THE True watch.  
OR A DIRECTION FOR The examination of our spiritual estate (according to the word of God, whereby we must be judged at the last day to help to preserve us from Apostasy, or decaying in grace, and to further our daily growth in Christ.  
If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 1. Cor. 1. 30.  
Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shallbe despised. 1. Sam. 2. 30.  
AT LONDON Printed by G. Elder, for Samuel Macham and Mat. Cook and are to be sold at the Tiger's head in Paul's Church yard. 1606.   

Contents.  

1. Some special places of Scripture to be in our hearts continually.  
2. The trial of our estate.  
3. Meditations, to make our examination more powerful.  
4. Rules for our better direction and comfort in our examination.  
5. The glass of the law, or the examination of our lives by the law.  
6. The glass of the Gospel, or the examination of our faith thereby.  
7. The benefits of this examination duly practised.  
8. Some necessary questions of 

1. Senselessness in sin.  
2. Obstinacy in sin.  
3. Whether any but those who labour after holiness, can have any found comfort in Christ?  
4. How so many fall back to coldness and lukewarmness?    
9 Some special preservatives against every sin.  
10. Means to keep always a tender conscience.    

To the right Honourable, Henry Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Hastings, Hungerford, Botreaux, Molines and moils, my singular good Lord.  
I Have studied (right Honourable) what way I might manifest my thankful mind, for the exceeding favours, wherewith I and mine are bound unto your house for ever. I find none more likely, then if I might add somewhat (after the faithful and happy travels of others) to your present and immortal honour. Considering therefore, that the God of heaven, hath set you in so high a place, not only in his own eye, but also in the view of your country, to be beholden of all, as a mark, for the salvation or perdition of very many, and that little faults in your Honour, must needs much blemish you, as a virtuous life shall make you glorious: I have endeavoured for my part to put into your hands a true glass and perfect map: 
jam. 1. 25. , a glass which will not flatter you in showing your spots, because it is the Lords, a map which will not deceive you, for the narrow way of life, because it is bounded by the Lord himself, trodden by our Saviour, with all his holy Saints, which have gone before you; yet so small as you may ever carry in your bosom. My humble suit at the hands of the Lord and your honour is this, that when you have tried them to be such, (where the superstitious Papists spend some hours in blind devotions) you would bind yourself by a constant vow before the Lord, to spend but one hour weekly, besides other your holy exercises, in viewing yourself in this Crystal glass, 
jam. 1. 23. 24. 25.  desirous to cleanse your spots hereby; and to consider your ways according to this map, 
Psal. 119. 59  labouring so to direct your steps: for setting yourself with resolute purpose of heart 
Acts. 11. 23.  to walk herein all your days, you have the Lords own promise, that he will make you truly honourable in the sight of all men, 
1. King. 3. 11. 12. 13.  as ever was any of your Progenitors, so as your very enemies shall acknowledge it, 
Dent. 4. 6. 7. & 28, 10. 11. 12. 13.  and he afraid of you: and that he will moreover prolong your days, and give you a guard of his glorious Angels for your safety, 
Psa. 91. 11. 12. and 34. 7.  to bear you in their hands in the day time, and in the night season, when you are secure, to pitch their tents about you: your country shall be blessed, that ever God vouchsafed such a light unto it. 
1. King. 10. 8. 9  Where any point seems doubtful there make a mark. 
Phil. 3. 15.  walk in the rest until the Lord clear that unto you. As this shall add unto me joy, 
2. joh. 1. 2. 3. 4.  so for thousands which now pray for the increase of this honour, many times ten thousands shall ever praise the God of heaven for you. Now is the time, all men's eyes are upon you. Your honour knoweth the proverb well. Magistratus virum indicat. Strive forward cheerfully (most noble Earl) in this narrow way of life, 
Mat. 7. 14.  according to the hopes now long conceived of you, following herein all the worthies of the heavenly Jerusalem, 
Apoc. 21. 26. 27.  and you shall live with them immortally; but if you should turn to the broad way of all the world (which the Lord forbidden) you must perish with the world eternally. 
Apoc 22. 14. 15. Mat. 7. 13.  The Angel hath sworn it, 
Mar. 8. 38.  Time shall be no more, 
Apo. 10. 6.  but how soon it is unknown unto you. 
Luk. 12. 20. 21. 34. 35. 36.  Take it now while it is called to day; 
Heb 3. 7. 13  pay your vows and shine for evermore. Dan. 12. 3. 
Psal. 56. 12. & 50. 14.   
Your Honours for ever most bounden. I. Brinsley.   

To the Christian Reader.  
COnsidering (christian Reader) that in every place, all those who have found any sound comfort in the Gospel, are desirous to express the same in their conversations, by walking in thankfulness as it becometh the servants of Christ, to adorn their profession, and yet notwithstanding the greatest part do much fail herein: I have thought it my bounden duty to afford unto them such help as God hath vouchsafed me in this behalf. For alas it it too manifest, that too many even of them, do omit sundry and those of most necessary duties, as by looking perhaps to some of the duties of the first Table, neglect the second, or to the second only omit the first, which is called the great commandment: or looking only to the law, are too short for the gospel: or boasting of faith regard not works. Others lie in fearful sins through ignorance hereof. And very many are observed daily to fall into grievous offences, to the dishonour of Christ, and discredit of their profession, yea to the grief of the godly, offending the weak, hardening the ungodly eye, to open the mouths of the Papists, and Atheists, with all the profane, to blaspheme that glorious name whereby we are called. And not only so, but more also to the wounding of their own consciences, and giving advantage to Satan, to accuse them before the Lord. Nay sundry of most upright hearts, and who have made good proceed in godliness, are yet known to lie languishing under the burden of their sins, and fear of God's displeasure, through want of knowledge how to find out their special offences, whereby their consciences are disquieted, & God's hand doth lie so heavily upon them: Many living in continual doubt whether they be in the favour of God or no: great multitudes in all places ordinarily thrusting themselves unreverently into the presence of the Lord, to the word, sacraments, and all other exercises of the service of God, without any examination, or preparation of their hearts before, to the provoking of the grievous wrath of the Lord thereby. Now for these (I say) and for all other, whose desire is to walk with God, and be pleasing unto him, finding the true felicity that is in godliness, I have thought myself bound by the Communion of Saints, to offer this my poor labour, which first was undertaken for myself and some few of my christian friends: the better to prevent all the former evils, and for the more easy obtaining the benefits following such a careful watch. Herein I have used the help of sundry learned and godly divines, following chiefly the direction of these two holy men of GOD, Master Greenham and Master Perkins; whose writings were the first occasions of thinking hereof: 
M. Greenhan in the comfort of an afflicted conscience pag. 130.  the one requiring this examination necessarily unto true and sound repentance, 
M. Perkins. of the practice of repentance. cap. 7.  the other for the through curing of the wounded conscience. And hence also I have been more encouraged, to make this public, not upon any vain or by respect, but by some gracious experience of the profit hereof in both accordingly: especially in restoring some of no mean note, from much trouble, and horror of conscience, to exceeding joy, and strong assurance, when all other means have failed. Neither can this seem strange to any considering it aright; for what is it that brings that peace and joy of conscience passing all understanding to a Christian soul but an assured testimony of our conscience, that we do not lie in any one sin, so far as by wise searching we are able to find it out, but hate and abhor even the very lest? and contrarily, that we have begun, and so strive on forward to walk in every commandment of God without reproof: and that of true love to our Lord and Saviour: for to such a soul only all the promises do appertain, as they are applied through the whole Book of God. In a word, I have been more emboldened, by observing daily, how on the one side the godly preachers, upon every occasion, calling men to repentance, exhort all earnestly with the Prophet jeremy to examine and try their ways, 
Lan. 39 40.  & turn again unto the Lord, if ever they will find mercy with him: which work of examination hardly one of a thousand knoweth how to perform in any good measure, as may bring true comfort unto their souls. And on the other side, how many of our simple seduced brethren, have been drawn to a dislike of our religion & a liking of popery, by this especially, because ours, (as they say) is a religion of carnal liberty, theirs of holiness, ours full of divisions and uncertainty, theirs of perfect unity, that they also may see hereby, that ours is indeed a religion of perfect holiness and unity prescribed by the Lord himself, whereunto so many of us as are truly called to the sound profession of it, do strive instantly to attain day and night: so worshipping the God of our fathers, in spirit and trneth: walking in the self same narrow way of eternal life. And that all their imagined holiness is nothing for the most part, but mere superstition, in outward shows, of men's inventions, concerning which, GOD will ask them one day, 
Esa. 1. 12.  who hath required them at their hands, 
Deu. 4. 2. & 12. 〈◊〉. 32.  altogether neglecting most of the duties of true piety, as those of the first table: that so they perceiving how they have been dedeluded, 
Act. 13. 48  (may at least some of them whom God hath ordained unto life) come out off the snare of the devil, 
2. Tim. 2. 25. 26.  and join themselves to us again: 
Ap. 14. 9 10. 11.  so to escape that torment which all that receive the mark of the beast, by any such submission to that Roman Antichrist, must eudure for evermore. Pardon me therefore, that I have presumed to offer this unto thee, seeing that how plain so ever it is, yet it may prove profitable (as I hope) to many thousand poor souls, who want leisure or ability to search greater volumes, being so brief and easy for all: and also that it may be to me as the widows mite, thrown into the treasure of the Lord, If thou be one who by reason of thy ripeness and perfection, despisest it, as having no need of any such a help, yet have compassion of thy brethren: neither knowest thou what a day may bring forth: or if thou seest the good that may come to very many by such a course, help to perfect, that which is here thus begun, or at least, if God shall persuade thee, of the benefit which thyself may reap hereby spend one hour with me constantly every week, in trying thy ways, and turning thy feeetes unto the testimonies of the Lord. And then, as I cannot doubt of thy prayers for me, so I assure myself that the chief comfort and blessing shall turn into thine own bosom; thy Lord and Saviour shall be glorified by thee, the godly edified by thy holy ensample, the wicked converted, or at the least have their mouths stopped, and be left more without excuse.   

Meditate seriously of these worthy places of scripture.  
Let not this book of the law, depart out off thy mouth, but meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe and do according to all that is written therein, for than shall thou make thy ways prosperous, & then shalt thou have good success. jos. 1. 8.  
Blessed is the man that doth not walk in the council of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. Psal. 1. 1.  
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 2.  
For he shallbe like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that will bring forth her fruit in due season: whose leaf also shall not fade, so whatsoever he shall do shall prosper. 3.  
The wicked are not so, but as the chaff. etc. 4.  
Wheat withal shall a young man redress his way in taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psa. 119. 9  
I considered my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. vers. 59  
I made hast and delayed not the time, to keep thy commandments. 60.  
Oh how love I thy law? it is my meditation continually. 67.  
By thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me. 98.  
I have had more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. 99  
I understood more than the ancient, because I kept thy precepts. 100  
I refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 101.  
Thy word is a lantern unto my feet, and a light unto my paths. 105.  
Thy testimonies are my delight & my councillors 24.  
They are better unto me, than thousands of gold and silver. 72.  
The Lord is with you whilst you are with him, if you seek him he will be found of you, but if you forsake him he will forsake you. 2. Ch. 15. 2.  
The hand of our God, is upon all them that seek him in goodness, but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Exr. 8. 22.  
The just shall live by faith, but if any withdraw himself, my soul shall take no pleasure in him. Heb. 10. 38.  
Because iniquity shallbe increased, the love of many shall wax cold, but he that endureth to the end he shallbe saved. Mat. 24. 12. 13.  

Prou. 3. 21, 22. ad 26. et 4. 6, 19, 20, 21, 22  
job. 22. 21, 22▪ 23. 10, 11, 12. 28. 28.  
Mat. 7. 13. 14. Apo. 22. 14.   
Wherhfore is living man sorrowful? man suffereth for his sin. Let us search & try our ways, & turn again unto the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the heavens. Lam. 3. 39 40, 41.  
When I held my tongue my bones consumed, or when I roared all the day. Then I acknowledged my sin unto thee, neither hide I mine Iniquity: for I thought I will confess against myself, my wickedness unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the punishment of my sin. Psa. 32. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.  

job. 33. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.    

The trial of our estate.  

The means whereby we may obtain a certain assurance, that we are the children of God, and in his favour, and also get the same more confirmed daily.  
THe means is, 
2. Cor. 13. 5  by a careful examination of ourselves, 
1. Cor. 11. Mar. 1. 15.  whether we feel these two graces, 
Act. 1. 38. Luk. 3. 3.  Repentance and Faith: 
joh. 1. 12. Gal. 3. 26.  and that increased in us, or at least continued: 
Col. 3. 9 10. 11.  for hereby we have put off the old man and put on the new, and so are acceptable to the Lord through jesus Christ.   

2. The rule of our trial.  
We must try our repentance by the law of God, 
Heb. 6. 1.  whereof the ten Commandments are the sum: and our faith by the Gospel, 
Mat. 1. 15.  whereof the Articles of our faith contain a short sum also.   

3. The Subject of our trial or parts to be examined,  
We must examine ourselves, and that for all parts. 
2. Cor. 13. 5.   
1. 
1 Thes 5. 23.  Our mind whether it be enlightened to know that which is good and to be embraced, 
Col. 1. 9 10  and that which is evil for to be avoided. 
Heb. 5. 14. 1, Thes. 5. 21.   
2. Our memory whether it do firmly keep those things that it hath learned. 
Psa. 119. 11.   
3. 
Pro. 7. 1. 2.  Our will whether it choose the good and refuse the evil. 
Luk. 2. 51. Rom. 7. 18. 9 20.   
4. Our affections whether they love that which god loveth, hate that which he hateth. 
Rom. 7. 22. 24.   
5. 
1. Cor. 6. 20  Our body whether it endeavour to perform every duty accordingly and in every part, 
Rom. 6. 12. 19  and all this at all times and in all places. 
jam. 1. 26.   
All these parts being the Lords, 
Deu. 6. 4. 5. 6.  he doth require this holiness in them all, and that by striving to perfection. Mat. 22. 37. Luk. 10. 27. 1. Thes. 5. 23. Phil. 3. 12. 13.   

Time of our examination.  
The fittest time is. 
Eccl. 4. 17. Ps. 26. 6. 1. Cor. 11. 28. 31.   
1. In our preparation to the Saboth, to observe it continually.  
2. More carefully before our receiving the sacrament or before a fast 

public.  
private.   joel. 2. 12. 13. 17.  
The reason is because the Lord willbe sanctified in all them that come near unto him in any such special manner And moreover we may certainly expect a measure from him of blessing, 
Leu. 10. 3, Exo. 19 22  as we measure to him in our preparation to such holy exercises. 
Mat. 7. 2. Mar. 4. 24.    

Place for our examination.  
The meetest place is, 
Psa. 4. 4. 5.  where we may be most secret, and freest from distractions, setting ourselves as in the presence of GOD with whom we have to deal, and where we may most freely power out our souls without suspicion of hypocrisy.    

Helps before our examination, to make it more powerful.  
We may use the help of this threefold consideration.  
1. Of the misery into which every sin brings us until we have truly repent of it.  
2. How our sins are made more heinous by circumstances.  
3. The blessings following a holy conversation.  

The first help, viz. danger of impenitency in any sin.  
1. By every sin we dishonour God more or less, according to the quality thereof, and so provoke him to dishonour us again. 1. Sam. 2. 30.  
2. Every sin defaceth in some sort the Image of God in us, which we should labour to repair daily. This image is the holiness commanded in the whole law. Col. 3. 9 10.  
3. Each makes us in part like Satan, whom in that sin we resemble, 
John. 44.  giving him advantage thereby both to accuse us before the Lord, 
1. joh. 5. 18  and to lay special claim to us for the same, 
job. 1. 9 10 11. 12.  or at least to get liberty to afflict us thereupon.  
4. Each as a cloud separates between the Lord's mercy and us, 
Esa. 59 2.  hides from us the comfortable light of his countenance, 
jos. 24. 19 20.  hindereth the course of his graces, 
jer. 5. 25.  for our God is so holy, 
Psa. 5. 4. 5.  that no evil can dwell with him, and so turns away blessings temporal and spiritual.  
5. Provokes the anger of our most loving father against us, as the faults of children do of their parents. 1. Cor. 10 22. Exod. 4. 14. 24. joh. 22. 17. 18.  
6. Brings distrust of God's providence, 
Psal. 50. 16. 17. 18.  and weakeneth our faith in all his promises by the same example of a lewd child continuing obstinate against the parents in any fault, 
Esa. 1. 12. 13. to 17. 66. 3.  so that we cannot say that God is our God, or that we are his dutiful people and children, and in his favour so long as we continue therein. The trial of this in our most serious prayers in time of trouble is most evident.  
7. Brings temporal scourges on our bodies, 
Exo. 4. 24. 26.  goods, friends or name, whereby the Lord showeth his hatred of every sin even in his own children, 
1. Cor. 11. 30. 31.  awakeneth them, 
Num. 27. 12. 13. 14. &. 20. 12. 24.  that they may not be condemned with the world, prevents the like in themselves and others, as David's ensample fully declareth.  
8. Grieves God's spirit to cause it to departed so far, 
Eph. 4. 30.  as that we shall lose all sound feeling of any true comfort in Christ, 
1. Thes. 5. 19  be made unable to pray, 
Ps. 95. 8. 9 51. 8. 9 10. 11. 12.  hear or perform any spiritual duty aright, & contrarily become hard hearted without all sense of sin or God's Anger for it, to cost us many a sorrowful heart before we recover it again: to teach us to know God's holiness and our own vileness, 
Cant. 5. 2. 3. 6. 7.  and so to be made more watchful after to keep and stir up the spirit, to make more account of it and give it better entertainment.  
9 Brings a wounded conscience, 
Pro. 18. 14.  the greatest plague of all other, for the conscience will keep a remembrance, though it sleep until God awake it, and call it to an account, 
Gen 4 7.  and then will follow.  

1. Shame to make us run from God as Adam. 
Gen. 3. 8.   
2. Sadness as in Naball.  
3. Terrible fear, as in Bellchazzar.  
4. Despair as in Cain, Saul, judas, Achitophel.   
5. A hell in our consciences that we shall be as the raging sea, 
Esa. 57 20 21.  casting out our own shame, the worm of conscience beginning to gnaw without hope of release or any ease, unless all this be prevented by speedy and unfeigned repentance in this life, which we know not whether it shall be continued unto the morning. 
Luk. 12. 20.   
10. Barreth us out of heaven & depriveth us utterly of all the joys thereof. 
Mat. 5. 19  1. Cor. 6. 9 10. 11.  
11. Thrusts us into hell to abide the torment thereof with Satan & his Angels for evermore. Apo. 21. 8. Gal. 3. 10 Rom. 6. 23. Deut. 27. 26. Gen. 2. 17.   

The second help, viz. by considering the circumstances whereby our sins are made so sinful.  
1. The terrible majesty of the glorious God against whom the sin is committed, declared evidently in the punishment of the Angels, Adam, the old world, Sodom, at the giving of the Law on mount Sinai, 
2. Thes. 1. 7 8. 9 10.  and to be revealed more fearfully, when Christ shall come with thousand thousands of glorious Angels to take an account for the keeping thereof, in flaming fire to render vengeance to all who know not God, being disobedient to the gospel of Christ.  
2. Because our sins have been committed against his mercies bestowed upon us, both ordinary and extraordinary. 2. Sam. 12. 7. 8.  
3. Against the checks of our consciences which have been convinced for the same. joh. 15. 22. 24. Rom. 1. 18. 21.  
4. Against our high calling. 1. Thes. 2. 12. and 4. 7. 1. Cor. 1. 2. 1. Pet. 1. 15.  
5. Against our covenants at baptism, our vows oft renewed, with many holy motions and purposes. Ezech. 16. 4. 6. 8 Eccle. 5. 3. 4. 5.  
6. Against threats, and examples of God's judgements and his fatherly chastisements. Dan. 5. 18. 22. 23. 24.  
7. By committing the same sins oft after our repentance & pardon obtained. 2. Pet. 2. 22.   

The third help, viz. by considering the blessings following a holy conversation.  
As, 1. The escaping of all the former misery of sin. Deut. 6. 24 25.  
2. We shall honour God and adorn his Gospel and so be honoured of him again. Tit. 2. 10.  
3. We shall repair his image daily, to cause him to delight in us. Eph. 4. 23 24. Col. 3. 10.  
4. We shall get more assurance of his favour, 
Psa. 34. 10. 18. 37. 24. 25.  fatherly protection and providence for all benefits, so far as may stand with his own glory, our salvation and the good of his Church.  
5. We shall obtain boldness and power in prayer. Pro. 28. 1. Psal. 4. 3.  
6. We shall escape many scourges Heb. 12. 5. Ap. 3. 19 1. Cor. 11. 30. 31. 32  
7. We shall stir up and rejoice the spirit of God in us, and so get an increase of all graces: for to him that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance. Math 25. 29.  
8. We shall dismay and drive away Satan, with all temptations and accusations. Mat. 4. 11. james. 4. 7.  
9 We shall stop the mouths of all the wicked when we may bear their reproach as a crown, and so have boldness in the day of trial to stand forth for any good cause. job. 31. 35. 36  
10. We shall get and keep a good conscience, 
Pro. 15. 15.  which is a continual feast, 
Rom. 14. 17.  even the beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven in peace and joy in the holy Ghost, 
Psa 91. 11 & 34. 7.  with assurance of the guard of the Angels, and all other blessings thereunto belonging. Mat. 11. 29. 30.  
11. We shall escape the lake and torment which all the foolish, that is, all impenitent sinners must endure for evermore. Apo. 21. 8.  
12. We shall obtain the crown & kingdom laid up for all those who thus walk with God, 
2. Tim. 4. 7. 8. 1. Cor. 2. 9  even the joys which never eye saw, 
Mat 6. 1. 4. 6. 18. & 10. 42.  nor never ear heard, nor entered into man's heart for to consider of, with a certain reward of every good duty that ever we performed.  
13. And so having the full assurance of all the promises for the life present, 
1: Tim. 4. 8  and that to come, we shall be able to wait continually, for the appearing of our Lord and saviour, crying always, come Lord jesus, Come quickly. Apoc. 22. 20.    

Some other rules to be observed for our direction & comfort in our examination.  
1. That we examine for sins.  
1. past. 2. present. 3. Which we are in danger of.  
2. Concerning sins past, 
Psal. 25. 7. & 51. 1. 2. 17.  whether we have so unfeignedly repent of them, that the very remembrance of them is grievous unto us.  
3. A contrite heart after every offence, 
Psalm. 51. 4. 17.  because we have therein offended our loving God, with a lively hatred of the same, and a resolute purpose never to commit it again, (looking withal at Christ, 
Zac. 12. 10  whom we have pierced thereby) is as much with God, for all satisfactory punishment, as if there had been no sin committed; with David's speech (I have sinned) is joined the answer of the Prophet: The Lord hath put away thy sin: but we are never to rest until we feel our hearts so affected. 
2. San. 12. 13   
4. For sins of which we are in danger, 
joh. 15. 7. & 16. 23. 24.  because we are strongly inclined to them, or otherwise, or for graces which we want, let us beg in faith earnestly, looking at Christ. 
Math. 77. & 21. 22.  Let us ask the overcoming of any sin, using all the means thereunto, 
1. joh. 5. 14 jam. 4. 3.  especially avoiding the occasions of it, and we shall prevail by little and little, until we attain a perfect conquest, 
Mat. 5. 6. & 15. 22. 25. 27. 28.  thorough the victory of jesus Christ, 
joh. 7. 38.  so for any grace or an increase thereof, 
Psal. 10. 17. & 145. 18. 19  let us importune the Lord after the same manner, 
Rom. 8. 26  and we shall obtain the graces, 
Dan. 6. 10.  for such a begging is the grace we crave, 
Exo. 29. 38. 39  In 

1. Acceptance.  
2. Beginning or first fruits.  
3. Pledge of perfection.    
5. Our begging must be by solemn prayer upon our knees, 
Psa. 25. 1. & 123. 1. 2. 3.  morning and evening at least, 
1. Thes. 5. 17.  with giving special thanks for that measure of grace we have attained unto, and by the earnest lifting up of our hearts continually.  
6. We must beware that we neither trust so much to our prayers, 
Mat. 4. 7.  as to cause us to neglect any other means ordained of God for whatsoever we desire, but that we use them all still more conscionably, especially the principal, 
Psal. 127. 1. 2.  as the word preached, and all other in order, neither that we trust so much to the other means as to neglect prayer.  
7. So many sins as we have overcome of conscience and love to God, or graces as we have thus attained to or can pray earnestly for, 
Gal. 5. 22. 23. 24.  so many lively evidences we have of the sanctifying spirit of God, 
Rom. 6. 5.  and of our sound regeneration so long as we lie not in any one known sin: and as we grow herein, 
Rom. 6. 12. 14.  so grow we in assurance before God.  
8. In all these God accepts our endeavour to obey, as perfect obedience, so that it be total in every part, 
Neh. 1. 11.  viz. in our mind, 
Mat. 17. 20.  conscience, will and affections, 
Act. 11. 23.  and also earnest to do what we can without hypocrisy, 
Esa. 42. 3.  as he did Abraham's resolution to offer Isaac, 
Gen. 22. 16 17.  and as the kind father accepts the endeavour of the child, 
Mal. 3. 17.  or as it is in alms, 
2. Cor. 8. 12  where a man is accepted according to that which he hath, 
1. jon. jam. 4. 3  and not according to that which he hath not: so that there be first a willing mind, 
Mat. 5. 6.  so is it in all graces if there be a strife with hungering after more until we come to a perfect man, 
Eph. 4. 13. 14.  even the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ.  
9 God's grace is sufficient for us. To 

1. Supply that which is wanting.  
2. Forgive that which is committed.  
3. Impute Christ's obedience. 
2. Cor. 12. 9   
4. Support our weakness.  
5. Restore and raise us up being fallen.    
10 Gods power is made perfect, 
2. Cor. 12. 9  or manifest through our weakness that God may be glorified and we humbled continually, that he that rejoiceth may rejoice in the Lord. 1. Cor. 1. 31.  
11. In greater measure of graces as we get more assurance, so we must return more thankfulness, & become more humbled, watching against pride, 
1. Thes. 5. 18.  for fear of the messenger of Satan to buffet us: for pride springs up, 
2. Cor. 12. 7  when all other sins die.  
12 In less measure we are to mourn after an increase by the careful use of all the means, 
Mat. 5. 6.  for more assurance and comfort, 
1. Thes. 4. 1. 10.  lest we deceive both our own selves & others, having nothing but a show, being as the foolish Virgins, and as the barren Figtree. Math. 25. 2. 3. Luc. 13. 7.   

The Glass of the Law, or Map of the narrow way of life, thorough every commandment, whereby we beholding our own natural misery, may be driven daily to put on Christ, and considering our ways, may turn our feet to the testimonies of the Lord.  
IN all this view, we must ever remember to be thankful for every grace received, mourn for every sin committed, looking at Christ crucified, begging pardon thorough him, and the imputation of his obedience: In all wants we are to entreat an increase of strength and grace thorough him, 
Pro. 4. 18  by lifting up our hearts until we attain to perfection, 
Eph. 4. 13 14.  observing how we grow in grace daily and in subduing of every sin. 2. Pet. 3. 17.  
This is the way, walk in it. Esa. 30. 21.  
Lord open thou mine eyes, that I may see the wonders of thy law. Psa. 119. 18.  

1. Commandment. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.  
Which enjoins us to have jehova only for our God, and commands the parts of his inward worship.  

Here we are to examine how we walk forward more cheerfully in these principal duties, which are the very entrances to all true godliness.  
1. Knowledge of God, 
Pro. 6. 22. 23.  and of his will revealed in his word] which is a principal part of the image of god, 
Col. 1. 10. 3. 10.  whereof we may glory, 
Phi. 1. 9 10  & without which we must needs perish, 
jer. 9 23. 24.  being unable to go one step towards the Kingdom of heaven. Hos. 4. 6.  
2. Faith] Whereby we believe God to be our God, & withal every part of his word, so as we feel the power of it in our hearts. as of 

1. Commandments, to obey them readily, as Noah and Abraham.  
2. judgements and threats, to terrify us from sin as the Ninivites.  
3. Promises to comfort us, & encourage us to go on more cheerfully in godliness, 
Heb. 11. 2. 6  as Abraham & all the fathers who received good report hereby. Without this it is impossible to please God. Rom. 14. 23.    
3. Confidence in God's providence] to be able to cast our burden only upon God, 
Psa. 55. 22.  rejoicing in him always, 
Phil. 4 4.  that he is our God: 
Psa. 3. 6.  full of Christian courage as David, Nehemiah, Daniel. Neh. 6. 10 Dan. 6. 10.  
4 Patience with cheerfulness in the midst of all our trials, even then when God seemerh to have forgotten us, 
Rom. 8. 28.  or to frown upon us, 
Gen. 50. 20  having our eye still at him, and how he disposeth all for our comfort in the end: thus waiting for the happy issue, 
job 13. 15.  saying with job, 
Heb. 13. 5.  though he kill me I will trust in him, and approve my ways in his sight, knowing assuredly that he cannot forsake, fail, or forget us.  
5. Love of his Majesty because of his goodness, loving fervently all his commandments, ordinances and servants with whatsoever he loveth, & that for his cause only, zealous therein to promote his honour, hating that which he hateth with a vehement indignation, as our Saviour and David. Psal. 69. 9 17.  
6. Child-like-feare] living always as in God's presence, 
Psal. 16. 8.  labouring to approve our hearts unto him, 
Gen. 5. 24.  thus walking with him as Enoch until he take us hence: not fearing the faces of men, but as the three children and Nehemiah. Nehem. 6. 10. 11. 12. 13: 14. Dan. 3. 17. 18.  
7. Humility] because of his excellency and our vildness, his holiness and our sinfulness, 
1. Pet. 5. 5. 1. Cor. 4. 7.  so giving all the glory of all our good things to him alone, 
Psal. 131. 1. 2.  as the free gifts of his rich mercy, acknowledging withal, 
jam. 1. 17.  that we are not worthy the least of them, 
1. Cor. 1. 26. 31.  as jacob and Daniel, mourning withal for all the horrible sins of our time, 
Dan. 9 3. 4.  as just Lot, 
2. Pet. 2. 7. 8  and the mourners in jerusalem before the captivity. Ezech 9 4.   

Abhorring contrarily all the breaches of this commandment; as the mother sins, of all the fearful abominations that are committed in the world.  
1. Atheism] whereby most live, as if there were no God, or heaven, judgement or place of torment, as those fools that say in their hearts, there is no God, Psal. 14. 1.  
2. Ignorance] or spiritual blindness, 
Hos. 4. 6.  whereby multitudes perish living without Christ and without GOD in the world, 
Eph. 2. 12.  and so go hudwincked to hell, 
Esa. 1. 3.  as the Gentles; worse than the Ox that knoweth his owner.  
3. Infidelity] whereby the greatest part neither regard the word or works of God, nor yet depend upon him, showed evidently by these signs. 

1. profaneness of life.  
2. Contempt of God's word.  
3. Impatience and fainting in trials.  
4. Tempting God by using unlawful means in stead of waiting his leisure. 
2. Kin. 6. 33 7. 2.   
5. despair of his mercy.  
4. Carnal confidence] trusting in vanity, even in any thing but God, whether In 

1. Wit and policy.  
2. Power and strength.  
3. Wealth.  
4. Friends, favour or any other means, for hereby we withdraw our hearts from God, 
jer. 17. 5.  bring a curse upon ourselves making these our Gods.  
5. Coldness] or lukewarmness in the love of God his truth and servants as the Laodicean, 
Apo. 3. 15. 16.  or decaying in our first love, as the church of Ephesus. Apo. 2. 4. 5  
6. Loving or delighting in any thing above God, his word and ordinances, or preferring them before God and his favour, as— 

1. Parents, children, or friend, as Elie.  
2. Pleasures, as Esau.  
3. Pomp and wealth of the world, as the young man coming to Christ. 
Mar. 20. 21 22.   
4. Ourselves, whereunto Peter persuaded our Saviour. Mat. 16 22.    
7. Hatred of God] appearing in malice against his word, 
Rom. 1. 30  or servants for doing his commandments, 
Exo. 20. 5.  as in Cain, Ahab. Deut. 7. 10.  
8. Wilful disobedience] against the light of our consciences, as in Saul, which is rebellion, and as the sin of witchcraft. 1. Sam. 15. 22. 23.  
9 Timorousness] fearing men more than God, 
Apo. 21. 8.  and thereupon doing, or forbearing good or evil, for fear of men only, which is Idolatry, making Gods of men.  
10. Presumption] upon his mercy to sin because he is merciful, 
Rom. 2. 4. 5  as most hypocrites do, though he have said plainly he will not be merciful unto such. Deut. 29. 19 20. 21.  
11. Pride against God] setting ourselves against his word, judgements or servants with an high hand, 
1. Pet. 5. 5  as Pharaoh: or taking his praise to ourselves as Herod, not considering our own weakness, as Peter. Luke. 5. 8.  
12. Having other Gods] whether the Pope of Rome, as all the Papists reverence his word, and ordinances above Gods: 
Rom. 10. 14.  or any of the Saints, whom they invocate, 
Phil. 3. 19  or our bellies, or Mammon. Mat. 6. 24.        

2. Commandment, Thou shalt make thee no graven image etc.  
Which commandeth Gods outward worship with all the parts and means thereof, that we worship him only according to his will revealed in his word.  

Here we are to examine how we walk on more conscionably.  
1. In a more careful use of all the ordinary means of holiness, and parts of God's service, as frequenting the word preached, which is the ordinary means to beget faith, and the principal to increase it, reading or hearing some part of it read daily, meditation, conference, the use of good books, company of the godly, practise of the duties of piety, 
Exo. 29. 38. 39  omitting no opportunity nor part thereof privately nor publicly, 
Dan. 6. 10.  prayer duly morning & evening at least: in the most humble manner, as the perpetual morning and evening sacrifice under the law.  
2. Using the helps ordained to bind and stir up ourselves hereunto, as 

1. Vows of things in our own power, 
Esa. 22. 12. 13.  as jacob.  
2. Fasting when God calls us thereunto, 
Ezr. 8. 21. 22. & 10. 6. 9  by some judgement already upon us, or threatened, or for obtaining some special blessing. Act. 13. 2. 1. Cor. 7. 5.    
3. Striving for the maintenance of the faith, 
jud. 3.  that is of God's pure worship and truth, without any mixture of man's inventions or of any other corruptions. 1. Tim. 6. 14.   

Abhorring all breaches of this commandment.  
1. Imagery of the true God & Christ, or of feigned Gods, Saints or Angels for any religious use, as Crucifixes and the like. Deu. 27. 15.  
2. Every outward representation, devised by a man, to be either a part of God's worship or to teach some religious duty: for all such likenesses are expressly condemned. Nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above. etc.  
3. All will-worship] that is all not warranted by the word of God though done in never so good an intent, as in Nadab and Saul, 
Deu. 12. 32  for Christ is the only teacher of his Church, 
Mat. 7. 7. 8. 9  and sole ordainer of the means of his own worship. Luke 12. 1. 2. 1. Sam. 15. 15. Mat. 23. 10.  
4. All approbation of any idolatry, superstition, or false worship 

1. Presence. 
1. Th. 4. 22.   
2 Speech. 
Rom. 1. 31.   
3. Gesture. 
2. Cor. 6. 14.   
4. Silence. 
1. King. 19 18.     
5. Keeping relics, 
Deu. 7. 25. 26.  monuments, or other remembrances thereof undefaced, which God being a jealous God cannot endure. 
Esa. 30. 22.  jud. 23. Deut. 12. 31. Exod: 20. 5.  
5. All occasions of ensnaring ourselves or others in superstition, 
Deu. 7. 2. 3 4. 5. 25.  as by unnecessary and unlawful traffic, or familiarity with Idolaters or false worshippers; seeking help of, 
2. Cor. 6. 14 and 18.  or favouring them. Ezra 9 2. 14. 12. 10. 1. 11. 12.  
6. Adoring Saints or Angels, as the Papists do. Acts. 20. 25. 26. Apoc. 19 10. 22. 6.  
7. 
Esa. 8. 19 20.  Worshipping Satan, 
Apo. 21. 8.  by seeking to effect strange matters by means forbidden, or not warranted: For Satan is very ready, when any homage is done unto him by practising such means, as to Saul seeking the witch when he was forsaken of God, and to sorcerers, as we see by daily experience.  
8. Hypocritical worship] as 

1. Outward ceremonies, or bare shows of religion. 
Mat. 23. 23▪ 25.   
2. Forwardness in small matters, omitting the most weighty, 
1. King. 18▪ 21.  as the pharisees.  
3. Halting between two religions.    
9 Neglecting the service of God or any part or means thereof.    

3. Commandment, Thou shalt not take the name of etc.]  
ordaining the right manner of performing God's worship.  

Here we are to view how we run on more cheerfully in these duties.  
1. A reverent use of all the names of God, as 

1. Titles, as God, Lord. 
Deu. 28. 58   
2. attributes, as mercy, Truth.  
3. Ordinances, as word, sacraments, ministery. Acts. 9 15.  
4. judgements 

bodily.  
spiritual.    
5. Mercies   taking occasion to consider of and set forth God's glory shining in every one of them, using them to the ends he hath appointed.  
2. Swearing religiously.] that is by the Lord alone, and in matters of importance, for his glory and the good of our neighbour, which cannot otherwise be ended, 
jer. 4. 2.  and also with great advise, lest we forswear, 
Heb. 6. 16.  or at least take that glorious name in vain, at which we ought to tremble, & so performing our oaths faithfully. Psa. 15. 4.  
3. In a more fruitful use of the word, sacraments and other means of our salvation, 
Luk 8. 15.  that is with feeling the power of sanctification by them through mixing them with faith. 
Heb. 4. 2.   
4. Praying with feeling, 
Eph. 6. 18.  fervency and faith, 
Col. 4. 2.  giving thanks also with cheerfulness.  
5. Sanctifiyng all God's benefits, ordinances and chastisements with the works of our calling by the word and prayer, 
1. Tim. 4. 5.  that so we may have a more holy use thereof.  
6. Making bold and wise profession of every part of God's religion, 
Rom. 10. 10.  gracing it by a holy conversation, 
1. Pet. 3. 2. 14. 15.  as our Saviour, 
Mat. 5. 16.  and Abraham, who built Altars wheresoever he came, 
Dan. 6. 10.  even amongst the Infidels. jer. 10. 11.  
7. Performing faithfully and constantly all our holy vows. Psal. 50. 14. 116. 14.   

And contrarily mourning for and abhorring all abuses of the glorious name of our God▪ as  
1. Careless using any of his names in our common talk. Deut. 28. 58.  
2. Swearing lightly, or profanely, for which the Lord 
Land  mourns, 
Hos. 4. 2.  & much more for forswearing, 
jer. 13. 10.  as Zedekiah. 2. Chr. 36. 13.  
3. Blaspheming] by speaking basely or contumeliously of any of his names to his dishonour. Leu. 24. 11. 14. 16.  
4. Cursing] for God hath given us tongues to bless with, and said, bless and curse not. james. 3. 9 10. Rom. 12. 14.  
5. Abusing Gods Religion] as his word, sacraments or other ordinances (whereby he most familiarly shows himself and all his goodness to us, & would have us to make profession of him) which is done not only by neglecting of any of them, 
Heb. 2. 3.  but  
1. by using them unprofitably without reformation of life, 
2. Thes. 2: 10. 11. 12.  and increase in holiness▪ Psal. 50. 16. 17.  
2. Making a profession, yet living profanely to make God's enemies to blaspheme. 2. Sam. 12. 14. Acts. 2. 13.  
3. Using them unreverently or scornfully. Act. 2. 13.  
4. Dissembling any part of the truth, where we ought to profess it. Romans. 10. 10. 1. King. 19 18. Dan. 3. 12. 17. 18.  
5. Unseasonable or crafty profession. Phil. 1. 15. 16.  
6. Lightly passing over God's judgements, as the Egyptians.  
7. Receiving his benefits unthankfully, 
1. Sam. 15. 17. 18. 19  or requiring them unkindly. 
2. Sam. 12. 7. 8.  Whether 

Public as 

1. Gospel.  
2. Peace.  
3. Deliverance  
4. Prosperity.    
Private in 

Soul.  
Body.  
Goods.  
Friends.  
Name.      
8. Abuse of our Christian liberty though in things of their own nature indifferent. 
1 Cor. 8. 9  Rom. 14. 13. By 

1. Grieving the godly. Rom. 14. 15. 20.  
2. Causing the weak Christian to stagger. Rom. 14. 13. 22. 23. 
1. Cor. 8. 7. 10. 11. 12. 13.   
3. Nuzling the ignorant in superstition.  
4. By Hardening the Idolater.  
5. By Giving occasion to the wicked to blaspheme,    
9 Breach of our vows and covenants with God, as that at baptism & ever since. 
Deu. 23. 21  Eccl. 5. 3, 4, 5.    

4. Commandment, Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy]  
enjoining the time of God's solemn worship.  

Here we are to consider well how we grow in a conscionable practice of all the duties of the Sabbath.  

I. Before the assemblies,  
1. Remembering the Sabboath before it come, that we may dispatch all our own works in the six days, 
Esa. 56. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7.  to attend the right sanctification thereof, according to the caveat Remember: so to consecrate it as a glorious day unto the Lord, to honour him, not doing our own ways, 
Esa. 58. 13. 14.  nor seeking our own will, nor speaking a vain word.  
2. Preparing ourselves thereunto, either the day before, 
Eccls 4. 17.  or rising early in the morning, 
Exod. 19 14. 15. 22.  by examining our hearts both by the law, 
Levit 10. 3.  and Gospel, and so reconciling ourselves to God, 
1. Cor. 11. 28 31.  renewing our vows of walking more conscionably after we have cleansed our hands by repentance. 
Mat. 5. 23. 24.  Gen 35. 2. 3.  
3. Making fernent prayer, 
Psal. 26 6.  for 

1. Forgiveness of our particular sins. 
Eze. 7. 10.   
2. Increase of those graces we most stand in need of.  
3. That the preacher may be fitted so to speak, & we to hear, as may be most to God's glory, & our salvation.     

2. At the assemblies.  
1. Being present with the first at all public assemblies of the Church, 
Ezek. 46. 10.  with carefulness and reverence, 
Psal. 1 10. 3. 40. 8. & 95. 1. 6. 1.  as before the Lord of the whole earth, both to declare our love and homage, 
Deut. 33. 3.  and for the good ensample of others; 
Esai. 2. 3. 49 23.  afraid of the least unseemly gesture, 
Acts. 20. 9 10.  or being overtaken by sleep or drowsiness.  
2. joining with the congregation in every public action, chiefly in our hearts, as being one body of Christ, of one heart and of one soul. 1. Cor. 12. 12. Act. 2. 46. 4. 32.  
3. In hearing, & applying each speech as spoken by the Lord to us particularly, 
Psa. 27. 8. & 40. 8.  Thus  
1. Humbled for reproofs & threats against sin, whether our own or others, as members of the same body, or in danger thereof. 
Ez. 8. 9  Act. 2. 37. 2. Chr. 34. 27  
2. Rejoicing in all promises.  
3. Thankful for the mercies.  
4▪ Desirous of the graces.  
5. Resolute to walk in every good way, 
Psa. 27. 8.  to departed from the evil. Exod. 24. 3.  
This is the best art of memory, for exceeding joys, griefs, hatred, or desire, do leave the deepest impression in us, and so stick longest in memory.  
4. Waiting for the blessing to be put on us, by the Minister, never departing before it be pronounced. Num. 6. 23. 27. Ezek. 46. 10.   

3. After the Assemblies.  
1. Meditating on the whole sermon in order, as 1. Text. 2. Occasion, meaning, division. 3. Doctrines severally, by marking the text, and how they were gathered out of it. 4. Proofs of the several doctrines. 5. Uses. 6. Applying it better to ourselves, trying what work every part had in us.  
2. Conferring of the same in the same order with our families or others.  
The benefit whereof is most evident by experience, both herein and in every trade and science, for those who confer most, 
Mal. 3. 16.  are ever most expert: besides that hereby the godly do kindle zeal in one another, 
Luk. 24. 14.  and contrarily without it are made drowsy and unprofitable hearers, 
Mar. 4. 25.  letting Satan steal away the seed out of their hearts▪ Mat. 13. 19  
3. Meditation upon the creatures.  
1. Generally to behold the Lord in every one of them, 
Rom. 1. 10.  that is, his 

1. wisdom  
2. Power.  
3. goodness.  
4. providence.    
2. Specially by considering these things more fully in their several ends and uses, or as the Scriptures apply them.  
4. Private reading 

scriprures.  
holy books.  ,  
5. Singing Psalms. 
Acts 8. 28. & 17. 11.  jam. 5. 13.  
6. Excercising then principally the works of mercy, visiting others by 

1. Instructing.  
2. Exhorting.  
3. Admonishing.  
4 Reproving.  
5. Comforting.  
6. Collecting.  
7. Relieving.      

Avoiding as warily all the breaches of the Sabath, as  
1. Doing any work more than holy, and necessary, whether taking journeys, as to sayres, wakes, or whatsoever, for 

pleasure.  
profit.   Esa. 58. 13. 14.  
2. All vain delights and sports, hindering godliness, immoderate feeding or whatsoever may make us heavy or unfit for the service of God. Rom. 12. 11. Deut. 28. 47.  
3. That ordinary good fellowship in tippling, vain talk void of edification, 
Eph. 4 29.  & much more all open profaneness. 
Col. 4. 6.   The 2. Table commanding duties of love to our neighbour.   

5. Commandment. Honour thy father and thy mother, etc.  
wherein the Lord takes order for preserving the honour and dignity which he hath bestowed upon every one.  

Here we are to examine how we perform these duties.  

1. Towards Superiors.  
1. Honour belonging to them  
2. Obedience belonging to them Ro. 13. 1. 7. 1. Pe. 2. 13. 14.  
3. Thankful requiring at least in 

1. Acknowledgement. 
1. Sam. 10. 26.   
2. Hearty affection. 
2. San. 21. 17   
3. Prayer. 1. Tim. 2. 1. 2     

2. Towards Equals.  
1. reverent estimation as of brethren or sisters, 
Rom. 12. 10.  preferring them before ourselves.   

3. Towards ourselves.  
1. Maintenance of our reputation according to our places, 
Phil. 4. 8.  walking uprightly in every duty, to grace our profession. For our honour is in this, walking religiously towards God, righteously towards men, soberly in regard of ourselves, and so without reproofs. Tit. 2. 12.   

4. Towards Inferiors.  
1. Shining before them in a holy conversation with all gravity, according to our place, 
Mat. 11. 29  as our Saviour and Paul. Phil. 3. 17.  
2. Yielding to them in good things, as Naaman. 
2 Kings. 5. 13, 14   
3. Afraid to wrong or despise the basest of them as job. job. 31. 13.   

1 Magistrates special duties.  
1. Promoting the religion of God with all their power, 
Ezr. 7. 23. ad 27.  defacing the contrary, and discountenancing all ungodliness, 
2. Chr. 15. 12. 13.  as David, jehosaphat, Hezekiah, josia, Nehemiah. Nehem. 13. 17. and 22.  
2. Procuring each way the good of the people committed to them, as tender nursing fathers, repressing the wicked. Esay 49. 23. Rom. 13. 4. Being 

1. Men of courage.  
2. Fearing God.  
3. Dealing truly.  
4. Hating covetousness. 
Exo. 18. 21   
5. No accepters of persons. 
Deut. 1. 17.      

2 Duties of them that are under authority.  
1. Acknowledgement of the authority from God, though the person should be wicked, as David of Saul; yea an infidel▪ as our Saviour of Caesar.  
2. Paying & performing cheerfully unto them all subsidies, services and dew impositions. Mat. 22. 21. Ro. 13. 6. 7.  
3. Excelling in any gifts 

outward.  
inward.    
1. That our hearts be not puffed up by them, 
Deut. 17. 20.  but that we acknowledge them to be from God, and so be more humbled by them, as having more to be accountable for, 
Luke. 12. 48.  giving God all the glory, as jacob. Gen. 32. 9  
2. That we employ them carefully, 
Mat. 25. 26. 27.  as may be most to God's glory, 
job. 29. 12. 13. 31.  and the benefit of his people as job. The primitive Church Acts 2. 44. 45. 4. 32.   

4. Minister's duties.  
1. Waiting for a lawful calling. Heb. 5. 4.  
2. Applying their gifts as may be most to God's honour, & the good of their people, 
2. Tim. 4. 1. 2.  watching over every one faithfully by teaching, admonishing, exhorting, comforting 

publicly.  
privately.   Acts 20. 20. 31.  
3. Labouring to go before them in all holy ensample, 
1. Pet. 5. 3.  in conversation and sufferings, 
1. Tim. 3 4.  both in themselves and family, 
2. Tim. 3. 10.  afraid of giving the least offence, but framing themselves to all, 
1. Cor. 9 19 20. 22.  to become all to all. (viz. in all things in their power) the more easily to win all.   

5. People's duties towards their pastor.  
1. Submission, 
Heb. 13. 17  to be taught and guided by him, 
john 10. 4. 27.  knowing his voice, imitating as Christ's sheep, his holy doctrine and conversation.  
2 Giving him double honour, 
Gal. 4. 14. 15.  as the Galathians to Paul: with all necessaries. Gal. 6. 6 1▪ Cor. 9 6. 7. 8.  
3. Not following strangers. joh. 10. 5.   

6. Husband's duties.  
1. Wise government, as the head, and Christ over the Church, honouring the wife as the weaker vessel, 
Gen. 3. 16.  especially in covering and bearing with her infirmities, as Abraham. 1. Pet. 3. 7.  
2. Tender love as in Christ towards his church. Eph. 5. 25. Pro. 5. 18. 19  
3. Good husbandry, in providing wisely all necessaries for the hole house and dispensing them aright. 1. Tim. 5. 8   

7. wives special duties.  
1. Subjection to her husband as to her head, and as the church to Christ, Eph.▪ 5. 22. 24. Gen. 3. 16.  
2. Loyalty or faithful love, 
Pro. 5. 19  desirous to give all holy contentment to her husband.  
3. Help for 

this  
better   life. Genesis 2. 18.   

8. Parent's duties.  
1. Education of their children in 

the fear of God. 
Eph. 6. 4.   
some honest trade painfully.    
2. provision for children for time 

present  
to come.    
and so taking care by will to leave their houses in order: 
2. kin. 20. 1.  else they are worse than infidels. 
1. Tim. 5. 8.   
3. Moderate correction by 

word. Pro. ●3. 14. 22.  
rod. 15. 23. 13. 29. 15.     

9 children's duties.  
1. reverent and loving obedience. Eph. 6. 1. Psa. 127. 4. 5.  
2. Thankful requiting. By 

1. Being a crown to their parents, by their good behaviour, 
Prou. 17. 6.  so comforting them.  
2. Aiding them as joseph.  
3. Careful for their honour in 

life.  
death.       

10. masters duties.  
1. Dealing equally with their servants, as having themselves a master in heaven, as job. Eph. 6. 9 job. 31. 13.  
2. Careful provision for their 

soul's  
bodies   praying with their families daily. Ps. 127. 1. 2. 1, Tim. 4. 4. 5. jer. 10. 25.  
3. Paying their wages duly with the better. job. 31, 38. 39   

11. servants duties.  
1. Faithfulness for their masters profit, with all wisdom, as jacob, Eliezer, joseph.  
2. Subjection in 

service.  
abiding correction, as the Angel bids Hagar, Gen. 16. 8. 9     

12. Schoolmasters duties.  
1. Practising painfully & constantly most profitable courses, 
Rom. 12. 7.  for the speedier furnishing their scholars, 
1. Cor. 12. 31 & 14. 12.  with the best learning & manners to the greatest good of the 

1. Scholars.  
2. Church.  
3. Country.    
2. Drawing them on to love, and honest emulation, 
Eph. 6. 4.  with rewards, 
Col. 3. 21.  using moderate correction, abhorring cruelty. Pro. 12. 10.  
3. Endeavouring especially to be a pattern to them of all virtue, 
Psal. 101. 2 ●. Tim. 4. 12.  as being always in their eyes, so to procure more 

true reverence to themselves.  
blessing to their scholars.     

13. scholars duties.  
1. Strife to excel their fellows. in 

1. Learning. 
1. Cor. 12. 31. & 14. 12.   
2. Manners.  
3. Obedience. 
Phil. 4. 8. 9   
4. Love to their master.       

6 Commandment. Thou shalt not kill]  
commanding by all means to preserve life of 

body.  
Soul.    

Here we are to examine how we endeavour to perform all these duties with more conscience.  

1. Which may preserve or make this present life more comfortable.  
1. Procuring and using all helps thereunto, as. wholesome diet and clothing 1. Tim. 5. 23.  
2. Holy mirth, rejoicing in all our labours, and at all times in the Lord. Pro. 14. 30. 15. 15. 17. 22. And this by keeping alway a good conscience which is a continual feast; 
Phil. 4. 4.  for the joy of the Lord is our strength causing good health, 
2. Co. 1. 12. Neh. 8. 10. Eccl. 3. 12. 13.  and a principal part of our portion in this life, 
Rom. 14. 17.  and of the beginning of the kingdom of heaven. 
Rom. 13. 4. Pro. 22. 3.   
3. Seeking all holy means of refuge against all violence and danger, as our Saviour, especially flying to the Christian Magistrate, as to God's lieutenant.  
4. Help of the Physician and surgeon. 
Mat. 9 12.   
5. Exercise. 
1. Tim. 5. 23.   
2. Avoiding as warily all things hurtful and perilous] as  
1. All contagious diseases. 
Pro. 22. 3   
2. All evil purposes of offering violence to ourselves, or naughty wishes upon discontentment, 
1. Pet. 5. 8. 9  and therein flying all provocations, 
jam. 4. 7.  furtherances and occasions thereof, 
Gen. 3.  especial solitariness or reasoning with the temptation, or any way hearkening thereunto.  
3. Rash adventures without a warrantable calling, 
Mat. 4. 6, 7.   
4. Worldly grief, 
Pr. 17. 22.  which drieth up the bones, and causeth death. 
2. Cor. 7. 10   
5. Anger and envy which are the rotting of the bones. 
Pr. 14. 30.   
6. Surfeiting, intemperance, and excess, which kill more than the sword, 
Pro. 23. 29. 30.  being causes of innumerable diseases, and griefs.  
7. Provoking others, to the hurt of ourselves▪ as josiah did to the king of Egypt. 
2. Chr. 35. ●. 20. 21, 22, 23, 24.    

2. Concerning the life and comfort of our neighbour.  
1. Earnestly seeking peace with all men, so far as is possible, as Abraham and David.  
And to this end labouring to attain to these virtues, which are most available to gain love even from our very enemies, & do much adorn Christianity.  
1. Courtesy without dissimulation, as Abraham to the Hithits.  
2. Meekness in suffering, forgiving and forgetting wrongs, leaving vengeance to God. Rom. 12. 19 Eph. 4. 32.  
3. Labouring to overcome enemies by kindness, 
Rom. 12. 20, 21.  seeking occasions to gratify them, at least praying for them, that they may obtain mercy, and have their hearts changed.  
4. Dealing justly with all, that we may wear their reproach as a crown, as job. Samuel. job. 29 31.  
5. Abounding in compassion and good works, as our Saviour.  
6. Adventuring boldly, for their defence and deliverance, and much more for the Church of GOD, and our country, as Abraham for Lot, David for Israel.  
7. Offering & seeking reconciliation, where it may stand with the credit of the Gospel, the salvation of the party and others. Mat. 5. 23. 24.    

2. Avoiding as carefully all occasions of the contrary, as  

1. In heart.  
Unadvised, anger 
Eph. 4. 27.  whereby we first give place to the Devil to enter into our hearts.  
2 Malice or hatred, 
1. joh. 3. 12  which is murder before God, especially cain's hatred for the good things we see in men, although we pretend other causes of our hatred. This is the ordinary sin of the world. Mat. 10. 22. joh. 15. 19   

1. In words.  

1. Brawling and railing, as Shemey, and Rabsakey.  
2. Crying out against others, or reviling uncharitably. Eph. 4. 31.  
3. Threatening or scoffing at them, Esay. 58. 9    

2. In deeds.  

1. Fight, blows, maims, danger. Levit. 24. 19 2●.  
2. Cruelty. 

1. Punishing unmercifully. Deut. 25. 3.  
2. Oppressing the poor, to make them weary of their lives. jere. 22. 17. Tit. 14. 2. 
Titus. 3.2   
3. Denying help or relief, as the priest and Levite, Luke. 10. 31. 32.  
4. Betraying other, as judas.    
3. Shedding innocent blood, 
Gen. 4. 8.  which defileth the land, and crieth for vengeance. Num. 35, 33. By 

1. A weapon, as joab slew Abner, 2. Sam.  
2. Poison, enchantment, destroying the conception, or any secret practice. 
Num. 35. 31.   
3. Consent as Saul to Stephen's death. 
1. King. 2. 31.   
4. Saving the wilful murderer.       

2. Concerning our souls or spiritual life we are to examine how we increase in care.  

1. For the saving our own souls by,  
1. Walking more warily in this narrow way of life. Pro. 16. 17.  
2. Avoiding all those things which tend to the destroying of our souls, & that so much more carefully, as the soul is more excellent than the body, eternal life then this, and eternal death more fearful, as  
1. To live in any one known sin, 
Rom. 6. 23.  for the wages of the least is death eternal, 
Gal. 3. 12.  & will certainly destroy the soul, 
Psa. 34. 12. 13, 14.  if it be lived in with delight. 
Pro. 11. 19  Ezek. 18. 11. jam. 2. 10. Mat. 5. 19 1. john 3. 8.  
2. To neglect any means ordained to salvation, 
Heb. 2. 3.  as hearing the word preached ordinarily, etc. whereby men become dead, 
Apoc. 3. 1.  having a name to live, or at least lose their joy or feeling. Psa. 51. 10. 11. 12.   

2. Concerning the salvation of others.  
1. Taking every occasion which the Lord offereth for procuring or furthering the salvation of others, 
1. Cor. 10. 33.  and so pleasing all in that which is good to edify, 
Pro. 11. 30.  because he that winneth souls is wise, 
Dan. 12. 3.  and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament for evermore, 
jam. 4. 17.  but he that gathereth not with Christ scattereth, 
Lu. 11. 23.  and to him that knoweth to do well and doth it not, to him it is sin.  
2. Being afraid of hindering the salvation of any one, 
1. Co. 8. 11.  and much more of being any cause of their damnation or fall, by 

1. Giving offence through our scandalous lives, 
Mat. 18. 6.  or evil ensample, 
Ro. 14. 15.  or by the abuse of our christian liberty. 1. Cor. 10. 28.  
2. Provoking others any way to sin, as joseph's brethren, David in the murder of Vriah.  
3. Encouraging or praising others in their sin, 
Hab. ●. 15.  as the false Prophets, crying peace.  
4. Consenting any way to the sin of others, as the Beniamites, and the company of Corah. Ro. 1. 32.  
5. Not testifying our dislike, so far as we may conveniently, 
Ezek. 33. 7. 9  and hindering.  
6. Not punishing according to our authority, 
Nu. 25. 4.  but rather winking as faults, 
1. Kin. 20. 42.  or using too much lenity, as Elie.    
3. Mourning for the fearful murders of innumerable souls, by all sorts to whom they are committed, 
Zac. 11. 16. 17.  but especially by unconscionable ministers, 
Esa. 56. 10.  as 

1. Idol ministers, or blind guides.  
2. Negligent or careless pastors.  
3. Corrupt teachers, as the pharisees.  
4: Flatterers, as the false Prophets, crying peace, peace.    
4. Stirring up all to whom others are committed, 
Exo. 20. 10.  to be more conscionable for the salvation of their souls. 
Eph. 6. 4. 9  1. by admonishing, 2. exhorting. 3. reproving, 4. instructing by catechisings or procuring other means, 5. giving good ensample, 6. compelling to outward obedience and submission to the means, as Abraham, josua, Hester, Nehemia, Cornelius. Gen. 18. 19 jos. 24. 15. Neh. 13. 15. to 22. 8. 1, 3, 8. Hest. 4. 1●. Acts 10. 2. 24. 33.     

7. Commandment. Thou shalt not commit adultery]  
wherein the Lord commands his people to be a chaste and a holy people.  

Here we are to examine how we increase in 1. Chastity, possessing our vessels in holiness & honour, 
1. Thes. 4. 4. 5.  both in the single & married estate, by using carefuly these helps and preservatives.  
1. Modesty, observing Christian comeliness, 
job. 31. 1.  to express the holiness of of our hearts, and that in all our 

words. Gen. 4. 1. Ps. 51. 10.  
behaviour. Gen. 24. 46.    
2. Temperance, 
Pro. 23. 29. 33.  in the sober use of our 

1. diet.  
2. sleep.  
3. pleasures.   to use them only so far forth, 
1. Cor. 7. 30. 31.  as they be no provocations to the flesh, 
Gal. 5. 13.  nor hindrances to holiness, otherwise to abate them. 1. Cor. 9 27.  
3. Painfulness in our special calling, with instant prayer, 
1. Cor. 9 27.  giving thanks for that grace we have attained to. 
1. Cor. 7. 17. 24.   
4. In the single estate, taking the benefit of holy marriage when other means avail not. 
Psa. 91. 11. 12.  1. Cor. 7. 2. 9 Observing. therein 

1. Equality for 

1. religion. 2. Co▪ 6. 14  
2. age.  
3. parentage or condition. 
Gen. 2. 18, 20. 6. 2.     
2. Right ends for 

1. avoiding of incontinency.  
2. mutual help & comfort.  
3. the increase of the church, in the younger sort. 
1. Cor. 7. 2. Gen. 1. 28. Mal. 2. 15.     
3. That there be no nearness of blood. Leu. 18.  
4. Consent of 

Parents 1. Cor. 7. 38.  
parties. Gen. 24. 57       

2. Abhorring not only those monstrous kinds of uncleanness which ought not to be named amongst Christians, as fornication, 
Eph. 5. 3.  adultery, incest, rape, Sodomy and the like, which the very light of nature condemns, but more  
1. All wantonness 

privately  
with others.   Ephe. 5. 3. 4.  
2. Nocturnal pollutions coming of excess. Deut. 23. 10, 11 
Ro. 13. 13.   
3. Voluptuous abuse of the marriage bed, otherwise then for some of the right ends of marriage before mentioned. Yet observing duly 

1. The natural time of separation. 
Leu. 18. 9   
2. Of solemn humiliation, when the bride and bridegroom are to leave the marriage chamber. 1. Cor. 7. 5. joel 2. 16. 
Ezek. 18. 6.   
3. Shunning as warily all causes & occasions of uncleanness, as 

1. Within us, all unpure thoughts and lusts which are the adulteries of our hearts. Mat, 5. 28. 15. 18.  
2. without us all provocations, as 

1. Surfeiting and drunkenness, 
Ezek. 16. 49.  immoderate eating and drinking; 
Prou. 23. 32. 33.  or of such things as most stir up lust, at unseasonable times.  
2 Idleness and sluggishness, as in Sodom, David.  
3. Pride appearing in face, hair, apparel, or behaviour: as in the women of judah before the captivity. Esai 3. end.  
4. Society with lascivious persons, which are infectious. Gen. 39 10.  
5. Lewd books or ballads, fit to be burnt, as Acts. 19 19  
6. Filthy talk, or foolish jesting, 
Mat. 12. 35. 36,  bewraying an unclean heart, & corrupting others. 1. Cor. 15. 33. Pro. 7. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Ephes. 5. 3▪ 4. 5. 12.  
7. Wanton looks, from eyes full of adultery, as in Potiphars wife. David. 2. Pet. 2. 14.  
8. Lewd houses, of evil report. Prou. 5. 8.  
9 Wanton pictures, plays, dancing or dalliance, of the very beholding whereof, every one's conscience will tell him the danger, when it is truly awaked, at least for breeding wanton thoughts and lusts condemned by our Saviour. Mat. 5. 28.  
10. Wearing of apparel contrary to our sex, as man to wear the woman's apparel, or the woman the man's. Deut. 12. 5.  
11. Unlawful divorce, or separation. Mat. 5. 32. 19 9  
12. Private company of man & woman together, though otherwise both honest and intending no evil. Pro. 6. 27. 28.      
4. Increasing in a holy jealousy over ourselves, 
Pro. 5. 8. & 7. 8. 25.  so running away from 

each occasion.  
the least appearance. 1. Thes. 5. 22.   for fear of 

1. Satan.  
2. The wicked.  
3. The godly.  
4 Ourselves.        

8. Commandment. Thou shalt not steal]  
enjoining the preservation and increase of our own goods, or outward estate, and also of our neighbours.  

Here we are to examine, 1. How we labour to maintain our estate holily and honestly, according to our place and calling, walking in all these duties more cheerfully.  
1. Painfulness in our particular calling, as jacob in Laban's service, Paul both in his ministery and to get his living; 
Eph. 4. 28. Acts 20. 31. 2. Thes. 3. 8. 9  using double pains early or late to recompense the time spent in the service of God; as in gathering Manna before the Sabbath, that they might rest that day. Exod. 16. 22. 23.  
2. Thrift] putting all things to the best, 
john. 6. 12. Pro. 5. 15. 16. 17. & 21. 17. 12. 27.  looking warily that nothing be lost, as our Saviour, who gave charge for saving the crumbs, though he was able by his word to provide what he would.  
3. Contentation] with that estate wherein the Lord sets us, 
1. Tim. 6. 8.  assured that he seethe the estate to be best for us, living within our compass, depending only upon his providence without distrustful care, and much more without repining, or murmuring, as the Israelites in the wilderness, being certainly persuaded, 
Heb. 13. 5. 6.  that he will not fail us of that which shall be best for us, in his due, time, so using the world, as though we used it not. 1. Cor. 7. 31.  
4. Living within our compass. 1. Thes. 4. 11. 12.  
4. peaceableness] avoiding law and contention, 
Mat. 5. 5. 1. Cor. 6. 7.  using all honest means to get and hold our own with peace, if it be possible, remembering that the meek shall inherit the earth, putting up some wrongs as Abraham to Lot.  
6. Dealing uprightly] being sincere both in word & deed, such as in whom is no guile, as Nathanael.   

2. We are to examine, whether we endeavour to employ our goods aright according to Gods will.  
1. To the promoting and maintenance of God's religion and service, by ourselves & others, both privately and publicly, as at the building of the tabernacle & Temple, every one brought their gifts of the best things: & so in all the sacrifices: the women ministering to Christ, & in the Primitive church. Acts 2. 44. 4. 32.  
For this is the honour dew to God for all, 
Prou. 3. 9  and the chief end of our riches; otherwise Idolaters shall condemn us, who have been ever devout herein, 
Mic. 6. 67.  as the Israelites at the making of the golden calf, the Papists at this day.  
3. To the charitable relief of all in necessity, 
Gala. 6. 10.  as kinsfolks, 
Rom. 12. 13.  friends, neighbours▪ church, country, especially the godly poor: 
Heb. 13. 2.  so that of them we respect our kinsfolks in the first place, if they be such, and so others according to more special bonds. 
1. Tim. 5. 4.  Thus to employ them to Hospitality; to good works, and alms, 
1. Pet. 4. 9 10.  as  
job, 
job. 29. 31  who caused the backs, & bellies of the poor to bless him. 
1. Kin. 18. 13.  Obadiah which fed the Prophets of the Lord with peril of his life. 
Acts 9 36. 39  Dorcas who made garments for the poor Christians. Nehemiah 
Neh. 5. 14. 15.  that worthy governor who took not his due, because he would not be chargeable to the poor people, in their distress: but maintained at his own charges sundry of those who were in need: which fact comforts him to entreat the Lord, 
●er. 17. 18. 19  to remember him in goodness according to that▪ Cornelius, whom the holy Ghost hath set forth as an ensample for this, 
Acts 10. 2. 4.  and shows how God kept a remembrance of it. 
Acts 11. 29. 30.  The Christiians of Antioch, Macedonia, and Corinth sending relief to the poor brethren in judaea. 
2. Tim. 1. 6.  Onesiphorus to Paul in prison, not ashamed of his chain. The primitive church generally. Acts 2. 45.  
This is the feeding of Christ that shall be acknowledged before the whole world, 
Mat. 25. 35 45. 46.  & the very want of it shall condemn all the world, nothing being more neglected than it, even amongst them that make show of godliness. 2. Ti. 3. 5.  
4. To the dew performance of all promises, 
Psa 15. 4. 37. 21.  which is a property of a blessed man, and the contrary of an unfaithful and wicked. Pro. 25. 14.  
5. To be able to lend freely, 
Luk. 6. 35.  looking for nothing again, that is for no gain, and sometime not the principal. Neh. 5. 10.  
6. To make restitution to the utmost of whatsoever our consciences can charge us to have been unjustly 
Luc. 19 8.  gotten or detained: 
Ezek. 18. 19  as Zachaeus.  
7. To keep justice, giving to every man his right, and judgement, 
jere. 22. 3. 15.  never consenting to the wronging of any man, but saving all from wrong, so far as we are able. Psal. 82. 3. 4.   

3. How we prevail in rooting out of our hearts that bitter root of  
1. Covetousness] whereby we are either hindered from heavenly duties, 
1. Tim. 6. 9 10.  or from feeling the sweetness that is in godliness, or from depending upon God's providence: or are drawn immoderately after the love of the world, as to seek to get by unlawful means, or to vex and disquiet our hearts with carking cares. 
1. Tim. 6. 10.    

4. How we grow in our detestation of all kinds of thefts proceeding from covetousness.  

1. Thefts in the Church.  
1. Simony] buying or selling the gifts of the holy Ghost, 
Acts 8. 18. 20.  whether Church offices, or places to exercise those offices in, or the goods of the Church to the hindrance thereof, or to our own private gain.  
2. Sacrilege] conveving to ourselves, 
jos. 6. 8. 19  or detaining things dew to God, 
Mal. 3. 8. 9 10.  whereby he is rob of his honour, or the salvation of his people hindered, as by all sorts of unconscionable ministers, and all others keeping away Church livings, without dew regard of the people's salvation, and God's worship.  
3. Gain by things hindering the gospel, and true piety, or furthering superstition: as Demetrius the silversmith. Acts. 19 24.   

2. Thefts in civil dealings.  
1. Sergeant or coloured deceit by fair words, or the like, as in Amos days. Amos. 8. 4. 5. 6.  
2. False scales, weights, or measures, all which God abhorreth. Deut. 25. 13. 14. 15.  
3. Racking the prices of things, to the oppression of the poor, or evil ensample of others: thus did the gygyants before the flood, that the earth was full of cruelty: 
Mic. 2. 1, 2, 3.  and the great men before the captivity, 
Gen. 6. 4. 11.  for which God threatened to plague them with other spoilers, 
Esa. 5. 7. 8.  as it came to pass: This causeth the poor to sigh, whom God will avenge. Exod. 22. 23.  
Deut. 15. 9 10. 11.  
4. Engrossing] getting up all commodities to sell as men list, even the the very refuse. This is to swallow up the poor, a sin which the Lord will not forget. Am 8. 4, 5. 6. 7. 8.  
5. Sale upon day] to the hurt of the buyer: 
1. The. 4. 6.  that is, enhancing the price, only in consideration of longer time of payment, more than the buyers are able to make of it, which is usury or worse.  
6. Becoming bankrupt, to enrich ourselves by the spoils or goods of others, which is flat cozenage and theft. 1. Thes. 4. 6.   

3. Thefts in lending.  
1. Usury] as when men exact a gain by covenant, above the principal lent, only in am and recompense of the lending, 
Exo. 22. 14. 15.  which is biting ordinarily, for it is very rare when one or other is not bitten by it. 
Psa. 15. 5.  All usury is of this sort wherein charity is broken towards any one. 
Neh. 5. 7. 8 9 10.    

4. Thefts in withholding.  
1. The pledge. Ezek. 18. 7.  
2. That which hath been committed to us in trust for others, as the husbandmen the vineyard. Mat. 21. 41. Pro. 3. 28.  
3. Our debt] which is a mark of an ungodly man; for the godly should owe nothing but love, and that to every one. Psal. 37. 21. Rom. 13. 8.  
4. The hirelings wages] a sin crying for vengeance. jam. 5. 4. jer. 22. 13. 14.  
5. Things found] if we can know the owner. Leu. 6. 23. Deut. 12. 1.  
6. That which we have unjustly gotten from others, and not making restitution thereof with the better, if we be able. as Zachaeus. 
Phil. 4. 8.  Leu. 6. 1. ad 8. Luke 19 8.   

5. Thefts, whereby we rob ourselves and those who depend upon us, disabling us to perform the duties which we own to them and others.  
1. Unthriftiness] not regarding to save that which God hath given, but wasting without reason or regard, upon lewd companions, or vain delights, as the prodigal son. Luk. 15. 13.  
2, 
Eph. 4. 28.  Living inordinately] without painfulness in our calling; the Pismire shall condemn such unprofitable servants. Prou. 6. 6.  
3. Rash suretishippe] without regard of the circumstances, so oft forbidden by the wise Solomon. Pro. 17. 18.   

6. Other ordinary thefts, in getting goods by unlawful means.  
1. Removing our neighbour's marks, or bounds, to enlarge our own, which is accursed. Deu. 27, 17.  
2. Uncharitable enclosure] to the hurt of the common wealth, or of any one, without sufficient satisfaction, for which the Lord threateneth a wo. Esa. 5. 8.  
3. Perverting the law, or corrupting judgement, by bribes, friendship or craft, to wring the poor, as jezabel did Naboth for his vineyard.  
4. Man-stealing] viz. stealing away or enticing children or servants, a far worse theft than stealing any goods inasmuch as these are more precious. 1 Tim. 1. 9 10.  
5. Practise of unlawful arts] as such as have no warrant by the law of God or nature, as magic, conjuring, playing the wiseman, for no such aught to be found amongst God's people, being abominable to the Lord. Deu. 18. 9 10. 11. 12.  
6. Gaming] for more than we may conveniently spend, or could be content to give, especially at unlawful games, or unfit times, 
Phil. 4. 8.  or falsely. A matter of bad report, to the hurt of ourselves, or our neighbour or both, accompanied commonly with many disorders, brawls, grudges, covetousness, oaths fraud, and the like.  
7. Falsifiing the will of the dead] a sin against the Law of nature. Gal. 3. 19  
8. Pilfering] the least matter or cozening, 
1. Thes. 4. 6  for God is the avenger of all such things.  
9 Conspiring] or any way favouring or consenting to any such fact, he that doth this hateth his own soul. Pro. 29. 24.     

9 Command. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour]  
enjoining us to seek all means to maintain our own good name and our neighbours.  


1. For our own good name we are to examine how we grow.  
1. Seeking a good name by living religiously, walking in all the commandments of God without reproof, 
Luk. 1. 6.  as Zacharie and Elizabeth, 
Act. 10. 1  Cornelius, 
Act. 16. 1. 2.  Timothic a young man: 
Pro. 10. 7.  For the memorial of the just being as a precious ointment shall be blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. Eccl. 7. 3.  
2. Keeping narrow watch against every sin continually, because every fault is to the godly man, 
Eccl. 10. 1.  as the dead fly, marring the sweetest ointment, & a little leaven to the whole lump, besides the malice of Satan, and the wicked to blaze us, & blaspheme our religion for any one fault, passing by all the good things in us, as in David for Vriah. 2. Sam. 12. 14. Even this is a stain to the worthiest kings of juda, that yet the high places were not taken away.  
3. Seeking in every thing God's glory alone] and not our own more than for him, for than he will give us glory abundantly, but seeking our own glory he will turn it into shame. 1. Sa. 2. 30.  
4. Careful to judge and speak the best of all other, professing godliness] for God will cause others to measure so to us again. 
Eccl. 7. 24.  Mat. 7. 2.  
5. Using but few, and wise speeches] for in many words are much vanity, 
Pro. 10. 19  but such speech in due time are like apples of gold, with pictures of silver. Pro. 25. 11.  
6. Striving to cheerfulness and affability in all our speeches, as our Saviour. Matth. 11. 17. 19  
7 endeavouring to be sincere in word and deed, abhorring dissembling; so we shall have the commendation of Nathaniel even of the wicked, at least in their hearts, to be right Christians in whom is no guile, joh. 1. 47.   

2. Concerning our Christian neighbours good name, whereby God is glorified.  
1. Rejoicing at it, as john for the elect Lady and her children. 2. joh. 1. 4.  
2. Defending their credit by public or private testimony according to our persuasion of them, as our Saviour did of john and of his own disciples, they again giving testimony to him. Mat. 11. 2. 7.  
3. Gladly acknowledging all the gifts of God in them, as our Saviour of the 7. Churches, and Paul of the Christians, to whom he writ.  
4. Covering their faulty so much as we may without sin, as Shem and japhet their father's nakedness, for which they are blessed, yet not approving of the least of their sins, but seeking privately in all love the reformation of them Eph. 5. 11.  
5. Readily receiving every good report of them, for that is the nature of true love, 
Act. 16. 3.  yet not committing ourselves over hastily unto them, 
1. Cor. 13. 7.  until sufficient trial, 
joh. 2. 24  as our Saviour.  
6. Expounding each doubtful matter in the better part, if there be any probability thereof, as jacob the death of joseph and his dreams, for love thinketh not evil. 1. Cor. 13. 7.  
7. Showing a dislike to whisperers and tale-bearers, which will drive away the slandering tongue. Psa. 15. 3. Pro. 25. 23.  
8. Using all good means for the maintenance of the good name of every one professing the fear of God, by admonishing, exhorting, or directing them in love and wisdom by ourselves and others.    

Abhorring these contrary vices.  
1. Envy at the worthy credit of any, as the pharisyes against our Saviour.  
2. Evil suspicion without evident cause, as the Barbarians against Paul. Act. 28. 4.  
3. Itching ears to hear our own commendations with the discredit of others, or at least to be flattered, as Ahab by the false prophets.  
4. Speeches savouring of malice or disdain at the credit of others, as Corah and the pharisees.  
5 Boasting] seeking our own glory, though with the disparagement of others, as the proud Pharisee.  
6. Uncharitable judging of others for some slips, infirmities, evil reports, crosses, or some other accident, as Hely of Hanna, jobs friends of him, to be an hypocrite, & much more to judge so for good things, or such as may be well taken, as the pharisees of our Saviour eating with the Publicans.  
7. Aggravating small faults or slanders, without care to cover or amend them.  
8. Reporting men's bare words or actions without their intent and meaning, wresting or any way perverting them, as the false witnesses against our Saviour, jews against Stephen.  
9 Bearing false witness] or accusing falsely, as Haman against the jews, Amazia against Amos: as also the accusations, 
Amo 7. 10  against our Saviour, jeremy, Paul.  
10. Lying] which is very falsehood in word or deed with purpose to deceive. This is a principal sin of Satan, 
joh. 8. 44.  who was a liar from the beginning, and the father thereof.  
11. Unjust or rash arbitrement or giving judgement, as the Elders against Naboth.  
12. Malicious accusations, not of any conscience to God, or for amendment of the party, or good of others, but of spite, as Doeg.  
13. Betraying others, or their cause, craftily under pretence of friendship or otherwise: as the Herodians intended, and judas dealt with our Saviour.  
14. Bewraying the secret or infirmity of our neighbour to his discredit, which we might well have concealed. Mat. 18. 15.  
15. Lightly believing flying tales or suspicions, 
Psa. 15. 3.  against our brother, as Saul against David, and the Priests, much more spreading them, or adding to them.  
16. Flattering] as Corah and his company did the people; and as Absalon or the false Prophets crying peace, which is to lay nets for men, and to be huntsmen for Satan.    

10. Com. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house]  
wherein the Lord requires our very hearts to be upright towards our neighbour.  

Here we must examine our hearts how we grow.  
1. In entertaining only holy thoughts, purposes and affections for the good of all men. 
1. Th. 5. 23   
2. In suppressing evil thoughts and motions, 
Zach. 7. 10.  that we may never give any consent, 
Rom. 7. 7. 20 23. 24.  nor take the least delight in them, but labour to the utter burying of all concupiscence, until we be perfect in the heavens.     

The glass of the Gospel, or the examination of our faith, according to the Articles of faith, which contain the sum of the Gospel. Rules.  
1. THe measure of our faith is according to the measure of the power thereof in comfort and sanctification, 
1. Cor. 4. 20  issuing from every article, 
2. Tim. 3. 5.  except in the time of temptation. 
2. Cor. 1. 22   
2. All the benefits contained in the articles of faith, 
2. Cor. 1. 20  are ours, in & through Christ only, when he is ours.  
3. Let us prove ourselves therefore whether we are in the faith, let us examine ourselves; 
2. Cor. 1 3. 5  know we not our own selves, how that jesus Christ is in us, except we be reprobates.  
4. And if Christ be in us, 
Rom. ●. 10.  the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life for righteousness sake.  
5. For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 
1. Cor. 4. 20   
6. We must therefore show our faith out of our works: for as the body without the spirit is dead, even so faith without works is dead. I am. 2. 18. 20. 26.  

1. Article.  

I believe in God]  
1. This is my faith, that though by nature through Adam, I & the whole Church are Apostates from God, 
Eph. 2. 13.  and enemies to him & his law, yet by grace through the second Adam jesus Christ, God is our God, and we his people reconciled unto him, 
Heb. 8. 3.  to serve him in newness of life all our days. 
Luk. 1. 74 75.   
2. This is my comfort hereof, that God is my God, and hath sealed me for himself, 
joh. 20. 28. 29.  and therefore I am most blessed, being in such a case. Psal. 144. 15.  
3. This gives me further assurance that this my faith is sound, because together with this comfort, he hath given me since I believed in his name a heart desirous to departed from all iniquity. 2. Tim. 2. 29.   

Father]  
1. This is my faith, 
Gal. 3. 22. 26.  that though I was a child of wrath, yet by grace in Christ I am the child of God, 
jer. 4. 19  and God my loving father.  
2. This comfort I receive hereof, that I being thus his child shall lack nothing, because my heavenly father doth tender me much more, 
Mal. 3. 17.  than any earthly father his child. Esay. 46. 15. 16.  
3. This is my assurance, that my faith herein is sincere, 
Mal. 1. 6.  because together with this comfort, 
Mat. 12. 50.  I feel myself affectioned to reverence, 
Gal. 4. 5. 6.  love and obey him as my most dear father, and am enabled by his spirit to run to him with boldness in all my wants, crying Abba, oh my father. Rom. 8. 15.   

Almighty]  
This is my faith, that though I be weak and unable to resist my enemies bodily or spiritual, no way able to help or provide for myself, yet my heavenly father is of all majesty and power, 
Mat. 8. 2.  guiding continually men, Angels, 
Psa. 23. 4.  devils, and all creatures to serve for his own glory, and the good of his children.  
2. This comfort I receive hereof, that he doth & will continually make all things work together for the best unto me, 
Rom. 8. 28.  not only the holy means appointed thereunto, 
1. Cor. 3. 20 21. 22.  but also mine afflictions, 
Acts. 4. 28.  yea my greatest enemies, Sins and Satan himself, until I be perfected in the Heavens. Gen. 50. 20.  
3. This also doth further assure me, that he thus works for me: because he hath first showed the same mighty power, quickening and raising me up from the death of sin, 
Eph. 1. 19 20.  which he showed in raising my Saviour from the grave, and secondly for that I have sensibly felt all things thus working together for my salvation.   

Maker of heaven and earth]  
1. This is my faith, that though thorough Adam I had lost the right, both of heaven and earth, and of every creature, so as I could have no comfort in the use of them, but terror as an usurper, being cast forth off the earthly paradise, 
Gen. 3. 24.  lest as an heir of the curse, yet through my Saviour the second Adam, 
Rom. 5. 17. 18.  since I truly believed in him, I am restored to a far better estate, 
Heb. 1. 2.  being made in him a right heir of all, 
Rom. 8. 17.  never to be cast forth off my inheritance any more.  
2. This comfort I receive hereof, that heaven is mine and all the joys thereof, 
Eph. 2. 6.  and that I am set already in the heavenvly places in Christ my head, who reserves the full fruition for me. And secondly that all the creatures in heaven and in earth be they good or bad, 
job. 5. 23.  are at a league with me, 
1. Cor 3. 21. 22. 23.  to help for my good, so far as may stand with his glory, my salvation and the good of his Church. Hos. 2. 18.  
3. This is also my assurance, that my faith is sincere herein, because that together with this comfort, I both perceive all the creatures thus ready to help me, 
Exod. 16. 25. 35. & 17. 6.  especially in time of trial when ordinary means fail: 
2. Tim 4. 5.  and also feel a holy care wrought in me to use the creatures aright, sanctifying them by the word and prayer, 
Eph. 2. 6.  and that my affections are set on heavenly things. 
Col. 3. 2.     

2. Article.  

And in jesus]  
1. This is my faith, 
Psal. 51. 5. 1. & 39 1●.  that though I am guilty of innumerable sins both original and actual, even the breach of the whole law, 
Rom. 3. 10. 11. 13. 19 20. 21. 22.  and every part thereof, and so am worthy to be damned, and have all the plagues of God dew to my sin cast upon me, 
2. Tim. 2. 26.  yea though I was a bondslave to sin and Satan, yet I believe that jesus is my Saviour, 
Luke. 4. 18.  & hath delivered me from all my sins, both the guilt, & satisfactory punishment of them, 
Psal. 1. 21.  as also from the power of sin and Satan. 
job. 1. 29.  Rom. 6. 12. 14.  
2. This saith is my comfort, and moreover that all my sins and enemies shall not hinder my salvation. Rom. 8. 39  
3. This is also for my full assurance thereof, 
Luk. 1. 47.  because besides that I feel my soul rejoicing in God my Saviour, & I perceive myself also delivered from the tyranny of Satan, and power of sin, even of those sins which before led me captive, 
Rom. 6. 12.  so that no sin hath any more dominion over me, 
Rom. 7. 24. 25.  that I do serve it in the lusts thereof, and for that I am withal delivered from the terrors of conscience for my sin.   

Christ.  
1. This is my faith, 
Dan. 9 24.  that though I was in the kingdom of darkness & a stranger from God by my sin, yet Christ was anointed for me with all the gifts of the spirit to be my mediator, my 

King. 
Heb. 1. 9   
Priest. 
Psal. 45. 7.   
Prophet. Mat. 23. 10. Act. 3. 22. 23. 
Apoc. 1. 5.     
2. This is my comfort, 
Col 1. 13. joh. 10. 28. 29 30.  that he being my king, hath and will fully deliver me from the kingdom of Satan, & give unto me his heavenly kingdom. 
Rom. 3. 24. 25.  Secondly being my Priest, hath first reconciled me to his father; 
1. Ioh 2. 1.  by the sacrifice of himself, 
Heb. 7. 25 & 9 24.  and keeps me since in favour, by his perpetual intercession. Thirdly being my Prophet, 
Rom. 8. 34.  will proceed to teach me all the will of his father necessary to eternal life. 
Heb. 8 10. 11.   
3. This is for my assurance hereof, 
Apo. 1. 6.  because I feel myself to have received of the anointing of every one of these from Christ & the fruit of them. 
1. Cor. 9 27  1. of his kingdom, 
1 joh. 3. 3.  enabling me to begin nor only to subdue my sins & evil affections, but also to rule so far over myself, as to bring my very thoughts and all committed unto me into some obedience to Christ. 
2. Cor. 10. 5  2. Of his Priesthood whereby I am made able to offer to the Lord myself, 
1. Pet. 2. 5  supplications, 
Rom. 12. 1.  thanks and works of mercy, 
Heb. 13. 15 16.  with all that I have to serve him.  
3, Of his Prophecy, 
Rom. 15. 16.  making me to grow in the knowledge of himself, 
2. joh. 2. 20. 27.  and in care to instruct others therein. 
joh. 6. 45.    

His only son]  
1. This is my faith, that he being the only son of the Father by nature, 
Ga. 4. 4. 5. 6  hath made me a child and heir by the grace of adoption, 
Eph. 2. 3.  who was by nature a child of wrath and perdition.  
2. This comfort I find herein, 
Gal. 4. 7.  that to me belongs the inheritance of God's sons. 
Rom. 8. 17.  Gal. 47. Rom. 8. 17.  
3. This also is for my assurance, for that he hath sent the spirit of his son into my heart, whereby I can call him father with comfort, which is my witness and seal. Romans. 8 16. 2. Cor 1. 22.   

Our Lord]  
1. This is my faith, 
Ga. 4. 5. 6. 7  that though I was under the Prince of darkness, 
1. Pet. 1. 19  having Satan my Lord, 
joh. 10. 29  until I believed in Christ, yet since I am Christ's and he is my only Lord By 

1. Purchase with his blood.  
2. Gift from his father. 
Ephe. 5. 32.   
3. marriage contracted to be consummate at his appearing. 
Hos. 2. 20.     
2. This is my comfort, that being thus purchased and given to him as a peculiar gift, 
joh. 10. 28.  I shall never perish, and being thus contracted to Christ my Lord, the bond thereof is in such faithfulness, 
Hos. 2. 19  as shall never be dissolved, until I be brought into the bride-chamber, and fully glorified.  
3. This increaseth my assurance, for that together with this comfort, 
Apoc. 5. 9 24. 4.  I feel myself redeemed from the earth: viz. my earthly conversation, & do delight to hear the voice of my bridegroom.    

3. Article.  

Which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the virgin Mary]  
1. This is my faith: that though I was conceived in sin, 
Psal. 51. 5.  and borne in iniquity, and so corrupted in all the parts both of my soul and body, yet that both the conception, birth and whole nature of Christ my Saviour, 
Rom. 8. 2. 3  was fully sanctified by being united to his Godhead, 
Luke 1. 35.  to be imputed unto me.  
2. This is my comfort, that my God hath given me this holiness of his son, 
2. Co. 5. 21.  as a rob to cover all my sinfulness, 
Phil. 3. 9  and whereby I do both presently, and shall ever stand most gloriously in God's sight, chief at the great day.  
3. This is my further assurance hereof, because I can mourn for this total corruption in me, and being humbled in the fence of it, 
Rom. 7. 14. 15. 18. 23. 24.  am driven daily to put on Christ by faith: and for that I feel also the new birth in me, by a change begun in all the powers both of my body and soul, 
Rom. 7. 22.  wrought by virtue hereof, since I was conceived and borne in the Church, by the power of the holy Ghost.    

4. Article.  

Suffered under Pontius Pilate: was crucified]  
1. This is my faith, 
Gal. 3. 13.  that besides all the evils which my Saviour endured for me, in all the course of his life, he also endured that most shameful and accursed death which I had deserved, to satisfy his father's justice for me, & to pacify his wrath towards me.  
2. This is my comfort hence, 
Gal. 3. 13.  that I am delivered from the curse of the law, he being thus accursed for me, & that whatsoever sufferings I endure in this life, are sanctified hereby to be to me Fatherly 

1. Exercises.  
2. Chastisements.  
3. Trials.  
4. Fulfilling of Christ's afflictions.  
5. Means to confirm me to Christ my head, 
Rom. 5. 3 Heb. 12. 11 & 6, 7, 8. Apo. 3. 10. Col. 1. 24. Rom. 8. 29.   
6. Examples to others.    
3. This also warrants the soundness of my faith herein. 
Gal. 6. 14.  1. Because I feel myself to profit in Christianity by my afflictions and crosses. 
Psa. 119. 67 71.  2. I desire to take pleasure in such sufferings for Christ's sake. 
2 Cor. 12. 20.  3. Because the old man in me begins to be crucified with Christ, Gal, 
Phi. 1. 29.  2. 19 5. 24.   

Dead.]  
1. This is my faith, 
1. Cor. 15 55. 56. 57  that Christ hath died for my sin and by dying hath over come death, and so taken away the sting thereof, that it cannot hurt any of those that believe in him.  
2. This comfort I find hereupon, that death shallbe so far off from hurting me, 
Phi. 1. 23. 2. Cor. 5. 1. 2.  that it is already sanctified by this death of my Saviour, to be to me the gate of life.  
3. This also increaseth my assurance that my faith is sound herein, because I find together with this comfort, that every sin hath received his death's wound in me (each beginning to die) and for that I feel a power by 
Gal. 2. 19  Christ's death, 
Phil. 3. 10.  to triumph against the terrors of death, 
Col. 3 2.  waiting for it, when I have finished my course, 
Phil. 1. 21. 23.  wishing to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Rom. 7. 24.   

And buried]  
1. This is my faith, that Christ was buried for me, both to assure me of the certainty of his death for me, and that all my sins are buried in his grave, yea withal to bury sin in me, 
Rom. 6. 3. 4  and to sanctify my grave to be a sweet bed for my body to rest in until the resurrection. 
Esay. 57 2.   
2. This very faith is my joy, and moreover that my sins thus buried shall never come into remembrance to accuse or condemn me, 
Rom. 8. 34. 35.  or to hinder Gods everlasting mercy & love from me.  
3. This also furthers my assurance, for that together with this joy, I feel many sins buried in me, 
Col. 2. 11. 12.  and consuming daily by the virtue of this death and burial of my Saviour, especially, 
Rom. 7. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.  the strength and delight I took in every sin.   

He descended into hell]  
1. This is my faith, that Christ suffered not only in his body the punishment due to my body, but in his soul also the torment due to my soul, which I should have endured for evermore, 
Mar. 14. 33. 34.  and that not only upon the cross, 
Luke 22. 44.  but also in the garden, as appeareth by his speeches, his pravers, 
Heb. 5. 7.  his cry, his agony, and bloody sweat, and so hath for me triumphed over hell.  
2. This is my comfort, that though I stood ever in danger of eternal death for all my sins, yet now by my Saviour I am delivered from the terrors thereof. Heb. 2. 15.  
3. This is further for my assurance hereof, 
joh. 3. 14. 15.  for that I have received comfort in this only, 
Num. 21. ●  even then when the pains of hell have gotten hold upon me for my sins; and because I feel a desire to save others also from that place of torment by leading them to this my Saviour, 
joh. 3. 18. 36.  and have now entered the narrow way to heaven following my Saviour therein, 
Mat 7. 13. 14.  having left the broad way going to destruction.    

5. Article.  

The third day he rose again from the dead]  
1. This is my faith, that my Saviour hath fully satisfied the justice of his father for my sin, even to the uttermost farthing, 
Rom. 4. 25.  in that he rose again, because any one sin of his elect not satisfied for had kept him in death, 
1. Cor. 15. 15. 56. 57  seeing he took upon him to become surety for them all.  
2. This is my joy, that through him I am justified and stand as righteous in the sight of my God, all my sins being utterly done away, 
Rom. 4. 25.  and covered hereby.  
3. This helpeth my assurance hereof, for that besides this comfort, 
Eph. 2. 5. 6.  I feel myself also raised up to a desire of a perfect holiness. 
Phil. 3. 10.  Apo. 20. 5. 6.    

6. Article.  

He ascended into heaven]  
1. This is my faith, that when my Saviour had fulfilled all things in the earth for the redeeming of his church, he went up into heaven, 
Luk. 24. 51  both to prepare the way, 
Act. 1. 9  and also to take possession and to keep it for me. joh. 14. 2.  
2. This is my joy, that none can hinder me from thence, 
joh. 17. 24  but where my Saviour and head is, there shall I be also.  
This ratifieth my assurance, for that my affections are already ascended, being set on things that are above. Col. 3. 2.   

And sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty]  
1. This is my faith, 
Mat. 28. 18  that my Saviour hath all power given him over all sorts, 
john. 17. 2  to give eternal life to whom he will, 
Eph 4. 8. 10  and condemn the rest, sits as King at the right hand of his Father, filling his Church with his gifts, guiding it by his word and spirit, until he have glorified it, 
Esa. 54. 10 59 21.  and subdued all his enemies, 
1. Cor. 15, 24. 25.  convincing them by the light of 

Nature  
his 

works, 

1. creatures.  
2. judgements.  
3. mercies.    
word.      
2. This is my comfort, that he will guide me by his word & spirit continually: 
Phil. 1. 6.  & overrule whatsoever Satan or the wicked can do against me, 
1. Pet. 1. 5  to serve for my good, 
Esa. 8. 16  & against themselves.  
3. This is also for my further assurance herein, because I feel myself desirous to be guided by the direction of his holy spirit speaking in the word: and moreover, 
Esa. 30. 21.  I hear a voice behind me saying; This is the way, 
Esa. 59 21.  walk in it, when I turn to the right hand or to the left.    

7. Article.  

From thence he shall come, to judge the quick and the dead.]  
1. This is my faith, 
joh. 5. 22.  that my Saviour shall come to be the judge of the whole world, 
Ro. 14. 10.  to judge every one according to their works. 
2. Cor. 5. 10   
2. This is my joy, that though I did, and do naturally quake, so oft as I hear or think of the terrible judgement, 
Act. 24. 26  yet remembering the judge, 
2. Thes. 1. 10.  who hath by himself satisfied for all my sins, so taking them on himself, and given me his own absolute righteousness, I can cry; Come Lord lesus, 
Apo. 22. 20  come quickly, sith he shall come to me a most happy Saviour, and not an angry judge.  
3. This is also for the accomplishment of my assurance, 
2. Cor. 5. 9 20. 11.  that this my faith is sincere, because besides this comfort, I labour always to have a clear conscience, that I may have boldness at that day, and can persuade men, knowing The terror of the Lord.    

8. Article.  

I believe in the holy Ghost]  
1. This is my faith, that the holy Ghost is God, 
1. Cor. 12. 12. 13.  the third person in Trinity, sanctinfier and preserver of his Church, 
Eph. 4. 15, 16. & 4. 4.  knitting the whole church to Christ the head thereof, & every member one to another.  
2. This is my comfort, that he will perfect in me this good work of sanctification until the appearing of jesus Christ, 
Phil. 1. 6.  having already so knit me to Christ my head, as I can never be separated.  
3. This assureth my heart, because I have already received the first fruits of this blessed Spirit, 
Rom. 8. 23. 26.  whereby I am enabled to sigh, waiting for the perfect adoption, and to pray with groans, striving against that corruption in me therefore it is to me as the seal and earnest of my inheritance against the day of glory. 2. Cor. 1. 22.    

9 Article.  

The holy catholic Church.]  
1. This is my faith, that God hath always a chosen flock, 
Esa. 59 21  not only of those who triumph already in the heavens, 
Rom. 11. 3. 4.  but even militant here in the earth, 
Mat. 28. 19  universally scattered, 
Mar. 16. 15.  all which he hath ordained to eternal life, 
joh. 4. 21. 22. 23.  by his son jesus Christ, to whom all his promises appertain, 
Mat. 28. 29. & 10. 14.  having these principal marks, 
Luk. 10. 16  a cheerful submission to the word and sacraments outwardly, 
Act. 2. 42. 46.  and holy affections inwardly according to the same, 
Mat. 7. 23.  proceeding from this holy faith: though the number of them have been very small in the most flourishing ages of the church, and those ordinarily of the base sort, 
1. Cor. 1. 26 27.  and shall scant be found when Christ shall come. 
Luk 18. 8.   
2. This is my comfort, that GOD hath vonchsafed me to be one of that little flock. Luc. 12. 32.  
3. This assureth me further hereof, because I feel in myself a hungering after the word and Sacraments, 
joh. 6. 27. & 10. 27.  as my spiritual nourishment, and can willingly submit myself to be guided by the same word, for the perfecting this work of grace begun in me.   

The communion of Saints.]  
2. This is my faith, 
Rom. 8. 15. 16. 28. 30.  that this whole Church hath a communion or fellowship together in Christ & all his benefits, 
Eph. 4. 4. 5.  & so in every article of this faith, 
1. Cor. 1. 9  as in the same Saviour, 
1. john 1. 3.  Father, 
2. Pet. 1. 2.  preserver & sanctifier: 
Phil. 2. 2.  and also amongst themselves, 
1. Pet. 1. 10.  being affected alike both inwardly in love, 
Act. 2. 44. 45. 46. & 4. 32.  hatred, joy, grief, that is, to love the same things, and for the same: and outwardly in relieving, helping, and caring for one another.  
2. This rejoiceth my soul, that the Lord hath vouchsafed me to be of this blessed communion.  
3. This further assureth me hereof, because together with this comfort, I am so affected to all the true servants of God, 
1. Cor. 12. 26.  thus sound professing the Gospel, 
Ro. 12. 15.  that I can pray heartily for them, 
Mat. 12. 49. 50.  mourn and rejoice with them, and for them, as for my brethren and sisters, and bereadie to help them in whatsoever, esteeming of them as members of Christ with me, and can claim the word as my portion and heritage for ever. Psal, 119. 111.    

10. Article.  

The forgiveness of sins]  
1. This is my faith, 
Heb. 8. 10. 11. 12.  that all this whole church & every member thereof, 
Apo. 7. 14.  have all their sins forgiven for Christ, being all washed in his blood.  
2. This comfort I find hereof, that howsoever I am a miserable sinner many ways, yet none of all my sins shall ever be imputed unto me, being of this holy Communion. Rom. 8. 33.  
3. This is also for my assurance, 
Zac. 12. 10  because I can oft mourn bitterly, 
Mat. 5. 11.  when I look at my Saviour, 
Rom. 7. 20.  whom by my sins I have crucified, 
Mat. 6. 14. & 5. 44. 45  and do abhor them as none of mine, but fruits of that sin that still dwelleth in me in part, and moreover because I can forgive and pray even for my very enemies, & have set myself to wage continual war against every sin.    

11. Article.  

The resurrection of the body].  
1. This is my faith, that all bodies shall rise again at the last day, 
joh. 5. 29.  when Christ comes, the bodies of all the faithful to eternal joy by the resurrection of jesus Christ, though all the rest to condemnation.  
2. This is my comfort, that this my body now subject to diverse infirmities, 
job. 19 25. 26. 27.  as sickness, manifold pains and sorrows, 
Phil. 3. 21.  etc. shall then arise a glorious body like the shining body of jesus Christ, 
Apo. 7. 16. 17. & 14. 13  free from any more misery, pain, or labour, all tears being wiped away from mine eyes.  
3. This is also my further assurance hereof, because I feel in myself the first resurrection, by a daily rising in my inner man, to newness of life. Apoc. 20. 6.    

12. Article.  

The life everlasting]  
1. This is my faith; that in steed of this transitory life, so full of labours and griefs, God hath provided for all this holy church a most happy and blessed life, which shall continue for evermore. Apo. 21. 22. & 22. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.  
2. This joy I find herein, that though my life be full of crosses and troubles, every day subject to a thousand temptations, and very momentany, 
Rom. 8. 18.  yet than it shallbe a most glorious life, 
2. Cor. 4. 17 & 12. 4  when I shall dwell in Paradise in the presence of God, 
Psa. 16. 11.  and all his blessed Saints and Angels for evermore. 
1. Th. 4. 17  1. Thes. 1. 9 10.  
3. This finally confirmeth my assurance hereof, because I feel the life of grace begun in me already, 
Gal. 2. 20.  which is the beginning of this eternal life (but that than it shall be far more holy and glorious, 
Rom. 14. 17.  and every way more blessed than the heart of man can conceive,) and moreover for that he hath given me this grace to believe in the son: 
john 3. 18. 36. 5. 24. 25.  I therefore know by the testimony of my Saviour, that I have eternal life; 
1. joh. 5. 11 12.  and withal he hath given me a heart to hear his voice with delight, 
john 10. 27. 28.  so that I shall never perish: yea my faith herein is such, that I account all things but loss and dung, in respect of Christ jesus my Saviour, 
Phil. 3. 9  and all the troubles of this life, 
Rom. 8. 18.  not worthy the glory, 
Phil. 3. 13. 14.  that shall be then revealed unto me, & so strive hard forward towards this mark, labouring always to keep a good conscience, both toward God & man; 
Luk. 20. 35  that I may ever be prepared for the full fruition hereof, & counted worthy to enter through the gates into the City. Apoc. 22. 14.  
This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1. joh. 5. 4.  
Be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life. Apoc. 2. 10.  
Here is the patience of saints, here are they which keep the commandments of God, and the faith of jesus. Apoc. 14. 12.  
I have sworn and will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgements alway. Psal. 119. 160.  
Then shall I not be confounded, when I have respect to all thy commandments. Psal. 119. 6.  
Lord increase my faith. Luke. 17. 5. Mar. 9 24.     

The benefits of this practice of examination to encourage us unto it, sith it is wearisome and unpleasant to flesh and blood.  
1. Performing it aright, we shall avoid all hardness of heart, lukewarmness, 
Ps. 119. 6. 80. 101. 104.  sleeping in any sin, and prevent an evil conscience, with many other punishments of sin, 
Lam. 3. 39 40.  and withal we shallbe able to recover ourselves forth with, out of every gross sin, and from Satan's power, yea even from the gulf of deepest despair. Psalm. 32. 4. 5.  
2. We shall daily be putting off the old man, and putting on the new: strip us off the rags of our sins, and put on our wedding garment, 
Eph. 4. 21. 22. 23. 24.  to make us still more glorious in the eyes of our bridegroom: yea we shall cast away the works of darkness and put upon us the armour of light. 
Rom. 13. 12.   
3. Being thus armed, we shall be so enabled to watch continually, 
Eph. 6. 11. 22. 13. 14. 15. etc.  and defend ourselves against Satan, 
Mat. 4. 11.  and all his power, that he shall never give us any deadly wounds, 
jam. 4. 7.  but we shall put him to flight, 
Rom. 16. 20.  and in time trample him utterly under our feet.  
4. We shallbe able to see the good way and wherein the perfection of a Christian consists, 
Pro. 2. 9  with his true glory and felicity in this life, 
Psa. 1. 1. 2  and to rejoice in them that are such: 
1. joh. 1. 1 2. 4.  and withal to behold the fearful state of the world, 
Ps. 119. 136  to mourn for it with just Lot: 
2 Pet. 2. 7. 8  so to judge aright between the godly and the wicked, 
Luk. 19 41. 42.  and specially to judge for our own estate. 
Phi. 1. 9 10   
5. We shall be fitted in some measure according to our place and calling as we are Christians, to teach, convince, admonish, reprove, exhort and comfort both ourselves and others.  
6. We shall be enabled to pray for ourselves and others, 
Rom. 15. 14.  with the whole Church of God, 
1. Thes. 5. 11. 24.  according to our several necessities, 
joh. 15. 7. 1  and after the will of God in faith, 
1. joh. 5. 14 ●● 3. 22.  and withal to make a most sound confession of our sins general or particular, with feeling, and so most seweet thanksgiving for all mercies, with a like comfortable profession of our faith.  
7. We shall so grow in Christ, and repair his image, as by beholding & observing ourselves, 
2. Pet. 1. 10. 11.  we shall get most strong consolation, 
1. The. 1. 3. 4. 5.  that we are true branches of that holy vine, lively members of Christ's body, 
john. 15. 1. 2. 7. 8.  the very sheep of his fold, to stand at his right hand, and hence most certain assurance of eternal life sealed unto us by his holy Spirit, 
1. Tim. 4. 8.  having in the mean time all the promises of this life, 
1. Cor. 3. 21. 22. 23.  and that to come, all being ours and for us.  
8. Seeing our growth in grace, perceiving what sins we have overcome, 
Rom. 5. 10.  and what graces we have obtained, 
Gal 3. 3.  we shallbe encouraged to strive forward to perfection, 
Heb. 10. 32. 33.  until we obtain the end of our strife, 
2. Tim. 4. 7. 8.  the crown of glory. Apoc. 2. 9 10.  
9 We shall shine as stars in the world, 
Phil. 2. 15.  to the greater glory of our god. the comfort and good ensample of God's servants, 
1. Pet. 2. 12. 15.  the conversion of the wicked, or stopping their mouths, and leaving them more without excuse.  
10. We shall increase the brightness of our glory in heaven, 
Dan. 12. 3.  as we have more glorified God in the earth: 
Rom 2. 6. 7  for the practice of this examination in the course of our life, 
Mat. 19 28. 29.  is a spiritual sowing, 
2. Cor. 9 6.  whereof we shall in due time reap a plentiful harvest, if we fail not. Gal. 6. 7. 8. 9 10.  
11. We shall be sure to get and keep a good conscience, whereof such peace, boldness, security, and heavenly joy will follow in us, 
Pro. 15. 15.  as passeth all understanding, 
Rom. 5. 3. 2. 3.  and no carnal man can possibly feel, 
Phil. 4. 7.  but only those for whom the kingdom is prepared, 
2. Cor. 1. 12  because it is the beginning of it in this world. 
Ro. 14. 17.   
12. Briefly, which is the sum of all, we shall get this assurance that jesus Christ is our Saviour anointed for us, our 

King.  
Priest.  
Prophet.   having made us also Kings and priests, 
Apo. 1. 6.  to our God for evermore. 
1. Pet. 2. 9    

Some necessary questions appertaining hereunto.  

1. Of senselessness in sin.  
Quest. Can any man living without feeling of his sin, and misery by it, or of his spiritual poverty, have any sound hope of his salvation by Christ?  
Ans. No. Christ is a physician only to them that are sick, 
Luk. 4. 18.  a deliverer to them who feel themselves in prison, 
Esa. 61. 1.  calls them only that travel, 
Mat. 11. 29 30.  and are ready to faint under the burden of their sins.   

Of obstinacy in sin.  
Q. Can any who continue stubbornly in any one sin, not submitting themselves to be ruled by the word of Christ and his ministers, in all things, hope for eternal life by Christ, or the favour of God?  
A. No, 
Mat. 16. 24. 25.  they that come to Christ must follow him forsaking themselves, 
Luk. 9 23.  taking up their cross daily, 
Mat. 11. 30  and learn of him to bear his yoke: 
Act. 3. 22. 23.  if ever they will find rest unto their fowls, 
Luk. 10. 16  they must hear his voice, or else they shall be destroyed from among his people. For they that despise Christ's messengers, refusing to hear them, despise him: and all that boast of faith, 
Iam. 2. 17. 18  must show their faith by their works, to be a living faith, else it shall no more profit them then the faith of the devils, yea all must follow holiness without which no man shall ever see God with comfort. Heb. 12. 14.   

3. To whom sound comfort belongs.  
Q. Can any but they who endeavour to walk with GOD in holiness all their days, have any comfort that they shall be heard in their distress, or can they pray?  
A. No, for the justice of God will not admit it: for he that turns away his care from hearing the law, 
Pro. 28. 9  his prayer is abominable, and what marvel is it, if God call to us, and we will not hear to obey him, 
Prou. 1. 24. 25. 28. 29.  though he hear not us, 
Psal. 66. 18  when we call and cry to him. Therefore we must hold the prophet's rule for certain. 
john 9 31.  That if we but incline unto wickedness in our hearts, 
Esay. 1. 15.  God will not hear us. 
Esa. 66. 2. 3.   

Experiment general.  
Try whether we can find any sound comfort in our prayers, that God will hear us in the day of our affliction or any time of need, or that any one of the promises of GOD belong to us, or so much as believe any article of faith with comfort, until we have sound repent of all our sins, our known sins particularly, unknown generally, with a full resolution to know the Lord, and fear him, walking in all his commandments for ever.    

4. Quest. Of the causes of backsliding.  
Quest. Sith sin hath such fearful effects, and men void of feeling of their sin, are in so dangerous a case, how come a number, who have had some good feeling, to such coldness in religion, hardness of heart and senselessness in sin, as to make no conscience almost of any sin?  
Ans. 1. By neglecting the means of the preservation of grace, as of ordinary hearing, reading of the Scriptures and other good books prayer, 
Mar. 4. 24. 25.  meditation, 
Heb. 10. 24 25. 38. 39  conference, examination, fasting, and the like, or doing these things for a fashion only, without reverence, or at least not waiting, for the fruit of them.  
2. By committing some gross sin, or living in some known sin without repentance, 
Mat. 25. 29  as David, or for not glorifying god according to our knowledge of him, 
Rom. 1. 21 22. 24. 16. 28.  in practising all holy duties which he requireth, or at least, not receiving the love of the truth. 2. Thes. 2 10. 11. 12.  
3. By overmuch greediness in seeking earthly things, whether our pleasures, profits, 
Mat. 13. 23 44. 45 46  ease or credit, which steal away our hearts and choke grace; 
Luk. 8. 14  or seeking them more than God's glory and his favour, 
Mat. 6. 33. 〈◊〉. 37. 38.  with the things concern his kingdom, 
Mat. 6. 24.  or with the neglect hereof, 
1. joh. 2. 15  and of the salvation of our brethren. For our love cannot be in the highest degree, to two contrary masters: but as it increaseth towards one it decreaseth towards the other. neither will our jealous God part our love with the world, for either he will be loved with all the heart, 
jam. 4. 4.  and with all the soul, 
Mat. 22. 37  and above all earthly things, 
Luk. 14. 26  or not at all.  
4. By familiarity with the enemies of God's religion, 
Psa. 26. 45 & 16. 3. 4 & 25. 4.  or men notoriously profane, 
Pro. 22. 24. 25.  or lukewarm professors for it is the just judgement of God to lead us into temptation hereby, 
Deut. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.  so giving us up for these sins.    

Some special preservatives against every sin.  
1. That we be resolute to choose rather to endure any misery, then to sin against God. as joseph, 
Dan. 1. 8.  Daniel, and the three children.  
2. That we consider the heinousness of the least sin, that it is against God's infinite majesty, and Christ's blood, deserving the eternal curse of God; and more by the fearful punishment of the sin of the angels, 
Num. 29. 12.  of Adam, Moses, Vzzah, Saul, and chief, 
Deut. 3. 26.  that upon the son of God himself, 
2. Sam. 6. 6. 7.  so to accustom ourselves to subdue the very lest sins.  
3. That we warily resist the first motions to any sin, 
1. Chro. 13. 10.  and be careful avoid every occasion thereof, 
1. The. 5. 22.  as we do of infectious diseases. Gen. 39 10. 
Pro. 5. 8. & 6. 25. 27. 28.   
4. That we live always as in God's presence who may take us away on a sudden, 
Gen. 17. 1.  remembering also our appearance before him. 
job. 32. 22.  Acts. 24. 15. 16.  
5. That we keep continually a fresh remembrance of God's great goodness, 
2. Cor. 5. 10. 11.  especially his chiefest mercies bodily, 
Psal. 203. 2. 3. 4. 5. etc. 116. 12. & 16. 3.  and spiritual, ordinary, and extraordinary, 
Gen. 39 9  to say always as joseph, 
Psa. 91. 11.  how can I do this, and sin against my good God? Neh. 6. 11. 13.  
6. That we be walking ever painfully in our special calling with God. 
Deut. 32. 15.   
7. That we keep withal a perpetual memory of the former misery of sin, and blessings of righteousness.  
8. That above all we use servant prayer upon all occasions to be kept by these preservatives. 1. Thes. 5. 17. Eph. 6. 18.   

Means to keep always a tender conscience.  
1. This practice of considering our ways. Psal. 119. 59  
2. Careful using all the means of grace, 
2. Tim. 1. 6.  neglecting no one.  
3. Avoiding presumptions, 
Psal. 29. 13.  or gross sins.  
4. Companying familiarly only with the godly, avoiding the contrary so far, 
Psal. 15. 4. &. 16. 3. & 119. 63.  as is possible.  
5. Watching against worldly cares, that they steal not away our hearts. Mat. 6. 24. & 13. 22. Luk 21. 34.  
This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek thy face, this is jacob. Psa. 24. 6.  
The way of the righteous shineth as the light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Pro. 4. 18. 19  
The loving kindness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him, and his righteousness upon children's children. Unto them that keep his covenant, and think upon his commandments, to do them. Psal. 103. 17. 18.  
FINIS.