None but CHRIST, NONE BUT CHRIST. Intimating, THAT IN HIM, WHO is the Lord of Lords, and Prince only, is to be found, the full and absolute cure of Man's misery. The fifth Edition, with some new Additions. Acts 4.12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for among men there is given none other Name under heaven, whereby we must be saved. LONDON Printed by Io. Beale for Na. Newberry, and are to be sold at the Star in Pope's head Alley. 1629. TO THE RIGHT HONORABEL, ALLEN COTTON, Lord Mayor of the City of London, all comfort in Christ. Right Honourable: AS Christ is said to be the Author and finisher of our Heb. 12.2. faith, so is he the proper cause of all spiritual joy and rejoicing, joh. 8, 5.6. Luk. 1.44. Christ always brings with him all true health and happiness. Ma●. 4. ●. By Christ, God's justice is satisfied, Ephes. 5.2. his wrath appeased, 1 The. 1.10. the curse of the Law abolished, Gal. 3.13 Sin, 1 Cor. 15.55, 56, 57 Death, and Hell, vanquished, the Devil subdued, Heb. 2.14. and ourselves, and souls, only by Christ eternally saved. 2 Tim. 1.10. Seeing Christ then is not ashamed to own us, Heb. 2.11. we should not be ashamed to own him, no not if need be, Mar. 8.38. before an adulterous and sinful generation. But as in heart to believe in him, Rom. 10.10. so with mouth and tongue to confess him: with our soul to magnify him, Luke 1.46.47. and with our spirit within us evermore to be uttering forth of his most worthy praises. To this end, I presumed some years since, with the poor widow, to cast into the Lord's Treasury, this small Mite, called None but Christ: the which howsoever it hath been often imprinted, yet hitherto dedicated to none but unto your Honourable Self. The causes moving me hereunto, are not a few. Especially when I call to remembrance that unfeigned love, which at the first sprang towards me, from your dear Brethren, and my faithful and worshipful good friends, Mr William and Master Roger Cotton (both well reported of for good works) and ever since their decease, hath been most freely and firmly rooted and settled toward me in your worthy self. And not only so, but for many years really expressed; to the no little comfort of me and mine. In lieu whereof, Right Honourable, Lo here, by way of gratitude, and thankfulness, a little Balm, Gen. 43.11 a little Honey, a little spices, Myrrh, etc. of each (I say) a little, which out of my extreme poverty, 2 Cor. 8.2. I do most willingly, joyfully, and cheerfully present your Honour withal, at your first initiation into your so great and weighty a calling: wherein, that as another happy Boaz you may carry yourself worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in this our * London, a plentiful store-house, as of corporal, so of spiritual bread. Bethelem, there shall not be wanting his poor prayers, who ever rests Your Honours humbly at commandment, CLEMENT COTTON. TO THE READER. AMongst the many miseries that have light upon us by the fall of our first parents, those of the soul are chiefest; and amongst them, this is not the least, that though we be convinced by the Word and Spirit, to be forlorn creatures, yet we naturally shun to take any knowledge thereof. No man is rocked so fast asleep in the cradle of security, but at one time or another, this alarm rings in his ears: Rom. 3.19, 2●. Eccle 11 9 & 12.14. Thou hast sinned, and therefore must come to judgement. But who trembleth in himself at the sound thereof, that he might find rest in the day of trouble? Hab. 3.16. It cannot be, but these troubled thoughts will now and then fasten upon the most hard-hearted and impenitent sinner; Dan 5.6. Act. 24.26. surely all things are not well between God and me; and, what will become of me another day? 1 Pet. 4.10. And yet where is he for all that, who will presently fall to searching & judging of himself, Lam. 3.40. 1 Cor. 11.3. that he might not be judged of the Lord? No, the heart of man is naturally swollen with such a devilish pride, Rom. 8.7, 8. Isai, 65.2. that though he know God is, and will be, his judge, Rom. 2.16. yet will he not make supplication to his judge. job 9.15. 1 Pet. 5.5, 6 And albeit we know that GOD resisteth the proud, and hath decreed in himself to stain all the glory thereof; Isa. 23.9. Dan. 4.34. yet walk we on still in our pride, against him. But who was ever fierce against him and prospered? 1 Cor. 10.22. job 9.4. Thou then that art as yet in thy natural estate, I wish thee in the name of GOD, speedily to examine thyself upon thy bed: Psal. 6.4. Zeph. 2.1. and between the Lord and thee, propound these questions to thy soul; Soul, what sayest thou to the guilt of Adam's sin? Rom. 5.12. It is imputed to thee, I pray thee how shall we answer it? Thou knowest that this guilt binds us over to eternal death, Rom. 5.16. & 6.23. Psal. 139.7. 2. Cor. 5.10. there is no fleeing for us, from the face of the judge, what shall become of thee and me, Act. 17.31. in the day of the Lords wrath? Thou knowest, that all our righteousness is but as filthy clouts, Isai. 64.6. job 14.4. Psal. 67.7. & how shall we be able to stand before the Lords pure eyes, Hab. 1.13. which can behold no impurity? Thou knowest also that our sins are above measure sinful, yea, Ezra 9.6. fare exceeding the sands of the sea, Rom 7.13. both for weight and number; Psal. 40.11. Psal. 38.4. must they not needs then sink us to hell, without recovery? For God's sake (O my soul) let us look about us, & whilst space, Reuel. 221. place, and means are allotted us, Isai. 55.6. ponder we seriously these things in time. Let us, I pray thee, take unto us words, and now, Hos. 14.2. even now turn again unto the LORD, from whom we have too too long, Isa. 53.6. most woefully erred: Beseech we him, that he would take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may ever hereafter render him the calves of our lips. Thus or in the like manner, should every one that mean to escape the judgement of GOD, Rom 2.30 and the just damnation of hell, Mat. 23.33. question and reason with his own soul. For it is not the guiltless, Luk. 15.18, 19 & 18.13. but the guilty, that prizeth a pardon; it is not the whole, but the sick, Mat 9.2. that is glad of the Physician: So, if sin make thee not sick at the very heart, Act. 2.37.4.38. thou wilt not esteem of Christ, nor of the salvation which he hath brought for all sinners, Luk. 4.18. no more than of a rush. Math. 22.5. A little to help thee then, that hast not yet felt th● spiritual sickness (and also somewhat to refresh the memory of th●se who have) here is in a short sum discovered unto thee, some of the maladies of thy soul, showing thee how Christ is both the Physician, and medicine of them severally, as the title given to the Book, None but Christ, none but Christ, gives thee to understand. Touching the which, if thou wouldst I should yield thee a reason; then know, that I took it not up at random; but as I found them the words, and those the last words of a constant Martyr of Christ, john Lambert by name; which (as I conceive) being uttered by him, as the triumphant voice of faith, after that he had, through the power of Christ, put to flight the fear of Hell, Sin, and Death, etc. (as by doubling of them may appear) So by way of imitation, I think them (not tying any to syllables) well beseeming the thoughts, and speeches also of every Christian, upon safe and sure grounds, as in their daily, so even in their last conflicts to be taken up and used. Not as if hereby it were my meaning to exclude, See joh. 3.16. Titus 3.5. or shut out either the Father, or the holy Ghost, from having an hand in the work of our salvation, as well as Christ: but attributing the same to him only, Rom. 8.34 as to the sole meritorious cause thereof: And so I bid thee hearty farewell. Thine in Christ, C.C. NONE BUT CHRIST. 1 Fall. I Am fallen in a Rom. 5.12. Amos 7.2.5 Adam, I am fall'n, I am fallen, Oh! who shall raise me? None but Christ, who as he is set for thy vprising, Lke 2.34. so is he b Heb. 7.25 perfectly able to c joh. 10.28, 29. keep thee, that thou fall not again, from thine own steadfastness, jud. 24. 2 Gild. By my fall I have offended au d jer. 23.24. Psa. 139.7. infinite Majesty: and who shall plead for me? 1 Samuel 2.25. None but Christ, who being also an e Isai. 63.1. Act. ●0. 28. Isai. 53.5, 6 infinite Majesty, Rom. 9.5. hath by his own blood, fully satisfied the justice of his Father for thy offence this way committed against him, 1 Pet. 2.24. Ephesians 5.2. f jam. 4.3. Rom. 5.10. & 8.7. 3 Enmity. This offence hath bred enmity between God and me, Col. 1.20, 21. who is meet to reconcile us? None but Christ, 2 Cor 5.19. who by his g Rom. 3.25. Col. 1.20.21. blood hath not only made perfect peace between God and thee, but hath so ratified and confirmed the same, Ephes 2. ●6, 17. that nothing shall be ever able to dissolve it. 4 Strangeness. This enmity hath bred h Eph. 4.18. strangeness between God and me, Coloss. 1.21 and who shall bring me into fellowship with him again? i joh. 1.3, 5, ●, 7. k 1 Cor. 1.9. 1 Pet. 3.18. None but Christ, hath who suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, not only that he might bring thee to God, but hath also so l Rom. 5.2. settled this fellowship between him and thee, (who art by faith engrafted into him) that none shall be ever able to break it off again, joh. 1.12. Gal. 3.26, 27. jer. 32.40. Rom 8.35. 5 Filth. But alas, m job 15.16. Leu. 13.45. Psal. 51.5. I am unclean, I am unclean. For behold, I was borne in iniquity, and in sin hath my mother conceived me, and who now shall cleanse me? job 14.4. n Zac. 13.1. None but Christ, who not only is that Lamb of God, who taketh away the o Signifying that original sin, which is the fountain of all. sin. See Luke 2.23. sin or the world, joh. 1.29. but was also borne holy, and conceived by the p And thus we find in our nature that holiness which by nature we want. holy Ghost, Luke 1.35. to cover the impurity of thy conception and birth, Heb. 2.10. 6 Darkness. And thus as a woeful wight, Isai. 60.2. Mat. 4.16. joh. 1.5. 1 joh. 5.19. sit I in double darkness, having justly lost by this my sorrowful downfall with the q 2 Cor. 44. Deu. 29 20 light of God's Image, Eph. 4.18. the light of God's countenance; and who now shall be a light unto me. r Luk. 1.79 None but Christ, who is come a light into this world, to the end that whosoever believeth in him, should not only not abide in darkness, joh. 12.46. but might also have the light of life, joh. 8.12. 7 Dead. Not only am I s joh. 1.5.8. Ephes. 5.8. drenched in this woeful darkness, but therein by nature I lie t Ephe. 2.5. Mat. 4.16. stark dead in trespasses and sins, who shall now quicken me? u joh. 5.25. None but Christ, who is not only come, that thou mightest have life, 2 Tim. 1.1. & that also in abundance, joh. 10.10. but so to confirm thee in this life, (if thou believe in him) that thou shalt never dye, joh. 11.25. & 14, 19 Believest thou this? 8 Corrupt. But I sensibly feel (to my utter undoing I fear) that the devil hath shed in to my whole man, Rom. 6.6. Col. 2.11. the venom and poison of his cursed nature, joh, 8.44. Rom. 7.24. who shall cure me of it? None but Christ, who came not only to lose the works of the devil, in thee, 1 joh 3.8. but which more is, to make thee partaker of the divine x Not of the substance, but of the divine qualities. nature, 2. Pet. 1.4. Heb. 12.10. 9 Bondage. And to this vile corruption, am I by nature a servant and z joh. 8.34. wretched bondman, who shall free me from so woeful a slavery. Rom. 7.15. None but Christ, who came not only to preach deliverance to such miserable captives as thou art, Luke 4.18. but that in setting thee free, thou mightest be a That is, that we might have not a feigned, ●●t a true liberty and freedom from all infernal foes. free indeed, joh. 8.36. 10 Penury. A man may have light, life, and liberty, and yet perish for lack of food, who shall furnish my poor b Psa 106.15. affammished soul with that? Reuel. 3.17. None but Christ, who first (if thou be'st athirst) bids thee come to him and drink of the water of life, joh. 7.37. and that c Isa. 55.1. Reu. 22.17. freely, not for a while to quench thy thirst; but that in drinking of the water which he shall give thee, thou mightest d That is, such shall never be so thirsty, but the spirit of grace, (as an everliving fountain) will be at hand to satisfy their thirst, See joh. 7.38. never be more athirst, seeing it shall be in thee a well of water springing up into everlasting life, joh. 4.13.14. & 7.38. And he also is that bread of life, which came down from heaven, joh. 6.48, 51. of which, if by faith thou spiritually eatest, it shall not only preserve thy soul from famishing and death, but shall cause it to live for ever, joh. 6.50. joh. 6.51. 11 Naked. But yet my e Isai. 64.6. Gen. 3.7. Reu. 3.17.18. filthy nakedness will appear, who shall cover that? None but Christ, f Reu. 3.17 whose white raiment shall not only g Rom. 4.6, 7. cover the shame of thy nakedness, that the h Hab. 1.13 pure eyes of God shall not i Num 23 21. behold it, Reu. 3.17, 18. but therein also (he having granted thee to be arrayed therewith) will present thee therein glorious to himself without Reu. 19.8. jude 24. spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, Col. ●. 22. Ephes. 5.27. 11 Curse. Me thinks I k Hab. 3.16. tremble and quake for fear, in myself, when I hear that terrible thunderbolt of the Law, Cursed is l Gal. 3.10. every man that continueth not in m Deut. 27.26. & 29.21 all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them. Who shall free me from it? n Isai. 53.4, 5, 6. None but Christ, who hath not only redeemed thee from the curse of the Law, Gal. 3.13. being made a curse for thee, but hath brought thee also within compass of that promised true o Ephes. 1.3 blessedness, made to faithful Abraham, Gal. 3.9.14. 13 Terror. Now whilst I remain thus held (as it were at God's suit) under this terrible arrest, Cursed is every one, etc. me thinks I see how all the creatures in heaven and earth, Gen. 7.11. stand ready armed at his only beck to revenge the quarrel of his covenant upon me, Leu. 26.25. Psal. 76.7. who is there in heaven or earth, that can set them again at one with me? None but Christ, who having by his own blood reconciled God himself (who is the Lord of Hosts, Col. 1.20. Rom. 3.25. and so of all creatures) unto thee he hath much more reconciled every creature in heaven and earth unto thee. Isai. 11.6. Hose. 2.18.19.20. 14 Loss. Moreover, whilst in this case, a daily, Pro. 16.26. and (in a manner) hourly necessity lies upon me to use the benefit of food, raiment, recreation, sleep, etc. yea of breathing in the very air, I am often thus secretly checked in conscience for the same, as if the Lord should on this wise speak unto me; Hos. 2.8, 9 Mal. 2.2. Friend, who gave you leave and liberty to use these my benefits, or by what right or title do you enjoy them, seeing you have by your disobedience forfeited back again to me the true and lawful use I once gave you of them? Deut. 28. from 15. to 20. Gen. 1.29, 30. In whom now, or by whom may I recover the free, and so a comfortable use of them again? By none, but in, and by Christ, who being come a second Adam and the very true, 1 Cor. 15.47. and lawful heir of all things, Hab. 1.2. & 2.8. hath by the merit of his sufferings and obedience, Rom. 5.19. recovered unto thee (being once a member of his mystical body) a just right and title as to God himself, Rom. 8.16, 17. joh. 20.17. who is the Lord of all creatures, 1 Cor. 3.22 1 Tim 4.4. Tit. 1. 1●. so a lawful and sanctified use of the creatures themselves: Read Hosea 2. from vers. 18. to 23. 15 Wrath to come. But it much astonisheth me, when I read what p Isi. 30.27.28. fearful attributes are given unto God; as that he is called a consuming fire, Heb. 12.29. Everlasting burnings, Isai. 33.14. and that when fire is kindled in his wrath, it shall burn to the bottom of hell, Deut. 32.22. Alas, if his wrath be kindled but a little, Psal. 2.12. q Psa. 76.7. who shall fence me from it? r Heb. 5.7. Mat. 26.38 None but Christ, who not only saveth and delivereth thee from the wrath to come, 1 The. 1.10. Rom. 5.9. but more than that, gives thee eternal life. joh. 10.20. 16 Death's sting. Yet death hath a s 1 Cor. 15.56. deadly sting wherewith to stab me to the heart, which is sin; who shall free me from deaths t Reu. 21.8 deadly blow? Rom. 6.23. u Re. 20 14. None but Christ, in whom thou hast not only conquest over sin and death, 1 Cor. 15.57 he having through death, x Heb. 2.14. destroyed him that had the power of death, which is the devil; bu● hath now brought immortality and life (for thee) to light by the Gospel. 2 Tim. 1.10 17 Unbelief. Besides all this, my conscience convinceth me of sin, joh. 16.8.9. in that I believe not in Christ: Oh for one grain of that precious faith! Luk. 17.6. that faith of of Gods elect; who shall work it in me? None but Christ, who is therefore said to be both the Author and finisher Heb. 12.2. of our faith. As also it is he by whom we believe in God, 1 Pet. 1.21. who raised him from the dead. 18 Impenitency. But I have an heart (the Lord knows) which cannot repent. Rom. 2.5. Who shall give me that repentance unto salvation, 2 Cor. 7.11. never to be repent of? None but Christ, for to this end hath God exalted him a prince and a Saviour, Act. 5.31. to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. See 2 Tim. 2.25. 19 Hardness of heart. Zach. 7.12. Oh but I have an heart hard as the adamant stone: who can soften it? None but Christ, Ezek. 11.19 & chap. 36.26. in whom this faithful promise shall ever be yea, & Amen, namely, that God will take away thy stony heart out of thy flesh, and in stead thereof will give thee an hart of flesh. Soak thy hart thoroughly in this free and precious promise, and expect the fruit with patience. 20 Infirmity. Much corruption will cleave still even to my best actions: * Rom. 7.21. In whom may I find the remedy of this? * 1 Tim. 2.5 1 joh. 2.2. In none but in Christ, who not only reconciles the iniquity even of thy holy offerings, Exo. 28.38. Leu. 16.33. but hath (for thee) brought in also a To make both thy person & Actions for ever acceptable before God. everlasting righteousness, Dan. 9.24. See 1 Cor. 1.30. 2 Cor. 5.21. 21 Doubtings. But b Ps. 88 15 jam. 1.2. new fears and doubtings through diverse temptations, arising through c job. 2.3. Satan's malice, shall never be wanting d job 7.13.15. daily to vex and e Psal. 42.5.11. disquiet me: alas who shall support me under so manifold and different trials? None but Christ, who in that he suffered and Heb. 2.18. & 4.15.16. & ●. 25. was tempted, not only is able sufficiently to secure thee in all thy temptations, Heb. 2.18. ch. 4.15.16 Psa. 34.19. but in the end also to free thee out of them all, 2 Pet. 2.9. 22 Access. Oftentimes when I pray, it seems that God shuts his Mercy-gate both against me and my prayers; Lam. 3.8. who shall give me access to the throne of Grace? None but Christ thy only mediator, 1 joh. 2.2. 1 Tim. 2.5. who by the veil of his flesh, having made thee a new and living way into the holy place, Heb. 1●. 19, 20. sits at the right hand of God the Rom. 8.34. Father, Rom. 8.24. making request for thee, so as in stead of fearing to have free access; thou mayest with reverence be bold to go to the Throne of grace, Heb 4.16. with confidence to have all thy lawful suits granted, Heb. 10 19 for thy Mediators sake, 1 joh. 5.14. joh. 14.13. 23 Conscience. But for all this, I yet feel secret griping of conscience, continually affrighting me with a world of accusing thoughts: Rom. 2.15 who now shall, be as able, so willingly, to appease and quiet them? None but Christ, who being styled the Prince of Isai. 9.6. peace, and therefore our peacemaker in heaven and in earth; Luk. 19.38. and 2.14. became first in his own person a preacher and publisher of peace both to them that were affarre off: Act. 10.36. Ephe. 2.13.14. and to them that were near, yea and as if that had been to little; did at the last by the blood of his Cross purchase for thee that peace of conscience which passeth all understanding, Col. 1.20.2 Act. 20.28. of which that none might deprive or strip thee off: joh. 14.27 & 16.33. Look into his last Will and Testament, where thou hast this legacy by himself bequeathed thee to have and to hold as thine own for ever. Therefore now comfort thyself with these words. ¶ Here the afflicted began a little to pause: and having received much refreshing, and good satisfaction from those several answers which a good conscience hitherto framed to his several demands and doubtings: ● Pet. 3.21. ceased from further obiectings: and began thus to be a little cheered and revived. Well, than I find and feel, to my no little joy, and contentment, that there is None indeed but Christ (in heaven or earth) according as thou (O good conscience hast still affirmed) that can fully set me (a poor captive) free from my fearful downfall and misery, Mat. 1.21. Psal. 73.25. 1 Pet. 3.21 Luk. 4.18. 1 Tim. 1.15. And then, after some further pant, and breathe (faith having put, as it were, a new life into him) he broke forth into this passion, 2 Cor. 4.13. of admiration and thankfulness. And it is true indeed, O thou lover of men! Pro. 8.31. job. 7.20. O thou preserver of men! ●●b 7.20 that thou hast set thine eyes, and thy heart upon such an one? job. 14.3. & 7.17. Was thy love to me so ardent, and thy compassion so exceeding abundant, that from thy seat of Majesty and glory, ●oh. 17.5. Pro. 8.22. thou wouldst for my sake, bow the heavens, yea, (after a sort) even thence, Isai. 64.1. break thorough (the fullness of time being come) in thine own person to visit me; Gal. 4.4. Luk 1.78. and to expose thine holy self to shame, Isai 50.6. Luk. 22. ●4. joh. 19.34 and spitting, to sweeting, blee●ing; and last of all to dying, that thou mightest preserve such an one as I, from everlastingly perishing? joh. 3.14, 15. Lord, Psal. 116.1. that I knew what (by way way of thankfulness) now to render thee! Thou fare excellest above all the praise, Nehe. 9.5. Psal. 106.2. that a poor creature on earth can give thee. And yet, for as much as thou hast said, that who so offereth thee praise, glorifieth thee. Psal. 50.23 O let my poor soul, (which from deadly thrall thou hast redeemed) magnify thee. Luke 1.46, 47. Psal. 103.5. Let my spirit also (which by the savour of thy good oitnments thou hast so cheered and revived) rejoice, Cant. 1.2. Isa. 61.10. and always make her songs of thee. Let my tongue, mouth, Isai. 45.23. and uncircumcised lips confess thee. Sweetly (O Lord jesus) hast thou, Cant. 1. ●. with the kisses of thy mouth kissed me; therefore shall my knees ever be bowed unto thee. Phillip 2.9.10. Psal. 119.106. Tit. 2.14. Rom. 12.1. 2 Cor. 7.1. Yet I have sworn, and will also perform it, that myself, soul, body, life, liberty, etc. and all, shall (thy grace assisting) be● vowed and consecrated to thy honour and glory, 1 Cor. 10.31. For thou Lord art holy, Isai. 57.15. & inhabitest the eternity; and yet dwellest with the contrite and humble spirit, and with such an one as trembleth at thy word. So as in me (sweet Lord) is now fulfilled the saying that is written, the sacrifices of a contrite spirit and a broken heart thou neither hast nor never wilt despise. Psal. 51.17. Well may I now say, that thy name to me (a desolate wretch) hath been as an ointment poured out; Cant. 1.3. and therefore hath thy servant out of the abundance of his heart, found in his heart; after this sort, 2 Sam. 7.27. to express and pour forth the love and thankfulness of his soul, Luk. 7.47. unto thee. To thee therefore O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort and consolation, 2 Cor. 1.3. who hast so loved me unworthy, joh. 3.16. & 1.18. as out of thine own bosom to send thy only begotten Son, for me and all mankind lost, into the world, Gal. 4.4. made of a woman, that thus he might become our true and very Immanuel, Mat. 1.23. And to thee O Lord jesus Christ, joh. 10.18. who voluntatily laidest down thy life for me to preserve me from eternal death. And to thee also O holy Spirit, by whose divine light my blind eyes have been illuminated to see (as by the Law, Eph. 1.17, 18. Rom. 3.23. 1 joh. 3.1. Ephes. 2.4. & 3.19. my woeful misery) so comfortably by the Gospel, to behold this superexcellent, and surpassing love and mercy of the Father, and the Son; and thereto hast wrought that wonderful grace of Faith in my heart, Rom. 10.17 to believe that all this love is and hath been extended to me as well as to any other, Gal. 2.20. yea that it hath been by thee, O blessed Spirit shed abroad abundantly in my heart, Rom. 5.5. and hast so sealed me up to the day of redemption, that I shall not so uncomfortably, Ephe. 1.13. & 4.30. as formerly I have done, call into question the certainty and assurance of my free adoption. Gal. 4.6. To Father, Son, and holy Ghost (I say) one divine Essence, three distinct persons, be ascribed in heaven and earth, by Angels and men, as is most due, all wisdom. power, praise, and glory, eternally, Amen, and Amen. A NECESSARY advertisement to the Reader. AS it is an infallible truth, that neither a man's person, Gen 4.4. Rom 8.8. Heb. 11.4. joh. 14.6. nor actions, can please God, till himself be in Christ; so it is as true, 2 Cor. 3.5. that a man hath neither ability of himself to do good, or abstain from evil aright, unless he be assisted by the power of Christ: and this appeareth, both by the testimony of Christ himself, joh. 15.5. For without me● ye can do nothing; (as also by the testimony of Paul, who saith, that by the power of Christ, he was able to do all things, Phillip 4.13. Implying (according to that place of john) that without Christ's power, joh. 15.5. he could do nothing. Doth the power and strength of corruption than any way annoy thee, Rom. 7.23. and wouldst thou fain get the mastery over the same? fly then forthwith out of thyself, and get thee directly unto Christ, Rom. 7.24, 25. and say thus unto him; Lord, thou biddest me mortify all inordinate lusts and affections, as wrath, Col. 3.5. uncleanness, covetousness, etc. But thou knowest there is no strength in me to mortify these, nor any corruption of nature beside, See 2 C●●. 20.12. further forth than I have assistance from thee: Phil. 4.13. & 2.13. Rom. 6.6. apply therefore to this viciousness of my sinful nature, the virtue of thy precious death and burial, by the work of thy holy spirit, Rom. 8.13. which alone is able to kill sin in me, that sin and corruption (of what nature soever) may not as heretofore rule nor reign over me, Rom. 6.12. but that wageing battle still by thy strength ther-against, I may yet therein have peace, 1 joh. 5. ●. 5 and expect the full victory, in the time thou hast appointed. Also, wouldst thou hear, read, meditate, or pray profitably; think how insufficient thou art, 2 Cor. 3.5. as of thyself, to perform these holy exercises, or any the like, with out a Whose power, in this case, must be perfected in thy weakness, or it will not be. 2 Cor. 12.9. Christ; but hasten immediately to him, and say, It is meet (Lord) that I do these duties at thy command, Isai. 55 3. Reu. 1.3. 1 The. 5.17 for in mercy thou hast appointed them for my good: but without thee, joh. 15.5 thou knowest I can do nothing: Oh let me therefore feel power and virtue (by the work of thy spirit) as from thy death to mortify and kill all sin in me, Rom 6.5.6 Col. 2 12. so from thy resurrection, both to quicken and enable me aright to perform all such duties as thou requirest of me, that the power of effecting all good, may always be of thee, and not from me, 2 Cor. 4.7. And yet even in this regard thou requirest of me as in other things, that as a poor frail vesssell I should put forth all the powers of body and soul, Eccle. 9.10 2 Cor. 7.1. 2 Pet. 1.2.10. Mat. 25 14. 10 30. wherewith thou hast endowed me; the better hereby to serve thy divine providence. Phil. 2.12, 13. Now (good Reader) if thou approvest of this advertisement in thy judgement, I pray thee give thy diligence to bring it by degrees but unto a daily practice (for thou shalt have need of it daily) and by goo● experience, thou shalt in the end find, I hope, that the gain will countervail the pain. 1 Cor. 15.58. Gal. 6.9. HEREUNTO IS added, three steps to sound conversion. 1 Act. 26.17.18. FIrst, God by his word and spirit, enlighteneth the understanding of a sinner truly to conceive the doctrine of man's misery, and of his full recovery by Christ. 2 Secondly, by the same means he works in his heart both such sound sorrow for his misery, and fervent desire after Christ the remedy, Act. 2. ●7. that he can never be at quiet, till he enjoy Christ. 3 Thirdly, GOD so manifesteth his love in freely offering Christ with all his benefits, joh. 3.16. unto him a poor sinner lost, that thereby he draws him in such wise to give credit unto God herein, that he gladly accepts of Christ offered unto him. These three works of God, whosoever finds to have been truly wrought in himself; may thereby know certainly, 1 joh. 5.10 that he hath true faith, Act. 15.9. and therefore sound conversion. Now having obtained this mercy at the hands of Almighty God for the merit of Christ; Col. 1.12. Ephes. ●. 5. Luke 1.74. he ought in thankfulness to him therefore endeavour daily ever after, Tit. 2.11, 12. in his whole conversation, to express and show forth the virtues of him that hath thus called him out of darkness, 2 Pet. 2.9. into his marvelous light. THE SECOND PART: CONTAINING A PASSIONATE Prayer to Christ: With his gracious answer thereto. ISAI. 65.24. Before they call, I will answer. O Christ, who art my Lord, and my God: joh. 20.28. thou who art the promised seed, Gen. 3.15. Gen. 22.18 in whom all the Nations of the earth should be blessed: Mich. 5.2 thou, whose doings forth have been of old from everlasting: jer. 23.6. Thou, who art called the Lord our righteousness, and Son of righteousness, Mal. 4.2. and art worthily styled. Wonderful, Isai 9.6. Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Thou in whom the Father is well pleased: Mat. 3.17. and in whom his soul delighteth: Isai. 42.1. Thou who art the blessed, ● Tim. 6.15. and only Potentate, the King of Kings, & Lord of Lords, Thou who art the Prince of life, Act. 3.15. 1 Cor 2.8. and Lord of Glory: who art saved thyself, Zache. 9.9. and art mighty to save. Isai. 63.1. O thou who, who art white and ruddy, Cant. 5.10. the fairest among ten thousand: who art that Immanuel, even God with us, Isai. 7.14. who art given to me, Isai. 9.6. wert borne for me: who hast loved me, Gal 1 20. and given thyself for me. Oh when wilt thou draw me, Cant. 1.4. that I may run after thee? When shall I see thee? Isai 64.1. joh. 14.23. Oh when wilt thou come unto me; abide, Ver. 21. and show thine own self unto me? When O good Christ, wilt thou give me an heart to know thee? jer. 24.17. Oh that thou wouldst once circumcise mine heart to love thee, Deut. 30.6. that in love it might ever and in all things, 1 The. 5.18 be praising of thee! When shall I feel thee, Col. 3.11. to be all in all unto me? my Husband, Hosea. 2.19. my Head, Ephes. 5.23. my Surety, Heb. 7.22. my Saviour, Luke 1.47. my light, john 8.12. and my life? Col. 3.4. Shall I never have an heart to believe in thee, Ro. 10.10. and as to love, 2 Tim. 4.8. so to look and long for thy blessed appearing? 2 Pet. 3.12. Col. 2.3. In thee, Lord, are hid, all the treasures of wisdom, and knowledge. When shall I feel thee to be to me, as thou art to all thine, 1 Cor. 1.30 my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption? It pleased the Father, that in thee, Col. 1.19. my Lord and my God, should all fullness dwell: Oh when wilt thou then, fill me with all joy and peace in believing? Rom. 15.13 Thou rellest me Lord, that all power is given thee in heaven and in earth. Mat. 8.18. Oh that thou then wouldst give me such a powerful faith, 2 Thes. 1.11 as by deriving and drawing virtue from thee, might be of power to purify my heart to work by love, Act. 15.9. Gal. 5.6. and to overcome the world, 1 joh. 5.4. When shall I feel thee my Lord and my God; dwelling in my heart by faith? Ephes. 3.17. Then should I hate the evil and love the good. Amos 5.15. Then should I fear thee for thy goodness, Hos. 3.5. and sing aloud of thy righteousness. Psal. 145.7. Then should I not suffer sin so to reign in my mortal body, Rom. 6.12. that at any time I should obey it in the lusts thereof. Then should I lament, that I can lament no more the self-love, diffidence, jer. 31.18. and impenitency, of my self-loving, unbelieving, Heb. 3.12. and impenitent heart, Rom. 2.5. Thou Lord hast done, Isai. 26.12. and yet dost all my works in me, and for me. Give me then, Rom. 8.26. the spirit of Prayer, of power, of love, 2 Tim 1.1.7 and of a sound mind: Even the Spirit of Adoption, Rom. 8.15. by which I may cry Father, Gal. 4 6. Ephe. 4.30. and so be sealed up unto the day of redemption. Thy pure and precious blood, O blessed Lord jesus, once shed, hath a justifying, Rom. 5.9. a purifying, Heb. 9.14. and sanctifying virtue, Heb. 12.12. By the merit thereof then, 1 Thes. ●. 10. sweet Lord, do thou save me from the wrath to come. Through it purge my conscience defiled, Heb. 9.4. from dead works to serve thee the living and the True God: and through it, so consecrate and set me apart as a vessel unto honour sanctified, 1 Tim. 2.21. that it may be meet for thee my Lord and Masters use, as also ready and prepared unto every good work. Tit: 3.1. Give me to be wise unto that which is good, Rom. 16.19 and simple concerning evil. 1 Cor. 14.20. In malice give me to be childlike; but in understanding to be of a ripe age. And now, my Lord and my God, Isai. 66 8. who is like unto thee forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, Exod. 34.7. And therefore my soul panteth after thee; Psal. 42.2. my soul thirsteth for thee: and 63 1. and flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Psal. 101.2 Psal. 73.25. Oh when, when wilt thou come unto me? I have none in heaven but thee, & there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. Psal. 13.1. Wilt thou, O Lord, forget me for ever? And wilt thou hence forth show me no more favour? Psal. 77.7. Psal. 89.47 Oh remember how short my time is. Thou wilt at length, I know, return and revive me; Psal. 71.20 thou wilt come again, Psal. 138.7. and bring me from the depth of the earth. O Lamb of God, joh. 1.29. Son of God, joh. 3. 18. O my Mercy seat, Exod. 25.17. my Mediator, 1 Tim 2.5. and Advocate, 1 joh. 2.1. When shall I with the residue of thy lovers, possess and enjoy thee? How long, Lord, shall it be, before with thine elected & betrothed Spouse I shall be able to say, 1 Pet. 2. ●. Hos. 2. ●9. that thou my beloved art mine, and I thine. Cant. ●●. ●. Then, then shouldst thou as a bundle of sweet smelling Myrrh, Cant. 1.13 lie even all the night long between my breasts, and dwell between my shoulders, Deuteronom. 32.12. Thou camest into the world, 1 Tim 1.15 Lord, to save sinners: And wilt not thou save me? 1 joh. 3.5. Thou wast made manifest, that thou mightest take away sins: And wilt not thou, O Lamb of God, take away mine? Thou wert manifest to that end, 1 john 3.8. that thou mightest destroy the works of the Devil: And wilt not thou Lord, now destroy all his works in me? Thou didst in the days of thy flesh once suffer for sins, 1 Pet. 3.18 that thou mightest bring mankind lost unto God: And wilt not thou, my dear Christ, bring me now to thy heavenly Father washed, Reu. 1.5. justified, Rom. 5.1. reconciled, 1 joh. 4.10. sanctified, 1 Corinth. 6.11. and eternally saved? Heb. 5.9. Yes, Lord, I believe it. Mar. 9.24. But Lord help thou mine unbelief. I read in the Evangelists how often thy compassions were moved, Mat. 9.30.14.14. and 15.32. Mar. 1.41. and 5.19. Luk. 7.13. over the miseries of men and women. Are they not the same now, they were then? Hadst thou compassions for them, & hast thou none for me? was thy soul troubled for them, joh. 12.27. and not likewise for me? was thy so●● exceeding sorrowful 〈◊〉 to death for them, Mar. 14.34 Mat. 4.5. & wa● it not so for me? Didst thou fast, Luk. 21 4● Heb. ●5. 7. swear, weep, cry, and pray? and were not all these thy passion for me? Oh thou that a●● holy, harmless, undefiled, Heb. 7.25, 26. separate from sinners, and made highe● then the heavens; who art able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by thee how long, oh how long shall it be, yet I feel and find in myself the virtue and efficacy (from the throne of grace) of Heb. 4.14, 15, 16. thine intercess on for me! Which though for the present, I believe not as I should, yet Lord, give me to believe it when thou wilt. Psal. 34 5. Who ever trusted in thee, and was ashamed? Psal. 22.5. who ever hoped in thee, and was confounded? No, no, Psal. 22.3. thou inhabitest the praises of Israel. It is thou, Lord, Psal. 65.2. that hearest prayer, unto thee therefore shall all flesh come. Didst not thou, my Lord and my God, in the days of thy flesh, testify, that if thou wert lifted up from the earth, joh. 12.32, 33 thou wouldst draw a● men unto thee. Oh cause the coards and bands of this thy infinite and surpassing love in dying for me, Hos. 11.4. effectually to draw my whole soul and affections unto thee. Oh when shall I be with thee where thou art, joh. 17.24. that I ma● see that thy glory. In the mean while, Cant. 2.5, 6 O my dear heavenly husband, stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love. Le● thy left hand be under my head, and let thy right hand embrace me: Cant. 1.3. kiss thou me, O my Christ, with the kisses of my mouth, for thy loves are better than wine. 1 CHRIST his gracious Answer. Pro. 8.17. I Love them that love me, and those that seek me early, shall find: whoso findeth me, Vers. 35. findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Be of good cheer then, thou fainting soul, for I have heard thee, Hos. 14.8. and observed thee. And though I be the high and lofty one, Isai. 57.15. that inhabiteth the eternity, whose Name is Holy, dwelling in the high and holy place, yet do I also dwell with them that are of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isai. 30. 1● I will be gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry, I have heard thee, and will answer thee. Because thou hast set thy love upon me, Psal. 98.14. therefore I will deliver thee, I will set thee on high, because thou hast known my Name. Yea, he that loveth me, joh. 14.21. shall be also loved of my Father, and I, according to thy request, will manifest mine own self unto thee: very meet it is that all men should honour the Son, Isai. 49.14. even as they honour the Father; for he that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Faeher which sent him, john 5.23. And though to thy seeming, thou art now and then neglected of me; yet can I not forget thee overlong, Isai. 54.7. it is but for a moment; for, for a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with everlasting compassions will I have mercy upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. Psal. 84.11. I will be both Sun and shield unto thee, I will give grace and glory; nor shall any good thing at any time be wanting at all unto thee: 1 Pet. 1.13. only hope to the end, for that grace which is brought unto thee. Humble thyself daily to walk in all the exercises of piety and true charity. Mich. 6.8. Take up the cross cheerfully which I shall (it may be) daily lay upon thee. Luk. 9.13. And when thou art ready to sink, come unto me: Mat. 14.30. For I will assure thee on my faith full word, they sh●ll not for ever be ashamed, Is●i. 49 ●4. who have the grace to wait for me. Cast not away then thy confidence which hath promise of great reward. Heb. 10.35. Poor soul, wherefore didst thou doubt? Mat. 14.31. But I see thou hast need of patience, Heb. 10.36 that after thou hast endeavoured to do my will here on earth, thou mightest receive the promise. Luk. 21.2. By patience therefore possess thy soul. I will stand by thee, I will neither leave thee, nor forsake thee, Hebrews 13.5. Thou art as dear unto me, Zech. 2.8. as the apple of mine eye. Thou shalt be covered in the shadow of mine hand. Mine Angels shall attend thee, Psalm. 91.11. Isai. 51.16. my grace shall be sufficient for thee, my presence shall go with thee, Exo. 33.14 neither shall my Spirit nor Word depart away from thee, Isaiah 59.21. When thou art tempted, I will secure thee, Hebrew. 2.18. Isai. 40.29. when thou faintest, I will sustain thee. If thou offend against my heavenly Father, 1 joh. 2.1. Rom. 8.34. the merit of my satisfaction, and intercession shall evermore plead thy cause at the throne of grace for thee. I am returned unto thee, Zech. 8.3. I will no more be terrible unto thee, jer. 17.17. Isai. 57.16. for so the Spirit should fail before me, and the soul which I have made. Wherefore comfort thyself with these words: 1 Thes 4.19. Go eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart, Eccles. 9.7 for God now accepteth thy works. Nor shall it be long yer thou (with the residue of those who love and long for my appearing) enter into thy Master's joy, Mat. 25.21. where is fullness of joy, and life for evermore. So saith Amen, Reu. 3 14. the faithful and true witness, Amen and Amen. FINIS. THE SICK MANS A B C. In Questions and Answers. Written purposely for such as long after a sanctified use of God's Fatherly corrections. With a short admonition touching the heart. PSAL. 94.12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastisest. O Lord, and teachest him in thy Law. LONDON Printed by Io. Beale for Na. Newberry, and are to be sold at the Star in Pope's head Alley. 1629. To the Christian Reader. THe hand of the Lord hath been long stretched out against us in this City, by sending sundry sorts of diseases and sicknesses amongst us, where of myself of late have had some experience. To ma●y, these have proved mortal and deadly: and this it is that hath moved me to pen these few lines following. I grant they are appropriated especially to the person of the sick▪ yet so, that the whole should not be excluded from reaping benefit thereby, which if by God's grace they attain; th●n have I the end of my labour. And so I ever rest, Thy faithful well-willer in Christ, C. C. The Sick Mans A B C. Q. WHat art thou by nature? A. Oh Sir, a a Rom. 5 12 sinner, a b Psal. 51.5 sinner; a c job 40.4. vile and an abominable sinner, job 1●. 6. Q The soul that sinneth, must d Ezek. 18.20. die. Thou knowest there is no escaping for thee. A. I will not hide my sin as e job 31.33 Adam did, but with David I will f Psal. 32.5. confess it; and with job, I will repent in dust and ashes for it. job 42.6. Q. Say thou do so, thou art not ignorant, that sin and death will still be dogging of thee at the heels? A. I do not greatly fear what sin and death can do against me. Heb. 2.14, 15. Q. Why, I pray thee? A. Because I have to deal with a gracious God. Q. Who told thee that? Exod. 34.6 A. Even his own self. Q. He is also a devouring fire. Isai. 33.14. Heb. 10 27 A. He is so, but it is to his enemies, and to them that perish. Q. Mayst thou not also perish? A No, I cannot believe it. Q. Wherefore? A. Because jesus Christ by his blood, hath k Rom. 3.25. pacified God's anger toward me. Q. How could the blood of Christ effect it? A. Because he was l Act. 20 2● God that shed it. Q. But he shed it not for thee? A. Oh, yes, yes. 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. Why for thee? A. Because Sir, I do from the very hart root, m Psa. 51.2 Luk. 18.13. long after the saving and healing virtue of it, Eph. 1.7. 1 john 1.7. Luke 8.13. Q. Possible this thy longing will not be lasting? A. Yes, by God's grace, Phil. 3.12. whilst I have any breathing. Q. Well, I must needs thus fare (for thy comfort) yield unto thee, that Christ, by his death, hath given sin and death their doom; so as resting upon that thou hast professed, they cannot hurt thee. But yet thou art not restored (for all that) into God's favour, wherein alone consisteth life, and true happiness, Psal. 30.5. A. I expect and look for that, only by his o 2 Cor. 5.21. Rom. 8.33. and 10.4. imputing unto me, Christ's perfect righteousness. Q. Thou talkest of great matters; hadst thou faith to believe it? A. p Mar. 9. 2● I believe: Now, Lord, help my unbelief. Q. I blame thee not in seeking thy justification from Christ but may not an hypocrite do this as well as thou? A. I do from my soul, as earnestly long to have him made unto me, q 1 Cor. 1.30. Sanctification also. See Psal. 51.10. Q. How expectest thou sanctification from Christ? A. By the work of his Spirit, 1 Cor. 6.11. Q. How doth the Spirit effect it? A. By applying unto my whole man, the power of his death and resurrection, Rom. 6.5, 6. by the one killing by degrees all sin in me; Col. 2.11, 12, 13. by the other, quickening me unto new obedience. Q. It seems then, thou not only believest, that Christ will save thee from the guilt and condemnation of sin, but will also r Tit. 2.14. deliver thee from the power and bondage of sin. A. That is my belief indeed, 1 Pet. 2.9. Q. Thou believest truly: for what God hath coupled together, that ought no man to put asunder, 1 Cor. 1.30. But couldst thou not be content only to have sanctification in thy tongue, that thou mightest be able freely to talk of religion? 1 john 3.18. A. No, not so: let it be s 1 Thes. 5.23. throughout, or not at all, 2 Cor. 7.1. 1 Cor. 6.20. Q. Sanctification is a long way to walk in, many difficulties accompanying it. Rom. 7. May not the tediousness of the way cause thee in the end to break off thy course, and finally to give it over? A. I confess, I find in myself but too muc● weakness this way; yet my sure hope is, that he who hath begun a good work in me, 1 Thes. 5.23, 24. will not now leave it unperfected, Phil. 1.6. Q. Some having made a long progress in profession, have grown at the length to loathe those 2 Tim. 4.10. means of salvation, which once they seemed to love; and so have separated the means from the end. A. But God by his Word and Spirit, Psal 8.4.1, 2.3, 4. hath taught me otherwise, Psalm 27.4. that is, not to expect for Salvation from Him, as the end; without a constant endeavouring to use all those helps, Psal. 26.8. 2 Pet. ●. 5. & vers 10. which he hath sanctified, to lead me thereunto. Q. I am glad it hath been my hap, to hear these good things from thee; I wish thee therefore to be of good comfort in the Lord: for, for aught I yet see, thou art in the way to be saved. Only a word or two, concerning thy present condition. How takest thou this thy visitation? A. I take it as sent unto me, from the hand of a very gracious and loving Father. Heb. 12.5. Q. But commonly calamities in this kind, are tokens of God's displeasure, Lam. 3.39. Levit. 26.15. A. In themselves they are so, lighting upon the wicked: but I believe they are sent unto me in favour, and for my good. Q. What is the ground of this thy persuasion? A. Only the t Rom. 8.18. word of truth, which assures my conscience through the holy Ghost that it is so, Reu. 3.19. Heb. 12.5, 6. Q. And yet it may be long, Psal. 13.1, 2. ere God send deliverance. A. Be it so, Psal. 62.1, 5. yet I have determined, that my soul shall wait on God, in hope and silence, till his appointed time come: yea, so I may come better out of this affliction, than I went into it, job 23.10. u Isai. 28.16. I shall not much hasten to be freed out of it. Psal. 86.17 Q. But if God should show a token of his goodness upon thee, and presently turn thy sickness into health? A. If he should do so, my greatest fear is, lest I should prove unthankful, 2 Chron. 32.25. Q. On the other side, what if this sickness should be unto death, that is, to the separating of the soul from the body? A x Psal. 23.4 Though I should walk through the valley of the shadow of death, yet would I fear none evil: See Reuel. 14.13. Q. Dost thou not apprehend the Grave (into which thou must descend) to be an y Ps. 49.14 irksome and loathsome prison? A. Yes, considered out of Christ: The grave (saith one) shall not grieve me, because it was my Lord's bed. Mr. H.S. Pr. but looking upon it through his burial (whereby he hath perfumed it for me) it shall be much sweeter to me, than a bed of Roses, Isai. 57.1, 2. Q. Thy flesh, it may be, shall lie rotting a long time in the grave? A. And yet, even there shall my flesh z Ps●. 16. rest in hope. Q. Thy dead bones (seeming to be neglected of God, and therefore neglected of men) must (as thou knowest) be regardlessly tumbled hither and thither, Psal. 141.7. as if they were no better than unprofitable rubbish? Psa. 139.14 15, 16. A. My God that kept a register of them, before they were, will much more be careful of them, Psal. 34.20. job 19 26, 27. now they are, so that at the last day, not the smallest shank-bone, or piece of a shiver thereof, no not the least pick of dust shall be wanting, Ezech. 37.7. Q. What thinkest thou shall become of thy dead body in the end? A. My Lord jesus Christ (who is the resurrection joh. 11.25. and the life) will (according to his faithful word) raise it up at the last day, john 6.54. Q. Shall thy dead body then be only raised up at the last day. See Mat. 27, 52, 53. Act. 3.21. See Beza Ser. upon Mat. 27.52, 53. A. No, I verily believe, that though this body be turned into dust, yet it shall be reunited again to this soul, which now inhabiteth in it. Q. And shall this be all? job 19.27. A Not so: for being thus really united by the unspeakable power of God, Rom. 8.23. 1 joh. 3.2. Col. 3.3, 4. I shall see Christ coming in the clouds for my full redemption out of all miseries, and woe; and no sooner shall I get a sight of him, but I shall forthwith be changed in a moment, 1 Cor. 15.52. and in the twinkling of an eye; after which, being (with the rest of the Saints) caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, 1 The. 4.17 I shall thenceforth be ever with the Lord, in whose presence is the fullness of joy, Psal. 16.11. and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore. Conclusion. Be it unto thee as thou hast said: and seeing we look for such things as these, 1 joh. 3.3. the Lord give thee and me grace to be diligent, 2 Pet. 3.14. that we may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless before him at his coming, Amen, Amen. FINIS. A SHORT ADMONITION touching the heart. jer. 32.41. Whatsoever good thing GOD bestows upon us, he doth it with his whole soul and heart: therefore, if thou give any thing to God, Pro. 23.26 give him thine heart. If thou do any thing for God, ● Ch●●n. ● 21. do it with all thine heart. Believe in him also with all thy heart. A● 〈…〉. Love him with all thy heart. Gen 10 1●. Obey him from thy heart. 〈…〉 17. Fear him with thy heart. Ier 3●. 40. Seek him with all thy heart. 〈◊〉. 29.13. Turn to him with all thine heart. 〈◊〉 2. 1●. Rejoice in him with thine heart. Zach. 10.7. Pray to him with thy heart. Psalm. 119.145. And praise him with thy heart. Psal. 119.7. If thou lay up God's Word in any place, Luke 2.51. lay it up in thy heart. Prou. 8.23. If thou be ●●●●efull keeper of any thing, let it be of thine heart. Say not but thou hast had warning. FINIS.