THE CHRISTIANS DAILY SACRIFICE: CONTAINING A daily direction for a settled course of Sanctification. Expressing The scope of the seven Treatises of Master ROGERS, as also the sum of Master GREENHAM his spiritual observations, with some further increase tending to perfection.  
By THO. COOPER.  
LONDON, Imprinted by H. B. for WALTER BURRE, and are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Crane. 1608.   

¶ TO THE HIGH and excellent Princess, Elizabeth, eldest daughter to our Sovereign Lord King JAMES.  
MOST gracious Princess; vouchsafe (I beseech you) the remembrance of that duty, which we owe unto God for all his benefits; namely, to take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. This is the subject of this small Treatise. Which I am the rather emboldened to present unto your grace, because, as the Lord hath renewed his mercies continually upon your princely person, especially showed himself marvelous in that your admirable deliverance from these bloody hunters: so it pleased your highness to accept very favourably the remembrance thereof, and to patronage my first labours (to that end) with the prime of your Grace's protection: which as it hath the rather bound me to consecrate myself and all my studies to your Grace's devotion; so do I in all humble manner tender unto your Excellency, a pledge hereof in these short meditations; which as they may be your daily practice of thankfulness to God for all his mercies toward you: so will they also prove very profitable directions for the information of your tender years in the ways of God: that so being daily crowned with new blessing, you may at length be fitted for that crown of glory, which the Lord jesus hath purchased for you. To whose blessed protection I do most heartily commend your Highness: and so most humbly take my leave.  
Your Grace's most affectionate in all duty, Tho. Cooper.   

TO THE RGIHT Honourable the Lord Harington, and his virtuous Lady.  
RIGHT Honourable, the princely charge that the Lord hath honoured your elder years withal, that your age may be a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness, as it hath laid upon your Honours, a greater care for the discharge thereof: so hath it provoked also those (who as in private they wish your well-fares, so especially, they desire your happy success in that public Charge, as being in all hearty loyalty obliged thereto: These, I say, have been stirred up to devise all holy and profitable means whereby your Charge may be more Honourable, and your care more comfortable. Among whom, seeing it hath pleased your Honours formerly to accept of me, & daily to bind me thereto by renewed favours I have therefore endeavoured to testify the hearty continuance of my duty towards your Honours in this Brief of holy rules, and instructions, which I have been bold to dedicate to the hopeful, and happy days of your Gracious Charge: not therein presuming to teach your Honour what you should do: but rather proposing the same as a Glass, wherein you may view, what you have done well; and so both to encourage your Honours in a happy proceeding, and to give you sound comfort in the good success thereof: which as I shall not cease to pray daily unto the Almighty for; so I do most humbly beseech your Honours thus to conceive of my endeavours, & to continue, as you do, the true patterns of virtuous nobility, & the Honourable patrons of religion & learning. And so I most heartily commend your Honours to the grace of God.  
Your Honours to command in all love and duty, Tho. Cooper.   

❧ To the Christian Reader, grace and peace.  
THE many 
* Greenham. Perkin●. Rogers. Downam. and Arthur Dent, etc.  excellent treatises & larger discourses concerning the power of godliness, which it hath pleased the Lord of glory to furnish his Church withal in these last days; as they have made good the faithfulness of our God unto us of this Church of England, so if they shall not be a witness against us, do they necessarily require the right use thereof, that we be transformed into the same image from glory to glory. And therefore howsoever it may seem both needless and prejudicial after so many grave, and experimental rules concerning sanctification, to add any more in this kind: yet seeing it hath pleased God to direct me to a further labour herein, weigh with me I pray thee in equity these reasons hereof:  
First I do hereby profess my thankfulness unto God for those excellent labours of his Saints that now rest from their labours and their fruits follow them.  
Secondly, I would have thee know that I am not ashamed of this foolishness of preaching and practic Divinity, which is such a mystery to the world, and stumbling block unto the wisdom thereof.  
Thirdly, Howsoever I do profess that I am not able to attain such perfection, as I have herein conceined, yet I would have thee know further, that I would rather have a rule to condemn sin in the flesh, and so confound the old man, that thereby the new man may follow hard after the mark, than not to give testimony to that light which hath shined so graciously unto me, then to conceal my judgement, though it may condemn th● practise.  
Fourthly, May it please thee to consider with me: Can a man walk in the sun, and not be warm, and where two lie together, will there not be heat? and can the light be hidden, nay, ought it to be hidden?  
5 Can we do less in these days then convince a profane world?  
6 Can we do better than strengthen that which is ready to die?  
7 Shall not Gods remembrancers renew their strength, when the devils instruments do so rage with all licentiousness?  
8 Do we not justify the good by seeking out their ways?  
9 Should we not discourage the wicked by making a good profession?  
10 Owe we not this duty to our mother?  
11 Shall not this redound to the glory of God?  
Let this content thee: and provoke thee to make use of these labours, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things: that thou mayest try the Spirits, and hereby thine own, whether thou art in the faith or no, and so for ever mayest follow the true Shepherd. To whose blessed protection I do most heartily commend thee.   

THE CONTENTS OF the book.  

CHAP. I.  
Of Man and his, 

1 Creation.  
2 Fall.  
3 Redemption: how, 

1 performed.  
2 The benefit thereof.  
3 How applied.       

CHAP. II.  
Of the word. 

1 How it leads to Christ.  
2 And so in him to a constant course of holiness, that so we may be happy.     

CHAP. III.  
Of the daily direction to serve God.   

CHAP. FOUR  
What this daily direction is. And, 

1 Though it be impossible to be kept yet it is to be known.  
2 It is not impossible in some measure.  
3 Nay it is necessary to be kept.  
4 Yea most convenient.  
5 And profitable.  
6 And also exceeding pleasant.     

CHAP. V.  
The Parts of this daily Sacrifice.   

CHAP. VI  
1 To be Humbled before the Lord, in the sense of sin, here, 

1 The practice of repentance.  
2 Helps to this practice.  
3 Marks of repentance.  
4 Effects of repentance.     

CHAP. VII.  
2 Of the raising up of a sinner by a true and lively faith, here, 

First, How faith is revived in us.  
Secondly, The degrees of this work.  
Thirdly, The marks of particular assurance.  
Fourthly, The degrees thereof, 

1 Weakness of faith. 

1 How known.  
2 How caused.    
Secondly, Strength of faith, 

1 How known.  
2 How obtained.         

CHAP. VIII.  
Of the preparing and furnishing of the heart to the service of God, and 

1 That the heart is asleep, and by what means.  
2 The heart to be awakened, and how.  
3 The heart awakened, must be examined, and how. 

1 By a true rule.  
2 In an holy manner.  
3 To a right end.  
4 The heart examined, must be established in the worship of God. And how.       

CHAP. IX.  
Of the Spiritual Armour, and arming of the heart.  
The parts of the Spiritual armour, and first,  
Of the girdle of truth, and it parts, which are: 

1 A rectified judgement. 

How discerned.  
How put on.  
It benefit.    
2 The Sanctified conscience. 

How discerned.  
How obtained  
The benefit thereof.    
3 The Sincerity of the will. 

How known.  
It measure.  
The benefit thereof.    
4 The well ordering of the affections. 

How discerned.  
How furthered.  
The benefit thereof.    
5 The Sincerity of the tongu● 

Whoerein it consists.  
Of speech, and 

1 Preparation to it.  
2 Matter of speech.    
Of persons  
How to speak of God.  
How of our neighbour.  
What to be avoided, and observed.  
How to speak of ourselves and that  
In Praise,  
In dispraise.  
Of things to be spoken.  
Manner of Speech. 

1 It must be gracious.  
2 True. here of the evidences and bonds of truth.    
Promise.  
Oath: here of the  
Lawfulness.  
Matter.  
Manner.  
Lawful swearer.  
End of an oath.  
Before whom we may swear,  
When.  
How an oath binds.  
The abuses of an oath.  
Of Lying,  
Flattery.  
Concealing of 〈◊〉.  
A third grace of speech,  
Reverence, and that in respect of, 

1 God.  
2 man..    
To give holy names to our children.  
Reverence to superiors.  
And what to be avoided.  
Blasphemy.  
Abuse of scripture.  
Abuse of ourselves.  
A fourth grace of speech, Sobriety.  
This seen,  
In salutation.  
Popish blessing to be heeded.  
Soft answering.  
Reproof for sin.  
A fifth grace of speech, cheerfulness.  
It bonds, how to be used at, 

1 Board,  
2 Bed.    
Here to be avoided or rectified: 

jesting.  
Laughter.    
A sixth grace of speech, Care of our neighbours good name.  
How performed.  
What to be avoided.  
A last grace of speech, Brevity.  
The rules thereof.  
Of silence and the use thereof.  
Things,  
Persons, to be concealed, and:  
Before whom.  
A sixth part of the Girdle, the Conformity of our outward actions.  
The ground of them.  
The manner how to be done.  
The ends to which they must aim,  
How to edification.  
How this girdle put on.  
The benefit there of.      
A Second part of the armour. The Breastplate of Righteousness. 

The marks thereof.  
How put on.  
How kept on.    
A Third part of the armour. That our feet be shod with the preparation of the Gospel. 

The use thereof.  
How attained.    
A Fourth part of the armour. The shield of faith. 

It use.    
A fifth part, The Helmet of Hope. 

The use of it.  
How to be put on.    
The last part of the Armour, the sword of the Spirit. 

It several uses.  
How obtained.  
How kept on.    
The general benefit of the whole Armour.   

CHAP. X.  
Of the pursuit of good, and the a●oyding of evil, here 

Difference of evil.  
What the evil of sin is.  
The use of this knowledge.  
How far sin hath taken hold on us.  
The benefit of this knowledge.  
God's ordering sin.  
And the use.  
Sin how to be avoided, and  
How prevented generally.  
Now particularly, when temptations assault us.  
How to recover out of sin. 

1 By viewing sin in the Law▪  
2 In the Gospel:  
2 By judging sin.       

CHAP. XI.  
Of Thanksgiving. 

It use.  
How to be practised.  
What to be avoided.  
Helps to thankfulness.  
The benefit thereof.     

CHAP. XII.  
Of Constancy and perseverance. 

The necessity thereof.  
Helps hereto.  
Removing of the hindrances hereof▪  
The fall of God's children.  
How far.  
The difference between the wicked and godly in their falls.  
The use thereof.     

CHAP XIII.  
Of Watchfulness. 

The use thereof.  
How performed.  
Helps thereto.     

CHAP. XIIII.  
Of Prayer in general, and 

It conditions.  
The benefit thereof.     

CHAP. XV.  
Of Peace with God, and lying down therewith. 

It necessity.  
How obtained.  
How performed.     

CHAP. XVI.  
How to profit in this direction.   

CHAP. XVII.  
Of right employing the occasions of the day.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
Of arising with God and awaking in his peace. 

The necessity thereof.  
How performed.  
How furthered.     

CHAP. XIX.  
Of Family and Private prayer. 

It necessity.  
How performed, and by whom.  
What to be avoided herein.  
Directions for the same.  
The benefit hereof.     

CHAP. XX.  
Of Callings, & following thereof. 

That it is God's ordinance.  
To be expected by ordinary means▪  
The right use specially to be aimed a●  
How to use them aright.  
How to leave them.  
How to intermit them.  
The benefit thereof.     

CHAP. XXI.  
Of the right use of the creatures  
The benefit thereof.   

CHAP. XXII.  
Of the use of Company. 

How to discern good and bad company.  
What company to be chosen.  
How to be refused.  
How to carry ourselves in good company.  
The benefit of them.  
The difference of good company.  
Of Sabbath society and rules for it.  
Of private exercises.  
Of Public thanksgivings and their rules.  
Of public fasts.  
The authority of them.  
The occasion.  
Manner of performance.  
Time.  
Ends.  
Of Spiritual private society.  
Between Minister and people.  
Inferior and superior.  
Between equals.  
Rules general to all.  
Trial of the right use.  
Of Accessary meetings for religion, as  
Counsels.  
Synods and their appertenances.  
Of civil society.  
Rules for the same.  
Of occasional meetings.  
How to sort with the wicked.  
Use of evil company.     

CHAP. XXIII.  
Of solitariness 

How to behave ourselves therein.  
The benefit thereof.  
Cautions to be observed.     

CHAP. XXIIII.  
Of Prosperity. 

The necessity of this knowledge.  
How to be used well.  
Considerations to this end.  
Trial of the right use,  
Helps hereunto.     

CHAP. XXV.  
Of adversity and the right use thereof. 

The necessity of this knowledge.  
How to be used well.  
Helps hereunto:     

CHAP. XXVI.  
Of family exercises.   

CHAP. XXVII:  
Of the daily account. 

Why to be performed, with motiue● hereunto.  
And how.  
The benefit thereof.      

¶ THE Christians' daily Sacrifice.  
CHAP. I.  
FIRST, 
Of man and his.  God made all things for his glory, but especially Man, Pro. 16. 3. 1. Co. 10. 31. in whom is discovered 

1. The greatness of his justice.  
2. The riches of his mercy. Rom. 9 22.    
Secondly, Man glorifieth God in a fourfold estate of his, 

1. Creation.  
2. Fall.  
3. Redemption.  
4. Glorification.    
Thirdly, The Lord from everlasting so decreed concerning mankind, that the greater part thereof should be condemned, and but a remnant saved. And to this end created he man. 
Creation.  Rom. 9 28. Mat. 7. 13.  
Fourthly, Man was created after the image of God in a most perfect estate of holiness: wherein he glorified God in absolute conformity to him, yet subject unto change: which also made for God's glory. Gen. 1. 27.  
Fiftly, 
Fall.  The Lord ordained the Fall of man, and therefore his estate was mutable, that so his fall might be from himself: that God might make a way for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy & justice, in the execution of his decree, concerning the salvation of the elect, & condemnation of the reprobate; by such means as from all eternity the Lord had sealed thereunto; and thereupon man fell. Gen. ●. 6.  
Sixtly, Man having received an estate for himself, and his posterity, by his fall utterly deprived himself and all his issue of God's favour, and the fruit thereof, the right and possession of heaven and earth: and plunged himself and all his posterity into a most woeful bondage of sin and Satan. Goe 2. 17. Ro. 6. 12.  
Seventhly, 
Redemption.  The fall of man made a way to the work of Redemption which was performed by jesus Christ.  
Eightly, Christ jesus was first, decreed from all eternity: secondly, promised immediately after the fall of Adam: thirdly, exhibited in the fullness of time, to perform a full redemption for us. Gal. 4. 4. Gen. 3.  
Ninthly, Our redemption by Christ, is either performed or applied.  
Tenthly, Christ jesus performed our redemption: 
How it was performed.  first, by obedience. And that  
1. To God his Father in coming to redeem us.  
2. In taking our nature upon him.  
3. To the Law in fulfilling it perfectly, which we had broken.  
4. In undergoing the punishment when he had fulfilled the Law.  
And by these his sufferings our redemption was secondly wrought out.  
These sufferings of Christ: were  
First, either in his whole li●e such miseries as sin had drawn upon us, that so he might sanctify them unto us, as hunger, cold, etc. Heb. 2. 18. Heb. 4. 15.  
Secondly, Or at his death, such pains as we had deserved, and here he suffered,  
First, in his body as 1. preparations to death.  

1. Buffet by the Soldiers. Mat. 27. & 28.  
2. Whipping, and scourging.  
3. Crowning with Thorns.  
4. Carrying of his Crosse.  
5. nailing to the Crosse. joh. 19   
Secondly, death itself: here consider,  
1 The ignominious manner, upon the cursed tree. Gal. 3.  
2 The cruelty used upon his dead body, as being pierced to the heart by that merciless Soldier. joh. 19 34.  
3 His ignominious burial, and detaining for three days in the grave. These were his sufferings in body.  
Secondly, he also suffered for us in his soul, and that 1. In his whole life.  
1 Grief for the sin of the world, and especially of his own countrymen who refused him. joh. 1.  
2 The mockings of the wicked and treachery of his own was no small anguish unto him. Especially at his death, as  
First, that he was betrayed by judas his own disciple. Luk. 22. 48.  
2 His agony in the garden where he sweat water and blood, in great abundance. Luke 22.  
3 His trouble in soul. joh. 12. 7.  
4 The withdrawing of the assistance of the Deity for the present. Phil. 2. 8.  
5 The curse of God upon him for man's sin, Gal. 3. 10.  
6 The power of Satan prevailing for a time.  
7 The horror of being overwhelmed with the heavy wrath of God. Heb. 5. 7.  
8 His detaining under the sorrows of death. Acts. 2. 24.  
All these, Christ jesus our redeemer suffered in his human nature, but they were accompanied with the merit and efficacy of the divine nature, the dignity whereof enabled them hereunto, & made them meritorious for our salvation.  
Now because it was not possible that the Son of God should be holden of the sorrows of death; for than had he not been justified and acquitted from our sins: therefore by the power of his Godhead he raised up himself, and so accomplished yet further the work of our redemption. Rom. 4. 25. Act. 2. 24.  
And so Christ jesus our redeemer obtained a glorious conquest by his resurrection from the dead: and that  
First, Over the Law in abolishing the dominion and rigour thereof.  
Secondly, Over Satan and H●ll, chaining up Satan & destroying for ever the powers of hell. 1. Co. 15. 57  
Thirdly, Over sin, and that  
1 in taking away the sting and guiltiness thereof.  
2 Abating the rage and fury of the same. Rom. 7 24. 25.  
3 Healing in some measure the corrupt fountain of the same.  
4 Wealding the force and daily eating out the very corruption thereof. Rom. 6. 12. 3.  
Fourthly, death is also conquered and subdued; and that,  
1 By taking away the sting thereof.  
2 By destroying the dominion of the same. Rom. 5. 14.  
3 Sanctifying it to the Godly, to whom it is the gate to everlasting life. 1. Thes. 4.  
4 Raising up our flesh from the grave. 1. Cor. 15.  
And thus by this glorious conquest of our Captain jesus Christ, is recovered unto us, Heb. 12. 2.  
First, 
The Benenefit of our redemption.  The favour of God our Father, whose children we are now become in jesus Christ. 2. Cor. 5. 18. 1. john 3. 1. Colos. 1. 20.  
Secondly, The fruits of this favour, which are  
1 Faith in the son of GOD, whereby being justified before God we have,  
2 Peace of conscience with God and man. 1. Rom. 5. 1. Rom. 7. 4.  
3 joy unspeakable in the holy Ghost. 1. Pet. 1. 8.  
4 We become fruitful in all good works, and so thereby become meet partakers. Colos. 1. 12.  
5 Of salvation.  
The earnest whereof we have in this life: first by the inward testimony of the spirit. ●. Cor. 1. Ephes. 4.  
Secondly, By our outward similitude and conformity to our head Christ jesus, being changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 2. Cor. 3. 18.  
And we shall fully enjoy it in the life to come, where shall be  
1 Ceasing of all sin and sorrow. Revel. 7. 17.  
2 Perfect righteousness and holiness. Ephes. 5. 27.  
3 Fullness of joy. Psal. 16.  
4 Immediate fruition and conjunction with God. 1. Cor. 13. 12.  
5 Eternity of happiness, and bliss for evermore. ●. Pet. 1 4.  
All these hath the Son of God purchased for us.  
The means whereby all these are made ours, 
The application of this benefit by Faith.  is Faith.  
This Faith is wrought in us by the preaching of the word. Rom. 10. 17.  
And that first of the Law.  
First, Discovering our misery, unto us in particular, both  
1 From what a blessed estate we are fallen, Roman. 3. Roman. 7. as also  
Into what a woeful and desperate condition we are now plunged, not only by reason of our sin:  
Being able to do nothing but displease God. Gen. 6. 5.  
And that in regard  
1 Of the transgression of Adam, which lies upon us. Rom. 5.  
2 The fruit of this transgression, even a general infection and corruption of all the powers and faculties of soul and body.  
1 Of the understanding, filled with blindness, & darkness & not savouring the things of God. Eph. 4 17  
2 The Conscience wounded, seared, defiled, never sound peaceable. Timot 4. 1. Corinth. 1. 2: Esay 57 1.  
3 The memory fit to retain evil, and to forget good. Heb. 10 22.  
4 The will captivated to evil, and yet running headlong thereto, but to do good altogether averse. Rom. 8. 5, 6.  
5. And so the affections led violently after the sway thereof, as also  
6 The conversation most loathsome to God and man. 1. Tim. 1. 15.  
7 The thoughts impotent and unsatiable to evil, and infinite therein.  
8 His best actions, greatest abominations. Pr. 28 9 Io. 9 3● Ps 50 16.  
A second part of man's misery, is the fruit of his ●inne,  
Namely; that  
First, He is most odious to God & most justly accursed of him, Col. 1. 21. and this curse is manifest,  
First, Upon his body by those fearful and innumerable plagues, disease's, judgements of famine, etc. which he upon men and consume them in this life. D●u. 28 15. Ge 3. 17.  
Secondly, By that horrible abuse of God's blessings, which are bestowed on him: making the creature to groan under this bondage of corruption, and so to increase the score against the life to come. Rom. 8. 19  
Secondly, Upon his soul, and that ●●st in this life:  
1 In being given up to a reprobate sense. Rom. 1. 23.  
2 Deprived of the knowledge of God, but so far as shall make him without excuse. Psalm 49. 15.  
3 To be past feeling through the hardness of his heart. Ephes. 4. 19  
4 Thence to fall into woeful and irrecoverable despair, Gen. 4. and to discover the same by madness, blasphemies, etc.  
Secondly, In the life to come, by first:  
1 Utter separation from the presence of God, and happiness for ever. 2. Thes. 1. 21.  
2 Perpetual communion with Satan and the infernal spirits: and so of all torments,  
Especially  
First, Desperate sorrow for an irrecoverable loss.  
Secondly, Insufferable weight of the wrath of God.  
Thirdly, Sensible torment, yet not to be expressed.  
Fourthly, The worm of conscience accusing, & gnawing continually.  
Fiftly, Bitter envy at the happiness of the elect.  
Sixtly, Restless content, in this fearful condition.  
Thus the Law discovers to man his miser●, and therefore,  
First, It is to be preached to sinners. 2. Tim. 4. 2.  
Secondly, Men are to be acquainted with the particulars of it.  
Thirdly, And to yield to the power thereof, that so it may lead them to Christ, who is properly revealed unto us in the preaching of the Gospel, which doth especially beget & perfect the work of Faith, and that  
1 By making us to believe our misery, through a particular application thereof unto ourselves. Rom. 7. 9 Rom. 15. 4. Matth. 9 12.  
2 By working anguish and sorrow inspirit for the same. Act. 2. 37. jerem. 21. 1●. judg. 2. 3, 10.  
3 Advising what to do, Luk. 15. 17. jerem. 8. ●, 7. and considering deeply what we have done. Reu. 7. 24.  
4 Submitting to Gods will, to be guided hereafter according to the same. Luk. 17. 9 Eze. 36. 2. Act. 9 6.  
5 Hereupon the Lord further reveals himself unto the sinner in working a secret desire of forgiveness, from the consideration of the kindness and readiness of God to pardon, yea though it be but a drop of mercy. Luke 15. 17, 18. Mat. 12. 20. Mat. 11▪ 28. Mat. 5. 4. Matth. 9 12. Luke 7. 38. jon. 3. Hest. 4. Pro. 28. 9 job 33. 33.  
6 This desire works a resolution to go to this gracious God, though yet he feel not pardon for his sins. Luke 15.  
7 Coming to God, sin is confessed in most conscionable, and in particular manner. Psal. 19 12.  
8 Pardon is most instantly and boldly begged for the same. Mat. 15. Rom. 10. 14.  
9 Resolution to renounce all, to buy this precious pearl: which is a kind of assurance of the purchase of this pardon, Mat. 13. upon the due valuation of the price of it, and so he promiseth a full forsaking of the wo●ld, Mat. 19 29. Heb. 11 25▪ and utter renouncing of sin, Hose. 14. 9 etc. for ever. Luke 19 9 1. Samu. 7. 3, 4. Pro. 28. Phil. 1. 7, 8,  
10 Hereupon followeth an application of Christ and his promises by the seal of the spirit. Rom. 8. 16. 2. Cor. 1. 22. And hence proceed:  
1 Contentation spiritual, & peace with God and our own consciences.  
2 Following the true Shepherd. john 10.  
3 joy in the Spirit, and sweetness extraordinary. Rom. 5. 2.  
4 Admiration heavenly, at this wonderful work. 2. Cor. 1. 12.  
5 Tenderness of conscience in all our actions. Heb. 13. 18.  
6 Boldness to approach the throne of Grace. Rom. 8. Heb. 10.  
7 A mind estranged from the world and love thereof. Gal 5.  
8 Holy conference, and ask the way to Zion.  
9 Heavenly conversation. Phi. 3. 20.  
10 Readiness and patience to and under the Cross Rom. 5.  
11 Desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Phili. 1. 23.  
Thus is Faith wrought in us, thus may we discern the work thereof.  
And this Faith is thus effectual, when it bringeth forth the fruit of an holy life, whereby we are made partakers of the divine nature, & so made meet to that happiness, whereinto no unclean thing shall enter. Iam. 2. 2. Pet. 1. 3. Col. 1. 11. Reu. 21. 27.  
Hence we may learn:  
1 That there is no holiness in nature, and therefore no happiness from thence. Rom. 3. 9  
2 Our righteousness is of faith, laying hold on jesus Christ. Phil. 3. 9  
3 Being redeemed by Christ, we must be zealous of good works, which God hath ordained us to walk in. Ephes. 2. 10.  
4 That we may not err in well-doing, nor be weary thereof, we must have a Guide to direct us therein. john 11. 9   

CHAP. II.  
This Guide is only the perfect word of God.  
1 BEcause it is the brief of Gods revealed wil 
The word the guide of this direction.  Ps 40. 7.  
2 It reacheth not only to the outward, but inward man also, and is a discerner of the secret thoughts and rains. Heb. 4. 12.  
3 It is that will of God, which the Lord would have to this end communicated unto all. Colos. 1. 6. john 5. 35.  
4 It is sufficient and absolutely perfect to accomplish whatsoever concerns our entrance or perfection to eternal life. 2. Tim. 3. 16.  
5 It is a sure and everlasting word, able to accomplish that which it promiseth or threateneth, and giving grace to perform that in some measure which it enjoineth. Ephe. 6. 17. 1. Pet. 1. 2. Pet. 1. 19 Psal. 19 7. Psal. 119. 93.  
6 It is most plain and easy to be apprehended, as being a light shining in a dark place. 2. Pe. 1. Pr. 8. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4.  
Hence it followeth  
1 That whatsoever is not warranted by the word, is sin. Apoc. 22. 18. Deut. 4. 2. Pro. 30. 6.  
2 That the Law of nature written in our hearts, is no sufficient rule of life. 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 12.  
3 Much less the Laws of nations are perfect rules to live by. Deu. 4. 6.  
4 No will-worship is accepted of God. Mat. 15. 9 Col. 2. 2 3. Deu. 12. 8.  
5 Neither a good intention makes a good action, 2. Sam. 6. 6.  
6 Nor an erroneous conscience excuseth an evil fact, or maketh that which is doubtful good. Rom. 14. 23  
7 No not ignorant devotion aviales in God's worship. Rom. 10. 2. Acts 13. 5●, 51.  
8 Much less the lawless lusts of our hearts, which tend to the destruction of life. Ephes. 1. 22.  
9 Neither is the multitude a justifiable warrant of our actions. Ex. 23.  
10 No not the examples of any, further than they square with the word. 1. Cor. 11. 1.  
11 Neither the word itself in the letter, but in the spiritual meaning thereof. Matt. 5.  
12 And the meaning of the word to befetcht not from any other but the Word, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. 1. Cor. 2. 13.  
13 Yea, the true meaning must be applied by faith before our actions can be warranted thereby. Rom. 14.  
So doth the word contain a perfect direction of our life.   

CHAP. III.  
THis direction is a daily and constant endeavour to serve God. 
What this direction is, namely to serve God daily and constantly.  And that  
1 Because the Lord requires such a daily and constant course. Philip. 3. 15. Gen. 17. 1. job. 1. 5.  
2 The Lord gives grace and appoints means for the performance thereof, as the continual inhabitation of his spirit, and the fruit thereof the holy seed that remains in us. 1. Ioh 3 8.  
3 The Saints of God have practised such a course. Psa. 1.  
4 To this end were we redeemed, that we should serve God in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Luk. 1.  
5 God doth daily bestow blessings upon us, therefore we must daily serve him. Lam. 3. 23. Psal. 103. 2.  
6 Christ jesus maketh continual intercession for us: that we should daily, yea hourly and continually perform acceptable service unto God.  
7 Satan is never weary of tempting us: therefore we should have our loins girt, and be always upon our watch to resist him. 1. Pet. 5 8.  
8 We have not a days warrant, no not an hours certainty of life, therefore we are at no time to be unprepared, because we know not the hour when our master cometh. Math 24.  
9 We are pilgrims and travelers in this world, and therefore we must travail each day homeward to our country Hebr. 11. 12.  
10 By our calling we are watchmen, soldiers, etc. and therefore we must daily be exercised in this spiritual war fare. 2. Timon thy 2. 6.  
Hence it followeth,  
1 That to fancy any such service out of the word, which is not daily and constant is sin. Hosea. 6. 4.  
2 To think that the service of the Sabbath is all that God requireth, is also sin. Esai 1. 13.  
3 It is in vain to serve God a● random and not in an holy an● constant order.  
4 To put off the service of Go● to the end of our life is most presumptuous. Psal. 95. 7.  
5 To think I have any liberty o● time to serve sin is Atheistical 1. Pet. 4. 2. Ephe. 5. 16.  
6 That it is not will-worship 〈◊〉 perform this service, seeing it 〈◊〉 warranted by the word.  
7 That it is no novelty to seru● God after this manner.  
8 Neither is it preciseness to 〈◊〉 ourselves hereunto, seeing it is revealed and therefore belongs vnt● us. Deuter. 29. 29. Ephe. 5● 15.  
Therefore that we may serve God according to his word we must performed 〈◊〉 and continual obedience to him. Colos. 1. 10.   

CHAP. FOUR 
What this daily course is, namely a constant purpose to serve God.   
ANd this is, first a purpose of th● heart, to serve God, as God: wholly and continually. Heb. 13. 18.  
2 This purpose is settled and ro●ted in the heart, and bringeth forth some constant fruit of obedience every day. Col 1. 23. Col. 7. 23.  
3 It is also sincere, and general, having respect unto all God's commandments, in all things desirous to please him daily, & to be fruitful in every good work. Psal. 119. 6. Colos. 1. 10.  
Fourthly, it respects the ends, which are two:  
1 Gods glory, not any worldly or vain respects. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
2 The eternal salvation of my soul, not any transitory or outward blessing. Phil. 3. 8. 1. Pet. 1. 9  
5 It enjoins these so far as God shall inwardly enable, and outward means permit, rather to put us in mind what we should be, than what we can be in this life. 1. Cor. 8. 12.  
Hence it followeth,  
First, 
Sect. 1. This course to be known though impossible to be kept.  that though this course were impossible, yet were it necessary to be known, and endeavoured of us.  
1 That it might be a daily rule of our life.  
2 That it might continually humble us under the mighty hand of God.  
3 That it might daily drive us to Christ.  
4 That it might wean us from th● world, and fit us to eternal happiness.  
Hence it followeth  
Secondly, 
Sect. 2. It is not impossible  That it is not impossib●● in some good measure, to keep suc● a course and trade of holiness:  
1 Because it presumes not absolute perfection; which indeed we●● folly for any to dream of in th●● life, but is only a following hard 〈◊〉 the mark, and furtherance to perfection. Phil. 3. 13.  
2 It is no harder a task, the 〈◊〉 what the Saints of God do desi●● to attain, Psal. 90. 12. have voluntarily undertaken, and in most comfortable measure performed. Gen. 5. 22.  
3 It may stand well with our ordinary callings. 1. Tim. 4. 8.  
4 Neither doth it exclude our lawful comforts. 2. Tim. 4. 8.  
Hence it followeth:  
Thirdly, 
Sect. 3. It is necessary.  That it is no more th● needs must to take this course:  
1 Because hereby we show our selves obedient to God's commandment. Gen. 17. 1.  
Secondly, We do also approve the soundness of our obedience: as  
1 That it is hearty, not hypocritical.  
2 Not by halves, but general.  
3 Not temporary, but continual.  
4 Not indifferent, but conscionable.  
5 Not enforced, but free & cheerful. Deut. 28 47.  
6 Not uncertain, but constant.  
7 Not carnal, but spiritual.  
Thirdly, Hereby we increase in righteousness and holiness: as being  
First, Confirmed in well doing, and that  
1 By the knowledge of our healy thrift. 1. Thes. 4. 10. Mat. 25. 16.  
2 Thankfulness unto God for it.  
3 Commending the success to God.  
4 Craving his further supply.  
Secondly, Recovered also we shall be out of evil:  
1 By seeing our escapes. jeremy 3. 13.  
2 judging them. 1 Cor. 11. 32.  
3 Denying ourselves. Mat. 16.  
4 Casting ourselves upon Christ Matth. 11.  
Fourthly, Hereby also our outward callings are furthered, as  
1 Being sanctified by this spiritual exercise. 1. Tim. 4. 5.  
2 Moderated, lest we be drunken with them. Deut. 17. 18.  
3 Ordered to the right end, lest they mislead us. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
4 Seasoned, lest we be weary of them.  
5 Blessed, in seeing a happy return by them. Psal. 128.  
Hence it followeth:  
Fourthly, that this duty is most convenient for all sorts.  
Both for all persons, aswell 1. babes in Christ, as 2. strong men.  
And for all estates, as well in prosperity as in adversity.  
First, For babes in Christ: that  
1 They may begin well.  
2 They may go forward without grief, uncertainty, wearisomeness.  
3 That they may obtain a more glorious crown.  
Secondly, For strong men and that  
1 To keep them constant from backsliding. Colos. 2. 7.  
2 To make them more able to win and hold others. Rom. 14. 1.  
3 To acquaint them with the deepness of Satan. Apoc. 2. 24.  
4 To prepare them to greater glory. Dan. 12. 3.  
5 To humble them in the sense of their extraordinary graces. 2. Cor. 12.  
Thirdly, it is fit for men in prosperity: and that  
1 To prevent security. Esai. 5. 12.  
2 To humble them in regard of those temporal things. Luc. 12. 48.  
3 To teach them how to use them to God's glory, their own and their neighbours good. 1. Tim. 6. 17.  
4 That they may part with them willingly. Pil. 4. 12.  
5 That all may be counted as dung in respect of heaven. Philip. 3. 8.  
Fourthly, this practice also will be very necessary in the time of affliction: And that  
1 To prepare us thereunto. Pro, 28. 14. job 3. 25.  
2 To qualify the sharpness of it.  
3 To be conquerors in our troubles and over them. Rom. 8.  
4 To be delivered finally from them. Psal. 34.  
And therefore though do what we can, 
Sect. 4. And profitable.  some corruptions shall still remain, yet this labour is not unprofitable:  
1 Because God accepts herein the purpose of our hearts. 2. Corrinth. 8 12.  
2 The Lord will have some infirmities still left in us to humble 〈◊〉 withal. ●. Cor. 12.  
3 Our hatred of sin shall be perfected hereby, though it remains in us.  
4 The strength of sin shall also much be abated in us.  
5 Our edge to eternal happiness shall be still sharpened, and ou● desire inflamed to fit us thereto. Rom. 7.  
Neither is this labour uncomfortable, 
Sect 5. And pleasant.  For,  
1 We increase hereby an assurance of our salvation. 
The benefit of constant godliness, and therein the Privilege of Christians.  2. Peter 1. 9 10.  
2 We grow more settled, and resolved in godliness, and get the mastery of inconstancy. Ephes. 3. 18. 19  
3 We perform holy duties more easily. Ps. 119. 32. joh. 4. 34. Mat. 11. 24.  
4 We have more near & sweet fellowship with our blessed God, and his holy spirit 1. Tim 4 10. Mat. 10. 30. Ps. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 31. Ps. 2. 12.  
5 We prevent many noisome lusts which otherwise would fasten on us. Psalm 119. 10. 11. john 15. 15. Exod. 19 5. Pro. 19 23.  
6 We are freed from many temporal judgements which unstaid souls are subject to. Psalm 91. 11. Psal. 32. 10. 11.  
7 Our score shall be the less, and our reckoning more easy at the day of judgement.  
8 Hereby we shall have our conversation in heaven. Philip. 3. 21.  
9 Our heart and the inordinate lusts thereof shall be kept at a bay.  
10 We shall be armed against all temptations, and secured in the midst of them. Ephes. 6. 13.  
11 We shall be weaned from the love of this wretched world.  
12 Yea led forward constantly to obtain the end of our faith, which is the salvation of our souls. Ephes. 6. 2. Tim. 4.  
13 We shall approve ourselves not to be of the world by our contrary fashion to it. Rom. 12.  
14 We shall recover our first Image, in being holy as God is holy. 1. Pet. 1.  
15 And ready to meet our Saviour whensoever he shall come. Ephes. 6. Math. 24 25. etc.  
16 We shall see our daily weakness and inability to serve God, and so acknowledge unfeignedly our unworthiness of the least mercies, and so happily prevent spiritual pride.  
17 We gain hereby a certain knowledge of our estate in grace, and by the light hereof we know whither we walk. 1. john 3. 1.  
18 We shall be raised up from our falls into sin. 1. joh. 2. 2.  
19 We shall use prosperity aright. job 3. 1. 24. jer. 8. 4. 6.  
20 And overcome all troubles. Rom. 8. 36.  
21 Yea we shall be fitter to win others. Gal. 6. 1.  
22 And so grow forward to perfection. Col. 1. 9 joh. 7. 52.  
23 And happily be continued to the end.   

CHAP. V.  
IT being now apparent that there is a daily sacrifice of obedience to be performed unto God: 
What are the particulars of this daily sacrifice.  And that it is neither impossible nor unprofitable, but very necessary, fit and behoosefull unto us; let us consider further these two points:  
1 What duties we are necessarily bound in conscience to perform daily.  
2 How we are to entertain the several occasions of the day as usually they fall out, in this holy and constant manner.   

CHAP. VI  
That which we are necessarily bound to do daily, is  
FIrst to be humbled before the Lord in the sense of our own 
1 To be humbled before the Lord in the sense of our sins.  or others sins by true and unfeigned repentance.  
And that because,  
1 The best service we shall do must be sanctified by repentance.  
2 Hereby we give glory unto God, and offer a daily sacrifice acceptable unto him. Psal. 51. 18.  
3 Hereby we deny ourselves and daily take up our cross. Math. 16.  
4 We approve our right and estate in Christ jesus in that we confess ourselves to be sinners and such as have daily need of his mercy, and so daily fit ourselves unto the same. Math. 11 28.  
5 We justify the truth of our religion against all the imaginary perfection of Popery, and security, of Libertines and Atheists whomsoever, and so do daily give an account of our faith. 1. Pet. 3. 15.  
Now this duty is conscionably performed, 
Sect. 1. Practise of repentance.   
First, By taking a strict view and account of them by the glass of the law. Psal. 19 11.  
Secondly, by mourning before the Lord in the sense of them, not so much for fear of the punishment, as that we have offended so good a God. Luke 15. 21.  
Thirdly, by acknowledging our sins unto the Lord. Prou 28. 13. and that,  
1 From the fountain, original sin. Psal. 51. 5.  
2 From the streams; both our thoughts so far●e as we may, our idle words, and profane actions. Psal. 19 12. 13. And here both,  
1 What good we have omitted.  
2 What ●uil we have committed.  
3 How we have sinned of ignorance. Psal. 73 22.  
4 How of knowledge we have transgressed, etc. Especially and more particularly we must acknowledge,  
1 The sins we have been subject to. Psalm 51. 14.  
2 Those which for the present we groan under.  
3 Those which we fear most. Psal. 19 13.  
4 The sins of our fathers. Nehem. 9  
5 The sins of the Land and State among whom we live. Daniel 9  
6 Yea, such as in particular we know not, we are notwithstanding to yield up to be searched by the Lord; and by his mercy either to be brought to our remembrance, or to be graciously passed over. Psal. 19 12.  
Fourthly, Sin being thus acknowledged, we must further proceed to a detestation thereof, job 42. and of ourselves for the same.  
Fiftly, Then we must feel them a burden which we are not able to bear. Act. 2. 37. Psal., 8. 4.  
Lastly, We must fly unto jesus Christ, by faith to be eased of this burden. Matth. 11 28.  
Helps hereunto, are  
1 The due contemplation of the Majesty of God, 
Sect. 2. Helps to this practice.  whom we have so highly offended. Psalm 51. 4.  
2 The vileness and abjectness of man, that durst commit such wickedness against God.  
3 The danger that he hath incurred hereby, even all the plagues that are written in God's book, Deut 29. 27.  
4 The riches of God's mercy, in providing so excellent a remedy against sin, as the precious blood of his only and dearly beloved Son, when nothing in the world was available thereunto. 1. Peter 1.  
5 The excellency of our estate in jesus Christ, with the manifold privileges and benefits thereof. 1. john 3 1.  
6 Our unthankfulness against the blood of the Covenant, in not walking worthy of the same. Ephes. 4. 1.  
7 The danger hereof, to have made the same, so much as lieth in us, of none effect. Heb. 10.  
8 That we have grieved Gods holy Spirit Ephe. 4 30.  
9 And dulled, if not quenched the graces of God in us. 1. Thessalo. 
Sect. 3. Marks of repentance.  5. 19  
Marks of true repentance, are  
1 Refusing carnal comforts more than ordinarily. jonah 3. 6. Esai. 64. 6.  
3 Desire to be more vile. 1. Tim. 1. 13. 15.  
3 Mourning and complaining of hardness of heart. Esai. 63. 17.  
4 Sorrow for the sins of others. Dan. 9 Ezec. 9 Psal. 119. 136.  
5 Trembling at the word, and yet loving the sharpest blows thereof. Psal. 119. 120.  
6 submitting ourselves to God's chastisements. Psal. 39 9 Mich. 7. 9  
7 Labouring the conversion of others. Psal. 51. 17.  
8 Shame of human society. Ezech. 16. 61.  
9 Fear of the wrath of God. Psal. 119. 120.  
10 Strong cries for mercy. joel. 2. 17.  
11 Fear of the occasions and hatred of all appearance of evil. 1. Thessa. 5. 22. 1. Tim. 5. 14. jude. 23.  
12 Poverty of spirit in regard of sin all our life long. Math. 5. 3. 2. Ephes. 3. 12. 
Sect. 4. Effects of repentance.   
The effects and benefits hereof, are  
1 We shall cut off custom in sin, and prevent security in the same. Math. 26. 41.  
2 Our fear of God shall be increased, and so the rage of sin abated Psal. 119. 133.  
3 Self love shall be weakened and happily subdued.  
4 The sandy foundation of natuere shall be discovered, and wisely abandoned. ●om. 3. 9 20.  
5 An holy despair of ourselves procured.  
6 Our hunger after Christ jesus more sharpened and increased.  
7 The heart exceedingly eased of a most grievous burden. Psalm 32. 4. 5.  
8 Yea the very body much quieted and maintained in health. Psal. 32. 5.   

CHAP. VII.  
THE soul being thus humbled, 
Of the raising up of a sinner by a true and lively faith  must be raised up again by a true and lively faith: and this is the second duty daily to be performed: and that  
1 Because our former humiliation without this raising up, will either drive us to despair, or else make our life most uncomfortable unto us. Gal. 2. 20. Phil. 3.  
2 Because nothing will prosper in the day without this comfort, neither our desires for what we want, nor our use of that we have.  
3 By this we truly live the life of grace, and so have our conversation here in heaven.  
4 Hereby also we die daily, and so are fitted unto glory. Col. 1. 11.  
5 That so whatsoever be●ide us, this may be sufficient for us. 2. Cor. 12.  
Now we are raised up by faith to the certain assurance of the forgiveness of our sins, 
Sect. 1 How faith is revived in us.  after this manner:  
First, by reviving and increasing of our knowledge, that jesus Christ is the alone propitiation for our sins.  
This is performed,  
1 By a serious meditation on the promise of the Messiah. john 3. 16.  
2 By exercising ourselves more conscionably in the reading, and hearing of the word taught. john 5. 39  
Secondly, Faith is quickened by reviving our apprehension of the promise; and this is done,  
1 By earnest prayer unto God for the renewing of his Spirit in us. Psal. 51. 12.  
2 By an hearty acknowledgement, that we have justly grieved the Spirit of God, and so are deservedly deprived of the feeling thereof. Psalm 51▪ 4. Lamentation 3. 22, 37.  
3 Meditating of our former comfort and assurance herein. Psalm 77.  
And this reviving hath many degrees.  
First, 
Sect. 2. The degrees of this work.  A lively sense what need I have of Christ, and that without him I must certainly perish. Rom. 7. 24, 25.  
Secondly, Hope of pardon, whereby though we yet feel not our sins certainly pardoned, yet we believe that they are pardonable; not in respect of themselves, as if they were less heinous, but in respect of God, whose mercies are above them. Esay 1. 18.  
Thirdly, An hungering and thirsting after grace offered in jesus Christ. joh. 6. 35, 7, 37. Reu 21. 6.  
And this is discerned,  
1 By our prising and preferring it above all other comforts. Philip. 3.  
2 By our fainting and languishing after it Psal. 42.  
3 By our strong cries and endeavours for the same. Psalm 51. 12, 13. etc.  
Fourthly, We approach to the th●one of grace, and flying from the terror of the law, we take hold on Christ, and find favour in God. Heb. 4. 16. Heb. 10. 19  
And this is performed:  
1 By an humble confession of thy sin in particular, whereupon followeth a full remission of them. Psalm 32. 5.  
2 Craving pardon of some special sins, with unspeakable sighs & perseverance. Lu. 15. 21. Act. 8. 21.  
Fiftly, Hereupon followeth a particular persuasion imprinted in the heart by the holy Ghost, whereby every faithful man doth particularly apply unto himself those promises which are made in the Gospel. Mat. 9 2. Mat. 15. 28. Psal. 143. 12.  
This persuasion is discerned by these marks: 
Sect. 3. The marks of particular assurance.   
1 It goes before experience, Mat. 15. 23. & so our faith is supernatural & contrary to all reason. Heb. 11. 1.  
2 It holds beyond experience. job 13. 15. Heb. 11. 1. and is above all feeling.  
3 And never leaves us till we have obtained the end thereof, which is the salvation of our souls. ● Pet. 1. 9  
This persuasion hath these degrees: 
Sect. 4. The degrees thereof.   
First it takes hold weakly, 
Weakness of Faith.  not without doubting, and yet sound and truly, so that it is accepted of God. Luke 17. 5. Mat. 8.  
And it is discerned,  
1 By an earnest desire and endeavour to obtain God's favour. 
How known.  Math. 5. 6.  
2 By a continual complaining of our unbelief, and mourning for it. Marc. 9 24.  
3 By an earnest striving against it, in using all good helps, as prayer, the word, conference, etc. Math. 8. 25. Luke 17. 5.  
This weakness proceeds,  
1 From want of knowledge in the mystery of salvation. 
How caused.  Rom. 14. 2. Math. 16. 16. joh. 6 6●.  
2 For want of application to ourselves of the particular promise. 2. Tim. 1. 12.  
3 For want of observation and entertainment of such comforts as have been offered unto us. Math. 16. 8. 9 2. Tim. 4. 17.  
And it is caused by,  
1 Withdrawing the light of God's countenance. Psal 30. 6.  
2 Some gross sin committed. Psal. 51.  
3 Means neglected, as the word, prayer, etc. john. 20. 24.  
4 Some spiritual pride in the heart. 2▪ Cor. 12.  
5 Want of constancy and settledness in religion. Galat. 1. 6. 2. These. 2. 2.  
Secondly, 
Sect. 5. Strength of faith.  Faith takes hold strongly and fully persuades the heart, that God loveth me, that Christ is mine, and all things with him. Rom. 4. 22. Rom. 8. 38.  
And it is discerned.  
1 By cheerfulness in troubles: 
How known.  and so in all occasions. Rom. 5. 3.  
2 Boldness in the cause of God. Act. 5.  
3 Wisdom in our Christian callings. Ephes 3.  
4 Crucifying ourselves to the world, and the world to us. Gallath. 5.  
5 Preparation to suffer. Act. 21.  
6 Desire & longing after death. 1. Phil. 22.  
And it is obtained,  
1 By constancy in our callings. 
How obtained.   
2 combating with many troubles, especially those of our own unbelieving hearts. Luc. 22. 32.  
3 Comforting others and raising up afflicted consciences. 1. Phil. 2 Cor. 1. 4.  
4 By long experience of God's favour and love in many deliverances. Psal. 23. 5.  
5 By ripeness & dexterity in the means: as power in prayer, the word, etc. Ephes. 6. 18.  
6 Daily examining and trying ourselves. Psal. 4. 34.  
7 Renouncing the especial sin which hangeth so fast upon us Herald 12. 1.  
8 Renewing daily our covenant with God, & charging it afresh upon our hearts to constancy.   

CHAP. VIII.  
AND this is the third duty daily we must perform, 
The preparing and furnishing the heart to the service of God.  namely; to renew our vows, and stir●e up our hearts to the service of God.  
1 Because the heart is that which God principally delights in. Prou. 23. 26.  
2 The heart is the fountain of every action, if it be cleansed, the actions will be suitable. Luke 8.  
3 The infirmity of the action shall not be imputed, if the heart be ordered aright. 2. Corinthians 8. 12.  
4 As the body sleeps, so the heart sleeps too, and therefore the one must be awaked as the other. Esay 29. 10.  
Now the heart may be cast into a sleep. 1. Thess. 5. 6. 
Sect. 1. The heart asleep, & by what means.   
1 By ignorance of itself. Ephes. 5. 14.  
2 By self-love, and overweening of it own perfections.  
3 By neglecting the means.  
4 By corrupt means in stead of the pure fountains.  
5 By the ceasing of God's Spirit to work.  
6 By some gross sin committed. 2. Sam. 11.  
7 By security in prosperity and sin.  
8 By presumption of God's mercies or it own merits. Matthew 26. 33.  
9 By stupidity and senselessness.  
10 By spiritual blindness and hardness of heart.  
The preparing of the heart hath these degrees:  
First, It must be awakened and roused up, 
Sect. 2. The heart to be awakened, and how.  and that  
1 By meditating.  
1 What it was by nature. jerem. 17. 9 Matth. 15. 19  
2 What it is now by grace. Ro. 6. 2. Ephes 4. 23.  
3 How unsearchable and endless agulfe it is. 1▪ Cor. 4 4.  
2 By yielding it up to God, and exposing it naked before him, and that  
1 Both confessing its corruption, and deceitfulness.  
2 And also submitting it wholly to his government.  
3 Reforming the occasions whereby it was laid asleep, as  
1 Ignorance, by the glass of the word. jam. 1. 25.  
2 Self-love, by viewing ourselves in the glass of the conscience examined by the Law. Rom. 7. 8, 9  
3 using the means conscionably.  
4 Especially not closing with corrupt means.  
5 Renew the Spirit by unfeigned repentance. Psal. 51. 10.  
6 Forsake not only gross sins, but even all, yea all appearance of sin. 1. Thes. 5. 22.  
7 Be we always watchful over ourselves. Luk. 22.  
8 Avoid we presumption by meditation of God's justice. Jude 5. 6, 7.  
9 Remedy we stupidity by quickness in apprehension, and forwardness to judge ourselves. 1. Cor. 11. 31.  
10 Break we our hard hearts with the hammer of God's word. jere. 23. 29. 1. Cor. 9 27.  
The heart being awakened, must be thoroughly sifted and examined, 
Sect. 3. The heart awakened, must be examined: And how.  and that  
First, 
1. By a true rule.  By a true rule.  
1 Not by itself, but by the law of God. Heb. 4. 12.  
2 Neither by the world, but by the conscience informed by the word. jerem 6. 14.  
3 Not by opinion, but by the evidence of the Spirit. Roman. 8. 16. Rom. 14. 5. Pro. 14. 12.  
4 Neither by the laws of men, but by the rule of faith. Matth. 15. 9 Acts 4. 19  
5 Neither by the letter of God's Law, but by the spiritual meaning thereof. Mat. 5.  
6 Not by the outward condition, but by the inward experience. Eccles 9 1. Pro. 14. 13.  
7 Neither by outward actions, but by inward purposes. jerem. 17. 10. Io● 2. 13.  
8 Not by the examples of the most, but of the best. Luk. 18. 1. Cor. 11▪ 1.  
Secondly, 
2 By an holy manner.  We must examine the heart after a true and holy manner.  
Not once or seldom, but daily. Psal 119.  
Not slightly but seriously, even from the bottom. Psal. 119. 12.  
Not on the one side, but on both, as well what evil we have done as what good.  
Neither in general, but in particular, concerning the chief good or evil. Psal. 51.  
And that not partially but conscionably and indifferently, both concerning it weakness and also it strength. Psal. 42.  
Thirdly, we must herein aim at a right end: 
3 To a right end.   
1 Not vain glory, but the praise of God.  
2 Neither for self-love, but to deny ourselves.  
3 Not for love of the world, but to the renouncing thereof.  
4 Neither for fear of death, but to be prepared to it.  
5 Not to remit of our sincerity, but to increase in holiness. Psal. 119.  
6 Not to prefer ourselves before others, that are behind us, but to be humbled in regard of those that have outstripped us.  
7 Not to be approved of the world, but to the convincing or converting thereof.  
8 Not to make us distrust God, but to increase our confidence in him.  
9 And so to hunger more constantly after him.  
The heart being thus tried and examined, 
Sect. 4. The heart examined, must be established in the worship of God.  must be established and confirmed in the service of God. Psal. 51. 12. Pro. 4.  
And that by these means:  
First, 
And how.  by resigning it up to the guidance of the almighty. Psal. 119.  
Secondly, by renewing our vows and binding us to the performance of them. and that  
1 By public protestation.  
2 By solemn and conscionable oaths. 2. Chron. 15.  
3 By the curse of the law. Nehem. 10. 31.  
4 Calling others to witness, as the Church of God.  
Thirdly, we must continually fear ourselves, and have a holy jealousy of our best actions. Proverb. 28. 14.  
And that in regard,  
1 Of the unsearchablenes of our hearts. jer. 17. 9  
2 Of the privy corruptions that do assault us. Psal. 19  
3 In respect of the infirmities that do accompany our best actions. job 4. 18.  
4 As also especially in regard of the presence of our gracious God beholding and approving all our actions. Psalm 33. 13.  
And this fear is discerned,  
1 By an earnest striving against our coruptions.  
2 By a desire to approve ourselves to the Church of God.  
3 By tenderness of conscience in all our actions.  
4 By lowliness in our carriage, even towards our inferiors.  
Fourthly, There must be a constant watching over the outward man, avoiding both the occasions of evil, and the least appearance thereof. Psal. 39 1. job 31. 1.  
Fiftly, We must moderate ourselves in our Christian liberty, Gal. 5. 13▪ and that by these rules:  
1 Of our callings, that we exceed not them. 1. Corin 7. 20.  
2 Of the times, that we bring forth fruit in due season. Psalm 1. 3.  
3 Of the place, that in outward things we conform thereto. 1. Cor. 9 20.  
4 Of the persons, that we give no just offence. 1. Cor. 10. 33.  
Here our guides must be:  
Love, which seeks not our own. 1. Cor. 13.  
Wisdom, to become all unto all. 1. Cor. 9  
And our ends,  
1 expediency, that we may be fitting. 1. Cor. 10.  
2 Under that which may be seemly. Col. 2.  
3 Edification, that which may benefit ourselves and others. 1. Cor. 10.  
4 And principally the glory of Almighty God. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
Sixtly, We must entertain and cherish the motions of the Spirit of God. 1. Thess. 5. 19 2. Tim. 1. 6.  
This is performed:  
1 By a wise discerning of them. 1. Tim. 4. 14.  
2 By an high esteem of them.  
3 By rejoicing in them, as if we had found the greatest treasures. Mat. 13. 44.  
4 By putting them speedily in execution. Psal. 45. 1.  
5 By offering up an extraordinary sacrifice of praise for them, abasing ourselves in regard of such excellent graces, and acknowledging the free mercy of God in so gracious a fellowship. Psalm 116. 7, 12.  
Seventhly, If the Spirit of God shall lie asleep in us Psal 119.  
This we shall discern:  
1 By great terrors in the conscience.  
2 A kind of loathing of holy duties.  
3 Great coldness and deadness in the use of them.  
4 Little sensible comfort when we have performed them. Psal. 77. 2, 3.  
5 Much discontentment in the mind, and blindness in the same. Psa. 6. 3.  
6 Aptness to rush into the sins we have heretofore conquered.  
7 Unwillingness to die, etc.  
Here than we must at no hand bless our souls in this estate, but  
First, rouse up the Spirit, and labour to be quickened, and that by using the holy means: as  
1 The ministery of the word. 
Powerful.  Psal. 6. 6.  
2 Private and strong crying unto God. Psal. 51.  
3 Craving the effectual prayers of the saints. james 5. 15.  
4 Using more conscionably their fellowships, and opening our state unto them.  
5 Racking our hearts by a serious and impartial examination, and committing our most special temptations to record.  
6 Promising more faithfulness for the time to come. Psal. 80. 18.  
7 And binding ourselves more constantly to the conversion of others. Psal. 116. 18. Psal. 32. 8. 9 Ps. 34. 3. 8. 11.  
8 Exercising a daily course of repentance.  
9 Not neglecting also to humble ourselves in this behalf in some private fast unto God. Psal. 35. in our closerts or families.  
Eightly, make we some experiment upon some chief lust of the heart to get the mastery over it for by an experimental conquest over one, we shall learn in time to conquer all the rest.  
And this must be done:  
1 By observing the deepness of Satan in his variety of baits, to draw us into the snare.  
2 Considering the deceitfulness of the heart, how gladly it would close with Satan.  
3 Remembering our former tripping by the like tentation.  
4 Thereupon confess we in humble prayer unto God that we have deserved to be overtaken with it.  
5 Detest we ourselves that sin hath got such ground of us. job 42.  
6 Hereupon vow we revenge against our treacherous flesh. 2. Cor. 7. 11.  
7 And practise we the same by the former rules of humiliation, and such as hereafter shall be laid down.  
8 And so being wise to fear ourselves in regard of the said tentation we shall happily get the conquest of it. Prou 14.  
9 We must daily recount how we have profited in godliness. Psal. 119.  
10 we must prepare ourselves continually to afflictions. Luk. 9 s 23.  
11 We must be plentiful in good works. 2. Pet. 1. 9  
12 In all our actions, specially extraordinary we must not trust to that soundness of heart which hath been, but try them by that which is, that so from the sense of the pureness of the fountain the streams may flow more certainly and purely. Luke 6. 43. Mat. 13.  
13 Though the heart may appear to be sound, yet the goodness of the action must not so much depend upon the soundness of the heart appearing, as upon the free mercies of God accepting the same.  
14 We must provide a complete armour for the heart, being prepared to preserve it. Ephes. 6. 13.   

CHAP. IX.  
And this is the fourth duty of necessity to be performed daily by us: 
Of the spiritual armour, and arming of the heart.  Namely to arm our hearts against all temptations. And that,  
1 Because such an armour is commended unto us in the word. Ephes. 6.  
2 Our enemies are mighty princes and armed wickednesses. Ephes. 6. 16.  
3 The heart without it lies open to all temptations.  
4 By it we shall be able to cast down all strong holds. 2. Cor. 10. 4 which stand in our way to happiness. 1. Tim. 6. 11.  
5 And so shall lay hold on eternal life, and finish our course with joy. 2. Tim. 4. 6.  
Here consider these three points:  
1 What this armour is.  
2 How it is to be put on.  
3 How to be kept on.  
This armo● hath many pieces. 
Sect. 1. The parts of the spiritual armour and, 1. of the girdle of truth It parts are:   
First, the Girdle of truth and sincerity. Ephes. 6. 14. & this consisteth of these parts:  
The first is a rectified judgement proceeding from an illightened and sanctified understanding, wrought by a live faith through the word of God. Ephes. 4. 13.  
And it hath these properties: 
Sect. 2. 1 A rectified judgement.   
1 It is sound in what it knows. Coloss. 1. 6. 9  
2 It retaineth safely what it knows. Psal. 119. 11.  
3 It is wise to distinguish between things that differ, Philip. 1. and so to try the Spirits. 1. john 4. 1.  
4 It discerns all things. 1. Cor. 2. 15.  
5 It comprehends the height, and breadth, and depth, and length. Ephes. 3.  
6 It knows no man after the flesh. 2. Cor. 5. 16.  
7 It knows but in part, and so is subject to error. 1. Cor. 13.  
8 It is not obstinate in error, but willing to be reform in what it hath been misinformed. 2. Tim. 2. 16.  
9 It is apt and desirous to receive further illumination. Colos. 1. 10 2. Tim. 3. 7.  
10 And daily increaseth in this saving knowledge. 
How put on.  Heb. 5. 12.  
Helps to put on this armour, are  
1 A discerning of our own inward blindness. Psal. 119. 28.  
2 A daily meditation in the word and works of God. Psal. 1.  
3 A faithful recording, and comparing of things passed with things present; and so collecting for the time to come. Luk. 2. 51.  
And this part of the Girdle serveth:  
1 To condemn the blindness of nature. 
The benefit thereof.  1. Corint. 2. 14. Matthew 16. 17.  
2 To discern between the light of nature and grace, the illightning and sanctifying Spirit. Col. 1. 9 Ephes. 5. 8.  
3 To direct all our actions: for as we know, so we do. Rom. 14. 5, 23.  
4 To make trial of them: for if they have not the light, it is because there is no truth in them. joh. 3. 21.  
5 To inform and instruct others. Psal. 34.  
The second part of this Girdle is, 
Sect. 3. The sanctified conscience, and how discerned.  a sanctified conscience: and it is discerned  
1 By this; that it excuseth for all sins, as our persons are accepted in Christ. 1. Cor. 4. 4.  
2 It checks for the least sin, before actual repentance be performed. 1. john 5. 17.  
3 It approves our upright walking in the whole course of our life. Acts 23. 1. Psal. 26. 1.  
4 It procures us peace with God. Rom. 5. 1. and with men so far as it is possible & expedient. Ro. 12. 18.  
5 It breeds contentment in the life & all occasions. Phil. 4. 12.  
6 It procures cheerfulness in the countenance, and readiness in all our business. Pro. 28. 1.  
7 It makes us courageous in the truth, and willing by all means to defend the same. Acts 4. 13. Acts 6. 15. Acts 18. 26.  
8 It makes us victorious in troubles, and  
9 Ready to yield up our lives into the hands of God. 
How put on.  Act. 21. 23.  
And it is put on and preserved,  
1 By making conscience of all things commanded. Psal. 119. 6.  
2 By keeping it tender and sensible of the least evil. Heb. 13. 18.  
3 To this end view we it daily in the glass of the word, that so the judgement may be kept clear to prevent security.  
4 Examine we, and censure the daily errors thereof by calling it before the Lord, to avoid spiritual blindness.  
5 Avoid we above all things, doubtfulness, and distraction in our actions. Rom. 14. 5.  
6 Especially keep we ourselves from wilful fight against the light thereof, in committing gross & presumptuous sins. Psal. 19 12.  
7 Have we always more regard of it in the sight of God, then of our credit with men. 1. Cor. 4. 4. Ro. 2. 29  
8 File we into the bosom thereof when outward things cross us. Acts 23. 1.  
9 Rest we not so upon the justification thereof, but that we refer it to the mercy of God. 1. Cor. 4. 4.  
The benefit of this part of the Girdle is:  
1 It procures & maintains true inward joy. 
The benefit thereof.  2. Cor. 1. 12.  
2 Hereby we have always boldness before God. 1. joh. 3. 20. to obtain good things at his hands. He 10.  
3 And are enabled and furnished against all the reproaches and evils of men. Pro. 18.  
4 By this we are always certain of the things we do, and the acceptance of them in the sight of God. Psal. 51. 6.  
Hereby we are comforted in the greatest buffet of Satan, and our cowardly & unbelieving hearts. 1. john 3. 21.  
6 And led along in most cheerful manner throughout all difficulties to the receiving of the reward. Heb. 11. 26.  
7 We increase in sanctification and holiness. 1. Timothy 1. 18. 19  
8 We put to confusion the pride and practices of our enemies. 1. Sam. 26. 21.  
9 We receive hereby a pledge of eternal life, and have our conversation in heaven. Rom. 8. 16. Phi. 3. 20.  
A third part of this sincerity consists in the will, 
Sect. 4. The sincerity of the will. It marks.  which discovers itself:  
1 By cheerfulness in well-doing, not by compulsion, but of a willing mind. 1. Cor. 9 1. Pet. 5.  
2 Resisting sin and the occasions thereof. Psal. 119. 104.  
3 Yielding to sin with grief. Rom. 7. 15.  
4 Rising by repentance out of the same. Pro. 28. 14.  
The state and measure hereof is: 
It measure   
1 That it is not free to good or evil, but freed to do good. Philip. 2. 13.  
2 Yet so freed as that it is in bondage to sin. Romans 7. 18.  
3 Yet so in bondage, as that it strives against that slavery, and gets daily ground thereof. Rom. 7. 25. Ephes. 2. 3.  
The benefit hereof is:  
1 To enable us to do good. 
The benefit thereof.  Rom. 7. 18.  
2 To comfort us in our outward failings. 2. Corinth. 8. 12. Rome 7. 19  
3 To discern of our state in sanctification. Ephes. 2 3. 1. Corin. 12. 2.  
4 To keep our judgements sincere and upright. 1. Tim 6 5.  
5 To kindle and order our affections in the service of God.  
And this is a fourth part of this Girdle, 
Sect. 5. The well ordering of the affections, and how discerned.  even the well ordering of our affections. 1. Thess. 5. 23. Rom. 7. 24.  
And this is discerned:  
1 By a right moving of them to their proper objects. Romans 7. 22, 25.  
2 By their contentment in the same.  
3 In that we can more joy or grieve for spiritual causes then for carnal. Psal. 4. Psal. 119.  
4 That they tend to the crucifiing of the flesh, and building forward of the new man. Colossi. 3. 1.  
5 That indeed by them we are wholly emptied in ourselves in respect of God. 2. Cor. 5. 16. Goe 5. 22. Rom. 12. 1.  
Helps hereunto are:  
1 Knowledge of the right object. Mark. 3. 5. 2. Cor. 7.  
2 Weaning and abating them from the false. 1. john. 2. 15.  
3 Trial of ourselves in the practice of some one of our affections. Deut. 6. 5.  
4 Conscience to use them all in their several times and measure. Eccles. 3. 1. Rom. 12. 16.  
The benefit hereof, is,  
1 We shall attain hereby a gracious conquest over our most unruly thoughts. 
The benefit thereof.  Ephes. 4 25.  
2 We shall find much sweet peace & contentment in our Christian callings.  
3 We shall be more ready priest to good actions. 2. Cor. 7.  
4 And saved from many noisome temptations, which otherwise would assault us. 2. Ephes. 4. 26. john. 19 12.  
5 We shall have gracious fellowship with God. Col 3. 1.  
6 And be better enabled to the conversion of our brethren. john 21. 15.  
A fifth part of this Girdle is the sincerity of the tongue:  
As being the stern of the ship and the certain Image of the mind. 
Sect. 6. The sincerity of the tongue. Wherein it is seen.  jam. 3. 5.  
And it is discerned:  
1 In holy speech. Eccles. 3. 7.  
2 In wise & seasonable silence.  
Concerning fit and warrantable Speech, we are to observe:  
1 Preparation to speech.  
2 The matter of it.  
3 The manner thereof.  
4 The end of the same.  
We shall be prepared to Speech, 
Sect. 7. Of Speech. and, 1 Of the preparation to it.   
1 By prayer to God to guide our tongue and that, because  
First, the Lord is the ruler of it. Prou. 16. 1.  
Secondly, By an holy consideration of these things,  
1 That we are to speak in his presence. Psal. 33. 15.  
2 That there is no liberty for idle talk. Mat. 12. 36.  
3 That all speech must tend to edification. Ephes. 4 29.  
4 What the matter is, we mean to speak of.  
5 That, what is once out cannot be recalled.  
6 That we must give an account for every idle word. And thus we shall be prepared to Speak. Now  
The matter of our speech concerns either Persons, 
Sect. 8. The matter of speech.  or Things. The persons.  
1 Almighty God & his works.  
2 Our neighbour, & what concerns him.  
3 Our persons and occasions:  
In our speech concerning our blessed God, 
Sect. 9 How to speak of God.  we are to observe these rules:  
1 That we take not the names of God's Majesty in our mouths, but upon most serious and weighty occasions. Exod. 20.  
2 That in the occasion we find our hearts lively affected with a true knowledge of holy reverence of God, before whom we speak, and before we use his great and fearful name, lest otherwise though the cause be weighty, yet we take it in vain.  
3 That we find ourselves comforted, and established in our faith by taking of this great, and glorious name, as being hereby drawn nearer unto God, and settled more constantly in our love of his Majesty. To this end use not the name of God without some addition of his attributes, as the Living Lord, the Glorious God, My God, etc. Ephes. 1. 3.  
4 Take we heed that the name of God become not ordinary, and for custom.  
5 Publish we the works of God not only for the present, but to posterity Exod. ●4. 26.  
Concerning our neighbour, 
Sect. 4. How to speak of our neighbour.  our speech may be either good, or evil.  
If we are to speak good of our neighbour, than we must do it:  
1 Cheerfully, and upon every fit occasion. Luke 5. 29.  
2 Wisely, rather in his absence then in his presence.  
3 Indifferently, as well if he be our foe as friend.  
4 Constantly, maintaining the same testimony without any corruption or gainsaying.  
5 Truly, that we give him no more nor less than his due.  
6 Charitably, if the matter be doubtful, rather with the better. 1. Cor. 13. 7.  
7 Preserve we his good name by answering for him in a case of slander. 1. Sam 20. 32.  
8 If he be fallen, raise we him up with the spirit of meekness. Gal. 6. 1.  
Here are to be avoided these extremes:  
First, 
Sect. 15. What here to be avoided.  those that are in the defect: as  
1 Depraving of the actions of our brethren from the intent. job 1. 9 11. as if we knew their hearts.  
2 Extenuating of them in the measure.  
3 Mistaking them in the quality, which is the common practice of the world to call good evil, and evil good. Esay. 5. 19  
4 Outfacing and bearing men down in their sincerity, and if were possible to drive them from the same. job 4. 8. 11. etc.  
5 Misjudging of it by the outward event. job 27.  
6 Convincing thereof by false witness and perjury. 1. Reg. 20. etc.  
7 Disgracing spiritual gifts for want of nature's complement. 1. Sam. 1. 14.  
Secondly, We must here take heed of the other extreme in the excess: As  
1 Commending them to their faces.  
2 Ascribing that unto them which is not theirs. Act. 12.  
3 Yielding more unto them indeed then is theirs.  
4 Daubing up their sins with untempered mortar. Eze. 13. as presumpton of God's mercy or such like.  
5 Crying peace, peace, and putting far off the evil day. jer. 6.  
6 Approving them for the gifts of nature, though they be not sanctified. Pro 31. 30.  
7 Flattering them as if what they had came by their own industry.  
8 Saying as they say, be it true or false. Mich. 2. 11.  
And thus is our speech to be ordered when we will speak good of our neighbour.  
If we have occasion to speak the contrary of him, let us consider these bounds:  
First, we must not speak what we certainly know not, but have by reports, surmises, etc.  
We may speak that to himself which we must not speak of him to another. Matt. 18. 15.  
Secondly, we must not speak all what we know: unless we have an especial calling hereunto:  
And that is,  
1 When the Magistrate requires it.  
2 When his case by admonishment needs it.  
3 When danger to others thereby is prevented, as in case of murder, treason, etc. 2. King. 6. 8. Gen. 37. 2. Est: 2.  
Hence it followeth:  
First, That auricular confession is abominable, which bindeth to the concealment of such wickedness.  
Secondly, That it is sin to discover where we are bound to conceal.  
As in cases hereafter laid down.  
Thirdly, We must not speak that of our neighbour which we know and is necessary to be known to all persons, as neither,  
To the weak, lest they stumble at it; nor to the wicked, lest they insult in the infirmities of others. Gen. 8. 2. Sam. 1.  
Fourthly, Some may speak that evil of their brethren which it is not lawful for others. As the Magistrate or Minister in reproving of sin may abase the persons with names sorting with their sins. Galla. 4. 1. Matth. 3. which private men may nor do.  
5 If it be thought fit to mention the evil which we know by any man, here first it must be done only in a general manner, the person and all circumstances which will descry the parson concealed. 1. Cor. 6. 11. 2. Sam. 12. 1.  
6 The party also in some cases may be discovered, but yet with a double respect:  
First, if his sin be of infirmity, here we may in some sort conceal the sin. As  
1 That it might be mistaken in regard of the person. Acts 3. 17.  
2 That the fact may be misreported and falsely conceived etc.  
If we see the party ashamed, and cast down for his sin, here we are bound much more to cover it, And that  
1 From God by hearty prayer, that it may be forgiven. Acts 7. Matth. 27.  
Secondly, From ourselves, And that  
1 By not taking notice of it willingly.  
2 Not believing it.  
3 Interpreting it to the best.  
4 Forgiving it, if it be apparent.  
3 We must also hide the sin from the sinner. And that  
First, If we see him unfit to be reproved. 1. Sam. 25.  
Secondly, If we see him sufficiently checked already by his conscience, than we must also hide his sin from him. And that  
1 By opposing his contrary intent. Act. 3. 17. Rom. 10. 2.  
2 Comforting him, with his former course of holiness.  
3 From the occasion, that it was in his heat, or provoked thereto in his defence.  
4 From the quality, that it was in ignorance, not wilfulness, infirmity, not presumption.  
5 From God's mercy, which is above all his sin. Rom. 5. 20.  
6 Age, that it was done in his youth. Psal. 25. 7.  
7 The time of life, that yet there is hope to recover. Psal. 95. 2. Tim. 2. 25. and that it was but the first in that kind.  
8 From the examples of the Saints, the best of whom have had their slips. jam. 3. 2 Psal. 19  
9 From his person, opposing other good parts to countervail that evil. 1. Kin. 15. 5.  
Thus may we hide the sin from the sinner, and thus also may we hide his sin from the world.  
If the sin be grievous and cannot be excused, yet here we must moderate our speech:  
1 And prepare mercy for the party.  
2 Acknowledge we it might have been our case, if God should have left us, and so may be. Galat. 6. 1.  
3 Intimating his sorrow and detestation of the fact, as the truth shall be. 2. Cor. 2. 6, 7.  
4 Recounting circumstances that induced thereunto, though not to excuse altogether, yet to diminish the same, or at least to make known the deceitfulness of sin.  
5 Labour his outward release from the hope of the time to come.  
6 Howsoever; commend his case to the Church in prayer, & also in thy private unto God.  
If the fact be such as must needs be punished, yet here we are:  
1 To lay it sound to the conscience of the offender, to bring him to repentance, that so the sin may be killed in him. 1. Cor. 5. 5.  
2 To raise him up with the sweet comforts of the Gospel, that so though his body smart for it, yet his soul may be saved. 1. john 1. 9 1. Cor. 5.  
Thus are we to speak concerning our neighbour: 
Sect. 13. How to speak of ourselves, and  Now concerning ourselves, there are these rules:  
1 We must neither praise nor dispraise ourselves, but leave it to another. Pro. 27. 2.  
2 In some cases we may & must stand upon our own approbation. 
1 In praise  As  
1 When we make profession of our faith. 1. Pet. 3.  
2 In Thankfulness we acknowledge Gods graces in us. 1. Cor. 14. 18.  
3 We must defend our innocency. 2. Cor. 11. 12. and  
4 justify also our calling against the slanders of our adversaries to the stopping of their mouths.  
5 Hereby we may comfort ourselves in troubles. Psal. 35. 13. 12.  
6 And propose ourselves examples unto others. 1. Cor. 11. 1. 14.  
Here these caveats are to be observed:  
1 That this be done sincerely as well acknowledging our infirmities as the graces of God in us.  
2 That in doing hereof we rather, if it may be, take occasion to speak in another man's persons. 2. Cor. 12. 1. 2.  
3 That we boast not of that which is not in us.  
4 We must not speak of the good we have, as if it were from ourselves. 1. Cor. 15. 10.  
5 Our speech must rather tend to the defect then to the excess.  
6 We must do it soberly and sparingly, rather showing that we are compelled thereunto then of our own accord. 2. Cor. 11.  
7 We must here especially regard how we are made manifest to the conscience of the saints. 2. Cor. 4.  
8 And lastly we must herein especially aim at God's glory. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
Thus may we speak good of ourselves.  
3 We are also bound to speak evil of ourselves, in these cases,  
1 We must confess our sin unto man, in that hereby we may clear others and give glory to God. 
2 In dispraise.  jos. 7.  
2 Hereby also we ease our own souls. Psal. 32. 45. jam. 5.  
3 We magnify the mercies of God in recounting how unworthy we are. 1. Tim. 1.  
4 We stay up others that have been overtaken with the same temptations, etc. 2. Cor. 1. 4.  
But here observe these cautions:  
1 We are not bound to accuse our selves to the betraying of our innocency, or the truth of God, or his children.  
2 we may not open our infirmities to the disgrace of our calling, or offence of others.  
3 we must take heed of hypocrisy, as if by acknowledging our vileness, we would be counted converts, as Ecebolius did.  
4 That we labour to hide what we have laid open, by casting our burden upon jesus Christ.  
Thus may we speak of the evil that is in us. And thus much concerning the persons of whom we must speak. Concerning things to be spoken, observe,  
1 That we cannot speak of all, 
Sect. 14. Of things to be spoken of.  because we know but in part, and therefore it is vanity to presume thus. 1. Cor. 13.  
2 That we may not speak of all we know: Because,  
1 Some things are known to us which are neither fit to be done nor spoken, as the vain thoughts of our own hearts. 2. Cor. 12.  
2 Some things are lawful to be done, which it is not lawful to speak of, as the secrets & necessity of nature. judges. 3. 24.  
3 Some things are lawful, but not fit to be spoken: such as either exceed the capacities of those to whom we speak, or are not suitable to them. 2. Cor. 12. Hebrew. 5. 11. 1. Cor. 14.  
3 We must speak what we know, but with these conditions:  
1 That we keep ourselves within the compass of our callings.  
2 That we speak from the holy purpose of the heart.  
3 That we labour herein the glory of God. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
4 And also the good of our neighbour. Ephes. 4. 29.  
5 Yea our own increase both in knowledge & holiness. 1. Cor. 14. 26. 40.  
6 Observing the fitness of time, place, persons, etc.  
Thus may we speak of such things as do occur. And thus far concerning the matter of our speech.  
Touching the manner thereof.  
First, Our speech in general must be gracious, 
Sect. 15 The manner of speech, & 1 It must be gracious.  which is, when the graces of God imprinted in the heart, are truly pictured in the tongue. Col. 4. 6.  
Hence it followeth:  
1 That all rotten and ungracious speech is disclaimed.  
2 No vice must be spoken of, but with dislike. Revel. 2.  
3 No gracious speech, but from a gracious heart.  
Secondly, Speech is then gracious, when it is seasoned with wisdom. Act. 2. 4.  
And this is when our speech is applied:  
1 Fitly to times, places, persons, circumstances. Pro. 19 11. Pro. 10. 31. Esay 50. 5.  
2 When it profits most to the good of men's souls.  
3 When it turns not to the hurt of the speaker. 2. Tim. 2. 16.  
4 When it proceeds from a wise & understanding heart. Eccle. 12. 11.  
Hence is disclaimed,  
1 All foolish talk, wanting reason and conscience. Ephes. 5.  
2 All carnal counsel of worldlings, whatsoever show of wisdom it hath in it. 1. Sam. 17.  
3 All unseasonable and undiscreet communication.  
4 All mystical, or curious conference, etc. 1. Tim. 6. 20.  
A second holy property of speech is:  
1 Truth and fidelity. 
Sect. 16. 2 Our speech must be true.  Ephes. 4. 25. And it is discerned;  
1 When we know what we speak upon a sure ground.  
2 We speak as the thing is, the whole truth, and no more.  
3 And as himself thinketh plainly thereof, not out of others conceits.  
4 And also to the mind and purpose of him that asketh.  
5 And that to have the truth bolted out, not obscured.  
6 When we stand to that we have spoken or promised, which that we may do,  
Here consider divers evidences and bonds of truth, As  
First, 
Sect. 17 Of the bonds of truth. 1 Evidences.  A simple assertion, which is either,  
1 A simple affirmation, Yea, Yea. Matth. 5.  
2 Or a bare negation, Nay, Nay, Here observe,  
1 That in a doubtful case we must add unto our affirmations (these qualifications: (As I think, As I take it,) because words thus spoken, if they prove true, they show the modesty of the speaker: If false, yet they save his credit, as showing that there is not a purpose to deceive, but only that we were deceived.  
2 Another evidence of Truth is, an Asseveration, whereby we do vehemently deny or affirm a thing, as In very truth, Without all doubt, etc. Here note,  
1 That this is not to be used but in weighty and urgent occasions.  
2 When there is a gain saying of what we affirm. Christ saith, Amen, Amen.  
3 When we are to convince incredulous and obstinate persons. Rom. 9 1. And thus far of the Evidences of Truth.  
A first bond of truth is a promise. 
Sect. 18. Of Promise.   
Here observe:  
1 What promises we must make.  
2 How they are to be kept, & how they bind.  
The promises we are to make to men, must be such as,  
1 Be conditionable, ask God leave. jam. 4. 15.  
2 Be of such things as are in our ability to perform.  
3 Such as may benefit the party to whom we make promise.  
4 And also may stand with conscience and credit to perform.  
And thus they bind with these bonds:  
1 They bind according to the will & pleasure of him to whom it is made. Psal. 15. though it be to our own hindrance.  
2 Yet so, if by necessary casualty we are disenabled to performance, the party to whom the promise is made, in conscience is to give some relaxation. Mat. 18.  
3 To this end we are bound to crave relief, and use holy wisdom, and submission thereto. 
2 Bonds. Sect. 19  Pro, 6. 1, 2.  
A second bond of truth, is an Oath. 
An Oath.  Here observe,  
1 The lawfulness thereof, 
1 The lawfulness.   
1 Because God hath commanded it. Esay 45. 23.  
2 It is a special part of his worship. Esay 19 18.  
3 The Saints have practised it holily. Gen. 31. 53.  
4 It hath procured much good and been accepted of God. 1. Chr. 15.  
2 Consider we the matter of an oath, 
2 The matter.   
1 It must not only be true, but so known to us. jer. 4. 2.  
2 It must be honest that we swear to.  
3 It must be a truth of great importance.  
3 Observe we the manner of an oath, 
3 The manner.  as  
1 It must be made in the only name of God.  
1 By invocation of his name, to witness the truth of what we swear.  
2 And to bless us therein.  
2 By imprecation against ourselves, whereby we bind ourselves if we deceive, to the vengeance of God.  
3 It must be done, not rashly, but with great advisement.  
4 And also with great reverence & feeling, not without prayer unto God to guide the heart. Eccl. 9 2.  
Fourthly, The true & lawful swearer is indeed  
1 The regenerate man, 
4 He that may swear  whoh hath right in this service, and knows how to use it aright. Ro. 2. & none other.  
2 And he must also have a particular calling to this service.  
3 Here learn, that though the party in regard of his general calling might not swear, yet his oath being made, is lawful, if he have a civil calling thereto, and may be taken howsoever the swearer herein be not justified.  
5 The right use & end of an oath is: 
5 The end.   
1 To end controversies between man and man, and free those that are wrongfully accused.  
2 To clear our innocency before men. Heb. 6. 16.  
3 To provide for the infirmities of men. 1. Sam. 12. 5. Gen. 31. 53.  
4 To witness a truth unto men.  
5 Bind ourselves more constantly to the service of God. Nehe. 10. 1. Chron. 15. 23.  
Sixtly, 
6 Before whom we must swear.  Consider we the parties before whom we may swear, which are;  
1 The Magistrate, who may lawfully exact an oath.  
2 To a private man we may also swear to bind contracts.  
3 The Master may require an oath of the servant. Genesis 24. and so the Father of the son, the husband of the wife, etc. one friend of another.  
Seventh, 
7 When  Observe we the time of an oath, which is:  
1 In a case of necessity, when witness fail, or words will not be taken.  
Hence it followeth:  
1 That we need not swear when the party to whom we swear is not willing to accept it.  
2 And neither also, if the matter may be cleared by any other awful means.  
Eightly, Learn we how an oath binds. 
8 How an oath binds   
1 If it be imposed by him that may lawfully give it.  
2 If it be made of things lawful.  
3 If it tend to our own & neighbours good.  
4 When Gods glory also is prepared thereby.  
9 Wisely consider we the abuses of an oath, 
9 The abuses of an oath.  which are:  
1 Swearing by Images, trifles, Saints, nullities, etc. Zep. 1. 5.  
2 Swearing ordinarily in common speech, or upon heat in gaming, etc. jer. 5. 7. Mat. 5.  
3 Rash swearing, when we know not the cause, or have no calling thereto, or advise not wisely in the action.  
4 Muthering of oaths, when we say gods for God, fect for faith, 'swounds, for wounds, etc. where hoping to escape the imputation of swearing, we are more guilty thereof.  
5 Outrageous and blasphemous swearing the badge of ruffians, and rakehells.  
6 Cursed swearing, with fearful imprecations against ourselves and others.  
7 Wicked swearing, when we bind ourselves by oaths to mischief. Acts 2. 3.  
8 False swearing, when we swear to that ignorantly which proves false.  
9 Perjury, when we knew a thing to be false, and yet will swear to it of set purpose to do mischief. Zach. 5. 4.  
10 Swearing for hire to any purposes. Acts 6.  
11 When we swear to impossibilities, as when the Priest is sworn by the Bishop to the vow of continency.  
Generally here is condemned:  
First, All kind of lying, 
Sect. 20. Of Lying.  upon what pretence soever. Now a lie is then made,  
1 When we speak falsely.  
2 And are willing so to do. 2. Rings 5.  
3 Purpose to deceive thereby, Acts 5.  
Hence it followeth, that all  
1 False speaking of ignorance is no lie.  
Secondly, Here is condemned all smoothing and dissembling of a matter, 
Sect. 21. Of flattery.  (either) with purpose to deceive.  
1 By extenuating of it.  
2 By exercising the fact.  
3 By using pretexts and shifts to avoid it.  
4 By mental reservation and such like jesuitical and Atheistical tricks.  
Thirdly, 
Sect. 22. Concealing of truth.  Also all concealing of truth, when we are bound to speak, is here forbidden.  
4 All ambiguous and doubtful speeches.  
5 To speak untruths, though not with purpose to deceive.  
6 All promise-breaking when the promise is lawfulfully made.  
And thus far concerning the second grace of speech, which is Truth:  
A third grace of holy speech is Reverence. 
Sect. 23. The third grace of, speech. Reverence, and that 1 In respect of God.  And this is in regard, either of,  
First God, of whose name and titles we must so speak that we both,  
1 Show reverence ourselves, and  
2 Move reverence in others. Deut. 28. 58.  
And this we shall do:  
1 If we know God aright.  
2 And fear him as our father: Malach. 1.  
3 Behold him in his judgements upon the wicked. Psal. 119. 120.  
4 Think often and meditate upon him. 
2 Of man.   
Secondly, we must use reverence in speech in regard of man, & that either generally as he bears God's image. So we must,  
1 Give holy names unto our children: 
Sect. 24. To give holy names to to our children.  But here with sobriety, not the names of God, as jesuits, etc. but such as,  
1 May show our thankfulness to God. Gen. 41.  
2 May show our true humiliation under his corrections. Ruth. 1.  
3 May put us in mind of his promises. Israel. Gen. 32.  
4 May remember us of our own frailty and wretchedness. Adam, Gen. 32.  
5 May intimate our time, estate and condition in this life. Ester. 2. 5.  
6 May encourage us to the hope of the life to come.  
7 May minister comfort in our troubles, and such like.  
2 We must not name professors by the names of profane men.  
3 We may change names upon just occasion.  
2 We are to use reverence in more particular manner unto man, 
Sect. 25. Reverence to our superior.  as he is our superior either in calling or gifts. 1. Cor. 12. 13. provided,  
1 That we give him not the titles of God as jehova etc.  
2 Give him the titles of his office though he be evil. Acts. 26. 25.  
3 And yet here so carry ourselves as that we may humble him in the performance thereof.  
Therefore here is forbidden:  
1 All manner of blasphemy; 
Here forbidden, 1 Basphemie.  which is either, First by detracting aught from God.  
2 Or ascribing to him that which beseemeth him not.  
3 Using his great and fearful names in our fumes and rage.  
4 Invocating him also in slight and customary matters.  
5 Using the names of God to socery, 
2 Abuse of scripture.  witchcraft.  
All abuse of Scripture: And this is either,  
1 When we have no calling to use it. 1. Cor. 14. 34.  
2 We speak of the things of God in a profane and carnal manner▪ 1. Cor. 2.  
3 When we make jests thereof.  
4 When we keep back any of God's counsel and clip the word of God. Math. 4. Act. 20.  
5 When we use it to sorcery.  
6 And when we reason and cavil about the truth thereof.  
3 All abuse of ourselves or others: 
2● Abuse of ourselves.  Either,  
1 By revilings and barbarous speeches.  
2 Cursing and banning. Col. 3. 8.  
3 Scoffing and scorning each other. Psal. 1. 2. Kings 2. especially for our profession and religion.  
4 Not using titles of honour. etc.  
5 Currish & dogged speech etc. And thus far of the third grace of speech, which is reverence. A fourth grace of speech is sobriety, modesty, 
Sect. 26. A fourth grace of speech Sobriety, & Modesty. And wherein.  or meekness. And this is ●eene.  
1 In praising others, and that rather behind their backs then before their faces.  
2 In praising and dispraising ourselves, as before.  
3 In speaking of things secret which may move blushing fairly. Gen. 4. 1. 1. 1. Sam. 24. 4.  
4 Conferring with inferiors tenderly and humbly.  
5 Saluting kindly and reverently. And that,  
1 By name. Rom. 16.  
2 By profession. Rom. 16. 3. 
Sect. 27. Of salutations.   
3 Calling or office.  
4 By way of blessing. Rom. 16. 24.  
5 Praying for the blessing of God upon them.  
Here observe:  
1 That it is lawful for children to invocate the blessing of their parents. Gen. 27. Gen. 48.  
2 That we may salute generally though the person be evil, so far as we may converse with him, giving the titles of his profession, calling, etc. Gen. 34. Acts. 26.  
3 That we avoid such blessing and charitable speeches (as we account them) when the cause is not necessary, as in sneezing. etc.  
4 Whereas it is common with the Popish and Ignorant to invocate the name of God over their cattle so often as they speak thereof, 
Popish blessing to be moderated.  this is to be moderated and refrained. And that,  
1 Because the ground thereof was sorcery.  
2 They use it more often for their cattle then themselves.  
3 It maintains that Popish customary abusing of such holy names.  
4 It shows our infidelity, for if we were persuaded that God hath received us into grace, then surely also all ours; and therefore what need such often invocations?  
This meekness of speech is seen in soft answering. 
Sect. 28. Of soft answering.  proverbs 15. 25. And that,  
Secondly, not a fool according to his foolishness. Proverbs 26. 3.  
Thirdly, in a just defence of ourselves. 1. Samuel 1. 15. Anna.  
Fourthly, commending our cause to God. Psal. 26.  
This grace of speech is especially seen in reproving of sin. 
Sect. 28. Of reproof of sin.  Here observe these rules:  
1 We must try all other gentle means before we reprove.  
2 We must perform it generally, that so the party may willingly acknowledge the particular. 2. Sam. 12.  
3 We must do it in a parable.  
4 By way of exhortation insinuating an oblique reproof 1. Tim. 5. 1.  
5 Wrapping up the reproof in some sweet protestations of love and grief. Galat. 5. 9  
4 Yielding unto them their due, that so they may acknowledge their wants. Acts. 25.  
6 joining ourselves with them, and in our own person reproving their sin. 1. Cor. 4. 6.  
7 By prevention; as Though Israel play the harlot, yet let not judah sin. Hos. 4. 15.  
8 Wishing that such things be not found among them. 2. Cor. 12. 20.  
9 Speaking to them as considering ourselves. Gal. 6. 1. That we are in danger of the same temptations.  
10 Framing the reproof out of the word, that the party may see himself rather reproved of God then of us.  
And thus far of the fourth grace of speech, which is meekness and modesty.  
A fifth grace of speech is cheerfulness and joy, 
Sect. 30. A fifth grace of Speech is cheerfulness and joy. It conditions.  when we use delightful speech for recreation. Eccles. 3. 4.  
Here is to be observed:  
1 That it must be seasoned with God's fear. Eccles. 2. 2.  
2 It must be with compassion for those that are in affliction. Am. 6. 6.  
3 It must be sparing and moderate. 2. Tim. 3.  
4 It must not be mixed with sin. Hebr. 11. 25.  
5 It must tend to edification. 1. Cor. 10.  
6 It must be suitable to the time.  
7 It must also be fitted to the place, which is either the board or bed.  
For the board observe:  
1 The intent, 
How fitted to the board.  the which is to hinder other idle and profane talk.  
2 To season the company with better.  
3 To prevent gluttony.  
4 A desire to catch spiritually.  
5 To sanctify the creatures.  
2 Consider the matter of table talk. Which,  
1 Especially must be of religion. Luk. 11. 35.  
2 That which is incident hereunto, As,  
First of sobriety & such examples.  
2 Gods special providence and bounty in making a dead creature means to preserve life. joel 2. 26. Haggai. 1. 6.  
3 Contentation in our estate. 1. Tim. 6.  
4 Death, how that we shall be worms meat.  
5 Of the heavenly food. joh. 4.  
6 Misery of the poor.  
7 Change of things and states. job 1.  
8 The punishment of sin, the case of Dives, etc. Luke 16.  
For the bed; 
How to the bed.  let these be the rules of holy mirth.  
1 We must confer of the grave. Acts 7.  
2 Of the occasions passed in the day. Cant. 3. 1.  
3 Of the resurrection.  
4 Of worldly occasions, so far as to humble us.  
5 In our comforts of our sweet fellowship with Christ.  
6 Generally, not to provoke but to mortify the flesh. Galathian. 5. 13.  
Here is to be avoided generally,  
1 All offence to the weak. 
Here to be avoided:   
2 All occasion to the wicked:  
As in  
First, jesting, 
jesting, with it bounds.  which is a quipping of some to delight others, wherein a man had rather lose his friend then his jest.  
This is utterly unlawful, unless.  

1 The matter be indifferent.  
2 The measure modest.  
3 The season convenient.  
4 Offence removed.  
5 Ourselves, & others benefited  
6 We thereby, when other reproofs will not prevail, in an holy manner do deride and scorn sinners. 1. Reg. 19 Eccles. 11.   
Secondly, laughter, 
2 Laughter.  which though in itself it be not simply unlawful, yet it is moderately to be used, and seldom; but sorrow more often, & more plentifully. Eccl. 7. 4. 5.  
The sixth grace of speech is care of our neighbours good name. 
Sect. 31. A sixth grace of speech, Care of our neighbour's good● name.  Pro. 22.  
This is performed as before, and farther,  
1 By being not suspicious in unlikely or uncertain occasions. jer. 40.  
2 By private reproving him.  
3 Publicly answering for him if he be slandered. 
1 How performed. 2 What avoided.   
Here is to be avoided:  
1 Secret whispering abroad of what we suspect or know behind his back. Psal. 50. 20.  
2 Adding to, or changing the thing said or done. Mat. 26. 60, 61.  
3 Open traducing and reviling to his face. 2. Sam. 16.  
4 Telling that was never done. jerem. 37. 13.  
5 Colouring their reports with pretences of grief or necessity, or public profit, enjoining secrecy by the party to whom he tells it, etc.  
6 Rash censuring before evident knowledge.  
Therefore here we are,  

1 To interrupt such talk. 
Sect. 32. The last grace of speech: slowness and briefness.   
2 To give no heed to it.  
3 Not to believe it.  
4 To reprove it.   
The seventh and last grace of speech, is slowness and briefness.  
Slowness is seen either in First, Provoking; or Secondly, Answering.  
Herein observe:  
1 That it is better to be provoked to speech then provoke, especially if we be inferior.  
2 Not to take a tale out of one's mouth, but to hear it thoroughly.  
3 To consider whither it be to be answered or no.  
4 To ponder on it before we answer, what answer is to be made thereto.  
5 To answer to the points, omitting partial respects.  
6 To cut off idle interruptions and vain cavils.  
Here is to be avoided:  
1 Pride to hear a man's self speak.  
2 The fruit thereof, namely: 

First, Obscurity.  
Secondly, Affectation.    
2 We must avoid tempting speeches whereby we may fifth and undermine others.  
4 As also that spirit of contradiction, whereby thwarting others and contradicting every man, heresy, and Atheism is bred and maintained.  
5 We must also refrain bitterness and captious taking up of our brother, a fault incident to briefness of speech.  
6 As also we must beware of sottishness, and inconsequence of speech, while happily we think to show our skill in brevity.  
Hitherto appertain:  
1 Restraining of our passion, by interrupting ourselves, if by course of speech we grow into an heat.  
2 Correcting ourselves by silence wherein we have missaid.  
3 Contracting our matter into the briefest form of words.  
4 Disposing it methodically to the best capacity of the hearer.  
General rules to be observed herein.  
1 That what is here spoken of speech is to be understood also of writing, in which all these graces are to be practised, and vices to be avoided.  
2 That in all kind of speech, as well Latin as English, etc. exemplary, as wherein though the phrases of other tongues may lead us to profaneness, yet we must avoid them, etc.  
Hitherto of speech. 
Sect. 33. Of silence and the right use thereof.   
Now because we cannot speak well unless we know also how to hold our peace, we are therefore in the second place to consider of silene. Here obseru:  
1 That the ruleof silence must be God's word.  
2 Matter of silence, concerns God, our neighbour, our silnes.  
3 Persons, before whom. 
Things to be concealed. And first, wherein silence is to be used.   
4 The end, which is God's glory, ours and others good.  
Things concerning God, are:  
1 His secrets which we know not, and therefore are to admire them in silence. Deut. 29. 29.  
2 His strange and extraordinary works, which we may not speak boldly of, but rather in silence wonder at. job 36. 37. Leuit. 10. 3.  
3 We are to conceal the mercies of God from obstinate sinners. Matth. 7. 6.  
4 We are to conceal his judgements from humbled sinners. Esay 40. 1.  
5 We are to be silent at his corrections. Psal. 39 hereby showing our submission to his will.  
6 We are to yield to the known truth, & in silence to glorify God. Act. 11. 18. 
2 Concerning   
Touching our neighbour, observe  
2 That we may conceal some truth from him, not being demanded, yea being questioned we may conceal either the whole or part: Provided that it,  
1 Hinder God's glory.  
2 Or my neighbours good.  
Truth in the whole is to be concealed:  
1 When the speaking of the least word is hurtful: as for example, the father & son lieth sick at once, the son dieth first, the father asketh whether the son be dead or no, if it be said; No, an untruth is told; if yea the father's life is endangered: 
3 What to be concealed. Aug lib. ad conser.  therefore silence is best. 2. Sam. 12.  
2 When the revealing thereof endangers the life of the innocent; and therefore I am not to reveal my brethren in affliction, nor to be compelled thereto by oath:  
Provided first, that the authority requiring this be unlawful.  
2 The thing I conceal not in itself evil; but so mistaken.  
3 That in the concealing of it I prefer not a private before a public good.  
Truth in part is to concealed, when I speak a part of the truth but not the whole. 1. Sam. 16. 1. 23. jer. 38. 24. Exod. 5. Act. 23. 6.  
Q. When I am demanded may I answer in part?  
Yea so 1. I purpose not to deceive.  
2 Content the mind of the answerer.  
Secondly, I am to conceal the infirmities of my neighbour, unless (as before) we be called of God to speak. Prou. 17. 14. Pro. 19 11.  
3 All unseemly matters,  
4 Such as concern us not,  
5 And such as are above our reach, are to be buried in silence.  
3 Ministers must conceal the infirmities of their people.  
4 Magistrates secrets of state left the enemy know of them.  
Concerning myself, I am,  
1 To conceal mine own secrets. jud. 14. or else, if need be, tell those that are faithful.  
2 That which thou wouldst have no man know tell no man.  
As for the persons before whom we must keep silence, 
4 Before whom we must keep silence.  they are,  
1 The malicious enemies of religion Mat. 7. 6. Mat. 27. 14.  
2 Before Magistrates in open courts. Act. 24. 10. till we be bidden.  
3 In the presence of our elders and betters. job 32. 8.  
4 Fools & prattlers are to be humbled & convicted with silence. Pr. 26.  
Thus far concerning the guidance of the tongue.  
The sixth and last part of this Girdle of truth contains the fitting and conforming of our outward actions to the will of God, 
Sect. 34. Last part of the Girdle Conformtiy of outward actions.  which is performed:  
1 When they proceed from a true ground.  
2 And are performed by true means and a holy manner.  
3 When they aim at a right end.  
The ground of all good actions is faith in jesus Christ. Rom. 14. Heb. 11. 6.  
1 Assuring us that our persons are accepted of God, 
The ground of them, Faith.  & so our actions. Heb. 11. 4.  
2 Enabling us to perform the work acceptably unto God in knowledge, wisdom, season Psa. 1.  
3 Comforting us that the imperfection of the action shall not be laid to our charge. 2. Cor. 8. 12.  
4 Applying unto us the righteousness of jesus Christ to cover the same. Psal. 32.  
5 Strengthing us to go forward in well doing, and so to attain perfection, & so the just liveth by faith. Heb. 10. 38.  
In the manner of well-doing observe these notes:  
1 That we principally perform the actions of the first table, 
2 The manner how.  and then of the second. Act. 4. 19  
2 That our obedience to the second table be included and derived from our obedience to the first. Math. 22. 39 Ephes. 6. 1.  
3 That in regard of the truth & necessity of well-doing we have equal respect unto all God's commandments. Psal. 119. 9  
4 That we at all times and to all times endeavour the performance there of Gal. 6. Ephes. 6.  
5 That in the action we labour not so much the outward conformity thereof, as the inward soundness & approbation of the heart. Mat. 6. 7.  
6 That we do good by good means; that is, such as are warranted by the word. etc.  
7 That we find in ourselves a will always to do more than we can do. Psal. 119. 5.  
8 That we see the shortness of our well-doing and being humbled therewith, not rest in the present estate, forget that which is behind, and hasten to that which is before Phil. 3. 12. 13.  
9 That when we have done all we can, we acknowledge ourselves to be unprofitable servants. Luk. 17. 10.  
10 That hereupon we seek not salvation by our works, but by God's mere mercy in jesus Christ Phil. 3.  
11 That we be that we seem to be.  
12 That we make conscience of the least as well as of the greatest.  
13 That we provide things honest before men, as well as in the sight of God.  
The end of our actions is,  
1 That whatsoever we do it be done to God's glory. 
3 The end what, God's glory.  1. Cor. 10. 31. and this is performed:  
1 In sanctifying and auspicating them by prayer & invocation of the name of God. 1. Tim. 4.  
2 In returning the strength of them to the worship of God, in causing our light to shine before men. Mat. 5. 20. Prou. 5. 10.  
3 In all things, and in every issue of them, both giving thanks to God the father through jesus Christ.  
4 Being abased before the Lord in regard of our unworthiness to do him any service, as also of the unworthiness of the service we do perform.  
5 Acknowledging that nothing is due unto us but shame and confusion of our faces. Dan. 9  
6 desiring to be found in Christ, not having our own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is by the faith of Christ Phil. 3. 9  
Secondly, we must do all things to edification both of ourselves and others. 
2 Edification how accomplished.   
Here observe:  
1 That the less benefit must give place to the greater.  
2 That in all things next to God's glory, our chief aim must be the salvation of the soul. 1. Cor. 16.  
3 That more regard be had of those which are within, than which are without, Gal. 6. 10. 1. Cor. 6. & yet the good of none neglected.  
4 That of those which are within we have more respect to the weak in cases of indifferency. Ro. 14. Ro. 15. 1.  
5 That our conversation be answerable to our profession. Ephes. 4. 1.  
6 That we have as well strong meat for men, as milk for babes; not sticking always in the infancy of our profession, but growing up in jesus Christ. Heb. 6. 1. Hebr. 13.  
7 That we abound in well-doing, & make sure our election by good wokes. 2. Pet. 1. 8, 9  
8 That we as well cast out the hypocrite and stumbling-block, as hold on the sound Christian. jeremy 1.  
9 We must bring forth fruit in due season, observing the comeliness of time, place, persons, etc. Psalm 1. 3.  
This Girdle is put on,  
1 By continually setting of our hearts before God, 
How applied.  for the searching thereof.  
2 Trying all our thoughts, words, and actions, by the word.  
3 By continual watching over our ways.  
4 By earnest prayer to God.  
And it is ketton,  
1 By not straining the conscience in the least evil. Heb. 13. 18.  
2 By cleaving to the testimony thereof, and rejoicing especially therein. 2. Cor. 1. 12.  
3 By obeying the checks of conscience.  
4 Convincing the hollowness and hypocrisy of the world.  
5 Labouring and approving sinceity in others.  
7 Daily fearing ourselves, and renewing our covenant with God.  
8 Renouncing daily ourselves, and flying to Christ.  
The use of this Girdle is:  
1 We are ready priest to do Gods will. 
Benefit of this part of the Girdle  Reu. 1.  
3 We are cleared from hypocrisy, which is the moth of well-doing. Mat. 6. Mat. 23.  
4 We avoid uncertainty and dullness in good things.  
5 We are preserved from corruption in judgement, and apostasy in life.  
6 All other gifts of God are adorned and approved thereby.  
7 We are enabled to hold out to the end, & so obtain the crown.  
8 The other parts of the spiritual armour are compact in themselves, and fastened to us by it:  
The next whereof is the breastplate of righteousness, or innocency. And this is,  
1 An Inclination and resolution of the heart to all good.  
This is necessary:  
1 To justify and beautify our profession, 
Sect. 35. The breast plate of righteousness.  and make sure our election.  
2 That we may be freed from many inward pangs and outward troubles.  
3 That the mouths of the wicked may be stopped.  
4 That the weak may be confirmed.  
5 That those which are without may be gathered.  
6 That our perfection may be accomplished and we glorified.  
7 That God may be all in all.  
And this is discerned:  
1 By having righteousness in most precious account. 
The marks thereof.  job 1.  
2 Esteeming it for itself, not for the reward thereof job 2. 10.  
3 Prosecuting the same with all zeal and courage.  
4 Resting therein with delight and contentation.  
5 Cleaving thereto, though it cost us the setting on. Hebr. 10. 34.  
6 Avoiding the contrary, though it may be never so behoveful unto us.  
7 So far as our knowledge informs us practising the same.  
8 Desiring beyond our knowledge perfection therein.  
9 Loving others especially for it. Heb. 10. 34.  
10 Labouring to make others partakers thereof.  
11 Not being removed from the same by any cunning or slanders whatsoever.  
This is obtained and put on:  
1 By an utter renouncing of nature and all good therein. 
3 How it is put on.   
2 Laying hold on Christ by a lively faith, and so we bring forth the fruit of righteousness in him.  
And we put it on as our breastplate:  
First, by an holy and settled purpose of heart to serve God. Act. 11.  
2 By plain and sound dealing in all things.  
3 By renewing our decay by daily repentance, and covenanting with God.  
4 By informing our hearts daily out of the word.  
5 Preparing ourselves daily to temptations.  
And it is kept on:  
1 By walking always in the presence of God. 
4 How Kept on.  Enoch, Abraham.  
2 Avoiding the great offences Psal. 19  
3 By abstaining from the occasions and appearance of evil. 1. Thes. 5.  
4 By iustifing and maintaining the same, with the loss of all in respect thereof. Acts. 21. job. 2.  
5 By walking conscionably in the duties of our callings.  
6 By trying our faith which is the life thereof. 2. Cor. 13.  
7 Undergoing continual troubles for the same.  
And to this end serves the third part of this Armour.  
This is that our feet be shod with the preparation of the Gospel, 
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel  That is:  
In the assurance of our acceptation into the favour of God, through jesus Christ, we are armed and prepared:  
First, to Deny ourselves.  
Secondly, to take up the cross of Christ and to follow him. Luke 9 23.  
And this must be done.  
1 That troubles find us not unprepared. 
The use of this part  job 3. 25.  
2 That the fear of them may not dismay us.  
3 That we be not overwhelmed with the weight of them. 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9  
4 That our minds may be quieted in the midst of them. Rom. 5. 2.  
5 That we may be more than conquerors in them. Romans. 8. 24.  
6 That we may comfort others which groan under the like burden. 2. Cor. 1. 4. 5.  
7 And so finish our course and obtain the crown. 2. Tim. 4.  
This armour is put on, 
How to be attained.  and so kept:  
1 By daily reading and meditating on the passion of Christ. Hebr. 12. 2.  
2 Giving all diligence to the word preached.  
3 Preferring the favour of God in Christ above all things. Psalm 4. 6.  
4 Not depending upon things seen, but contemplating things in visible. Heb. 11. 1.  
5 Having our eye fixed on the recompense of the reward, and comparing the momentary trouble with the surpassing weight of glory Hebr. 11.  
And here the shield of faith is of special use, 
Sect. 37. A fourth part of the Armour, the shield of faith.  which is the fourth part of this Armour:  
And it is a full and strong persuasion of the love of God in Chri● jesus, Rom. 8. 38. whereby.  
1 We beat back all the fier● darts of the devil, as carnal confidence, presumption, security, in●● delity, distrust, credulity, etc.  
2 Prize all things at their tr● worth & prosecute them accordingly.  
3 We preserve the graces of God and increase them unto us.  
4 We follow hard to the mark, and attain perfection. Phil. 3. 13.  
This is requisite:  
1 To give approbation to alour actions. 
It use:   
2. To give comfort in regard of their imperfections.  
3 To enable us in our sufferings. job. 1. 5.  
4 To finish our course and procure us the crown. Hebr. 11. 13. 2. Tim. 4.  
5 To overcome temptations, as despair, and presumption of God's mercy.  
6 To obtain a comfortable life.  
7 To be prepared unto death.  
This is obtained and preserved as before.  
A first part of this Armour is the Helmet of hope. 
Sect. 38. The fifth part, Helmet of hope,  this is  
1 A constant desire of the promised happiness. Mat. 5. 6. Phi. 1. 23. Tim. 4. 8.  
2 A cheerful expectation and ●nging after the same.  
3 A resigning ourselves into the hands of God. Psal. 5. 12.  
The necessity or use hereof is:  
1 To sustain the heart against the deferring of God's promises, 
1 The use of it.  an● contrary temptations. Heb. 6. 19  
2 That we may maintain inward peace & pass over our pil●grimage without wearisomeness and anguish.  
3 That we may answer boldly our accusers. Psal. 119. 42. and stop the mouths of gainsayer. Tit. 9● 2. 8.  
4 That we may walk in o●● callings with singleness & conten●●ment. 1. Cor. 7. 21.  
5 And be contented with whatsoever shall happen unto us otherwise. Rom. 8. 28.  
6 That we may carry ourselves as strangers in the world, looking for a city which is above. Hebrew 11.  
7 That we may suffer affliction cheerfully and fruitfully. Psa. 5. 1● Psal. 33. 21.  
8 That we do purge, and pre●pare ourselves to happiness. 1. Io● ●. 3. Esay 40. 31.  
9 That the Saints may be raised up by our example. Psal. 69. 7.  
10 That we may be delivered out of troubles. Psal. 37. 40. Psalm 91. 14.  
This is obtained and buckled to the head: 
2 How to be put on.   
1 By sound knowledge of the love of God in Christ. Rom. 8. 38.  
2 By plentiful experience of the same heretofore. 2. Cor. 1. 10.  
3 By embracing all good means that are offered for our safety. Psal 37. 3.  
4 Casting ourselves upon the Lord when means fail. ibid. 5 & resting in him. Prou. 14. 32. Rom. ●4.  
5 reverent observing of the works of God. Psalm 40. 4. Psal. 115. 11.  
6 Depending on the truth of God's promises, though we see them not accomplished. Psal. 46. 5. Psal. 130. 9 Pro. 16. 20.  
7 Expecting the Lords leisure, contrary to sense and reason. Psal. 69. 4. Esay 26. 8.  
8 Abasing and renouncing out selves before the Lord. Psal. 131. 3. Zeph. 3. 12.  
9 Submitting ourselves to the ministry of the Gospel. Esay 50. 10●  
10 Waiting further upon God, than this life can countervail. 1. Cor. 15. 19  
The last part of this spiritual Armour, 
Sect. 39 The last part, the sword of the spirit.  is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Herald 4. Ps. 149, etc. And this must be had, First, To discern:  
1 The deceitfulness of sin. Heb●▪ 
1 It use.  3. 13.  
2 The poison of error and heresy. 1. Tim. 6. 3.  
3 The corruption of our ow●● hearts. Heb. 3. 12.  
4 The manifold subtleties and deepness of Satan. Apoc. 2. 24. 2. Pe●● 1. 19  
5 The riches of God's mercie● Ephes. 3. 18. Ephes. 1. 18.  
Secondly, to confirm & maintain:  
1 Faith against infidelity and discontentment.  
2 Hope against despair. Ro. 15. 4  
3 Truth against error and human wisdom. I am. 1. 18.  
Christ against Antichrist.  
4 God against man.  
Thirdly, To captivate and subdue:  
1 Every imagination that exalts itself against God. 2. Cor. 10. 4.  
2 To cut off the power and cords of sin.  
3 To repel the impudency and importunity of Satan. Mat. 4.  
Fourthly, To purge:  
1 Zeal, of ignorance & self-love.  
2 Religion, of hypocrisy.  
3 Profession, of vainglory▪  
4 well-doing, of wearisomeness.  
5 Faith, of carnalnes.  
6 Afflictions, of impatiency, etc.  
Fiftly, To confound:  
1 Satan's kingdom. Matt. 4.  
2 The flesh's tyranny. Tit. 2. 11.  
3 The world's deceitfulness. Psal. 119. 95.  
4 Our heart's doubtfulness. Psal. 73. 17.  
5 Man's inventions. Psal. 119. 113.  
This Armour is obtained and put on,  
1 By prayer. 
2 How obtained.   
2 Study & meditation. 1. Tim. 4. 13  
3 submitting ourselves to the word preached. jam. 1. 21.  
These means how wrought effectually:  
1 When our understanding is illightened, and delighted with the saving knowledge thereof.  
2 Our judgements confirmed, and established in the same. Ephes. 1. 9  
3 Our consciences convinced, and quieted therein. Rom. 5. 1.  
4 Our will and affections subdued and captivated thereto. Psal. 40. 6.  
5 Our desire en flamed and unsatiable thereof. Mat. 5. 6.  
6 Our mind satisfied and contented therewith, above all treasures. Psalm. 119. 97. Psalm. 19 10.  
7 Our lives reform and amended thereby. Psal. 119. 9  
8 Our faith quickened, and daily nourished by the same. 2. Pet. 1.  
9 And we enabled to overcome temptations, and to finish our course with joy. 
3 How kept on.  Psal. 119. 7. 9  
And this armour is kept one:  
1 By recording and rehearsing the same unto other: so to labour their conversion. Luk. 22. 23.  
2 By spiritual experience of the power thereof in putting our knowledge into continual practice.  
3 By cleaving constantly to an effectual ministry. john 10. 5.  
4 By suffering afflictions for the Gospel. Heb. 10. Act. 21.  
5 By labouring to have it to dwell plentifully among us, and to have the power thereof more and more abound in the mortif●ing of our affections and special sins. Colos. 3. 16. Tit. 2. 11.  
Thus far of the parts of the Christian armour: Now the necessity in general of it, 
Sect. 40. The general benefit of the whole armour.  is that without it, First, In respect of ourselves,  
1 Our whole life must needs be subject to many fearful breaches and distractions. 2. Pet. 1.  
2 We shall pass it very idly and unprofitably.  
3 We shall be deceived with many false shadows, and appearances of good, and be much to seek in that good which we do desire, either in the knowledge of it or desire to the same.  
4 Our course at the best will be most uncertain. john 11. 10. in regard of others.  
5 We shall not so shine before them as lights by our good examples. Mat. 5. 16.  
6 Nay, we shall necessarily in respect of our evil example bee● stumbling blocks unto them.  
7 We shall cause our profession to be evil spoken of. Ephesian● 5. 3.  
8 And our God, and his Religion and word blasphemed. Timoth●● 6. 1.  
But with this Armour, we shall be,  
1 Certain of what we do. Ioh● 11. 9  
2 Enabled in some measure 〈◊〉 do it. Psal. 119. 104.  
3 Strong to encounter all oppositions, and victorious therein. Psalm 119. 6.  
4 Assured of the acceptance 〈◊〉 what we do. Phil. 1. 21, 20.  
5 Ready for all occasions whatsoever. Phil. 4. 12.  
6 And willing to yield up his due unto God when he shall require it. Acts 7. 1. Cor. 1. 7.  
And thus much concerning the spiritual Armour.   

CHAP. X.  
NOW being thus armed, we are prepared to encounter such occasions as occur in the day, which are generally and necessary: 
Of the pursuit of God, and the avoiding of evil.   

1 To avoid evil. Esay 1. 16, 17.  
2 To prosecute that which is good.   
Concerning the avoiding of evil:  
First, we must labour to have our judgement rectified.  
Concerning  
1 The evil itself.  
2 Our own estate in respect of it.  
3 God, who hates it and yet orders it.  
That which we are to be informed concerning evil, is; that there is evil, 
Sect. 1. Difference of evil.   
1 By nature, & such is whatsoever is against or beside the law of God, and this is properly called sin.  
2. Accident, so a good thing may be made evil. Psal. 69. 22. Malach. 2. 2.  
3 Opinion, so afflictions are counted evils; yea, the truth and power of good in the censure of the world, usually is counted evil. Esay 5. 20.  
The use hereof is:  
3 That we may discern things that differ, not stumbling upon evil in stead of good, nor avoiding good in stead of evil, not fearing afflictions when they come for good, not distrusting our goodness, though it be accounted evil. Phil. 1. 10.  
2 We must understand the true author of evil, which is not God, but ourselves, that so we may blame none but ourselves. james 1. 13. 
Sect. 2 What the evil of it is.   
3 That evil is not only a mere privation of good, but a quality inherent & defiling the soul. 1. joh. 3. 4  
4 That it is not only committed in act, but in thought, though consent come not thereto. Exo. 20.  
5 That it is as well committed in omitting what we should do, as in doing what we should not.  
6 That sin is seen in the least that is forbidden, as well as in the greatest. 1. john 3. 4.  
That the least sin breaketh the law of God, and maketh us guilty of the whole. james 2. 12. Ephes. 5. 11, 12. Rom. 6. 21.  
8 That sin is filthy and loathsome even in the greatest pleasure and act thereof.  
9 That the end thereof is bitter, and the inward parts most abominable.  
And this knowledge serveth,  
1 To conclude all under sin. Rom. 3. 9 
Sect. 3. The use of this knowledge.   
2. To lay the fault justly where it is.  
3 To prevent diminishing and increasing of sin.  
4 To avoid the custom and punishment thereof.  
Concerning our own estate in respect of sin, we are to learn:  
1 That if we never committed sin, yet we are not free from it, as being guilty of the sin of another, & deriving it from the loins of our parents▪ Rom. 5. 14. Psal. 51. 5. Ephe. 2. 3.  
2 That hereby our nature is wholly tainted with corruption, and uncleanness. job 14. Psalm 51.  
3 That we are deprived of all original and actual righteousness. Ephes. 2. Rom. 6. 
Sect. 4. How far sin hath taken hold on man.   
4 And prone, yea desperately set to commit all sin with greediness. Gen. 6.  
5 That we delight in sin, and repose our chief contentment therein. Pro. 2.  
That naturally we hate to be reform and plucked out of sin. Ro. 10. 21.  
7 That we cannot but necessarily and yet willingly sin. 1. Cor. 12. 2.  
8 That our best actions are beautiful sins. Esay 64. 6.  
And this knowledge serveth:  
1 To justify God in his judgements. Rom. 3. 5. 
The benefit of this knowledge.   
2 To confound the goodness of nature Romans 3. 19  
3 To magnify the riches of God's mercy. Ephes. 2. 3, 7.  
4 To send us to Christ. Roman. 3. 22.  
Concerning God, 
Sect. 4. God's ordering sin.  we are thus to conceive of sin.  
1 That he hateth all evil as a righteous God. Psa. 5. and no unclean thing shall dwell with him. Revela. 21.  
2 That he permitteth and ordereth evil in special wisdom to his glory. Act. 5.  
3 That he knoweth and searcheth the most inmost closet of sin. jerem. 17. 10.  
4 That he is able to punish & to take vengeance of the same. Isaiah 40.  
5 That he punisheth sin with sin, and yet most righteously. 2. Thess. 2. 11.  
6 That though he have laid the chastisement of our peace upon his Son: yet he will correct us as his children for sin. Esay 53. Psalm 88 89.  
And this knowledge serveth,  
1 To justify the perfect holiness of God. 
And the use.  Psal. 18. 30. Psal. 145. 17.  
2 To magnify his wisdom in disposing of evil. Rom. 11. 33.  
3 To give him his prerogative, that he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the searcher of the heart. jer. 17. 10.  
4 To ascribe unto him the glory of his power and supper excellent greatness, that we might be humbled before him. Psal. 86. 9, 10.  
5 To work in us an hatred of evil, and love of righteousness. Gen. 17. 1.  
6 To prevent presumption, and cause us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. 2. Cor. 5. 11. Phil. 2. 12.  
Secondly, Our judgement being thus rectified, 
Sect. 5. How sin to be avoided.  we must proceed to the practice of avoiding evil.  
And this is seen either in  

1 Preventing sin, or  
2 Recovering out of it by unfeigned repentance. 
And first how prevented. 1. generally.    
sins is prevented either: 

1 Generally or  
2 Particularly.   Generally: by  
1 A continual watchfulness over our heart and outward man.  
2 A fear and suspecting of ourselves, as at all times, so when we have most experience of God's mercy. Pro. 28. 14. job 1.  
3 A continual resigning of ourselves into the hands of God.  
4 Walking as always in his presence. Gen. 5. 22. Gen. 17. 1.  
5 To have a continual eye to God's commaudements. Psal. 119.  
6 To meditate on God's judgements, inflicted on his dearest children for sin. 2. Sam. 12. 11, 14.  
7 Consider the inestimable love and mercy of God towards us. Exod. 34. 6.  
Eightly, Employing ourselves in some honest calling. 2. Thess. 3. 11, 12. and that  
1 In faith and without distrust of God's providence, with a good conscience. Mat. 6. 25. Heb. 13. 18  
2 With cheerfulness and contentment, without murmuring and covetousness. Heb. 13. 5.  
3 Committing the success to God and waiting for his blessing, without making haste to be rich, or indenting with God for these outward things. 1. Tim. 6. Goe 30. 1. Ha. 1. 16.  
4 In humility, and lowliness, not sacrificing to our net, but giving God the glory. Gen. 32. 10.  
5 In holiness sanctifying the same by the word and prayer, and laying a good foundation thereby towards heaven. 1. Tim. 6. 1. Tim. 4.  
6 In faithfulness and diligence, redeeming the time, and accounting for it. Eph. 5. 16.  
Ninthly, learning to use our Christian liberty a right.  
1 Herein not so much to stand 〈◊〉 lawfulness, as expedience. 1. Cor. 10.  
2 That all things be done to edification, not offence. 1. Cor. 14.  
3 That as we remit of our liberty in regard of such as are weak of ignorance, so we use it in respect of the obstinately ignorant, lest we harden them in their sin. Mat. 15. 14.  
4 That we use the things of this life within the compass of our callings. 1. Cor. 7. 1. Cor. 10.  
5 For our recreation that it be in things indifferent. Phil. 4. 8.  
2 Very spare and sober.  
3 Tending to a spiritual end, not the satisfying of the flesh. Gal. 5. 13.  
6 That all things be done to the glory of God. 1. Cor. 16.  
Tenthly, By avoiding the occasions of sin, which are  
1 Evil company. Ephes. 5. 11.  
2 Excess in the use of the creatures. Luc. 21. 34.  
3 Giving the bridle to the outward man. Gen. 31. 1.  
4 Opportunity & seasonableness. Eccles. 3. 1.  
5 Appearance and show of evil, etc. Thes. 5. 22.  
And this sin generally may be prevented: particularly thus, when we are assaulted by any tentation.  
1 To mourn at the privy motions of sin, & at no hand to set light by it. 
2 How in particular we may resist sin.   
2 To know that I bear a traitor in my bosom, & therefore here at no hand consult with flesh, nor give way to the temptation. james 1. 14.  
3 To choke it by strong cries and groans to God. Mat. 6. 13.  
4 To put it off by exercising the mind with contrary meditations and affecting the contrary virtue. Psal. 1.  
5 Examine thy heart why it is thus, and thou shalt find some cause of this tentation. Psal. 4.  
6 The cause found either,  
1 Want of sound repentance for some former sin,  
2 Security,  
3 Some greater evil like to follow, whereof this tentation is a messenger, or such like negligence, dispose thyself accordingly.  
5 Intent thy calling more carefully and conscionably. Eph. 5. 15.  
6 Renew thy repentance and vows to God more effectually. Psal 116.  
7 Dispute not with Satan, neither play with the flame, but fly away with joseph, though thou leave thy coat behind thee. jacob 4. 7. Gen. 39 12.  
8 Labour not so much to avoid the outward act, as to have thy heart purged from the evil thought. Ps. 51. 2. 10.  
9 Submit thyself rather to any punishment (if it so please God) then to yield to the tentation. Matth. 5. 29.  
10 And look for one temptation in the neck of another.  
11 Yet faint not in thy resistance: but persever constantly, & by God's mercy satan shall fly away. jam. 4. 7. Matth 4.  
If Satan prevail, 
Sect. 6. 3 How to recover our sinn●.  and thou art foiled, than thou must rise again by repentance. To this end consider:  
1 Thy estate in grace, which must be renewed by repentance. Psal. 51.  
2 Gods mercies, which are above all thy sins. Psal. 103. 8. Exo. 34. 16.  
3 Thy former experience how thou hast recovered. Psal. 77. 5.  
And so practice thy raising up in this manner:  
First, view thine iniquity in the glass of the law, to bruise thine heart, and there thou shalt find what an evil and bitter thing sin is. jer. 2. 19  
Secondly, 
1 By viewing sin and that, first in the law.  hereupon apply that knowledge unto thine own soul by the power of conscience assisted by the blessed spirit of bondage: and proceed to judge thy self, concluding that thou art guilty of eternal death. And hence will follow compunction, and wounding of the heat:  
3 The heart being thus wounded that thou mayst be kept from despair, 
2 In the Gospel.  view thyself secondly, in the glass of the Gospel, that the bruised reed may not be broken, by considering what a bitter and yet precious ransom was paid for thy sin. Mat. 20. 28.  
4 Hereupon make application unto thine heart by the work of conscience renewed by the spirit of adoption, and raise up thyself with this assurance, that though thou art a sinner, yet Christ is thine, and thou hast pardon of thy sin, and shalt have life eternal in him. Mat. 11. 28. Mat. 5. 3. 4. Lu. 15. 2. Cor. 7●  
This application worketh two contrary effects:  
1 Thou shalt rejoice that thy sins are forgiven thee in Christ jesus.  
2 Thou shalt be sorrowful that thou hast displeased so good and gracious a father.  
And this sorrow is expressed: 
2 By judging.   
First, by judging thy sin before God in the court of thy conscience.  
And this judgement containeth:  
1 By examining thy sin, and taking a more particular notice thereof.  
2 Confessing it, Psalm. 32. 5. and that  
1 With grief and detestation.  
2 Particularly, not generally, not only so far as thou knowest, confessing herein thy knowledge to be short, and yielding up thy unscearchable heart unto God. Lord cleanse me from my secret sins. Psalm. 19  
3 Against thyself not excusing or diminishing: not laying the fault upon God, the creatures, etc. but blaming especially that corrupt fountain of thy heart herein. Psal. 32. 5. Psal. 51.  
4 Unto God, not unto Angels or men, etc. who only is able and ready to forgive. Psal. 103.  
Thirdly, Thou must condemn sin, and this is done:  
1 By acknowledging what is due unto thee for it, namely shame and confusion of face for ever. Ezra 9 6.  
2 Professing thine own vileness, and unworthiness of the least of God's mercies. job 39 16.  
3 justifying God in what he might do, and submitting thyself under his mighty hand. Ely. 2. Sam. 2. David, 2. Sam. 15.  
4 Execute vengeance upon thyself for thy sin, 2. Cor. 7. in as this manner:  
First, lie down in thy confusion and cover thy face with shame. jer. 3. Luk. 18.  
2 Abhor and detest thyself in sackcloth and ashes. job 42. 6.  
3 Have indignation and zeal against thyself for offending so good a God: 2. Cor. 7. Peter wept bitterly. Psal. 73. 22. so foolish, etc.  
4 Groan under the burden of thy flesh, and desire to be rid of it Rom. 7. 21.  
5 Possess a broken heart for thy sin all thy life long. Psal. 51. 17.  
6 Refrain thyself from lawful comforts. joel. 2.  
7 Impose all means of mortifiing thy rebellious flesh, as fear of thyself, lest thou fall again. Pro. 28. 14.  
8 Mingle thy drink with thy tears, and in thy greatest security, let the remembrance of thy sin, awake and rouse thee up. Psal. 51.  
9 Desire ever after more carefully to please God. 2. Cor. 7.  
10 To this end preserve a record of thy sin and retain some monument thereof with thee.  
11 Consider often what punishments thou hast felt for sin.  
12 And let the day of thy death and appearing before the judgement seat of Christ be always in thy mind, make thou sure account of it, & daily make ready for it. 2. Pet. 3.  
13 Cease not crying out against thy corruptions and complaining unto God of thy rebellions, that he may strengthen thee against them. Psal. 119. 49.  
14 Bind thyself by the oath, and by the curse to forsake all sin, & to continue constant in the service of thy God. Ezra, 10. 3. 2. Chro. 15.  
15 reprove sin boldly in others, and pluck them out of the fire: Jude 23. though thou be'st scorched for thy labour.  
16 Suffer affliction as a good soldier of jesus Christ, and prepare thy soul unto temptations. 2. Tim. 2.  
Thus shalt thou cut off sin, and happily preserve thyself in a constant course of godliness.  
For thy better instruction herein.  
1 Cal to mind what before is delivered in the sixth part of the girdle of truth concerning holy actions, which may help thee both in the true knowledge of God to inform thy judgement, as also in the right & holy practice of good things, which must be part of thy daily sacrifice.   

CHAP. XI.  
BEing thus instructed in generally avoid evil and do good, the next duty that thou must perform, 
Thanksgiving.  is thankfulness unto God. 1. Thes. 5. 18.  
And this duty is necessary: because  
1 We do approve our right in God's blessings. 1. Tim. 4. 
Sect. 1. It use.   
2 We make them profitable and durable. Mat. 14. 19, 20.  
3 We increase them, and make them pledges of heaven.  
4 We do ease ourselves of much begging, and so approach to the life of glory.  
5 We acknowledge God to be the giver, and blesser of them.  
6 We do answer the end, why God bestowed them on us. Deu. 8.  
7 And do by this duty perform a most principal part of worship & glory to our God. Psal. 50. 23.  
8 Security and hardness of heart is hereby prevented.  
9 Our faith in God is confirmed and increased.  
10 Spiritual pride and hypocrisy is overmastered.  
11 The certainty of our salvation hereby pledged & confirmed.  
12 Our account made ready, & so we prepared to meet the Lord.  
And it is to be performed daily:  
1 Because we daily receive good at the hands of God. Lam. 3. 23.  
2 And by this means shall prevent many evils which daily do assault us  
And this duty is performed on this manner:  
First, 
Sect. 2. How to be practised.  The heart must be prepared:  
1 With sound notice of the blessing, conceiving more excellently of God than we possible can see him by his blessings.  
2 True humility for the same, by serious meditation, both of the Majesty, power and goodness of God and also of it own unworthiness.  
3 As also it must be purged by ● settled purpose of not offending s● bountiful a God.  
4 And an holy persuasion, that we have received the benefit in the favour of God.  
5 And a● holy desire to set forth the glory of God.  
2 The mouth must speak of the mercies of God: And that,  
1 Reverently and holily, no● lightly or loosely.  
2 Particularly, as near as we may recounting the same. Genes. 32. 10.  
3 Publicly, even in the great congregations unto the Church 〈◊〉 GOD, yea to the generations to come. Ps. 66. & 102.  
4 Privately between God and our own souls to avoid hypocrisy. Matt. 6.  
5 Wisely and orderly for spiritual blessings, and then for temporal. Ephe. 1. 3.  
6 Faithfully, aswell for blessings promised and to come, as for those we have received. 2. Chro. 6.  
7 Constantly, aswell when God takes, as when he gives. job 1. 21.  
8 Humbly, acknowledging ourselves to be unworthy of the least of them. jacob, Gene. 32.  
9 Speedily, if it be possible to prevent the Lord. Gene. 24.  
10 Continually, even all our life long.  
11 Charitably provoking others to the like duty.  
12 Acknowledging Gods graces in others, and without envy or detraction advancing the same.  
13 Yea, wishing that all may be partakers of the same graces with us. Num. 11.  
14 Impartially, aswell for the least as for the greatest.  
3 We must praise God in our life, & actions. Here observe these principal actions of thankfulness. Psalm 1.  
1 To renew our obedience, 〈◊〉 increase our service of God. Psalms 116.  
2 Continual mortification of 〈◊〉 old man. Psal. 106. 3. Ezr. 10.  
3 Casting out the special 〈◊〉 beloved sin. Mat. 5. 29.  
4 Making much of the mean whereby God's blessings are sanctfied, & so continued unto us, namely, the Preaching of the gospel, & Rom. 10. 15.  
5 Labouring heartily the co●uersion of others. Psal. 51  
6 Relieving and forgiving, 〈◊〉 praying one for another. Eph. 8.  
7 Believing Gods promises, 〈◊〉 waiting patiently the full accomplishment of them. Psalm 40. ● Heb. 11.  
8 Erecting monuments and tro●phes of God's benefits to posteri●● Gen. 22. 15. etc.  
9 Writing & registering the n●ble acts of the Lord. Psal. 102.  
10 Imposing fit names unto 〈◊〉 children, in remembrance of God mercies. Gen. 41.  
11 Paying our vows unto God and men. Psal. 65. 1. jon. 2. 9  
12 Being content with whatsoever God bestoweth upon us.  
Thus are we to perform thankfulness unto God.  
Which that we may perform more happily:  
First, Let us beware of these evils which are main enemies to this duty: As, 
Sect. 3. What evils to be avoided.   
1 To imagine, that we deserve any thing Luc. 17. 10.  
2 That we have any thing merely by our own labour and industry. Psal. 127.  
3 That we harp more upon our troubles, than God's favours and benefits.  
4 That we be always begging, but never recounting what we have received.  
5 That we consider what others have, rather than what we have need of.  
6 That we be not secure in the blessings of God, but rather fear our estate most when we have most favours. job 1.  
7 That we tie God unto these outward things.  
8 That we dote and rest upon these, and not rather forget them in regard of the things of the life to come. Phil. 3.  
9 That we conceive basely and meanly of God's mercies, and do not see & worship God in the least of them. 
Sect. 4. Helps to thankfulness.   
Secondly, Let us use these helps 〈◊〉 thankfulness. As  
1 Rest we upon God as the giver of all good blessings.  
2 Use we all holy means for the obtaining of them.  
3 Leave we the success to Go: depending on his providence.  
4 Think we not what God can give, but what is fit for us to receive.  
5 Consider we how small a tribute the Lord requires for all his blessings.  
6 What a prerogative we attain by thanksgiving, that God is the receiver, and we givers unto God, and how much better it is to give then to receive.  
7 Let the creatures provoke us hereto, left otherwise they condemn us. Heb. 6.  
8 Let our commodity persuade us, either if we will have, or use, or hold God's favours comfortably.  
9 And lastly consider we the account to be made in the life to come, which is made up by thankfulness unto God in this life. joh. 3.  
And thus far concerning thankfulness  
The chief use and benefit thereof, 
Sect. 5. The benefit thereof.  is to keep us in a constant course of obedience unto God, in the enjoying of his blessings. And this is of the Next duty daily to be performed of us:   

CHAP. XII.  
NAmely to labour constancy and perseverance unto the end. 
Of constancy and perseverance.   
And that because:  
First, Hereby we approve the soundness of our calling and gifts, 
Sect. 1. It is most necessary.  which otherwise if we fail were but temporary, given rather for others then for our own good.  
2 We obtain the promise and the crown that is set before us. Herald 11. which otherwise by falling away we shall lose. Revel. 3. 6.  
3 We approve the truth of God, and give him the glory of his faithfulness. 1. Thes. 5. 24.  
4 We overcome satan and all our enemies. Ephes. 6. 13.  
Helps hereunto are:  
First, The establishing of our faith, that the children of God shall continue to the end: and that because,  
1 Our God is faithful and almighty, and his gifts are without repentance who hath promised it. Rom. 11.  
2 jesus Christ makes continual intercession for us. Luke 22● 33.  
3 The holy Ghost shall abide with us to the end of the world. john 16. to preserve us. john 14.  
4 We are the beloved of God: and therefore.  
1 Whom he loves once he will love to the end. john. 13.  
2 Whatsoever we ask in his name, the father will give us, if it be agreeable to his will. 1. john 5. 14.  
3 All things shall turn unto our good. Rom. 8. 29.  
4 We are married to him for ever in holiness and righteousness: Ose. 2.  
5 Gods covenant with us, is everlasting. jeremy 30. Ezechiel 11. Psalm. 89. & Ose. 2.  
6 We are united unto Christ our head, Collossians, 2. and given to him of the Father, and therefore none shall take us out of his hands john 10. john 17. 17.  
7 We have the word and sacraments, which shall continue with us to the world's end, to uphold us in our righteousness. Mat. 28.  
8 We have strengthening grace to continue us in well-doing. Ephe. 3. 16.  
9 Our slips, and fall, are means to perseverance.  
Here Consider.  
1 That the child of God being regenerated, may, and doth fall: and that because:  
1 God leaves him often to himself. 
Sect. 3. Removing the hindrances, here of the falls of God's children,  Ose. 5. Psal. 30. and that,  
1 To let him see his own strength to be humbled thereby. Hose. 14. 4.  
2 To drive from that hold, to rely only upon God. Cantic. 3. 4. Luc. 22. 32.  
3 To make him more compassionate and helpful to others in their infirmities.  
2 Satan is continually sifting of him. Luk. 22.  
3 He carries about him a traitor ready to betray him hourly. 1. Pet. 2. 11.  
4 His falls may well stand with his estate in grace, yea do much make for the trial and increase thereof. 1. Pet. 1. 7.  
As in his fall,  
1 He discerns his imperfection, and so is provoked to take stronger hold. Canti. 3. 4.  
2 In his recovery he feels the undoubted grace of God. Psal. 32.  
3 In both he hath experience of the combats between the flesh and the spirit, all which are undoubted signs of regeneration. Luk. 11. 21.  
4 He is made more acquainted with the deceitfulness of sin, and so more skilful to prevent the same. Heb. 3. 13.  
5 He is shamed by his fall, and driven from the hold of the world, and such like baits of sin. Hose. 14. 4.  
6 he is provoked more eagerly to follow after the mark, by how much he hath been cast behind. 2. Cor. 11.  
7 He becomes more fearful of himself, and will not be so venturous upon the occasions of sin. Mat. 26. 75.  
Consider therefore,  
2 How far a regenerate man may fall:  
First, In his faith, by doubting of God's favour and the assurance of his salvation. Psal. 22. Psal. 51. Psal. 77.  
Hence proceeds  
1 Proud and foolish reasonings against God. jer. 12. 1.  
2 Vain and uncharitable speeches and wishes against ourselves, job. 3.  
3 Distasting of the means and furtherances to salvation.  
4 The graces of God may be lessened in them. Psal. 51.  
5 They may be covered.  
6 Loss of some graces of God all his life long.  
2 Erring through ignorance in some main point of salvation, so the Apostles, Acts 1. 6.  
3 He may dwell in his ignorance for a time, and maintain the same, Gal. 2. Peter.  
Secondly, in his life. and that,  
1 By falling into some gross sins. 2. Sam. 11. 2. Sam. 24.  
2 To lie a sleep in them till he be roused up.  
3 To fall into them again after repentance, and so may sin presumptuously. Mat. 26.  
Hence will follow:  
1 That the light of God's countenance shall be taken away. Ps●. 51.  
2 The horrors of hell shall assault and buffet him, and so he may despair. Psal. 77. 11.  
3 Some grievous outward afflictions shall follow him to the grave. David.  
4 His life shall be a burden and irksome to him. jacob. and he shall be impatient under the cross. job 3. 7.  
5 He shall cause the name of God to be blasphemed by the wicked. 2. Sam. 12.  
6 His first love shall be cooled, and zeal in godliness abated. Apo. 2. 4.  
7 The weak shall be offended at him.  
8 Gods Spirit shall be grieved. Ephes 4.  
9 He shall feel a weakness in him in regard of such sins as have got strong hold often over him. Psal. 6. jer. 13. 23.  
Thus far may a regenerate man ●all, 
And the difference between them and the wicked.  and yet remain in the state of grace, and differ from a reprobate, or hypocrite, As thus:  
1 The reprobates temporary faith is the chief cause of his falling and profanes in life; but the elects error in life is the occasion of the decay of his faith.  
2 The hypocrite is usually senseless in his fall, and so continues 1● Tim 4. 2 but the regenerate at length hath the true sightofit. 2. Sam. 24. 10●  
3 The hypocrite if he fret an● grieve, it is for fear of punishment or loss of the temporal blessing not for the loss of God's favour etc. Psal. 51. Gen. 27. But  
4 They both fall into the sam● sins again, but yet the hippocras after sins committed with mor● strength and security, the regenerate with more resistance, fear grief, and in great weakness. Ps. 19●  
5 They both are impatient, an● speak foolishly against God, bu● the hypocrite speak as he thinketh and wisheth in the advisedness and purpose of his heart: the regenerate speaks in folly, rashness, not as he thinketh or wisheth, but as his corruption overruling him doth misled and coming to himself, condemn himself for it & clears the Lord. Ps. 73. job 42  
6 They both decay and los● their first love, but yet the hypocrite counts this to be his wisdom, and the true measure of holiness, esteeming his former zeal to be rashness, etc. whereas the regenerate acknowledgeth it was better before then now, and mourning under his estate labours the recovery and in some measure obtains it. 2. Sam. 12. Mat. 26.  
7 They both may refuse the means also, but yet the hypocrite in pride and obstinacy, falls at length, from loose means to none, and so to a despising and persecuting the same: the elect though he leave in his heart, yet he returns with shame, and cleaves more conscionable to the means and is profited thereby.  
8 They both may be losers by their fall, and not recover all their life long: but with these differences.  
1 The reprobate loses all graces and becomes a very beast. Psal. 49. without knowledge, civility, etc. The regenerate recovers necessary graces, as faith in some measure of use and feeling: but that full persuasion joy in the spirit, etc. he happily recovers not again all his life long.  
2 The reprobates loss is without feeling, causing him to set up his rest more securely in this life, and so prepares him to sudden destruction: that of the elect humbles him in all things, causes him to work out his salvation with fear and trembling, to go down with sorrow to his grave, and to be weary of the world, and to desire to be with Christ. Phil. 2. 12.  
This may we discern between the fall● of God's children and the wicked. And this serveth.  
1 To try us in our decay, and to comfort us in the same. Pro. 24. 16.  
2 To justify God's faithfulness who never forsakes his children. 1. Cor. 10. 13.  
3 To stop the mouths of the wicked, who rejoice at our falls▪ Mich. 7. 8.  
4 To assure us of constancy & perseverance to the end. 2. Tim. 4▪ 18.   

CHAP. XIII.  
A second help hereunto is,  
FIrst, watchfulness over our hear●s and ways that they may continually, 
Of wathfulnes.  be acceptable unto God. And that because. 2. Tim. 4. 18.  
1 Hereby we are prepared to temptations Luc. 21. 34. Mat. 13. 25. 
1 The use of it.   
2 Enabled to undergo them. Ephes. 6.  
3 And to have a good issue out of them. Luc. 21. 36.  
4 Without this our whole life, and best actions, are either rashness or security. Pro. 28. 14.  
5 By it we attain, certainty and resolution in well-doing. Ephe. 6. 13.  
6 We prevent some evil which may make all other comforts unsavoury, which we are sure to look for in well doing. Mat. 26. 41.  
7 Hereby the other graces of God in us are much beautified and increased.  
8 And our infirmities much avoided or covered Psalm. 119. 9  
9 The best without it have been deceived. Genes. 3. David, 2. Samuel 12.  
10 Hypocrisy in well-doing and spiritual pride is prevented or mastered.  
11 Dullness and wearisomeness also in good things is much holpen.  
12 And so we prepared happily to perfection.  
Now this watchfulness is performed  
1 And especially by observing the heart and yoking it. 
2 How performed   
2 In keeping under the outward man.  
3 And this not for a spurt but all our life long, because so long endures the combat.  
4 And that observing and suspecting our greatest strength. 1. Cor. 10. 12.  
5 Aiming and heeding principally the sins that we have most delighted in. Psal. 19 Psal. 25.  
6 Examining the best graces of God in us, lest some dead fly be in them. Pro. 28. 9 Mat. 6.  
Helps hereunto are: 
3 Helps hereto.   
1 The glass of the Word. Psal. 
3 To have the fear of God continually before our eyes.  119. Hebr. 11. 6.  
2 Continual fear of ourselves. Pro. 28. Phil. 2. 12.  
3 To have the fear of God continually before our eyes. 1. Cor. 7. 1  
4 Sobriety in our knowledge, and use of outward things. 1. Pet. 5. Rom. 12. 3.   

CHAP. XIIII. 
Of prayer.   
FOurthly, Earnest and constant prayer unto God to uphold us by his mighty power, in cheerfulness provoking one another to holy duties. Psal. 40. 4. 
1 And it conditions.   
1 Publicly in the Congregations.  
2 In private as well with our families, as in our closerts, or such like secret recourse. Mat. 6. Psal. 4.  
Conditions of prayer are:  
1 That our prayer must be in faith without doubting. jam. 1. 6.  
2 In love, forgiving one another. Luc. 6. & praying one for another.  
3 In wisdom, praying first for the favour of God when we would have any blessing, and when we would have an evil removed, praying for the forgiunes of sin, which is the cause of it, and dividing the times for prayer and our callings. Dan. 6. 10.  
4 In zeal and fervency from the heart and affection. 1. Cor. 14● jam. 5. 16.  
5 In constancy and patience waiting the Lords good leisure. Psal. 40. 1. Psa. 135. Psa. 147.  
6 In humility, abasing & vilifying ourselves before the Lord. Goe 32.  
7 With thanksgiving unto God for all his mercies. Psalm 103. 1.  
8 Renewing our vows and promises unto God. Psal. 116.  
9 With strong cries & groans begging the pardon of our own sin, and the sin of the Church & land wherein we live. Dan. 9  
10 Craving such necessaries for ourselves and others, with a holy submitting of ourselves for the matter, manner, time, and measure to the will of God. Mat. 26. 42.  
Thus must our prayers be made unto the Lord▪ and by them we shall be,  
First, Much strengthened in the grace of perseverance. Luke 22. 32. as also.  
2 Kept in the vigour and power of our Christian life. Ephes. 6. 
2 The benefit of prayer.   
3 Experienced in our sweet fellowship with God. Romans 8. 15.  
4 Our spiritual armour always fitted and exercised. Ephes. 6.  
5 Our daily wants supplied or recompensed. james 1. 5. 2. Corint. 12.  
6 temptations conquered; and happily diminished Mat. 4.  
7 All our occasions well seasoned & turned to our good 1. Timo. 4.  
8 Our whole life sanctified, and we prepared comfortably to a better. Phil. 1. 19   

CHAP. XV. 
Of peace with God, and lying down therewith●   
AND thus being prepared, we are ready for sweet Peace with God either to lay ourselves down therewith in peace to our sweet repose, or to yield up our lives with joy unto the hands of our redeemer. Psal. 4. 8. Acts 7. 59 1. Cor. 1. 7.  
And this is the last duty daily to be performed of us: and this peace is principally to be laboured to us; Because,  
1 We must respect not so much what we have done, 
1 It necessity.  but how the Lord hath accepted it. Rom. 5. 1.  
2 Hereby we shall with courage go forward, and be comforte● in the imperfection of our actio●●2. Cor. 8.  
3 We shall obtain & maintains that unspeakable joy of the hol● Ghost in our hearts, Phil. 4. 4. & avoid the contrary sadness and distraction which proceeds from want of this peace.  
4 We shall refresh the graces of God in commending them thus with ourselves to the peace of God. 
2 How obtained.   
Now this duty is performed and blessing obtained:  
1 By performing the daily duties in their former order and with constancy.  
2 If by some urgent occasion or tentation we have been interrupted, yet to return to them, & to redouble what we have omitted the next day  
3 And this to be done not superficially with wearisomeness or of custom, but determiately & for conscience sake.  
4 Examine thyself, how thou couldst one hour well be without one of the former graces, as without the comfort of the remission of thy sins, etc.  
5 judge and earnestly bewail thyself, if thou hast either omitted or slightly performed any of these.  
6 Be sure so to perform these, as that thou dost not neglect thy calling. 2. Thess. 3. 12.  
7 If thou hast performed them in some poor measure, yet rest not in it, but labour more earnestly with God for a further grace. Phil. 3. 13.  
8 And yet be thankful unto God for these small grapes and fruits, acknowledging that it is his great mercy, that thou canst do any thing, and giving him all the glory thereof. 1. Corinthians. 15. 10. And thus shalt thou be sure to obtain this peace of God.  
And having obtained it, thou must lie down therewith, and carry it with thee to thy bed.  
1 Because thou knowest not whether thy bed shall be thy grave. 1. Pet. 1. 24.  
2 Thy sleep hereby shall be much sweeter, and dreams more comfortable. Psal. 4. 8.  
3 Thou shalt avoid nocturnal pollutions and uncleannesses.  
4 Thy reins shall teach thee in the night season, and the darkness shall be as the noon day. Psa. 16. 7.  
And this is performed:  
1 By resigning up ourselves into the hands of God. 
3 How performed   
2 Ascribing unto him the glory of all the good we have performed. Psal. 115. 1. Esay 26. 12.  
3 Acknowledging ourselves to be unprofitable servants, if God should enter into judgement with us. Luke 17. 10.  
4 Craving earnest pardon of our imperfections in I●sus Christ, and laying ourselves asleep in his bosom. 1. john 1. 9  
5 Comforting ourselves (if sense of faith be not present) yet with former experience and inward habit thereof. Psal. 22. 10.  
6 Yielding up ourselves in a willingness to death, in full expectation of the life to come. Phil. 1. 20, 23. And thus guiding ourselves by these former rules, we shall lie down in peace, and so shall we comfortably perform the daily sacrifice.  
And thus far concerning such necessary duties, as we are bound in some measure daily to perform.   

CHAP. XVI.  
FOR our better encouragement and furtherance herein; 
How to profit in this direction.  observe these rules:  
1 That being convinced in conscience with the necessity of these duties, we purpose and solemnly vow unto the Lord the attempting and prosecuting thereof. Psal. 119. 106. Psal. 119. 7.  
2 That God principally respects the purpose of the heart, and if there be a willing mind, accepts according to what we have, and requires not what we have not. 2. Cor. 8. 12.  
3 That we give not ear to the flesh pleading novelty, impossibility, etc. Gal. 1. 16.  
4 That we try the Lord, who is wonderful in blessing the unfeigned endeavours of his children. Hag. 2. Malachi. 3. 10.  
5 Then let us make trial at first in one of these, and grow ready therein, so shall we with more willingness and skilfullnes proceed in the rest. james 2. 10. james 3. 2.  
6 Let us not fail to meet the Lord with unfeigned thankfulness, when we see him coming effectually in the weak performance thereof. Psal. 81.  
7 And so condemn and provoke thyself, as before, and thou shalt see (by God's mercy) a good crease.  
Yea, thou shalt not only be able to perform these duties with comfort, but also thou shalt be able to entertain each several occasions of the day, to God's glory, thy exceeding profit, and benefit of others.   

CHAP. XVII.  
AND this is the second part of this daily sacrifice: 
Of right employing the occasions of the day.  Namely to consecrate our daily occasions, as a reasonable sacrifice unto God.  
Here observe.  
First, That though the occasions of the day are divers, and so not more necessary, and easily to be directed, yet some principal there are which do usually occur. The well ordering whereof will easily inform us, in the holy entertaining of the rest:   

CHAP. XVIII.  
And these Principal are:  
FIrst, To arise with God, 
Of rising with God and awaking in his peace.  and as we laid ourselves down in peace, 
1 The necessity thereof.  so to awake with the comfort thereof. Psal. 23. 6. Lam. 3. 23. The reason whereof is: Because:  
1 We maintain hereby conconstancie in well-doing.  
2 We renew that soundness wherewith we lay down.  
3 We prevent that no root of bitterness break out at the first.  
4 We provide for our more settled courses all the day after, and so begin a new to live the daily life of grace.  
5 We make our hearts merry in the Lord.  
6 We are made principally more apt to prayer, which is the next occasion to be entertained of us.  
This is performed:  
1 By meditating, of the true life of God, 
2 How performed.  and day of the rresurection. 1. Cor. 1.  
2 By magnifying our sweet repose, and resting in the bosom of God's protection. Psalm 3. 5.  
3 Taking occasion by the light that appeareth, to consider of the armour of light; or by the outward darkness that compasseth, to bless God for the inward light and to mourn for the ignorance and blindness that is yet in us, yea to resolve the casting away of the works of darkness. etc. Rom. 13. 12.  
4 Praising the mercy and patience of the Lord, that yet we live to praise him, and are spared to make our election more sure▪ and thereto especially meditating on the constancy of God's love toward us. john 13. 1. Psalm 19 2. Psal. 102. 27. jeremy Lament. 3. 23.  
And this is furthered if we perceive dullness.  
1 By striving even in the night when we awake, 
3 How furthered.  to sigh for sin, and hunger after mercy. Psal. 16. 7. Cant. 31.  
2 By opening our hearts (if occasion serve) to our chambersellow, if such fellowship be enjoyed, and so shaming of ourselves jacob 5.  
3 By avoiding overmuch sleep, ●ea scanting and stinting ourselves thereof, and rousing up our selves from drowsiness by checking our hearts and complaining of them to our blessed God. Prove. 24. 32. 33.  
4 Taking occasion by our dreams or nocturall infirmities, to magnify God's mercy, that it is not so as we dreamt; or to check our infidelity, in relying superstiously upon dreams; or to condemn our security, and profaneness in neglecting them utterly. And if we have been assaulted, with terrors and corruptions, yet either they have not prevailed, or shall not be imputed unto us.  
5 Calling to mind some place of the word for our better stirring up, as Rom. 13. 11. 12. 13. 14. Ephes. 5. 14. 1. Thes. 5. 4. 5. etc. And provoking ourselves by the examples of the saints, who have risen early to praise the Lord. Psal. 5. 34. etc.  
And so rising with the Lord, we shall he fitted to entertain the next special occasion of the day: Which is● Prayer.   

CHAP. XIX.  
THE necessity and right use thereof you have before; 
Of Family and private prayer.   
Only here observe these points for direction herein: As  
First, That howsoever this duty of prayer in family's be neglected, 
Sect. 1. It necessity.  and not esteemed necessary, yet the not use thereof at all, argueth irreligion, and contempt of God. Psal. 14. 4.  
Secondly, 
Sect. 2. Often to be performed, and by whom.  That not once, but oftentimes in the day we must perform the same. Daniel 6. 10.  
Thirdly, And that not only in private in our closerts, etc. but publicly with our families. Genes. 18. 19 job 1. 5.  
Fourthly, That the Master of the family is fittest to be the mouth of God▪ for his people, as being therein their Priest and Prophet. Revel. 1. 6.  
Fiftly, That to this end, set times are to be appointed and kept constantly, unless by sickness or other more invincible occasions we be interrupted.  
Sixtly, 
Sect. 3. The manner how.  That we keep ourselves in an holy temper, and peace of mind by a constant course in all occurrents, and so prepare ourselves to prayer.  
1 Fixing our hearts on God, and meditating of his power and Majesty, to work reverence in us.  
2 Looking unto jesus the author and finisher of our faith, to breed affiance. Heb. 12. 2.  
3 Considering and examning our wants, to breed humility and patience. Psal. 39 Psal. 4. 6.  
4 Excluding worldly ●ares which may hinder deuction. Luke 8 Mat. 6.  
5 Not fretting at the prospertity of the wicked. Psal. 37. 1.  
6 In patience, bearing the wrongs of enemies, and leaving revenge to God. Rom. 12.  
7 Doing all things as in God's presence.  
8 Avoiding evil for conscience sake.  
9 Meditating still on the day of judgement, lest we be unfit or interrupted in prayer. 2. Pet. 3. 2. Cor. 5. 11.  
7 Consider we the manifold blessings we have received from God to provoke us to thanksgiving, without which our prayers are ineffectual. Ephes. 6. etc.  
8 Here it is requisite that we also quicken our hearts by reading, and meditating twice, or oftener in the day on some part of the Scriptures, either  
First, Taking the Scripture in order before us. Nehemiah 8. Acts 13. Or else  
2 Upon extraordinary occasions, making choice of fit Scriptures.  
9 Bewail we seriously our neglect of closet prayer, and condemn we ourselves for our lip-labour and customary devotions, our wearisomeness in well-doing, our contentment with little feelings.  
10 Renew we our vows for more often & conscionable performance hereof.  
11 Rest we especially upon the continual intercession of our blessed Advocate, jesus Christ, who continually maketh intercession for us, and is now both praying for us, and ready to present our prayers to the throne of grace, and to cover all the infirmities and failings of them.  
12 Stir we up the blessed Spirit (as before) which may help us with sighs and groans unspeakable. Rom. 8.  
13 And be we well advised of the particular thing we desire, that it may be fit for God to give us, and us to ask for our present occasion. Matth. 6. james 4. 2.  
Being thus prepared, we must power out our prayers (as before.) Avoiding here especially:  
1 Constraint, and ceremoniousness.  
2 customariness, praying rather for the times sake, 
Sect. 4. What to be avoided therein  then for God's glory. Psal. 119. 108.  
3 Conceit of the well-doing hereof in regard of the thing done.  
4 Pride and ostentation in the opinion of our well-doing. Matthew 6.  
5 Lip-labour and idle repetition of words.  
6 Confusion and disorder, praying for earthly things before heavenly. Mat. 6. 33.  
7 carnalness, when we pray more for earth than heaven.  
8 Hypocrisy, doing it to be seen of men. Mat. 6.  
9 uncharitableness, praying for revenge, etc. of private wrongs. Eccle. ●0. 20. jam. 4. 7.  
10 wearisomeness and dullness. Gal. 6. Exod. 15.  
11 Hastiness and rashness, as ●we would fain have done.  
12 Presumption, begging such ●●ings as are not seasonable. Luke 54. or beseem us not.  
13 Impiety, praying for indulence in sin; or indenting with God, and limiting him to our will, ●●helpe us at such a time, or in such manner. Act. 1. Dan. 4.  
14 Infidelity, when we pray without the assurance of the acceptance of our persons, which is the case of all popish devotion. jac. 1. 6.  
Observing well:  
1 That as well for the least blessing, 
Sect. 5. Directions for prayer.  as for the greatest we sue to God in prayer, and so be thankful unto him, left otherwise we deny God the giver, and so hinder our receiving.  
2 That we measure not the prayer by the outward success, because an evil prayer may be heard in anger, Osee 13. and a good deferred in mercy: Yea a good prayer, though in much weakness, may be granted in love, Matthew 6. to keep us from despair; and yet a more strong and fervent prayer may be denied in greater love, both to humble us that we put not confidence in the means, and to encourage us to constancy therein, assuring ourselves that the ●ssue of our prayers shall be gracious.  
3 That in the greatest feeling of God's mercy, we pray against temptations. Matth. 16.  
4 That we especially commend unto God the afflicted state of the Church, and desire our welfare in the prosperity thereof. Psalm 122. 6. Psal. 126.  
5 That we redouble our sighs and prayers, not suffering any repulse. Psal. 119. 164. Matt. 15. Gen. 32. Gen. 18, etc. Ephes. 6.  
6 That we highly efteeme of the thing we pray for. Matth. 5. 6.  
7 That we find as much comfort in abiding long at prayer, as at hearing the word.  
8 That we be as ready to praise God for his mercies received, as to sue for the obtaining of them. Psal. 116. Luke 17. 12, 18.  
9 That we rebuke ourselves in our prayers, and rely only upon Christ.  
The benefit hereof is manifold: 
Sect. 6. The benefit thereof,   
1 We renew our right in the day. 1. Tim. 4. 4.  
2 We arm ourselves against temptations. Ephes. 6. 14. 15.  
3 We are ready for any good that shall be offered us, as consolation of the sick, conference. etc.  
4 We are priest to do all things in the sight of of God.  
5 And so very much fitted and furthered to set upon our callings.   

CHAP. XX.  
ANd this is the next main occurrent that falls out in the day, 
Callings, and following thereof.  even to follow our Callings.  
And here observe.  
First, that to walk in a set calling for the common good, is the ordinance of God imposed on every Christian. 
Sect. 1. That it is God's ordinance to walk in a calling  2. Thes. 3. 12. Gen. 3. 19 Ephes. 4. 28.  
And that:  
1 To communicate God's providence in the government of the world.  
2 To maintain a comely order in the administration thereof.  
3 To employ such variety of gifts as God bestoweth on men aright.  
4 To maintain human societies in the bond of peace.  
5 To avoid idleness, and curiosity.  
6 To prevent errors and distraction in religion.  
7 To fit us to the ends of God's providence.  
8 That God may be glorified in ordering such infinite variety of callings, both for the common, and each private good, and that especially for the life to come.  
And this serveth:  
1 To teach us to try our callings by this, that they have their warrant from the word of God, and that we be fitted thereto, and so to reject the contrary.  
2 To sanctify our callings by bounding them in the Lord. Ephes. 6. 1. because they are preserved by the same means by which they were ordained.  
Secondly learn we:  
That howsoever callings be the ordinance of God, 
Sect. 2. Callings to be expected by ordinary means.  yet in these days we are to expect them,  
1 By the ministery of men and  
2 Our own industry fitting us thereto.  
3 Submitting ourselves herein to the rule of the word.  
And that because:  
1 Extraordinary callings belonged to the infancy of the Church and times of extremity, etc.  
2 We have a sure word better than any such extraordinary revelation. Heb. 1. 2. Pet. 1.  
3 The providence of God is subordinate to means.  
5 God hath ordained this labour to humble us, and withal to comfort us in the right and use of his blessings. Eccles. 1.  
And this serveth:  
1 To reprove presumption upon extraordinary callings in these days, and corruption in the obtaining of them.  
2 To teach us for outward callings to depend upon the means which God hath sanctified thereto, Namely;  
1 The authority of the magistrate's  
2 Our fitness to the calling.  
3 And it fitness for us.  
3 To condemn those that under pretence of Religion reject human callings.  
4 And also to reprove such who wander up and down, betaking themselves to no calling.  
5 To convince also those that think callings are only appointed to get blessings, whereas indeed they both serve to get, and also to use aright those that are cast upon us; wherein gentlemen are much faulty.  
Thirdly, Observe we:  
That though it be the ordinance of God to have a calling, 
Sect. 3. The right use of our calling, specially to be stood upon.  yet it is not the having of a calling, but the right use thereof, whereby we glorify God, and further ourselves to happiness. 1. Cor 9 1. Cor. 7.  
And this serveth:  
1 For the condemnation of those that when they are in a calling make no conscience thereof, esteeming it rather a reward of former service, than a place of further service.  
2 For our instruction, that we measure the worth of our calling by the right use thereof, and only in the same expect the blessings.  
Now that we may use our callings aright, we must observe these rules:  
First, 
Sect. 4. How to use our callings aright.  our judgements must be further informed concerning our callings, and that by these directions.  
1 That each one by profession, hath a general calling to be a Christian, which excludes not, but orders the civil calling. 1. Cor. 2. 20.  
2 That the calling which God hath placed us in, is fittest for us. Phil. 4.  
And this serveth:  
1 Much for the maintenance of order, and the avoiding of confusion in church and commonwealth.  
2 To prevent idleness and distraction in our callings.  
3 To secure us of good success therein.  
Thirdly, Learn we,  
That all our actions be warranted by our callings, as kept within the compass thereof.  
And that because:  
1 Else they are not done in saith, and so cannot please God. Herald 11. 2.  
3 They do exclude themselves out of the protection of the almighty. Psal. 91.  
And this serveth:  
1 To condemn all busy bodies and presumptuous usurpers of other men's callings, upon what pretence soever. 2. Sam. 6. joh. 21. 21. 1. Pet. 4.  
2 To discern of the integrity of our actions; because even a good action not warranted by a calling, is sin.  
3 To instruct us, that though we see no likelihood of doing good, yet we must not draw back so far as our calling requireth. jer. 1. 20. 19 Ezech. 2. 5. Esay. 6. etc.  
4 To advise us how we may not buse God's providence, and so expose ourselves to his justice.  
5 To comfort us in the ill success of our endeavours, when we have done what becometh us for the redress thereof, that our labour shall not be in vain. 1. Cor. 15. Esay. 49. 3.  
Fourthly learn we;  
That together with the following of our earthly callings, we must join the general calling of Christianity: because,  
1 In serving of man we must serve God.  
2 And in providing for this life, we must also store up for heaven. Luke 15▪ and  
3 These things will not prosper unless the better plough go to. Ag. 1.  
And this serveth:  
1 To condemn those that profane their callings by neglecting the more necessary.  
2 To try our estate in grace.  
3 To comfort us in our base callings, because God may as well be served in these as in the greatest, and  
4 To humble men in every calling, the mighty, who think their calling either must not stoop to religion, or hath no leisure there to: the poor, who think their want to be a privilege from following their spiritual callings.  
Fiftly, Observe we,  
That whatsoever shall be sufficient for the right use of our callings, shall be revealed unto us from the word, & thence to be warranted. Ac. 9  
And that because:  
1 God is as well the ordainer of the means, as of the end.  
2 And in his love he will have us certain what to do.  
3 And hereby presumption and distraction are happily prevented.  
And this serveth:  
1 To try the fitness and blessing of our callings.  
2 To humble us in rega●d of our ignorance and presumption.  
3 To comfort us if through want or ignorance we may fail in some point, be cause all is not revealed at once, and to assure us of good success therein. Psal. 73.  
4 To provoke us to seek after knowledge as after treasures. Proverbs 2.  
5 To teach us not to presume upon good meanings and intentions in our actions. 1. Sam. 13.  
6 To condemn all rash and licentious actions whatsoever.  
Sixtly, We must be resolved:  
That our callings are imposed, not to merit by them, but to be humbled and exercised in them, in thankfulness unto God, for his love unto us in jesus Christ.  
And that because,  
1 Christ jesus hath sufficiently deserved for us, and so we shall derogate from his sufficiency.  
2 God doth not require it at our hands. Esay 1.  
3 We are never able to perform it, but even when we have done all we can, we are unprofitable servants. Luke 17. 10.  
And this,  
1 Condemneth all Popish and voluntary service.  
2 It encourageth us in our callings, seeing God requireth but what we can, nay, what he gives.  
3 It comforteth us in our imperfections, and taketh away that flavish fear of hirelings and mercenaries.  
4 It assureth us of our salvation.  
Seventhly, Learn we,  
That though we fail in the best, yet notwithstanding we must not fail to do our best in our callings.  
And that,  
1 By this faithfulness, we may witness that our callings are sanctified unto us, in our obedience to God in them.  
2 That they may be means of our enjoying of heaven. 1. Tim. 6. 19  
3 That we may be also possessers of greater glory in the heavens. Mat. 25. 26. etc.  
And this serveth:  
1 To condemn all time-serving, and customary in our callings. Eph. 6. 5, 6.  
2 We are provoked to strive with the best for the best gain, & in these things to seek after heaven.  
And this is done:  
By walking in our callings by faith and not by fear, that so both our persons and actions may be approved.  
And this is known:  
1 Being warranted from the word, in what we do, or intend. 2. Pet. 1.  
2 Our consciences convinced from the word to the same: and also  
3 Witnessing with us in what we do. And that,  
1 With cheerfulness, not making haste to be rich, but casting our care upon God, and committing the success to him. 1. Pet. 5. Eccle. 9 9  
2 With diligence, redeeming the time, and entertaining the means of God's providence, and not being wilfully guilty of the neglect thereof. Ephe. 3. 16. 17.  
3 In wisdom, doing the most necessary duty and submitting always these earthly callings to the furtherance of the heavenly, and expressing our spiritual calling, even in the use of this, & so avoiding negligence that we be not entangled with covetousness.  
4 In love & meekness, making others partakers of the benefit of our labours.  
5 In patience, not tying God so much to the outward blessing of our labours, as contenting ourselves with the testimony of our good conscience therein. Heb. 13. 18.  
6 With conscience, doing that which may be most profitable to Church & Commonweal: whereby are condemned all vain, and new fangled inventions, as rather maintaining sin, then breeding any good to the Commonwealth. Zeph. 1. Esay 3. 19 20.  
7 In holiness, sanctifying them daily by the word & prayer. 1. Tim. 4. 5.  
8 With constancy, loboring against ambition, envy, & impatiency, and assuring ourselves that our meanest endeavours shallbe accepted in jesus Christ.  
9 To the glory of God, aiming at it in all things, and preferring it above all 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
Admitting here these considerations: 
Sect. 5. How to leave callings.   
1 That we are not bound to our callings any longer than means & maintenance is supplied, but that in this respect we may leave or change our callings; yea, for the public good also the caling may be changed  
2 That we may intermit our callings. 
Sect. 6. How to intermit them.   
And that,  
1 For Religion's sake, as to hear the word, etc. unless some bond of covenant, or necessary present occasion come between.  
2 We may also intermit our callings to serve the public good, or to minister to the present and urgent necessity of our neighbour, our present case allowing it.  
3 Recreation also requires a vacancy from our callings. So that  
1 Our recreation be in things lawful.  
2 That it be moderate.  
3 And that upon the days of labour.  
4 That it further not only the particular, but the general calling.  
Fourthly, Necessity also may impose a surceasing of our calling.  
As when:  
1 By sickness we are detained, or some such invincible casualty.  
Thirdly, we must resign up our callings.  
And that:  
1 When God calls by death.  
2 When other means warranted by the conscience, guided by the word do, require and: that,  
3 With testimony of a good conscience. 1. Sam. 12. 3.  
4 By giving up our account for them unto the great judge. Heb. 13.  
Thus are we to perform our callings.  
The benefit whereof is exceeding great. 
Sect. 7. Benefit of callings.  For:  
1 Hereby we shall be sure to be fed. Psal. 37.  
2 We shall be better fitted to our general callings.  
3 We shall lay up a good foundation for heaven. 1. Tim. 6. 19  
4 We shall exercise herein many spiritual graces. 1. Cor. 7. as patience, faithfulness, etc.  
5 Hereby we shall perceive God's power, and holiness, even in these base and mean things, and be provoked to seek him in greater blessings. Mat. 6.  
6 We shall be humbled, and so provoked to hunger after our dissolution.  
And thus far concerning our behaviour in our callings.   

CHAP. XXII.  
THe next main incident to the day, 
Of the right use of the creatures.  is the use of the creatures.  
And these are of two sorts.  
1 Such as serve for the necessary preservation of life, as food, apparel.  
2 Such as serve especially for the better being of the soul, as company.  
Concerning food and sustenance, observe these rules.  
1 That every creature is good, and that there is no more holiness in the one, than in the other. 1. Tim. 4. 5. 〈◊〉, though each Christian hath a right to all the creatures, yet is he to be restrained in the use of them.  
And that by these limits:  
1 The bond of Religion, which enjoins some times an entire abstinence from the creature, that so we might be better fitted to spiritual duties. 1. Tim. 5. 23. 1. Pe. 5. 8. jon. 3.  
2 The bond of Christian policy may restrain us the use of some creatures on some days, for the benefit of the Commonwealth, to which we ought to obey for conscience sake. Rom. 13. 5.  
3 The bond of nature restrains us that we may not eat but for necessity. Eccles. 10. 16. Mat. 12. 1.  
4 The bond of conscience and equity also enjoins us, that we may not lawfully eat, unless we have laboured for it. 2. Thess. 3. 12.  
5 The bond of our callings binds us so to eat, as our Christian callings may be furthered and out Civil callings will maintain. 1. Tim. 5. 8.  
6 The bond of Charity will●s us not to eat our morsels alone, but to provide and reserve somewhat for the poor. job 29. 31. Psalm 16. Neh. 8.  
7 The bond of Sobriety restrains ●s from faring deliciously every day, & from far-fetched dainties, but to use our liberty as if we used it not, avoiding unnecessary provocations of gluttony. Esay 5. 9 10. Luk. 16. 1. Cor. 7. 23.  
8 The bond of contentment, which wisheth the servant not to envy at the more liberal fare of his Master, but each to be content with the portion that is fit for him. 1. Tim. 6. 6, 8.  
Thirdly, we are to renew our right in the creature by daily sanctifying them unto us by the word & prayer. 1. Tim. 5. 1. Sam. 9 13.  
And that:  
1 By acknowledging ourselves unworthy of them. Gen. 32. 10.  
2 Giving God the glory of them with thanksgiving. Mat. 26.  
3 Seasoning them with holy and religious thoughts, and cheerful yet profitable conference. judg. 14. Luke 14.  
4 Offering the strength of them unto God in our callings. 
Sect. 2. The benefit thereof.  1. Kings 19 8.  
The benefit hereof is:  
1 We shall avoid superstition, and that damnable doctrine of devils. 1. Tim. 4. 2.  
2 We shall be better enabled to spiritual duties. Matt. 26. 30.  
3 we shall use our Christian liberty aright. Rom. 14.  
4 We shall further nature to grace.  
5 We shall eat of our own, and so be blessed. Psal. 128. 1.  
6 We shall provide safely for the time of famine, and eat to live. Psa. 33. 19 Psal. 37.  
7 We shall make us friends of this Mammon of iniquity, and ease ourselves well of an heavy burden. Euke 16.  
8 We shall be ready to die, and prepared to the meat that shall endure for ever. john 6. 27.  
And thus much concerning our food. 
Of company, and  The like may we conceive concerning our apparel.   

CHAP. XXII.  
AS touching company, 
Of company and  we are to observe these points:  
First, The kinds of company, which are, Good or Bad.  
Here learn,  
First, To discern good and evil company.  
As thus:  
First, Those are to be esteemed good, 
Sect. 1. How to discern good and bad company.  which  
1 Are of the same profession with us. Ephes. 5. 11. Psalm 15. 4.  
2 Who labour to holiness and sincerity of life. Ephes. 5.  
3 Who suffer with us for the same profession.  
4 Who love the Saints, and long of the appearance of Christ jesus 1. Cor. 1. 2. Thess. 3. 14.  
Secondly, Those are to be accounted evil:  
1 Who speak evil of the power of profession jud. 2. Pet. 2.  
2 That refuse to participate in the means of holiness.  
3 That disgrace profession with a profane life. Ephe. 5. 6.  
4 That hate to be reproved, and continue obstinate in their sin. john, 2. Epist.  
5 That betray and persecute the saints of God. Mat. 10.  
Secondly, 
Sect. 2. What company to be chosen, and how to be refused.  learn  
Principally to make choice of good company. Psal. 15.  
Thirdly, observe we,  
That we are not to refuse the worst company upon these conditions:  
1 If thy calling require and allow thee, for their good, especially being sought unto. Matthew 3. 5. Luk. 14. 1.  
2 If upon occasion thou fall upon them, or they into thy company. 1. Reg. 18. Act. 17. 17.  
3 If they be in any extremity thou art to seek to them. Luke 10. 33.  
4 So thou do not return to them, 
Sect. 3. How to behave ourselves in good company.  but reclaim them to thee. jer. 15. 19  
Fourthly, learn how to behave thyself in company.  
Concerning good company there are these rules:  
1 Christian Salutation and greeting each other in the Lord. Ruth. 2.  
2 To be large hearted, and offer the most precious pearls unto them. Math. 13.  
3 To use among them more cheerfulness and familiarity.  
4 To exhort one another to constancy. Heb. 3. 14.  
5 To reprove each other for known or suspected infirmities. Leuit. 19 17. Gal. 2. 11. 13.  
6 Taking occasion by some present blessing or judgement, to provoke to repentance, or thankfulness. Gen. 33. 11. Gen. 49. 9 15.  
7 joining together in prayer, at lest once before breaking up. Ephesians 6.  
8 Advising each other for outward occasions, but sparingly. Phil. Epist. 2. Tim. 4. 13. 23.  
9 Commending each other to their private remembrances. Ephes. 6. 19 Act. 20. 32.  
10 In their conference to keep an holy order, that the gravest, and most experienced may both begin and moderate, without interruption or prejudice of any one's gifts. 1. Cor. 14. job. 32. 4.  
The end and use of good company is:  
1 To draw understanding out of them by conference. 
Sect. 4. The benefit of good company.  Luke 24. joh. 4.  
2 To receive comfort in our inward and outward troubles. Ruth 2. 13.  
3 To be merry and cheerful in the Lord. Psal. 32. 11.  
4 To maintain love and Christian unity. Psal. 133. 1.  
5 To nourish our hope and union in the fellowship which is above. Col. 1. 5.  
Now good company is either: 
Sect. 5. Difference of good company.   
Set & appointed; or occasional.  
Set company is to either spiritual or civil ends.  
That which is to spiritual ends is either,  
1 Public.  
2 Private.  
The set public meetings of the Saints are of two sorts:  
1 Principal and necessary.  
2 Accessary and occasional. 
Sect. 6. Of Sabbath society.   
The Principal meetings are such which do immediately concern and are so employed in the worship of God.  
And these are:  
First, The weekly meetings on the Sabbath.  
And herein observe these rules: 
And it rules.   
First, That we prepare each other thereto, by  
1 Counsel, and  
2 Encouragement.  
3 Examining our wants, and  
4 Labouring to be found in Christ. Eccles. 4. Phil. 3.  
5 With prayer for the ministry of the word. Col. 4.  
6 Instructing our families. 2. Thesse's. 3. and  
7 Condemning our former abuse of the Sabbath.  
8 Renewing our vows for more conscionable obedience for the time to come; and lastly, meditating on the eternal Sabbath.  
Secondly, That we come together to the assemblies, & not straggle but that we may be partakers of the whole worship of God. Acts 13. 44.  
Thirdly, that we use all holy and reverend gesture to further attention to the holy things, as to stand up, to look upon the preacher, etc. Luk. 4. 20. Num. 23. 18.  
4 That we fail not privately to stir up one another (as we perceive dullness) to watchfulness & heed-taking, by jogging, etc.  
5 That we join with the congregation in such parts of God's worship as then are presently performing 1. Cor. 14. Act. 20. 36.  
6 That we continue out the performance thereof, waiting for the blessing, unless more urgent occasion call away. Matthew 24. 20.  
7 That we confer with our families and neighbours some few together, of such lessons as we have publicly heard, desiring to be satisfied by our minister of doubtful points. Act. 17.  
8 That we count this our only recreation for this day to build up the soul in knowledge and holiness. Esay. 58. 13.  
Hitherto serve the private exercises. As  
1 Sanctifying ourselves daily in the family, by prayer and instruction of our people. Genesis 18. 19 Act. 10.  
2 Examination of ourselves, & people concerning the public ministery and trial of our profiting thereby.  
3 Our soliloquies and secret conferences with God; and these are either set, or sudden, upon the extraordinary occasion.  
The use hereef is:  
1 That without these we must not look for any benefit in the public.  
2 By these we shall be enabled thereto, and assured of a blessing therein.  
A Second public meeting for God's worship, 
Sect. 7. Public thanksgivings and their rules.  are the solemnities of thanksgiving for extraordinary blessings received. Exod. 15. Hest. 9 Est. 8. etc.  
And these are to be performed:  
1 By the lawful authority of the Christian Magistrate.  
2 They are to be kept as Sabbaths, with,  
1 Like preparation.  
2 Cessation from work.  
3 Contribution to the poor, &  
4 Spiritual exercise of the word and prayer. 1. Cor. 16. 2. Hest. 9  
5 Only here may be a more liberal use of God's creatures, in regard of invitation of the poor, and enlarging of Christian liberty upon the occasion. 1. Samu. 9 23, 24. Gen. 21. 8.  
6 These are so be kept, that we be fitted and prepared thereby, to other the like duties of thanksgiving upon private occasions, not that the performance hereof should make amends, and cut off these. Luke 16. Esth. 1.  
7 That herein we avoid:  
1 Customarines. 2. Pet. 2. 13.  
2 Opinion of merit.  
3 Superstition. Iud 12. and  
4 Will-worship Col. 2. 16, 21.  
A third public spiritual meeting, 
Sect. 8. Public fasts.  is that holy exercise of Fasting and Prayer. Luke 5. 33. Acts. 1.  
And here observe:  
1 The Author, 
1 The Author.  which must be the Christian Magistrate. jonah 3. 7.  
2 The occasion, 
2 Occasion.  which is manifold, As  
1 The overflowing of sin, threatening some grievous judgement.  
2 Some judgement threatened, either by the word, or by some visible sign. 2. Chron. 20. jon. 3. joel 2. Est. 4.  
3 Some chastisement that is upon the land.  
4 When any special good is to be done for Church or commonweal. Exod. 19 Act. 13. 3.  
5 When we fear the removal of some great blessings, as the word, etc.  
6 When we see the like occasions in our neighbours, we are also for their cause to be humbled. Psal. 35.  
Thirdly, Consider we the manner how the duty of fasting is to be performed.  
And that, 
3 Manner of performance.   
1 For the Solemnity of it must be kept as a Sabbath. Esay. 58. Zach. 7.  
2 Here must be an abstinence, for the time from all meats, and all lawful comforts, as thereby acknowledging ourselves unworthy of life, unless we shall hereby be unfit to prayer. joel 2. 13. 14.  
3 We must also come before the Lord as beggars, in our meanest attire, as a sign of our humility: joh. 3. Est. 4.  
4 Here must be a more solemn and particular confession of sin, both in general and particular, with more strong cries and groans to obtain pardon for the same, as also a more public profession of our faith, and apprehension of God's favour in jesus Christ. Dan. 9 6. 7. & Io●l. 2.  
Fourthly, 
4 Time.  consider we the time of a fast, which is at the least a day, sometimes two or three, as the occasion is more urgent. Hester 4. jon. 3.  
Fiftly learn we the true use and end of fasting. 
5. Ends.  Which is:  
1 Not to place religion in the bodily abstinence, but to use it as a means to further religion. joel 2. 13. Matt. 6.  
2 Gods heavy wrath hath hereby been appeased, and judgements kept out, and removed, yea turned into blessings, judges 20. jonas 3.  
And thus far of the public use of spiritual sociei●e. 
Sect. 9 Of private spiritual society.   
The private followeth, which is seen:  
1 In the private exercise of religion in our families, as Prayer, Catechizing, reading of the word, Meditation.  
1 In private fasts and thanksgivings for family and personal occasions.  
Wherein observe:  
1 That they are to be performed by the authority of the master of the family.  
2 That they are to be kept as Sabbaths.  
3 That what is allowable in the public may here be faulty, namely show and ostentation of that openly which we do in private. Matth. 6.  
Thirdly, Spiritual society is seen in holy conferences, and that  
First, Between the Minister and his flock.  
Here observe:  
1 To avoid curious and high speculations. 
1 How to be performed between Minister and people.   
2 To reason of such things as concern each others state.  
3 And that not so much for desire of knowledge as for conscience sake.  
4 And that with all readiness, and lowliness of mind.  
5 And to resolve ourselves and others.  
6 That God may be glorified.  
Secondly, 
2 How between inferiors and superiors.  These conferences are between inferior and superior.  
Here observe,  
1 That the elder have the former place of speech.  
2 That he despise not the advice and opinion of the inferior. job 31.  
3 That each be submitted to other in the Lord, the stronger submitting himself to the capacity of the weak; and the weaker yielding to the reason of the stronger.  
Thirdly, 
3 How between equals.  This conference may fall out between equals.  
Here learn,  
1 That some priority for order sake is to be used, and that to be given in respect of the best gifts.  
2 Contention must be avoided by wise bearing with each other.  
3 And also order kept in attending each others speech. And  
4 Wisdom to prevent idle talk, and labour the resolution of each necessary doubt.  
In all these Conferences generally observe these rules:  
1 That we confer of our own principally, 
4 Rules general for all.  & not of others estates.  
2 That we avoid as much as may be wordliness, etc.  
3 That we confer of spiritual things seasonably, and within compass.  
4 That though it be lawful to speak of things indifferent, yet we make choice to speak of what directly concerns holiness.  
5 That we meddle not with State, or secret Domestical occasions.  
6 That we intent God's glory and each others profit.  
7 That we be swift to hear and slow to speak. jam. 5.  
The trial of holy conference is this: 
5 Trial of right use.   
1 That if our desire of profiting others grow cold through carnal joy, than we are to suspect that joy. joh. 4. Act. 20.  
2 That either both depart better hereby, or else we at the jest have the testimony of a good conscience herein, and give not over the hope of good success.  
3 That we so part from company, that we be fit to be alone. Mat. 14. 23.  
And thus far of the spiritual use of society concerning principally the worship of God. 
Sect. 10. Of Accessary meetings for Religion.   
The Accessory meetings concerning Religion follow:  
Such as tend to the furtherance thereof.  
And that,  
1 In the establishing of the truth.  
2 Convincing of error.  
And these are either,  
More general: 
As Counsels.   
1 Such as are the general Counsels and Synods, appointed and gathered by the Christian Magistrate, for the maintenance of true Religion, and the rooting out of heresies.  
Here observe these rules:  
1 That the Christian Magistrate is the chief moderator.  
2 The word of God must be the rule and judge.  
3 The end must be to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Ephe. 4.  
Secondly, 
Synods, etc.  Some are less general, as the national and provincial Synods of particular Churches, to be ordered in the same manner as before.  
Hitherto appertain;  
1 The schools of the Prophets, 
And their appertenances.  as being the nurseries of Religion, & seminaries of the Church & commonweal.  
je. 1. 1. Amo. 7. 14. Act. 6. 9 2. Reg. 2. 15.  
2 Religious feasts tending to nourish the fellowship of the Saints. jud.  
3 Contributions & collections for the poor.  
Thus far of the Spiritual use of society.  
The civil followeth, 
Sect. 11. Of civil society.  and it is manifold.  
1 State assembles to determine for the good of the body politic.  
2 Corporations and Brotherhoods of Cities and Towns concerning the right use of Trades and Mysteries.  
Thirdly, Contracts or bargains, which must be with these conditions:  
1 That we use no deceit either in word or deed, to entrap or overrate.  
2 That our agreements be plain without cunning, and voluntary without catching.  
3 That promise be kept unless with consent on either side.  
4 Mercy must be showed, if we have our brother at an advantage.  
Fourthly, Civil society may fall out in Suits and Controversies.  
Here observe,  
1 That these hinder not our spiritual society in the worship of God. 
And rules for the same.   
2 Neither impeach other ordinary kindnesses, which ought to pass between neighbours.  
3 But rather we should suffer wrong then fall to these suits. 1. Cor. 6.  
4 And seek we after all means of private agreement.  
5 That we delay not suits to weary out our brother.  
6 Much less by bribery seek to overthrow a good cause.  
7 But to overcome evil with good, seeking peace and ensuing it.  
A fourth use of society is for recreation.  
Here observe:  
1 That we be as careful to use our recreation a right, as to have liberty in it.  
2 That we make choice of a fit time, when we have need, by reason of wearisomeness in our callings.  
3 Look we up still to God for continency in the use of our liberty.  
4 Our kinds of recreation must be honest & of good report. Ph. 4. 8.  
5 We must use great moderation of our affection therein.  
6 We must be content to leave off when by hope of gain or company we see the abuse creeping on. 1. Thes. 5. 22.  
7 Our company must be suitable, such as we may order; nay, such as may moderate us.  
8 We must not be over-tired with our pleasures, but made more fit both for our earthly and spiritual callings.  
A fifth use of society, is in love feasts, usual for public meetings, and not unfit among neighbours to maintain peace & amity.  
But here we must keep these bounds:  
1 That these feasts be not frequented on the Sabbath day. Neh. 13. 15. 16.  
2 In them not the private but the public good must be intended.  
3 Religion must be the square and moderator of them all, And  
4 The end must be God's glory. 1. Cor. 10. 31.  
And thus far concerning set assemblies. There followeth occasional: Such as are by accident. 
Sect. 12. Of occasional meetings.  Here observe:  
1 That our principal desire and scope be to sort with the better. Ps. 16. 3.  
2 That we make not choice willingly of evil company. Prover. 22. 23, 24.  
3 That if by occasion, as at meat, 
Sect. 13. How to sort with the wicked.  at set meetings, or by fellowship in office, etc. we are linked with them, or be bound in conscience to visit them, or meet with them in our journeys, etc.  
Here we must avoid;  
Hardening them in their sin, by light familiarity, vain applauding, or winking at them, but rather we are to reprove, if not by word, yet by behaviour. Luke 14. 7.  
2 We must not deject them by our disdainful or imperious behaviour. 2. The. 3. 15. 1. Tim. 2. 25, 29.  
3 Neither enrage them by unseasonable and over bitter reproofs, unless God's glory presently lie in the balance. Matth. 7. 6.  
But that we may benefit them, we are:  
1 To converse gravely, and yet humbly with them. Nehemiah 2▪ 1. 2.  
2 To wait some good occasion from their speech, & so to work upon it. Acts 26.  
3 To call to mind some present blessing or judgement, that so we may put by idle talk. Amos 6. 6. Esay 5. 12.  
4 Commend we what is likely spoken of them, yet with an holy drawing them on to better by grave exhortations. 2. Tim. 2. 24, 25.  
5 In all our speech let it appear that love is the ground, & the souls good the principal end. Matthew 5. 44.  
6 Contrary we them not in their weakness always, but expound it to the best, unless we see apparent contempt and desperate scorning▪ Iud 22. 23. Rom. 14. 1.  
7 If we cannot benefit by conference, then let us take heed we do not communicate with them in evil, but rather break off wisely as Samson did, by some riddle or such like, and as near as may be, leave we then with peace, thatso afterward there may be hope to win them. 2. Thess. 3. 15. Rom. 12. 18.  
The use of evil company is:  
1 That we make the more of the better sort, 
Use of evil company.  and labour to make the bad better. jer. 15. 19  
2 That we long after heaven, where we shall find none but good company. Philippians 1. Heb. 12.  
3 That we grow more private and learn to be a part with our God. Gen. 5 22.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
AND this is the next occasion of the day, 
Of solitariness.  wisely to be entertained of us. Namely, to order wisely our solitariness, and that because,  
First, Now we are naked, and lie open to temptations.  
Secondly, And may with best advantage and lest hindrance pursue the best things, and so are capable of the greatest good, or subject to the greatest evil.  
Here therefore observe these rules:  
1 That though we be from the company of men, 
Sect. 1. How to behave ourselves therein.  yet we have the presence and fellowship of the Almighty, and the ministry of his holy Angels, and therefore that now especially we rejoice in this fellowship. Psal. 16. Psal. 139.  
2 Yet so as that we neglect not our callings, but be sure that we be kept from idleness. 2. Thess. 3.  
3 That we especially call to mind those ill neighbours which we shall never be rid of so long as we live, namely, our sins, and in our greatest freedom of solitatines forget not our bondage under this tyranny. Heb. 12. 1.  
4 That we take heed of idle and curious speculations, feeding thereby our melancholy or vain thoughts.  
5 That we be careful to order and repress the infinite wanderings of the mind, which at such times is most busy and exorbitant. Gen. 6. 5. Dan. 4. 2.  
6 Especially that we be wise to discern satins deepness, who now will usually most eagerly assault us, either taking advantage of our security, because we are freed from outward occasions, or working upon privatenes & want of succour. Mat. 4.  
7 That especially we meditate on heavenly things, comforting ourselves with the holy protection of Angels, who attend us, and rejoicing in the hope of that blessed fellowship which expects us in heaven. Gen. 5. Gen. 24. 63.  
8 At no hand give we place to Satan, seeking now to scare or distract us, but resist we strongly by faithful prayer. 1. Pe. 5. 8. 9 2. Ch. 3. 1  
9 Presume not of such solitariness either which hath no warrant, as that of Monks, etc. or when thou art bound to society, for herein thou excludest thyself the protection of the Lord. Eccles. 4. 9, 10.  
Thus behaving ourselves alone,  
1 We shall never want the comfort of sweet communion. Mat. 28. Apoca. 3. 20. john 14. 23.  
2 Ready shall we be for such troubles when we may be driven to be alone. Apoca. 1. 9 10.  
3 Fitter also for the fellowship and communion of the saints. 1. Tim. 3. 4. 5.  
4 Strenghtned against satan, who now will principally assault us. Mat. 4. Eccles. 4. 10.  
5 And profitable redeemers of the time, and purchasers of eternity. Ephes. 5. 16.  
Provided:  
1 That we vex not ourselves with ●i●ting or envying others business and states, 
Sect. 3. Cautions to be observed.  lest hereby we be made unfit for our own. 1. Tim 5. 13.  
2 That we overwhelm not ourselves with overmuch thinking of worldly things, especially of the times to come, or things which may happen, lest the heart be drowned with the love of the creature or appalled with fear of after-clapps. Mat. 6. 34. Luke 21. 34.  
3 In● meditation of heavenly things, look we that our custom herein cause not a vilifying or loathing of such heavenly mysteries. Mat. 6. 7. Mat. 15. 9  
4 Take we heed of an overweening conceit of ourselves, if thou findest a greater furniture of God's graces. john 5. 35.  
5 Especially be careful that while thou meditatest of forsaking sin, thou be'st not entangled with some spice thereof, either presuming further than thy present strength, or by conceit of what thou dost, or by the deceitfulness of Satan abusing thee with a contrary colour of sin, while thoulabourest to prevent him in another.  
6 And then in labouring to resist sin, see thou be'st well armed & know thy strength too: yet fearful of thyself, and so humbly cast upon God, that so thou mayest resist in the evil day. Ephes. 6. Prover. 28. 14. Psal. 16. 8.  
And thus much concerning solitariness.   

CHAP. XXIIII.  
THE next employment of the day 〈◊〉 how to behave thyself in enjoying of good things, 
Of prosperity, and the right use thereof.  and in the right use of prosperity: and the knowledge hereof is needful.  
First, 
Sect. 1. Necessary to be known.  Because the best have been tripped in this estate, as Solomon, jonas, etc.  
For first hereby religious exercises have been coldly performed and intermitted. Mat. 22. 5.  
2 Liberty hath been given to looseness, and inward gifts grown cold. Hab. 1. 16. Amos 6. 5.  
3 Evils that were banished, 
Danger of prosperity in the best.  have been recalled again, as gaming, etc. 1. Cor. 10. 7.  
4 They weaken our trust and confidence in God. Hab. 1. 16.  
5 Withdraw our love and kindness towards inferiors, with whom heretofore we have been inward.  
6 Breed policy, and so deceit even in many professors. Genes. 20. 11. And  
7 Cause covetousness and love of this life. Psal. 62. 10. Luc. 12. 19 Amos 6. 3.  
8 Yea, breed an unwillingness to bear the cross, and cunning to avoid it. Mat. 26.  
9 Give occasion to the world to think we are hers, and so causing her to presune of us, makes her hereby, being deceived, when it comes to the proof, our more heavy enemy. Gen. 31.  
10 Hereupon also it comes to pass that the burden lies heavier upon the afflicted, even because of our prosperity, being not carried wisely, and tenderly. Amos 6. 5. Esay. 5.  
11 Yea, it is the occasion that causes us many times to censure those that are afflicted, and to challenge their sincerity because of their afflictions. job 8. job 4. etc.  
12 And not only so, but it causeth jealousy among professors, and so distrust of each other, when all bear not the same burden. Romans 15. 1. Romans 12. 13. 16.  
2 This estate is very slippery, and therefore we had need to get sure footing that we may stand upright therein. Psal. 73.  
3 It is most uncertain & changeable and therefore it stands us upon to make us friends thereof while we have it. Luk. 16.  
4 The fear of the loss hereof doth much distract which the right use thereof will much abate and qualify. Psal. 112. 7.  
It being therefore apparent that the best may and do abuse prosperity observe now how we may use it a right:  
First, then let us consider the ends, why the Lord bestows these outward blessings in this life upon his children, which are these  
1 To try whither we will prefer him before them, and can love him better than them. job. 1.  
2 To make us his stewards in an holy dispensation of them. Mat. 25.  
3 To be pledges unto us, and furtherances of spiritual blessings. Gen. 17. 1.  
4 That we may humbled to give him the glory of them. Ro. 11. 36.  
And therefore,  
1 We must not set our hearts upon them but keep them entirely to God. Psal. 62.  
2 We must not be puffed up with them. Psal. 75.  
3 We must not tie, nor measure God only by them. Psalm 30. 6.  
4 We must be willing for his sake to part with them either for the good of others or to avoid our own hurt. Mat. 10. 37.  
5 And all this not as if they were ours, but Gods to dispose wholly to his glory, and the good of his church & children. Matt. 19 29 13. Colos. 3. 23. Rom. 12.  
Secondly, because the over high conceit of these things is no small occasion to bewitch our hearts with them, therefore let us labour to rectify our judgements concerning prosperity that so our overweening opinion thereof may be abated, and our affections rectified therein.  
To this end.  
First, 
Sect. 3. Considerations to this purpose.  consider we that though they are Gods blessings, yet they are given for the most part to evil men & become snares & pits unto them. Ps. 69. and therefore, if there were no other pre-eminence, even the wicked in these excel us. 1. Tim. 6.  
2 Acknowledge we that the best have been tainted and much defaced by them, & behold we in their example what may befall us, as Solomon and David.  
3 That they neither have been, nor shall be any certain inheritance to the best, but have changed their master according to the good pleasure of the giver.  
4 That we deserve not the least of them, & with all our industry without God's blessing cannot compass them, and when we have them they are but lent us.  
5 That in the judgement of the best they are but vanity, and breed vexation of spirit; Nay, that indeed they are nothing, yea less than nothing. Eccles. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 7.  
3 We must be careful in the right dispensation of them.  
And that in this manner:  
First, We must principally honour God with our substance. Prover. 3.  
And this is done,  
1 By acknowledging we have all of his free mercy. Gen. 32.  
2 Willingly confessing from what a low estate the Lord hath raised us. Gen. 32.  
3 By thankfulness unto him for the least as well as for the greatest. 1. Tim. 6. 8. Ephes. 5. 20.  
4 By faithfulness in a lower state, that so the Lord may increase us. Matt. 25. and this is performed:  
1 By following our calling, as contentedly & humbling ourselves therein being increased, as when we began with nothing. De. 8. 11. Phi. 4. 11, 12  
2 We must now much more be open handed, and that especially to the household of faith. 2. Cor. 9 Gal. 6. 10.  
3 We must not think it enough to comfort the body, but we must also minister to the soul, which few rich men make conscience of, neither indeed are able to perform. Goe 18  
2 We must honour ourselves in God with them, by eating the labours of our hands. Psa. 128. and that not only for necessity but for ornament also. But yet with these conditions:  
1 That we exceed not our callings.  
2 That we remember joseph in trouble. Amos 6. 5.  
3 That we be always fitted to spiritual duties. Luke 21. 34.  
4 And ready to be abased as we have abounded. Phil. 4. 11.  
The trial of the right use of our prosperity is:  
1 That our heavenly thirst goes forward with our earthly, 
Sect. 4. To know when we have used prosperity aright.  and exceeds it. 1. Tim. 6. Mat. 6. 33.  
2 That these outward things wean us from the love of the world 1. Cor. 7. 29, 30, 31.  
3 That we are prepared to suffer afflictions. Luke 9 23.  
4 That though we give these things their due, yet we account them all as dung in respect of Christ. Phil. 3. 8.  
5 That we make them our servants to our Christian callings. Luke 16. 19  
Helps hereunto are:  
1 To consider, 
Sect. 5. Helps hereto.  we are but strangers and pilgrims in this life, and therefore had need to go lightly on our journey. 1. Pet. 2. 11.  
2 We are but tenants at will. 1. Tim. 6. 17.  
4 Stewards for other. Luke 16.  
4 Must give up a large account at the day of Christ jesus. Luke 12. 48   

CHAP. XXV.  
AND this is the next occasion daily occurring even to use adversity a right. 
Of adversity and the right use thereof.   
A direction very needful.  
1 Because the dearest children of God have failed herein. 
Sect. 1. How necessary.  Psalm 73.  
2 We profit in nothing more than in an holy use of afflictions. Psal. 119. 71.  
3 God showeth himself in no occasion so marvelous as in this. Psal. 107.  
4 Satan hopes in nothing to trip us as herein. job 1.  
5 The world hath no more effectual means to condemn the generation of the just, then by their troubles. job 8. Acts 28. 4.  
That we may therefore use adversity aright:  
First, Learn we to inform our judgements concerning the same, 
Sect. 2. How to be used well.  as  
1 Concerning the causes:  
1 That they come not by chance but are appointed of God and sealed upon us. job 33. 15. Amos. 3.  
2 That they are imposed in love and of very faithfulness. Psal. 119.  
3 That there is some cause of them in us, though presently not known to us.  
And these causes may be,  
1 Either chastisement for some sin past, or present. 2. Sam. 21. 1.  
2 Prevention of some sin wherein we are like to fall: as security, pride, etc. 2. Cor. 12.  
3 Trial and exercise of some graces of God in us. 1. Pet. 1. 7.  
4 Convincing the world of standerous imputations, as that we serve God for these things. job 1. etc.  
5 To draw us nearer to God, and cause us to have experience of his power and goodness. joh. 11.  
6 Recovery of some graces which by prosperity have been decayed in us. Hosea. 5. 15.  
7 Provoking us to a daily judging of ourselves, that we be not condemned with the world. 1. Cor. 11. 30. 31.  
8 To wean us from the love of this life, and cause us to long and sigh for our deliverance. Apoca. 6. 10. Apoca. 22. 20.  
Secondly, That we may use afflictions rightly, we must be always prepared to them. 1. Pet. 4. 12. and that  
1 By submitting our wills simply in all things to the providence of our gracious father. Mat. 26. 39  
2 By considering that we were predestinated and ordained unto them. Rom. 8. 22.  
3 We must in the purpose of our hearts make choice of this ordinance. Mat. 7. and be ready to undergo it. Heb. 11. 25.  
4 That this is the narrow way and straight gate that leads to heaven. Act. 14.  
5 That all the saints of God have traced this way before us. Heb. 12. 1  
6 That this yoke is easy and the burden passing light, as having the sting thereof taken a way by jesus Christ and yet that he bears the burden now with us. Esay. 53. and indeed wholly takes it upon him. Mat. 10.  
7 That these troubles are enemies to the flesh, and therefore the rather to be undergone to subdue so treacherous an enemy. 2. Cor. 12.  
8 By Imposing voluntary troubles upon ourselves that so we may better digest such as God, shall necessary inflict upon us. 1. Cor. 9 27.  
And these are,  
9 Let us enter into the house of mourning, and observe the chastisements of the Lord upon others, labouring to stir up our bowels towards them, and to weep with them that weep. Rom. 12.  
10 At no hand presume we of our strength before the time, but fear we ourselves, and cast we ourselves wholly on God. Mat. 16. 33.  
11 Discern we wisely our fitness for troubles & avoid we all unnecessary and unseasonable afflictions. joh. 18. 8. Mat. 10. 23. 2. Cor. 11. 33.  
12 judge we wisely of the troubles of others and take heed we add affliction to their affliction. Ps. 41.  
13 Meditate we often of the former ends and benefits of troubles which are manifold. Psal. 119. 67.  
14 Use we an holy moderation in the time of our prosperity in our diet, apparel liberty. etc. 1. Pet. 5. 8.  
15 Maintain we especially tenderness of conscience & soundness of heart by daily examination, and judging ourselves, so shall we be fit for any affliction. Cor. 1. 12.  
16 If our estate seem to diminish outwardly let us be contented with it, & so shall we by degrees be prepared to further emptying 2. Cor. 4. 16.  
17 Consider we that we have our captain jesus Christ to be our companion in all troubles. 1. Pet. 4. 13  
18 And that we have the strength of the holy Ghost to lead us throw them. Phil. 4. 13.  
19 And be we assured of the protection of Angels to defend us in the same. Psal. 34.  
20 And let us be thinking, of the shortness of life, & so of troubles, and preparing to death & so no afflictions shall be unwelcome to us. Phil. 1. 20.  
21 Forget we not to meditate often on the joys of heaven, that so when afflictions come we may be encouraged the rather to undergo them in respect of the inestimable reward which is set before us. 2. Co. 4. 16. 17.  
And thus shall we be happily prepared to afflictions & so make a comfortable use of them when they are upon us. To this end consider further:  
1 Not what God hath laid upon us, 
Sect. 3. Helps hereto.  but what we have deserved. Rom. 6. 23. Dan. 9 7. Ps. 119. 75. Ps. 103. 9 10.  
2 How long God heretofore hath spared us, & in how many corruptions he hath in great patience waited upon us, though now he meet with us.  
3 That we are not swallowed up of the cross, which is an evident note of God's hand put under, and that the Lord lays no more upon us than we are able to endure. Psalm. 37. 1. Cor. 10. 13.  
4 View we the impatience of God's children under the cross, to prevent, or remedy the like in us. job. 3. jonah 4.  
5 Meditate we on God's promises, and so quiet our hearts. Ps. 46. 56.  
6 Call we to mind former deliverances & so we shall strengthen our faith for the present & to come. Ps. 77.  
7 Take we heed of judging our case singular, as if never any were so much afflicted as we are. Lam. 1. 12  
8 Be we diligent in following our callings to avoid distraction, & prevent worse afflictions.  
9 Pray we for our enemies & the rods of our correction. Mat. 5: 44▪  
10 Be we earnest with God rather to sanctify then to remove the cross. Phil. 1. 19  
11 And yet press the removal, as may stand with his glory, our own and the good of the Church.  
12 Yet with wisdom & patience, neither tying the Lord to the time, nor manner, nor measure of the deliverance, but for the temporal chastisement, yielding absolutely unto God. 2. Sam. 15.  
13 Be we thankful unto God for them & rejoice we under the cross.  
14. If we be buffeted under the cross with impatiency, or such like temptations: let it comfort us, that feeling these corruptions, and acknowledging, yea striving against them, it is a certain token of a future victory.  
15 Consider we the evils that are prepared for sinners, that so we may the better endure light afflictions 2. Thess. 1.  
16 Forget we not to compare the present profit in troubles with the sensible loss, that sin is hereby lessened, and the matter of sin weakened. 2. Cor. 4.  
17 Live we especially by faith and not by sense, believing the things we see not, and hoping the things that are desperate. 2. Corint. 1. Heb. 11.  
18 That God's power is more seen in the issues out of trouble, then in keeping us out of them altogether, and therefore this serveth to the magnifiing of God's power. Ps. 98. 1.  
19 Hereby Satan also is most confounded, that whereby he labours most to overthrow the Church, and Gods children, they are by the same confirmed and profited Phil. 1. 12.  
20 Promise we to further others in the ways of God. Psal. 51.  
21 Vow we the praises of God in the great congregations. Psal. 35. etc.  
22 Move we the Lord from the insolency of our enemies. Psa. 119. 126. Psal. 41.  
23 As also by testifying our zeal to his glory, that it may not be blasphemed of the wicked.  
24 Labour we especially to comfort our hearts with the testimony of our innocency, & that good cause for which we suffer. 1. Sam. 24. 12.  
25 Yet acknowledge we before God that we are not clear, and so abhor we ourselves in sackcloth and ashes. job 11.  
26 If we suffer as evil doers, yet remember we that the cross is not so much sent as a punishment for sin, as a remedy against it. Psa. 119. 77.  
27. Move we the Lord from the sense of our own weakness. job 6. and utter inability as of ourselves. Psal. 6.  
28 Protest we our faith in God. job 13. 15. and patience in waiting upon him. Psal. 123. 2. Micah 7. 9  
29 Bind we the Lord to us from the manifestation, and making good of his favour in that he suffers not our enemies to triumph over us. Psal. 41. 11.   

CHAP. XXVI.  
THus behaving ourselves in troubles we shall undoubtedly find a good issue in them: 
Of Family exercises.  hereunto will further much such spiritual exercises as are incedent to the day.  
And these are:  
First, to humble ourselves often in the day before God in private prayer. Daniel 6. 10.  
Secondly, to exercise with our family prayer, catechizing, reading of the word, & singing of spiritual hymns. Genes. 18. Col. 3. 2. Tim. 3.  
And this must daily be performed▪ because,  
1 We are most ignorant and forgetful. 2. Pet. 1. 13. 15.  
2 New temptations do daily assault, us which by these means ar● to be resisted. Luk. 9 23.  
3 Hereby we are fitted to the public duties of the sabbath. Act. 13. 16▪  
4 The soul is spiritually nourished and hath sweet fellowship and communion with God. john 5. 39▪ Gen. 18. 17.  
5 We have our conversation in heaven. Phil. 3. 20.  
6 We sanctify all our outward occasions unto us. job 1.  
7 And obey Gods will in declaring his mercies unto our families, and propagating his truth and Gospel, and hereby approve ourselves living stones of the house of God. Pet. 2. 5.  
8 We increase hereby in the heavenly thrift, and strengthen ourselves in our journey towards heaven. Col. 1. 10. 11.  
9 We prepare ourselves comfortably to our account & reckoning which daily we are to cast up. 
Sect. 1. Of the daily account.  Mat. 24. 46.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
ANd this is the last duty daily to be performed of us, Even to take an account of our daily actions. And that:  
1 Because hereby we approve and much confirm the same.  
2 We purge our hearts of all dregs and remainders of sin. 
Why to be performed.   
3 We have experience of the excellency & certainty of a christian life  
4 We make our account ready against the day of the Lord jesus.  
5 We procure stability and constancy for the time to come.  
6 We yoke and diminish our daily temptations.  
7 We keep sin from sleeping, with us.  
8 By repentance removing it, our sleep becomes more sweet and comfortable.  
9 Our labours afterward provelesse irksome.  
10 We walk with God and express the true pilgrims life.  
Now that we may the rather perform this duty. Consider we,  
1 That the very heathen in some sort by the light of Nature practised it.  
2 That if trouble here be, it is to the flesh, to which we are not debtors. Rom. 8. 12.  
3 That it is no more than God commands and christianity requites at our hands.  
4 That when we have done all we can, we are but unprofitable servants, and therefore we had need strive to the utmost.  
And for our better direction herein, learn we,  
First, that the fittest time for performance hereof is after prayer.  
Secondly, For the manner hereof begin we,  
1 From the cogitations of the first awaking from sleep.  
2 So proceed we to consider of our morning actions, how we have conferred with our God in private, how sanctified our families.  
3 Examine such occasions as have befell us in our callings.  
4 What use we have made of company, what of our being alone: how we have received and used Gods creatures, and have been knit unto God by them.  
5 How we have been buffited by Satan, the world, etc.  
6 What comfort we have found in the word & spiritual exercises.  
7 If thou shalt find the testimony of a good conscience and peace, so rejoice and praise thy God. If thou findest thy failings, so be humbled and cast thyself upon jesus Christ, in Prayer.  
2 Recounting unto God, as near as thou mayest thy particular slips, and so acknowledging thyself an unprofitable servant, seek thy peace in the merits of thy Saviour, and so lie down in his bosom, and so thou shalt find rest for thy soul.  
Thus far of the daily Sacrifice. The Lord enable us to the oblation thereof, for his Son Christ jesus his sake, our most full and sufficient saecrifice. Amen.  
FINIS.