , Esay 19.18 that speaketh any language but that of Canaan .

XVI .

THe Lord is liberall , Iames 1.5 . and reproacheth no man . There is not the least , & meanest of those benefites , which euery moment wee receiue from him , but is farre more then wee could deserue , farre more then we durst desire . Hee neuer values that which he giues , yet giues hee alwayes that which is pure and perfect . He will not flatter our hopes with verball Complements , Ioh. 16.24 . nor torture them with vaine delaies . Aske , and you shall receiue ( saith our Sauiour Christ ) that your ioy may bee fulfilled . Luk. 12.19 The world doth otherwise : Faire promises , but slowe performance : & in the end , Insteade of bread it offereth vs a stone ; instead of fish it feedes vs with a Serpent : we looked for a substance , and beholde a shadow . My Soule ( said the rich man in the Gospell ) thou hast much goods laid vppe for many yeares ; liue at ease , eate , drinke , & take thy pastime ; when loe that very night it was taken from him ; and the goods , which he had gathered were he knew not whose . Iere. 4.23 . The earth is desolate and void ( saith the GOD of Israell ) by the mouth of his holy Prophet : it can afforde no pleasure , which is not counterfaite and Adulterate ; the best things in it are sophisticated . The Wine therof is mingled with water ; Esay 1.22 . and the Siluer of it is turned into drosse . I will take no thought therfore for my life , Psal. 55 , 22. what I shall eate ; nor for my body , what I shall put on ; but cast my burden on the Lord , 1 Tim. 6 , 19 and hee shall nourish mee ; I will labour to bee rich in good workes , laying vp in store for my self a sure foundation against the time to come , that I may obtaine a blessed and euerlasting life : still crauing somewhat at the handes of God , that hee may still haue occasion to giue .

XVII .

BEtter it is ( saith Salomon ) to bee of humble mind with the lowly , Prou. 19 , 9. then to deuide the spoyles with the proud . Wrath & confusion shal follow these ; but grace and glory shall be giuen vnto those . Ephraim shall be preferred before Manasses ; & Ishais little one before the rest of his brethren : Adonijah may pretend his eldershippe , Gen: 48 , 20 1. Sam. 16 , 11. 1 King 1.30 . but Salomon shall enioy the Kingdome . It is Humilitie that maketh vs acceptable to God and Man , whereas the contrarie maketh vs hated and abhorred of both . While Saul was little in his own sight , GOD made him head ouer the tribes of Israell . 1. Sam. 15.16.17 . Let vs but looke vppon the life of our blessed Sauiour , and wee shall see that hee drew more people vnto him in his Eclipsed and obscure estate , then hee did in the transcendent of his glory . Only three were present at his transfiguration in the Mount ; Mat. 17.12 . but lying in a Manger ther came kings to worshippe him , Luke 9.28 . and Sheepheardes to adore him . Math. 2.2 . And when he humbled himselfe so farre , as to become obedient vnto death , Ioh. 12.32 . yea to the death of the Crosse , then was his exaltation ; for then he drew all thinges vnto him . Learne therefore of me ( saith he ) for I am meek and lowly of heart . Mat. 11 , 29. And indeed where shall we find a more glorious precedent , then is the Patron of all glory , Phil. 2.67 . who beeing in the forme of God , did clean annihilate himself , & took on him the shape of a Seruant . The pride of Heauen became the scorn of Earth : The son of God , the slaue of man . He left his fathers court , ( such was the loue hee bare vs ) to come and cure the Vlcerous Inflamations of our infected Soules . Phil. 2.5 . Hee did abase himselfe that hee might honor vs ; and was carelesse of his owne dignity to purchase ours . I will labour therfore that the same mind which was in him towardes mee , may likewise bee in mee towards others . I will not boast my selfe against the Publican , nor as one that had tasted of the Leauen Luk. 18.11 of the Pharises , thinke better of my selfe then I am , or worse of others then they are , but desire God that he would deck mee inwardly with lowlinesse of Spirite , 1. Pet. 5 , 5 , 6 that I may be exalted of him in due time .

XVIII .

OVR Sauiour is not of that outward appearance , that worldly Princes are : his traine is small , himself not chargable ; He doth not looke for sumptuous preparation . The Holy-Ghost is his Harbinger , who ( so the heart bee cleane ) respectes no Ceremonies . Luke 11.40.41 . Martha busied her selfe about his seruice , but Christ reproued her : he tolde her shee was troubled with many thinges , but one alone was needfull ; and that her Sister Mary , who sate at his feete , and heard his preaching , had chosen the better part , which shold neuer be taken from her . For indeede it is not the statelinesse of the house , nor the sumptuousnesse of the Table , that he delights in . He visiteth the Sonne of Alpheus at the receite of Custome ; Mar. 2.14 . he goes in with Zacheus ; Luke . 19 5 & sits at board with Publicans and Sinners . There is no man so meane , but may find meanes to content him : Hee that heareth and beleeueth his worde , dooth feast him royally . Let any Man , Ioh. 14.23 . ( saith he ) harbour in his bosome a louing affection towards mee , Reuel. 3 , 20 and beholde , I and my Father will come and dwel with him for euer . I will endeauor therfore to clense my Soule from all impurity . I will cast out of it those many vices & imperfections , wherewith euen from my Cradle it was tapistred . It shall no longer be a Denne of Theeus and Murtherers . It shall no longer bee a Rendez-vous for Sin and Sathan ; I will make it a House of Prayer , a Tabernacle for the liuing GOD . I will adorne it with Faith and hope , but aboue al , 1. Cor. 13 , 1. with Loue and Charity , Mat. 21 , 14. without which the very voice of Angels is but as sounding brasse or a tinckling Cymball : and there will I present vnto him my halting Thoughtes , and blinded vnderstanding , that hee may heale them .

XIX .

IT were better neuer to haue knowne the way of Righteousnesse , 2. Pet. 2.21 Heb. 6 , 4. then hauing known it , to forsake the holy Commandement which was giuen vnto vs . It is impossible , that such as haue tasted of the heauenly guift , & were made partakers of the Holy-Ghost , if once they fall away , should be renewed by repentance : They crucify again vnto themselues the Sonne of God , & count the bloud of the Testament as an vnholy thing . Mat. 12.43 The Spirit of vncleannesse is retired vnto his former home , and with him seauen others worse then himself are come , so that the latter end of these , is more disastrous far then their begining . They are returned like the Dogge to their own vomit ; Prou. 26.11 and like the Sowe that was washed to the wallowing in the Myre : Ephraim is gone backe to Aegypt , Hos. 9.3 . and eateth thinges that are vncleane in ASHVR . They hadde the victory of sinnefull flesh , but they knew not how to vse it . 'T is snatched againe ( as it were ) out of their Iawes ; and loe ; Of Conquerours , they become Captiues . Their actions haue a fair beginning , but the ende is faulty : They resemble Nebucadnezzars Image ; Dan. 2 , 32. their head is of fine gold , but the feete of them are Clay . They hold forth a Rod with Aaron , and behold it flourisheth , Num. 17 , 8 Exod. 14 , 3. but by and by it falleth to the ground and becommeth a Serpent . Last of al , they are like him , that offereth a Lambe for his Oblation to the Lorde , Leuit. 3 , 9. but the taile of it is wanting ; which God himselfe commaunded the Priest so strictly and precisely , to take euen altogether to the very Chine , and burn vpon his Altar . I wil endeuour therefore to bee constant in my vndertakings ; and like the Bee till I haue sucked the sweetnesse which I look for out of one floure , not range vnto an other : being wel assured , that the Apostls themselues , had they not continued in Prayer , & Thanksgiuing to the Lord , could neuer haue receiued the holy Comforter .

XX.

THE Foxes haue holes , Math. 8.20 the Birdes of the Heauen haue nestes ; but the Sonne of man complayneth , that hee hath nothing whereon to rest his head . T is compassed about with Thornes , and few there are that dare suffer him to approach them . The Couetous man will not endure him : Whosoeuer he be , Luke 14.33 that forsaketh not all hee hath , can neuer bee my Disciple , woulde pierce him to the quicke . The proud cannot away with him : Mat. 11 , 29. Learne of mee , for I am meek and humble , wold much disquiet him . The carnall and voluptuous liuer will by no meanes entertain him : for shold hee but looke vppon the austerenesse of his life , & consider with himselfe , that , Math. 5.8 . Blessed onely are the pure of heart , it would so goar his conscience , that hee shoulde not possibly rest . In a worde , all men in a maner vtterly forsake him Hee commeth into the Countrey of the Gadarenes , Marke 5 , 17 and ere he enter their Citty , they beseech him to depart theyr Coasts . He repaireth vnto Hierusalem , and there they seeke to stone him . Som of the meaner ra● would willingly recei● him , but the Pharises 〈◊〉 terre them from i● 〈◊〉 bid them looke i● 〈◊〉 the Rulers did 〈…〉 He fin● 〈…〉 in the breast of Pilate to shade him from , ●●nas 4.6 . that canicular & scorching heate , wherewith his aduersaries did pursue him : But alasse ! It sprung vp in one night , and perished in another : Priuate-Respect came as a Worme , and wasted it . And now behold the burning Sun and the blasting Winde begin to beate vppon 〈◊〉 head ; hee brings him 〈◊〉 , and deliuers him , 〈…〉 ●sse ! It is to bee 〈…〉 . The Heire 〈◊〉 ●ineyarde , accor● 〈…〉 is Fathers a● 〈…〉 comes 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ●ites t● but the husbandmen are agreede to cast him out of it , and slay him . So that his complaint is not without iust cause . For want of harbor , he seeks the desert places , and is forced in the night to rest his weary Limbes euen in a Garden , where hee hath no Bed , but the cold Earth ; no sheet , but the moyst Ayre ; no Canopy , but the wide Heauen . I will runne th●●●fore and meete him 〈◊〉 Lot and Abra● 〈…〉 Angels . ) I 〈…〉 him to wit● 〈…〉 selfe vnd● 〈…〉 my roofe , and when his Enemies shall come and aske for him , I will not part with him . I will bring forth my Daughters , my beloued Sins , that they may glut their malice vpon them : He shall rest in my bosome : I will make for him a little Chamber ( as did the Shunamite for Elisha ) and set therin a Bed , a stoole , 〈◊〉 Table , and a Candle●●●e , that he may dwell 〈◊〉 ●e for euer . Let his 〈…〉 neuer so sharpe , 〈…〉 ●ll bolster it . 〈…〉 ●hinke that 〈…〉 ●ge hath tooke impression there , vnlesse I see it like himselfe , all bloudy and full of woundes .

XXI .

THE Prince of darknes is exceeding politicke , & much abounds with craft in his proceedinges . He knowes th●● things which were o● 〈◊〉 bruised , may bee 〈◊〉 broken ; He kno● 〈◊〉 Wood whi● 〈…〉 times kind● 〈◊〉 ●ly burn 〈…〉 hee st● 〈…〉 commit such sinnes as in former times they were accustomed vnto . Hee is withall a cunning Rhetoritian , and doth vse much Sophistry . Iudg. 19.5 . He neuer comes to the point but by insinuation : He vsurps vppon them by degrees , and deales with them as the father of the Leuites did with him ; by little & little hee procures theyr ●●nsent vnto that , which ●e it summarily pro●●ed , would perad● 〈◊〉 ●tterly reiec● 〈…〉 are twoe 〈…〉 oftentimes 〈…〉 captiuate the Soule of Man . The one is Pleasure ; which when he saw that Christ resisted , hee did assaulte him with the other , which was Griefe , the surer Engin as he thought for battry of the twaine . And lo he stirred al men vp against him ; his Disciples hee caused to deny their Maister ; the Souldiers to deride their ca●taine ; the passengers 〈◊〉 blaspheme their Gu● and in a word , th● 〈◊〉 to crucify their 〈◊〉 that hee forc● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out ; Beh 〈…〉 〈…〉 see if euer there were any griefe that may bee thought to parallel this of mine . Lam. 2 , 12. But notwithstanding this hee findes him still inuincible . The cruell dolours of his torments cannot make him forget to praye for his Tormentours . I will alwaies therefore striue to fortify the weaker place ; and where the Foe shall haue made a breach , I ●●ll erect a Bulwarke . 〈◊〉 the perswasions of 〈◊〉 ●baddon , of that Bad 〈…〉 euer so enticing . 〈…〉 ●te my Maister 〈…〉 ●eeke t● 〈◊〉 them with a Seriptum est . When God hath giuen mee a precept , I will endeauour to performe it . The Spirite of Vntruth , 2 King 13.18 . though in the mouth of a Prophet , shall not be strong enough to diuert mee from it . The Lorde will sende a Lyon to deuour the disobedient , & his Carkase shall bee denyed the Sepulcher of his Fathers .

XXII .

THere is a league of amity between God and the good ; nay , there is an inward familiarity ; a very neer affinity . They are his friendes ; they are his followers ; they are his true borne Sons . But notwithstanding this the Lord of might , the strict exactor of all vertues , is no way fonde of them ; he carrieth a sharp hand ouer them , and doth invre them to hard-meate euen from their Cradle . Hee loues not to make a wanton of the least . Hee doth try them ; hee doth traine them ; and maketh them fit for his own purpose . There is not any thing wherein hee more delighteth , then in seeing than encounter stoutly with aduersity . Thrice onely were the Heauens opened : First , Ezech. 1 , 1. to Ezechiell , when at the Riuer Chebar he did addict himselfe vnto diuiner contemplation : Secondly to Christ , Mar. 3.16 . when on the bankes of Iordan he was Baptized of Iohn ; And last of all to Stephen , Actes 7 , 56 when in honour of his deceased Mayster , he plaid his prize with Death , & wrastled with the Deuill and the damned ; and then were they opened wide , that both himselfe and his whole Court might behold the braue performance of the Combattant . The Earth is as his Theater , whereon hee stageth such as are his , & maketh them a spectacle ( as the Apostle saith ) for the World , 1. Cor. 4 , 9. for Angels , and for Men. Sloath shal not consume their Mettle ; nor ease effeminate their mindes . Hee will make them sweate euen vppon Holy-daies . One accident or other shall prouoke their valour , Gen: 32 , 28 & keepe it from growing sluggish thorough want of exercise . An Angell if all shoulde faile , must come down from aboue and wrestle with them till the breaking of the day , to keepe them continually in breath , and to preuent their Sinnewes from waxing numbe for lacke of motion : And they themselues are well contented with it . They count affliction but a recreation ; and are in pain but when they are imployed . They know not what it is to yeeld : when they can stand no longer on their feete , they will fight vppon their knees . Theyr death shall be the Trophy of their victory , their patience the monument that must adorne their graue . Though there be cries and lamentations throughout the Land of Aegypt , yet rest and quietnesse is found in Goshen . Aug. de Ciu. Dei . 1 , cap. 8. The fire may consume the wood , but it makes bright the gold ; the Flaile may bruise the Huske , but it cleanseth the Corne : Pharaoh and his Hoast are ouerwhelmed in the Sea , but Moyses and the Israelites doe march with safety thorough the middest of it . The wicked shrink vnder the burthen of temptation , but the courage of the righteous is no more altered therewith ; then is the saltnesse of the Sea with the violent and impetuous fluxe of those many waters which continually doe fall into it . Let affliction therefore come , I will meete it patiently as Iob did ; I will desire it for the loue of Christ , as the Martyrs did ; yea , I will reioyce in it as the Apostles did , Actes 5.41 . who after they had been beaten by the appointment of the Sadduces , departed from the Counsell , reioycing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name , Iames 2.2 . I will not thinke my ioy accomplished , but when I see my selfe hedged in on euery side with crosses , hindrances , and tribulations . The thought of the price shal make me delighted with the paine . 1. Cor. 5 , 5. I will not care for the losse of my flesh , so my Spirite may be saued in the day of the Lord .

XXIII .

THere are some vices of that Nature , 1. Cor. 6 , 8. they cannot bee vanquished but by auoiding . Fly Fornication ; saieth the Apostle Paule : Trust not to thine own strength ; presume not vppon thine owne sufficiency : Her faction is exceeding strong ; there are those in thee , and about thee , which vnlesse thou ouerlooke them with as many eyes , as had those mysticall Creatures of Ezechiell , will treacherously betray thee . The Flesh is an alluring Dalilah : Cant. 3 , 7. Not Sampson with his strength ; nor Salomon with his Wisedome are able any way to preuent her Stratagems . The sixty strong men of the valiant of Israell that were about his bed could not protect him . If shee get within thee , shee is sure to foyle thee . When I see her therefore make towards me , I wil thinke it no disparagement to turne my backe . There is valour euen in retreate . Our Sauiour fleeth , and Herod followeth ; yet in the ende the Tetrach becomes his Captiue ; and notwithstanding the aduantage which hee had , must grace the triumphall Charret of Christ the Conquerour . But whether I bee forced to fly from Herod , or from Aegypt ; from Sinne , or from Sathan , I wil desire the Lord I may be stil accompanied with Mary , Math 2.13 Ioseph , and the litle Babe ; the first is the bitternesse of Repentance ; the last is the purenesse of Conscience ; and the other an augmentation or supply of Grace , with which euery where euen in the mouth of Hell : without which no where , not in the Gates of Heauen , can we rest securely . We may crye out vnto him with the foolish virgins , Lord , Mat. 25 , 11. Lord , open vnto vs ; but if these bee away , his answere will be , I doe not know you .

XXIIII .

THere was not any thing in the world after the fal of Adam , which did not in some measure beare a part of his punnishment . All things did degenerate from theyr creation ; and from that time became obnoxious to corruption . The Elements themselues did waxe impure . The earth brought nothing foorth but Thornes & Thistles : It had in it that mightie Behemoth to molest it ; Gen. 3 , 18. Iob. 40 , 10. & the Water that monstrous Liviathan to infect it . But Christ the holy one of holy ones , came downe from Heauen , and sanctified the one by walking too and fro vpon it ; & the other , by causing himselfe to be Baptized with it : He purified the Ayre by suffering in it ; and the Fire by sending his holy Spirite in the likenesse of it . Man who was indeed that sower Leauen , which corrupted the whole lump , was to be cleansed from his impurity , not with the fat of Buls and goats , nor with the Ashes of an Heyfer , Heb. 9 , 14. but with the precious bloud of that immaculate and spotles Lambe , who thorough the eternall Spirite offered himself without blot or blemish to the Lord , that he might purge the Conscience from dead workes , and make it fit to serue the liuing God . As the Childe of obedience therefore I will no longer fashion my selfe to the former lusts of an vnbrideled Affection ; 1. Pet. 1.13 . I will bee sober , and relye wholly on the grace which is brought vnto me by the reuelation of my blessed Sauiour . The Meditation of his wounds shal be the Iordan wherein I wil alwaies wash my loathsome , leaprous , and exulcerated Soule . I will endeauour , that as hee which hath called me , is holy , so may I likewise be holy in all manner of conuersation , that both of me , and of others hee may bee glorified in the day of the visitation . 1. Pet. 2.12 .

XXV .

PRofanenesse is the badge of basenes , but a religious and vpright heart is the ensigne of true gentry . Such as are the Children of Abraham will doe the works of Abraham . Iohn . 8.39 . They will bring foorth nothing to disgrace their birth , to preiudice their breeding . 1 Ioh. 3 , 10 Their Actions shal haue alwaies written in theyr fronts the liuely Characters of their Progenitors . Others may boast of their descent , but they are no better then the spurious Issue of an Heroike Father . Gen: 16 , 12. They are a wilde and sauage generation : The Bond-Woman is their Mother . They haue nothing in them that is truely generous : Gen. 21 , 10 and shall therefore be cast out with Ishmael , from beeing partners of the promise with the lawful Heire . The father of Canaan for his impiety shall be made a Slaue ; and the King of Babell for his pride shall become a Beast . The Wealth and and glory of the World , with those hydropicall and puffed vppe Titles , which are the foode and Fodder of Ambition . what are they else but imaginary and fantastick graces , of slender substaunce , of short continuaunce ? The feare of the Lord is the height of Honour , and hee that is vertuous is only Noble . I wil labor alwaies therfore to doe righteously ; & teach my hart the way of Gods Commaundements . Actes 17.11 The Men of Berea were preferred by the holy Ghost before those of Thessalonica , because they searched the Scriptures with more diligence , and receiued the word which was taught them with morewillingnesse . I will doe as they did , and obtain the same stile which they had . I will delight in the Statutes of my God , & with his precepts will I solace my Soule .

XXVI .

THE Lord is a good God , slow to anger , and of great kindnesse . Hee desireth not the ouerthrowe of a Sinner ; ( Why will ye dye , saith he , O House of Israell ? Eze. 33 , 11 ) But rather that he should returne from his wicked waies and liue . Though in the heate of his wrath and indignation , he pronounce the fearefull sentence of Death against him ; yet notwithstanding , if he fal from his former courses , and subiect himselfe vnto his ordinaunce , hee will reuerse his iudgements , hee will annihilate his doombe . Hee knoweth of what Moule we be made ; hee remembreth that we are but Dust ; Psal. 103 , 14 that our daies are but Grasse ; and that as the flower of the field , so flourish we . He excuseth our manifold transgressions vpon our weaknesse , that hee may not punish them as proceeding from wilfulnesse . I know ( saith he ) ye did it of ignoraunce . Actes 2 , 17 There is in his bosome a louing and kinde affection towardes vs . Hee pleadeth our cause himselfe ; and seeketh to remooue the guilt , that hee may spare the guilty . He forgetteth the place of a Iudge , to performe the part of a father . He inuiteth them that are thirsty to the Fountaines of liuing Water ; and willeth such such as are heauy laden to come vnto him , that he may ease them ; And when thorough vile and obstinate contempt of this his kindnesse , they fall into a bottomlesse & immeasurable Gulfe of miserie , his hart is ouercome with pittie and compassion , and out of the commiseration which he hath of the wretchednes of their estate , he cryeth out by the mouth of his holy Prophet ; Oh! That thou hadst hearkened to my Commandements , Esay 48.18 Iere. 48.31 then had thy prosperitie beene as the Floud , and thy righteousnesse as the Waues of the Sea . Hee is in all thinges GOD omnipotent ; yet there are three thinges which lye without the compasse of his power : He cannot deny his pardon to him that seeketh with inward sorrow and deiection for it , nor with draw his grace from him that is vnwilling to part with it . Cadant amici , dummodo inimici intercidant . Farewell Friendes so Foes may perrish , is no principle in his Politiks , no precept of his propounding ; Hee cannot punish the wicked , where there is danger of offending the godly , hereupon , when hee intended the ruine and subuersion of Sodome and Gomorrah : Gen. 19 , 22. Hast thee ( said he to Lot ) from hence and saue thy selfe , for I can doe nothing til thou be gone . And in the Gospell , he would not suffer the Seruants of the houshold to pluck vp the Tares , for feare they should offende the Wheate , Mathew 13 , 29. Hence-forward therfore I will forsake my wicked wayes ; Psal. 123 , 2. I will abandon mine own imaginations , and with speede returne vnto the Lorde . As the eyes of a Seruant looke vnto the handes of his Maister : or the eyes of a Maide to the handes of her Mistris , euen so shal mine without ceasing or interruption waite vpon my GOD , till hee doe crowne me with mercy , till he receiue mee to his glory .

XXVIII .

THe Maiesty of christ is wondrous great ; his Empire is exceeding large . There is nothing in all this spacious Vniuerse which lyeth not within the compasse of his iurisdiction . The heauens are his by birth , as he is the onely Sonne of his Father , begotten before all Worldes ; And heere are those selected troopes of Saintes and Martyrs , those triumphall Conquerors , that haue giuen the ouerthrowe to Sinne and Sathan , and doe now waite vppon the Throne of the Lambe , hauing their bodies clothed with white aray , and their Temples crowned with wreathes of victory . The Earth is his by donation . I will giue thee the Heathen for thine inheritaunce , Psalm. 2 , 8. and the endes of the World for th● possessions ; and here had he planted those renowned Colonies of Warlike Combattants , 1. Thes. 5 , 8 Ephe. 6 , 14. that haue their loynes continually girded about with Verity , and vpon their head the Helmet of Saluation ; that holde the Shielde of Faith in one hand , the Sword of the Spirit in the other , and are ready at the least alarum to rescue both their owne honour and their Maisters from the fierce inuasions and assaults of the aduersary . The lower partes are his by Conquest . Colos. 2 , 15. Hee hath spoyled the principalities , and powers ; hee hath made a shew of them openly , and hath triumphed ouer them in the Crosse : And heere is as it were the Gaole , which himselfe appointed & prepared for those faint and crauen Spirits , that make a glorious florish in the time of peace , but abandon their Captaine , and forsake his colours in the day of tryall , yeelding themselues basely before the conflict prisoners of Temptation . Legions to Angels are at his command . The winds are obedient to his voice , and the Waues are 〈◊〉 at his rebuke . God himselfe hath mightily exalted him , and proclaimed by the sound of his trumpet : That at the Name o● Iesus euery knee shold bo● , Ph l. 2.10 . both of thinges in Heauen , and thinges in Earth , an● thinges vnder the Earth and That euery toong shal● confesse him to bee the Lor● vnto the glory of the F●ther . Yet there are some that out of the p●ofanenesse of their minds , an● hardnesse of their he●●● deny his power , and w●● at no hands acknowled● him for their Superiour , They cry out with the Iewes , Ioh. 19.15 . We haue no K. but Caesar : But these are reserued for the black of darknes , and shall for euer be disabled from being fellow-heirs with him in his euerlasting Kingdom . I wil alwaies therefore do homage to him as my Lorde ; I will take heede how I fall from so great a GOD ; I wil fight as I ought to do , that I may be crowned when I haue doone : Hee that is the righteous Iudge shall reward mee at the latter day , and not mee onely , but likewise all those that loue his appearing ▪

XXVIII .

THere is no fellowship between light and darknesse ; 2. Cor. 6 , 15 betweene Christ , 1. Sam. 5 , 4 and Belial . The Arke , & Dagon cannot lodge vnder one roofe . The Rod of Aaron will deuour those of the Soothsaiers and Inchanters ; and the Walles of Iericho fall downe , Iosh. 6 , 20. before the Tabernacle of the Lord . Hee that will follow GOD , and retaine him , must haue no dependency at all on wicked Mammon . Psal. 104 , 5 The Holy-one of Israell is exceeding great . It is he that set the Earth on her Foundations , and couered it with the deepe as with a Garment . He will not brook a partner in his Dignity , nor yet resigne his glory to a third . Mans heart is that which he demands ; and he will haue it all , or none . He that thinkes to shift him of with parte , may peraduenture perish in his owne Hypocrisie , Actes 5 , 5. as Ananias and Sapphi●a did . I will not therefore put newe Wine into an Math 9.16 old Vessel , nor piece out an olde Garment with new Cloath ; I will cast away all the woorkes of darknesse , Rom. 13.12 and put on the compleat armor of light , I will worship the Lord my God , and him onely will I serue .

XXIX .

THe Sunshine of the wicked lasteth but a while : Iob. 20.6 . It is quickly ouercast ; and the ioy of Hypocrites doth vanish in a moment : though his excellency mount vp to Heauen , and his head do reach vnto the Cloudes , yet shall he perish foreuer like his Dung , and they which haue seene him shall say , Where is he ? The worldly pleasures whereon he feedes with such a rauening and vnsatiable Appetite , shall fr●t asunder his entrails . His meate shall turne within his Bowels into the Gall of Aspes ; and howe sweete soeuer it seeme in his mouth , it shall bee most vnsauorie in his Maw . Nor shal his State and condition bee so wretched in this World , but it shall bee more in the Worlde to come . Such feare and horrour shall hedge him in on euery side in that dreadful day , that he shal not know which way to runne , nor whether to retire . Reuel. 1 , 16 Aboue him shall hee see an angry Iudge , out of whose mouth commeth a sharp two-edged Sword ; Ibid. 6 , 16. and well may he then entreate the Mountaines to fal downe vpon him , and the Hils to couer him from the presence of him that sitteth on the Throne , and from the wrath of the Lambe , but it shall little auayle him . At his right hand hee shall discouer the hideous & distorted brood of his transgressions , which challenge him for their patron , and will by no meanes be induced to forsake him . At his left , will stand the Deuill his Accuser , who then vnfolds his Ephemerides , & leaues not the least of all his sinfull actions vnatomiz'd . Hee quotes them like a cunning Register , with euery particular circumstance , both of time and place . Hee bringeth forth to his reproach & disaduantage those filthy and polluted Garments in which he took him , and as Iosephs Bretheren to their Father , so saith he vnto the lord . Behold , this haue I found , see now whether it bee the Coate of any of thy Sonnes , Gen: 37 , 32 or no. If he turne back his eyes into himself , he shal meete there with the Worme of Conscience , Esay 66.24 that doth neuer dye ; If he reflect them on the World ; he shall perceiue it to be nothing round about him but a burning flame . If hee cast them downewardes he shall there descry to his perpetual terrour and affrightment , that vnquenchable Lake of Fire and Brimstone , which is prepared for him ; The plentiful years are past ; the yeares of dearth and scarsitie are come , and nowe not so much as one drop of water shall euer be granted him , Luke 16.24 to quallifie the heat of his inflamed tongue . The Moth-eaten . Robe shall exclaim against the proud , and the cankered Gold against the Couetous : The stone shall cry out of the walagainst the Vsurer , Iames 5.3 . Hab. 2.11 , that buildes his nest vppon the ruines of the oppressed , and the Beame out of the Timber shall answere it . The whole world and whatsoeuer is therein contained , shall stand vppe in iudgement , and witnesse against the Reprobate . Then shal they confesse , that it had beene better that they had neuer been borne , or that a Milstone beeing tyed about theyr Necke , they had been taken from out their Cradle , and cast into the sea . While I haue time therfore , Mat. 18.6 . I wil wash my hart from all vncleannesse , I will take my leaue of all iniquity , and bid farewel for euer to al profanesse and impiety . 1. Tim. 4.7 . I will altogether exercise my selfe to godlines , which hath annexed vnto it the promise of the life present , and of that that is to come . Psal. 71 , 14. The Lorde is my helper and deliuerer in the time of trouble , he is my Rocke , and my defence , I will continually waite vpon him , and wil praise him more & more . My mouth shall rehearse his righteousnesse , and my tongue shall speak of his saluation .

XXX .

IT is not good for a man to bee confident in his owne strength : It is a broken staffe and wil deceiue his trust . Hee that is in heart a Christian , must worke out his saluation with feare and trembling . Mat. 26.35 Who before hand so bold in vaunts & protestations to followe Christ as Peter , and yet alasse ! Iohn . 11.16 who at the point more timorous ? Who so ready to dye with him as Thomas , yet in the end who more incredulous ? Vnlesse hee might see in his handes the printes of the Nailes , Ioh. 20 , 25. he would not beleeue his resurrection . Let him that standeth , therefore looke well vnto his footing that he do not fall . Let him not think vpon Security while hee is heere ; It is not a Creature of this world . The Angels are not sure of it in Heauen ; There Lucifer did fall euen in the presence of the Godhead . Poore Adam found by woefull experience , that it was not amongst the Trees of Eden , for there fell hee from that estate of blessednesse in which hee was created ; Much lesse ought we to hope for it in this Vale of misery , 1. Pet. 5.8 . where our aduersary like a roaring Lion walketh about , and seeketh whom hee may deuoure . I will alwaies therefore stand vpon my guard , Mat. 26.41 I will continually keepe Centinel ouer my heart , and without ceasing wil I pray , that I enter not into Tentation . The GOD of Abraham ; the Shielde of Isaac ; and the strength of Iacob shal protect me . The watchman of Israell , that neyther sleepeth nor slumbereth , shall stil preserue mee as the Apple of his Eye .

XXXI .

HEE that walketh in the Sunne , shall bee tanned ; and he that medleth with Pitch , shall bee defiled . A Man can hardly conuerse with such as are infected , and yet rest free from all contagion . Ioseph was but a while in Aegypt , Exod. 34 , 5 when he learned to sweare by the life of Pharaoh . And hence it was , that the Children of Israell were commaunded by the Lord , to make no Couenant with the Inhabitantes of Canaan , nor to take their Daughters eyther for themselues , or for their Sonnes , least when they went a whoring after their Goddes , and did sacrifice vnto them , they likewise might bee induced by them to do the like . Iudg. 16 , 18 But notwithstanding the strictnesse of this Mandate , Sampson would haue his Dalilah ; and shee indeede did dally with him , till shee had destroied him . Dauid would entertain a league of amity with Hanun for the courtesies he had receiued from his Father Nahash , 2 Sam. 10.4 but the euent of it was this : His kindnesse was suspected , his Messengers disgraced . There were not women enow in Israell for King Salomon , 1 King 11.1 . but he must take vnto him the Daughter of Pharaoh : and he must haue with him them of Moab , Ammon , Edom , Zidon & Heth. 1 Kings 11.11 . But the lord grewe angry with him for it . Hee rent his Kingdome from him , & gaue it to his Seruaunt . For these had weaned him from God vnto Idolatry , and had enticed him to builde high places vnto Chemosh , Gen. 24 , 3. & vnto Molech . The holy Patriarks were more obedient : Abraham would none of them for Isaac ; Ibid. 27.2 . Isaac woulde none of them for Iacob ; nor Iacob for himselfe : Hee went according to his Fathers wil to Padan-Aram , to the House of Bethuel for a wife , when wicked Esau , of purpose as it were to spite both God & his Parents , did go to Ishmael , and tooke vnto the wiues he had already , of the same stocke Mahalath , his Daughter ; but for this his disobedience , the promise was confirmed vnto his Brother , and he himselfe was made a Seruaunt vnto him . Though I soiourne therefore here on earth , my conuersation shall be in Heauen , from whence I looke for my Redeemer , the Lorde Iesus Christ , Ph●l. 3.20 . who shall chaunge my vile body , and fashion it in glory like vnto his owne , according to the working , whereby he is able , euen to subdue all thinges vnto himselfe Let the Daughters of men bee neuer so faire , Gen. 6.2 . I will auoyd their company . I knowe the World had net beene drowned , if the Sonnes of GOD would haue forborne them . Our heauenly leader is exceeding iealous , If he see vs familiar with his Enemies , hee misdoubtes our hearts , and thinkes that eyther wee are already of the party , or may in time bee easily made so . The destructio● of Ahaziah , the Son o● Iehoram King of Iudah , came of God , in that he went downe to see Iehoram the Sonne of Ahab , who lay diseased at Izreel . 2. Cron. 22. If mine eie do therefore cause me to offend , I will pluck it out ; if my hand , I will cut it off , and cast it from me . Math. 18 , 6. Better it is that I should want a member , then my whole body should be cast into Hell . There is not any one , eyther in bloud or otherwise , so neere vnto mee , but if hee fall from God , I will fal from him . Our Sauior Christ hath taught me , both by precept and example , that I shold acknowledge non● for my Brother , my Sister , or my Mother , bu● such as do the will of my Father , Mat. 12 , 50. which is in Heauen .

XXXII .

MY Sonne , saith Salomon , Prou. 3 , 11. despise not the chastening of the Lorde , nor faint with griefe at his rebuke . Hee correcteth him whom hee loueth best , euen as the parent doth the Childe in which he delighteth most . Hee will see how patiently hee can endure his wrath , & with what constancy abide the smarting of his rod . For there are some that are onely followers of his Table , and not of him ; let neuer so little euill come vpon them , they will presently put in practise the counsell of that foolish Woman , and like vnnaturall and disobedient children , Iob. 2 , 9. Blaspheme the name of God , and dye . Let not the Shuhite then vpbraid the afflicted Iob , Ibid. 3.8 . nor alleage his punnishment as an argument of his vnrighteousnesse . Those eighteen persons who● the fall of the Towers Siloam slew , were not assuredly greater Sinnes than all the rest that dwel in Hierusalem . Luke 13.2 . Let no● him therefore , that hat● not so much as tasted the bitternesse of his indignation , say in his vants ▪ My holinesse hath preserued me . For howsoeuer he conceiteth of himselfe , surely the Lord accounts him but a bastard and cares not ( it shoul● seem ) what doth beco● of him ; Heb. 12 , 8. Did he esteem him as a Sonne , he shol● not want his portion ; Hee would looke more neerely to his bringing vp . With all humilitie therefore and lowlinesse of heart , I will submit my vnderstanding and my will , with all the powers and faculties of my Soule to the sharpnesse of his Censure . The Fathers of our bodies corrected vs , and wee gaue them reuerence , howe much the rather should we subiect our selues to the Father of Spirites , that wee may liue . They verily for a fewe daies chastened vs after theyr owne pleasure ; but tha● which he doth , is for ou● profit , that we may for euer bee partakers of his holinesse . The Flesh w● thinke it peraduenture grieuous for the present , but the Spirite will reioyce in the quiet fruite of righteousnesse , which afterwardes it bringeth vnto them , that are exercised thereby . It is a bit wherewith he Curbs the head-strongnesse o● our affections ; and a bridie , wherewith he reines them vp , from running head-long with vs into euerlasting damnation . Shall Dauid in the meeknesse of his minde , Psal. 141 , 5 account the smiting of the righteous as a benefite ; and his reproofes a pretious Oyle , that shall not break his head ? And shall I thinke hardly of the Rodde of the Lord ? No , no : Let him beate mee , let him bruise mee , let him hewe me , let him hacke mee heere in this World , so he saue me in the World to come . Let him strike me heere with the Hasel-wand , so he cast me not there into the boyling Cauldron . Hee maketh the wound and bindeth it vp ; Iob. 5.18 . he smiteth and his handes make whole .

XXXIII .

THIS World was once a Garden , which abounded with delightes , but Man which was the Gardiner of it , neglecting both himselfe and it , suffered the Plants thereof to ryot , and the fruites thereof to be choaked vp with weeds , so that now alas ! It produceth nothing which is either pure or perfect . The Comforts of it are defectiue ; and the ioyes thereof are not without their mixture . There is no Wheate in it without Darnell ; no Siluer in it without drosse . Euery Rose therin hath his Thorne ; and euery conueniency his discommodity . Health and Sicknesse are neere Neighbors ; Pleasure & Paine , thinges differing in Nature , if they be not confounded in it , they are surely coupled : Mirth and Melancholy heere , if we marke them well , resemble one the other very neerely ; The same folds and motions of the countenance that serue for weeping , do likewise serue for laughter , and indeede the extreame of this dooth continually mixe it selfe with teares . Vertue and Vice are vtter opposites , yet stand they alwaies in each others view , and there is nothing to bee found so absolute heere belowe , but howsoeuer it haue the constitution of that , it will some way showe the complexion of this ; If it be faire as Rachell , Gen. 29 , 17 it will bee tender-eyed as Leah ; If it haue the voice of Iacob , Ibid. 27 , 22. it will haue the handes of Esau : Something is alwayes absent from the full perfection . The Lord of Hoasts deliuered the Children of Israell by a strong and mighty hand from the slauery of the Aegyptians , Exod. 15 , 25 but yet hee forced them to drinke the Waters of Marah ; In the Desert of Zin they wanted foode , and hee supplyed them with the Bread of Angels ; hee fed them with Quailes from his owne Table ; yet at Rephidim , Ibid. 16 , 1.13 . both they , their Children , and their Cattle were well-nigh killed with thirst ; and howsoeuer the Rock in Horeb did afterwardes affoord them drinke , Ibid. 17.1 . yet still was there somewhat to dash the fulnesse of their contentment . Ibid. 12.8 . He would not suffer them to eate the Passeouer but with sower Hearbes ; In a word , it was not at the birth of Isaac , Gen. 21 , 8. but at his weaning , that Abraham made a Feast , to signify vnto vs , that while wee sucke the breasts of the church our Mother , our ioy is but in part , and cannot bee accomplished till the time of our admission to the Table of our heauenly Father . God hath in his hand three cups , the one is full of pure Wine , Psal. 75 , 9. whereof the Saints that are already glorified do onely tast ; the other is full of nothing else but Dregs ; a draught reserued onely for the damned ; the third is mingled , and is for vs that soiourne heere in Houses of Clay , the weaknesse of whose condition is such , as nothing in his owne simplicity , and natiue purenesse can fall within the compasse of our vse . The elements which wee enioy are altered and disguised . The Gold of Ophir , must of necessity be empaired with som baser stuffe , to fit it for our turne . Heb. 5 , 12. Vertue it selfe vnlesse it bee compounded , is beyonde our strength . As long as we liue in the Flesh , we haue neede of Milke , and not of strong meate . Let vs take our selues euen at the best , and alasse ! what are we more then brittle Earth , then frailty it self . Our sight cannot endure the brightnesse of Gods Maiesty , no not by reflection . Exo. 34 , 33 Moses must put a vaile vpon his face , when he commeth down from Mount Sinai , or the glory of his countenaunce will daunt the eye of the Beholder . I will followe therefore after loue , and couet spirituall guiftes ; 1. Cor. 13 , 12. I will attend with patience the comming of that which is perfect . I see now but darkly through a Glasse , but then shall I see face to face ; I knowe now but in part , but then shall I knowe , euen as I am knowne .

XXXIIII .

THE Eyes of a Christian soule , are Faith and Charity . If the right Eye be out , the left Eye serues but for little vse . For without faith , good workes are not auaileable . Heb. 11 , 6. This alone is the ground of all thinges , which are hoped for , and the euidence of thinges that are not seene ; and without this it is impossible to please the Lord . The Deuill , when hee fighteth with vs , neuer aymeth but at this . Hee knoweth , if once hee hit it , wee must needes giue ouer . Nahash the Ammonite will haue this , 1. King 11.2 . or he will make no couenant with them of Iabesh Gilead ; but let him knowe that grauntes it him , hee disableth himselfe for euer from making Warre but to his owne exceeding disaduantage against his Aduersary . For either hee must fight vnarmed for his owne defence , or he shall neither see how to put by the blowes of his Antagonist , nor how to follow his owne . The Eye of Faith is out , and that of Workes is shaddowed with his Shielde . I will alwaies therefore haue a care that my Beauer be strong enough on that side , to rebound his fiery Dartes vppon himselfe , or at the least , to quench them vtterly as fast as they come . If I perceiue it to waxe dull and dimme through the fiercenesse of his encounter , I will hast mee to the Lorde , and buy of him a Salue to annoint it with , Reuel. 3 , 18 that I may see : hee alone is my Phisitian , & he alone shal cleare it by that enlightning power of his holy Spirite , by which hee openeth the Eies of them that sit in darknesse , and in the shadow of Death . Then shal I bee able with blessed Stephen , Actes 7 , 55. euen in the heat and fury of the skirmish , to behold through al the heauens the glory of the Lorde , for which I doe contend , and my Redeemer Iesus standing at his right hand , ready to succour me if need require ; and then with an vndaunted courage will I abide the fight , and die vpon the place , ere I giue ground in any fainting manner to the raging of his might . Christ is my second , who I know wil witnesse my valour , and reuenge my quarrell . Why should I feare the powers and principalities of Hel ? When God is with vs , who shal stand against vs ?

XXXV .

BEhold ( saith the Prophet ) the day commeth that shall flame like an Ouen , Mal. 4.1 . and they that sweare by the sinne of Samaria , and say ; Amos 8.14 Thy God O Dan liueth , and the manner of Beer-Sheba liueth ; yea the proud , with all such as doe wickedly shall bee Stubble ; the day that commeth shall cleane consume them ; it shal leaue them neither root nor branch . The Lorde will hast him from Teman , Hab. 3.3 : and the holy one from Mount Paran : His Maiesty shall couer the Heauens , and the Earth shall be full of his glorie : Consuming fire shall march before him , and burning coales shall compasse him about . Hee will summon all the Nations of the Earth to make their appearaunce before his Tribunall seat and giue to euery one according to what he hath don , 1. Pet. 4.17 whether it be good or euill . To put the wicked out of al comfort , he will begin his iudgments in his owne house , and call euen the righteous according to that of Iob , vnto a strict account of euery idle word . Thou writest bitter thinges ( saith he ) against me , Iob. 13 , 26. and makest mee possesse the iniquity of my youth ; Thou puttest my feete into the Stockes , and lookest narrowly vnto my pathes : The printes thereof are in the heeles of my feet . Now if the Caedar of Lebanon be shaken thus , Luke 23.31 what shal becom of the bramble in the Wildernesse ? If this bee doone to the greene Spring , what is remaining for the dry Stumpe ? If the iust man be so hardly saued , wher is the hope of the vngodly ? I will high me therefore to the lord my God , with al the speede I can : I will not deferre my going to him by repentance till the seting of the Sun ; Ibid. 24.25 . O fooles , and slow of heart , saith he to such , and will not stay with them but with great constraint . Nor will I put it of vntill the euening , Ibid. 24 , 37. least hauing found him I should bee doubtfull , and think I see a Spirit when I looke on him . No , no , I will rise betimes with Mary Magdalen , Math. 28.1 . and with the Mother of Iames , will I seek for Iesus of Nazareth before the dawning of the day : Prou. 8 , 17. Hee loueth those that loue him ; and they that seeke him early shal sind him .

XXXVI .

GOD is no respecter of persons . Ephe. 6 , 9. Iohn . 4.47 . The Ruler entreated him to come vnto his Sonne , & he would not : Luke 7.2 . The Centurion did but sende vnto him for his Seruant , and immediatly hee went . It is not the beauty of outward obiectes that attractes his Eye , nor the quality of ambitious Titles that stirres vp his respect . When he past thorough Iericho , Ibid. 17 , 5. there were many that came foorth to see him , mo●● specious to the viewe of weaker sence , & of hig●er place and ranke in the Cittie then Zacheus was yet he alone was grace by him aboue the re●● . Ibid. 7.25 . The Baptist was not clothed in soft rayment , Math. 3.4 . no● fed with delicates . H●● meat was Locustes with wilde Hony , and his ga●ment of Camels Hayre yet did hee make him greater then a Prophet Peter was not arrayed it Purple , Ibid. 16.18 . nor did hee liue deliciously in Courtes of Kinges , and yet he made him Prince of his Apostles . So the body bee sound , hee cares not for the bark . If the liuing be good , let the outside bee as ragged as it will . I wil not therefore greatly eie my present condition : Though I bee rich , I will not presume vppon my wealth ; though I be poore , I wil not despaire for my want . He that called vnto the Fisher-men that were in their Ship , Mat. 4.21 . mending their Nets , not minding him , and sayde vnto them ; Come followe me : will out of question giue kind and courteous entertainment vnto him , who out of loue , and of his owne accord , do● humbly sue vnto him f●● his Liuery . Againe I know , that Diues was 〈◊〉 torments , Luke 16 , 23 when Laz●r● was in Abrahams boson

XXXVII .

Esay 21.28 IVstice is a worke when with the Lord is scare acquainted ; It is a stra●ger , and an alien to him he knowes not how , no which way to begin i● In Sodom there was no● righteous , but only ●a or he would neuer haue wasted it with fire ; none in the whole world , saue onely Noah , or he would neuer haue destroyed it with the floud . Till the Tree bee past hope , hee applyeth not his Axe . No , nor then but with much vnwillingnesse and great commiseration . He looketh at Hierusalem , Luke 19.41 & weepes to thinke on the destruction that shoulde come vpon it . He houles for Moab , he cries out for it ; his heart doth mourn for them of Kirhareseth ; Iere. 40.31 . He weepeth for the vine of Sibmah , as he wept for Iazer ; he watereth Hes●bon with his teares , Esay 16.9 . are Elaleh is drunke with th● showers of his complain , because of the destroye which is to fall vppo● their Summer fruites , & vpon their Vintage . H●● wrath and indignatio● hath many Motiues t● incite it ; Iob. 64 6. but his mercy none . For all our righteousnesse is as a filthy Cloute ; wee fade like a leafe , and our iniquities like the windes doe carry vs away ; yet notwithstanding he lookes down vpon vs from the throne of his heauenly grace with the eye of Pitty & compassion ; he remembers that wee are the workemanshippe of his handes , and in the ende , out of the zeale of his affection towardes vs , he crieth out ; Ose , 13.9 . Thy iniquities O Israell , haue destroyed thee ; but thy help is in me . He doth not onely tolerate our imperfections , but oftentims he dissembleth the knowledge hee hath of them ; he turneth away his face , and will not see the sinne because he would not punish the Sinner . There is no daie wherein to fauour the transgressour hee doth not breake the Tables of the Law . Our GOD is a iealous God ; Exod. 20 , 5. he visiteth the sinnes of the Father , vpon the Children vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate him ; but sheweth mercy vnto thousands of them that loue him , and keepe his Commaundements . The Kingly Prophet therefore speaking of them both , saieth of the one ; Thy mercy , ó Lorde , Psal. 103 , 11 is in the Heauens ; and of the other ; Thy Iustice , ô God , is like the hils , to signifie vnto vs , that his mercy doth as much exceed his iustice ; as the high Heauens doe surmount the Hils . The holy one is milde and ful of gentlenesse ; free from anger , and of long patience . Esay 27.4 . Wee haue seene the Lord , said the Disciples , but Thomas beleeues them not ; yet Christ forbeareth to reproue him , and commeth not till eyght dayes after to rebuke his incredulity , and euen then , the vttermost of his wrath , is onely this : Put thy Fingers into my woundes , Ioh. 20.26 . and thy hand into my side , and bee no longer faithlesse . When sinfull Adam after his fall , had stoln as he imagined out of the sight of his Creator , idly conceiting peraduenture , that himselfe being hid , his fault wold not bee seene , Gen. 3 , 8. God came not to correct him with a furious and hasty pace ; he did but walk , and that against the winde , desirous ( as it were ) to bee detained in his proceedinges by that gentle blast : He walked against the wind saith the Text , not in the Morning , nor at Noone-day , but towardes the Euening , at the very setting of the Sunne ; so slow , so slack , & so remisse is this deare Father of ours in the execution of his iudgements . Hee dealt otherwise with the Prodigall ; hee sawe him no sooner comming , but his heart was ouer-ioyed , hee ran vnto him , and hauing entertained him with kisses and kind embracements , hee calleth vnto his Seruants : Goe quickly , bring me forth for him the purest Robe , Luke 15.22 kill me instantly the fattest Calfe , that wee may eate it , and bee merry , my Son was dead , and is aliue againe , lost he was , but he● is found . Eze. 36 , 25 So that his fauours are powred ou● vpon vs with some violence , but his chasticementes and his corrections are distilled drop b● drop . Cant. 5 , 5. My hart ( saith he ) shall not drop down vpon Ierusalem by the hand of Shishak . 2. Cron. 12.7 . He is patient , & wold haue no man perish , but willingly draw all men to repentaunce . I will not therefore despise the riches of his bounty , Rom. 2.4 . and long sufferance ; he seekes to leade mee by it to saluation , nor as one that is contentions , will I disobey the truth , and obey vnrighteousnesse ; but I wil labour by continuance in well doing for honour , glory , and eternall life . I looke for new Heauens , and a new Earth according to his promise , Esay 65 , 17. and will be therfore diligent , that I may bee found of him in peace , without spot , and blamelesse . 2. Pet. 3.11 .

XXXVIII .

PRayer is the Mindes Ambassador to God . It is the onely Agent for the Soule ; but if it haue not Faith and Humility for Assistants , it will neuer bee admitted to his presence . The one is so much interested in him , That whatsoeuer we desire when we pray , Mar. 11.24 let vs beleeue that wee shall haue it , and it shall bee done vnto vs . The Woman that had so long bin tro●bled with the fluxe , did but touch the Hem of his Garment , & withour further entreatie , he turned him about , and said vnto her : Daughter , be of good comfort , Math. 9.22 . thy faith hath made thee whole . His graces are proportioned by this . Math. 9 , 28. According to your Faith , be it vnto you : said he vnto the blinde , that came and besought him for their sight : And to the Captaine : Math. 8 , 13. As thou hast beleeued , bee it vnto thee . The other is of that excellency , might , and power , that it maketh way for our Requestes , euen thorough the regions of the Ayre , & commands their passage thorow the thickest clouds . It vshereth them into the Priuy Chamber of his imperiall Maiesty , & obtaines both hearing and dispatch for them without stop or stay . The Prayer of the Centurion , sent forth in the behalfe of his diseased Seruaunt , was well accompanyed with both . I haue not found ( saith our Sauiour of the first ) such faith , Luke 7.9 . no not in Israell ; and for the last , it was not to be parallelled : I am vnworthy , ( said hee , ô humblenesse of mind ) that thou shouldst enter vnder my roofe : and by so saying , hee shewed himselfe worthy , not into whose house , but into whose heart the Lorde might enter . By making himself vnworthy ( saith S. Chrisostome ) to receiue Christ into his Gates , he was made worthy to bee receiued of Christ into his Kingdome . But beside these , it had with it the encouragement of Charity , that with the more assurednesse & better confidence it might appeare before him . To pray for our selues , proceedes from Nature , but to pray for others is the worke of Grace : Necessity enforceth vs to that ; but brotherly loue exhorteth vs to this ; And it is indeede a far sweeter sauour in the Nostrils of the Lord , than that which ariseth from the sensitiue apprehension of our own misery : I aduise you therefore ( saith Saint Paule to Timothy ) that first of all Supplications , 1. Tim. 2 , 1. Prayers , Intercessions , and Thankesgiuings be made for al men . The word which we professe , instructeth vs by precepts and examples , that the conseruation of duty to the publique , should bee much more vnto vs , then the conseruation of eyther life or being , and that whatsoeuer good is Cōmunicatiue should be preferred before that , which is but priuate and particular . Rom. 9.3 . S. Paule desired to bee anathemized for his Bretheren ; and Moses to bee razed out of the Booke of life for the Children of Israell , Exo 32 , 32. such was their zeale vnto the Church , and such their feeling of Communion . I wil continually therfore labour to lift vp pure handes to Heauen without doubting . Luk. 18.13 I will imitate the lowlinesse of the Publican ; and in my bosome will I cherish his meane conceite . When I pray I will not stand in the Synagogues , Math. 6 , 6. nor kneele in the corners of the streets that I may bee seene of men ; but I will enter into my Chamber , and hauing shut my doore , I wil cal vpon my heauenly Father . He seeth in secret , and shal reward me openly . In my Prayers I will bee mindfull of my afflicted Bretheren , that so the lord may be more mindfull of mee . God is exceedingly in loue with Charity ; Cant. 1.1 . the very name thereof to him is as an oyntment powred out . She is his onely darling ; hee dooth kisse her with the Kisses of his mouth ; when shee commeth to him , hee lodgeth her betweene his breastes , and neuer sendes her from him but with laden hands . The G●oler washed Paul and Silas from their stripes , Acts 16 , 33 and by so doing , himselfe was washed from his sinnes .

XXXIX .

GOdlinesse is not a thing hereditarye , nor can true Piety be bequeathed by Legacie ; an vpright heart requireth much manurance ; and is not gotten but by great Husbandry . Esay 5.7 . I had a Vineya●d ( saith the Lord ) in a most fruitefull Hill , what could bee done , which I did not to it ? Yet in the ende it brought forth nothing but sower Grapes ; in steade of iudgment , it gaue oppression ; in stead of righteousnes it affoorded crying . The Nettle growes , where the Rose was looked for , and out of the Egge a Chicken is expected , but beholde a Cockatrice . The stock is often good , but without continuall pruning , the Plantes degenerate . Out of the lodge of ADAM came murderous Caine ; out of the Arke of Noah , impious Cham ; out of the House of reuerend Eli , Ophni , and Phinees the Sonnes of Belial ; out of the Court of Dauid came trayterous Absalon ; out of the Schoole of Iesus , perfideous Iudas ; & out of the company of the Deacons , Nicholas the Hereticke . So that Vertues are not maintained by propagation ; nor is a vertuous habite purchased but with much sweat ; It will cost vs the breathing , ere we can actually possesse it as our own Free-hold . There is not an Elijah nowe to graunt so hard & difficult a suite at the redoubling of his Spirite ; 2. King 2.9 nor is there an Elisha residing heere , that is worthy to obtaine it . I will not therefore brag that I haue Abraham for my Father , but I will labour to doe the workes of Abraham ; and when I glory , Iere. 9.24 . I will glory in this alone , that I vnderstand & know the Lord to bee the only very God , who sheweth mercy , iudgement , and righteousnes in the Earth , and Iesus Christ , whom hee hath sent to be his onely Son , Luke 11.28 begot before all worlds , which who so doth , shal remaine for euer . For indeede it is not the womb that bare him ; nor the Paps that gaue him suck which are blessed ; but rather they that hear the word of his Father and do thereafter . Little had it auailed the Virgin to haue conceiued him in hir Wombe , or Simeon to haue receiued him in his Armes , if by the Eye of Fayth , they had not both perceiued , that hee was sent from heauen to redeeme the world .

XL.

SAthan is a bolde Intruder . Hee resides not alwayes in the Graues , nor is hee still abyding in the Desertes . You shall finde him somtimes in the company of Gods electe and chosen Children : On a day , when they came and stood before the Lord , Iob. 1.6 . he likewise came and stood among them . Somtimes among his Ministers ; Iehoshua , Zacha. 3.1 . the High Priest standes before the Angell , and loe , the Deceiuer is at his right hand to resist him . Sometimes again with his Apostles ; Haue I not chosen twelue , Iohn . 6.70 . ( saith Christ ) and one of you is a deuil . He is a guest that will come without great bidding : the least cast of our eie doth serue him for an inuitation , & the slightest complement will embolden him to be insolent . If we make him our Companion , he will be presently our Master . If he get but a foot within our doores , hee will cast vs out , & like a merciles disseisour put vs by our right ; nor shall it ought auaile vs to plead our Title , when hee is in possession . I will bee alwaies therefore verye carefull how I suffer him to approch me . If I canot barre him my presence , I wil deny him my countenance , and make him knowne by my lookes , that he shall not lodge in my heart .

XLI .

VNhallowed thoghts are the Scouts of Sathan . He sildome suffers them to lye idle in theyr Tentes , but sendes them alwaies forth vppon discouery : Hee fashioneth his attempts by their aduertisements , and as hee vnderstandes their passage , he restes assured of his own . Themselues delight in pillage , and are therefore glad of theyr imployment . They leaue not a corner about the heart vnsearched , to find out an entrance . If the doores bee barred ; they will assay to climbe the Walles , and get in at the Windowes . They doe with cunning mannage their Captaines busines , and husband the least occasions to his best aduantage . It falleth out sometimes , that these stragling Aramites happen vpon some little Maide o● the land of Israell , 2 Kings 5.2 to wit , some simple and vntutored Soule , that strayeth from the way of Truth , and is altogether destitute of that heauenlie Conuoy of spiritual graces , which should protect it from the craft and fury of the Aduersarie , and hauing suddainely surprized it , lead it away Captiue to their leprous Generall . Sometimes againe these sons of Remmon , 2 Sam. 4 , 6 these wicked Berothites , finding the minde vnfurnished of a Gaurd , and snoaring euen at Noone with honest Ishbosheth in her owne security , doe enter stealingly vpon it , and in an instant cut the throat of it . I wil not therefore with the reprobate put far awaie the euill day , nor promise safety to my selfe , where nothing can bee looked for but Death & Danger . Mans life is a continual Warfare . The Prince of darknesse is his Enemy , who if need require , hath wherewithal to piece out the Lyons skinne ; and when he cannot preuaile by open battery , will neuer sticke to compasse his designes by hidden treacherie . I wil endeauour therefore alwaies , Mat. 24 , 43 as much as in me lyeth , to bee well prouided for the comming of the Thiefe : Let it bee at what houre in the night he will , he shall finde me wakefull , if not watching ; neuer sleeping , though sometimes peraduenture slumbring . I wil bruise the Serpent in the head , I will breake it in the shell . I wil not suffer a sinfull cogitation to come to perfect groth : It shal die in the conception , and ere it neede the Cradle , possesse the Toombe . The Soule in cases criminall ( saith , ●sidore ) hath the precedency of weaker flesh ; I wil driue it therefore from thence , that this may no● offend . Cant. 2.15 . I will striue to catch the Foxes , the litle Foxes that destroy the Vines . Blessed ( I knowe assuredly ) is hee , Psal. 137 , 9. that taketh and dasheth these against the stones .

XLII .

THE life of the iust is a continual day . It is not troubled at any time with stormes , nor ouercast with Cloudes , bu● is altogether calme and cleare . The Morning o● it is , when Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse doth shine out vpon the heart of one regenerate , and by the influence of his beames doth scatter & dispierce those mistie vapours and exhalations of ignorance & stinking errour , which Sathan himselfe had belched forth to hinder the soule from finding out the way of truth : the noon therof is that hourely progresse and ascent of spirituall grace , which brings them to the Zenith of all true perfection . The way of the godly shineth as the light ( saith Salomon ) beholde the Morne : Prou. 4 , 18. It encreaseth more and more vnto the perfect day , beholde the Noone . After the iustification of wretched Sinners by the Law of Faith , there is a continued augmentation & supply of guifts , whereby their mindes are by degrees made fitter for the knowledge and vnderstanding of the loue of GOD , and by which afterwards they are entituled Children of the light , and Children of the day . 1. Thes. 5.3 They are gone out of Aegypt , and dwell now in the Land of Goshen : they neede no Torch-light to direct their steps : there is a pillar of celestiall fire in their bosome , which like a Taper giueth light vnto their feete , and maketh them treade aright the paths of Gods commaundements . But alas ! With the wicked it is nothing so . Their waies are as the darknesse , nor do they know into what daungerous places they may fal . Iob. 5.14 . They meet with blindnesse in the Morne , and grope at noone as in the night : they feele for the wall , Esay 59.10 as men that had no Eyes ; and in the day their feet doe stumble as in the twilight . The greater Luminaries to them are alwaies in Eclipse , & the lesser so obscured as help them little or not at all . I will study therefore continually , for holines , for purenesse , and sobriety . The night is past , the day is come , Rom. 13.12 and nowe will I cast away the workes of darknesse , and put on the Armour of light . I will cloath my selfe with the Lord Iesus Christ , & take no thoght at all to satisfie the lustfull desires of the Flesh .

XLIII .

THe true Souldiour of Christ is known by nothing better then this valour . He that is faint and of a fearefull Spirit , is but a false vsurper of that name . Deut. 20.8 . The Lord of hoasts will none of so soft an edge , of such an yeilding temper vnder his pay . Cant. 3 , 8. Those of his band are strong and ●aliant ; they all handle the Sword , and are expert in warre ; euery one hath his Fauchion on his Thigh for the feare by night . They see the heauenly Hierusalem , for which they fight before them , and had rather die one foot forwards , then adde many years to their life by one foote of retraite . They had rather faile in good and vertuous ends for the publike , then obtaine all that can be wished & desired for themselues in their own proper Fortune . The mouth of Wisdom hath taught them , that A good heart is a continuall Feast ; Pro. 15.15 . and that the Conscience of good intentions in themselues , let their successe be what it will , is a more continuall ioy to Nature , then all the politicke prouision a man can make , for still security and peaceable repose . Such as haue wedded their affections to theyr owne particular ; or any way betrothed them to the things of this world , and are backwardes eyther for that , or other like respectes in the hazzarding of their life and liuing , he vtterly cashiereth . Gideon before hee doth encounter with the Midianites , Iudg. 7 , 3. discardes the Cowards at Mount Gilead , & cleareth his camp of al such crackt and broken courages as fall to pieces before the presence of their enemy . So likewise Iudas Maccabeus , 1. Macca . 3.56 . before he meete the forces of Antiochus at Emmaus , proclaimes a generall discharge to euery pale and milky liuer thoroughout his Army and with all willingnes doth license their departure . I will at no time therefore giue place to any timorous conceit , but fortifie my heart with such a setled and vnshaken confidence , that Afflictio● , come she neuer so hideously disguised , shall not appale me . The Lord Iesus is my Generall , and the hire of my valour a Crowne of immortall glory . Base were the resolution , that would not wish to dye vnder the conduct of so braue a Prince , for the purchase of so great a price . Hee maketh himselfe my precedent , and marketh out the way that I must march with the precious bloud , that gusheth out of his owne wounds . He calleth me after him , and I will surely follow . No Death , nor Hell , sha● driue me to a stand : I w● suffer with him in th conflict , that I may sha● with him in the Co●quest .

XLIIII .

TO murmure again God argueth a w● of Grace ; and to re● Affliction , sheweth a●fect of heauenly conso●tion . Eccl. 10 , 26 He that hath kno●ledge and is well instru●ted , will vndergoe 〈◊〉 crosse with patience , a● neither stamp nor storm to see himselfe reformed . The Lord ( he knoweth ) when hee shootes his Darts , doth leauell higher then at the downefall of a wretched Sinner ; and that howsoeuer hee bruise him , it is not with a Rod of Iron ; Psal. 2 , 9. howsoeuer he break him , it is not like a Potters vessell , but as the Gold-Smith doth his Plate , to melt and fashion it anewe . The Fast is as delightful to him as the Feast , and the Vigile as welcome as the Holy-day it selfe . Hee doth esteeme no otherwise of this Worlde , then of an outward place , 1. King . 6.7 in which the hard & stony mindes of such as God affecteth , must be hammered and polished by the hands of Aduersity and Tribulation , before they can bee fit to set in the Temple of that newe Hierusalem , which is erected by one of greater power and Maiesty then Salomon . But alasse ! The heart of the foolish cannot conceiue of this . 'T is like the Wheele of a Cart ; the vaue thereof is not moistened with the Oyle of the Spirit , Eccles. 33 , 6 and doth nothing therefore , but creak vnder the burthen . It is a vessell , which indeede is void of all good vertues and abilities : It runneth only on the lees , let God but strike it with his hand , and the sounde it giueth , will be the signall of his emptinesse . In a word , it is an Earthen Pipkin , which wanting liquor in it , Wis. 1.11 . is ready to cracke in pieces when it feeles the flame . I will beware therfore of murmuring , which auaileth nothing . The eare of iealousie heareth all things , and the noise of him that Num. 11 , 1. muttereth and repineth shall not bee hid . The Children of Israell were consumed with the Fi●● of the Lord , Ibid. 14 , 30. for their vniust complaintes : He would suffer none of th● to enter into the Land of Promise , saue onel● Caleb the Son of Ieph●nah , and Ioshua the sonn● of Nun. Whatsoeue● therefore it shall plea● his will to lay vpon me my will shall not refu● to beare it . I cannot 〈◊〉 conscience but suff● somewhat for his sa●● that indured so much f●mine . Let him deal wit● me therefore as he thinketh good , I will hold my toong with the Prophet Dauid , and keepe silence , because it is his doing .

XLV .

VErtue is great in grace and estimation with the king of heauen : they that embrace it are his onely fauorites . Hee dooth affect them wonderfully , and vseth them at all times with great familiarity . Fiue hundereth sixty fiue yeares did Henoch walke with him vppon the earth , Gen. 5 , 24. and so delighted him with the softnesse of his carriage , and the sweetnesse of his conuersation , that hee took him wholly to himselfe , and of a Pensioner , made him one of his Chamber . Hee sent a Charret of Fire from aboue , to fetch Elijah to him , 2. Kin. 2.11 and appointed a Guard of glorious Angels to attend it : hee did so long to enioy his company , that Death hee thought would bee to slow a Messenger to giue his desires a speedy satisfaction & contentment , and did therefore send a Whirlewinde foorth to hasten his arriuall : The Lord is exceeding tender ouer the godly : he will preserue his body as the Apple of his eye ; he wil shield his soule from the power of the graue . The wickednesse of Man in former times was grown to such a height , and his minde so deepely rooted in all euill , that GOD grew sorry hee had euer made him , and was resolued to destroy both him and all thinges else from of the Earth ; but when he thought vpon vpright Noah , great was the care he took for the safety & preseruation both of him and his . He doth impart his secrets to the iust , Esay 41 , 8. and taketh the righteous for his bosome friendes . He would not hide from Abraham , that which hee meant to doe to Sodome and Gomo●ah . Gen. 18 , 17. And when the Patriarke had begun to intercede for them , could but tenne persons haue been found vntainted with that foule corruption , wherewith the inhabitants of those two places were so generally infected , he would haue spared them all at his entreaty for their sakes alone : as hee did Zoar at poore Lots request : Gen. 19.21 . so easily doth hee subscribe to the petitions and supplications of them that are sounde and pure in heart . Let who so listeth therefore ambitiously affect the countenance of worldly Greatnesse , I and my Thoughtes wil serue the Lord . One day within his Courtes is better then a thousande other where ; Psal. 84.10 . and I would sooner choose to be a door-keeper in the House of my God , then to dwell in the tabernacles of profaine Impiety . Hos. 14 , 7. They tha● rest vnder his shaddowe shall reuiue as the Corn and flourish as the Vine : their beauty shall bee as the Oliue-Tree , & their smell as Lebanon : But they that rely vppon the breath of man , their glory shal vanish as the morning Dewe , and as the smoak that goeth out o● the Chimney . I will abandon therefore with Moses , the delicates of Pharaohs Table , to bee a Partner in all disastrous accidents with the Children of Israell , and desire rather to lye at the gates of Mordecai , and be a sharer in the afflictions of my distressed Bretheren , then stand with Hamon at the Kings elbow . Heere now is Grace , and by & by a graue : but loue and honour commeth there in the riere-warde of all trouble .

XLVI .

MAns heart is like a House ; the closer he keepeth it , the worse it is : The doores & windowes of it , must by a true confession of his sins bee set wide open to the Lord , that by the beames of his enlightning Spirit , the roomes thereof may be well ayred , and euery corner of it sweetned , against the comming of his Sauiour and Redeemer . Open to me , my Sister , my Loue , Cant. 5 , 2. my Doue , ( sayd Christ vnto his Spouse , and in the Reuelation , I stand at the doore & knock if any Man open , Reuel. 3 , 20 I will com● in vnto him , and will s●● with him , and he with me . He carrieth a good opinion & conceit , of those that are ready at the gate to giue him entertainement , or that at the least no sooner heare him , but with the greatest speede they let him in ; hee will minister comfort and consolation vnto them , that by repentance make knowne vnto him theyr cares and grieuaunces . But such as will not acknowledge his voice , nor make him entrance when he calleth at the first , do but awaken his iealousy , and giue him cause to doubt , that all is not wel within ; They haue assuredly some Vnder-sitters , that dare not abide the presence of authority , & either for that , or some such like consideration are slacke in his admission . I will confesse therefore against my selfe , Psal. 32.5 . my wickednesse vnto the Lord , and hee shall forgiue the forfeiture of my misdeedes ; Pro. 28.13 . I wil discouer to him mine iniquities , and he shall cleanse me from all vnrighteousnes : who so hideth his transgressions shall neuer prosper ; but hee that confesseth and forsaketh them , shal bee sure of mercy . The Thiefe before the Iudge approach , doth conuay out of his owne custody , euen euery trifling thing , the possession whereof he cannot iustifie to be lawfull , I will imitate him in this , and before such time as death shall come to apprehend me , I wil clear my hart of whatsoeuer may be any way suspected ; Eccl. 17 , 27 Whilst I liue , and am in health , I will disclose my faultes and imperfections to the Lord ; I will giue him an inuentarie of my workes and weaknesses , Prou. 16 , 3. that by so doing , my thoughtes may be established . If I perceiue at any time that my conscience hath surfeited vpon the seeming sweetes and pleasures of this World , Eccl. 13 , 21 I wil according to the Wise-mans counsell , arise , goe out , and vomit , that then I may take my rest , & keep my Soule from sicknesse and distemperature . The guilt of Sinne is an Impostume in the minde ; If I feele it in my bosom , I will apply that to it , which may draw the corruption to the outward partes ; If it breake within , it endaungereth the life , but if the rupture of it chance without , there may be hope of recouery . I will vnwrap the Vlcers of my soule , and expose them to the viewe of Christ , that hee may heale them . Vnlesse I do acquaint him with my burthen , how can I hope to bee refreshed by him ?

XLVII .

THE hart of the foolish is a broken Vessell ; Eccl. 21 , 14. Charity will none of it ; It is not a Potshard that will serue her turne . Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God ( saith she ) Luke 10 , 27 with al thy Soule , and withall thy Thought , and withall thy Might . Such as vnderhand haue sworn allegiance to Hypocrisie , and are in minde the seruants of Imposture , cannot endure to heare of this . They will deuide themselues into seuerall portions , Hos. 10 , 2. & what the world doth leaue , they will bequeath to God , makes no scruple if neede require , to holde a Candle for their owne aduantage , both to Michaell and the Serpent . Mat. 17.15 . They are like that Lunatik in the Gospell ; one while they fall into the Fire , another while they slip into the Water : And hence it is , that they be neither hot nor colde ; by reason whereof the Lord so vtterly distasteth them , that he will spue them out of his mouth , Reuel. 3 , 16 and suffer them to slide continually from bad to worse , till in the end , as men not sensible of their estate , they dye impenitent , and not so much as toucht with any detestation or dislike of their fore-past enormities . They stand in a degree of warmth , which doth embolden Sathan to assaile them ; he neuer feareth to bee midling with them in this medling state : but were they thoroughly heated with the flames of a sincere and vndisguised zeale , as they ought to bee , hee would not dare once to come neere them . He resembleth the Fly , which neuer setleth it selfe vpon the seething pot , but is alwaies exceeding busie , where there is an indifferency of heate . Hee that contentes himselfe with the Water of Iohn , Luk. 3 , 16. and doth not seeke to be baptized of Christ with fire and the Holy-ghost , is made the only But and scope of his attempts . It is not therefore a superficiall ayring that shall satisfy my cold desires ; I will so heate them in the well-kindeled flames of true Deuotion , that like a searing-Iron , hee shall no sooner stretch out his hand to touch mee , but I will brand him for his bolde presumption , and for euer after make him so fearefull of mee , that when hee seeth me , though at neuer so great a distance , he shall come creeping towardes mee like a Spaniell with his belley on the ground , he shall cry out to me with an extended voice , and say ; Ma●ke 5.7 What 〈◊〉 to do with thee , thou Seruant of the mos●●igh GOD ? I charge thee by thy Lorde and mayster , that thou torment mee not .

XLVIII .

THe Crosse of Christ is that Rod of Moses , by which the Deuil , that spirituall Pharaoh is strooke with such diuersity of plagues , that at the last he is enforced to driue from him , those which er● while he ●old haue draw●e vn●●●●m . It is a glorious and immortall monument , erected as a Trophy by the hand of Victory , to the dishonour and confusion of that oppressor and insulting Tyrant . Hee standes aloofe , and stares vpon it with an enuious eie , but is affraid to draw neere vnto it , least hee and his temptations might chance to bee deuoured by it , as were by that the Serpents of the Enchanters . It is that blessed Tree , with the boughs whereof the waters of Marah were made sweete : It altereth the bitternesse of Tribulations , and makes the Cup of the Lord , which of it selfe is exceeding sharpe , delightful to the tast : 2. Cor. 12.10 . I take pleasure ( sayth Saint Paule ) in all repreaches and persecutions for his sake ; & the Apostles , after they had been beaten by the appointment of the Counsell at Hierusalem , Acts 5 , 41. departed thence with cheerefull countenances , reioycing that they were reputed worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name . It is that princely Scepter of Ahashuerosh , which beeing stretched out , dooth license our approach vnto the Throne of his Celestial Grace . It is that key of the Kingly Prophet , which hath opened vnto vs the greatest misteries , and the profoundest secrets that were euer heard of . It is that ladder of the Patriark , by which our passage inro heauen is easier nowe , then euer it was before . In a word , it is that golden Candlesticke , in which the life and light of men was set , Iohn 1 , 4. whose brightnesse was so great , that the Centurion by meanes thereof , euen through the Aegyption darknesse of those times , was able to discouer his Diuinitie , when opprest with feare , hee cryed out and said ; Truely this was the Sonne of the liuing God . Mat. 27.52 I wil not therfore reioice in any thing , Gal. 6.14 . but in the Crosse of our Lorde Iesus Christ , by which the World is crucified vnto me , & I vnto the world . Night & day will I make it the subiect of my Meditation ; and so I may attaine to the knowledge of this , 1. Cor. 2.2 I will not esteeme of any other wisedome whatsoeuer . What doctrine is it , which is not heere comprized ? His passion is the Epilogue of all . There is not any thing , either in Heauen or in Earth , but as the Apostle saieth , is recapitulated to the full in Christ . Ephe. 1 , 10. Mount Caluary shall therefore bee my Schoole , and the Booke which I will reade , shall bee the lanched side , and bloudy bosome of my blessed Sauiour . I will thinke vpon his wounds ; I will consider his skars ; & the prints of the nails , shall bee as breathing-stops to helpe my Contemplation .

XLIX .

AS Siluer drosse ouerlaid vpon a Potshard , so are burning lips , Pro. 26.23 . and an euill heart . Hee tha● dwelleth in the Heauen doth abhorre it , and wil● for euer haue it in derision . It is not complement that pleaseth him . The Kinges Daughter was al glorious within , Psal. 45 , 13. or little would the Lorde haue esteemed her sumptuous cloathing of Broidered Gold . If the in-side of the Vessel be not cleane , let the out-side bee as glorious as it will , our GOD will none of it . The Figge-Tree was delightfull to the Eye , but yet it could not escape the curse . He wold haue nothing seem that which it is not . Eyther make the Tree good , Mat. 12.33 . and his fruite good ( saith he ) or the Tree euill , and his fruite euill ; worship either God or Belial , and halt no longer betweene two opinions . For one to haue the Voyce of Iacob , and the handes of Esau , is a degree of Hypocrisie beyonde his knowledge , apprehension , and conceite . The thought of it doot● cleane amaze him ; Ho● can you ô ye viperous bro● when your selues are i●wardly nothing else b● filth and putrifaction , Luke 6.6 . vtt● thinges that are of a differing constitution ? For 〈◊〉 of the abundance of th● heart , the mouth speaket● . So that in vain it is to 〈◊〉 him , Maister , Maister , vnlesse withall we doe the thinges which hee propoundeth . Our righteousnesse must exceede that of the Scribes and Pharises , Math. 5 , 20. or we shall neuer ente● into the Kingdome of Heauen . I will not therefore be like the blinde and lame , that sit begging at the entrance of a Citty , and shew the way to them that passe along , but set no foote in it themselues ; I will accompany them my selfe vnto the place ; and alwaies as neere as I can , countenaunce a godly precept with a good precedent . The word of the Lord is called a Sword ; Take the Sword of the Spirite , Ephe. 6 , 16. which is the word o● God ; It cannot bee employed but by the hand And hence it is , that i● sundry places of th● Scriptures we read in the originall , that it was i● the handes of his Prophets ; as namely , in the hand of Isaiah , Esay 20 , 2. in th● hand of Haggai , in th● hand of Malachi , Mal. 1.1 . &c. t● signify vnto vs , that the instructions which we giue our brethren , shoul● not consist so much i● wordes , as in workes an● good examples . He tha● can doe that , which hee saieth , hee alone is that Salt of the Earth , Math. 5 , 13. which shall neuer loose his sauour ; hee alone is that Citty on a Hell , which cannot be hid ; in a word , he alone is that Candle in the Candlesticke , which giueth light to all that are about it , and shineth out so clearely and so brightly , that they which see it cannot but glorifye the Lord which is in heauen . I will continually therefore so speake , and so do , Iames 2.12 as one that looketh to be iudged by the Law of Liberty . Christ Iesus hath left me an example , Ioh 13 15. that I should do , euen as hee that hath done , and surely I will striue to followe it in all thinges , as Moses did that patterne , which was shewed him in the Mount . Exo. 25 , 40.

L.

THe World abounds with men of corrupted and depraued minds ; It is the harbour of head-strong Rebelles , which haue sworne the downefall and destruction of true Piety ; and much ado she hath to finde one angle out in al this spatious Round , in which she may rest secure from their assassinous & murthering handes . A vertuous deede cannot escape the forked tongue of venemous Detraction , nor a good intention finde passage for it selfe , but with exceeding opposition . 2. Tim. 3 , 8 Moses & Aaron shal no sooner goe about to discharge their dutyes , but Iannes and Iambres will bee ready to resist them : 1. King . 22 11. the Baalites will continually be busy with Elijah : and plain Micheas shall no sooner stirre abroad , Nehe. 2.19 but Zidkijah will bee butting at him with his Iron hornes . Where Christ is , there are the Pharises ; where Simon Peter is , there likewise is Simon Magus ; and where Saint Paule is , there are the false Apostles , that what the right hand of the Lord doth raise , the left hand of the Deuill may destroy . Whilst our abiding place is here , we shall alwaies meete with many rubs and lets to i●terrupt the smoothnesse of our course in iust proceedinges : but this shall not abate my resolution : I will striue to franchise and surmount al difficulties : Nor Sinne , nor Sathan shall so strongly barricado vp my passage , but by the assistaunce of the holy Spirite I will make thorough them to my aymes . Phil. 2 , 13. Hee that wrought in mee the Wil , shall likewise worke in me the Deede ; and as he gaue me the grace to begin , so shall he grant me the power to goe on . I am freede from the yoke of bondage , and now , Rom. 8.38 . nor death , nor life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers ; nor things present , nor thinges to come , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature shall be able to seperate mee from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord .

LI.

WIsedome is a princesse of extraordinary State and Dignitie , Prou. 9 , 3. many honourable Virgins doe continually attend het . She hath hew● out her house of seauen pillers , and hath sent out her Maides to call men to the wals and Towers of her Citty ; but there are some that wil not indure to haue their passage made by them : they are they say , inspired from aboue , and as Elijah was fed by Crowes , so are they by Angels , not with meate nor breade , but with a hidden kind of celestial Manna . They scorn those grosser introductions of school Philosophy , and thinke they cannot admire Gods power and authority as they ought , if in things Deuine they shuld attribute any force to human reason . 1 Cor. 2.14 Their vsuall discourses are , The natural man , not the things that are of God , for they are foolishnesse to him : he cannot comprehend them , because they are spiritually discerned ; and That the Lord hath threatned to destroy the Wisedome of the wise , Cor. 1 , 19 and to cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent . Againe , the word and preaching of S. Paul say they , stood not in the enticing speech of man , 1. Cor. 2 , 4. but in plaine euidence of the Spirit , and of power . What should we therefore do but vtterly abandon those needlesse Arts and Sciences , Colos. 2 , 8 which are ( as the Apostle saith ) the rudiments of the world , and not after Christ ? As if the way to bee ripe in faith , were to be rawe in wit and iudgement , as if reason were an enemye to Religion , Childish simplicity , the Mother of diuine sufficiency . The name of the Light of Nature , is growne hatefull to them , the Star of Learning is no better thoght of , then if it were a disastrous and vnlucky Comet ; or as if God had so accursed it , that it should neuer shine out in things concerning our dutye any way toward him , but bee esteemed as the Star of Remphan , or as that in the Reuelation called Worme-wood , which beeing fallen from Heauen , maketh Riuers and fountaines of Waters , Reuel. 8 , 10 into which it falleth so bitter that men in tasting them do dye therof . The word of GOD ( say they ) is a two edged Sword , as for the Weapon of naturall Reason , it is as the Armour of Saul , rather cumbersome about the Souldier of Christ , then needful , wheras indeed it is , as that which slew Goliah , if they bee as Dauid was , that vse it . Poyson may com from out a Rose , and out of Hemlocke Honie may bee drawne ; but then a Spyder must not sucke the one , nor a Bee the other . I will not therefore be affrayde to imitate the Hebrewes , who at their going out from amongst the Egyptians , took from them all the Gold and Siluer that they could , & afterwards made a Tabernacle of it to God in the desert ; nor Salomon , who refused not to accept both Woode and Workemen , Caedar , and Firre from the hands of Hiram king of Tyre , for the erecting of a house vnto the Name of the Lorde his God . There is in the world no kinde of knowledge , whereby any part of truth is seene , but wee iustly account it precious ; and that principall trueth in comparison whereof all other knowledge is vile , may receiue from it som kind of light . So that whether it be that Mathematicall Wisedome of the Egyptians and Caldeans , wherewith Moses & Daniel were so richly furnished : or that Naturall , Morall , and Ciuill wisedome of the Graecians , which the Apostle Saint Paul did bring from Tarsus : or that Iudaicall , which he learned sitting at the feet of Gamaliell , I will by no means detract from the dignity therof , least by so doing , I shuld iniure euen God himself who beeing that light , which none can aproach , hath sent out these lights whereof we are capable , euen as many sparckles resembling the bright Fountaine from whych they rise . That the lawfull vse and application of prophane authoritie , can bee no preiudice to sacred Writ ; howsoeuer therefore I drinke of the Waters of life with Christ , yet will I not let as occasion serueth , to drawe at the Well with the Samaritan .

LII .

THe Pride of a man shal bring him low , but the humble in Spirit shall enioy glorie , He that delighteth himselfe in the contemplation of his own greatnes , and when hee vieweth the statelinesse of his high-built Palaces , doth vaunt out of a swelling Spirit with Nebuchadnezar ; Dan , 4 , 27 Is not this great Babel that I haue built for the house of the Kingdome , by the might of my power , and for the glory of my maiesty ? A voyce from Heauen shall tell him presently , that he shall bee vtterlie depriued of the societie and commerce of men , and bee enforced to take vp his dwelling with the Beasts of the fielde . Hee that shal say in his heart , I will ascend vp into Heauen , Esay 14.13 , and exalt my Throne aboue beside the starres . I will sit vppon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the North ; I will climbe aboue the height of the cloudes , and I will bee lyke the most High ; He shal be thrown with Lucifer the sonne of the Morning , downe into the lowest pit . And to him that presumeth on the multitud● of his merits , it shall bee sayd , Reuel. 3 , 17 Thou sayest I am rich , and increased with goodes , and haue neede of nothing : and knowest not that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poore , and blinde , and naked . The Publican did neuer boaste of his vprightnesse , nor did he brag of his tything Mint and Cumin , yet hee was iustified , when the Pharise , notwithstanding his former purity , was clean reiected . Hee that is proude , is like a Glow-worme , hee carryeth an outward shew of pomp and glory in the darknes of this worlde , but in the day of iudgement , when Christ the Sun of Iustice shall appeare , hee shall loose his luster , and hys light shall seeme as if it were extinct . The eye of Ignorance may highly value him , but the touch will shewe him to bee counterfait and base . Let who so listeth therefore go settle his ambition in the Plaines of Sennaar ; Gen. 11 , 2 let him depart with wicked and voluptuous Worldlinges from the East , and seeke to purchase a name vnto himselfe else-where ; there is a Star , which calleth me thither ward , and I will follow it , till I come vnto the Maunger , where the meannesse of my Sauiours byrth shall make me cal to mind the basenesse of mine owne . I will obserue the lowlynesse of that blessed Lambe , and with the thought of his humility giue life to mine . There is nothing in mee that is ought , which I haue not receiued . When I shall therefore offer vppe my heart vnto the Lorde , I will bury all presumption in the apprehension of humane weaknes , and high conceits shall languish in the consideration of my owne vnworthinesse . It is a Turtle ▪ the Feathers of it must be plucked off , Leuit. 1.16 and the maw thereof pulled out , and cast vppon the East side of the Aultar , in the place of the ashes , or god will not accept it for a Sacrifice .

LIII .

SInne is a great burthen , the weight thereof did cracke in sunder the very heauens , and through the bowels of the earth did force a passage to the lowest he● It broke the backe of all the creatures , and made as I may say , Nature her selfe to hault . There was no part in all this vniuersall Frame , but was thoroughly bruised , if not broken . All things were vtterly disioynted with the fal . The Sphears were put beside their purer influence , & the Elements so confounded with the violence of the shocke , that contrary to their naturall and inbred motion the Fire came down and burnt Pentapolis ; Gen. 7 , 17 the water rose vp , and drowned the Worlde . There was not any thing could bee found so stiffe or strong which did not yeild . The euerlasting Mountaynes were shiuered , Hab. 3.6 . and the auncient hilles did bow . Yea , God himselfe , who sate til then vnmoueable vppon the square base of his Mercy , Gen. 3 , 8 and tooke no care but how to pleasure vs , did then arise out of his seat , & with the foot of Iustice measured the walkes of Paradice . The Earth did sink vnder the sinne of Dathan & Abir●● as too weake a prop for such an vnsupportable loade : Num. 16 , 32 And so indeede it doth euen vnder vs . For what are our Graues & Sepulchres , but so many proofes and witnesses of the heauinesse thereof : but for which , the verie waters would haue been able to haue sustained vs as they did Christ our Sauiour . But this alas ! is nowe ; In the day of Iudgment it shal be vtterly broken , it shall bee cleane dissolued ; sa. 24 , 20 it shal reel too & fro like a drunken man , and shall be remoued like a tent , the iniquitie thereof shall be heauy vpon it , so that it shall fall , and rise no more .

To him therefore that came into the World t● help the Lame , will I becom while the time doth serue , an humble supplyant , Mat. 11.5 . and beseech him earnestly , that hee woulde vouchsafe to cure my Cripple spirit , and withall , ease it of that grieuous fardle vnder which it groaneth , that so I may be able to walke vpright in the path of Gods commaundements . The way to Heauen is exceeding steep , I must be free from all encumbraunce , or I can make no expedition .

LIIII .

WOrldly pleasure is the bane of heauenly contemplation ; and a minde distracted with many thinges , cannot mind as it ought that one thing which is necessary . The blessed virgin during the time of her painefull flight , did neuer want the company of her beloued Son ; hee was continually with her , whilst shee liued as an exile in the Land of Egypt , but when she went vp to Hierusalem to the feast , Luke 2.42 . shee lost him presently . As long as the Thesbite remained in the solitary Wildernesse , he was deliciously fed by the Lordes owne hand , but when he made his repaire to populous and frequented places , his wantes grewe such , that a poore Widdowe was faine to releeue him with a peece of bread Our God is the GOD of peace ; he wil not abide in a tumultuous breast . His Tabernacle is in Shalem , Psal. 76.2 . and his dwelling in Zio● . Hee would not set foote vpon the earth , til all the Nations of the same had linked themselues together in loue and amitie , & that a friendly composition was made the period of all hostile difference . His Image can no more bee seene in an vnsetled hart , then the shaddowe of a man in troubled water . We must calme the blustrig motions and distemperatures of our affections , or wee shall neuer enioy the sweetnesse of ghostly consolation . The Children of Israell did receiue no Manna , till they had past the raging Sea , Actes 2.2 and were come into the quiet desert . The Apostles were sitting in a Chamber priuately , when they receiued the Comforter ; 1 King . 19 , 12. and Elijah stood alone in the entring of a Caue , when the Lorde not in a tempestuous whirlewind , nor in a violent Earthquke , nor in a storme of fire , but in a soft and gentle sound appeared vnto him , who thereuppon couered his face immediatly with his Cloake , that nothing might withdraw his sight from the full beholding of such inestimable glory . I will retire my selfe wholy therfore from the world ; I wil Cloyster vp my senses from the delights and vanities thereof ; they shall no longer frequent the meeting places of profaner mindes ; My hart shall bee a Cell , wherein my Thoughtes being throughly weaned from the desire of all transitory pleasures , shal sing continually with a sincere and mortified affection , Halleluiah , Halleluiah to the King of Kinges . Luke 19.3 . Zacheus could not possibly see Christ Iesus in the crowd , but when he had him in his House alone , his eyes were satisfyed with the view of that celestiall obiect . The short-liued recreation that Iniquity brings with it , shal not lodge within the circuit of my bosome , I knowe that the laughter of a mad man , is a griefe to his friendes ; and the mirth of a Sinner dooth make an Angell mourn ; I will from hence-foorth therefore furnish my selfe with a religious & godly sorrow , and being so prouided , I will run and seek for my blessed Sauiour . His Mother founde him not till shee had greeued exceedingly ; nor Marie Magdalene , Luke 2.48 . till shee had wept excessiuely ; they both lamented & mourned bitterly , Iohn 20.11 as for the losse of an onely Sonne , Iere. 6.26 . or they could neuer else haue heard of him . I will not hope for better hap , but encourage my selfe by their example .

LV.

THe blewnesse of the wound serueth to purge the euill , Pro. 20 , 30 and the stripes within the bowels of the belly . For it is indeed the after-wisdome , and Epimethean had I wist of mortall men , neuer to looke vp vnto Heauen for help , but in the midst of their affliction . And then , Come say they , let vs returne to the Lord , for he hath spoyled vs , Hos. 6.1 . and hee wil heale vs ; he hath wounded vs , and he will bind vs vp . In their prosperitie they growe forgetfull of him that made them , and neuer thinke vppon the Crosse of Christ , til they be crost themselues . Till Paule was strooke with blidnesse , he neuer asked Iesus of Nazareth what was to be done ; nor did the Prodigall acknowledge his fault , til hunger forced him to returne . Manasseh remembred not 2 Cron. 33.12 . to pray vnto the Lord , til he was in tribulation , & then he humbled himself greatly before the GOD of his fathers . The carnal man will quickly ryot in his groth ; if he bee not , either by infirmities , reproaches , necessities , persecutions , or anguish suppressed and kept downe . When I am weak ( saith the Apostle ) then am I strong . 2. Cor. 12 , 10. And hereupon the kingly Prophet desiring the conuersion of sinfulmen , Fill their faces , O Lorde , ( saith he ) with shume , Psal. 83.16 . that they may seeke thy Name ; and in another place . Let thy chasticementes and thy corrections bee multiplyed vppon them , and they will hasten to thee out of hand . They may be likened to a seruant that obeyeth not his Maister , but when his Sword is drawne ; or vnto Swine , that till the comming of the storme , will not leaue their wallowing in the mire . Nay some of them there are , so desperately enamoured with that painted Iezabell ( Iniquity ) that no indifferent meanes can weane them from her allurements : 1. Cor. 5 , 5. they must of necessity be deliuered vnto Sathan , for the destruction of the flesh , or their Spirit will bee hardly saued in the day of the lord ; And such were Hymenaeus and Alexander , 1 Tim. 1.20 whome Paule surrendred vp vnto him , that they might learne not to blaspheme . A thing exceeding strange , and like to Sampsons Riddle ; Iudg. 14.14 That out of the deuourer shold come meat , and sweetnesse out of the strong ; yet so it is . Vice sheweth it self vnder his Roofe , euen in the height of her bestiality ; the nakednesse thereof is quite discouered : no part of hir deformity but here is stalled out to the full showe , and thrice thrice , wretched is that man , whome this cannot distast . With al submission therefore , both of heart and minde , will I drinke the Cup which my heauenly Father shal put into my hand ; the bitternesse thereof shal not affright mee ; 't is for the strengthening and recouering of my crazy soul , and I will not grudge to take it . I will repaire vnto the Lorde for helpe while my hurt is green , if once it putrify , there is no vse of Linitiues ; it cannot possibly be cured but by Cautere or Incision . I will obey the summons of his glorious ministers , and not stay til I be called by him : His voice is terrible as thunder ; it breaketh the Caedars , and maketh Lebanon and Shirion leape like the younger Vnicornes ; Psal. 29.6 . it diuideth the flames of Fire , and maketh the Wildernesse of Kadesh to tremble : at the sound thereof , the Hindes doe Calue , and the Forrests are discouered . Let Moses therefore talk with Exo. 20.19 . me , and I will heare him ; but let not God talk with me , least I dye .

LVI .

SLoath is an enemy to Christian Venues , & he that serueth vnder the Lord of hoastes , must labour to auoide it . His Souldiers must be still in action , and vppon their march . To make a stande in the way of righteousnesse , is as distastfull to the King of heauen , as to retyre . The man of God that came vp from Iudah , to prophesie to Ieroboam the destruction of the altar , King 13.24 though seduced by the Spirit of Vntruth , did pay the same forfeiture for hi● lingering , wh●ch the Wife of Lot did for her looking b●cke . And it is auouched by the Oracle of heauen , That he which is sloathfull in his worke , Prou. 18 , 9. is euen the Brother of him that is a great waster . I will awaken therefore my slugg●sh thoughtes , and with the preceptes of my blessed Sauiour , will I quicken their dull motion . Standing waters doe quic●lie putrifie , and without exercise , the healthiest constitution waxeth faint & feeble . The Canker doth consume the Brasse , and rust the Iron , if they bee not vsed ; yea , the lustre of the purest Golde abateth by beeing long imprisoned in the Coffers of the Couetous . The Lorde therefore shall enlarge my heart , Psal. 119.32 and I wil run the way of his Commaundementes . In vaine hath hee receiued the grace of God , that doth not showe some signe of his proficiency . I wil imitate those Kine , that carried the Arke from Ekrō ; 1. Sam. 6.12 who lowed as they went , & alwaies kept one path , not turning till they cam vnto Bethshemesh , eyther to the right hand or the left ; I haue already charged my shoulders with the yoake of my Redeemer , and am entred into the straight and ready way ; no worldly consideration or respect shall make me slacke my pace ; I will onwards still , and not cease to sigh vnder the burthen of it for my sinnes , till I come vnto the glorious habitation of my blessed Sauiour Christ Iesus , the Son of euerlasting righteousnes .

LVII .

GOD is the Well-spring of true knowledge & eternall wisedome , from whence those Fountaines of liuing Waters flowe , which who so tasteth of , shall neuer thirst . It is hee that searcheth the heart and reines ; it is he , that declareth vnto man what is his thought . Hee knoweth all things intuitiuely , and nothing can bee hid from his discerning Eye . But yet such is the loue hee beareth vs , that willingly & wittingly hee suffereth himselfe to bee deceiued by vs . Hee proffereth vs the Kingdome of Heauen at a low rate , as if he knew not iustly the worth therof . The Apostles bought it of him for a leaking Fish-Boate , and some few broken Nets to boote : Zacheus had it for halfe his goodes : the Widdow for her mite : and some ( O happinesse beyond all hap ! ) for a Cup of colde Water onely : Nay the good will alone , and sincere affection of many towardes it , hath beene accepted , and thought sufficient for the purchase . Whatsoeuer we haue of him is vndervalued ; but he hath nothing from vs , which is not ouer-bought . Our earthly bodies cost him the shedding of his most pretious blood ; our cankered soules the laying downe of his immaculate and spotlesse life ; and what alas ! is there in vs ( poore sinfull wretches that we are ) which may deserue such an inestimable price . Mat. 19.29 . Hee giueth vs a hundreth folde more then hee taketh , and suffereth himselfe to bee beguild euen with vnequall shares . For many times wee giue our youth to Sathan , and our age to him , who notwithstanding hee should haue both doth take it quietly , and like a gentle Creditor is content with any thing from a bad Debter . But this conniuence , & kinde forbearance of his , shall not embolden me in any carelesse course . All that I haue will I giue vnto him , yet thinke that al too little for so great and glorious an inheritance . Whatsoeuer I pay , nothing can equall it in estimation . The whole world , in comparison hereof , Luke 15 , 8. is not to be valued , no not at the lost groate . I will consider how dearly my redeemer bought me , and endeauor to render vp my selfe in that regard , into his hands , as pure and perfect both in mind and body as I can : I wil consecrate my selfe vnto the Lorde in the strength and vigour of my yeares , and in my flourishing and able daies will I deuote my selfe to the seruice , and inuocation of his most holy name . Hee that diuideth ill , though he offer well , cannot but offend .

LVIII .

THe waies of the Lorde are in the Whirle-wind and the storme ; the cloudes are the dust of his feete . Bashan and Carmel wast at his rebuke , and the floure of Lebanon doth wither . The Mountaines retire from before him , & the hils do me● . His Maiestie is great , his power wonderfull ; yet many wayes there are , and many meanes to vanquish & subdue him . At the sight of our dejection . Hos. 11 , 8. His heart is turned within him , and his repertings are rouled together . He must of force reuerse his iudgements , and stay to execute the fiercenesse of his intended wrath . But when with a zealous and feruent spirit we doe encounter him in prayer , then doe we bind him ( as it were ) hand and foote , that hee cannot stirre . Let mee alone ( saide hee to Moses ) and giue my fury leaue to wax hot against this people . Exo. 32 , 10. But the Prophet continued his charitable intercession , and would not suffer him to goe , till he had changed his minde . Esay 38 , 1. Hee had determined the death of Hezikiah , & by the mouth of Isaiah willed him to put his house in order , for hee should not liue , but the King hauing notice of this firme arrest , turned his face vnto the wall , & by the vertue of his prayers and teares preuaild so farre , that in the end , Mat. 15 , 22. Vixit & vicit , he both liued and ouercame . By this the woman of Canaan did surmount that setled hardnesse , whereof our Sauiour did make shewe vnto her . Gen. 32 , 28 In a worde , this is that wrestling of the Patriarch , in which hee behaued himselfe so valiantly , that he bore away the glorious title , and renowned name of Israell , in token of his victorious & triumphall Conquest . But this doth maister but his person onely . The Saints and Martyrs by their paines and sufferances , doe breake into his territories , & make their station euen within his Confines . Himselfe beholdeth it , and cryeth out , Mat. 11 , 12. The Kingdome of heauen suffereth violence ; and the violent take it away by force . I will humble my selfe therefore before the Lord my God , and vnto him will I ingenuously confesse , how sinne and Sathan haue vtterly spoyled me of all spirituall graces and endowmentes , and that my conscience onely hath escapt their fury , to bring me tydings of the losse . With my misery will I excite his mercy , and awake his compassion with the vehemency of my owne passions . I will fasten on him by deuout and earnest supplications , and not let him goe , except hee blesse mee . With patience wil I arme my selfe against all hardnesse & slight , both Death and Danger , to make my passage to the top of Sion , and through the streetes of his imperiall Citty , the New Hierusalem .

FINIS .